Late Christmas photo this year...

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone or anyone who may possibly come by! I was thinking this morning of traditions that I had since childhood and how to keep them for our future child. What do we keep for our child from my husband and I. Maybe its a little premature; I am a year in advance, but it is fun. The basics are rather simple, both of us are from Catholic families who celebrate traditions as many American Catholic families... but its the simple things. My husband's family opens gifts on Christmas Eve and my family on Christmas morning. Then I notice our own families do not celebrate as before. It could be partially because of lack of young children. Many of the things you do for this holiday is for enjoyment of children. This generation just isn't producing the same, and when they do they tend to have broken families. These situations always make holidays awkward. I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me. I want my kids to have wonderful Christmas' like the ones I remember growing up. But I grew up in a small community that was practically all Christian. Everyone decorated and everything on the TV and radio after Thanksgiving was all about Christmas. All my relatives were married with two or three kids and I had three cousins that were born within months of myself. We spent time with both grandparents who lived in the same town and sometimes relatives from out of town would stop by as well. We would go to midnight mass and mass on Sunday morning after opening all the Christmas presents. Everything was closed and deserted, so you had nothing to do but stay home and play with your new gifts.

Now my parents only had me and my brother, and I am the only one that seems to even have a possibility for children... We are about to give up on him even getting married. My husband's family is bigger. His older sister has two children, but is divorced and brings over the boyfriend's family every other year. The other has a boyfriend that lives in the house with her parents. He also has a child that lives mostly with the mother, but one that he had out of wedlock in high school. So it never leads to what I think is a normal Christmas. It is always great though when everyone is around opening gifts, but I think more and more that Christmas may be something for our immediate family to spend together every year. This year we ended up waiting till past ten to open gifts when the children finally made it over after eating at the boyfriend's house. I think the other child is coming over some time this morning to open gifts with his father after spending time with his mother.

I know the only thing you can do is try to instill tradition as much as you can when they are young so they celebrate and follow their faith as they get older. I just dread being in the situation of having to say everyone else is wrong, but at the same time I have no problem in doing so. I am not one to believe in political correctness or I wouldn't post such a thing.

Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope you enjoy the new year as well!

20 weeks and our recent move

No one really says it, but it is strange and somewhat alien having something inside of you poking outward against your belly when you have your hand over your stomach. Normally it isn't something that you expect to happen and probably would find creepy, but when pregnant it is expected to grow stronger and people are happy to feel it.

I am now completely in the middle of my pregnancy, week 20. Its a point that I thought would be a long ways off from the first, but it really sneaks up on you. Makes me think the rest will probably do the same. That would be fine with me, as long as the baby comes when it is ready and doesn't decide to come a month or two early. That is something I would fear.

I've done my best through the first part to avoid stress and not strain myself. Not actively working all the time definitely helps, but the move did put a little strain. It was well worth it though, now I have a baby's room and a house big enough for my growing family. Of course we did a typical move in my family of having family members come in from out of town and all help at once. It can be frustrating at times, but for the most part it was great. We got into our house in a couple of days.

Our old house was a disaster from the beginning. Something you truly just dread coming home to. No decent hot water heater, oh yeah, it also leaked all over after we first moved in and rotted the back door and left water damage in the house. The replacement was too small for the house, so it was power showers for three years or you are taking a cold shower. Forget about baths, the plumbing in the bathroom was a constant disaster. The plumbing between the tub and the toilet was so that when the pipe clogged up with the toilet it went up in the tub.... Yes, disgusting. Then for the first two years after it went up in the tub it would go back down and then out the bottom of the toilet to where it flooded part of the house. I mean down the hall to the bedrooms, part of the living room and to the kitchen. After about the sixth time of this we threatened to leave, yes we were renting because we moved to South Florida in 2006 (don't believe the news, only idiots or gamblers bought at that point down here). That is when the toilet was replaced and they found part of a snake (the type used to clear plumbing) in the base of the toilet... or the top of the pipe. So after that, at least the house didn't flood again, but the plumbing still backed up in the tub... till the week before we left. The pipes had to be snaked every week to every other week and after awhile, its pointless calling the landlord. So my lovely husband dealt with it... and I won't give details, but there are possible ways of permanently fixing it. We were just told that it would not be done. Oh, and those are just the plumbing problems with the house....

So here we are in a house bigger than the one we had in Texas (much bigger than the disaster above and cheaper) and we are excited every time we can take long showers or hot baths. So the baby's room is a perk, but what is great is a sense of normalcy that has been lacking for so long. That is one stage of my life that will not be forgotten, no, my husband will probably remind me of it from time to time for the rest of our lives. He's just like that.

Now I have spent my day in bed. That is something not usually done, but I am on my second round of antibiotics from an infection that I guess just decided not to go away. I figure laying low couldn't hurt. Though I think I won't repeat it tomorrow. I get bored so easily. I mean I'm writing here, how bored could I be? Ha! I'll write again soon!

Dreams of Children

I've been having the craziest dreams since I was little since being pregnant. Recently they've been more focused on the coming baby, which I don't mind. I dreamed that I was at the ultrasound and shouted out that it was a boy before the doctor could say anything. Then I dreamed of breast feeding. I've also had the nightmares that I know really have no place, but they are a reflection of inadequate sleep. I've done little to interpret dreams recently. Just seems to be a waste of time. Its just strange that the first time I've dreamed of having children. I've dreamed in one having a girl and boy close in age and being with them at Christmas. They seemed still not more than elementary school age. The little girl with tight curls, which is very possible with my husband's genes. And the little boy kind of reminded me of my brother when he was little. It is strange thinking that this is my last holiday season where I will not be a mother. My parents want me to travel, but part of me just wants to spend this one alone with my husband. How many more moments will I have of that? I'm realistic in that sense. But, I am pretty sure my family and his family would be offended by that. Now I am packing for our little move to a bigger place in town, and listening to Christmas music. But week 16 has been uneventful one as for pregnancy, other than at times I do wish I could take my allergy medication. Nothing to do for sinus headaches... Now I need to get back to packing.

Update at Week 15

Pregnancy isn't quite what I expected, but honestly I was obsessed with the opportunity of becoming pregnant that I didn't think too much on being pregnant. So I don't think I had many expectations. Now having a baby is very real, more so than it ever has been in my life. Tomorrow I will be 16 weeks pregnant and right around Thanksgiving I can find out the sex of the baby, if I want. We are moving to a different house, which we put off several times previously. When it came to caring for another new life, we wanted better for them and we didn't feel secure in this house.

So I made it through the first trimester and honestly it is a haze by this point. Weeks and I think months actually, of being sick. Morning sickness sucks, and that isn't even all of it. I stayed in the house all the time. I posted earlier it was because of the swine flu, but it was because I didn't feel like moving most of the time. You realize that the world stinks and wonder how you ever deal with these smells regularly. The only part I was lucky on is that I didn't puke; no I put on weight. I was nauseous if I didn't eat, and so I ate all the time. I was thinking by the end of that stage, why would anyone want to be pregnant? And how does anyone work through that? I couldn't.

Now I'm in my second trimester. My little one must have been through a growth spurt at the very first of it because my hips hurt all the time at first. My joints still pop all the time. I may just be lucky today, because it isn't bothering much today. My stomach grew out and I felt my skin stretch. Now I look pregnant. No pictures though. I'm not much for putting up photos anymore. I don't take them that much in general though.

Now it does seem that we'll be preparing for the baby till the day he/she comes. I don't want to be thrown off guard last minute. I don't understand why anyone would choose to wait till last minute. My goal was to at least wait through the first trimester. Now, I don't want to bother at least till I move. Then its time to prepare the baby's room. I don't know how I am going to be at the last part of the pregnancy. I am at risk for preeclampsia, and I know that can cause problems at the end of your pregnancy. The day before I found out I was pregnant I had a flash in a dream that I was on a hospital bed and I was looking at my stomach exposed and huge. A doctor told me I was going to need a C-section and I was terrified. The entire labor process is rather scary since I've never been through it before. A C-section is major surgery and I definitely don't want that to happen. I know sometimes you can't prevent it though.

Well, till I feel like writing again!

Little Barnabus

Here's our little baby when I was at 12 weeks during the pregnancy. We went to the ultrasound for the type that can tell if they may have down syndrome or any other chromosomal abnormalities. This little one was snug and didn't want to move. They couldn't get the reading from what seemed like half an hour. They would push and poke at my belly and the little one would squirm and kick and then rest in the same spot. They finally found a way to get around moving the stubborn little baby/fetus, whatever. I found the entire experience amusing. The baby had a healthy heart beat and seemed perfectly fine to me, so I didn't worry of anything else. Maybe that was naive of me, but I am not ignorant of down syndrome and know what it would take. It didn't phase me in the least, because I was still watching my child.

Well, the baby is fine. Low chances of any problems. Now I just have to stay indoors most of the time because everyone is afraid of me getting the swine flu. No vaccines available for even pregnant women in any county near us in South Florida. Man has our health department failed in timely production. Those in most risk of dying can't even access the vaccine and in Palm Beach they said they distributed the shots to 80 doctors in the area, but don't say which ones for those who need them. Great mismanagement and in the news they only seem to publish how people are afraid to get the shot rather than not being able to, or possibly they could publish where to get the shots rather than directing you to a government site that doesn't say where the shots are either. I would get it in a minute if I could. I just want to protect my family that is growing at this time.

Nothing else new. Now I am into the second trimester and I am still having a few bouts of nausea and I could not get myself out of bed this morning at all. But, nothing too big that I can't handle. I am just lucky that I am not restricted to a work schedule. Don't know the sex yet, but the name above is just what me and my husband started telling everyone its name is. No one seems to like it, funny. Well, till we figure out the sex does it really matter?

Pregnancy

I wanted to wait to write on here till I announced my pregnancy to everyone in my personal life. Now I believe that is done, on with the blog. All I have been thinking of is the life that is to come next year. I am in my first trimester of pregnancy, almost to the second. I announced to everyone because I just started to show. Face it, once you start showing it is kinda hard to hide.

So here it is I've been suffering from morning sickness and other unpleasant pregnancy symptoms for the past few weeks. All is forgiven when I see the little one on ultrasound. I have the pictures up in my house and I know I'll have another in another few weeks. I think I'll be able to tell the sex by then.

This is the furthest I've ever gone into a pregnancy with no problems and this was done completely naturally! After doctors told me that was not possible. It is true, if you have PCOS, before going the meds route do try weight loss. I had lost 35 pounds and it happened! I have little risk for multiples and less risk for diabetes as well because I just tried to loose some pounds first.

Well, I am back. It is hard to do regular posts when pregnancy is the only thing on the brain. It is a wonderful thing.

Nothing new for awhile. I have my reasons. I may not update till October or November. Till then!

First Amendment Protection

I did a paper on Pornography and the First Amendment when I was in political theory in another life. I was thinking even then, that I could not absolutely put pornography as something that should not be protected even if I found it offensive. Though also in many situations there is proof that certain porn can cause further harm to women from men who are desensitized by hard core porn. It can bring out everything horrible about human nature and now it is all over the internet. There are also many people who dedicate their life against porn and those who spend their life working for it. The entire thing really did disgust me in the end, and I decided that I could not find anything criminal in the actions. True, if there are actual criminal actions taken place in filming then that is one thing, but that actual creation is in a sense creative thought which some enjoy and others hate. It is an expression, it is something that is to be protected.

That is something beautiful about this country which many do not follow in others, that all speech is protected. You can yell about how horrible our leader is and have no arrest record. You can express your belief that all people should live on a commune and worship the earth... Basically it doesn't matter, the speech is allowed. With this what confuses me is the mention of "hate speech". I believe that is speech aimed hurtfully at certain groups. I know that some countries do outlaw such speech and I know there are some that wish to do that here.

To me with speech and expression there will always be those offended and those who will not be. I notice that in day to day life. Where as I may be offended by attacks on the Catholic Church, others may find those supporting the Catholic Church offensive because of their stances on many issues that are not popular today. So initially, doesn't it come down to what is popular? Now I know that many views that I have are unpopular, though I am a rational person. I think I can be more rational than most I meet I have to admit. So when I speak things through in full explanation sometimes I don't really get a great response. Explaining political beliefs and religious beliefs tends to leave people on one side or another, when will you know that what is popular ends up being against what you believe? Now things can be offensive, and I wish not everyone did express those things openly. But who do you trust to decide what is offensive and what is not? Would you trust the government at this point? I can tell you that with mess that we have made, I would not. I wouldn't trust most of them to watch my house and I can't believe they are watching over our constitution.

Just look at the people that are in charge of our country before you give them more power. Read over their past and read over their views. You are not giving authority to your local priest and it is not made by you and your friends. Power is given to the people we elect into office. Plus if you find them offensive, write back, speak back or do something. There is nothing in our constitution that doesn't say that you can't overpower ignorance with reason. What I don't want to see if taking the approach of trying to shut down a medium or a show for its political views. If you think it is wrong, then voice your opinions! We are in a free country! Don't support our government shutting down any medium due to speech!

I was just reading about cutting off of advertisers to Glenn Beck. I was thinking of what cowards the people are who took action to shut down the show through a "back door approach". The show still has plenty of viewers and it is popular. If you wish to attack it then do what you can to pursue the viewers in swaying views of the people. Don't try to take away through bullying of force. It really is cowardly.

Well, didn't really mean to write about that. I just saw nothing posted and then read something on the Huffington Post. Yep, I read everything:)

Good Night.

Considering International Adoption

I was looking at international adoption for the first time. Since my infertility problems I am not giving up, but being realistic. It may be years before I even have one baby, if I have one at all. I am in the later part of my twenties and fertility does decline once you reach your thirties... That cannot be good for me one way or another. There is a possibility of me getting pregnant. I am loosing weight and actively trying still, but again, reality sets in at some point... It was three years for me.

I was watching a news story about orphans in South Africa. I can't seem to find it at this time. But I was thinking of the situation these other children are in, in orphanages overseas. Then I think of the situation of my own upbringing and just having the opportunity of being an American opens many more doors than they would not have in their country of origin. Think of those in Haiti. No matter what, they will never even have the opportunity that the poor here have in the US. This is a country close to our shores and they go on little boats risking their life to make it to our shores all the time. I see this on the news here in South Florida. They wouldn't do that if their country had so much for them there.

So what you could give to these children is so much. So, that is what I am basing where I adopt. I want to be able to have a family, and give another an opportunity of a good life. Though I have to say it is hard to find programs for South Africa, and Haiti has a restriction of being 30 years old. So, I am not sure where to go.

On almost all you tube videos and new stories about these international adoptions I see criticism of "why would you not want to adopt American children?", "There are plenty of babies here that need homes." Well, I don't know others' reasons, but I can provide my own. I am afraid of open adoptions and even with closed adoptions, the courts influence on families here in the US. I fear of gaining the love of a child and having it ripped from me because some natural relative of the child felt that the child should be theirs. I know that I couldn't take that, and so have closed off to the idea of domestic adoption. Also, the costs equal out if you end up having to pay for all medical costs and everything involved in supporting a mother here in the US.

Well, seeing the "Door of Hope" or whatever the door was called in the South Africa orphanage is what made me think of it. So now I'm in the process of searching out different agencies. My mother is a social worker that has worked with the different agencies before and is familiar with home studies, so I am using her as well right now. Any information left on international adoption would be much appreciated. I know if I do go forward with this it will still be a year or so off, but it is as good of a time as any to learn about it.

I am really ready to have a family. I have been for awhile. I realized that was what was more important. The baby doesn't necessarily have to come from my husband and I.

What do I get from watching the news?

Remember when you would go to the 24 hr news channels and they would all be showing the same thing? Well, I can say for once, I did not have that happen. I'm not a huge fan of daytime TV, so flipped between Fox News and CNN today because I was working at home. One was 24/7 on the town hall meetings and the other was all Obama's trip to Mexico. I flipped to CNN knowing they wouldn't be showing anything similar to Fox, which I realized that is probably the first time I expected the news agencies to be showing completely different news.

Is this a good thing? I am not sure. It is definitely interesting. I think of myself as being a realist when it comes to the world situations. I prefer to think that one way or another things will stay in this kind of status quo, because primarily people for the most part do not want to get involved. I spend most of my life focused on running my business, taking care of the dog, making sure the house is okay, and then if I have time I pay attention to the outside world. I assume, unless you have a ton of time on your hands, a majority of Americans are about the same. I mean, most protesters in the past have been liberal college students from what I've seen. And why? Because they have time. Now for this reason you usually have the few protesters or causing disruptions and most other politics is just for those who have real direct connection to politics.

So here is what we have. It is reported we are having many interruptions in town hall meetings across the country from people asking questions in town hall meetings across the country about our health care system. At least, that is what is reported on Fox News. On other news, still stuff on Micheal Jackson, on other news evidently there are problems with women having too many babies. Now what I see is a major gap between the types of stories. I have been tempted to think that Fox is still the most fair and balanced, but I also know that Fox News carries all of the star conservatives on their show. Not that I complain, Glenn Beck is one of my favorite shows. I just have trouble with the drastic difference of what I am hearing and I do know there is a bias there as well. My parents were upset when I was watching Glenn Beck when they were here. They looked at me and told me, "this isn't news!" My response is, I know, its opinion, but what is wrong with that? They watch John Stewart. I don't think that guy is funny at all.

So where do we get the news? Where is what is actually happening? Is that even possible to achieve? That, I do not know. I got out of journalism awhile back because I didn't see it being achieved. Journalists, a majority of them, have a bias one way or another and they pick their story lines that way. I read a story this morning on how these kids were getting married so young, and they were 22 and having kids. I thought to myself, when did that become a young age to be married? I was married at 23 and wanted children... oh, about at the same time. I didn't think I was young for that. People get married at 18 all the time. I was a college graduate even! Well, to that author, it was a notion that seemed foreign to her. So, she felt compelled to report it. So, I guess it is a lost cause.

I just really wish it wasn't. Because to me it appears many people are upset and the government are ignoring them. Oh, and I have to put this in because of a recent notice from the White House blog. If you do not wish to go to single player policy then why are you introducing a government option? There is no such thing as having a government option health care and keeping open competition at the same time. For one, the tax payers will have to pay for this option WHILE paying for their own insurance. So one will be constantly subsidized while the others remain in open competition. Which one do you think will win then? I know as I small business owner that I want health insurance as soon as I can provide. I mean, it is intensive which most employees expect, especially in the sector that I'm in. But if you mandate this, it can be a major burden for those who cannot afford it. Lets say that there are further taxes on the employer while using private insurance? Well, the more that is taxed, the less I have for payroll, and that is that. Economics is really rather simple when you pay attention to it. And to me it does appear that there is a bias towards a single payer system, but politicians are lying about it because of the upset right now from many on what this means. If you only have one to choose from, there's no escape to another insurance policy. If something isn't covered, that is that.

Enough, goodnight.

Writing

"Armon said one boy, and here are two."

Guess what I'm watching? Give you a clue, they are moving a Comodo Dragon.

I've spent the night reading through past entries. This seems to cover mostly the time since I met Arthur. I was really into blogging pretty quickly after I started. I picked it up from a friend from College Station and then convinced others to pick it up as well along the way. Though it seems everyone else has dropped blogging. I have to admit it takes a little more writing skills than regular social network sites that have taken over.

I stopped giving this out to people along time ago. I've only given this web address to one friend that I hadn't spoken with since middle school, to give her an idea of what to do with her ideas. What she could use as an outlet to write. That seems to be important. To have an outlet.

That was something very important in certain times in my life. I have a very addictive personality and I grew up in a home that did not shy away from alcohol to say the least. My family is extremely liberal; I mean almost to the communist extreme. That fact still seems odd to me the further I learn in the running of societies. From my upbringing, I had some bad experiences. The further I go along, I blame myself for putting myself in those situations. I also blame a society that puts women on the same level of men in that they can take care of themselves, and move out on their own at a young age. I dealt with all problem that a naive little girl comes across in dealing with the real world, and I came out a realist I guess.

Through all of this though, it was important to have something there to put my thoughts. I don't know how many times I found myself in tears writing or on the verge of a breakdown. Strangely enough though... No, not strangely enough, I haven't had to deal with those in the past few years. God guides me away from those now, thankfully. If you don't put yourself in horrible situations, then life is easier. Also, its not boring. I may not have a new topic to write on every day, but mainly its because not everything of your personal life is to be published to the public every day.

I am aware that my readership dropped awhile back and I haven't done much to bring it back up. I dropped this for about six months. All the people that I commented on their blogs stopped, and I didn't seek out new blogs. Not much time really. I still love this though. No plan to drop it. Every thought of deleting this disappears when I see the posts in April 2005 when I met Arthur. I smile reading them; its almost as if a different person wrote them. I know it was me. That person seemed a little bit more amusing though.

Well, till next time.

Post on nothing, because I'm a little disoriented

Why would I do this optionally? I've been working for the past 5 days straight. I think I made it home around nine last night to finish working around eleven. Then made it into work about eight AM this morning, finally finished at 3 PM. Before this I had a proposal for my own business. It was in production at the time I started working on the second. I had just finished pricing the day before.

You know what, its great! I love the adrenaline and the people I worked with. I was in a better mood the past few days than I had been in awhile, and I haven't even felt that great physically. I swear I'm a masochist with my work habits, but I've always worked that way... Everything rushed at one time. I'm horrible at procrastination and it would force me to rush last minute.

Well, I guess it is good I enjoy it. Once I win contracts on my own I will be running this stuff continuously. Now I am just in a waiting pattern. I went to help my husband at work because I could and he asked. I use to work there and I enjoyed it when I was there. I have no ill will towards the company at all. In fact I could see doing it, but I would be sad abandoning what I have.

Well, I'm completely out of it now. I need to walk. I got home to late to do it yesterday. My husband in passed out on the couch. I should go.... Just quick update. With all I've written I'm not sure if I actually said anything.

Till next time.

Amazing Grace

by Englishman John Newton
(1725-1807)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

Charity

I never truly understood the virtue of charity till reading St. Thomas Aquinas writings on virtues. The three special virtues are hope, faith and charity. As in the quote before this post, charity is above them all. Charity is a representation of God's love among ourselves. It is difficult to find a single quote to represent this. I have been trying for the past couple of hours. Basically, it is providing our love to our brothers and sisters specifically for love of God. It is an understanding of what God gave to us, and an appreciation of it. God loved us so much; he gave us free will to make our own mistakes. God loved us so much that he gave his Son for sacrifice. To me it seems the ultimate goal is to provide love to our fellow man as God has done for us; though as difficult as it may be.

Think of Luke 15:11-32, the story of the Prodigal Son. The father provided the share to his son as requested and even as he went off to live a life of sin, he welcomed him back with open arms. There was no punishment and no standards placed on the son when he returned; the father accepted his son with open arms. This is the love we are to provide to each other.

Think of the story of the master who provided money for his servants. The one who buried the money was the one who was punished. That is the way we should be towards the word of God and with our faith. Regardless of how much faith and hope you have, there will always be the question when your time comes of what you have done for the least of my brethren?

That is something I think of. Not fearing the persecution of spreading your faith. Not fearing of what happens when you do so as well. You can't save everyone and you can't help everyone no matter how much you try. How do you tell if your charity is being misused? I figured out that is where the use of prayer is most important. I don't believe I've provided much reason in my past to be given opportunity. I had a definite wild side to me, but God did open up to me and I have the faith I do today. But now that you have your gift, what do you do with it? I personally think to take it day by day. I am not one to seek out a thousand charities or to spend my time in volunteer. I do blame most of that on my anxiety. But, I do try to help when the opportunity arises. I have to admit others are better than me though, and that is the reason I am writing on charity. To think of giving without the expectation of return. To think of giving simply for your love of everyone as we are all children of God. When you've been hurt by many, sometimes it takes awhile for your heart to be open to others. Though my wish and my prayer is for the souls of my family especially. I guess everyone is a bit off, and it is conceded of me to think I'm on a better path than others. But I do. I see the path of Jesus and the path of a Christian and I do not see everyone on it. That makes me worry for the ones I love.

Walter Cronkite Story

With the passing of Walter Cronkite I felt compelled to tell my only interaction with him a couple of years ago. We went on vacation in Orlando to go to Universal Studios. It is a couple of hours north of us, so is an easy weekend trip. We had spent the weekend at a four star hotel, the Omni Hotel I believe, close to the amusement park. We went to the park, got room service, the whole deal. Unfortunately our clothes had gotten completely soaked at Universal Studios. We didn't expect that at all and I couldn't put them in our regular suitcase. So I got a brilliant idea to put everything in a trash bag, which in retrospect I don't remember where it had come from. So here we are walking through a luxurious four star hotel dragging a large bulging trash bag with our luggage. There was a big conference going on so there were people going through with suits as we were leaving. Just as we had made it to the door of the hotel the trash bag burst wide open with wet clothes going all over the floor. I was so embarrassed and I can tell my husband was already upset with my idea for getting the clothes to the car. We looked up and there was an aging Walter Cronkite looking down at us clear up our clothes the best we could. He asked, "need some help with that?" I remember I said "no" or "no thanks". He walked off and we were speechless. I don't think my husband forgave me. We looked and he was the main speaker at the event going on at the Omni. Well, after that we've been picky about the luggage we take with us.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up, Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil: Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth: Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void or tongues shall cease or knowledge shall be destroyed. For we know in part: and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child. We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known. And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.

Bring the Sword

Christ did come to bring peace between us, and that is widely accepted with most in Christianity. I believe what most have problems with is any acceptance of violence.

If one reads the bible, it isn't exactly all love and peace. Regardless of what one wants to think there was the banishing of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, there was the destruction of Sodom and Gamora, and there were the plagues during the time of Moses. This doesn't even bring up the battles supported by God.

These are mostly writings of the Old Testament, but where is there the belief to ignore these books? I've put on this blog before the quote where it mentions Jesus was here to bring the sword. Forgive me for not having the quote, but I'm writing from my phone. What I see from this is that we Christians are not all the religion of peace. No, we are the religion of Christ; that always overrides peace. Let me explain myself.

With the idea of peace, there are no base beliefs behind this, just the idea of not having violence. For instance, if there were many in a group chastising a figure you held dear, and if you spoke up there would be the invitation of violence. Those for standing up for thier idol would not be the peacemaker, but would be standing up for what he held dear. The same for Christians, I do not believe Christ meant for us to be silent to those against him to keep peace. I do not believe that Christianity is the religion of peace, but of following the principles of Christ and the laws given to Moses by God. Sometimes it means standing up against mother, brother and friend. Especially today. Inevitebly it is to win souls, and when will any you love be saved if you don't speak up?

Okay, I'm up way too late. Goodnight.

Sent from my iPhone

Myth of the Great Life in Florida

If you know anything of South Florida, the areas not controlled by the Cubans are filled with people from the north east, Boston, New York, etc. Mostly an older population that came down from fear of cold weather. From the way people talk of the winters of the north east here you would think they are torture. I've come to believe the older you get the more you hate the cold. Well, of all these people move at some point away from thier friends and family to live perpetual sun, where the only difference is between the rainy season and dry season. You see they all went on vacation once to South Beach or to see their friends in Boca and the thought came to them, "why not live here where I could go to the beach every day?" Especially if they are with thier friends, they say nothing about how sunny and wonderful it is. They also seem to be talking about being out at the beach or on the boat when you are braving snow storms.

So, you make the move. You were able to buy a cheaper house for the same or more space and you go to find another job, or go to a retirement community depending on your age. But those who look for a new job notice the money isn't as good, so the expenses even out. Those who think they can go to the beach every day realize it tends to loose it's charm after the first week or so. I mean, who wants to go through all the preparation of going to the beach all the time? Plus, that sand gets everywhere. But still, you moved, and life goes on. You talk to your friends back home and the last thing you want to tell them is that life is pretty much the same except warmer, and maybe a little worse on the allergies (if you moved to South Florida because you thought your allergies would be better you're a moron). So you brag about the beach and tell your friends how wonderful life is...

This is how South Florida stedily gets it's population from the North East, and belive me this is not just me saying this. It really is a common joke down here people play if they relize it or not. I've talked to several transplants from Florida and we even joke about it. So I apologize to any Floridians if I am breaking the scam, but you've really got to call it what it is.

But hey, Im a transplant to Florida just like.... Almost everyone else down here. You know what you see on my social networking sites that I post to all my friends and family back in Texas and everywhere else? I have pictures of the beach I walk by every day and comments on the weather.... Like I said, everyone is in on it.

Sent from my iPhone

Another Update

Wow, this is much easier means of blogging. Just do it straight from my phone. The sun has drained me today. I live five minutes from the beach, but never go out to swim. It takes someone coming in on vacation. That has come to be a common occurance recently, which is suprising for one thing because the winter is the in season. In the summers the streets clear out and your regular restraunts change to thier "summer hours". Then a new thing I saw was a store that had a sign up saying "Open by request or by chance". The point being, the area is half of what it is "in season" or in the winter. But as a local, I like this time of year. No cars trying to hit you, really because they are too old to drive. No Snowbirds. They hate the heat and run away from the possibility of hurricanes. I have to admit the winters are pleasant, but I would much rather spend a summer here than in Texas. Texas summers can be torture. Now I am going to finish watching my programs,
check to make sure there's no work and head off to bed. It's only around 9 pm, but what else is there to do...

Sent from my iPhone

Pope's Meeting with the President

I am writing from an email for the first time, so I am curious how this works. I've been reading about Pope Benedict XVI meeting with Obama recently, and it leaves me torn in being offended by the number of conservatives criticizing him and at the same time by several liberals praising him. From both sides I have heard nothing in regards to respect of the Catholic Church, but rather one or another pushing an agenda.

I can understand with the Pope meeting with Obama in that we have a large Catholic population, and it is not one to ignore. I admit I have not read exactly what was said, but I don't like the spin. We as people of faith cannot conceide to those who follow evil ideas and worship through false teachings. I do find that many are falling to worship of the earth through environmentalism, and our government uses such issues as a means to take further control. I don't like that the Pope agreeing with protection of the earth, the need of healthcare reform is in a way agreeing with Obama. Obama's ideas in no way go with the beliefs in the Catholic church, and to present that the Pope is concieding any way to him is quite offensive. Then again I need to look at what was said. Of coarse I am much more of the belief that the Vatican needs to be stricter with it's US church. In not being so I believe they are loosing more faithful. I do believe that the Pope will do
the right thing for the church. I pray he does.

People writing that the Pope is good strictly for agreement with Obama and finding of further reason to criticize the religious conservative Catholics does offend me. Well, I am passing out now. About time....

Sent from my iPhone

Thinking too much on 4th of July

Happy 4th of July everyone!

We are here in Miami watching 1776, and thinking of the politics of today in comparison to what it was. Our country was founded for freedom from a tyrant and the belief that the people can govern themselves through a republic.

What baffles me today is this idea that US needs "change". Our country is the best country in the world and to our knowledge the best in the history in the world. We base our beautiful country off of the ideas of our founding fathers and in our Constitution. To this day it has not failed us. So what is it that is so horrible to this day that needs change?

I have a couple of theories. In the writings of the founding fathers and noticeable make up of the country of the time, our country was founded by Christians. We believe that we has certain inalienable rights endowed to us by God. If these rights are not endowed by God, then who says there is any reason for rights and freedom? Our worst nations in history were those devoid of God. Devoid of the idea of something greater than ourselves. To me, that is something that our citizens are forgetting more day by day that is an essential to maintaining this great country. Without the idea of the laws of these country are backed by God, then why keep these laws or why make them in the same fashion? What is the reason? I see relativism as a major problem in the make up of our country. Even in my family and friends. When you don't see right and wrong in a situation then who is to say anything when people are doing things either thought to be classless or immoral. "They can do as they want." The same in the leaders in our country. What is the reason for freedom of speech, freedom of religion... and other such basic freedoms we believe everyone is entitled to be our creator? There is a falling respect for the basis of what backs our constitution and our country. That is a problem.

Another thing I see is not necessarily a growing apathy, but a growing population that acts as what I best call a "Spoiled brat". Have you ever hung out with someone spoiled? The ones I've been around have a lack of respect of where their money comes from and an unreal sense of entitlement. Now with the growing popularity of Obama, I've noticed that this sense of entitlement has been country wide. Why are we entitled to health care? Why are we entitled to hand outs? Many voted in Obama with this idea that he would take care of everything. Now, with this attitude, I think back to a blog I saw from an Iranian blogger from when I first discovered blogs (so I can't exactly link to it from the fact I could not find it). This blogger stated that they did not understand Americans who avoided voting and didn't find that it was anything of importance. This blogger stated that in living in a country like this, the first thing you should to take advantage of is every means there is to have your voice heard. Otherwise, it is the equivalent of having others decide for you. If you would want others to make decisions for you, then the ideal country is Iran. They will tell you how to dress, where you can go, what you can do. They will command you on everything. You live in the United States to be free. I absolutely loved this when I read it. So the questions is, what happens to a country that now wants others to take care of them? You can't have individuality and be told what to do. How can our republic be kept up with those who wish to keep to going in a democracy. It does take work. Otherwise, we may be inviting in a tyrant. If not with this election, then one may come soon. I worry about this one personally.

So this idea of change, for whatever reason, took hold during the election and is being put into effect now. I wonder if people are really going to get what they want. If they will be happy. Myself, I will be content as long as no one gets in the way of my faith or letting me raise my family in the way I believe. I fear that there may be interference though. The reason for the growth in political blogging.

I see the source of this call for "change" is not from a good source. I see that the soul of this country is in trouble. It is our duty to do what we can to save it. It is a sin to be quiet and watch it idly as it fades away. Because we are the greatest country in the world still. The question is where are we going from here?

Enjoy the rest of your 4th of July, which if you are on the east coast you have 5 more minutes.

Slavery and Illegal Immigration

I know I haven't seen much of illegal immigration problems outside of Miami and my current home, a "sanctuary city". This means I see illegal immigrants on a daily basis, but not the extent on their treatment in day to day life. I've been appalled whenever I hear of religious organizations or others helping such people come to this country. I have heard of their reasons and how wonderful this opportunity is compared to staying at their current home. I can tell you though, they don't live the life of an American, they live the life of a slave.

Illegal Immigrants come here because they can work to stay in this country and usually to send money back home whether be to Mexico, Guatemala, or other countries they may originate from. Because of their employment being illegal in the first place they live and work without the regulations that apply to American Citizens. Think of all the laws in place to protect us and to be sure that we are safe, have a livable income and other such protections.

In the town I live in they appear as an underclass, untouchables. They aren't acknowledged by the regular people on day to day life. Their main mode of transportation are bicycles and I have to admit that I am unfamiliar with their work conditions. Basically, those who wish to keep the illegal immigrants here are fighting for the right to keep these people as an underclass to serve here rather then act as men and women citizens in their country. Do you ever question what would happen if those immigrants from Mexico didn't have the outlet to come here? What would happen if they had to stay where they were? Would their be any improvement of their country?

I don't know if I am right in that regards, but I do know that our current politicians are wrong. Wrong for keeping people in these situations and not providing us with protection from letting more to come over freely. There are reasons people run from home, some for opportunity, but not all reasons are good ones. Well, I was going to write more on this, but enough for tonight. Goodnight.

Cap and Trade Bill

Please hold Congress accountable for what they pass. They are rushing through yet another bill. It recently passed the House. I have all the details of the bill below and everyone who voted for the bill. I have lost faith in both the democratic party and the republican party as both are voting for the same things, and none are for the interests of us, US Citizens, but for themselves. They are no longer reading the bills they are passing and voting for such bills as this off of populist ideas as global warming and climate change. I for one am having enough trouble paying for my electric bill in Florida, I can't imagine having energy costs rise higher. Don't think this won't effect you. Having further regulation on our corporations can only cause more people to loose jobs and more economic problems. This bill will have little positive effect. Trust me, if I could afford to run my home off of renewable energy and live off of FPL, I would. Not because of any environmental reason, but because I dislike monopolies that much. So, please let me know of any affordable way to run our homes and businesses as effectively as our electrical companies. But don't ram this down our throat. This will only make renewable energy appear like a deal once they are done with jacking up the costs on the regular energy in use. Which means, we will not be able to afford it.


Here is the link to the bill:

American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

Here is the explanation of the bill as per Washington Post.

Here is how all voted on the bill in the House, it passed.

Here are the Republicans who voted Yes on the bill:

CA 45 Rep. Mary Bono Mack Republican Y
DE At-Large Rep. Michael Castle Republican Y
IL 10 Rep. Mark Kirk Republican Y
NJ 2 Rep. Frank LoBiondo Republican Y
NJ 4 Rep. Christopher Smith Republican Y
NJ 7 Rep. Leonard Lance Republican Y
NY 23 Rep. John McHugh Republican Y
WA 8 Rep. David Reichert Republican Y

Here are all the Democrats who voted Yes on the bill:

AR 2 Rep. Victor Snyder Democratic Y
AZ 4 Rep. Ed Pastor Democratic Y
AZ 7 Rep. Raúl Grijalva Democratic Y
AZ 8 Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Democratic Y
CA 1 Rep. Michael Thompson Democratic Y
CA 6 Rep. Lynn Woolsey Democratic Y
CA 7 Rep. George Miller Democratic Y
CA 8 Rep. Nancy Pelosi Democratic Y
CA 9 Rep. Barbara Lee Democratic Y
CA 10 Rep. Ellen Tauscher (out of office) Democratic Y
CA 11 Rep. Gerald McNerney Democratic Y
CA 12 Rep. Karen Lorraine Speier Democratic Y
CA 14 Rep. Anna Eshoo Democratic Y
CA 15 Rep. Michael Honda Democratic Y
CA 16 Rep. Zoe Lofgren Democratic Y
CA 17 Rep. Sam Farr Democratic Y
CA 18 Rep. Dennis Cardoza Democratic Y
CA 23 Rep. Lois Capps Democratic Y
CA 27 Rep. Brad Sherman Democratic Y
CA 28 Rep. Howard Berman Democratic Y
CA 29 Rep. Adam Schiff Democratic Y
CA 30 Rep. Henry Waxman Democratic Y
CA 31 Rep. Xavier Becerra Democratic Y
CA 33 Rep. Diane Watson Democratic Y
CA 34 Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard Democratic Y
CA 35 Rep. Maxine Waters Democratic Y
CA 36 Rep. Jane Harman Democratic Y
CA 37 Rep. Laura Richardson Democratic Y
CA 38 Rep. Grace Napolitano Democratic Y
CA 39 Rep. Linda Sánchez Democratic Y
CA 43 Rep. Joe Baca Democratic Y
CA 47 Rep. Loretta Sanchez Democratic Y
CA 51 Rep. Bob Filner Democratic Y
CA 53 Rep. Susan Davis Democratic Y
CO 1 Rep. Diana DeGette Democratic Y
CO 2 Rep. Jared Polis Democratic Y
CO 4 Rep. Betsy Markey Democratic Y
CO 7 Rep. Ed Perlmutter Democratic Y
CT 1 Rep. John Larson Democratic Y
CT 2 Rep. Joseph Courtney Democratic Y
CT 3 Rep. Rosa DeLauro Democratic Y
CT 4 Rep. Jim Himes Democratic Y
CT 5 Rep. Christopher Murphy Democratic Y
FL 2 Rep. Allen Boyd Jr. Democratic Y
FL 3 Rep. Corrine Brown Democratic Y
FL 8 Rep. Alan Grayson Democratic Y
FL 11 Rep. Kathy Castor Democratic Y
FL 17 Rep. Kendrick Meek Sr. Democratic Y
FL 19 Rep. Robert Wexler Democratic Y
FL 20 Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Democratic Y
FL 22 Rep. Ron Klein Democratic Y
FL 24 Rep. Suzanne Kosmas Democratic Y
GA 2 Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr. Democratic Y
GA 4 Rep. Henry Johnson Jr. Democratic Y
GA 5 Rep. John Lewis Democratic Y
GA 13 Rep. David Scott Democratic Y
HI 1 Rep. Neil Abercrombie Democratic Y
HI 2 Rep. Mazie Hirono Democratic Y
IA 1 Rep. Bruce Braley Democratic Y
IA 2 Rep. Dave Loebsack Democratic Y
IA 3 Rep. Leonard Boswell Democratic Y
IL 1 Rep. Bobby Rush Democratic Y
IL 2 Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Democratic Y
IL 3 Rep. Daniel Lipinski Democratic Y
IL 4 Rep. Luis Gutierrez Democratic Y
IL 5 Rep. Mike Quigley Democratic Y
IL 7 Rep. Danny Davis Democratic Y
IL 8 Rep. Melissa Bean Democratic Y
IL 9 Rep. Janice Schakowsky Democratic Y
IL 11 Rep. Deborah Halvorson Democratic Y
IL 17 Rep. Phil Hare Democratic Y
IN 7 Rep. André Carson Democratic Y
IN 9 Rep. Baron Hill Democratic Y
KS 3 Rep. Dennis Moore Democratic Y
KY 3 Rep. John Yarmuth Democratic Y
KY 6 Rep. Albert Chandler III Democratic Y
MA 1 Rep. John Olver Democratic Y
MA 2 Rep. Richard Neal Democratic Y
MA 3 Rep. James McGovern Democratic Y
MA 4 Rep. Barney Frank Democratic Y
MA 5 Rep. Nicola Tsongas Democratic Y
MA 6 Rep. John Tierney Democratic Y
MA 7 Rep. Edward Markey Democratic Y
MA 8 Rep. Michael Capuano Democratic Y
MA 9 Rep. Stephen Lynch Democratic Y
MA 10 Rep. William Delahunt Democratic Y
MD 1 Rep. Frank Kratovil Jr. Democratic Y
MD 2 Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger Democratic Y
MD 3 Rep. John Sarbanes Democratic Y
MD 4 Rep. Donna Edwards Democratic Y
MD 5 Rep. Steny Hoyer Democratic Y
MD 7 Rep. Elijah Cummings Democratic Y
MD 8 Rep. Christopher Van Hollen Jr. Democratic Y
ME 1 Rep. Chellie Pingree Democratic Y
ME 2 Rep. Michael Michaud Democratic Y
MI 1 Rep. Bart Stupak Democratic Y
MI 5 Rep. Dale Kildee Democratic Y
MI 7 Rep. Mark Schauer Democratic Y
MI 9 Rep. Gary Peters Democratic Y
MI 12 Rep. Sander Levin Democratic Y
MI 13 Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick Democratic Y
MI 14 Rep. John Conyers Jr. Democratic Y
MI 15 Rep. John Dingell Democratic Y
MN 1 Rep. Timothy Walz Democratic/Farmer/Labor Y
MN 4 Rep. Betty McCollum Democratic/Farmer/Labor Y
MN 5 Rep. Keith Ellison Democratic/Farmer/Labor Y
MN 7 Rep. Collin Peterson Democratic/Farmer/Labor Y
MN 8 Rep. James Oberstar Democratic/Farmer/Labor Y
MO 1 Rep. William Clay Jr. Democratic Y
MO 3 Rep. John Carnahan Democratic Y
MO 4 Rep. Ike Skelton Democratic Y
MO 5 Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II Democratic Y
MS 2 Rep. Bennie Thompson Democratic Y
NC 1 Rep. George Butterfield Jr. Democratic Y
NC 2 Rep. Bob Etheridge Democratic Y
NC 4 Rep. David Price Democratic Y
NC 11 Rep. Joseph Shuler Democratic Y
NC 12 Rep. Melvin Watt Democratic Y
NC 13 Rep. Ralph Miller Democratic Y
NH 1 Rep. Carol Shea-Porter Democratic Y
NH 2 Rep. Paul Hodes Democratic Y
NJ 1 Rep. Robert Andrews Democratic Y
NJ 3 Rep. John Adler Democratic Y
NJ 6 Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. Democratic Y
NJ 8 Rep. William Pascrell Jr. Democratic Y
NJ 9 Rep. Steven Rothman Democratic Y
NJ 10 Rep. Donald Payne Democratic Y
NJ 12 Rep. Rush Holt Jr. Democratic Y
NJ 13 Rep. Albio Sires Democratic Y
NM 1 Rep. Martin Heinrich Democratic Y
NM 2 Rep. Harry Teague Democratic Y
NM 3 Rep. Ben Lujan Jr. Democratic Y
NV 1 Rep. Shelley Berkley Democratic Y
NV 3 Rep. Alice Titus Democratic Y
NY 1 Rep. Timothy Bishop Democratic Y
NY 2 Rep. Steve Israel Democratic Y
NY 4 Rep. Carolyn McCarthy Democratic Y
NY 5 Rep. Gary Ackerman Democratic Y
NY 6 Rep. Gregory Meeks Democratic Y
NY 7 Rep. Joseph Crowley Democratic Y
NY 8 Rep. Jerrold Nadler Democratic Y
NY 9 Rep. Anthony Weiner Democratic Y
NY 10 Rep. Edolphus Towns Democratic Y
NY 11 Rep. Yvette Clarke Democratic Y
NY 12 Rep. Nydia Velázquez Democratic Y
NY 13 Rep. Michael McMahon Democratic Y
NY 14 Rep. Carolyn Maloney Democratic Y
NY 15 Rep. Charles Rangel Democratic Y
NY 16 Rep. José Serrano Democratic Y
NY 17 Rep. Eliot Engel Democratic Y
NY 18 Rep. Nita Lowey Democratic Y
NY 19 Rep. John Hall Democratic Y
NY 20 Rep. Scott Murphy Democratic Y
NY 21 Rep. Paul Tonko Democratic Y
NY 22 Rep. Maurice Hinchey Democratic Y
NY 25 Rep. Daniel Maffei Democratic Y
NY 27 Rep. Brian Higgins Democratic Y
NY 28 Rep. Louise Slaughter Democratic Y
OH 1 Rep. Steven Driehaus Democratic Y
OH 9 Rep. Marcy Kaptur Democratic Y
OH 11 Rep. Marcia Fudge Democratic Y
OH 13 Rep. Betty Sutton Democratic Y
OH 15 Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy Democratic Y
OH 16 Rep. John Boccieri Democratic Y
OH 17 Rep. Timothy Ryan Democratic Y
OH 18 Rep. Zachary Space Democratic Y
OR 1 Rep. David Wu Democratic Y
OR 3 Rep. Earl Blumenauer Democratic Y
OR 5 Rep. Kurt Schrader Democratic Y
PA 1 Rep. Robert Brady Democratic Y
PA 2 Rep. Chaka Fattah Sr. Democratic Y
PA 7 Rep. Joseph Sestak Jr. Democratic Y
PA 8 Rep. Patrick Murphy Democratic Y
PA 11 Rep. Paul Kanjorski Democratic Y
PA 12 Rep. John Murtha Democratic Y
PA 13 Rep. Allyson Schwartz Democratic Y
PA 14 Rep. Michael Doyle Jr. Democratic Y
RI 1 Rep. Patrick Kennedy Democratic Y
RI 2 Rep. James Langevin Democratic Y
SC 5 Rep. John Spratt Jr. Democratic Y
SC 6 Rep. James Clyburn Democratic Y
TN 5 Rep. Jim Cooper Democratic Y
TN 6 Rep. Bart Gordon Democratic Y
TN 9 Rep. Stephen Cohen Democratic Y
TX 9 Rep. Al Green Democratic Y
TX 15 Rep. Rubén Hinojosa Sr. Democratic Y
TX 16 Rep. Silvestre Reyes Democratic Y
TX 18 Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Democratic Y
TX 20 Rep. Charles Gonzalez Democratic Y
TX 25 Rep. Lloyd Doggett Democratic Y
TX 28 Rep. Henry Cuellar Democratic Y
TX 29 Rep. Raymond Green Democratic Y
TX 30 Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson Democratic Y
VA 3 Rep. Robert Scott Democratic Y
VA 5 Rep. Tom Perriello Democratic Y
VA 8 Rep. James Moran Jr. Democratic Y
VA 9 Rep. Frederick Boucher Democratic Y
VA 11 Rep. Gerald Connolly Democratic Y
VT At-Large Rep. Peter Welch Democratic Y
WA 1 Rep. Jay Inslee Democratic Y
WA 2 Rep. Rick Larsen Democratic Y
WA 3 Rep. Brian Baird Democratic Y
WA 6 Rep. Norman Dicks Democratic Y
WA 7 Rep. James McDermott Democratic Y
WA 9 Rep. Adam Smith Democratic Y
WI 2 Rep. Tammy Baldwin Democratic Y
WI 3 Rep. Ronald Kind Democratic Y
WI 4 Rep. Gwendolynne Moore Democratic Y
WI 7 Rep. David Ross Obey Democratic Y
WI 8 Rep. Steven Kagen Democratic Y

Feeling Like Cincinnatus C

Do you ever have the urge to write? I have it all the time, though it seems to be the one thing I hardly do. I feel that things that have happened in my life are unique. I am sure many have that feeling. But to me they were so that I crave normalcy and I know I will for the rest of my life. My life's ambition is to have a family that I will love as my family has loved me. Without them, I wouldn't have much to stand on and I wish to continue this family when God allows. Then why the urge to write and to be heard?

I was looking at Invitation to a Beheading again last night and thinking of the main character, Cincinnatus C. For a minute I could empathize, and it was something I couldn't really do before. He lives in an imaginary world, where the rules are quite ridiculous and you never really know when you time is coming. The worst of all, he is not free. Now this is an extreme, that this Russian author (incredible author I might add), took from his own life experience. But as all readers do I took it to my own experience. You can't help but to do so.

How many people look to what is going on in the outside world and think of it as some kind of act? This can't be real. It is so ridiculous that it can't be real. The absurd rules the incredible actions people take. I related that to the experiences of Cincinnatus C, and I see that there Nabokov was making fun of the rules of an overbearing bureaucratic state. There are so many laws, you are not 100% sure if you are breaking any of them. I heard a politician say on the news the other day that he never believed that taxation as a form of coercion. But that too is a limitation of freedom. What would happen if you were a conscientious objector to paying taxes? If you refused to pay though you had the money... Even if you didn't have the money; you would go to prison. First, they take everything you have... to pay back of course, then you go to prison. How is that not coercive? How is that free? So, as the laws increase, as the taxes increase, as government increases, you start to notice influence in your individual lives.

We are not in the prison of Cincinnatus C, but I am starting to understand what that would be like. I can empathize and I don't like that at all. For instance, there are certain things in which I object to morally. I pretty obvious one, I think that abortion is a sin and to pay for one is grounds for excommunication from the church. So I ask, for the United States government to subsidize such a sin is it then a sin to subsidize the government? When does it get to the point that it is an sin to pay taxes to the government? Or does it get to that point. Does it get to the point of prison or sin? Of course, Jesus did say to pay Cesar what is Cesar's and God what is God's. It doesn't make the actions of our elected officials right. It is also still forcing the hands of many to pay for what the few believes is right. Is that truly what is right for the United States?

That is one reason I feel compelled to write. Just complete confusion of why people believe things are going well? To me it seems obvious that things are not always going to be good for the United States if we keep heading the direction we are. I feel that my life experience is one that can show why the life lived by liberal ideas can lead to disaster. But right now, I am getting over a migraine and am actually rather surprised I can write. Other than that, where is the time when you are trying to run a small business that doesn't function without your support. Part of me thinks God has plans for my writing, but I am not sure of when he wants me to use it. Is that crazy to think that?

No, I don't think so. God has plans for everyone, it is just learning to accept that and go with the flow. Okay, I am a bit too light headed to continue now. So till next time.

Blogging

For some reason, I do not know, I am watching a show of a crocodile laying eggs. Ugly creatures. I've felt compelled to write for the past month but my own perfection keeps me from doing so. I just assume there are things that people are OCD about. Me, I obsess so much about writing that I usually hardly produce anything. I have to have all facts straight and everything done perfectly. Frankly, I don't have the time for that. But so is life.

So why am I writing now? I don't know. To keep up for the couple of people who read this still. I feel I must publish something. So much of my life has been spilled out on this blog, though I have to admit, there isn't much here that represents me today. I posted my sin, my breakdowns, my faith and my love here; for better or for worse. Practically everyone I know who did blog doesn't anyone. It makes it a bit difficult coming back. See, everyone is on myspace, facebook, linkedin, and twitter... There are oh so many more. They have options for posting, but nothing that requires writing like this.

Here, you have to set down to actually do something. You have to have an idea. I hate writing just about news. Funny. But that is all that is really on my mind. Maybe it is because of listening to talk radio, they are entertaining. If you have the time I recommend it. I won't give specifics, though I have to admit the conservative ones are much more fun. No, that isn't why though. It is sincere concern, the focus of my past education and I have to admit it relates to my work at times. So I watch news, listen to the radio and read the news and work.

What I do enjoy is writing of my faith. It has grown through the years and it helps me greatly at all times now. The reason for the quotes. They are what I am thinking of at the time. I just don't know what else to write, or I just don't have time to write it.

Well, it is time for bed and I should put this down. See, a couple of minutes is all I have really. I will try to have another one of these again soon. Just to keep you going.

Matthew 10:32-34

Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess to my father who is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my father who is in heaven.
Think not that I came to send peace on the earth, I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Jn 15:18-21

If the world hates you, you must realize that it hated me before it hated you.

If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you do not belong to the world, because my choice of you has drawn you out of the world, that is why the world hates you.

Remember the words I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too; if they kept my word, they will keep yours as well.

But it will be on my account that they will do all this to you, because they do not know the one who sent me.

Much on my Mind

I have so much stuff on my mind right now I don't think I can write a consistent post. So here are the things I am thinking on now. Just to update. I want to keep this going:

1. My PCOS was confirmed once again and I had artificial insemination given to me as the first suggestion. I haven't said anything to the doctor yet, but I can't do it. The main reason is I don't feel it is perfectly moral. It is having a third person in the middle of procreation, a middle man. Another thing is that I'm not sure I perfectly trust the middle man. What if they mix up the sperm. I can't 'FIX' that, once I was pregnant, I was pregnant. I don't think I could keep the baby then. For me, that would be torture. So, for those reasons, I am going to see if there are just simpler options, like drugs. I'm okay with more hormones. I am already loosing weight. I lost 15 pounds so far and probably about another 25 pounds need to be lost before I can ovulate again... I'm estimating.

2. I'm taking the LSAT in few weeks... I actually don't remember the exact day. It is the June testing. I want to get into a good school, but have had NO TIME to study. I probably should do that now. I am running a small business and trying to just keep things going to be profitable. I can't even believe the amount of work I've done in the past month. My company feels like an actual separate entity. I am desperate to grow it! So those two things are in conflict with each other. I may just have to give this one a shot with the possibility of retaking it. What else can I really do?

3. The country is going turn back one day and say "What did we do?" or "What did we let happen?". I have to say it will be difficult to have sympathy for everyone hurt at the time, but I will be right there along with everyone else. Our culture is quickly disappearing. Miami is gone to a population that doesn't speak Spanish and from what I've heard the same is happening to Los Angeles. We have people in charge of the country that are passing laws in haste and out of the public view. What is being past so far they have to foot the bill to someone. I don't think majority of the public realize that they are the ones who will get it. If you think the rich will get it you have something missing in the equation. One thing that I notice that the wealthy have more of that the regular middle class to poor have, and that is flexibility. When you don't have extensive funds you can't really pick up and go somewhere. They also can pay others to get them out of situations where they have to give away half their money. The regular middle class will always pay the most. Trying to over tax the rich just causes there to be less rich to tax. Plus, why tax the businesses more when you want them to create more jobs? That makes no sense!

4. Do you really buy this global warming crap... really?

Okay that's it for me for now. Till next time!

Gender Studies

Short post on what to do for Gender Studies class. Most of my education in that area was actually Women's History and Feminist Theory. I assume it is similar to Gender Studies. When I look this up on Wikipedia, this is what I get:

Gender studies is a field of interdisciplinary study which analyzes the phenomenon of gender. Gender Studies is sometimes related to studies of class, race, ethnicity, sexuality and location.[1]

The philosopher Simone de Beauvoir said: “One is not born a woman, one becomes one.”[2] In Gender Studies the term "gender" is used to refer to the social and cultural constructions of masculinities and femininities. It does not refer to biological difference, but rather cultural difference.[3] The field emerged from a number of different areas: the sociology of the 1950s and later (see Sociology of gender); the theories of the psychoanalyst Jaques Lacan; and the work of feminists such as Judith Butler. Each field came to regard "gender" as a practice, sometimes referred to as something that is performative.[4] Feminist theory of psychoanalysis, articulated mainly by Julia Kristeva[5] (the "semiotic" and "abjection") and Bracha Ettinger[6] (the "matrixial trans-subjectivity" and the "primal mother-phantasies"), and informed both by Freud, Lacan and the Object relations theory, is very influential in Gender studies.

Okay, what I get from that is that Gender Studies should include gender roles of both men and women. I know of Margaret Mead, Carol Gilligan... Possibility of MacKinnon.

Of coarse, if you really want to see the view of gender roles of men and women through the world there is nothing better than religious texts. I don't put feminists as the best source of defining men and women.

I can't keep up.. So to bed.

I've never made a dime from a large business

At least not since I've moved to Florida. I've had the best education and I've seen the best people in these small to medium size businesses as well. I was watching The Entrepreneur on CNBC and they had a special on the creator of SPANX (which after seeing I have to check out). What I also loved about this special is it showed how a person can take an idea and turn it into a business. This also showed how those who have these businesses are the ones who give so much to the rest of their community and the world. No one gives as much as the US. I am not meaning the US government. I mean private citizens of the United States. We are a wealthy and a giving people to the rest of the world. I think that is something that is forgotten to most people. The American Dream is forgotten.

At my current job and the other businesses I've been involved in (it doesn't matter the area), I've seen greater good done for the economy and for society than from what I've seen given from the politicians we have in power. I live in one of the wealthiest areas in the country and I can tell you, these areas can be the most generous as well. For one, I've seen an office grow from three people to now... over
hundred employees in different areas of the world and now over ten locally and continuously growing. They are growing in this economy! This is not the only one that is doing to so either. From the business I started when I first moved to this area, I've known three people who are starting their own businesses on their own (I have my own as well). Now all businesses have the potential to reach the level in which companies like Microsoft or smaller, SPANX... it doesn't matter the industry. I didn't understand this idea of hording by businesses in the media. I can tell you that doesn't make any sense in the makeup of a company. There is always a need for growth. You need growth to bring in more money into the company and you need more employees to handle the growth in business.

I can tell you once I have enough money to do so, the first thing I would like to do is bring in another employee. I am not unique in those regards either. With that you are pouring money into your community. You are giving someone a salary, health insurance to go to the doctor. From there the person can pay their bills, buy their groceries and in such buy other things. All which brings money into other local businesses and thus spreads money for more new jobs. Now, what greater good is there for the community at this time than this, getting others money to live.

Now with these businesses I see the direct correlation in creating jobs and money going into the community. Small businesses are what make US great! These businesses are what grow the economy and create jobs for our citizens. They also create jobs based on what brings in more money to the company. Not based on popular policy (which is not always economical). I've also seen from these companies (as I said before) the inspiration in creating more businesses. In small businesses you tend to learn several different aspects of how a business runs, not just the tasks of your position.

Basically, I don't agree with the idea of pouring money into the government creates jobs. I see government workers that are overpaid per their position and not always put to jobs that are necessarily beneficial. These same workers tend to be the ones who criticize the wealth of the CEOs who worked for their position (I can tell you it is long hours and the comforts they have are justified). What about the wealth of the politicians? Why is that acceptable? They were just elected. They are only there to create laws, not to create jobs. Why? BECAUSE WE DON'T BELIEVE IN COMMUNISM! Why is that? Because it fails over and over again! The Soviet Union and Cuba have shown the great economic successes of communism.

I am inspired by the wealth and giving nature of our people, but at the same time dumbfounded by those we give control of the airwaves and our political institutions. I think we need more inspiration for growth of the businesses our people create, and less talking down of our people and our economy. We are a great people and we seem to be loosing sight of what makes us great.

Visit to the Emergency Room

I feel like I lost a week last week. I ended up in the emergency room last Sunday from loosing all liquids from my body from both ends at the same time. The ER was busy, but they got me on an IV quickly enough when I "got sick" in front of the nurses on multiple occasions.

I spent the day at the ER and didn't get out till past midnight when they felt I was hydrated enough to go home. From there I've been on six different medications and I think 3-4 of them are antibiotics. From all of this they are still not really sure what happened to me and what I had. It frustrates me more than anything. I found out after wards the hospital didn't even run all tests the doctor ordered to find out what I had. They just said it was an infection, and hopefully the antibiotics would take care of it.

Since yesterday I've been able to eat normally again and I'm off the medicines that keep me constantly doped up. Now I am a little frustrated with medical care, but not exactly the way everyone else is. I am frustrated with all the barriers. There are so many excessive staff and crap you go through before seeing a doctor EVEN IF YOU ARE DYING! Now do you think that is going to get better with the government getting further involved with our health care? Now I am fortunate by location. I live in a relatively wealthy area that is not very busy. What if I was in Miami? I had a close relative that had a stroke and ended up sitting in the hallway of the ER for over six hours before seeing a doctor. He was also brought in by an ambulance.

Well, regardless.... I still have stomach pains and I still don't have full energy yet. Hopefully I will be back to my normal self by tomorrow. I tend to be paranoid when it comes to infections and research the hell out of them. My biggest worry is that this was my pancreas. I actually had all the symptoms of pancreatitis according to my doctor. More than likely it was just an infection that the antibiotics took care of it.

Well, till next time!

Playing with one of my pictures

Happy 4th Birthday El!

Silencing the American Right

Most of my family and friends seem to care greatly on what is considered politically correct. I would be joking if I said I didn't think of this as well, mainly from motivation that I don't want to piss people off. What is it to be considered political correctness (PC), according to Merriam-Webster it is, "conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated." From this it has been considered to be offensive to say anything in regards to people's race. Have you ever heard the joke, what is the first thing someone does before they tell a black joke? They look around the room in every direction.

Now this has progressed to through the years to homosexuals. The F-word has progressed from f@#k to fag. What I just did is because of being PC (but as I said I am not immune). Without people meaning to do so, there has been the elimination of free speech by the PC enforced by cultural norms. But the one that gets to me the most is people silencing and it not being PC to espouse conservative beliefs. I found myself being quiet when someone was going on about global warming and the other day when someone was insulting Bush. Why? Because if I speak out on these ideas then there will be considerable backlash, even if it with family and friends.

The news does this as well and I've seen on several occasions where in politics they will use PC to their benefit in trying to ruin public figures or silencing opposition. Look to the Huffington Post on these two political cartoons(here and here). The second one was creation in parody to the first. Now, which one is really racist may I ask? I personally didn't see this as racist at all especially after this story about the chimp.

This was a classic attempt to silence political opposition which is a constant problem with our media and with those with "progressive" beliefs, which are typically the same that are PC. There is a major problem with this especially when it comes to our political leaders and the main stream media going along with these tactics. What is this country without true political debate and what are we if we have a media that tries to make anyone who criticizes our president seem equivalent to racists or bigots? I do fear for the direction our country is going. The silencing of a point of view of half of the country is a problem. Obama didn't win with a significant majority and regardless of attacks of Limbaugh and Coulter, they do still have many fans.

I believe regardless of the standards upheld by political correctness that if we do not voice or beliefs, what is right and wrong, that our souls are in danger if not the fabric of our society. This is especially true when such standards start to be upheld by the government, which unfortunately isn't too far from the truth (funny I have to go a paper from outside the US for this).

Needles

I spent the morning having blood drawn. Have you ever had glucose tolerance test? That is a nightmare for anyone who is scared of needles. They have to take blood three times in two hours. By the end both of my arms were sore. The technicians always tell me how I need to drink more water. I have been cursed with a phobia I think I picked up from an episode from the Twilight Zone and bad veins.



I just have resolved never to look at the needle rather if it is me or anyone else having blood drawn. Regardless, I can't help but feel faint by the time I get back in the car to go home.

Luckily there is not much more to endure of infertility testing. I have one more x-ray to go. God help me, I hope this helps to something. Now this is enough for me. I have had a headache and can't bear staring at this screen anymore.

Shorter Posts, Happy President's Day

I figured out if I do not do quick posts I will not post at all. No reason other than time during the day. I wonder how any full time worker can keep one of these things up unless this is part of your job.

There are a couple of things that I wanted to bring up of interest. One, happy President's Day! I thought this was interesting. So historians can accurately say how our president who just left office is ranked with all other presidents in history? There is too much political beliefs imposed on this... Especially with Roosevelt's ranking. I am also surprised that any president is ranked over our President Washington. Without Washington leaving office we would not have the tradition of the presidency in the first place, he left after two terms.

Another, I had an idea to post on my upbringing and how I turned out with ideals opposite to my parents. My brother is very liberal and I am very conservative. But, now I am watching a program on the McCain campaign and conservatives in the country... Of course, I don't think of those who support McCain with fervor as very strong conservatives. I am waiting for them to show everyone as idiots. We will see.

Talk to you later.

No more in vitro

Now to another subject that effects me personally and I hate that I find out just now. The Vatican reaffirmed its stance on fertility issues, and confirmed their stance against in vitro fertilization.

I have found this out after my first appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist and also in discussing in vitro as an option (with all others failing of course). Thankfully it seemed I would have had more options before this anyway. First I have to check if there is anything else other than that and we also have other fertility options before we get to this. The reason I made it this far is because of my PCOS and my use of Clomid already about 3-4 times without success.

Well, I don't feel broken up about this. I never wished to do anything immoral when it came to starting my family. I wouldn't have thought to look it up so soon if it wasn't for the mother who just had eight babies after already having six. I could not imagine being in her place and I wonder how she is going to do this as a single mother. Of course, there is always the possibility that she could be picked up by TLC. That brings up the point of some of these methods of fertility treatment do seem rather questionable in thier techniques. I had thought before that as long as you use all eggs that invitro would be appropriate, but that is not the case. Also, there is the high possibility that I would be in the place as this women (except not single). John and Kate plus eight is not my idea of an ideal family. I just wish to have a child. I will do with whatever God provides for me.

Tomorrow I trying one other option. I am seeing if a doctor will let me do this weight loss procedure. It isn't bypass or lapband (I don't weight enough for that). It is something new. I will write more on it if I decide to go forward with it. This may give me a healthier pregnancy and a possibility at a perfectly natural one. I pray that it works.

Obama's first few days

Here are the Executive Orders and Memoranda that Obama passed in the first few days:

1. Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel
2. Presidential Records
3. Freedom of Information Act
4. Pay Freeze
5. Transparency and Open Government
6. Review and Disposition of Individuals Detained at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base and Closure of Detention Facilities
7. Review of Detention Policy Options
8. Ensuring Lawful Interrogations
9. Review of the Detention of Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri
10. Mexico City Policy and Assistance for Voluntary Population Planning

I could only find all of the orders listed on the site for the executive branch. Now #10 is one that I found most interesting. Obama waited until Friday to sign off on this memoranda with hardly any coverage while everything else was signed publically on Wednesday and Thursday. I found out about this by reading Catholic.org and I have been genuinely waiting and watching to see what Obama would do. Especially since hearing about Guantanamo Bay being closed I have been worried about President Obama's decisions. Now our federal tax dollars are being used to assist with abortions around the world while our president is being praised for his humanitarian efforts? That truley makes no sense to me. Why is abortion so important to some women? Is having a baby that bad? I've thought that before dealing with my own infertility. I feel angry that so many are so eager to commit this mortal sin and act as if it is something we can compromise on. Christians see abortion as the same as murder, there really is no room for compromise.


Now in regards to Guantananamo-Bay, this order scares me. This is where we keep suspectecd terrorists! My question is where are they putting these guys? I sure would not want them near my place or near any of my family even if they are in prison. Why? Prisoners escape! These would be especially dangerous. You have to know there is something wrong when Chavez commends you on anything. The only idea I can slightly agree with is suggested here, reopen Alcatraz. At least with Alcatraz there is a cold body of water between them and us!

Well, that is it for me now. Let's see what will happen next.

Our new president

I was told to post quickly before people may think I'm an Obama supporter from the previous post. I assumed that my stance would be obvious, but I will go on. I've found this worship of our new president quite disturbing honestly. I haven't seen this with any previous presidents. I've watched as much coverage as my job allows and was able to catch the inauguration speech in my car getting lunch.

I think if he started requiring worship of everyone we would see people bowing to him chanting "All Hail Obama". Seriously, does this not disturb anyone else? This is stuff that usually only appears in third world countries or dictatorships. That is why I put up the poster on the previous post. The poster looks more like something for Hitler or Lenin.

One great thing about our country is that we don't all agree. I respect President Obama as our new president, but that does not mean that all other views died. He did not win an overwhelming majority as the press publishes.

Also, was anyone disgusted at people booing at Bush and the blatant disrespect given as he left office? He wasn't my favorite president ever, but he was still a good president.

Well, those are one of my few frustrations recently. I have to go to bed.

Inaguration Speech

Above is a poster from Obama/Biden Campaign I saw multiple locations. Below is the inaugeration speech of our 44th president, President Obama (source):

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.