Happy Veteran's Day?

Just listening to a morning show talk about this current group of veterans.  There are 2.4 million of them.  They were described as "ghosts" going to war and returning largely unnoticed by us - the public - unlike wars of the past when returning vets were seen and heard.

It made me think about what I would say to the 2 young vets I work with, one who recently served in Iraq.  Saying Happy Veteran's Day just doesn't sound right.  It's what I said earlier this morning to my dad and husband.  But this new group of vets, I just don't think Happy Veteran's Day will cut it. It seems a little superficial.  Hmmmmm...

Good job? Nope, doesn't sound right.
Thanks for going?  Nope.
Don't forget your free donut at Krispy Kreme today!  Getting closer.

How about, thanks for serving and don't forget your free donut at Krispy Kreme!

That's the one.  It's got a better balance.  Sincere AND superficial.  Not too sappy, but a little sappy.  And, I'm sorry, but donuts always make everything better.

So.  Just to be clear, what we're saying is, please take this free donut as a token of our gratitude for you putting your life and sanity on the line for our freedom. 

The truth is, words and deed are not adequate to express the country's gratitude.  But they are a start.

For the record, to all veterans, including my dad, my husband and co-workers: Thanks for serving and protecting our freedom. 

Pics of beloved baby Finley - and a couple of Addie, too

I'm back!!

My last blog post was in July.  I thought I had stopped blogging, but it turns out I just got consumed by life.  Here are the bullet points:

• Left the Women's Center after a 15-year association.  First as a volunteer - for 7 years almost - then on paid staff since 2002.   It was emotionally traumatic.  I hurt my beloved boss.  I lost ongoing collegial relationships.  I ended a part of my life I truly loved.
• Started a new job at a homeless shelter as transitional housing coordinator.  Love the work.  Admire most of my colleagues.  Learning a new job is exhausting.
• Record summer heat.  We broke heat records.  OK?????
• Last, but MOST important, was the arrival August 24th of Finley Lew Scott.  I took on the job of running  interference with big sister Addie.  I can honestly say Addie appears now to be on board with the idea of an expanded family.

Whew.  I missed you, blog.  

Jenny Craig !*@#%

I am in week 2 of Jenny Craig.  Not doing that well.  A lot of cheating.  Too much cheating.  I must do better.

My pledge as of now: NO MORE DRUMSTICKS.  As in ice cream.  They're not Jenny Craig legal. 

Sigh. 

Are you pregnant? Nunya!

Are you pregnant?
Was it planned?
Are you pregnant?
When are you having children?
Are you pregnant?
You are HUGE! I hope you are having that soon.
Are you pregnant?

If you are female and of a certain age, you have been asked these questions.  My own two daughters get them weekly.  Weekly!

We are living in a time of low standards.  It used to be we held our thoughts out of common courtesy.   Not any more.  We have an opinion, we share it.  We have a feeling, we share it.  Who has time to weigh the pros and cons of blurting out whatever we are feeling or thinking in any given moment?  That would be ... polite?

We need a movement, people.  Something to counteract this theft of privacy.  I can see it now: pop-up ads, billboards, bumper stickers, t-shirts, you get the idea.   A movement recognized by one word so powerful it would stop people from probing into areas in which not invited or wanted. 

What word?  Muzzle!  Don't!  No!  Shut!  Hmmm.  This is going to take some thought.

How about nunya, short for none of your business!  Here's how it would work:

"Are you pregnant?"
"Nunya."  Spoken without a hint of judgment or emotion, but with confidence and the satisfaction that you have stood firm. With that one word, you are able to silence the attack on your privacy. 

It would take a lot of practice and patience, but I think it would be worth the effort.  People of all ages and both genders must join the movement.

Another example:

"How long has your daughter (sister/brother/son) been married?"
"Five years."
"They don't have children? When are they having children?"
"Nunya!"

It could work.

June

I wanted to post something for June.  This is it.

Oh. And it's really hot. 

Misuse of power

Today, I need to vent about my neighborhood.  Just a short one because I have to get going.  And because I am a little uncomfortable about the subject.  Paranoid is probably more accurate.

Many of our neighbors are lovely people.  Others are not and it's something I forget while biking or walking around this beautiful area of Arlington.  I let my guard down, smile at the people, engage in conversation, pet their dogs, and so on.  Then I am reminded not everyone here is civil.

I belong to a neighborhood internet forum.  We go for weeks without a Glen Becker comment.  And then one slips in and the flood gates open.  That's what happened this week.  Henny Penny the sky must be falling because one of our neighbors has not mowed or raked.  Call out the Guard.  No, instead  he called code enforcement. 

I think code enforcement should be used for those instances where a condition endangers life or is harmful to people.  This  doesn't qualify. 

As peeved as I am about the misuse of code enforcement, it doesn't come close to how I feel about this current Texas Legislature and their misuse of power.  Even the Dallas Morning News yesterday effectively called them losers.

Don't get me started.  For real.  I am gonna be late for work.   To be continued...