"Made in China" makes me nauseous

Today, I decided to write a post about why I don't like China. After writing about Sudan, like a week ago, I was like "man, I need to tell everyone why I don't like China. People probably think I'm mean." However, I DO have reasons to not like them, but I also have reasons to like China. For instance, I love Chinese food, I really do. I'm not so sure how much I would love it in actual China though, since they have a lot of fish and things I wouldn't like (besides, I suck at chopsticks). I still remember when my friend, Carmen, thought it was hilarious when she ordered CHICKEN FEET one day and I was completely disgusted by it! That's another thing I like about China, it is where my friend Carmen was born, and I like my Carmen. Haha. Except that she is from Hong Kong... and that's different. (right?)

However, the reasons I can't stand China, overwhelmingly outweigh the reasons I like it. China offers very cheap labor, and strict-and sometimes nonexistent - labor laws, so many corporations go to China to have their products made for cheaper. I personally don't think that this should be allowed in the United States.. these products to be allowed to be made overseas, with less than perfect standards on not only work conditions such as child workers' ages, as well as no regulation for work shifts, and dirty conditions; but also because of the National Security risked by these products. It is not right that there have been so many breaches in recent years. Remember all the pets that died because of the tainted pet food with the common nauseating sticker of "Made in China"? or the lead paint found in toys, where some children died and many more became seriously ill! That is not okay, to risk America's children and loved ones to such dangers. Moreover, more recently, the baby formula crises in China, killed many infants because the workers were trying to make the formula stretch further - to make a better profit, those babies DIED because of money. Fortunately, none of it made its way to the United States, but still! These were innocent children.

I am a big supporter of the Endangered Species Act, and the prevention of poaching and illegal fishing. I don't believe that just because something tastes good, or is a traditional medical treatment, that it is okay to kill animals that are endangered. I believe in respecting the animals. I am not a vegetarian by any means, I believe in eating protein ;) but I don't understand why many people in China are adamant about killing certain animals, such as bears. This is uncalled for, and makes me really sad. It is going t be awful to have to explain to my Grandchildren that there used to be certain bears and wildlife, but they were pointlessly killed. I don't understand that.

Speaking of Oil.. I am now to the issue that probably pulls at my heartstrings the hardest: Darfur. I don't blame China for the fighting. I don't blame China for the killing directly. There were problems and issues in The Sudan long before China had any interest in the area. However, the part I don't understand, is the Chinese government is well aware of what is going on in Darfur now, and they have yet to join the forces with many in the International Community to try and stop it. I don't even care if they never have any interest in Sudan again. I just want them to leave. I want them to stop buying Sudan's oil, because by buying the oil from the corrupt Sudanese government, they are literally fueling the crises. And not only are they continuosly buying the oil, but they are rumored to be providing modern strategic weapons to BOTH SIDES of the conflict. How great is that? Unfortunately, China has their hand in many conflicts on the African continent. It does not stop in the Sudan.

But again, why should I be surprised? I know how China is when it comes to provinces in their own land, think: TIBET. Remember those protesting monks, and how the Chinese guards trounced on them in March? That was great, wasn't it? It was kind of reminiscent of Tiananmen Square. What is it about Tibet that the Chinese need to hold on to? What's in it for them??? (I want to know this answer.. I will find it, one of these days!)

Sigh.. China, China, China. They also ruined one of my favorite things: The Olympics. I have to give it to them though, they had a really awesome Opening and Closing Ceremony in Beijing, it was awesome. Nevertheless, what was up with them cheating when it came to ages I mean, did you see those gymnasts? There was no way that some of those girls were any older than 12. And I could go off about why didn't the IOC find anything in their research, and blah blah blah, but I won't. And i won't go into how there were also rumors about the divers' ages too. I really just don't understand it. Why would you cheat? Especially when it was held on your home stage? Many Chinese viewed Beijing 2008 as a great way of welcoming the world to their land, to showing off the wonder of it. In many ways, I think they succeeded. I still want to walk on the Great Wall, and I still really love Disney's Mulan. I just don't understand how they can be so ruthless. What happened to honor?

To rap up my very long ramblings (OOPS! Sorry!) I would like to say just one more thing. Lin Hao, the very awesome little boy that walked with Yao Ming during the Opening Ceremony in Beijing. He was a little hero during the Sichuan Earthquakes, I think that what he did was very heroic, and very awesome, and perhaps, just maybe gives me a little hope for the future of China. Maybe it's not all bad, Right?

This is why... "Made in China" makes me nauseous.

Maybe I should read this book: A Year Without "Made in China": One Family's True Life Adventure in the Global Economy

Disclaimer: in no way do I blame the Chinese people. I have friends that are Chinese.. I just have some issues with their government. Which, I have issues with my own government as well.. so no need to feel bad.

For an interesting read also check out this article: China's year of tumult and triumph, from BBC News, published Dec 26th of this year.

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Importance of Internet

I really enjoy it when the Internet at my home works well. It has become a rare occurrence, that I am currently experiencing.. so although I have to run out the door in about 2 minutes I thought I would let all of you share in my excitement. 

More later.. I wrote a super long almost-essay about why I don't like China yesterday, just got to edit it and add my links and pictures and then we can all join in the fun of bash on China day. And probably Israel.. because well, they're bombing and killing people as we speak, and that's just not cool.

So, in a nutshell:

Internet: YAY!

China: BOOOO! yuckiness

Israel: Awesome history... double yuckiness for Politics and world issues

Happy New Year's Eve Eve!

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Merry Late Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa?

First, I would like to hope and wish that you all had a very good Christmas yesterday. I had a pretty good Holiday, I think as you get older it is a little less exciting. However, I always have tried very very hard to find "the perfect present" for everyone. I think that if you really KNOW someone you should be able to buy them something they will really enjoy. People say it is the thought that counts, but I think that also goes for the thinking that goes into buying the present counts too. I hate when people just buy everyone on their list the same gift card and call it good. Oh well. I need to tell myself it's the thought that counts, right? That's what you're all thinking I am sure. ;) 

On Christmas Eve, my brother, Tim and I just hung out at home all day while everyone else worked. We decided to go pick up Ashley at Macy's and take her to Lunch at Costa Vida. She was busy, so was unable to talk on the phone to us, so we parked and went inside. What I saw as we walked in, made me giggle. I wish I would have had my camera. There were VERY few females shopping, and the ones that were, were with men. I leaned down to my brother and said "Today is officially the One Guy Shopping Day of The Year." I can't believe how crazy that is! But at the same time, they always seem to give okay presents, so maybe it is us women that have it all wrong by stressing out about it for at least all of December. Hmmmm.

My favorite presents from Christmas are my Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt, and my Audrey Hepburn quote-stitched-on-the-front photo album. Love it. I have always wanted a Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt, but they were always so expensive, so I never got one. I did this year though. YAY! This makes me happy.. and we all know how much I love Audrey.

Moving on.. today is Boxing Day in many places across the world. Which, I think is a really cool tradition. I really do. I think it's neat that people recognize the work those in public service do, by honoring them the day after Christmas. I remember not knowing what it was when I was little, and seeing it on the Calendar. I think someone, probably my dad, had even told me that it was the day they watched boxing on TV in Canada. Haha. 

Today is also the beginning of Kwanzaa. Which, I really didn't understand what it is. I remember when I became aware that it was Kwanzaa, probably ten years ago now, but I've never fully researched it and felt like I knew what it was. SO today, I decided to do just that. 

I found this definition from Everything About Kwanzaa:  

Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more than18 million people worldwide, as reported by the New York Times. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr. Karenga included an additional "a" to the end of the spelling to reflect the difference between the African American celebration (kwanzaa) and the Motherland spelling (kwanza).

Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st.

The following principles are remembered and observed with the Kwanzaa candles, the Kinara.

• Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
  
• Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
  
• Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
  
• Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
  
• Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
  
• Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.<>(ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
  

This website, The Official Kwanzaa website also offers a lot of information.

I think it's neat that so many different cultures, beliefs and holidays are able to coexist in the United States. This was not always the case, and it is definitely not always possible around the world. However, I think we are very lucky to live in a land where we can celebrate what we want, and how we please. For example, Hanukkah started on Dec 21st, and ends on Dec 29th. I just think it's really cool to be able to coexist, and maybe we should learn something from December. We should all try just as hard to coexist and be harmonious throughout the year. Not just in December. Maybe this could be the universal New Years resolution. Because, who doesn't enjoy Adam Sandler's Hanukkah song?

I also really love learning about Christmas Around The World, check it out if you want. 

Happy Holidays! 

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24 Things

I decided, that I am a list person. And, now that I have been 25 for one week, I have decided that 24 was a good year, and before I get too old 
and senile, I am going to write a list of things I accomplished when I was 24. 

So here we go.. 24 Things I did when I was 24 - in no particular order of course.

1. I started this AWESOME blog.
2. I then got addicted to writing this here blog.
3. I learned how to properly fold Macy's textiles - very important.
4. I got snowed on in JUNE. 
5. Became VERY obsessed with Barack Obama
6. I almost crashed on a plane while landing in Amsterdam, in The Netherlands.
7. I moved back in with the parentals - and started sharing a room with my sister!
8. I saw LOTS of aminals at Yellowstone.
9. I got hit on by a German-Italian waiter in Berlin - who then gave us free Fanta.
10. Got mocked by a Turkish-German man in Potsdam - who then gave me a free Döner.
11. Planned to move out of the country.. 
12. Then fled from a Crazy Germany family - on a train - by myself.
13. Realized how much I truly need people to remain sane.
14. Especially my sister, Ashley and my brother, Timmy-kins.
15. I was involved in planning a huge literary event.
16. I dressed as my true self for Halloween - A HIPPY!
17. Volunteered at a big fancy Charity Gala - where I was in the room as they wrote checks for millions and millions of dollars!
18. Voted for David Cook at least a thousand times. Yahoo!
19. Was BITTEN by the Twilight Saga
20. And was then pissed off and disappointed by Breaking Dawn.
    
21. I visited Lagoon three times
22. Listened to former-President George H.W. Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel speak at the re-dedication of the U.S. embassy in Berlin - on July 4, 2008.
23. Worked a long 15 hour day at a poll center on Election Day.
24. Plugged along in school - even when I wanted to strangle my Grant Writing professor.

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The Game of LIFE

I should probably just save time and repost my ramblings about needing an awesome job, in a perfect world, that I wrote when I got home from my German "fiasco." Because, those fabulous job wishes still stand. However, now it's more like I am making money at Macy's, while I look for something better, so that's an improvement. And, I AM working with UHC, making some extra money there so that is good as well. It just sucks that both jobs will run out. ARGH. So I am again almost at the beginning of a new school semester and I don't know which classes to take because I don't know where I will be working. Man oh man, Life is a crazy game.

Speaking of school.. there is one Sociology class that I can take. It is one of those special topics ones that always changes. It is a study in Thanatology. Which, is basically the study of death and dying - and different society's beliefs about death, the afterlife, and different rituals. I think it sounds kinda cool. BUT perhaps I should ask though. Do YOU think it sounds cool? Because, I thought my Grant Writing class from Hell sounded pretty awesome when I signed up for it in August. So any thoughts? I don't really want to make that mistake again.

Today, at Macy's, I worked in Mens. Instead of RAMP. It was SO MUCH better!! I think I am going to ask tomorrow about who to tell if I'd like to stay on permanently after seasonal is over, and if I could.. and all of that. I really like the Manager and the Associates in Men's. MMM~Hmmm. Even if I did see some people today that I was like AH! must run away from. I'm rude like that.

I also applied for a little Nanny job part-time, that's in American Fork. I sure hope I get it. It'd be one 3 month old baby, just 4 or 5 days a week, for 4 hours or so. My life would be so "put together" if I could do this Nanny thing, Macy's permanently part-time, and be able to go to school and take all the classes I need. <~ Crossing Fingers ~>
HMMM.. Maybe I should ask Santa...

AFTERTHOUGHT: Sigh, I also need to find a new cool awesome, resume-building Volunteer experience too. If anyone knows of anything super neat.. please, oh, please let me know. I don't have a lot of time to organize all of this into a meaningful meaningfulness.

5 days to Christmas! And not enough shopping done. But that can wait for another day of wishes and hopes. haha.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Related post: The necessary evil of a job, from July 2008.

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SERIOUSLY?

18 months ago, UNAMID peacekeeping forces were approved for Darfur. I remember being excited, relieved, thinking that at least it was a step in the right direction.. We were on our way to a solution. Well, 18 months later, we find out it hasn't really worked out, and it hasn't even gotten the full attention that it should have gotten. Yesterday, a report came out that says only 54% of the mission has been deployed. I'm not really sure what they are waiting for, but WOW I am pissed off, and I am amazed. I don't really understand.. And the worst part is that isn't the last of the bad news. Now reports are coming out, from the Darfur Consortium,  saying that THOUSANDS of people have been captured and forced to be sex slaves and slave workers by the Sudanese government, and Janjaweed militias. See this article on BBC for more information: Thousands made slaves in Darfur . Up to 300,000 people have died since conflict began in Darfur in 2003 and at least 2.7 million people have fled their homes. 

And one more article.. I really should make a post of the list of reasons I hate China. This article would definitely be included.China "deaf"& "blind" to human rights in Darfur - Osman this man, Salih Mahmoud Osman, is awesome.. Here's a little background information:

Salih Mahmoud Osman, a Sudanese human rights lawyer working in the Darfur region of Sudan, has been awarded the 2007 Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought. MEPs from across the political spectrum voted to honour Mr Salih for his work in trying to bring justice to the victims of civil war in the troubled region. Accepting the prize on Tuesday 11 December in Parliament's Chamber in Strasbourg, Mr Salih called for Europe and the international community not to abandon the people of Darfur.

Ich.. But on a better note.. I really like the following Christmas song by Anne Murray. I tried to find it on Youtube, but couldn't. So here are the lyrics: 

Three Wishes

If I had my way this Christmas

If all I would wish could be

Of all the great wishes

In a wonderful world

I'd only ask for three.

And if I could have three wishes

And if my first wish came true

There'd be peace on earth

Good will among men

And love in all that we do.

Can you imagine a world like that

What a wonderful world it would be

And then I would wish

It could go on forever

For people like you and me.

If I had my way this Christmas

And if the two others came true

My third wish would be

For now and forever

To share all my wishes with you.

My third wish would be

For now and forever

To share all my wishes with you...

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ABC.. Easy as 1-2-3

Amanda tagged me and it looked like fun. I like pictures - probably due to my photographic memory so I thought hey, this one looks like fun. And away we go...

A--Attached or Single: Single

B--Best Friend: My sister Ashley

C--Cake or Pie: Cheesecake

YUM Cheesecake Factory, Tuxedo Chocolate!

D--Day of Choice: Saturday

I love Saturdays

E--Essential Item: my contacts - without them I'm BLIND!


F--Favorite Color: Red


G--Greatest Accomplishment: Well, it's not exactly an accomplishment to others, but it is to me: that I am still going to school even when I feel like there have been ten million speed bumps to stop me.



H--Hometown: Sandy, UtaR










I--Indulgences: Cafe Rio / Costa Vida Chicken Salad.. YUM




J--January or July: July



K--Kids: I LOVE them, but don't have any, yet. Their laughs are the BEST

L--Life is incomplete without: Friends

M--Marriage Date: Nada

N--Number of Siblings: 2

O--Oranges or Apples: Definitely oranges


P--Phobias or fears: Failure


Q--Quotes: My favorite song is IMAGINE by John Lennon

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

R--Reason to Smile: It's almost Christmas!

S--Season: Fall



T--Tag 5 Friends: Ashley, Lauren, Kim, Carmen, Lina, Alisha



Ashley


Lauren



Carmen , Kim & Lina


Alisha

U--Unknown facts about me: I love to color in coloring books. MM~hmmm


V--Very favorite store: World Market

W--Worst habit: Too many opinions fly out of my mouth before I have the chance to think



X--X-ray or Ultra Sound: Eh.. neither?

Y--Your favorite food: Salads.. HOMEMADE Salsa.. Chicken Enchiladas


Z--Zodiac: Sagittarius

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Twenty five, Vingt-cinq, Veinte cinco, Zwanzig fünf

Today, is my Birthday. Yahoo. I am 25 years old and it feels really strange. I don't feel like I am 25.. I don't feel like it's been SEVEN years since I turned 18 and became an adult. Eek. But at the same time, I see people that are 17 and 18 years old and I'm like "awe, they're such cute little naive kids" so I guess that means something. Right?

I think part of the problem with not feeling 25 is that I work in retail right now, and still haven't finished my Bachelor's. Life is funny like that, when I was 18 I would have been offended if anyone would have suggested that I wouldn't have it all done by now. However, I thought I was going to be a Nurse too, and that sure didn't work out. I'm not a fan of bodily functions, adult diapers, or death.

The other problem.. is probably that no one believes I am 25. Which, everyone says is a good thing, yaddah yaddah. But it's kind of annoying! I don't want you to think I'm 30, but when I get mistaken for 19 or 20, that offends me. So I'm 25 okay?! A lady at work the other day was telling me how her son is 17, and I "would really like him" I was like neat? And then I realised what she meant, so I was like "waiiit a second, how old do you think I am?" eek. She thought I was 20. I did have my glasses on though, and my eyes were retarded that day (hence the glasses I hate), so not a lot of eye makeup either.. so that was my Rationalization. But still. Makes me really want to go buy some "older looking" glasses. Whatever that means. Maybe I should buy some cat eyes.

So, since it's my birthday, I thought I'd look up my Personality Profile for what someone born on December 16 is supposed to act like. Well.. here it is. I got two versions because the one seemed so negative. Even if a lot of it is true, I needed positive too. Here is the positive one, from the New York Post.

December 16, 2008

A Mars-Neptune aspect on your birthday this year will fire your imagination and encourage you to express your artistic side. You don't have an artistic side? Oh yes you do, and it's time you did something with it. Aim to be extraordinary - always.

and the not as happy one, from this website:

A December 16 Sagittarius is extraordinary. They have a disciplined nature and can live on little, as long as they can express their inner fire. Blessed with an artistic temperament, they understand that success equals creative accomplishment, not money. They have much wisdom.

Sagittarius Information for December 16You should embrace: Impartiality, organization, social skills You should avoid: Destructive habits, poor judgment, ruthlessness

Friends and Lovers
It's not easy to be a friend to December 16 people. They have a habit of pushing people away, especially when they need help most. They refuse to accept the code of conventional behavior -- few people are as true to their own nature. They have an intense love nature and may prefer abstinence if no one special is in their lives. I think I am a pretty good friend, most of the time. :(

Children and Family

As children, these people never felt they fit in and may have developed a bad self-image. Later, they draw strength from their uniqueness. Because they don't want their children to experience the same difficulties, they can be strict and rule-conscious. I don't think this is true..

Health
December 16 people are not particularly concerned with health. They're even more stubborn if they have a health condition! They don't care to be told how to behave, even by a doctor. When they do exercise, it's usually done for emotional rather than physical reasons.

Career and Finances
December 16 men and women are usually drawn toward creative enterprises, though they may work at their talent for years while making a living at a job that means nothing but a paycheck. They have the good sense not to believe that money equals success.

Dreams and Goals
People born on this day live in a world of their making. They are not preoccupied with goals; they listen to their intuition rather than to conventional wisdom. They have high expectations for their talent yet let it develop at its own pace.

So there we have it people. A little something about me.. that I wasn't aware of. Haha. I was actually really into the whole Astrology once-upon-a-time, like Sophomore year of high school. Just ask Jihyei, she bought me one of those every day Calendars for my birthday that year. One of the coolest things about my Birthday is one of my favorite authors and I share the same Birthday. It must be fate or something. Eh? Jane Austen was born December 16, 1775. I love her Pride and Prejudice.. and Sense and Sensibility. Maybe that's what I should watch today, to celebrate our shared Birthday, instead of studying for my final. Finals shouldn't be anywhere near Birthdays. Yuck!!

A person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.

~ Jane Austen

So, today my "Teaser Tuesday" will be about Pride and Prejudice. My favorite part of the book is when Elizabeth's father says,

"An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. --Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never you again if you do."

It's from Chapter twenty, and I really like it. It shows how Elizabeth's father 'gets her' and her mother is all about money. And that's just annoying! AND the actor that plays Mr. Collins on ANY version of Pride and Prejudice is so ugly, and greasy.. yuck. That doesn't do anything for him. Maybe if he was cuter, it'd be a different story.. but really Mr. Darcy wins. Wahoo.

Happy Birthday to me.

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Pizza, Starbucks, Good Friends and Christmas Lights

This month, my "library friends" and I kept trying to plan a time to do our traditional let's go out to eat somewhere and say Merry Christmas! to each other. However, with crazy scheduling conflicts and issues we weren't all able to get together. BUT, tonight Kim, Heather and I got together at Gateway and it was really fun. First we fed our faces at California Pizza Kitchen (which, I always try to call "California Pizza CHICKEN" who knows why!). I had the Roasted Chicken PIzza. YUMMIE! I always forget how much I like that place until I eat it, and then I'm like duh! I need to come here more often!!

After our Pizza, we braved the cold to go see the Christmas lights and the big blue Christmas tree at Gateway. It was fun. I really like getting together with Kim & Heather. They always make me laugh. We were frozen after walking around so we stopped inside Starbucks for Peppermint Hot Chocolate. There was a long line, everyone was frozen just like us, but it was well worth the wait. I only like hot chocolate when I'm FREEEEEZING and today's annoying snow storm definitely fit the bill.

On our way back to our cars we saw Santa's Elves! Crazy people.. they're everywhere!

To see pics of the elves and the rest of my pics from tonight click here to see my Facebook album.

15 days to Christmas!

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Success

"Success is a consequence, and must not be a goal"
~ Gustave Flaubert
(them German Intellectuals.. some of them really are smart)

Things I have accomplished lately.. Success!

• I just succeeded in finishing my Final for my Grant Writing class. I'm going to try and succeed in either selling, or burning that book. Hell yes am I glad it's OVER! Success!
• I succeeded in getting a job within 8 days of finishing my temporary internship at UHC, and that 8 day count is including a Holiday weekend. Do I love it? No. Will it pay the bills while I look for something else? Yes. Success!
• I succeeded in seeing the Temple Square lights this week, like I wanted to. Except that I didn't get to see all of them.. because I had to go take my silly final instead. Maybe on Saturday.. I'm excited to see Kim & Heather.
• And, I have succeeded in really liking to write. Which, really can be seen as a success, an accomplishment, because by golly, in Elementary and Middle School I really hated it, and in High School and the first few years of College.. I could do it. But it wasn't something I enjoyed. And now.. on this 110th post on my dear blog friend, I really do love it. Success!

And then there are things that I need to work on..

Like getting a job, for after Macy's. And it'd be nice if it was one that, ya know, got me some insurance and benefits, things like that. Don't get me wrong, Macy's has been an adventure all its own. I had forgotten how Retail is (or maybe pushed it out of my memory?). How it's very.. interesting. The people are interesting, in their own weird ways. Some people on drugs.. others are never on time.. and always late.. it's just an odd place. That's all. But my, oh my, did I feel very proud of my wall of Docker's last night and my row of twin-set 11 inch pans today. I like to make things pretty. haha.

And a political note or two..

First and foremost, WTF Illinois? Another Governor being arrested for CORRUPTION? Enough said. Second, Yay! I hope that Caroline Kennedy really is chosen to be the next Junior Senator for New York State. Being placed in Hillary Clinton's now vacant seat would be so very awesome.

Third, Yahoo for Al Gore. I love that man. I think he really might be the solution to truly going green and at least stopping global warming. I'm so happy that him and President-elect Obama are collaborating on such an important issue.

And fourth.. MUGABE NEEDS TO GET THE HELL OUT OF ZIMBABWE! Between one half and two-thirds of Zimbabwe's population is now suffering from Cholera. When does this stop? Where does it end? I hate Mugabe.. he is one of those people that I'm always thinking I need to get a voodoo doll of. Maybe that's what I will write about next. Who should be on my voodoo doll list. haha. To learn more about what is making me so mad you can visit the following articles. One of them tells about the cholera.. another discusses President Bush's call for Mugabe to step down. Now, we all know I have problems with George Jr., but even he's seeing the light with Zimbabwe in crisis.

• Cholera ravages population weak with hunger in Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe
• Bush Says It is Time for Mugabe to Step Down
• WHO: 60,000 at risk of cholera in Zimbabwe

Maybe everyone should say a little prayer for the people of Zimbabwe, I know it really just makes me sad.

Oh.. and one more thing:

HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY HEATHER!

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Thanksgiving Weekend Pictures

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Rambles for December 4

Today has been an interesting day, of stomach cramps and wanting to hurl.. or maybe just pass out. BUT one good thing happened today, and that is what I will give you more details on. <~wink, wink~> (Not that in reality I can actually wink.. maybe that's why I like to pretend to in blog posts). Anyway, I got a job! It's seasonal. It's at Macy's. And it's in "Recovery" which basically means I get to clean up after all you people that don't put your clothes back where you got them. But that's okay. It's a job and it's what I needed. Now I can breathe, while I work there, make a little money and continue to look for something more permanent.

Because... I really want the job I interviewed for yesterday. It would be as a Receptionist / Office Manager at a property management place. Doesn't sound too exciting, I know. But it's $10 an hour, and I would work Mon~Fri from 9 am - 4 pm, AND the best part is I would get benefits.. like free insurance but also Hilton AND Marriott hotel Employee benefits! That'd be awesome. So, everyone cross your fingers that he will call me tomorrow. Please, please, please.

Tim had to do a book report this month on a Newberry Medal award winner. There were lots of books to choose from, but he decided on A Wrinkle in Time. We decided that Ashley, Tim & I would all read it together. It was fun. Tim is a really good reader, and really gets caught up in the stories when he reads. I think that he would sometimes just rather do other things: like sports! But who can really be too suprised, Sports is basically all that kid thinks about. ;) haha. Anyway, we just finished and it was a really good book. The beginning was kind of boring for me, the author Madeline L'Engle is really descriptive, and sometimes I think that can get annoying. I'm not the most patient person, just get to the meat of the story! One of my favorite quotes from the book is: "But you see, Meg, just because we don't understand doesn't mean that the explanation doesn't exist" (p. 46). This is from Meg's mother, in answer to Meg's question about whether things always have an explanation. I thought this was interesting, and OH so true.

Gee whiz, maybe I should have been an English major..

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This is My December..

Today, is World AIDS Day. It is the 20th Annual World AIDS Day, and fortunately, we are getting very close to a solution to the problem.. bringing more and more awareness and light to this cruel disease of HIV-AIDS. I think it's sad some of the stories you hear, about children, and adults alike, being ridiculed and prejudiced against because they have this disease. I hope that this can stop, and even more than that I hope that we won't have to celebrate the "40th Annual World AIDS Day" because there no longer will be AIDS. There is one thing I like about President Bush, I love his PEPFAR Initiative. It's really helped Africa, I wish that it could help more.. and further..I think the saddest part is that around the world, 2.7 million people were infected with HIV in 2007 alone, and there is a staggering 33 million people around the world living with HIV. 33 MILLION! That doesn't have to happen. Now that we know the causes, we know the risks, and we know how to slow down the process of the disease. Visit the World AIDS Campaign website here for more information.

In other happier thoughts, I love that it's December 1st. It doesn't feel like it. It hasn't really snowed much in Salt Lake, which is both good and bad. I HATE being cold! And I HATE the snow.. BRRRR! But I do love December for other reasons. Like, of course Christmas music, Christmas lights, Christmas Shopping and the cheesy Christmas movies on TV. I really like the classics, the Santa Claus is Comin' To Town movie with Frank Sinatra narrating, and Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer with it's old school graphics. And who doesn't like a little It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street? But I think I have to say one of my very favorite parts about Christmas and December is the food. Thanksgiving's great in its own right, but it doesn't compare to Christmas. I love making sugar cookies, and the smell of Gingerbread, or yummy buttery rolls. That's the best. Speaking of which, this is what I want for Christmas:

The Cookie Master Plus

You get 12 metal discs in different fun shapes, accent tips for decorating and filling the cookies and recipe booklets! I want it! I want it! I saw it at Joann's Crafts, but I also just found it on this website. <~ hint~hint~>

In other Babble of the day.. I'm a big babbler, I have so many thoughts! haha. To sum 'em up:

• Israel sucks: I don't understand why they can't just let the food get into Gaza, I'm not sure I care if they can't get along, but everyone deserves to eat!! AND the part that bothers me more is that NO ONE is saying anything about it. Like it's OK for Israel to just decide that. I'm sure someone would have something to say if President Bush all of a sudden decided to cut off all of California to any food or supplies.


• YAY for Obama's National Security Cabinet!! I am most excited about Hillary Clinton, for sure. But I am excited that they are all part of such a "muscular" team, as Candy Crowley on CNN put it this morning. They all know what they're doing, they're all opinionated and smart enough, where the cabinet will be full of many ideas and various opinions, and I love that. I think that will make it work the best!! Seriously.


• Mumbai.. was awful. I'm very sad about it. :( and a little nervous. I don't really understand all of the facts, I don't think anyone does quite yet. I just heard that the Taj Hotel had already been aware that an attack might be imminent.. and that they were trying to put up more security. But I also heard that they were trying to kill at least 5,000 people. So I guess in a way, we can be grateful that that didn't happen. EEEK!


• And last but not least.. I just have a pet peeve that I am going to keep short and sweet and not rattle on about. But, if you say you're going to do something.. DO IT. I am SICK of flaky people!!

This is My December.. <~ insert Linkin Park lyrics ~>

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