tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47826113045550172382024-02-19T16:12:15.667-08:00Semi-Conscious RamblingsThe true life adventures of a geek girl (okay, so 40% geek, 50% nerd, 10% dork) who teaches, role-plays, studies and just won't shut up!!!Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-28917279780849477962015-11-02T22:36:00.000-08:002015-11-02T22:59:32.492-08:00He Lives in My Brain Everyday<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">CN: PTSD, Car accident<br /><br />12 years, 1 month, 28 days. That's how long ago our car accident was, but I still live with irrational fears and panic attacks and will for the rest of my life. I'll carry with me the damage to my pelvis and lower back forever. I'll always have knee pain too, but it's the fear and panic that makes life difficult. The memories that exist in my head that I am unaware of will always haunt me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To step back, here's the story: <br />August 3, 2003, my Mom, Grandma and I were in Grandma's Mercury Grand Marquis on Hwy 91N heading toward Brea for my cousin's 28th birthday party. Traffic slowed, then stopped. Mom stopped, the person behind us did not. He was a police officer and was likely intoxicated at the time. He had his 3 kids in the car and refused treatment from the Paramedics. I was in the back passenger seat. I remember my Mom saying, "Oh Shit!" and the next thing I remember is her outside of the car cussing out the guy who hit us and trying to get my door open. I couldn't feel my legs. The moments between that and me being released from the hospital are vignettes of x-rays, ice, pain and people in white coats. The axle ended up against my back. We would later find out I broke my L1/L2 vertebra and pelvis (in 2 places) plus obliterated all the cartilage in my knee (it was pushed into the metal supports of the front seat and resulted in 7 broken ribs in 10 places for my Grandma). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But here's the thing - I DO remember the accident, every second. Buried in my subconscious are the sounds, the smells, and the feelings, but they don't reside in my conscious brain. How do I know they are there? Because various things will trigger me into a panic attack. We now own the Marquis that Grandma got as a replacement and I CANNOT sit in that back seat. Period. I struggle with PTSD. It is better than it has ever been, but it will never go away. That's how it works. So without warning, my subconscious will recognize a sound or feeling and I'm back in that car 12 years ago. A few weeks ago it was a car crash scene in Sense8 that triggered me into a panic attack. We did find that if we muted the second scene with the crash, I was okay. So I guess good on Sense8 for making the scene sound so real? Today it was rain hitting my side window. Big, heavy drops that sounded like glass breaking. I went from singing along to the radio to begging Glen to get my Lorazepam in my purse. It sucks! It makes me feel out of control and I hate it! Luckily, I have people in my life who understand and all I have to say was 'this triggered me' and they'll do what they can to calm me down and regain control. Unfortunately, I have a PCP who thinks Lorazepam is unnecessary, even though I only go through about 3mg per month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm a control freak - always have been, so this being out of control is terrifying and infuriating. That driver's decision changed all of our lives FOREVER. Not just physically, but mentally. He is always haunting my brain. I've forced myself to forget his name so I don't obsess, because I will. That man will always have control over me and I hate it so much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm a lucky one, my triggers are few and far between now and I've worked hard to gain control again, but so many others aren't so lucky. We treat mental health in this country horribly and PTSD is relegated to sound bites and stories of veterans, but SO MANY others suffer too. Two people can come through the exact same experience and one develops PTSD while the other doesn't. Why? Well, we don't really know. So yes, I believe in trigger warnings or content notes, because I know how it feels to be triggered. I don't expect someone to do a TW or CN for my triggers and I'm not upset by that, but I feel the more common ones should be addressed. Most people will still read the article/post/book but they chose a time where they feel mentally ready. This is a GOOD thing! So, you'll see those warnings on my posts because it is literally the least I can do to protect others who live in this state of constant fear. It's a hard road to walk, and I want to make sure their path is safe. </span>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-50288587927516968262013-04-22T22:04:00.002-07:002013-04-22T22:04:44.394-07:00Amanda F***ing Palmer<span class="userContent">Okay - let me state this clearly - I think
Amanda Palmer is wonderful! </span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">I was confused when Neil Gaiman married her
(I honestly didn't know who she was) but I figured if he found something
wonderful in her, she can't be bad. Over the last fe<span class="text_exposed_show">w
years, I feel like I've gotten to know her. I even had a, albeit short,
conversation with her through Twitter a few years ago. I love her
openness, her fearlessness and her breaking rules. I've grown to like
some of her music, her blog and I thought her TED talk was inspiring. Her ninja gigs amaze me and I also see her reflected in Neil's eyes when they perform together and in there, she's a freakin' superhero. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">I thought her poem today expressed the emotion I have over the terrorist. Yes, what he did was horrible and yes, he should be imprisoned (likely for the rest of his life) but I can also see the possibility of a brother with way too much control of a boy 7 years his junior. I also see an Americanized citizen who was willing to attack the country, but wonder what led to that and how do we prevent it? </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
Clearly, it much have inspired some people because they spread it across
Twitter. People loved, people hated, but one online journal called her the most loathsome speaker at TED along with ripping apart every part of her poem. It's clear this 'journalist' did
not like her to begin with and probably would have hated anything she
wrote. Then, it gets posted on FB and people write hateful haikus about
it. I'm just sickened. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Creators create - that's what we do. Sometimes, that creates controversy. Everything I write or do isn't going to please everbody - if it did, what would be the point? If we all thought alike, this world would royally suck! For me though, I found inspiration in Amanda's reaction to the whole thing - she said at least it got people talking. And isn't that the point? </span></span>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-73543072240864405222012-07-03T19:19:00.001-07:002012-07-03T19:19:38.179-07:00New BeginningsI'm trying to get my blogger up and running again and start spending some time each day writing. This is to push me forward so that I can start writing my new book. It's going to be an Earth Science assistance book aimed at bringing girls into science. I'll be doing LOTS of research and lots of stories within the book to illustrate certain concepts or help with mnemonics. So, to get writing each night I had my friend send me a list of ideas for blog posts and I'm going to try to do one each day. Wish me luck.<br />
<br />
Today - Tuesday, July 3, 2012<br />
<br />
List 10 random facts about yourself.<br />
1. My name comes from the French cooking term to cut things in narrow strips. My Mom got it off of a Better Crocker Julienne Potatoes ad.<br />
2. I am bat shit terrified of people in The Scream masks. <br />
3. I have visited 45 states and Iceland in my life and plan to get to the other 5 states and other countries in the future.<br />
4. I just finished my Masters of Arts in Science Education along with my teaching credential in science education grades 6-12.<br />
5. My husband and I help care for his Mom who is 78. We previously cared for my Grandma until her death.<br />
6. I currently work as an administrative coordinator for a real estate agent. I do all the paperwork and handle all the marketing, including social marketing. I am VERY busy when I'm at work.<br />
7. I'm currently terribly lazy and trying to break out of this bad behavior as quickly as possible.<br />
8. I've lost 80 pounds over the last year but still have a lot to lose. I'm looking into joining a gym to get my butt back in shape.<br />
9 I'm so out of shape right now I'm really worried about how well I'll do at ComicCon next week but I'm really going to try and push myself.<br />
10. I have fibromyalgia. a debilitating illness where the spinal fluid carries too many pain receptors and makes us feel like we're in constant pain in every muscle of our bodies. I fight hard to keep mine under control and try to never use it as a crutch.<br />
<br />
Well, there's a very benign entry for my first blog back. I'm sure they'll pick up and be more challenging as I continue.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-77067934232312614592010-01-10T15:05:00.001-08:002010-01-10T15:12:17.452-08:00Project 365 - 01/09/10 (My silly cat)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGv8SK5JW-CsNdtFGs7BGwIFOlBKd_wUl4E2IILDku8ftG_E-0nO8q4ixsyimZHvk9nCSB4H-aeGJG9Y0ZtRu8tInHTOHwHA0W5nO4LEiQWaRrhAK0ieXumvdCfQ7auaewiLnUQaJXRA/s1600-h/01-09-10+sleeping+Milo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGv8SK5JW-CsNdtFGs7BGwIFOlBKd_wUl4E2IILDku8ftG_E-0nO8q4ixsyimZHvk9nCSB4H-aeGJG9Y0ZtRu8tInHTOHwHA0W5nO4LEiQWaRrhAK0ieXumvdCfQ7auaewiLnUQaJXRA/s320/01-09-10+sleeping+Milo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425252865992954370" border="0" /></a><br />This is my cat, Milo sleeping. There really isn't anything more I can say about it except...enjoy the picture!<br /><br />I've attached a video link that demonstrates Mr. Milo in action...he really likes his catnip:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzxhITST02I">Milo and his catnip - a true love</a>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-70373268946614401562010-01-09T15:33:00.000-08:002010-01-09T16:22:01.813-08:00Project 365 - 01/08/10 - (Game Night with the boys)This will likely be a short post as we stayed up WAY too late last night and then I never managed to get comfortable until I moved to the couch around daybreak.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ7wWdNBiN__eML5tLDYZvTIzkZZ5JGSbDEI6nr93uFpo215KwLIrmFxkYH6WMdLAbbY-_Bseh7LJaCH9BLPNPblTFMLVtwXNJwZ91_SGell269hYutP7f1o-qSJhYnwmaqMmWl7PTi4/s1600-h/My+boys+01-08-10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ7wWdNBiN__eML5tLDYZvTIzkZZ5JGSbDEI6nr93uFpo215KwLIrmFxkYH6WMdLAbbY-_Bseh7LJaCH9BLPNPblTFMLVtwXNJwZ91_SGell269hYutP7f1o-qSJhYnwmaqMmWl7PTi4/s320/My+boys+01-08-10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424898312939920690" border="0" /></a><br />Last night was our game night with our friends, Myke, Tyr, and Steve (seen above with dice and character sheet). We play World of Darkness, an old school paper and dice role playing game. In case you haven't played RPGs before - the general concept is that you have one person running the game, in this case, the Story teller, Myke. He creates a storyline of oddness and weird and our characters try to solve it or recover a particular item, etc. My character in this game is a 26 year old Forensic Pathologist who has zero social skills, an exceptional education and is terrified of dying. In these games we encounter demons, vampires, magic workers and other assorted folk. She wants to harness their power to "live" forever.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR-H0g3GsInLWaYbJa7w2N03H7jmqWbr5Y8tRaT8eZ3-xAd-KJj1rZfzxiDWyCunAewoliVlJVE0RXF3B2go4pWxDMMFMYG75osxSTC29g0K9QAavKNwFIEvNgLcPRBPPTwPR-ATI6iw/s1600-h/Glen+and+Steve+01-08-10+%284%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR-H0g3GsInLWaYbJa7w2N03H7jmqWbr5Y8tRaT8eZ3-xAd-KJj1rZfzxiDWyCunAewoliVlJVE0RXF3B2go4pWxDMMFMYG75osxSTC29g0K9QAavKNwFIEvNgLcPRBPPTwPR-ATI6iw/s320/Glen+and+Steve+01-08-10+%284%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424897383947115378" border="0" /></a>So anyway, last night, Glen's character and my character were finally introduced to everyone else through a slightly convoluted process. The fact is, getting the characters to meet and form a group in RPG is probably the most challenging detail that a story teller faces. Everyone creates a character that suits their personality and lets us live out some facet of our own desires - to be someone else. Trying to get all of them together can be a real pain in the butt for the storyteller (in this case, Myke, pictured below on the right)!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2X2bOygZgIhoKeacfR7XnZ0cKB11qxz2gXLPA-AfMsKpcK2jsbcTg0B4bf5mu9EnMc1ytVYBnAQo18fr_diVzVYkOZMsRy-kHllF4qek7dNbfWvi2JatWNQ7p9unWhfHiZNIMAik6-o/s1600-h/Myke+and+Tyr+01-08-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2X2bOygZgIhoKeacfR7XnZ0cKB11qxz2gXLPA-AfMsKpcK2jsbcTg0B4bf5mu9EnMc1ytVYBnAQo18fr_diVzVYkOZMsRy-kHllF4qek7dNbfWvi2JatWNQ7p9unWhfHiZNIMAik6-o/s320/Myke+and+Tyr+01-08-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424897811966911890" border="0" /></a><br />Glen got me into RPGs and I have played them every since. We met our dearest friends through these games and spending a Friday night with friends chatting, sharing our week and getting to play out some fantasy is a hell of a way to have some fun! I don't think Glen and I will ever stop playing these games in some way, even if we have to do it online through a game like World of Warcraft (WoW). But for now, we have incredible friends and a really amazing time! <br /><br />Looking forward to next week boys!!Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-26113669131132451412010-01-07T21:14:00.000-08:002010-01-07T21:49:04.314-08:00Project 365 - 01/07/09 (Sherlock Holmes)Today's picture is of our favorite movie theater. Glen and I went to see Sherlock Holmes today. After a week of agonizing pain from my hip and back, I was a bit nervous to see if I could actually sit through a movie. However, we found seats where I could stretch out my left leg when it was painful. I also made sure I had medication with me, just in case. It all worked out lovely and we were able to see the movie in relative comfort (those lovely new movie seats definitely helped as well)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTxixEPE-i9e1bDihkjE6Dk23nPTRnXAyGNz2X0MVEMHp1cYUhCwTHBB9iNj85Pp4eNsyHwfv43xCtJy6fGzGWo9o_MmlbdqTPtDf1hPKIDl_M7bHtFZZZdoaVFS7ubwPAsfqysoqAMw/s1600-h/01-07-09+Theater.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTxixEPE-i9e1bDihkjE6Dk23nPTRnXAyGNz2X0MVEMHp1cYUhCwTHBB9iNj85Pp4eNsyHwfv43xCtJy6fGzGWo9o_MmlbdqTPtDf1hPKIDl_M7bHtFZZZdoaVFS7ubwPAsfqysoqAMw/s320/01-07-09+Theater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424241330335660658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(Warning: Spoilers Ahead)</span><br />Sherlock Holmes was an incredible movie. Now, mind you, I might be a little biased as I love Sherlock Holmes (the character and the book) and Robert Downey Jr. <br /><br />I thoroughly enjoyed the romp that was the movie, there was hardly a moment to take a breath through the whole film. The addition of Rachel McAdams character was a stroke of genius and a fabulous foil/love interest for Sherlock. The introduction of magic had me a bit scared at first, fearing that they were veering too far off course but, as always, Holmes explains it all. Most of it was fairly easy to figure out but was amazing nonetheless. The action scenes were magnificent, all the acting was quite phenomenal, and Robert Downey Jr. shirtless was a lovely sight. Ahem, back to the movie...The plot was simple but yet complex as well, just as a good action film should be. Don't be fooled, this is not a cerebral movie, it is an action movie and should be enjoyed as such. What surprised me the most was the absolute beauty of the scenery. They didn't "Disney" it and make it all clean, the scenes were gritty and the people dirty (those that weren't rich, that is). Overall, it was just a really enjoyable film and they definitely set it up for future movies with the introduction of Moriarty...and I can't wait!Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-75524135343594996462010-01-06T18:59:00.000-08:002010-01-06T19:31:15.929-08:00Project 365 - 01-06-09 (Millie's illness)So today's picture illustrates the joy of having a sick pug! We have a lovely 8 year old pug named Mildred, unfortunately, pugs tend to have some health issues associated with the breed. These include eye problems (check) , breathing problems (check), and anal gland issues (BIG check).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZEHU_QsmNqHT_fS6swWGo_2_vvipmaUZqNNETs8Frav3zQcwpzzGDrUPayZq93k8I3LaCmEl5wvI7fKOHTEREmsvQPsxKlpW7nNAVnA4I9owdw-nQl8RtRjWACX9bqS2CwvZqPn4q5M/s1600-h/Purely+Pathetic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZEHU_QsmNqHT_fS6swWGo_2_vvipmaUZqNNETs8Frav3zQcwpzzGDrUPayZq93k8I3LaCmEl5wvI7fKOHTEREmsvQPsxKlpW7nNAVnA4I9owdw-nQl8RtRjWACX9bqS2CwvZqPn4q5M/s320/Purely+Pathetic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423833907411170514" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday I noticed that Millie's anal gland was swelling. It was already late in the day and I knew the Vet's wouldn't be able to do anything until morning when they do surgeries. So I gave her a shot of penicillin in her butt muscle and watched her. Sure enough, by 10pm the gland had ruptured. We had already made an appointment with All Creatures Vets for 8:15am. I took care of the gland and filled it with Panalog and waited until morning. After the rupture, we had to cover the couches and her favorite napping spots with things that could be washed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcU5z5Zq7rt7edXeK5fiG9U4KFx4ucpWiBM4EpP3BMF7bu-NzO1YhPHE6PVTNoKLhliaI4h9PmywDTm28H8o6QnLHkRA0piyb2Ks_21HibBKMvE44tjl-0LhNvR3dPcFzEeEuiFHt07g/s1600-h/01-06-09+couch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcU5z5Zq7rt7edXeK5fiG9U4KFx4ucpWiBM4EpP3BMF7bu-NzO1YhPHE6PVTNoKLhliaI4h9PmywDTm28H8o6QnLHkRA0piyb2Ks_21HibBKMvE44tjl-0LhNvR3dPcFzEeEuiFHt07g/s320/01-06-09+couch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423834454795719282" border="0" /></a><br />This morning the antibiotics had obviously done their job (her fever was gone and the gland was flattened) but it had upset her stomach. Since they had told us to stop food at 6pm the previous night and stop water at Midnight, her stomach became even more upset and she began throwing up...a lot.<br /><br />After coming back from the vet - he said what we did was perfect and told us to continue the shots of penicillin for the next 4 days. When she came home she slept for a while and then ate like crazy....apparently too much. So she once again began throwing up, the picture below may just look like a carpet - but it's a carpet on which I've cleaned her regurgitation on at least 10 spots...yes, that's how I spent my evening.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimdH5pMcA4hWFGezC-YV87WDVV9MoCi_P-xQzIQXbhKXzo8yMXkHR4Z3SbgO5dcctjDxFh20Z2KpgP96D0IVFT2169Q4rB1t1CvMp2KPayJrG5AQw4RqkA42TCndBjWXFve_Ga55Zz78/s1600-h/01-06-09+carpet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimdH5pMcA4hWFGezC-YV87WDVV9MoCi_P-xQzIQXbhKXzo8yMXkHR4Z3SbgO5dcctjDxFh20Z2KpgP96D0IVFT2169Q4rB1t1CvMp2KPayJrG5AQw4RqkA42TCndBjWXFve_Ga55Zz78/s320/01-06-09+carpet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423834788816798994" border="0" /></a><br />Ahhhh, the joys of pet ownership. But you know what - even with all the medical treatments, a $175 vet bill (luckily we has ASPCA pet insurance), and the endless cleaning of the carpet - I wouldn't trade the joy of my little Millie for anything! Pets are the only things that will ever love you unconditionally and we should try to match that love to the best of our ability!!Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-65087527767895368802010-01-05T17:56:00.000-08:002010-01-05T18:15:29.768-08:00Project 365 - 01/05/2010 (My Happy Home)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCQ0oBIsbMVlBHyKJdl3jMdvyHKI6Jnf-kIOL3RsFFJhpUyGvy360yr_ymet9mPWLmVBtZzPG2NUzokGiqUAMNVqYPZi0pZvnEF5LKDmvxyfV_q6b9s2Z1q26WNaLu-8a227dD2V6RCs/s1600-h/01-05-10+Living+Room+02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCQ0oBIsbMVlBHyKJdl3jMdvyHKI6Jnf-kIOL3RsFFJhpUyGvy360yr_ymet9mPWLmVBtZzPG2NUzokGiqUAMNVqYPZi0pZvnEF5LKDmvxyfV_q6b9s2Z1q26WNaLu-8a227dD2V6RCs/s320/01-05-10+Living+Room+02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423444487002886626" border="0" /></a><br />Today's picture of the day is of a wall in my home. For so many years I have moved from place to place, never staying in a place more than 2 years. This was my life from birth, my Mom and I are gypsies at heart and tend to feel stifled when we stay in place too long. However, I have lived here for 5 years now. When you move a lot, you tend to not 'settle' in and as an adult, I always made my house comfortable, but not 'homey'. Since Tony moved out of our home in October, we've been painting and moved in new furniture and finally put up a lot of the lovely items we received for our wedding. Tonight as I turned on the lights and lit the candles I realized how much I truly LOVE our home now. I'm happy to be here - a fact that may explain why I've resisted leaving it as much as I used to. For once, I feel settled and my home reflects not only my loves but the loves of my husband. I gazed upon my living room and just felt so amazingly happy.Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-21242193240508974622010-01-05T17:25:00.000-08:002010-01-05T17:56:23.689-08:00Project 365 - 01/04/10 Milo in the WindowToday's picture is of our youngest cat Milo in the window. He's an indoor only cat (as all cats should be for their health) but loves sitting in the windows or in front of the security door to enjoy the fresh air and watch the birds, bugs and activity outside. I love watching him observing and can see the intelligence in him as he observes the world around him. He's about 8 months old now and there's a story behind why we decided to adopt him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n1SbSeIgWD01rYqQi5JBWAVNnE_fgtVLPlYKTsXl1-hoSkE5FRp2DUHt0isNfEHxugQ95_aSVFrJz-E4tFrIQ4vC-sfQIVPb6iJ_DmnV07tsIX7SoKXecL4NAfMLoaTogpTFD31d7E0/s1600-h/01-04-10+Milo+in+the+window02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 410px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n1SbSeIgWD01rYqQi5JBWAVNnE_fgtVLPlYKTsXl1-hoSkE5FRp2DUHt0isNfEHxugQ95_aSVFrJz-E4tFrIQ4vC-sfQIVPb6iJ_DmnV07tsIX7SoKXecL4NAfMLoaTogpTFD31d7E0/s320/01-04-10+Milo+in+the+window02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423439097107162802" border="0" /></a><br />My mother was visiting a family friend who had 2 cats that had just given birth to litters of 9 kittens each. Then, while exploring his farm, he found 2 more cats in the woodpile whose mother had been killed by a neighbor's dog. So he suddenly had 20 kittens to find homes for. My Mom and I have always been foster parents to animals, finding better homes for animals that others had given up on. My Mom was a veterinarian tech when I was young and only left the field after a severe accident left her unable to continue in her position. We always took in animals and found loving families for them. It was just part of my life and my childhood. So when I heard of these kittens I asked around the district to see if anyone wanted any of them. I had one friend who was willing to take four. She owns a small farm area and has the cats around to control rats and other vermin. My Mom made a trip and the next thing I knew I had four lovely kittens running around my house. We had named them Pearl (she had a grey circular spot on her head), Pearl's sister (obvious), woodpile (he was one of the ones found in the woodpile) and midnight (who is now our Milo). We already have a lovely Bengal Siamese named Marina who is 12 years old and had no intentions of adding to our family.<br /><br />But as I observed midnight, I saw his intelligence. The defining moment was when we were outside and he decided to climb up the security door. While I had seen cats do this before, he then backed his way down to the ground...something I had never seen any cat do. I started noticing that no matter what trouble he got into (and that was often), he knew how to get out of it. That intelligence amazed me. He also was cuddly and loving. Glen and I discussed it, and decided to adopt him ourselves. Though it took a while for our pug Millie and Marina to adjust, we have never regretted the decision. He has added such joy and love to our lives, when we needed it most. By the way, his original name was Maida (after one of the Crow Girls from Charles DeLint's books - my favorite author) because he appeared to be a girl (even to my Mom who is used to sexing animals), when he developed secondary sex characteristics (testicles), we decided to change the name to Milo!Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-84838762747389615672010-01-03T16:13:00.000-08:002010-01-03T16:31:22.763-08:00Project 365 - 1/3/10 (Marriage and my Goose)Today's picture has great and deep meaning to me. When I was young my Mom would tell me how few animals mate for life, and she focused on the Goose. She said she always hoped I found my goose in life. Shortly after I told her that Glen was the "one", she gave me a gift. Upon unwrapping the lovely box, I found this sculpture of a goose inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXMgKr_JfMDy8ivwShS-yFyrX_1URwi9ed8MxEi7HW8xQXFsIxzVJ6Q9Uqoa4EGDpIahQhUl3c6-_o2YQEQAX8bk0IEPtfyz_cYrJVco0_gGQXy-NFX-Ad6CjdnOWlJjRscCfT0Lx8H0/s1600-h/1-3-10+My+Goose.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXMgKr_JfMDy8ivwShS-yFyrX_1URwi9ed8MxEi7HW8xQXFsIxzVJ6Q9Uqoa4EGDpIahQhUl3c6-_o2YQEQAX8bk0IEPtfyz_cYrJVco0_gGQXy-NFX-Ad6CjdnOWlJjRscCfT0Lx8H0/s320/1-3-10+My+Goose.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422675072806579090" border="0" /></a><br />We are coming up on 5 years together and Glen is most definitely my Goose. In 2003, I was in a severe car accident that fractured my pelvis in 2 places and decimated the cartilage in both hips and my right knee. Some days the pain is worse than other days as the pelvic fractures never heal, they just suture over, sometimes they reopen and that is what I'm going through now apparently.<br /><br />I tend to be one that pushes myself to the limits and so on Friday I cleaned the kitchen and bathroom and dusted the house, yesterday I deep cleaned our bathroom by cleaning all the walls with TSP and a Mr. Clean sponge (it makes it look like the room is freshly painted), I also cleaned the floor and rewaxed it. Well...that appears to have been too much. I awoke this morning to extreme pain. Let me explain that I have an exceptionally high pain tolerance (my doctor's hate it) but this pain left me on the couch sobbing. Glen immediately sprung into action by finding our heating pad, making my breakfast, retrieving the pills I needed (one of which required going to the pharmacy) and bringing back lunch. All while he didn't feel well either. And the thing is, I'd do the same (and have) in a heartbeat for him.<br /><br />That's one of the things that makes a strong marriage...being willing to go the extra mile for your loved one. Being willing to put yourself second and your partner first. Marriage is never 50/50, it's often 70/30 but as long as the same person isn't burdened by the 70 all the time....it works.<br /><br />So with great love - Glen is my Goose!Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-77469254328096639102010-01-03T15:58:00.000-08:002010-01-03T16:08:24.498-08:00Project 365 - 1/2/10So this is the picture for January 2nd. We were in countdown all day to watch the last David Tennant Dr. Who episode (yes, we're Whovians). So this picture is us watching The End of Time: Part 2.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy28IDJUJyazBm4OqF7gxAWtv-ZYL_IQnV3HFL-dxYRvybxkU4lITcnDzYM6RusLhP56uvImzXax2IzE2CqcCKB6z5Xioc0Bl03KRPtKwIZH3nUmu3gJxL5qVitw-HDPw55Z_-s1VTVRY/s1600-h/01-02-10+dr+who+pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy28IDJUJyazBm4OqF7gxAWtv-ZYL_IQnV3HFL-dxYRvybxkU4lITcnDzYM6RusLhP56uvImzXax2IzE2CqcCKB6z5Xioc0Bl03KRPtKwIZH3nUmu3gJxL5qVitw-HDPw55Z_-s1VTVRY/s320/01-02-10+dr+who+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422669625533116210" border="0" /></a><br />It was sad and melancholy but I look forward to the new Doctor Who (Matt Smith) and the new writer (Steven Moffat) who not only wrote my 4 favorite Dr. episodes (The Empty Child, Blink, The Forest of the Dead and The Girl in the Fireplace) plus has written Jekyll, one of the best miniseries on BBCA. The new Doctor Who premieres in Spring 2010 - so we shall see...Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-52771389009848411012010-01-01T17:31:00.000-08:002010-01-01T17:50:01.490-08:00Project 365, Day One<div style="text-align: center;">So I have joined Project 365 - the intent is to take a picture of something that interests you each day of 2010 and post it to your blog. I had difficulty choosing only one photo today. Forgive the blurriness of the sunset photos, I'm hoping this photo a day will increase my abilities as well. But for now, pictures:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq4vMK85WWoJo-o6p7pra6pZBfSguq8vT71X3Lbc2DJNYb9zSqfU-dIKW75rQjtntr4KtsDLMfwxM__F7WjDked648rjuIAfjdEmto9-86ZXkbnK7thFG_KHz4IlW1DwC-KFXReLR__E/s1600-h/Sunset+on+01-01-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq4vMK85WWoJo-o6p7pra6pZBfSguq8vT71X3Lbc2DJNYb9zSqfU-dIKW75rQjtntr4KtsDLMfwxM__F7WjDked648rjuIAfjdEmto9-86ZXkbnK7thFG_KHz4IlW1DwC-KFXReLR__E/s320/Sunset+on+01-01-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421950512098734210" border="0" /></a>The sunset over the San Jacinto mountains<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8FW-rXkuWgsnNwEmwU-TLLB-bhR2wlUlXU_jD5vnDXh-BdCCfT44hKcLCekb3_AQ7JdqDQxQJCGSN5kn9duTZfoAAfO_P6ieZ-l_EoWdtUnpkT5MvGliQfPruNW-9qwZ2qzHUdr1mbM/s1600-h/Sunset+2+on+01-01-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8FW-rXkuWgsnNwEmwU-TLLB-bhR2wlUlXU_jD5vnDXh-BdCCfT44hKcLCekb3_AQ7JdqDQxQJCGSN5kn9duTZfoAAfO_P6ieZ-l_EoWdtUnpkT5MvGliQfPruNW-9qwZ2qzHUdr1mbM/s320/Sunset+2+on+01-01-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421950902350464146" border="0" /></a>The sunset over the Little San Bernardino Mountains<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe3gjcNGXdCWWIo2_LVlaGxEri6UCHBwvFhdE8oTwGvUwhZ3-RgJb7aygc3soEinRBM17nCsg0hS_IqRQppQgTYD8W2pgpfdsFIw3cyLgt0s95vt0rAaM_P2x0IDUhrbnGH0BKjoOzLw/s1600-h/Boganvilla+cluster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe3gjcNGXdCWWIo2_LVlaGxEri6UCHBwvFhdE8oTwGvUwhZ3-RgJb7aygc3soEinRBM17nCsg0hS_IqRQppQgTYD8W2pgpfdsFIw3cyLgt0s95vt0rAaM_P2x0IDUhrbnGH0BKjoOzLw/s320/Boganvilla+cluster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421951569709598578" border="0" /></a>The bouganvilla in my front yard<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So I hope you enjoy my first pictures of the first day of 2010. I do so hope that you enjoyed them. I am quite looking forward to this year as I expect it to greatly exceed 2009. <br /><br />May 2010 bring great joy and wonder to your life.<br /></div><br /><br />Happy New Year!!<br /></div>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-52238819517809606452009-04-18T12:16:00.000-07:002009-04-19T20:40:48.161-07:00Never again!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r1ncZoZks-iBJhIsrCX6hXSsS0ttzIqt5lSIqicFS8mJ094ZipkOLAbJ7aBODdVAZJ8o8BXo3_eGBJtYjtcC7YM0MdEckcmXDLUbX_qxtxW-k2YUFVIDmPbwONX7NGMDKEGlhE7rRUY/s1600-h/guantanamo-bay-pri_1154772c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r1ncZoZks-iBJhIsrCX6hXSsS0ttzIqt5lSIqicFS8mJ094ZipkOLAbJ7aBODdVAZJ8o8BXo3_eGBJtYjtcC7YM0MdEckcmXDLUbX_qxtxW-k2YUFVIDmPbwONX7NGMDKEGlhE7rRUY/s200/guantanamo-bay-pri_1154772c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326116189870712290" border="0" /></a><br />Political or not, patriotic or not, love or hate our President - the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/04/16/ST2009041602877.html?sid=ST2009041602877">memos</a> released yesterday were shocking, horrifying and nauseating. As well they should be - if we were living in a nation where torture didn't disgust us, didn't make the bile rise in our throats, I would be terribly afraid. The intricacy of the memos details clearly that those who wrote them sought to justify their actions, in whatever way necessary. It is undeniable that our government sponsored the torture of prisoners. Whether you believe those prisoners should have been there or not, the fact is we TORTURED people!! Our tax money went to paying for this, the American Red Cross and the AMA did nothing to stand out against it when that is their JOB! Physicians, trained in America, watched as we mimicked the experience of drowning. Take a day where you accidentally 'swallowed wrong' and the fear and coughing - now multiply that by a conservative 10,000 degrees of fear. This is what we did to people.<br /><br />I have tears in my eyes because the idea that MY government did this disgusts me and makes me feel like less of a person. Because, in all fairness, what did we do? We knew at some point this was happening - the leaks from Guantanamo, the slips from CIA, the word from an appointed defender. Yes, we yelled and maybe cursed the administration, but did we do ANYTHING! No. We should have marched on Washington, we should have protested, we should have protected those people because they are <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSFDrOxWCXY&feature=player_embedded">HUMAN</a>. But we didn't. I honestly don't know why I didn't. I have fought for human rights for over half my life. I've marched on capitols and even trained people in the Amnesty International campaign that focused on America (back in 1999). I spoke out against our country and never feared, but under the previous administration, I was terrified. It is far from an excuse, but it may be an explanation. In so many ways, the fear of 1984 was upon us. We were being monitored, watched, listened to.....but we didn't know why or who they would target next. We regularly joked about making the wrong statement online or searching the wrong terms and ending up in Gitmo. But underlying these jokes was the truth - we were afraid. Our rights were being stripped from us and we sat frozen like a beaten child - afraid that if we moved or did something wrong it would only get worse.<br /><br />This damn administration turned America into a weapon of mass deception - we lied, over and over and over, to the world. We lied about why we went to Iraq, we lied about Abu Gharaib, we lied about Guantanamo, we lied about secret CIA facilities overseas, we lied about bids on contracts, we lied about what was going on, we lied about so, so much. It is time to stop lying, damnit, it is time to stop pretending that because we have the power we must use it! My God, we TORTURED people . What for? To get answers? Well, <a href="http://terrorism.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=terrorism&cdn=newsissues&tm=14&f=00&tt=11&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.mackenzieinstitute.com/2002/terror120402.htm">numerous</a> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/09/politics/09intel.html?_r=1">studies </a>have shown that torture does not yield reliable answers. People put under that pressure will say or do anything to make the pain stop, to make the torturing <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STOP</span>. So again, why did we do it? The only answer I can find is "because we could" and that is so completely irrational that I shudder when I type it.<br /><br />I'm glad that the memos were released...but now what? Obama and Holder have both made it clear that what they stated was not a blanket immunity, that those who did things outside of what they were told to do will be prosecuted. What about those 'inside the law' - well, the laws that were being made up as we went along - what about them? They still tortured, they still defiled another human being in the name of 'duty'. Nuremberg proved that 'following orders' is an inadequate defense. But then, what about us - all of us - we were complicit to this. If you know a crime is going to happen and you don't report it, you're complicit to the crime. We knew what was going on...oh, we may deny it now and feign our shocked looks, but we knew. Just as a parent knows when their child has done something wrong, that gut feeling from our animal side, the warning in our brain that things aren't adding up, we knew.<br /><br />I can't even imagine what the world thinks of us now. Actually, yes - we're thought of as massive hypocrites! We scream about stopping weapons of mass destruction and threaten countries for building bombs, but we're the ONLY country that's ever used such a weapon. We raise our fists against the torture of our troops in every war (or conflict) but then we do the same. Wait, no, that's not entirely correct. Most of the people we did it to weren't troops, they weren't fighters, they weren't part of an organization, they just were <a href="http://irregulartimes.com/index.php/archives/2008/11/27/inefficient-indefinite-detention-and-torture-be-thankful-its-not-you/">the wrong ethnicity hanging out with the wrong people</a>. I don't deny that there are people in these prisons who deserve to be locked away. Don't misunderstand me there - but there are many, many more who were turned in by neighbors who wanted their land, or by governments trying to get rid of dissidents.<br /><br />I am an American, and I have always been proud of that. But right now, I want America to demonstrate the amazing capacity for correcting wrongs that I know we are capable of. I want us to learn, to discuss and to make sure that this can NEVER happen again. Never again.<div> </div><div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update: </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">In response to an email sent by a friend, here are some clarifications:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I can understand that torture has been a part of war - but that doesn't make it right. I understand that your brother was at Gitmo and saw no torture, however much of the torture did not occur at Gitmo but rather occurred at CIA centers in other countries. It was conducted by NSA and CIA employees - not military guards. (This comes straight from the memos)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">My hopes for the current administration are based on the fact that these memos were released and that we are taking ownership of what was done. The attack on the towers was horrific and many innocent people were killed, but we cannot use it as an excuse for everything. If that was the case, the Japanese would have had every right to attack us as well. We may have bombed in response to a military attack (a military target, which killed 2400 Americans), but we bombed and killed innocent civilians (199,000) too. Since beginning our military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq, more military have died than all the people from the 9/11 attacks. I had no problem with going after Osama Bin Laden, but when you send fewer soldiers than the number of police on the island of Manhattan, you can't actually expect to be successful. Iraq was never involved in Al Qaeda and while Hussein was a terrible man, none of that had anything to do with 9/11. The fact is much of the world wasn't significantly impressed by the number of deaths on 9/11 because they lose that many people each day to famine, bad water, disease, war and terrorism. We could have used the money spent on many of our contracts in Iraq to provide safe drinking water for most of the world. That would have done much to stop terrorism by simply improving our 'persona' in the world. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What, to me, is the absolutely baffling part about pushing for torture in this case is that it has been clearly shown that information gained by torture is rarely reliable and has often cost lives (as in the bombings of London tubes) by sending police and military into ambush situations. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I understand and respect your opinion on this and I agree I would do whatever was necessary to protect my family - actually, anyone I loved and cared about - but that mentality as policy can never lead to good.</span><br /></div>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-86597675461459732722008-11-26T16:38:00.001-08:002008-11-26T16:38:54.683-08:00Olbermann on Prop H8<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hnHyy8gkNEE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hnHyy8gkNEE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-85948924171822216022008-11-09T09:56:00.000-08:002008-11-09T09:59:50.832-08:00Let Freedom RingIn joining with <a href="http://www.diaryofamodernmatriarch.com/">A Modern Matriarch</a> for the Let Freedom Ring posts. Here is my contribution:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-vGN_X7WmcsKFyk29O1_l3_xpPUZcTy2pMWMml2shnJHelI0vrtJ1_pW1SroX0pfdPrrEEaFq7TJrhj7r4HAzD3-XGlWvyDVml4FoERJXZ48ccUtPA0fDKgr2UyRGhSplAcYVujwzdU/s1600-h/Post+No+on+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 349px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-vGN_X7WmcsKFyk29O1_l3_xpPUZcTy2pMWMml2shnJHelI0vrtJ1_pW1SroX0pfdPrrEEaFq7TJrhj7r4HAzD3-XGlWvyDVml4FoERJXZ48ccUtPA0fDKgr2UyRGhSplAcYVujwzdU/s200/Post+No+on+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266718783991385954" border="0" /></a><br />No one should be denied the right to marry the one they love! No One! <br /><br />If you want to add your picture to the post go visit <a href="http://www.diaryofamodernmatriarch.com/2008/11/let-freedom-ring.html">Let Freedom Ring</a>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-14935883360918900332008-11-06T09:24:00.000-08:002008-11-06T09:25:51.532-08:00Califonian SchizophreniaOnce again, I am shocked by the California voters’ seemingly multiple personalities. We’re clearly seen and act as a liberal state. Our state was called for Obama without any data, because it’s just obvious that we would vote Democratic. But when it comes to our own propositions, California cannot seem to make up its collective mind!<br /><br />While I seemed to vote opposite to the results of nearly every proposition, the one that just kills me is Proposition 8. For those of you who live out of state, or for those that had their head under a rock for the last year, let me explain Proposition 8 to you. <br /><br />Prop 8 was designed to add an amendment to the State Constitution that states that marriage must be between a man and a woman. If that doesn’t sound preposterous to you, please go read another blog, because the rest of this one will probably piss you off!! <br /><br />The fact that this passed only shows one clear thing…too many people are voting their religion. This is ONLY a religious issue. There is no group of people that should be denied the most basic human right of marriage. The people who were involved in the Yes on 8 campaign were mostly Catholic (specifically the Knights of Columbus – FROM MINNESOTA by the way) and they fought an evil campaign filled with vicious lies in their ads. They continually stated that if the proposition was denied that children would be taught about gay marriages in school. What??? Let’s be really clear about this, a NO vote means nothing changes….nothing! We don’t teach that now, why would we suddenly start! They wrapped these lies in comments about “saving the children” like there was some dangerous psychopath on the loose by the name of Homosexuality….oh dear. Oh my, if we don’t protect the children, they’ll be turned GAY!!! What are these people smoking??? <br /><br />If you think homosexuality is a sin, that’s your prerogative. I would like to point out that there are A LOT of other mentions of things that are sins in the bible that I’m sure you partake in, but hey, if you want to be a hypocrite, that’s your choice. See, I try to keep an open mind to even those with closed minds, but sometimes, on some topics, it is nearly impossible. I was substituting at my old high school this week and the kids were really involved in the election. Since it was clear that absolutely nothing was to be accomplished on Tuesday, most of the teachers turned on CNN in the classrooms and made it all about open discussions. We ended up focusing on the Presidential election and Prop 8 because they were all concerned about those issues. I was thrilled that so many students had been really listening to the information and positioning themselves based on an intellectual choice. However, when asked why they wanted Yes on 8 – most gave one of two responses, “Being gay is against my religion” or “They’ll start teaching about gay marriage in school” – UGH!! I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs for them to give me a reasoned opinion rather than rhetoric. But they couldn’t! <br /><br />So this was clear to me, I asked both sides to give me reasons why to vote a certain direction on this issue:<br /><br />Yes on 8 – why? Because my pastor told me so. Because being gay is against God. Because they’ll change what we learn in school if they have their way. <br />No on 8 – why? Because no group of people should have their rights refused by anyone, especially the government. Because it’s their life, they should be able to do what they want as long as it doesn’t impose on someone else’s rights. Because they should have the same rights as anyone else in this state.<br /><br />Hmmm…..see the difference? Look, I’ll clearly state, I do not identify myself as a Christian. In my most basic, I’m a deist. I believe in a higher power and call it “God” for simplicity. I would never, ever, never decide that others should believe like me. That is a deeply personal decision and something that all people should wrestle with in their time. At the same time, don’t you dare put your Christian ‘family values’ on a damn ballot!! I hate it when people state that we’re a country formed on Christianity. NO! Read your history book, we are a country formed on “freedom of and freedom from religion!.” Granted, many of the Pilgrims actually came over to escape taxes or bad financial situations and not seeking freedom at all. But generally, they came over to get away from the overwhelming presence of the Church of England. Why? Because they believed it wasn’t right for a church to make the rules for the people! Hmmmm….that sounds like good advice!!<br /><br />Now, this fight is FAR from over! Yesterday papers were filed by the ACLU to block the amendment. These suits stated that this is a revision, not an amendment, so it must first pass with a 2/3 majority in the congress. Finally, there is always the challenge that a state constitution can not deny rights that the Federal Constitution does not restrict. So there are many legal battles up ahead. I just wish it had been resoundingly defeated instead, as it should have been. I don’t want this decision made by judges and courts – I want Californians to scream at the top of their lungs that this is ludicrous and we will not stand by while people are denied this basic right. <br /><br />So once again, I’m disappointed by the Californians. I was born in this state and have lived here for most of my life. I was raised to treat all people equally and thought that most Californians felt the same. I was sadly mistaken.<br /><br />So to all you who voted No, well, it’s not over yet damnit! And if anyone who voted Yes is still reading at this point. Think, really examine yourself, and decide whether your choice is being made on a logical or purely religious level? I am married to a wonderful man and I feel truly blessed that we are allowed to marry, to be joined in a state recognized marriage, to obtain those rights granted to all married people in California and in the Country. I just cry at the fact that others are keeping that right from so many incredible couples who just happen to be same-sex. I really thought you were better than that California, apparently, I was wrong.Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-36094766460055381832008-09-24T07:26:00.001-07:002008-09-24T07:41:05.060-07:00WFMW: Google Street View<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkILvaeYvfCkLWHFGoSq8vA-9Tseo56VbdUtkltsuMJJK004Cg7HU4WGHRMelquYwfUGTMZUDeRLzAdDsWf61D6vNk6Eq6WiT4UmbTs5F5a7TNF-lJCJolIk0dulIpCwWKjHLV7K6E1Y/s1600-h/wfmwsmall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkILvaeYvfCkLWHFGoSq8vA-9Tseo56VbdUtkltsuMJJK004Cg7HU4WGHRMelquYwfUGTMZUDeRLzAdDsWf61D6vNk6Eq6WiT4UmbTs5F5a7TNF-lJCJolIk0dulIpCwWKjHLV7K6E1Y/s200/wfmwsmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249594309768227922" border="0" /></a><br />Today is <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2008/09/works-for-me-ra.html">Works for Me Wednesday</a> over at Rocks in My Dryer. I have been quite lax in my posting lately, but this is a tip I simply <span style="font-style: italic;">MUST</span> share.<br /><br />Did you know that Google Street View has uses <span style="font-style: italic;">OTHER</span> than spying on your neighbors, amusing yourself with <a href="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23530849-details/Google%27s+Street+View+captures+the+moment+a+drunken+Aussie+keeled+over+outside+his+home/article.do">people passed out on the roadside in Australia</a>, or <a href="http://valleywag.com/5035540/google-street-view-catches-house-on-fire">houses on fire</a>? Yes my friends, I have found a fabulous new use for it.<br /><br />How many times have you been thinking of a restaurant or store - you know where it is located, but the name simply escapes you? Ugh - you know the feeling. Well, now that Google Street View is nearly everywhere, you can use it. I'll give you an example...<br /><br />I was trying to remember the name of this fabulous restaurant in Palm Desert. I knew it was on Cook and Country Club - but the name.....aaackkkk....not a clue. So I opened Google Maps and typed in "Cook Street 92260" (the name of the street and the local zip code). Once it popped up, I clicked on the button "streetview". At that point it shows a little orange outline of a man that you can move anywhere on the map. I moved him in front of where I thought the restaurant was and clicked. Sure enough - the street view came up, I shifted the view to the location exactly, zoomed in and:<br /><br /><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cook+street+92260&sll=33.724171,-116.390406&sspn=0.119074,0.2211&ie=UTF8&ll=33.787993,-116.350365&spn=0.059492,0.11055&z=13&layer=c&cbll=33.758134,-116.356791&panoid=Tp7TNAR5R05M3_6CR6Zx0w&cbp=1,359.86,,1,-4.727443609022558">Cork Tree Restaurant</a><br /><br />I've already used this tip for restaurants, grocery stores and even gas stations. I absolutely <span style="font-style: italic;">LOVE</span> it! <br /><br />For more fabulous ideas, head on over to <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2008/09/works-for-me-ra.html">Rocks in My Dryer</a>...you don't need a map for that one! <span style="font-style: italic;">(wow, that was a really lame joke....sorry)</span>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-85654028274612748282008-09-13T21:49:00.000-07:002008-09-13T21:56:07.178-07:00Resumes speak volumes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSdy4u5Cj9UQTrPl9yvSzhp9Sx5YJLydnH2ZrRdANNCd4d5TxyxSGU-MIKdssDRe9fIK7vcxw9I1cItdzXPwj08kvn5nwg4xy792kjmdm3JrtaBb804K3hAzERPX0tF7_O8bgpvYyHM8/s1600-h/600px-Seal_Of_The_President_Of_The_Unites_States_Of_America.svg.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSdy4u5Cj9UQTrPl9yvSzhp9Sx5YJLydnH2ZrRdANNCd4d5TxyxSGU-MIKdssDRe9fIK7vcxw9I1cItdzXPwj08kvn5nwg4xy792kjmdm3JrtaBb804K3hAzERPX0tF7_O8bgpvYyHM8/s200/600px-Seal_Of_The_President_Of_The_Unites_States_Of_America.svg.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245735423438145490" border="0" /></a>While none of us prefer to be judged by our resume, we really can't argue that it is a good starting point when beginning a candidate search. So maybe we should look at the resumes of the current candidates for president:<br /><p>Looking at these four educational resumes*, without knowing their race or their gender, who would you give an interview to?</p><p style="font-weight: bold;"></p><blockquote><p style="font-weight: bold;">Obama</p><p>Occidental College (Los Angeles) - 2 years studying Politics and Public Policy.<br />Columbia University (New York) - B.A. Political Science with a specialization in International Relations. Harvard Law School - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude, Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Law Review</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">Biden</p><p>University of Delaware - B.A. in History and a B.A. in Political Science.<br />Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">McCain</p><p>United States Naval Academy - Class rank 894 of 899</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">Palin</p><p>Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester - Business Administration.<br />North Idaho College - 2 semesters - General Studies.<br />University of Idaho - 2 semesters - Journalism.<br />Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester.<br />University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Hmmm......well, I know who'd I'd interview!! How about you?<br /></p>**Information gained from <a href="http://momocrats.typepad.com/momocrats/2008/09/educational-qua.html">Momocrats</a> - go check them out! **Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-81017975425231828432008-08-31T17:24:00.000-07:002008-08-31T19:20:53.509-07:00Some interesting links about Sarah Palin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLd9MZ2AQ9VGBYHYkXv9FCxWeEdJxy6PI_FDW2Ti7Bb5FWawdU9WzDD_W_1XYofIHQ17NBCUMwouHxy5y0lTKCAzsJCtbq8489SfTub9MAl5_Fv0DBoCvQZqDSz8kf-QL52FYge9y2StA/s1600-h/sarah_palin2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLd9MZ2AQ9VGBYHYkXv9FCxWeEdJxy6PI_FDW2Ti7Bb5FWawdU9WzDD_W_1XYofIHQ17NBCUMwouHxy5y0lTKCAzsJCtbq8489SfTub9MAl5_Fv0DBoCvQZqDSz8kf-QL52FYge9y2StA/s200/sarah_palin2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240870043366904994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I have to say, as a woman, I was actually quite insulted by the choice of Sarah Palin as McCain's running mate. There are so many more qualified Republicans that would have been valid choices. However, this choice seemed to be pandering. A woman with little experience? It seems to me that this choice is made as a token and an insult. Assuming that a woman will vote for a ticket simply because of a woman vice presidential candidate is just condescending <span style="font-size:85%;">(we're all just such weak willed creatures)</span>!</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"> And who knows, maybe it'll work. Actuary tables show that the chances of McCain (well any 72 year old) surviving to the age of 76 is approximately 85%. Are Americans really willing to risk someone so inexperienced as President, particularly at this dangerous time?</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />However, there is another problem with picking a candidate that people know little about ... people go looking for information. With only about 2 months until the election, this leaves little time for damage control and correction.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />So here are some of the interesting reddit postings today ...</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.andrewhalcro.com/shadow_governor/">Is Todd Palin a shadow governor?</a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.lefthudson.com/2008/08/christian-right-throws-palin-under.html">It doesn't look like she'll pull the evangelical vote either</a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.newsminer.com/news/2008/aug/31/sarah-palin-supported-ketchikan-bridge-nowhere-dur/">She was in support of the 'bridge to nowhere' when she ran for Governor in 2006</a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/08/dairygate-sarah-palin-and-myst.php">Some odd behavior of hers with regard to a Dairy</a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/31/174153/834/246/581480">She seems to have some misunderstandings about history</a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i536jfOol1gh7ago3QLE3rrEvhZgD92BSE780">She doesn't want Polar Bears listed as endangered</a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20222685,00.html">She has five children - why is she only holding her youngest in this People pic</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> (This pic just creeps me out - McCain looks so uncomfortable and even Sarah looks odd holding her own child)</span> <a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://cliffschecter.firedoglake.com/2008/08/31/palin-fired-city-employees-for-not-supporting-her-reelection/">She may have used her power to (try to) fire someone other than her brother-in-law</a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12987.html">A nice summation of what many reporters are finding</a><br />And of course, the tabloid-esque question: <a href="http://www.spartacuslives.org/node/20463">Is her youngest son actually her grandson?</a></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />I know that many of these tales could be false or merely misleading. But it does beg the question, did the RNC really look into Mrs. Palin's background prior to the nomination? Or is that the intent? Are all of these distractions in the campaign to take the focus off of the issues? </span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Either way - the next two months should be VERY interesting...<br /></span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Disclaimer: Let it be known that I would not have voted for McCain. Let it also be noted that if the Democrats had nominated someone with the issues of Sarah Palin as VP - I wouldn't be voting for them either. </span></span></span> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]--></span>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-67432081211072549362008-08-31T10:52:00.000-07:002008-08-31T11:39:10.459-07:00It's Blog Day 2008 !!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQY-oZ2HMiVLRbEtXlYjtjX36XR0Jv6viryEW68uVVizguXCGPE8ZwehchzJyXpfJtBsZlMmbERDSe5OpzwAJX_Sif5LOhoUOokPlQ1N_wYl3hHxTyHUJnoafShmq30u6o2d1X6ACUQ5I/s1600-h/blog+day+2008.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQY-oZ2HMiVLRbEtXlYjtjX36XR0Jv6viryEW68uVVizguXCGPE8ZwehchzJyXpfJtBsZlMmbERDSe5OpzwAJX_Sif5LOhoUOokPlQ1N_wYl3hHxTyHUJnoafShmq30u6o2d1X6ACUQ5I/s320/blog+day+2008.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240743503971137394" border="0" /></a><br />So it is, in fact, blog day 2008 . . .<br />The general concept is to find five blogs you love reading and to share them with others (with a short intro of course)! I think that is just wonderful, though I've decided to go a step farther and also share five web-comics I adore. Why? you ask. Well, because in so many ways these web comics are like illustrated blogs - and they make me laugh on a daily basis. What could be better than that? So I'll be letting my favorite bloggers and artists know I'm posting them here so they know they're loved!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bloggers</span> (in no particular order)<br /><span style="font-family:webdings;">** </span><a href="http://fridayplaydate.com/">Friday Playdate </a>- Susan is IMHO one of the funniest and most honest people that I've ever read. I follow her tribulations with her 2 boys (one of which has the croup right now) and her adventures over to China for the Olympics. I enjoy her pithy comments so much I even follow her on twitter! Her blog is simple, honest and a whole bucket load of funny - so go check her out....NOW!!<br /><br />**<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><a href="http://www.stopscreamingimdriving.com/">Stop Screaming I'm Driving</a> - Yes I actually enjoy her blog for more than the LOVELY sprinkles at the top of her page (mmmm...sprinkles....mmmmm)! She is funny and entertaining on a daily basis and I anxiously await each new post.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">**</span> <a href="http://shaleesdiner.com/">Shalee's Diner</a> - Shalee has been going through some tough times of late but has shown her lovely light through it all. The blog focuses on her love of her family, her faith, and how she brings it all together!<br /><br />** <a href="http://wilwheaton.typepad.com/wwdnbackup/">WWdN: In Exile</a> - This is Wil Wheaton's blog...remember him? Yes, the gray jump-suit wearing adorable teen on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Well, boy has he come a long way since then. An accomplished author in both fiction and non-fiction. He has published three books with anecdotes about his life, numerous manga and Star Trek storylines. He now does voice-overs and occassional acting (when the part really moves him). He has two grown sons that are the joy of his life and he wraps all this up into his amazing blog. Plus, if you're a geek, link to the propeller geek group he admins.<br /><br />** <a href="http://journal.neilgaiman.com/">Neil Gaimian's Journal</a> - This is a personal favorite for me. I absolutely love, Love, LOVE Neil's writing and try to absorb every book he's ever written. He's currently travelling around in China researching another book. In his absence, his two lovely daughter and many other of his friends and webhelpers are keeping us up to date on the exitement.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And now for the comics<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">** </span></span><a href="http://www.reallifecomics.com/">Real Life Comics</a> - Possibly the funniest comic on the internet. Though at times Glen and I do believe they've equipped the crickets in our house with mini cams. I can not tell you how many times we have a had a bizarre conversation on one day, only to see it echoed in the strip a few days later.<br /><br />** <a href="http://www.questionablecontent.net/">Questional Content</a> - A great daily dose for my geekdom. The story of a group of friends, some more unusual than others, and the very real 'foot in mouth' situations we all get ourselves into. Plus, Hanner is one of the funniest characters I've ever followed.<br /><br />** <a href="http://www.penny-arcade.com/">Penny Arcade</a> - A classic gamer's cartoon that has spawned a sensation currently invading Seattle (PAX). If you play RPGs, video games or are a geek in any way . . . you MUST follow this comic!<br /><br />** <a href="http://www.cad-comic.com/">Ctrl+Alt+Del</a> - I don't even know how to describe this comic - part blog, part gamer's log, part insanity -- just a whole lot of fun!!!<br /><br />** <a href="http://xkcd.com/">xkcd</a> - I cannot describe this any better than the 'warning label' placed on the comic itself:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">"Warning: this comic occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)."</span></span><br /></blockquote>So - there are my contributions to the world of blogging . . . what are yours??<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-50985705280042811142008-08-28T21:08:00.000-07:002008-08-28T21:35:50.893-07:00Something to believe in<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNGxxSoA0npAGyohKFXZthslxcfj3Rk4dkLRKZbdV9fbJJbjOdC-qIUHLwz3rjI18DMFnR4txczoZRkK7uIXdP52sg8BBYzoW18Bd6vJFvxkJCLD_-oszvCUeArCwBC0oxqOP9436RPs/s1600-h/US_Flag2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNGxxSoA0npAGyohKFXZthslxcfj3Rk4dkLRKZbdV9fbJJbjOdC-qIUHLwz3rjI18DMFnR4txczoZRkK7uIXdP52sg8BBYzoW18Bd6vJFvxkJCLD_-oszvCUeArCwBC0oxqOP9436RPs/s200/US_Flag2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239793651385480610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Along with millions of Americans, I watched the Democratic National Convention this week. I sat each night watching people I admired, people I doubted and people I knew little about give speeches about the state of our nation and the hope for a new future. I wanted to believe them and I wanted to know that change was coming. Tonight Obama delivered that faith to me.<br /><br />As a teacher, I cheered when he spoke of guaranteeing quality teachers for students, ensuring that standards are met and that any child willing to give time to their country should be awarded with a college education. As a woman, I rejoiced at his admiration of Hillary Clinton and his desire to ensure equal pay for equal work. As an American I believed him when he promised to bring us out of the recession, to help us all keep our homes, save our jobs and make ends meet.<br /><br />The last few months have been difficult on our family. My husband lost his job to the real estate shakeup (and some bad management) shortly after I had chosen to leave my accounting job for a restaurant and return to teaching. This left us living on unemployment and my substitute teaching (and tutoring) salary. All while we're trying to pay bills accrued while caring for ailing grandparents. Luckily we cut expenses and have wonderful parents that helped out when my car's thermostat decided to die. But still, it's a constant stress and a constant pressure. The job prospects in the valley are drier than the landscape and nearly everyone I know who lost their job are averaging 9-10 months before finding another. We decided to send my hubby back to school while I'm doing my credential online. This means a tight budget and probably very little time together. But we both believe in teaching and want to move forward in that direction. However, now I'm facing the possibility of losing my student loan. This isn't due to credit ratings or anything we have done - it's because of the subprime mortgage situation. This has made companies nervous about loans and many companies are pulling student loans - with a week left before classes start.<br /><br />I have been absolutely ripped apart by all of this - the stress, the fear, the hopelessness. However, for one hour tonight I saw a light ahead and saw promises that could be fulfilled. I saw hope in the eyes of an honest man, a father, a husband, a son and a man of faith. There are no words for how much I needed to see that tonight and how much we all need to see a future that benefits more than the rich.<br /><br />I will not attack McCain, nor will I attack his supporters. We all make the choices in the privacy of our home and we have curtained voting booths for a reason. I just know that this year, for the first time since I've been voting, I'll actually be voting FOR a candidate rather than against his opponent. And this gives me the most solid and real feel of patriotism that I have ever experienced.<br /></span>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-39337486246371935032008-08-08T21:07:00.000-07:002008-08-08T22:13:32.665-07:00Fishnets for Vigoda<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/gwferguson/abevigoda.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/gwferguson/abevigoda.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153); font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">If you are curious why I</span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153); font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> have this pic, just blame Whitechapel...<a href="http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=3247&page=1#Item_0">a little experiment in IntarWeb Culture Jamming.</a></span></span>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-75436292219510951452008-04-22T22:00:00.000-07:002008-04-22T22:16:09.418-07:00WFMW: Offbeat Bride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazrHQ98NhBH6u1fTzBfkoM1wRDQo8QJzu7KZJeQuTMc1noJi7X4Tr8vyAD9aYeE_QpzW_e9rOlQXj5G7NbXj4aYsoWy3W2IWbn6FcPpAGc4m_NOgF2PVp52GI7GZfRzaB8AIYw_pMv_4/s1600-h/wfmwsmall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazrHQ98NhBH6u1fTzBfkoM1wRDQo8QJzu7KZJeQuTMc1noJi7X4Tr8vyAD9aYeE_QpzW_e9rOlQXj5G7NbXj4aYsoWy3W2IWbn6FcPpAGc4m_NOgF2PVp52GI7GZfRzaB8AIYw_pMv_4/s200/wfmwsmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192303015775151490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I've been quite absent from the blog for about a month. Why? you ask. Well, it's a little thing called my wedding! It is now 11 days away (eeeekkkkk!!!) and I'm running like crazy. Actually, I've calmed substantially over the last few weeks because I just feel we've got enough done and everything else is just bonus!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />My <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2008/04/works-for-me-pu.html">Works for me Wednesday</a> posting is for <a href="http://offbeatbride.com/">Offbeat Bride</a>.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJdbGX8jgULQevVS8SX4PxtWd0uPOctrBQrcJext48BcGmN7AkJF-o3uGhiI35fpNJLBg1Aj5pb31-KpXttlJHnF_GUTld6x66F8178_icFs4JLSlmqlEE138_BXDmFnrgFQT8yNWWIY/s1600-h/mariocake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJdbGX8jgULQevVS8SX4PxtWd0uPOctrBQrcJext48BcGmN7AkJF-o3uGhiI35fpNJLBg1Aj5pb31-KpXttlJHnF_GUTld6x66F8178_icFs4JLSlmqlEE138_BXDmFnrgFQT8yNWWIY/s200/mariocake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192304566258345394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">This site has numerous pictures, suggestions, advice and even vendors to suit the specific needs of the a wedding that is far from common. Whether you're a tattoo sleeved piercing enthusiast who wants to wear a bright red leather minidress or just (like me) looking to add your own personal touches (read: Geeky Nerdiness) to make your wedding unique, this site has tons of recommendations. I love all the wedding photos and stories as well. It makes me realize that when the wedding truly reflects the bride and groom, the whole event is happier for all involved!<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxkXQYZBGBXwzMzNALLDj83TblkmhWrPuOZcB2wcyp_XYD9K8Ck1pnuvsnbVrFN9TfYK007WFSYWAj5FQrz6NGBxLiKeOBLCRkOpGKE_eS1HpMiTZYf6TZor0hRwnh_wWCPomG_oXzgI/s1600-h/geek-wedding-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxkXQYZBGBXwzMzNALLDj83TblkmhWrPuOZcB2wcyp_XYD9K8Ck1pnuvsnbVrFN9TfYK007WFSYWAj5FQrz6NGBxLiKeOBLCRkOpGKE_eS1HpMiTZYf6TZor0hRwnh_wWCPomG_oXzgI/s200/geek-wedding-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192304123876713890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So if you're getting married soon, or just really wanting to look at some fabulous wedding pics, go check out <a href="http://offbeatbride.com/">Offbeat bride</a>! And for other tips and hints, check out the other postings on Rocks in my Dryer's <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2008/04/works-for-me-pu.html">Works for me Wednesday</a>!<br /></span>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-65322284057897391332008-03-12T20:24:00.000-07:002008-03-12T20:53:30.924-07:00Get your party on....<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARhRKv-eEUTXRQBELOV9NNt0jsRAsQqeAZ_akI6WnuCjtGMPdatSFauRIn44Gnd2jemLOCOAJjHp7U5udnp0GTjKbQjaghjQAok4BDmxkx5cnzFq4fnYEZ58RWI5j-tXolV0Bhr7Lgmc/s1600-h/abstract-party-1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARhRKv-eEUTXRQBELOV9NNt0jsRAsQqeAZ_akI6WnuCjtGMPdatSFauRIn44Gnd2jemLOCOAJjHp7U5udnp0GTjKbQjaghjQAok4BDmxkx5cnzFq4fnYEZ58RWI5j-tXolV0Bhr7Lgmc/s320/abstract-party-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177063098280723362" border="0" /></a></div>It is a blog party going on over at <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/3055/ubp-08-party-post/">Five Minutes for Mom</a>, so get over there and check out the incredible blogs (over 1000 now!!). In the meantime, I'll share some of my favorite party pics with all of you...forgive me, I have some very wonderful and bizarre friends:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYXZPPYgwRd6Jgpg4eJCdrHTGbAN_-_gKlLHdhbHwLzmbsTNo73LH0U04YR5mA7Rq2HisfwA_6t4wtOM0exM80UZXM5qFPeYXyWMHcZahOvFTWj5KywlaFUDyV2MgEPsrSJvcA2RqUYA/s1600-h/michael+103107.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 68px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYXZPPYgwRd6Jgpg4eJCdrHTGbAN_-_gKlLHdhbHwLzmbsTNo73LH0U04YR5mA7Rq2HisfwA_6t4wtOM0exM80UZXM5qFPeYXyWMHcZahOvFTWj5KywlaFUDyV2MgEPsrSJvcA2RqUYA/s200/michael+103107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177065980203779090" border="0" /></a>My dearest Michael - the hostess with the mostest!! All parties begin and end with him!<br /><br />Mrs. Poopy, Dominique and my honey Glen on Halloween <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpkSeaBtj19gKtuw3l-gNyslu5DwJiDDRWWRbrrAtVtsxMJVEPNFwPKfxzI1E0EzuiuPrWNk80y6ydJcmLIOjw97w8lrjrvtHbTT0CZr8fOMr5BcGoA3uDueK6R1tc1AReZGaCzLeJ_g/s1600-h/PA310006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpkSeaBtj19gKtuw3l-gNyslu5DwJiDDRWWRbrrAtVtsxMJVEPNFwPKfxzI1E0EzuiuPrWNk80y6ydJcmLIOjw97w8lrjrvtHbTT0CZr8fOMr5BcGoA3uDueK6R1tc1AReZGaCzLeJ_g/s200/PA310006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177066293736391714" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdRCRPO0HtrrYGCfEINnsX8V1CdZhiD9zntd3MgbsYzxNQ-aTGtrYzB9u5w1ePwQzbe6RaeQOq_bruwqUIbqLaLVzjodt0kG-ZZw2ykY9GxCBgn5gn4FZGgTQF4yx8yRZxydTGlQG3gg/s1600-h/tyr+my+love.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 89px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdRCRPO0HtrrYGCfEINnsX8V1CdZhiD9zntd3MgbsYzxNQ-aTGtrYzB9u5w1ePwQzbe6RaeQOq_bruwqUIbqLaLVzjodt0kG-ZZw2ykY9GxCBgn5gn4FZGgTQF4yx8yRZxydTGlQG3gg/s200/tyr+my+love.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177066564319331378" border="0" /></a>Tyr - Michael's better (really??) half...<br /><br />My honey and I on New Year's Eve 2006/2007 (at Tyr's house of course)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV2EtQMui2ma5XsbSoOYJysz6_wBJeEt9Ph07ZLGBLQb12rpi-u-D0TP7sxNzYAA4-jQxtK57zEERTfH8yi1i4YGHhAGKISINad8yUvigDIbmZgRpZUjR5ZcsXpuRPJaG2IVGOTPt_q8/s1600-h/Glen+%26+I+123106+%28small%292.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV2EtQMui2ma5XsbSoOYJysz6_wBJeEt9Ph07ZLGBLQb12rpi-u-D0TP7sxNzYAA4-jQxtK57zEERTfH8yi1i4YGHhAGKISINad8yUvigDIbmZgRpZUjR5ZcsXpuRPJaG2IVGOTPt_q8/s200/Glen+%26+I+123106+%28small%292.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177066980931159106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Add_Image" title="Add Image" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="addImage();" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);;ButtonMouseDown(this);"><br /><br /><br /><br />And finally, the day on which I decided the potatoes REALLY needed hats (don't ask me why...no, really, don't ask)<br /><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissCgmWyr9uGmiMlPA6ERLC-XVASRKt9ilClxsp6jx___b1mIYFq2vgMApfzZNPDRTbMDzy0msna4c9QjZxWVeF_tEeB7NYR2Avv2dlReIQrBoH3HgZGYG2iFOdsbdhSE_Fjsm4s0k1lc/s1600-h/Happy+Potato+Day.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissCgmWyr9uGmiMlPA6ERLC-XVASRKt9ilClxsp6jx___b1mIYFq2vgMApfzZNPDRTbMDzy0msna4c9QjZxWVeF_tEeB7NYR2Avv2dlReIQrBoH3HgZGYG2iFOdsbdhSE_Fjsm4s0k1lc/s200/Happy+Potato+Day.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177068428335137890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(In case you can't read the hats - they say Happy Potato Day)<br /><br />So what are you doing still here...go check out the <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/3055/ubp-08-party-post/">PARTY!!!</a>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782611304555017238.post-19089092954666998402008-03-12T20:10:00.000-07:002008-08-08T22:00:27.761-07:00Spring Cleaning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY4VspkBkvwxiwBhk_2WD8t-dlwB2AaR3oyLnCFoi5Ai90_SGjbbrqSxmI5kfMrjD_PX8xmiyAB5_qFl_BY28xdecylV2-cU1Ai4JVZ_X1syHca_E9-LuX7GwP82qKQ7zFgHwfBW56xI/s1600-h/spring+cleaning.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY4VspkBkvwxiwBhk_2WD8t-dlwB2AaR3oyLnCFoi5Ai90_SGjbbrqSxmI5kfMrjD_PX8xmiyAB5_qFl_BY28xdecylV2-cU1Ai4JVZ_X1syHca_E9-LuX7GwP82qKQ7zFgHwfBW56xI/s320/spring+cleaning.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177060426811065186" border="0" /></a>Many of my favorite sites are focusing on Spring Cleaning 2008. They are challenging all of us to get our spring cleaning done and post pics of the progress. This may be insane, but I want to be a part of this.<br /><br />Yes, I'm generally a neat freak. Yes, I am aware that I live with 2 men, a dog and a cat. Yes, I'm aware that I work a minimum of 10 hours a day. But in one week (yep, one week!!), I have Spring Break. So what better to do than make a nice, clean home for all of us?<br /><br />So yes, I'm challenging myself to get some spring cleaning mojo going and start the cleaning. The best part is with a little tweak of my FlyLady routine, I can do this in a reasonable manner instead of my usual 'clean all day until I'm exhausted and can't do anything for the rest of my vacation' plan. Yay!<br /><br />I'll be posting updates to the blog as they come! Wish me luck!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDcdKXUkgFMmPmtMpyKb8aIzu9fMZ0A9ctCP3VxbRcZ8yaCwrk6E5varpfWeoPcqOvzpcGXGgTLnH_YpuGnPtoAxsGp6UZjXkMH1flMauhouMnM6eM1jAuZ3VCSy8oLJXljXIkvNa_LQ/s1600-h/shamrock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 59px; height: 57px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDcdKXUkgFMmPmtMpyKb8aIzu9fMZ0A9ctCP3VxbRcZ8yaCwrk6E5varpfWeoPcqOvzpcGXGgTLnH_YpuGnPtoAxsGp6UZjXkMH1flMauhouMnM6eM1jAuZ3VCSy8oLJXljXIkvNa_LQ/s200/shamrock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177060864897729394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Update: Developed pneumonia on the last school day and spent the entire Spring Break in bed with extreme fevers, labored breathing and exhaustion. So yeah, no real cleaning got done!</span>Juliennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02220239391271005783noreply@blogger.com0