a few facts about me and my politics

After a heated debate on facebook, i feel i need to clarify my feelings on the Occupy Wall Street protests. And honestly, I don't care if you read it or not. Just stop right now if you can't handle seeing a different opinion.

First of all, I have always identified as a liberal. Here are a few examples. When the war in Iraq began, I stood on a cannon in downtown Mobile and protested it. My sign read "blessed are the peacemakers." I was almost arrested, along with several other protesters. My photo was on the front page of the paper. I was very lucky not to get fired from my magazine job, as this was a very public display of my personal politics. I participated in the protest because I didn't want to see our servicemen put in harm's way for what I believed was a completely pointless war. The goal of our protest was to let everyone know we didn't believe in what was going on and we wanted to see an end to it. I verify this point now for future reference.

I am fine with legalizing marijuana. I have no interest in smoking it, but I think the government could tax it, regulate it and release nonviolent "criminals" from mandatory prison sentences, making more room in our prisons for the real bad people.

In 2000, I knew Alabama would overwhelmingly vote for George W. Bush, so I voted for Ralph Nader. I didn't see it as throwing my vote away since I knew how it would go in my state. I saw it as a way to make a statement on how I felt about the two party system. During Bush's reelection campaign, I was a member of a group called Belles Against Bush. We held fundraisers for John Kerry and a different committee in that group, Belles at The Ballots, helped people register to vote.

I am completely against the death penalty.

I would love to see gays be able to get legally married. To that end, I was maid of honor at the wedding of my former roommate. She was marrying a beautiful woman. They now have a child. I couldn't be happier or in more support of them.

I have attended several feminist conventions, at one of which i got to meet then-NOW president Kim Gandy. For me, that was like meeting a rock star.

Get the point?

So you can imagine my surprise when I started reading about the Occupy Wall Street protests and I didn't jump right on board. But something just doesn't sit right with me about this. First of all, some of the people who are into these say that they came up as a response the government bailout of banks and corporations and as a response to the TEA party. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the TEA party really take off as a response to government bailouts for banks and large corporations? So, if you protest another group of protesters who are protesting the same thing as you......Doesn't that make you the same?

Second, I feel that a good protest needs a simple message and a simple demand or call for action. Stop the War. End Abortion. Agree with the message or not, at least you can know what the message is and make up your own mind how you feel about it. What is the message? Please do tell me, because I feel like a bad liberal for not participating in this. We've covered one possibility in the previous paragraph but others I've heard include "Pay for my college tuition." "Hey government, large corporations, etc., Give me a job". "

A word on the job situation. There are jobs to be had. Look in your local paper every day. If you're hungry, you will take a job doing whatever it takes to feed yourself and your family. Yes, the job may suck. Yes, the job may not pay a lot. Yes, the work may be "beneath" you and your abilities. But, people do what they have to do. My dad is the perfect example of this. He didn't finish college, but he worked his ass off for over 30 years at the nuclear plant so he could provide for his family. Yes, it sucked. Yes, the hours were long and stressful. But he did it. Like so many others who are not afraid of hard work. Here in Alabama, the Immigration bill has opened up many jobs but the entitled don't want to take them. Hell, I wouldn't either. But don't say there are no jobs. Say, instead, there are no jobs you want. To me, there's a huge difference.

I wholeheartedly believe that there are truly awful stories out there of people who lost their pensions, people who have lost their jobs, furloughs, etc. I would like to hear more from them. But I assume most of them are out working instead of protesting.

So, I guess my thoughts are this. Simplify your message so I can decide if I agree or not. The people who seem to be doing all the talking make us liberals look like lazy idiots.

Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans.

So, once again, I am sick. Only this time, it's something much more surprising that just bad cramps. Nick and I just got back from vacation last week. We went to Disney World, we had a dining plan, and we ate more food in that one week than we probably have in the past month put together. It was gluttonous. And wonderful. For photos of our trip and the luxurious hotel where we stayed, visit my facebook page.

So, when we got back I had huge plans about what was going to happen. I was going on a diet! I was going to start riding my bike again! I was going to Zumba! I was finally going to finish painting my bathroom! So on Monday, after being back home for less than a week, I had started the South Beach Diet (and have actually stayed with it!). I brought my zumba clothes to work and was fully prepared to go that afternoon. But, what is that? Something hurts under my arm? Maybe i am so fat my bra is cutting off my circulation? but it feels worse than that......I go to the bathroom, look in the mirror, and EWWWW. There's a gross rash on me!!

I am no stranger to allergies, so I assumed I was allergic to something (the diet maybe? the idea of working out?). But there was something really weird about this rash. It didn't itch, it hurt. and it was just in one small spot on my side. Better go to the doctor just to be sure. Plus, if it spreads, I'll want some allergy ointment or something to put on it. I have too much to do this week and i can't be bothered by some strange skin condition.

So I skip Zumba, go to the doctor, he takes one look at it and says SORRY, IT'S SHINGLES!! Here are some painkillers, and two other perscriptions. You're gonna need these because it will probably spread along whatever nerve is affected. But don't worry, it will only be on your left side because it won't cross over to the other side (WTF??) . It is also going to be very painful so here are some loritabs.

While the doctor was very calm, informative, helpful and kind, all my mind could think was, Shingles? didn't my grandmother and the old lady down the street get those in their 80s or so? And weren't they pretty much moaning in agony? So while he was trying to be nice, he really scared me to death.

I have been out of work for several days now, unable to exercise, unable to paint because this thing is under my arm. So, my plans were shot. But thankfully, the pain is totally bareable. Thank goodness for my incapacitating cramps. I guess they have prepared me for anything. SO here it sit, can't do anything really but watch tv, read and play on my computer. Aside from being totally dopey from all the medicine and unable to get comfortable due to the lizard looking skin under my arm—which, by the way, feels like it's getting a neverending tattoo—it's really not too bad. But stay away from me if you've never had chicken pox. I don't want to start a plague.

Day 30

30. What has been going on this month

July just ended, and it was a month of ups and downs. I took the week of July 4th off and I painted my bathroom and hall. I also went to Mexico Beach with my parents and Nick for the Fourth. It was really fun! I got to hear Rachel Hawkins speak and got her to sign a book. I went to Hollywood with Nick's mom to visit his brother and sister in law. That was an awesome trip! I got to hang out with Michael and Merissa Bush and did quite a bit of knitting. On the downside, Michael and Merissa are moving to China so it will be awhile before we see each other again. Also, one of my co workers was (and still is) in the hospital for the entire month of July. And I had a particularly bad month in terms of endometriosis. One of the worst in recent memory. But things are looking up now. Going to the beach with my best friend this weeked and then going to see my cousin's new house in Birmingham the next weekend. As always, I am so grateful for my life. i have a husband who was made for me, a wonderful family and great friends.

Day 29

29. My wish for the future

It changes a lot, but lately I've been wishing for good health for myself and everyone, really. I wish we could all live full, happy lives and then die peacefully in our sleep at a nice old age.

Day 28

28. My favorite place

Home

I'm going to complain

I need to vent. I am so tired of feeling like crap all the time. I have been struggling with endometriosis and polycystic ovaries for a long time now and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. i have tried so many different ways of treating this but nothing works. last month i was in so much pain i felt like i was being sawed in half. this month i was so weak i had to go home early from work. i am just so sick of dealing with all this i could scream. aside from the pain and sickness i can't loose any weight. doesn't matter that i eat nothing but salad and fish on most days. i still gain weight. hell, i was on a liquid diet for three months after my jaw surgery and still didn't loose anything. that, apparently, is a symptom of PCOS. while i have found an exercise i really like, i don't feel like jumping around when three weeks out of the month i feel like i have barbed wire wrapped around my waist. sorry to be such a complainer. i blame the hormones. i have just had a really rough couple of days and i can't wait to see what next month has in store.

Day 27

27. What I’m currently reading

I just started a book about Area 51. It is all very mysterious so I am hooked. I'm also listening to Book 1 of the Vampire Diaries on my Ipod and occasionally re-reading the Harry Potter series. I like to have more than one book going at a time.

Day 26

26. My favorite memory

It's hard to pick a favorite memory. But when I look back, the memory of the first time Nick ever kissed me is probably the best memory. When that happened, I knew that my life was about to change.

Day 25

25. Three good things that have happened in the past 3 months

1. Had a chance to go to LA with my mother-in-law to visit my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Not only was the trip awesome, I like having extended family like that. And I really hit the jackpot in the in-law department.

2. Played the flute with my friend August for the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Landmark Park. I always have fun rehearsing and performing with August. He is awesome.

3. Went to Mexico Beach with my parents and Nick for the fourth of July. Nick and I had not been to Mexico Beach in three years and it was such a nice trip.

Day 24

24. A photo of something that means a lot to me

Love my little family!!

Day 23

23. My celebrity crush

Ian Somerhalder. No explanation needed.

Day 22

22. Something I don’t leave the house without

Keys. I wanna be able to get back in!!

Day 21

21. My favorite TV show

I really like trashy tv

True Blood
Big Love
Sex and the City
Melrose Place and Beverly Hills 90210 (the old ones)
The Vampire Diaries
Gossip Girl
30 Rock
Parks and Recreation
Community
The Golden Girls
The Gilmore Girls
LA Ink

Day 20

20. A photo of somewhere I’ve been to (whoever wrote this list, you should not end a sentence with "to")

BUT, here is a pic of Washington, D.C.

Day 19

19. My favorite musician

I don't even know how to answer that! I love music. here are some of my favorites

Bach

Mozart

Beethoven

The Beatles

Tori Amos

Lady Gaga

Ani Difranco

Sarah McLauchlin

Nope, too hard. I respect all music

Catching up: Day 13-18

I just got back in town so I'm catching up on some lost days

13. My favorite cake recipe
I don't bake cakes. Too messy.

14. My favorite vacation
I'm still riding high on my trip to LA last week. Probably my most favorite would be my honeymoon to Washington DC. I also enjoyed an awesome trip to Rhode Island a few years ago for an Irish music workshop. And the vampire tour in New Orleans was really cool too. I always liked visiting San Francisco when I was younger but I haven't been in a long time.

15. My favorite songs that match a certain mood
Depends on the mood. Yesterday i was listening to Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue because I was on a plane heading home. Hair by Lady Gaga is a pretty good anthem to my general attidute. And Tori Amos pretty much has music for every mood.

16. A photo of the last item I bought
I don't have a photo, but it was an order of chicken fingers from the airport.

17. What I wore yesterday
jeans, black shirt, grey jacket

18. What’s in my make up bag?
Urban Decay eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, blush and eyeshadow primer potion. Sephora mineral makeup, one of Sephora's Kat Von D line of eyeshadow palettes called True Romance, Kat Von D lipstick in Underage Red, Victoria's Secret lip gloss, Derma blend concealer to cover my wrist tattoo when necessary

Day 12

12. A photograph of the town I live in

I didn't take this, but it is of the Peanut Festival!

Day 11

11. My hobbies

Reading
Knitting
Playing Musical Instruments
Drawing
Zumba

Day 10

10. My favorite painter

My favorite is Claude Monet. I got to see several of his paintings in Washington D.C. on our honeymoon!

Day 9

9. How important is education

Education is very important. I don't think you should ever stop trying to learn. Plus, it's cool to know stuff :)

Day 8

8. My favorite quote

I read a lot, so i have a lot. In general, do a google search for Kurt Vonnegut quotes and that will be a pretty good start.

1--"If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph:
THE ONLY PROOF HE NEEDED
FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
WAS MUSIC"
— Kurt Vonnegut

2--"When I want to take God at his word exactly, I take a peep out the window at His Creation. Because that He makes fresh for us every day, without a lot of dubious middle managers."

--Barbara Kingsolver, "The Poisonwood Bible"

3--"Mistakes are the portals of discovery"

--James Joyce

and one really long one. Wonderful advice from a father to son from Hamlet

Give thy thoughts no tongue,

Nor any unproportion'd thought his act.

Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar;

The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,

Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel;

But do not dull thy palm with entertainment

Of each new-hatch'd, unfledg'd comrade. Beware

Of entrance to a quarrel, but, being in,

Bear 't that th' opposed may beware of thee.

Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice;

Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,

But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy;

For the apparel oft proclaims the man.

Neither a borrower, nor a lender be;

For loan oft loses both itself and friend,

And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.

This above all: to thine own self be true,

And it must follow, as the night the day,

Thou canst not then be false to any man.

William Shakespeare.

Day 7

7. My day in detail

It is pretty early today and i haven't done anything besides drink coffee and watch tv, so i will tell you about yesterday

Got up

Drank Coffee and watched the Golden Girls (I am off this week)

Went to the hospital to visit a friend

Went on Live at Lunch (yes i am off this week but i don't like to turn publicity down)

Went to The Basketcase for lunch and got to hear Rachel Hawkins speak and she signed my Demonglass book

Came home

Walked the dog

Went to Nick's office to pick something up

Went to the tanning bed

Got the car washed

Went to Zumba

Came home

took a shower

ate some hummus

Watched some Parks and Recreation reruns on Netflix with Nick while we ate

watched Giant Python versus Gaterzoid on Netflix with Nick. It was awesomely awful

Got in bed

Took turns petting the cat and dog

Read some of book 4 of harry potter series

Went to sleep

Had very weird dreams

Day 6

6. My favorite book

There is no way i have only one favorite. Here are a few in no particular order

Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Cat's Cradle, Slaughterhouse Five, Slapstick and Bluebeard by Kurt Vonnegut (his are so good I can't even choose my favorite)

The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice (my cat's namesake)

The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

The holy grail of books, Ulysses by James Joyce. You don't really read this book, you embark on a study of this book that takes years. I've been working on it ever since I graduated high school and I know I'm still missing some of his awesome allusions and references. If I ever finish I plan to give the same treatment to Finnegan's Wake.

I know I'm leaving out some. I love to read.

Day 5

5. What’s in my bag/ purse?

Wallet

Keys

Phone

IPod

Nook

Chapstick

Allergy Pills

Day 4

4. My favorite movie

The Sound of Music

Always been my all time favorite!!!!

Day 3

3. A recent photo and a photo from 10 years ago

I was in college 10 years ago. i had short dyed black hair, was very pale and i was really skinny because i took ballet classes every day.

my hair color has once again changed even since my "now" picture was taken. i wish i could be that small again!

Day 2: My favorite song

Precious Things by Tori Amos

Blog Thing Day 1

15 facts about me:

1. I stole this blog thing from someone days ago and i'm just now doing it. So i'm a procrastinator.

2. I'm a musician

3. I like to draw

4. I have a personal goal of reading 52 books this year.

5. when i was a kid i wanted to be a scientist when i grew up. i also thought about being a nun. i blame that one on the movie The Sound of Music

6. if i was rich and didn't have to work, i would dye my hair purple, pierce my nose and dedicate a huge majority of my time to studying James Joyce's Ulysses and Finnegan's Wake. i would also probably live in the woods.

7. i read magazines from back to front. i also read the end of a book first so i'll know what's going to happen

8. I miss my old friends. i wish everybody i have ever known (with few exceptions) lived in the same town so we could all hang out

9. i have three tattoos

10. i LOVE art. impressionism, expressionism, kid's drawings, it doesn't matter. i like seeing people express themselves

11. i am obsessive compulsive about brushing my teeth

12. i like going to antique stores and garage sales. i have a lot of useless treasure in my house

13. i really like to read scary books and watch trashy television shows, but i don't like to read trashy books and watch scary shows for the most part

14. I was on television over 200 times in 2010 for my job

15. i am addicted to caffeine

I stole this!

I found this online somewhere and decided to try it as an attempt to being more committed to blogging. Who's with me?!


1. 15 facts about me

2. My favorite song

3. A recent photo and a photo from 10 years ago

4. My favorite movie

5. What’s in my bag/ purse?

6. My favorite book

7. My day in detail

8. My favorite quote

9. How important is education

10. My favorite painter

11. My hobbies

12. A photograph of the town I live in

13. My favorite cake recipe

14. My favorite vacation

15. My favorite songs that match a certain mood

16. A photo of the last item I bought

17. What I wore yesterday

18. What’s in my make up bag?

19. My favorite musician

20. A photo of somewhere I’ve been to

21. My favorite TV show

22. Something I don’t leave the house without

23. My celebrity crush

24. A photo of something that means a lot to me

25. Three good things that have happened in the past 3 months

26. My favorite memory

27. What I’m currently reading

28. My favorite place

29. My wish for the future

30. What has been going on this month

Sketches!!

Ok, I know I'm a bad blogger. But my life is relatively boring and I don'thave a kid to show off, so today I am showing off some sketches that I scanned. I know I'm not an artist, but drawing at night is possibly more relaxing to me than reading. Hard to believe. So here ya go!

I like to draw knots and I really like the triquetra symbol.

Nick makes lots of fun of my crooked, junky bookshelf. He calls it "willy nilly."

Nothing particularly special about this one

Sugar skull in honor of dia de los muertos

Where I work!

I like angels