One by One

To add to my increasing discomfort and incredulity at our government, this is what I learned about one of the healthcare "fixes" today. You will notice that what I am talking about is not healthcare. Does anyone else feel uncomfortable about the government continuing to dig itself into things more and more? I'm on the verge of setting up a political blog. If I do, you won't have to read my rants - or you can go there, read them, and contribute. More to come on that soon, I hope.

Testing

You know, I have the hardest time uploading videos - I think they're just too big. This was supposed to be a video of my niece that I think I took a week ago. Oh well . . . Okay, so I just uploaded it into YouTube. I don't think anyone else can see if but you people, so hopefully I won't get in trouble for uploading it there. If you want to finish reading my post, finish before you click on the following link because it will take you to YouTube. Or, hit the back button after you finish. Here it is.

Other than that, the garden fortifications have been breached, not only by little ground squirrels, but one of my roommates has seen bunnies, as well. One of my roommates was planning on pulling a Bunny Foo Foo - with a shovel - if she caught them, only now she's talking about more humane ways to try to get rid of them. I just think we need a cat.

Another Link about the Bill

A few points of the bill.

NOOOOO!!!!

"10:47 PM ET: The House has passed health care reform by a vote of 219 to 212. They will now vote on the "fixes" they want to the Senate bill.

"11:42 PM ET: As Republican consultant Kevin Madden just said on CNN, whatever you think of the bill you have to admit that this is a historic moment. Certainly the most dramatic change to the American health care system since the 1960s. Maybe the biggest change to the federal government's relationship to its citizens since the creation of Social Security in 1935. And all that in a very polarized political atmosphere during an economic crisis. Pretty incredible."

- You can find the above quotes, plus more updates by Andrew Golis, Editor of Yahoo! News blog here.

In reaction to the 11:42 entry - it certainly is historic, and how do you feel about Social Security? Have the gains been greater than the losses? We've just given more power to the government, which I feel extremely sad about. Take my already crappy mood that began with my sleeping way too long this afternoon, and go and make it worse. Thank you Congress, for destroying the American ideal even more.

I feel like I am watching the destruction - piece by piece - of something very unique, beautiful, noble, and inspired. And it is being done at the hands of the very people it has blessed. The children of America and the Constitution are now teenagers who think we know better than them how to prosper. We think we are smarter, better educated, better suited to run things, to be in charge. But what will happen as we age and realize that our parents know best? Will the prodigals be able to return, or will it be too hard to find them?

By Emily Dickinson

Heart, we will forget him,
You and I, tonight!
You must forget the warmth he gave,
I will forget the light.

When you have done pray tell me,
Then I, my thoughts, will dim.
Haste! ‘lest while you’re lagging
I may remember him!

Count Your Blessings

I have been pretty frustrated with some of my colleagues lately - well, for quite awhile (especially with one of them). However, it recently occurred to me how blessed I have been at my job. I mean, I've been grateful for the job, but I have only just realized that I have been really blessed with what I need to handle it over these past several years. When I was having a really rough time mental health-wise I worked with an AMAZING T.A. who was really understanding and very on top of things. I mean we totally could have reversed the titles at any point. It was really helpful to work with her during that time; I didn't have to worry about whether or not someone would take care of things if I couldn't. Last year I was doing quite a bit better, and I had a T.A. who did a great job with grading. This year, I feel like there is only one other staff member that I can really trust - but at least I have felt a lot healthier. So, even though my situation isn't as ideal as I would like it to be, I feel like it's still not too much for me to handle. Which is just evidence to me of God's love for us.

Garden Round Two

Isn't Tucson beautiful? A month-ish ago, my friend who helped till the backyard for my first attempt at a garden came over to till again. He showed up, and he and I re-mulched and tilled. It was cooler outside than it was the first time, which made it MUCH nicer. Not only that, it was a lot easier and took way less time. Then, a week later, my roommate and I bought seeds and planted carrots, lettuce, and beans. At some point after that, Roommate also planted beets. We've had quite a nice amount of rain lately, and I think that, combined with better soil, has helped our garden. Like - we actually have one!! So far, I would say our only failure is beans, as we only have one (but at least we have one, right?). We are still planning on planting squash, herbs and sunflowers. Here are pictures (#1 carrots, #2 beets, #3 lettuce, #4 bean):

Must Keep Grading, But . . .

I wanted to show you this. My little bro showed it to me and it's maybe the most awesome geeky thing ever.