MERRY CHRISTMAS to all. Our family had a lovely Christmas Day - both my kids were here ( my son with his wife), my brother and his wife also came. For the first time in a long time, we had it at my house. I realize how much fun that was for me (and a little stressful, of course), but it made decorating the house and preparing the table and menu much more important and fun. My husband and I did a lot of this together and it is helping us renew the feelings and times we had just the two of us before we had children. I didn't realize how hard it would be to stop having the worry about my childrens' lives at the intense level that it had been when they were growing up. Each day, with my husband's and their help, I am making progress. Finding that balance between being there for them as young adults and moving on more to my own personal life's goals is not easy for me. BUT, I am the kind of person that believes in personal growth and freedom with responsibility - existentialism. I do not Fly from Freedom. Freedom is the most precious gift we as human beings have. It may only be as simple as being free to change an attitude about something or as drastic as leaving old circumstances behind and experiencing new ones. Life is full of choices and alternatives. To be free is to embrace this truth and allow the confidence and fearlessness that it brings to continue to move forward despite some inevitable bad choices. The next fork in the road is just a few feet ahead every time. I guess this is my wish for everyone this holiday season - to embrace your own freedom and responsibility - to continue to explore and grow and never give up on the new opportunity or moment of happiness and joy to be found every day or around the next corner. I will picture my Dad and his joy at waking up each and every day - whistling a tune - confident to meet the new day's challenges.

SNOW DAY

Today the big snow machine in the sky is working double time. We got out of work at noon so that we could all make it home safely. My picture of apples and pears at my kitchen window is my choice of pic because it reminds me of summer when the sun was streaming in right there. It's kind of funny, but even though I am angry at the snow, the cold, the wet, the ice, the winter paraphenalia, I am a little more patient with it this year. Some of it has to do with making sure I have good supplies - a good car scraper, some warm boots, hat, coat and gloves and just taking it one day at a time. The only thing that happened lately that I want to mention was the death of a young lady from our community. She was only 28 years old and died of causes of which I did not find out. When it happened she was laying in her husband's arms. I know the husband too. Going to the calling hours was a sad but essential thing. I still feel very sad about it.

The tree lights are twinkling on Christmas Eve

All the presents are wrapped and ribboned and labeled

But the evening is strangely cold and quiet

Where there was laughter, there are sliding tears

Our favorite music softly lulling me with its poetry and harmony

I thought of the silver necklace selected with care

the books on philosophy, animals and how to make a pizza

She always knew how to make me smile - to forgive myself

I was never brave - she was the bravest of all - my darling - my love

The next thing I knew the daylight arrived - under the tree I had slept

Alone and grieving - an unexpected way to end such a promising start!

Goodbye, my darling - your angels called you home

The world without you is not one I own.

--------------------------------------------------------

A week before Christmas and sometimes there is sadness.

Sarah Palin and Christmas

My post has nothing to do with Sarah Palin, but just looking for attention. The Christmas season is upon us - the twinkly lights, the crowded malls, the Salvation Army bell ringers, the cold and nippy air, the dark days. It's all here and , as I do every year, start off with dread and doubt, the pall eventually lifts and I become one with the celebrating, shopping and baking masses. I do have a good excuse for being blue, however, since my parents both passed away a couple of years ago, my father in November and my mother 6 weeks later. Now my whole being seems to mourn when the holidays are coming around. I guess it's time for a new poem.

Twas 2 weeks before Christmas

I was shopping at the mall

I saw an older lady leaning wearily against a wall

She looked very sad and held her head low

Something about her - I just had to know

I slowly walked over and stood silently at her side

She raised her head up and turned her eyes to meet mine

Without a word, from my secret flask I poured her some wine

She beamed a knowing smile and yet a look of surprise

We clinked our stemmed glasses with tears in our eyes.

We stood there in silence sipping our sweet red

Looking at each other, nothing needed to be said

When our glasses were empty and the crowds had died down

I knew it was time for me to get back to town

We lingered and hugged with no notice of time

She embraced with a vigor of a woman in her prime

I packed up my things and threw her a wave

Knowing well in our lives, she and I would have to be brave

Post Thanksgiving Assessment

First Thanksgiving as a full-fledged vegan. I expected to be more tempted by the turkey and gravy, but that was not the case. I made the stuffing so it had all the usual ingredients like celery, onion, vegan margarine, apples, bread crumbs, herbs but instead of being in the bird, I added vegetable broth for moisture. If I do say so myself (and so did everyone else), it was quite yummy. I also made an apple cranberry pie with a toasted crumb crust that also was popular. I have to admit that I watched longingly as some ate pieces of pecan and pumpkin pie - these are what were tempting. So, we had the usual family good times and squabble time - catching up yet counting the hours until we could go home. I have such mixed feelings about the holidays. Part of me wants to get under the bed, pull the covers over my head, eat junk food and stay home. The responsible side of me usually wins out and we end up traveling somewhere to celebrate holidays since one member of our family is not able to travel. OK here is my poem about family get togethers:

My Thanksgiving Poem (not autobiographical at least mostly)

Who is fat and who lost weight?
Wasn't that a terrible crust made by Kate?
I really wanted that last piece of bread
but now it's gone - typical of Uncle Ted
My sister's kids broke a window again
They cheated at the game so Jim could win
That cousin of mine just sat on her ass
Didn't bring a thing and forgets to pass
My mother's dog chewed up my new shoe
Her boyfriend once again yelled f--k you!
Mona has cancer, Roland has gout
My Dad's boyfriend sits there with a pout.
Getting together is just so much fun
It's a good thing I don't own a gun.
Next year I'm going to stay home
Have popcorn and pizza and suffer alone!

Time for a Post - FIrst Snow Fall

Today I woke up to find my car covered with snow - it was a very unwelcome sight. I want to move - South - NOW!! The reality is I have to get my snow tires on now - clean off the boots, find the scarves, gloves, car scraper, find the shovels, the roof snow scrapers. Was man really meant to live in a climate where you need all these things? My Dad was born in San Francisco and I wonder what his parents were thinking when they all moved to the Northeast. Don't most people go the other way around???? Oh well, I guess I should stop whining now and move on to something besides the weather. Yesterday, I had to make a presentation in my department and it went very well. I haven't done that in a while and I realized how much I like public speaking and comfortable I feel. It put me on a high and now I am finding it hard to get back to the humdrum of a regular day's work after working so hard to get ready for the presentation. Anyway, I guess I will end with a poem by Edgar A. Guest
Things Work Out
By Edgar A. Guest
Because it rains when we wish it wouldn't,
Because men do what they often shouldn't,
Because crops fail, and plans go wrong- Some of us grumble all day long.
But somehow, in spite of the care and doubt, It seems at last that things work out.
Because we lose where we hoped to gain,
Because we suffer a little pain,
Because we must work when we'd like to play- Some of us whimper along life's way.
But somehow, as day always follows the night, Most of our troubles work out all right.
Because we cannot forever smile,
Because we must trudge in the dust awhile,
Because we think that the way is long- Some of us whimper that life's all wrong.
But somehow we live and our sky grows bright, And everything seems to work out all right.
So bend to your trouble and meet your care,
For the clouds must break, and the sky grow fair.
Let the rain come down, as it must and will, But keep on working and hoping still.
For in spite of the grumblers who stand about, Somehow, it seems, all things work out.

Hump Day

This week is flying by. Went to my niece's baby shower last Saturday and had such a fun 'girl' day. In fact, I was a bad girl - cheated at all the games and helped my great niece win one of them so she could get the prize. I had a nice long talk with my sister - don't get to do that very often. We are both having trouble dealing with our parents' deaths just about 3 years ago. She and I are very different people and don't have too much in common (except for music), but we both loved our parents with the same passion. The week since then has been flying by, weather getting cold and gray - UGH!!! My veganism is still making me happy - makes my shopping decisions so easy and my choice of restaurants. A local vegan restaurant is becoming my second home for food when I don't prepare it myself. Well, that's all the news for now. I think I will end with another poem:

The gray landscape was all around me
Reminding me - taunting me - challenging me -
Make some soup - hot tea - cocoa - comfort steamy food
Long johns, big fluffy scarves, wool mittens
Storms- snow - shivering - running with my eyes closed
Warning me to brace myself for the barren icy season to come

Relief and Jubilation

I am so happy the election is over and that Obama has won. I was so anxious on Tuesday, I could not watch the returns, read the news or listen to the radio. When I found out the next morning that Obama had won, I jumped up and down on the bed and screamed. Luckily I was able to catch his acceptance speech on the computer and was overwhelmed with emotion. My new passion is DVR - I love control and this is my new control toy. I watch the Daily Show and the Tonight Show every day now whenever I want and without sitting thru commercials. I am greatly indebted to whomever perfected this technology. That's it for now.

Glorious Sunday

OK - what a day, eh?? We gain an hour - the sun is shining - the sky is a magnificent blue. We walked to my favorite vegan restaurant for lunch and I am in a stellar "no cholesterol' induced sense of well-being. One less pig will suffer and one human body (mine) will not suffer because I had fake bacon!!! :-) I got Jack Teagarden cranking on my computer right now - you gotta love the trombone especially when he played it. AND the election is almost over. I don't mean to be so happy and therefore boring, but that is just how I feel today. To make up for this, I will publish one of my disturbing poems - maybe that will give my day a little needed balance. OK - here goes:

Hopeless

Gray goo still oozed from the wound.
Even your sweet kisses could not stop the pain.
It hailed, it stormed, no sign of the sun
my legs were going numb.
Sometimes I can't even remember your face
your smile so brilliant so welcoming
like hot steaming tea on a blustery day.
Starting to slip into unconsciousness
out the window, through the door
behind the dark curtain
where no safe soul can follow
disappearing into the bleak barren landscape.
My arms desperately stretch search toward the safety
of your soft cheek, your warm whisper
but you are gone, tired of sickness, weary of woe
preferring the soft light on the horizon to the blackness that is me.

Wow, now I am really depressed!! :-(

The Fight

The Fight

She: You bleepin' bleep!
He: That's not what you called me last weekend when I bleeped you
She: Yeah, that was before you bleeped my mother
He: Well, she's a whole heluva lot nicer than you, bleep!
She: Why, you bleep of a bleep! I'll kick your sorry bleep!!

With that, she curled her hand into a fist and punched him
in the face
She stepped backwards from the force and shock of it
Then he hauled off and punched her back - hard
so hard she fell down - the wind knocked out of her
As she lay stunned on the floor
he stood straddling her body with his legs
put one foot on her chest
a menacing grin on his face

He: Got anything else to say, bleep?

She squeezed her eyes shut to blink back the tears and quietly answered:

She: You...............................bleep.

All I want to say about this is that tonight I displayed my "Bad to the Bone" side and came out on top (unlike the poem). I am a very nice person, but if someone starts with me, they better be ready to fight. This was not a personal battle, but a bureaucratic disagreement. My adrenalin was coursing through my body - fight no flight. I have calmed down now and realized how mellow I really had become (except for tonight).

Sunny Sunday

Saturday, we went to my coworker, Doug's wedding. It was a lovely wedding even though the weather was not very cooperative - cool and rainy. They make a great couple in so many ways - he has talked to me so much about her - in my opinion they are a perfect match. Tried to stay awake to see Saturday Night Live, but just couldn't do it, so went to bed. Today I went to a Sara Palin doesn't speak for me rally downtown - we even sang a song about it sung to the tune of the theme from the Beverly Hillbillies. It felt so good to be hanging around with like-minded women. I heard the Republicans on the radio on the way home talking about how feminists etc are turning away from Sarah Palin because they are jealous of her success - mother, successful woman in the workforce, great husband, a special needs child, breezing through criticism. For me they are so wrong. She seems like a mother, but a mother who has to let other people including her other children raise them, friends, relatives all take the kids so she can do what she does. They, of course, have lives that are not as important as hers. Despite her aspirations, she continues to have children that she doesn't have time to take care of. She should be home with her special needs child. I was professional woman who stayed home with my babies until they started school, then worked part time then eventually full-time. I had no family or friends to take care of my children and I don't like day care. We sacrificed and cut back to be able to do this. I also don't like her because when I hear her speak, she sounds like a robot who has been preprogrammed with what to say to the public. I can't possibly support such puppetness ( is this a word?) That is my biggest criticism of her - she doesn't seem smart enough and she seems as if she will be the pit bull for issues that I don't agree with her on. What does she really stand for? I have no idea. The jealousy thing is ridiculous. That actually is quite insulting. I will end with a poems for my weekend.

A declaration

My love for you is as the sea
vast, deep and constant
My love for you is as the sky
high above and endless
My love for you is as the sun
warm and oh so bright
I hear your voice in every breeze
whispers and soft melodies
'Twas ever thus and forever will be
With you alone will I be free.

A Spring Day

Lying alone on my back at the river's edge
a sunny day in early Spring
on a gray whale of a rock
listening to the musical cadence of the rushing tumbling rapids
absorbing the intense heat of the midday sun
my pores drunk with warmth

Thoughts were only of such sensations
the tingles of nature's touch
caresses from the hand of God
cares vanished - enters unfettered bliss

A small girl appears as if out of nowhere and sits beside me
we speak not a word - simply smile at each other
experiencing this moment together
Life's simple pleasures were our delight
today - on this lovely afternoon

Political Party

Hey, last night I went to a political house party for a local guy running for Congress to replace a retiring Representative. I was hobnobbing with intellectuals of the highest order - college professors, lawyers, politicians. Our candidate and another current Congressman from another state gave their pitches, we asked a few questions, then we opened our checkbooks. I must say it was quite exciting. It took me back to memories of my Dad's faculty parties at our house - I used to sit in the doorway as a child and listen to the sparkling conversations (until I was discovered). Unfortunately it was discovered later that vandals had broken windows in 5 cars that were parked on the street outside. (Our car was ok). There was talk that it was the work of this candidate's struggling opponent or his party operatives. I think the politics this year is getting rougher than I've ever seen it. I think I will end this post with another poem. I am enjoying rediscovering them.

The Dancing Queen

On the floor here comes the queen
my loyal subjects clear when I appear.
The princesses are an envious green
when the male chorus line forms
for a chance for a dance
with me.

My hair will fly
my body gyrate
with the beat - burning heat
faster spinning as the music pumps
on your back feel my thumps
can't promise not to inflict some lumps.

Stay out my way!
Give me room!
Goodbye to that gloom and doom
when the beat is sweet
Behold the dancing queen!

Monday Update

This weekend I was in a very bad mood. The sun was shining - it was a bit nippy, but that wasn't it. Just kind of realizing that my parents have passed on and I was very close to them. My dog died last November and my kids seem to be really out of my life for the most part. My daughter is local and was spending quite a bit of time with us, but now has a boyfriend and has sort of cut us off. I am enjoying being with my husband - we do a lot together, but I think I just feel a lot of loss. Maybe I just need to get a cat or something - I have been thinking about it. I am also tired of the election politics at this point. I just want it to be over. We did go apple picking on Sunday - Ida Reds and golden delicious. Fresh picked apples are so crisp and delicious. I also made an apple crisp when I got home - it is of course gone by now. This all seems so boring and mundane - I must leave this post with a poem.

Sad unfair crazy bad luck

Her clothes never matched
polka dots met stripes
in colorful disharmony

Her shoes never tied
quietly clicking on the floor
tripping and slipping

Those curls in her hair sprung in every direction
kinky and unkempt
flopping wildly as she trudged down the hall

that runny nose
no kleenex I suppose

Some behind her back
Some to her face
they pointed and jeered
never slowing the pace

She had no one to call a friend
talking to herself
laughing at private jokes
to this unhealthy drama there seemed no end

until that day she came no more
We all sat in silence watching the door
her very existence becoming only lore

Later we heard she was hit by a truck
Talk about your sad unfair crazy bad luck
Tom Motes said "good riddance"
I yelled back "shut up - you dumb f--k!

More Crazy Poetry

I wrote most of my poem collection about 5 - 10 years ago and I'm not sure I could write them now. See what you think about these 2.

Death in their Leers malcontents breathe heavy at my door
hot acrid air seeping beneath curling snarling seeking
exposed naked vulnerability
attack mode revenge riot
ever misunderstanding my motives comdemnation
welcoming my deserved punishment the dedicated wounded souls hacked
through clawing kicking death in their leers
righteousness in their hearts swirling savagely around me ripping at my pale wicked flesh flogging squeezing a worthless life
made breathless lifeless sacred retribution

Never Lie (a song) - no music written for it yet
Girl, it's not that I want to be free
it's just that I can clearly see
that I'm not good enough for you even though you think our love is true
These aren't the words I want to hear
Why don't you sit me down, buy me a beer risk the sliding of a tear and say
Baby, you and I are through
Just don't want you -
what can I do?
Instead you tell me I'm the best
So much nobler than the rest
Deserve a different better guy
Man, I hate it when you lie
These aren't the words I want to hear
Please sit me down, buy me a beer risk the sliding of a tear and say
Baby, you and I are through
Just don't want you -
nothin' can I do.
The moral of this story is if you wanna leave don't introduce her to Steve
but kiss her cheek and say goodbye
thanks for the good times let her plead -
let her cry but whatever you do - never lie!
Sit her down - buy her a beer
Risk the sadness - the heartbreaking tear but whatever you do - never lie!

Columbus Day Weekend

My sister-in-law throws a party for her family and ours at their camp on a bubbling river. The sun was shining, the water was sparkling, the smell of party beverages and food wafting in the air. Since I am a vegan and am not imbibing alcoholic beverages right now, I had to have my fun by wearing my new wig. I had wavy red hair and my sister always had very straight dark hair. My new wig is dark straight hair with red highlights. As you can see, we kind of look like twins. I think it gave everyone quite a laugh. I wore my Canadian tuxedo (jeans and a denim jacket) and high boot-like shoes. I suppose attention was my intention, so I believe I got more than my share. Then today was another magnificent day, weatherwise and my husband and I were like two squirrels getting ready for winter, putting up storm windows, taking in outdoor furniture, doing some tasks we had been neglecting all summer. I read the Sunday paper in the backyard with the sun beaming down on me - even the news about the economy and all the other bad things happening in the world couldn't bring me down today. We even walked a couple of miles to a store (instead of driving) to get a few items we needed. I wore my new Obama T-shirt and walked down the main drag with my chest out hoping to swing some votes. Since I do not live in a contested state, it is probably unnecessary, but it made me feel like I was doing something for the cause. Back to work tomorrow - wish I had it off.

After the debate

Well, I watched the debate last night. There were times when McCain was rambling that I had to cover my ears. He almost sounded like he had the same debate/interview teacher as Sarah Palin. I thought Obama was so much more organized in his responses so that you could at least understand in most circumstances what his plans were in important areas like energy, health care, economy, even foreign policy. There were times that neither candidate answered the question asked - reverting to their usual policy statements that did not address the specific concern of the questioner. I actually thought McCain did better in the first debate - I gained more respect for his knowledge of foreign policy. In this one, he appeared old, confused and unable to make clear what his policies were going to be. Combined with Sarah Palin's nasty attacks on the stump about Barack Obama's associations with supposed terrorists etc, I think the McCain campaign has an uphill battle and I will do everything in my power to give Obama and the Democrats a chance to fix the mess we are in. I hope everyone gets out and votes and votes for Obama/Biden.

Case of the Mondays

Well, here I am at my lunch hour eating a fake chicken patty with baby spinach, mustard and a mega multi grain roll and some dried figs. This is the first time I have tried the meatless chicken and I MUST say it is pretty darn good. In keeping with my new vegan status, I just finished the book "The Omnivore's Dilemma" in which the author explores the human species as an omnivore and the implications of that regarding what we eat and how what we eat gets to our tables. It was helpful to me in confirming that my decision to become a vegan is the right one for me. Yesterday my daughter and I went to a Farm Sanctuary near Watkins Glen - petted cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and turkeys. They all had names and it was a wonderful experience. All these are animals rescued from slaughter and will live the rest of their natural lives being taken care of on the Farm. Individuals can sponsor a farm animal to help defray costs and support the efforts for the ethical treatment of animals. The more people I tell I am a vegan (even doctors), the more I realize that I am joining what many people consider an extreme radical lifestyle. I only see that I have been educated about what goes into my mouth and how it got to the restaurant or the grocery store, how certain food impacts my health and how raising farm animals for slaughter adds to global warming. I guess I can't understand how so many others can remain ignorant. If being a vegan makes me a radical, I am happy to take that label on.

Saturday at home

Today is a partly cloudy day and chilly - I feel sort of partly cloudy myself. The weather definitely affects my mood. Today makes me think of what's coming - the cold and blowing snow, the bitter chill that goes right to the bone. The older I get the more I find it unpleasant. Sometimes it almost feels painful to get dressed and undressed - such a shock to my system. This past summer we went to Virginia Beach and the heat from the air just soaked into my body and warmed it up with such an intensity from my little toe to the top of my head, through my muscles and bones. It was magnificent. I hope to move to a warmer climate when I retire (and before that visit somewhere warm at least for a week in the winter. 2 years ago went to Miami - fantastic, amazing, almost like being in an interesting foreign country. I even got to practice my Spanish - I haven't lost it completely. Well, that's enough rambling for today - gotta get moving and stop feeling sorry for myself, eh?

My Poetry - a Sample

My poetry is not necessarily autobiographical - just vignettes of life that I see around me and how it touches me. Some are sad, some poignant, some irreverant, some merry - This one is a sort of sad poignant one.

*BEEP* Hey, Joe, honey, non-actions speak louder than words you haven't called me in a week Did you lose my number?
I always told you to look on the men's room wall -- for a good time -- yeah, that's me. that always got a laugh before, remember? (nervous laughter then a pause)
Was it that look of disappointment on my face when you forgot my birthday?
Hey, man, I know we ain't serious you got no worries there
It's just that ...... Oh, never mind..... Anyway, I'm here all night .... if you get the urge, you know .... you know where to find me. *CLICK*

My Mad Hero

Here is my hero - I have been reading Mad Magazine since I was a kid. My Dad had a subscription. The only rule was that he got to read it first. Growing up reading Mad has definitely warped my perceptions - snappy answers to stupid questions, Spy vs. Spy, all those spoofy words to common songs. Sometimes I have to censor myself because I am thinking ' what would Alfred do?' However, right now with the financial crisis in the US, since I am getting anxious, news junkier than ever - I am going to try to go with "What, me worry?" Thanks, Alfred. I think I can skip my therapy appointment this week, eh?

Musical memories

This is a picture of my Dad and the 3 of us kids when we were young. Since I just went to my HS reunion, I don't think there was anyone there who stilled played the instruments they played in the bank in High School. A lot of my band friends were there, but I seemed to be the only one still playing and performing. I was sorry to hear that. I can't imagine never playing the flute, piano or singing again. Music is just part of who I am - my Dad inspired me to love music and play on even if the Titanic is sinking. Dad, I miss you very much.

Wednesday - hump day

It feels so strange to go to work every day and know that our country is in a financial crisis. Sometimes I think it was all just a bad dream. I just got new glasses (which are somewhat similar to Sarah Palin's). However, I got them and was wearing them before she even came on the scene!!! Today, though, I wore a Sarah Palin outfit to work wearing my Obama button - it felt crazy and fun. But when I started to feel happy, I would think about our country and what a mess it is in. Up and down all day. Tonight I will watch the President and see what Carl Rove thinks we should do, eh? I pray for all of us - that we all become smart before election day.

High School Reunion

Went to my high school reunion this past weekend and it was interesting to see people I used to know, but haven't talked to in a very long time. However, it was sort of depressing to note that so many had been divorced and remarried (some several times), divorced and single or never married. Our slide show included about 15 people that have died. Also, there were many in attendance who did not remotely look or act like I remember them in high school. I have to admit I was pretty focused on academics and music at that time and thus kind of insulated myself from the social scene. Once I graduated, I have not lived in the community I grew up in - having lived in Boston and back to Central NY eventually, but not in my old town. It was a somewhat disconcerting evening. On Sunday - went to a MoveOn.org calling party to make calls for Obama. At first, it was uncomfortable making phone calls, but after a few, I felt more confident and happy to be doing something to actively help the cause.

Friday Vegan Stuff

Today I went to a vegan cafe called Strong Hearts. I had a delicious roasted red pepper and many other vegetable sandwich on grilled pumpernickel. Yummy. My daughter became a vegan and has slowly been educating me about the food supply's impact on our health, environment and the ethical treatment of animals. Her influence and my research pushed me to make the leap. I am very excited about this new adventure - trying new recipes and learning about the challenges of finding acceptable foods outside of the house. Tomorrow I go to my high school reunion - it should be very interesting. Well, I smell the popcorn popping - gotta go!

Politics Politics

I worry so much about our country. I worry that the Republicans will win - can't take 4 more years of it. I try the Que sera, Quer sera approach, but it just doesn't work. Got my Obama lawn sign that I made by covering my old Bush must go sign with the Obama 2008 logo and left exposed the human need not corporate greed. We don't need McCain and Palin - Rambos both, but a leader who consults experts, considers alternatives and understands the nature of negotiation and how powerful it can be when a leader knows how to use it for the good. Those who are at a loss for words need to resort to violence and force to win. That is not what we need. It's late - I'm tired - Going to bed and reading about construction.

Pamela Anderson

9-14-08 See what Pamela Anderson believes about eating chicken. She has gained a lot of respect from me since I am an on-the-verge vegetarian.