"The thing is is that..." No...the thing is that {whatever the thing is}. No need for the 2nd "is."

It agitates me when people put spaces in front of and behind a /. For example - indoor / outdoor. I think you're missing the point of the /.

A coworker pointed out a good one - "irregardless." Does that qualify as a double negative?

This title gets my blood to boilin'. If hundreds upon thousands of women (and men) are still dying from this disease, we are not winning. I'm all about finding the silver lining in the cloud - I really am. But when people justify a lack of complete resolution by saying, "Well, it's better than what we had," I see that as apathetic and unacceptable. That may be acceptable in some instances - not in this one (imo). **Steps down off of soapbox (still none too pleased, though)**

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/09/war.breast.cancer/index.html

Nice to see someone gets it.

http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/entertainment/2009/09/11/successful-plus-size-models


And here's the one that started it all: http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2009/08/on-the-cl-the-picture-you-cant.html?mbid=synd_fox_news




I was going to include a link to Dove's Campaign For Real Beauty campaign until I read that those women are airbrushed in that ad, too. Shame on you, Dove...for shame, for shame.

I am not a judgmental person. At least, I don't consider myself to be and I definitely try my hardest not to be. My friend base is very diverse - culturally, religiously, intellectually - and I love it that way. Now, granted, I'll admit to thinking your genitals should be cut off for intentionally harming a child (just as an example) and I judge you to be an ignorant jackass, but I'm quite comfortable in the thought that that judgment is warranted. I'm going to go ahead and take my self-exposure of my flaws a bit further and admit that when you try to make me believe what you believe, think what/how you think, dress how you dress, etc., etc., etc., I pretty much deem you to be a closed-minded, pushy and ignorant pain in my ass.

Let me back up... I've never taken well to people trying to cram things down my throat and/or force me to do/believe/say something that I didn't want to do/believe/say. I had organized religion crammed down my throat in high school. I lost 'friends' because I didn't go to their church(es) or they felt that I didn't believe exactly how they believed. The funny part is, they don't know what I believed and even to this day (and this goes for politics, too), very few people really do - and that's intentional. Losing friends is always tough but to lose 'friends' based on something so personal seemed to serve as a double whammy. I think the reason for that is that politics and religion are so controversial because our beliefs and ideals are based on personal experience. Every experience in our lives shapes who we are in every sense of the phrase down to the nitty-gritties. So, when someone comes out from their political/religious corner swingin' and telling us that we're wrong, we feel like our personal being - what makes us who we are - is being attacked...good enough reason to not talk about it in mixed company, don't 'cha think? :) But I digress...

To take my honesty one step further, adults who judge each other as wrong when their opinions differ also annoy me and I have a tendency to judge them (ironic to judge the judgmental, I know) as closed-minded. I'm a firm believer that for the most part, different doesn't always equal wrong; sometimes, it just equals different. When I see/hear adults arguing (not discussing - arguing) politics or religion (or even sports, for that matter), it always reminds me of kids picking on the kid who is different (usually for reasons that he/she can't control). For me, adults not growing up and accepting differences isn't much different and beyond that, it's a poor example for those watching your every move. I'm also a firm believer that hate begins at home; monkey see, monkey do. Whatever name you give it, it comes down to tolerance and understanding.

It took me a few years (and the loss of another good friend for at least the reason, possibly among others, that we differed pretty greatly in our political beliefs) but I've come to realize that the only person who really needed to know what I think/feel/believe about how we got here and what we're supposed to do/not do while we're here is me. Like I told those 'friends' from high school after they ambushed me on the religion thing one day - I'm a good person. I'm a good daughter, sister, friend, etc. (and now wife and mother). If your God/Jeebus really is up there sitting on clouds watching over anything and everything, He/She's a little confused by your behavior. If I understand the whole point of God/Jeebus, the overall message was, for the love of Pete, people - just be good to each other. The message was not, "Shame/guilt/trick/threaten others into following what you do/say/believe simply because you think it secures your place in the happy eternal resting place."

I think what appears to be true for me is that due to the fact that we all have our own back story and expeirences, we're going to have different views on life and because of that, I don't think that there can be one absolute answer for everyone on this earth. We're going to have different views on life based on where we're from and how we were treated by our parents and siblings and what our life was like growing up and so on and so forth. It's those expeirences that shape those views and since none of our experiences are the exact same, how can our views be carbon copies of each other? They can of course be similar - but I just don't think they can always be the exact same.

Granted, I don't live my life the way I do because someone who may or may not be up on the aforementioned clouds told me to - I do my best to help others when they need it; I don't rape, murder and/or pillage small villages (or large ones, for that matter). And the reason for that is because I have a firm grasp on the basic rules of humanity. The Golden Rule is a favorite of mine; and I firmly believe in Sister Karma. But let's be honest - no one wants to feel like the social outcast, especially for such a personal reason. So, I played the game...and I guess I still do. I'll let whomever feels it necessary to judge me based on that character trait and/or assume what they will about my beliefs do just that - and I'll be quite content in that. Because while I'm still learning (which I think I/you always should be - otherwise, what are we doing here, but, that's for another post...), I feel like I have a pretty firm grasp on how my world functions.

One thing I can say that I think rings true overall, regardless of what you believe - you're better off focusing on yourself and fixing your own flaws than you are trying to change everyone else into what you believe they should be. Maybe if we all stop trying to change each other and just love each other for who and what we are, maybe the rest will fall into place. Maybe it will catch on to others who feel it necessary to recruit you into their corner (for whatever reasons they feel it necessary to do so) and maybe they'll turn the mirrors on themselves and focus on what makes them happy and what they need to function at their top level of performance. Now, I fully understand that most reasonable and rational people will at least try to understand where I'm coming from and/or maybe even agree with me. I fully recognize that I most likely couldn't walk up to an extremist (of any religion/political affiliation/sports team fan/mindset) and pitch this argument and have any success. I get that the extremists are a lost cause in this regard. But maybe if we get the rest of the for-the-most-part-rational world to comply, the extremists will kill each other out and problem solved...?

Regardless of who created us, who maintains us (which should be us, in my mind - again, from my limited understanding of Christianity, He gave us free will, correct?) and/or whom we might or might not meet when we reach the eternal beyond, I'm fairly certain that it takes all kinds to make the world go 'round.

I totally don't get this. We're over consuming and we blame the media. (I know this is in Britain but I personally think we're not too terribly different from them these days - or, at least, I think we're just a few steps behind them.) When does the time come when we stop and say, "Ya' know what? I don't like where I am and I'm going to change the things that I can and start worrying about myself and leave everyone else the hell alone?"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8242385.stm

So many thoughts come to mind on this one...

1. For starters, high fives and kuddos to this doctor for obvious reasons. Doing what it takes to save lives - even if that means treating patients in a closet...or, what used to be a closet.

2. Which brings me to point #2 - I refuse to air my stance here on the healthcare reform issue as it currently stands b/c I'm just not up for that kind of conversation. (And, in all honesty, w/ all of the bogus info flying around from TV to mouth, I can't tell what's truth and what isn't, so I'm quite honestly not sure where I stand.) Anywho, I will say that something needs to give. Chemotherapy in a closet b/c insurance won't cover it?? Come on, now...

Overall thought, though, is just when you think the world is full of nothing but evils and chaos, life surprises you by showing you that there is still good in the world.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/18/chemo.closet/index.html

I'm sure there are more so I'll add them as they come to me...


1. Why people think that it's their duty to convert/save me. I'm of the opinion that if whomever/whatever made us wanted us all to be and think the same, they/it wouldn't have given us so many options to consider.
a. Why those same people seem to often be the same kind of people who confuse religion with faith. Just because I don't practice what you do doesn't mean that I don't have faith in something...or several somethings.

2. Why some people just don't get it. I'm not saying I've got it all figured out - I hope I never do - but I like to at least think that I've come this far in part due to a good bit of work on my end.

3. Why people think that facebook/myspace/etc. is an appropriate venue to spew religious and/or political opinions - and then get raging angry when people respond only to dispute. To quote Will Smith in MIB (sad reference, I know - but it works, so don't judge me), "If you don't start nothin', there won't be nuthin'..."

4. Astro physics. I don't even know what that means, let alone what it entails.

5. Why people don't understand that it's rude to use the word "whatever" in response to something someone has said. Or maybe they do and just don't care. Either way - rude.

6. Why I have so many business ideas and I can't seem to motivate myself and/or keep myself from getting distracted elsewhere long enough to turn them into reality. Maybe part of it is not knowing what I need to do next...I hope I figure it out soon and fix the problem. I don't want to be one of those people who looks back on my life and says, "I really wish I would have..."

7. Why some people are drawn to drama and ridiculousness. (Maybe see #2...???) I used to thrive on them but I like to think I've gotten a lot of it out of my system. Having said that, maybe some people continue to thrive on them because it's easier to do that and enjoy the excitement they bring than it is to walk away.

8. Why some people get upset about things and don't tell you what they are so that you can fix them and then get more angry when you don't fix what's wrong. (I have to admit that I'm guilty of this, too...doesn't mean I understand it.) I can't read your mind anymore than you can read mine...

9. Tom Cruise.

10. Road rage. (I have to admit that I'm somewhat guilty of this, too...but I've backed off a bit on it.)

11. Poor parenting. There's no excuse for letting your kid be a jackass.

12. Why can't men and women be friends without having to answer the sexual question?

13. How is it that we can put men and women on the moon and up in space and do all sorts of other cool shit, and we can't find a cure for cancer? There's no reason that anyone should die from this disease in this day and age.

14. People who change the rules of the game based on how they feel like acting at that particular moment. I get that not everything is black and white - but some things are.

15. Caddy women. Seriously...what's the point?

16. Why can't we all just get along?

17. People who feel it necessary to be all up in my Kool-Aid. Is your life really that boring? If so, I suggest finding a hobby that doesn't involve me and my business.

18. Napoleon Syndrome. So, you're short...I'm not athletic. It's how you were made - get over yourself.

19. The troubles involving Israel and Palestine.
a. Beyond that, knowing that the issues started hundreds and hundreds of years ago, what makes any arrogant politician think that they can make them (or any other fueding parties, for that matter) kiss and make-up in 4 years?
b. Beyond that, what makes any voting citizen believe someone who says they can? If you are one of these people, I have a fantastic piece of property I'd like to sell you...great view of a bridge...

20. Plastic surgery (for reasons other than medical/pain issues). You're beautiful just the way you are. And I mean that.

21. Abusive men/women. Why are you so angry?

22. Why words like "retarded" and "nigger" are still used. There's no good to them - let them die the quiet deaths they should have died a long time ago.

23. Why are mental illnesses so taboo and why don't we do more to help those suffering from them?

24. California. Seriously - what is it with that state?

25. Why does it feel so stinkin' good to jack down the A/C and turn the fans on high while crawling into bed and snuggling wearing as little as possible?

26. Spinner rims.

I had this whole post planned where I went off on each of the 2 of you - leaving the other 2 out because their actions weren't as detrimental (overall) as yours for reasons I think we all know - and told you exactly where the bear shit in the buckwheat and just exactly why I'm still so angry with and let down by both of you. But the more I got to thinking about it, I realized a few things:

* First and foremost, just about anything I say here would most likely start more B.S. for Randy, which you've both proven you don't need my help with that. You have your "sources" for your "info," so good luck with that. I have to vent somehow and this is the most productive way, so it is what it is at this point.

* Whatever led you to act the way(s) you did has really nothing to do with Randy on a personal level. Your issues are your own - and the same goes for the other 2 - and while it goes against all of the anger I have for all of you, I hope all you find a way to deal with those issues and find the peace you need in whatever ways you need it.

* I realized that it's your karma and that while you'll tell yourselves whatever you need to to help yourselves sleep at night, the overall result will not change: You've lost a good friend and have risked losing a strong and dedicated member. And that's sad for you and the department.

* I've been waiting for both of you to get back from your power trips and man-up enough to actually attempt to talk to me to work it out - the passive-aggressive attempt by one of you was lame and doesn't even remotely begin to count, so don't fool yourself - because imo, that would go with what you preach about family. But I realized that your lip service about "family comes first in this department" is just that - lip service. So, I've pretty much given up on that ever happening. Imagine the weight off my shoulders...

* If either one of you cared/cares as much as you say you do, you would have handled this entire situation differently than you did and even if the way you handled it in the beginning didn't change, if you really did give a damn, you would have done more to fix it properly rather than try to sweep it under the rug and hope the storm passed quickly and quietly while appeasing whomever you need to appease outside of yourselves.

* Most importantly, I realized that time and energy spent on negative and immature things is wasted. I realized that my energy is better spent supporting my husband and encouraging him to be everything I know that he can be - which is an even better and stronger first responder than he's already proven himself to be in just 4 short years.

I have a challenge for both of you, though: I challenge you to look up the definition of the word "leader." I challenge you to weigh your actions and the overall outcome of those actions - and not just in regards to this situation - against that definition. My guess is you'll find a major gap between the two...or, at least I hope you do.

So, with all of this being said, I guess I should thank you for helping me prove to him what I already knew - he's better than any of this B.S.

Best of luck to both of you.

I'm just about crying over here from laughter and I have to blog a story my husband just told me about a phone conversation he just had with someone from the Texas Workforce Commission.

A little back story: Randy's previous employer offered to reimburse 1/2 of the insurance deductible should any of its employees need enough medical attention to meet said deductible...i.e. have a baby. This previous employer rejected Randy's submission of the application to be reiumbursed for reasons which which I won't bore you and Randy submitted a complaint to the Texas Workforce Commission on 9/4/08 (remember that date - it will be significant in a moment) in an attempt to get the money from the previous employer. He was told to wait 6-9 months before following up with TWC, as they are a bit backed up...wait - what?? A government agency backed up?? The hell you say!! But I digress... He calls today and while I wasn't on the phone and can't give you the conversation verbatim, you'll get the idea...

Lady at TWC: "We sent you a letter on the 11th."

Randy: "Okay."

(Small pause.)

TWC: "You submitted your application on the 4th."

Randy: "Okay."

(Another small pause.)

TWC: "The 4th is before the 11th."

Randy (How he didn't respond with a smartassed response is beyond me...or just bust out laughing, I don't know): "I got that."

TWC: "You have to wait 6-9 months."

Randy: "We're at like, month 8 and 3/4." (** Side note: leave it to my engineer husband to use a fraction... **)

TWC: "You have to wait 6-9 months."

Randy: "So, you want me to call you back next week?"

TWC: **Inaudible**

Randy: **silence**

**More silence**

TWC: **click!**


They walk among us...and unfortunately, most of them procreate.

I struggle when it comes to knowing how to handle confrontation and I always have. I think it's partly due to the fact that even the word "confrontation" is negative and insinuates something difficult and ugly. I've tried to look at it as "addressing the issue" after discussing it with my sister but it hasn't seemed to have helped. This entire lack of action in response to things that upset/hurt/annoy/etc. me has resulted in me becoming the person who goes out of my way to avoid addressing the things that I don't like in order to avoid ugliness which has resulted in me feeling like a welcome mat at times...usually to the same people. I've tried to repeat the mantra "pick your battles" to myself but the difficulty in that (at least for me) comes from finding the line in the sand that says "Battles You Should Fight" to one side and "Lighten Up" to the other. The times when I've grown hair on my nuts and spoken out for myself have garnered a mixed bag of reactions ranging from "no big thing" to "holy hell just broke loose," so looking at it in that light doesn't seem to help me much.

Maybe this is something with which quite a few people struggle and maybe I'll find a way to work through it someday. And maybe Mother Nature made me this way for a reason and I'm just who I'm supposed to be and no matter what, I really need to just take a deep breath and chill the fuck out...

Interesting:

http://durangoherald.com/sections/News/Earth/2009/02/26/Former_astronaut_doubts_problem/

His comment about politics and government control serve to reaffirm my thoughts that we are headed for a society much like the one in V for Vendetta. If you've never watched it, I highly recommend it. Highly political...great flick.

Is it just me or is McD's marketing here of late largely aimed for one ethnicity in our society?

**GASPS** So you mean they might have to actually get up and walk away from the TV and maybe go read a book or go outside and take a walk??? The HELL you say!!!

http://www.click2houston.com/digital-tv/18583035/detail.html

That title sounds like a hard rock band name. :)

Anywho, a few people have asked about my back surgery and what they did and such and I came across this website and thought I would share it with anyone who has the time and desire to learn a little bit more about scoliosis and one of the surgery options for it.

As you'll see, they list several surgery options - I had The Cotrel-Dubousset Procedure which was largely based on The Herrington Procedure. One interesting thing I learned - Texas Scottish Rite Hospital has a procedure...

http://health.bwmc.umms.org/patiented/articles/what_surgical_procedures_scoliosis_000068_10.htm

You might also be able to see why this resulted in my inability to have an epidural during child birth. If you're in the area and interested in seeing the x-ray immediately post-surgery, let me know. Quite interesting, acutally...

I tried to start my own bandwagon on this a few years ago and found it to be tougher than I thought. I love sports. I love watching them, especially college and pro football (especially when my Horns and my Steelers are doing well) and hockey. I'll do baseball and basketball, but I have to be there. Watching them on TV is like watching concrete dry for me. But, I tried to boycott them for the following reasons...

There's been a problem mounting for some time now and it doesn't seem to have stopped - just plateaued for a bit, maybe. Professional athletes make entirely too much money. I get that they're role models and all that bologna but so are teachers. And firefighters. And policemen/women. And nurses. And social workers. And the list could go on and on. And all of these people make anywhere between $12/hour (some EMT's make that little) to what - $45K (I'm referencing amounts I know relative to Texas and the Houston area - I'm sure it varies by region of the country)??

To add insult to injury, how often do you hear about a professional athlete getting arrested for DUI while driving his Land Rover 140 mph after running from his $3.4MM mansion after a fight with his wife in which he beat the crap out of her because he was high on coke so he decided to flee to his mistress' house? I exaggerate, I admit, but come on...Terrell Owens? Do you really think he's worth the money especially for the B.S. he brings?

To make matters worse, there are people losing their homes and dropping off their children at hospitals and fire houses and such because they can't afford to keep and feed them. And we're still signing professional athletes to $5MM/year deals.

We have our priorities drastically mixed up and I intend to boycott purchasing any tickets for a professional sporting event. I'm not saying it will change the country and where we place the importance for ourselves and our children. But I am saying that I intend to teach my child that being a straight-laced nurse or teacher is just as honorable, if not more, than being a steroid-abusing pro athlete who is treated like he/she is above the law.

It was exactly 2 weeks ago today (at this very moment, actually) that I walked out of the job I'd held since last April. I went in on 1/5/09 ready to start off the new year by making some calls and getting some irons in the fire (I was an IT recruiter). At 9:30, I was called into HR and informed that I was being laid-off. (This may sound strange, but it felt like I was too young to be laid-off...not sure why that is...) So, within 30 minutes, I was laid-off, packed-up, and walked out of the building.

I went straight home and began networking my ass off and posting my resume on several sites while looking for opportunities for which I qualified. I've wanted to get into beer/wine/liquor sales for a few years now so I Google'd "beer wine distributor Houston" and got a few results - one of them being a company by the name of American-Nordic Trading Company. I sent an e-mail asking for the contact information for the hiring manager. I didn't hear back by Tuesday morning so I opted to call and ended up speaking to the owner, who also happens to be the hiring manager. I told him who I was and why I was calling and we set up an interview for Thursday. We met Thursday and spoke for 2 hours; we met again Monday to clear up a few things, and I started last Wednesday.

So, how's that for working quickly?? Laid-off and re-employed in less than a week...

Not sure when Hootie when country, but beautiful song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_lUnFjXg8