States I've been in

Wild to think I've been in all these states - 90% of them. I haven't necessarily spent time in some of them - just a drive through several of them. Obviously I need to take a trip through the Northwest to hit all of those states. I've always wanted to spend time in Washington and Oregon - maybe someday...



create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Immigration

I haven't done much political blogging, as I feel that others do that better than I ever could. However, the whole immigration thing is bugging me. I didn't know how to verbalize why it bothered me so much until I heard Rush read from this column today (while I was sitting in Atlanta traffic). Here's the quote that hits home for me:

To ordinary Americans, the definition of “immigration” is very specific: You come here with absolutely nothing except a burning desire to be an American. You start off at some miserable, low-paying job that at least puts a roof over your family’s head and food on the table. You put your kids in school, tell them how lucky they are to be here – and make darn sure they do well even if that means hiring a tutor and taking a second, or third, job to pay for it. You learn English, even if you’ve got to take classes at night when you’re dead tired. You play by the rules—which means you pay your taxes, get a driver’s license and insure your car so that if yours hits mine, I can recover the cost of the damages. And you file for citizenship the first day you’re eligible.

Do all this and you become an American like all the rest of us. Your kids will lose their accents, move into the mainstream, and retain little of their heritage except a few words of your
language and – if you’re lucky—an irresistible urge to visit you now and then for some of mom’s old-country cooking.

This is how the Italians made it, the Germans made it, the Dutch made it, the Poles made it, the Jews made it, and
more recently how the Cubans and the Vietnamese made it. The process isn’t easy – but it works and that’s the way ordinary Americans want to keep it.

Mr. Meyer goes on to say that the people that ordinary Americans have a problem with are those that don't want to do the above. They want to live and work here, but they have no interest in learning the language, forcing us to provide schooling and health care to "all these foreigners among us who aren’t behaving like immigrants."

I don't have a problem with people coming here legally. And I know I'm not alone in that sentiment. But there comes a point that we can't continue down this road, or certain areas of the country will become, by all intents and purposes, a Latin American country.

The protests in all areas of the country really bug me too. They are asking for freedom. What do you call protesting in the streets of America without any fear of arrest or deportation? I think that's pretty free. Also, if they had been waving US flags, I would have felt a little more sympathetic. However, they were waving Mexican flags. They don't want to become Americans. They want us good taxpaying people to take care of them and provide jobs for them. But heaven forbid that they should do things the legal way.

Anyway, I may not express my opinions as well as others (Meyer, Limbaugh, Rich Lowry), so you should read those instead. However, I felt compelled to post something about this since it is such a huge issue right now. Do what you can to get educated about this, and vote for the person that you think will do the right thing.

Don't scream while giving birth...

..and no painkillers or anesthesia. Oh, and the baby can't be "poked and prodded" for 7 days. This is absurd. I believe that if people want to do odd things when they give birth, that's fine. The whole giving birth in a tub thing, no drugs, epidural, whatever. But making a statement that the child can't be examined for 7 days is just wrong. If the baby isn't born healthy or if there are complications, what then? Do they still wait for 7 days before getting medical care? Wouldn't that constitute child endangerment, which is a punishable offense?

Did you catch the part about not speaking to the baby for 7 days? So no cooing or singing to the child for 7 days. Scientologists claim they are concerned about the psychological impact on a baby if it hears its mother screaming as it is born. But they are okay with no verbal interaction as soon as it born? Not even when it needs to be consoled? I would think total silence (except for their own cry) would be more psychologically damaging.
I wonder if Katie will adhere to this, especially while she is alone with the baby, nursing. I've heard that she was a good Catholic girl before getting involved in the wacky Scientology group. If she has any strength of character left, she will defy the silence rule and sing and coo away to her new bundle of joy.

Churches I've attended

Found this list at Cerulean Sanctum and thought it would be interesting. So here are the churches I've attended in my life:

• Community Church in Edina, MN (1969-1973)
• Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, CA (73-74)
• La Jolla Presbyterian Church in La Jolla, CA (74-75)
• Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver, CO (75-82)
• Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell, GA (82-86)
• Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver, CO (86-88)
• St. Olaf College Chapel (ELCA) in Northfield, MN (88-90)
• Emmaus Baptist Church in Northfield, MN (90-92)
• Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames, IA (92-94)
• Shallowford Presbyteran Church in Atlanta, GA (94-present)
  

So that is 9 in 36 years. And as you can see, not much range in denomination. The St. Olaf Chapel and Emmaus Baptist were while I was in college (at St. Olaf) and there wasn't a Presbyterian church in the area. I was in grad school at Iowa State in Ames and was involved in the Presbyterian Church there.

Now, due to what's going on in the PCUSA, I might change denominations. The Evangelical Pres Church looks good - that's what my parents have just joined. But there aren't any in my area. Right now, I'm just enjoying being in a church for longer than 3-4 years. It's a grace-filled church and I love the people and the pastor. So until there is a final straw, I will stay here and stay involved.

Four Things

We've all seen those emails that friends pass around - what are you wearing, what's your favorite ice cream flavor. Well, here's another one. Four Things...which is appropriate for me, since my favorite number is 4... Don't ask...

Four jobs I’ve had:

1. Bookkeeper at leasing firm (high school)
2. Accounting Intern at Cablevision Networks (college)
3. Ad sales intern at A&E Network (college)
4. Statistics Teaching Assistant at Iowa State (which means that I taught basics stats to undergrads who really didn't want to be there)

Four movies I could watch over and over:

1. Princess Bride
2. Ever After
3. Serenity
4. Die Hard

Four books I could read over and over:

1. The Walking Drum, Louis L'Amour
2. Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis
3. Rebecca, Daphne DuMaurier
4. Anything by Dean Koontz
5. The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexander Dumas - although, since it's 1400 pages, I can't reread it very often (and yes, I know that's 5 but I couldn't decide...)

Four places I have lived:

1. Northfield, MN
2. Denver, CO
3. La Jolla, CA
4. Lawrenceville, GA

Four TV shows I watch:

1. 24
2. American Idol
3. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
4. CSI: Las Vegas

Four places I have been on vacation:

1. San Diego, CA (Hotel Del Coronado)
2. Las Vegas, NV (Bellagio or Venetian)
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
4. Pensacola, FL

Four websites I visit daily other than email:

1. Ann Althouse
2. Drudge Report
3. JigZone Jigsaw Puzzles
4. A List of Things Thrown 5 Minutes Ago

Four favorite foods:

1. Mexican - fajitas mostly
2. Bruster's Girl Scout Thin Mint Ice Cream
3. Popcorn
4. Peanut Butter and Honey on a tortilla

Four places I’d like to be right now:

1. In New York with Eric
2. On the beach in San Diego (at the Hotel Del Coronado) with Eric
3. In a mountain cabin with a fire, curled up with a good book
4. In Scotland exploring the historical sights

Four bloggers I’m tagging:

1. Since no one I know well has a blog, and I don't personally know anyone on the blogs I read, I'm not tagging at all. However, if you are here and reading this and would like to share your Four Things, please feel free to do so in the comments.

IQ Test

Try this test. The answers may surprise you. Unless you've seen it before...

Look in the comments for my score.

Hat tip: Ace (yes, again...)

And I thought my house was a mess...

I like watching those shows about people that have so much stuff that they need professional help getting rid of old magazines, furniture and stuffed animals (Clean Sweep, etc.). It makes me feel like I'm doing pretty well. And while I can't say I don't have stuff from elementary school (field day ribbons, homework & books), at least I can walk through my house without tripping over boxes and books. By necessity, I have cleaned out quite a bit in the last few years (otherwise hubby would have nowhere to put his stuff...)

And I thought I'd seen some amazing episodes of Clean Sweep where people can't even walk into their master bedroom & spare room because of all the clothes, paperwork, and memorabilia. However, this takes the cake. (It has lots of pictures so it might take a while to load. And just scroll down past the request to register.) She has boxes of stuff from ebay that she hasn't even opened! I cannot imagine living like that! And if you don't have time to read the whole thing, you might miss the fact that she doesn't sleep in a bed because there's no room for it. She sleeps on the couch - 2/3 of a couch, since the other 1/3 is full of stuff. This woman needs serious psychological help.

It makes me want to take a day or two off of work to do a thorough spring cleaning...

Hat tip: Ace

And I thought my house was a mess...

I like watching those shows about people that have so much stuff that they need professional help getting rid of old magazines, furniture and stuffed animals (Clean Sweep, etc.). It makes me feel like I'm doing pretty well. And while I can't say I don't have stuff from elementary school (field day ribbons, homework & books), at least I can walk through my house without tripping over boxes and books. By necessity, I have cleaned out quite a bit in the last few years (otherwise hubby would have nowhere to put his stuff...)

And I thought I'd seen some amazing episodes of Clean Sweep where people can't even walk into their master bedroom & spare room because of all the clothes, paperwork, and memorabilia. However, this takes the cake. (It has lots of pictures so it might take a while to load. And just scroll down past the request to register.) She has boxes of stuff from ebay that she hasn't even opened! I cannot imagine living like that! And if you don't have time to read the whole thing, you might miss the fact that she doesn't sleep in a bed because there's no room for it. She sleeps on the couch - 2/3 of a couch, since the other 1/3 is full of stuff. This woman needs serious psychological help.

It makes me want to take a day or two off of work to do a thorough spring cleaning...

If I were a Muppet...

I wasn't planning on doing another one of these, but I totally agreed with the outcome (& I think those that know me would agree). So here it is - I'd be Scooter!

You Are Scooter

Brainy and knowledgable, you are the perfect sidekick. You're always willing to lend a helping hand. In any big event or party, you're the one who keeps things going. "15 seconds to showtime!"

The Muppet Personality Test

Read these now!

Here is a list of books you should read before you die, according to British librarians. It's an eclectic list - everything from the Bible to Time Traveler's Wife (which I loved). I have read 6 of them, if you include parts of the Bible as reading the Bible. I'm not sure I want to read some of them, like the Lord of the Rings trilogy (I saw the movies, does that count?). But there are some - Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights - that I have always intended on reading. I guess I should get to it before I kick it!

World Trade Center & Lessons

Initially this post was included in the previous one (Springtime in New York). But I felt like it detracted from the fun spirit of that post. So I decided it should stand alone.

It was really moving to go to the World Trade Center site. I was on top of that building in May 2001 and have several pictures of the towers and the sites from the top. Now it's just one big hole in the ground. There are signs on the fences describing the process to build the towers and then how they came down. It was very tasteful and appropriate. And I was surprised at how clean the area was.

There were people from all over the world, remembering what happened that day. It brought tears to my eyes to think about those that lost their lives on that spot. And it also made me more resolute that we need to continue to fight terrorists in their countries, so they don't bring this destruction to our country again.

Remember right after it happened, how the media wouldn't show images of people jumping out of the buildings? Why not? So people don't get more upset about it? Why shouldn't we get upset - ticked off? After all, we were attacked - we shouldn't just stand by and let it happen again. And if, in going after those that did this, we liberate Iraq and allow them the ability to choose their own form of government, all the better. I believe we should help all those around the world (Middle East, Cuba, etc.) that are fighting for freedom to actually achieve it. I know we can't fight all battles at once, but we need to support as many people as possible develop into democratic nations.

I think one of the worst things we could do is to forget what happened and the feelings we had that day - anger, sadness, desire for justice. There is a reason we are in Iraq - and it isn't the oil. We are there because Saddam supported the terrorists and he would have continued to do so, with probably more devastating results. We know that he tortured and murdered his own people. What makes us think that he has any different plan for us? He would have done whatever he could to acquire and manufacture biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons in order to destroy us and those that support us.

So these are just my ramblings on a little bit of politics. I don't have a sophisticated view on it (nor am I an eloquent writer), but I know what I believe, and that is that we are living in the greatest country on earth. It may have its problems, but I'd rather live here than anywhere else on the planet.

Springtime in New York

Last weekend was a good one - I spent it in the Big Apple. It's our 3rd anniversary and we wanted to do something better than losing Eric's wedding ring and getting sunburned in the Bahamas! What a great choice! The weather was perfect (in the 60's and sunny) and we got a lot of exercise walking around the city. I got a good workout in and a body massage on Friday while Eric was working. And even got some reading done (Dean Koontz, Midnight). It was a relaxing weekend.

Here's all the tourist-y stuff we did:

• went to the top of the Empire State Building
• walked through Macy's on Herald Square
• took a bicycle cab from 34th to 55th
• had a burger and milkshake at Burger Heaven (and yes, it was a heavenly burger)
• visited the World Trade Center site
• walked through Battery Park and Wall Street
• drank hot chocolate at Jacques Torres' Chocolate Haven (yummy recommendation from Kelly)
• ate a lobster dinner (stuffed ourselves!)
• walked through Times Square (with a zillion other people)
• took a horse carriage ride through Central Park at night

During the carriage ride, we tried to figure out how much you'd have to make to live in a penthouse in one of the buildings surrounding the park. I can't imagine what it's like to live overlooking the city. But I'd certainly like to try sometime! :-)

Some of the other things I'd like to do the next time is take a cruise around the island, go to a couple museums (Guggenheim, Modern Art), and visit the Statue of Liberty. The last (and first) time I was at the Statue, I was 13. There are pictures in my parents' albums of my dad, my brother and me standing on the platform. And man, do I look like a 13 year old - braces and everything - Yikes!

I would recommend a weekend in Manhattan to anyone. There's plenty to do - museums, shows, restaurants, ice skating (Rockefeller plaza or Central Park), tours, etc. And contrary to stories you may have heard, New Yorkers are not all rude - there are a few with manners...

Michael Buble Rocks!!

I saw Michael last night at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. And wow, was he AWESOME!!!

He is a natural performer. He looks like he's just having fun up there, singing songs that mean something. And with lyrics you can understand. He even got down in the crowd and took pictures with people. He's very personable and appreciates his fans.

You may not think you know him, but his music has been in a couple movies (Shall We Dance, The Wedding Date) and the theme music for the World Poker Tour (I'm Feeling Good). He was also on an episode of Dancing with the Stars.

It is really refreshing to see someone young that takes music from the Frank Sinatra era and makes it his own. He also does some Ray Charles and Bee Gees (How do you Mend a Broken Heart).

I would highly recommend you see his concert if he comes to your town. Tickets are hard to come by, and expensive, but well worth the price!

I could be a US Citizen!

You Passed the US Citizenship Test

Congratulations - you got 10 out of 10 correct!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

You'd think I'd have more to post on here besides these silly quizzes. But this one I'm pretty proud of - I could pass the US citizenship test! I wonder how many Americans could do that?

You are my Sunshine...

You Are Sunshine

Soothing and calm You are often held up by others as the ideal But too much of you, and they'll get burned You are best known for: your warmth Your dominant state: connecting

What Type of Weather Are You?

I'm not sure I'm "ideal" according to a lot of people, but I am one of the calmest people I know. (Maybe a little bias there...)

Yes, I know, another one...

You Are Austin

A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll. You're totally weird and very proud of it. Artistic and freaky, you still seem to fit in... in your own strange way. Famous Austin residents: Lance Armstrong, Sandra Bullock, Andy Roddick

What American City Are You?

This seems appropriate. Even though I've only been there twice, I liked the city and could see myself living there. I'm not sure I'd agree that I'm freaky, but it gets the other stuff right.

Also - my sister-in-law works at Sandra Bullock's store (florist, and soon-to-be wine and gourmet food bar). That's the closest I'll ever get to a star...

Another one...

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 8/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

I know I passed, but can you believe that I, a math major, only got 8/10 correct? Maybe I should take it again...

Yes, it's been a while...

I know, I know, I haven't written anything in months. And here I am posting what kind of soul I am, according to some silly website. There were a couple of questions that I could have answered differently and still been honest. Maybe I'll take it again to see if things change.

Anyhoo...I will attempt to write more often. Probably not every day, but once a week would be good.

Signing off now. Go try out the Soul survey below...

What kind of Soul are you?

You Are a Seeker Soul

You are on a quest for knowledge and life challenges.You love to be curious and ask a ton of questions.Since you know so much, you make for an interesting conversationalist.Mentally alert, you can outwit almost anyone (and have fun doing it!). Very introspective, you can be silently critical of others.And your quiet nature makes it difficult for people to get to know you.You see yourself as a philosopher, and you take everything philosophically.Your main talent is expressing and communicating ideas. Souls you are most compatible with: Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?