And here is Glenn Beck's take on the whole program:
You think about the path of the money here, okay? Just follow the money. Have you ever heard that, follow the money? Follow the path of the money here. They take $4500 of your tax dollars. Then they give it to some other citizen who takes their car that is running fine and then they give that $4500 back to the car company that is probably already owned by the government anyway and then the politicians get to stand up and say, hey, guess what, we saved the auto industry, sales are up 9 billion percent. They are taking money from the taxpayer, giving it to the government, then moving it to other people to give to the government again. It's the circle of government. It's weird how these things always end at the government, isn't it? They always it's just so weird. Imagine that there was a struggling McDonald's franchise. You go out and buy it. Then you announce a new McDonald's program at your franchise, all Big Macs are just a quarter. Then you go out and borrow the money to cover the difference between the quarter and the regular price and you put that in the cash register after every sale. Then you gather the employees and tell them your program was so successful, sales are up 200%. Oh, yeah, and by the way, we're out of business. That's what they're doing!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Cash for Clunkers?
O.K. , O.K., I haven't mentioned much in the political scene lately--but, I just can't stand not commenting on this one.
Today, the President lauded Congress on it's last minute deal to extend the "Cash for Clunkers" program. From what I understand, the program runs like this: you turn in your ag-ed car and the government promises you $3500-$4500 on your new car purchase. Everyone benefits, right: you get a new car, the car salesman gets a commission on a car that otherwise would have gone unsold--thus contributing to an ailing economy?
My problem is this: didn't the government just buy up huge portions of the car industry? So now, they have become the owners AND consumers of and in the auto industry. . . .of course it benefits the government to have an incentive program in an industry that they have such a big stake in. . . .but isn't that a HUGE conflict of interest? How can we be sure that the auto industry was most worthy of billions of dollars of taxpayer dollars versus another industry? Of course lawmakers will pat themselves on the back for how wonderful this peice of legislation is, but I can't help wonder how much this program was given precedence over something else because now the auto industry is owned by the governement.
Just wondering if this is the best way for our government to do business? And since when was it even government's job to be in the private economy?
Today, the President lauded Congress on it's last minute deal to extend the "Cash for Clunkers" program. From what I understand, the program runs like this: you turn in your ag-ed car and the government promises you $3500-$4500 on your new car purchase. Everyone benefits, right: you get a new car, the car salesman gets a commission on a car that otherwise would have gone unsold--thus contributing to an ailing economy?
My problem is this: didn't the government just buy up huge portions of the car industry? So now, they have become the owners AND consumers of and in the auto industry. . . .of course it benefits the government to have an incentive program in an industry that they have such a big stake in. . . .but isn't that a HUGE conflict of interest? How can we be sure that the auto industry was most worthy of billions of dollars of taxpayer dollars versus another industry? Of course lawmakers will pat themselves on the back for how wonderful this peice of legislation is, but I can't help wonder how much this program was given precedence over something else because now the auto industry is owned by the governement.
Just wondering if this is the best way for our government to do business? And since when was it even government's job to be in the private economy?
Monday, July 27, 2009
A Special Moment. . . .
Deedles was on call on Saturday night. I was teaching my first lesson at church since the baby on Sunday, and was hoping he'd be able to slip home a little sooner than noon on Sunday, but at 8:00 A.M. I got a call from the O.R.--he was scrubbed into a liver transplant and would not be home soon--DARN!! When I hung up the phone I had a moment (one of many) where I really resented his job. I survived just fine even though my lesson didn't have any fancy object lessons, musical numbers, or handouts.
It wasn't until bedtime that D and I were discussing our day that he told me about the liver transplant. . . .This man had a liver transplant about a week earlier. His vitals had gotten steadily worse during D's shift Saturday. It was clear that his 7-day-old liver was failing, so that afternoon he and the attending removed the liver and put the man on the waiting list for another one. Later that night, word came that there was a second liver on its way. As D talked to the family of this man, he told them that their dad/husband/brother was very sick. He informed the family there was a likelihood that he would not make it through this second surgery in 24 hours-- the first transplanted liver had been necrotic and really had done a number on his system. As my husband began to excuse himself, the man's brother grabbed his hand and stopped him. He looked him in the eyes and said, "Doc, you are going to save my brother tonight."
D was very humbled to have so much faith put in him. He cried when he told me this. He said he had said a very earnest prayer after he excused himself from the waiting room, before they began the transplant. The man did well in surgery, and is doing well today.
It is moments like these that I am reminded when I am bitterly frustrated about my husband's lack of schedule and reliability--it isn't because he's on the golf course or pursuing some other activity. He is busy helping someone that can't help themself. What a noble work--and I have to think that I share a little bit in his blessings because I am willing to let him be gone--even when there is a lesson to be prepared.
It wasn't until bedtime that D and I were discussing our day that he told me about the liver transplant. . . .This man had a liver transplant about a week earlier. His vitals had gotten steadily worse during D's shift Saturday. It was clear that his 7-day-old liver was failing, so that afternoon he and the attending removed the liver and put the man on the waiting list for another one. Later that night, word came that there was a second liver on its way. As D talked to the family of this man, he told them that their dad/husband/brother was very sick. He informed the family there was a likelihood that he would not make it through this second surgery in 24 hours-- the first transplanted liver had been necrotic and really had done a number on his system. As my husband began to excuse himself, the man's brother grabbed his hand and stopped him. He looked him in the eyes and said, "Doc, you are going to save my brother tonight."
D was very humbled to have so much faith put in him. He cried when he told me this. He said he had said a very earnest prayer after he excused himself from the waiting room, before they began the transplant. The man did well in surgery, and is doing well today.
It is moments like these that I am reminded when I am bitterly frustrated about my husband's lack of schedule and reliability--it isn't because he's on the golf course or pursuing some other activity. He is busy helping someone that can't help themself. What a noble work--and I have to think that I share a little bit in his blessings because I am willing to let him be gone--even when there is a lesson to be prepared.
Raindrops on Roses, and Whiskers on Kittens
These are just a few of my favorite things this summer:
- The nasty, run-down soda machine that miraculously still works (and is still stocked) just across the street
- Falling asleep with Reed on my stomach for a nap
- The sound of laughter outside as my kids are playing
- Snuggling with Roger in the morning as we watch Little Einsteins
- Cafe Rio grilled chicken salad
- Pillow-talk with D at night
- Roger's prayers
- Eliza's dance moves when she thinks no one is watching
- Davis's awesome tricks on the tramp
- Finally feeling like life is calm enough that making dinner doesn't sound like pure torture
- Almost daily trips to the gas station for an ice-cold beverage and treats for the kids
- Watching the kids get soaked in the sprinkler on a hot, hot day
- So You Think You Can Dance on T.V.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Harry Potter
Yep, I admit it: I am a total Harry Potter fan. I've read the books a few times, and I secretly wish I was not a muggle.
We went to the new movie yesterday, and although it was fun to see it on screen--I was a little disapointed, some key things (key to me) were missing. Ahhh, too bad.
We went to the new movie yesterday, and although it was fun to see it on screen--I was a little disapointed, some key things (key to me) were missing. Ahhh, too bad.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Sunscreen Let Down
I, like many other moms out there, was thrilled to discover the spray-on sunscreen. Let's face it: rubbing the sunscreen all over 3 kids bodies gets tedious--they hate it, I hate it. So when I saw the spray-sunscreen at Costco, I quickly picked up the 2-pack.
It is with great sadness that I report one bottle of the spray-on had evidently lost its juice before we even opened the package. The other bottle, which bragged even coverage, lived up to its name for about one application. Then, it just sort of spurted and gurgled its contents--I ended up having to rub on sunscreen anyway. And, to add insult to injury, the bottle really only lasted for about 6 or 8 applications. So with 3 kids, the math says that I was out of sunscreen after about 3 days! STINKY.
On the plus side, I called Coppertone to report the faulty bottle and they quickly sent me a 10.99 replacement coupon. But, instead of picking up another spray bottle, I went right back to the rub-on. . . so sad, so let down.
Has anyone else had the same sort of problems, or was I just unlucky?
It is with great sadness that I report one bottle of the spray-on had evidently lost its juice before we even opened the package. The other bottle, which bragged even coverage, lived up to its name for about one application. Then, it just sort of spurted and gurgled its contents--I ended up having to rub on sunscreen anyway. And, to add insult to injury, the bottle really only lasted for about 6 or 8 applications. So with 3 kids, the math says that I was out of sunscreen after about 3 days! STINKY.
On the plus side, I called Coppertone to report the faulty bottle and they quickly sent me a 10.99 replacement coupon. But, instead of picking up another spray bottle, I went right back to the rub-on. . . so sad, so let down.
Has anyone else had the same sort of problems, or was I just unlucky?
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Question
Today I have to ask myself: What are corn nuts? They don't seem like corn, and I don't think they are nuts.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Just Keepin' it Real
Well, thanks to everyone for being so nice!! But, I have a confession: I am totally on anxiety meds!! So for those of you who have been wondering how I do it--there's your answer. I am getting help from a little pill-hah!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
2-week Anniversary
Well, I have now survived 2 weeks with four children!! I feel really good and even took all the kids swimming at a friend's pool today (thanks Bonnie). Swim lessons are in full swing for the twins, Roger is getting used to the idea of not being the baby anymore, and we even went to church yesterday (alone- D was on call).
And now I must admit I am horribly behind on laundry- but I guess that is not too bad considering. . . . . But I had a strange moment as I was loading my colors into the laundry tonight. I found the pink shirt I was wearing 2 weeks ago-- the same shirt I gave birth in, and the same shirt I held a just-born Reed on. I don't know how it ended up in the bottom of my bin. I would have thought I'd send it to the wash sooner.
The strange thing was that the shirt was slightly stained with newborn Reed blood (hope that doesn't gross anyone out)--it didn't show very much because the shirt was a dark pink, just a remnant remained of the predicament the shirt had been through--faded. As I was soaking the shirt in hydrogen peroxide (for anyone that doesn't know, this gets rid of blood stains like a charm) I couldn't help but relive those crazy few minutes again. People keep asking if I was terrified- and I really wasn't. I didn't have time to process the levity of the situation. I'm just glad things turned out the way they did.
And now I must admit I am horribly behind on laundry- but I guess that is not too bad considering. . . . . But I had a strange moment as I was loading my colors into the laundry tonight. I found the pink shirt I was wearing 2 weeks ago-- the same shirt I gave birth in, and the same shirt I held a just-born Reed on. I don't know how it ended up in the bottom of my bin. I would have thought I'd send it to the wash sooner.
The strange thing was that the shirt was slightly stained with newborn Reed blood (hope that doesn't gross anyone out)--it didn't show very much because the shirt was a dark pink, just a remnant remained of the predicament the shirt had been through--faded. As I was soaking the shirt in hydrogen peroxide (for anyone that doesn't know, this gets rid of blood stains like a charm) I couldn't help but relive those crazy few minutes again. People keep asking if I was terrified- and I really wasn't. I didn't have time to process the levity of the situation. I'm just glad things turned out the way they did.
Monday, July 6, 2009
The prayer of an anxious 6 year-old girl
". . . . . please bless me and Davis not to sink and die during swim lessons. . . ."
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