1.  The Boy is back from debate camp.  Two weeks in a college dorm just north of us.  We got to see him half way through for lunch.  He says he had fun and placed respectably in the tournament.

2.  I really don’t know what to think of Sarah Palin resigning.  Other than to say I wonder why it’s okay to make viscious attacks against her kids, but kids of other elected officials are stricly off-limits.  Funny, that…

3.  On the world stage.  Believe me, I thought I would NEVER in a million years say this…I would feel much safer if Hillary were president.  I just get the feeling that Obama may be just making it up as he goes along and does not have a clue.  But time will tell.

4.  How much longer until we admit that Obama has worsened the economic situation he “inherited” instead of looking back and blaming all the money-spending on Bush.  Bush is no longer in charge…at least I thought he wasn’t.  Maybe I’m wrong….

5.  I find it funny that the vast majority of cars which qualify for purchase under the “clunkers for cash” program are foreign, while the government bought GM.  Does this make sense to you?  It’s like they’re just giving our money away to our new competition, since we all (well, all of us that actually pay taxes) now own a piece of GM.

6.  Our garden got hammered by the tornado a few weeks ago.  But the cucumbers survived and are producing, and we have a couple tomatoes.  The peppers keep having blooms which fall off and never amount to anything.  Maybe it was all too much for them…that, or all the weeding I do around them.  Can’t stand weeds.  Hate ‘em.

7.  I had the house to myself for almost five days last week while The Boy was at camp and the spouse was flying.  Very peaceful, those few days alone.  But also (surprisingly) busy.  Lots of weeds to pull, don’tcha know.

8.  The Boy turns 15 this week, and he also starts driving this week (being parent-taught by The Spouse).  One more year and he’ll be able to drive himself to and from tournaments!

9.  I’ve been counting calories.  Each and every one I eat or drink.  This is a tedious, time intensive process at times.  But….I’ve lost about 12 pounds give or take in the last three months.  Slow and steady wins the race!

10.  The best part about counting calories is I don’t have to totally deny myself anything…including fast food and alcohol…I just have to plan for it.

11.  It’s surprising how burning many calories working out each week will allow you to eat more calories and still lose weight.

12.  I know 4,200 calories sounds like a lot to have to burn, but did you know if you clean your house all in one day you will burn many, many, many calories?  And then…you will get to have wine after cleaning!

13.  Did I say I was worried about international events and the economy?

14.  Did I mention that I don’t want to be forced to put mercury-laden “green” light bulbs in my house?

15.  Well I am and I don’t.

16.  Did anyone notice that unemployment is higher than it’s been in more than two decades?  I’m just sayin’….does it make sense to throw good money after bad vs. letting the economy correct itself like it’s supposed to?

That is all.

1.  Smart move, Holder. You don’t wanna open that can of worms.  Just leave it alone.

2.  Our Homeland Security Secretary has absolutely no clue.

3.  CNN anchors and others have no class.  That’s all I’m gonna say about their behavior yesterday and the days leading up to it.  It’s hard, but that’s as far as I will go since I try not to make personal attacks.  But clearly they went WAY too far in their negative coverage and comments.

4.  Nancy Pelosi.  There are no words other than unkind ones so I will just let you go read and and decide for yourself.

5.  Don’t Tread On Me.

6.  The Boy is in a huge tournament this weekend which will determine if he goes to nationals for debate CX.

7.  I hope he does well, and it will be HUGE if he qualifies considering the stiff compeition and seasoned varsity players he will be up against.

8.  I’m glad Obama doesn’t see the need to mess with our gun control laws…for now.

9.  I am proud of the nonviolent, family oriented peaceful protests yesterday.  No flash mobs.  Just concerned citizens and parents.

10.  I am watching a DVR’d  Locked Up Abroad.  That show scares the hell out of me and makes me never want to leave my house again.

That is all.

1.  Navy Seals rock.  I’m glad they were given the chance to do what they were trained for and rescue that boat captain.

2.  That boat captain will never admit it because he was just doing his job (in his mind), but he is a true hero.

3.  Since I started counting carories a couple weeks ago – four and a half pounds – gone.  Vanished.

4.  Try counting your calories for just one day.  I counted them on one of my worst eating days and I was truly horrified.  No wonder I couldn’t ever lose any weight!

5.  If you count calories, that does not mean you can’t have the stuff you love.  Since I started, I’ve managed to still have a few drinks here and there and some wine.  I even went to Fuddrucker’s one day for lunch and had a burger and fries!

6.  I wish some people wouldn’t dismiss those that wish to protest how their tax money is being spent as stupid, ignorant, or not newsworthy.

7.  Why is it okay to protest tax dollars going toward a war you don’t agree with vs. protesting tax dollars going toward funding programs that do not stimulate the economy and only serve to increase the size of government if you don’t agree with that?

8.  I don’t care what kind of dog the Obamas are getting.  Nor do I care who gave it to them.  Nor do I think they should feel guilty because it did not come from a shelter.  They should be able to get the dog they want from wherever they want.

9.  I think it’s kind of vain to travel with a makeup artist.  But maybe that’s just me.  I don’t begrudge anyone the right to do it especially if they’re paying for it with their own money.  I do think it’s vain though.  Just put on some minerals, mascara and lip gloss like the rest of us.  It doesn’t make THAT much of a difference, IMO.

10.  In a week and a half, I’m going up to Wisconsin for a girls’ weekend to spend time with the chicas en mi familia (see no. 3 – now you know why).

11.  Tommy and The Boy planted a garden this weekend.  Now we shall see if we can grow peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and onions.  I stand out there every day and say, “Grow, dammit!”

12.  I’m not a very patient person.

13.  Guess what?  I’ll be at less than 1,300 calories after the Tilapia fillets tonight.  So I get to have wine!  Yippee!

14.  Also, I get to have almonds with my wine.  Even better.

That is all.

1.  That damn Vermont Teddy Bear commercial.

2.  The fact so many lawmakers would vote for a bill they could not have possibly read.  I wonder how many other pieces of legislation they just phoned their votes in on to protect their own interests?

3.  That old smarmy bagger guy at the grocery store that stares at everyone’s boobs.

4.  People that hang their hands out their cars to ensure maximum coverage of their second hand smoke to all others parked at the stop light.

5.  Valentine’s day.  I hate Hallmark holidays….although a good steak is always nice.

6.  Well I guess it’s a person…but…Nancy Pelosi.

7.  The feeling that the other side ran the biggest con game in the history of the world and people aren’t paying attention to exactly what they’re doing here and abroad.  Because…CHANGE…right?

8.  The fact that what they’re doing will have a negative impact on the security of the globe in general and our security and economy here at home for years to come.

9.  The amount of spending slated for 2011 – just in time to buy the election.

10.  People that say “He’s not MY President.”  Because he is.  It’s a fact.  Just wait it out with the rest of it.  Hopefully people will wise up.

Oh, there’s much much more.  But I’m tired now so a nap sounds like a better idea….maybe when I wake up the world will have magically set itself right.  One can only dream…

1.  I’m not for the  spendulous in its current form.

2.  I hope the next thing they do after this isn’t to come back and raise taxes, saying they need money to pay for all this.

3.  Michigan and California are case studies that prove raising taxes in hard times can lead to severe cash shortages in the coffers (California can’t even send tax refund checks, for crying out loud).

4.  I do believe we should do something that would put money in the economy…like getting rid of the AMT and temporarily lowering capital gains and payroll taxes – this will give people that are in a position to actually give people jobs and that run their companies well the incentive to hire more workers and build more products.

5.  Also, we should increase oil production and I agree with doing work to improve our infrastructure…these things create real jobs that last for years.

5.  Sorry, my bad.  I forgot – though I don’t know how I could have – THEY won the election and they get to do whatever they want – including packing the bill so full of pork it’s hard to find the bits that actually create jobs and give tax relief.

6.  It’s noon somewhere right?  Where’s the vodka?

In a list, of course…

1.  Congrats to President Obama.  He is our duly elected leader, and I respect what he did, what it means for how far our nation has come, and I respect his office.

2.  You will NEVER hear me say, “He’s not MY President.”  Because I have always thought that’s just not a good thing to say.  But maybe some people feel differently about the presidency and how we should show the world the office should be viewed.

3.  Instead, you will find me to be a member of the loyal opposition.  I will not agree with every decision he makes as president, but my respect for the office and his position will remain intact.

4.  Why is it that those on the left feel totally comfortable making demeaning, personal attacks on conservative leaders and we’re all just supposed to go along with it and laugh with the rest of them, but when you make a small quip about the ridiculous “Office of the President” thing they don’t want to hear it?  I mean, that’s not even a personal attack, it’s just a comment on how ridiculous that seal and daily press briefings were over the past weeks.  Geez….

5.  Why is it okay for a democratic appointee to have illegal immigrants working for him, but it wasn’t okay for the two cabinet-level peeps on Bush’s team?  As soon as it was found, they were gone.  Because that’s what you do.

6.  But apparently that and not paying taxes will be overlooked in an effort to “change” how politics are done.

7.  Richardson had it right and I respect his decision as he put the good of the country first and removed the drama of his charges from the equation.

8.  I read parts of the speech today on the TV screen at the gym while working out…seemed like an okay speech, if a little long.

9.  I admire how Bush has handled the transition, and I am sure he will return a clean, well-stocked jet to Washington (unlike others who will remain nameless).

10.  I am really hoping other members of the loyal opposition will continue to exhibit self-control and only speak to decisions and the consequences that may (or do) result from them and we do NOT hear the high levels of vitriol and hatred we heard from the left for the past years.  That stuff gets old.

11.  I am encouraged by most of Obama’s appointments, and I hope he continues to be smart about taxes.

12.  I hope that he is as smart about people as he is book-smart; book-smarts can be taught, people-smarts cannot.  Either you have them or you don’t.

13.  Simple words of advice for him in operating in the global arena – trust by verify EVERYTHING people say and promise.

See?  Not so bad.  I’m not bitter.  Just waiting to see what happens and a little miffed some on the left can’t see a little humor in some things that truly are a bit over the top – even for him.

Looking over my past few (okay, several) posts, it appears I have had only one subject to post on.  In an effort to get back to my roots of random posts on random subjects, I have a list which contains (mostly) nonpolitical thoughts.  I think I can speak for all of us when I say this is probably a good thing.

1.  I have been doing laundry since eight o’clock.

2.  I am on my fifth load, and it is only 11 o’clock.

3.  I….have discovered…THE SPEED CYCLE!!!

4.  If you are like me, and recently purchased a front loading washer (yes I know…hard to believe…I did the right thing for the environment) you know that they add much time to your laundry duties.

5.  However…if you have a load of let’s say…jeans….that have been worn but have no apparant stains….you can use….THE SPEED CYCLE!

6.  Which….more than 30 minutes shorter…hello?!

7.  So I am happily awaiting my fifth load out of the washer while getting ready to mix my fourth drink.

8.  Could life BE any better?

9.  I have not worked since The Boy was in the middle of 2nd grade.

10.  SINCE THE MIDDLE OF SECOND GRADE!

11.  He is now well into his 9th grade year.

12.  Could it be possible that I have not worked for seven years, while I was (mostly) gainfully employed for the 22 years prior and now qualify for full social security benefits?

13.  Yup.  I guess I’m officially a “stay-at-home” or whatever….

14.  But…in the past seven years I’ve been to London and Ireland and Argentina (three times)..and we’ve taken trips back home to WI and to D.C. and had loads of family time.

15.  And…I’ve created some beautiful drapes, which…I am NOT Martha Steward but I discovered having custom windows there’s a downside which requires sweat equity if you want to have cool drapes.

16.  So I did that.  Just two more rooms to go.

17.  I’m so glad I’m not working because really we only have three more years with The Boy before college (unless he grauates early which is a strong possiblity).

18.  Speaking of The Boy….he has decided that the thing we need to do is get rid of all regulations and let businesses fail where they may and that although it will be rough for a couple years we will all come out of it for the better with better products and services and a true free market economy.

19.  Yup….it appears he leans Libertarian.

20.  But…he’s for McCain because “He stood up to torture.”

21.  As you know by know, I can’t argue with that.

22.  That’s it for politics…that wasn’t so bad, was it?

23.  Damn…the washer just dinged.  Time to switch the last load and make the last drink.

24.  Peace out.

P.S.  The Boy got a trophy at last weekend’s debate tournament.  WAY cool.

Before you read this list (and I hope you do) – full disclosure – I (mostly) land on the conservative side of the fence, am married to a former military pilot, and currently have members of my family serving you in the military.  Having said that, I thought a list of things I believe might be helpful for those on the other side of the fence/more liberal thinkers to understand why I might say, think, feel and write some of the things I do.

So….here we go…..I believe:

1.  That a person should be responsible for their own actions.

2.  In a woman’s right to choose (provided that my tax dollars don’t pay for on-demand procedures).

3.  That whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons (h/t to General MacArthur).

4.  That we should trust but verify what a leader says at the negotiating table.

5.  That when a leader no longer allows what they promised to be verified then we should no longer trust them.

6.  That handouts given without strings attached for someone also to do their part and take responsibility for themselves are a complete and total waste of taxpayer money.

7.  That there are people out there that actually feel entitled to get a share of the rewards someone else garners for their hard work and sacrifice.

8.  That when someone is successful, we have a choice to either say, “Good for him – how can I get there?” or “Where’s mine?”

9.  That the “Where’s mine?” attitude of entitlement and the fact that is being rewarded is a lot of what’s wrong with our economy.

10.  That Congress, which makes the laws and is responsible for oversite of Fannie and Freddie, is completely responsible for the mess we are now having to deal with.

11. That Barack Obama is a socialist (not that there’s anything wrong with that if you agree with him).

12.  That China, Canada, France, and the UK are proof that socialized medicine does not work.

13.  That all our entitlement programs need to be overhauled and computerized to cut down on fraud, redundant jobs, and waste.

14.  That to make promises to dismantle our defenses and cut defense spending in a time of war are very, very dangerous.

15.  That if someone were to to actually follow through on #14 (if elected) this would be exponentially dangerous.

16.  That no matter what they say, certain countries will always revert to form after they’ve received all the concessions they were looking for (i.e., Iran and N. Korea with how they handle things on nukes).

17.  That we should have removed Saddam.

18.  That Saddam gave aid and comfort to the families of Hezbollah homicide bombers and housed Al-Qaeda leaders in his country before we invaded (Al-Zarqawi was in Iraq when we invaded).

19.  That we went about the Iraq thing all wrong and we should have listened to Powell on that.

20.  That people who have had a bad run of luck should be helped up, but not held up indefinitely in the absence of an able person doing the work to help themselves out of adversity.

21.  That we should call “tax rebates” to the 40% of Americans that wind up not paying any taxes at all what they really are – welfare checks.  Paid by those who actually pay taxes.

22.  That those who live with constant guilt for being successful in this country and think they and others could afford to pay  more – should.  Pay more tax money than they owe, that is.  It’s called walking the walk.

23.  That the vast majority of Americans are good people with good hearts.

24.  That those who don’t believe this haven’t taken the time to review the statistics of how much normal people give to charity vs. how little left-leaning elitists do.

25.  That all illegal aliens should be registered and thumbprinted, should pay taxes on the money they earn in return for the services they receive as a resident in our country, and should be given a fair path to citizenship because we can’t ignore the fact that they are here and making contributions to the community.

26.  That we can’t ignore that they are also a drain on our communities and medical facilities when it comes to the entitlement programs they draw funds and time from.

27.  That Obama, at his core, is not such a bad guy and he really was trying to do what he thought he had to in order to help people.

28.  That it bothers me he was willing to overlook so much bad in the people he worked with to make that happen.

29.  That Chris Dodd should be investigated as part of our look into Fannie and Freddie since it was his committee that refused to look at legislation that was meant to change oversight rules and hopefully avoid what’s happened.

30.  That’s it’s really awful how someone who comes down on the side of life is so feared, hated, and demeaned by those that differ with her beliefs.

31.  That I’d rather have someone who values life in line for the big chair – making those tough calls with regard to military action and the lives of our troops.

32.  That anyone who thinks time spent leading a military squadron does not count toward executive experience has obviously never spent time inside a squadron.

33.  That parents should be allowed to have a say in which sex-ed classes their kids attend and school officials should never be allowed to teach certain things without parents having the opportunity to opt-out for their kids and teach certain sensitive subjects on their own terms at home.

34.  That a baby who remains alive after an abortion should be given proper medical treatment and not thrown away in a closet and left to die – even though this might be “invonvenient” or “confusing” for the woman who chose to end that life.

35.  That we’ve been at war with the terrorists since before Clinton was in office and I wish he would have acted like it.

36.  That every child should be given access to a decent education, regardless of where they live.

37.  That we should trust but verify (with tests) that kids are actually being taught and are learning the material.

38.  That teachers shouldn’t be given a free pass that they know what they’re doing just because they’ve been teaching for x number of years.

39.  That teachers who can’t pass basic subject-related tests should be given the chance to find another profession.

40.  That Sarah Palin is not as evil or inexperienced as some would like you to think.

41.  That no experience could possibly prepare anyone for the Presidency.

42.  That people should not let others form their opinions for them, but they should look at what both parties actually said and did and then draw conclusions based on facts.

43.  That you should vote for whom you trust to fulfill the things you think are important to America – whatever they happen to be.

44.  That when people get angry, they start yelling and stop listening.

45.  That when people start yelling, it’s likely that what they have to say will not be heard.

46.  That people should have discussions about records and policies and not make personal attacks and resort to name-calling, because that is never helpful.

That is all.  For now…..

I think it’s time for another one of these lists, since I can’t seem to come up with anything really coherent to say.  So here goes….

1.  Ike’s a bad guy.  But he didn’t really seem to make his presence known here in Dallas that much.

2.  Good thing, because The Boy had his first debate tournament this weekend.  Semi-finals on his first go.  Not too shabby.

3.  Also, he looks good in a suit.

4.  I made curtains for all the windows in our kitchen over the past week or so.

5.  Did you know it takes a long time..I mean a REALLY long time to prepare for a debate tournament?

6.  Okay, enough of the small talk.  I gotta talk a little about politics.

7.  Why do some people hate…I mean HATE Sarah Palin or merely the idea of a Sarah Palin?

8.  What’s so wrong with a successful working woman having five kids and conservative views?

9.  How does that ruin it for NOW-oriented women?

10. I mean, unless NOW is way more about abortion rights vs. the rights of women in general, that is.

11.  Because otherwise, why would they be hating on her so bad?

12.  Why is it called a “tax break” when people that don’t pay ANY taxes at all get a refund check?

13.  Isn’t that just a welfare check?  Or a wealth redistribution check?  I would really prefer it if politicians would call things what they actually are, and if people would realize they are really just on the dole maybe they would try to do something to get off of it.

14.  Sorry, I forgot.  It’s much easier to remain on the dole.  My bad.

15.  But I’m not a big fan of increasing wealth redistribution checks.  Can you tell?

16.  As I’ve said before, I’m all for giving someone a helping hand when they’re down on their luck.

17.  I don’t even mind the government helping them with health care or living expenses if they are in a bad place.

18.  But if they want free health care merely because they chose to buy a new flat screen T.V., new computers, expensive clothes, and two new cars they can’t afford….then I’m not a big fan of paying the bill for people that could afford to buy health insurance but chose to buy other things instead.  People that make bad decisions should experience the consequences that result from them, but people that are in a bad spot due to outstanding circumstances deserve a helping hand to get back on their feet.  At least, that’s what I think.

19.  Congress really screwed up when they used their oversight to allow Fannie and Freddie to lower mortgage requirements and make REALLY bad loans to people that had no business buying houses.

20.  I don’t think most people realize it’s the democratic congress that has oversight responsibility for those institutions.

21.  I do believe it’s true that some people didn’t know what they were signing.  But I think many others were just trying to get something for nothing.

22.  And now we ALL will pay the price for poor management by congress, shady guys making the deals, and people defaulting on their loans instead of restructuring them when they were warned their rates would go up.  That makes me really angry.  And somehow congress is blaming the administration for this…and it’s working with the help of the mainstream media.  I wish people would pay more attention to what’s really going on vs. what biased reporters say is going on.

23.  If socialized medicine is so great, why do Canadians, Chinese, U.K. Citizens, etc. come to America if they can afford it and receive treatment here?

24.  Since when did we refer to illegal immigrants as Americans?  Oh…right…when we (well, you know….he…) started adding them into the tally of “Americans without health insurance.”

25.  Did you know that Sarah Palin never banned a book?  That all her ear mark requests are in the light of day instead of hidden at the last minute at the back a bill?  That a state trooper was never fired, but his superiors were notified that he had made death threats against Sarah and her family and he is still a trooper?  That her daughter’s personal life is nobody’s damn business?

26.  But it is true that she got some facts wrong about how much energy Alaska provides to the U.S.  And she did list the Governor’s jet on eBay but it never sold there.

27.  The bottom line is she’s a politician just like all the others currently on both tickets.  The difference is has she done anything?  Did she confront corrupt politicians in her own party, create a surplus in her state’s budget and return tax money to its citizens?  Is she a reformer?  Do you think she has the intestinal fortitude to face down Putin?  How long would it take her to make a decision vs. your choices on the other ticket?

28.  There are people out there that will not vote for McCain based on Palin’s personal views and the fact that she is a woman, no matter what happens.

29.  But there are a lot of people who will vote for McCain and Palin because they want people in the white house that don’t spend so much time nuancing a decision that they lose the chance to protect us or to make a deal that will benefit all Americans.

30.  That’s something to think about.

31.  When I vote, I try to vote based on logic, records, positions, facts, and past history as it relates to proposed policy platforms.

32.  But there are a lot of people out there who seem to make their voting decisions based on emotion.

33.  During the primaries, someone told me they “felt good” about voting for Obama.

34.  Let’s face it…I’m not a big fan of wealth redistribution, socialized medicine, or a systematic dismantling of our military, especially with what’s going on with N. Korea, Russia and Iran.  If you’re a pacifist, I guess this is a good plan.  But it scares the hell out of me.  You should follow the link and go watch the video if you have about a minute.  I feel it’s always better to see for myself all the information this is available.  You won’t see that video on the liberal cable news or main stream media stations.

35.  I wonder if they bought Tina Fey a rifle and a flag bikini to wear for the Sarah skit tonight?  I bet it will be funny, whatever they come up with.

Okay, I’m done ranting.  If you made it through the list, at least you still have an open mind and want to know what other people think.  So that’s a good thing.  Keep reading and watching all different views, and I will do the same….so we can make our voting decisions based on facts vs. feelings.

1.  I turned another year older this past weekend.

2.  Don’t ask, because I’m not telling.

3.  Dang, that Wright thing is like a bad odor that just won’t go away.

4.  Sorry, but I just don’t believe Obama when he says he didn’t know the guy was like that.

5.  Come ON….for 20 years you heard that crap and never realized?

6.  Apparently, Hillary wants to “obliterate” Iran.

7.  Ooookaaaaay……

8.  Raising taxes on oil companies will NOT reduce the price of gas.

9.  But it might make some people feel good about “sticking it” to profitable companies.

10. If we enact windfall taxes on oil companies, why not do the same to other companies which, on average, make the same amount of money on the dollar that oil companies do (about seven and a half cents on the dollar)?

11.  I guess it’s a volume thing….?

12.  Or, it’s “oil companies are evil”.  Yeah, that’s it….

13.  McCain should do something to whiten his teeth.

14.  Raise your hand if you think the Super Delegates will actually award the nomination to Hillary.

15.  ……..

16.  Thought so.

17.  The Boy gets his High School schedule this week.

18.  It CAN’T already be time for him to go to high school.  Can it?

19.  My younger sister had a baby a couple weeks ago.  A brand new nephew.  Yeah!!!

20.  Don’t forget…it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday.  Still need to get something?

21.  Of course you do.  Open up a new browser and start looking.  You’re running out of time.

22.  The Spouse brought me back a really nice bottle of wine from Chile for my birthday.

23.  But I’m hesitant to open it because it IS so nice.

24.  He tells me I can open it when I want and drink however much I want.  It’s MY wine.

25.  I’m still not sure….should I open it?  Should I save it?  By opening it am I admitting I actually had a birthday?

26.  Yeah…um…..don’t think I’ll open it.

27.  At least not until I get used to adding another year to the machine at the gym.

28.  Putting the new age in the machine after my birthday is the worst part of the post-celebration “damn, am I really THAT old?” routine.

29.  All this talk of politics and getting older has made me thirsty.

30.  I think I’ll fix a drink.  But not the wine…at least not yet.