VOTE vote VOTE

Today's the day that we have all been waiting for. The back and forth smearing; the back and forth debates; the back and forth commercials; and finally those idiot robot calls... it's all going to be said and done, finally. I voted early, because I didn't want to worry that possibly my vote might be stolen. I don't think that I am alone in that belief since more than 2 million people voted early, like myself.

See, I voted for Kerry, and I was very hurt when he didn't win the Presidential nomination. And then before that there was Gore. I voted for him too. And I was very upset when he didn't win either. So, on this occassion, they offered early voting, and I took that opportunity to get down to the election board and vote.

As a black woman, I know that it's been a long hard road to tow to even have the priviledge of voting. I don't take that for granted. And I teach my kids the same. My daughter was in the line when I left, and she's carrying a 7-month pregnancy weight. She stood in the long line though, just so that she'd have the opportunity to make history. Today, my son and my husband will go vote... And I pray that the resulting winner will be just who this country needs, to make the changes that we need. Better health care, health care for all. I just cannot see how if you lose your job, because it's been outsourced, then you cannot pay your mortgage because you are unemployed, and to top all that off, the groceries you buy to feed your family are costing you all your extra money, as if the gas prices aren't high enough. NEWSFLASH! IT HURT!

And with the drop in the stock market, my husbands' Retirement took a beating, and he lost money, a lot of money. AAAHHHH! I cannot tell you how angry I am. But, to top it all off, We bailed out... I say "we", because I am a taxpayer. We BAILED Out the wall street situation was is in this state because of greed, I AM VERY ANGRY... ANGRY with the current President. To top all this off, there's that little thing about IRAQ! WHAT???? WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT? WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION!!!! Not to mention that Afghanistan just don't care how many Americans they hurt. They want us out of there, and I know that some people will say that we need to protect Isreal, but we really need to pay attention to our own country. This country is sick. Sick of putting up with neglect. Sick of being sick. I am praying for a healing. For all people, democrats, republicans, and independents. Because no matter what happens, we are all in this country together.

Since I don't have an exit strategy, I am going to have to deal with whoever may become our next president. I pray that the best man wins.

Two Weeks to go

Times are difficult no doubt, and getting even more complicated as each day passes, as the Race for the White House continues. I know that some weeks back, I wanted to turn the news off, and not watch it anymore. Afterall, I know who I am voting for. But I couldn't turn it off, and in fact found more information that I even know what to do with watching the various news programs and online.
While it's true, I support Barack Obama, watching the early Sunday Morning Program Meet the Press featuring Colin Powell was ever more refreshing. A person of his stature weighing in about the political goings on of both campaings was great, even necessary.
And his endorsement of Obama just gave me cause to shout! YEAH!

I am so excited. And now in the news everyone is of course weighing in about what they think about it, and from what I have seen, the odds are overwhelmingly positive.

I couldn't be happier about Mr. Powell's endorsement.

On to the other events in my life... My daughter turned 28 last week. She's nearly 7 months pregnant, and it's getting to her the weight of her next child. But she's still smiling and pulling for Obama, Yeah! Amani is growing, she now has two teeth.

Joe is smiling! And becoming more involved in the conversation.

My son, and Joe's mom, got married last month. Yeah! He's my first child to get married... and I have had to explain to him, that once you get married we don't do divorce, so he and her are working hard at keeping things together, and believe me, they have their hands full with 3 boys, ranging in age from 6 (six) to 3 (three) months. I am quite proud of him, and look forward to a long loving relationship with my new daughter in law.

And then there's me... who has spent much of this year working... part time, but working none the less... am still working. And since last week I got paid, I have to admit that I love getting paid. I am a little sorry to not have all the time that I'd like keeping up with me blogs, but I am going to try to keep things going a little better. I am working so hard at keeping up... but arthritis is currently my delima. And Aleve is my answer for that.

We're into a complete new football season, and I can't pay too much attention due to watching all the news programs, but I am knitting again! Yeah! The vogue scarf that I am working on is nearly done. And when I am done, it's going to be so great, because I have soo many other projects to work on. But it's going to be great!

Have a great week.

Hey, Waz Up?

It's been a while I know. I have been doing ok. Just working at staying in the game, and not desiring to lose my job or my current life style. I am grateful I assure to even have a job, no matter how mundane it may seem. After sitting at home for more than five years, I sometimes have to remind myself that I do like going out to earn a living, because when I stayed at home trying the various internet opportunities, I only got myself into trouble.

I am working on becoming a better photographer. Hence, the picture of the rose. I really enjoy my time spent behind my camera lens. And that brings me to the point of having photos printed. If you are looking for the least expensive quality pictures, check out Clarkcolor.com. You won't be disappointed. They give you the FIRST 20 prints FREE! And after that they are only .08 cents a copy. And downloading them takes just a couple of minutes. Believe me, I've tried walmart and walgreens. It was ok, the pictures were of good quality, but the cost of $.15 cents a copy just doesn't compare with $.08 cents a copy. If you want to see your digital pictures in print, check out Clarkcolor.com. And when you think you are getting a good price with WalMart prints, check out Clarkcolor.com, because you will certainly find that the quality and price will be more pleasing to your wallet.

As you know, I recently had a birthday. Well, it's now official, I am over 50! But I don't feel like it. Oh, when I had those issues with my back and neck, I felt like I was 60, but now I am feeling like I am 42! So, with so much of life yet to live, I am grateful to have this opportunity to begin again!

I want to wish you the best of days.

What a World

Being a Democrat has it's advantages I will admit. Such as not being so constrained by class that you can't see where you're walking is on the little people:( !But this past week has made me understand so much more. You see, I always knew that I wasn't a republican, but temporarily, their words were making sense to me, but thanks to the candidate for President these days, I am almost willing to hope that "Yes, We Can", fix the problems with health insurance. "Yes, We Can", end a senseless war, "Yes, We Can", provide better education for my grandchildren.

It's not going to be easy, because it was painful getting in this current situation, but after watching was President Clinton did while he was in office, I am willing to give the same opportunity to Candidate Barrack Obama. For the first time in my life, I made a campaign contribution. And I am not saying that to get any credit, but I just wanted to be a part of something great. I encourage you to look and listen with an open mind to Candidate Barrack Obama's words, and see if it doesn't encourage you hope for a better future. After all, We are not blue, or red, but we are Americans:)

I am attending and participating in my 1st office party today:) I am taking in fruit! Grapes, strawberries, blue berries, and pineapple! MMmm! I tell you, this working for money is great, but I have gained more than five pounds, and I was already a little heavy, so now, I am challenged with my weight. I am going to have to put a little pep in my step, and see if I cannot walk off some of the weight that I have gained. My plan to lose of course is to walk... Low impact stretching. And due to osteoarthritis I need to be careful, but I am willing.

My grand daughter Amani, is nearly ready to crawl! You know how they say, you need to crawl before you walk!, well, she's been in a walker strengthening her legs! But when we put her in the floor, she's going to crawl! Yeah. And, question???? What do we do with all that drool???? Do you think we could sell it as a Look Younger Mask? Crazy, but Do You Think We Could?????

Faith, my older grand daughter began 3rd grade last week! Yeah! We are working hard with her to get her to reach her potential in a school that is diverse and underpriviledged. My daughter is taking the time to help out, and I think that's going to make the largest difference in my grand daughter's life:)

My husband and I just celebrated our 31st year anniversary, and he experienced his 30th year anniversary in the Federal Government:) What a month August has been! To top all of that off, the heat that we experienced in July, was made better in Aug with an unusual amount of rain. It not only cooled things off, but it made it appear so much better outside for the foliage to get the water! Beautiful.

Well, this working woman is off to accomplish my short day. You enjoy yours!

It's been a wet week!

It's been a week now of dark cool days, And lots of water. I have to admit, I enjoyed the cooler weather, because the heat was getting to be a bit much. But now, we not only have the moisture, but the heat... humidity! Oh well, just part of living in the midwest.

Well, work is getting better. I've been working now more than a month. I am not going to say that it's easy, because the rain just added to the stress on my body's arthritis, but I am doing ok. I am still taking my Melaleuca vitamins and Replenex! So, I am not totally sore.

You know after more than thirty years of smoking, I quit a few months ago now. And just recently, I looked at myself in the mirror, and I didn't like what I saw. So, the time has come for me to get my eating under control, and begin some type of excercise program. I cannot bring in my 55th year in this state. Not just the fact that I am a bit overweight, but if I lost 30 pounds, I am sure that my lower back will feel better too. So, I'm pledging to be more conscious of what I eat and drink, and also to walk to rid myself of the extra weight that I've gained. Afterall, America's large enough without my little bit adding to it.

I've always been health conscious, from way back in the day when my son was 6 months old, and Richard Simmons was on the tube working out. From that time, I began my Aerobic style of living, and have always believed in getting the exercise required during a week, no matter what my health status. However, it was more difficult to do when my back broke, but I did continue on a limited basis. And since that time, have had some difficulty exercising regularly. But quitting smoking "finally" is what I really needed to do to get my health together. Now that I'm a non smoker, I need to get up and walk again! Why not?

The Daughter, Grand Daughters, and family, calling me to get busy, so I'll be back, have a plan to begin... And this is where I will sound off.

Make a great day! Leave me a comment!

Finally Friday

Wow! What a week it's been. It sped by so fast, and yet my body lets me know that it didn't just speed by, I lived it! My daughter and grand daughters spent the past couple of days with me. Amani is quite a charmer, you just look at her, and she smiles! Not yet 5 months... what a joy:) Grand daughter Faith growing more, and finally coming into her own little personality. Her mother and I were talking about the differences in their personality, as we were riding in the car the other day, and Faith chimed into the conversation, "What's a personality?" So cute. Things like that I never want to forget. Because it just puts a smile on my face just thinking about it.

Well, I am grown up, grand mother, black working barbie!!! I have a job with my own phone, and the company that I am working for put my name on my phone!!! It feels really good after more than 6 years of suffering through spinal disease. That's why it's so important for me to get my rest. I have also been using ice, and honestly, it's working to reduce the swelling that so often causes me pain. I am taking Aleve. And one day I tried something else that the doctor prescribed, but anytime I take the nsaids, I get that sick feeling. Just sick, but aleve doesn't make me sick, it just erases my pain long enough for me to do what I need to do!

This weekend is my 31st anniversary of marriage. And my husband just passed his 30th year of service for the federal government! It would be great if we could retire now, but we just have to much debt:(! Oh well, in the next 10 years, we will:) and then we'll move to a warm climate and live out our days, traveling and spending time with family and friends:)

Letting the Lord love me is getting easier. For years I beat myself up because of my illness. My health always played an issue in what people were saying about me. Well not anymore! I am free to love, and now free to live without worrying about what anyone will do to me. I am truly grateful, and I appreciate you if you've read this far in my little special something, leave me a note of encouragement, because I want to encourage you too. Love yourself, because God loves YOU, just as You are:)

Happy Monday to You!

And they are off!!! The 2008 Olympics in Besinge have begun! I found it great to watch, and found myself not always rooting for America. With so many great athletes competing to place #1, it just fills your heart when you hear their stories and then see how they perform. I am completely swept into a competitive swirl as I engage in watching the competition.

The dollar is going further in the gas tank, and I couldn't be happier. I filled my tank, and saved $10.00. Does this mean the prices of those groceries will go back? Only time will tell, but I have my doubts. I have found that the prices in the major supermarkets are less on Tuesday and Wednesday... By Friday, they raise the prices for the weekend traffic, then by Tuesday again, they are reduced. So by shopping for food on Tuesday or Wednesday will be more cost effective if you are looking to save some dollars.

I spent my weekend with Grand Daughter Faith! We had so much fun. It's been a long time since her and I had the weekend to ourself! She loves this game calls "Sims 2", so we played that, and she is so engaging in that game. It just brought happy smiles for both of us. And her reading skills are improving. Her daddy, who hasn't been active in her life, promised her a couple of weeks ago that he was going to send her some new shoes, and true to his word he did! Thank You Dad! She's beaming from ear to ear.