Second Trimester... and randomness



Why yes, that is the same dress as I wore for my 13 week picture but in a different color.  :)

Second trimester... where's my energy?!  I feel it slowly creeping back, although I really think my exhaustion is as much a function of my sleep the night before than it is placenta making at this point.  Other than the sleep issues, I am feeling good and I have been in much better spirits than I was when I wrote my last post.  Matt had a dream that we got the results and Baby O did not have Down syndrome.  I thought that was a good sign.  My initial gut feeling was that the baby does not have DS, but I have gone back and forth on that since.  I just feel like there have been some signs that s(he) does, but then again, I am probably noticing things more now, you know?  I guess hopefully we'll have a better indication of it one way or another soon!

The thing I am most excited about is that my BFF and I are hosting a very small little baby shower luncheon in honor of another BFF this weekend!  Which means that several of my most favoritest people in the world will all be under one roof.  This makes me happy.  Also, the Gators take on LSU this weekend, and I am FIRED UP!  I am not expecting a win, but I am quite hopeful. 

Lastly, I did not watch the entire debate last night (I just get annoyed and I'm voting for Romney... I've known this since 2008), but from what I saw, I thought he did great.  I do not agree with his entire platform (or with parts, hello reproductive health/assistance, of Ryan's plan, which I don't see becoming a reality).  As I've said many times before, I am socially moderate to liberal even.  But, to me, this election is a referendum on the economy, and Romney is the clear choice.  If you don't agree, that is fine and the beauty of America... we can all go vote on November 6 and make our voices heard.  Plus, while I appreciate that Obama has publically announced his support of gay marriage, nothing has changed while he's been in office, so that alone does not earn my vote.  So, anyway.  I thought Romney was the clear "victor" of what I saw in the debates last night, and I hope many undecided were watching and agree that it is time for change... Obama had his chance and he has not delivered on many of his promises from 2008.  Time will tell.

POTUS

I have never hidden the fact that I lean more toward conservatism (except on many human rights issues, i.e. gay marriage) or that I did not vote (and will not vote) for President Obama.  However, this whole Governor Brewer chastising President Obama "controversy" has me thinking (see here for another article).  Is the President immune from criticism?  Is it disrespectful to stick up for yourself in a disagreement with the President?

Of course, social media is abuzz and I've seen several posts on facebook (from supporters of the President) calling the Governor out for being rude, disrespectful, etc.  I would challenge those same people to stick up for the Office of the President when George Bush was our leader.  Nonetheless, I tend to agree with the crux of their argument.

While I do not agree with many of the policies our President has enacted or supports, I have the utmost respect for the Office of the President.  He (and hopefully one day, she) has a job that I do not envy and that none of us can comprehend unless there is a former President reading this lil' ol' blog  (if so, hi, and call me!).  I would still get a thrill out of meeting President Obama and shaking his hand.  Hell, I'd love to sit down and have a beer with him and congratulate him on kicking his smoking habit and tell him how I admire the First Lady's children's health initiative.  I'd love to pick his brain about why he supports certain policies and share some of my ideas, like how his "shovel ready" projects are lame-o (build big infrastructure projects that are NEEDED and employ WAY more people over a WAY longer period of time than these little jobs).  And, if we disagreed, which we would, I would not back down.  However, I do think any President deserves a level of respect and decorum which was not displayed by Governor Brewer.

We're really only hearing her side of the story, but based on that, I support her sticking up for herself.  Just maybe don't put your finger in the President's face next time.

Governor Deal is Incompetent

That's about the nicest thing I've said about him since I found out he canceled the project Matt has been busting his ass on for the last year plus.  He will be receiving a strongly worded letter from me, and while I would love nothing more that to tell him he's an idiot, I'll keep it factual without name calling.

http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/5661 - this article explains it much better than I could.

I'm happy to say that I didn't vote for him!!!  Libertarian all the way, baby.  Ron Paul is inching up my list too (we'll see which party he runs under after the primaries are over), but I am still a Romney fan.

Spending that money, honey.

Phew, things are expensive.  And, apparently, money does not grow on trees.  I've been trying to win the lottery, but no luck.  How hard can it really be to successfully pick five numbers plus a power/mega ball?  Ponder that for a moment.

Unlike the United States government, Matt and I are {pretty much} fiscally responsible adults who have saved for everything we're now spending (plus more, of course), but it still hurts.  Our credit card bill is growing faster than the US debt to GDP ratio and our savings is shrinking like investor confidence!  {Perhaps I've been watching too much CNBC and Bloomberg.}  I like to think that we are trying to stimulate the economy to prevent another recession.  Everyone has to do their part.  We are sure doing ours.  Here's a little glimpse at some of our stimulus bill.


cabinets and countertops (different but similar countertops than pictured)

 

Virginia Bed - Ballard Designs (guest bedroom)



Weber gas grill - Matt's b-day present/our cooking apparatus while the kitchen is not functioning

 

Jenn-Air 30" downdraft gas range - I can't wait until I'm cooking with gas!



Whirlpool dishwasher (we're replacing a perfectly good Whirlpool that we really like, but it's white, so might as well make everything match when we're already spending this much... hoping to donate the old one to Habitat)



Vacation home in St. George Island - nicer than our house, one block to beach, private pool, dogs welcome.  Cannot wait.

 Anyone else out there, besides Jenn, also stimulating the economy by way of some home renovation, decorating or something else?  Do your part, people... do your part.

P.S.  I heard Timothy Geithner say that S&P's downgrade of the US bond rating was "irresponsible."  I laughed.  An evil, p-o'd laugh.  Really?  Because, what I find is irresponsible is the fact that we're in this mess in the first place.  I'm so over politicians... all of them.  Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Green, Independent, whatever.  I want to know who, if anyone, is actually trying to put the American people before their own interests????  End of rant.  Thank you for reading.

Food for Thought (or Chew on This)

Or, "Ew, gross."

Credit: Huffington Post

I've said it before and I'll say it again (and, I am far from a conspiracy theorist), if you haven't seen Food Inc., watch it or at least educate yourself on the "food production industry" in the USA.  See also: Michael Pollan.

P.S.  FYI - nothing on that food subsidy list is good for you in large quantities.  I have yet to find anything that tells me that fruits and vegetables (corn is not a vegetable, neither are legumes) are anything but good for you in large quantities.  Now, you might have some stomach issues if all you eat is fruit (see: The Grapes of Wrath), but I don't think anyone reading this here blog is starving.
P.P.S.  This is why animals like cows and chickens are fed grains (like corn) when they should be eating grass or bugs.  The government subsidizes these crops so other farmers buy corn for less than it costs to grow/harvest. 

Say what now?

If you know me or have read my blog for any amount of time, you know that I am a fiscal conservative.  I'm very middle of the road, dare I say, even liberal (gulp), on certain things (human rights), but monetary policy is not one of them.  I am very happy that Congress is working to extend the tax cuts, because I think raising taxes at this time would be a terrible idea.  I was just reading this article (yes, I know... Fox News but it's not an opinion piece) and came across this little nugget from President Obama, "It is a substantial victory for middle-class families across the country who would no longer have to worry about a massive tax hike come Jan. 1."  I thought the tax hike was only supposed to affect the wealthy, those couples making over $250,000 per year (or individuals making over $200,000).  But, now he's saying that it's the middle class.  Don't get me wrong, I think $250,000 per year is an awful lot of money, but I also wouldn't really call that wealthy.  You're probably not amassing a ton of liquid net worth at that income level, assuming both parents are working (investing in 401K, other investment, child care expenses, other expenses associated with two career-minded parents like possibly paying a house cleaner, etc.).  I digress, but you see where I'm going.

I'd like to go back to the word "massive" in President Obama's quote, as in massive tax hike.  So, now we're admitting that not only does said tax hike affect the middle class, it is massive.  I'm not coming down on our President; in fact, I applaud him for going against many in his party to do what I believe is the right thing for our economy at this juncture.  It's just funny how it was no big deal before... the wealthy were going to pay a little more in taxes... but now the middle class is being saved from a massive tax hike.

On a related note, don't even get me started on the estate tax!!!!  It is the most asinine thing to me.  Hey, let's tax someone who (more than likely) worked hard to amass wealth, and already paid taxes on that wealth.  Let's not only tax that money again, let's tax it at as much as 55%!!!!  The day we are paying our government more than half of our income in one fell swoop, I'm sending all of my money to offshore accounts in the Caymans.  I'm sure once I calculate federal and state income taxes, property tax, sales tax, gas tax, vehicle tax, etc. we're paying more than 50% of our income to the government, but all at once?  Makes me want to vomit.

And, now I'm off my political platform...  back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Edited to add: this

Illegal Immigration

Chew on this. Can you really blame Arizona for taking matters into their own hands when the Federal government isn't stepping up to do anything? Not to mention, the Arizona law only upholds Federal regulations. What's all the hoopla about? I believe the key term is ILLEGAL.

Dear Congress,

I could go on about how this bill doesn't address some of the key health INSURANCE issues that need reform (at least from what I hear... as a contributing member of society, I find it hard to find the time to read a 2400 page bill), but let's talk about the fact that until Americans start living healthier lives, our healthcare costs are going to be outrageous. I am FULLY on board with health insurance reform in a fiscally responsible manner, but let's not pretend that this is something that it isn't. It is not going to fix America's health crisis until the people of this country decide to get healthy. How sad is it that studies show that this generation's life expectancy is less than that of their parents?

I'm not going to pretend I have any clue what half of this bill is going to mean for me (do any of you even understand it), but I will tell you that I'm sick of our government and the way it runs it's "businesses." Hmmmm... Social Security, the Postal Service, VA Hospitals, Medicare, etc... need I say more?

"Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them."
-Ronald Reagan

Best regards,
A tax-paying citizen and contributing member of society

P.S. This is an interesting read.

"Healthcare Reform"

I really dislike the moniker "healthcare reform". Our healthcare system is actually a pretty good one... we have some of the best and most highly trained doctors and nurses in the world. It's our health insurance system that needs to be reformed. I've thought this for a long time (well, as long as any 27 year old would care about health insurance). It's absolutely ridiculous that an insurance company will not pay for a diabetic to get a special boot to increase blood flow to his leg but will then pay for the amputation required, because he couldn't afford the boot and his foot basically died. Let's talk about how much more that amputation costs - hospital stay, surgery, prosthetic, rehab, etc. What would be even better is for that insurance company to help said diabetic get rid of the disease (talking type 2 diabetes as a result of being overweight). I realize that is HIGHLY contingent upon the individual, but we should certainly have preventative programs in place that insurance will cover, considering obesity is one of the biggest health concerns in America.

Back to the topic of "healthcare reform" and President Obama's address last night. I agree with the basics of his plan - insurance companies cannot deny you due to a preexisting condition, you cannot be dropped if you get sick, and people without employer-based coverage can join together to negotiate with insurance companies. I am stating this all from memory, so I'm certain there were other things he proposed that I agree with. But, I still don't agree or don't understand HOW this is going to happen. And, I don't agree with other areas, for example, requiring everyone to have health insurance. Although, I think it's a wise choice, how can you require someone to have health insurance? That could be a constitutional violation of each citizen's right to choose. President Obama compared it to state's requiring auto insurance, but I don't see it as the same at all. I drive an automobile, which is a dangerous machine that I could seriously injure or kill myself or others with or could be killed or injured by someone else. Now, car insurance certainly doesn't prevent that, but should you be involved in an accident, you have some level of coverage by way of the insurance. I do think everyone should have health insurance, but constitutionally, I'm not so sure you can require it.

Also, Obama stated that the "estimated cost of this plan will not increase the deficit." Well, pardon me for siding with the nonpartisan CBO on this one, since the administration's "estimates" about the stimulus and unemployment were very wrong. I don't see how requiring better coverage and increasing the number of people covered will be cheaper. Maybe in the long run as people start doing more preventative care, but the CBO doesn't see it this way. And, I just really don't believe that they will cut billions in waste from Medicare and Medicaid to help pay for this plan. The day the government cuts wasteful spending out of our budgets, I'll shave my head.

Also, as ridiculous as it was for the Republican congressman to lash out at the president during a congressional address (really, are we in 3rd grade!?), he DID misstate the truth. The previous bill did create government bureaucracies that would have a say in your health care and did cover illegal immigrants. Perhaps this current proposal does not, but the House Bill did. I wouldn't advise it, but you can read it here if you're bored.

Do I have the answers? Heck no. But, I sure expect our government to work together to come up with a plan that will not bankrupt us and keeps government involvement as little as possible. But, there are still a lot of questions left unanswered after last night. How is this plan going to save money? What would be cut if the costs are what CBO predicts? Will this be like paygo that so many Democrats ran on in 2006 and then abandoned when they wanted to spend money? What about frivolous medical malpractice suits and tort reform?

I could go on and on about this... health spending is 1/6th of our economy. HUGE. Beyond huge. Trillions of dollars... money I can't even fathom, and I manage a several hundred million dollar real estate portfolio and stare at big numbers all day. I hope they get it right...

Edited to add: Forgot to touch on another hot topic. Illegal immigrants who do not pay into our system yet clog up our hospitals and don't pay their bills! Fix our immigration issues and that will take a big bite out of health care costs.

Oxymoron?

I am a Republican. If you look up the Republican Party in Wikipedia, it states, "Today, the party supports a conservative platform, with further foundations in supply-side fiscal policies (check) and social conservatism (maybe half a check)." So, maybe I am only half a Republican. Or, maybe I am a Libertarian. According to Wikipedia, "The political platform of the Libertarian Party reflects the group's particular brand of libertarianism, favoring minimally regulated, laissez-faire markets (check), strong civil liberties (check), minimally regulated migration across borders (no check), and non-interventionism in foreign policy that respects freedom of trade and travel to all foreign countries (no check)." I won't recite any more political party platforms for you, but suffice it to say that I don't favor the Democratic Party, Green Party or Constitution Party either. I guess I should classify myself as Independent.

It's hard to stereotype people into a group. When many people thing of Republicans, they may think of wealthy, white America and right-wing Christians. Well, I am not wealthy and I am not right-wing. I believe in the government and economic policies of the Republican Party, but I am also pro-choice and pro-gay marriage. Yes, not gay civil unions, but gay marriage. I am also Catholic, and my religion teaches against abortion, gay marriage, and stem cell research. But, here's the thing... the Bible wasn't written by God, it was written by man. And, it is my firm belief that God creates all of us - gay, straight or somewhere in between - and loves all of His creatures the same. I just can't believe that He would want us to judge and not allow two people who truly love each other to enjoy the bond of Marriage under His Holy Covenant. But, that is for the Churches to decide. And, one of the beauties of America is the separation of Church and State. So, let's take the religious factor out of it. The fundamental principle of our country is that ALL men are created equal and have certain UNALIENABLE rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So, why does that exclude gay men and women from marriage? I don't know. I get the family thing, but I just happen to know so many wonderful gay Americans that would certainly outlast 50% of American marriages and be wonderful parents. Some of them already are, because they once tried to conform and live a straight lifestyle. I think if kids have two loving parents, that's better than one or none, despite the sex. But, I agree that they need to have someone who is very involved in their lives of the opposite sex of their parents, as well. Anyway, all of these thoughts came about today due to Californians passing Proposition 8 banning gay marriage. That's fine if the Church does not want to marry gay people due to doctrine, and I hope that changes for all the religious gays who want to be married with God as the center of their marriage, but I don't think the government should deny its citizens that right. I understand the argument that marriage isn't a governmental institution and it was created by God, BUT may I remind you, a heck of a lot of people get married by the government and not the Church.

To quickly address the abortion issue, I am personally pro-life. I could never have an abortion, and I do believe that it is a form of murder, but as long as we have the death penalty, we should not make abortion illegal. I don't think it's my right to tell another woman she shouldn't have an abortion. You never know what it's like to walk in the shoes of someone else. Not to mention, women will still have abortions and have been for years before Roe vs Wade. It will become a black market health procedure and probably a lot less safe for the woman.

So, that's my political rant for today. I guess I'll just keep considering myself a moderate conservative until I invent my own political party that encompasses all of my crazy views on life. :)

The people have spoken...

and Barack Obama is our president-elect. As I have made abundantly clear, he was not my choice for the top office of our nation and the most powerful job in the world. However, I certainly don't think this is the end of our great country. The beauty of democracy is that we have the ability to elect our leaders, and if we don't like them, there will be elections in another two years for Congress and four years for President. I sincerely hope Mr. Obama surprises me and earns my vote in 2012, because that would be saying A LOT. I hope he does change our country for the better, I just don't feel comfortable that I understand what that change will be and how it will be better, but I will be optimistic. I will pray for him and his family, as well as vice president-elect Biden and his family, and all of the lawmakers as I would for any of our leaders... I pray that they have the faith, courage, and intelligence to do what is in the best interest of our country. I am certainly more worried about a Democratic majority in Congress than a Democratic President. I believe they hold the real power that affects the American people, our rights, and our money. I heard a pundit comment the other day that most presidents are probably shocked at the limited power they really have when they get into office, and I agree with that.

On a lighter note, Matt and I were watching election coverage last night, and we both about spit out our drinks when we saw this... they were breaking down what Indiana voters felt about Obama (too liberal, just right, too conservative), and 4% thought he was too conservative. We about crapped ourselves and laughed at what whack jobs they must be to think that! Crazy Hoosiers (love ya, Rhi! lol) I hope they think he's too conservative, because he isn't pro-gay marriage and not because they don't think his economic and government policies are liberal enough! Yikes!

Now that this election is finally over (thank God), can't we all just get along!? Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, Black, White, Purple, Green... we are all Americans and we all must unite and do our part to keep our country the wonderful, free, capitalistic society our founding fathers laid out for us in 1776. It's the American dream...

Did you go vote?

I did. It wasn't too bad. I got in line at 7:00 am and proudly hit the "Cast Ballot" button at 8:00 am. Matt didn't have the same luck. It took him 2 hours! I hope your polling location is/was as organized as mine. The poll workers at Mary Lin Elementary in Candler Park rock! They had their stuff together and got that line moving as quickly as possible. Kudos!

Now, get out there and make your voice heard. Regardless of who you're voting for, just go vote. It's your right and your civic duty. God bless America!

And, just in case you need a little urging, the following places are giving away freebies for your "I Voted" sticker:
-Starbuck's - tall coffee
-Krispy Kreme - patriotic doughnut
-Chick-fil-a - chicken sandwich (but you have to actually give them your sticker, so go there last... haha)
-Ben & Jerry's - scoops from 5-8pm
And, if you live in DC, Vegas, LA or Orange County (CA), you can get half off your $500 haircut and other services from Cristophe Schatteman or one of his talented stylists!

Funnies

I think I have made it abundantly clear that I am a Republican and will be voting for McCain, so don't be offended. I thought this was hilarious.

And this - http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/999596/. Seriously, go listen to this. It's so funny. In a nutshell, someone went out and asked Obama supporters if they agreed with certain policies, which are all McCain views and not Obama's, and they all agreed. They also thought Sarah Palin would be a good VP for Obama. LOL! Actually, not "LOL"... so uninformed. But, that's the beauty of America... everyone has the right to vote whether they know a thing about the candidates or not.

But, in all seriousness, I realize Obama is more than likely to be our next president, and I just hope he and Joe from Scranton, PA, do the right thing for the American people. It's not that I think either of them are bad people, I just think McCain would do a better job. And, yes, even Palin.

Cheating stinks.

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/13/cleveland-election-officials-launch-probe-acorn/

So does socialism... in a major way.

Vote for McCain!

I'd be glad to eat my words, but in my humble opinion, the best thing that will come from an Obama presidency is a Mitt Romney presidency in 2013. And, if McCain gets elected, we should get Romney in a prominent cabinet position to help clean up this economy! Say what you will, but that man is smart and he knows business.

McCain Palin 2008

I am not afraid to say it... I am a Republican, and I am PROUD to support John McCain and Sarah Palin for our next President and Vice President. Trust me, the three of you that read this will have the joy of reading my political rant later, but I won't go there yet. And, for the record, I don't think Barack Obama or Joe Biden are bad or evil people... I just don't agree with their politics. I hope you got to watch the RNC tonight.

I think I have a girl crush. Miss Wasilla 1984 all the way!