How to save a life or rather taking care of me

This morning I read an opinion piece about having the right to feel weary given all that's going on here in the states, in the world, and (for me even closer) what's going on in your own life. Right now it seems that no matter where you look things seem to be working in concert against peace/tranquility/happiness/or just every day life. I mean, fires in California, children still in cages, families separated, mass murders, elections being stolen or at the very least, attempts being made to circumvent democracy in the election process here in Georgia and Florida. Yeah, I could go on and that's just here in the USA! And don't get me started on Ruth Bader Ginsburg breaking 3 ribs! Things seem to be taking that proverbial hand-basket walk. 

I know that all things considered, my life, like so many of us here in the states, is easy compared to those who've decided that walking two thousand miles to escape death is worth the effort, (which is what the "caravan" really is all about, to my mind). I also know that right now I'm whining (or whinging for all y'all on the other side of the pond) which is my lead-up to doing something to sort of kick my own butt into positive action. (Yeah, sometimes, it takes a minute, OK?) All of this is on a personal level because if we aren't taking care of ourselves how can we possibly take care of anyone else? (It sounds so much more magnanimous using the royal we, right?) 

Anyway, as the MITM with his bottomless wisdom, charm, and ability to chose the absolute best words, said this morning over breakfast and the New York Times, "Reel it in, baby, and cut yourself some slack! It's early still and if you don't stop now, I'll be peeling you off the ceiling by this afternoon!" Profound, right? 

So, do I know what to do to end this weird state of mind? Naw, but I do know this, I'll breathe in and breathe out slowly. I'll probably go change the sheets, grab the bathroom towels, and start a load of laundry. All the little things that ground you and help keep your head from spinning off your shoulders. It also helps keep a tidy house and according to Martha Stewart, orderly surroundings help keep an orderly mind...or something like that (I mean, have you seen pictures of her linen closet?)

What do you do when everything seems to turn into soul crushing insanity?

Happy Birthday, Captain Chaos!

One of my favorite photos!

Today is the birthday of the guy pictured above. Yep, 47 years ago he made his entrance into the world and has been stompin' on the terra ever since! This year he's clean shaved, but I still like this picture more and it's also the only one I could find where he wasn't eating a donut or cooking or skateboarding or drawing! It's also one of my favorites!

The MITM reminded me of the night the Captain was born. Our car had been damaged in an accident a couple of days before (we weren't in it) so, the MITM's Grandpa had to drive us (they lived nearby). He drove a big old Cadillac and in those days they were big and long and heavy. I was on the back seat doing my Lamaze breathing every time I had a contraction which totally freaked him out, so he hit the gas all the while saying "Oh sweet Jesus, this girl is gonna have that baby in mah Caddie!" 

So join us in wishing the Captain a very Happy Birthday!

The Day After

We watched the returns last night or rather the MITM watched. I just looked up every so often. I have to admit that I am sorry the Democrats didn't take the Senate, but I knew that was a long shot. I am very glad that Dems retook the House because that is how governance works best in America because when one political party does not hold both houses compromise is necessary in order to govern ALL, not just the party in power. Our system of governance might not be the best, but it is what we've lived under and with for a few years (I know how long we've been a republic, OK?) 

Anyway, we're sitting here in Georgia knowing that all votes for governor have not been counted and that as of this writing it's very close between Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp. We shall see.

I hope that the Democratic majority in the House will not squander their lead and will remember that, unlike 45 and the GOP, elected officials represent ALL people in their respective districts, not just those who voted for them. We, as a country, have to get back to working together for the good of the nation. It will be difficult, it will be tiresome, it will fail at times, but we must remind ourselves that we have more in common than we have differences. I promise that I will try not to slip into a side eye posture at every mention of GOP policy. (OK, at least outwardly.)

The words of President-elect John F. Kennedy are appropriate today:  ‘We must always consider,’ he said, ‘that we shall be as a city upon a hill—the eyes of all people are upon us.’ Today the eyes of all people are truly upon us—and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national, State, and local, must be as a city upon a hill—constructed and inhabited by men aware of their grave trust and their great responsibilities.”—Congressional Record, January 10, 1961, vol. 107, Appendix, p. A169..."

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

V O T E

V O T E

V O T E

IF YOU'RE IN THE USA, 

TODAY

IS THE

DAY!

November 5, 2018