Nothing like a good discussion

I've received many comments about my previous blog entry, which I'm sure you know by now was written to stimulate a political discussion. For me, experience is really a moot point. I only brought it up because I hear so many Obama supporters criticize Palin for her lack of experience. To which, I can only say, at least she ran a state (no matter the population size!).

Second, I do believe that Obama is a social democrat. That is, I believe that he seeks to combine elements of socialism and capitalism. To call him a pure socialist is wrong, as I don't believe he seeks to completely replace capitalism. The question left to the voter is: Does he go too far for comfort? Answer it carefully, because it might surprise you to know that you probably have socialist beliefs as well. Even the Declaration of Indpendence embraces it so far as to say, "All men are created equal." And they are. Just being human gives you lots of rights and entitlements. Having a right to another man's wealth is not one of them. I'm a big believer and supporter of a capitalist society. I also believe that every person should have an equal chance to earn wealth, not accept wealth.

Furthermore, lots of government agencies could be seen as socialist in nature...even the United States Postal Service, which is an example of a nationalized business. Also, education, welfare, medicaid, etc., are forms of state control of capital. But, that's neither here nor there. I just think with all the lingo that's being thrown around the media, it's important that we understand the definitions, just a little bit. So, ultimately, do I think Obama is a socialist? No. Does he get a little too inclined to share for my comfort? Yes. I am admittedly a selfish Republican. Is he evil? I don't think so.

Since nobody likes to read a 1,500 word blog post, I'll end now. But come back for a discussion on the economy. And don't worry, we'll get to McCain, too...

Answer me this

So, it's getting pretty close to the election and I have two serious questions to ask. Can anybody answer them for me?

1. How does Obama have enough experience for the White House?

2. How is Obama not, at the very least, a borderline socialist?

It's not wise to take away accountability for individual actions, nor is it fair. But if you look at several of his policies (especially in regard to the economy), that's what he does. The Democrats gave Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac free reign with no accountability, and here we are, $700 billion later. The bailout plan was a horrible decision that was all but forced on us, but where was the accountability for corporate suits who mismanaged the economy into the ground? On the other hand, we make less than $200,000 a year (What?! I know, we live like kings, don't we?!) and a tax break would be nice. But holding companies accountable for their actions would be nicer. Do you think he'll do both. Puh-lease!

And seriously, if you have an answer to either of those questions, let me know. They were asked in good faith.

St. Louis pics

Strapped in for the park.

I love this picture. Olivia would not stop talking long enough to smile and Izzy was totally listening to what she was saying. Which makes me wonder, what WAS she saying?

Olivia LOVED this. It helped her solidify her walking skills, which she uses freely now. Thanks, Izzy, for helping her walk better!

I didn't really get very many pictures while Olivia and I were at Tracy's. But, here are some that I did get. If you want to see more, check out Tracy's blog (it's the Big T link on my right sidebar).

Relief! Kind of...

It's over! He finished it. He has no clue how he did. We won't know for another eight weeks. A new kind of nervousness sets in...

Good luck, Aubrey!

Aubrey is taking his surveyor's license exam today in Birmingham and I am SO nervous! If he doesn't pass this time, he can take it in the spring. Apparently, it's not uncommon to have to take it twice. It's an open-book test (he took, like, 12books with him plus a dictionary) that covers math (you can program equations into your calculator), history and survey law. He'll start the test around 8 a.m. and finish it around 4 or 5 p.m., so it's pretty long. If he passes, it means that he's licensed as a surveyor in the state of Alabama. That means he can sign off on maps, etc., that are filed at the court house. Right now, he does the work and the survey manager at work plants the signature. It also means he'll have more authority at work and a pay raise. I'm so nervous for him! Good luck, Aubrey!


Oh, I should explain how surveying works: You have to have a degree in surveying (you used to not need one) and then work for six years (it's different in every state) before you take the license exam. You also have to have experience in different areas of surveying, such as boundry (when they determine property lines) or construction surveying (when they determine where everything from curbs to gas lines will go). You also have to take a licensed surveyor in training exam, which Aubrey took while we were living in Nebraska. I guess this is like the pre-test to the licensure exam. He passed that on his first try, so maybe he'll do the same with this test.

A friendly vacation

Well, Olivia and I went to St. Louis last week to see one of my best friends, Tracy. She's had a bummer of a fall, so we went to cheer her up. I hope it helped! I say that we went to spread some sunshine, but the fact is this was a much-needed trip for me and I came home feeling much better than I did when I left. I was in need of a good friend, and she's one of the best. We had a really good time walking around the old downtown of St. Charles. There are a ton of great shops, and I always have to shop when I'm with Tracy. It's the only time I really enjoy it. I found a flea market that I really liked and a super nice baby store. It was a good way to spend a fall day. We also played at the park, which Olivia loved. She usually goes for the swings, but this time she was all about the slide. She even went down by herself...she's such a big girl! We also stenciled and painted flowers in Izzy's room, which is something Tracy has been putting off. We didn't get all the way finished before I had to go, so I hope she gets it done! We really enjoyed talking and remembering the good ol' days. I think we cheered each other up. Even our girls got along, for the most part. Overall, Izzy did a good job of sharing her toys with a me-centered one-year-old. I do have some pictures, but I'll have to post them later. I haven't downloaded them and my camera is upstairs where Olivia is trying to nap. Thanks for letting us come up, Tracy!

Courtney, this is for you!

[ SEE THIS VIDEO ON TWILIGHTERSANONYMOUS.COM - FIRST SITE TO PUBLISH IT ]

The advantages of being bi-lingual

I have to share this with the rest of you. I was just on my cousin's blog and read the funniest thing. She has a young daughter who, evidently, has learned some Spanish from the great Dora. Here is what she's learned:

Uno. Ghost. Trace. Nacho.

Maybe you don't think it's funny, but I died laughing. Seriously. My side hurts now.

Finished!

Well, I started reading "Breaking Dawn" on Saturday and I just finished it. I have to say that I have been a Jacob fan from day one (the only thing drawing me back to Edward being his breath and rock-hard abs), but I love how this book ended. A very good read! I won't say anything more just in case someone reads this who hasn't read the book...even though I'm, like, the last person on earth to finish it. Now I can go back to getting a good night's sleep and keeping a clean(er) house. I am, however, left frustrated knowing that I could never write a novel like that.

Finally!

I finally opened it this afternoon. I'll let you know when I'm done.

New season, new attitude

This was our house in Nebraska. I loved our fall landscape there!

I love fall! It is sooo refreshing after a long, hot, sweltering summer. (One could also say the same thing about spring after a rainy, cool, bleak winter). Mother Nature is on the move and watching her many changes take place always changes my attitude. I manage to stay busier, motivated and cheerier during autumn months. I've also made changes to the blog, though I'm not too sure about that header. Too big? Let me know, and be honest. Also, I've changed my playlist to include some of my favorite jazz music. This is by no means comprehensive, but it's a good representation. I always listen to jazz in the fall. My favorite way...in an evening bubble bath with the lights off and candles lit. It's the perfect way to slow down. Happy Fall!