I am fully aware of the vast differences in parties these days and I am open minded enough to hear the other side, even though I might not agree. I have to say, Anne Arundel politics has moved into the dark side as of late, from what I am hearing from the ones 'we' elected. Not that they were not there to begin with, just more open to showing their true colors.
Let's begin with Don Dwyer. he has been elected twice in Maryland to represent district 31. His sole purpose since being elected is to stop the same sex marriage bill because no gay people should be allowed the same rights as a man and a woman in marriage. He even tried to disbar a judge who took a stand on the issue who supported it. Interestingly, he is seperated from his wife.
Then we have our illustrious county council. Councilman Grasso, who represents the Glen Burnie area, called his ditrict the 'new ghetto' and and opposed low-income housing because someone who pays $380 in rent isn’t a “quality person.”
Wait, thats not all. He's a birther. And he has informed all of us that there is new evidence on the internet about a social security number...really???
Last week, during the discussions among the coucilmen to decide on who to replace Counselman Jones (the first african american to EVER be seated on the council), the vote was split. 3 votes for a qualified black candidate and 3 for a white candidate. Councilman Ladd showed his true colors and discussed his time in Vietnam and the 'gooks' he encountered. As my colleague said to me today..isn't that something your grandfather would say at a family dinner table and everyone would tell him he just can't say things like that?
We won't even discuss the GOP race. I don't want to get my blood pressure up anymore than it already is.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
health
Before I launch on my topic of the day, I must remember not to say anything bad about the "hon" lady anymore. Despite her ability to follow the philosophy "There are no stupid questions, only inquisitive idiots", she came into the library yesterday 3 times for various inquisitions-info on coconut milk that can stop alzheimers, weight watcher's point value on Giant's chocolate cake..and something about a diet regime I've never heard of. In any case, while I was at lunch, she came in with a package of cinnamon twists to thank me for my kindness. Ok Ok i'll keep my commentary to a minimum...
I have been suffering with various aches and pains as of late. Of course, just as I said to myself a month ago how good I was feeling...anyway, i never ever take my health for granted. And even more so when things interfere with your daily quality of life. I am still very fortunate, despite limping my way through the day and popping antinflammatory pills. This should pass, hopefully without surgery.
I have to keep these things in perspective where my dear friend is struggling with ALS, both physically and emotionally. I give her a great deal of credit for her strength. She may have bad days, but she is working towards making everyday the best day. I recently went to a support group meeting and it was an eye opener as to how this disease takes its toll-emotionally, mentally, and physically. i was so touched to see a woman there those husband is now confined to bed go hug a woman struggling with her husband's illness and ask her what she needs and what we can give her. This is the human spirit at its best.
So, tomorrow will be better. And if not, I'll deal with it...
I have been suffering with various aches and pains as of late. Of course, just as I said to myself a month ago how good I was feeling...anyway, i never ever take my health for granted. And even more so when things interfere with your daily quality of life. I am still very fortunate, despite limping my way through the day and popping antinflammatory pills. This should pass, hopefully without surgery.
I have to keep these things in perspective where my dear friend is struggling with ALS, both physically and emotionally. I give her a great deal of credit for her strength. She may have bad days, but she is working towards making everyday the best day. I recently went to a support group meeting and it was an eye opener as to how this disease takes its toll-emotionally, mentally, and physically. i was so touched to see a woman there those husband is now confined to bed go hug a woman struggling with her husband's illness and ask her what she needs and what we can give her. This is the human spirit at its best.
So, tomorrow will be better. And if not, I'll deal with it...
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Wednesday morning in the library
I know I need to be more tolerable to my public as they are my bread and butter. Babies in Bloom was this morning. We had our usual large crowd..28 babies and about 18 adults. Noise level was normal and I am happy to report that our brand new carpet has been christened with a small child barfing all over it. Carpet is what,a week old? And did she take her children home? No...saw her running our the door with one of them as they threatened to leave their mark again 30 minutes later. Really..I am a mom as well. If my kid throws up in storytime, I take them home.
I didn't clean it up completely until it was over, but a women's group was anxious to get in there right after the program. I had left a rag over the mess so I knew where to clean. The speaker for the group took it upon herself to pick the rag up and toss it on the counter. Thanks. Then she asked when someone would be in from the library to set her room up. I told her that would be the group's responsibility. Really?
And now I am sitting in front of iPad user who is watching a video on his device with the sound turned up to 10. While he peruses the DVD's at the same time. Are we really that self important?
At least the "hon" lady isn't here today.
I didn't clean it up completely until it was over, but a women's group was anxious to get in there right after the program. I had left a rag over the mess so I knew where to clean. The speaker for the group took it upon herself to pick the rag up and toss it on the counter. Thanks. Then she asked when someone would be in from the library to set her room up. I told her that would be the group's responsibility. Really?
And now I am sitting in front of iPad user who is watching a video on his device with the sound turned up to 10. While he peruses the DVD's at the same time. Are we really that self important?
At least the "hon" lady isn't here today.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Children advantages
We are experiencing having Andrew home this semester for the first time in 2 and a half years. i had grown accustomed to not having him there. I had a spare bedroom for guests. I always had leftovers in the fridge. I never had to share the TV. Wasn't sure if I was gonna like it. And I like it. He is there with a smile on his face every day I come home from work. He is doing very well in school (full time at the local community college). He empties the dishwasher without me asking. He calls everyday and asks what to do about dinner. Today, he brought me lunch from home because I didn't have time to go home and get it.
He picks Maddie up from swim practice. He never argues. Hardly ever in a bad mood. And no issues with TV sharing. Yeah, its really nice. And it will be nice when he returns as well.
Not to take away what I love about Maddie still at home. She pitches in for baking. Fetches things. Walks the dog. Does very well at school. And even keeps her room clean most of the time. She is 14, so there there are a few storm clouds on occasion with her disposition (don't we all), but she hides in her room until the storm passes.
I am very lucky. Despite the few life speed bumps in the road we all deal with.
He picks Maddie up from swim practice. He never argues. Hardly ever in a bad mood. And no issues with TV sharing. Yeah, its really nice. And it will be nice when he returns as well.
Not to take away what I love about Maddie still at home. She pitches in for baking. Fetches things. Walks the dog. Does very well at school. And even keeps her room clean most of the time. She is 14, so there there are a few storm clouds on occasion with her disposition (don't we all), but she hides in her room until the storm passes.
I am very lucky. Despite the few life speed bumps in the road we all deal with.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
new york visit
We headed up to New York this weekend to spend some quality time in the Big Apple. Haven't been up there in quite a while and wanted to see the 9/11 memorial, now that i was mentally prepared. We stayed in Jersey City..Marriott right next door to the Path train, which was very convenient.
The memorial was incredibly moving..more than I think I was prepared for. It is winter-the trees that were planted lie dormant, except i noticed the survivor tree had small buds on it. It's the first thing you see as you enter the grounds.
I think there are reasons why it touches you so much..the fact that the imprint is not a large hole with a beautiful waterfall pouring into the ground, which, if you think about is a grave sight more many. And the names have been engraved with a water jet, so it is very tactile. They also keep the names warmed underneath with heaters. It was tearful, yet gives you closure in a way.
Other parts of the sight, such as the new world trade center, the museum, and the transporation center, are still being worked on. Bur workers are there 7 days a week. Flying their American flags on their construction equipment.
Then we began our hiking. Hoofed up to Vhinatown to experience the Chinese new year. Had a great lunch in Chinatown. We headed north to Jewish section and bought bagels and rugelach. Off to the village for hot chocolate and window shopping. 5 miles later, we parked ourselves on the Path train back to jersey. A rewarding day.
We had dinner with Cousin Steve and Gina. Thats the good news. The bad news is the meal was not so good. View was spectacular and so was the company.
Sunday we headed over to Hoboken to take a pic of Carlos Bakery from the Next Great Baker. Picture was enought for me.
maybe a show next time we are there...
The memorial was incredibly moving..more than I think I was prepared for. It is winter-the trees that were planted lie dormant, except i noticed the survivor tree had small buds on it. It's the first thing you see as you enter the grounds.
I think there are reasons why it touches you so much..the fact that the imprint is not a large hole with a beautiful waterfall pouring into the ground, which, if you think about is a grave sight more many. And the names have been engraved with a water jet, so it is very tactile. They also keep the names warmed underneath with heaters. It was tearful, yet gives you closure in a way.
Other parts of the sight, such as the new world trade center, the museum, and the transporation center, are still being worked on. Bur workers are there 7 days a week. Flying their American flags on their construction equipment.
Then we began our hiking. Hoofed up to Vhinatown to experience the Chinese new year. Had a great lunch in Chinatown. We headed north to Jewish section and bought bagels and rugelach. Off to the village for hot chocolate and window shopping. 5 miles later, we parked ourselves on the Path train back to jersey. A rewarding day.
We had dinner with Cousin Steve and Gina. Thats the good news. The bad news is the meal was not so good. View was spectacular and so was the company.
Sunday we headed over to Hoboken to take a pic of Carlos Bakery from the Next Great Baker. Picture was enought for me.
maybe a show next time we are there...
Saturday, January 21, 2012
return to normal insanity
I feel like life is returning to a semblance of 'normal'. Granted, we have our kid living here this semester, but we are all adjusting. I know its hard on him..especially coming from a life of independence to having to answer to someone. If anything, it should be a huge incentive to get out of dodge.
Yesterday, our monthly visitor to the library returned. he usually comes in to ask for the application form to be a write in candidate for office. He always has a large cup of coffee and carries many papers and reeks of cigarette smoke. And apparently everytime I give him the application, he loses it and needs to fill it out again. I think he was attempting a run as a house of rep candidate.
However, yesterday, he came in in his usual fashion, clutching papers. he wanted the main telephone number to internal affairs. Uh, internal affairs who who? You know, the ones that arrest criminals and keep an eye on the badges. Uh, local? No, federal. Well, I don't see a main number-it falls under homeland security..do u want the number to report suspicious activity? yep, that will work. Next question..I have a newspaper on banning cell phone use in Maryland..do u have a piece of paper with the rules for drivers? Well, I have a booklet with traffiv laws for new drivers. yes, thats good. I am running for governor and there's an issue......and then I just lost whatever train of thought he might have had. His voice trailed off and he was gone. Govenor? God help us. I suppose it could be worse. There's a woman who visits an Annapolis library who thinks her father, King of France, is being held captive in the basement of George Bush. Actually, that might be true. And the sit down man has discovered Kindles for borrowing at the library. he now wanders around outside the library to see how far the wireless connection goes. He said he would like to sit(of course) on the curb and use the Interent. Better than being in the library.
Glad things are back to normal.
Yesterday, our monthly visitor to the library returned. he usually comes in to ask for the application form to be a write in candidate for office. He always has a large cup of coffee and carries many papers and reeks of cigarette smoke. And apparently everytime I give him the application, he loses it and needs to fill it out again. I think he was attempting a run as a house of rep candidate.
However, yesterday, he came in in his usual fashion, clutching papers. he wanted the main telephone number to internal affairs. Uh, internal affairs who who? You know, the ones that arrest criminals and keep an eye on the badges. Uh, local? No, federal. Well, I don't see a main number-it falls under homeland security..do u want the number to report suspicious activity? yep, that will work. Next question..I have a newspaper on banning cell phone use in Maryland..do u have a piece of paper with the rules for drivers? Well, I have a booklet with traffiv laws for new drivers. yes, thats good. I am running for governor and there's an issue......and then I just lost whatever train of thought he might have had. His voice trailed off and he was gone. Govenor? God help us. I suppose it could be worse. There's a woman who visits an Annapolis library who thinks her father, King of France, is being held captive in the basement of George Bush. Actually, that might be true. And the sit down man has discovered Kindles for borrowing at the library. he now wanders around outside the library to see how far the wireless connection goes. He said he would like to sit(of course) on the curb and use the Interent. Better than being in the library.
Glad things are back to normal.
Monday, January 16, 2012
looking up
In my earlier posts, we had some dips in the roller coaster of life that took the wind out of our sails. Seems things are calming down. Andrew will not be returning to Warren Wilson this semester thanks to an academic crash. Yes, he knows he screwed up. Went right out the next morning and signed up for classes at Anne Arundel CC. he has never really done things in a normal order. This is do or die..grades need to be stellar. In addition to this, the infamous FDA contacted him on Thursday and asked him to return to work as an intern. Not sure how that will shake down, since he is a full time student and must work around his schedule.
And then we have the Ravens. Who are headed to the AFC championship next weekend. I am not holding too much hope that they can get past that game after how they played this weekend. But perhaps my gut feeling will come true and we will see a brothers superbowl.
Happy martin Luther King Day.
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