Kingfisher Cove

Obama Stopped By

Really! He and his secret service guy (and...some sort of military guy?) came to collect the Chip-N-Dale dancer dude (although I heard a comment from "Obama" that: "Hey, I support the gays you know.") (Hmm. Not quite sure that was what was intended...)

Da Kid

I  haven't mentioned Nate a whole lot lately, mostly because there hasn't been much news to report. Or, you know, soap opera newsy stuff. If anything, there has been a fair amount of frustration in learning that he has NOT earned his Associates Degree after all — he's one science credit shy. His job as a waiter at a higher scale restaurant in town has been a clear indicator of how our economy is at the moment: sucky. (Well, and the fact that it's Homecoming season and those high school fancy dressers do NOT leave tips...)

But. For ten bucks at Value Village, he has a Halloween costume for a party tomorrow night.

Oh dear.

(Brrrrrr...)

And then, tonight he dropped the "bombshell", although I really wasn't totally surprised, because he'd mentioned this possibility to me last spring or so. But...it sounds like he's seriously considering signing up to join the Navy. He's been talking (a lot) to a recruiter, and even took a "practice test" to determine his aptitude and he scored very very high. He goes in for a pee test next week. The plan is to take that science class during winter quarter and secure that Associates Degree, take the "real" 10-hour Navy aptitude test, and then head to Basic Training in March. I understand. He needs to get away, see the world, figure out what his "destiny" is, because it isn't coming to him on its own. School is not a passion (because he doesn't know what he wants to be when he grows up, and I think he's scared to death of "settling" into something that will make him miserable). With at least his practice test score so high (and he's a smart kid so I sense he'll do well on the "real" test), it sounds like he'll have a sizeable array of options for career opportunities in the Navy that would translate into the real world afterward. I think that's the secret, to focus on something that can be marketable once you're out of the service. (That was JDub — he was able to pick his path in the Air Force, which was electronics, and that's what eventually made him qualified to work for Da Airplane Company, which he has now for going on 28 years). And as a mom, I do feel much better about my kid joining the Navy than the Army or Marines. (Air Force would be fine, too, but that doesn't yank his chain like the Navy does). I suppose when the time comes, I'll be a basket case then. But right now I have to say that I'm pleased that he's thinking about his future and his need to work on who he wants to be. The Navy will not be easy — it will make him deeply appreciate the "softness" that has been his life thus far, something I'm quite sure he's not currently aware of. But I also think he needs that, and it'll make him a better person (in a way that I don't believe I'll have to constantly worry about his safety like I would with other branches of the military). He's a man now, going on 23 years old, and it's time for him to make these daunting decisions.

Funny side note: As Nate was posing for the picture above, JDub arrived home from work, and his first view entering the house...was of Nate standing in the dining room dressed like that. I thought JDub's eyes would pop out of his head. I'm sure he thought he'd entered "The Twilight Zone."

A Little Retail Therapy

I've been feeling a bit blah lately (mostly because work is just No Fun), and so today I allowed myself to enjoy a bit of shopping. I went to JoAnn's Crafts and picked up some soapmaking supplies (Helen and I are getting together the day after Turkey Day again this year and making soap! And probably having Crantinis! Or maybe Cadillac Margaritas. Lemon Drops?) Then I went to Trader Joe's and bought a whole BUNCH of stuff. Such fun stuff! (I've needed some fun!) I love that store! I then walked a couple of doors down from TJ's to the Bird Store and bought some quality (bulk) birdseed. We won't be heading to Harstine Is. this coming weekend (it should be the last weekend JDub has to work for a while, if the union vote passes), but the next time we go I'll be nicely replenished to bait feed the birdies.  (Mojo was a BUTT last weekend, hiding out in the brush behind the bird feeders and then exploding onto the scene once there were birds everywhere. I am so thankful — and amazed — that he wasn't successful in nabbing one!)

I think tonight will be an early-to-bed night. I'm TIRED. (Must be all the darkness...)

Did you see the Obama infomercial thingy? Wow. As I tweeted on Twitter, my gut tells me that we are on the precipice of witnessing something extraordinary in our history/future. (Yes. He. Will.)

It Must Be Another Work-Week

I think there ought to be a law, that every six weeks we are due a week's paid vacation. (Ha). OK, maybe every eight weeks. There's a reasonable compromise. And I can dream about flying pigs.

So, the craziness of last week (with the weekend's stellar pause) has now transformed into the craziness of this week (that will continue into the middle of next month at the very least). Uh. It is very busy and I'm hankering for something on the horizon to look forward to.

There is a tentative agreement in Da Airplane Company strike (they vote this Saturday) and so it appears that JDub's ongoing 12-hour-days are likely numbered. Whew! He's been dealing with this for close to two full months, having every other weekend off. I know he's sort of in the "mode" — either that or well beyond exhausted. And I'm sure he'll miss the extra bucks! But he's gotta be pretty sick and tired of spending just about every single daylight hour there.

I did get a nice kudo today! I have to share because in this fast-paced deadline-driven world I work in, there just isn't much time for kudos. The proposal I pounded out last week with such a short turnaround was one section of five (or six) that others from different offices were responsible for. We all had to have our "section" (40 pages or so each) to the leading office by 5:00 Friday. I made it with about 4 minutes to spare. And I cringed a bit because even though I spell-checked and poured through it as thoroughly as I could in a very short time, I didn't feel that it had a substantial "QA/QC" (normally done by someone other than myself). I got word today that of all the "sections" submitted (many of them late) that mine was "by far the very best, most complete, and best written" proposal! I was actually rather shocked because I had to wonder just how "bad" the others were... But my boss and the project manager I worked with both know about the "kudo" and I can't help but feel pleased (and so relieved it's outa here!)

On to the next killer deadline...(I suppose I ought to get myself a blood pressure monitor).

Wow.

And I thought two weeks ago would be the last time to use the word "stellar." If it's possible, this weekend has been even more so.

Feast your eyes! (Should be captions when you hover your mouse over the photos).

 

 

Mmmm, heaven. 

Jangled Nerves

I should actually be quite impressed with myself for successfully getting through this horrendous week. Whoa, it was intense. I really don't know how I did it, and there were many moments of deep panic, thinking that I just might not. When so much is out of your control when you are aiming for an impossible drop-dead deadline, it's just not conducive to a peaceful frame of mind. God, this "career" I chose for myself fell into sucks donkey dicks.

It's taken a while to be able to relish in the relief — we're at Harstine and I was almost catatonic/shell-shocked until not all that long ago. Do I want to sleep or do I want to curl up into a sobbing pile? What a jumble of emotions. And then, on the (dark) drive, we nearly ran over two cats and the car in front of us nearly hit two deer bounding across the road. And THEN — immediately after we crossed the bridge onto the island, the Durango's headlights caught sight of the hind flank of a HUGE animal and we realized it was an Elk! There was no doubt about it. Elk on Harstine Island? We had no idea! (God, what a beautiful and awesome creature).

So...we are here at our plot of paradise. We had a fire on the deck — something I sure wouldn't have expected this time of year, but October has been incredible, and the weekend forecast is for "nice".

I guess another reason for those "jangled nerves" is that I continue to feel nervous about the presidential election. Yes, Obama is well ahead in the polls, but polls have been known to be wrong. And will people who profess to be Obama-supporters let their deep-down racism come to play when it comes time to actually vote? Or will they not even vote at all? It makes my stomach cramp at the idea of McCain/Palin in the white house. It just cannot happen, if there is true justice in this universe.

Some Things That Made Me Grin (or giggle)

"Margaret and Helen" is an incredibly entertaining blog that is getting a lot of attention these days — an 82-year-old woman who totally says it like it is. I loved this; in response to the GOP's $150,000 wardrobe expenditure on Sarah Palin:

"And when this is all over, it all goes to charity.  Well isn’t that just rich?  Don’t give them health insurance, give them designer clothing. Honestly, only a Republican could have come up with that one."

And this, in reference to the republicans' constant gripe about welfare recipients with gobs of children:

"By the way, the average welfare recipient has less than three children. Sarah and Todd Palin? That would be five. John and Cindy McCain?  Seven."

And finally, this — in response to everyone hating taxes, BUT...

"But we all eventually take it in the rear because we fancy roads, schools, healthcare, national security, law enforcement, energy…  Those things represent the majority of what our taxes go to.  And speaking of majority, the majority of welfare recipients are children.  You know, those precious little bundles of life that the Republican base likes to ignore once the cord is cut."

I highly recommend scrolling down to previous posts — her take on the debates were hysterical.

And then one of my favorite people of all time, Ron(nie) Howard, previously Opie* and previously Richie Cunningham, has created this amazing short video with lovable guests (Andy Griffith and "The Fonz")!  Check it out and grin ear-to-ear! (Thanks, Karen).

You've heard of David Sedaris? [Good Lord, just realized I'm 6 months older than he is!] Here's part of his essay on "undecided voters":

"I look at these people and can’t quite believe that they exist. Are they professional actors? I wonder. Or are they simply laymen who want a lot of attention?

To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. “Can I interest you in the chicken?” she asks. “Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?”

To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked."

And, while this didn't particularly warrant grins or giggles, it was certainly thought-provoking. I happen to know quite a number of die-hard republicans who plan to vote for Obama (and yes, that really does actually warrant a grin!):

(Via Pales in Comparison)

~~~~~

*My son, Nate, is a red-head. In Kindergarten, the little guy came home from school one day, placed his hands on his hips, planted his foot, peered up at me and said with bewildered exasperation, "Mom? Who is Opie?"

Have I Mentioned That I *Heart* Rachel Maddow?

I'd see her now and then on the Today Show alongside some flaming conservative (like, Pat Buchanan) as the "liberal" point of view to an issue and to be perfectly honest, she would somewhat intimidate me. Not with what she would say (because I tended to agree with her), but with her brilliant, rapid-fire, funny, on-her-toes ability to make mince-meat out of her adversary. Whoa. And do it with a smile. (And not the John McCain creepy smile, either. We're talking a genuine, light-up-her-face, getting-a-kick-outa-this smile). THEN she got her own show on MSNBC. And since then, I have a new obsession habit: Watching her video clips on MSNBC.com every single evening.

She. Is. Awesome.

Why so awesome? Gee, let's see. Rhodes Scholar. Oxford Ph.D. Utter liberal. Air America host. MSNBC political analyst. Keith Olbermann's more "handsome" stand-in. Pat Buchanan's worst nightmare. Tucker Carlson's worst nightmare. Funny. Articulate. Unflappable. Affable. Gosh, I feel like I'm forgetting something... Oh yeah, gay – totally gay.

Obviously I'm not gay, but I can't help but feel a leetle bit envious of her long-time partner, Susan (who is an artist), because I just think Rachel would be one helluva fun person to have as a friend. (But, no, not that way...) You know what I mean? Put it this way: She reminds me of a female Jon Stewart. Sarcasm is my favorite kind of humor! And who wouldn't want to be buds with Jon Stewart?

(Well, probably not Pat Buchanan...) (Ha! or Rush Limbaugh!)

I Did It!

I voted! Yay! (Who needs a stinkin' curtain?)

I don't remember the last time I voted at a polling place/booth. I was probably in my 20s. For years I'd do the "absentee ballot" gig, mostly because it was so much more convenient (and do-able) when I was a single mom with a young boy and didn't want to put him through standing in line and dealing with him in the curtained booth with me (after picking him up from daycare after a l-o-n-g dark November day at work). That's a bit much to expect from a little kid. And I've always been so disgusted with the archaic voting machines in this state. They were still circa 1940s ca-chunking lever-jobs up until 2004. (JDub just informed me that around that time they were upgraded, sorta — he still prefers voting at a polling place). In the last ten years or so, "absentee ballots" have now become "mail-in ballots" and they are extremely popular, if not even required in some areas. I actually look forward to a time that we can vote online. Even at this juncture it can't be any more "risky" than it is otherwise, what with all the shenanigans that tend to take place even at polling centers throughout the country. (Provisional ballots? WTF?) I still shudder about 2000. What a nightmare that was. Just think how different our country would be right now?  I felt like the U.S. that year was a third-world country that had just experienced a coup. Right under our noses.

And how much do you want a bet that even if Obama were to win by a landslide, he would never utter these words: "I have a mandate..." (W said that after barely squeaking by in 2004 — like a threat. It wouldn't surprise me if he said it in 2000! What an arrogant a$$. And do you know it's been 2,000 days since he said "Mission Accomplished"?)

Palin said today, to answer a question posed by a grade-schooler about what the vice-president does, that she would "run the senate." Like Rachael Maddow said, "Under whose constitution?" And then Maddow said (which just about knocked me to the floor in laughter), "Who would have ever thought that spelling "potato" with an "e" at the end would make someone actually seem qualified to be vice-president?"

It's Getting Ugly Out There

And I'm not talking about the weather — although today really was. Just ask my rain-soaked hair that dried into a sort of fuzzy flat-top.

But what I'm really talking about is the ugly-nasty-meanness percolating (approaching the boiling point?) as the election season marches toward November 4th. The spewing hatred boggles my mind. The racists are kicking down the door and scrambling into the daylight. It began with the McCain/Palin mob scenes at their rallies, like permission was granted to behave like, well, mobs. I feel nervous when I see footage of Obama before his massive crowds. (Are the Secret Service absolutely positive that some nut job isn't lurking out there with a gun?)

Much of this abominable behavior, I know, is rooted in desperation. When things are looking rather dire, flail those arms (and mouths!) Dredge up those inflammatory potshots, like "terrorist," "Muslim," and (oh dear) "socialist." Oooh. But it's getting even nastier:

• 30 car tires slashed at an Obama rally.
• This cartoon made me physically sick.
• And this woman (Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann of Minnesota, who claims that Obama is "anti-American" and supports a witch-hunt to see who else might be — remember McCarthy?) makes me wince in shame — that we share gender and air space on this planet.

This is what the "religious right" stands for? Hatred, intolerance, and judgment? Isn't that the antithesis of what it's supposed to be? (Right...)

And that's the reason why I cannot be party to that party.

You know, in case you were wondering.