Puppy Love

Normally I post about crimes against humanity like ignorance, intolerance, bigotry, hatred, racism, etc. (usually inflicted by the likes of Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Sarah Palin, and Dr,. Laura Schlessinger).  However, today's lesson boys and girls, is all about crimes against creatures who can't even engage in such abhorrent behavior and responsible pet ownership.  Let me just start by saying I LOVE my babies.  All three of them.  And if anything ever happened to one of them I would be devastated.  I have no children although I would love to have one.  That being the case I make up for not having kids by doting on my pups.  There are only two ways my pups will ever leave me. One is by going to that great puppy beach in the sky and the other is if by some unforeseen reason I ever become unable to give them everything they could possibly need. Then I would want them to be in a better place where they could have everything they need or want. But I don't see that ever happening.

I see too many pets (especially the area where I live) that are not taken care of the way they should be because their owners couldn't afford to get them in the first place, don't get them spayed/neutered and don't keep up with their shots because a vet is too much money for them.  If you can't afford the vet, you shouldn't have a pet. It is just like having children and never taking them to get shots or even to a doctor for a check up. It pisses me off that people do that to their pets. And there isn't a whole hell of a lot I can do about it. I wish I had the time and money to take all of them in but unfortunately, I don't.  So many puppies die out here in the country and that is unacceptable. Please make sure you can afford a pet before you get one.  The sad thing about this whole situation is that if I call animal control or a shelter about all of the neglected pets I see roaming our back roads they would most likely be picked up and put down. A staggering 75% of the animals in animal shelters down here in the south are put to death. Despite that disgustingly high percentage, there are still pet breeders down here and folks who will only buy from breeders.  How on earth could anyone even consider buying a bred pet with so many precious creatures in our shelters down here? 

I've recently started watching the show "Last Chance Highway" on Animal Planet. The woman on there is amazing. She is based out of Tennessee and she spends about $75,000 of her own money every year rescuing, caring for and placing animals in homes in the Northeast (where there is a shortage of pets to adopt if you can believe it).  If you live in the Northeast and are interested in pet adoption, please consider helping with the pet over-population down here in the south.  You can go here to check it out.  They're through petfinder.

And just so that I can end a happy and inspirational note, take a look at this video.  It will make you smile the whole way through. :o)  

Catholic Churches, Playgrounds and Mosques... Oh My!

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DADT.... Isn't it Ironic... Don't Ya Think?

They put their lives on the line for the sake of honor, liberty and freedom... yet, ironically, are asked to sacrifice their own honor, liberty and freedom. DADT needs to end.

Things That Make You Go Hmmmmmm.......

Ok so yes, I know...  It has been over a month since my last post.  What can I say? I go in spurts when it comes to blogging.  I'm not quite sure why because I am generally just chock full of hot air. I've had plenty to say in some groups I belong to on facebook but I think by the time I sit down to write an actual blog about the subject matter I feel that I have gotten it out of my system already and just don't feel like re-hashing the issue.  Well, I'm pretty sure there is more in me on these matters so this entry will consist of a sort of hodge podge of talking points and my thoughts on the issues at hand.  Some will be taken directly from what I said in my original comments in these groups and I'm sure I will add more to them as I get into the heart of it all.  Here goes...

Clitterrific!

Enter at your own risk!

Dear God,

Don't know if you noticed, but...

Your name is on a lot of quotes in this book.

Us crazy humans wrote it, you should take a look;

and all the people that you made in your image,

still believing that junk is true...

well I know it ain't, and so do you... Dear God.

~ Sarah McLachlan

Obama is a TERRORIST! A TERRORIST I Tell You!!!

Can you see my eyes rolling out of my head right now???  I just don't get it.  According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the American Language, 4th edition; a terrorist is "n.  One that engages in acts or an act of terrorism.; adj.  Of or relating to terrorism".  And, according to that same dictionary; terrorism is "n.  The unlawful use or threatened use of FORCE or VIOLENCE by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons".  So can someone please tell me how our current President fits this bill?  Seriously.  I just don't get it.  Lord I love living in the south... Doh!

Now, if you really want to talk terrorism, let's talk about this guy.

And because I generally like going out with a laugh, take a gander at this.

So uh... do they teach ignorance and hatred in school nowadays?

Oh wait... they do.  I guess that explains (some of) the idiocy I am seeing in a certain facebook group I belong to.  I mean seriously, do people not realize the damage they are doing to our kids by forcing them to deny their identity? Homophobia in general, along with the denial of equal rights to a large portion of America citizens angers me in the first place... but when kids get hurt, I get downright pissed off.  We should be teaching our children to love one another, embrace all types of people and accept their differences. Society needs to change, not these kids. Do people really think that gay teens are 8 times more likely to commit suicide than straight teens because being gay "makes" them suicidal??? Well, sadly, yes some people do. But no, it's because gay teens have to endure condescending adults, bullying classmates and a society who tells them they are "sinners" for being who they are. Despicable.  Luckily all hope is not lost for today's American youth, as students at Gunn High School have valiantly shown us in their stand against the Westborough Baptist "church".  Just one of these kids has more integrity and couth in their pinky finger than the whole lot of those hatemongers combined.

On a separate (but similar) issue, and a slightly lighter note, I think the hypocrisy of the people who support repealing DADT but not gay marriage is best summed up here by my favorite comedian Wanda Sykes.

Even Silly Beauty Pageants Aren't Immune to the Increasing Bigotry in this Country

That's right all you ladies of ethnic decent... come to our country (LEGALLY!) and look pretty, just don't try and win any contests for it. What is our country coming to? So sad.

It's a beauty pageant for crying out loud, she's not running for presidency. So now we are trying to take rights away from LEGAL AMERICAN CITIZENS? I'm sorry, but people have really taken this issue to a sad level of ignorance.  And isn't it funny how people soon forget all the other slip-ups and transgressions of past so-called "real" American Miss USA winners. But more importantly, who the hell cares? It's a beauty pageant. The entire premise is based on an outdated, sexist, stereotype of women who are supposed to fit into some sort of mold that men have created of their idea of what they should strive to be. Gag. I just find it sickening that the rampant racism in this country has actually filtrated such an irrelevent beauty contest. Although... I don't know why I should be surprised.

"Glenn Beck has Nazi Tourettes!"

Well Said Mr. Hansen, Well Said...

Obama, Reid, Pelosi deserve our thanks Standard-Examiner – Ogden, Layton, Brigham, Weber, Davis, Top of Utah News

I is an Edumacated Gradgiate...

Well, I did it.  I am an official college graduate (again).  I now have my Masters of Science in Administration.  It has been a long haul but I have finally reached the finish line.  Whoo Hoo!  Haven't been on in a while because I've been writing term papers galore but now that I NEVER HAVE TO WRITE ANOTHER FREAKIN' TERM PAPER AGAIN, I should be back to ranting more often.  Even though there is no one to rant to... :o)

In other news, check this out.

History Has Been Made. Again. :o)

OK, so I read a pretty interesting article today that pretty much sums up how Conservatives have dug their own grave in terms of health care reform and it actually gave me hope that this small step forward will not be thwarted come November.

I find myself getting annoyed at the naysayers despite the victory that we have achieved today.  I'm refraining from arguing with people about it so this is where having a blog comes in mighty handy!

One of the biggest concerns of the right wingers is that health care reform is going to cost too much money.  This makes me wonder, do they want us to just do nothing about the millions of people without health care coverage??  By the way, the majority of government spending goes towards the two wars that are being fought as a result of the lies and personal agenda of the PREVIOUS administration... but Obama is supposed to clean that mess up too, right? Oh and lets not forget he needs to get it done overnight, if not then he MUST be a horrible President.  Yet another argument I've heard is that our government screwed up Social Security and Medicare so they don't want them having a hand in our medical insurance.  First of all, if left to the insurance companies, it would be just a matter of time before millions of American's became bankrupted themselves because of high cost premiums, drugs and medical procedures.  Second, what other government would you suggest change it? The one on Mars? Whether you like it or not, this is our government and something needed to be done. Granted, we have a long way to go before we truly have the health care reform we really need but the alternative was to sit on our asses and do nothing. The only thing I've heard from republicans during this process has been complaints about the bill that was presented. When changes were made to try to alleviate most of those complaints, the republicans came back with even more complaints. It became painfully evident early on that no matter how health care reform was presented, the republicans would vote against it and spew untruthful propaganda to try to stop it simply because they saw (see) it as a political strategy to get Obama out of office. Contrary to popular belief, just voting no on everything is not a responsible or patriotic action. As a matter of fact it makes it look like republicans care only about the money in their pockets rather than the better good, although granted, they've had that reputation for quite a while now.

Honestly, I don't have it in my heart to feel any other way on this issue. Again, something needed to be done about the millions of people currently without healthcare coverage and while I don't think that this bill will miraculously solve all of our problems, I think it's a step in the right direction. So many are concerned about raised taxes and while that is a valid concern, I think that human life takes precedent over taxes. I probably make about 1/3 the money of the people complaining about this bill.  And I'm pretty positive it's the people who make over $200,000.  This is a very happy day for me because I believe it provides a light at the end of a tunnel that so many have been trapped inside of for so long. In 20 years I believe I'm going to look back and be proud of this day. You may not believe that but I do. And we both have that right. Time will tell. Until then, I'm just going to be happy and not let naysayers bring me down. Peace out non-existent homie's.

To Whore, Or Not To Whore.... What Was The Question?

I'm wondering if I should start whoring myself out to get some followers... I just feel so weird commenting on someone's blog saying "Add me please (or whatever you call it on here), I'm pathetic and I have no friends/followers (gotta get used to these new terms! ;o))".  Plus, I also feel like the new kid on the block at a neighborhood party trying to join the other kids playing hide and seek and being ignored.  If I jump into a conversation on someone's blog who has had an established group of followers for a while, is everyone gonna think "Who is this chic and what the hell is she doing in our little group?"  Ah well, I'm probably gonna bite the bullet and jump into some conversations.... eventually.

A Little of This, A Little of That

So... it isn't OK to bring a same sex date to prom (because homosexuality is contagious ya know) but when Jane loses her virginity to Dick (pun intended) and ends up getting pregnant on prom night, it'll be OK because at least that's "normal" (even though the bible says that sex before marriage is a sin too- not that I... buy that either). Although, I just had to laugh at myself for even alluding that most girls wait until prom to give it up... silly me. :o)  I posted this article on facebook and a friend of mine commented that he didn't think it was a biblical thing, but rather a by-law of the school.  The thing is, it IS a biblical thing in that the by-law would most likely never have been written if it weren't for an overwhelming belief by the administration in the teachings of the bible. Regardless of those beliefs, no religion should influence laws, rules or regulations pertaining to schools (or any public organization for that matter). Up until very recently, there were still segregated proms in the south. And those were written into by-laws as well... still doesn't make it right.  These kids have a hard enough time being teenagers, let alone being gay teenagers. And that is because our nation still has a very long way to go in this area. Until people can learn to respect each other and not judge another person's lifestyle and our country stops denying rights to a whole segment of our population, we will continue to have these problems. Well, good for you Constance... keep standing up for your rights and maybe someday those people will realize how ignorant, judgmental and bigoted they are.


On a brighter note, Betty White will be hosting SNL on May 8th.  This makes me extremely happy.  I love that woman.  Truth be told, I haven't tuned in to SNL since the nineties.  But for Betty White, I will.

TV Rots Your Brain

Is it just me or is Martin Bashir really annoying?  Or maybe pompous ass would be a better word? I usually don't watch Nightline but I was on the phone with K and didn't switch the channel when the local news was over.  He was reporting a story on that wacko group "Insane Clown Posse".  Not really my thing, but he was basically saying that their music was causing young people to murder and rape people.  Granted, their music is sick and twisted and definitely not therapeutic to a nut job, but if someone is going to act out the things they see/read/hear about in a music video, video game, horror movie or horror story, you better believe they're already psychotic.  I mean really, I've listened to some pretty horrifying music, watched some pretty bloody movies, and read plenty of Stephen king novels growing up.  The difference is, I'm not crazy enough to act out any of the things described in said media.  Bashir just seemed so so condescending and self-righteous; made me want to reach through the TV and box his ears like a nun whose habit is too tight.  At one point the clown guys said something like "Are there people out there out of the millions that have bought our records who have murdered people?  Well sure".  To which Bashir replied "So you admit that people who have killed listen to your music."  Really?  Come on.  I'm sure Simon & Garfunkel had fans that murdered people too.  Hell, stick me in a room for an hour and make me listen to Celine Dion and I may just kill someone myself.  Of course, the clown guys looked like a couple of morons but that's beside the point.  Sidebar: Liger's really do exist... who knew?!

Speaking of TV.... I was thinking earlier today that I feel kind of bad for reality stars.  I mean, I know they put themselves in these crazy situations but they are human beings too.  Sometimes I wonder what goes on in their heads and how they feel when they are ripped apart in the media.  It was actually the story about that Bachelor couple that got married on TV last night.  I know, I know, ridiculous as it was and I know they got a free wedding out of the deal and all but man that guy got ripped apart for dumping the chic he picked for the other one.  I mean, I read somewhere that he would be walking down the street and people would yell at him and tell him he was a piece of shit.  God.  I cry when someone gets even a little bit mad at me (not in front of anyone of course :o)), I don't know what I'd do if people yelled at me when I was just walking down the street.  I don't know, just something that crossed my mind today when I was supposed to be working at work.

OK I'm gonna admit it now.  I am an American Idol fan. I try to hide it but I can't keep it in the closet anymore.  Really though, some of those kids on there have more talent in their little finger than most of the silly little teen queens on the radio nowadays.  And definitely more talent than Brittany Spears.  Ugh.  I really like Siobhan, Crystal, Didi, Lilly, Big Mike, Casey and some other guy but I can't remember his name right now.  And Ellen being on there now is just an added perk.  I LOVE Ellen. :o)  

OK, so that'll about do it for inane TV drivel. Sweet dreams nobody (see, because I have no followers.  Get it? Oh nevermind....).

Compassion versus Indoctrination

"We live in a culture that discourages empathy. A culture that too often tells us our principle goal in life is to be rich, thin, young, famous, safe, and entertained. A culture where those in power too often encourage these selfish impulses. They will tell you that the Americans who sleep in the streets and beg for food got there because they're all lazy or weak of spirit. That the inner-city children who are trapped in dilapidated schools can't learn and won't learn and so we should just give up on them entirely. That the innocent people being slaughtered and expelled from their homes half a world away are somebody else's problem to take care of. I hope you don't listen to this. I hope you choose to broaden, and not contract, your ambit of concern. Not because you have an obligation to those who are less fortunate, although you do have that obligation. Not because you have a debt to all of those who helped you get to where you are, although you do have that debt. It's because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation. And because it's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential - and become full-grown." This was read to us this morning in the very first Unitarian Universalist service I have ever attended.  And the author of that was, of course, Barack Obama.  It's because of words like these that I have such an issue with those that say Obama is a horrible man.  Really?  Because I haven't heard anything out of his mouth that would indicate that.  Then there are those that say actions speak louder than words.  Yes indeed they do.  And I for one wish that those who say it cannot be done, would get out of the way of the man trying to get things done.  Sheesh!  End rant. :o)

So as I was saying.... I attended my first ever UU service this morning with my sister (A) and what a refreshing experience.  The speaker this morning was the director of the Ft. Walton Beach homeless shelter.  He spoke on compassion.  My initial impression is that this is a church that promotes philanthropy, good deeds and acceptance of one another through fellowship instead of indoctrination.... a good first impression indeed. :o)  Of course, A and I are both pretty shy and felt a bit out of place so we weren't very social.  But we plan to attend next week as well and hopefully we can get up the courage to socialize a bit more.

Hmmmm..... what else?  Well, I've fallen behind in school and I think I'm going to have to send an email to one of my Professor's begging him to let me turn assignments in late for at least partial credit.  Seeing as this is my last semester, ever, I really hope he lets me...

And let me just say.... I  LOVE Queen Latifah. :o)

Are You fruitful? Or Nutty....

This little gem caused quite the ruckus over on my facebook page. Oooooops! ;o)

I'm a Loser Baby....

I have no followers!  Still trying to figure this thing out....

So, I went and talked to our Communications and Special Events Manager at work this morning about possibly doing a presentation regarding Employment Services at the BLN meeting here in Pensacola sometime in the near future.  I was pretty much asking her to do it because, well, I suck at public speaking.  No really... it's BAD. When I get up to speak in front of a group of people I laugh (and can't stop), turn bright red and shake. Sometimes I even feel light headed.  It's not a pretty sight folks.  Of course she said she would... with one condition.  There is always a condition isn't there?  She wants me to attend a public speaking group that she goes to on Friday mornings at 7:30am (!).  Oh boy... what the hell have I gotten myself into?

In other news, I recently checked out Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.  What a great group!  They were recommended by a friend and I'm really glad I took his recommendation.  Contemporary Motown and very soulful.  If I ever get any "followers" I would love to get some suggestions for some really great music.  I seem to be stuck in a rut here lately.  I tend to listen to Classic Rock and a wide range of Female artists- everything from Etta James to Ani DiFranco.  But I've also been known to jam out to Rob Zombie, Cake and Ween.  I'll listen to anything once. :o)

And lastly... I think I mentioned in my introductory post (1/1/2025 :o)) that I'm going to be checking out a Unitarian Universalist church this Sunday with my sister.  I've recently added a couple folks that stated in their blogs that they are Unitarian Universalists.  I've researched the church online and I've gotten a little bit of feedback from a friend who lives in Minnesota (which is where I seem to be finding most members btw!) but I would love to hear some more about it from a personal perspective.  What drew you to the Unitarian Universalist church? What are some of the values that they hold that are important to you?  Are they truly accepting of EVERYONE?  What are some of the social issues that they support?  I am very much looking forward to this Sunday and seeing what they have to offer.  I just hope I haven't set my expectations too high!

Until next time my (future) followers. ;o)

Loneliness, Onions and Babies

Oh my...

http://www.theonion.com/content/opinion/my_constituents_care_way_more?utm_source=onion_rss_daily

K got off work late last week (Friday 3:00am and he was supposed to be home Wednesday afternoon).  He was home a whole 5 days and got called back offshore a week early.  So he will be gone three weeks this time.  I miss him terribly and sometimes hate his job but I keep telling myself to think of the positives... (more money, better sex, appreciating each other more, blah, blah, BLAH)  *sigh*  It hasn't worked yet. :o(

On another topic.... I really want a baby...  so bad some days I could cry.  It's something I don't talk about in great detail with people because I'm afraid that's exactly what I'd do.  And I hate crying in front of people.  So much so that at funeral's I sit in the back so that if I do start crying I can leave and go to the restroom. I see friends' baby pictures and hear all of their wonderful kiddo stories, and I crave it.  I've been told I can't have a baby but I refuse to give up trying (plus trying is fun ;o)).  Some days, I think I'm too old to be trying to have a baby and others I think, so what!  I feel like I'm being left out of this amazing, special, club that mothers belong to and I want to join dammit!  Ugh... so frustrating.  On top of that, I'm scared to talk to K about this.  His daughter is almost grown now, he is 11 years older than I am and I don't even know if he would want another child.  This is something I should know right?  I just can't get up the courage to ask him about it.  I've hinted at it and he hasn't shot the idea down, but how do I know for sure if he is really open to it unless I come right out and ask him?  We aren't married.  Yet.  But at this point, I'm all for doing things ass backwards and getting pregnant first.  I used to dream of getting married, waiting two years to have my first child and then having another 2 years later.  Forget that man!  Just give me a baby now please.  Do I sound crazy?  Hmmmm... I think I just might. ;o)

Anyway... I just needed to get that out.  Back to work. :o)