take 7:07 mins to listen

Democracy v. Pad Thai

Last night I made Pad Thai for the first time. It turned out pretty well. I was happy because I love me some Pad Thai. yummy.

It is harder to find joy in things lately. You know why? I think I am depressed. and angry. confused. bitter. and totally f*cking scared.

And you know what the messed up part is?

I have every reason to be!!!!!

Its ridiculous that everybody isn't freakin out right now.

I know we Americans want to be comfortable. We want to concentrate on the here and now. How beautiful our child's face looks, or how fun a movie was, or how a favorite recipe turns out.

But we have stopped doing our duty. We have forgotten and/or ignored a very important gift our founding fathers and mothers gave us, because we would rather have someone take care of it. How can we be surprised?

Naomi Wolf writes in her book The End of America: Letters of Warning to a Young Patriot:

"It is not just the young who are disconnected from democracy's tasks at just the moment that the nation's freedoms are being dismantled; in my travels across the country, I have heard from citizens of all backgrounds who feel alienated
from the Founders' idea that they are the ones who must lead; they are the ones who must decide and confront and draw a line. They are the ones who matter. This book is written for them."

Yes it is true. A democracy only works if the people partake in it. And if we were truly being patriotic and living up to American beliefs we would at the very least be paying attention.

Yes, it is true that our media has decayed to a point of destructive blather. But it is also true that independent media is findable. Especially if you have access to internet or cable.

But the sticking part is that we have to look for it on our own. We must start finding and digesting information to make informed decisions as citizens. And the timing is crucial. Just ponder these facts:



We are heading into a major financial crisis.

Our administration is on the road towards war with Iran.

The Patriot Act, Military Commissions Act, (and most recently) The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act


Scary things are happening. A storm is coming to America and we have the chance to see it and prepare for it.

Information is the key

Please take time to research what is going on with our country. Watch Democracy Now! and visit its website. Get Current TV. Surf Youtube (you might see some freakin adorable cats as a side benefit). Watch the debates and realize how riCOCKulous they are. Demand more from your representative. Check out and read books from your library. Get involved and honor the premise of our country.

I will try to post more on my blog. I guess I will concentrate more on politics then personal issues. At the moment I think it is more important. I think this storm is going to suck big time and I really want my friends and family to be okay.

Peace.

Thanksgiving Feast

I'm a little late, but this youtube sums up life at the moment.....

Support the Writers!!

This explains the writer's strike PLUS gives us a mini Daily Show dose.....John Oliver yum

I recommend renting some videos (or get them from the library for free!) and watching "Dirty Jobs" until the strike is over. Let the studios know their channels ain't nuthin without writers.

Peace.

Ducks!

Pictures of ducks in Estes, and a silly critter.

These pics are for Oliva and Mia - we love you!!!!!!

Peace

Lee Camp Child Healthcare

damn kids.....

BOOOOOO!!

I hope everyone had a great Halloween! We certainly did. Last Sunday, Alex had a friend over and we carved pumpkins. The weather was so nice we carved them on the porch.

While Jeff and the girls carved, I was in the kitchen making cookies and toasting pumpkin seeds.

The seeds turned out pretty bad (it was a recipe for sweet & spicy pumpkin seeds I had never tried before). But my tried and true recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies came out great! I use dark chocolate chips and store them in the refrigerator - yuuuummmmy





Jeff made a kitty pumpkin for me (I am kinda spoiled that way)

Our pumpkins turned out really nice.

The next night I made pumpkin burgers (like sloppy joes) that turned really well. I didn't take a picture because that would be a little odd, but I highly recommend the recipe.

Otherwise, life is good for us. Well the house is still on the market - we have had some very interested buyers but both turned out to not qualify for enough financing. Selling your house is stressful, but selling your house in a crazy, messed up real estate market is pretty horrible.

Oh well, we will enjoy the winter/holidays and see what happens in the spring. I really do love this house, so I am glad we can spend Christmas here.......I am worried that high gas prices will continue to discourage people from wanting to live in our small town (I am hoping that rising crime will scare people out here - just kidding!).

And the really great news is that my grandfather is doing much better, thanks for everyones' warm thoughts!

Alex's very cute pumpkin all lit up.

Peace