John McCain doesn't know how to do what?

I heard on the news the other day that John McCain does not know how to operate a computer. Now, I know I am not supposed to believe everything I hear on the news (or should I say trust) but I have strong reason to believe he doesn't have a computer in his personal office. Why? Because he hasn't responded to my letter that I sent via a "fill in the blank" to his office in D.C.

I had convinced myself Senator McCain would reply to my letter as it was filled with much passion and a plea for help. I sat up until 4 AM reading testimony about the abuse of nonprofit organizations which are supposed to serve our veteran's of the armed services. I do not want to admit my disbelief, as I know there are many, many questionable organizations, yet I sat there, reading and re-reading testimony that broke my heart.

I wrote to Senator McCain asking for help, asking for guidance and asking for action to be taken against organizations that use and abuse service members - using them as "front men" to secure funds for one thing and have the board simply turn the other way as money is funneled into roundtrip airfares, country club memberships, bonuses and the like. I wrote to Senator McCain because of his involvement with veteran's affairs and the fact he too is a veteran. I thought I'd at least get something from his office...but now that I know he doesn't use a computer, I know someone in his office didn't feel it necessary to pass on the info. Do I think it will be any different if I send a letter? Perhaps not - but then I won't have an excuse for him not writing back...

Got any ideas who else I should write? Maybe I'll try Senator Obama...I'll let you know.

what am I thinking????

You know - I'm turning this blog into something quite ordinary and boring - I've always prided myself on being able to really look into issues, offer a different viewpoint and support my views with evidence, yet since I've been out of school I've been terribly lazy! I write about my kids and where we've been, why am I not discussing things with more passion?

Well, I've had a few days in the car to think about many things, politics and religion mostly - things your aren't supposed to bring up at family reunions and such, but when you aren't able to discuss the foundations of our country what is left? Sports? Movie Stars? The Weather?

Well, if I were to discuss sports, I'd bring up women's softball. Why on earth do they wear shorts? If I were to discuss movie stars I'd want to ask why star power automatically gives you credibility. If I talked about the weather, I'd casually mention today hit 113 degrees F and the hot weather must have a relationship with the price of gas as entering California the gas jumped an entire dollar ($5.29 a gal.).

So. If I could discuss politics, I'd want to pick the brains of those with Homeland Security. Did you know there is a form for those who are not American citizens to fill out - the first question on it asks point blank "Are you a terrorist? Yes or No." Are you kidding me? The only thing we can figure is the government has to ask for legal reasons - hell, the only way Al Capone served any time was because he was cited for tax evasion. Go figure...but it is something to think about - and I also have to consider the notion - there are those that say "I wasn't asked if I was a _____? I put blank because you can put in your own words such as "I wasn't asked if I was a theif" says the man who runs the cash register or "I wasn't asked if I was a sex offender" says the teacher in an 8th grade classroom. I think you get the picture.

Yet, what is the perception of the TSA when they hand someone a form with the leading question "Are you a terrorist?" Are we allowed to ask someone if they are in this country illegally? Even if it is legal...haven't we found it may not be politically correct? Just something to make you think...

Maybe I'll bring up more later - but just think about what I've said for now. I'll make a pledge to write more compelling posts for the future. Have a wonderful 4th of July and remember why this day is so important and what it really means to be an American.

Where is the time going?

I can hardly believe it is the first day of July. The kids have been out of school for three weeks now and while we have accomplished much, it seems as if summer is slipping away! Yet, these past few weeks we are having a ball. The last week of June we enjoyed having a house full of people - we canoed the Rogue, biked to the ice cream store, jumped on the trampoline, went to the movies and had a blast on the lake. Having the cousins was a delight and of course, Janis was in her glory.

We headed to Springfield, IL to hang for a few days to see grandpa and the rest of the cousins and enjoyed a gymnastics/dance recital. Grace did a great job and I think she was the best of the group - she was able to execute multiple back handsprings and kept a smile the entire time. Leaving there I think I had the best pizza in my life. Gabatonis (I think that is how you spell it) - it is worth the trip to Springfield that is for sure.

Leaving Springfield to start our road trip started with a trip to Cozy Dog - there the kids met a man driving the "Mother Road" in his Austin Healy (I am not a car person so I don't know if I'm spelling it right or not) - the kids thought his car was so cool and they were so polite, he let them climb in for a picture. What a way to start our trip - a little history on Route 66 - and then we were off.

We are road tripping it - stopping a places along the way and seeing the sights along the way. I'll write more later - but as it stands, we all still love each other and the kids are actually making the trip without the help of electronic devices......that in and of itself is cool.

Summer is here!

Summer time. I love the long days - the warm weather - the late afternoon thunderstorms - the kids playing in the hose - I love summer. I love not being on a schedule and sleeping in until 9 or 9:30. I love cuddling with the kids when they wake up. I love to hear Janis laugh...

Today was just one of those days where the kids, every time they open their mouth, they are telling on one another - but it was also one of those days where I watch them in utter amazement and let them blossom. Today was a day of celebrating life and community...I could also say the entire weekend was embracing differences...

Last night we stopped in Comstock Park to support the local Relay for Life event. One little gal there, the same age as Janis, former gymnastics buddy and soon to be classmate has in-operable brain stem tumor. It goes without saying - she doesn't have long beautiful hair like many of the little girls we know - but that is only "difference" and what we choose to present to our children is not that of hair...but how alike the kids are. They enjoy cotton candy, playing games, running in the rain....they are the same on the inside - their hearts beat the same. So, the event gave me the opportunity to explain to my children the outward appearance of someone is not how we judge - we need to get past the outer core and get to the inside. I think they understand.

The same went for this afternoon at the Taste for Africa event sponsored by the Michigan Alliance for African Women. The primary audience where those from Africa and it was a fantastic event. My children had a blast and they tried so many different foods, listened to different music and made new friends. I think they understand skin color does not define who you are...it is the person underneath and I for one, am proud of my children.

I want my children to recognize they are the future leaders of this country and if we are going to get anywhere in life - we need others - we need a global acceptance with a respect for culture and religion. Notice I say "respect" - it doesn't mean we have to agree with everything in order to be accepting - it only means we respect a culture and a way of life.

So, right now my son is clutching a handmade monkey and my daughter managed to twist off the tail of her hand made beaded elephant and I'm listing to some fantastic music we purchased and writing with a smile on my face. I had a great day and I know my kids did too...they embraced the weekend, celebrated life and community and that is what I'm all about.

Planning another great night up late, watching the kids play outside and looking forward to sleeping in and heading to church in the morning...celebration of life and community continues!

Wii Fit

Ok. This new balance board and game called Wii Fit is a blast. The kids saw the box on the table and immediately wanted to check it out. Hula Hoop is already a favorite along with running with a partner. We all lack balance but maybe - just maybe this little piece of technology will make us better....who knows...

I struggle with the thought of a video game for fitness - but you know what - if it is fun and different, why not? Would I rather see my kids outside running around and having fun - yeah...and would I rather be taking fitness direction from a real live trainer...yeah...but having this game right in your own home - getting people interacting and moving is running a close second.

When you first log into the Wii Fit - it asks many questions, and assigns you a Mii resembling your body figure...well, my Mii plumped up pretty quick - but you know what I'm really wondering if you do get into shape if your Mii downsizes with you. I'm thinking that is pretty good motivation to see your Mii getting into shape along with you.

I'm thinking I hear a lull - the kids are in bed and my niece just went to take a shower....does this mean the Wii is not being used right now????? I gotta go....I want to figure out how to do the ski jump and make it count!

Productivity is a great feeling!

I have learned so much these past few years, about myself, about others and about things I never even thought I'd learn. Today was one of those days that I amazed myself and was excited about learning and being "hands on." Today Sylvia, Lorne and I played around with a program called Wink. It is a tool for creating tutorials and it captures everything you do on your computer screen so you can play it back later for someone else to follow. It was so much fun trying it out, learning about the process together, the afternoon flew by.

Everything fell into place today as well - from dropping the kids off at school, running to the local women's fitness center (I joined on the premise I'm participating in a study), running to Grand Valley to meet with my career services woman (who now knows why I'm so confused in life), then off to Diane's where we worked non-stop, then racing back across town to grab the kids from school.

Tonight was fun as well - as I set a PR in my pistol league...I managed to make every shot hit the target and I scored 20 points higher than usual. I think I was running on adrenaline, as the guy next to me was firing a 9mm. That is a noise I'm not sure I can get used to!

Yet, when I arrived home, got the kids to bed, I was able to play with video editing some more and I came up with this....I especially like the words at the end....like it is selling the program. Funny my career test never said anything about advertising......hummm....

Enjoy the video. Let me know what you think. Until next time - roll up those pant legs and run in the water, life is too short to stay dry all the time. ***For some reason, and it isn't quite clear why, but in the words at the end, I'm missing the "n" on "administration" - yet when I go back and look at my work - it is there....somewhere, my "n" is floating thru cyber space, looking for a home. Hope you enjoy the video...even with the obvious but rather baffling error.


Video created using: Video Thang (free online...check it out)
Interview by: Diane Kimoto & Sylvia Juta
Filming by: Jenny Frasco
Editing & Production by: Jenny Frasco

Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?

Today, I went to the movies. It was the perfect day - raining and chilly and both kids in school. So, I treated myself to a selfish afternoon of spending time with my best gal pal. We went to lunch and watched a movie at the discount cinema, called "Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden."

I must have been living in my own little world not to know about this movie, when or where it was released, but as I scrolled through the show time listings and saw the title, I only imagined it would be a spoof - a Monty Python and The Holy Grail type of show. Curious enough I clicked on the movie trailer link and knew instantly I wanted to see the movie. So I made plans.

The show made me think and it put a different face upon this "war on terror." In my capstone class we learned to be critical of media - as everything can be "created" - and yes, I understand - the picture we want to paint, can be painted - a little manipulation with editing tools and we can create just about any message we want. So, I too have to consider the "creation" of this movie - but there were several things that struck me...issues the film brought out and something I believe worth discussing here.

First, as a parent I want the best for my children. I live in America and I realize we truly are the land of opportunity. We have everything. I send my children to private school, as it is my right to send my children to a school where they are welcome to openly pray and celebrate their Catholic Christian beliefs. I send them for the challenging education and accountability of the staff. What I want for my children is no different than families in the Middle East. The film captures interviews with common folks - who like myself, want the best for their children. Just as I fear my children don't get mixed in with the gangs, drugs & violence - they don't want their children being seduced by power, money and paradise.

Second, many people mentioned they like Americans, they just don't like the American government...I struggle with this idea, as I understand the reasoning, but isn't our government for the people and by the people? Are we all not ultimately responsible for the actions of our elected officials as we ourselves put them in office to represent our best interest?

In addition, the people in Afghanistan feel the American government should hold their government accountable for the money that has been sent for rebuilding...they ask "Where are the roads? Where are the wells?" Are we funneling money without really knowing what is happening with it? We could say the same for our own country - using the city of New Orleans as an example. "Where did all the money go?"

Finally, there was also the opportunity to discuss the notion that Islamic extremists prey upon young people from the poorest areas - enticing them to join their cause, with the promise of money and paradise - the promise of a better life. Who doesn't want that? If I am struggling and there is no opportunity where I currently reside and there is no hope for education - and I am given the opportunity to do something 'great' - I am drawn in. Where else is this happening? The streets of our major cities - the gangs "recruiting" and preying....I also think of our military....young kids, from rural towns and villages, perhaps no hope of attending college because the money just isn't there...and the recruiter offers them $10,000.00 to enlist... I know the immediate thought is to dismiss my point and say it is different, but the premise is the same - a promise of something greater - in return for an ultimate sacrifice. Call it what you want - but we are doing the same thing - we just aren't attaching the "religious" aspect to it...it is more about "values."

I enjoyed the movie - I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of everyday people - the film introduced the opportunity to see this "war on terror" in a different light - it is not a case of "us" and "them" or Christian and Muslim, it is a case of humans, wanting the best for their families.


If you get the chance, see it - or at least rent it....it will make you think.