Today is my last official day working in an office building. From here on out, into the unforeseeable future, I’ll be working from home. And I must confess that I have mixed feelings about it all. I got my first office job nine years ago at the tender age of seventeen. If you count my legal internships and some temp jobs, I’ve worked in quite a lot of office environments. And, for the most part, I’ve always enjoyed it. Working in the professional world is something that’s familiar and comfortable to me. Working from home is not. It’s mysterious. It’s the “unknown.”
It seems like it was just yesterday that I had an episode where I had to run over the capitol building to testify on a bill. I was feeling really tired, overheated, awkward, and swollen – especially in my feet. In fact, I remember standing in a hallway outside the committee room looking down at my swollen feet and wanting to die. The floor session was running late and the sergeant of arms hadn’t opened the committee room yet. There was absolutely no place to sit but the hallway floor. And, fortunately, I still had enough dignity intact to refuse that option. Finally I leaned against a wall, took off one of my shoes and tucked my bare foot behind my leg to hide it. At least it helped to ease the pain from one of my feet.
Of course, at that precise time, two skinny professional women (I don’t know if they were lobbyists or aides) walked by looking very suave, cool, comfortable in their heels, and sexy in their fitted business suits. That certainly didn’t help matters … at all.
As of today, I’m not going to be running to committee hearings any more. Even though, when I stood miserably in the hallway several weeks ago, I thought the day would never come!
Although I’ve loved the fast-paced action involved with my job, I know it’s time for me to move on to a different pasture. I’m glad, however, that I’ll still be able to use my writing skills in the public policy field. The fact that I won’t be leaving “everything” behind, all at once, is assuring to me during this transition phase.
Probably the biggest thing I dread is losing the social aspect of the office environment. During my office tenure, I’ve experienced the full gamut of workplace relationships – everything from water-cooler intimacies to developing deep and lasting friendships. (Hey, I used to work in an office with Kevin … and look where that got me!). Yes, I realize that I’ll have more opportunities to attend mommy-groups, daytime bible studies, etc., but it won’t be the same. There won’t be the constancy of knowing there are other adults working productively around me. I’ll miss that. I’ll miss having coworkers stop randomly by my door to chat. I’ll miss hearing my boss scream from her office that something exciting was just announced on the news.
Also, this may sound absolutely crazy considering the times I’ve complained about having to get up and rush out of the door in the mornings, but I’ll miss having the daily purpose that comes from knowing there’s a set time when I have to be decently dressed, at least half-awake and sitting at my desk. Even though it’s a pain to be a slave to the alarm clock, I realize that there’s also fulfillment in having that daily purpose. Does that make sense?
Lastly, and this is something that will expose my complete selfishness, I will miss all the compliments that you typically get when working in an office. Like, “Oh Amy, you look so nice today.” And, “Amy, great job working on that project.” These compliments, whether they’re true or not, totally feed the ego.
I’m not naïve to the fact that motherhood is a completely thankless job. I don’t expect my children to tell me every day how smart I am and how good I look. But I also know that being a mom and investing in my kids’ lives will, ultimately, be the most rewarding thing I could ever know.
So, yes, it’s a weird day for me. Sometimes we can anticipate the turning of new chapters in our lives and other times we’re thrust into a new chapter unsuspectingly. Today I’m fully cognizant of the fact that I’m standing on the cusp of a new segment in my life. And I’m still not quite sure what to think of it all.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Shower for Kev
Yesterday Kevin’s office threw a baby shower … for him. Isn’t that great?! I wish I could’ve been a fly on the wall so I could’ve seen him open all the presents. I hear they even played a shower game. He said he felt very loved and appreciated. I, personally, am glad he had the chance to be the guest-of-honor at a shower. Not many guys get to do that kind of thing. If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m all about diversifying your life experiences.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Whose Property?
Since Kevin is a land use litigation attorney, I get to hear a lot of crazy stories about insane government regulations on people’s property. Last night he was telling me about this one case his firm has in So. Cal. where a state agency is requiring a landowner, whose backyard faces a canyon, to grow certain types of native weeds in his backyard in order to get a landscaping permit. Isn’t that the most absurd thing you’ve ever heard? When I heard about this, my first reaction was: “Whose property is it anyway?”
Under a communist scheme of government, private citizens aren’t permitted to own property. In modern America, it seems that, more and more, private citizens are permitted to own land “in name only.” Our all-powerful, centralized government is increasingly dictating how exactly Joe Owner can (or cannot) use his land. Are we slipping toward communist concepts of property rights where the government technically owns all the land? It seems, to me, that the lines are getting very blurry.
Or, forget communism. How about socialism?
In the recent Kelo case, the U.S. Supreme Court authorized a city in Connecticut to take real property owned by private individuals and transfer it to other private parties who would make better economic use of the property. As a result of Kelo, cities in the U.S. now have the power to bulldoze blighted residential areas and build hotels and shopping malls that will generate more tax revenue. If that isn’t socialism – redistributing wealth by taking private property from one person and giving it to another – what is?
So, when I learned today that a developer, a Mr. Clements of New Hampshire, has filed an application to condemn Justice Souter’s private property so it can build a hotel on it instead, I was very happy to hear it. I was even more happy when I heard the name of the hotel would be called “The Lost Liberty Hotel.” May Justice Souter experience, to the fullest, the worst nightmares of his own ruling. Or at least be required to ruminate more deeply on what he’s done.
And God bless Mr. Clements for his sense of humor, his gut, and his love for freedom. And God bless America … ‘cuz we desperately need it.
Under a communist scheme of government, private citizens aren’t permitted to own property. In modern America, it seems that, more and more, private citizens are permitted to own land “in name only.” Our all-powerful, centralized government is increasingly dictating how exactly Joe Owner can (or cannot) use his land. Are we slipping toward communist concepts of property rights where the government technically owns all the land? It seems, to me, that the lines are getting very blurry.
Or, forget communism. How about socialism?
In the recent Kelo case, the U.S. Supreme Court authorized a city in Connecticut to take real property owned by private individuals and transfer it to other private parties who would make better economic use of the property. As a result of Kelo, cities in the U.S. now have the power to bulldoze blighted residential areas and build hotels and shopping malls that will generate more tax revenue. If that isn’t socialism – redistributing wealth by taking private property from one person and giving it to another – what is?
So, when I learned today that a developer, a Mr. Clements of New Hampshire, has filed an application to condemn Justice Souter’s private property so it can build a hotel on it instead, I was very happy to hear it. I was even more happy when I heard the name of the hotel would be called “The Lost Liberty Hotel.” May Justice Souter experience, to the fullest, the worst nightmares of his own ruling. Or at least be required to ruminate more deeply on what he’s done.
And God bless Mr. Clements for his sense of humor, his gut, and his love for freedom. And God bless America … ‘cuz we desperately need it.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
A Post-Christian Nation
Yesterday was a sad day in America. Another anti-religious ruling was handed down by authoritarians in black robes. This time the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 10 Commandments displays in two Kentucky courthouses are an unconstitutional promotion of religion. The reason this ruling is so troubling is because it’s another indication of the secularization of our society. I realize that our government is “secular” in that it can’t endorse or encourage a particular religion. But there's a difference between endorsing religion and acknowledging a Creator God, as was done in our Declaration of Independence. Yesterday’s ruling signifies that our nation is on a course to remove all references to God or religious morality from public life - even when they are historically significant. And I don’t think we can afford to do that as a nation.
Whether the ACLU likes it or not, our nation was founded on the principle that we have “inalienable rights” given to us by God and that these rights, because they are endowed by our Creator, cannot be taken away by mere human governments. When we fail to acknowledge God in public life (vs. a particular religion, which is distinguishable), what is the basis for our rights? I believe our inalienable rights are threatened when we take God out of public life. If there is no acknowledgment of God, then our rights presumably come from men and can be taken away by men. That’s a scary thought.
I don’t think that we can say America is a “Christian nation” any longer. I think we live in a post-Christian world and I think that Christians need to shape up and start acting like a minority if we are to continue to keep our religious freedoms. Too much is taken for granted by the church. Too many of our religious freedoms are eroding and sometimes I wonder if the church is even paying attention.
Lastly, I wonder what kind of world I’m going to have to raise my kids in if all the insanity continues at such an accelerated speed. I’m alarmed. And I’m sad. My only consolation is that God is longsuffering and patient. He is also gracious and gives us so much more than we deserve.
Whether the ACLU likes it or not, our nation was founded on the principle that we have “inalienable rights” given to us by God and that these rights, because they are endowed by our Creator, cannot be taken away by mere human governments. When we fail to acknowledge God in public life (vs. a particular religion, which is distinguishable), what is the basis for our rights? I believe our inalienable rights are threatened when we take God out of public life. If there is no acknowledgment of God, then our rights presumably come from men and can be taken away by men. That’s a scary thought.
I don’t think that we can say America is a “Christian nation” any longer. I think we live in a post-Christian world and I think that Christians need to shape up and start acting like a minority if we are to continue to keep our religious freedoms. Too much is taken for granted by the church. Too many of our religious freedoms are eroding and sometimes I wonder if the church is even paying attention.
Lastly, I wonder what kind of world I’m going to have to raise my kids in if all the insanity continues at such an accelerated speed. I’m alarmed. And I’m sad. My only consolation is that God is longsuffering and patient. He is also gracious and gives us so much more than we deserve.
Random Swirling Thoughts
After a banquet dinner on Saturday night, to which Kevin and I drove in separate cars, I followed Kevin home. Before going home, however, he had to go pump some gas. I could’ve gone on ahead of him but, not wanting to go home to an empty house, I waited for him at the gas station.
It’s amazing, to me, that God gives us the capacity to love another person so much that we want to be away from them as little as possible, even if it means being bored at a smelly gas station. Even though I was only five minutes from the comfort of my own home, it was still more preferable to me to wait for Kevin - and be in close proximity to him - than to drive on. I guess that fact that I would do this (after three years of marriage, to boot), is a sign that I've found true love.
_____________________
As I sat in my car watching Kevin pump gas in front of me, I was struck with deja vu. It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago when we lived in the D.C. metro area during the sniper attacks. I involuntarily shuddered at the remembrance. It was an incredible time to be alive. The sniper attacks were so random, and several of them had occurred at gas stations, no one felt secure. I remember inserting the gas pump and then running back to the car and rolling the windows up to play it safe – because everyone knew a sniper wouldn’t shoot through glass and have his bullet deflected. I also remember people zigzagging to their cars in the parking lot, to avoid a potential bullet – because everyone also knew a sniper would only shoot at a sure target, a person walking in a straight line or standing still.
Thankfully, that’s a thing of the past. Now, there is Freedom from Fear. May I never take that for granted … ever again.
_____________________
Also on Saturday, I went to a bridal shower luncheon. We played my favorite bridal shower game of all time – designing a bridal costume with toilet paper and other random stuff. I love the creativity involved in this game. And I’m happy to report that my team won. Yay!
At lunch, two ladies asked me how I was feeling. Being the honest person that I am I said, “I’m feeling great. As far as pregnancies go, I can’t complain. But one thing I’ve discovered is that, even if you have a normal, ‘good’ pregnancy, being pregnant is still a Royal Pain.”
Some of you probably know (and have experienced first-hand) that there’s a group of women in this world who believe certain things in life are always sacred. Things like whole wheat bread, homeschooling, having babies/being pregnant, etc. These are things that, according to them, you can never criticize. It’s taboo to speak anything but sunshine and roses about these topics. Well, I forgot who my audience was (big mistake) when I made the above remarks and, from the looks of stunned expression on these women’s faces, I think I really offended them.
These women probably think I’m going to be a terrible mom because I don’t enjoy pregnancy. But I’ve learned, in my life so far, that some people simply cannot see dichotomy.
So, I guess the moral of the story is ... remember who your audience is, shut up when necessary, and try to cultivate friendships with the people that you can be really honest with and who will be honest with you in return.
It's frustrating, though, because friends like that are rare.
It’s amazing, to me, that God gives us the capacity to love another person so much that we want to be away from them as little as possible, even if it means being bored at a smelly gas station. Even though I was only five minutes from the comfort of my own home, it was still more preferable to me to wait for Kevin - and be in close proximity to him - than to drive on. I guess that fact that I would do this (after three years of marriage, to boot), is a sign that I've found true love.
_____________________
As I sat in my car watching Kevin pump gas in front of me, I was struck with deja vu. It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago when we lived in the D.C. metro area during the sniper attacks. I involuntarily shuddered at the remembrance. It was an incredible time to be alive. The sniper attacks were so random, and several of them had occurred at gas stations, no one felt secure. I remember inserting the gas pump and then running back to the car and rolling the windows up to play it safe – because everyone knew a sniper wouldn’t shoot through glass and have his bullet deflected. I also remember people zigzagging to their cars in the parking lot, to avoid a potential bullet – because everyone also knew a sniper would only shoot at a sure target, a person walking in a straight line or standing still.
Thankfully, that’s a thing of the past. Now, there is Freedom from Fear. May I never take that for granted … ever again.
_____________________
Also on Saturday, I went to a bridal shower luncheon. We played my favorite bridal shower game of all time – designing a bridal costume with toilet paper and other random stuff. I love the creativity involved in this game. And I’m happy to report that my team won. Yay!
At lunch, two ladies asked me how I was feeling. Being the honest person that I am I said, “I’m feeling great. As far as pregnancies go, I can’t complain. But one thing I’ve discovered is that, even if you have a normal, ‘good’ pregnancy, being pregnant is still a Royal Pain.”
Some of you probably know (and have experienced first-hand) that there’s a group of women in this world who believe certain things in life are always sacred. Things like whole wheat bread, homeschooling, having babies/being pregnant, etc. These are things that, according to them, you can never criticize. It’s taboo to speak anything but sunshine and roses about these topics. Well, I forgot who my audience was (big mistake) when I made the above remarks and, from the looks of stunned expression on these women’s faces, I think I really offended them.
These women probably think I’m going to be a terrible mom because I don’t enjoy pregnancy. But I’ve learned, in my life so far, that some people simply cannot see dichotomy.
So, I guess the moral of the story is ... remember who your audience is, shut up when necessary, and try to cultivate friendships with the people that you can be really honest with and who will be honest with you in return.
It's frustrating, though, because friends like that are rare.
Friday, June 24, 2005
One more thing ...
Okay, I just have to say one more thing before I log off my computer. Last night we were watching one of those retarded reality TV shows that are so prevalent nowadays. At the end of the "contest," there was a trivia game to determine who would be the ultimate winner.
Before I continue, I would like to make an admission: Whenever I watch Jeopardy, I realize how ignorant I am. I realize how little I know and how much I need to learn. The trivia game last night, however, gave me hope that I'm not a complete idiot after all. Most of the questions were ridiculously easy and I was surprised at how few of the contestants were answering them correctly! (Obviously they weren't picked for their brains!) The last question was the hardest one of all: "Which man served as both Vice President and President without ever having been elected to either office?" My first thought was LBJ but then I thought maybe Gerald Ford. (And it was Ford, by the way.)
The gal who was given this question got a puzzled look on her face, rolled her eyes upwards, pursed her lips, smiled and then confidently said "Colin Powell."
Colin Powell!!!!
It took Kevin and I a few seconds before we could gather our disbelieving jaws from off the floor. The worst part is that this girl wasn't even embarrassed about her wrong answer. She must have thought it was a good guess!
I'm still not sure whether to be amused or depressed because of the complete failure of our modern education system to teach young people basic history and government! But maybe I shouldn’t worry so much. After all, they are learning other important things … like how to put a condom on a cucumber.
Before I continue, I would like to make an admission: Whenever I watch Jeopardy, I realize how ignorant I am. I realize how little I know and how much I need to learn. The trivia game last night, however, gave me hope that I'm not a complete idiot after all. Most of the questions were ridiculously easy and I was surprised at how few of the contestants were answering them correctly! (Obviously they weren't picked for their brains!) The last question was the hardest one of all: "Which man served as both Vice President and President without ever having been elected to either office?" My first thought was LBJ but then I thought maybe Gerald Ford. (And it was Ford, by the way.)
The gal who was given this question got a puzzled look on her face, rolled her eyes upwards, pursed her lips, smiled and then confidently said "Colin Powell."
Colin Powell!!!!
It took Kevin and I a few seconds before we could gather our disbelieving jaws from off the floor. The worst part is that this girl wasn't even embarrassed about her wrong answer. She must have thought it was a good guess!
I'm still not sure whether to be amused or depressed because of the complete failure of our modern education system to teach young people basic history and government! But maybe I shouldn’t worry so much. After all, they are learning other important things … like how to put a condom on a cucumber.
In 'n Out
This week’s flown by because of all the craziness in our lives right now. I’ve been running (or wobbling?) back and forth between my office, my house, and Sierra College where I’ve been helping out with a civics camp for high schoolers.
We’ve also been having a lot of company. Tonight we’re having a barbecue at our house for a bunch of friends. I told Kevin yesterday that this is the last time we’re entertaining for a while because I’m exhausted. Yeah, right. We’ll see how long that lasts.
On Wednesday night I went with Kevin to Oakland. He had a hearing the next morning and I brought some work with me so I could be productive as well. (I just hate it when I have to work at Starbucks!!) I enjoy traveling with him to the Bay when I can. It beats staying home alone. It's too bad the hearing was in Oakland and not S.F., though. Oakland at night is a really scary place. And during the day, it's not much better. In fact, I think the only redeeming factor about Oakland is that there's a great view of the S.F. skyline and the Golden Gate bridge from its downtown.
Kevin was really dreading the hearing because the opposing counsel on this case had been a jerk with a capital “J.” Fortunately the hearing went well and Kevin was pleased that the judge ripped into said opposing counsel. (Vindication at last.) It’s unfortunate that law can’t always be a gentleman’s profession. In fact, I think that litigation naturally draws contentious people into its ranks. Kevin really loves to litigate but says he “hates to argue.” There’s really no point in being antagonistic. It does nothing to constructively solve problems or work through a disagreement.
Okay, I’m heading off to Sierra College again. Hopefully all this running around will bring on labor … or else I’m threatening to try the castor oil trick. The good news is that the weather has been incredibly cool for Sacramento in June! Right now I’m considering that a blessed gift, directly from God to me.
We’ve also been having a lot of company. Tonight we’re having a barbecue at our house for a bunch of friends. I told Kevin yesterday that this is the last time we’re entertaining for a while because I’m exhausted. Yeah, right. We’ll see how long that lasts.
On Wednesday night I went with Kevin to Oakland. He had a hearing the next morning and I brought some work with me so I could be productive as well. (I just hate it when I have to work at Starbucks!!) I enjoy traveling with him to the Bay when I can. It beats staying home alone. It's too bad the hearing was in Oakland and not S.F., though. Oakland at night is a really scary place. And during the day, it's not much better. In fact, I think the only redeeming factor about Oakland is that there's a great view of the S.F. skyline and the Golden Gate bridge from its downtown.
Kevin was really dreading the hearing because the opposing counsel on this case had been a jerk with a capital “J.” Fortunately the hearing went well and Kevin was pleased that the judge ripped into said opposing counsel. (Vindication at last.) It’s unfortunate that law can’t always be a gentleman’s profession. In fact, I think that litigation naturally draws contentious people into its ranks. Kevin really loves to litigate but says he “hates to argue.” There’s really no point in being antagonistic. It does nothing to constructively solve problems or work through a disagreement.
Okay, I’m heading off to Sierra College again. Hopefully all this running around will bring on labor … or else I’m threatening to try the castor oil trick. The good news is that the weather has been incredibly cool for Sacramento in June! Right now I’m considering that a blessed gift, directly from God to me.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Are you Joel?
This weekend our good friend from Virginia, John, came to town for a wedding and stayed with us. Janice, also a good friend from our Virginia days, moved here last week and dropped by to visit too. The four of us had a great time reliving old memories and catching up with each other. It was so great to see both of them again. We’re excited that Janice lives here now and look forward to seeing her frequently.
My boss, who is in charge of a camp for high schoolers this week, called me over the weekend and asked me if we could pick up a guy named Joel from the airport Sunday night. Joel is going to be a staffer at the camp this week. John and Janice, being good sports, decided to hop in the car with us and go get Joel from the airport. We had no clue what Joel looked like and no idea what airline he was coming in on. All we knew is that he’s a college student from BIOLA and was flying in at 6:58 p.m. We were going to get a piece of paper or cardboard and write Joel’s name on it but, at the last minute, we couldn’t find a Sharpe pen. So, we piled in the car and headed for the airport empty-handed and with scant information.
“This is going to be fun,” said Janice. I loved her optimism.
Fortunately, it only took John, Janice and I about thirty minutes to find Joel (while Kevin circled the airport in the car). The process was quite hysterical, though. Basically, John and I stood from afar and watched as Janice (who, apparently, has no shy bone in her body) waltzed up to every guy who looked between the age of 16 and 30 and asked him, “Are you Joel?” After accosting about a dozen guys and having him paged over the intercom twice, we still couldn’t find Joel. That’s when John did some sleuthing and figured out that Joel must be flying in on United – which was in an entirely different terminal. (We had wrongly presumed that, since it was an in-state flight, Joel would be on Southwest.)
It was a team effort. And I’m happy to report that our operation was successful. Thanks to Janice and John!
Old Friends
My boss, who is in charge of a camp for high schoolers this week, called me over the weekend and asked me if we could pick up a guy named Joel from the airport Sunday night. Joel is going to be a staffer at the camp this week. John and Janice, being good sports, decided to hop in the car with us and go get Joel from the airport. We had no clue what Joel looked like and no idea what airline he was coming in on. All we knew is that he’s a college student from BIOLA and was flying in at 6:58 p.m. We were going to get a piece of paper or cardboard and write Joel’s name on it but, at the last minute, we couldn’t find a Sharpe pen. So, we piled in the car and headed for the airport empty-handed and with scant information.
“This is going to be fun,” said Janice. I loved her optimism.
Fortunately, it only took John, Janice and I about thirty minutes to find Joel (while Kevin circled the airport in the car). The process was quite hysterical, though. Basically, John and I stood from afar and watched as Janice (who, apparently, has no shy bone in her body) waltzed up to every guy who looked between the age of 16 and 30 and asked him, “Are you Joel?” After accosting about a dozen guys and having him paged over the intercom twice, we still couldn’t find Joel. That’s when John did some sleuthing and figured out that Joel must be flying in on United – which was in an entirely different terminal. (We had wrongly presumed that, since it was an in-state flight, Joel would be on Southwest.)
It was a team effort. And I’m happy to report that our operation was successful. Thanks to Janice and John!
Old Friends
Friday, June 17, 2005
The Inestimable Value of Dads
In honor of Father's Day, I'd like to post this article by Rebecca Hagelin on the importance, indeed the necessity, of fathers in our families and in society. It's a great tragedy for our children, for women, and for marriage, that men are often told by our culture that they are irrelevant. Nothing could be farther from the truth. And I believe Ms. Hagelin articulates this concept well.
I've told Kevin numerous times since finding out we're pregnant that "THE best thing I could have ever done for my future children is to pick you to be their dad." And I really mean that.
Happy (first) Father's Day to Kevin! You're going to be SUCH a great dad. I'm looking forward to standing back and watching it all happen!
I've told Kevin numerous times since finding out we're pregnant that "THE best thing I could have ever done for my future children is to pick you to be their dad." And I really mean that.
Happy (first) Father's Day to Kevin! You're going to be SUCH a great dad. I'm looking forward to standing back and watching it all happen!
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
My Dad
Okay, one last post for today and then I'm done. (I know, I know ... lately it's been either feast or famine.) But ... I couldn't pass up posting this GREAT picture of my dad, recently taken by my sister Christy!
I love you dad. (I can say this to you on my blog because I know that you do read it from time to time.) You're one of the most fun people I've ever known. And this picture proves it.
My Dad
I love you dad. (I can say this to you on my blog because I know that you do read it from time to time.) You're one of the most fun people I've ever known. And this picture proves it.
My Dad
Get this (if you can …)
Kansas City abortion clinic closed as grisly house of horrors …
“ … With Rajanna's case pending, abortion opponents won legislative approval of a bill requiring abortion clinics to obtain an annual license from the Department of Health and Environment, hire surgeons as their medical directors and report patient deaths to the state within a day. The measure also mandated that the department set standards for equipment, medical screenings, ventilation and lighting.
“But Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, an abortion-rights advocate, vetoed the measure, saying medical professionals – not legislators – should set standards.”
I can’t believe a state legislature would try to demand such unreasonable things of an abortion clinic. I cannot fathom why anyone would suggest an abortion clinic actually be required to get a license from the Dept. of Health. C’mon! How outrageous is that?!
“ … With Rajanna's case pending, abortion opponents won legislative approval of a bill requiring abortion clinics to obtain an annual license from the Department of Health and Environment, hire surgeons as their medical directors and report patient deaths to the state within a day. The measure also mandated that the department set standards for equipment, medical screenings, ventilation and lighting.
“But Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, an abortion-rights advocate, vetoed the measure, saying medical professionals – not legislators – should set standards.”
I can’t believe a state legislature would try to demand such unreasonable things of an abortion clinic. I cannot fathom why anyone would suggest an abortion clinic actually be required to get a license from the Dept. of Health. C’mon! How outrageous is that?!
Dream Job
So, we’ve been talking lately about that ominous “f” word (i.e., the future). In the middle of one conversation, Kevin got a distant, happy look on his face and said, “What I’d really like to do for a living is edit crossword puzzles all day long. I wonder how you get into that line of work.”
I would’ve laughed … but I think he was serious.
While we were living in Indiana with his family, while studying for the bar, Kevin picked up what has now turned into one of his favorite pastimes: doing crossword puzzles. And he’s darn good at it too. In fact, I’ll only agree to do them with him as long as he lets me have a guess at the word first, before he writes it in. It’s absolutely NO fun for me to sit there and watch him fill in all the words before I’ve had a chance to even think about the clue.
I’m not sure if there are any universities out there that offer a crossword puzzle editing degree or credential but, if there are, maybe Kevin can plan on signing up for it someday. We’ll keep that idea in our “possibilities” folder.
I would’ve laughed … but I think he was serious.
While we were living in Indiana with his family, while studying for the bar, Kevin picked up what has now turned into one of his favorite pastimes: doing crossword puzzles. And he’s darn good at it too. In fact, I’ll only agree to do them with him as long as he lets me have a guess at the word first, before he writes it in. It’s absolutely NO fun for me to sit there and watch him fill in all the words before I’ve had a chance to even think about the clue.
I’m not sure if there are any universities out there that offer a crossword puzzle editing degree or credential but, if there are, maybe Kevin can plan on signing up for it someday. We’ll keep that idea in our “possibilities” folder.
Maternity Clothes
The last thing I expected on Saturday was to get a box in the mail, from my single, vivacious, 21 year-old sister, Christy, full of … maternity clothes. But I had also forgotten that her new job is working at a maternity clothing boutique in Beverly Hills. Nice, eh? (Well, nice if you’re related to her and pregnant!) Apparently she had raided the discard pile and found a bunch of stuff to ship up to me. I’m still not quite sure why all these clothes were in the discard pile because I couldn’t find anything wrong with them.
For those of you who have ever been 8/9 months pregnant, you all know how much you dread (no, that's too tame of a word ... hate?) getting dressed in the morning and having to face the world because you’re sick of your limited wardrobe. At this point in my pregnancy, I felt it would be foolish to spend money on more clothes because I’m so close to the end. So, I was determined to just suffer it out with what had.
When the unexpected box arrived on my doorstep on Friday, I cannot adequately tell you how overjoyed I was to find more clothes to wear. And they are, for the most part, completely adorable! Very hip, stylish, and just plain cute. God bless my sister Christy. Oh … and my mom, who I later found out paid for the postage. ;-)
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I hear rumor that they also sell baby clothes at Christy’s shop. She told me that a designer came in the other day to promote his wares. He had a bunch of little baby t-shirts with all sorts of funny expressions on them. Her favorite one was a little pink shirt designed for boys that said: “Real men wear pink.” Gotta love it – thinking outside the box.
For those of you who have ever been 8/9 months pregnant, you all know how much you dread (no, that's too tame of a word ... hate?) getting dressed in the morning and having to face the world because you’re sick of your limited wardrobe. At this point in my pregnancy, I felt it would be foolish to spend money on more clothes because I’m so close to the end. So, I was determined to just suffer it out with what had.
When the unexpected box arrived on my doorstep on Friday, I cannot adequately tell you how overjoyed I was to find more clothes to wear. And they are, for the most part, completely adorable! Very hip, stylish, and just plain cute. God bless my sister Christy. Oh … and my mom, who I later found out paid for the postage. ;-)
__________________
I hear rumor that they also sell baby clothes at Christy’s shop. She told me that a designer came in the other day to promote his wares. He had a bunch of little baby t-shirts with all sorts of funny expressions on them. Her favorite one was a little pink shirt designed for boys that said: “Real men wear pink.” Gotta love it – thinking outside the box.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Monday, June 13, 2005
Friday Frustration
So, on Friday, I had two quick errands to run. First, I had to go to the post office and mail a package. Second, I had to go to the library and pay a late fee. The late fee resulted because the book I’d checked out was a day late. Believe it or not, it was the first time I’d ever been late returning a library book – and, when I realized it, I was devastated that my record had been tarnished. Now that I think about it, it was a very similar feeling to the time when I was told I had my first cavity – at the age of 23. I guess, in my mind, if I could go that long without a cavity or a library late fee, I was invincible. (Ha!)
At the post office, I carried my package, which seemed excruciatingly heavy, all the way up at least ten steps. Balancing both my package and my big pregnant belly was quite the feat, actually. I thought, several times during my journey, that I would never make it. When I finally got to the counter, the postal clerk told me it would be twenty dollars to mail my package. “What?!,” I replied, completely astounded. “Twenty bucks?!”
Since there was no way I was going to pay that kind of money for my package, I resigned myself to carrying my load all the way back to my car.
Errand # 1 = Failure
My next stop was the library. Since I’d just checked online and found out that the library was open until 5:30 on Fridays, I wasn’t in any particular hurry. In fact, I pulled into the library parking lot and leisurely sat in my car listening to the final few minutes of the Hugh Hewitt show while enjoying the cool blast of the air conditioning. As Hugh’s bumper music began to play, I glanced at the time and noticed it was 4:59. Then I nonchalantly glanced over at the library building and noticed a huge white banner, with bold black writing, hanging over the entrance. The banner read: “New Library Hours … Friday 9:00 to 5:00.”
Enter adrenaline rush.
In no time, I had grabbed my book and started flying across the parking lot to the front entrance of the library. I must have looked like a completely hysterical maniac to anyone observing me. But, frankly, I didn’t care. My only mission was to squeeze through those library doors before they were shut for the evening.
As my luck would have it, the janitor was locking the door as I arrived. I pleaded earnestly with him to let me in so I could pay my late fee. I turned on all the big, fat, pregnancy charm I could muster … but it was to no avail. He shook his head and said, “Sorry ma’am, we’ve already turned off the computers.”
Errand #2 = Failure
Soon I was back in my car feeling very dejected and unproductive. When I was about halfway back to my house, it dawned on me that I had forgotten to drop my book off in the book drop. AARRGGGHH!!! Since there was no way I was going to owe that blasted library even ten cents more, I turned my car around and headed back.
Some days I feel completely incompetent at everything I attempt. Last Friday was one of those days …
At the post office, I carried my package, which seemed excruciatingly heavy, all the way up at least ten steps. Balancing both my package and my big pregnant belly was quite the feat, actually. I thought, several times during my journey, that I would never make it. When I finally got to the counter, the postal clerk told me it would be twenty dollars to mail my package. “What?!,” I replied, completely astounded. “Twenty bucks?!”
Since there was no way I was going to pay that kind of money for my package, I resigned myself to carrying my load all the way back to my car.
Errand # 1 = Failure
My next stop was the library. Since I’d just checked online and found out that the library was open until 5:30 on Fridays, I wasn’t in any particular hurry. In fact, I pulled into the library parking lot and leisurely sat in my car listening to the final few minutes of the Hugh Hewitt show while enjoying the cool blast of the air conditioning. As Hugh’s bumper music began to play, I glanced at the time and noticed it was 4:59. Then I nonchalantly glanced over at the library building and noticed a huge white banner, with bold black writing, hanging over the entrance. The banner read: “New Library Hours … Friday 9:00 to 5:00.”
Enter adrenaline rush.
In no time, I had grabbed my book and started flying across the parking lot to the front entrance of the library. I must have looked like a completely hysterical maniac to anyone observing me. But, frankly, I didn’t care. My only mission was to squeeze through those library doors before they were shut for the evening.
As my luck would have it, the janitor was locking the door as I arrived. I pleaded earnestly with him to let me in so I could pay my late fee. I turned on all the big, fat, pregnancy charm I could muster … but it was to no avail. He shook his head and said, “Sorry ma’am, we’ve already turned off the computers.”
Errand #2 = Failure
Soon I was back in my car feeling very dejected and unproductive. When I was about halfway back to my house, it dawned on me that I had forgotten to drop my book off in the book drop. AARRGGGHH!!! Since there was no way I was going to owe that blasted library even ten cents more, I turned my car around and headed back.
Some days I feel completely incompetent at everything I attempt. Last Friday was one of those days …
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Question of the Day
Very interesting poll question on World Net Daily today ...
Can a porn star be a real Christian?
Yes, we're all sinners
Yes, Jesus had no problem associating with prostitutes
Yes, only God knows the heart
Yes, Jesus said: 'I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners'
Yes
No, not without repentance and leaving that sinful lifestyle
No, real Christians have the Holy Spirit living within to make them 'new creations' - not to remain comfortable with their old sins
No, the Bible clearly says the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God
No
Can a porn star be a real Christian?
Yes, we're all sinners
Yes, Jesus had no problem associating with prostitutes
Yes, only God knows the heart
Yes, Jesus said: 'I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners'
Yes
No, not without repentance and leaving that sinful lifestyle
No, real Christians have the Holy Spirit living within to make them 'new creations' - not to remain comfortable with their old sins
No, the Bible clearly says the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God
No
Paycheck Protection
Late last night, while laying in bed, after we’d already said our “goodnights,” I suddenly remembered something I wanted to tell Kevin about. I had learned earlier in the day, at a meeting, that a “Paycheck Protection” initiative had just qualified for the California ballot. (This is a big deal.) And, apparently, the issue is polling really well (high) right now. So, I began to excitedly tell Kevin my story and then … I realized he was sound asleep. Completely dead to the world. This was quite the bummer since I was so worked up about it.
I think unions are valid for collective bargaining purposes but things have really gotten out of hand with powerful unions engaging in political battles that many, if not most, of their employee-members would find morally objectionable. The proposed initiative says it best: “It is fundamentally unfair to force public employees to give money to political activities or candidates they do not support.”
In the meeting yesterday, I sat next to my friend Xiaochin. She’s another twenty-something. When we got the information on the Paycheck Protection, we leafed through it and she remarked, “There’s no website on here.” Funny, that’s the first thing someone in our generation thinks about with these types of things – where’s the website? The guy who is the mastermind behind this initiative is really good at what he does. But he’s also very “old school” and apparently doesn’t use websites. Xiaochin and I were left to ponder and puzzle over how on earth a person could possibly qualify an initiative in the massive state of California without a website! (You need approximately 900,000 signatures here because many signatures end up being disqualified!!) But, we’re the newbies to the group. It’s pretty obvious we don’t know much. So we did the smart thing … we sat there and smiled.
I think unions are valid for collective bargaining purposes but things have really gotten out of hand with powerful unions engaging in political battles that many, if not most, of their employee-members would find morally objectionable. The proposed initiative says it best: “It is fundamentally unfair to force public employees to give money to political activities or candidates they do not support.”
In the meeting yesterday, I sat next to my friend Xiaochin. She’s another twenty-something. When we got the information on the Paycheck Protection, we leafed through it and she remarked, “There’s no website on here.” Funny, that’s the first thing someone in our generation thinks about with these types of things – where’s the website? The guy who is the mastermind behind this initiative is really good at what he does. But he’s also very “old school” and apparently doesn’t use websites. Xiaochin and I were left to ponder and puzzle over how on earth a person could possibly qualify an initiative in the massive state of California without a website! (You need approximately 900,000 signatures here because many signatures end up being disqualified!!) But, we’re the newbies to the group. It’s pretty obvious we don’t know much. So we did the smart thing … we sat there and smiled.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Little socks, little clothes, folded one by one …
Now that we’ve got less than five weeks before junior enters our life and world, we’re finally getting the nursery put together. And, actually, it’s been quite fun to prepare a special room in our house for the baby to sleep. (Maybe it’s just that I love a good excuse to decorate … anything!)
As pieces of the nursery have slowly come together, the realization has become stronger that, very soon, the two of us are going to be three. Last night, for instance, I was folding these tiny little socks to put in the baby’s dresser. As I was fingering them, they seemed incredibly small. In fact, I double checked the package to see if maybe I had bought “preemie” socks by mistake. But, no, I hadn’t. And I stood there, amazed, at how tiny a newborn’s feet are. It’s hard to believe that we all had feet that small at one time in our lives.
Anyhow, like I said, we’re pleased with the overall feel and décor of the nursery. It’s a little nook in our home that is very soft, inviting, peaceful, happy, and friendly. Yep … those are the words I’d use to describe it! Kevin said the other day: “I love this room. It makes me want to sit down and rock a baby.” I was glad to hear this because, pretty soon, he’s going to be doing a lot of that!
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Speaking of the size of newborns ... I've been thinking lately about the whole labor and delivery thing and pondering why babies can't be smaller when they're born. After all, it would be much less painful for the mother! If we are capable of caring for creatures the size of tiny kittens or little baby birds, then I don’t understand why newborn babies can’t be born that small too. (Delivering something the size of a cantaloupe doesn’t sound very appealing to me right now, if you hadn’t already guessed!)
Remind me to ask God about this when I get to heaven.
As pieces of the nursery have slowly come together, the realization has become stronger that, very soon, the two of us are going to be three. Last night, for instance, I was folding these tiny little socks to put in the baby’s dresser. As I was fingering them, they seemed incredibly small. In fact, I double checked the package to see if maybe I had bought “preemie” socks by mistake. But, no, I hadn’t. And I stood there, amazed, at how tiny a newborn’s feet are. It’s hard to believe that we all had feet that small at one time in our lives.
Anyhow, like I said, we’re pleased with the overall feel and décor of the nursery. It’s a little nook in our home that is very soft, inviting, peaceful, happy, and friendly. Yep … those are the words I’d use to describe it! Kevin said the other day: “I love this room. It makes me want to sit down and rock a baby.” I was glad to hear this because, pretty soon, he’s going to be doing a lot of that!
_______________
Speaking of the size of newborns ... I've been thinking lately about the whole labor and delivery thing and pondering why babies can't be smaller when they're born. After all, it would be much less painful for the mother! If we are capable of caring for creatures the size of tiny kittens or little baby birds, then I don’t understand why newborn babies can’t be born that small too. (Delivering something the size of a cantaloupe doesn’t sound very appealing to me right now, if you hadn’t already guessed!)
Remind me to ask God about this when I get to heaven.
"But they're nice terrorists!"
Today I learned that two alleged al-Quaida members were arrested in a small town south of Sacramento over the weekend. One of suspects attended a camp in Pakistan on how to wage acts of violence against Americans. If you know anything about the town of Lodi, California (be grateful if you don’t), it’s nearly the last place on earth you’d expect to discover a terrorist cell.
This morning, on my drive into work, I was listening to some radio interviews of people who know the suspects. Apparently they are very “nice” people, good neighbors and, in fact, the older of the suspects operated an ice cream truck for kids! It’s no wonder that the community is reeling with the revelation that their pleasant neighbors are would-be-terrorists.
One lady interviewed lives in the same neighborhood as the suspects. She was very fervent in her position that it’s “wrong what is happening to them.” She said that they are “good people” and she feels their rights are being violated because of the interrogation and arrests.
I don’t know about you, but it seems incredibly naïve to me that a person would think that, just because someone is nice, they couldn’t possibly commit acts of terror. Although the stereotype of a terrorist, or what we think a terrorist would be like, is probably different than Mr.-Ice-Cream-Truck-Driver-Who-Lives-Next-Door, it’s amazing to me that some people are more concerned about “nice” people being protected than working to make sure this country is secure by promptly arresting all persons suspected, with probable cause, of terrorist activity! This is yet another instance of when “tolerance” can go too far …
This morning, on my drive into work, I was listening to some radio interviews of people who know the suspects. Apparently they are very “nice” people, good neighbors and, in fact, the older of the suspects operated an ice cream truck for kids! It’s no wonder that the community is reeling with the revelation that their pleasant neighbors are would-be-terrorists.
One lady interviewed lives in the same neighborhood as the suspects. She was very fervent in her position that it’s “wrong what is happening to them.” She said that they are “good people” and she feels their rights are being violated because of the interrogation and arrests.
I don’t know about you, but it seems incredibly naïve to me that a person would think that, just because someone is nice, they couldn’t possibly commit acts of terror. Although the stereotype of a terrorist, or what we think a terrorist would be like, is probably different than Mr.-Ice-Cream-Truck-Driver-Who-Lives-Next-Door, it’s amazing to me that some people are more concerned about “nice” people being protected than working to make sure this country is secure by promptly arresting all persons suspected, with probable cause, of terrorist activity! This is yet another instance of when “tolerance” can go too far …
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Rediscovering the Slurpee
I hate to disappoint everyone by failing to give a play-by-play on whether or not I think Michael Jackson is innocent or guilty … but, honestly, the most important piece of information I can impart to you right now is:
The Koons family has rediscovered the Slurpee.
Until recently it had been many long years since I’d enjoyed an icy-cold Slurpee drink at my local 7-11. But now I am happy to report that, for the second week in a row, the Koons family has stopped by 7-11 after Kevin’s softball game and split the largest Slurpee available to be purchased. And, each time, it has been worth every cent.
The end.
The Koons family has rediscovered the Slurpee.
Until recently it had been many long years since I’d enjoyed an icy-cold Slurpee drink at my local 7-11. But now I am happy to report that, for the second week in a row, the Koons family has stopped by 7-11 after Kevin’s softball game and split the largest Slurpee available to be purchased. And, each time, it has been worth every cent.
The end.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
What's your ride?
This morning we witnessed a teenage guy, driving a yellow Geo Metro, attempt to race an older gentleman, driving a red Ferrari. It was actually quite amusing. I was astounded that the Geo-man even tried … maybe he was just trying to toy with the Ferrari? Or maybe he actually thought he had a chance? In any event, I thought it was highly entertaining.
This brought up a discussion on owning quarter-million-dollar automobiles. (Not that I can even fathom it.)
Kevin pondered, out loud, how much it would cost to insure a Ferrari. “That man probably pays more on his car insurance than I do on my mortgage,” he said.
My two cents was that, rather than having all your money sit in a bank, if you’re getting up in years, you might as well buy the car of your dreams. After all, think of how much time the average person spends in his car every day. He might as well enjoy every minute of it, if he can. For a young person to buy a really fancy car, if they could even finance it, would be a bad investment. Cars are liabilities, not assets. But, for the older gentleman, who’s probably worked hard all his life and made wise investments, I applaud his ability to have a fancy car and take pleasure in his ride.
On a final note, I would like to say that someday, in my dreams, I will have a convertible again. (My first two cars were convertibles and I totaled them both. But that’s another story.) Convertibles make everyday, ordinary driving the most fun thing ever. With my luck, though, I’ll probably end up driving a minivan in a few years. Ugh. I hate big cars. They’re so awkward. And they simply can’t turn corners very fast … How appealing is that?
This brought up a discussion on owning quarter-million-dollar automobiles. (Not that I can even fathom it.)
Kevin pondered, out loud, how much it would cost to insure a Ferrari. “That man probably pays more on his car insurance than I do on my mortgage,” he said.
My two cents was that, rather than having all your money sit in a bank, if you’re getting up in years, you might as well buy the car of your dreams. After all, think of how much time the average person spends in his car every day. He might as well enjoy every minute of it, if he can. For a young person to buy a really fancy car, if they could even finance it, would be a bad investment. Cars are liabilities, not assets. But, for the older gentleman, who’s probably worked hard all his life and made wise investments, I applaud his ability to have a fancy car and take pleasure in his ride.
On a final note, I would like to say that someday, in my dreams, I will have a convertible again. (My first two cars were convertibles and I totaled them both. But that’s another story.) Convertibles make everyday, ordinary driving the most fun thing ever. With my luck, though, I’ll probably end up driving a minivan in a few years. Ugh. I hate big cars. They’re so awkward. And they simply can’t turn corners very fast … How appealing is that?
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