We are all moved into our new house.. hopefully everyone got their change of address cards in the mail. I can barely belive I get to live here in a space that we "built" and created. My back and legs hurt from all the moving an unpacking but it already feels like home. Tomorrow we leave for a week at the beach in NC with my family. And I am overwhelmed with the feeling of being so fortunate, so lucky, so blessed.
And of course my tv was hooked up in time to watch Barack Obama accept the nomination last night. The first half of the speech was a bit dull, but the 2nd half was amazing. Here are my favorite parts:
"What is my promise?It's a promise that says each of us has the freedom to make of our own lives what we will, but that we also have the obligation to treat each other with dignity and respect.It's a promise that says the market should reward drive and innovation and generate growth, but that businesses should live up to their responsibilities to create American jobs, look out for American workers, and play by the rules of the road.Ours is a promise that says government cannot solve all our problems, but what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves - protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education; keep our water clean and our toys safe; invest in new schools and new roads and new science and technology.Our government should work for us, not against us. It should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure opportunity not just for those with the most money and influence, but for every American who's willing to work."
And this is why I love Obama: "We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This too is part of America's promise - the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort.I know there are those who dismiss such beliefs as happy talk. They claim that our insistence on something larger, something firmer and more honest in our public life is just a Trojan Horse for higher taxes and the abandonment of traditional values. And that's to be expected. Because if you don't have any fresh ideas, then you use stale tactics to scare the voters. If you don't have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run from. "
And... all I have to say about McCain's VP choice is... you are smart to be scared.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Hillary Clinton
Hillary is a truly a class act and she delivered on unity for the party and helped remind me why the fight is worth fighting. Keep going!!
My favorite part of the speech is when she talked about Harriett Tubman's advice:
If you hear the dogs, keep going.
If you see the torches in the woods, keep going.
If they're shouting after you, keep going.
Don't ever stop. Keep going.
If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.
Even in the darkest of moments, ordinary Americans have found the faith to keep going.
KEEP GOING!!
- To renew the promise of America and our international credibility
- To ensure the Supreme Court does not get stacked with right-wing nuts
- To sustain the American Dream, to provide the opportunity to work hard and have that work rewarded, to save for college, a home and retirement, to afford the gas and groceries and still have a little left over each month
- To create a health care system that is universal, high quality, and affordable so that parents no longer have to choose between care for themselves or their children or be stuck in dead end jobs simply to keep their insurance
- To create a world class education system
- To fight for an America defined by deep and meaningful equality - from civil rights to labor rights, from women's rights to gay rights
- To restore America's standing in the world, to end the war in Iraq, bring our troops home and honor their service
- To join with our allies to confront our shared challenges, from poverty and genocide to terrorism and global warming
- To fight for women's rights at home and around the world
My favorite part of the speech is when she talked about Harriett Tubman's advice:
If you hear the dogs, keep going.
If you see the torches in the woods, keep going.
If they're shouting after you, keep going.
Don't ever stop. Keep going.
If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.
Even in the darkest of moments, ordinary Americans have found the faith to keep going.
KEEP GOING!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Michelle Obama
A great article about Michelle Obama and how behind every great man is an even more amazing woman.
And in my opinion the crux of her speech tonight at the convention (I laughed, I cried...):
"Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them. And Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation. Because we want our children - and all children in this nation - to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them."
And in my opinion the crux of her speech tonight at the convention (I laughed, I cried...):
"Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them. And Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation. Because we want our children - and all children in this nation - to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them."
Sunday, August 24, 2008
House Update
The house is just about ready for us to move in. We get the keys on Wednesday and the movers come on Thursday. It feels crazy to me that we actually get to live there.I'm excited but also a little sad to move. It's been soooo much fun living in the appartment. I'm totally going to miss having Kelly so close. We have had great adventures and I've enjoyed being able to walk so many fun places together.
I'm looking forward to having my "stuff" that has been in storage for 10 months.... my books and photo albums especially!
Here is a sneak peak at my favorite thing... my fancy
mirrors in the bathroom!We'll schedule the house warming party as soon as the pool is finished in a few weeks.
Talking myself into Biden fo VP...
I waited anxiously for my text message on the VP choice but the big secret was out to the press Friday night before I got my message from the Obama campaign. I just feel disappointed by the pick. I was hoping for a grand announcement and this just feels safe and defensive. Not sure who I was hoping for but the other candidates Sebelius, Kaine & Bayh all seemed more consistent with the themes for the campaign.
With that said, I'm trying to talk myself into it. On the positive side, the choice of Biden suggests Obama is a man not afraid to be surrounded by heavy hitters and experts in their fields - that is leadership at its best. Biden certainly helps with the foreign policy credibility for the ticket. No one could argue that he is unprepared to be president with experience as the former chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the current chair of the Senate Foreign Services Committee. Hopefully Biden will be better at attacking McCain than Obama – he’s certainly not afraid to say what’s on his mind. And supposedly Biden polls well with the lost Hillary demographic (older white women) and he loves to talk and should be quick at debating. But Obama's brand of “Change” is strong and choosing Biden helps fill his weaknesses. One article I read online claimed Biden is to Obama as Al Gore was to Bill Clinton. The outsider candidate needs an insider to serve as an “ambassador” to official DC politicos giving a sense of legitimacy for fellow insiders.
I no longer really believe Obama can win in November. I wish I lived in an America that was ready for this man to lead. I sit at work and listen to people who are otherwise smart spread lies about how he wants slave reparations, how he is a Muslim, how he will double your taxes, how he is elitist and unqualified, and how he is the anti-christ. And they really believe that crap. Obama is brilliant, humble, realistic, and honest about how hard this job would be and still willing to fight for it. We could use a little humility to rebuild our credibility globally. Instead we are going down a path toward 4 more years of Bush thanks to the effective fear tactics of the Republican party.
With that said, I'm trying to talk myself into it. On the positive side, the choice of Biden suggests Obama is a man not afraid to be surrounded by heavy hitters and experts in their fields - that is leadership at its best. Biden certainly helps with the foreign policy credibility for the ticket. No one could argue that he is unprepared to be president with experience as the former chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the current chair of the Senate Foreign Services Committee. Hopefully Biden will be better at attacking McCain than Obama – he’s certainly not afraid to say what’s on his mind. And supposedly Biden polls well with the lost Hillary demographic (older white women) and he loves to talk and should be quick at debating. But Obama's brand of “Change” is strong and choosing Biden helps fill his weaknesses. One article I read online claimed Biden is to Obama as Al Gore was to Bill Clinton. The outsider candidate needs an insider to serve as an “ambassador” to official DC politicos giving a sense of legitimacy for fellow insiders.
I no longer really believe Obama can win in November. I wish I lived in an America that was ready for this man to lead. I sit at work and listen to people who are otherwise smart spread lies about how he wants slave reparations, how he is a Muslim, how he will double your taxes, how he is elitist and unqualified, and how he is the anti-christ. And they really believe that crap. Obama is brilliant, humble, realistic, and honest about how hard this job would be and still willing to fight for it. We could use a little humility to rebuild our credibility globally. Instead we are going down a path toward 4 more years of Bush thanks to the effective fear tactics of the Republican party.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Cancer fucking sucks
Julia Fruits Montgomery: Mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend to so many, and my friend has lost her heroic fight with cancer. Julia you are and will always be an inspiration to me through the way you chose to live, love and appreciate the joy of life. Thank you for being my friend and for all of the fun times we spent together. You touched so many people in your short time with us. I feel honored to have shared some of your time. I'm glad you are not hurting any longer. I love and honor you. And I'm going to miss you soo soo soo much. Here are a few of my favorite photos of our time together.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Busy July
1 week spent on a business trip to Ohio and got to entend my trip for the weekend to spend an evening with family in Canfield and the rest of the weekend with Courtney in Columbus.
1 week spent at Microchip Masters conference at JW Marriot by Desert Ridge showing demos to customers. I don't know how people could possible commute that far on a daily basis for the long term. I was exhausted at the end of the week.
1 week spent with mom here to visit - lots of movies, shopping, pedicures and eating out! Always fun to have her in town. We also found Mom & Dad a rental for them to come to AZ for January and February 2009 and be "snow birds" to escape the Ohio winter.
Now it's August and I can barely believe we get to move into our house this month. It's been so much fun being in Ahwatukee in the appartment close to Kelly & Cindy. But I miss all of my books and photo albums in storage and am ready to dive into home ownership again. Plus I need to have my tivo back for the fall lineup :)
1 week spent at Microchip Masters conference at JW Marriot by Desert Ridge showing demos to customers. I don't know how people could possible commute that far on a daily basis for the long term. I was exhausted at the end of the week.
1 week spent with mom here to visit - lots of movies, shopping, pedicures and eating out! Always fun to have her in town. We also found Mom & Dad a rental for them to come to AZ for January and February 2009 and be "snow birds" to escape the Ohio winter.
Now it's August and I can barely believe we get to move into our house this month. It's been so much fun being in Ahwatukee in the appartment close to Kelly & Cindy. But I miss all of my books and photo albums in storage and am ready to dive into home ownership again. Plus I need to have my tivo back for the fall lineup :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)