Monday, February 12, 2007

Reclaiming Democracy

Don't zone out because you think you hate politics. I used to say I hated politics when I didn't know anything about anything as an excuse for not knowing anything. As if somehow hating politics made my ignorance acceptable...but that was in high school.
Some of you may be following as excitedly as I am, but for those of you who aren't, I'll make it real easy for you. I am going to put some quick facts on Barack Obama in bullet form. If you so choose to be informed, read on and refer to the links to follow. As a bonus, it will make you feel respectable in adult circles to at least know SOMETHING about the inception of perhaps the most monumental revolution in not only our modern political world, but the world as we know it.

  • Barack Obama is a down to earth, natural, good human being who strives to see the best in everyone. Just read "The Audacity of Hope".
  • He grew up in modest conditions in Hawaii--his wife, Michelle, grew up in modest conditions in south side Chicago. They have two daughters, ages 5 and 9.
  • He made his political start as a community organizer in south side Chicago. From there he realized that he needed to be involved in politics to make any lasting change.
  • His education is extensive and impressive, finally graduating at the top of his class from Harvard Law School.
  • He's not about mud-slinging. He's about collaborating for the common good. Our universal wants and needs as human beings on this earth are his top priorities. Healthcare, Education, Safety for our families.
  • His ideas spawn from his grassroots experience. Never before have I heard a candidate for the presidency speak the cold truth--he says "we" must change the state of our nation. No promises like "If you vote for me, I'm going to..." In fact, I don't think I even heard him use the word "I" in that context in his announcement on Saturday (see below). He states that if change will happen it will need to come from us, the people.
  • For all of this and more relevant information see the following links:

http://www.barackobama.com/ - watch his announcement speech, the little clip by his wife and his Jay Leno spot to get a good feeling for who he is as a person.

http://obama.senate.gov/

http://climatecrisis.org/

http://www.littlehouseonasmallplanet.com/

In all areas from the environment to healthcare to our impoverished neighbors we all need to change a little, give a little, think a little.
Please register to vote and support someone who will help your children and grandchildren live in a better world than we know. Okay, that's all I need to say because I know once you hear more about this guy that you will not need my persuasive rhetoric to want to support him. OBAMA FOR PREZ!

Friday, February 9, 2007

Snakey



So these are the cupcakes I made for Benson's birthday party back in December...I was immediatley struck by the amazingly realistic appearance of these plastic reptiles. Particulary, the one featured below...he has been the sole survivor and I will now explain how and why.

It all started later that evening when Ryan decided to hide the snake under my pillow...I was not amused. So, the next day I decided to hide it in his shoe. And for some months now, we have been continuing on like this. Some have been very successful in conjuring my signature "haaaa" gasp, and some have not. But, I have to admit, this morning's snake incident was pure genius. I put on my sweat pants this morning as I was going to stay home and do some laundry today--I have zipper pockets on these particular pants. As you may know, we don't have laundry in our condo, so I have a key to the laundry room. I went to place my keys in my right pocket as I always do...the zipper was zipped up...strange, because I never do that, but whatever, I throw the keys in my pocket. Standing in front of the laundry room door with my basket in one arm and our laundry bag stuffed full of clothes slung over my shoulder, I reach for my keys...I pull them out and what pops out of my pocket and falls onto the ground? "Haaaaa"--"stupid..." I believe were the exact words out of my mouth.
So, I need your suggestions...ball's in my court and I am fresh out of new ideas. Shoes, done it, bedstand drawer, done it, book, done it, backpack, done it,... I need something evil and original.
There's no time contraint, I will await the perfect moment to strike.