MEAN PEOPLE SUCK!!!

Today has been a down day for me. It is too bad because it started out so good, all of my coupon shopping and kid-less hours, but it ended bad! I had a run in with a very nasty, rude, mean bully at parent pick-up today. Then I got home and my roast chicken was bigger than I first thought so I didn't have time to make it. I blew the kids bedtime routine, stressing about the mean bully, the kids fought going to bed until after 10pm. My husband just got home from business and was willing to pass-up a little of the Steelers Game for some sex(and this is a very big deal both him passing up the game and the sex lately:) and what do I do? I lay there sobbing! Yes, sobbing! My poor husband, had no idea what he was in for. He missed the first quarter of the game to hold me while I sobbed! And that is why, for all his faults and mine, we have been together for the past 18 years. No matter what, he is my best friend. And when I really need him too, he steps-up(sometimes a little late:)

So, in return, I sit here now, watching the Steelers Game, yelling at the TV, and caring about as much about the outcome of this as he does my run in with the mean bully!

To The Ill Informed:

Here is what bugs the hell out of me-(well, one of many, many things)anyway, here goes; it drives me crazy when people feel the need to call me Mrs.******. I do not like it. Emily is just fine. I say, oh, please call me Emily. I do not find it disrespectful for my children's friends to call me by my first name. I do not feel as if I lack authority when they do this. Emily is my name. I like it. I am happy to use it. The way in which I carry myself allows me to demand the authority I need to, not the name I am being called. I think it is odd to think that a name is what offers you authority. I can think of a few first names that demand respect- OPRAH, BARACK, not to mention the countless celebrates that are simply know that way CHER, STING, MADONNA, PRINCE-

All I am saying is that I believe that if I would like to be called by my first name, you should respect me enough to do it and second, know that by having my children call you by your last name, they do not automatically respect you or hold you in a place of authority.

Sick!

I am sorry to say, but I have been too ill the past few days to blog about the Debate and the "Bail Out". I have however watched it all and I am more annoyed than ever before with the entire Executive and Legislative Branches of government. Having said that, I am very thankful to live in the United States and have no fear about posting my displeasure. So, I guess for all the craziness going on here, right now- I am sure lucky to be an American. And very, very Proud!

NO!

The inability to say NO. That my friends has become my biggest problem in life. I have gotten myself roped-in-to more SHIT than I can tell you. I need to learn how to say NO. At home I can say NO(Just ask my Husband:) but for other people, I find it hard to say the word.

For The Record!

I would once again like to state that I am absolutely an undecided voter in the up-coming Presidential Election! I am undecided not just between Obama and McCain but also Bob Barr(the libertarian candidate). I spend much of my day talking this out with my family and friends, as I think it is a huge responsibility and I take it very seriously. I am a registered Independent, because I am one, and when deciding who to vote for, I look through as much as I can to find all the answers I can get. I have voted for republicans and democrats and libertarians in the past and I am sure I will in the future. I think it is foolish to think that one party has all the answers, because they don't; just like all Americans do not have the same beliefs. That is why we need elected officials that can work together to do what is best for us. And I realize that what is best for you, may not be what is best for me and that is okay. And that is why we are lucky enough to live in a Democratic Society. I hope that someday everyone experience it. I think it is silly to blindly follow any "Party" and I think that it is unfortunate that people feel threatened when they are asked to explain why they believe what they do. Friends that know me, can attest to the fact that I will take any side of an issue, just to get as much information as I can(right Bec:). I have been swayed and had my opinion changed based on a good debate(I am almost ready to recycle:).

So, to those of you out there that assume I am a Republican, I will tell my husband he will be happy to know I have finally seen the light; and for those that assume I am a Democrat, I will tell Becca she has pulled me to the dark-side:) But if it is okay with the rest of you, I will stay here in the middle and wait and see and continue to collect information, and in the end, I will happily share who I voted for as I always do, I am glad to own my vote!

Abortion, Me and the Government...

Here goes. The following post will be filled with MY views and beliefs on abortion and where I think the government should be on the issue.

My stance on abortion is this; I believe that life begins at conception, and therefore would need a very good reason to have an abortion or I would suffer enormous guilt throughout my life. I have held this opinion since I was 13 and became sexually active, yes 13. From 13 to 25, I had sex many, many times and was "safe" EVERY TIME. Never once did I worry that I would get pregnant, and I was 13! So, I have a hard time comprehending how it can be that anyone could NOT think about unwanted pregnancy before having sex. So, getting pregnant is NEVER an accident in my mind. Because every time you have sex, you risk getting pregnant.

However, I also know many people that have made that choice, and God Bless them. I am not sure I could have done it. Most of them did it for a very good reason and live with the choice everyday. And I am not sure that a teenager or woman in a bad relationship, should be praised for having a baby, she didn't plan. What kind of life with that mother and child have? Sometimes, I think, not having an abortion is the easy way out. You can blame someone else for YOUR choices, a child. A child, That I have seen first hand, suffer because his parents didn't want him, but were told abortion is wrong.

As the mother of two girls, I hope they are as smart as their mother:) and never have an unplanned pregnancy, but if they do, I want THEM to decide(hopefully with family support) what is best for them and that baby.

That brings me to the Government and Abortion. There is no other issue that I am more of a libertarian on(well, maybe seatbelts:) The federal government has NO business in this issue at all ever! It is a personal choice and freedom. What one does with their body is not the government's concern. Whether life begins at conception or viability or birth is open for debate and because of that and the fact that a majority of people cannot agree to an answer, until born a fetus and its rights belong to the woman carrying it. I think Roe v Wade was an awful decision, because I believe it is NOT a Federal Government Issue, not because I am against abortion.

And that is what I would like to hear from other people, WHY are YOU for and against things and candidates, not just mobo-jombo about records and stances. Why do YOU want it? Maybe YOUR reason is more valid than mine or makes sense and could help me decided who to vote for.

What Are Your Thoughts?

I've spent a great deal of my time the past few days reading about the Administration's "bail-out" plan. I am not sure what to think about it. My initial reaction is to HATE it as I am a "small-government" kind of girl, but I do think something needs to be done. People continue to getting laid-off, housing prices continue to fall, the dollar isn't getting and stronger and banks & investment houses keep folding. I think a "bail-out" needs to be made, but I also think someone should have to pay for the mess that has been made. A CEO, a bank owner, a financial adviser; I am not sure who or how, but someone should be held responsible.

I see that Sen Obama supports a "bail-out" of some sort, but is waiting to see the plan and that Sen McCain also agrees that something needs to be done and wants to see the plan. So, neither is jumping on or off this one just yet.

I would like to know how this is going to play-out in my life. If you know, please share with me. I really want to know!

Thanks!

Politics and Movies...

Since it is Sunday, I thought I'd share a lighter-side of my politics-

While watching football this afternoon, I decided that Politics is alot like Movies. How so you ask? Because no matter how bad a movie is Critics always say (fill in something good); and in politics you can always find an Expert that will tell you that(fill in a plan by a candidate)is the right one for the country.

Now, my questions are: Are these Critics and Experts real people? Do they get paid? And if so, can I get that job? I can find something nice to say about anyone or anything:)

John McCain on Abortion...

Just to be clear, Not ALL republicans think that a woman who gets pregnant during a rape, should be forced to carry the baby to term.


Where he Stands

* Pro-life and an advocate for the Rights of Man everywhere. (Feb 2008)
* GovWatch: 1999: Don't force women to have illegal operations. (Feb 2008)
* Abortion issue shows what kind of country we are. (Aug 2007)
* Concerned if women undergo illegal dangerous operations. (May 2007)
* Supports federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. (May 2007)
* Prosecute abortion doctors, not women who get them. (Jan 2000)
* “Family Conference” if daughter wanted an abortion. (Jan 2000)
* Abortion OK if raped; and no testing for rape. (Jan 2000)
* Supports fetal tissue research; against over-intensity. (Jan 2000)
* Overturn Roe v. Wade, but keep incest & rape exceptions. (Jan 2000)
* Support adoption & foster care; work together on abortion. (Oct 1999)
* Wants Roe vs. Wade made irrelevant, but would not repeal it. (Aug 1999)
* Opposes partial-birth abortions & public financing. (Aug 1999)
* Nominate justices based on experience, and values. (Jun 1999)
* Restrict abortions; no partial-birth; no public funding. (Jul 1998)






His Voting Record


* Supports repealing Roe v. Wade. (May 2007)
* Voted YES on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
* Voted YES on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
* Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
* Voted YES on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
* Voted NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
* Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
* Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
* Voted YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
* Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
* Voted YES on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998)
* Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
* Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004)
* Rated 75% by the NRLC, indicating a mixed record on abortion. (Dec 2006)
* Prohibit transporting minors across state lines for abortion. (Jan 2008)

I know that there are conservatives that do not believe in abortion under any circumstances and yes, Sarah Palin is one of them, but Johm McCain is not.

More Politics

As we have already determined, I am a Political Junkie, and my blogging friend Casey(check out her blog here) has been kind enough to engage me, I found a cool site today about both Senators Obama and McCain. It measures the truth in what they are saying on the issues and about each other. Check it out here if you have time. It is a quick take on the issues and where each Senator stands.

How Do You Know You're A Dork?

Let me tell you what Husband and I did tonight(after an awesome dinner with the Kelleys) We watched the Virginia Senate Debate between former Governors Gilmore and Warner. I LOVE ELECTION YEARS!!!! I cannot get enough of this "circle-talking". I do wonder how anyone could not love this stuff. They said nothing new, which is usually the case in these debates, but I cannot get enough!

I can totally see how people leave good jobs to go work on campaigns. If I could just trust any politician, I would absolutely volunteer!

The Alleys...

In the comment section in my last post my darling sister brought up the Alleys in Belmar where I spent many a Friday night.

The town that I grew-up in was a small town, at least in the winter(we were a shore town so the Benny's came in the Summer:) where everybody really did know everybody else. Our school held grades K-8 and some of my teachers had been my fathers teachers and the others were his friend. My friends were the children of his friends. My soccer coach was the Principle of the school where I went, it was a small town.

Anyway, on Friday nights, our town would have DANCES(Rec Dances as they were sponsored by the recreation department in town). The dances ran from 7-9pm and after the dance, we would walk to the only pizza place in town(the town is about 2 square miles) Don's Pizza King. It was on Main Street in a square( It was really 2 blocks that were just connected, the street didn't run trough there:) So, we would get our pizza and then head outside to "hang" until it was time to be picked up- usually between 10:30-11:00. Back to the Alleys, they were covered(with tin roofs-think carport:) walkways between a few buildings to take you through the block. Nothing fancy, but on any given Friday night from Sept-May you could find kids in these Alleys stealing a kiss or two hoping that nobody's parents drove by and saw them, because them your parents ould be asking you come Monday why you were kissing so-and-so, and didn't every girl what to have that conversation with her parents:)

I am glad that my darling sister brought up those Alleys, it brought back many, many memories and mostly good ones:) I am also happy that we have no Alleys here for my kids to hang out in:)

I'm In!

I am officially accepted and enrolled in my Master's program. I am so excited and proud of myself. My classes start October 6th! It has been such a long road, but I am here( I just hope the Master's is done faster than the bachelor's) What's more exciting for me is that when I am done with this program, I will be able to get a job doing something I enjoy and that is always helpful:)

Graduation is all set for October 18th and I can't wait. The kids will be there to cheer me on!

Adjusting or Not...

School starting for the kids has been quit an adjustment for me and for them. It starts in the morning having to be somewhere, which is just not a concept that I enjoy. Then, the school day is just not convenient. Not enough time to do somethings, and long for others. Maggie has not started school yet so, I then have to entertain her ALL DAY LONG(please spare the nasty comments, I know I should treasure these moments) I however am looking forward to October when he is in school three mornings a week.

What happens when they get home is even worse! The car ride home is filled with loud children all talking at me at the same time. Each louder and louder so that they can be heard. Needless to say, I have heard nothing. But at least the kids are restrained with seat belts in the car, because once they unbuckle the fun really starts! Racing to the door, pushing into the house then the good stuff, yelling, screaming, hitting and even a few bites this week. I spend the next 2 hours trying to referee these matches while trying to get dinner cooked and homework done, it is a wonder I am not is an institution by the time Husband gets home.

Bedtime used to be good around here and that too has all changed with the start of school. It is a fight with the kids every night to go to sleep, which then makes every morning start the same way!

So, I am looking for ways to channel my inner patience, because I guess my meds don't do that:) However what they are doing is allowing me to write this, with a bit of humor and no tears:)

HUSBAND!

Before I go today, I would like to say :



HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HUSBAND! THANK YOU FOR THE BEST 9 YEARS OF MY LIFE!

A Look Inside...

My blogging buddies seem to have a political & religious theme going and I have to say this has been rather interesting. It is exciting to me to see what makes people tick and their beliefs on politics & religion can sure help with that insight. The other thing I find interesting about people's political views is how different they look to me as an insider looking out. Living in the DC metro area for the past 11 years has made me see things a bit differently than most. Husband worked for a member of Congress for 8 years so I have seen first hand how a bill becomes law, and all the work that it takes to be a member of Congress. Husband also worked at the White House and we were given some great opportunities to go there with our children and to meet the President. Watching the fireworks on the 4th of July from the South Lawn of the White House with your three kids is amazing and really it doesn't matter who the president is at that moment. You are at the White House on the 4th of July watching fireworks, what is more American than that! I gotten to meet people that most of the country sees on TV and seen that they are in-fact people and not just a party. Don't get me wrong, I have my political opinions and vote based on policy not personality(usually:) but it is just a little different when you are standing in line with a Senator and his wife talking about bathrooms in the White House. When work is done here, politics can get left at the office, so when Sen. McCain and Sen. Biden say they are friends, it is not just or show, they may really like eachother. And if you come to town, you could see a Democrat and Republican having dinner and enjoying the company:)

HELP!

Have you ever been overwhelmed to the point of being paralyzed? You have no idea where to start because the list of "TO DO'S" is just too long and the time just too short.

I have a bad habit of over committing, I cannot say no(except to my family:). So, right now on my plate I have 2 finals for school, an accounting project, front desk duty and my mom, sister and niece coming tomorrow. Throw in there grad school, which starts Oct 6, religious education for the kids, which starts Sept 25th, swimming lesson(Sept.21), College Graduation Oct 18, soccer until Nov.1, Declan's b-day(Oct 2), Back to school night next week, a soccer meeting, Husband traveling and taking classes. A birthday party for Declan and Killi and I am just going crazy. And Maggie starts school on the 29th. Too Much To Do! If you have tips to get me started, I'd love them!

A Thought..

I've decided that PMS just isn't fair!

What Happens ...

I know I have mentioned many times that Husband and I have been together for 18 years and married for 9(next week:), but I still want to know is the is a secret to having a long and happy life together and if so what is it? And what I really want to know is what happens to your relationship after your kids grow-up and move out? Does your relationship just grow as your kids do? So, I am just wondering.

Comments...

I was going to just leave a comment to Rebecca's Blog, but I had too much to say on the topic, so I figured I use an entire post for comment. Her post was about the fact that Gov. Palin's 17 year old daughter, Bristol is pregnant and getting married. At issue is that fact that the Palin's are Christan and their values do not condone this type of behavior and there for should we be praising Gov. Palin as a mother and her daughter for her choice to marry at 17 and have the baby. I am going to respond based on my life experiences on this topic.

First, this story, which was never being hidden, just not volunteered, was commented on by Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin because there were many stories on the net suggesting that The Palin's last child was not theirs, but their daughter's, which was false. So, they commented in hopes of letting people know that she is in fact pregnant. I am not sure though why it was necessary to print lies about something so serious.

Second, on the issue of Christian values and pre-marital sex, I think it comes down to a church to church basis. For instance, when husband and I were going to our counseling before we got married, the priest knew that we had been having sex, and that was okay in our church as we were in a committed relationship. I know not all church preach that, but ours did.

Third, on the choice to support her daughter in her choice to have the baby and get married at 17, I think it is good. Good not because it would/or would not be my choice, but because they are standing by there value of life. I am sure they had hope for their daughter not to have gotten pregnant, but she did and what do you do next? The answer to that question is what speaks to the heart of their values. As parents, many of us are faced with choices on how to handle things our children have done that we would have rather they not, but we are their parents and do what is best to support them. I think that the Governor, her daughter and her entire family should not be praised, but left alone to deal with this private family issue. It is not something that makes her unable to be Vice- President.

Last, as for Bristol and the baby's father getting married at 17, I have been with my husband since I was 15, I am 33 now. I could have gotten married at 17 and been okay. I didn't, but at 18 we were living together and have ever since.