What?

Ok. One of my favorite things to say when there is an observation or obvious mess up is "They must have been smoking crack." It is the only thing I come up with to explain the idiotic outcomes.

Whoever designed the handicap short term parking area at the Gerald R. Ford International must've been smoking crack. Why? Because there is no possible way anyone in a wheelchair could get into the building from the lot unless they go out the in/out areas designed for cars to enter the building from outside the handicap area. There isn't a ramp or curb access at all. Go figure. Who thought up a handicap lot without thinking about curbs and ramps?

Whoever designed the traffic pattern in and out of GreenRidge Square on Alpine. They must have been smoking crack. I don't even know how to explain for those of you that are not familiar with the area - how messed up this traffic pattern is - yet the worst part of all is the fact you are unable to drive straight across the street to the shopping center - you are only allowed to go left or right and neither direction is conducive for getting in the the parking lot. I really cannot stand having to go shopping over on Alpine - near Target because of the mess.

So - next time you are at the airport - check out the handicap lot and let me know what you think.

From the mouths of babes

I enjoy driving. I especially enjoy driving when my children want to talk, ask questions and engage in honest dialogue. Most of the time I am turning up the radio to drown out the fighting, but the other day I turned down the radio so I could listen in - eavesdrop if you will - on the conversation. Ben and Janis were in a hard core conversation about being brother and sister.

Janis mentioned that she is a "sister" to her friend next door and when Ben said she wasn't she about came unglued. Seems Janis and her buddy were discussing the Bible and the notion we are all brothers and sisters. Ben then took the suggestion and indicated there is no way possible we could all be actual brothers and sisters because then no one could get married.

Janis then chimed in she would hate to have another brother because one was simply enough.

The kids could tell I was listening in - as Ben addressed me and asked: "Mom. Why does the Bible say we should treat everyone like brothers and sisters, when all brothers and sisters do is fight?" Good question and the only thing I could think of is "Maybe we do. Maybe that is why we have war."

Ben has a point - he is in a constant struggle with his sister and while they love each other, there is not perfect harmony. He does something to annoy her and she does something back - they love and hate at the same time. Does this exist in war? Can individuals from two different worlds find common ground, yet still have the ability to hate so much? I wrote a while back about the movie "Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?" and the notion we all want the same things in life - a safe place for our children to grow, a good education and a better life for them. We may see things a bit differently and fight, but we all truly share a common bond...humanity.

So. We have this common bond - we want the best in life and seek to be absolutely loved and accepted - it is what we want in life. Why then do we not allow some people to experience acceptance, love and joy? Why then do we have a community that cannot accept people for who they are - faults and all? Why then do we have a community that would rather hide those, than embrace them?

In church a few weeks ago - the topic was about lepers - how they were shunned from communities and forced to annouce they were "unclean" to those that approached. I listen and think "how horrible it must have been" but then I think of how there are those in our community that are labeled and shunned - the homeless, the adicts, sex offenders, those with AIDS and homosexuals. How is it people in our communities can stand in judgement of others? What makes one person "better" than another and why on earth do we allow it to happen?

Maybe we truly are brothers and sisters.

We point out the faults, tattle, pick on and expose the weaknesses of others.

We should be brothers and sisters of a more forgiving nature, a loving nature, one suggesting support and compassion...then again....what fun would that be?

24

I love Jack Bauer. I love him. I love how he is conflicted, how he can love and let go, how he is loyal in the face of uncertainty. I love his style and the fact he can get out of any situation. I love his ability to be aware of his environment. I simply love Jack.

I hate that I have to wait until next week to find out what happens.

What amazes me about the show, is each and every week I know I'll be left hanging - and each and every week I get up after the hour is up and say "I hate this show."

It is also a show where my intensity level elevates and I find myself unable to relax for a few hours after - not sure why I get so caught up, mentally and physically - but I think it is the thought that some of this "Hollywood" isn't so off base. While Jack Bauer is all Hollywood, the situations are all in a realm of reality - and maybe that is what is frightening to me - to live in a world where greed and power are so pervasive. Makes me think. A Lot.

I start to think about those we've elected to office - how it is their own best interest they serve and not ours. While there are those that may go in young and fresh, full of ideals and passion - it is left behind somewhere. I often wonder about the reflection pool near the US Capitol - do you ever think it was put there for our leaders to look into and see if they like the reflection staring back?

I am conflicted these days - in many things - my passions, my desires, my goals, my faith, my government. I think government is operating in places it should not be - meddling and stirring the pot - why just the other day I saw something on the news that indicated an apartment complex made it illegal for people to smoke in their rented apartments. What is that?! Who elected these people? While I gave up smoking years ago and thankful I quit, I still think it is a right for people to smoke....for it is within the law. So we have government that tells us how to live, how to work, how to be healthy, how to be educated....but it cannot follow its own rules.

Without laws we would have no order. I realize that point and I'm not suggesting we go rogue and break the law as we see fit - but I do think we have a responsibility to become vocal and have some input on the law. I do feel we have a duty to serve in our homes and in our communities. I do feel we are not above the law, but nor are we to be held down by it. I think that is ultimately what I love about Jack Bauer.

Until next week...I'll be watching full episodes online.....

Observations

Well - Christmas day is past and so is the New Year but it is the observations of those past few weeks that has me really wondering how we are raising our children. The idea of waiting, and saving for things must be considered so outdated it is no wonder why we are having financial bailouts left and right.

At one event I overheard a mom, as she played with her Blackberry, how her children would constantly fight over the laptop computer in their home. Her solution was simply to go out and buy another one. Now it is peace and quiet and mom doesn't have to listen to the fight. Um. Did I miss something here? I simply shake my head and consider the actions of the adults and then I can understand why our youth do not have a clue. In our house, we have multiple computers and it has nothing to do with sharing issues or solving a fight and our children are not allowed to play on the computer. In our home, the computer is a tool - it is a tool for work and school. Granted I do allow the children an occasional navigational field trip to check explore Webkinz or Club Penguin but those moments are few and far between.

If I heard my kids fighting over the computer they would no longer have access. A fight over a computer is unacceptable - just as a fight over most things is. For fighting over items is irresponsible and we teach our children as such. Yeah - I have perfect kids - they do not fight over things - they fight with each other....that is for another blog on another day.

So. We have the woman that buys her kids a new laptop for fighting. Then we have the young girl who walked up to someone, and I'm thinking it was a relative because the word Aunt was used and demanded her Christmas gift. Outright said "Hey, Aunt So and So. Where is my gift." It was not said sweetly with kisses and sugar - it was more like swoop in and take and when there was no gift it was "You gave so and so theirs. I want mine." Hello? Has the meaning of the word "gift" been redefined? Nothing was said to the young girl - not by the Aunt or the parents nearby. I only shake my head in disappointment our youth are so comfortable demanding from their elders.

I see greed and waste everywhere and I think to myself "are we accustomed to so much we cannot see the value in what we have?" It is sad that we cannot look deeper and reconnect with ourselves, our children and our families and find the true motivation for our existence. We are all here for a purpose - not just to take - we must give back.

For the mom who uses things to solve the issues of parenting - I hope you have a ton of money in the bank - because buying things to make your kids stop fighting will never work. Put down your Blackberry and forget about your personal life. Look at your children and help them discover who they are and show them how fortunate they are. Go camping where you having nothing but the clothes on your back - reconnect.

For the young gal who demanded a gift. What have you done for your mom or dad? What have you done for your Aunt? Give of yourself and maybe it will be a whole lot easier for Auntie to reward your efforts.

I don't want to give up on people - as I think there is much we are able to do. I also don't have to look far to see the good works of people right here in my community. Works of those that really understand there is something greater than themselves. If you want to be inspired - check out one of my new favorite blog, Jesus on the Street.

Welcome to the new year - where we make resolutions to better ourselves. If we can better ourselves, we can better our communities.

Shoes and Senate Seats

Ok. It has been quite a while since I've posted and it is not because I have a lack of things that are on my mind - just a lack of quality time to post! So, now - with the snow piling up outside and the kids occupied with friends I have a moment to write...about shoes and senate seats.

First - the shoe thrower in Iraq. The first I saw of this was from my Google home page feed and I clicked onto a video link showing our President ducking a shoe. The first thing I did was laugh. Not because I thought the event was funny - but because of the look on our President's face. Shoes hurling through the air and he skillfully ducked. I was impressed - as I play the Wii Fit and I can't duck soccer shoes hurling through the air. Makes me wonder if President Bush has a Wii in his office.

So - the man who threw the shoes. Is he a horrible person - should he be jailed for this offense? Ultimately, he missed and did he intend on hitting the President? My thought is he only was expressing his dissatisfaction. If I took my shoe and threw it at a public official what would the crime be? I'm thinking I'd be guilty of assault as I threw the shoe, it did not touch the official but the intent was there. Assault. So charge the man with assault and have it be done with. Let President Bush pardon the man - forgive him for expressing his anger. The man has every right to express himself - just not in the manner he chose. Yet, I'm thankful the man that hurled his shoes did so - as it demonstrates people are now feeling as if they can express themselves. Fantastic. We all have our emotions and feelings and for the first time in years - people in Iraq are getting comfortable expressing themselves.

Now - onto Senate seats. Selling them to the highest bidder? What is with our elected officials? How on earth do we as a people keep putting these people in office? Good Lord - I've really had enough! As a graduate of a public administration program I understand the need for people to publicly serve. I see the need for individuals to step up and make this country great. I see the need for people to take on the public office setting without violating ethics and I'm wondering what is so difficult about the process. From affairs to scandals - how do these men and women in office have time to screw us and each other? Which leads me to the fact it is not the job...it is the power that causes the problem. Stan Lee said it best "With great power comes great responsibility." I only wish our politicians could take a look in the mirror and find the true meaning of service and perform the duty unconditionally.

Friendship, Raccoons and other stuff

Last weekend I had the opportunity to finally participate in the Detroit Half Marathon with a friend. Lord knows I've tried to get people to head to the "east side" with me in the past but I've always gone....alone. Not that alone is bad - why it was quite a fun experience - I could run when I wanted, walk when I wanted, chat up a stranger and enjoy the time - alone in my head. But this year was different...and fun!

It was comforting to have a friend walk down a dark sidewalk in the early morning hours. I was comforting to have a friend willing to go the distance, without great hair or make up. I was with my friend and it felt good. When we started the half, we were behind the full marathoners and just in front of the half runners - crazy when we came together and headed to the Ambassador Bridge - like a pack of rats running from a flood - weaving in and out trying to find the idea spot to settle into for the long haul. Then the sun came up. Light pinks and orange graced the sky and even though we were running on the industrial side of the river - it was somehow peaceful and disconcerting at the same time. There were many times I glanced at the Ren Cen with its GM logo and I only could wonder what would become of the American automotive industry. Detroit had a heyday and I only wonder why, with its amazing frontage on the water, why it is less than a desirable place to be. Can the city turn? Can the city overcome its reputation?

Why, at dinner the night before, a young gal was eating with us and explained cars get stolen and broken into all the time where she lives. Another young woman confessed her car got stolen at least once a year. Prostitutes roam the streets looking for action - where there seems to be none. It is terribly sad but inspiring at the same time - because some day...Detroit will be the place to 'Be.' If I had the money, I'd buy a place on Woodward or even in Corktown - I suppose I would, if I didn't have a family. What does having a family have to do with it? Well - I suppose I could say I have a responsibility to offer them the best environment I can to nurture them and well - Detroit just isn't it.

So - I'm on the bridge, trying to get Tammy to stop for pictures and she doesn't want to stop - she is driven to make the goal of making the tunnel and not getting on the bus - but I could also tell - she wasn't having a grand time. Friendship. She kept going because she didn't want to disappoint me and I kept slowing down because I didn't want to disappoint her. We promised each other we would stick together and finish together and while I am so competitive and it was hard to do - I kept with my word. Our friendship is more important - and once I came to terms with it - I was ok. I enjoy Tammy and our friendship. We are so different and yet, so much the same.

If you ever want to know what true friendship is - complete a marathon with a friend.

Now. Raccoons. Are they dumb or slow or are there just too many of them? Really - I don't know what it is but I see raccoon roadkill everywhere. I'm not sure if it was on my way to Indiana two weekends ago or driving to Detroit that it struck me funny. Some were fresh - others looked as if they could explode any moment, some - only recognizable because of their tails - but I couldn't get over how many of them were dead. I don't know why I thought it funny - because it really isn't.

Other stuff. We had a parish mission last week and I didn't really understand how a mission works - so I showed up on the last day. Well , it seems every day before builds on the last and this session was sort of a Q & A. The topic of politics came up and who we should vote for - and the recommendation was made to vote for the candidate that falls in line with the moral teachings of the church. Well I struggle with the recommendation and feel that is sort of calling for a blind following - but that is another issue. What did come up that I find right on is the fact the church has abdicated its responsibility to taking care of the hungry, homeless and outcast. As a church - it has let the government take care of the issues and we all know how that is working out.

We pay a lot in taxes to run inefficient programs. We pay a lot of taxes to take care of people - who quite frankly, if given the right tools - could take care of themselves. What has happened? The church is a nonprofit but why? What is it they do for us and our communities? They take money and pass it out to other non-profits in the area - supporting other programs and services. The church is a middle man. Why? There was also a call to have "family" time be more in the areas of service - which I agree. I believe my children have such an advantaged lifestyle they are unable to see the value of what they have. Should I blame them? We are in a community full of wealth - kids walking around with iPhones, iPods, Lucky Brand jeans, Nintendo DS - you name it - they have it and chances are not just one. But what if, what if, we all took the time to put our gadgets down and actually serve?

I took that suggestion to heart and when notified of an opportuntiy that welcomed children (which is another thing I have issues with the Church - children are not welcome to help at many events) I jumped at the chance. My children will be working in a food kitchen next Tuesday night - four hours - serving those who are hungry and in need of a warm place to come together. I hope they learn from the experience - having a variety of food on the table is a luxury - as many nights I hear the chorus "I don't like this...." - I threaten going back to a week of nothing but rice and it seems to work - but hopefully this will be an eye opening experience.

So - here is to friendship, dead animals and serving the community - while there doesn't seem to be a common theme - I think there is.....hope -love and sacrifice.

Skimming

Skimming - it is fun. It is fun to read quickly through something, but it never works for me because then when I'm finished I wonder what I REALLY missed.

For example, a few days ago I was in a waiting room and I picked up a magazine, I think a Newsweek or something because it had a picture of Sarah Palin on the front - headline of something like "Pa lin tology" - she had a hunting rifle over her shoulder with that really flashy smile. So I picked it up - wanted to see what the article was about. (Obviously about Sarah, but I never got that far). So in true Jenny fashion I started from the back of the magazine.

As I was flipping backwards, I ran across an article on Afghanastan and the number of kidnappings in recent months - how the Taliban members are raking in a fortune by kidnapping foreign contractors (as opposed to killing them outright) and asking for ransom. Apparently, they are getting the money so they keep kidnapping. Trouble is - different factions are not reporting thier kidnapping incomes so the No. 2 guy in charge - issued a new handbook.

I find this - while distrubing - extrememly funny at the same time. Has SNL done a skit on this yet? My goodness! The humor comes in the notion that once kidnapping became a source of income for many individuals the leadership takes an interest and wants to make sure they get thier "cut" therefore sending out a new handbook of rules to follow. Wow. I can see it now.

It seems a bit like multi-level marketing doesn't it? The handbook is this really shiny, slick looking piece - has a picture of smiling faces, in front of luxury cars saying "This could be you!"
The idea here is to recruit members - they pay lets say $100.00 for a starter kit (this could be rope, tape, blindfolds) and a territory to cover. For every kidnapping someone pulls of and completes (meaning they get the ransom) they get 30 percent of the total while the upline gets money as well. Don't follow the kidnapping handbook and you lose your ability to do business.

Pretty soon, they could do house parties - showcasing the person they've kidnapped - pretty soon there will be ethical violations, the Taliban will be putting ads on Craigslist, "Want to be a an actor?" "You can be an actor and get paid $50.00 for your role in pretending to be a kidnapping victim. You must have a family or business that would be willing to pay to get you back and based upon your net worth, we may consider paying a bonus. You must be willing to travel alone , must be wiling to work long hours without food or sleep. Please send two photographs and $10.00 in a SASE in order to process an application. Not all applicatants will be accepted. No phone calls."

While this post is so "off" - but so is the kidnapping handbook. Do you think Al Capone had a handbook? I think he was able to exert his influnence without having a manual...

So, back to the aspect of skimming - I missed the Palin article altogether. I only read up to the handbook part of the Taliban article, and saw an artist rendering of a cancer cell before I closed the magazine and put it back on the shelf.