I’m coming out of blog hibernation (yikes, over 4 months!) to see if any of you reading this have a negative memory from childhood which still burns as vividly in your mind as if it happened just yesterday?  Ever wish someone had done something about it or had let you know things would be okay?  If so (or even if not), PLEASE take the time to follow the links I’ve included and DO SOMETHING about this most atrocious story I just heard about this morning.  I honestly could NOT believe there was a chance ANY of it could be true–but it is.  Instead of going into all of the details myself, the story/video link takes you to an in-depth interview with Harry Smith (CBS news) and the mother of Alex,  the kindergartner who was “voted out” by 14 of his 16 classmates.

I do have to say that as an aunt to two nephews I could NOT love more (one of which has been dealing with emotional/behavioral issues for most of his young life–at one time having been considered to have Asperger Syndrome such as little Alex is being tested for), and as someone who is still hoping to one day complete her teaching credential (two more classes ;)), it disgusts/shocks/saddens me to see such a ridiculous and cruel event be inflicted on such a young child, especially by a teacher who is entrusted to care for, educate, and nurture our children.  Not only will it more than likely have a long-lasting effect on Alex, but it sends the most intolerant of messages to the classmates involved that they do not need to understand and embrace the differences amongst us, and can instead simply “vote” someone out of their surroundings.  If we are teaching this to kindergarten children, imagine how they will think they can deal with those they don’t care for as they get older?  Don’t like that person because of their sexual orientation, religious affiliation, skin color, then “vote” them out.  And trust me, folks, “voting” will NOT be the way they handle it; violence will be.  Sigh.

I hope you’ll all take the 6 minutes needed to watch this video (if anyone finds it on YouTube, please let me know so I can post it here…thanks!), then also please, PLEASE, PLEASE take the time to click the photo of Alex and send a card to the address listed to let him know he IS uniquely special, beautiful, and loved just the way he is–we ALL are!  Feel free to re-post this blog or to contact me regarding how to add the links/photo to your blog or email, and by all means do all you can to get the word out about this situation and the card campaign. 

Thank you for your time.

PS I hope to get back to a “somewhat” regular routine of blogging again.  Goodness knows there’s enough going on in the world today which I definitely have opinions about!  

I don’t really have a lot of time for blogging right now, what with still “sort of” living between two counties and working full-time (add to that the car breaking down continuously, my poochie’s diabetes giving us grief with not wanting to regulate, and my computer still not being hooked up and functional), BUT I did want to spread a little love today and wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Can’t believe I almost forgot that today, February 6th, would have been Bob Marley’s 63rd birthday (my math might be a tad off).  What an incredible legacy of music and positive energy this amazingly talented man left us all in his very short life.  Thank you, Bob!

Here’s not only my favorite Bob Marley song (and there are SO MANY to choose from), but also my fave song PERIOD.  This song, Three Little Birds, can absolutely change my mood the minute the first notes hit my ears.  Love, love, LOVE it!

Today is the 35th anniversary of one of the most important legal decisions for women in our country, and one well worth taking time to acknowledge. Unfortunately it’s quite easy to be lulled into a false sense of security that Roe v. Wade will always hold firm, but there are many people opposed to a woman’s constitutional right to privacy and to her right to make her own decisions regarding her health and safety. We must remain vigilant against the chipping away of women’s rights by anti-choice groups and their ability to work their viewpoints into our government and legal system. Happy Anniversary, women!

From Planned Parenthood:

35th Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade Decision

The 35^th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision, legalizing abortion nationwide, is one of the most powerful reminders that the struggle to protect women’s health and safety continues. Reproductive freedom is still a political target for extremists, and the battle isn’t just being waged over abortion, but over access to contraception and medically accurate sex education.The best way to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies is to make contraception accessible and affordable and provide young people with comprehensive sex education that helps them make responsible decisions about their reproductive health.

To commemorate 35 years since Roe, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Planned Parenthood’s advocacy and political arm, is launching a One Million Strong Campaign to mobilize people who care about women’s health and get one million people to the polls in 2008.

With One Million Strong, Planned Parenthood Action Fund will

• make women’s health issues a campaign priority for all the candidates
• and defeat ballot initiatives in communities across America

Visit the Planned Parenthood Action Fund website today to find out more about how you can become involved and join the campaign.

For more information background on Roe v. Wade and its impact over the past 35 years, refer to the links below:

• The History and Impact of Roe v. Wade
• Why Abortion Must Remain Legal: Interviews with Voices of Choice Participants
• Roe’s Global Impact
• Global Illegal Abortion: Where There Is No “Roe“: An Examination of the Impact of Illegal Abortion Around the World Issue Brief
• For Teens: Standing Up for Choice

While this season didn’t end the way any die-hard Chargers fan would like (sigh), it was great fun to hope for a trip to the big game, and to see San Diego County come together with some serious Chargers Pride. Our team ironed out a lot of kinks this season, from huge coaching changes to injuries and shifting of players, and as trite and cliche as it sounds, everyone better watch out for us next year!

THANK YOU CHARGERS!!!!

PS As much as I can’t stand Tom Brady and do not like the Patriots, I DO hope they win ONLY so that our Oceanside, CA, hometown boy Junior Seau, can get a well-deserved Super Bowl ring. On the other hand…

Sunday’s the day, and on any given Sunday ANY team can win, so naysayers step aside and allow my San Diego Chargers to exhibit their skills, and play some serious, hard-hitting, play-making football against the New England Patriots. (Sorry, Junior Seau, as someone who pretty much grew up in Oceanside, too, I’ll always love #55, but gotta stay true to the Bolts. ;))

Despite our boys being banged up for the game (especially Rivers, Tomlinson, Gates), if they can all come together and rally as the cohesive unit they showed themselves to be in the game last week against the Indianapolis Colts, and have Jackson, Turner, Sproles, Cromartie, and Chambers step up to the plate, with Merriman and our defense putting the pressure on Brady, then there is no way anyone can guarantee who will win until the final seconds tick off the clock.

Regardless of the outcome, I’m very excited to see how far our team has come after massive changes with the coaching staff, and a very sluggish start. Here’s hoping that after the game is done on Sunday, San Diego Chargers fans everywhere will be prepping for one heck of a Super Bowl showdown. GO CHARGERS!!!!!

Are the same sheep that blindly followed the flock and voted GWB in for 8 years the same ones that are clueless enough to be voting for Mitt Romney?!?!  The more I see of this guy (the hits just keep on coming after finding out about his putting his dog on his car roof for a 12 hour drive) the more I’m amazed that folks actually only pay enough attention to notice the semi-good looks and not enough attention to listen to the words that come out of his mouth.  Scary stuff, folks, scary stuff.

Just finishing up making some Louisiana-style french toast (to die for!) before taking my youngest nephew to the doctor. Don’t Auntie Lala’s come in handy? Don’t you wish you had one? I’m afraid we’ve all been hit with those heebie-jeebies everyone is coming down with lately; the headache (or as said nephew reports “My brain hurts!”, hence the band-aid on the forehead in the picture), the achiness, the overall feeling of crappiness (my highly technical term ;)). He was down with it last week, rebounded, then it made its triumphant return, as it seems to be doing with all of us. Ick.

Keep your fingers crossed I don’t pick it back up again, too, because yours truly is starting work again on Thursday…woo-hoo! Nothing like NOT working to make you feel totally unproductive. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the past couple months have BEYOND sucked, so working again is definitely a step in the right direction, especially since I’ll be getting to work with one of my very good buds.

And another situation which affected me and my life in ways I can’t even begin to describe over the last few months has THANKFULLY had a surprising positive twist this past weekend, one which I could NOT be happier about–very happy heart, VERY happy heart. But with the good usually comes some bad, as was the case here. It really hurts to find out that someone you didn’t really know very well, but someone you had high regard for and who had interacted with you in only the most positive manner before, ends up doing something you still can’t wrap your brain around, and something that you just can’t imagine anyone with a heart or even an ounce of compassion doing under any circumstances, especially knowing the ones I was in. I know I need to let it go, and I will, but right now I’m extremely hurt, disappointed, and shocked, since I know full well I was in no way deserving of the action on his part, nor of the consequences. That being said, the good ultimately outweighs the bad in the entire scenario because I have a really important part of my life back, and he knows who he is.

On the political front I have to say that I really enjoyed the portions I saw of the Democratic debate in Nevada, since I felt it actually gave us a chance to hear what the candidates had to say without all the snarkiness. The flare-up with the racial comments over the past days in the Obama and Clinton camps have been very disturbing and frustrating to see take place in the Democratic Party; the party that is supposed to be not only inclusive of all but a champion for all. (Yes, I quite often wear rose-colored glasses.) I’ve read some really interesting discussions over on Skeptical Brotha’s blog, and elsewhere, so I do understand both sides of the story. It’s just sad to see that racial divisiveness still has such a firm hold in our country. Call me naive but I just don’t get it, I just don’t. It takes so much more energy to hate someone than to live with and learn from the diversity that surrounds us. I hope the democrats can get their act together because I would truly be happy with any of the main democratic candidates running, and know that we need to come together as a party to prepare for the attack on our candidate in the general election by the Republican Party. Got your armor ready?

Speaking of the republicans, what in the heck is Michigan (or anyone voting for Romney!) thinking by allowing even the remotest possibility of this man becoming president? Who on earth is going to want some man who, with forethought, did this? ARGH!

Guess that’s it for now. I don’t have a laptop so having any puter access until the weekend will probably be slim-to-none, so just thought I’d post this little catch-up until then. Have a great week everyone, and STAY HEALTHY!

It goes without saying that we should celebrate and live Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of nonviolence, coexistence, and civil rights for all, each and every day of the year, and not just just on his birthday (today) or on the federal Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrated the 3rd Monday of each January (this year 1/21/0 . That being said, and considering the headlines of the past few days regarding the Clinton and Obama camps divisive comments regarding race (don’t get me started on that mess), I think that taking at least today and MLK Day to reflect on the mission and life’s work of MLK, Jr., is something we ALL would be advised to do. One would hope that this introspective reflection would continue well past these two celebratory days set aside to give thanks and appreciation to MLK, and become an integral and commonplace part of each of our lives. There truly is so much joy to be had in reveling in the diversity of us all.

Here is the post I did last year on this day. Peace.

MUST SEE: A reminder of Martin Luther King’s message

I think we all need a reminder of the message behind the day, behind the man. Here are a couple videos WELL worth a look. Also included is a link to the History Channel’s page dedicated to Dr. King, and a link to the lyrics of “Where is the Love?”, which is the song by the Black Eyed Peas playing over the images in the first video. Peace.

Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Yeah baby, yeah baby, yeah baby!!! My San Diego Chargers came to play and play they did, NEVER allowing the much-favored Indianapolis Colts to run away with the lead, or to allow the raucous hometown crowd to get them down. It has been very frustrating to not have the Chargers receive the props they have deserved, and instead hear about how wonderful other teams are. Can we PUH-LEEZE finally give the San Diego Chargers a little credit and admit that they ARE a real football team, that they CAN come together to hang tough and pull out some serious wins, and that they ARE a team to be reckoned with and not some fluke? I’m anxious to read the write-ups about this game and see if ANYONE gives respect to my Bolts. (Boomer Esiason seemed to be the only one to give any kudos to the team at halftime on CBS…thanks Boomer!)

(VIDEO BELOW ADDED 1/20/07: Found this good video recap of the game when posting today’s blog entry about the Chargers/Pats game…enjoy!)

I’ll probably have more to add later, but just HAD to head over to give some major lovin’ to my boys from SD–thank you San Diego Chargers for representing 619 (760 and 858, too! ;)) as well as you have!!! While the video below of San Diego’s own POD (Payable On Death) performing their “Chargers Anthem” at a Chargers rally isn’t of very good quality, that sooooo doesn’t matter since it goes above and beyond expressing the enthusiasm and support of San Diego Chargers fans for their team. Watch out Patriots, do NOT underestimate us because we’re heading your way to ruin your perfect record!

Chargers Anthem lyrics

San Diego Chargers, Chargers

The west coast is back, better respect the name.
It’s the San Diego Chargers, feel the lightning bang.
Kill the hype we reign, S.D. runnin this game.
This is 619 straight born and raised.

This ain’t no fad or phase, this is Cali for life.
We gon’ rally tonight, so pump your fists till you get it right.
And keep it real so all of Diego can feel you.
But for now, sing the anthem so the whole world can hear you.

San Diego Chargers!
San Diego come on, come on!
Chargers!
San Diego come on!

San Diego Chargers!
San Diego where you at? come on!
Chargers!
San Diego where you at?

Stay true to your hood, don’t betray your roots.
East, West, North, South, Diego know your roots.
Fly your flag through the city, cause we callin all crews.
All you Diego dedicated rock your yellow’s and blue’s.

It’s the West Coast, California resurrection.
America’s finest city with border-line connections.
You can have your Raider Nation cause we ready for war.
It’s the San Diego Chargers takin over the world.

And we still Raider hatin’
San Diego Chargers!
South side come on, come on!
Chargers!
South side come on!

San Diego Chargers!
East side where you at east side?
Chargers!
East side where you at? come on!

San Diego Chargers!
North side come on!
Chargers!
North side come on, come on!

San Diego Chargers!
Everybody on the west side
Chargers!
Everybody on the west side

San Diego Chargers!
West Coast are you with me?
Chargers!
West Coast are you with me?

San Diego Chargers!
West Coast where you at? where you at?
Chargers!
West Coast where you at? where you at?

Just putting some “good luck vibes” out into the universe in the hope they work well for my 2nd favorite football team, the Seattle Seahawks (I’m a Seattle-born gal) against the Green Bay Packers today, and for my FAVORITE TEAM, the San Diego Chargers (grew up in San Diego County) against the Colts tomorrow. Both of my teams have been deemed the underdogs by most of those who are supposedly “in the know” (cough-cough), but quite honestly being the underdog is a place I’d much rather be. Here’s hoping both teams surprise everyone (well, other than their fans who always have faith ;)) and rack up big wins this weekend.

Apparently the story of Mitt Romney making a conscious choice back in 1983 to take a 12-hour car trip with his Irish Setter, Seamus (photo below), in a dog carrier attached to the roof of the Romney station wagon was first made public last summer as part of a Boston Globe article, and honestly I can’t believe I didn’t hear about it then. I was recently made aware of the unbelievable, yet true, story while reading “The Presidential Files: Evaluating the Elephants” on the Humane Society Legislative Fund blog. I have to assume there are others who are as blissfully ignorant about the situation as I was, so I feel a strong need to post links to the story for them below.

• Journeys of a Shared Life-Boston Globe
  • Before beginning the drive, Mitt Romney put Seamus, the family’s hulking Irish setter, in a dog carrier and attached it to the station wagon’s roof rack. He’d built a windshield for the carrier, to make the ride more comfortable for the dog.
• Dog on Roof? What Was It Like for Romney’s Pooch?-ABC News
  • “It would be one thing if someone put it down or forgot and then drove 50 feet and realized what they did,” said Kaplan. “I don’t know anyone who would purposefully do that to a dog.”
• Romney’s Cruel Canine Vacation-Time
  • The incident: dog excrement found on the roof and windows of the Romney station wagon. How it got there: Romney strapped a dog carrier — with the family dog Seamus, an Irish Setter, in it — to the roof of the family station wagon for a twelve hour drive from Boston to Ontario, which the family apparently completed, despite Seamus’s rather visceral protest.
• Romney-vs-PETA-Archy blog
  • “He scrambled up there every time we went on trips,” Romney said at a campaign stop in Pittsburgh Thursday. “He got it all by himself and enjoyed it.”

After reading the various articles on the situation I have to seriously wonder what kind of moron straps his dog carrier on the roof of his car WITH THE DOG INSIDE, then proceeds to drive off on a twelve-hour family vacation road trip?!?! What on EARTH was this man thinking (see video below to see him ‘try’ to make sense of what he did…stupid is as stupid does…argh!) and what kind of example was he setting for his children inside the car, let alone the danger he put Seamus in on that long, miserable drive?!?! And why didn’t anyone who witnessed this abusive activity report it to someone? Come on folks, let’s take a little responsibility for not only ourselves but others (animals included) with whom we share this planet. Sheesh.

I say we strap Romney to the roof of a car for 12 hours, drive about 75 mph, and see how HE feels. And if he loses control of his bowels, as poor Seamus did, let’s do as Romney did and pull over to a gas station to hose him down, then hit the road again like nothing out of the ordinary is taking place. Now that I think about it, if we strapped Romney to the roof and started driving at a high speed I’m sure his plastered down and “perfect” hair would probably change the aerodynamics and send the car into some flying pattern. Hey, might that get Homeland Security a tad confused by this “UFO” and have them take some trigger-finger action? Hmmmm…. (And speaking of security, for the record, no, I do not buy the whole “Iranian boats antagonizing the US Navy” scenario; something fishy going on there, but we all know Georgie Boy wants to get us into war with Iran before he leaves office, so…)

• Introducing Seamus Romney, ‘Mr. Personality’-Political Intelligence/Boston Globe
  • She says he was such a social dog that he often left Mitt Romney’s Belmont home to visit his “dog friends” around town. “He kept ending up at the pound,” she says. “They were worried about him getting hit crossing the street.”

This video collaboration between PETA and Free Range Studios has some great moments in it (yes, even for you non-vegetarian folks ;)), along with some pretty funny “names” for the candidates and moderators. Take a peek, have some chuckles and enlightenment, and by all means–GO VEGETARIAN! (Order your FREE vegetarian starter kit here.)

Debate 2008: Road to the Greenhouse

Sorry Sharon, but I just could NOT help myself with this one! Yup, blame some of it on the champagne and feeling giddy from the good news today, but most of all on me just being a mischievous little wench. Couldn’t leave it at merely a mention of the television commercial and just HAD to seek out more ways to inflict pain on ya (and yes, me)–just impale me on those poles, or plungers, or whatever the heck they are! The audience seems about as enthralled as we were, oh so many years ago in Vegas. If I recall correctly, didn’t someone fall asleep. Seriously, the memories of the boredom are unfortunately flooding back to me in HUGE waves. Don’t say I never gave ya anything, babe.

So I’ll close with a “Happy Birthday” video from Concrete Blonde, which I suppose could be me; am still in my pj’s at 9AM…just substitute the cat for my pooch Rudy, and her dark hair for my blond…am sure I can dig up some champagne to toast in the event..but rest assured I would NOT release any balloon into the air since it causes harm to not only our environment, but to wildlife. (Hey, if you didn’t know that last part about me from reading this blog over the past year, you’ve got more reading to do! ;)) I’m sending out a HUGE thank you to all that have popped over to SoCal Muchacha to read a blog entry, agree or disagree with me in the comment section, and who also put out so much interesting reading on their own blogs. Happy blogging everyone!