Frugal Friday

My tip today is for the government.

We all have been cutting the little things out....not going out to dinner as much, changing to a smaller cable package, no more Starbucks.....as we all know, those little expenses can add up.

So, I had to laugh when I see Congress talking about the upcoming stimulus package with large (probably expensive) posters behind them. I kid you not, one senator had a cardboard poster of Bill Murray from Groundhog's Day since he was making a comparison between the economy and the movie.

So, I purpose the government also cut out the small stuff...no more posters in Congress, less dinners at the White House, fewer Christmas decorations on Capital Hill, no more presidential pets, public school for the girls (that won't happen). It won't cut trillions out...but a couple million would help, right?

The government is asking all of us Americans to do what we can to get through this hard time...so they should too.

Solid as Barack!

I was almost overwhelmed when discovering that Barack Obama will be our new president (that happening around 830pm when Ohio was colored blue). A truly historic moment that I am glad my daughter was awake to see.

Yes, we can! Yes, we can discover new ideas, new solutions, new perspectives, new leaders, new listeners...

Our society is ready and willing for change...a change to take care of each other and work together to build a strong country starting at the foundation. We are willing to look past ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, political affiliation...to rebuild and recuperate after some devastating times.

And more importantly...this election has told us that each one of us can and should contribute to change. We can all help make our nation strong.

I am incredibly excited at the coming years. I am so proud to have this amazing man represent me and my family to the world.

Congratulations to my senator...and now my president...Barack Obama!

3 Day to go!

Here just some interesting political media for you today.

Dan's column from Smile Politely Joe vs. the Socialists.

Buy the Joe the Doll set now!
John McCain on SNL...he was great!



My favorite...Solid as Barack!

This will be it...or not!

Each Tuesday, the news media says that this primary will be the end to the longest-ever Democratic primary process...and each Wednesday...nothing. Sure, I watched about 30min of my favorite CNN cutie talk about how nothing is happening but come on already.

What do these results say?
The Democrats can't decide on anything?
We should have co-presidents?
Is the primary process incredibly flawed?
We want more dirt on each candidate?
We want to give the Republicans more time to build their campaigns?
We want a new president but we can't decide who?
Who is the best candidate to beat McCain?
Will all those Clinton voters vote for Obama in Nov? (or not vote at all or go Green!)
Can Obama win those big blue states he lost to Clinton in the primary?
Are we doing this so the news stations can play with more visual toys and break records for the amount of laptops on one desk?
Can the super-delegates just decide today instead of waiting (neither candidate will get the nomination without them)?
Are we just making sure that each state and territory feels really included and important?

I'm done...pick one already, I'll be happy with either or both for that matter (hint, hint...it won't happen). I'm concerned that this ultimately will hurt the political process...what impact will it have on the general election (yes, we have to do all over again...but let's hope that only lasts one night...remember when you knew the probable election results before you went to bed?).

Bush's War

To cap off our Spring Break, my husband and I watched Frontline's Bush's War about the ongoing war with Iraq. It is fascinating. I am again and again amazed at what happens behind closed doors in the White House. I will never go into politics even though I love investigating policy issues. Its a dirty business. The next president will have his or her hands full sorting out the mess that has been created the past 8 years...the covert changes to policies and procedures is frightening.

So, if you really need another reason to frown upon the current presidential administration....check it out on TV or online.

In lighter TV viewing, Dancing with the Stars is shaping into a good season. Check that out online as well!

Election...blah, blah

So what did Super Tuesday tell us...nothing really. That it is a close race for all involved and there is much more to come until August and September when final decisions must be made. If you have talked to me about the election the past few weeks...you know that I am passionate about the process and find this election, in particular, fascinating.

Here is why:

*We feel like we have real choices here....you really have to think about your decision to support one candidate over another because there are all bring a lot of good to the table.

*This process is crazy...Republican winners take all the delegate votes....Democrates only their percentage...but in the end...delegates can vote for whoever they want. And then there's the caucus, primary, jelly bean counting.... Does this even mean anything?

*Many people don't know who they are voting for and why. I voted for Obama because he's black (he's actually biracial, fyi)....I voted for Hillary because she's a woman....I voted for McCain because he's cute. I voted for this person because I don't like the other. I just filled in the circle. What is that about?

Specifically on the Democratic side...I am bothered that people are dismissing Hillary for the same reasons they are embracing Barack. My hub says...I just don't like her. I ask why? I just don't. Why do you like Obama? I just do. Where do they stand on the issues? Well....I don't really know.

First of all....they stand in about the same proximity on the issues. Secondly....Hillary gets a bad rap for because....I don't know. And Barack gets a good rap becauses he's a charismatic leader (not that there is anything wrong with that). My mom keeps talking about how Sen. Clinton has changed her image including her speech and everything throughout the election. Well...sure. They ALL have stylists...speech writers....speech coaches...research staffs...publistists...people telling them what they should and shouldn't do to win over the people. Perhaps because, one, we've 'known' Clinton the longest, and, two, she is a women with more noticeable hair and clothing (since they are unlike any of her opponents)...we notice the changes more.

Basically, I'm pissed that people don't know the candidates and don't look at the big picture. I like pieces of all the Democratic candidates and even some the Republican ones. But I had to make a choice yesterday...not that it really mattered...nothing is settled and I go back to supporting them all.

Take the time to listen to the candidates....read their backgrounds and policy ideas...look at what they have focused on throughout their lives. Get over the first impressions and learn about our next president.

*On the lighter side....there are a series of YouTube mock videos about the candidates. This is my favorite.

VOTE!

Get out and VOTE TODAY!

If you are in CU, try to get there before the rain hits!

Quickies...

* VOTE TOMORROW! Super Tuesday is so exciting! Go online and do some research....know your vote. This is a great reason to watch Anderson Cooper on CNN for hours. My husband and I are, for the first time, voting for different people.

*Super Super Bowl! That was one of the best games of football from the past few years. What a great game! Good job defenses! Again...my hub and I were cheering for different teams...mine won last night! I was more into the game than if one of my teams were playing. And the commercials were good...I loved the Pepsi ads (Night at the Roxbury and Justin Timberlake) and the E-Trade talking baby!

*This is why living the in biggest town around is bad...I made a wrong turn this morning in the dense fog and ended up in nowhere. I was late for an appointment and crying. I couldn't see anything around me...I was in the country and apparently on a road that wasn't connected to any other roads. I had only driven for 5-10 min! Thankfully, my hub hadn't gone to bed yet and talked me down.

*Successful dentist trip for the little ones! with 2 bathroom trips (we spent more time going potty than in the dentist chair!) then the 4yo's legs stopped working...that is what he told me as he lay sprawled out in the lobby.

*My daughter finally won a prize in the library reading club. Her brothers won every month in the fall. But January was all hers! She reads like a book a day! We tried to enjoy the Chinese New Year event but it was super packed...so we just hung out in the children's section.

*My 2yo has taken to 'marking' his toys. Yes, he literally pees on them...it is a specific action. I don't know what to do about this. We don't see it coming and then he pulls his pants down and holds a toy out. (it is actually funny in a way).

*Snow! Fun, fun! Enjoy it while it lasts...which won't be long.