Haiti Earthquake Jan 2010

Humanity has a long way to go. A massive earthquake strikes Haiti and while there is tons of compassion and help coming there way, there are also stupid people out there saying they deserve this. He who is sinless cast the first stone....

Not only that, it is so sad the feeling of helplessness one gets. You donate to the Red Cross, or other places - DOES it get there? What is the hold up? I wish I knew the true answer. And if the world were a perfect place, we wouldn't be fighting each other, so we WOULD have the resources and man power to send to Haiti. So sad - the volunteers that do arrive, arrive to no structure. I hope this all ends soon and the Haitians get some real relief, well organized - soon! It can't come soon enough to the man, woman, child who has hours to live - that is someone's loved one.

And I hope the looters, criminals and violence will end abruptly....I am shocked and angered that they would not organize for good instead of evil. A band of them together would surely help in the name of good and setting up some sort of structure. But who knows how desperation turns people? I would hope that is not how I would ever be.

God Bless Haiti and I hope you all receive the help and comfort you need soon. I can't even imagine. I think of my 2 sons and hug them even more dearly.

We are taught early to color within the lines.....

Disclaimer: I ramble a bit in this one...sorry!

Fear of the unknown, so lets do the same thing over and over again. This mentality is why I LOVE to travel to other countries who seem to embrace creative expression. SURE, those Harajuku girls in Japan look a bit outlandish - fashionable and laughable...but they give me a break from the monotony of looking at typical dress. I love London...you see everything there and for me, an early to bed type of gal, I can stay up all night just taking everything in!

The point of this rant and rave? Probably none. I am not at all saying go crazy people, normalcy does rock! But sometimes, we need to sneak in a little fun and laugh at ourselves!

Case in point, in my involvement in the community. People wonder....WHY are numbers down? Well, the economy not being so great, but if you are going to ask people to SPEND - give them something they don't expect! I go to certain events - its the same thing - cheap wine, bad food, typical entertainment - blah, blah, blah. Now, I pay the same amount and get less. I certainly LOVE to support my community, especially in time of need - but I wish for a little creativity and open mindedness!

I am just venting because I wanted the Gals (Drag Queens) from Hamburger Mary's to call out an auction - they call out Bingo and Trivia and ARE HILARIOUS! If I had THEM asking me for money, I think I'd give more! They remind me of Paula Deen, the Chef... (not in looks), but in attitude - very rambunctious, spunky and FUN! I am not saying anything political here - gay rights for you ultra-conservatives - just fun. Though, I believe in taxing everyone - even gays!! (Pro Marriage for everyone.) But my friends thought they would be JUST TOO MUCH. I understand, but sometimes I feel like society gets very bland tasting. Because nothing else special was planned.

I don't believe in tearing anyone apart - Conservative/Liberal/Middle - I agree with all points, and there is usually a place for everything. (Even for people who like to stay within the boundaries of the BOX....they KEEP ME GROUNDED when I need it!)

Anyway, when you see cases of people just relaxing - School teachers shaving their heads if everyone in class gets an "A", a Mayor of the city walking across a state for votes...AND events which feature something new and unexpected, usually people are surprised and talk about the night as a great memory! I guess I have a weird sense of humor - blame Chevy Chase, who was my idol growing up. And it seems, a good family man as well?! I hope!

Just don't lose too much of your imagination and childhood, people! Grow up, but occasionally re-visit your crazy, wrap/roll a house side of you!!

January 2010 - Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year - 2010! I am thankful for my 35 wonderful years on this planet - I turn 35 on January 3! I have been blessed with 2 encouraging parents, a supportive and funny brother (Garrett), a dear husband and 2 smart, sassy and amazing young sons (Colin & Hayden), the best pets in the entire world, great friends and family members and experiences that have made my world an interesting and exciting place to live. I wish for peace, prosperity, health, happiness and an inviting future for everyone.

In my life right now (in no particular order):

1. Still LOVE going out with the ladies!! (Glasses of wine and good stories.)
2. Focus on the economy and Orlando.....the Junior League is trying to stamp out hunger in children and in our community and I'm aiming to join that fight. It really becomes a reality when you see "normal" people suffering - it gives it a face...and a harsh realization that this can literally happen to YOU, to anyone. There is no reason for this - we as a community need to stand as one and help our fellow man, children and ourselves....

Contribute your volunteer hours and cash/food to the Coalition for the Homeless, 2nd Harvest Food Bank and the Junior League of Greater Orlando. Or find your own medium to contribute!
3. Dad's prostate cancer - lets stamp it out! He's golfing everyday...so he's battling it the best way possible!
4. Potty Training....we are not doing our best!

We had a wonderful New Year's Eve with our friends at our house! Rob, my husband, was very successful at "saving" the large amount of beers we had left over. MOVE OVER kid's lunches and snack foods- dad needs to make room for the alcohol! We all have our priorities! Just kidding, the kids snacks are still in there, but squished in between Coors Light and Becks Dark. The kids also attended, stayed up past bedtime and played a lovely New Years Tune on their horns. Okay, it wasn't lovely, but it was fun! And after midnight, we went downtown and had a few drinks. Oh wait, this is New Year's 2010 I am discussing, not New Year's 2000....we crashed at midnight! Give us a few more years where we don't have to wake up at 6am with Blue's Clue's...then maybe we'll get our party back on!