"Where's the Beef? Part 4"

Yes, I know... It sounds creepy for a Baby Boomer aged woman to think that Prince Harry is handsome, but it's not like we will ever be dating! I just think he is darling... And yes, his brother is handsome too, but Harry has that twinkle in his eye and that adventurous spirit. He's the kind of guy that makes the girls swoon (oh, there I go, dating myself) but he has tons of charm and the looks to go with it.

I've watched the stats on my blog, and I find it curious and fascinating that more of my readers are in the UK than any other country! Yes, we are kindred spirits and ALL of my ancestors came from the UK, so really, we ARE family. When my parents went to Europe when I was in college, they came back and said I would like London the most, and in particular, Harrod's. I would love to visit and actually love to live there, at least for awhile. We Americans love the English, and truly think of them as family - older family.

Cheers to all my UK readers!

"Sleeping like a baby..."

It occurred to me today how NICE it's been since Congress took the month of August off. I realized how much better I'm sleeping when I don't have to listen to daily news about those numb skulls in Washington pontificating on how great they are while they drive the USA off a cliff. All of that debt ceiling raising debating to the eleventh hour was too much on us -- too much on the world. I think we as American citizens wrote this Congress off, while the rest of the world wrote the USA off. This government has the lowest approval ratings in my lifetime, and I think back to the 1800's?

Anyway.

Just want to enjoy it while I still can...

Fashion Police for Kim Kardashian's wedding

Excuse me, but if I'm lucky enough to get married, I want to be Queen for a Day at my wedding. I want to stand out and be the ONLY one in white, and have all eyes on me. I certainly wouldn't want my sisters and mother to also be in white. As a matter of fact, since KK's "strict" dress code for the reception was black and/or white, there were tons of people in white. How confusing! Or black. How macabre... And also, how boring! Maybe it sounded good when they all sat around on "Keeping up with the Kardashians," drinking champagne, dreaming up a wedding plan. It probably started with the color scheme and the wedding planner, and then evolved into EVERYTHING in black & white.

I guess I'm old school, but in my day it was considered gauche to wear black or white to a wedding. Black was for funerals and white was for the bride only. Those rules seem to be fading away, along with the 'never wear white shoes after Labor Day' restriction. But maybe there SHOULD be more black and white these days - and I mean that figuratively speaking.

Just saying....

"Big ideas start as weird ideas..."

PayPal founder and Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel was so inspired by the book, "Atlas Shrugged," (a novel about free-market capitalism) that he's trying to make it a reality. He has invested 1.25 million dollars to the Seasteading Institute, an organization that hopes to launch a floating "colony" in INTERNATIONAL waters, so they will not be under American law and will be free to live with similar libertarians. They would be built on oil-rig type platforms and anchored in areas free of regulation, laws, and moral conventions. Thiel and his colleagues say that their ocean state would have no welfare, looser building codes, no minimum wage and few restrictions on weapons. They are aiming to have tens of millions of residents by 2050 and the long-term plan would be to have the platforms linked together. They hope to launch a flotilla of offices off the San Francisco coast next year.

Interesting concept....

"Goodnight Irene..."

Today's quote is from a very old movie that my parents used to quote. I'm not sure which one because they never could remember the names of movies and Google wasn't invented yet. As a matter of fact, one of the best things about Google, is that you can be talking about a movie (or whatever) and if you can't remember something about it, you can Google it, but I digress.

If you turn on the TV, all any station is talking about is Hurricane Irene. You'd think that the end of the world was coming, and maybe it is... I DO remember before Hurricane Katrina, that they kept saying for residents in the path to evacuate but very few left New Orleans. And maybe that's why all of the alarm for this one... and make no mistake, there IS a lot of alarm. I don't know... It just seems like everything over the past few years is always a crisis. (You know, like when Rahm Emanuel said he didn't want to waste the opportunity of a crisis?) We've had so many financial crisis' and now weather crisis,' that everyone is numb to it all. "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!" Tarp. Stimulus. Another stimulus. blah. blah. blah... I was tempted to come home from work today and watch TV for the "reality TV" of Hurricane Irene. Our own horror movie but for real. The one where someone from every station in the U.S. will be manned on some dock in North Carolina and see waves crashing over it. We've become a nation of voyeurs. We can watch sex tapes or even sex live on some of these webcam sites (which I do not do and think is horrendous but my high schooler says all the kids her age know about these.) We have cameras set up all over the world on Earth Cam and others, for example. We've got reality TV, which is scripted, but real enough to make a man commit suicide. And almost everyone under the age of 60 has a camera and video on their phone, so nothing is missed anywhere. That's a problem, because we're all getting jaded. Very jaded. But this Pandora's Box has been opened and there is no closing it.

I'm going to go see where Irene is now...

"Winning!"

Today DD had her first high school pep rally and cheered at her first game in the high school stadium. The freshman boys played their old rival from the town I work in 20 minutes away. I say "old" rival, because our high school's team was moved to 3-A and the other town is still 4-A, so the rivalry of decades is now the first football game of the season when it used to be the Grand Finale. When I moved here in '95, I attended that game and thought it was the funniest game I had ever been to. I got there 30 minutes early and had to sit in the very top corner of the stadium. The yelling was so loud it was deafening. At half time, as the opposing team filed out to their designated room, they were screaming at us and flipping us off, and our town was screaming at them and throwing stuff. It was WILD. Of course, their guys had killed a goat (our mascot) and left it on the football field, and our guys had killed a few deer (their mascot) and hung them on the road to their town. As I say, good old small town Texas rivalry.

So tonight, our freshman boys, who DD has grown up with her entire life, had thought they were going to get creamed. Their town's football program is legendary and has gone far in the playoffs every year, while our town, not at all. As a matter of fact, they pretty much ran our last head coach off since last year's season was 2-8...

Anyway.

We started out and all parents kind of winced at each other. But from the first play, we saw that this team had heart. First the other team lead, and then we did. We couldn't believe it! We were actually beating these guys! Then their team scored a touchdown and field goal and lead by 10. Then we scored but were still behind. All of a sudden, the other team fumbled and our quarterback ran it in - yea!!! We were ahead 24-22!! Then we fumbled and they got the ball and had enough time to score. Then they threw the ball and we intercepted with only a few seconds left!! Winning!!

THAT'S what I'm talking about!!

"Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On..."

This past Sunday my pastor mentioned current events and (regarding the debt ceiling dilemma) said that the problem is that Americans no longer believe what it says on our currency, "In God We Trust." It has become, "In Money We Trust," and he said that he believes that God will keep on shaking things up until we return to the former. So you've probably heard by now that yesterday there were earthquakes in unusual places - Colorado and Virginia, and evidently felt as far as Washington, D.C. and New York City. California also had 2 earthquakes yesterday in Mammoth Lakes and Oakland and today there was an earthquake in Peru. And, of course, a hurricane is headed for the East Coast as I write. One of my Facebook friend's status today was, "Earthquake cracks Washington Monument. Hurricane heads for president at Martha's Vineyard."

My pastor also added that God is lifting His protection from the USA since we are turning our backs on Israel, and that is backed up by many Scriptures... I have to remind myself that God is still the King of Kings and He's still on the throne. Even nature is crying out.

But it's still a little unsettling...

"Man is a dog's idea of what God should be." - Holbrook Jackson

Navy Seal Jon Tumilson was one of the 30 soldiers killed in the ambushed helicopter crash in Afghanistan a few weeks ago. Here is a picture of his dog, Hawkeye, keeping watch over his casket during the funeral in Iowa, where an estimated 1,500 mourners came to pay their respects.

If that doesn't bring a lump in your throat, nothing will...

"We become like who we hang out with."

Taylor Swift is one of the few, one of the VERY few, role models for my 14 year old daughter. With all of the skanks (I love this word - skank - it just SOUNDS trashy) in Hollywood, it's hard to find anyone to even half-way look up to.) And just when you think you've found one, alas, they choose the dark side, and they're no longer a contender. She was watching Blake Lively, but it seems since she's been dating Leonardo DiCaprio, that she's going down the wrong road with him. And of course, Miley Cyrus. That WAS her role model until a few years ago when she COMPLETELY left the reservation, and did drugs and grinded on stripper poles, among other things. But for now Taylor is still taking the high road. How long she will do this?

At this point, we don't know...

"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be."

My youngest daughter starts high school tomorrow and is finally ready. Like her older sister, she's Type A, so has everything laid out on her bed and ready to go. She's an organizer and a list maker, so she's made what seems like a 100 lists of outfits, ideas, plans, you name it.

It's been a long, hot summer.... And I mean that literally and figuratively. As a matter of fact, it's probably been our worst summer since she's been born. It's a combination of her extreme sadness that life isn't perfect and the events that happened over this past year, but we've had most summer days with tears. She seems like an old soul, and it's aging me quickly. I want to make it all better for her and am trying to do the very most I can do, but so much is out of my control. I'm telling her everything is going to be okay, but am probably more apprehensive about high school than she is. Kids these days are mean. And competitive. And if you show any weakness, you become the 'whippin boy.' I keep saying it's different than it used to be. This batch of kids has been raised by daycare workers and they are out for themselves. I keep hoping she'll find at least one or two friends that will 'have her back.' I'm still waiting. I'm praying that good things are yet to come.

So help me God...

"Perception IS reality...."

(Sigh) Sometimes I just don't get it... Why does anyone even CARE about 'Keeping up with the Kardashians?' Here is a young woman and her family who are famous for being famous?? Why are people fascinated with these people? I'm STILL scratching my head on this family. As I recall, Kim's father was one of O.J. Simpson's lawyers when O.J. was tried (and acquitted) of murdering his wife. I'm not sure what happened to him, but now Kim's mother is married to past Olympic winner, Bruce Jenner, and somehow this has parlayed this family into multi-millions with TV reality shows and all kinds of fame-seeking venues. So, according to today's news, Kim and some really tall guy got married, and it's all Hollywood has talked about for weeks. Most people don't know who the vice-president of the United States is, but they sure as heck know who Kim Kardashian is. I'm sure we'll be hearing about this for months to come until their next attention-seeking activity.

What a sick society...

"A picture is worth a thousand words..."

"Don't you be talkin' bout my mama..."

Evidently Anthony Bourdain, author of Kitchen Confidential, is accusing celebrity chef, Paula Deen, "a danger to humans." What?! Sweet Georgia Peach Paula Deen?? I mean, come on! Who says that about America's favorite mom? My son loves to watch her show, saying she's so comforting with that Southern accent while cooking up some great grub. She's the mother we all want, isn't she? She cooks comfort food with her comfortable accent making us feel totally comfortable.

Team Paula!

Police Beating of Kelly Thomas in Fullerton, CA

"Justice denied anywhere diminishes justice everywhere." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Occasionally there is a story that haunts me - this is one of them... It happened about a month ago in Fullerton, California. Another helpless man beaten to death by a group of cops. This time it was a 37 year old mentally ill man. A young man who by ALL accounts was a gentle soul. He did resist arrest, but was not armed nor dangerous. Eye witnesses were shocked and felt helpless to help this poor man who kept calling out for his father. And after the cops repeatedly beat and tasered him, he was left in a coma for several days and died. His father was outraged, being a former cop himself. He said he was ashamed he had ever been in law enforcement. And then they offered the father ONE MILLION DOLLARS... seems to be hush money in my opinion, but to his credit, he did not take it. The news today said that an independent watchdog group will investigate.

Not a moment too soon...

"When the world says 'Give up,' Hope whispers 'Try it one more time."

Thank God that Rick Perry has entered the race for president of the United States. I've been praying that God would give him wisdom and direction on this decision. With the state of our union, I am finally breathing a sigh of relief now that Perry is in the race. Yes, I'm a lifelong Texan and yes, he's governor of our state, but that is not the reason I'm encouraged. I don't vote for people because they're from my state, just like I don't vote for a black man just because he's black, or a woman because she's a woman. I don't think Lyndon Baines Johnson was a good president, and he grew up just a few miles from my house. I wouldn't have voted for Hillary Clinton just because she's a woman, or Obama because he's black. Just because Perry is a Texan, doesn't mean I would vote for him for that reason. No, it's because he's a very decent human being. He has lots of experience running this large state. He's proven himself strong and tough and decisive. His strong faith has been at the core of his decisions, such as calling for the prayer rally in early August. Is he perfect? Of course not, but then no one is. I believe he is the man for this season, a man that could be captain of this ship, and help turn this mess around, if it is even possible. It is still debatable though, especially because of the kind of selfish idiots that we have in Congress...

Maybe you're reading this and you don't know much about Rick Perry. Well, I challenge you to learn more and look at his track record. Texas is doing better than all other states presently, and our top largest 5 cities have the most job growth of all cities in this nation.

I just know I'm really relieved that finally, there is HOPE...

"Let them eat cake..."

This time I'm not even mad that King, I mean President, Obama is going on vacation to Martha's Vineyard with his family. Nope, I'm not mad that he will be rubbing elbows with the rich and famous and living it up like he's a king. I hope there are a lot of photos taken of him golfing and yachting and eating at the finest restaurants. I hope that the contrasts between a huge number of Americans and the president and family will be crystal clear... You see, this man cannot even be shamed into doing the right thing. He's the one who feels entitled - entitled to yet another vacation while the rest of America watches... and later remembers... because it's all adding up... straw by straw... and somewhere in there will be the LAST straw for most. And voting day in 15 months cannot come soon enough. My HOPE is that there won't be continued CHANGE in our country. My hope is that the liberals will not be able to continue their rapid ruining of America. And my hope is that the contrast in seeing this president against the struggling, jobless, hopeless, depressed men and women out there, will finally make people flip the switch - have enough - be done with this empty suit, this 'smartest man in the country' who has made things a million times worse - uh, make that several TRILLION times worse.

So yes, go on Mr. President, have a nice time. Sit back and enjoy yourself. Play lots of golf. And keep taking lots of vacations. The country is better off when you and Congress are on vacation anyway.

As a matter of fact, just stay there...

"Not your grandparent's nicknames...."

One of the first questions I was asked this past weekend (in light of the good news) by the other grandmother-to-be, is what I would like to be called by this baby-to-come. This is a common question of us Baby Boomers since we are of grandparent age now, yet aren't quite willing to become the stereotype that was our grandparents. Our generation is still trying to be 'cool' and wanting hip sounding names. For instance, my older sister decided on 'Marmi' which was the mother in "Little Women." My own parents became grandparents in their late 40's and weren't quite ready for that. When we asked them, they said the grandkids could call them by their first names, but that didn't seem quite right. Finally, the first grand daughter called my mother, Mimi, and my father, Papa, and that stuck. I'm hearing fun names like Big Daddy, Big Mama, G Daddy, or maybe what other countries call grandparents, such as Oma & Opa (commonly heard in my German town) or Yia Yia which is Greek. Since my ex-husband's name starts with P, I suggested P Daddy (get it?) which he shot down. And for years we've called him BoomPa after the Jimmy Stewart movie, "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation," which he hasn't been too crazy about either. Being very traditional, he kind of likes Grandpa but I'm not ready to go there. I'm kind of thinking about LuLu, as I'm kind of eccentric and it sort of fits. Sometimes you've just got to let your freak flag fly and just be yourself, whatever that is. It's kind of freeing when you stop trying to be like everybody else. People just have to accept you for who you are.

LuLu it is...

"And everything you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive..."

I've had 3 major prayer requests I've been praying VERY hard for... one for each of my 3 children. I even made a list on my phone of prayer requests with measurable results and the 1st 3 were these. One of them was answered today!! Alex is pregnant!! They told us in the cutest way -- they asked us over for lunch and then brought out a cake announcing it. We were in shock! Happy shock!

WTHeck Fridays

Mad Men Collection from Banana Republic.

I'm all for it. Bring back the 60's - heck, ANYTHING is better than now!

Yeah, baby...

"Hollywood has a lot of plastic people..."

Here is the actor that is going to play the Ken doll - no joke - in Barbie and Ken, the movie. They still have not found the actress that will play Barbie doll, but since tons of young women fashion themselves after her, I'm sure that there will be lots of contenders. Heidi Montag comes to mind. Or Blake Lively (see left) as Malibu Barbie.

When my oldest daughter Alex turned 4 years old, we had a birthday party in the backyard, and I had "hired" a friend of mine's blonde high-schooled age niece to be Barbie. She dressed up in her prom dress and drove in the back gate with a crown on to give autographs. We had all things Barbie - partyware, crowns for all the girls and of course, pink. My brother-in-law was Ken, and drove the convertible. Alex and friends were convinced it was the "real" Barbie.

Best. Birthday. Party. Ever.

Ah, good times....

"Red and yellow, black and white, we are precious in His sight..."

It's opening night of the new movie, "The Help," which was perfect. Yes, I was young in the year it takes place (1962) but this was just as I remember it. The cars, the clothes, the pearls, the accents, the racism, the catty-ness, the gold-diggers, the sexism.... it was just like this.

Go see it!

"Let your freak flag fly..."

This is great! A single mother of two from St. Louis that doesn't have a lot of extra cash, hired a pilot to fly this sign across the Manhattan skyline, including Standard & Poor's New York headquarters, this afternoon.

It says, "Thanks for the downgrade, you should all be fired!"

The woman who commissioned the aerial stunt is a vice president with private equities and investment firm Wedbush Morgan Securities. She initially wanted to fly it over Washington D.C. but learned you can't do that, so she chose Wall Street instead.

"I'm just a mother from St. Louis who feels the only reason we got downgraded was people in politics," she added. Amen, sister.

Only wish I had thought of it...

"A hero is someone going in when everyone else is running out."

‎31 lost, 31 unwanted visits, 31 doors receive that dreaded knock, 31 families with shattered hearts, 31 pairs of boots lined up with rifles and dog tags and helmets, 31 comrades remembered and grieved for, 31 funeral services, 31 names on newly made grave markers, 31 empty places at the table, 31 souls who gave all, whose loss leave a void, so let's take 31 seconds to pause and reflect on such a sacrifice as 31 gone forever.

Thank you men, each of you is a hero. Because of you, we are free.

I will never forget...