Leaving Jupiter

Moving away from Florida....

New Development...

She had her first tooth come in on Wednesday and we started her on solids as well.... Applesauce.

One less Republican vote...

For no other reason than I forgot to mail in my voter registration card. Ah, I'm moving away from Florida right at election time anyway so it wasn't the most important thing to me at the time. It makes me thing of the ridiculousness of having to register early. Why not just do it online and walk in with your license? I mean there is enough record that I am a US citizen that they could pull up.

Well, there is always next November 2nd.

Opinion on Woman's Studies

Being raised by a feminist I was brought up to believe that men were going to get in my way and to bring me down or belittle me. I was going to have to fight them (men) through my life to be successful in my career and otherwise; and that I should not just try to be equal, but that I was better than them all. I can't start this by saying that I was told that we should be equal, no, the idea of a feminist is that all women ARE better and smarter. This is something that has been instilled on men and women alike in my generation since we are the children of the baby boomers that were "liberated" in the 60s. The generation that has been trying to push ERA and has just the same decided that pregnancy should not be deemed a disability... At least in the US (I bring that one up, because it always baffled me). Last but not least they are also I believe the ones who run NOW, the organization that will willingly degrade any woman that gets in the way of their cause for women rights as they see it. Is there any hostility here?

I decided when I was about 11 or 12 years old that most of what my mother pushed on me from childhood about the strength and superior intelligence of women and that we need no men, was crap. This happened when I was putting together a water bed with my mother... not successfully I might add. The only other person in the house was my father and we were in a rut. I foolishly asked my mother, why not ask dad for help? I had heard the answer that I received more than one time, "we don't need a man to help us". Ah, to me at that point was idiotic. The reason, my mind wasn't going to lets ask any man to help us because our feeble brains can't figure out this bed. No, I was thinking, "God help me I don't want to do this, can I pawn this off on someone else... anyone, wait, Dad is here." Well, I sighed and decided then that everything with this was tied to emotion, not logic. Because logically we needed help and illogically, we could not ask the other person in the house because of his sex.

This seems to be the basis for most things involved in Women's Studies and similarly feminism; it is an antagonistic and illogical battle of women vs. men. You hear it in different areas, for instance with child rearing... "I don't need a man". Well, my dear, statistically I would say you do because the fact you choose not to have the assistance of a man in raising your child means they will probably be in jail rather than being a doctor or a lawyer. My mind is blanking on other such emotional responses, but they are endless. This is reflected in the antagonistic way that Women Studies professors take to class.

First of all I've been in several and my mother does teach them occasionally as well, with pride I might add. I've heard it being referred to as the Women Studies ghetto by others, and I have repeated this to my mother. By the way, this is where I think women should rightly be pissed and they don't blink at all at this. Example: Are you a successful XYZ PhD and you are a woman, why don't you do women's studies? That is perfect for you, no matter you don't have any study in the area. You will build it up for the rest of your career. So from there you will not see men in women's studies positions, you will only see women who were placed in there solely... BECAUSE OF THEIR SEX! Isn't that what you are trying to get away from? Being placed not because of your study, but because of what you are? So to accept such a position you would have to believe in feminism and the strength of women to forgo other positions to accept such a title. You have to believe you are doing it to help other women in their cause. So from there, what reason is there for men in your class?

I have had several women studies profs mention how they can't keep men in their class. Several also happened to single out the men in their class on the first day. I've only known one man to actually make it through a class I was in. This guy was also directed by his mother to volunteer at Planned Parenthood after classes... and still was not very vocal (just stating, he was part of the okayed agenda within feminism). Most of these classes are consisted off all women or few men involved. This I think being because of the fact they are meant to be directed in this manner. I know that many professors have told me all the same that they love having men in their... This could be with political theory, women's history, women's studies sociology classes... It doesn't matter. They are all made to be for women by women. This can be said for other similar disciplines that involve classes specific to different races as well. Same model, different subject. And all in all, they are all just there for liberal causes.

So as a conservative woman, I have no place in them because I don't accept the premise of how they were started. Maybe I am being unfair. But to me, a class should be open to all and be something that can show different points of view in a positive light.

Women's Studies has an agenda and there are different views and a history to it, but I don't accept the premise of the classes because of the exclusion of men. I believe that we are a family unit and to put us as separate entities as if we are two enemies... It has a negative effect on society. Why do you think there is a problem with men passing in our education system and in growing numbers aren't even going to college? Do you think it MIGHT have something to do with an education system that focuses on girls and not boys? Maybe feminism and as such a result of having women's studies and not men's studies as well. I wouldn't be for a Men's studies anyway, but I think that such area do nothing to better us in society or to get people jobs which was the original purpose of academia... unless I guess you want to be women's studies professor. But as I said, you really don't even to take those classes to get that position....

What's the point. Good Night!

Couldn't sleep and now its the following day

I feel an ache over my body and jolts of energy through my arms as I think of things going on and things to come. Its from uncontrolled emotions. I can't sleep. There are times that I have trouble coping with things and that has definitely been the past few months. I hate to even write it, but it is the truth. I don't wish to cause problems for my little family, but because of my own anxieties and my own inability to perform in different tasks, that is exactly what I have done. So now I look back at the past months and I see nothing but failure. Failure to take care of my business, failure to do what is needed to be sure my baby is developing well and failure in making sure my husband is happy. All of this is because of anxiety. And there were endless attempts to take more and more off my plate, but I seem incapable of doing anything.

I haven't neglected my child; I know that. But I think she needs more attention from me than what she has been getting. I've read how depression in young mothers does cause speech development problems and other such issues with the child and I do see how that can happen. Though I have to say I am really lucky. I do have an incredibly happy child. I think its because I try to hide how I feel from her and others. You don't want to put that on a baby and I know they can sense you pretty well. So you want her to see you happy and she is happy. You don't want to put it on your husband, he has plenty of problems already. He's made drastic measures to try to make me happy and to relieve me of things from our business. It still hasn't worked. I can still correct things right now, but it shouldn't have gotten to this point. It really shouldn't have. Its not like the first time this has happened where I let things pile up; I leave things bottled up. I keep doing this at different points in my life.

I am not sure if this is the best outlet. I write about problems, but not really. Just how I feel, but not specifics. That is all I can do. What else is there to do. I pray things get better for me and my family. There is no stability in anything right now. I pray I can do well with the business this coming month to make up for any shortfall. I pray I can give my child all the attention she needs.

Isaiah 5:20

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; they put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Further on Development

She sat up today from laying down. She woke up upset and went to grab onto me, so I'm not even sure she's aware that she can do it. Now I have her asleep next to me in bed. My only worry I have doing this is that she'll roll off if she wakes up and I don't during the night, but so far she's been pretty safe. I may need side rails....

Oh well, I think she is good for the night. She isn't close to the side at all. Goodnight.

Development

Held head up.... 1 week
Rolled over.... Aug 31st, 4 months
Sat up.... Sept 5th, a few days later
I wrote down first smile, but don't recall date right now. I know it made me cry. Now she smiles and babble like nothing else and is just in the middle of 4th month. She is really wanting to talk and seems like she has a lot to say. At this point she has blue eyes and I wonder if they are staying blue....

Thoughts at the end of a long day

As I watch my daughter rocking in her little rocker I wonder how much time I actually have to write. Our days are consistent mostly of work and baby, but what else would it be at this point. I don't take my child to daycare and I do feel sorry for those who have no choice but to do so. I think that is a major problem in today's society that mothers have to be torn from young children for that much of their day. I decide to work and to take care of my child at the same time, though others think I am crazy to do so. She is still rocking and about to not take anymore at this point. I think she is fighting sleep.

My days are at the same time are about to drive me crazy, and I don't think it is because of my new baby. Now she does play a part in it actually, but I think it is more because I want to spend more time with her than I really can. I want to hold and play with her while I am forced to write emails and answer the phone. I do this from the house or the office where ever I am. I try to breastfeed and to talk to candidates at the same time. I look at her and I feel an ache inside of me every time I feel she is neglected. But, I would feel worse if she was in daycare. I don't believe anyone will care and especially take care of your child as well as you do. I think there is plenty of proof of that in South Florida as there has been more than one case of children left in day care vans. No criminal charges for this by the way.

Why am I writing this? I am just frustrated. I am frustrated with my life and how it is going and I projecting on a blog I don't think anyone reads anymore. The company that I've been building for the past few years and is there for the future of my family is about to drive me crazy. I try to ask for help, but no one can do what I do. I told my husband that I couldn't do exactly what I am doing before our child was born... The fact is, no one else can do it. So I must try to raise my baby the best I can while working full time. There is no other choice in the matter. And I'm not putting her in daycare, because that simply is not an option for her or any child I have. So I'm driven thin. Very thin. She is asleep... I knew that would happen. 9pm, a little earlier than usual. I am the worst at keeping my child up late.

To be fair to my husband, he is thin as well from his own work. So I keep it to myself for the most part. You can only do it for so long though. My company gives me this luxury at the same time. I always to remember that.

Well, time for bed.

Continued List

What I've missed as I've finally got the little one to sleep:

- Breast feeding pilllow, don't remember what its called off hand.
- Rocking chair
- Breast pads and gel pads (I know nothing for formula feeding)
- Cover for feedings where family is around
- Diaper Bag - this can be a large purse too or back pack
- Stroller - try the ones with extra storage space and get the little hook for extra bags
- Rattles and stuffed animals - can't play at first but they love anything bright colored or shiny
- Bath/soap/nail clippers/ thermometer/ brush (if full head of hair like mine)
- Breast feeding bras and tops - comfort is key and they are not always easy to find

That's it for now; but that gives an idea of basics.

Things I should have done

Since April 22nd I've been a mother. Through the end of my pregnancy and the first my little girl's life, it has been constantly busy. No one will probably forget that I was working on a proposal while in labor and after giving birth naturally I went back to working on it as needed to get it out. I know I did not write on it, but blogging just hasn't seemed as important. Then I've decided to just breastfeed our little girl and no bottles or pacifiers. That leads to sleep, feed, sleep, feed.... And so on and so forth. Then you wake up one day and your little one is three months old and things seem to slow down a bit with her. Since I have a few minutes, I've noticed a real good list online of what is really needed to buy for your coming child. I think it could be because people have their own ideas of how to raise children and one may be horrified of the methods of another. For instance, I think it is good to invest in a pack n play and a king size bed. No reason really for the expensive crib with the decked out room (thought my little girl's room is adorable, she doesn't sleep in it). Here are things that were good to get and things I think I should have bought at first:

1. Infant car seat - Key Fit 30 was a great investment. Infant car seats are needed. The convertible ones are too big right off.

2. Onesies packs - get a few... if needed. Also understand that if you have alot of friends and family, baby clothes are the easiest things for them to buy you. So you may not need to buy clothes for your baby till they get to year old clothes... Which mine is at 9 month size and 4 months. It comes quicker than you think. Onesies are easiest to deal with as exhausted when your little ones are first born.

3. King size bed - Okay I put this so at times when you are absolutely exhausted you want to have an option to have your little one next to you safely. Of course, that means be smart with them. They can't move their head from side to side, no pillows, be careful of where you put them when you are very tired. Probably put them closer to you than your partner. Mothers more instinctively sense where their babies are than fathers do at first. But this sometimes can be very convenient for parents and safer than you would believe as a first time parent. Oh yeah, not too close to the edge... Don't want the little one to fall off.

4. Pack n' play - Get this instead of a bassinet and a crib at first. They outgrow a bassinet in a blink of an eye and the pack n' play works till they are 15 pounds. My little girl just now is 15 pounds at 4 months. We are just about to move the crib to our room :) I can't see having her in a separate room just yet.

5. Swaddles - These are good to help little ones sleep till they are about two months old.

6. Gloves, hats and socks - Ones that match the little onsies more than likely. Gloves because those little nails are bad at scratching up their own face.

7. Cosco/Sams membership - For diapers and wipes! It pays off.

8. Blankets - thin and thick depending on weather. I use alot of thin ones because of the summer in Florida.

9. Towel and washcloth sets - I would say two of them

10. Detergent for babies - and stain release, they are messy little things and have sensitive skin.

My little girl is yelling at me, so to continue later.

Freedom of Speech

I've been looking at the recent Supreme Court case with interest for the shear reason that I've seen that there is much opposition to this ruling recently. This case (Citizen's United v. Federal Election) seems to be offending many, mostly on the left who believe that this gives corporations too much power. What I do not see much of is the alternate view which is upheld by the majority of the Supreme Court, that in the other way there was too much power held by the government which the Constitution is instilled to protect us from.

Premised on mistrust of governmental power, the First Amendment stands against attempts to disfavor certain subjects or viewpoints or to distinguish among different speakers, which may be a means to control content....

The First Amendment prohibits Congress from fining or jailing citizens, or associations of citizens, for engaging in political speech, but Austin’s antidistortion rationale would permit the Government to ban political speech because the speaker is an association with a corporate form. Political speech is “indispensable to decision making in a democracy, and this is no less true because the speechcomes from a corporation.”

This is directly from the case which you can find in PDF on the Supreme Court website. What is lost in most news is the fact that the Supreme Court is here to uphold the Constitution when times come where the other forms of government fail to do so. Fear of a certain entity such as a corporation does not make it right to silence, there is too much power in that which our country's government is not intended to have. The framers of our constitution did not intend for the government to limit any speech and that has been a great protection that has maintained the integrity of our country and challenges many others.

There were two dissenting opinions, one was surprisingly Thomas (which I can't completely disagree with his, though I think I would still go with majority) and then there was the other which included Ginsburg, Stevens, Breyer and Sotomayor. The later dissenting opinion seems to be the one which is more popular and the group that finds this very dangerous. Though I find their tactics rather manipulative. From going over it and a couple of other articles it seems that there is a problem with identifying a corporation as a individual and one which must maintain rights. The fact is that you cannot disconnect the human element of a corporation. They are the actions of a group of people or the actions of one through a separate entity. But it is ridiculous to say that they are not the actions of a person or a citizen. They are a makeup of people, no other way to run a corporation. In this case the corporation is a vehicle in which a citizen can use for speech, which is what they are used for in most cases. The corporation cannot take a political opinion on its own, that makes no sense. They typically follow the political opinion of the executives or the board or whatever the makeup of the corporation is made of. The other argument I saw in relation to the first is that there is no guarantee that a corporation will be made entirely of US citizens, now this is true. But what does seem wrong to me is to say we will limit the speech of of US citizens through this avenue because of the possibility there will be some foreign influence. There is still the limitation of freedom of speech included.

The freedom of speech is a sticky subject because not all is liked, but you have to remember that it has been shown to be a slippery slope. This is shown in other countries in the form of "hate speech" laws. The most I have heard of are the laws specific to Canada. The problem with this is that it is not what you would want to be considered good or bad speech, it is what the government considers good or bad speech. With the changes in a democracy what keeps the government from making it illegal for opposition to speak for the sole reason to maintain power. This does no good for anyone. And yes it can get to that point. Many who believe homosexuality is a sin and should not be condoned, and there are others that believe that is hate speech. Then you are saying that the speech of those of certain dominant religious groups is illegal? It is the opinion of those who are in charge in the end, which is what we are trying to keep from happening. One group could use this law very easily to silence another because they simply, "don't like it." In honesty, that is the most I hear from every day people when it comes to this case. They don't trust corporations and their opinions because they believe them to be conservative. To me, there are many liberal and conservative corporations both that will use this to their advantage.

In the end I believe that the Supreme Court decision should be respected. I know McCain was hurt by this because it nullifies laws he had a major part in putting into place. But in the end, Obama out spent him and I believe that his gentlemanly attitudes toward the political process is what cost him the election partially. Obama had an entire channel! How were we really protected or had an equal share of the views of both side? It is not something that works, and I believe that it is up to everyday citizens to decide in the end. If they are too stupid to look past commercials to research what is right and wrong and who to vote for, then that speaks more for the intelligence and education of the American people; not for if certain groups should be allowed to reach to them or not through speech.

Thoughts on becoming a mother

So I am noticing women are quite emotional on subjects such as raising their child. I have to admit I have my opinions, but for the most part I haven't developed them for basic things I need to worry about once the child is born. These things come up when you are thinking, "What do I need to buy to prepare for this child?" and "What will my expenses be once she is born?". Well, obvious were crib, bassinet, dresser/changing table, tub and then there are diapers.... That is where I had the toss up. Do I want to use cloth diapers or disposable? Then I came across "Elimination Communication" and this threw in a third option. You can actually just take your baby to the toilet. It does sound kind of time consuming, but it sounds much less disgusting at the same time. So I've looked up this on a few sites and I've noticed that Americans do seem quite hostile to the idea actually and find it to affront to progress... or something like that. I found it quite silly really. It is a potty training method. It works for some and not for others. I think I may give it a shot to see if it will be a little less messy over time and possibly a little more comfortable for the baby. I can imagine sitting in your own excrement could be quite uncomfortable. I haven't had the best response from family members either who say it is not possible. But I'm one that usually that take the words of women close to me very seriously, especially when it brings out an emotional response. So I am wondering how this is going to go from here. Since everyone has very specific ideas on how this should go, what other areas am I going to find conflict? I'm not really sure at this point, I think I'm just going to try to take it as it comes and get the room ready. Though I did have an interesting interaction with a store clerk at a regular baby store locally while looking at car seats. She proceeded with about a ten minute explanation of which car seats would possibly kill my child that were in the store and then reminded me that I should take care of child "because this may be the only one you ever have". Well, I was successfully scared off and I've decided to try avoiding asking most people of their opinions on things. I went there asking if they had a list of what mothers would need to register for as a first time mother, I don't know how it made it to there. But this planning to be a mother is getting interesting. For instance, I have to admit that never before in my life have I been so interested in potty training methods. But I knew things would change.

The Past Year

Got this from a neighboring blog. Thought it was good to put to give an idea of what happened last year...

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

Got pregnant is one. Yeah, another is I played Magic card game for the first time.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn't make any that I remember. I've never been big on them. My only hope for the next is a healthy child and our business' success.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No, but I will be in 2010.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, my Uncle.

5. What countries did you visit?

None, my mom and my brother do all the travel. Plus I've been pregnant almost half the year.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Success really and less stress. So far the year is starting off quite well. Last year I remember being kind of a down turn with my last job I held. It was only a few months later that it ended.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I'm not sure, I had a few memorable things happen. My position ended with one company and I went head on with my own in April. I found out I was pregnant in August I believe, though I don't remember exactly when. My uncle past away around October, and I couldn't got to the funeral because of my condition. Those are the things I remember off hand. Most else runs together.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Just getting pregnant. I thought I wasn't going to ever have a child. I had just started looking at adoption.

9. What was your biggest failure?

The good thing about having your own business is you have control and there is no one to hold you back, but the bad thing is if anything goes wrong there is no one to blame but yourself... It can be painful sometimes.


10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I did end up in the emergency room loosing all fluid in my body from both ends. An experience I would never want to repeat, but strangely enough helped in me getting pregnant.


11. What was the best thing you bought?

Hmm... Probably my chairs in the dinning area. Yeah, no major purchases this year.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I don't know... No behavior to celebrate I guess.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

There are many, I've figured out I just really don't like many people.

14. Where did most of your money go?

I ask myself that all the time.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Having a baby. That is the primary highlight of the year.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Strangely enough probably Travelin' Soldier by the Dixie Chicks... just because of a trip I did to North Carolina. Heard it for the first time.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

happier, pregnant (so rounder since I'm at the end of my second trimester) and poorer... I was at my wealthiest actually this time last year.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Stuff with the business.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Probably watching TV.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I spent it with family in South Florida.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

No, I've been in love.

22. How many one-night stands?

None, married.

23. What was your favorite TV program?

Big Bang Theory or Mad Men, not sure which wins.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No, its really about the same.

25. What was the best book you read?

I don't have one. It is probably the one year in awhile that I didn't make it through a book. Had to read lengthy documents for work and that's probably why.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Not sure if I had one.

27. What did you want and get?

Pregnant

28. What did you want and not get?

For my business to grow.

29. What was your favorite film of this year?

Hangover... that was funny.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 27... I'm not sure what I did. My position had just ended the previous month.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I don't know, having a vacation at some point. We didn't have one.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

My usual, I think it'd probably be basic yuppy in her 20s.

33. What kept you sane?

My husband and faith.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

None I really fancied as in thinking they are attractive. I've been too turned off by most celebrities.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Probably Obama with Afghanistan; it had the most effect on me. From seeing people again speaking of withdrawal really does make me think that the biggest mistake with the recent wars are not having enough get involved. Popular culture even demonises those who help with the military for a living as well.

36. Who did you miss?

I'm not sure. I've missed many in my "past life" as I would call it, but only at moments.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

Someone at my last job and worked with. He's a hard worker, which I find more and more is hard to come by. I respect those I come across that are. There really aren't many I've met.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

That running a business on your own is difficult, but definitely a learning experience. Also, only God truly has control of growing your family; every child basically comes at its own time.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Sorry, don't think I have one.

Happy New Year!

I've been quite surprised at the reaction to 2009, the end of the decade that I still really don't know what to call. I've seen much criticism of the year for its down turn and thus the entire decade along with it. It is almost like everyone in popular culture who speaks of this decade is caught in a depression. People in depression tend to project their depression on everything, because they feel bad at the moment then everything bad and nothing has ever been good. Otherwise how could you see an actually quite prosperous decade one of the worst since WWII (I believe that was from TIME). And it seems everything in popular culture is a parrot of each other. Are there ever such things as deferring points of view anymore? If nothing else, that definitely seems to be something that helps depict 2009 which I hope doesn't carry over to the next decade. I don't know what it is about popular culture today (I would say Americans, but I think it carries throughout most of western civilization) but there seems to be lack of historical knowledge or lack of basic skills of critical thinking. Maybe I'm being harsh, but it is quite disappointing when there are major occurrence throughout the world and enough in our country and everything is about Tiger Woods or now Charlie Sheen. Everything appears to be a "consensus" that is not one, and there is only review of one side of the story. But I am getting off base...

The last year was not the best for the nation I believe. There was hope for our president that I say has been quite disappointing. I can tell you that I had a job that was cut earlier in the year directly related to the president's choices (yes, and its easy to make the correlation). I know many others have felt the pains and there has been little action to make things better from the government through the year. It is a shame that there was a bad year ending such a decade, but it all relates. We were on top of the world in the decade. Think of the real estate boom. It was something everyone could make money off of. All you have to do is hold a house for a short time and boom it was twice its worth. You look and everyone in middle class has to have the right counter tops and wood floors. And in the areas in which it was strongest there was a belief that it would never end. There was also the boom of technology and social networking. Was there even a myspace in 2000? I actually don't know. I believe I still had a dial up at home and a separate CD burner. With this boom the CD has practically become obsolete for music and music stores have almost died along with it. Not to mention the changes with everything after 9/11.

The end of the decade to me seemed to be just showing that everything good inevitably will not last. The US believed they could ride a bubble forever and it had to burst. But truthfully the bad feelings shown in popular culture really shows just how good of a decade we've had! People aren't starving. We don't have lines of people at soup kitchens or any of the poverty that you see elsewhere in the country. The complaints are that some people need assistance from family more as there are multiple generations under one roof. There are complaints of people who took a gamble on their house happened to loose. Some started letting their house go into foreclosure just because they didn't feel like paying over the house's worth.... Not because they can't afford to pay it. But in the end, how is it really that bad? I saw complaints about losses in the wars. The thing is other than military families there was no draft or direct effect on most of the population, just the ones that are directly involved with the military. So I have to ask, where is the horrible?

For myself, I finally got my wish. I'm having a baby. The best way to start a new decade. Last decade I met my husband and we've started our lives together in Florida. We end the decade quite well and we start the new one incredibly hopeful. All in all, what I meant to get through is that we have it pretty good. It is bad to waste these times in depression of what goes wrong. I even saying that completely believing that politically our country has horrible leadership, but I do believe things will get better.

Happy New Year everyone!