Life and Times of Laurie... once upon a time Hailey Hawkeye

Attention

2009-11-06T18:15:00.001-06:00

Attention this blog has moved please redirect all links, favorites, and bookmarks to my new site : the sarcastic cynical optimist.

Thank You!

An announcement, and a winner.

2009-11-05T12:45:00.001-06:00

First of all this blog is moving - yes again. I have decided to blog under a new name since I am no longer directly affiliated with roller derby. At this time I would like to introduce the sarcastic cynical optimist. I am still in the process of making everything just 'right'. So please change your links and favorites and take the time to become a follower plz! This blog will stand but will cease to be updated starting this weekend.

The entrants to my first give away:

1. The Coastal Chicster (by way of comment!)
2. aka_Mariha (by way of comment!)
3. The Coastal Chicster (she is a follower!)
4. The Coastal Chicster (for blogging about the give away!)

I then entered 1 - 4 into random.org and it popped up that 4 is the winner.

So, Coastal Chicster send me a email to thesarcasticcynicaloptimistATgmailDOTcom and we will figure out what fragrances you are interested in.

Secondly aka_Mariha since this is my blog and I will do what I want to - shoot me a email to the same address and just for entering you will also get a bar of soap!

I am really excited to see what the both of you think of this soap and thanks for participating!

Giveaway!

2009-10-29T13:00:00.002-05:00

Ah, fall - winter is here.

Chilli weather, hot drinks and sweaters are here.

So is dry skin.

When we lived on the east coast dry skin was not such a concern. Here in Oklahoma that is not the case. During our 'non-humid' months my skin itches. I discovered that the problem was eased by a change in soap. I love my bath poof and body gel as much as the next gal but that just doesn't work in the winter. I need something a little more gentle for my skin.

For years my Mother (in-law) of Stone Bluff Soap Shoppe fame has been making soap and selling it a local shops and vineyards. Her soaps are just right for my skin this time of year. I am especially fond of her gardenia, lavender, and calendula. I guess I just could not keep this luxurious soap to myself any longer.

Well, I made my promise and here is the delivery.

This giveaway is for two bars of hand crafted Stone Bluff Soap and a few other little goodies.

Here’s the deal. Leave a comment on this post between now and November 4th to enter. In your comment tell me how you found my blog / or why you read this blog. I’ll draw a name and give away the prize on November 5th. In addition if you are a follower tell me and that will give you one extra entry if you are following me by way of NetworkedBlogs tell me that too that will give you 3 entries all in one!

So, go tell all of your friends about my first giveaway, and start showering me with comments!

And speaking of giveaways! Over at the design girl blog she is giving away OPI nail colors. Wouldn't that be perfect bundled with this soap?

Share the holiday season.

2009-10-25T09:49:00.001-05:00

By now I bet most of my readers are under the impression that I totally ignore the fall holidays. This is not true but all my spare time that is not devoted to celebrating the season are spent preparing for the Christmas season. In all truth fall happens to be my absolute favorite season.

I have been wondering what are Christmas traditions you have that don't involve sweets, decorating, parties, or gift exchanging?

For me that is charity. Each holiday I donate to toys for tots, grab a angel off the angel tree, or take food to the food bank. This may not be Opera at the Met, but I see this as a classy holiday tradition.

Throughout the year I regularly take supplies to Blue Star Mothers. But the holidays I focus on those less fortunate.

If you have never done this I highly suggest this become a yearly tradition. No matter how small the gift you will make a difference in someones life.

I still remember as a child how we would go select a gift or two to take to the Toys for Tots. And then my Aunt and I would take them and deliver them to a Marine. As we were selecting the toy and dropping it off we would talk about the importance of helping the less fortunate. I see this as an indispensable life lesson that has suck with me and shaped who I am even today.

In lean years I have often purchased my gifts at Big Lots or the Dollar Tree. Other years I have tried to get the latest and greatest toy. But every year I do something. After all something is better than nothing.

I find that I get the most joy from picking out a Angel to buy for.

I try to pick the tweens or teens (most people go for the little ones.) I like getting the teens so that I will know that somewhere someone is opening a outfit that will make them feel good about who they are - and how they look, even just for one day. I cant help thinking how great it was to get all the cool new clothes for Christmas when I was in middle school. How I would labor over what to wear on the first day back.

If you are a parent I would suggest you and your child(ren) select someone together at about their age so that they can help in this gift selection.

Today while sorting thru my blogs I follow on google reader I came across a post for Bloggers care: Operation Christmas Child. Which in truth is what spawned this post. I don't know if the is the avenue I will choose to support this holiday season but I wanted to share this link for a good cause.

If you have never participated in an anonymous gift giving program before I hope you will consider it. If you do please take a moment to share a story or thought. Or as I asked in the beginning, how do you celebrate the holiday season? What makes Christmas, Christmas for you?

religion - that topic

2009-10-22T13:04:00.005-05:00

As most of you know I was raised in the Disciples of Christ Church.

I went thru a time where I questioned church as a whole. I could not understand how someone could profess to be a 'christian' and yet have a affair, marginalize members of the church, or berate those who do not believe. Correct me if I am wrong but I was taught god is love. To be a christian is to behave in a Christ like manner.

Each time I cross paths with one of 'those' people. I feel the need to slap them.

Recently my husband categorized himself as atheist. This is something he feels the need to do. I understand. I was there. I followed a strain of Atheism and Agnostic repeatedly in the late 1980's and all of the 1990's. Oddly enough sparked by a church camp experience.

Growing up I saw parents spending ungodly amounts of money sending their children to private school to shelter them from the world so that they could be better Christians. I am sorry I don't think that there is a platinum Christian. We are all pretty equal. It is how we act that counts. How do you treat your fellow man? Do you honor the vows you made before god and all creation both on the day you were baptized and on the day you were wed? This is what makes you Christian.

Likewise I believe people will find faith, and faith will find people. Going out and metaphorically hitting a person repeatedly with the bible will only cause them to run the opposite way, quickly.

I see this largely in my peers, the ones who had religion thrust upon them are now still wrestling with their faith. Conversely the peers I have who were encouraged like I was to question the beliefs, explore others, and arrive at their own conclusion are the ones who are still active members of a faith based group.

I guess my plea is this. No matter the label you choose to wear in reference to faith practice being a good humanitarian. A good steward of the earth. Honor your family, stay true to your vows, and above all else respect yourself. There are few thing in this world I prize as highly as my integrity.

I win! I win!

2009-10-21T12:03:00.002-05:00

My good friend Lisa has started a new blog; the Coastal Chictster. So pop on over to the Coastal Chicster to get the latest thrifty stylish tips as well as some killer recommendations. To kick things off she just hosted a giveaway. And I won! I am so excited to recive the goodies I can hardly sit still! Now she has inspired me.

So to my loyal readers keep your eyes on the lookout! Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but soon expect to see some giveaways happening RIGHT HERE.

Also keep an eye out for gift ideas on a dime, sadly those will start rolling our after the holidays due to the fact that many of my gifts are hand made too and I cant spoil a Christmas Surprise!

Driveby Sonata gigs Coming up!

2009-10-19T11:53:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to toss up a bit of info on the band goings on as of late.

Driveby Sonata has confirmed gigs for October and November. So please take a second right quick and mark your calenders for October 31st Freakers Ball at the historic Cains Ballroom and November 28th for Cancer Sucks also at the historic Cains Ballroom.

Both of these Grassroots local music festivals are staples of the Green Country Rock and Roll scene.

If you are planning to attend Cancer Sucks the band will be selling advance tickets. Please contact the band or shoot me a message and I will be happy to oblige.

Also if you plan to crash at our house please let me know asap so you will have a bed!

Cant wait to see you all!

iM laurie and iM a iMac.

2009-10-17T09:16:00.003-05:00

So, yesterday or e-machine died. My personal guess as to it's untimely demise is the enema that NCIS so kindly offered.

After careful consideration we elected to become Mac people.

So if any of my buddies out here care to share any software... ILOVEYOU!

Till then am going to procede with the tutorials.

checkin' it twice

2009-10-15T10:37:00.002-05:00

Last night, for the first time (ever maybe). Grant reviewed the christmas spread sheet.

Oh what a relif it will be to do gifts this year!

Not only did he rewiew the spread sheet, he even completed 10 gifts! I have now a total of 13 gifts DONE!

Way to go Hubbers!

humbled

2009-10-13T22:41:00.010-05:00

Today we laid Uncle Bud to rest.

I was honored by Rev. Dr. Thomas Schwartz to be included in this service.

Regulars to my blog know I do not expect much to come of what I put here. This is a way for friends and family near and far to keep up with the day to day observations. To get things off my mind when it feels like my head will soon explode. I expect little acknowledgment in this other than an occasional comment when something strikes a chord.

Today the blog I wrote of my Great Uncle's death was included in the eulogy.

To tell the truth I was gobsmacked. (I think I can honestly say I have never before felt the need to use this term). Pastor Tom told me as we were leaving for the church that he would be using it in the service.

In that moment I was humbled.

I do not feel that my brief tribute paid justice to the person my Uncle was. In order to do true justice this would involve a long drawn out story in true Reynolds Fashion (of which Bud was a master). But one thing is more than certain, he will be missed by many.

I hope I painted my Uncle in a way that we all will remember him. No one man is perfect. But my Uncle helped shape the life of so many people.

The service was fitting and 'full of all his friends', with the horse drawn hearse taking Uncle Bud to the cemetery pausing in front of his store one last time. It really was a fitting way to say 'good bye' to a man who meant so much to so many.

Ugh.

2009-10-12T10:46:00.002-05:00

I am feeling a bit of anxiety about Uncle Bud's funeral.

I am concerned that I may get a visit for a Ghost from the past is in the form of Darrell.

The last time a successful reconciliation happened was at my Granddad's funeral September 29, 1996.

I am worried he will try again. This time I will not be caught off guard. I am anticipating his moves.

Still this is a scene I would prefer to avoid. Often it is best to leave ghosts of the past in the past.

Raise your Glass to the Dear Departed

2009-10-09T17:58:00.003-05:00

Today has been a sad day for the Reynolds Clan. Our Uncle Bud passed on.

Not only is this a loss to our family but also to the city of Morris OK. When the Tornado in 1984 hit Uncle Bud's store (Reynolds Lumber and Hardware) was one of the few business that did not leave town. For all intensive purposes he was the towns life support.

Today My Great Uncle passed on.

This is a reality I am still coming to terms with. No matter how logically I know that none of us get out of this mess alive it just does not fit. Some people are more than a person, they are an institution. In a town of 1200 we are anticipating a large turn out at the funeral. As is true with any small town we do not have many locations that will hold so many.

My Uncle Bud was not necessarily a perky person. But for what he lacked in perky he more than made up for in compassion. I know of very few people who care so deeply for a community that they would stay only to prevent the town's death.

In hard times such as this I am so proud of my family. We are a large, tight knit extended family. When times like this come we circle the wagons. This is true now. We are all stepping in to make this work. This is what would make my Uncle proud.

To my relatives stumbling on to this, please help me in celebrating our Uncle's life. He was among one of the most generous people I know and he loved us all so very much. Now it is his time to move on and celebrate with those who have gone before. It is now up to us to keep this family together. Please lets not leave this to the next funeral. Our family is a rare and special gift (even if we do have our oddities).

To the rest of you please hug your loved ones and remember to tell them you care. The only thing certain in life is death.

This song is certainly not my Uncle's speed (he liked Elvis) but for me this is a fitting tribute. Here's to you Uncle Bud.

If

2009-09-29T08:49:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to share my favorite poem. Things are a little over whelming right now. Sometimes it helps to stop and meditate.

Rudyard Kipling

If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

- Rudyard Kipling

Recap.

2009-09-28T11:46:00.003-05:00

So I went to the football portion of the 1999 reunion.

It was everything I expected. The 'popular' kids had not changed. I think I spoke to a total of 8 humans.

The funny part was hearing a former jock say "wow life really sucks since high school. I totaled my cool car, haven't got married, and don't have any kids." I found myself respecting that he was not trying to put on airs. This is just how things were.

More than a few classmates came up to talk to the old friends that I was chatting with. They would start up a conversation, then turn to me and say "did you graduate with us?" All the meanwhile I was wearing my letter jacket. I suppose one of three things is true (1) I have changed and they don't recognise me (2) They suck at remembering people (3) They were too self absorbed to notice others when we were in school. It was underwhelming. We left about a hour and a half in. It wasn't Romy and Michelle but to tell the truth it wasn't that awesome either.

I went. Lets just say I certainly hope the friends that did not go to this one will be at the 20. Maybe then it will be worth attending the reunion.

Jaded

2009-09-22T21:24:00.000-05:00

Your thinkin's so complicated
I've had it all up to here
But it's so overrated
Love and hate it
Wouldn't trade it

-Aerosmith

10 year reunion.

This weekend.

The itinerary is this: Football Game, Dinner at the Jenks Aquarium. All this for $80. As for me I am just going to the Game. I have been watching the RSVP's online very closely. Thus far I am not feeling all that compelled to attend. Especially not at $80 a head. From what I can tell the reunion will be mostly comprised of STUCO (student council for you non- BAHS folk) kids. This is a group I was never involved with.

To further add annoyance to this phenomena that is the 10 year reunion I am noticing a trend in the classmates that passed on. The only ones that are being listed are the popular kids. I emailed the moderator about this but it has not been taken care of as of yet so here I would like to add Donnie that passed in 8th grade, and Richard Winland that passed in the winter of 1997. They have added others that passed prior to graduation but not these two.

Now please do not get me wrong. I loved my high school experience and would not trade it for the world. None the less I feel it is too soon after high school for a reunion. Have we really changed that much since then? If a classmate wants to see me or contact me it is easy thru the wonders of the internet or cell-o-phone-o I am easily reached. But I really do not want to live out my own Romy and Michelle experience just yet. But I do know better than to claim I invented post-its.

I will be punking out early from work to attend the Homecoming parade. If you are going to be there please let me know, maybe we can catch up.

Otherwise for you - my classmates of 1999 give a holler some time we can chat over beer or coffee. I am not against seeing any of you but this reunion - its just not my bag baby.

Rendered Speechless.

2009-09-18T09:44:00.005-05:00

With out going into much detail I have had a rough and sad week.

A family member has shown such blatant disrespect to his parents safety and wishes I am at a loss. It is sad when a parent gives a child every opportunity to succeed and they throw it all aside for several decades.

Selfishness that could have been devastating and catastrophic was contained.

None the less damage has been done to the family fiber. This is a betrayal that cannot be forgotten.

I know this feeling.

10 years ago I pruned my own family tree. Even in times when it is the best thing to do it hurts to the core. I was the child, I can only imagine how a parent feels in this situation. I feel so bad for my family and so disappointed in this person.

I have had suspicions of this for some time. It kills me that I was right.

Being part of so many honorary families.

2009-09-14T09:19:00.003-05:00

All my life we have had friends that were so much more than friends, they were - and are family.

I have cousins, who aren't cousins. Grandparents that aren't Grandparents. Parents who aren't my parents.

This weekend has been a perfect illustration of this. This weekend was my "Grandpa Denton's" 80th birthday. Grandpa Denton was a close friend of my Grandad Biby

No only that my mother is best friends with Carla, Grandpa Denton's daughter. I am best friends with Alli Carla's daughter. Michael (Alli's cousin) is like a cousin to me - we all grew up together. We have so many shared memories like being a "Grandma Adair's" 90th birthday party and staling the sugar cubes. We couldn't have been any older than 5 at the time. And still when you put us together that is the first thing we say to each other. We are family - just as deep as any blood connection. When Grandpa and Michael were in a motorcycle accident we drove to Arkansas to be at their side. Micheal's dad died when Mike and I were young. 2 or 3. It troubles me that I have memories of him and Michael says he has none. My family attends so many of their family reunions I am convinced that most of the extended family thinks we are family members as well.

The other is my Cousin Joe's best friend Mike. Unitl I was in my teens I honestly thought Mike was a member of our family. Mike spends holidays with us. To us Mike and his family are family too. Mike's Grandmas funeral was the first funeral I attended. Now Mike's mom is batteling cancer. It is a saddening situation. She is having difficulty swallowing thus causing her situation to be dire. Please if you are of a praying variety keep this family in your prayers.

Homesick

2009-09-11T13:33:00.001-05:00

It is really weird that now we have moved home to OK and I feel homesick.

The weird part is I am now homesick for Florida and Virginia.

Mostly homesick for the haze gray way of life. Not the deployments, but the camaraderie and the safety that came with it. The friends who shared mutual feelings, goals, and beliefs.

You knew that parties were going to have lots of booze and tobacco. That's it. Someone might have their kid running the keg, but over all it was innocent drinking and fun. Nothing contraband. You took care of and looked out for one another. No worries.

I thought that after high school people had grown up/beyond drugs. How Naive.

Since that time I have discovered that is not the case. To be honest after 2 years I am still reeling. All ages still do it. It feels like outside of a military structure I cannot escape people who do not find these substances as boring, juvenile, and outright stupid. I do not view these people partaking in this to be stupid. I do see it as a choice they make. A choice I wish to not be involved in.

Please understand. I do not think I am better than any of the people making the choice to be involved with this. I do not feel I have any right to tell someone what they can or cannot do in their home. Likewise please never bring this into my home.

Also please understand. I am getting older. My health is more of a concern. I am more picky about where I place myself. I prefer bars that are nonsmoking. The same is true for homes I frequent. I am tired of smelling like ash tray perfume on the weekends.

I suppose I write this as a plea for understanding. I do not consider myself as a self righteous person, but I feel I am perceived that way largely due to my stance on this subject. This feeling has become both frustrating and tiring. This is after all my body, my only body. I cannot exchange if for a new one when functions decline. I must care for it. I already have knees that bear a strong likeness to rice krispys (snap, crackle, and pop). I am drinking less and working out more. If I want to stay a well oiled machine I require regular maintenance and to stay away from things that might dull my senses.

With Grants lifestyle changes come many of my own. We are in this together. We must help one another now so that our golden years will be just that, golden. I do not expect those around us to undertand, but please support us in this and respect our decisions as we do yours.

Proud to be a Cowboy - Proud to be a Oklahoman.

2009-09-08T20:57:00.003-05:00

After a absolutely astonishing weekend of Cowboy Football it is easy to say that we are the best School in the state. After many years of trial and error we have a solid football team to be proud of. Not since '88 has a Cowboy football season been met with this much anticipation. Our boys showed up, and they delivered.

I strongly encourage you to read this article by a Georgia Fan. This article fills me with pride in the way that we are treating our opponents. But also fills me with concern at some of the comments that follow by fellow OSU fans.

As proud as I am to be a cowboy I cannot allow this pride to detract from OU. As a Oklahoman I was worried for Sam Bradford in his injured state. He is after all a Oklahoman and we should be proud of him. I for one would like to see OSU take on OU with both teams at their best. I wish both of OU's players a speedy recovery.

The rivalry between OSU and OU is one of the deeper intrastate college rivalries I am aware of. Truth be told I was commonly heard saying "my two favorite teams are OSU and who ever the hell is playing OU". Today this is not true. Now please understand you will not see me trading in my Orange and Black for Crimson and Cream but I have found a way to live with and even cheer for OU.

Most of my friends are OU fans. They have come to the house to watch OSU take on Texas (the only thing a OU fan hates more than OSU is Texas). There will always be ribbing in Oklahoma between OSU and OU fans, but please understand both Schools have some bad apples. Our job is to not let them spoil the bunch.

Out rivalry is just that between two Schools. To me we keep that in Oklahoma. Once we are out of the state we are ALL Oklahoma. How we represent one school or the other is how the world perceives this state. Can't the OSU / OU rivalry stay just that. A fun good matured rivalry between to Great Oklahoma Schools.

Fake it till you feel it.

2009-08-31T14:26:00.003-05:00

Fake it till you feel it.

This is a mantra that has served me well over the last 5 or so years. It came as a rough patch of married life hit full force.

Over the years it has been used many times in many situations. Don't feel happy? Fake it - fake it long enough and you will feel it. It has been used routinely each job, weight loss endeavor, and social situation. It has become something I live by.

Each time life kicks me in the teeth I pick myself up and repeat, "Fake it till you feel it."

My advise to my friends is the same - tho I am not certain how often they take this to heart.

One Friend in particular, I wish she would grasp this concept and run with it. Put it to work as I have in all matters of life - self esteem, work, school, and family life.

I have found in life if I fake that everything is alright soon enough this is true.

"have you noticed"

2009-08-30T20:17:00.003-05:00

Have you noticed Grant is in a band here locally, if not let me issue a reminder. www.drivebysonata.com.

Friday marked the first gig since the reorganization and it was a successful endeavor. The crowd was good. The venue was exceptionally nice and clean. Driveby Sonata did GREAT! The band had great energy!

Here is some pics I took!

As a result I have elected to resurrect my old photography moniker 'laurie.ink photography'

I would also like to issue a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to the following: the Marquee for a stellar non-smoking venue, My Solstice for inviting DBS to play, and most importantly our friends for coming out and supporting DBS.

Now back to pricing cameras with better shutter speeds.

I did not send this, but I could have.

2009-08-29T22:29:00.000-05:00

what a week.

2009-08-28T10:28:00.000-05:00

End of the month at work.

Inspections at work.

House cleaning and prepping for visitors.

House guests.

Band DRIVEBY SONATA has the show Tonight.

On top of this Senator Kennedy passed. I finished a book by a Author I enjoy (Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner).

Oddly enough this particular book by Jennifer Weiner was not as light as typically expect from her it is almost like when I went to see Pixars 'Up'. Between this, the death of senator Kennedy I have experienced a exceptionally weepy week.

To say this is uncommon for me is a severe understatement. I am not a sap or crier.

I have no idea what brought this on. But here it is.

Tonight is Grant's show. I have battery's charging and am very much looking foward to a eventful evening.

A sad day.

2009-08-26T08:58:00.005-05:00

We have lost our Liberal Lion, Senator Ted Kennedy.

No doubt his yesteryear is mingled with both positive and negative. As is the case for most of us. Indiscretions on Senator Kennedy's part caused a woman to loose her life. For this I make no excuses. But would suggest a pause to reflect on how many others have chosen to drive under the influence with no repercussion for this choice. Is drunk driving intolerable yes. Should this be the defining moment of this mans life? I for one suggest not.

I do believe this was a pivotal moment for Senator Kennedy. A moment where he chose to serve the public as his brothers did. His speech at the 1980 Democratic Convention sill resounds today. "For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

Kennedy did not accept this as a final defeat. He devoted his life to the service of the public. He worked tirelessly for health care and education reform.

Kennedy became a watchtower for negotiation and work ethic. I for one liken him to Churchill - another politician who never gave up.

Even in his final days he did not leave his post. Knowing the end was near Senator Kennedy asked the State of Massachusetts to reform the method in which a replacement senator would be chosen. In the state of Massachusetts you must wait 5 months before a special election can take place. Sadly reform did not happen.Senator Kennedy's seat will sit vacant for 5 months.

This is a sad day in America. The last prince of Camelot has passed. Our Lion has been defeated by a disease that as of yet has no true cure, no vaccination that can prevent this suffering.

The great adventures which our opponents offer is a voyage into the past. Progress is our heritage, not theirs. What is right for us as Democrats is also the right way for Democrats to win.

The commitment I seek is not to outworn views but to old values that will never wear out. Programs may sometimes become obsolete, but the ideal of fairness always endures. Circumstances may change, but the work of compassion must continue. It is surely correct that we cannot solve problems by throwing money at them, but it is also correct that we dare not throw out our national problems onto a scrap heap of inattention and indifference. The poor may be out of political fashion, but they are not without human needs. The middle class may be angry, but they have not lost the dream that all Americans can advance together.

The demand of our people in 1980 is not for smaller government or bigger government but for better government. Some say that government is always bad and that spending for basic social programs is the root of our economic evils. But we reply: The present inflation and recession cost our economy $200 billion a year. We reply: Inflation and unemployment are the biggest spenders of all.

-- Address to the Democratic National Convention, August 1980.

Mud, it is not just for pies.

2009-08-24T08:18:00.004-05:00

This weekend Grant and 'bino took part in the Tulsa Mud Run (eww).

I think at this point the boys may have gotten all the mud out of every nook and cranny in their body.

Gotta say even tho I did not run, I got muddy too. Mud was flying everywhere! The boys did have a good time and all proceeds went to the firefighter burn unit. This day marked 10 days since Grant quit smoking a 1/2 pack a day. Now he is a running machine! I would rather have a muddy husband than a chain smoking husband any day! Hooray for quitting smoking! I am so proud of Grant!