The devil you know...versus the one you don't.

I awoke this morning to the news of our arch nemesis' death at the hands of our military.
I wonder if I'm alone in feeling....anti-climatic about it.
Almost as if it's come a tad too late.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he's gone.

Though I have to say, I'm not quite sure why they weren't able to do this a long time ago. But I'm not in the inner circles of our government, so I don't have insight as to why he wasn't killed sooner. Though I've never considered myself a conspiracy theorist - I have always believed that he was being kept alive for a reason - and that our government was not killing him for reasons unbeknownst to us.

(Dear Mr. Leader of Pakistan: Um, you're kidding me, right?)

And since we're on the topic of conspiracy theories, truthfully -- I'm shocked we have no photographs of said dead terrorist. I mean, we literally watched Saddam Hussein's death - and photographs of his corpse were circulated immediately. And yet....we have nothing of our dearly departed Bin Laden. Weird, right? Something about this just doesn't feel right....

I'm not saying he isn't dead; I'm just saying that maybe it didn't happen quite the way or at the time we were informed.

It was amazing to watch NYC celebrate....they deserve that, they need it -- they were devasted beyond anything that we can comprehend.

But to see the college kids in Boston "partying" until 3am about it sort of made me scratch my head a bit. The average college student was 10 years old at the time of the tragedy. I'm not really sure about the actual emotion of the news versus the wanting to celebrate something....jump onto some sort of bandwagon -- or as one student quipped on tv, not wanting to "miss the best party of the year". Hmmm. Not exactly my emotion about it, but - okay.

So here's the thing. Were we better off with a weak, sickly, poorly funded and not as well "staffed" Al Quieda with Osama in charge; someone who has hidden in the shadows for years and once a year like TuPac Shakur seemingly comes out with a new "tape" for us to see and prove he's still around. Or are we better off now with a potentially angry and possibly now hungry-- leader that we have yet to see if he has the ability to recruit other angry people for the cause.

I just don't know.

Clowns to the left of me....Jokers to the right

So, I've got a question.
Why are we attacking Libya?

I mean, I get the history -- I know the plane bombings, etc...
But...

How is Barack Obama any different from George Bush at this very moment by bringing us into a "war" without a plan? A plan for future...a plan for exit.

At least....George Bush went in under the guise of WMD's - which, to this day I believe were there only because I worked in an environment where I was privvy to information that I knew it to be true. And I supported the decision and to this day - I don't think it was a bad choice, I just wish there had been a better exit plan.

But this...? What's this?
Because he's a dictator....?
There are hundreds of dictators in the world. And he picks this one?
Momar Gad"daffi" Duck?
The dictator who protects himself with "Amazon" like women.
Are you kidding me?!?

I'm not saying he isn't a bad man...because he is.
He's just not a bad enough man.
( I think even I could take him mano e mano. Truth.).

I'm all for going into a battle with someone who deserves it... someone who is a risk or a threat to our security.

Talk about Goliath picking on David. Wow.

Not sure how the true blue Democrats are feeling about their President right now - but I, for one - who's vote is up for grabs - is truly disappointed.

Someone - anyone - please, enlighten me as to how this is a reasonable and practical decision in a time of recession. Outside of the arguement that war creates jobs....maybe this is his effort to surge the economy...? Because outside of that -- this girl has got nothing.

"Let's roll..." Todd Beamer

Hard to believe yet another year has gone by since the tragedy of 9/11.

It's true that time heals all wounds; it's not nearly as raw of a remembrance as it was even just a few years ago. But it still has an awing impact on me, whenever I see footage of that morning. It takes my breath away every time.

Fortunately, the American spirit is strong and we bounced back far quicker than I think the perpetrators of our innocence that day had planned on. Though we easily divide on topics and people that govern our country, we always unite when others prey upon us.

I am proud to be an American; and I know that I'm fortunate and blessed to have been born here with all the freedoms and liberties that come with it.

I thought this was a little less than traditional but certainly appropo video to share for today. Budweiser, though no longer an American company - will always stand for Americana and tradition. This commerical which aired only once, was a lovely and simple tribute that I thought everyone might enjoy.

Land that I love...

So, I don't get to blog surf much - but when I do, one of my very first stops is to Suldog. He's over there in the Guest List, and you should check him out if you haven't already. Anyway, last night I had a few minutes to surf and he had this great post about 100 things he loves about America. Fun, right?

I felt compelled to play along, natch.

Some are specific, some are more vague - and while some may not be American exclusive per se - they're still on my list. Let's play, shall we...? I have to be honest, I can't come up with 100 for tonight, but I can do 50 anyway.
(By the way, if you do a list - please feel free to share yours with me!)

1. Apple Pie. Though not my personal first choice of pie - it is pretty darn spectacular if made right, particularly with a little caramel melted in. Just sayin'...
2. Baseball. Really, need I say more?
3. The freedom to say what we want, sing what we want, write what we want and protest when we choose to.
4. Our Government. Listen, it's not perfect - but it's ours. Besides, I can say things about my dysfunctional family members, but God help the other person who calls my family dysfunctional. You hear me clucking big chicken?
5. The generosity of the American people. It's seemingly never ending, isn't it?
6. Our hard-ass reputation. I'm sorry, other countries might dislike us (bla, bla, whine whine) - but who do they come running to when they're in trouble. I don't think it's France.... just sayin'.
7. We drive on the RIGHT side of the road.
8. English. Listen - I love, love, love foreign languages - but let's be honest, English is just easier to understand. There's nothing gutteral, it doesn't take fancy tongue movements, there's nothing muffled about it.
9. Hollywood. Really, there's nothing like the allure of the beautiful people.
10. NYC. Is there a city other than Boston that's more fun than NYC?
11. Boston. Beacause this is where it all begin.... we are the history, the tradition, the guts and the glory. We are the heart & sould of America. Because I "love that dirty water"....

12. Elvis. Sure, England had the Beatles - but we had the King.
13. The American Dream. This is the land of opportunity. It's all yours if you just apply yourself and try. You don't get nothing for nothing... but you can have it all if you work hard.
14. The American Spirit. Oh yes, there is such a thing. And it is inherent within us all. "Live free or die" is more than a state motto - it's a mindset.
15. Southern Cooking. Truly - does it get any better than fried chicken, grits, collard greens and sweet potato pie? Um, I don't think so...!
16. Key West. Does this really need explaining?
17. TV Culture. From Fonzie, to The Jeffersons - The Brady Bunch to Seinfeld and everything in between - our television culture rocks. Sure it bombs from time to time as well, but seriously - we've had some great tv.
18. FoodTV. Speaking of TV, we've got some kickin' master chefs to show us how it's done.
19. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Thank God for that little creation.
20. Doritos. Second best creation on Earth.
21. Stupid Celebrities. Seriously, you've gotta love them. Especially with fabulous soundbites like "Crack is whack!".
22. Patriotic Songs. We have tons of them! And they're all really pretty great; I don't know about anyone else, but I still get a little faklempt post 9-11 at times listening to them.
23. Sept 11th. Yes, it was horrible and tragic -- but we own it. It's ours, and I've chosen to embrace it. It's our day to mourn the losses, and celebrate the fact that we will never, ever, ever allow something like that to happen to us again. Own the tragedy - and take the power away from the beast. Yippie ki-yay Mo'Fo. Just sayin'...
24. BBQ. From Missouri, to Texas -- we've got the best BBQ foods around!
25. Folk music. Peter Paul & Mary, Joanie Mitchell, Joan Collins, Joan Baez...the list goes on and on from the more traditional to newer contemporary folk-ish. It's one of my personal favorite genres, and it doesn't get more Americana than that.
26. Doo Wop Diners. Maybe there are some elsewhere, but I'm thinking that's a little gem that's probably all ours.
27. McDonalds & Burger King. Sure - it's bad for us, but seriously - it still tastes pretty darn good even though we pay for it later after we eat it. And those two bad boys certainly have taken over the world...



28. Cheesy Reality TV. Okay - we may not have created it, but wow - we've certainly done well with it. Jersey Shore is living proof that only in America are people happy being famous for being idiots.

29. Friends. I know I said Television Culture earlier - but where else does a TV show create a hair style that rocked the world like the "Rachel" did? And so many mannerisms that we've all embraced? Friends is truly a standout.

30. Seinfeld. Seriously needs no explanation and just goes with the above.

31. Dollar Stores. How cool are they in a pinch sometimes? Truly, fun for a Mom with two young children. Where else can a parent give their child a pick of two things, come out without spending a ton of money - and have the kids feel like Kings & Queens?

32. Fantastic Stand Up Comedians. Call me crazy, but I've yet to see anyone funny from another country. Throw a name out there if I'm wrong.

33. Twitter. Love it for business use - and you got it, created right here in the USA.

34. Superman. The strongest man on Earth, who's all about Truth, Justice and the American Way. He's from another planet who happened to land in good ol' Kansas. Does it get any better than that?

35. Great ethnic neighborhoods. Little Italy, Little Chinatown, Koreatown, The French Quarter, etc... because we are America, we've got these great little neighborhood sections in all of our major cities to allow us to embrace not only what might be our own heritages - but other people's as well.

36. Boxing. I don't know if it started here in America, but it definitely is part of our roots with immigration.

37. New England Boiled Dinner. Thank you to the Irish Immigrants for introducing us to the Corn Beef & Cabbage feast.

38. Square Dancing, Line Dancing and the like. Remember when everyone square danced? I didn't - but my parents did! And I loved, loved, loved the skirts. So twirly and fun!

39. The 4th of July. It's all red, white & blue - and all about us!

40. The ball drop on New Years Eve. Sure, that might not be inherently ours -but the world watches ours!

41. Budweiser. Not my personal favorite - but it's definitely a warm, fuzzy American product. Or well, it used to be - before a Belgian company bought it.

42. American Airlines. Definitely one of my favorite airlines.

43. Cabot, Jasper Hills, Cowgirl Creamery. We have some freakin' delicious cheeses, just to name a few!

44. Starbucks. Probably not the best coffee in the world in comparison to some other countries, but for "fast food" coffee -- it's pretty good. Pretty, pretty good.

45. Christmas Tree Shops. I just love a bargain -- don't you?

46. Yankee Candle. The best smelling candles ever.... !!!

47. The Pledge of Allegiance. I love it the way it is - in it's original form. We are one Nation, under God (I don't care what you name your God - it's still a God), indivisible (when push comes to shove), with Liberty & Justice for all.

48. The Stars & Stripes. Forever....

49. The Statue of Liberty, and all that she stands for. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

50. The Declaration of Independence. "Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness"....

And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free....

Happy Independence Day.

I am thankful that I live in a country where I can disagree with my politicians without fear of reprucussion; a country where it is encouraged to think as an individual and be all that I can be.

I am proud to be an American.
And for those who aren't because the politics might not always be popular, well....
You can always leave.

I will always pledge allegiance to my flag, under everyone's God (because, God is God after all..), with justice for all (unless they are a criminal; so long as they are legally here in the country to be qualified for the due process upon which this country is based. Otherwise, their justice can be in the form of an escort out of the territory lines. Though I absolutely have compassion towards those who may be here incorrectly but are doing their damndest to make a good life and become a citizen.)

Have a fantastic day!

A moment to give thanks.....

Memorial Day is one of the few times each year that we take a moment to thank those who defend our freedoms and liberties -- past, present and future. Whatever you do this weekend, outside of the weddings and cookouts that typically take place - take a moment to somehow honor those who have enlisted voluntarily to protect your points of view -- even those of you who disagree with our country; it's those who offer to wear the uniform that allow you to have the ability to disagree without fear of repercussion.


.

Thoughts for Tuesday....

1. Thank you to Jason for showing me the much requested sign I was looking for. The very day I posted, wouldn't you know he has a meeting with John Henry to open the doors of communication once again. Clearly I wasn't the only one who was confused about the status of his relationship with the Sox. And obviously, Jason is not looking for me to be broken hearted....

2. I watched an amazing documentary on the life of Martin Luther King over the past two days. It was the History Channel's special called "King."
As a child I learned about Martin Luther King Jr., but not nearly to the extent of all for which he believed in, fought for – and ultimately died for. It is such a sin that it’s always the ones who bring humanity to our inhumane world that always end up being struck down. It was eerie to see his speech from the night before his assassination -- it was so prophetic. While there was always the eminent threat of danger surrounding him at all times – there was no way he could’ve known the fate that would befall him the very next morning. And yet to have heard him speak – it makes you wonder if he had. Often times when we reflect upon the last few days in the life of a person who’s life ended very suddenly and with no warning – we find ourselves wondering if they subconsciously were aware that there was “something” going to happen. It was a wonderfully informative and touching documentary – and one that I would highly recommend watching if you have the opportunity to do so.

3. Today is Inauguration Day. It is always a pleasure to watch the swearing in of the new President, whether it’s my candidate of choice or not. It’s the celebration of watching the due process of our government and the backbone of who we are as a nation occur and take action. Does it need to cost $160 million? No, I should think not… but I digress.

Do I think Barack Obama is the second coming of JFK, or MLK – as some would like to parallel? No, I don’t think so. Not even a little bit.

But I do enjoy listening to him speak; he does ring of positive thoughts and hope for the future – and though I did not vote for him – I’m willing to give him the chance to stand on his own merit.
There are a lot of things I disagree with him on, however – he is our new President.
And right, wrong or otherwise on topics and personal associations, I do respect the office and the men who have held it.

Today is a day for America to stand proud.
(And clearly wear yellow. Myself and about 5 other people I've run into today are wearing it -- as is our new first lady. Who knew?)

A moment to say thank you...

I woke up this morning and thought of how when I was younger, there were two parades in my hometown that we used to go to: Veteran's Day and Memorial Day.

I don't think that Veteran's Day parades are held any longer.
And I'm not sure why.

I wonder if it's because that generation of people had a stronger sense of ceremony that people do today?

It only takes a moment to say thank you to those who are a part of our country's armed forces - and who represent and protect every right we have.

It can be something as small as saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
But however you do it, take the time to do so.

It's not a political thing, it's a humanity thing.

Rock the Vote...

So here's the deal.
I don't care who you vote for. It's a personal choice, a private decision - and the most important thing is that you vote for the candidate that you feel best represents you and your views.

It can be a difficult decision to make, depending upon what your beliefs and principals are. Very rarely is there ever one candidate who is all encompassing for anyone individual.

And yet most people lose sight of the fact that -- throughout their campaign, a politicians goal is exactly that -- to be all things, to all people.

All politicians make promises that they cannot, nor have any intention of keeping. So the difficult part that lies within us -- the American voters -- is to determine what is plausible, viable and important enough of an issue that the candidate you are supporting will truly have the opportunity to support in return.

Don't vote for a candidate based upon what other people will think of you or judge you in your choice; that's not the right reason to choose. It happens a lot....more often than you may think, because a person's opinion can easily be swayed by the perception of how others react to their decisions. Of course there is peer pressure in voting; sit around an average dinner table on any given Sunday afternoon and I assure you, you will see it.

At the same time, that is one of the beautiful things about our country and the very essence of who we are as a nation. We don't all have to agree.

That is one of the fundamental rights we have as Americans, and why you should exercise that ability to either agree or disagree - and vote.

If you don't -- then I don't want to hear what you have to say about the economy, or healthcare, or international affairs. Don't whine about tax cuts, or tax breaks or tax increases.

If you don't vote -- then shut up and sit down. Your opinion doesn't count.
Truly, this girl doesn't want to hear a thing you have to say.

Sitting in the morning sun....I'll be sitting when the evening comes....

1. Note to the reporters that have been out there on national television crying about the Angels loss to the Sox: Seriously, enough whining already about the Red Sox. The better team won - period, end of discussion. Man up, shut up - and sit down.

First of all, you can't take anything away from either team -- they both played hard. But let's be honest -- the Angels defense made some crazy errors. And while I held my breath during the middle of their lineup because they were so good, "were" is the proper tense. Because they weren't that good during this series. Baseball is cyclical - and at that time, during the post season - the Angels didn't prove to be as good as they were during the season. Not to say that they weren't tough - this was not an easy series by any stretch -- but it wasn't as bad as some may have thought it was going to be.

Final thought on this series ....you can't challenge Jason's out at third! He tagged him before dropping the ball. There was no fumble here. He tagged him, before the ball came out of the glove. Get over it and move on....

2. Time to think about Tampa.... the rotation came out today, and truthfully I'm surprised to see Beckett pitching the second game. I think I was thinking he'd pitch third at Fenway - but maybe since he pitches so well at Tropicana (not that he doesn't pitch well everywhere, but his record is really great there!). Truthfully I only figured they'd pitch him at home to give him another day of rest, but what was it I said yesterday? In Francona we trust....

3. The debates were anything but a debate. Come on - let them get down and dirty and mix it up! The only thing that last night resolved for me was the overwhelming realization that Obama is going to win this election. He is just so slick. And McCain comes across as rather, grumpy. I like them both but the truth of the matter is that I don't know which one to believe when they're speaking. They're both talking so much schtick with no real substance -- I couldn’t' even finish watching it. Neither one excited me, neither one motivated me -- and neither one clarified anything for me. In a word: aaagh.

4. How about a little "aaah".... so glad to find out that my new insurance policy, which will more than likely be uber expensive -- covers acupuncture. Not fully, but any little bit helps! The fluorescent lights here are killing me, and truthfully I'm so overdue to go back. These headaches though nearly not like they were before, are slowly and surely creeping back into my life. Between yoga and acupuncture, I need to get myself feeling spectacular again. Running + Yoga + Acupuncture = Bliss. '

Must. Find. Center.

5. I can taste again!!! Today, my friend Michelle and I met for sushi today. She also gave her notice and so we had a little celebratory/congratulatory luncheon at our favorite little sushi hideaway. It's perfect because you can be in and out within a half hour. And the sushi was fantastic. We had a new creation today -- and I think it's our new favorite. She and I have very similar sushi tastes, so move over Spicy Maki because Crazy Roll is the new gig in town...!

Thoughts for Thursday....

1. It's been 7 years since September 11th and the tragedy that befell the nation that day. And yet, when seeing footage of the plane(s) making impact on the tower(s) - it still feels as raw to me as if it just happened last week. The visuals still take my breath away. It's amazing to think that it's been that long -- and at the same time, a part of me feels that we should feel thankful that it's been that long since an attack. When you think of how we live in such a free society -- we're pretty much fair game, at any time.

All of the political banter about Iraq, and whether we should be there or not, or why we were there to begin with -- should not be an issue. At least not today. We weren't in Iraq when the attacks happened -- nor have we had an attack since. And this is a good thing. Are they subsequently connected? No, I think not. I think terrorists are opportunists - and weilding the sword of the unknown is their weapon. I think today we as Americans should be thankful for our families, our health - and throw the politics to the wayside. Today is about The United States of America and remembering those who were casualties of fanatacism - by fanatics who had no care as to who was in Presidential Office at the time it happened.

2. Last night's game was not fun to watch. Not even a little. It was frustrating. And heartbreaking. And I don't want the Sox to play the Angels. There, I've said it.....
Oh - and note to JD Drew... "huh?!!!!??". I've always said that he was the "new Trot Nixon". And he just keeps on proving my point. Can anyone say..."Diva"...?

3. The Patriots aren't rushing to bring a seasoned quarterback to town it seems. Very interesting. (code: scary!) What's piquing my interest even more, was that on my way in this morning I was listening to the Zone for a few minutes and heard that an irate Bridget Moynihan called in this past Monday. This girl would love to have been able to hear that on-air conversation....

4. So, an update on those plates.....the third plate has landed as of presstime. Still waiting on the second one, but that should fall in the very near term - possibly this afternoon, but more than likely tomorrow. And then I can honestly say that my plates will not only be on the table -- but very, very full.

5. I need shoes. Badly. And lots of them. Fortunately, DSW has been sending me umpteen coupons online, in the mail - in email - and guess what? It's this girl's birthday month which means I get some extra special discounts or something like that. Whatever it is, I'll take it. DSW and Burlington Coat Factory -- I'm coming knocking on your door, and I've got cash......

6. And finally... be good to yourself - and each other.
(Okay, so Jerry Springer is the one who made that notable - but still, it's a great thought for the day, don't you agree?)

Happy, Quiet and Content....

Today was a pretty nice 4th of July all in all. This morning, I got up early and the little 14 year old girl on my street watched the kids for an hour and a half while I ran the lake. It was perfect outside -- overcast and misty, which made the run so easy. I could've run it twice if I had the time, but I said I'd be back in an hour, so once around it was.

Cute story...as I was walking to my car, there were bunches of people around the lake because Wakefield has an all day celebration in the town and around the lake before culminating with a fireworks display at night; so I'm heading towards my car when a little girl I smiled at tells me to come see the rat they found. It seems someone let loose a domesticated pet rat at the lake, and it's made a home there. Poor little thing. I tried to catch him because I thought I'd bring him home - we have a hamster cage that he'd love, and he must be so scared! Well, he nipped at me when I tried to pick him up so I figured, eh...he's adjusting. But he was so flipping cute, I just loved him.

Anyway, once I got home my girlfriend Nancy came by and she, the kids and I went to a neighbors house for a cookout. It was only us, and I brought a bunch of steak for the grill, and potato salad, a garden salad, chips and salsa -- and they cooked up some other things, so while the kids played in their pool, we all sort of just hung around. It was nice because truly, I don't see my neighbors all that often, unless it's at my house and I'm too busy grilling for like 60 people so I can't socialize.

So people often ask me, "do you take the kids to see the fireworks?" and my answer is always no. Why? Well, here's why. Because it's 8:55 and both kids are in bed sound asleep. I have schedules and routines for them, and even when it's a special occasion they're generally tired at this juncture - most especially after spending a day in the pool. So every fourth of july by this time of night I'm usually in my pajamas (which I am) and getting ready to watch the fireworks on television (which I will do.)

Oh, and thankfully the Sox have found their swings and pitching is settling in a little bit. I'm really hoping that something develops before the trade deadline because we are sorely lacking in middle relief. MLBTraderumors.com doesn't have anything on there that looks overly exciting at the moment, so I guess we'll just have to sit tight and see.

Living in MA and being in Boston is such a very cool thing on the fourth of July; it's pretty cool in general, but especially so on this day each year.

"Land where our fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride...from every mountain side - let freedom ring!".

Don't tread on me....

Today we had a retirement ceremony in work for our Lt. Col. Deputy Director. He is retiring after 24 years of service, and it was a lovely ceremony. I’ve been to many of them over the years; some being very short, sweet and to the point – and others, truly emotional fests complete with not a dry eye in the audience.

This morning’s ceremony was somewhere in the middle. It was very personalized and loving, yet short and not overly drawn out. One of the nicest portions of it in my opinion, outside of the fact that the family is just lovely – was the flag ceremony. I’ve seen several of them, but they are generally flag folding ceremonies. This one was a little different; there was no folding of the flag – it was already folded. But it was passed from service member to service member, and then ended with the Lt. Colonel passing it onto his young son who is an ROTC cadet.

The words that were read, I don’t recall ever hearing previously although it may just be that for whatever reason they resounded with me stronger today than in previous times. And I thought it would be nice to share here. (I apologize in advance for the formatting. I’m copying and pasting it – and it was in all caps. I’m truly not yelling it!)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

I STAND FOR FREEDOM!!

I AM CONFIDENT, I AM ARROGANT, I AM PROUD.

WHEN I AM FLOWN WITH MY FELLOW BANNERS, MY HEAD IS HELD A LITTLE HIGHER

I BOW TO NO ONE!

I STAND GUARD WITH THE GREATEST MILITARY POWER IN THE WORLD.

I STAND FOR PEACE, HONOR, TRUTH, AND JUSTICE

FOR MORE THAN 225 YEARS, I HAVE FOUGHT IN EVERY BATTLE OF EVERY WAR;

GETTYSBURG, SHILOH, APPOMATTOX, SAN JUAN HILL, THE TRENCHES OF FRANCE, THE ARGENNE FOREST, ANZIO, ROME, THE BEACHES OF NORMANDY THE JUNGLES OF GUAM, OKINAWA, A SMALL HILL ON IWO JIMA, TARAWA, KOREA, VIETNAM, IN THE HEAT OF THE ARABIAN GULF, AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ …TO NAME A FEW. LONG FORGOTTEN BY ALL, BUT THOSE WHO WERE WITH ME.

I WAS THERE.

I HAVE BEEN SOILED BURNED TORN AND TRAMPLED

IT DOES NOT HURT FOR I AM INVINCIBLE.

I SHALL OVERCOME FOR I AM STRONG!!

I HAVE SLIPPED THE SURLY BONDS OF EARTH AND, FROM MY VANTAGE POINT ON THE MOON,

I STAND WATCH OVER THE NEW FRONTIERS OF SPACE.

I HAVE BEEN THE SILENT WITNESS TO ALL OF AMERICA'S FINEST HOURS.

BUT MY FINEST HOUR COMES WHEN I AM TORN INTO STRIPS, USED AS BANDAGES FOR MY WOUNDED COMRADES ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE.

WHEN I FLY HALF-MAST TO HONOR MY MILITARY MEMBERS AND WHEN I LIE IN THE TREMBLING ARMS OF A GRIEVING MOTHER - AT THE GRAVESIDE OF HER FALLEN SON OR DAUGHTER

I AM PROUD!

MY LEGACY, MY TRADITIONS, MY BURDENS AND MY HOPES FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

HAVE BEEN PASSED FROM FATHER TO SON SINCE THE DAWN OF OUR GREAT NATION

MY NAME IS "OLD GLORY"

LONG MAY I WAVE DEAR GOD,

LONG MAY I WAVE.

Small towns...big memorials

I just got back from the Memorial Day parade held here in town. One of the things I love about this town is that they do so much on the holidays - and seemingly so much more so on Memorial Day & 4th of July.



My son marched with his soccer team, and they always "pull up the rear" - so my daughter and I got to watch the whole thing from the end of the parade location where we waited. It was great to see how much the Shriners do for the parade and the community. It's a great way too, to explain to the younger kids like my daughter what this is all about and how important it is to celebrate all of your heroes -- soldiers, as well as fireman and policemen.



We're off to go poolside, and I can't wait. I'm so ghostly white, which truly I'll be all summer since I don't like to age before my time and wrinkle; but that's what sunless tanner is for! I won't be swimming myself - the water's far too cold but nothing will keep the kids out. And if nothing else, it will help wash all the pollen that's surely making all of us sneeze -- go away.

It's really quite simple...

Say the pledge of allegiance.
Maybe sing to yourself the song "God Bless America" or the "Star Spangled Banner".

And then just even think a word or two of thanks to those who have served and continue to serve our country.

They deserve it, don't you think?

So, I guess I got my answer....

Today has been interesting.

Aftermath of last night's Red Sox game - and the BEAUTIFUL pitch Beckett threw to end it all -- was lingering on everyone's conversations this morning, naturally. What a game. And, I really liked the early start
time! Only a half hour earlier than usual, but the game was done by what, 9pm? Plus, the unbelievable pitching didn't hurt any to speed up the game. I sort of liked that!

This morning, the body of Corporal Ciara Durkin came through Hanscom this morning, en route to her funeral. We all went outside to pay our respects -- which is a sombering way to start the day. It's always emotional for me, to see the families look at all of us watching them -- from within their limousine.


Moving on to the mid morning, I had a nice morning work wise. Not a heavy workload, a little customer support, nothing too mindbending which is always a good thing. And, I got to see some of my friends who work
in the other office that I don't get to see hardly ever because I don't stop by usually. But - then again, neither do they - stop by my area either...! But I digress....it was nice to have a change of scenery and sit in someone else's cube for a little while.

Which brings me to the worst part of my day thus far. Right before I was going to go to lunch w. my girl friends from work to celebrate a birthday -- I got an email. With clarification. And resolution. And finalization.

My venture is a dead deal. I'm so disappointed, you can't possibly imagine. THIS close.... And it all fell apart.
Truthfully, that's what happens when one isn't honest about their financials -- I mean, you can't expect a person to risk a chance on something that isn't stable. Just be honest. If you're on a decline, just state it. Don't make it come out at the last second before the deal is finalized.

I know that means that it "wasn't meant to be". And that it's better to find out now rather than later. Other opportunities will come - and I know when the right one does it will be for the right reason. I know
all the cliches and sayings and I get the whole optomistic outlook. I LIVE the optomistic outlook.

But, none of that makes me feel any better at the moment. And for once, I'm going to wallow for just a moment in some sadness of almost having the opportunity that I wanted -- happen.

Independence Day...

I pledge allegiance to the flag
Of the United States of America.
And to the Republic, for which it stands...
One nation, under God, indivisible....
With liberty....and justice for all.

The Pledge of Allegiance should always be said in schools. There should never be a debate, a question or a hesitation regarding it.

I don't care who your God is.....and it doesn't matter who my God is.
Whomever the God is that you choose to pray to, is also who is watching this one nation - but they should be referred to as the generic term of "God". That term sort of covers all bases, does it not?

If you live in this country, you should honor and respect the liberties and freedoms we have by saying the pledge of allegiance with your hand over your heart; and I believe that it belongs in school systems all over this country and said every morning.

This isnt a Bible passage; it's a pledge of respect to the flag of the United States.
If anyone sees it as anything other than such....then I'm sorry.
Maybe you should live elsewhere.

Maybe you need to remember that days like the 4th of July aren't about fireworks, and parades. It's about the day that this country won it's independence from England - and our democracy was born. It was the beginning of becoming the nation that we are today, and I'm so thankful to be an American. I don't believe in jumping on the trendy bandwagon of feeling "ashamed" because so many countries "hate" us right now. No matter what happens, and there will always be things that our government will do that we won't always like, I will never turn my back on my country or the flag.

Whew....

Tomorrow is my son's 6th birthday party. And for those of you who have been reading my blog for some time now, know that the food is the main attraction. I can't help it- I just love to cook.

It's an XMen party - and would you believe that I could not find one thing of Xmen anywhere? I had to use one of his video game covers in order to have an XMen cake! I saw the stuff everywhere about a month ago - but it was far too early to think about it then...and now, nothing. So, I'm just decorating everything in XMen colors and of course, the cake.

Menu du jour for tomorrow is: BBQ chicken, teriyaki chicken, tons of hot dogs and super thick burgers, turkey burgers, hot & sweet sausages, tons of peppers and onions on the grill (just spent forever cutting them!), fajita marinated steaks, sirloin wrapped in bacon, scallops wrapped in bacon (I love bacon!) red bliss potato salad, pasta salad, regular garden salad. And of course...the cake. Cookies, etc...are usually brought by people who come, so I don't bother buying any.

I'm taking the weekend off from blogging - but will be back on Monday full of hopefully something valueable to say - and if nothing else, maybe some great shots of my boy 'Tek from Monday night's game which I cant' wait to go to. A little Cask n' Flagon....a little Fenway....who can ask for more?

Please take time to honor your troops, both past and present - those still standing, and most importantly those fallen. If it wasn't for those who selflessly put their lives on the line for us, we would not be the great country we are today. Do yourself a favor...and go to a Memorial Day parade if you have the chance to.

You'll be glad that you did.

A moment to say "thank you"....

We very rarely have casualties of war (thankfully) here on base. At least not that I’m aware of. In the years that I’ve been here, I don’t think I’ve heard of any of the folks that are stationed here -- but deployed in areas of struggle supporting any number of missions – fall victim to the violence they’re surrounded by. Which is a very good thing. I don’t know how I would do emotionally if that was the case. I don’t get very friendly with too many people I work with, partly because most people rotate out every 3 years. And truthfully not everyone keeps in touch, although the intentions are good. I learned my lesson the hard way many years ago, and so as a result I don’t get too involved with making friends in the office. But I digress....

Today, the remains of Army 1st Lt. Brian Jones of Westminster, MA arrived on base this morning. He died on Wednesday in Baghdad, Iraq from wounds he suffered when his vehicle hit an explosive device. The motorcade for his funeral procession left here, and drove right by my office building – so we all went outside to pay our respects and give our thanks to this young man and his family for their sacrifice.

It was very brief, but sobering. It was an emotional moment for me, truthfully. I mean, I didn’t cry – but I did get a little choked up at seeing one of his family members – who I’m guessing was a brother -- look out the window, and seeing everyone saluting them as they drove by. I couldn’t imagine as to what was going through his mind.

“Freedom has a taste to those who fight and die for it, that the protected will never know....”

And on this note....
I will be out of the blogosphere until Monday, so have a great week – and to all you “moms” out there – have a lovely, lovely Mother’s Day.