Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Happy Sweet 16!!!

The oldest turned 16 today!!! Personally, I never thought it'd happen as the child is definitely the "Mouth of the South", however, she was just cute enough to make it all the way. No, she's not driving yet, but that will happen soon enough.

In the meantime, happy birthday to a wonderful young woman. Your mother and I are very proud of you and the person you have become.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND LET THE BEATINGS BEGIN!!!

Dawn of a new day...

****begin soapbox****
Depending on your view point, today is either the dawn of a new day, or just another day in the life. History was made today either way - the first black President was installed. To me, before his speech, I felt it was just another day and time would tell whether this President was the stuff that our modern day legends are making him out to be. After the speech? I'm not sure. I do feel more motivated and invigorated by the speech than any other I've heard short of John F. Kennedy's "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" speech. In much the same way, that was the message. In much the same way, that's what we must do to succeed. I believe hard choices are coming and hard choices will be made. I believe we are about to see the end of social security (which isn't necessarily bad...I can't think of anyone around my age who believes it will be there for us anyway). I believe many other things taken for granted will be gone.

I believe however, that this is a means to an end, but not THE means to the end. By cutting ineffective programs, we will stem the flood. But until people realize they need to pick themselves up by the bootstraps and others decide to help in that process, our own worst fears will continue. I believe in time we'll find out if Barack is a good leader. I believe today however, he proved to be the correct leader at the correct time and his speech did as much to boost that confidence and pride as any I've ever heard.
****end soapbox****

Sunday, January 04, 2009

HOT Vacation locations...

The wife and I decided to discuss potential vacation spots with the children the other day. Usual locations came to mind - head home, go to Cedar Pointe, sand dunes, etc. One unusual location came up however - to go to the Sahara so we could have raw goat testicles and become real men. Apparently, the rest of our family is happy not being real men (especially since most of them are women); we passed on this opportunity. Thanks so much for the idea Bear Grylz.