Cool idea! Thanks Manny, for the video!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday Morning Coffee On the Veranda
Jay and I had a great morning last Sunday. The kids both slept in, so we quietly made coffee and snuck out to the porch. I think we had a full thirty minutes before Miah came looking for us. It seems though, that we were not completely alone...
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Round Nose, Flush Cutters, Chasing Hammer, Bench Block, Oh my!
In less than ten minutes, I turned silver wire into a bracelet. I love that I can do that!
Alaska OR Bust!
I meant to announce it yesterday....but in all the excitement I forgot. I. Am. Going. To. Alaska.
No, I'm not going so that I can hunt Sarah Palin down and force her to show me Russia from her back porch, and ask her tough questions like "What newspapers or magazines do you read?"
Though I thought for just a moment that it would be nice to go say "hi" to my favorite (gag) female role model.
Nope, I go purely for selfish reasons. I miss my Sara. I'm going so that I can go get a hug. An added bonus, another friend who recently moved to Ak, Gina, will also be hanging out! Yay!
I can't wait! I'll be taking the laptop so I can blog and post pictures from there. Now I just have to wait...
No, I'm not going so that I can hunt Sarah Palin down and force her to show me Russia from her back porch, and ask her tough questions like "What newspapers or magazines do you read?"
Though I thought for just a moment that it would be nice to go say "hi" to my favorite (gag) female role model.
Nope, I go purely for selfish reasons. I miss my Sara. I'm going so that I can go get a hug. An added bonus, another friend who recently moved to Ak, Gina, will also be hanging out! Yay!
I can't wait! I'll be taking the laptop so I can blog and post pictures from there. Now I just have to wait...
In Weight Watchers News...
Drum roll please................................
I lost 2.2 Lbs this week!
I lost 2.2 Lbs this week!
Why spend $98...
When I can make it myself? I copied this from a company I used to work with (Sara knows who).
I am still tweaking it. For example, I'm going to wrap the rings connecting the beads to the leather with the cord on which the beads are strung, and I may cut the leather to a shorter length because it feels odd on my neck...but other than that, this is pretty much the finished project. I started it at home, and finished it this afternoon while waiting in the car for the kids. I wanted to get pictures on here before I got distracted and moved on to something else...which I do way too often!
From Mr. Obama
Waiting for me in my inbox...
Stacy --
I'm writing to you on a great day for America.
This morning, I gathered with members of Congress, my administration, and hardworking volunteers from every part of the country to sign comprehensive health care reform into law. Thanks to the immeasurable efforts of so many, the dream of reform is now a reality.
The bill I just signed puts Americans in charge of our own health care by enacting three key changes:
It establishes the toughest patient protections in history.
It guarantees all Americans affordable health insurance options, extending coverage to 32 million who are currently uninsured.
And it reduces the cost of care -- cutting over 1 trillion dollars from the federal deficit over the next two decades.
To ensure a successful, stable transition, many of these changes will phase into full effect over the next several years.
But for millions of Americans, many of the benefits of reform will begin this year -- some even taking effect this afternoon. Here are just a few examples:
Small businesses will receive significant tax cuts, this year, to help them afford health coverage for all their employees.
Seniors will receive a rebate to reduce drug costs not yet covered under Medicare.
Young people will be allowed coverage under their parents' plan until the age of 26.
Early retirees will receive help to reduce premium costs.
Children will be protected against discrimination on the basis of medical history.
Uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions can join a special high-risk pool to get the coverage they need, starting in just 90 days.
Insured Americans will be protected from seeing their insurance revoked when they get sick, or facing restrictive annual limits on the care they receive.
All Americans will benefit from significant new investments to train primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals, and the creation of state-level consumer assistance programs to help all patients understand and defend our new rights.
As I've said many times, and as I know to be true, this astounding victory could not have been achieved without your tireless efforts.
So as we celebrate this great day, I want to invite you to add your name where it belongs: alongside mine as a co-signer of this historic legislation. Organizing for America will record the names of co-signers as a permanent commemoration of those who came together to make this moment possible -- all of you who refused to give up until the dream of many generations for affordable, quality care for all Americans was finally fulfilled.
So, if you haven't yet, please add your name as a proud health care reform co-signer today:
http://my.barackobama.com/cosigner
Please accept my thanks for your voice, for your courage, and for your indispensable partnership in the great work of creating change.
History, and I, are in your debt.
President Barack Obama
Stacy --
I'm writing to you on a great day for America.
This morning, I gathered with members of Congress, my administration, and hardworking volunteers from every part of the country to sign comprehensive health care reform into law. Thanks to the immeasurable efforts of so many, the dream of reform is now a reality.
The bill I just signed puts Americans in charge of our own health care by enacting three key changes:
It establishes the toughest patient protections in history.
It guarantees all Americans affordable health insurance options, extending coverage to 32 million who are currently uninsured.
And it reduces the cost of care -- cutting over 1 trillion dollars from the federal deficit over the next two decades.
To ensure a successful, stable transition, many of these changes will phase into full effect over the next several years.
But for millions of Americans, many of the benefits of reform will begin this year -- some even taking effect this afternoon. Here are just a few examples:
Small businesses will receive significant tax cuts, this year, to help them afford health coverage for all their employees.
Seniors will receive a rebate to reduce drug costs not yet covered under Medicare.
Young people will be allowed coverage under their parents' plan until the age of 26.
Early retirees will receive help to reduce premium costs.
Children will be protected against discrimination on the basis of medical history.
Uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions can join a special high-risk pool to get the coverage they need, starting in just 90 days.
Insured Americans will be protected from seeing their insurance revoked when they get sick, or facing restrictive annual limits on the care they receive.
All Americans will benefit from significant new investments to train primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals, and the creation of state-level consumer assistance programs to help all patients understand and defend our new rights.
As I've said many times, and as I know to be true, this astounding victory could not have been achieved without your tireless efforts.
So as we celebrate this great day, I want to invite you to add your name where it belongs: alongside mine as a co-signer of this historic legislation. Organizing for America will record the names of co-signers as a permanent commemoration of those who came together to make this moment possible -- all of you who refused to give up until the dream of many generations for affordable, quality care for all Americans was finally fulfilled.
So, if you haven't yet, please add your name as a proud health care reform co-signer today:
http://my.barackobama.com/cosigner
Please accept my thanks for your voice, for your courage, and for your indispensable partnership in the great work of creating change.
History, and I, are in your debt.
President Barack Obama
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
If Looks Could Kill
No kidding. The doorbell just rang, and a nice looking young man is on the other side. I smile and say hello, and he asks me if my mom or dad is home. The look on my face must have been startled, or even incredulous, because he immediately backtracked, and said, " Uh...or are you the mom...?" Uh, ya. I'm the thirty year old mom wearing converse tennis shoes, and blue jeans with a blue linen sweater. So sue me. He apologized and said how wonderful it was to look so young, then took his ball cap off an showed me his 29 year old (I'm OLDER than him!) balding head. Not a little bald, a lot bald. He said he'd trade me...and while I envisioned a "Freaky Friday" type switch, I mumbled "Trust me, I would too..."
I'm so tired of hearing about how young I look. Even my fellow high school classmates (Love you guys) voted me least changed, when to me, I was far from it. A lot of them looked exactly the way I remembered them....I get looked over at makeup counters, people have asked for my daddy when I pick up the phone...Ahhhh! I am proudly thirty years old. I have a soon to be thirteen year old, and a soon to be ten year old. I dress my age for the most part, and I wish to hell I looked as old as I felt. Youthful looks are worthless unless I also get to enjoy the lack of responsibility and carefree weekends driving recklessly on back roads with my best friend. My face is still red. Embarrassment? or Irritation? I'll let you figure it out...
John Edwards' Huge Mistake...
I just read the interview of Rielle Hunter. ( Link in last post.) Wow. The woman comes off as insensitive, rude, gold digging....I can't go on! I can understand the need to set things right, but at this late date it seems crazy. Everyone has told their story, so those stories are what are set as "truth" in the minds of most people.
I find it very hard to feel anything other than disgust towards this woman. She seems disconnected to reality. The fact that she is in love with this man is one thing, but that she believes that he will never and has never lied to her? Is she mental? I want to smack her! I especially got irritated when she started talking about "Johnny and St. Elizabeth's" relationship. Where does she get off commenting? She does realize that she only has half the story, and that being told to her by a man who is trying to get in her pants? And stay there?
How about the photos that they took for the interview? They make her look even worse than she sounds. Her rear end showing, posing in a mans shirt (John's???) with her daughter's toys, and showing her naked belly while laying with her kid in bed. Those don't say wholesome mother-type to me. They make my skin crawl almost as much as the "reporter's" pointed comment on what size her pants are.
Another thing that really bugs me is that she talks about their relationship as if it never ended. Like they were star-crossed lovers that were separated by the evil queen Elizabeth. That she takes absolutely no responsibility for her part, and talks about John Edwards being abused by his wife. To top all this off, the woman speaks about her knowledge of male/female relationships like some sort of self help guru, only in reverse. Like a 1950's version of a house wife.
In my opinion she has no right to speak up at this point, the evil other woman. She is no victim, and neither is Edwards. As I see it the only victims here are John's children, and to a point Elizabeth. No matter what she did to him...he always had the option to take the high ground and dissolve the relationship before he cheated on his wife and kids. How must his older kids feel, reading this interview....which you know they are!
Thank goodness he wasn't elected...and good riddance to his political career. Humanitarian, indeed. Gag.
I find it very hard to feel anything other than disgust towards this woman. She seems disconnected to reality. The fact that she is in love with this man is one thing, but that she believes that he will never and has never lied to her? Is she mental? I want to smack her! I especially got irritated when she started talking about "Johnny and St. Elizabeth's" relationship. Where does she get off commenting? She does realize that she only has half the story, and that being told to her by a man who is trying to get in her pants? And stay there?
How about the photos that they took for the interview? They make her look even worse than she sounds. Her rear end showing, posing in a mans shirt (John's???) with her daughter's toys, and showing her naked belly while laying with her kid in bed. Those don't say wholesome mother-type to me. They make my skin crawl almost as much as the "reporter's" pointed comment on what size her pants are.
Another thing that really bugs me is that she talks about their relationship as if it never ended. Like they were star-crossed lovers that were separated by the evil queen Elizabeth. That she takes absolutely no responsibility for her part, and talks about John Edwards being abused by his wife. To top all this off, the woman speaks about her knowledge of male/female relationships like some sort of self help guru, only in reverse. Like a 1950's version of a house wife.
You haven't uttered a word so far. Why now?
"I feel comfortable talking now, because Johnny went public and made a statement admitting paternity. I didn't feel like I could ever speak until he did that. Because had I spoken, I would have emasculated him. And I could not emasculate him. Also, it is not my desire to teach my daughter that when Mommy's upset with Daddy, you take matters into your own hands and fix Daddy's mistakes. Which I view as one of the biggest problems in all female-and-male relationships."
"To allow a man to be a man. The biggest mistake that I find is that women attempt to make men women."
In my opinion she has no right to speak up at this point, the evil other woman. She is no victim, and neither is Edwards. As I see it the only victims here are John's children, and to a point Elizabeth. No matter what she did to him...he always had the option to take the high ground and dissolve the relationship before he cheated on his wife and kids. How must his older kids feel, reading this interview....which you know they are!
Thank goodness he wasn't elected...and good riddance to his political career. Humanitarian, indeed. Gag.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Funny!
I actually did something similar to Miah once. We were at the park in Edmonton and she freaked out about not being able to slide down the big slide...she was always freaking out on me....so I started copying her...and sure enough she shut right up!
Thanks Renee for posting this! I needed a laugh!!
Thanks Renee for posting this! I needed a laugh!!
Sunday, and Nothing Goin' on.
Jay had to leave early today for a formation with some Sergent Major I've never heard of, so I'm playing Farmville on Facebook, and listening to the "The Devil Wears Prada" audio book. Yesterday we had a ball at the movies, seeing "It's Complicated" at the dollar theater, shopping at Old Navy and Cato, and having dinner at Subway. We finally got a whole day to ourselves. It was great. I woke up seriously late, around ten. Since I got sick I've been really tired, and luckily Jay's schedule has changed for the better so he's been letting me sleep in while he drives the girls to school. I took a shower, and got dressed in an outfit I'd be happy to wear all day AND to the movies (usually the weekend is yoga pants and cotton tees) and came downstairs following the smell of freshly brewed coffee...to Jay washing dishes and Miah sweeping the kitchen floor. Wonderful! Oh, the best husband ever....
We had to call the Internet help desk due to crazy Internet connections, but Jay got it all worked out, then we started our new family tree project. We've been watching "Who Do You Think You Are" and got curious....the tree is HUGE and I haven't even started on my brothers and sisters' families yet.
After grabbing some lunch, we headed to the theater. I ate the rest of my food while Jay quizzed Miah on the times table. I pointed out to the girls the horizon, where you could see that in the distance it was raining. I love how it looks like the clouds are drifting to the ground, rather than rain falling. Miah was curious, clearly previously thinking that when it rained where she was, it was also raining all over the planet at the same time. I told her about living in the Valley in Kentucky, and seeing a sheet of rain gradually creeping towards me, like an impossibly huge wall. Once My little brother and I were on opposite ends of the cabin arguing about whether it was raining...not knowing that it was only raining over half the house. You could see the wheels turning in Miah's head...and the strange questions ensued. Miah ended the conversation with a giggle and we entered the theater.
The movie was hilarious. If you haven't seen it you should! There are a couple of jokes that may not be appropriate for children, but not for ours. We are very open with the girls, so they didn't end up being uncomfortable at all, but for some it may be too much...We found ourselves laughing out loud several times. I love a good theater crowd, and we were in good company. Everyone reacted when things were funny, and gasped when something was startling. There is nothing worse than being the only person laughing in a crowded audience.
I have started loosing enough weight that my "boyfriend fit" jeans are sagging enough to make me feel frumpy. Not that I'm usually particularly stylish, but I try... So we headed over to Old Navy to try and find a pair of jeans. NOTHING fit! I love the shirts and scarves, even the dresses, but the jeans there are ridiculous. All low rise, boot cut, skinny, or full of holes. There are now even jeans with splashes of paint flung all over them. If I wanted those, I'd go shopping in my dresser! So after trying on linen slacks, and boot cut jeans I left with only two beautiful scarves. Stupid tiny kneed boot cut jeans.
So we headed to Cato. I love Cato. I'm going to always buy all of my jeans there. Everything I tried on was great. I got three pair of loose leg, tailored, and belted jeans. Sigh of relief! I have to go have the waists cinched in and leg lengths altered, but that costs next to nothing, and the pants look amazing afterward. I hate how short my legs are, but seeing as there is nothing I can do about that, I have to do the extra work.
By the time we got home it was dark, so no playing in the yard was going to happen, but we did get to watch the next episode of Voyager together (the kids love Star Trek, and it's our special treat to watch the series' Jay brought back from Iraq.)
It was altogether a great day. I'm glad, because today Jay had to leave early, and won't be back until well into the evening. Made worse by the fact that the clock "sprang forward" last night, so we had even less time than we thought we would when we first woke up this morning. I hate the time change. The only comfort I get from it is the fact that it means that the 65 degree weather we've been getting sporadically is going to be sticking around more and more. I can't wait.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
MFSO
If I didn't have kids, I'd be all over this. I've always wanted to be able to pick up and run to a protest event that I believed in, but I'm not willing or able to leave the kids to do this. I wish I could...
Dear Members of Military Families Speak Out,
YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED! As we approach the start of the 8th year of war in Iraq, Americans need to be reminded that this war continues even as the war in Afghanistan escalates! Our troops continue to be in harms way and our families are suffering.
NOW IS THE TIME TO SPEAK OUT! Please make your voice heard by joining us at one of the activities listed below. Let us know what you will be doing to commemorate this tragic anniversary by responding to the Survey Monkey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GMRYRCW. If you are unable to attend but would like to get more involved, please contact MFSO Organizer Nikki Morse at nikki@mfso.org.
This email contains information about what we know is happening around the country. If you are participating in something that isn't listed, please let us know. If you would like to order MFSO t-shirts or brochures, please go here or email zaskya@mfso.org.
Scheduled Events
----------------------------------------------------Washington, DC-------------------------------------------------
If you are planning on coming to Washington, DC, please email Nikki at nikki@mfso.org and let her know when you will be in town. She can be reached throughout the activities at 347-703-0570. National Director Deb Forter will also be there, she can be reached at 508-237-5343.
� Monday, March 15, 2010
Peace of the Action
Beginning March 15th, a tent city will be erected on the grounds of the Washington Monument as a base camp for actions, community gathering and joint activities http://peaceoftheaction.org
� Thursday, March 18, 2010 - Joint Press Conference with ANSWER, VFP and IVAW, Time and Place TBD.
� Friday, March 19, 2010 - Capital Hill Visits
9 a.m. We will be gathering in the basement cafeteria of the Cannon House Office Building at the corner of New Jersey Ave and Independence Ave to prep for visits. If you are able to schedule visits with your legislator, please contact Nikki at nikki@mfso.org otherwise we will send you with otherwise scheduled visits.
� Saturday, March 20, 2010
National Assembly, ANSWER Coalition and others D.C. March
http://answer.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=M20_homepage
9:30 a.m. Gather at the Peace of the Action campsite at Madison Dr, NW & 15th St, NW for a Memorial service.
11:00 a.m. March to IVAW Press Conference and Action at to the VA office across from Lafayette Park, H Street NW and Madison Place NW.
12:00 p.m. Demonstration and March. MFSO will be marching with IVAW and VFP at the front of the march. If you haven't been able to join us at either of the previous points, please find us then.
5p.m. Social gathering with VFP/IVAW at Bus Boys and Poets,
5th and K, near the Chinatown Metro stop
� Sunday, March 21, 2010
Noon - 3 p.m. Joint strategy session with Military Families Speak Out, Veterans For Peace and Iraq Veterans Against the War. at the Church of the Holy City, 16TH and Corcoran St. NW, Washington DC to talk about future actions and activities
4 - 6 p.m VFP DC chapter is hosting a speak out event at the Church of the Holy City, more details to follow.
� Travel
Many buses have been organized from various places around the country. Information about buses is at http://www.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=M20_transportation.
For getting around Washington, DC, information about the Metro system is at http://www.wmata.com/.
� Housing
We are not reserving a block of rooms at a hotel, however National Director Deb Forter will be staying at the Allen Lee Hotel at 2224 F. St NW and welcomes other members to join her there. Rates are $100/night and can be reserved at 202-331-1224. There is cheap housing ($5/night) available at St Stephens - 16th St & Newton St NW. Contact Robby Diesu at: robby@pcaction.org
-------------------------------------------Actions around the Country-------------------------------------------
Saturday, March 13
Illinois
St. Charles - Fox Valley Citizens for P & J St. Pats Parade in St. Charles Protest
http://icjpe.org/actions/index.php?id=4062
Chicago- Iraq Veterans Against the War mud-stenciling
Aaron (aarhughes@ivaw.org)
Sunday, March 14
Maine
Belfast - Women in Black, Standing for Peace Belfast Weekly Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1133&t=1268546400
Ellsworth - Local Activists Ellsworth Peace Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=274&t=1268546400
Bar Harbor - Local Activists Bar Harbor Peace Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1240&t=1268546400
Waterville - Waterville Area Bridges for P & J Waterville Bridge Peace Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1254&t=1268546400
Skowhegan - Waterville Area Bridges for P & J Skowhegan Weekly Vigil for Peace
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1822&t=1268546400
Michigan
Detroit - Detroit Area Peace w/ Justice Network Pointes for Peace Vigil
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1285&t=1268546400
New Jersey
Bloomfield NJ Bloomfield Peace Action Silent Peace Vigil
http://njpon.org/calendar/?id=941&t=1268546400
Monday, March 15
Maine
Deer Isle - Island Peace & Justice Deer Isle Vigil for Peace
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1031&t=1268629200
Michigan
Grand Rapids MI Peace Presence Grand Rapids Peace Presence
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1189&t=1268629200
Detroit - Detroit Area Peace Justice Network Ferndale Anti-Occupation of Iraq
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1244&t=1268629200
Ferndale- Detroit Area P w/ Justice Network Anti-Occupation of Iraq Protest
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1244&t=1268629200
New York
Binghamton NY Broome County Peace Action Binghamton Peace Vigil
http://ny4cg.org/calendar/?id=1625&t=1268028000
Delmar - Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace Delmar, NY Vigil for Peace
http://ny4cg.org/calendar/?id=1696&t=1268028000
South Carolina
Aiken Women in Black Silent Vigil for Peace
http://scpej.org/calendar/?id=1528&t=1268629200
Tuesday, March 16
Georgia
Atlanta - Emery students Stand for Peace Vigil
http://gpjn.org/calendar/?id=251&t=1268715600
Illinois
Kankee - Speak Out
IVAW member Tyler (shadowflame05@gmail.com)
Maine
Bangor - Peace & Justice Center of Easern ME Bangor ME Peace Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1239&t=1268715600
Wednesday, March 17
Illinois
Chicago - M20 Coalition 7th Annv of Iraq Invasion March
http://icjpe.org/actions/index.php?id=4065
Michigan
Adrian - The Lenawee Peacemakers Lenawee Peaceful Demonstrations
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1127&t=1268802000
Minnesota
St. Paul - Women Against Military Madness Vigil to End the Occupation of Iraq
http://mapm.pjep.org/calendar/?id=760&t=1268802000
Minneapolis - Twin Cities Peace Campaign Special Bridge Vigil: 7 Yrs Too Long
http://mapm.pjep.org/calendar/?id=1825&t=1268802000
North Carolina
Chapel Hill NC Pease1st Anniversary of Iraq War Vigil
http://ncactionnet.org/actions/index.php?id=4232
New Jersey
Spiotta Park NJ Military Families Speak Out Anti-War Vigil
http://njpon.org/calendar/?id=886&t=1268802000
Teaneck, MFSO and Bergen P&J Coalition Weekly Vigil, 4:30 PM
Paula (paula.rogovin@verizon.net)
New York
New York - Grandmothers Against the War Rockefeller Ctr NYC Against War
http://ny4cg.org/calendar/?id=1627&t=1268802000
Staten Island - Peace Action of Staten Island Staten Island Weekly Vigil
http://ny4cg.org/calendar/?id=1730&t=1268802000
Wisconsin
Madison, WI IVAW Mud-stenciling
Nate (tothnj@gmail.com)
Thursday, March 18
Maine
Augusta ME Waterville Area Bridges for P & J Augusta Peace Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1253&t=1268888400
New Hampshire
Manchester - Veterans for Peace End the Occupation Vigil
http://nhvpjen.org/calendar/?id=1178&t=1268888400
New York
New York-Veterans for Peace 034 NYC Vigil at Downtown Recruiting
http://ny4cg.org/calendar/?id=1770&t=1268888400
Virginia
Charlottesville - Charlottesville Center for P & J Peace Demonstration
http://vpan.org/actions/?id=3771
Friday, March 19
California
San Diego - Veterans for Peace San Diego Iraq - 7 Years of War
http://calaction.org/actions/index.php?id=4176
Indiana
Bloomington - Bloomington Peace Action Coalition Get on the Bus for DC Peace Demo
http://network4peace.org/actions/?id=4093
Kentucky
Newport - Intercommunity Justice and Peace Ctr. War Moratorium
http://ohiopeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1692&t=1268974800
Maine
Brunswick - Brunswick PeaceWorks Brunswick PeaceWorks Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=316&t=1268974800
Augusta - Augusta Women in Black Augusta WIB Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1152&t=1268974800
Farmington - Western Mountains Peace Action W. Weekly Vigil for Peace
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1150&t=1268974800
Michigan
Lansing - Greater Lansing Network Against... Noon-hour Peace Vigil
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1663&t=1268974800
Minnesota
Minneapolis - The Iraq Moratorium Committee Iraq War Protest and Bannering
http://mapm.pjep.org/calendar/?id=747&t=1268974800
New Jersey
Montclair Parishioners for Peace & Justice Montclair Peace Vigil
http://njpon.org/calendar/?id=1179&t=1268974800
Ohio
Columbus - Columbus Campaign for Arms Cont. Peace Prayer, March, and Forum
http://ohiopeacenetwork.org/actions/?id=2179
Cincinnati - Intercommunity Justice and Peace Ctr. Mt. Healthy Peace Vigil
http://ohiopeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1693&t=1268974800
Utah
Logan - Cache Valley Peace Works Peace Vigil
http://utahactivistsnetwork.org/calendar/?id=1056&t=1268974800
Washington State
Bellingham - Local Activists Bellingham Vigil
http://wanet.org/calendar/?id=1796&t=1268974800
Wisconsin
Hayward - Peace North - Wisconsin Hayward Iraq Moratorium
http://wiscaction.org/calendar/?id=1283&t=1268974800
Saturday, March 20th
California
San Francisco - San Francisco ANSWER San Francisco
Dear Members of Military Families Speak Out,
YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED! As we approach the start of the 8th year of war in Iraq, Americans need to be reminded that this war continues even as the war in Afghanistan escalates! Our troops continue to be in harms way and our families are suffering.
NOW IS THE TIME TO SPEAK OUT! Please make your voice heard by joining us at one of the activities listed below. Let us know what you will be doing to commemorate this tragic anniversary by responding to the Survey Monkey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GMRYRCW. If you are unable to attend but would like to get more involved, please contact MFSO Organizer Nikki Morse at nikki@mfso.org.
This email contains information about what we know is happening around the country. If you are participating in something that isn't listed, please let us know. If you would like to order MFSO t-shirts or brochures, please go here or email zaskya@mfso.org.
Scheduled Events
----------------------------------------------------Washington, DC-------------------------------------------------
If you are planning on coming to Washington, DC, please email Nikki at nikki@mfso.org and let her know when you will be in town. She can be reached throughout the activities at 347-703-0570. National Director Deb Forter will also be there, she can be reached at 508-237-5343.
� Monday, March 15, 2010
Peace of the Action
Beginning March 15th, a tent city will be erected on the grounds of the Washington Monument as a base camp for actions, community gathering and joint activities http://peaceoftheaction.org
� Thursday, March 18, 2010 - Joint Press Conference with ANSWER, VFP and IVAW, Time and Place TBD.
� Friday, March 19, 2010 - Capital Hill Visits
9 a.m. We will be gathering in the basement cafeteria of the Cannon House Office Building at the corner of New Jersey Ave and Independence Ave to prep for visits. If you are able to schedule visits with your legislator, please contact Nikki at nikki@mfso.org otherwise we will send you with otherwise scheduled visits.
� Saturday, March 20, 2010
National Assembly, ANSWER Coalition and others D.C. March
http://answer.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=M20_homepage
9:30 a.m. Gather at the Peace of the Action campsite at Madison Dr, NW & 15th St, NW for a Memorial service.
11:00 a.m. March to IVAW Press Conference and Action at to the VA office across from Lafayette Park, H Street NW and Madison Place NW.
12:00 p.m. Demonstration and March. MFSO will be marching with IVAW and VFP at the front of the march. If you haven't been able to join us at either of the previous points, please find us then.
5p.m. Social gathering with VFP/IVAW at Bus Boys and Poets,
5th and K, near the Chinatown Metro stop
� Sunday, March 21, 2010
Noon - 3 p.m. Joint strategy session with Military Families Speak Out, Veterans For Peace and Iraq Veterans Against the War. at the Church of the Holy City, 16TH and Corcoran St. NW, Washington DC to talk about future actions and activities
4 - 6 p.m VFP DC chapter is hosting a speak out event at the Church of the Holy City, more details to follow.
� Travel
Many buses have been organized from various places around the country. Information about buses is at http://www.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=M20_transportation.
For getting around Washington, DC, information about the Metro system is at http://www.wmata.com/.
� Housing
We are not reserving a block of rooms at a hotel, however National Director Deb Forter will be staying at the Allen Lee Hotel at 2224 F. St NW and welcomes other members to join her there. Rates are $100/night and can be reserved at 202-331-1224. There is cheap housing ($5/night) available at St Stephens - 16th St & Newton St NW. Contact Robby Diesu at: robby@pcaction.org
-------------------------------------------Actions around the Country-------------------------------------------
Saturday, March 13
Illinois
St. Charles - Fox Valley Citizens for P & J St. Pats Parade in St. Charles Protest
http://icjpe.org/actions/index.php?id=4062
Chicago- Iraq Veterans Against the War mud-stenciling
Aaron (aarhughes@ivaw.org)
Sunday, March 14
Maine
Belfast - Women in Black, Standing for Peace Belfast Weekly Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1133&t=1268546400
Ellsworth - Local Activists Ellsworth Peace Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=274&t=1268546400
Bar Harbor - Local Activists Bar Harbor Peace Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1240&t=1268546400
Waterville - Waterville Area Bridges for P & J Waterville Bridge Peace Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1254&t=1268546400
Skowhegan - Waterville Area Bridges for P & J Skowhegan Weekly Vigil for Peace
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1822&t=1268546400
Michigan
Detroit - Detroit Area Peace w/ Justice Network Pointes for Peace Vigil
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1285&t=1268546400
New Jersey
Bloomfield NJ Bloomfield Peace Action Silent Peace Vigil
http://njpon.org/calendar/?id=941&t=1268546400
Monday, March 15
Maine
Deer Isle - Island Peace & Justice Deer Isle Vigil for Peace
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1031&t=1268629200
Michigan
Grand Rapids MI Peace Presence Grand Rapids Peace Presence
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1189&t=1268629200
Detroit - Detroit Area Peace Justice Network Ferndale Anti-Occupation of Iraq
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1244&t=1268629200
Ferndale- Detroit Area P w/ Justice Network Anti-Occupation of Iraq Protest
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1244&t=1268629200
New York
Binghamton NY Broome County Peace Action Binghamton Peace Vigil
http://ny4cg.org/calendar/?id=1625&t=1268028000
Delmar - Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace Delmar, NY Vigil for Peace
http://ny4cg.org/calendar/?id=1696&t=1268028000
South Carolina
Aiken Women in Black Silent Vigil for Peace
http://scpej.org/calendar/?id=1528&t=1268629200
Tuesday, March 16
Georgia
Atlanta - Emery students Stand for Peace Vigil
http://gpjn.org/calendar/?id=251&t=1268715600
Illinois
Kankee - Speak Out
IVAW member Tyler (shadowflame05@gmail.com)
Maine
Bangor - Peace & Justice Center of Easern ME Bangor ME Peace Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1239&t=1268715600
Wednesday, March 17
Illinois
Chicago - M20 Coalition 7th Annv of Iraq Invasion March
http://icjpe.org/actions/index.php?id=4065
Michigan
Adrian - The Lenawee Peacemakers Lenawee Peaceful Demonstrations
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1127&t=1268802000
Minnesota
St. Paul - Women Against Military Madness Vigil to End the Occupation of Iraq
http://mapm.pjep.org/calendar/?id=760&t=1268802000
Minneapolis - Twin Cities Peace Campaign Special Bridge Vigil: 7 Yrs Too Long
http://mapm.pjep.org/calendar/?id=1825&t=1268802000
North Carolina
Chapel Hill NC Pease1st Anniversary of Iraq War Vigil
http://ncactionnet.org/actions/index.php?id=4232
New Jersey
Spiotta Park NJ Military Families Speak Out Anti-War Vigil
http://njpon.org/calendar/?id=886&t=1268802000
Teaneck, MFSO and Bergen P&J Coalition Weekly Vigil, 4:30 PM
Paula (paula.rogovin@verizon.net)
New York
New York - Grandmothers Against the War Rockefeller Ctr NYC Against War
http://ny4cg.org/calendar/?id=1627&t=1268802000
Staten Island - Peace Action of Staten Island Staten Island Weekly Vigil
http://ny4cg.org/calendar/?id=1730&t=1268802000
Wisconsin
Madison, WI IVAW Mud-stenciling
Nate (tothnj@gmail.com)
Thursday, March 18
Maine
Augusta ME Waterville Area Bridges for P & J Augusta Peace Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1253&t=1268888400
New Hampshire
Manchester - Veterans for Peace End the Occupation Vigil
http://nhvpjen.org/calendar/?id=1178&t=1268888400
New York
New York-Veterans for Peace 034 NYC Vigil at Downtown Recruiting
http://ny4cg.org/calendar/?id=1770&t=1268888400
Virginia
Charlottesville - Charlottesville Center for P & J Peace Demonstration
http://vpan.org/actions/?id=3771
Friday, March 19
California
San Diego - Veterans for Peace San Diego Iraq - 7 Years of War
http://calaction.org/actions/index.php?id=4176
Indiana
Bloomington - Bloomington Peace Action Coalition Get on the Bus for DC Peace Demo
http://network4peace.org/actions/?id=4093
Kentucky
Newport - Intercommunity Justice and Peace Ctr. War Moratorium
http://ohiopeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1692&t=1268974800
Maine
Brunswick - Brunswick PeaceWorks Brunswick PeaceWorks Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=316&t=1268974800
Augusta - Augusta Women in Black Augusta WIB Vigil
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1152&t=1268974800
Farmington - Western Mountains Peace Action W. Weekly Vigil for Peace
http://mpjen.org/calendar/?id=1150&t=1268974800
Michigan
Lansing - Greater Lansing Network Against... Noon-hour Peace Vigil
http://michiganpeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1663&t=1268974800
Minnesota
Minneapolis - The Iraq Moratorium Committee Iraq War Protest and Bannering
http://mapm.pjep.org/calendar/?id=747&t=1268974800
New Jersey
Montclair Parishioners for Peace & Justice Montclair Peace Vigil
http://njpon.org/calendar/?id=1179&t=1268974800
Ohio
Columbus - Columbus Campaign for Arms Cont. Peace Prayer, March, and Forum
http://ohiopeacenetwork.org/actions/?id=2179
Cincinnati - Intercommunity Justice and Peace Ctr. Mt. Healthy Peace Vigil
http://ohiopeacenetwork.org/calendar/?id=1693&t=1268974800
Utah
Logan - Cache Valley Peace Works Peace Vigil
http://utahactivistsnetwork.org/calendar/?id=1056&t=1268974800
Washington State
Bellingham - Local Activists Bellingham Vigil
http://wanet.org/calendar/?id=1796&t=1268974800
Wisconsin
Hayward - Peace North - Wisconsin Hayward Iraq Moratorium
http://wiscaction.org/calendar/?id=1283&t=1268974800
Saturday, March 20th
California
San Francisco - San Francisco ANSWER San Francisco
Thursday's Thoughts
Today's thought:
Happiness is bred of small things
Big things in life can temporally help you out, but for one to be truly happy it takes a lot of small things. There has recently been a change for the better in my schedule and I count myself very lucky and a lot happier for it. For the ability to chat with my children as I drive them to school in the mornings; for the ability to have more than a five minute conversation with my wife as I prepare for work; for the chance to eat lunch with her instead of alone in a cold room at work; for not having to rush off to bed as soon as dinner is done so that I can get up in what can only really be called "the middle of the night". These are all small things, and my instincts tell me to enjoy them while they last. And I shall.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Large Group Performance
The Large Group performance was today...Miah had to skip school because Jay couldn't get the time off, and we weren't going to get back before three to be able to pick her up. I'm glad she went, because she was fun. below are random pictures from the day, all of the kids filing onto stage, Miah snapping shots of me talking while walking with the couple of other parents that were able to go, and yes, I snuck a couple of pictures of the actual performance even though we weren't supposed to. I even sat my camera down and hit record while the kids were playing so that Daddy could hear later. I might not have followed the rules, but what good wife would have in this situation? The prepared music was good, only a few small issues, but the site based portion was great. They have 6 minutes to look at a piece of music that they have never seen before, then have to play as a group this music. I was worried. The first time I had to do this it was as an individual, not as a band, and I almost lost it, but how would the entire band sound?
It turns out that they were great. They scored two superiors, and one excellent, and got a superior on the site based too. If you don't know....this is awesome! I am so proud of my baby girl! I wish that some of my old band mates had been there to cheer her on! The next generation of band geeks is alive and well!
I had volunteered to haul some of the instruments, and while it wasn't a big inconvenience, it did mean that I had to stand in the rain and stack all of the instruments in the van. At this moment I am still soaked to the bone. It poured saxophones and tubas all day. I'm going to work on the videos, fingers crossed they load!
Monday, March 8, 2010
New Jewelry
While I was feeling sick, and waiting for my monthly bead mix from Sara, Jay ran out to the bead store and picked up his own mix of beads. I wondered what in the world I was going to do...because all of the beads he picked were brown....I drew a blank....then I had an ah ha moment...and this was the result...
Winter Concert
I tried the night and day after the concert to upload the videos, and I'm trying yet again...it gave me such trouble that I just plain gave up. I'm so proud of my little girl though, and want to share her accomplishment! In just a couple of days the large band competition will happen, and hopefully I can take a short enough video that it will load! The other day we found the music store here in town. Laurel got the music for Twilight (soon to come: video of Laurel playing Bella's Lullaby) and I got a beginners book for the Clarinet. Miah and I will be teaching ourselves how to play soon.
Well, the video won't load. I'll have to take shorter videos at the competition so that those of you who care can see Laurel play.
More soon!
Signs of Spring!
It's been wonderfully warm the past few days...Already I can feel my spirits lift! Harley has been having a great time catching the Frisbee, but unfortunately I'm the only one other than her spending much time outside. We've all passed around whatever nasty thing is going around, and while I'm just getting over it with the occasional lung wrenching coughing fit, poor Laurel is just coming down with it. Miah had it first, and now Jay is running scared. Hopefully by this next weekend we will all be able to go out and enjoy the weather.
Friday, March 5, 2010
| What came first, the chicken or the egg? The Chicken, Because it evolved from a slightly "not chicken" animal. |
| What is your favorite color? Green |
| Beach or mountain? Mountain |
| Left handed or right handed? Right |
| Why are you taking this interview? Waiting for Jay, with nothing else to do. |
| Who do you count on when feeling down? Jay, or Sara |
| Do you plan in advance? Almost always |
| Aliens have landed and selected you to visit their home planet. Do you go with them? Only if the family can go too. |
| If you could be successful at any job in the world, what would that job be? Paleo-anthropology |
| What makes you cry? I guess it depends. |
| If you won the lottery, how would you spend your millions? I'd buy Jay's way out of the Army. |
| If you could travel back in time, what mistake(s) would you want to correct? Not a thing. |
| Do you believe that the cup is half empty or half full? I'm never quite sure. |
| Are you an outdoor or an indoor person Depends on the weather, if it's warm, I'm OUT! |
| Do you own any pets, and if so what do you have? Two, a Weimaraner, and a Chihuahua |
| Would you rather be hot or cold? Hot |
| Why did the chicken cross the road? Because someone made up a dumb joke. |
| Favorite fruit? All of them |
| Are you a cat or a dog person? Dog, for sure. |
| What is your favorite TV show? I have so many! |
| Kill the spider or let it out? Let it out. |
| Where do you want to travel next? Alaska |
| What is your favorite food? Chinese |
| Do you read harry potter books? Yes, I have a tween. |
| If you could have one super human power what would you choose? To be able to snap my fingers and have the house clean. |
| Have you had a beer in the last week? I can't even remember when I last had a beer. It's nasty, nasty stuff. |
| Flip flops or tennis shoes? Both |
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