Woman with MS Joins the Band

Here we are, practice paid off---we can end each others sentences. We are, as they say, in sync---with a very simple, yet beautifully complex song, "The Rainbow Connection."

Next up? AJ is bringing in his band and we will put on a show for the residents. There will be drums, a bass, lead guitar, and well, we shall see. AJ plays nights at Seattle clubs. (I didn't know!) I am seeing a donation entrance fee that can go to our resident fund!

He moved the piano so I could get closer, he could hear me better and it wouldn't budge---blocking it was a piano BENCH under the piano. (different wood, so not sure of its history)

Feisty the canary was silent until I had sang the song twice, then he joined in and to my embarrassment, Feisty seemed to be singing the song, but much better than I! Gees. Talk about a show off!

Am I crazy to agree to join this band for a night? Seriously, I am NOT even convinced I can sing well. But, the chance to sing with a band! Dream come true. Maybe there IS a rainbow connection for the lovers, the dreamers, and me.

Singing with MS and the Piano Man

Yesterday I sang with the piano player/food server here. We both had been practicing and had the entire social room to ourselves. (Except for Feisty the canary, but he seems to enjoy the loud music.)

Piano player plays very loud, I couldn't hear myself and since I do not sing opera, belting did not go well. He was not familiar with the song, though another server was and can't get it out of his head now. I had hoped that would help piano player learn the melody...not quite.

It is in fact a very difficult song to play, with the huge key shift at "magic." That is why I love to sing that song, it is so simple yet a moment of intense emotion that must rise from your soul awaits near the end. We struggled with the pacing and loudness (singer ought to be heard...I suppose I could use the Bingo mic...); the hour flew by and we will try again tomorrow, unless there is no time between an Easter religious dealy and a March birthday party---which I do not want to attend.

My birthday Santa should be delivering a ukulele soon, so I am arranging a neighbor to jam with me; but she is recovering from a stroke, so we shall see. I MUST figure out how to get this stuff on YouTube, or at least on my blog. I'm sure it is quite hysterical. The look Feisty gave me at one point---priceless!

A woman with MS, in a scooter, just moved in and is struggling to adjust. A very busy place here, always some new event. OH! And yesterday morning I stood alone with my cane for the first time in over 18 months! "Inch worm, inch worm..."

I think singing is a very good exercise for those with MS. It opens up your lungs and makes you manipulate your breathing. Difficulty breathing can be a dangerous part of MS.

Tea Bag Bigotry and No More Social Security

On CNN a tea bagger representative told Larry King that they wanted to do away with Social Security. Then a scene of one of their gatherings showed confederate flags. How long will decent Americans allow these bigoted lovers of "the good old days" to spew their ignorance and selfishness without a constant rebuttal?

Seattle Will Die in The BIG ONE and Who Cares?

Seattle will crumble in an earthquake like the one that struck Chile this year. Our tall, iconic, beautiful downtown buildings would fall and shatter into a million pieces spread across our city. But do we worry here? Nah, we feel safe, even though we are told over and over that "the big one" is long over due.

In the 62 story building I worked in, full of city employees, we were reassured that the building was "earthquake proof," and "built on shock absorbers." I doubted this and found the man who was in charge of the building, his office as far "in the basement" as one could go. He laughed at what I had been told and confirmed it was just not true.

The citizens have been told how to "earthquake proof" their homes with velcro and hooks and companies will do even more for a fee. I have contacted the city emergency services dept. to ask what would happen to me, a woman in a power chair and all the elderly and disabled people if our building collapsed? At first it was, "Keep a flashlight, water for 3 days;" that number grew each year by a day, depending on who you spoke to in the city. Once I was told a bus would pick up the disabled. When I asked how a bus would know where I was---no reply. The truth is that Seattle is not prepared for "the big one."

The wealthy will have their helicopter, then private jet to scurry them off---the American way and all. Darwin and capitalism joined at the opposing thumbs.

You see, Seattle sits on the Cascadia fault, unlike California cities that get all the attention. Yes, California has more quakes, but they are smaller than what the Pacific Northwest would have. Sorry, not would or could, but will---will have.

When I sound this alarm most years to newcomers usually, they ask what will we do? My answer is always the same: we will die.

Read today's NY Times article, unless you live in the Seattle area and prefer to believe you have nothing to worry about or have no control over your future anyway. (But you keep a flashlight, right? Maybe some water? Good luck with that.) Why our citizens don't pressure our leaders to fund and strengthen our most vulnerable buildings is beyond me. Why hospitals, nursing homes, places where first responders and the weakest of our population are not better protected, now, in 2010, well, in the future people will cry out why?! Why did America let Seattle die?

Polls and America on a House of Cards

While watching stock prices rise today, the commentators reported on American's confidence in government institutions. Guess what? It is low. Lots of polls catching the headlines in 2009 and 2010, my question is---where were these many polls the previous 8 years when our country began its steady decline into the abyss?

Now, I'm sure someone was polling, but the results were not splattered across every news outlet with the exuberance they are in 2010. Could it be that in the U.S. such polls matter more when the wealthy and upper-middle class (remember them?) start to feel unhappy? When they read about CEOs and Martha Stewart insiders being jailed, do polls take on a higher calling? Then when big drug and insurance companies feel the breath of politicians who actually care about the good of people outside the "inner circle," on their necks---do the polls matter more?

Are we really more dissatisfied or do the wealthy now need the mass of us to be dissatisfied on their behalf? I know I was pretty darn unhappy with my government in 2001. Nobody was listening back then. We jumped the wave of revenge. The blank checks passed from agency to agency to congress and senate, right into the hands of GW Bush. It was a no-no to speak ill of Bush then and it is a no-no now.

If we refuse to admit our mistakes, refuse to point a finger, not only do we repeat them, but the guilty go free. This sets an example that it was all okay what happened during those 8 years. It is only our current president who caused our problems. The fact that he can't wiggle his nose and make it all go away, well, that is just anti-Christ like.

I can see that decades must pass before historians can decipher all the actions and their costs during the Bush years of lies. He not only put up a wall between the U.S. and other countries, but he put up a wall between Republicans and Democrats, citizen and citizen.

Isn't our government supposed to represent the differing ideals of all of us and find actions that will move our prosperity, freedom, and liberty on an even keel? Am I the only one who feels like a parent in a house of unruly kids? Kids who are using foul language, bullying, lying, showing a lack of empathy for others and basically just out of control?

Where is the poll that shows that stocks from consumer driven companies like McDonald's and Ross Dress for Less are pulling in year high profits because they have gotten rid of so many employees? Visa and Mastercard are high stocks because they jacked up their interest rates and people need them to buy food---our stock market is, as it was in the late '90s, built on a house of cards. IT IS NOT REAL

Remember when Starbuck's wouldn't accept Canadian pennies? I do. Now OUR money is lucky to be taken in Kenya. I got your poll right here.

From Wheelchair to Walking and Singing with MS

For my hardcore peeps who are following my progress of trying to walk with MS---here is an update: I am not walking any better yet. I keep trying new ways and failing, but that is okay. The world wasn't built in a day, ok, bad example, ROME was not built in a day---why is it all about Rome? Was Paris built in a day or London or Detroit? No, but you get the idea. I warned you that this would be a long process.

What I have found are some fascinating things about my MS body. In the morning, well, can be anytime really, my left arm to hand will not stretch out to the side. Yesterday I wanted to start my computer which sits on a table to my weakest side and reached for the small start button. As I pressed it, I realized my arm and finger had done just what I wanted. That brought back memories of occasions when my body acted MS-free when I wasn't thinking about the movement that needed to be made.

Now, do you KNOW how hard it is not to think about MS? My motto is "Think about it always and never." But after my falls, medics smashing my wrist nerve, trips to ICU, I think about it more than not. This was my wake-up call. In fact, the last time I walked across the room with my walker last year, I was only focusing on the other side of the room, not my hip or what to lift, etc.

Can't wait for my next session with Angie. Something about "thinking" through movement (something people without MS never do, at least I never did, wait a dang minute---when I played basketball it was crucial to keep your eye on the hoop, just like one eyes the pins in bowling---I was eyeing the start button on my computer...must ponder this.)

My survival technique is to take one thing at a time. Right now it is finishing my taxes, preparing for a song I want to sing with a guy here who plays guitar and piano, and completing a survey I promised to do for the resident council. I have always wanted to sing before an audience. I always wanted to take voice lessons, even put ads out for a teacher in the days before Craigs List---no one wanted to help me. (Yes, I planned to pay them. I even tried music students at the nearby university---no takers. I fed RATS to get extra money when I was in college, what is it with kids today? They must be loaded, all those cell phones, laptops...) My bucket list I suppose. I want to sing. Will keep you posted.

My exercises have increased, larger weights, so I'm getting as strong as I can. My "book" is suffering the most---I am totally reworking it, but it is much better now. Life is exciting and busy, I'm liking that. I WILL walk again.

Would You Marry Someone in a Wheelchair?

Would you marry someone in a wheelchair? Would you date them? How difficult is it to date when you can't walk and need care? Would you even try?

Dreams, Airplanes, Alzheimer's, MS Dreamer, What If?

Was up from 3AM on yesterday day, dream about my mom. I don't dream about her much, can count on one hand the dreams. The last one was (of course I mean to say dreams I remember, was awoken by) about 10 years ago. In that dream she was standing in a field and I could see an airplane headed right toward us, then her, and I was screaming for her to move, but as usual she ignored me. (A throw back to all the tornado warnings when she refused to get up from her nap and go with me to basement. Not once did she go with me and we had tornadoes every Spring.)

Last night it was her with her brown cane that I have only seen in photos, and I had bad news to tell her about my nephew. Her first grandson whose father, my brother, left one night with his soon to be ex-wife. Mom and I had to track him down, long story already told on this blog. Anyway, her ner'e-do-well grandson had murdered a man, was on CNN and already a mini-movie in the works. I thought, "Yep, his life will make a good movie." When I saw him before I left for Ann Arbor, he was about 5 or 6 and over dinner he glared at me with evil eyes, I mean I just thought "that poor kid has evil in him," and said to me, "I hate you." Out of the blue, I hate you.

Not that I blamed him. Aunt Vi had screw-up brothers who left their wives and children, and she took them in. I left all my nieces and nephews hanging. I chose to follow my own dreams, live my own life. Was that selfish? I saw what was happening. I knew they were suffering. My brothers treated me so badly all my life that it was hard to feel sympathy for the mess they made...but I knew. Maybe I couldn't have helped, but maybe I could have. Aunt Vi helped.

Anyway, I hugged Mom, which I have never done in real life, and she pulled away, saying she was contagious with a skin disease. "I am your daughter. Don't worry about it." I pulled her in and told her about her grandson.

"Oh!" she squealed, as she would do when something horrible happened. She had been looking at the Yellow Pages when the dream began and she started saying she had to call people.

Taking the book from her hands, I said "I'll take care of this. Just sit down, Mom."

Then I woke up. I was standing tall in the dream, no MS. I felt so me that it was upsetting to feel the MS Diane at 3AM. These last years, the fighting between Aunt Vi and Mom, the Alzheimer's, the nursing home moves...I needed to be there. They both deceived me over the phone and continue to. They are good at that, good at surviving by any means necessary.

So now and probably until my last breath, I am left to ponder what if? What if I had felt accepted and loved where I was, so I hadn't felt such a strong need to move far away to be me? What if my best friends hadn't left me feeling betrayed and used? (Glad I kept letters from people, because they have rewritten history to suit who they want to be seen as, to pretend everything wrong with Diane was all Diane. Yes, except one friend who wrote apologizing and admitting the truth. I sent that letter to her daughter (Found her on Facebook!), since that friend has died.

Many of you will tell me not to go there, "what if?" but I live with multiple sclerosis and what iffing keeps me going some days. Besides, I learned well how to survive. My road is a different path from my mother's, who I doubt pondered a day in her life. I ponder. I'm a ponder and proud of it. "Don't think about such things." was shoved down my throat.

I am a free thinker. I am a free ponderer. I am a dreamer. I am me.

Republicans! Step Up, Denounce Un-American Acts

Can you believe all the death threats and attacks against Democrats over the new health bill? They have printed bulls eyes on our politicians names, given out their home addresses with slogans, "...drop by.." and any wording that alludes to shooting them and their children.

Talk about bullies. Talk about threats that should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. You can't stoop to their level. How could we go that viciously low? The lies, scare tactics, racial slurs, were bad enough, now this? And the Republicans in office just sit by and or join in, yelling out in front of their president. They all are instigators, enjoying the hatred they have whipped up.

I can only hope that decent Americans who are Republicans will step up and speak out against all this uncivilized and childish behaviors, or better yet, vote OUT the current Republicans who ate a part of all this. Show them that you are not stupid and can think for yourselves. Show them they do not represent the high standards and pride you feel, that which our military is fighting and dying for, about being an American of the United States of America.

Seattle TV/Movies Really Depict Seattle?

Today it is supposed to be 66' and sunny in Seattle. As I have stated many times before, I love Seattle. I'm sure Rome, Paris, Yoder, Indiana are all fabulous places, but I would miss Seattle if I were not here.

Seattle is not for everyone. Many Californians looking for cheap property moved to Seattle, raised our property values sky high, then left, the "dark, gloomy, days too much for them to handle. True, you will not turn into an tan wrinkled prune here, as people do in L.A., but it suits me just fine, thank you. (The rain is a joke. It is mostly mist and many cities get more rain than we do, like Boston.) My MS likes it too. Mild winters, cool breezes in Summer sun, nestled between snow capped mountains and Puget Sound, to me it is perfect weather.

What do you know about Seattle from watching TV shows and movies that portray it? One of my favorites: Here Come the Brides, does a good job of capturing the Seattle spirit of can-do and let's take a hike. Evergreens really do grow is mass here. The air is fresh, and "...the bluest skies you've ever seen."

Grey's Anatomy, yes, those shots of Seattle are real. The hospital they are taken around is not called Seattle Grace, but the helicopter lands there with view of city buildings in background. I applaud the shows accuracy. Downtown shots are real. I've walked those streets. And after spending 5 days in an ICU, the sex in linen rooms apparently are real too. I saw plenty of hanky-panky, but no McDreamy, however, the men here are hunky and hot. The women are fit and beautiful. We are well educated and according to the always accurate polls, we have a lot of sex. I think it is the weather, sexy weather, and the coffee, gyms, bikes, fresh air, water all around---smooth as Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing. Seriously.

The Bachelor from Seattle was also spot on as far as places and water planes. I watch at least 10 water planes take off and land every day. The restaurants here are fantastic. Any food you can imagine is available, our population very diverse. The sky is usually pollution-free and star gazing is easy. Romantic city.

Sleepless in Seattle took extreme advantage of location shots, mixing one side of the city in with a location miles away, funny really. BUT, the houseboats are for real. We have many houseboats here and they are beautiful. I sleep just fine here. If we are sleepless it is due to dancing the night away at a night club. Music is huge here and we throw festivals and even have a museum. Most people are either---writers, musicians, artists, or computer geeks. At least people I meet have a speck of some in them.

We do have some famous people who live here, but like NYC, we are cool about it. We can pass them or have a brief conversation and their occupation is of no concern. Seattle is cool.

On Brothers and Sisters, one son moves to Seattle and it is, "...so far away..." True, we do seem like another country to much of the states. We like it that way.

When I moved here in 1982, there was a movement to keep out new residents. We were destroying the wonderful secret that was about to be exposed and ruined. I was insulted. Now, I feel the same way. Too many people come and can't leave. You fall in love. Ah, Seattle, still holding on to some of the small-town feeling, but slowly blowing away like the cool summer breeze I will feel on my sunny balcony over-looking Lake Union, in just a few minutes.

Art at Retirement Community--Seattle's Viewpointe on Queen Anne

The many hallways at the retirement community I live in, are adorned with paintings and art works, some produced by residents, my neighbors. Here are a few. As you can see, MS prevents me from holding a camera steady. Yes, in my youth I was a photographer. Painting was something I never figured out, even my paint-by-numbers were awful. One assisted living home I visited did not have a single painting on its walls...felt like a prison. What is life without art?

DUI Death of Boy an Accident?

A divorced mother and her 8 year old son take a drive to visit relatives, but Mom gets lost, stops at store to ask for directions and grab a jug of alcohol. They disappear and the search was on. Boy is found washed up on shore many miles from car in waters of Puget Sound (pew jet sound), also in car is half full jug of booze. Days pass and it is discovered that Mom is a recovering alcoholic who relapsed recently and Child Protective Services had been called to her home several times for abuse to the boy. Now the boy's death has been ruled an accidental drowning.

Seriously? Manslaughter isn't closer? When you drive drunk and kill someone, do we say the pedestrian had an accident? The mother has not been found yet. If she is found alive, will she be told that her 8 year old had an accident and drowned? ***Thanks Peep-Doug B for reminding me to add that the car was also found in the waters of Puget Sound. Read entire story here.

GIMME A BREAK

BABY KILLER, NAY, CIVILITY KILLER ARE YOU Sir!

Shouting out, slinging racial slurs, acting like 3 year olds---AMERICA, get it together. You congress and senate Republicans are acting like you have forgotten what the U.S.A is all about. UNITY

Hugs Can Be Bad for Your Health

If hugs are are "behavioral virus" that must be stopped, couldn't love be called a behavioral virus?

Taking Financial Advantage of People Who Use Wheelchairs

In previous posts I've told stories of how people with disabilities get ripped off. In Seattle a medical supply store has a monopoly and all the big hospitals buy from them. They find out what your insurance pays and bill you accordingly. I have reported them to my various insurance companies to no avail. It appears to be a dance the two are comfortable with. Such secret dances are what drive insurance costs higher and everyone should be angry about it, not just the person buying the wheelchair, because ye of good health will pay for the high mark-up too.

If only I were a lawyer, I would pro bono their ass. Excuse my use of ass in vain, but if the ass fits--wear it.

My control joy stick on my power chair was broken by a medic who had been summoned to pick me up off the floor. It cost me over $3,000 to have a new one put on. (I want to say $5,000; but that seems too high, yet, I recall people saying, "That cost as much as the whole chair!")

Today I ordered, self-paying, an entire new arm/joy stick from a national company and the cost is under $300. Seattle hospitals and physical therapists should be ashamed that they don't know about and stop what is happening to their patients. (They claim not to know anything about costs. GIMME A BREAK)

Bad habits die hard. Besides, we are just people getting Medicaid or Medicare, bills will be paid for us. I'd laugh, but I might choke on my tears of anger.

The Joy of Never Giving Up with Multiple Sclerosis

My caregiver arrived at 6AM sharp. She does not understand English very well. Apparently one caregiver went MIA, so this one and I are stuck together. I spent some time explaining the difference between a bug and a bag. Today was Friday though, so it is okay. My friend Angie will be here from 8AM until I no longer need her. I like Fridays.

Anyway, so I awoke at 5AM and started cleaning the 52 year old decaying body. When caregiver arrived we finished together. I like that the experts say you only have to floss once a day now. I couldn't handle flossing at all, for years, but I kept trying to ridiculous outcome. I really believe in never stopping, no matter how feeble the action you are able to produce. I had a theory. I wasn't sure. Now, after years of testing, I am certain it is true with MS---never give up.

My mind was set on eating breakfast alone in the dining room this morning. This would be my birthday "private reflection" time. And I wanted to practice cutting meat. Yes, I still want to go vegan (up to fish), but I was watching a TV show last week and watched a person cut their meat by holding the knife in their right hand, fork holding the meat steady. It was on tape and I watched it over and over until partner came in and asked what I was doing.

"Look how she he cuts his food, with his right hand! I bet I could do that."

To which she responded dumbfounded, "You are right handed. Didn't you always cut that way?"

My mind drew a blank. Bam. Hit a brain hole. "Did I? Do people?"

The more I tried to remember, well, I thought that yes, I had forgotten. MS strikes again.

My breakfast was placed before me. I cut the ham slice. Wow. I used same technique to butter the cold toast. My sense of self-accomplishment was swelling. Then I couldn't pull off the cream top from the small paper container, got a bit off and squeezed the container---bad idea. It went flying into the coffee. A teaspoon got it out, but the coffee was too bitter, so I poured half into a empty water glass---bad idea. The coffee cup was so heavy by that time I could barely lift it and coffee went splashing across the table, soaking the toast.

Still a good experience. I can cut food and open the lids of those little creamers. Too bad I can't tip the servers. The one who has to clean up my mess deserved one. That is a nice thing about life in a retirement community, somebody is always messier than you! Ha!

After breakfast (I had a banana and milk, 2,000 IU D and 500 Calcium at 6:30AM), I sat on our huge community patio to soak up the sun. Froze my caboose off! I did last 10 minutes. Chatted up a few neighbors, back to apt. where Angie was working on lowering my power chair seat. We called the maintenance man to help. Mission accomplished, but I need a swing away arm. Called the Scooter Store and they will be coming out with one next week.

Angie has cleaned up our balcony chairs and un-boxed a cushion. It fits! Yea! Next she collected surveys from a box for future tabulation, a part of my volunteer duty as vice president of the resident council. That survey---hard work, but maybe some good will come of it. It is just taking the pulse of residents/concerns/issues/up or down on the goings on here.

Then partner went down with Angie to set up some table displays advertising her jewelry sale in the bistro on Sunday. I am so glad she feels good enough to work with her beads again. It has been a long time. This place is good for us.

When Angie returned, she and I worked on my taxes---ugh. Tax Time. Three times we have completed two pages and lost them in cyberspace. Grrr. But, I will keep at it and they will get done. One of my hobbies is day trading. Yes, I said it. I blame my Greek friend, Silvia. (Read about her in previous posts.) So the rest of morning spent on that and lunch---watermelon and half a plain bagel. I take my bagels straight up. Called my BFF, much laughing.

There was no time for exercises or walking (attempted walking) today. Hour nap after my 2:30 pill and partner and I watched a DeNiro movie, "Everybody's Fine." It was fine, not great.

Dinner time, fish, snapper I think, potato slices, corn, carrots, orange, 500 Calcium. Now computer.writing time. Get a quick post off (this is it) and onto my book. Snack will be more orange slices. Bed time is 10:30PM sharp.

A good day. Tomorrow will also be a good day.

Fighting MS and My Computer

People keep asking me, "How is the book coming?" Let me say: It is not easy for a person with secondary progressive MS to write a book. Last night I freaked when my QWERTY left and a calculator took over my keyboard. While I felt I knew how to fix it, nothing was working. Partner had to get on her computer and google the issue, thereby solving my problem. While she was reading to me about what to do, here is what my voice recognition technology produced. (I didn't even know it was on.) Enjoy. And understand writing is very slow and laborious for me.

more rest of the right one one says a number lock the house on the IOC money there well deserved a triumph333 are norrrr333 credit and now is in the left ear me now off on all OK OK OK so says the disk 8:00 PM in function key okay so says in the function key plus what with 3333 love the plus what a K that’s what are the same so immediate the function which is began this to the right of the control key that’s above lunch in key as thin as to the right of the control key DC that that CF NT is a function key to a okay so half an MD number lock was defined the number law commun we can see it under holiday page up okay I got 3 something herellll my god it if I did react thank you Jesus caused by the arm saint you guarantee that a U.S. navy is crime in the bud light to turn up this response things I did read you what it tight doubt it’s so funny and in the detail and now is the last year me now off one OK OK OK so says the desk 8:00 PM in function key okay so says the function key plus with 3333 love the plus like a best lap that’s what are the same some media to function which has begun desk do the right of the control key that’s above lunch in TS down as to the right of the control key and easy but that Seattle in T is a function key to the EEO case all have me and the number lot was designed the number of law communion we can say under holiday page up okay I got something here LL LL my god if I did react thank you Jesus taught my hit by the arm say to you guarantee the U.S. navy is crime in the bud light to turn up the response things I did read you what it tightened down so funny and in in the detail on now’s the last year be also OK OK OK so says the best PPM in function Key OKs us as a function key plus 333 loud applause idol best lap it’s what are the same media Devine Janet like my lifeAnd the loud applause of cutline Jesus is up or oral will

Cheating Men, Jesse James, John Edwards takes the Cake

Must all men cheat? If they are rich, powerful, have opportunity, and believe they won't get caught----will they cheat on their wives/partners if they can? Is it really in the DNA? The whole sex addiction label is just crap. Jesse James and Sandra Bullock, I shouldn't care, but I do. She waited so long (until her 40s) to commit, and after pouring out her heart to him in front of millions of people on TV at the Oscars---he admits to having a mistress.

Jesse James, Tiger, Duchovney, on and on, they say they love their wives; hell of a way to show it. I'm sorry, got to say it: and gay people marrying will destroy the sanctity of marriage. YO, y'all doing a good job all by yourself. The award goes to....JOHN EDWARDS! A liar, a baby's daddy on the side, and his wife (who he "still loves") is battling cancer.

WHY?? Can anybody tell me why?

Political Acronyms You Need to Know

The following is from Living-With-MS http://living-with-ms.blogspot.com/...Due to the current financial situation caused by the slowdown in the economy, Congress has decided to implement a scheme to put workers of 50 years of age and above on early retirement, thus creating jobs and reducing unemployment.This scheme will be known as RAPE (Retire Aged People Early).Persons selected to be RAPED can apply to Congress to be considered for the SHAFT program (Special Help After Forced Termination).Persons who have been RAPED and SHAFTED will be reviewed under the SCREW program (System Covering Retired-Early Workers).A person may be RAPED once, SHAFTED twice and SCREWED as many times as Congress deems appropriate.Persons who have been RAPED could get AIDS (Additional Income for Dependents & Spouse) or HERPES (Half Earnings for Retired Personnel Early Severance).Obviously persons who have AIDS or HERPES will not be SHAFTED or SCREWED any further by Congress.Persons who are not RAPED and are staying on will receive as much SHIT (Special High Intensity Training) as possible. Congress has always prided themselves on the amount of SHIT they give our citizens.Should you feel that you do not receive enough SHIT, please bring this to the attention of your Congressman, who has been trained to give you all the SHIT you can handle.Sincerely,The Committee for Economic Value of Individual Lives (E.V.I.L.)PS - - Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas and oil, as well as current market conditions, the Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off.

Dogs and Cats Secret Diaries

Dog diary:
(every day, same entry)8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Cat's Diary:Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once in awhile vomit on the carpet.Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event.However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now....

***Thanks to whoever sent me this hysterical and accurate email.****

Obama's Plan to Get Smart OR How America Finally Wised Up

Finally a plan for teaching our children that makes sense. Bush's Leave no child behind, fell on its behind. President Obama wants children ready for college or a job when they graduate high school. That means if little Bobby likes to play with cars--teach him to be a mechanic. If little Suzie loves to cook, teach her to be a chef. Help the kids develop their skills in what they love to do. So simple it is mind boggling. Alternative schools have figured this out years ago.

Parents prepare yourself! Your child will graduate high school and be able to pursue their dream job. We MUST try something new, even if we try something new every 4 years---why do our kids hate learning? When they were babies they loved it. Who knows---we might even turn out some politicians with good ideas and honest virtues.

Toyota Ageism Spin Needs to Brake

Now the experts are trashing on the guy whose Prius recently had to be stopped with the help of police. It was speeding out of control at over 90mph. When I heard this, I just thought, "Well, there ya go." But when I heard TOYOTA was doing the investigation---GIMME A BREAK.

And today the press releases are about older drivers stepping on gas instead of brake very often, and the incident couldn't be reproduced by the investigators. Somebody hold my barf bag. Now I am seriously insulted and this is age discrimination blasted over our TVs and in any remaining newspapers. THE MAN WAS SIXTY-ONE. SIXTY-ONE. Toyota, sorry, but I have a hard time trusting you. No pun intended, but please stop the spin.

MS Made Aware To Whom?

I guess this is MS Awareness month. This year I am done with the whole "Awareness Month" stuff. Every month another disease---do they all need just a month? I don't see any big deal on Seattle TV or in the papers or national magazines about MS, onlt when some new drug comes along.

That's right, I practice MS awareness every day since 1990, when I was first made aware that I had it. Looks to be true for most people, unless you get it or know someone who has it,well, you really don't know MS from MD. I am surprised that drug companies don't put money into simple awareness campaigns---an explanation of what MS is, since they want people on their drugs the sooner the $$$better. But, that wouldn't work because they would only show people hiking and bowling, no wheelchairs, God forbid!

Here is your awareness: MS is a chronic progressive disease with no cure. It affects the central nervous system and symptoms vary from person to person, along with the course of the disease. 50% of those who get it, will never need a wheelchair. No special diet, exercise program, herb or drug has ever been proven unequivocally to prevent or stop the progression of MS. The reason you may get it is unknown. And every day for the last 20 years I must explain some of this to someone. I explain it to nurses, caregivers, DOCTORS, children, people over 80, and you might even find me advising a dog or two.

Most of the "awareness" events are fundraisers. You are probably maxed out giving to Cancer, since you know someone who died from that. We hear about cancers every week. Those walking in the MS walks or biking in the bike events, either have MS or collected money from or were joined by their friends and family, who obviously are aware of MS. So WHO is being made aware of WHAT, when it comes to MS?

Liberals Get a Bum Rap and I'm Sick of It!

Found on Democratic Underground.com

Joe gets up at 6 a.m. and fills his coffeepot with water to prepare his morning coffee.The water is clean and good because some tree-hugging liberal fought for minimum water-quality standards.With his first swallow of water, he takes his daily medication. His medications are safe to take because some stupid commie liberal fought to ensure their safety and that they work as advertised.All but $10 of his medications are paid for by his employer's medical plan because some liberal union workers fought their employers for paid medical insurance - now Joe gets it too.He prepares his morning breakfast, bacon and eggs. Joe's bacon is safe to eat because some girly-man liberal fought for laws to regulate the meat packing industry.In the morning shower, Joe reaches for his shampoo. His bottle is properly labeled with each ingredient and its amount in the totalcontents because some crybaby liberal fought for his right to know what he was putting on his body and how much it contained.Joe dresses, walks outside and takes a deep breath. The air he breathes is clean because some environmentalist wacko liberal fought for the laws to stop industries from polluting our air.He walks on the government-provided sidewalk to subway station for his government-subsidized ride to work. It saves him considerable money in parking and transportation fees because some fancy-pants liberal fought for affordable public transportation, which gives everyone the opportunity to be a conributor.Joe begins his work day. He has a good job with excellent pay, medical benefits, retirement, paid holidays and vacation because some lazy liberal union members fought and died for these working standards.Joe's employer pays these standards because Joe's employer doesn't want his employees to call the union.If Joe is hurt on the job or becomes unemployed, he'll get a worker compensation or unemployment check because some stupid liberal didn't think he should lose his home because of his temporary misfortune. It is noon time and Joe needs to make a bank deposit so he can pay some bills. Joe's deposit is federally insured by the FSLIC because some godless liberal wanted to protect Joe's money from unscrupulous bankers who ruined the banking system before the Great Depression.Joe has to pay his Fannie Mae-underwritten mortgage and his below-market federal student loan because some elitist liberal decided that Joe and the government would be better off if he was educated and earned more money over his lifetime. Joe also forgets that his in addition to his federally subsidized student loans, he attended a state funded university.Joe is home from work. He plans to visit his father this evening at his farm home in the country. He gets in his car for the drive. His car is among the safest in the world because some America-hating liberal fought for car safety standards to go along with the tax-payer funded roads. He arrives at his boyhood home.His was the third generation to live in the house financed by Farmers' Home Administration because bankers didn't want to make rural loans. The house didn't have electricity until some big-government liberal stuck his nose where it didn't belong and demanded rural electrification.He is happy to see his father, who is now retired. His father lives on Social Security and a union pension because some wine-drinking, cheese-eating liberal made sure he could take care of himself so Joe wouldn't have to.Joe gets back in his car for the ride home, and turns on a radio talk show. The radio host keeps saying that liberals are bad and conservatives are good. He doesn't mention that the beloved Republicans have fought against every protection and benefit Joe enjoys throughout his day.Joe agrees: "We don't need those big-government liberals ruining our lives! After all, I'm a self-made man who believes everyone should take care of themselves, just like. I have."

Pfizer Gets Smacked, We Get Suckered

Score another one for the good guys against for BIG PHARMA:

March 12, 2010 CNN (Bloomberg) -- Pfizer Inc. agreed to a $1.2 billion criminal fine, the largest in U.S. history, and a felony plea by a subsidiary to close an investigation into what government lawyers described as fraudulent marketing of drugs. The fine, over sales practices for a painkiller since pulled from the market, makes up the biggest single share of a record $2.3 billion settlement, announced today, between the U.S. Justice Department and New York-based Pfizer. The deal includes $1 billion in civil penalties, the largest non-criminal fraud case against a drugmaker, the department said. Pfizer, the world’s largest drugmaker, entered into a five- year integrity agreement with the Health and Human Services Department as well. The government pays for medicines through several health programs and joined the investigation after private whistleblowers filed lawsuits in three states. The criminal case revolved around allegations that the painkiller Bextra and three other medicines were promoted for uses other than those approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The Life Changing Fate in the Mystery Package

I took a nap Thursday and as I dozed off, I was composing an email (then just speechifying) in my head. Without going into boring detail, a caregiver who became a friend had left my life. While I am VERY slow to open up to people, even call them "friend," she pushed and pushed her kindness on me until I fell in friend with her.

Her offerings of assistance were too grand for her to fulfill and I knew it, why oh why did I let my wall down? Suddenly, she was not available and even left the country. I got ONE email from her where she obviously was seeking absolution, and I must have given it to her because that was over a month ago, no more emails.

My wall went up again. My new neighbors here, my need for family, all well and good, but I would like friends too. I told the out-of-country woman that I didn't want her to do this or that because I could not return the favor. I could not return the act of kindness. Maybe years in the future, but not any time soon. Oh, she gave HER speech about the giving was her gift (That is one of MY speeches, so I was suckered in.) and she never wanted anything in return. Her sudden stoppage of helping me was my first clue that in fact she did need more. (Plus her psychiatrist told her she deserved more.) Anyway, I was determined to accept that people need to be selfish to survive. Nothing personal to Diane, but no more falling in friend.

I awoke feeling a bit down. I miss her kind gestures. Oh well.

"Diane, you have a package here. It says Diane Stafford
Resident Council VP/Veiwpointe"
Now, since my new title/duty I have seen that the main list of residents had my name spelled wrong---just like that. What matter of game was this? Anthrax? Hate Mail? There is much politics here.
"Open it," I told my partner. (Now, that sounds terrible, I really didn't think it was anything harmful.) The suspense grew as she tore it open.

"What the...?" she was reaching with a puzzled look on her face, and just staring.

"WHAT IS IT!?"

She held the contents up for me to see---Tic Tacs, boxes of Tic Tacs. I'd been blogged.
I started laughing. "I can't believe it." I told her how I'd written a post about not being able to find Tic Tacs and some peep looked me up.

This is what my neurologist said (Oh, I'm having a moment---check it out) when he told me in German (yep, that is where my friend moved back home to) that I "have good fate" (anyone know that word in German tell me, he denied saying it, no German friend knew...it is a single long word). I must, because those Tic Tacs, the thought behind them, was just what I needed, just at that moment.

The kindness of strangers has swamped me since I was diagnosed with MS. Why I so easily forget the lesson it teaches baffles me. Every stranger is just a friend waiting to be "made." And nobody needs a title to be kind to me, or me to them. Doesn't it come down to the human need of wanting to be cared about?

I got Tic Tacs today and that wall came crumbling down. Thank you, you gave me more than I can put into words.

PS--Amazon put your name and address inside the box. Making it all the more special because I feel like I know you so little compared to many other readers. I will never forget you now.

So Funny It Is Sad, Or, Who is Getting Richer?

The economy is so bad, seriously, I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
CEOs are playing miniature golf.
When the bank returns your check marked, "insufficient funds," are they talking about YOU or THEM?
Hot Wheels are trading higher than GM , and are safer than Toyota.
McDonald's is selling a quarter ouncer.

Yep, it's pretty bad, I got so depressed that I called the Suicide HotLine. I got a call center in Pakistan and they got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck!

Just some jokes, but the following is no joke and once again---the rich get rich, while the poor get poorer.

(CNN) -- Forbes magazine released its annual list of the world's richest people Wednesday, and for only the second time since 1995, Microsoft founder Bill Gates' name was not at the top.
This year, the title of "World's Richest" went to Mexican telecom mogul Carlos Slim Helu, with a net worth of $53.5 billion. It marked the first time since 1994 that the top spot has been held by a non-U.S. billionaire, Forbes said.
Gates is the world's second richest person, with a net worth of $53 billion. Warren Buffett came in at No. 3 this year, with a net worth of $47 billion.
The past year saw an increase in the number of billionaires, from 793 to 1,011, Forbes said. The number is still lower than the record 1,125 billionaires recorded in 2008.
Not only are there more billionaires than last year, but the ones at the top are even richer than last year. The top 10 billionaires have a combined net worth of $342 billion, up from $254 billion in 2009, Forbes said.
Of the new billionaires for 2010, 62 made their debut from Asia, which has shown recovery from the global economic downturn.

Try Vegetarian Ravioli

Ravioli With Tomatoes, White Beans, and Escarole

Ingredients
1 (9-ounce) package fresh four-cheese ravioli 1 (9-ounce) package fresh four-cheese ravioli -->
1 (15- to 16-ounce) can Great Northern or navy beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15- to 16-ounce) can Great Northern or navy beans, rinsed and drained -->
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained -->
1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried basil -->
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano -->
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper -->
6 cups chopped fresh escarole or spinach 6 cups chopped fresh escarole or spinach -->
1/4 cup water 1/4 cup water -->
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Asiago cheese 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Asiago cheese --

CALORIES 329 per 1 cup serving
FAT 7g (sat 4g, mono 1g, poly 1g)
PROTEIN 19g
CARBOHYDRATE 49g
FIBER 11g
CHOLESTEROL 32mg
IRON 5mg
SODIUM 484mg
CALCIUM 270mg

Any other good vegetarian recipes for me?

Granny D Dead at 100. A True Inspiration.

Doris Haddock, "Granny D," the old crone ( a term to describe a wise woman, not the wrongly misuse to mean a wicked, old hag!) who, in her late 80s, walked over 3,000 miles to Washington D.C., for the purpose of drawing attention to the nation's screwed up campaign finance system, has died at age 100.

This should inspire us to continue our activism, no matter our age. Granny D will be missed.

Mom Slowly Saying Good-Bye to Her Daughter

Since I have always been emotionally close to my mom, I think of her a lot these days. She is slowly distancing herself from me, much as a wounded animal would in the wild. I get it. This is not new behavior for her, any illness and her distancing would begin. I think she is so afraid of being around any lean toward dying again, after losing her mother at a young age.

She refused to go to her beloved brother's funeral and often asks if I know how he is doing. I wonder if she will ever ask about her mother.

When I took my stroll (I'm using a power chair, so not a real stroll, but I find I refer to my lower leg movement in these terms---I take a walk, stroll, run down to__, and so on.) to the mom and pop corner grocery, the grassy areas along the way were filled with daffodils. One bright, yellow, flower stood out to me.

It was so bright yellow and so straight and tall, standing alone in a patch of grass, one could not deny it. It was a dandelion. Like the Teletubby flowers were the daffodils whispering their gossip about it? "Who does she think she is?"

All this brought back my many Mother's Days picking a bouquet of dandelions for Mom, being teased for my stupidity by my brothers, and thanked profusely by Mom. I will never see a dandelion without thinking of Mom and how wonderful a person she was.

The Hurt Locker goes UP

The Oscars ran too long again, didn't need first song number with Harris, but overall I thought they one of the best ever.

My favorite new addition was each best actor nominee being spoken about by a fellow actor who had worked with them. I know they are actors, but the tears in their eyes as they listened to the praise from those who knew them was moving. My favorite part.

Next I loved that the first female director got the Oscar and so did her film: "The Hurt Locker".
While I have heard a lot about "Avatar" and seen many clips, give me a film with actors over a dream place any day. Both films had good messages and that was wonderful. I was pulling for "Precious", but at least the buzz will get that story into many homes.

Listening to all the nominated scores, I surprised myself by liking "Up"'s best; and it won!

Long, but enjoyable evening.

Mom and Pop Hugh Jackman Jerking Me Around

Yesterday I ventured out in my adjusted power chair. Once again, a simple lowering of the seat ("can't be done" the experts told me, good grief and they wonder why I am so cynical, give me a janitor or waitress any day over these over paid degreed (Yeah, I said it.) experts in their field) has changed my life.



My trip took me "a long block down" (as resident council VP, I am confirming the facts in brochure we give to new comers at this retirement community) to a small grocery store. Let me just say, one of the best experiences I've had in the past two years.



This neighborhood, Queen Anne, covers Seattle's tallest hill, and got its name from the stately 1800s mansions still here. It is adjacent to downtown Seattle and a spit away from the iconic Space Needle. Obviously, the views are to die for. Hence our name The Viewpointe on Queen Anne. It is also close to the University of Washington (I can see it from my living room.) and the neighbors are mostly civil, polite, educated, and I suspect above middle class. Certainly the houses I passed in that "long block" were well maintained and looked very inviting.



Most yards had daffodils in full bloom. A blossomed cherry tree swept one yard. There is a park ready to be built, dedicated to a local lawyer who was gunned down outside his home one day. The grocery was across the large street, but there was a well lit cross walk, with sign and flashing yellow light. This was a problem. I see I will need a flag on my chair if I go out alone.



My friend, Angie, was with me, and the first car darted by, the next stopped and Angie stepped out. I held my ground because the SUV coming up behind the first car was not slowing. If not for Angie's height, I believe that car would not have caught on soon enough to what was happening. In fact, had that driver been on a cell phone, which he/she might have been, it would have ended very badly. Over my years in power chairs and scooters, I have had too many close calls and always due to an inattentive driver.



We made it across the street and there was Lyon's, a small mom and pop corner store, with an A-frame sign on the sidewalk out front. Oh, with a crow sitting on it. (Some stores have cats inside, this one has a neighborhood crow that likes to sit on the sign.) Coffee and paper cups were sitting on a shelf near the open door. I was starting to get a warm fuzzy feeling on this sunny Seattle day.



Inside two customers were chatting with the cashier and it looked like we arrived on delivery day (we had) since the aisles were blocked by crates. Angie moved them out of my way. Oh, I was impressed. They carried everything you would need to survive and all those items you run out of in a crisis---toilet paper, tampons (on THE highest shelf, which I will point out to my new friend next time) TIC TACS that I have had the hardest time ordering online, fresh oranges, eggs, bread, all things for digestive troubles, and shine the light of all that is holy---I searched the WWW for this item and for a solid year have come up empty handed---Pepperidge Farm soft chocolate chip cookies!! The ONLY cookie my better half is satisfied with. She would deny this, but there has been a gloom over our home since we left behind our easy access to those cookies.



How ironic and so like life: search the world for what is right in front of you. I grabbed an orange, Tic Tacs, and asked Angie if she had any money. She didn't. I didn't. Good grief, after making such a commotion with the moving of crates and first impressions being so important---"Do you take Debit cards?" I asked the handsome gray-haired man behind the cash register.



"Sure!" he replied as he grabbed it from me. "I'm Diane from the Viewpointe. Nice to meet you. What is your name?"



"I'm Hugh. We get a lot of folks from there. You visiting?"



"No, I'm here to stay. I'll remember your name, you look like Hugh Jackman."



He stopped dead in his tracks, searching my face for a smiling joke. That would not be found. Then I did something I have never done before: "Can I have a beef jerky? And what IS a beef jerky? I see them on counters like yours."



"Hugh Jackman!? Your eyesight must be bad." "No, 20/20" "Wait. You mean to tell me you've never had beef jerky?"



"Not once in 52 years, Hugh."



This led to TMI about beef jerky and who would think it came in flavors? Yikes. Not knowing how much this would set me back (the prices were very reasonable and many lower than QFC or Kroger), in fact I still don't know, must check receipt, I chose Teriyaki.

After Hugh had a few words with his crow, I said good-bye to my new friend and we headed home. (I said hello to the crow but he just gave me a "Are you just visiting or what?" look.) No traffic at all this time and the scent of blooming flowers was heavy in the air. You could say I have moved up in Seattle, literally. People tending to their yards waved Hello and bike riders in the street nodded Hey.

Beef jerky is salty, dried beef of sorts, high in protein and the one I chose not too high in calories or sodium---I don't recommend it if you want to lower your cholesterol though. My first and most likely last beef jerky. Now I know.

What I don't know is the connection with bj and small groceries. Life is just full of mysteries.

Bullets with that Latte? Shame in Seattle.

Keep my coffee out of this! What is this? The wild wild west? "My guns bigger than yours."
Like baristas don't have enough to do putting whip cream on skim milk lattes for yuppies! Now they have to display their guns? GIMME A BREAK Take your guns to schools, churches, ice cream parlors, parks, cruise ships, and walk around feeling tough. Then get thee to a shrink, pronto.

If Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, the NBA players, and the NAACP show up wearing guns---oh, yeah, that will go well. I notice all the news reports and newspaper photos show only white men carrying guns...we will need to even THAT playing field. I know I will feel safer carrying my colt in my power wheel chair. With my weak hands, bad vision, vertigo and tremors, just duck, ok?

But give up my gun?! NEVER --- My RIGHT. Oh, I feel safer already, don't YOU?

Two police officers were shot at the PENTAGON, I just don't get the idea of a gun making anyone safer. Compare the needless deaths from guns to the ordinary citizen who draws his/her gun and saves a life. I'll wait. I'll NEED to wait a long time because it happens so RARELY.

Grow a pair, Howard, and just say NO.

American Idol Yawner with Lace and Cyrstal

AI has been a yawner so far. Nobody is jammin' the lights. I wrote down two names last night: Lacey and Didi, these two seem ready to leave. I just want to grab some of the woman and scream, "BRING IT!" because I know they can, but why they are holding back I don't know. Maybe the show's producers edge them that way.

Crystal, who was apparently really ill with something that they dance around for some reason---either tell us or drop it---is just doing her thing and it works.

Lily Scott, with the white hair, is the only unique performer. They have told her to open her eyes more when she sings, but I say keep 'em shut as you wish, as you feel it---her song is more powerful when she is pulling it from some her soul. Every time she opened her eyes to look at the camera, a little magic left. Yes, it goes against any sound acting advice, but she moves me usually, not as much last night.(though she still is my top two)

This is the first time I have followed Idol. The judges are honest, intelligent, and giving good advice. Now, I would like more singing and less back-stories. (fewer commercial breaks is shooting too high)

Obama is Done Playing. Enough Debates. Just Do It

Git er done! I am so sick of hearing TV pundits saying, "Americans don't want it." HEALTH CARE REFORM---We WANT it YESTERDAY! And Republicans saying we want it scrapped. Oh yeah? SAYS WHO? Apparently Republicans know what all Americans want. Maybe we want the man we voted to be our leader to LEAD, to change health care, cover all Americans, stop insurance companies from running the show. We don't want to hear, "Sorry, Charlie, you're sick! We are not going to cover YOU."

Are we all going to be happy---no, especially those who are way above middle class. That's right, you are going to have to do with less. Did you spit when JFK said, "Ask not...?" Well, your fellow Americans are asking for help. I paid into insurance for years, car insurance, without any accidents---who did I benefit? Many of YOU. I paid into my health ins. for many years and never saw a doctor once. Nobody ever saw me whining about it. I am an American.

Let me say that again and say it with me, "I am an AMERICAN." I expect children, veterans, retirees, and the unemployed through no fault of their own to be covered by health insurance. Pass the bill. Let our president move on to the economy, jobs, foreign affairs, and maybe a little stem cell research.

Greek McDonald's Tipper Makes Good in Seattle

Called my millionaire Greek little old lady friend today, well, yesterday. She is 75 now and sounds great. She has a house in Greece to sell and must fly back in April. She is hard balling a big landlord who bought another house from her (He happened to be seated next to her on a plane trip over once---I swear she has the best luck.) Anyway, she is a fighter, Fights her property taxes, fights those who fight Obama, fights traffic ticket---5 feet of fire power.

We met at my job with the city. She was a worker bee like me and the day she retired I swore my own days were numbered. No way I was working around a bunch of slackers. Either slackers or poorly trained, my only friend remaining there, real friend, worked clear at the farthest end of the floor , a city block long.

She spends her days baking, feeding squirrels, crows, and the latest---a baby seagull and mother. She tips at McDonalds. She feeds the hungry at her church. She always bought an extra hamburger to give to any beggars we past during work breaks. Oh, and she played the stock market with Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon.com---you know, just a few local up-starts. Nobody deserved that good fortune more than she.

Don't you love to see good, kind, people get rich? When I feel down about my own finances, I think of her and hear her voice with that thick Greek accent, " Don't worry. Just buy some more stocks. It will work out. You'll see."

You are being COUNTED. Peeps aren't just 4 Easter

I really hate the counter graph on Blogger, it keeps moving the bar as my hits go lower, to spare my feelings. UGH. I am not a child. I do not check my hits every damn (wait just a sec) day. GIMME A BREAK
I have way better (stand by) things to do then see who is reading my silly little blog and (sec, just a sec) F.Y.O.M. 11 SERIOUSLY? THAT is a country? Like from another planet? No offense, but have you ever watched District 9? Are you like, one of them? Like, cool. Not, that I pay attention to all these JUDGING apps on my blog, yes, I said it---J U D G I N G .

Peeps, EIGHTY-TWO?! Awesome cool, wait, that last one is ME! Oh, for garsh sakes. I am my own peep, well, love thyself. I love to see the faces/little tiny pics, BUT I CAN'T FIND YOUR BLOGS! Maybe you don't have a blog...I bet there is a way and I am too dumb to know. Fudge.
(Hang on) Some blogs have sitemeter, OMG, it tells you how long a person was on your site and where they clicked---ENOUGH! I can't please everybody. I would be like, "How can you POSSIBLY read that post in 20 seconds? It was boring, you stopped." Listen if YOU have that counter and you ever see me drop off---trust me I am sitting on the loo. I am not easily bored. But when the bowels of nature call...

6PM and I haven't had 100 readers...sigh, and half always thought they were going to find something else. A heavy load that, I dance with the Devil to get readers to stop by in hopes they will stay a bit---in my headings. Bad, bad, Diane. Go visit your peeps.