In my opinion, this years presidential primary election for the Democratic Party nomination has been the most competitive and arguably the most interesting race ever. We have an african american man and a woman who are fighting to death to take down the "WHITE MEN ONLY" sign at the White House. As expected, there has been plenty of controversies for the battle to the White House, such as the latest Obama controversy surrounding the Obama's spritual leader, Reverend Wright's anti-american comments. I am appalled at some of the racist and anti-american language used by Reverend Wright. And the way Obama has handled the controvery has only raised more questions about his credibility.
I really don't care who you are, what race you are or what your ethnicity is, you don't associate yourself with someone as hateful as Reverend Wright. Senator Obama is not an insurance sales man, he is a senator who currently sits in the United States Senate. He should have left this church a long time ago. Seven years later, he is still a member of the church.
I don't know about you, but after hearing Michelle's Obama's comments about how for the first time in her adult life, she is proud of her country, and now Obama's relationship with this anti-american hater, even though I am not a big Hillary fan, I am rooting for Senator Clinton. Mr. Obama has lost my support. I don't want that kind of leadership in the white house that is associated with such hatred. And I understand Michelle Obama is not running for office, but if she has not found any pride and anything right in her country up to now, I don't want her living in my White House either.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Friday, December 28, 2007
R.I.P Bhutto
Former two-time Pakistani prime minister Benezir Bhutto returns to her country after 8 year exile and falls victim to a suicidal bomb attack. She was 54. She was a beautiful, smart, liberal, secular and courageous woman. She could have easily chosen to live in Dubai in the upper class comfort, yet she chose to put herself in danger and returned to her country for democracy in Pakistan. It is a shame she is gone. My heart goes out to her and her people. I hope she rests in peace. I don't know much about Pakistan, but I hope the country doesn't fall apart and head for military rule.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
I am still here
Wow, it's been a long time since I blogged. Let me catch up.
tons of things happened:
Sadly, was diagnosed with BC in 2007. Breast cancer? Yep, joined the sisterhood, a club no one wants to belong to. After the initial shock from the diagnosis wore off, I did what most cancer patients do, I got really busy learning all I could about the disease. It is amazing how knowledge increases your level of control over difficult situations. Anyhow, I battled the demon for almost a year with chemotherapy, radiation and numerous surgeries. it has been a difficult journey, but as cliche as this may sound, it really has changed my life for the better. It has taken me from the new friends I made to the challanges I faced. I appreciate medical science, the talent of researchers and the dedication of doctors more than ever now. It renewed my faith in the goodness of people, my relationship with my mother and sister has improved tremendously, it has made me a better mother, a better daughter, a better sister and a better friend. Honestly, my life is better today thanks to the wakeup call from the diagnosis. Of course it wasn't all a bed of roses, having cancer has been a challange and it also added a new stress in my life like deciding which scarf best matched my outfit!
A lot of people ask me how is my life now. Well, I feel great; I am enjoying life and I am disease free. There are no more IV's, ports, catheters, or getting zapped by the radiation beams, just a pill for five more years! I am just hoping and praying that cancer doesn't come back and crash my party.
Let's switch gears a bit here and talk about something more cheerful, shall we? Like the wonderful season of Christmas. I absolutely love Christmas. I love the lights, trees, wreaths, garlands, the spirit of giving, the fun of receiving, food, music, carols and of course having a legit excuse to shop. This year, I was totally organized. I decorated the house early, got my shopping done, and even sent out a few cards. My stress levels are low, yet I had an awful nightmare the other night. In my dream, I was still married to my ex. You can imagine my horror as this is something I thought I put behind me years ago. Waking up was obviously a great relief.
With that said, I hope you have a joyous and stress-free holiday season
-D
tons of things happened:
Sadly, was diagnosed with BC in 2007. Breast cancer? Yep, joined the sisterhood, a club no one wants to belong to. After the initial shock from the diagnosis wore off, I did what most cancer patients do, I got really busy learning all I could about the disease. It is amazing how knowledge increases your level of control over difficult situations. Anyhow, I battled the demon for almost a year with chemotherapy, radiation and numerous surgeries. it has been a difficult journey, but as cliche as this may sound, it really has changed my life for the better. It has taken me from the new friends I made to the challanges I faced. I appreciate medical science, the talent of researchers and the dedication of doctors more than ever now. It renewed my faith in the goodness of people, my relationship with my mother and sister has improved tremendously, it has made me a better mother, a better daughter, a better sister and a better friend. Honestly, my life is better today thanks to the wakeup call from the diagnosis. Of course it wasn't all a bed of roses, having cancer has been a challange and it also added a new stress in my life like deciding which scarf best matched my outfit!
A lot of people ask me how is my life now. Well, I feel great; I am enjoying life and I am disease free. There are no more IV's, ports, catheters, or getting zapped by the radiation beams, just a pill for five more years! I am just hoping and praying that cancer doesn't come back and crash my party.
Let's switch gears a bit here and talk about something more cheerful, shall we? Like the wonderful season of Christmas. I absolutely love Christmas. I love the lights, trees, wreaths, garlands, the spirit of giving, the fun of receiving, food, music, carols and of course having a legit excuse to shop. This year, I was totally organized. I decorated the house early, got my shopping done, and even sent out a few cards. My stress levels are low, yet I had an awful nightmare the other night. In my dream, I was still married to my ex. You can imagine my horror as this is something I thought I put behind me years ago. Waking up was obviously a great relief.
With that said, I hope you have a joyous and stress-free holiday season
-D
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
feeling crabby
I feel like I should have a lot to say having had a busy mother's day weekend and all, but I am feeling sort of mopey and disconnected today. I am too tired and feeling too pms-y and fatigued for my own good. I will be back once I get my head straighten out. I promise.
While you are waiting for my next post, you could go here and check out the latest celebrity photos/gossip. or if that's not your thing, you could answer these questions:
1. if you could only be remembered for one thing, what would you like it to be?
Making a life out of helping others.
2. what is the one memory that truly makes you squirm?
My very first job at a bank. too many awkard moments, like accidently dropping the entire typewriter(before the days of computers) to the ground.
3. if five of your closest friends were each asked to describe you in one word, what would those five words be?
I did research on this: free-spirited, friendly, nurturing, caring, compassionate, outgoing, dedicated and adventrous. I was hoping for " she's smoking hot," but I knew it would be hard to describe me in one word.
4. if you could tell any one person a particular thing, what would that thing be? include the person if you want.
Even though I tell her this all the time, I would tell my daughter, Angela, that I love her more than anything else in this world and that despite how difficult things may appear right now, just know that I will get back in the full swing of things after the treatments as we have so many exciting and new things to look forward to.
5. what draws you back to any particular blog?
That I can relate to the person's writing. I've scaled back the time I spend in the blogosphere quite a bit, so there are really only a few that I read nowadays, although I still check in on other buddies from time to time.
A quick rant before I sign off, gas prices have gone crazy and the government needs to work to bring down these crazy prices, now! I know the demand is high and blah, blah, but all I know is that I am a taxi driver mom who no longer can afford these skyrocketing prices. Will they ever drop down to a reasonable rate, like $2.25? I can handle that.
Hope everyone has a great summer!
-D
While you are waiting for my next post, you could go here and check out the latest celebrity photos/gossip. or if that's not your thing, you could answer these questions:
1. if you could only be remembered for one thing, what would you like it to be?
Making a life out of helping others.
2. what is the one memory that truly makes you squirm?
My very first job at a bank. too many awkard moments, like accidently dropping the entire typewriter(before the days of computers) to the ground.
3. if five of your closest friends were each asked to describe you in one word, what would those five words be?
I did research on this: free-spirited, friendly, nurturing, caring, compassionate, outgoing, dedicated and adventrous. I was hoping for " she's smoking hot," but I knew it would be hard to describe me in one word.
4. if you could tell any one person a particular thing, what would that thing be? include the person if you want.
Even though I tell her this all the time, I would tell my daughter, Angela, that I love her more than anything else in this world and that despite how difficult things may appear right now, just know that I will get back in the full swing of things after the treatments as we have so many exciting and new things to look forward to.
5. what draws you back to any particular blog?
That I can relate to the person's writing. I've scaled back the time I spend in the blogosphere quite a bit, so there are really only a few that I read nowadays, although I still check in on other buddies from time to time.
A quick rant before I sign off, gas prices have gone crazy and the government needs to work to bring down these crazy prices, now! I know the demand is high and blah, blah, but all I know is that I am a taxi driver mom who no longer can afford these skyrocketing prices. Will they ever drop down to a reasonable rate, like $2.25? I can handle that.
Hope everyone has a great summer!
-D
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Plant Killer
Ahhh, I am so happy the semester is almost over. The last two weeks have been hectic. Like always, the school has been keeping me insanely busy. I had to take two tests on Friday (tests right before finals? Yeah, go figure) and I think I did pretty well on them. I either got them all right or all wrong, but I felt pretty confident walking away from the classes. Anyways, since I did well, I gave myself the rest of the day off from studying and I went to cheesecake factory for lunch with my good friend, B. We went mainly for appetizers and desserts. Great for sharing! I should go to cheesecake factory weekly. At least. After luch, we walked off our lunch by roaming around the Galleria. I spent waaay too much money for shit I don't need. I seem to do this a lot. I am getting a headache due to my increasing stupidity.
Let's see...what else is going on in my rather boring life besides the usual. Nothing spectacular really. While vacuming yesterday, I knocked over my fairly large " Rubber Plant." A huge amount of soil spread all over my beige carpet and sofa. Plant's roots were totally torn and ripped from the bottom of each shoot. The poor plant looked like it's been molested. It definitely was not a pretty sight for those with green thumbs. I stared at the mess on the floor and thought to myself, good thing I have not watered this plant in four weeks. Can you imagine cleaning wet dirt off the carpet and sofa? I have a black thumb. I kill all plants. I need to buy a plant that doesn't require dirt, impossible to kill or molest. Does anyone know where I can buy hard to kill plants?
Speaking of plants, with a friends help, I have planted a small vegetable garden yesterday. We planted peppers, cucumbers.tomotoes and herbs. I am very excited about this and am so looking forward to prepare a salad or meal with ingredents I have grown.
Okay, I'm off to school which has been running my life lately. fun fun fun.
Let's see...what else is going on in my rather boring life besides the usual. Nothing spectacular really. While vacuming yesterday, I knocked over my fairly large " Rubber Plant." A huge amount of soil spread all over my beige carpet and sofa. Plant's roots were totally torn and ripped from the bottom of each shoot. The poor plant looked like it's been molested. It definitely was not a pretty sight for those with green thumbs. I stared at the mess on the floor and thought to myself, good thing I have not watered this plant in four weeks. Can you imagine cleaning wet dirt off the carpet and sofa? I have a black thumb. I kill all plants. I need to buy a plant that doesn't require dirt, impossible to kill or molest. Does anyone know where I can buy hard to kill plants?
Speaking of plants, with a friends help, I have planted a small vegetable garden yesterday. We planted peppers, cucumbers.tomotoes and herbs. I am very excited about this and am so looking forward to prepare a salad or meal with ingredents I have grown.
Okay, I'm off to school which has been running my life lately. fun fun fun.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
someone call the handyman
It's just been one of those months where everything around here decided to break.
First, the sum pump died and my basement flooded. Dealing with a wet basement is no fun.
Then two front burners on my gas stove just went out and despite my best efforts to clean the the clogged burners, they still don't heat right.
Three of the electric outlets on my kitchen wall stopped working.
The hinges on the bottom of the lid for my bathroom toilet seat snapped and broke. ( just for your info: i am not the world's skinniest woman, but I am not a fatty either).
The glass pitcher for the blender fell onto the floor and broke.
And if that wasn't enough, vacum cleaner motor totally died.
Oh, you don't want to know what happened to my bedroom door. Let's just say that it has a good size hole in it. I guess that's what happens when contractors put cheap hollow doors in your house.
The latest disaster? The fridge died. After spending $90, the repairman told me that the compressor was dead and that since the fridge is 11 years old, I am better of replacing it than repairing it. Don't I love shelling out my savings for these unexpected expenses?
You think I am making all this up, dontcha? I wish I was, but it is true.
As you can tell, it's been one of those months. A good friend of mine had us over for dinner the other night since I couldn't do a lot of cooking with one burner and a flooded basement. Let me tell you, this woman is the best damn chef ever. We had salmon marinated in olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar and garlic pepper, pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese, stuffed grape leaves, greek salad and homemade custard made with real butter and topped with crushed hazelnuts. Her food is amazing. If I were you, I'd be uber jealous too.
More soon, if I don't choke on my tea. Yeah, I almost choked on burning hot tea while blogging. Ah, the sacrifices I make for my few readers.
-D
PS: I know I don't blog everyday, but that doesn't mean I don't obsessively check comments. So please comment!
First, the sum pump died and my basement flooded. Dealing with a wet basement is no fun.
Then two front burners on my gas stove just went out and despite my best efforts to clean the the clogged burners, they still don't heat right.
Three of the electric outlets on my kitchen wall stopped working.
The hinges on the bottom of the lid for my bathroom toilet seat snapped and broke. ( just for your info: i am not the world's skinniest woman, but I am not a fatty either).
The glass pitcher for the blender fell onto the floor and broke.
And if that wasn't enough, vacum cleaner motor totally died.
Oh, you don't want to know what happened to my bedroom door. Let's just say that it has a good size hole in it. I guess that's what happens when contractors put cheap hollow doors in your house.
The latest disaster? The fridge died. After spending $90, the repairman told me that the compressor was dead and that since the fridge is 11 years old, I am better of replacing it than repairing it. Don't I love shelling out my savings for these unexpected expenses?
You think I am making all this up, dontcha? I wish I was, but it is true.
As you can tell, it's been one of those months. A good friend of mine had us over for dinner the other night since I couldn't do a lot of cooking with one burner and a flooded basement. Let me tell you, this woman is the best damn chef ever. We had salmon marinated in olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar and garlic pepper, pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese, stuffed grape leaves, greek salad and homemade custard made with real butter and topped with crushed hazelnuts. Her food is amazing. If I were you, I'd be uber jealous too.
More soon, if I don't choke on my tea. Yeah, I almost choked on burning hot tea while blogging. Ah, the sacrifices I make for my few readers.
-D
PS: I know I don't blog everyday, but that doesn't mean I don't obsessively check comments. So please comment!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Little Getaway
After an unusally cold and wet weather, it is finally starting to warm up. Yes, it looks like spring has finally come to Southern Illinois. The forecast calls for a beautiful weekend, so I am planning on taking full advantage of the beautiful weather by traveling to Carbondale this weekend. I will be spending some time visiting my daughter who is a senior at SIUC. My daughter suggested that we go to the Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda. I have never been there, but heard it is a very scenic and charming place that offers a little taste of Tuscany right in our backyard...and you thought Southern Illinois scenery consisted of flat croplands for miles and miles! Even though I am not much of a wine drinker, I am looking forward to exploring the vineyard and its grounds and am hoping that they have "real" Italian food.
A good friend of mine owns a lake house not too far from the winery and she said I could spend the weekend at her house. Yes, she gave me keys to her beautiful home which is right on the Lake of Egypt. Wasn't that nice of her to do that for me? Anyways, it looks like I will be spending my Sunday boating and relaxing on the lake. That should be fun.
Full trip report to follow when I get back. Oh, almost forgot to mention. If you enjoy cooking and baking as much as I do, you must try this recipe. You need to register (very fast, just provide an email)with America's Test Kitchen in order to access the recipe, but trust me, this is a really yummy cake that offers a wonderful baking and of course an eating experience!
Enjoy the weekend and have loads of fun!
-D
A good friend of mine owns a lake house not too far from the winery and she said I could spend the weekend at her house. Yes, she gave me keys to her beautiful home which is right on the Lake of Egypt. Wasn't that nice of her to do that for me? Anyways, it looks like I will be spending my Sunday boating and relaxing on the lake. That should be fun.
Full trip report to follow when I get back. Oh, almost forgot to mention. If you enjoy cooking and baking as much as I do, you must try this recipe. You need to register (very fast, just provide an email)with America's Test Kitchen in order to access the recipe, but trust me, this is a really yummy cake that offers a wonderful baking and of course an eating experience!
Enjoy the weekend and have loads of fun!
-D
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