So. Healthcare.
Hmm.
(Disclaimer: I am not a conservative. I am totally independent, and what I think - I think.)
Don't tell my husband, but I really don't have any objection to socializing health care. But I don't like what happened today at all.
First of all, I think we all know that this is not a tax on un-insureds. The Supreme Court was just trying to find a way to play with words until they could justify passing the mandate. And why? Just to look like they are getting something done, probably. (Or, more realistically but less flattering to them is that they just followed the money.) What we really have, is the government telling citizens what to spend their money on. This is very much a departure from what is considered an essential American freedom. Is it really so bad in itself? Not really. I mean - what we're attempting to do is get people healthcare, right? A good thing. But I took enough Law in college to know how much of it is based on precedent. And now we have set the precedent that the government can tell us how to use our money. We're not being taxed, we're being directed to a private industry. This is where I get personally offended.
I am NOT looking forward to an America where we have empowered the Insurance industry as much as we have empowered the Oil industry.
I can say more. I could talk about it forever. And I have many, many more points. However, what I find in the world is that people either agree or they don't. Either you are reading this and saying, "Yeah! Yeah!!!" or you are saying, "You don't understand, obviously," or, "Sometimes you have to take drastic measures to get something done," or, "Yes, it IS a tax! That's so constitutional, it's passe!" or whatever it is you would say in favor of what has been done. Has. Been. Done. No point in debating at this point.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Said the sunburned girl.
Okay, I know it's been along time since I commented on current events. One of the things I really like best about not having TV is that I don't really have to learn the news. ^_^ The other is that I am not exposed to commercials. I read this, though:
http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/25/12397171-mom-challenges-school-sunscreen-ban-after-daughters-are-severely-burned#comments
Did you read it? Ok, good. Then you might have noticed something. The Mom didn't put sunscreen on her kids, even though one of them is sun sensitive, and she's mad because the school didn't? Notice that she is not fighting with the school because her daughter put on sunscreen at school, and found out when she got in trouble that it was against policy. (AHEM!?) What kind of mom knows an outdoor day is approaching, and doesn't make arrangements with the school regarding her sun sensitive children? Does it really matter that it was cloudy in the morning? I can burn myself pretty grandly on a cloudy day, and I'm not nearly as high risk as this lady's kids. I am declaring a definite MOMMYFOUL. Why did the school have to apologise to her? Now, take into consideration that I am currently suffering from a sunburn. And I'm still not on the mom's side.
Yes, I am burned. I burned through SPF 100+. This time, my face was hardly burned at all. The next day, it had lightened in to a tan-ish. That's why I still use the SPF 100+, even though I often burn through it - the burns aren't as bad, and they don't last as long. Anyway, I also sprayed my shoulders, arms and back. I should have had my mom do my back, though. Apparently, I wasn't holding it close enough to the skin to get a good coating. I burned badly, even though I was in the SHADE!!!
The kids went to Mom's Thursday night, if you will recall. Friday, I was home alone and lonely. Saturday, I went to assist my taiko buddies in their performance at the St. Louis Fringe festival. The room was extra, extra loud. We also are extra, extra loud. We got great reviews in the local media - all of which recommended earplugs. It was a good show, and I helped with the lighting and microphone cues. Michelle sold CDs. The plan after that, originally, was to go try out a new sushi place with Josh. Instead, I took Michelle home and met Josh at his mom's. They were having a pool party. The first thing anyone said to me was how I was too white. I decided not to swim.
Here's the thing. I'm in my mid-30's. I do not see any reason at all to allow my general acquaintance the ability to recognize me in a line-up if there was a bag over my head. I am someone's mother, and I am not on display.
Back to chronology:
Sunday morning I got up and drove to Rolla. I would just like to announce that going somewhere - even the kind of somewhere that you have to pack for - is RIDICULOUSLY EASY when you don't have to worry about kids or dogs.
I made lunch and kept the kids busy during my mom's violin lesson, and then the kids played their instruments for the teacher, who was suitably impressed. In the afternoon, we went to the pool. That was the scene of the crime! Well, the scene of the sunburning. You'll be pleased to hear, however, that neither of my children burned, as their mommy generously applied sunscreen, since they were to be playing out of doors.
We played Headbandz after dinner. (I'd brought it from home.) We were a little late getting to bed because of lots of book-reading at bedtime. In the morning we came home and made it to music lessons. After that we stopped at Target for some things we needed, and stayed in the area to have Culvers with Daddy.
Tonight is taiko. We shall be recording Hiryuu Sandan Gaeshi to honor the life of the late Grandmaster Oguchi Daihachi.
Hope you are having a good week!
http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/25/12397171-mom-challenges-school-sunscreen-ban-after-daughters-are-severely-burned#comments
Did you read it? Ok, good. Then you might have noticed something. The Mom didn't put sunscreen on her kids, even though one of them is sun sensitive, and she's mad because the school didn't? Notice that she is not fighting with the school because her daughter put on sunscreen at school, and found out when she got in trouble that it was against policy. (AHEM!?) What kind of mom knows an outdoor day is approaching, and doesn't make arrangements with the school regarding her sun sensitive children? Does it really matter that it was cloudy in the morning? I can burn myself pretty grandly on a cloudy day, and I'm not nearly as high risk as this lady's kids. I am declaring a definite MOMMYFOUL. Why did the school have to apologise to her? Now, take into consideration that I am currently suffering from a sunburn. And I'm still not on the mom's side.
Yes, I am burned. I burned through SPF 100+. This time, my face was hardly burned at all. The next day, it had lightened in to a tan-ish. That's why I still use the SPF 100+, even though I often burn through it - the burns aren't as bad, and they don't last as long. Anyway, I also sprayed my shoulders, arms and back. I should have had my mom do my back, though. Apparently, I wasn't holding it close enough to the skin to get a good coating. I burned badly, even though I was in the SHADE!!!
The kids went to Mom's Thursday night, if you will recall. Friday, I was home alone and lonely. Saturday, I went to assist my taiko buddies in their performance at the St. Louis Fringe festival. The room was extra, extra loud. We also are extra, extra loud. We got great reviews in the local media - all of which recommended earplugs. It was a good show, and I helped with the lighting and microphone cues. Michelle sold CDs. The plan after that, originally, was to go try out a new sushi place with Josh. Instead, I took Michelle home and met Josh at his mom's. They were having a pool party. The first thing anyone said to me was how I was too white. I decided not to swim.
Here's the thing. I'm in my mid-30's. I do not see any reason at all to allow my general acquaintance the ability to recognize me in a line-up if there was a bag over my head. I am someone's mother, and I am not on display.
Back to chronology:
Sunday morning I got up and drove to Rolla. I would just like to announce that going somewhere - even the kind of somewhere that you have to pack for - is RIDICULOUSLY EASY when you don't have to worry about kids or dogs.
I made lunch and kept the kids busy during my mom's violin lesson, and then the kids played their instruments for the teacher, who was suitably impressed. In the afternoon, we went to the pool. That was the scene of the crime! Well, the scene of the sunburning. You'll be pleased to hear, however, that neither of my children burned, as their mommy generously applied sunscreen, since they were to be playing out of doors.
We played Headbandz after dinner. (I'd brought it from home.) We were a little late getting to bed because of lots of book-reading at bedtime. In the morning we came home and made it to music lessons. After that we stopped at Target for some things we needed, and stayed in the area to have Culvers with Daddy.
Tonight is taiko. We shall be recording Hiryuu Sandan Gaeshi to honor the life of the late Grandmaster Oguchi Daihachi.
Hope you are having a good week!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Ah, Friday.
First of all - the house news what pretty much what I predicted. It ain't gonna happen. I can tell that I am still clinging tightly to the dream I would not admit I was deeply invested in, but I will very likely survive. It is what it is. (Or in this case, it is not what it is not.) But I hate when I say, "Please don't get my hopes up. I'll be really upset if this doesn't work out," and I am later quoted as having said, "I'm not getting my hopes up." Oh, well. Subtlety was never an art of his. Or a language that he spoke. Or recognied. Or understood. (Etc, etc, etc....)
Today is Friday. Did you know? Probably you knew. Anyway, I drove to St. Clair last night because my parents wanted to see the kids this weekend. UMR (Yes, I know that it isn't called that anymore. Give me time. I am just now adjusting to not calling Panera "St. Louis Bread Company".) is having their firework display, and my parents like taking the kids to see it.
The point is that I was home alone today. Sure, I'm doing laundry, but I've been scrubbing and cleaning for two and a half days. I just didn't feel like it today.
And now! Here is some stuff that you should know about:
1. My favorite excerpt from Candide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=aVsLMxam21I&feature=endscreen
2. Fascinated by this girl: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shYdqbJgQdc
3. In this film, the girl totally lies to her complete extended family, telling them that this guy is a professional singer. He teases her back by singing this song, which is all about a beautiful but totally evil woman. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gtDICWPTyA
4. This was a favorite of mine in college. I used to drool over the bass line. I secretly wanted to be a bass player, you know, but my hands are tiny. It's a good thing both of the male bass players I knew then were total drug addicts, or I might have been a lost woman!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gtDICWPTyA
5. Austen! Woot! Okay, not really. And this Lizzie doesn't have that "It doesn't matter what she says, 'cause you just CAN'T be mad at her," quality that she is reported to have in the book, but still - so many details have been addressed that I think this is worth watching. Also, I wish I had thought of doing this sort of thing as an exit project!!! Too late: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KisuGP2lcPs&feature=relmfu
Ok. That's it for now. Especially as Josh just called and I have an assignment to carry out. Class dismissed!!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Worry.
Happily Ever After, Take 12 (or whatever we happen to be on now) is most certainly a great and wonderful improvement on its predecessor. That does not make it stress free. Today, I am stressed out because we are going to put the house up for sale. The guy is coming to see it today, and as a not very funny Cosmic coincidence, the house has never been so white trash filthy and cluttered and utterly un-appealing. The lawn has not been mown. I am having a small heart attack right now just thinking about it.
Would you like to see an excerpt from a letter I wrote this week? Here ya go:
"I can't remember how much of the latest news you are aware of, so I'm gonna back up a little bit and start there.
1. Josh got an awesome new job as a Business Analyst at MTM in Lake St. Louis. F****a actually used to work there. He now works days (whee!) M-F (wheeeeeee!) and the commute is half as long (Yeah, Baby!!) and he actually is making MORE money (More happy sounds!!!). Aaaaand, I quit. Hee hee heeeeee! Well, it costs more than $9/hr for childcare. D*****a pretty much told me that if I ever want a crappy, low-paying job, all I have to do is call, and she'll request me. (She might have used different adjectives...) In the fall, I am going to try substitute teaching, and hopefully if an office vacancy opens up, they will love me and hire me over the unknown evil. To recapitulate: Joshjob = woot. He's moving into his office today! What a show-off. :P Rosiejob = Empty Set. Nyah, nyah!
2. We're putting the house up for sale this week. I'm nervous. In true Josh style, he's already located a neighborhood of new construction that can get us a nice sized yard and the floor plan of our dreams (Level 1*) in our price range. The chances of any lots still being available after the house sells are not great. Plus, the house next to ours is for sale, too. It's asking price is $20,000 less than we OWE on our house! This is making me super nervous. Josh wanted to get 10 thousand over what we owe to add to our savings for a down payment. Looking bleak! 8( Oh, by the way, the name of the street we want to move to is T***** Fields! ^_^
* Dream Home Level 1 = the realistic version. Dream Home Level 2 involves secret passages, and Level 3 has orchards...and probably serfs.
3. The kids are taking music lessons. I'll hunt up a picture. We have our lesson today. So far, so good.
4. Had the annual MO Scholars' Academy taiko performance and workshop yesterday. I do that one every year. It's on Fathers' Day. The last few years, that has been an issue, but this year - Josh was off! So, I was expecting a pretty stress free event. Well, first hitch in that plan came when they needed my car to carry stuff. Um...Columbia is 1 hr to my west. Taiko is 1 hr to my east. No way I'm gonna drive 1 hr east, then 2 hrs west, then 2 hrs east, then 1 hr west. Instead, I took some drums home with me Thursday after practice. Then, yesterday, I drove to Columbia for the show with the drums, and after the workshops were over, I kinda sneakily re-negotiated someone else to trade me stuff so I could still use my back seat today for music lessons and last T-ball game, then I can bring it all back tomorrow at practice. Very do-able. Not stress free, but do-able. On my way home from Columbia, I was absolutely dripping with sweat, and very tired. Here's the text I didn't want to get, but did anyway: "Dogs Missing! Looked everywhere. Make signs tomorrow??" Also not stress free. Fortunately I only had about 35 minutes to envision myself getting home and going on a dog-hunting excursion, as some neighbors found the dogs. Josh invited me to meet them for their annual Fathers' Day ice cream trip, so I did that. When I went home and saw my reflection, I realized that this was a mistake. I had straightened my hair, but it was dripping with sweat when I left the show, and then was partially dried by the A/C on full blast for an hour. I looked REALLY FUNNY! Heee! Oh, well. And you'd think I'd sleep well after all that, but I didn't. Woke up about 2 and didn't get back to sleep until 4 something. *shrug*
5. Last night we had our first of what hopefully is going to be a Sunday night tradition: Board Game Night!!! We played Headbandz. That's where you have a card on your forehead and you have to guess what it is without looking. Very fun!
6. Tonight is the last T-ball game. After that is a team pizza party at Imo's "Pizza", and then right back to the same ice cream place!!! ^_^ Seriously, you should buy stock in this place...we are going to make it a fortune. It's gonna be quite a night!"
The last tee ball game was pretty fun. It was very sunny, and Josh met us there and brought the two-person folding chair and an umbrella, so we were in the shade. I was worried at first, but our team did pretty well. We ended up winning! Then, it was off to Imo's for the pizza party. We sat as a family, and had our especial friends sit at tables near ours. We stayed until the whole room was finished eating and about to erupt into wild kid-ness. Then we moved next door to the ice cream. I was too full to order any, but Grant got raspberry sherbet and Abbie got chocolate. Naturally, bed time was not on time, but they did actually get to sleep eventually.
The kids had a great music lesson that day, too. They are both doing well, especially Abbie, but we could already kind of tell that she already speaks that language.
Meh. I've wasted enough time. I must go and try to clean this house some. Not that it will help. Boo. Well, please send kind thoughts today. I shall be needing them.
Happy Wednesday to you.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Whoa.
I am not adjusting to the new schedule yet. My sleep hasn't been the greatest, but I'm hoping that will improve when all my muscles are done being hurt. I have tons of things that need to be done while I am home and available, but I'm trying to not re-injure myself before Sunday's performance.
Would you like to know about that? Let's see....I'm playing one of the front chuus on Hiryuu, just narimono for Matsuri Taiko, second soloist on Zoku, playing for the Bachi-kan interlude, shekere for Ashura, second chuu on Hanabi, both uchiwa parts for the Suwako interlude, and then #3 for Tenchi. Ta-da! I wonder if anyone still reads this stuff, and if they do, do any of them know anything about our taiko repertoire. Oh, well. At least I know that I'm in for a long day tonight, and a long day Sunday.
Talked to Mom. She is home and safe, and attempting to replace all that was lost during her trip. I also talked to Brother the other day. He is planning a trip to MO sometime in July.
It's so strange to have Josh around all the time. I told him I feel like we're on vacation. We took a walk last night!
I need to investigate swimming lessons. Also, our last tee ball game has been moved to next Monday. Music lessons are going well, I guess.
Well, things haven't been going on long enough for a new "normal" yet, but expect it soon. Once that happens, we can start planning for the next part. Really, though, I've never felt so disorganized!
Hope you are having a good week!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
All That Stuff.
Well, I've not had a minute to myself to post anything....until now. I am home alone. So rare. I kinda like it for a while, but I do get lonely quickly.
I've had my last day at work, and so has Josh. He starts his new job on Monday. As for the details of that, he will be working the day shift, Mon -Fri, will be making MORE than he did at this most recent job, will be commuting only half as far, qualifies for bonuses, and with any luck, will advance and be promoted and generally live happily ever after. His actual job title is Business Analyst, and he will work in the IT department. Perfect!
The keyboard came for Grant on Wednesday. It was delivered to the front porch. Josh was working his last late shift, and I knew he wouldn't be home until long after dark, so I carried it inside. Bad idea. It put my back out. But I'm feeling lots better, and should be playing normally by my next taiko performance, which is a week from today.
My parents are driving home from a motorcycle trip. I'm sorry to say that there is some bad news. My Mom's wallet and phone fell out on the road somewhere. She's had to call and cancel all her cards and such. They knew I was home and could look up the phone numbers for them.
Yesterday was Lisa's wedding! It was the VERY FIRST in the new St. Gianna church on N. Ceremony was very good. The Monsignor was very eloquent - and speedy! Yay for quick masses! There was one point when the maid of honor passed out...... We never learned why! She was kneeling, and everyone got up, but she didn't. They carried her to a pew and another bridesmaid hopped up in her place. There was a huge gap of time between the ceremony and reception, so Josh and I drove around and neighborhood shopped. We found the neighborhood I liked so much, but when we found a house for sale with a flyer, my dreams were crushed by the boulder of reality. Far outside of our price range. However, I suggested to Josh that right now the builders would appreciate some business, and we could probably get more house for our money, and we stopped at a display home in St. Peters and talked to the attendant. Come to find out, it was exactly in our price range! The only draw back would be a very seriously small yard. I'm not sure I would agree to it. But it has certainly put us in mind to look at more new construction.
Then was the reception. We were seated by the bar. This was very probably NOT an accident. Lisa has been insisting for months that I get drunk at her wedding. The food was great, and there was much dancing. Josh even danced with me! Fuunny story: They played the Bartender song ( You know - "Sitting on the inside, waiting for my ride on the outside...") and Josh and I danced to it. We looked up and we were the ONLY couple out there. You mean that's not a love song?!?!?! ^_^
Taiko PR meeting and practice this morning. And Josh and the kids are off with all our mutual friends at the Cardinals game. Maybe I can meet up with them for dinner. In the meantime - it's Rosie Home Alone day. And I already watched a movie.....what now???
Well, hope you are all enjoying what's left of the weekend. Take care!
I've had my last day at work, and so has Josh. He starts his new job on Monday. As for the details of that, he will be working the day shift, Mon -Fri, will be making MORE than he did at this most recent job, will be commuting only half as far, qualifies for bonuses, and with any luck, will advance and be promoted and generally live happily ever after. His actual job title is Business Analyst, and he will work in the IT department. Perfect!
The keyboard came for Grant on Wednesday. It was delivered to the front porch. Josh was working his last late shift, and I knew he wouldn't be home until long after dark, so I carried it inside. Bad idea. It put my back out. But I'm feeling lots better, and should be playing normally by my next taiko performance, which is a week from today.
My parents are driving home from a motorcycle trip. I'm sorry to say that there is some bad news. My Mom's wallet and phone fell out on the road somewhere. She's had to call and cancel all her cards and such. They knew I was home and could look up the phone numbers for them.
Yesterday was Lisa's wedding! It was the VERY FIRST in the new St. Gianna church on N. Ceremony was very good. The Monsignor was very eloquent - and speedy! Yay for quick masses! There was one point when the maid of honor passed out...... We never learned why! She was kneeling, and everyone got up, but she didn't. They carried her to a pew and another bridesmaid hopped up in her place. There was a huge gap of time between the ceremony and reception, so Josh and I drove around and neighborhood shopped. We found the neighborhood I liked so much, but when we found a house for sale with a flyer, my dreams were crushed by the boulder of reality. Far outside of our price range. However, I suggested to Josh that right now the builders would appreciate some business, and we could probably get more house for our money, and we stopped at a display home in St. Peters and talked to the attendant. Come to find out, it was exactly in our price range! The only draw back would be a very seriously small yard. I'm not sure I would agree to it. But it has certainly put us in mind to look at more new construction.
Then was the reception. We were seated by the bar. This was very probably NOT an accident. Lisa has been insisting for months that I get drunk at her wedding. The food was great, and there was much dancing. Josh even danced with me! Fuunny story: They played the Bartender song ( You know - "Sitting on the inside, waiting for my ride on the outside...") and Josh and I danced to it. We looked up and we were the ONLY couple out there. You mean that's not a love song?!?!?! ^_^
Taiko PR meeting and practice this morning. And Josh and the kids are off with all our mutual friends at the Cardinals game. Maybe I can meet up with them for dinner. In the meantime - it's Rosie Home Alone day. And I already watched a movie.....what now???
Well, hope you are all enjoying what's left of the weekend. Take care!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
[Insert Happy Singing Here]
Well, I don't have a great deal of time, so we'll just do the highlights, shall we?
* Josh got the good job. He starts Monday.
* Lisa K's wedding is Saturday!
* Grant and Abbie started music lessons yesterday. Abbie is so cute with her violin! But Grant's keyboard hasn't arrived yet.
* Did I mention Josh got the job?
* Bought some new songs this week. Some are new and wonderful, and some are replacements of some old favorites, and very dear to my heart. 3 or 4 were by Pink Martini.
* Been watching Downton Abbey, and loving it.
* No more carpooling!
* No more carpooling because Friday is my last day at work.
* Josh has a NEW JOB!
* Did not win the tee ball last night, but that's okay - we beat that team last time we played them.
* Played taiko for the Shakespeare Festival's Green Show. Very fun. The weather was GREAT, and a bunch of friends came just for me! Sheryl from work, Kegan, Rashita, and Rob K, who was a huge surprise. Plus Josh and the kids were there, and Sarah D! Great show. Fun.
* Saturday I got my hair done, picked up Abbie's violin, went to the Renaissance Faire, bought groceries and picked up pizza. I still have not recovered from my exhausting weekend.
* YAY!
And now I must go and start the dinnering. Taiko tonight. Don't know if I'll be playing much, but I hope I am. Gonna pick up Michelle, and it will be awesome!
Rawr!
Big, happy hugs to everyone!
Hey, look! The spell check button works again. Huzzah!
* Josh got the good job. He starts Monday.
* Lisa K's wedding is Saturday!
* Grant and Abbie started music lessons yesterday. Abbie is so cute with her violin! But Grant's keyboard hasn't arrived yet.
* Did I mention Josh got the job?
* Bought some new songs this week. Some are new and wonderful, and some are replacements of some old favorites, and very dear to my heart. 3 or 4 were by Pink Martini.
* Been watching Downton Abbey, and loving it.
* No more carpooling!
* No more carpooling because Friday is my last day at work.
* Josh has a NEW JOB!
* Did not win the tee ball last night, but that's okay - we beat that team last time we played them.
* Played taiko for the Shakespeare Festival's Green Show. Very fun. The weather was GREAT, and a bunch of friends came just for me! Sheryl from work, Kegan, Rashita, and Rob K, who was a huge surprise. Plus Josh and the kids were there, and Sarah D! Great show. Fun.
* Saturday I got my hair done, picked up Abbie's violin, went to the Renaissance Faire, bought groceries and picked up pizza. I still have not recovered from my exhausting weekend.
* YAY!
And now I must go and start the dinnering. Taiko tonight. Don't know if I'll be playing much, but I hope I am. Gonna pick up Michelle, and it will be awesome!
Rawr!
Big, happy hugs to everyone!
Hey, look! The spell check button works again. Huzzah!
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