In Moments Like These...

In moments like these I miss the classroom. I miss walking into the sea of open minds, curious hearts, impressionable souls. I miss the excitement of history and the moment of learning. I miss staying up writing my plans, and I miss trashing them cause my students were so much wiser than I ever imagined.

If...if I were to walk into my classroom this morning -- on this historic day -- I would be filled with hope, buzzed with excitement, and ready for change.

I would have passion. Passion that we are not were we need to be, but thank God we are not were we use to be. Passion that my children will not remember a day in which color determined your status -- a day in which bigotry and hatred were shoveled under by our integrity and love.

Oh, the excitement and hope on the horizon. With this poem, I would have begun our day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still I Rise By Maya Angelo
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise.

I'm A Real Grown-Up Voter

Well, I did it. After months of lamenting, I put on my sack clothe and rubbed ash on my face and went to rock the vote.And Jesus himself shown down his glory by allowing this playground to be at the polling place. Thank you sweet 8 lb 5 oz baby Jesus. Now this is Clyde and his wife. Clyde is 93, blind, and ready to cast his vote for McCain. He was not shy one bit in letting us all know. He was SUCH a sweetheart and we were more than happy to let him cut in front of us to vote....for McCain...which he reiterated forty-eleven times. Cutie. Patootie.

I was all ready to vote. I still had no clue who I was votin for...but I was ready...UNTIL I SAW THE BALLOT.

BOB BARR? Campbell Brown said nothing about BOB BARR. I felt like I needed to go back and reread and study. Maybe I might like Bob Barr. And good ol Wayne Root. Maybe he signed his name with big pink fuzzy hearts...with glitter. Maybe.

But alas, it was my turn and we had to time for such nonsense.

These pics have NOTHING to do with this post. Other than I took them today.

I like to be random like that and all. Anyhoo, after the vote we went to Starbucks and order meself some c-o-f-f-e-e...cause I voted. And Middle Twerp told them he went boatin too so he wanted a drink...and they gave him a carmel frap.

well, ya know ET spoke up and they gave her a Strawberry and Creme.

Baby Twerp wanted a straw. He never ceases to amaze me.

Off to be obsessed with Wolfe Blitzer. I LOVE YOU ALL...THANKS!

Drugs, Comas, and My Vote for President

Eldest Twerp has been complaining of a sore throat all weekend so I made a doctor's appointment for her at 3:30 yesterday after school -- she has an infection in her throat and was put on antibiotics. Baby Twerp hopped right up on the examination table and told the doc to check his ear cause it hurt.

The doc played along cause he is sweet and a GREAT pediatrician. Then he frowned and called for the nurse. Apparently, BT had a severe ear infection and a temp of 101.5. It was that 1/2 day of daycare we went to yesterday. See? Shesh!

Then Middle Twerp looked up and wanted his ears checked too. Everybody needs attention ay my house. And...you guessed it...he has an ear infection too.

Who is this kids' mother? Who does not notice these things? It is one of those mothers that sticks her poor babies in day care while she goes gallivantin round town lookin at her new office and signing paperwork and buying these....Unfit care giver.

Anyhoo, the doc called in THREE prescriptions for the twerps and we went to Target while we waited. When we went through the drive-thru to get the scripts, only Middle Twerps was called in. No others. And the pediatrician's office was closed so they could not call.

I went ahead and filled MT and went home to call the answering service for the others. I was successful and at 7 pm I went to pick up the others. Except they only called in BT.

AHHHH! I called back and got ET's filled. At 8:30 pm it was ready.

Here is where it gets embarrassing....REAL EMBARRASSING!

The Twerps were all sleepin in Eldest Twerp's bed. So went I woke them up to get in the car in their jamies and get that script for ET.

Middle Twerp got up and sat on the steps in a sleepy coma. Eldest Twerp was putting on different pants and I started to carry sleepy BT down the stairs...in my black spikey-heeled boots...

I did not see MT sitting on that top step and well, I kinda , tripped/stepped over him.

I knew I was going down so I tucked Baby Twerp and curled up...

The last thing I remember was my head hitting the hardwood floor and a bright white light.

I was knocked out cold.

Since Indiana Jones is out of town, when I woke up Eldest Twerp had BT and Middle Twerp was putting a pillow under my head and kissing me like he was the prince trying to awake his princess ... followed by pain. Oh Oh Oh PAIN!

Nothing is broken...nothing serious...SO glad it was not on video.

I have some pretty good bruises and a big old knot on my head. And three scared Twerps that are treating me like a queen today.

I was not out long as we were at Wal Green's by 9:00 to get ET's medicine and then EVERYBODY went to bed. I was beat. Literally.

I was hoping I would awake with a realization of who to vote for today. Like Eli Stone and the choir of angel shining forth upon a candidate.

But alas, this did not happen.

So, here are my thoughts - post coma- this morning. Let's all remember to LOVE and don't go hatin anyone.

In my original post yesterday asking you guys about your opinions for the presidential candidate, I had said the entire ProLife/ProChoice was off the table. I said that because most people have extremely strong feeling that I COMPLETELY respect on this issue and I wanna get to more issues and not just this one -- although, I agree, it is VERY big.

Now here is where I stand. Realize first I JUDGE NO ONE and love you all. I respect each and every one of you for you values, opinions and stances. I LOVE YOU ALL regardless if you agree or not.

I think about when I was waiting in the doctor's waiting room pregnant for the second time, but yet to hold a baby in my arms. A young girl sat beside me in tears. And as we began to talk she had made the decision to have an abortion at 5 months because there was a tumor on her uterus that would either kill her or the baby. She felt she really had no decision at all. The baby's father had left and she had already ruled out an abortion early on because of her values and beliefs. Now she felt she had no other choice and was distraught. As I sat there with her, we cried together. And while I felt such pain for her, I felt so relieved I did not have to go through that. So relieved that at 10 weeks, my baby was healthy and fine and I would finally hold him and sing to him -- poor soul.

At that appointment I realized my baby had not survived and they scheduled me for a DNC (a medical term for an abortion) in 2 days.

I wanted to go back out to find that girl sitting in the waiting room. I wanted to talk with her so badly. She was gone.

Did I agree with that girl's decision? To abort a living baby? To risk the chance of negating a miracle? It does not matter. It does not matter one bit. Cause I had not been there through the sleepless nights and the painful decisions and the lonely appointments. I do not know what she should have done. I do not know. But I know that I am glad she had the choice to decide. She deserved that.

I then think about my sorority sister who at 18 was pregnant from a fling. Whose parents would desert her if she was pregnant. Who was sitting on our coach in the office and DID NOT want to be pregnant. I pleaded. I begged. I made a plan...17 plans... that would have worked. I set up appointments and counselors and mentors and did everything to help her keep the baby. She got an abortion the next week.

Do I agree with her? No. Do I love her? Yes. Do I judge her? No. She had a different set of circumstances than me. She lived a different life than me, she had her life to live. Now, happily married, she is still torn over that decision. And it affects her daily. My judgement or thoughts are nothing compared to what she does to herself daily. She made a decision. I love her regardless. She had that right. I did not.

I think back to Eldest Twerp's mom, who at 15 was pregnant for the second time. How she had that choice. And she made the single bravest decision I think any woman could make. Following right behind that is the day she stood in the courtroom and a year, could have taking ET back. But she chose to sign her rights over to us. That is courage beyond my wildest imagination. That is a brave woman of integrity that I have nothing but respect and love for.

But having said that, I love and respect all these woman. But at the end of the day, I do not feel I have the right to choose for them in these situations.

So that is where I stand. I still love you all and appreciate, understand, and respect all sides. I really do.

I do feel safe with McCain at the helm with national security and the control of our troops. And as a wife of a military man who did two 6-month tours, I want our troops home so badly. But not above what is best for our country. I do not know the right answer here. But I do know John McCain has been there. And I trust him.

Heath Care -- we need an answer. And not later. I do not think Obama's plan is the answer but I do appreciate a move...a step...in the direction of solving the problem. I do not want to sit for 4 more years and say we have tried nothing. I would rather try and fail and learn and retry...than do nothing.

Energy -- McCain seems to have a plan for offshore drilling and nuclear power plants (that would also create jobs in the US) but this also raised SEVERAL issues that would need to be solved. Again, I would rather be failing and trying than succeeding at doing nothing.

Taxes -- I have no clue. I have no wealth to spread around. I wanna help people but not enable them. If we ever solve that problem I think we would have solved a lot. At the end of the day people do not need to be forced to redistribute their wealth. People need to be compassionate on their own and help people. How can you drive by a hungry homeless man? He might buy alcohol or drugs! Yeah, maybe. Or he might really need help. I am not judging. Everyone knows someone who can benefit from your help. Build a relationship with those people. Make a commitment and make a difference. We are not gonna change the world giving every homeless man our pocket change everyday. But we will make a difference if we ALL chose ONE person to help. I think we have all had that ONE that has made a difference in our lives. That ONE that encouraged and mentored us. That ONE that made the difference in who we are today. Now, it is your turn to give back. Find your ONE to invest in....to change. Be a difference maker.

Economy -- Well, I think no matter who gets chosen there is gonna be some pain we are gonna feel. We all need to sacrifice to help.

I like the way Obama inspires and focuses on service to our country. For something bigger than myself. I like his fresh new ideas and the hope for something new and clean. I think he is smart and well grounded and truly cares for our nation.

I like the way McCain has been there done that. He had proven his integrity, his love for his country, and his passion for the American people. I respect him immensely and feel like - although he has not always made the best decisions every time - he has learned from mistakes and held firm to his beliefs. I cannot talk about his running mate however. I really can't. I am so so sorry.

So, in less than an hour I am gonna go decide -- with three twerps in tow. Maybe if I black out one more time I will know. You never know, with my clumsy record, it could happen.

Thanks for all your help and advice yesterday. I love you all. And I RESPECT every one's opinions and beliefs.

Thanks for being you.

xxxooo,
cg

Indecisive Is My Middle Name

I woke up this morning and took ALL the kids to school. Baby Twerp had his first day of school. I cried. He loved it. And he had booger chandeliers when I picked him up. It is official, he is now a day care kid.

But after my errand running and seeing my new office (insert me doing a big old wink/grin/happy dance/squeal) I went off to do my early voting. After much research and agonizing. I FINALLY knew who I was gonna vote for. He won out 51% to 49% in my pro/con list making.

But alas, there was no early voting today. So, my fly by the seat of my pants idea did not work and I must now take ALL THREE TWERPS to vote with me tomorrow cause school is out and all.

And now I am not so sure. Cause I watched that gadgum infomerical followed by a speech from John McCain in Ohio today. And I am all 50/50 once again.

So here is what I need. And while I am usually very opposed to rules, I have rules on this post. Why? Uhm, cause I am SO indecisive I need structure.

Here is what I need from you:
1. Tell me who you are voting for
2. THE #1 reason you are voting for him
3. No talk of Pro Choice/Pre Life allowed
4. No bad mouthing the other candidate -- ONLY the #1 reason for your candidate

And if you don't wanna follow the rules then that is okay. I will still love you and listen, but I really need your last minute help here.

Love Your Indecisive Bipolar Blog Sister,
Country Girl

Lordy Be: Political Ponderings

Oh My Gosh -- I just thought I would blog a little about some political pondering. I was trying to inform myself some and help get a grasp on which candidate would get my vote.

I never meant any harm.

And I sure never ever thought this would happen.

CLICK HERE!

Obama, Rumors, and The Pledge

I am not FOR any candidate at this time. I still fall in that 10% of undecided voters. I really can be persuaded either way at this point. However, upon the comments from my Sarah Palin post; I did some research. Please play the videos below.

I know I am not the BRIGHTEST voter out there, nor do I think I am a leading expert on any political subject.

But one thing I promise myself to be is INFORMED. I will check out what people say. I will listen. I will find the truth. And then, and only then, will I decide. Please. Please do the same. Cause I BIG PINK FUZZY HEART WITH GLITTER LOVE EVERY ONE OF YOU!! Thank you for making me better and more informed.

PS This is it. I promise. Now back to Twerps and goats and inadequate job hunting and road trips. I know these things MUCH better. XXXOOO

Video #1: Sarah Palin CBS

I have posted two videos on Sarah Palin. Below you will find part of the interview with Gov Palin and Katie Couric. I watched the entire interview this weekend and feel this clip is a pretty accurate portrayal of the segment. You can go to cbs.com and watch the entire interview, and I encourage you to do so.

Please turn off my music on the player below and then watch this first video. (There is a 15 sec commercial I can do nothing about. It is worth the wait. Trust me.) Then please watch the SNL video below it. And then PLEASE purty purty please, post me and tell me your thoughts. Cause I REALLY need some help here. Seriously.


Watch CBS Videos Online

Up Next: National Security and Giggles

So here on this politically savvy site, we are addressing the issues of this presidental campaign at a level Country Girl can understand. Now I realize to 99.8% of Americans this is elementary my dear. But for all those first graders out there that read my blog, we shall be dicussing our Top 5 Issues of this election.

Last week we looked at Issue #1 - The Economy and broke down the difference in tax plans between McCain and Obama. We also looked at a graduated tax rate vs a flat rate...words I did not even UNDERSTAND until last week. But thanks to you my dear friends and my lover, wikipedia, I have made a decision on The Economy and which plan reflects my thoughts and values the most. So, THANK YOU DEAR SWEET SMART READERS! These are the reasons I love you peeps.

Now, together we will look at our TOP 5 Issues, which are {in no particular order}:

1. The Economy
2. National Security (which will include the war)
3. Energy
4. Education
5. Health Care

But before we begin our discussion on National Security tomorrow, let's review...shall we?

First. Lordy-Be. I am a HUGE Saturday Night Live Fan. Like so much bigger that anyone else ev-er. Like I dated the producer of SNL and had his babies...little Friday and Sunday Nights. And I own a condo on the SNL set and they are all my BFF's and I am on their Fav Five. For-shiz. {Name that SNL character.}

Anyhoo, when SNL opened for this season's permier this weekend, regardless of your political views and policies and ambitions and support, I think we all peed our pants. What? Just me? Seriously? Well, it was just a little.

DISCLAIMER: MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN! ALSO, TURN MY MUSIC OFF AT THE BOTTOM.


Ho ho hee hee ha ha giggle giggle snort. Oh that was so good. And Tina Fey...priceless.

So get your panty hose pulled up, your spanx adjusted and your mascara on...cause tomorrow...National Security. But first, off to find out what the Bush Doctrine is...I kid. I kid. We all know I am really going to put on lipstick. So you can tell me from a pit bull. Oh my, am I on a roll or what? I betcha just can't wait until tomorrow, huh?

Feel free to help a sister out with any info you have that might possible help me make one coherent intelligent sentence for the post. Amen.

Issue #1 - The Economy

Taxes

1. McCain has said I will cut your taxes. Period. End of Story. The fear is that McCain's tax breaks will only help the wealthy and corporations but not will address the issues of middle class and others that NEED relief.


2. Obama says 80% of Americans would see a tax cut and those making $250,000 would see a RAISE in their taxes

What will that actually look like?

According to the Tax Policy Center this is what the tax breaks would look like under Obama and McCain.

Salary _________McCain ________Obama

38K - 66K_________$319___________$1,000

66K - 112K________ $1000__________$1290

227K - 603K _______$7,871__________same

+603K ___________$45,000_________pay 116K+

So, the way I see it...

1. McCain: There is tax relief across the board. He is cutting taxes. Period. There is relief for middle class and larger relief for the wealthy.


2. Obama: If you make under $250,000 you will see about a thousand buck tax relief per year. If you are like SUPER rich then you will pay $100,000 more a year. So, there is relief for lower and middle class and then a huge hike for big wigs.

Now, of course, I wanna see more tax money back to me and it sounds great to tax the wealthy cause they can afford it. So Obama's plan is looking pretty good. I mean let those rich old farts who drive 8,421 cars pay more, right?

Well here are my questions:

1. If the "rich" get taxed a considerable amount more (which I think over 100k is considerable), will this lead to less investments and buying of stocks which would slow down the economy?


2. Would this affect the small business owner and put them under, again curtailing the economy?


3. Are these numbers per person or by household?


4. Do white pants make my butt look big?

They say things that are deep and make me have this look on my faceMcCain says, "Sharply raising taxes on investment is a step in the wrong direction for the competitiveness of U.S. capital markets."

I have no clue what that means. But Cindy is like so my fashion role model. Oh, honey child...her shoes are divine.

Obama says, "We've lost the balance between work and wealth. I will close the carried interest loophole, and adjust the top dividends and capital gains rate..."

Uh, what??? Where did Michelle get that green dress? Cause it was super cute. But girl, she needs a Victoria Secret gel bra. Believe me, I know.

So, this is why you have me. I can break it down for a first grader to understand. But this is all I know. So now I need you to weigh in and help my poor self out. Whacha think?

The Issues

Who watched the Presidential Forum last night? Anyone? Anyone? Bueler?

Well, being as that I have no life whatsoever, I got the kids fed, bathed, and in bed by 8 and then settled down for a long winter's nap got a coffee and my laptop on the couch and snuggled in to listen to two of the people we are gonna choose from to lead our country.

Let me start off by saying the WHOLE FORUM was on one topic and one topic only: Service. Now I agree that this is an important topic, but come on peeps! Is this seriously what is gonna sway your vote? Is this one of your top issues? Is this the thing that is gonna seal the deal for ya?

It is not for me. And Obama and John really did not differ that much in what they said AT ALL. And let me just say for the record that those commentators form PBS (I think) were so right out of an SNL skit. Seriously, where they totally characters to you too?

Anyhoo, what are your top issues? Let's pick 5, shall we and cover them in depth. Okay, by in depth, I mean at a level I can understand. So probably pretty shallow. So, here are my five:

1. Economy
2. National Security
3. Energy
4. Education
5. ???

I need your help on the fifth. What do you care about? Are these totally off point for you? What is that will be the deciding factors for you?

I will start this afternoon with the economy. I am off to find a dictionary first. Oh Lordy-Be. This could be interesting.

CNN Forum

I am Twittering the CNN Forum...
if ya care...or don't wanna listen to Campbell Brown, shrill... and I have taken my contacts out.
so you know I am all about business
Almost like a pig with lipstick. Kinda. But I would use Dr Pepper Gloss. For Sure.

Political Ponderings by Eldest Twerp

Eldest Twerp came home from school today with an assignment that got me fired up. I almost had to get my pom poms out from the high school valley girl era of my life and cheer. But I held myself back, and my dignity thanks me.

She had to research a candidate for president and make a campaign sign for the one of her choice.

Well, first and foremost I explained to her, we want to be informed. So I took her to the web to find out about Republican John McCain. When I came back in, she was staring at this picture...I explained to her that McCain was a lover, not a fighter.

And she informed me, "That was not true. Not only was his father and grandfather in the Navy, but he also enlisted and was a POW in the Vietnam War. He was offered an early release but refused and honored the first taken, first released rule. And he also was a MAJOR reason the surge occurred in Iraq which has lead to a turn around in the war and was even able to bring Joe Lieberman to cross party lines to support our troops. So mom, he is indeed a fighter."

Twerp.

Then she asked me about Sarah Palin. I told her there was a lot of controversy about her -- some thought she was inexperienced and a poor choice while others believe in what she stands for and think she is a super woman. I then told Eldest Twerp to Google her and this is what she found.Maybe I should have explained what I meant when I said super woman. We moved on.

So what do you think about Barack Obama, Mom?

I told her, ''Well, some have compared him to a superhero coming to save America."
"Actually," she said, "Obama has brought an excitement to this campaign and brought droves of young people to register to vote. He is campaigning on CHANGE and wants to see America take a new direction. He has given America hope and although inexperienced compared to most of Washington, he comes from a working class family and was raised by a single mom. He spent his years after law school fighting for the unfortunate people in Chicago. He symbolizes that if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything in America."She seriously just lost my vote as favorite Twerp. WHATEVER.

Again, we moved on. Let's look at some campaign slogans and talk about advertising. She thought this one was immature. She is no fun at all.

She though a boy must have come up with this one. I think my inner junior high boy wished he would have thought of it first. Then I sent her to her room to make her campaign sign and let me do important stuff, like paint my toenails.

She emerged thirty minutes later with her decision. Wow, honey. Great job. Tell me about why you made that choice.

I don't know. I think I might make another one tomorrow for John McCain. Ya know, so he does not think I like Barack better or anything and get his feelings hurt. {Cause you know they both read my blog and all.}
She is so my daughter.

It's On Like Donkey Kong!

Before this years election, the extent of my political involvement was making student council buttons for the kids at my school.

But just so ya know, I made them with glitter and pom pom puffs...and even some with glow in the dark puffy paint. And my peeps always won. Like the time we made mini wieners to pass out that said, "You never sausage a candidate." Just FYI...his name was Jim Dean. Amen.

But until I got my last job, I really was not even aware of the political process or even who was the elephant and who was the donkey. I just embrace all symbolic animals.

Well, this election has tweezed a nose hair and gotten my attention. And I am hooked. And I care. And although I am THE most ignorant person in THE WORLD about the issues and solutions that face our nation, I am learning.

I have NOT decided who I am voting for yet. And am swayed by the moment and am trying to figure out the facts from the opinions and hear an UNBIASED middle. Isn't that what the media is for?

Well, let me say that have been completely disappointed with the media. And that is really an unfair statement. Let me say I have been completely disappointed with CNN's coverage, which is what I have watched 95% of the time. I do however like George Stephanopoulos from ABC and think Bob Costas is secretly jealous of his hair.

So since the media has decided to go to the tanning bed instead of be responsible reporters, {BTW, I do not blame them, I probably would too. Ted? Ted Turner? Is this why you did not respond to my job application?} Country Girl has decided to take matters into her own hands. She is covering not only all the DNC, but now also the RNC. And let me just say the Democrats totally got the raw end of the acronyms sharing it with a horrible medical procedure. They should change. Ha. Get it CHANGE? Oh my my...Campbell Brown move over sister.

I am afraid of missing a moment cause what if they say something that cinches it for me? And I miss it? So, my hiney is GLUED to the couch after 9 pm so I can soak in all the political ponderings and wish that Jack Handy was a corespondent.

But last night I could not WAIT to here Sarah Palin's speech. Other than her introductory speech, when she was announced, I had never heard anything about her. And all the other information I received was from Wolf Blitzer and CNN. And let em just say, there was nothing they said that made me think she should be disqualified. Actually, everything made me respect her a little more for being so...real...and loving.

And let me just say that I respect Barack for saying,

“Let me be as clear as possible, I think people’s families are off-limits, and people’s children are especially off-limits. This shouldn’t be part of our politics. It has no relevance to Gov. Palin’s performance as governor or her potential performance as a vice president.”

Obama said reporters should “back off these kinds of stories” and noted that he was born to an 18-year-old mother.

“How a family deals with issues and teenage children, that shouldn’t be the topic of our politics, and I hope that anybody who is supporting me understands that’s off-limits.”

I not only thought this was respectful and the RIGHT thing to do, but it made me want to hug him and toast him with a mimosa in a long stem champagne flute.

But with the energy and excitement the Democrats gave me, the Republican left me ... bored. Until last night. But is it their job to ENTERTAIN me? No, but I do want to be excited about my candidate. And when I looked out in the crowd of the RNC, I saw...well...older people in suits and stuffy...except the pink boa lady. She spoke to my heart.

And at times the speeches were almost painful to watch. I felt like I was back in Mr. Oppel's high school government class watching film strips about the checks and balances and branches and zzzzzzz.

Mitt Romey's speech made me want to scream at the TV...HELLO! What planet are you living on, Mr. Perfect Hair? Cause we he started on his liberal Washington segment....

“We need change all right - change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington! We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington - throw out the big government liberals and elect John McCain.”

And then he went on to give specifics about the liberal Washington we have and I was all like WHAT? This is 2008! Maybe that would have been a good speech 15 years ago, but I thought it was completely irrelevant to today. I am so sorry Mitt. But your name is hip and cool and EVERYBODY thinks you hair is hot for an old man. But your speech stunk.

Mike Huckabee. Now that man can speak. And he told the story about the teacher that would not give desks to her students until they could figure out how they EARNED them. All day they tried to guess but to no avail. Then Huckabee told us,

"Martha opened the door of her classroom. In walked 27 veterans, some wearing uniforms from years gone by, but each one carrying a school desk.

As they carefully and quietly arranged the desks in neat rows, Martha said,

'You don't have to earn your desks. These guys already did. They went halfway around the world, giving up their education and interrupting their careers and families so you could have the freedom you have. No one charged you for your desk. But it wasn't really free. These guys bought it for you. And I hope you never forget it.'

I wish we all would remember that being American is not just about the freedom we have. It's about those who gave it to us.

Ladies and gentlemen, John McCain is one of those people who helped buy the freedom that we enjoy and the school desks we had.

It's my honor to do what I can to help him have a desk that he has earned, one in the Oval Office."

If I had to cast my ballot right then, I so would have checked McCain through the tears in my eyes.

Next, came Rudy. And let me say, he was the one I ORIGINALLY thought I would support. I love Rudy. And his speech was HARD and TOUGH and honestly, a pretty dag gone good. And I am purposefully avoiding using his last name cause I don't know how to spell it.

Anyhoo, of all the speeches, this was BY FAR the most FACT BASED and HELPFUL to me thus far. I wanted to know some FACTS and he hit them HARD and with humor. Of course, I know he is biased, but it is good to know that

“For four days in Denver and for the past 18 months, Democrats have been afraid to use the words ‘Islamic Terrorism,”’

“They are in a state of denial about the biggest threat that faces this country.”

And then he addressed a point that has been under my skin all week,

"And how dare they question whether Sarah Palin has enough time to spend with her children and be vice president. How dare they do that. When do they ever ask a man that question?"

I felt so much better that SOMEONE had said that. I needed it said if nothing else, for me and my decisions in my life.

Hello? Hello? Is anyone still reading? Mom?

But next, next came Sarah. And I was oh-so-eager to hear her speak. And inside I was rooting for her and wanting her to knock it out of the park....and she did. And I will talk all about Sarah in a separate post.

But all I have to say right now is...

IT'S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!

Political Ponderings: The Last of It. I Promise. I Will Now Get Back to Twerps and Vomit.

It is crazy what will happen when your hubby is out of town and your children are spewing bodily fluids from every orifice of their being and hurricane have hit and tornadoes are spotted and Brothers and Sisters is not on TV. Drastic times can make for some CRAZY turn of events.

Okay, I am addicted to the Democratic National Convention. For those words even to come out of my mouth make every person that knows me spew coffee from their mouths in uncontrollable laughter. Why?

Embarrassingly, I have voted two times in my laugh. The first time was in the 2004 Presidential Elections in which I think I filled out my ticket wrong and I am pretty sure it did not count.

Then I voted in the 2008 primary and was appalled at the fact they did not even ask for my ID. I just walked in the church, said hey I'm Country Girl and I wanna vote and these little old ladies with knee highs, polyester skirts, and SAS shoes handed me my ticket and went back to their discussion of Martha's new hair color. I actually wanted to join the conversation, but I felt it my civic duty to vote for my candidate. And I had to pee.

But I have never been involved in politics and only learned how the electoral college worked when I decided to recreate the presidential campaign of 2000 in my classroom. Those poor children.

I bore at political speeches and find most candidates people that I cannot relate to. And feel they have never shopped at a Target in their lives and have no clue what my life is really like.

But as I grow older and care about the rising price of gas and windfall profits for oil companies, health care, and tomorrow for my kids....I have become interested.

Okay, let me be honest. I am interested because they hooked me. They hooked me with their stories. They hooked me because they have shared their life and thus related to me.

And let me just say...Beau...Beau Biden. If there was a dry eye in America after Beau Biden's into of his dad..then your tear ducts have been ripped from your eye ball cavern and you should see a doctor about that.

This what he said,

Good evening, I'm Beau Biden. And Joe Biden is my dad.

Many of you know him as a distinguished and accomplished senator. I know him as an incredible father and a loving grandfather. A man who hustled home to Delaware after the last vote so he wouldn't miss me and my brother's games.

Who, after returning from some war-torn region of the world, would tiptoe into our room and kiss us goodnight. Who turns down some fancy cocktail party in Washington so he won't miss my daughter Natalie's birthday party.

The truth is, he almost wasn't a senator at all. In 1972, shortly after his improbable victory, but before he took the oath of office, my father went to Washington to look at his new office space. My mom took us to go buy a Christmas tree.

On the way home, we were in an automobile accident. My mom, Neilia, and sister, Naomi, were killed. My brother, Hunter, and I were seriously injured and hospitalized for weeks. I was just short of 4 years old.

One of my earliest memories was being in that hospital, Dad always at our side. We, not the Senate, were all he cared about.

He decided not to take the oath of office. He said, "Delaware can get another senator, but my boys can't get another father."

However, great men like Ted Kennedy, Mike Mansfield, Hubert Humphrey -- men who had been tested themselves -- convinced him to serve. So he was sworn in, in the hospital, at my bedside.

As a single parent, he decided to be there to put us to bed, to be there when we woke from a bad dream, to make us breakfast, so he'd travel to and from Washington, four hours a day.

Two things here. First, what an amazing sense of family the man has. I can respect that. Second, this is why we have an artificial tree.

The strong sense of family was threaded throughout the entire evening with the Biden's. When Joe began his speech he turned directly to his family right off the bat.

I wish that my dad was here tonight, but I am so grateful that my mom, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden, is here. You know, she taught her children-all the children who flocked to our house-that you are defined by your sense of honor, and you are redeemed by your loyalty.

She believes bravery lives in every heart and her expectation is that it will be summoned.Failure at some point in everyone’s life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable.

As a child I stuttered, and she lovingly told me it was because I was so bright I couldn’t get the thoughts out quickly enough. When I was not as well dressed as others, she told me how handsome she thought I was.

When I got knocked down by guys bigger than me, she sent me back out and demanded that I bloody their nose so I could walk down that street the next day.

After the accident, she told me, “Joey, God sends no cross you cannot bear.” And when I triumphed, she was quick to remind me it was because of others.

My mother’s creed is the American creed: No one is better than you. You are everyone’s equal, and everyone is equal to you.

I am seriously adding that entire family to my Christmas card list.

As an undecided voter who is COMPLETELY OUT OF TOUCH with anything to do with politics and is still unsure if I am a Republican or a Democrat...Joe hit some points with me last night. And he was on a roll when he got the crowd to repeat his "That's not change; that's more of the same" repetitive slogan.

Even today, as oil companies post the biggest profits in history-a half trillion dollars in the last five years-he {John McCain} wants to give them another $4 billion in tax breaks. But he voted time and again against incentives for renewable energy: solar, wind, biofuels. That’s not change; that’s more of the same.

Although I still have no clue the difference between Senator and Representatives and why they all have such silly name and what in the world a filibuster is...I am going to become an INFORMED voter this year. And I totally think they should let me do the commentary at the next debate.

Cause I would add a new flavor to this stale old process. All in favor, say aye?

PS I always thought it was "All in favor, say I." See how much I am learning.

She Has a Wardrobe Consultant, and I Am Unemployed. Unbelievable.

If you have read any of my Political Ponderings in the past, first I would like to say I am sorry. Second, you are fully aware that I am not a Hillary supporter. Sure she has great hair and a passion for the middle class and a desire for universal health care, but she just seems mean. Like I think she was the girl in high school that spread nasty rumors about you and tried to steal your boyfriend. I just don't trust her. Now if you like her and she makes you wink and smile...then I say go for it {but just FYI, she did not win the nomination...and I think she is still a little bitter.)

But last night...last night...Hillary was like a new woman. It was like with the chains of competition unleashed she could let down her guard and be nice. And, honestly, I thought she was quite witty and charming. I mean the whole, "No way, no how, no McCain." was very witty and made me chuckle regardless if I agree or not.

And when she said, "I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible?"

Then on the heels of that she made the Tubman analogy with, "Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going."

When she was in the midst of this, I will be honest...she had me...I teared up and....and...for a moment...I really connected with her. She moved me.

Although I am still an undecided voter, she persuaded me a little when she said, "We need to elect Barack Obama because we need a President who understands that America can’t compete in a global economy by padding the pockets of energy speculators, while ignoring the workers whose jobs have been shipped overseas. We need a President who understands that we can’t solve the problems of global warming by giving windfall profits to the oil companies while ignoring opportunities to invest in new technologies that will build a green economy."

Can I get an A-MEN?

And she almost cinched me when she referred to her supporters as "my sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits."

But at the end of the day, I can never get behind someone who wears a hideous orange pantsuit. Ev-er.

Political Ponderings

I am sure Indian Jones is just cringing when he reads the title of the blog. To even have anything to do with politics come out of my mouth makes him nervous. I am quite the political virgin. Yes, I am a registered voter. Yes, I voted in the last presidential campaign. Yes, I am pretty sure I messed the ballot up and my vote did not count. There were so many directions and lines and when I handed the lady my voter registration card she yelled, "WOW, this looks so new and crisp!" and I had to draw all these lines and I got all confused and voted straight ticket and then saw that there were other choices and it was in sharpie marker and I started to sweat and get dizzy and I could tell everyone was giving me a scornful stare because I was a first time voter and I might as well be like Michael Vic at a Peta convention. So I ran out of the overcrowded church crying and wailing and wondering who was Ralph Nader and should I have voted for him? And what if George Bush lost by 1 vote? It would be all my fault. I had single-handedly torn apart the very fabric of the electoral college system with my connect the dots ballot.

Well, let me first start by saying that I will be voting -- both in the primary and the "Final Episode" I am sure there are technical terms here, but my government teacher in high school let me down. I am just saying that the whole voting process is a little behind the times. They all complain that the 20 and 30 year olds are not voting. Well, I am going to just say that if they made it a little more user friendly I think they would. We are an online society. We bank online, pay our bills online, fill out SS cards online, do all our Christmas shopping online, why can we not vote online? Now I know that the presidential choice for the United States of America SHOULD be more important to us all than amazon and ebay, but if you look at the statistics.....that is all I am saying. I am all for texting my vote in this year. Like Obama is there flashing the two fingers and George Snuffleuphagus (he so reminds me of Big Bird's best friend) is saying, "If you want to vote for Obama, text 2 to the number at the bottom of the screen. Remember voting starts after the debate and is open until 11 pm EST." I am just saying, if they want more voters.....

But, I am just going to be honest here. I am an average 30 year old American woman. I am going to say the things about the candidates that a lot of people are thinking but no one wants to sound shallow and say it, well by golly...I have never minded embarrassing myself and sounding shallow, so here it goes.....

Obama -- I like him. When I saw him on Oprah he was well spoken and I love his wife, Michelle. I met her is Minneapolis and listened to her speech. It was very superficial, but it was like two girlfriends sitting down over coffee chatting about kids, our husbands, and party supplies. I liked her. His name bothers me..OBAMA...seriously, it is so like terrorist name. Just my opinion and I think some others were thinking it too. I mean who else do you know names Obama? That is all I am saying.

Clinton -- She seems like that girl in high school that would be mean to you and spread nasty rumors. I mean she just looks mean to me. I think she would bully me and try to steal my boyfriend.

Edwards -- I love his hair. Really, really great hair. His accent it a little too thick for me. I think he should work on it. It distracts me. It makes me want to drink sweet tea.

McCain -- Okay. I am just going to say it...throw it out there. Sling it into the conversation. His one check is huge. I mean like chipmunk big. And I think he either had cancer or has it or is getting it or something. But I do not hear what he is saying because I am staring at that goiter on his jaw. BUT I cannot say anything bad about a POW. I mean I have the utmost respect for him in that matter and think he is one heck of a man and patriot. I want to hug him, kiss him on his small cheek side, and tell him thank you.

Huckabee -- He is cute. He ran Arkansas. We already had someone recently from Arkansas and I think they have had their turn and should let another state try. Although I LOVE and I mean LOVE the Chuck and Huck messages. Really, it had me swayed for quite some time. I also think he values education and that makes me give him a big pink fuzzy heart with glitter!

Romney -- Okay, he is Mormon and although I do not dislike Mormons, I do know they wear purity underwear and that is kinda weird. Although there are these two Mormon teenagers who are on a mission trip here (poor kids) and come visit us every couple of weeks and I love them and they came over for dinner and they are the nicest most polite kids I have ever met. And they eat pork. BUT Romney always has these video clips on his site bashing McCain. I think that is mean and nasty... I mean he was a POW and don't you want to use your time to tell us what YOU are about instead of how bad others are?

Giuliani -- I will be honest, I had to look up how to spell his name. Okay, I like him. I know he has had like 42 wives and all but I still like him. I like how he handled 9/11 and I like his book and he seems like a strong leader. And his wife loves him, I saw it on Barbra Walters. Plus, I think he makes sense when he talks about the issues and I think he has proven himself. I do not blame him for the dirty cop thing, we could all tell he was dirty -- he had a bad man mustache. I wish Rudy would have called me, I would have told him.

I know there are other people running, but no one I know. And let's face it, if I (politically ignorant girl) have not heard of them, they ain't makin it to the finals.

Well, I am sure my dad will disown me after this post and my husband will change his last name, but I honestly think I am not the only one out there thinking these things. I am watching the debates tonight so I will write a more educated response tomorrow (maybe, kinda). Maybe, if McCain's check does not draw my attention away from the issues and Edwards does not flip that GREAT hair and Clinton does not try to spread a nasty rumor about me. We will see how it goes. You can text your vote here so I can have an unofficial poll.

Tell me your thoughts, I really can be persuaded.