Thursday, November 8, 2012

FORWARD

That was one of Obama's campaign slogans.   I think it needs to apply to me now.  It's time to move beyond obsessing over the election - simply because it's over.  But it's over in a good way -  and for that I am grateful.

You know all of the incredible results so I won't re-hash them.  Instead I'll  simply post a pic of Caden.  In fact, I think this picture says what I'm feeling.

Higher, Higher, Higher!


Monday, November 5, 2012

Election Eve...

I'm back.  It's not like I really went anywhere - other than to "obsession land".  That's what's happened lately with me and this election.  It's become so engrossing that I wasn't able to continue writing about it (if that even makes sense).

On this night before the actual day that I've been waiting for for about the past two years, I give you a mantra.  Not one written by me - but one that sums up why I still believe Barack Obama should be re-elected.

But before I ask you to read it, I have a little story from the lips of my son about why he would vote for Obama.  It happened during a ride to school last week as we were carpooling with two neighborhood kids who happen to be in 2nd and 4th grade.  I asked all of them in the car, "what is more important - Election Day or Halloween?"  Thank goodness that two of them in the car said "election day".  I'll not name the one passenger who briefly thought Halloween was more important.  Anyway...the two older kids said they would like to vote for Obama and then stated that a couple of their friends said they would vote for Romney.  I asked if their friends gave them reasons why they would vote for Romney.  Their answer, "No".  The younger passenger in the car immediately piped up with, "I have a reason to vote for Obama - he thinks my Daddy and Papa should be able to get married!"

Yes - I was proud!

and on that note...please take the time to read this (or at least hit the high points).  It's written so much better than I could have ever done it.

http://www.tilsonfunds.com/VotingObamaAgain.pdf


Monday, September 3, 2012

End of Summer...

Summer in Portland means we turned on our air conditioner for one day.  Yes - you read that correctly. One day.  I'm sure we would have turned it on more had we been in town for those three days when it was actually hot...but maybe not.

It was the summer of national park adventures to the East of us.  We hit three of them this summer.  We were still out "west" - but just not west of Portland.  From a week in Colorado to two weeks in Jackson Hole with a little bit of the Sawtooth Mountains and Yellowstone National Park thrown in for good measure, we had our share of western adventures.

Speaking of Yellowstone National Park...you aren't a good parent until you take your kids there.  Seriously, it's worth it.  Also hit Rocky Mountain National Park and of course Grand Teton NP.  The Sawtooth mountains should have there own national park.

All in all it was a great August and now we've got a 1st grader in our house.

Wish him (and us) luck.


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The Butler Did It

I'm back and have so much to comment on that I don't even know where to begin.  How about I just throw out one thing tonight and save the Romney/Ryan campaign for another day?

A headline caught my eye this past week.  It was something about the Pope's "butler" being indicted for  releasing Vatican "secrets" to an author of a scandalous book about the inner workings of the Vatican.  (or something like that).  O.K. - I'm sure you see where this is headed.  A "butler"?  Seriously?  The Pope has a "butler"?  Don't misunderstand me...I'm quite aware that the Pope is head of a multi-bazillion dollar corporation that makes widgets (or fairy tales) or whatever...and he could probably use some help with typing and filing and all of the other standard corporate head honcho duties...but a "BUTLER"?  Does he bring a gin and tonic to him every evening at 5:45 and lie out his evening wear??  This Pope guy has quite the life...and it's all a tax write-off!

Don't even get me started on what the "secrets" might involve.  Seriously?  (I like to use the word Seriously with a question mark after it,)  Vatican secrets?  As in it's all really a fairy tale and we can't let anyone find out?

This one was just too good to let slip by.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Randomness

I've been meaning to blog on the John Edwards trial.  You probably aren't aware - but I was obsessed with it.  I got into it so deep that I actually found transcripts of voice mails that he left for that other creepy character in the drama, Andrew Young.  

I know.  It's pathetic.  Not just the salaciousness of the trial - but the fact that I followed it so closely.  I'm not even sure why I'm mentioning it now.  I sometimes just have to get things off my chest - and you never know when I'll blurt them out.  I told Kevin a couple of weeks ago and he just stared at me.  That's it - just a stare.  No comment from him.  (I'm hoping he just didn't hear me and felt no reason to ask me what I said.)

The whole group of players are a bunch of odd balls - and I'm obviously including John Edwards.  I'm also including the daughter that showed up every day with him for the trial.  Really Kate?  

I know that we all make mistakes and lord knows I've made some - but I would never expect family or friends to have to show public support in the way that she did.  You can still love your Dad, Kate...but please...show some integrity for your mom - or is there any left in that family.

I'm sure you also expected a much longer post on Obama's statement about his support for same-sex marriage.  I actually thought his words said it all.  It's nice to know that the person sitting in the oval office - thinks my relationship should be equal legally to his.  I could have written for days about the ridiculousness of the reaction from the typical "anti" folks - but they didn't say anything new - so why even bother!

We're off to Bend this weekend.  Thanks to friends/neighbors who are giving us the key to their house.  I promise we won't break anything - or at least that we will replace whatever we do break.

Nine more days of school for Kindergarten year.  That's nine more days of making Caden's lunch - until we start all over again in September.

 

  

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

We hardly Newt ya...

I had practically forgotten that he was still in the race for the Republican nomination, but Newt Gingrich finally called it quits today.  The blowhard of all blowhards ran out of cash (or at least other people's cash) .  I imagine that Calista made it clear that she didn't want them to keep dipping into their personal funds to pursue something they both knew just wasn't going to happen.

Remember those days of watching a stage full of loons provide us with hours of entertainment during their debates?  It seems like a lifetime ago.  I know at one point I was adamant about the fact that Rick Perry would become the nominee.  I even think I came around at one point and had to admit to the inevitability of Newt carrying the banner this Fall.  (Oh how I hoped that would have been the case - just for the turmoil it would have created within the Republican party alone.)

But it just won't happen now.  The numbers pretty much point to Mitt carrying the banner now.  Did you notice Newt's "support" for Mitt?  It was basically, "vote for Mitt because he's not Barack".  It doesn't exactly get you on your feet applauding.

and on another note...We have First Grade orientation tomorrow night.  It's for the parents to meet the First Grade teachers.  How did I get to the point in my life where I'm going to a First Grade orientation for a child of mine.

Maybe it's just luck.  I'll gladly take it!




Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Bus Ride Haiku

My kid took the bus home from school for the first time today.

He said he loved it.

I  think I'm going to love it more.

(O.K. - it's not really a Haiku)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Bye Bye Rick...

Of course it was all because of "family" and had nothing to do with the fact that you were about to be embarrassed in your home state.

Keep saying it Rick...who knows...someone might actually believe you.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Just wondering...

Is it weird if you stop at McDonald's on the way to Whole Foods?

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Baby time

Nothing better than having a new baby in the neighborhood - who also happens to be a cousin.  Welcome Nico.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Will it even matter?

I don't think so...

I'm talking about the Supreme Court's decision on "Obamacare" or whatever you want to call it.  It's an election year and pundits are frothing at the mouth regarding how this decision will affect November's race between Obama and (most likely) Romney.

Seriously...who's mind will be changed with a decision to uphold or dismantle/destroy the Affordable Health Care Act?  The folks who hate Obama (of which there are plenty) will still vote for a tree over him. The Obama supporters will still cast their vote as you would expect.  I just don't believe that many "undecided" voters actually exist.  Passions run high on both ends for Obama - and I've never met anyone who was truly "undecided" when Obama's name is on the ballot.   People might be lukewarm toward one or the other - but lukewarm is still better than cold.

The arguments in front of the Supreme Court have validity on at least one issue - the "individual mandate".   Legitimate concerns can be made from both angles.   I have a problem with the lies about other parts of the bill that the opponents like to throw out.   For instance, your insurance premiums were going to rise this year - period.  The insurance companies want you to think it's because of Obama - but come on - check your premium rates for the past 5 years and see what the increased percentages are.  If the bill fails to pass muster with the Supreme Court, do you really think the insurance companies are going to begin issuing refunds for the increases?  Not likely.

Back to my original point.  The upcoming decision will fill the airwaves and print media with a lot of fodder  - but to say that it will harm or help Obama/Romney in a general election in November is probably a waste of breath.

on another point...we're home from Sun Valley.  Great time had by all.  Pics will follow soon (I hope).

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Don't believe them

Weathermen (or women) that is...

I'm sure you've figured that out by now.  I know weather forecasting is a science - but don't you think we would have it figured out a little better by now?

All of this is just a preamble for me to say - the weather in Sun Valley has been great - and so has the snow.  Driving into town you might be more than a little concerned, but the magic of snowmaking is definitely something that has been figured out.

Sitting in the pool yesterday we were thinking, "didn't we leave Portland this week to be away from school because of Spring Break?"  I think half of Caden's school was in the pool (ok - maybe an exaggeration).

We'll find Hemingway's grave before we leave town.  If not this trip though - definitely another time, because we'll be back.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Not my strong suit

Spontaneity...

Normally,  a trip like this would have been in the planning stages for at least a couple of months.  We've made the last minute decision to join some other families from Caden's school on a ski trip to Sun Valley, Idaho.   And to top it off...we're driving.

I'll keep you posted..

Friday, March 16, 2012

Eagle Day

It was an Eagle-rific Day in Caden's classroom today.  Everything you could possibly want to know about Eagles - and then some.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Movies

Yes - I'm watching the Academy Awards and don't mind admitting it.  My two other guys are at a movie and I have the entire house to myself - except for Kona.  Oddly, she's not that interested in watching.

We are still recouping from a week in Jackson Hole with great friends and family while enjoying the best mountains in the country.

Today we had a visitor from Philadelphia with his 4 year old daughter stop by our house .  They are applying for admission to the same school that Caden attends and were in town for part of the process.  The school gave them my name as a person who can give them a sense of what the school "community" is like.  I hope that by inviting a few other families over with all of their kids helped give them an idea of what our little "community" is like.  If they withdraw their application - maybe the school should reevaluate the idea of handing out my contact info to prospective applicants.

Back to the Academy Awards...still haven't seen Hugo but obviously someone liked it.



  

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Snowed in

That's what happens in this neck of the woods on occassion.  Flights that need to take you home aren't necessarily always able to make it in and thus the backup of travelers begins.  Unfortunately, the airline can't get us out until tomorrow instead of yesterday.  Fortunately, Caden says his Wizard's spell worked and our flight was cancelled.  He lucked out with another day of ski school.  Only negative is that his cousins left today.

I hope to watch the Repugligant debate tonight.  It's been a while since that comedy has been on.  I'm glad they have a new episode.   Only 4 left on the stage and they are each "special" in their own right.  It will be interesting to see if the Santorum surge continues.  Lordy - I hope so!

I'll just leave you with this one pic.  It's his new favorite way of skiing.  Yes - Backwards!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Snow Days

We find ourselves hitting the slopes for 5 days in Jackson Hole with a son who has decided that he could ski every day for the rest of his life and be totally content.  The idea sounds great to a 6 year old and at that age the realities of life haven't set in.  Boy - is he in for a let down.

Have I mentioned that I hate it when people make the comments about "kids growing up so fast"?  I know I have - look back and you'll probably find it.  BUT - it's true.  I was watching him do things on skis that scared the daylights out of me and he had a confidence that I've never even seen in myself - on anything!  Here comes the line I really hate..."It seems like just yesterday" he was hesitant to even walk on the snow - much less going over metal railings in the terrain park area of the mountain.

Since I've made it clear that this blog is really for Caden to read years from now to see what was going on in his Papa's mind...please know that his Papa was unbelievably proud of him.

For those of you who think I mention my son too much on this here blog...if only you would have seen him, you would know why he was worth another post.

Oh - did I also mention that he thinks it's cool that he can go down a "black diamond" and his Papa can't (or won't)?

It's back to home tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Sun to Snow

I had my first visit to Santa Barbara last weekend.  Is there such a thing as computer generated weather?  Seriously, I almost spit out my food when I heard a lady at a table next to me state she was going to Palm Springs next week because the weather there was so good.  Really lady?  You live in the perfect climate and you are seeking even better?  Greedy is what I call it.

Heading to Jackson Hole tomorrow for a slightly different climate.  I probably won't get the same picture of me in front of a lemon tree that I managed in Santa Barbara.

Not that I like to give endorsements on this here blog - but this one is worth it.  If you get a chance to experience San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito (just up the street from Oprah's house), please don't turn it down.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Not as long of a wait...

I can't let the several month hiatus happen again.

It's time for a few more ramblings...

Newt Gingrich thinks he can come in second in the delegate count to Mitt Romney and get to the convention this summer  and then say something along the lines of, "See - I told you that Mitt Romney wouldn't be your choice"...or something like that.  I know - it doesn't make sense to me either - but I'm pulling for him because I want to keep writing about this fiasco.

Obama has declared "war" on the Catholic Church.  At least that's according to the aforementioned Newt and Rick Santorum.  I love how people who have never actually been in a war get to throw the term around so freely.  Anyway - best as I can tell - it's all because of the Affordable Health Care Act that tells insurance companies that they have to fulfill certain requirements in their coverages.  One of those is "contraception".  Catholic institutions are saying that since contraception is against their church's teachings, that they should get an exception on this.  Obama disagreed.  Thus we have a "War".  Of course the Catholic institutions leave out the part that Obama is not requiring everyone to use contraception.  Why are the institutions so concerned?  Surely all practicing Catholics aren't using any form of contraception to begin with since it's against church teachings - so what are they worried about?  No one will be taking advantage of the discounted birth control pills anyway.  Oh wait a minute...never mind.

Portlandia.  Add it to the list of things I was wrong about.  I knew it would never take off nationally.  Oops!

Super Bowl.  OK folks, I really do like watching football.  I just don't like it when people call the Super Bowl victors "World Champions".  Uh - how do we spell "arrogance"?  U.S.A.!

That's all for today.  Oh - did I mention that I'm off to  Santa Barbara this coming weekend?

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Slacker

That's me - at least as far as this blog has been going lately.  Actually, it hasn't been going at all.  Sorry about that for those of you who check it each day to see the brilliant prose that appears on your screen.

OK - back to reality...

So much to say and so little time - before I have to go to Target.  Remember those days when I was so sure that Rick Perry was the automatic shoo-in for the Republican nomination?  Yes - I thought he was a buffoon and was also excited that he would be the nominee - because the entire country would get to see his "buffoon-ness".  Oops...that's the problem.  The entire country caught on to him and decided not to buy into it.

But then along came Newt - again.  Yes - I wrote him off (as many others did) - but he has arisen.  It's really quite simple.  He gets to play "angry" - and people LOVE "angry".  He doesn't even have to be coherent - just sound mad and indignant when someone asks you about one of your three marriages and crowds will eat it up.  You see - many people would rather have a thrice married/serial adulterer in a position of power - than a Mormon.  That stat will never appear in any polls because most people would deny it - but it's there - trust me.

One problem Newt - (well actually I have a lot with him, but here's just one).  It's a brand new idea and deserves all caps.  SPACE COLONY BY 2020!  Yes - that's the latest from Newt.  The "anti-big government/stop the spending mantra seems to have gone by the wayside on this idea.  Of course all I can think when I hear it is "big government program that will cost gazillions of dollars" - and of course doesn't come with a way to pay for it.

Newt doesn't consider that a problem - because the people he is playing to don't care.  They just want him to sound angry and don't want to concern themselves with what he actually says.  

As Kevin likes to say to me, "It's all in your tone".

and now for a completely unrelated picture...I promise he was attached to a rope (or at least I think he was.