Picture of the Year

I was going to write something profound about this historical day but this picture says it ALL!

Marriage Equality

When President Obama says his position on gay marriage has evolved I understand what he is saying. I can think of at least a hundred issues over the past forty years or so where my views have “evolved” and I’ve come to think or believe differently about something, it’s called growth and maturity. Personally, I have gone from having a mild tolerance of gays & lesbians to where it is inconceivable to me that they are not afforded all of the rights reserved for human beings under our constitution. A marriage is a union between two consenting adults, period. Sexual preference, race, religion or anything else should not matter and no one has the right to say otherwise.

To anybody who says that the President will say or do anything to win the election, think about what you are saying. This announcement may ultimately cost him many more votes than he will gain from the gay and lesbian community and it puts him in danger of losing certain swing states that are socially conservative. Note: He did not come out and say he is going to push for a repeal of DOMA, he just said he "personally" supports gay marriage. He is taking a stand on an issue that divides our nation. This was a bold and courageous maneuver that may have negative repercussions – anybody against marriage equality isn’t going to vote for him anyway - but it was the right thing to do. Bravo President Obama!

Are You Missing Some Bunny?

This little cutie is not the Easter Bunny (I frisked him for the chocolate bunnies I didn't get for Easter) but found his way into our backyard yesterday morning. Mr. itsme has a soft spot for stray animals and was able to capture it in our kitty carrier by simply asking it to "please hop in." To his astonishment, it obeyed. I've posted this picture on our local paper's FB page hoping the owner recognizes him/her and claims ownership at the animal shelter -- it was either that or let a car run it down, or worse, being mauled by a pitbull. A rabbit rescue group here tries to find forever homes for stray rabbits brought to the shelter -we've captured three others before this- so this one is not in danger of being euthanized. Isn't it a sweetie-pie? Just had to share . . . .

Jim Mullen: My Thoughts Exactly!

This article appeared in my local paper this morning. I couldn't have said it better!!!

"Have you ever watched more than one television show about the making, eating or selling of cupcakes ? If your answer is "yes" and you're not in some way connected to the cupcake business, I'm worried about you. And not just about your adult-onset diabetes. I can't be the only person surprised to learn that there is a show on television devoted exclusively to cupcakes. To find out there are at least three of them is troubling. Normally I would say "to each his own," but "Cupcake Wars"? Really?

When the reality TV craze started years ago with "Survivor" and "Big Brother," I used to wonder what was wrong with television. It turns out that was the wrong question. Now, after the success of "Jersey Shore" and programs about multiple Kardashians, hoarding, pawning, extreme fishing , ice truck driving and very unreal housewives of Who-Cares , it seems the question should have been, "What is wrong with television viewers?"

Have you been following the MTV hit "Teen Mom" ? Neither have I, as I am older than 13 and no longer think turning 16 is the biggest thing that will ever happen in my entire life, the life that my parents are trying to wreck. "Teen Mom" is a spinoff of the previous MTV reality show "16 and Pregnant," and it "stars" the same cast of teens, celebrated for making poor life choices. I thought maybe it would be good for teens to see how hard it is to be a teenage parent, to learn that raising children isn't a cakewalk even for mature, well-adjusted women with responsible partners. Surely the 4.5 million teens who watched the first year's finale learned an important life lesson.

Then I looked at the Facebook comments for the show. Here's a typical comment (with the original spelling): "I'm 17 an preganat I would like to be apart of the show." Well, who hasn't misspelled things on Facebook? It's hard to type with your thumbs. More disturbing is that someone thinks being 17 and pregnant is the road to stardom. Why waste all that time and money on singing and dancing lessons if all it takes to get on TV is to be a baby mama? You'd think there was a national competition to be the first one in your high school class to have a baby shower.

If the teen mom could learn to make cupcakes, there's no telling how far she could go on reality television. Maybe she could get engaged. Planning a wedding is also a good way to become a reality TV star. Not planning any old wedding, but a huge, expensive wedding that will impress all your friends with how much money you've wasted. Because, as every teen bride knows, the more you spend on your wedding, the longer the marriage will last. Just ask the Kardashians, whichever one had the weeklong marriage. The good news is that it doesn't matter whom you marry. A reality TV bride will spend much more time picking a wedding dress than she will a groom. Practically any guy in a tux will do. What's really important is the cake, the paper the invitation is printed on and the DJ. The husband is just there for ceremonial purposes , like a ref at a hockey game. A husband is also a good thing to drag along when your friends start having over-the-top weddings.

What's odd is that there are 21 reality shows about weddings, but only 12 shows about being wives. It seems getting married is twice as popular as being married. Is it because the husband is always in one room watching "SportsCenter" and the wife is in the next room watching wedding-planning shows? Or vice versa? Well, I guess that's why we have Dr. Phil's reality show to sort it out when it all goes south."
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Jim Mullen can be reached at jimmullenbooks.com.

And the Winner Is . . . .

All the captions for my "Scary Picture of the Day" were great, Mr. itsme and I could not decide on just one, so, YOU ALL WIN!

Randy, Pam, AZ KD & lemming, if you want cookies, send me your address via email (see my profile) and specify chocolate chip (with or without nuts), oatmeal raisin or white chocolate chunk cranberry. I made a bunch of these (see picture) this past weekend and they were the first to go, so I KNOW they are good.

Or I can easily do a combination of each if you'd like all three kinds.

If you don't want to give your address then thanks for participating and I hope you keep visiting my blog.
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NOAH JAY

We also had a new addition to our growing family today, Noah Jay was born this morning at 2:33am. He weighed 8.2lbs and was 22.5 inches long. Can't wait to meet him! A mighty handsome boy, here's his picture:

KONY 2012

Please take 30 minutes out of your day and watch this video. Then join us on April 20, 2012.

An Evening With Rachel Maddow

This past Saturday evening, I had the supreme pleasure of watching Rachel Maddow walk onto the stage of the Morris Daily Auditorium at San Jose State University wearing black sneakers with bright blue stripes and pink socks. She was on the SJSU campus to receive the John Steinbeck Award. Presented by The Center for Steinbeck Studies, the award is given to “artists and activists whose work exemplifies values found in the writings of John Steinbeck: a concern for the natural environment, a commitment to the common people, and the courage to critique the contrasts between the powerful and the poor.”

Ms. Maddow is a local girl, having been born and raised in Castro Valley, California. She graduated from Castro Valley High School, received her bachelor’s degree in public policy from Stanford University in 1994, and her doctorate in political science from Oxford University, which she attended on a Rhodes Scholarship, as the first openly gay American to win a Rhodes Scholarship.

During the hour and a half interview with San Francisco KGO’s Pat Thurston, Maddow talked about her career in talk radio, hosting her own show on MSNBC, as well as a few political issues of the day like the Occupy movements, gay marriage, and the upcoming 2012 election. When asked what she thought made her successful as a radio host and personality, Maddow answered that it basically boiled down to her detail in explaining issues, rather than being the liberal activist many of her critics paint her as – but make no mistake, she is proud to be a Liberal.

My favorite quote was when she was asked what she thought of those who hate her and she said it comes from them not wanting to hear what’s wrong.

“I sometimes think that hate and that reactionary position comes from a love of country, you don’t want to be told that there is anything wrong…,” Maddow said.

The much too short evening was closed by the presentation of the John Steinbeck Award by John Steinbeck’s oldest son, Thomas, who said his father’s job was “to reconnect humans with their own humanity” and that his father would have been “absolutely fascinated and intrigued by Rachel Maddow and her role as a first-class observer and commentator of the political agendas that now embroil our country…”

Scary Picture of the Day

I don't need to say anything, you all know what I'm thinking already right?

OK, I can't help myself: he's giving up desserts (only for 40 days?) Having had three marriages and numerous affairs, this is going to be a real sacrifice for a man who likes having his cake and eating it too.

Calista says she's "giving up my opinion" (and blinking apparently). How about the account at Tiffany's and the Botox! Like all good submissive Republican women, first it's your opinion, then it's your shoes.

Of course, what else could they give up? I guess being truthful, having morals, intelligence, principles, etc., would just be too hard.

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CONTEST ALERT
Fresh baked cookies for the person to come up with the best caption for this picture (you'll have to give me your address)

Randomized Thoughts 2/20/12

I know it's been almost two months since I've written anything, I had grand plans, believe me. Since the beginning of the new year I've had a few changes in my life - some good, some not so much. For what it's worth, here's what I've got:

Had a sleep study done in late December and was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. My new best friend is now my trusty CPAP machine. Didn't take long to fall in love with the little guy (Fred as he is known). Trouble is I don't snore anymore but I still lie awake in the middle of the night jousting those night demons. Mr. itsme has had his own "Fred" for almost a year but he hasn't named it. What a pair of old farts we've become!

Speaking of Mr. itsme, he retired at the end of September 2011. It's been great. For him. I still get up in the wee hours and drive the hour to work. Nice thing, I make my own coffee in the morning and we're savings thousands of dollars by giving up Starbucks. I'm not jealous or anything (I'm not, I'm not, I'm not!) but he's having far too much fun without me.

I lost my only living Aunt this past weekend, she was born and died on the same date (I always thought that would look cool on a headstone). My late Father's only sister, we were blessed to have her in our lives for 85 years. All 10 of my late Mother's brothers & sisters are gone too. I remarked to my youngest brother after hearing the news, that we are the "old folks" in the family now. It's OK, if I leave this earth loved as much as she it will all have been worth it.

Our family is eagerly awaiting the birth of a new addition to the family, sometime in mid-March is his or her arrival date. The parents-in-waiting opted out of knowing. In April a long awaited Wedding - 11 years in the making - will be performed by Mr. itsme. I have promised to wear a dress. This may be a promise I cannot keep however, as unlike the Bride-to-Be, I'm having second thoughts.

The last bit of disappointing news of the year (if I put it all in perspective) is that my beloved 49ers did not make it to the Super Bowl. I'm not one to hold a grudge and rooted for the Giants, even though they were the reason we didn't make it. Who can hate Eli Manning???

Happy New Year!

Didn't make it to midnight, rarely do. Looking forward to a new year of getting healthier (explanation coming), spending more time with family, and getting rid of "stuff," physically as well as mentally. Going to watch my 49ers win this morning and go on to the playoffs, maybe even the Superbowl. Then watching my adopted Oregon Ducks win the Rose Bowl.

This year we have another wonderful addition to the family due in March, a long awaited Wedding in April, Mr. itsme's retirement party in January (my own possibly in December). I'm expecting lots of changes -the good kind- this year also. Life is so short, I'm determined to make this the best year EVER.

Love & blessings to you and yours.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know I'm a day early but I've got 4 pies to bake this afternoon - 2 pumpkin, 2 apple. Made my cranberry sauce last night and all the cookies "the kids" expect when they arrive. I've got my lemon bundt cake (and vanilla ice cream) at the ready too. Thanksgiving is all about the desserts for me since I'm a baker.

I was going to "do it all" this year but decided to let family help out. Why make myself crazy? Husband will do his famous deep-fried turkey (no, it's not greasy); my youngest brother & his better half will bring salad; niece & nephew-in-law from Oregon are making the sweet potatoes and bringing our NEW BABY to his first Thanksgiving feast; other niece & fiancée are making Guy Fieri's garlic mashed potatoes; ex-SIL & husband are bringing the appetizers (yes, we are a civilized bunch). I will complete the menu with my legendary sauteed brussels sprouts, turkey gravy and Mom's apple-sage dressing. Some cousins and dear friends will join us around our table again this year too.

I'm thankful for all the blessings, expected and unexpected, our family has received this year. I'm thankful we can gather together and enjoy one another's company - and like it. No matter what life throws our way, we will always have each other, and no one and no thing can ever take that away.

I'm thankful for my blog friends as well, although we will probably never meet, you are an important piece of the puzzle that is my life. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and hope you are able to spend it with people who mean the most to you. Take care.

R.I.P. Uncle Gilbert

Received the news last night that Uncle Gilbert passed away. He was cremated and his ashes will be interned in a Veteran's cemetery in the Central Valley (CA). A memorial service to be held soon. Here's my April 2011 post about his illness:
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Impending death is not an easy event to deal with.

Mr. itsme’s Uncle Gilbert was told by his Doctors to go home, put your affairs in order and enjoy whatever time is left. He’s stopped all treatments like chemo and has stopped taking all medications (relating to cancer) too. Uncle Gilbert is very aware that his declining health is leading him towards death. He faces this fact every second of his life now starting with the moment he found out his cancer was terminal, but his positive attitude and childlike gratitude is an inspiration to me.

Because there are 7 brothers and sisters, the family decided to have a luncheon at a local restaurant. With one or two exceptions, every family member was in attendance.

When we first got the invitation I felt a little uncomfortable by the whole thing. Would it be awkward? Would it be maudlin? What do you say when you arrive “You look good for an almost dead guy." And what do you say when it’s time to leave “Take care, see you soon?” And to the other relatives “See you at the funeral.”

I was surprised that the most important thing I came away with was to make Uncle Gilbert’s passing as peaceful and happy as possible. It is up to us, the family, to be his net of support. Too many times I’ve seen family members overwhelmed with their own grief and instead of providing a joyful atmosphere, they generate an atmosphere of gloom and depression. The luncheon and gathering to talk and reminisce about all the things the family loved and would always remember about Uncle Gilbert was an excellent activity, for him and for us. Lots of pictures were taken, old stories told, and yes, a few tears were shed. A few beers were cracked also.

Life is precious and fleeting, enjoy.

"Occupy Wall Street"

Something amazing happened on September 17, 2011, one thousand people began a march through the streets of New York City to protest social and political inequality and corporate greed. Participants of all ages, all races, all religions, all political persuasions, united in the belief that the middle class is being screwed. This march, now called “Occupy Wall Street,” has spread like a wild fire all over the US and now, even to the UK.

One thing is clear, whether you agree with these folks or not, “Wall Street” (investment bankers, millionaires & billionaires) keep getting richer and richer, while “Main Street” (teachers, the struggling middle class & average Joes) are getting poorer and poorer. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that bankers and hedge fund managers should be held responsible for all the ills of the world; it’s that Wall Street has become emblematic of an entire economic and political system that no longer seems to have the best interests of most Americans at heart. While Wall Street was bailed out of a crisis created by their own greed, Main Street was, and still is, suffering and no one is offering us a bail out.

What I think the “Occupy Wall Street” folks have figured out is that there is no voice in current American politics for the average person, the so-called “99%” of us who make huge economic contributions to this nation and who deserve better treatment. Many of our so-called political leaders say the protesters are not politically cohesive and have no specific set of demands or changes to accomplish (and this may seem true at the moment) but it's ridiculous to say they don't stand for anything. Only proves to me that they still aren't listening.

I admire that the “Occupy Wall Street” protesters have the courage to make transforming our country their #1 obligation. As long as we put survival first rather than patriotism, the moneyed power elite have control over us. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Monroe, John Hancock and Paul Revere all knew this. This is what will change the world.

California's New "Dream Act" Law

While I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunity, I must disagree with this law. How are we funding education for illegal immigrants while we cut funding for public education for grades K-12 (the UC and the CSU too)? Our schools are ranked 30th in the nation and 43rd in per-student spending. It has become increasingly difficult for legal residents of California to get financial aid for college, so how can Governor Brown justify spending money that the state supposedly doesn't have on financial aid for illegal immigrants? The educational goals of legal citizens are being compromised in order to serve the interests of illegal residents of California, not to mention that a legal citizen from out-of-state gets to pay more in tuition then an illegal resident. (Isn’t that nice?) It is an injustice that will continue to set back many innocent, struggling legal students in California by making it even harder to receive financial aid.

Under current law, illegal immigrant students who have graduated from a California high school and can prove they're on the path to legalize their immigration status can pay resident tuition rates. This new law, which goes into effect January 2013, will allow illegal students to apply for state aid. Seems to me that this not only undermines current immigration laws but may actually encourage more illegal immigration by granting access to state resources reserved for legal residents, as well as creating an entitlement program for the thousands of illegals looking for a way to stay in the country.

I rarely agree with the Republicans on any issue but why am I beginning to believe that maybe California isn’t so broke after all?

What a Road Trip!

I told you I'd be back!!! Thanks for leaving the light on . . .

Mr itsme and I left Saturday, September 17th, in a rented car for Petersburg, Illinois. We were going to meet up with my newly-found half-brother and his wife at the home of his oldest son, my nephew (who newly-found me on Anchestry.com.) his wife and two darling little girls. We drove through Nevada, Utah (spent our first night in Salt Lake City), Wyoming, Nebraska (spent our second night in Lincoln), the very tip of Kansas, Missouri and then into Illinois. Even though each state we drove through had it's own unique character and beauty, I surely know why they are called "the flyover States." We arrived at my nephew's place just in time for dinner: BBQ steaks! We did bring a case of California wine with us so we knew we'd be welcome.

During that week we went to Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. Residents of Springfield are B-I-G on Abraham Lincoln. We also went to the Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in downtown Springfield. We got our pictures taken with the entire Lincoln family (wax), it was awesome. Also that day we got our first taste of genuine Chicago-style hot dogs: like a salad on a bun. The only thing missing was the neon green relish I was expecting. It's "against the law" to put ketchup on your hot dog in Illinois, so watch yourself.

Another day we went wine tasting at Hill Prairie Winery not far from my nephew's place. The winery is surrounded by restored native Illinois prairie grasses that have been around since the time of the settlers and the advent of the steel plow. They boast over 15 wines, mainly on the sweeter side, but the winery also is a year-round host of Mystery Theaters, a huge calendar of live music entertaiment weekends and festivals. We had a great time and came away with a case of wine to take home. That day the food experience was a "horseshoe." My arteries started hardening just reading the menu - I decided on the Italish beef - but my brother had a ground beef "horseshoe" and my nephew had a buffalo chicken "horseshoe" . . . go here to read about the food and restuarant "horseshoes" Quite an experience. Adam Richmond "Man vs Food" has been here I believe.

My nephew's "place" is over 12 acres in the middle of nowhere and we spent lots of time on the porch in rocking chairs star-gazing - it's amazing how many stars us city dwellers can't see because we're surrounded by all those city distractions. A great time was had by all, getting to know each other a little more and making plans for future visits.

On our trip home we stopped at the Bonneville Salt Flats (I stood ankle deep in salt) and watched the sunrise over the Great Salt Lake. Because we had to make the trip short, we took notes on where to go when we come back through with our travel trailer, which hopefully will be sooner than later. It was a quick trip but being able to spend time with family was worth every moment.

Going on Hiatus Too

Like our hiating friend bob, except without the hernia & truss (whatever THAT was about). Seriously, I'll be back on Monday, September 26th with stories of our road trip to Petersburg, Illinois. Now that I finally know how to post pictures (!), I'll have some to share then also.

Until the 26th, leave the light on for me.

Meet the New Generation

Finally got to meet the newest member of our family last night, Dylan Michael (5 weeks). Had a big family gathering at the new Grandma & Grandpa's house, it was like Christmas and he was the "star." Words cannot explain how awesome it is to see our family's younger generation continuing family traditions in their own way.

He may have been born in Oregon but he's a "California Dude" through and through.

Showing Great Auntie itsme how to do it - notice he's holding the bottle - it doesn't get any better than this. We are blessed.

Childbirth via Facebook

We received an awesome addition to our family this afternoon, after 12 hours of labor, Dylan Michael came into the world today at 1:30pm. He weighed in at 8lbs 12oz and is 20.5 inches long. The fact that he's perfect and gorgeous is not the reason for my post.

Dylan was the reason I joined the "Dark Side" (Facebook) last April. Now I know I said I'd never do it but how can anyone keep up with family scattered all over the country without having Facebook? I still hate the artificiality of it but keeping in touch with the Younger Generation, who only text, tweet and "share their status" online can be daunting.

Since 2am this morning I've been getting fast and furious texts and reading posts on Facebook: my niece's water broke, we're on our way to the hopital, dilated 3cm, now 9.5cm, this is it, she's getting the epidural, they can feel the head, we're going to start pushing at 11:30am. I mean I felt like I WAS THERE! Not to mention that literally moments after he was born the pictures started appearing on Facebook (and I uploaded them all immediately to my Flickr account), as well as all the friends and family posting every minute. I actually got very little work done today, but don't tell my boss.

I have to admit, I am awestruck by the technology we have today. Technology that will probably be obsolete a year (or less) from now. Technology my newborn Great-Nephew will probably only read about and will later in his life laugh at as archaic. Texts & tweets will evolve into something else --- and I hope it's wonderful.

I'm happy and tired and teary all at the same time. My family is amazing and blessed, and always the most important thing to me; I can't imagine myself without them. And now this sweet wonderful little boy called Dylan has finally joined us on this planet Earth.

Oh geez, now I have to get a Skype account.........

The Lost Art of People-Watching

I was listening to a talk-show yesterday and the topic of conversation was people-watching. Many were calling in saying that because of the popularity of the Smartphone, the art of people-watching is dead. People are too busy walking around with their eyes down, thumbs punching out text messages and emails that no one really looks at anyone else these days. Being an experienced people-watcher myself, as well as an amateur social scientist of sorts, I take exception to that premise.

People-watching involves unobtrusively studying people - mostly strangers -and making up stories about who they are, where they are coming from, where they are going, what they are thinking, and yes, sometimes even making fun of them (not so they can hear of course).

I was taught the fine art of people-watching as a preteen by my step-mother. She’d take me, my teenage step-sister and infant half-sister to the White Front store - similar to today’s Wal-Mart except there was a huge food-court to the left as you enter the front door - and we’d sit, literally, for hours nursing chocolate cokes making up stories about the more interesting people we’d see. To qualify as “interesting” the person would have to stand out from the rest of the crowd in some way. Maybe it was the color or style of their clothing; were they stylish or completely clueless about fashion? Maybe it was an interesting hairstyle that drew our attention, their mannerisms or an unusual facial feature. Were they appropriately dressed for the weather that day? We’d make up stories about what they did for a living or invent some deep dark secret they were hiding. We’d even try and spot “Doppelgängers,” people who look like people we knew or well-known people like movie stars.

Today, the best places to people-watch are cafes & coffee shops, libraries, bookstores, the beach, sitting on a park bench or waiting for the bus. Wherever you do it, the most important thing is not to look conspicuous. Make it appear that you're already occupied. Look busy by pretending to read something, work on your laptop, or text on your Smartphone (doh!), just don’t just sit and stare. If outside, wear sunglassses so it’s hard to tell where you’re looking.

Like the line in the Simon & Garfunkel song “America” that goes like this
“Laughing on the bus,
Playing games with the faces
She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy
I said "Be careful his bowtie is really a camera."

Real people watching is harder than it looks and definitely more fun to do with a friend, but there’s a fine line between perverted staring and the simple observation of pedestrians. You have to let go of your stalker tendencies and observe simply for personal enjoyment.

Drug Testing Welfare Recipients

I was recently sent this online article about the Governor of Florida, Rick Scott, wanting to require welfare recipients to be drug tested before receiving public assistance benefits.

At first read, it sounded OK until I realized that, unfortunately, most of the people getting public assistance are single women with children. Not to mention it's already a given in most welfare programs that if a recipient is suspected of using drugs — because of current behavior or past history of abuse — he or she will be referred for treatment or screening. The whole issue began to smack of unreasonable search and seizure to me; just because you’re seeking public benefits doesn’t mean you don’t have the same kind of protection from unreasonable searches as anybody else. If we give our government the right to strip 4th amendment rights from anyone who benefits from public assistance programs, we may ALL live to regret it. Besides, there are plenty of ways to beat a drug test and people that use know that. Focusing on poor people is easy, they rarely fight back.

The obvious question the Florida Governor needs to be asking himself is if all the people in his State have access to enriching schools, resources for higher education and/or training, justice, healthcare, and employment. Seems to me that ensuring these things would be a much better use of the proposed drug testing money.

The phrase "I don't have to pay for their habit" or "Not with my tax dollars" is simply never true. Whether through the government agencies providing financial assistance or the tax dollars paying for the justice system that handles the crime related to drug use, or the cost of cleaning up parks and cities drowning with homeless or unemployed people with addictions, you ARE paying for them and it is just a technicality of the allocation of your money.

Do you want to support the welfare program or pay for the social toll of these violators when they take their problems into the streets? Either way you pay. That is the cost of living in a society.

It also got me to thinking about the wealthiest among us and how we "little people" pay for rich people's drug problems. Sure we do! They run large corporations and while sniffing the magic white powder make big mistakes that cost lives and money. It's just a larger scale abuse.