How 'bout that!

January 23, 2009

This is how we should be

I normally don't use my blog to post about my political views, but I've been less than impressed by some of the comments I've heard from other members of my faith, many of whom - but not all - are republicans, regarding our new president.

When I read this statement from the first presidency this week, I thought this is how we should be regardless of our party affiliations.

“It was inspiring to be an eyewitness to this peaceful, impressive, transfer of power and the swearing-in of the first African American president. We pray for President Barack Obama’s success in these challenging times and join in his expressions of hope and optimism,” President Uchtdorf said.

January 20, 2009

Time to Just Get on With It

I've let myself feel bad, mad, sad all week/weekend and frankly I'm tired. So, it's time for me to just get on with it. To pick myself up and do the things that need to be done and introduce some new habits that will bring me more peace and happiness.

I felt cautiously optimistic this morning. Don't know if it was the words of Obama's inauguration speech (which was great. although I didn't care for the poem and thought the rhyming ending to the benediction was funny) or a candid conversation with a dear friend who is enduring the trials of infertility (that I know well). Whatever it was that has put me in this frame of mind, I welcome it and I hope I do not lasp back into the black ugliness of self pity.

A while ago I came across a quote from Winston Churchill I shared with my friend. We both have it on our bulletin boards. Actually, I came across it from another friend anyway, the quote has been passed from friend to friend and now to friends again.

Never
Never
Never
Give
Up
(winston churchill)

I am grateful to have been born in a nation and moved to another nation that embraces the causes of freedom and hope. Whose peoples have brought themselves out of great trial and hardship by the core of their spirit and their resolution to seek a better life and their belief in God. I am part of a remarkable heritage.

I know this sounds a bit dramatic, but I guess that's always been my flair and it's simply just how I feel today.

January 16, 2009

The State of the State

It doesn't look good for Nevadans. It doesn't look good for Nevada Higher Education or us good 'ol government workers.

Read Gibbons' budget proposal in Today's RJ. It's bleak. Should be an interesting legislative session...

Even better than the article is Ralston's column today. Appropriately titled "Jon Ralston on cutting education’s nose to spite Rogers’ face."

We may just need to move.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Excerpts from the RJ article:

Higher education faced the biggest cuts Thursday in Gov. Jim Gibbons' budget proposal, which sought to bridge a huge revenue gap in the coming two years.

Of the $633 million Gibbons proposed cutting from the level budgeted in the previous two-year cycle, $473 million, 75 percent, was to come from the university system.

But the biggest surprise, in the budget plan was the $473 million higher education cut. While $69 million was to come from salary cuts, and an additional $28 million from the health benefit reduction, the governor's plan didn't specify how the other $376 million would be trimmed from the university and college system.

January 15, 2009

On the hunt...again

It seems the unfortunate state of the economy has become a little more personal at our house. On Monday Greg was laid off and the new business venture he'd been pursuing for the last 8 months closed down. We've both been going through a cycle of emotions and I've thought better about posting anything about it. But, alas this is life and trial and opportunity for change are a part of it. I've thought a lot (and probably not done enough) about other families and friends I know who are struggling in similar situations. My heart goes out to you. May we all get through this becoming a little better and a little stronger.

January 11, 2009

Birthday Brainstorm

So what do you think about a fondue party for 3-year-olds? HA!

Tonight we introduced Cole to fondue and it was a hit! Greg suggested the birthday idea after chocolate was all over Cole's hands, drooling down his chin and on its way to his PJs. I say it's a fun idea, but only if Greg's on clean up duty!

What do you say? Any ideas for the upcoming festivities in Feb.?

January 10, 2009

Celebrity Sighting...Again

So it wasn't Harry Reid this time...it was so much better. I saw Marie Osmond at Costco in the bread isle. I was very respectful and I didn't gawk too much, but dang that girl is looking great!