Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Barbaro!


The EYE of a CHAMPION!

As his passing makes the headlines, his death tears open an old wound. He was young, he was strong, he was in his prime......so was my Heidi. Euthanasia sucks!

Friday, January 26, 2007

Bangs

Oh, this is not really funny but then it was.

Last night, while Lauren was taking a bath, I decided she need a trim around her face. When I grabbed some scissors, I told the boys that I was going to cut their sister's bangs while she was in the bathtub. Her hair is getting scraggly and at that stage where it's long but still too short to put in a pony tail. And I thought it would be easier while in the tub because we could rinse the trimming off and no sweeping. Anyway, next thing ya know, I have both of the boys almost in tears and frantic with me in the bathroom. I didn't understand what was wrong. Eric kept asking me "WHY??!!!" I'd answer, "Because she needs them cut." You could really see fear in their eyes. I asked them what their problem was. I couldn't under stand what was wrong.

Well....they came running into the bathroom because they thought I was going to cut their sister's...............VEINS! They thought I was going to kill their sister. They came to plead the life of their sister.

Oh the poor boys. LOL!

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Mario Cuomo

THANK YOU!

Yesterday on GMA, they showed he and his cameraman being attacked while sitting in an armored humvee with the 1st Cav. Division's military police. He and his cameraman are all right. Thank God! I mention him because as I watched in awe with what happened, I sat here on my couch all most in tears. These guys (soldiers) weren't afraid. Yes, a bit of cursing when they came upon an IED but other than that they went about the rest of their time securing the perimeter, making sure all was all right, and making me feel damn proud of them. DAMN PROUD!

Heroes, that is what they are. I couldn't be more prouder than I already am. But I am. I see them in a new and different light. It somehow made me more prouder to be an American. And it made me more prouder to be an Army wife.

I am proud of my husband.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

My View

I consider myself a democrat. I'm not registered so I guess what I say doesn't really count. But yet, here, I can say what I want.

Tonight the Prez will speak about sending 20,000 more troops to Iraq. I don't like it because that means our guys will suffer immensely. They are overloaded. They are tired. They have no relief. The 20,000 being sent aren't to replace, ease, or relief the already thousands over there. BUT, the already said men will be safer? That I can't answer. And my husband's chances become greater and more likely to go "over there" more often than before. We don't have enough National Guard and/or new recruits. And some might say that the new recruits are too new. They aren't war hardened and are trigger happy. Not safe.

But you see, this is not why I'm writing. Yes, I worry about our guys but I'm more concerned about the facts that are being criticized, percieved, told and rumored on television. I swear if I hear "I support the troops but not the war." I will PUKE! Our soldiers are our modern day knights. Soldiers are trained for fighting and bettering their job at war. So in that aspect if the guys sat at home training with no wars....the government shuts down bases and post, they stop passing bills for better equipment, no more raises, soldier's family gets sub-standard health care (and it ain't all that now), and the guys have it harder getting promotions because their won't be enough slots open if the military shrinks because of downsizing. All because of no wars!

So in general, if you don't support the war....you don't support the troops. In the end, our guys get the shaft while the government keeps spending money on BS and giving themselves raises.

Don't get me wrong. We shouldn't be "over there". Who the heck wants there son, daughter, wife, husband, and/or grandchildren "over there"? But in the end, wars are sometimes a necessity. We don't like them but we need them. But without them....the US wouldn't be the what they are today. And my husband wouldn't be "all that he could be." But the wars that need be fought, should be those that protect us....not an oil field or a strategic area. But I don't get to choose the war I want to fight, so I have to step back and just accept fate.

I feel like I'm going in circles here.

So, as I was trying to say..........we as a nation have to accept the war that was given to us, support it, so then you can say "I support the troops!"

And, hopefully, our guys can come home......in peace.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Wilbur is married to Templeton!!

The Rat was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. It is an animal associated with tenacity, fighting spirit, self-preservation, aggression, charm, charisma and yet also associated with death, the occult, torture, crimes, poverty, and disease.

"I have conquered an empire but I have not been able to conquer myself." - Peter the Great, a Rat

"The best political weapon is the weapon of terror. Cruelty commands respect. Men may hate us. But, we don't ask for their love; only for their fear." - Heinrich Himmler, a Rat

"There is nothing impossible to him who will try." - Alexander the Great, a Rat

Years and the Five Elements
Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "year of the Rat/Mouse," while also bearing the following elemental sign:
31 January 1900 - 18 February 1901: Metal Rat
18 February 1912 - 5 February 1913: Water Rat
5 February 1924 - 24 January 1925: Wood Rat
24 January 1936 - 10 February 1937: Fire Rat
10 February 1948 - 28 January 1949: Earth Rat
28 January 1960 - 14 February 1961: Metal Rat
15 February 1972 - 2 February 1973: Water Rat
2 February 1984 - 19 February 1985: Wood Rat
19 February 1996 - 7 February 1997: Fire Rat
2008 - 2009: Earth Rat
2020 - 2021: Metal Rat

Attributes
Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors (that's my man!). They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking(so true). Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are perhaps the most organized and systematic of the twelve signs (yep, that's Bobby). Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.

Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have an immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit another person, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculating and downright cruel if they want. They can be terrible gossips and selfish busybodies. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail and have an anal-retentive personality (definitely Bobby!)

A valuable lesson for Rats is to learn to consider others below themselves, at least sometimes, and to avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and do not expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.

Traditionally, Rats should avoid Horses, but they can usually find their best friends and love interests in Monkeys, Oxen, and Dragons.

Matthew is a big ox!

Matthew was born in the wrong year! We goofed! He is not one of these things!!

The Ox is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar.

Years and the Five Elements
Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "year of the Ox," while also bearing the following elemental sign:
19 February 1901 - 7 February 1902: Metal Ox
6 February 1913 - 25 January 1914: Water Ox
25 January 1925 - 12 February 1926: Wood Ox
11 February 1937 - 30 January 1938: Fire Ox
29 January 1949 - 16 February 1950: Earth Ox
15 February 1961 - 4 February 1962: Metal Ox
3 February 1973 - 22 January 1974: Water Ox
20 February 1985 - 8 February 1986: Wood Ox
7 February 1997 - 28 January 1998: Fire Ox
26 January 2009 - 14 February 2010: Earth Ox
2021 - 2022: Metal Ox
2033 - 2034: Water Ox

Attributes
The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

Ox people need peace and quiet to work through their ideas, and when they have set their mind on something it is hard for them to be convinced otherwise. An Ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever they do, even without imagination. These people speak little but are extremely intelligent. When necessary, they are articulate and eloquent.

The Ox is not extravagant, and the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes them nervous. The possibility of taking a serious risk could cause the Ox sleepless nights.
Ox people are truthful and sincere, and the idea of wheeling and dealing in a competitive world is distasteful to them. They are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain. These people are always welcome because of their honesty and patience. They have many friends, who appreciate the fact that the Ox people are wary of new trends, although every now and then they can be encouraged to try something new.

It is important to remember that the Ox people are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over such people and they engage all the trials of the whole world and seek solutions for them.

My Daughter is a male chicken!

The Rooster (sometimes replaced with the Phoenix in some regions of China) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar.

Years and associated five elements
Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "year of the Rooster/Chicken," while also bearing the following elemental sign:

22 January 1909 - 9 February 1910: Earth Rooster
8 February 1921 - 27 January 1922: Metal Rooster
26 January 1933 - 13 February 1934: Water Rooster
13 February 1945 - 1 February 1946: Wood Rooster
31 January 1957 - 17 February 1958: Fire Rooster
17 February 1969 - 5 February 1970: Earth Rooster
5 February 1981 - 24 January 1982: Metal Rooster
23 January 1993 - 9 February 1994: Water Rooster
9 February 2005 - 28 January 2006: Wood Rooster
2017 - 2018: Fire Rooster
2029 - 2030: Earth Rooster

Attributes
People born in the year of the Rooster are usually very observant. They are brave, resilient, sexy, and tenacious but can also be quite self-absorbed, pretentious, and overly romantic. Most of the time, they are very accurate and precise with their observation.

These people certainly love to find themselves in the spotlight (yep, Lauren), they love entertaining friends and adore meeting new people, and even unexpected and uncertain circumstances are not a barrier for them.

It is almost impossible to find someone born in this year looking dowdy or untidy. These people are usually the best dressed and groomed of all other people. They are actively interested in clothes, colours, and accessories, and are usually very critical of their own appearance as well as of the appearance of those around them. People born in the year of the Rooster like to be noticed and flattered (yep Lauren again). Such a person might dress a little flashily with this in mind, but in his heart, he/she is completely conservative. Roosters always appear attractive and beautifully turned out. They are sociable and love to receive attention (that's my girl!). Others may criticize them for being exhibitionists but they are compassionate, wise, and have a brave nature which comes to the fore when others need their help, makes up that deficiency.

It is difficult for these people to accept advice because of their strong independent (that is so her) spirit. These people are often confident in their own judgements and choices. There are times when these people may be too straight-forward which can cause some problems in relationships with others. So it would be wise sometimes not to express their opinions in order to keep the peace.

The ideal job for a rooster is a doctor, lawyer.

Year of the Pig

Yeah, I'm a pig literally and figuratively I guess! And my oldest is one too!

In China, the Pig (a more correct form would be the Boar) is associated with fertility and virility. To bear children in the year of the pig is considered very fortunate, for they will be happy and honest.

Years and the Five Elements
Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "year of the Pig," while also bearing the following elemental sign:

30 January 1911 - 17 February 1912: Metal Pig
16 February 1923 - 4 February 1924: Water Pig
4 February 1935 - 23 January 1936: Wood Pig
22 January 1947 - 9 February 1948: Fire Pig
8 February 1959 - 27 January 1960: Earth Pig
27 January 1971 - 14 February 1972: Metal Pig
13 February 1983 - 1 February 1984: Water Pig
31 January 1995 - 18 February 1996: Wood Pig
18 February 2007 - 6 February 2008: Fire Pig
5 February 2019 - 24 January 2020: Earth Pig
2031 - 2032: Metal Pig
2043 - 2044: Water Pig

Attributes
The Pig type is usually an honest, straightforward and patient person. He/she is a modest, shy character who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes. When others despair, he/she is often there to offer support. This type of person is reserved with those they do not know too well, but as time passes and they gain confidence, those around them may discover a lively and warm-hearted person behind that mask of aloofness. Despite those born in the year of pig having a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, they have few close friends who understand them and share their inner thoughts and feelings. It is easy to put trust in pig type; he/she won't let you down and will never even attempt to do so. Such people simply want to do everything right according to social norms.

It is important to remember that these people are not vengeful creatures. If someone tries to take advantage of him/her, the pig type tend to withdraw to reflect on the problem and protect themselves. All they need in such situations is a little time to find a constructive way to respond. The people of the pig type are conservative creatures of habit. They dislike being made to travel too far from familiar surroundings, unless it is a trip to the country. They love nature and are never happier than when they are out somewhere, far from the city.

There is a tolerant and peaceful side to their character. Such people are never afraid to allow others their freedom of expression; they do not want to cause arguments and if there is any way to avoid arguing, they will probably take this option. They are not weak, however, and if the situation forces them to fight these people will rise to the occasion, whether it is to defend themselves or those close to them. People of the Pig type are the most admired by others.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

A Nintendo romance!

I am a happy Mom. Why is that so? You see, this is how it is, a few days AFTER Christmas day.............

The boys find their new, brand spankin'...I might add, Nintendo DS-lite's on Christmas morn. The squeals of delight, the chatter of best friends who are brothers, the "oooh-and aaaah's", the joy that Christmas brings on that beautiful morning. Yes. All was right with the world that day. THAT DAY!

We stayed at Bobby's parent's house. The boys would be upstairs sprawled out on their stomach's, their eyes glued to the dual screen, their stylus' primed for action. Ah yes! They, the boys, played the beautiful gleaming white DS' with sheer content. Until............one night Eric's had a glitch. I would say it was about 3 days later, roughly. His game cartridge got jammed in the system. Not telling us or asking for help, he just rips it right out of the game system. Well, that was all she wrote. And for a few more days after that, out of grim-painstaking-FEAR, didn't tell us that it was dead. Matthew fessed up for him. Thank you, Matthew! Yeah, I was pissed. Goodbye $$$$$. Right down the drain. Bobby can't fix it. The prongs, those gleaming, shiny, gold electrical prongs are bent and one possibly broken off. Eeeergh!

So today, after waiting patiently for the holidays to end, I call Nintendo. They can't charge more for the machine, can they? I read up on all the warranty crap. I find out that the most they'll charge is $75...but that is 3/4 of what I paid. So I'm losing it. I don't want to have to buy a new one. So, back to what I was saying....I called Nintendo. I spoke to a very intelligent man named Harold. I'll admit, I sat their wondering if he wore bottle bottom glasses and had a pocket protector. White and nerdy? He was very literate and spoke to me in lay man's terminology. He felt sorry for my plight. A 12 yr. old boy (well, next month he'll be 12) was in dire need of a new DS-lite. Harold walked me through the trouble shooting, he held my hand through the warranty process, he looked into my eyes when he said, "Your warranty will cover your problem." Oh Harold! [sigh] Then he kissed me on the cheek when he told me....."Thank you for calling Nintendo. Call back if you have more questions or problems." No. THANK YOU HAROLD! Then their was a soft "click" as I cradled the phone to my chest. [sigh] Harold, thank you!!

So now, in a few more days, a box with labels will be shipped here. I'll lovingly wrap the broken DS and ship it to Nintendo heaven where they'll breathe life back into the glossy, white DS~lite.