Another one has lost the fight with cancer. I will not give that word the decency to be recognized.

Government Shutdown

Just who determines who is "essential" and who is not???? I will tell you who, the assholes that are at fault for this mess. How can Congress be considered essential and the military not? Everyone is so gung ho to change laws then why not change who determines who gets paid and who doesn't and who will be in charge of that decision. Just a thought....your thoughts????

Thanks to all of the men and women that have faught, are fighting, and have given their lives for this great country of ours, God Bless America!!!!

How the hell is everybody....I hope this finds you all well. Okay, you have Idol, (which I think was fixed), Kenny Chesney, Summertime, is in town, and it's "Thirsty Thursday".....what more can you ask for, Singin, drinkin, and thinkin My Tractor is Sexy?
What should the topic of discussion be tonight?......after a bottle of Pinot, I think it should be.....wait here it comes....

"Ater Ten O'clock snacks"

I prefer anything that is there. It can be a miniature Snickers, which is only there to tease you, or a handful of peanuts (have to have salty)....oh wait let's throw a pizza in the oven. Heaven help us if there is sundae fixins around, a little ice cream and whatever toppings are in the house ( c'mon you have all made a sundae that only you will eat). If nothing else folks we know the meaning of food for snackin...I believe whether you are stoned, drunk, or just wanting a late-night snack we all have something in common, which is, satisfying taste...a small amount eaten or drunk; "take a taste--you'll like it"
Later

Good afternoon all. Okay, so I am on my way to the grocery store and here comes two motorized scooters, with the pedal to the metal, occupied by two rather large people. Now, for whatever reason they may need them I do not know but one of them was puffing away on a cigarette. Please, just because you have motorized transportation due to not being able to walk or breathe, don't you think that puffing away might just be a little detrimental to your health? Another "nail in the coffin" so to speak. Maybe there should be some stipulations especially if their insurance company is footing the bill. No wonder the rates are sky high.

All my thoughts and prayers go to the all the people of Japan, The "Big Guy" must have been upset about something. Is this just the beginning for the so called end of the world that's suppose to happen in 2012? Things that make you go hmmmmmm.

America's Favorite Sport

America's favorite sport....how about mine? In my opinion there is no better sport in the world. Where else can you get a hot dog, bag of peanuts, an ice cold beer and not have to dress like "nanook of the north"? (that's for all you football fans) I will tell you where, right her in the good ol' USA. Oh, and did I mention that Des Moines has the triple "A" team for the Chicago Cubs. I tell you I am in seventh heaven, not only do we get to see the players who make it to the big show but we also see the ones that fall short and stay around and become fan favorites. I am also a first time season ticket holder and I am just beside myself....no more standing in line to try and get tickets, yes we do sell-out games, or having to drive around for the first three innings to find a parking place. I hope everyone has compassion for a pastime like I do......Go Cubs Go!

What the hell is this all about? All these wars in the Middle East countries are causing oil prices to boil over.....hot oil, get it? Why is it we can bail all these countries out and join in fighting their battles and we always take it in the ass? Quit bending over America.....ramen noodles, PB & J, and hotdogs are not my cup of tea!

Pictures courtesy of kimt.com

All the snow is gone, thanks for the tease Mother Nature. I say tease because all of us that live in the Midwest know that Old Man Winter is gonna hang around till the last minute...he hates leaving and will definitely wear out his welcome.

Ok, I can talk about things other than winter. I am sitting here patiently waiting for the Direct TV guy to get here to hook me ups some HD satalite. I love how they say they will be here between 8-12. far be it for them to be here at 8....it is now 9:30. Guess what, they just called and yipppeeee will be here in 30 minutes. My whole morning won't be wasted, imagine that.

I am heading to Costco to buy some things to send a package to a friend that's stationed in Afghanistan. They are pretty much in an area where there is no running water and very few everyday needs. If you get the urge here are a few things that they could use...

toilet paper or wet wipes or both
hard candy
chewing gum
deodorant
shampoo
liquid soap (no bar soap allowed)
lip balm
sunscreen
moisturizers
energy bars that won't melt
powdered energy drink packets
beef jerky
slim jims
visine
licorice
paper back books
movie dvd's
music cd's
razors
shave cream
peanuts especially individual packs that they can take in the field

I'm sure just about anything that fits in the above category would really be appreciated.

If you would like to send something his address is:
Adam Marquis
USFOR-A
Attn: J-9 Section
APO AE 09356

The best and cheapest is to use the new USPS APO boxes, flat rate for the big box is about $12.00. Do not use any rank in his address nor Afghanistan, just the APO address above. If you feel inclined a little note or thank you for your service in the box would be greatly appreciated I am sure.

Thanks to all of you that send something. And we ask that you keep them in your prayers.

I went to a funeral Wednesday and witnessed yet another instance, because someone didn't like the fact that they weren't liked by a family member, decided to bring the "racial ticket" into play. This person, who I might add is a black minister and I use that term "minister" loosely, got up in front of the church and called this family member out. This person who thought they were holier than thou made quite the spectacle of herself, not to mention put a dark cloud over the ceremony. This was a time for family members and friends to remember the good things about the deceased person's life and this woman decided to make it all about her.

Why is it some people have to take any opportunity they can to make something a racial issue? If this person is a servant of God, her actions should be an eye opener for everyone.
Tasha, rest in peace.

You guess it, the "Don" is thinking about throwing his hat (or should I say hair) into the ring with the likes of Palin, Bachmann, and Gingrich....would you vote for him??

Can you believe it, they are already talking about the caucuses here in good ol' Des Moines, Iowa. My question is, who in the hell will be running? There are several candidates and I take my hat off to each and everyone of them. Here they are opening up every aspect of their lives from birth on. Too bad it's not 50 years ago...nobody would have ever found out anything. I mean think about it, 50 years ago they never showed Lucy and Ricky in the same bed, much less sending pictures over the internet. What is a computer.... It was the old faithful Polaroid camera....shake it, shake it like a polaroid picture....sorry,

Well, we shall see what we shall see. I will certainly be commenting on the caucuses and the candidates. Stay tuned for the...shit I regret my actions when I was younger and now that I am older....what? a picture was on you-tube....dammit....stay tuned

Well, here it is another eve of Super Bowl Sunday and I could care less. Being a Bears' fan pretty much sums it up. It's real hard to root for the Packers and I am not rooting for a team that has sex offenders and players who "let's see if I can give you a blindside hit that will take you out of the game and I don't care how much you fine me for it". I understand that football is a contact sport but, really?

I do feel for the fans that, due to bad weather, are having a problem getting to the game. After paying the prices of air-fare and tickets alone, you at least want to have a hassle free trip. Thanks again "Ma Nature", you are giving Texas a dose of what we mid-westerners go through every year. So, take that.......be thankfull it's a dome and a balmy 72 derees at game time. I am a firm believer of playing the game in the elements. Gee, I hope the dome's roof doesn't get stuck open......nevermind it's closed, big babies.

You know, delays anymore are just part of flying but damn am I glad I wasn't part of the thousands of flyers stranded due to the Blizzard of 2011. How many people do you think were on their last nerve???

Whew, Who Pissed In Mother Nature's Cheerios?

Wow, talk about a storm packin-a-punch.... this one was a beauty. I have driven on Lakeshore Drive many a time and I can't imagine it coming to a halt. A halt it did, I believe it's still closed. After more than 20 inches of snow you have one of the busiest and most traveled roadways in Chicago with a hundred+ abandoned cars. There isn't a thaw in the forecast so I am anxious to see how they plan on getting it moving again. We in Des Moines only had 7 inches but now are in a deep freeze, oh how love winter......
Picture Courtesy of Associated Press

Legalize It

Well, let's see.....what shall the topic of discussion be, how about legalizing Marijuana? I for one thinks it's a helluva good idea. Growing up in the late 60's early 70's marijuana, mary jane, whackyweed, cannabis, pot and whatever you might have called it was the "high" of choice. No hangover, just sore ribs and cheeks from laughing so much....oh and the aftermath of eating everything in sight.(kind of makes me chuckle thinking about it).

If you think about the revenue from tobacco taxes and what you could bring in on a pack of Panama Red, Jamaican Gold, Acapulco Gold, Hawaiian... the numbers would be astounding. People with medical issues would be allowed to purchase it legally and a whole lot cheaper than the drugs provided by our big business pharmaceutical companies. Hell, we could grow our own right along side the rest of our favorite garden varieties , afterall it is a pretty plant.

My personal feelings on the matter is this..I would rather have someone who has smoked a couple of joints or doobies behind the wheel of a car than someone who has been in a bar for hours drinking. The worst that might happen would be the stoner might drive a little slow.

The Game

The Bears will hopefully come out on top but regardless who wins, the NFC will be well represented. There is nothing like a football game in the elements, game time temp at Soldier Field will be hovering right around 18 degrees. Having been to a game there in the cold you hardly feel it, the excitement is overwhelming so frozen appendages you never feel. Here's hoping for a good game and hoping fans on both sides of the field keep their composure so as not to become one of "those" fans.

Nasty Running in the Veins

Ahhh, the weekend it's finally here. As I sit here trying to think of something worthwhile to say I find myself drawing this huge blank. I think my brain realizes it's the weekend and is refusing to lend a hand.

Okay, here's somthing to think about. I often wonder what makes some people so ugly when they call their friendly customer service with a problem. I am beginning to think those people have nasty running through their veins and basically were put on this earth to make someone's day one they want to forget. Being in customer service, I get my fair share of the uglies everyday. Sometimes I find myself laughing when someone calls and blames me for their payment not being delivered on time; that's right it was my fault that you mailed it from California when it was due in Des Moines in two days and hell yes I forgot to put the check in the envelope......I tell you what, you need to watch out for those 80 yr old women who start in because you won't be able to tell them any different because they can't hear a word you are saying. So everyone remember, the customer service rep you speak to has feelings too, so ditch the uglies....yours and my day will be much better because of it.

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Howdy howdy, hope all is well on this fricken cold night. Did I mention the low tonight is -9 without the wind chill? The only good thing about the cold weather is that it's here a couple of months and then poof, it's gone. I believe that's what keeps us going, knowing that the summer months will be here soon. The warm summer breezes, chasing that dreadful little white ball, and my favorite sounds of summer....the game of baseball, I can smell the hotdogs now. Personally, I prefer a bag of peanuts and an ice cold beer. Here's wishing the Cubs make it to the big show...one can only hope. If not, there's always next year.....wait, why am I already talking about next year?

http://www.standup2cancer.org/

http://www.standup2cancer.org/

I started back doing P90X...what an ass kicking workout, Kenpo today. Although it's a good workout, I don't think I am going to be the next Nikita. This is my 2nd attempt at P90X, first time injured myself (I might add stupidly) and then came the holidays so you know the rest. This time I hope to complete the full 90 days. Now I am not trying to become one buff chick I am 60 yrs. old for crying out loud. I just want to stay and feel young as long as I can. I do believe in this...you are as old as you feel. Right now I feel a whole lot younger than I am.

It was a fantastic day for all Chicago Bears fans of the world they beat the Seattle Seahawks 35-24 in a divisional playoff game. Next, the Green Bay Packers then it's off to the Superbowl. How abosofreakenlutely awsome would that be?? Then if the Chicago Cubs could do some of the same....WIN Not to worry I have faith in them. I will always have faith in the one of America's favorite teams. Growing up in Waukegan which is midpoint between Chicago and Milwaukee you were either a Cub's fan or White Sox fan, I chose the Cubs. Back then the Cubs didn't have night games so I went to alot of Sox games, which in a way I am thankful for. I saw Roger Marris, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Nelly Fox, Ted Kluzuski just to mention a few. A Cub's fan I will always be, win or lose.

Here's hoping to finish P90X, without killing myself, and Cub's and Bear's victories a plenty.