Freedom of speech is one of the many freedoms we are afforded in this country and coming from someone with a very large mouth and a blog of all things it is greatly appreciated. However, lately I have been thinking there should be some stipulations put on that particular freedom or at least some general guidelines that out of respect for others we should all abide by.
This evening I watched a video on a fellow bloggers website in which they interviewed a number of people that attended the Glenn Beck "Restoring Honor" rally in Washington D.C. As I watched this I was disturbed by the number of people who felt so strongly about topic for which they could not formulate a coherent sentence. And even if they could by chance formulate a coherent and grammatically correct sentence their argument as a whole made no sense.
Now before everyone gets all worked up and tells me that I am being unfairly biased towards the people that land on the conservative side of the spectrum, I would like to say this. I have no problem debating the issues with someone identifying themselves as a Republican. We will probably agree on very little but if you are up to a good debate and can formulate coherent thought, bring it on, sounds like a good time and believe it or not we could be friends at the end of the day too.
I do have one request however. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, Christian or Atheist, or any other side of any other topic, please please PLEASE be able to formulate a coherent thought (preferably several thoughts strung together) and do some research on the topic you are debating to ensure that you have actual fact. Nothing is more frustrating to me than trying to have a conversation with someone and you swear you heard that exact same argument on one of those 24 hour new stations the night before. . .oh wait because YOU DID!
So the bottom line is I love that we have the right to freely speak our minds. I do it on a fairly regular basis. All I ask is that if you are going to take advantage of this wonderful right that you take a moment to collect your thoughts, put them in a coherent order, and take your fact checking beyond the "breaking news" you heard on CNN, MSNBC, FOX NEWS or any other ridiculous 24 hour all day every day new station.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Furry Friends
Many people know that I am the proud owner of two cats. And no one loves them as much as I do, one, because they are my cats, and two, because no one seems to appreciate the feline species the way I do. Cats are great for so many reasons but the bottom line is they are a great combination of entertainment and sass.
When you have cats you will never forget that you are in fact not the all powerful center of the universe. When you call either of my cats by name one of two things tends to happen one, they perk their ears but don't actually look at you, or if they are already looking your direction they look away as if to say I heard you but I am not going to give you the satisfaction. Cats can also be very affectionate, but make no mistake they are only affectionate on their terms. If the cats are strolling through the living room and I put my hand out to pet them and they are not in the mood, they will sink down the floor to avoid making contact with my hand. Sometimes when they do tolerate my affection they then immediately start licking the stop I touched as if my hand is too dirty for them. I am never sure whether or not to be offended by these actions or to laugh at their audacity.
Now on the flip side for as sassy as they are with me they also do some hilarious and down right odd things. Last night as I was getting ready to for bed and heard the tell tale sign that a cat was about to puke somewhere in the house. I searched the house to find the offending cat, I found Marv right after he barfed on my carpet and when I turned the light on he came running over begging for food. Seriously?? Only a cat could barf and then think about food that quick. Needless to say I didn't give him any and made him wait till morning.
On another occasion I heard a thumping sound coming from somewhere in the house, curious as to what the noise was I started searching the house. When I entered the kitchen the thumping got louder and as I looked around for the source, I saw a little white paw sticking out of a cabinet, then the paw would disappear and thump the cabinet would close. Turns out Claudia was smart enough to figure out how to use her paw, head, and body to get into the cabinet but was not smart enough to figure out the same technique would free her from the cabinet. I about died on the floor laughing while I let her out, and she looked at me like, "that's not funny".
I could go on for days with stories about them chasing each other around, attacking my feet in bed because I moved them under the covers etc. but I won't. Bottom line is there is never a dull moment in this house with two cats that either have me on the floor rolling or are reminding me that I am not the most important thing in the world and they have "better things to do" sometimes.
When you have cats you will never forget that you are in fact not the all powerful center of the universe. When you call either of my cats by name one of two things tends to happen one, they perk their ears but don't actually look at you, or if they are already looking your direction they look away as if to say I heard you but I am not going to give you the satisfaction. Cats can also be very affectionate, but make no mistake they are only affectionate on their terms. If the cats are strolling through the living room and I put my hand out to pet them and they are not in the mood, they will sink down the floor to avoid making contact with my hand. Sometimes when they do tolerate my affection they then immediately start licking the stop I touched as if my hand is too dirty for them. I am never sure whether or not to be offended by these actions or to laugh at their audacity.
Now on the flip side for as sassy as they are with me they also do some hilarious and down right odd things. Last night as I was getting ready to for bed and heard the tell tale sign that a cat was about to puke somewhere in the house. I searched the house to find the offending cat, I found Marv right after he barfed on my carpet and when I turned the light on he came running over begging for food. Seriously?? Only a cat could barf and then think about food that quick. Needless to say I didn't give him any and made him wait till morning.
On another occasion I heard a thumping sound coming from somewhere in the house, curious as to what the noise was I started searching the house. When I entered the kitchen the thumping got louder and as I looked around for the source, I saw a little white paw sticking out of a cabinet, then the paw would disappear and thump the cabinet would close. Turns out Claudia was smart enough to figure out how to use her paw, head, and body to get into the cabinet but was not smart enough to figure out the same technique would free her from the cabinet. I about died on the floor laughing while I let her out, and she looked at me like, "that's not funny".
I could go on for days with stories about them chasing each other around, attacking my feet in bed because I moved them under the covers etc. but I won't. Bottom line is there is never a dull moment in this house with two cats that either have me on the floor rolling or are reminding me that I am not the most important thing in the world and they have "better things to do" sometimes.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Meant To Be?
Destiny has been a topic rolling around in my head for the last few days. Are we all born destine to be something and nothing can stand in the way? Do the events of our lives shape our destiny? Or can we truly make our own destiny and be whatever we want to be? I have always believed that the events of our lives can shape our destiny and to a certain extent we can choose what we want to be and do. However I am starting to believe that all of us or at least some of us are born destine to be something.
I have often wondered after a long hard day at work if there was a profession that would be less stressful that I should look into. While I entertain the thought I always come back to the same conclusion. . .I can't imagine doing anything else and truly enjoying it. Despite the difficulties that come with being a therapist I truly love it. This is where the destiny part comes in. . .I think I was destine to work in this field.
Over the weekend I went to my dad's house for a few days just to hang out. While we were there we were going through some things in the basement and stumbled across a journal my mom started when I was three. In it were all the funny things my sister and I said and did. As I read through them I was amazed at how much of my personality and tendencies were already present at that age. Allow me to share of it with you.
When I was three I was already looking out for other people. One day my mom snapped at my sister after having a disagreement with my dad. . .I informed my Mom that she shouldn't yell at Tamra because she is upset with Daddy. Truth hurts from a 3 year old. Mom also said that I used to hear Tamra crying and come running saying "What's wrong Tamra, I'm coming." Yet another time my mom yelled at my sister and I put my arm around my sister and told mom not to yell at her cause she is my sister.
I am sure that there were times my parent didn't know what to do with me because, I have to admit that is pretty smart for a 3 year old if I do say so myself. But I can't help but wonder if there is innate concern for others in me, that means no matter what happened in my life, what major I chose in college, or what job I chose as an adult, I would end up working my whole to help people around me.
Now I am sure most of you know that I don't say this to toot my own horn or brag about my profession of choice (trust me most days there is nothing to brag about). . .I bring it up because I have found it fascinating how you could already see the beginnings of a social worker in me even when I was 3. I wonder if we all looked back at us when we were little if we could see the beginnings of whatever we grew up to be. . .even then.
I have often wondered after a long hard day at work if there was a profession that would be less stressful that I should look into. While I entertain the thought I always come back to the same conclusion. . .I can't imagine doing anything else and truly enjoying it. Despite the difficulties that come with being a therapist I truly love it. This is where the destiny part comes in. . .I think I was destine to work in this field.
Over the weekend I went to my dad's house for a few days just to hang out. While we were there we were going through some things in the basement and stumbled across a journal my mom started when I was three. In it were all the funny things my sister and I said and did. As I read through them I was amazed at how much of my personality and tendencies were already present at that age. Allow me to share of it with you.
When I was three I was already looking out for other people. One day my mom snapped at my sister after having a disagreement with my dad. . .I informed my Mom that she shouldn't yell at Tamra because she is upset with Daddy. Truth hurts from a 3 year old. Mom also said that I used to hear Tamra crying and come running saying "What's wrong Tamra, I'm coming." Yet another time my mom yelled at my sister and I put my arm around my sister and told mom not to yell at her cause she is my sister.
I am sure that there were times my parent didn't know what to do with me because, I have to admit that is pretty smart for a 3 year old if I do say so myself. But I can't help but wonder if there is innate concern for others in me, that means no matter what happened in my life, what major I chose in college, or what job I chose as an adult, I would end up working my whole to help people around me.
Now I am sure most of you know that I don't say this to toot my own horn or brag about my profession of choice (trust me most days there is nothing to brag about). . .I bring it up because I have found it fascinating how you could already see the beginnings of a social worker in me even when I was 3. I wonder if we all looked back at us when we were little if we could see the beginnings of whatever we grew up to be. . .even then.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The gene pool from whence we came.
Parents are a funny. Specifically dads. I have a particularly funny dad, his name is Chuck, but he has been dubbed Chuckles the Happy Clown by my sister, sometimes it's fitting sometimes it's just disturbing. I really love my dad, I think most of you (and by that I mean all three of you) know that I talk to my dad everyday, but there are times with my dad that I just shake my head and think to myself I can't believe half of my genes came from him.
So Chuckles came to town today for a visit, we had a family friend in town and we all got together for lunch. As soon as he got to the door it begins, he can't sit still when he visits so he starts pacing around the living room while I am sitting on the couch reading the paper. Then he says let's go outside so we do. Then he starts wandering around the house and the list starts. You need to fertilize the yard, you need to get this vent fixed, you need to prune this tree, you need to ________. All of which costs money. And I know he's trying to helpful, which I appreciate but can't we just sit and visit, I don't do this at your house.
Then we get the call that our friend is going to be later than we thought so we go back inside. Dad starts going through the boxes of crackers and bags of chips on top of the micorwave. The following conversation ensues:
Me: Dad, what are you doing?
Dad: Looking for something to munch on I'm hungry, and none of these are open
Me: Just pick something and open it, it's not that big of a deal.
Dad: No then it will go stale and I will have wasted your food.
At this point I am thinking, hi have we met, food does not go stale in this house. Eventually he found an open bag of potato chips that seemed good enough, and of course met the criteria of being opened.
Ladies and gentleman I have a conversation like this at least once a week if not three or four times a week and end up shaking my head thinking "Wooooow".
Now for as funny/weird as my dad can been I feel as though I should end this post on a nicer note about him. For years my sister and I have gotten flowers from him on Valentine's day and a chocolate bunny for Easter. This year it did not happen, which was a little sad but nothing that was such a big deal I felt the need to say anything to him. My sister on the other hand felt differently and was giving him grief over Easter about it. So today when he showed up he came in the house with one dozen red roses and three chocolate bunnies for each of us, and true to form announces "You know this stuff is a lot cheaper if you wait till after the holiday to buy it." See he really is a sweet guy.
Love you Dad.
So Chuckles came to town today for a visit, we had a family friend in town and we all got together for lunch. As soon as he got to the door it begins, he can't sit still when he visits so he starts pacing around the living room while I am sitting on the couch reading the paper. Then he says let's go outside so we do. Then he starts wandering around the house and the list starts. You need to fertilize the yard, you need to get this vent fixed, you need to prune this tree, you need to ________. All of which costs money. And I know he's trying to helpful, which I appreciate but can't we just sit and visit, I don't do this at your house.
Then we get the call that our friend is going to be later than we thought so we go back inside. Dad starts going through the boxes of crackers and bags of chips on top of the micorwave. The following conversation ensues:
Me: Dad, what are you doing?
Dad: Looking for something to munch on I'm hungry, and none of these are open
Me: Just pick something and open it, it's not that big of a deal.
Dad: No then it will go stale and I will have wasted your food.
At this point I am thinking, hi have we met, food does not go stale in this house. Eventually he found an open bag of potato chips that seemed good enough, and of course met the criteria of being opened.
Ladies and gentleman I have a conversation like this at least once a week if not three or four times a week and end up shaking my head thinking "Wooooow".
Now for as funny/weird as my dad can been I feel as though I should end this post on a nicer note about him. For years my sister and I have gotten flowers from him on Valentine's day and a chocolate bunny for Easter. This year it did not happen, which was a little sad but nothing that was such a big deal I felt the need to say anything to him. My sister on the other hand felt differently and was giving him grief over Easter about it. So today when he showed up he came in the house with one dozen red roses and three chocolate bunnies for each of us, and true to form announces "You know this stuff is a lot cheaper if you wait till after the holiday to buy it." See he really is a sweet guy.
Love you Dad.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The house knows.
Back in September I bought a cute little house on the north west side of Des Moines. When I bought the house it was in great condition. . .a few littl things here and there that could be worked on but nothing major and nothing that had to be done right away. I had made plans to do some painting and replace the stove some other odds and ends and I was able to save up some money.
Since September life has been bubbling along no problem and then something interesting happened. Back in February once I received all of my W-2's and other tax forms I bought myself a copy of Turbotax (being the do it yourselfer that I am) completed my taxes. I mailed everything to IRS including proof that I had purchased a house and was eligible for the home buyers tax credit. Once that was accomplished I sat back and began the wait for my fat check to arrive.
I am still waiting for that check but in the 6 weeks since I mailed everything in things have started to go haywire. It started on evening when I was warming something up for dinner. I heard the microwave quit and was surprised because it did not seem as though enough time had elapsed for it to be finished. Upon checking on the microwave I realized that the microwave had died, just died no warning nothing, just dead. For those of you who don't know my microwave is attached to the stove one of those late 80's early 90's units so I can't just get a new microwave gotta replace the whole thing. Great.
Fast foward a couple of weeks, the snow starts melting and I discover that all but three of the window well covers outside are broken. Then one rainy morning I was in the basement getting clothes out of the dryer and just happened to check on the sump pump to discover that it was about to overflow. . .there was 400 dollars and an emergency visit from the plumber.
Now this weekend the kitchen sink is starting to have trouble. The other night I was running the dishwasher and doing some dishes in the sink when all of the sudden water starts bubbling out of the other side of the sink. I ran the garbage disposal think that would clear up the problem, instead the other side of the sink turned into a fountain with water spouting from the drain. Guess the plumber is getting another call.
Why am I telling you this you ask. Because I have come to one conclusion and I want it to serve as a warning to everyone else. The house knows, the house knows that I am expecting a fat check and has decided to make sure that there is none of it left when it finally arrives. Now in all fairness the house did wait until the check was coming before it started breaking down. But still I am warning you all. . .if you own your home. . .it knows more than you think.
Since September life has been bubbling along no problem and then something interesting happened. Back in February once I received all of my W-2's and other tax forms I bought myself a copy of Turbotax (being the do it yourselfer that I am) completed my taxes. I mailed everything to IRS including proof that I had purchased a house and was eligible for the home buyers tax credit. Once that was accomplished I sat back and began the wait for my fat check to arrive.
I am still waiting for that check but in the 6 weeks since I mailed everything in things have started to go haywire. It started on evening when I was warming something up for dinner. I heard the microwave quit and was surprised because it did not seem as though enough time had elapsed for it to be finished. Upon checking on the microwave I realized that the microwave had died, just died no warning nothing, just dead. For those of you who don't know my microwave is attached to the stove one of those late 80's early 90's units so I can't just get a new microwave gotta replace the whole thing. Great.
Fast foward a couple of weeks, the snow starts melting and I discover that all but three of the window well covers outside are broken. Then one rainy morning I was in the basement getting clothes out of the dryer and just happened to check on the sump pump to discover that it was about to overflow. . .there was 400 dollars and an emergency visit from the plumber.
Now this weekend the kitchen sink is starting to have trouble. The other night I was running the dishwasher and doing some dishes in the sink when all of the sudden water starts bubbling out of the other side of the sink. I ran the garbage disposal think that would clear up the problem, instead the other side of the sink turned into a fountain with water spouting from the drain. Guess the plumber is getting another call.
Why am I telling you this you ask. Because I have come to one conclusion and I want it to serve as a warning to everyone else. The house knows, the house knows that I am expecting a fat check and has decided to make sure that there is none of it left when it finally arrives. Now in all fairness the house did wait until the check was coming before it started breaking down. But still I am warning you all. . .if you own your home. . .it knows more than you think.
Peer pressure is an interesting thing.
You may be out there wondering why I have a blog. Interestingly enough I am asking myself the same question. The plain and simple answer is that I have a blog because a friend of mine insisted that I start one after doing a guest blog for her. She thinks I am funny. . .I guess we will find out what other people think now too.
As I sit here and wonder what to write about, or what to make my blog about I don't feel that I have anything special to say, at least not in a public forum. I am just a family therapist in my mid twenties who gets to work with an interesting array of people giving me a very unique and special view of the world from my job.
Speaking of special, my friend (the one I mentioned before who is responsible for this blog even being in existence) tells me I am special all the time. . .but now that I think about by the inflection in her voice I don't think it is intended to be a good thing. I should really ask her about that sometimes. Anyway bring her up again to say that we often have interesting and eventful conversations, also giving me a unique and special view of the world.
Anyway I am sure this blog will be a compilation of random thoughts on random topics, and hopefully presented in a humorous way, based on my very unique and special view of the world. Trust me we will be finding out together where this blog is headed.
Peace out for now.
As I sit here and wonder what to write about, or what to make my blog about I don't feel that I have anything special to say, at least not in a public forum. I am just a family therapist in my mid twenties who gets to work with an interesting array of people giving me a very unique and special view of the world from my job.
Speaking of special, my friend (the one I mentioned before who is responsible for this blog even being in existence) tells me I am special all the time. . .but now that I think about by the inflection in her voice I don't think it is intended to be a good thing. I should really ask her about that sometimes. Anyway bring her up again to say that we often have interesting and eventful conversations, also giving me a unique and special view of the world.
Anyway I am sure this blog will be a compilation of random thoughts on random topics, and hopefully presented in a humorous way, based on my very unique and special view of the world. Trust me we will be finding out together where this blog is headed.
Peace out for now.
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