Sunday, November 23, 2008

Kids say the Darnedest things!

Remember that old Art Linkletter show? I used to get a kick from what the little kids would say, think, or do innocently. It looks like my two grandsons have some of their own moments:

On the morning Benjamin (now 5) turned two, his brother, Nathan (now 8) got him out of the crib. Tugging his little brother's hand, Nathan walked into their mom's room. Nathan was upset and crying. Confronting his mother, my daughter, he reminded her that she had said Benjamin would be a big boy when he turned two. Wailing, Nathan told her that Benjamin wasn't talking. Brooke had to explain that being a big boy didn't mean Benjamin would automatically start talking. Nathan was devastated, having thought Benjamin would wake up talking.

Nathan was three when Benjamin was born and didn't quite understand what was involved with a baby. After repeated nights of the baby crying, Nathan asked innocently, "Can we take him back and get another one?"

None of us realized how much Benjamin was absorbing the commercials until recently Brooke had a fever blister and it had gotten below her lip a little. Benjamin asked what it was. When Brooke told him it was a "ow boo boo". He matter of factly told her to use Pro Active, that it would be gone when she woke up the next
morning.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Let's Talk Politics

Uh, oh. One of the unwritten rules is to never discuss religion or politics when talking to someone. At least if you want it to remain cordial. That's what I have been told anyways.

I guess today I am breaking that "rule". I have been battling with some frustration. I have a deep interest in politics. (I think we all should actually. After all, it is the politicians that make the laws that govern us.) At times, I have been heavily involved in politics and at other times, just dabbling in it. In the last three years, however, I have jumped back in again from serving on a State Board to active participation in the local women's group.

This past year I decided to get more involved and have looked for ways to do so. Having once served as a precinct person, I naturally looked into that area once again. For whatever reason, there have been stumbling blocks along the way.

Part of me says it shouldn't be this hard to volunteer. I mean, aren't we encouraged by the media, talk show hosts, political parties, etc. to volunteer, that volunteers are needed for this or for that. I feel like I am going in circles. Miscommunication? Am I trying too hard? Do I need more connections? I really don't know.

I do know I have the passion, the desire to help the party regain some ground, have lived in my area for over 10 years and have good neighborhood connections, attend and work at party functions (even the ones I have to pay for) and have political experience to draw on.

For now, I am waiting to hear from someone in reply to a voice mail I left. I'll let you know when I find out something. In the meantime, I wouldn't be surprised if my brother, Doug, reads this, and contacts me, attempting to get me to switch parties. I'm waiting for that phone call, Doug.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Mixed feelings

Dealing with mixed feelings right now. Part of me is sad because my favored candidates didn't win the 2008 Presidential election. Another part of me is happy to see another "glass ceiling" broken through, regardless of personal favorites. Being a woman, I have been face to face with another kind of "glass ceiling" when a man got paid more for doing the same, when I was looked over for a job promotion because "he's supporting a family...he's the breadwinner", or automatically suggested for club secretary instead of the higher position.

I think I would feel better if I had confidence that the president-elect was someone that was candid, trustworthy, or straight forward. I have read numerous accounts of even Democrats admitting they are uneasy about Obama for the same reason. So it really shouldn't be a surprise that as a Republican (a Lipstick Republican), I am dealing with some misgivings and uneasy feelings.

I recall a time in the Bible, when Israel cried out for a King, and God granted them one even though it wasn't His wish for them, much to their later despair. A lot of people, including Christians, were crying out in this election for Obama to be their next President. In the meantime, I am reminded in scripture that God appoints our leaders and that we should honor them regardless of "feelings".

Only time will tell. In the meantime, Obama and his administration will be in my prayers. I only wish him the best as he will be responsible for many decisions that will affect me and my family.