Facebook

Earlier this week Facebook really made me angry. Not so much the entity itself but the people who use it and how it's being used. I swear I'll explain but let me say this first. Yes, I am the girl with the Facebook app on her Blackberry, and yes, I do check it at work... occasionally.

I posted the following as my status announcing my frustration:

"Emily Hall

is going to delete Facebook off my phone and will not be signing on anymore. I just cannot handle seeing you post your for all to see horoscope again, or spell "this" without an 'h', or whine... for the hundredth time today. This is ridiculous. Does no one have anything relevant to share?"

And in return, a number of people commented but one in particular stuck out. (Ahem, Mr. Director-Man):

"Its your fault for thinking you need to have mind-blowing material every second of everyday in the palm of your hand... Stop checking facebook so much. Remember when there was no facebook? Get back to that, and you'll be happy."

I'd like to point out, I don't actually check my Facebook that much. Daily? Yes. Hourly? No. Also, I have a bachelor's in Communication with about 27 hours of that degree consisting of media literacy classes. The point of media literacy is to understand and be able to communicate effectively via any medium... social networking included. As such, I firmly believe and do not expect that anything (read: anything) with user generated content will never, in it's entire lifespan be comprised of "mind blowing material." And please allow me to clarify what I meant by "relevant." Relevant = something that anyone other than yourself and your mother care about; including but not limited to photos of your kids, interesting articles, something you're thankful for, trip plans, trip photos... anything other than you having something to whine and complain about.

What I do expect is for the people I choose to surround myself with (even in the online setting) to not suck so much. And that's exactly what they're doing. I do not care what your horoscope has planned for you today, I hate the way you type/speak, I really don't like any of the songs your 'deep and meaningful' lyric posts come from, and you couldn't come up with something witty if your life depended on it.

On top of that, I do not want to see your vague "if I post this people will ask questions and make me feel loved" status updates, I do not want you to justify your drama with your baby daddy's other baby mama, and I do not want you to give me updates on whatever MTV/BET bullshit you're watching right now.

I love my Facebook. I get to talk to my Mommy on it, I can keep tabs on my little brothers, I get to laugh at my little sisters pictures, the ladies in my family and I even have a little book club going and when I feel all warm and fuzzy I can view the myriad of pictures of me and my husband at the drop of a hat.

I will not allow you to ruin this for me. Hence, you will be deleted.

If you would like to petition your deletion from my page that would be fine, and might even amuse me enough to make you not-deletable. In the mean time, "but we had chem together!" isn't a good enough excuse to keep you around. People and their hurt "but I thought we were friends?!" feelings be damned.

This is not a "beware you will be deleted!" blog. This is a "I'm reformatting those I surround myself with and don't feel like having all your crap in the electronic version of my life."

In short, I will not be completely signing out of Facebook... I will simply be improving my own experience.

Hypocrisy.

I'd just like to briefly state a few observations.

1- If there were a Republican President in office and the economy was still in the state it is (and has been) and so many other agendas of the administration had been unpopular and virtually bombed then focusing on yet ANOTHER social issue would never fly. The Democrats would crucify the Republicans for trying to force their morals onto a government entity and there would be no end to the dissent.

Democrats would be beating a drum of injustice and whining that the Republicans are just trying to assuage the indignation of a new demographic so they weren't failing at everything. Shouldn't you complete at least one goal successfully before moving on to five-hundred others?

2- Don't Ask/Don't Tell shouldn't have ever needed to be in place because your sexual orientation should never have bearing on your career. EVER. If so many homosexuals think they need to be recognized in the military then maybe they need to move to a career where your sexual orientation is a key component.

3- I've said this before. DADT is not an issue of eradicating ignorance. It's a housing/logistical issue. If men can't be housed with women then why would gay men be housed with straight men? Separate but equal facilities are available when people don't have to be split in five different ways. A gay men's barracks, straight men's barracks, gay women's barracks, straight women's barracks, transexual barracks, and what about bisexuals and those people who just aren't sure? This is ridiculous, folks. RIDICULOUS.

3- Quit forcing people to be one acronym or another. LGBTQ? Seriously. Live and let live.

I feel like we're going down the drain so very, very quickly.

Blame Game

I think it is truly sad that so many kids have committed suicide because of whatever pressures they were under. What I think is more sad is that we're convicting other teenagers for doing something that people have been doing for centuries... bullying. Yes, I said 'centuries'. People have been making fun of other people for being weird/different/strange/whatever for longer than any of us can remember. Only in recent history are we hearing about kid after kid after kid killing themselves because they're being picked on. Decades ago you let the bully pick on you until you got fed up then you mustered up your courage and socked him in the eye. Even more recently you told your mom and then your mom told the bullies mom and the bully got grounded. If anyone was commiting suicide is wasn't for bullying. Bullying was just part of growing up. You want to know what the difference is between then and now?

The parents.

Yes, grieving Mom's and Dad's I am pointing a finger at you. Don't pawn off your short-comings on other kids who are still dealing with this growing up thing just like your kid was. Don't cry on TV about how awful being a teenager must be.

Own up to the fact that you were not there to teach your child to LAUGH at bullies for being so small-minded and insecure that they have to pick on the skinny/gay/short/whatever kid.

Own up to the fact that while your child was crying themselves to sleep you were making sure your DVR was set correctly.

Own up to the fact that you talk to your children so little they never had the chance at the dinner table to tell you what was wrong so you could fix it.

Like so many celebrities who are now standing up against the 'atrocity' (p.s. that's my sarcasm font) that is bullying, I was bullied too. And you know what happened? My Mom asked how my day was at one point, and she talked to me enough that it was standard operating procedure to actually tell her how my day was. I told her what was happening and she said, "the next time you see that girl tell her you like her shirt, smile and walk away. She will never know what hit her." And that's exactly what I did. That girl continued to pick and pick and pick and each time I would laugh with her and make a lightly self-deprecating bad joke ("Yeah, I didn't want to look too smart this morning so I wore my stupid shoes.") And after a few weeks it stopped and I was on top of the world.

And what got me through those few weeks of her incessant picking? My parents.

And what made me smile through my teeth and laugh at her even though sometimes she was really hurtful? My parents.

Stop being cowards.

Stop being the most selfish generation known to man.

Stop blaming children for your shortcomings.

Your children killed themselves. No one else did bodily harm to them. And all that psychological hurt that they were going through could have been fixed, helped, healed by you. So no, I will not participate in your rememberance and wear rainbows day. No, I absolutely will not endorse whatever bullshit bullying legislation you're trying to pass. What I will endorse is you taking better of the kids you are damned lucky to still have. I absolutely will support you taking responsibility for your inaction and letting these bullies learn their lessons like teenagers will.

Yes, I know. I have no sympathy bone. But that's not entirely true. I feel for every teenager who feels like their inadequate, weird, unaccepted, studid and just plain old not good enough. And each and everyone of them should know be weird and unacceptable. Be unique. Be quirky. Get picked on. And then you know what, show some true character and laugh it off, or take care of it.

Too Gone for Too Long

Well, I have been told more than once that I ought to get back to blogging so here I am. Lacking inspiration but feeling like if I don't write then I'm being a bit of a disappointment.

What's that you say? How could I be lacking inspiration in the middle of the wreck of a mess our Federal government has us in? How could I live in New Mexico's equivalent of Berkeley, California and not be, at the very least, upset? That's simple.

It's overwhelming.
But, fear not, faithful reader.
I haven't given up the good fight.

Instead of being frustrated and ranting on the internet about how and overqualified white girl cannot get a job in Albuquerque, NM I simply gave up being angry and channeled my energy into starting my own consulting business. And now we have DGConsulting LLC (DGC for short).

And instead of being upset that there are protesters that flood the streets of Nob Hill, but usually only when the cameras are on, to be so eloquently expressive about their opinion on Arizona's immigration law I simply stay home and write letters to Governor Jan Brewer telling her how much I appreciate the serious position she's taken on making something that is illegal actually illegal.

Recently I had a friend (Thank you, Mr. Matthes) point out something interesting to me that shows up in the "Political Views" section of their Facebook profiles. People have things like, "Political Views: OBAMA!" or "Political Views: I hate Sarah Palin" written where things like "Raving Liberal Nut" or "Socialism Rocks!" should be. Now, let's assume that a large portion of my Facebook friends have a college degree... after all, a huge portion of them did graduate with me. Everyone who graduated from ODU had to take POLS 101; meaning they all know the fundamental differences between liberal and conservative and so on. So instead of going through and asking each one of those people to re-read a textbook they more than likely sold back.... I'm going to keep blogging. Then at least they will have some point of reference for what God-fearing, tax-paying, Libertarian registered ranting looks like.

So, Ms. Smith and Mr. Matthes... this one in particular is for you. The rest of my blogs I would like to hereby dedicate to the morons who don't know the difference between a politician and a political party. Cheers.

_____________________

In Other News, I got so excited about writing again that I burned my sponge cake. This, I believe, is what we call a bittersweet moment.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

It's been a million years since I've written. Luckily, I feel like getting back into the swing of things. Enjoy :)

There is a reason "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is in place, and it certainly isn't meant to oppress any one type of person. Military work spaces should be completely devoid of any sexual orientation for organizational reasons. Next thing you know tax payers have to build six different kinds of barracks separating Homosexual Males from Heterosexual Males from Transgender Males and then all over again on the female side; instead of just one male and one female. Can you imagine six different sets of berthings and showers on an aircraft carrier? Sure, they're huge... but you have to have room for more than just personnel.

What we should be spending money on it classes that teach "Live and Let Live." It's none of my business, or anyone's business, if the person next to me is gay or not. As long as their doing their job not really anything matters. If we focused on people's capabilities instead of their personal choices we would all just be humans with resumes. Sexual preferences are meant to stay between you, your significant other and whomever you believe will be judging you in the end.


Either way, this all gets back to my usual points...

Do your job well.
Be responsible for yourself and no one else.
Live and let live.

Private Sector.

In his first public speech since leaving office, former president says his administration's interrogation policies were within the law, asserts the private sector -- not government -- will fix the economy and rejects nationalization of health care.

You know when you just get tired of saying the same old thing and posting the same old ideals? Well, it's come down to simply finding headlines that mean exactly what I want them to. Check out the big bold letters above and then go read the article. It may be about President Bush and he may have not gone about it right but the ideals are right on target. Gitmo has always been run to the letter of the law. Saying it hasn't means you're small-minded and lumping it in with Abu Ghraib. Also, the private sector and dedicated capitalist businessmen are what's going to pull us out of this one. Not "for the greater good" politicians who simply seem to be lining their own federal pockets with money and power.

_____________________________

In Other News, I'm miserable. But I'll be fine. I'm keeping up with my responsibilities and obligations and doing what I can because that's what adults do. I hate when people disappoint you... and then do it again and again and again. And who cares if it's been a week since it happened, I'm still devastated and trying desperately to get my equilibrium back. Wish me luck.

Quoting Someone Smarter Than Me.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me".
Erma Bombeck

Caught My Eye

On my google homepage (my never-ending source of inspiration) my quotes section has something from Abraham Lincoln.

It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.
- Abraham Lincoln

This, ladies and gentlemen, makes me feel pretty darn good about myself. I have a fair amount of vices and thus, according to Lincoln, must have at least a few virtues. In fact, I'm pretty sure my virtues are proportional to my vices. And if you really want to get technical, not only are they proportional but also of equal weight. So the more "vice-y" something is the more "virtue-y" my other habits/traits are.

Now that that nonsense is out of the way. I haven't actually slept well in approximately 4-5 days. The exceptionally busy road in front of my house gets incredibly noisy at approximately 445am and I am forced to retreat to my couch at 515am after I realize (for the umpteenth time) that burying my head under my pillow does not work. So, in short, I am cranky and so tired I might cry. That is all.

I lied. You should look at this website. It's about hipsters embarrassing themselves.
You're welcome. :)

HAHAHAHAHA

So the gist of this story is that the NAACP is going to meet to discuss whether or not to boycott a Nascar race in Florida because of the presence of the Confederate flag.

NAACP Branch Readies for Confederate Flag Fight

Let me get this straight. Angry black Americans are going to meet to decide whether or not to boycott a social/sporting event that is rarely attended by anyone other than rednecks and race fans who are 9 time out of 10 of the very white (and usually incredibly sun-burned) persuasion. Excuse me while I go roll with laughter because this is just ridiculous.

Seriously, kids, live and let live. Who cares if someone else flies a Confederate flag? It's their own choice to still think the Civil War rages on. On another note, go read Larry Elder's book The Ten Things You Can't Say in America. One of his first chapters is about how Black American racism is worse than that of White Americans and he makes some seriously convincing points. Now, I'm not saying the NAACP is an antiquated over-zealous group of hate-mongers who are intent on keeping themselves and their race "down" in order to maintain the benefits but I kind of think the NAACP is an antiquated over-zealous group of hate-mongers who are intent on keeping themselves and their race "down" in order to maintain the benefits.

I personally don't care what flag you fly, what group you join, what candidate you support, or what sporting event you attend... just don't mess with mine. I'll keep my W stickers around for as long as I feel like it, I'll continue to be a member of the National Libertarian Party, and I'll hopefully get to go to the 500 next year. In the mean time, do whatever you feel like. Live and let live... I really don't see how that's so hard. In short, Brian France CEO of Nascar said it best, "It's not a flag [the Confederate flag] that I look at with anything favorable, that's for sure," France told CBS in 2005. "I can't tell people what flag to fly. I can tell you the flag we get behind — it's the American flag." Amen, Mr. France.

___________________________________

In Other News, I had the best Memorial Day weekend. We had a pretty crammed social calendar which was a very nice, though slightly unexpected change. Being social is a great reminder of how much more I like my amazing significant other than I do other people. I haven't talked to the familia in probably a week and it's getting difficult. Audrey, if you're reading this and you don't immediately email me the link to refill the phone card I may be forced to call Janet Reno and tell her never to say hi to you again... and also to punch you in the face. Nothing big happening in the near future... but at the end of June my favorite Hawaiian cousin is coming to visit! Can't wait :)

Little Late, Don't You Think?

Apparently 78% of Americans don't believe the Government is "investing" their tax dollars... 78% of Americans thing the Government is simply spending willy-nilly (that's the technical term). And about 2/3 of Americans want less government in their lives.

So about seven months ago it was totally cool to want the government to take over and make everything better and we were all hoping that the world would be a better place. Now 2/3 of us are being realistic and want the government to butt out. The problem is the public didn't vote in the guy who wanted less government. They voted in Mr. I-Heart-Socialism himself who was quoting commie party lines at the ASU commencement speech he gave the other day.

If the general public weren't a bunch of fickle, media-controlled, mindless, self-absorbed, lackadaisical sheep this wouldn't be an issue. Unfortunately it took 2/3 of the American public this long to realize we don't need the government... they need us and we want them to leave us alone.

____________________

In Other News, my wonderful significant other is out of town for another two days. Which means I've got the whole apartment to myself... WOO! Par-tay! And by "par-tay" I mean "re-organizing my closet and cleaning the bathroom". Yeah, I know... I live on the edge.

Complete Waste.

The government, specifically the National Institute of Health, is spending $2.6 MILLION to get hookers in CHINA to DRINK MORE RESPONSIBLY.

Yeah. Cool. That makes sense.

Seriously, kids, I think the entire government got a dart board out labeled it with legitimate things to spend money on, blind folded themselves and then accidentally hit other things in the room while trying to aim for the board. Now they are assuaging their guilt by helping Chinese hookers be not drunk.

This is so incredibly stupid.

sex with emily

This is completely off my usual topic.

So... I googled my name. Not my whole name, just "emily." And after a little bit of scrolling I found a blog. It's called "Sex with Emily." Naturally I was intrigued. So I started reading and I think she's brilliant. She doesn't espouse ridiculous touchy-feely opinions or provide 101 Ways to Turn Your Man On or go on some uber-feminist tirade against men. In short, I love it.

As the Comm major I once was I couldn't help but be dragged into a research frenzy after reading one of her blog entries. "Be the person you want to find" She recommends that you cultivate the things you want from someone else in yourself.

Makes sense right? If you want someone smart, motivated, energetic, outdoorsy, and well-dressed then you should probably look smart, act motivated, do something kinetic, hang out under a tree and wear socks that match. On a superficial level that works brilliantly... but what about then you start getting into more depth after covering a wide breadth of subjects? This brings us to my very favorite communication theory... the Social Penetration Theory. Once you get into your deeper feelings on a subject do you really want to find someone who is like you?

Here's the part where we break out the therapists chaise-lounge and see what you really like (or not) about yourself. Now don't give me that "Uh, I'm a happy well-adjusted person so of course I like myself." I know SexWithEmily says you should cultivate what you want from a person you date but what do you do if you're conditioned to look for exactly what you don't like about yourself? How many people have horrible significant others with the same horrible traits they have? How many boyfriends did I go through that drank too much as a distraction, spent too much time on their unneccessary hobbies, and were really horribly untidy because they didn't care? In recent history my own deep dark dirty habits have changed a bit. And though I could never fathom dating myself (Sometimes I'm difficult like whoa), I can certainly see how the positive things I've cultivated in myself are major traits in the amazing significant other I have now (and luckily, he's better at being those things than I am).

So here's to girl's of my namesake who make sense, write great blogs, are objective and cause me to further appreciate the changes I've made and the wonderful people around me who I am so very fortunate to have.

__________________________

In Other News, I forgot to update $1000 yesterday so I'm off to do that right now. Despite my up-beat mood and rather positive outlook I kind of feel like a blue whale today (in size, not color or biological classification). I've been doing a ton of research lately and it make my brain feel good though. Also, my toes have fallen asleep in my heels and even though I'm really hungry and want to go make some lunch I can't stand up without practically falling over. If you work for a delivery restaurant and are reading this. Help.

As always, some pretty fun links connected throughout the whole thing. Enjoy :)

National Day of...

Whining... is what it seems like; instead of the National Day of Prayer (which is tomorrow).

Apparently some religious groups are upset that Obama will only be noting the occasion with a "paper proclamation" as opposed to a public address. In keeping with my theme I'd like to say, "Who cares?" The point is he's still taking part of it and prayer is a personal thing anyway. Quite whining about it and go do some praying for a different President if you feel like this one has done you wrong. Quit throwing a fit and go pray for some tolerance from everybody. Or you could just shut your mouth, pray, and thank God that the National Day of Prayer is even recognized in a society where religion is more and more frequently ostracized.

___________________

In Other News, I've been updating another blog as well as this one. The other one is an experiment where we (my significant other and I) try to live off $1,000 a month. The 'poverty line' for a two-person household is set at $1,166 a month so we're trying to help ourselves to live more frugally and tracking it in public seems to help. Little sister left for Italy on Tuesday and arrived safely. Oh! And last weekend (Birthday weekend for those of you who didn't know) was phenomenal. We didn't end up going to the Derby. Partly because it rained and partly because we didn't want to spend four hours in the car, end up super drunk, sleep in the 'Burban, and then wake up early to drive another four hours back. So we found a nice quiet little town and spent Saturday night there. Logansport is adorable and has some seriously cool old buildings in it. We came back perfectly relaxed, and a little sunburned and went to Sol Fest. Rounded out the weekend curled up on the couch with the greatest guy ever watching The American President (or at least half of it before we fell asleep). This weekend, you ask? Eh, probably not a lot. Maybe going to see Grandma (his) for Mother's Day. Maybe a trip to the range? Maybe just snoozing and trying not to spend any money?

Brand New

$1000

It's an experiment. Help a sister out and leave me some feedback :)

Seriously?

I'm still in the phase where I'm giving this President a chance. Yes, I'm tired of hearing about his dog and his wife's shoes. Yes, of course I'm certainly not a fan of some of the legislation he has pushed. And if I see another headline declaring his ubiquitous popularity I'll gag. But there's one thing this morning that made me feel just a bit better... kind of like I'm not the only one left questioning his capabilities. Oddly enough my reassurance came from the Washington Times of all places; granted it's not the most liberal newspaper on the planet but it's certainly not a conservative bastion.

"President Obama's media cheerleaders are hailing how loved he is. But at the 100-day mark of his presidency, Mr. Obama is the second-least-popular president in 40 years."

His 56% approval rating is still more than half but that means a little less than half of the country still doesn't understand what he thinks he's doing. I know Glenn Beck is on this "You are not alone" campaign with the 9/12 project. But it's hard to see us all 'bonding together' so our 'angry voices can be heard'. It just doesn't look like it's happening... it looks (and feels) like I'm swamped by a bunch of brain-washed zombies who are enamored with a media-manufactured Manchurian Candidate. This all becomes even more frustrating when I see fact check lists like this. Last time I checked embellishing the truth is also considered lying... kind of like a lie by omission. My favorite 'fact'?

OBAMA: "We began by passing a Recovery Act that has already saved or created over 150,000 jobs." -- from news conference.

THE FACTS: This assertion is dubious on several levels. For starters, the U.S. has lost more than 1.2 million jobs since Obama took office, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even if Obama's stimulus bill saved or created as many jobs as he says, that number is dwarfed by the number of recent job losses.

Seriously? Just lay it out flat for us, Mr. President. Just because you think we're all stupid doesn't make it true. If the government isn't scaring us into believing things we actually handle it pretty well. Anybody remember how we reacted when FDR said 'look we're going to war and we all need to work together?' (ok, well sort of said exactly that) All we need is someone to stand up and say "Look the economy is crap and we all need to work, literally, together. No hand-outs, just plain old American work ethic and ingenuity."

I really think I'm going to hate (with a passion) the incoming Socialist onslaught.

_____________________________

In Other News, the Kentucky Derby is this weekend! I'm really, really anxious to go but... I think because of the weather and the lack of usual birthday festivities I'm not as excited as I want to be. It's not the family I miss this time... it's the week of ridiculous birthday things that I got used to over four years. And possibly the fact that nobody withing 100 miles of me thinks the day is nearly as important as I do. I don't know. I sound unbelievably spoiled but that's because I am. Moving on... my grad school application is very close to complete and I cannot wait to turn it in. I'm a bit worried about balancing school and work but I don't believe it's going to be an issue. With work during the day and a few classes at night I'll just have to cut back on my Prison Break watching time. (Do not start watching that show... it's addictive) Anyway, here's to having adult birthdays where people don't fawn all over you and wonderful guys who take you on amazing road trips. Derby Day here we come!

I'm in love... again.

Remember last November when I fell in love?

Yeah, that one has officially been replaced as of now. And I think this one would love me unconditionally too.
[insert swoon here]



I apparently have expensive taste, but thankfully this doesn't happen terribly often. Twice in five months isn't bad! Yes, yes I know. I'm hopeless. On the other hand, at least this keeps me from rambling on about political things no one gives a damn about. :)

While I'm at it I'll just tag the "In Other News" on right here... it's not like any of this was really relevant to my usual anyway. T-minus two days and counting until my baby Sis and Grandma (!) are in town. I'm actually really excited about having four of us in our adorable little apartment. T-minus ten days and counting until the Kentucky Derby! And then eleven days until I turn another year older. Officially, I'm not out of my slump yet. I still feel like a huge pile of "ugh". But I started refusing to let it control my entire day... you can only mope for so long. Granted I'm not exactly happy go lucky but I'm sure as soon as I sort through the wreck in my head that's causing all this stress it will all get better.

One more update, I gave up on my experiment. I'm still trying to understand other relational styles but changing mine was just far too difficult and caused way too many issues for me. In short, I'm still a girly-wreck-of-a-mess who requires probably more attention than I'm worth. Moving on, I can't wait for this weekend and next. Not only do I get to see the most amazing sister anybody could ask for but then I get to take the birthday trip of my dreams with the greatest guy anybody could ask for.

Back bone.

Miss California is currently being ripped to shreds in the media for her answer to whether or not she believes in gay marriage.

Some where along there somebody is missing the point.... they asked her what her thoughts on it were. They didn't ask "Please spout the most politically correct answer possible to whether gay marriage should be allowed in all 50 states." They didn't ask "Please give us the majority of the population's thoughts on gay marriage." The openly-gay judge asked if she thought gay marriage should be allowed in all 50 states and he got exactly what he asked for as an answer... her opinion.

Thank goodness this girl stuck to her guns and was honest with her ideals on the subject. Thank goodness there are still girls out there with a back bone who don't mind standing up for what they believe. Do you need to agree with her? Absolutely not, but that's your right. Do you need to hate her for having a different opinion? Absolutely not, then you're asking her to not exercise her right to an opinion. Nobody asked her to make everybody happy... and now they're all whining that she's "stupid" and a "bigot." I think she's just a conservative young lady with a background in the church and a family who stands behind her.

Do I agree with her? Not entirely. Yeah I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman but if some guy would like to go marry his boyfriend then who am I to judge? It's your life, they're your decisions and there's somebody standing outside a set of pearly gates that gets to do the judging. Don't screw with my rights and I won't screw with yours.

So rock on, Ms. California and thank you for sticking my your values. I've got no idea who you are but you'd certainly have my vote... or something.

________________________________

In Other News, I have just been notified that my baby sister will be coming to visit me for her birthday this weekend :) It would be uber-difficult to explain exactly how excited I am about this. Had an awesome weekend with a random adventure on friday, Tea Party demonstration and a day at the lake on Saturday, and a relaxing pretty slow sunday. Having a bit of a sun burn and such a wonderful (read: absolutely amazing, wonderfully fun and equally good-looking) adventure companion felt sooooo good (the latter of the two being a perpetual thing). This weekend, however, will not be nearly so quiet. I believe we'll call it a birthday adventure to end all birthday adventures. Ok, that's not exactly catchy... I'll work on it.

"In other news, USA TODAY's Susan Page reports that most Americans support Obama's expansion of government during the economic crisis -- but by 3-to-1 they want it rolled back when the crisis is over."

You cannot have your cake and eat it too.

You cannot say "Yes, Government, Save Me!" and then when you're rescued say, "Oh well, you can leave now. Thanks. Don't let the door hit you on your way out."

The general public is stupid. You are not entitled. You do not "deserve" anything. Get over yourself, be smarter with your money, and tell your government to stick to what it is they do best. Keeping out of your life and protecting the country; not from itself but from outside factors that could inhibit your ability and God-given right to live your life as freely as you choose.

____________________________

In Other News, I am in a slump. That is all.

Napoleon, Snowball & Squealer

Lots of links... don't get too distracted. You're welcome :)

After a really fantastic (and rather educational) walk last night the most brilliant (and incredibly good looking) man I know and I ended up at a bar (go figure, right?). As usual our conversation drifted to politics and somehow the subject of Animal Farm came up. Neither of us could remember the exact details but we had the premise and message of the story right. What it came down to was trying to figure out why the book is still required reading in most middle schools even though it's obvious that the lessons Orwell was teaching are ignored. Back in the late 70's and the 80's it was a testament against communism and tyranny. It was a statement against Populism and explained the idea that Populists (as it's traditionally defined) are not in it "for the good of the people." And now?

Now we have a populist as President. (that one's a cartoon... click it) He's a man who captivated enough Americans to win the election, promised a change that would be in the best interest of the people and had the charismatic, laid back, coolness that people flock towards. Sixty-two days into this and we've got a man who had hand picked lobbyists for his cabinet despite promises not to, has not followed through on his promise to publish for five days on the internet everything he plans on signing into law, and apparently has to spend four or five days to "know what he's talking about" before he comments on something the American public has been raging about since the beginning.

Just like in Animal Farm, Napoleon the Pig and his buddies start off creating change (sound familiar?) and end up with Napoleon taking the entire farm over and everything being worse than it began. Obama is exactly what every other poor (not financially, but behaviorally) politician and the transformation from Fearless Leader to Worthless Self-absorbed Authoritarian hasn't taken long. To top it all off...

"Squealer, Napoleon's propagandist, justifies every action to the other animals, convincing them that Napoleon is a great leader and is making things better for everyone—despite the fact that the common animals are cold, hungry, and overworked."

And if I have to explain to you that Squealer is synonymous with Robert Gibbs you may want to start paying more attention.

____________________________

In Other News, my experiment continues although I've altered it a bit. Instead of trying to alter my current relational styles I'm simply going to try to expand. Who says people should only have two main styles? Why not rely on four of them? It seems to be working pretty well (read: I feel a better despite still struggling a bit), expanding is so much easier than a complete conversion. And who doesn't want to be touched and verbally affirmed anyway? Well, I can think of one but he's not the norm (thankfully) and that's not the point. Moving on! I painted my nails a weird color just now and it's really getting on my nerves. I could bite it off but that would ruin an entire week of work. I started volunteering at a Horse Rescue Shelter and it breaks my heart. I've started working with the three studs to get them lead broke so we can lunge them after they're gelded but unfortunately, I just don't have the time or money to be out there as often as they need training. Doesn't help that I'm in love with half of them now and want to just love on all of them. Finally, I miss my Mommy. Tune in next time when I tell you about our first home-brewed batch of beer (Unreasonable Red) and more experiment findings.

The First 100 Days

Ladies and Gentlemen, for your reading pleasure I'd like to present the only "First 100 Days" list worth reading.

The Onion has developed their own list. Is most of it ridiculous? Yes. Is 99% of it completely fabricated? Certainly. (One of my favorites being.... "DAY 10: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Donovan wonders if they mean "urban" like "city" or "urban" like "black.") Is it worth your time to read when compared to FoxNews or CNN's versions? Absolutely.

Ok so maybe FoxNews and CNNs' lists are more relevant and actually contain information that would enhance your political perspectives and keep you up to date. (Another good one... "DAY 40: President Obama forwards the link to the new Star Trek movie trailer to the entire staff. Again.") But did dying the White House fountains green have to be the update for today (Day 57)? Now, why on earth the first 100 days are so important is well beyond me, but if you're going to read one at least it should be entertaining. (last but not least... "DAY 51: Reaching a milestone common for new presidents, Obama spends the afternoon seeing who is the most important person he can get on the phone in under five minutes.") So take a deep breathe, forget about the political wreck of a mess that is D.C. and go read the list. And when you're done jump on John McCain's Twitter... he's got an interview on there at Noon. And shut up, I know I'm obsessed. Thank you very much.

___________________________

In Other News, I want a puppy. A free Boxer-Coonhound Puppy from the Ad Pages to be specific. Am I getting one? Yeah, right. But a girl can wish right? Oh, and a house. A limestone house with a pond, a pole barn and probably vaulted beamed ceilings. Not getting that one either though. I've been doing an experiment for about the past week. It's a personal experiment and I'm actually not torturing somebody else this time. Ever tried to change your relational style (aka love language)? So far the first week has gone badly. I'm still overwhelmingly sensitive to verbal affirmation and touch but I'm trying to be better at the quality time and acts of service thought process. Although, I should have expected the results (frustration, disappointment and a bit of withdrawal) because a week of making a concerted effort itsn't going to outweigh 22 years of conditioning. Hm, this all seems like a bit of an over share. Thankfully, Staci's the only one who reads this... I love you :)