No Taxation without Representation

We had our mid-term elections last night.  The whole campaign process is likely to turn anybody off to voting all together!  Advertisements are geared toward the lowest common denominator, the "idiot" voter.  They are mean, ugly, self-centered and all are flat-out liars.  I commend the Gubernatorial candidates in my state.  I didn't hear/see/witness a single negative ad during the entire process.  And you know what, a clean campaign has the same result.  There is a winner and there are losers.  


I am excited about the Tea Party Movement.  I love that people have broken from their party and have spoken up against the corruption that has become our Government.  This is what makes our country great!  We have the choice.  I don't vote party line and I didn't vote for every Tea Party candidate put on my state's ballot just "because" I believe in the movement.  I am NOT the lowest common denominator, as a voting citizen.  I value my civic duty.  I respect that it is my job to educate myself, research as much information as I can obtain and make as educated a choice as I can, based on my beliefs in smaller government, fiscal conservatism and social reform.  But, media outlets don't help in this endeavor.  I have yet to find an outlet that is fair and unbiased, even though, some claim to be.  Our local newspaper had a full page spread on all the candidates they "endorse".  WTF?!?!  I don't want your opinion, I want the news.  I want facts!


I believe in the right to life but that is my, PERSONAL, CHOICE! I don't think it is the Government's job to tell a woman what she can and can not do with her own body.  SHE is the person who must live with the consequences of her choices.  SHE is the one who has to answer to a higher authority...one much higher than the Government of the United States!  The fact that this has been a hot-topic in elections for more than 30 years is maddening!  


I believe a person should be allowed to choose their life partner and not have to hide his/her choice in a closet.  I don't think it is my business what a person does with their own life's choices as long as they are a law-abiding, contributing members of society.  


I believe in term limits!  What is up with being able to be a Representative until death do you part?!?!  No wonder nothing changes, its the same old boys club until the end of time.  When one dies off, his son or wife takes his spot.  URGH!!!


I believe in our military but I feel, in this day and age, their interests are best served focusing on protecting OUR freedoms and not trying to force immature nations into thinking our way.  Unfortunately, too many of our brothers and sisters have died trying to get the rest of the world on board with our way of thinking.  This is not their way of life, this is not about politics but rather a 2000+ year war about religion. I say, bring safely home our brothers and sisters.  Then, PRAISE them, HONOR them when they step foot back on sovereign soil!  But, we do not take demands from terrorists and we do not roll over and play dead so, when the world ASKS for help (and you know they will), THEN step up to the plate and be the LEADER of the free world!   

I believe the United States of America is the greatest nation in the world.  Ours is a country, beautiful and rich in resources, industry and physical appeal.  It is a great place to live.  I understand why we are the melting-pot of the world and why people flock to our shores to get in.  But, I also believe there should be rules to how one gets in.   I do not believe an illegal alien deserves the same rights as me.  I do not believe they should be protected under our laws until they have become a citizen (through proper channels), who is dedicated to those laws.  I believe they should be required to read, speak and understand our language.  I do not see Americans able to immigrate into any other country in the world, illegally, and have granted all the rights of that countries citizens.  I am the daughter of an immigrant.


Yes, Democrats still hold 2/3s of Government.  But, how much is actually going to move forward if people just stick to party lines and vote with the party?  A GREAT President is able to reach across the aisle.  Reagan was good at this.  Even Clinton did well.  This has nothing whatsoever to do with party politics.  The President of the United States should be party-less, he is elected by the people! In my personal opinion, in the end, this one will fail miserably.  


I respect the office but I don't like the man. The current President certainly is charismatic.  But, he is "all hat and no cattle".  I think his promise of Hope and Change went down the toilet about two minutes into his Inauguration speech, when he already set himself up for a re-election run..."they will not be met in a short span of time".  Bye-bye Hope.  And, WHEN can I expect Change, if not in 4 years?  I don't believe in much of what he has done in the last 2years and according to his own speech, I know not to expect much more in the next 2 years.  Do I think we have to get out of debt, yes!  But, I don't think putting us TRILLIONS of dollars more in debt is going to help.  Do I think our health care system needs reformed, absolutely!  But, taking away the choice of business owners and individuals and forcing the medical profession into something so lop-sided is not the way to go about it.  Do I want a doctor who is my pick of the draw, NOT the BEST of the BEST working on me..nope!  I am a contributing member of society.  I have no problems working hard to "earn" something better for myself.  I also have no issues giving to those less fortunate.  But, I am not willing to work hard to give a free-loader a leg up, either.  Against his own Inauguration speech words, he is failing miserably because he has not, "remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents." 


Whether you want to believe it or not, The Constitution is our country's governing document.  They are our "10 Commandments", to put it in basic terms (I KNOW there are more than 10 amendments).  You don't like it, change it.  That's the beauty of being an American.  You have a right to your opinion, its the FIRST Amendment, even IF you don't vote (but shame on you if you don't!).


So, Mr. (and yes, it is still mostly Mr.) Politician.  Don't assume we are all stupid.  Don't assume we can't read, research and form educated opinions.  Don't assume we don't know and understand The Constitution of the United States.  Don't assume we will always take the easy road and vote for you because you carry the "title" of our chosen party.  I will not stand idly by and have "taxation without representation".  You work for ME, not the other way around.

A "Perspective" piece I wrote and was published in Alpha Chi Omega's Fall Lyre Magazine

I am the first-born child of teen-aged parents, a first generation American and first generation university graduate.  My father was a US Navy SEAL therefore I’m also a “military brat”.  Growing up, I lived in countless houses, in different states and countries.  Including my enrollment at UCLA, I attended 12 schools.  Very little in my life, besides family, was familiar or constant, until I was granted the privilege of membership in Alpha Chi Omega.  My 16 years, as an Alpha Chi, have been an honor, with continual opportunities to enjoy the society of my sisters.

I feel strongly that our open motto means we should be committed to seeking the heights of friendship. As I grow older and it becomes more difficult to meet people with whom I have something in common, I have come to recognize, with Alpha Chi Omega, opportunity for new kinships are always there.  No matter where I have been, across the United States, I have had the connection to our Fraternity.  The “network” promised, when I first joined, has come through for me, time and time again.

Our “society” is vast.  Since before graduation, I have enjoyed the network.  First, I joined Gamma Theta Gamma, in Southern California.  When I moved 3000 miles from home and everyone I knew, I connected with sisters in New Jersey through Theta Tau Chapter at Rutger’s University, as a way to meet people.  One of my very best friends, in the entire world, came as a result.  I have sisters in Denver in the Nu Nu Alumnae Chapter.  It was through this group, as a first time mother, I was granted the kinship of sisters in the bond of motherhood.  I now live in a small town in Western Colorado, where there is no immediate access to Alpha Chi Omega.  But, just last summer I happened across an email looking for women interested in volunteering with the Fraternity.  Because of my location I wasn’t expecting much.  Yet, an opportunity was still granted to me, and I have become friends, and joke regularly, with women I have never met face to face! 

Just the other day, while pointing at my sweatpants, my 7-year old daughter asked me what “A – X – horseshoe” stood for.  I continue to wear my letters proudly because the longevity and familiarity of my friendship with Alpha Chi Omega, and its impact continues to shape me.  It has been my privilege to have been introduced to so many wonderful sisters, I call friends.  My friendships, with this ever-growing group of women, make it very easy to declare a lifetime commitment to give back to Alpha Chi Omega.  In accord with our symphony, I try “to shed the light of love and friendship round me”, as thanks for the opportunities of friendship Alpha Chi Omega has granted me.  I feel I have done my very best to always be a good sister.  Still, all that being said, I think AXO has gotten the shorter end of the stick!

"The future starts today, not tomorrow" - Pope John Paul II

Why can't I just understand that?  Why can't I figure out how to make it happen?  I have plans.  I really, truly do but I have so many things (aka excuses) keeping me from doing them.   

I had a horrible day at work yesterday.  It was just another reminder that I need to be doing something which makes me happy. Happy has to have a way to pay the bills!

Deadline induced brain fart

So, I have been asked to submit an article for a magazine.  500 words, plus a photo and short bio.  I have been given free reign of choice in topic but I am still unable to come up with what to write.  I have a list of topics I have been writing about and holding, for future blog posts, etc.  But I still can't get into the one I really want to submit for this magazine.  Funny how when I don't HAVE TO write I can write up a storm, but now I have a "deadline" and I am blank.  URGH!

Any thoughts on how to get over "writer's block"?

Leave me a message

So, I am pretty sure only my dad reads this blog.  But, if you are someone other than dad...can you leave me a message so I know you are OUT THERE :)

Happy Monday.

Jackpot June

Jackpot June: 50% off Products and FREE Goodies! Hit the jackpot and win FREE products with Jackpot June.

This Close To My Heart special, started June 1, provides you with a different deal each day. Be sure to check out my upline's website at www.tracym.myctmh.com (because unfortunately my own website doesn't work for online shopping) each day for each new and exciting offer! Once you have landed on her home page, just click "Shop Online" to begin seeing what each day's Jackpot June deals are.

• Some days you can grab loaded Goodie Boxes at 50% or more off retail value.
• Other days are Jackpot Days. These days give you a list of 5 products offered at special discounted prices--one of which will trigger the Jackpot (a surprise product you'll receive FREE!). Take a chance and hope that you buy the right item that gets you the free product, or play it safe and buy one of each, guaranteeing that you will hit the Jackpot!

Either way you will save money on favorite scrapbooking and stamping supplies by grabbing a different bargain each day in June. Deals include discounted shipping/handling costs too! These special offers are available only online so be ready every day to check out Tracy's website and get your deal! New deals are posted each day at 8 am (MDT).

Jackpot June purchases must include ONLY Jackpot June items (the Goodie Box or the discounted items) and nothing else. This will streamline orders and allow CTMH to offer discounted shipping for this exciting promotion.

Differences can be lonely

I see diversity every day, just by leaving my house.  Even in a small town where you wouldn't expect to see such differences in people, I am amazed.

As fodder for my blog, last week, I decided to ask the women in my office, what sorts of things interest them.  The results were astonishing.  There wasn't a single same answer on the lists.  More surprisingly is they each had a list of interests without a single thing on it that in which I am interested.  How crazy is it that we all work for the same company, we all see each other every day and yet we have nothing in common.  If I didn't have such wonderful family and friends already, I would be disheartened with this fact.

It brings to light just how tough it is to live in a world of such great differences.  It makes it ever so much clearer, to me, why there are companies like Match and eHarmony.  How in the world do people find other people like them?  I am so lucky to have a partner in my life.  I wouldn't even know where to start to find a date.  I would even know how to go about making new friends.  It makes me think, differences can be very lonely.

Mojo Monday - MOJO140

I was in a creative mood tonight so, decided to give Mojo Monday a go.  I used all Close to My Heart product, except for that little green chipboard flower, which I happened to have in my mess of accessories.  This is the Bella paperpack, Bella My Stickease, Creme Brule Just Blooms, tulip brads and chocolate Waxy Flax.  I used chocolate, creme brule, olive and hollyhock inks and the Rustic Flowers stamp set. I am still trying to figure out how to take better photos with the "big" camera, so bear with me :)

Size does matter

One of my favorite retailers was having a great sale on sundresses for the girlies.  I naturally could not pass by without just searching for hangers with the correct sizes.  My eldest daughter is in desperate need of summer clothes, now that school is out and with it goes the uniform!  So, I didn't feel too bad spending the money.  I bought her several and so the other two (well, really just the next in line) wouldn't feel bad I got them some too. 

This morning they decided to do a "fashion show" for dad, with all their new summer clothes.  I have to admit I picked some cute outfits.  But, the highlight of the entire experience came when my middle child walked out of the bathroom, slightly hunched over, and totally straight-faced, stating "this one is a little small."  I let her know it is because that particular, adorable little shorts jumpsuit belongs to her younger sister.

Let's not neglect the fact that this child wears a size 6 and the next in line wears a size 12.....months!


Go grab yourself a tissue....I PROMISE the tears, from laughing so hard, will eventually stop!