The "KONY2012" Virus...

Okay, it's not a virus, it's a viral video... but "everyone" has seen it now and are all twitterpated about it, so to me, they've got a "virus".

Last night Jeff asked if I had seen the new "viral" video KONY 2012 or as it was hashtagged on Twitter #StopKony.

I hadn't.  So he asked if I was at a stopping point with whatever it was I was doing in the office and brought in his laptop to have me watch.  He said I would probably cry.  (I'm one of those that might tear up to a really good Hallmark commercial.)

So I watched it and I was touched through much of it.  I thought it was really well put together, neat effects, name dropping, etc... but something started nagging at me just over halfway through it...  What was bothering me?

I wasn't sure then but as soon as they read the letter signed by President Obama, that they flashed up in their video - that was my first "A-ha!!"  Political.  Genius.  

Then, when they skirted over the issue that Joseph Kony is no longer in Uganda (do your research, you'll find it) and introduced us to their "Action Kits", bracelets and posters (they've also got a plethora of t-shirts on their site) - I realized that this is this organizations way to make money for something they are passionate about.  There's no crime in that.  BUT I'm not sure I like how they went about it - I mean, when I take my dog to the vet, if they say something is wrong with my pup - well I'm going to pay for them to "fix" my dog... and the vet knows that.  I love my animals.  My family.  My kids.  I would pay to "fix" things so that they are happy, well, healthy.

This organization knew that if they made this video and made it well - which they did, that it would tear at our collective heartstrings and this would take off.  More reading suggests that some of the money they receive as donations, goes directly to the Uganda government - which may or may  not be using those funds to help the children.  Many suggest - not.

So I didn't cry.  And when I started to explain that something wasn't setting with me right, Jeff was disgusted.  And then Zach came upstairs and when Jeff asked him if he'd watched the video, Zach said he'd seen it and sort of shrugged.  This got Jeff in a dither and he asked Zach why "shrug?"  Zach said he'd heard that the company did things with their money that doesn't follow suit with this new video.  The Dad then asked "Who told you that?" and Zach responded - "I researched it."  Because like me, that one, he was skeptical.

Okay - so they did what they set out to do - they've got the attention of everyone, everywhere and likely people buying their "kits".  I wonder though, if one Tweeter got it right, in that in 6 days, this will all die down again and have run it's course.  I think so.  But they will have accomplished something... for sure.

I liked the Obama "plug" because - I'll vote for Obama.  

I'd like to know how - if Jakob - was recruited into the LRA, as the film suggests -  got out of the LRA?  Who was supporting him, helping him and how is it he affords to get to the US for speeches and rallies?  

I appreciate their passion for their cause - their life passion.  But, like Jeff and I have said before - What about our cause?  What about the kids living here in the US with no food, health insurance, homes to live in, safe environments to be a kid?  It's different yes... but then, there's no Joseph Kony in Uganda right now and hasn't been for several years... so, what's the money really going for now?  

Food for thought.


Edited 6:35p
Oh... here's someone much more educated on the topic:  It's a worthwhile read.

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1632821/Blog-Kony-2012-Hype-over-substance

What do Eggs & Ice Cream Have In Common?

Uhhh... Nothing.  Other than I've never really liked either of them.

Okay, I have to be honest here.  I actually DO like eggs.  In cookie dough.  But eating eggs - scrambled, hard boiled, poached, fried... just has never been for me.  I liked deviled eggs as a kid and might have one if it's the only thing offered at a gathering - but mostly... "No thank you" to eggs.

And then along came an article - just after "the manager guy" at the club was telling me nearly verbatim what his wife did when she got close to my age and "weight, stomach... <whine whine whine> ...no matter what I do..." just like I've been doing for a while now - that after she worked out, she would go home in the morning and have 2 eggs and 2 pieces of bacon.  And she started losing weight.

Hmmmm... Eggs huh?  <sigh>  I knew bacon wasn't going to be in the cards during the week because we get home and it's a race to get ready for work and bacon takes longer to make.  So... The Dad scared up some eggs for us - though I changed up my plan from "Club Man's" plan and just have one.  And you know what?  Since I've started the egg thing, combined with the foam roller ab stuff - I've lost nearly 8 pounds!  So that's something... Eggsactly!

Now the other thing I don't love - unless it's hot outside, is ice cream.  I'm always cold and in fact, right now, I can barely feel my fingers.  I freaking HATE the cold!  Hate it... and the hate manifests itself to hate EVERYTHING that's cold.  I can't tell you how much I HATE being cold.  And ice cream makes me cold.  And ice cream IS cold!

But the other day - we were walking through Rosauers and guess what?  First off -  I went shopping and it was one of the "bigger" shopping trips.  It was that decent day about 10 days ago and I left the house with my north face vest on.  I realized that that was stupid as I was heading in to Rosauers since it's always so cold in there.  But an amazing thing happened!  While I was walking down the crackers/snacks aisle I began to warm up. And as I turned the corner onto the ice cream aisle - I was freakin' HOT!  It wasn't because they had turned on the heaters... no... just an unsuspecting hot flash!  Right there... right by the ice cream.  So I did what I do when I go to the store hungry and bought the food closest to me... which happened to be ice cream. 2 gallons of ice cream.  I texted Zachy to see what flavor he liked so that I could make it more about him than me...  <shrug>.

Fast forward 8 days later - when amazingly I remember the ice cream in the freezer!  That day I bought the ice cream, was the same day I hunted and found "Black Cohosh" (derived from a root) to take to help  ease the hot flashes.  And it's amazing!!!  I have VERY few hot flashes thanks to the black cohosh!  I realized while looking for it at three different supplements stores that there are a LOT of people taking black cohosh.  In fact, my plan is to go and pick up a few bottles a week for a few weeks so I don't run out and have to wait for it since every other woman in Spokane is snatching these off the shelves!

Needless to say - the ice cream sat there, all alone in the freezer, with no one remembering it.  Until we did!  So even though I haven't been having hot flashes, I have found that a nice warm blanket, on a nice warm spot on the leather couch, allows one to "feel" rather warm, therefore faking me into believing I need ice cream.  But the whole ice cream thing leaves me feeling guilty towards the eggs!  I mean... there's a reason I'm eating the eggs!

So I ran further the last two mornings, ate my wheat toast and orange for lunch and have thus far, not hurt myself with the ice cream.  But going to the store hungry is not good and apparently now... going to the store with the potential for hot flashes, also not ideal.

There's only one thing a woman can do in these circumstances!  Make The Dad do it!

And I will.  It's the best thing for everyone involved.  Just so long as he buys the exact brands that I write down for him to buy.  <sigh>

March 6, 2012

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Oh No! Not the B.S.N.'s!!!

When we went to the mall yesterday - I didn't go into my quick trip into the changing room to try on a new bathing suit for the upcoming trip.  I really liked the suit.  Until I put it on.  I've lost weight since last year and I certainly didn't hate my appearance.  At least not as much as last year...  but close.  The ab workouts I started doing close to a month ago have actually made a difference and Lisa said she will send me variations... so there's that.  But...  <just ugh!>  

I wasn't completely scarred by my appearance in the suit - at least I didn't think so.  Until I remember my dream from last night.  I nearly cancelled the trip when I woke up.  It's started!   The B.S.N.'s - Bathing Suit Nightmares.  Last year - I was so so so discouraged with all of the hormonal stuff and weight gain prior to the trip - I tried on a gazillion suits and finally just went blind and ordered a great one from a magazine.  But...  it was great for "fat" me.  Fortunately after that trip my ovary stuff was figured out and now I'm nearly back down to comfortable me.  And honestly... my stomach is flatter than I think it's ever been (Thank you LISA!!!)  But damnit if I didn't inherit "jello-legs".  I run 5 times a week, I'm not overweight, I lift weights... but I have jello-y thigns.  So the suits I tried on - what really was the worst - was looking at my thighs.  

So that starts off a Monday.  Not good.

#7's passport arrived in the mail.  That's good...  but his hair is longer than mine and he has great thighs.  Not fair.

I can't imagine what that thought is going to do to my dreams tonight.  <sigh>

Hey - if you're looking for a really good alternative to situps... check out Lisa's video below!  

VIDEO: Work Out for Abs

Tic Toc... Tik Tok... Tick Tock...Tick Tok...

So many variations of how to spell it... I don't even have a favorite.

Today, tonight and tomorrow we get a little "introduction" if you will, of living in an "empty nest" as Zach and his class are off to the State Capital tomorrow for a visit with the Senator and attend a session in the Senate Chambers.  As a funny aside here - this is not Zach's first time to the Capital... and he was quick to point out to his teacher and classmates that he's more than happy to show them around and maybe text his pal, Secretary of State - Sam Reed (??? this was 6 years ago folks!) - whom he met 6 years ago when he won the Letters for Literature writing contest.  He was on posters delivered to schools across the state... and when the boys all fight about who is a better writer  (they all take after their mum as far as writing goes) - Zach lets them boast and brag and then pipes in with his trip to the State Capital and "Major WRITING Award".  (Which is really a lot like the fra-geel-eh lamp in "The Christmas Story".)

http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/lal/gallery.aspx

So The Dad and I went to the club this morning - check that.  The Dad left before me to play raquetball and I stayed home to organize the office, work on a spreadsheet, file, pay bills and THEN went to work out.  At Starbucks after working out he asked what I wanted to do today...

WOTY - "Wash Zach's sheets while he's gone, vacuum the stairs, finish the office, make the bed in the guest room up and get Ryan's room done... because he'll be home this week and Suzanne will come with him and...

GAGGY - <rolling eyes>  <immediately slumps forward in chair and starts pouting>

WOTY - "What?"

GAGGY - "Zach's gone and we don't have to worry about meals or doing stuff like that."

WOTY - (Thinking to herself... "Right.  YOU don't have to worry about stuff like that")

GAGGY - ...continues "So I thought we'd go and play today."

WOTY - "Well, I don't intend to come home at lunch every day and clean and race to get it all done and then do more when I get home from work - at least not more than I already do.  But if you'd like an extremely bitchy wife each and every single night of this week, then by all means... let's 'go play'".

GAGGY - <pouting>  "Well, I wish we would have done this YESterday."

WOTY - "Well...  WE could have.  WE (pointing to myself) don't always have to be the one to START the chores."

GAGGY - <rolling eyes>

Can I just tell you how much this makes me look forward to "empty nest" time?

As it is - we got home, I finished my organizing in the office, started Zach's sheets, ran to the store for packaging materials, and he managed to get the little list of chores done that I approved he could do.  With about 18 breaks to stand at the wall and watch golf in between them and even DURING them.   So you know the next time I give him that list he's going to roll his eyes and pout - thinking to himself that LAST TIME it took him 4 hours to get his list done.  Which would be true. BUT, had he left the TV off - it would have taken him 47 minutes.  A combative 22 year old, 19 year old and 18 year old are easier to take than that.

After Tiger almost won - we left to run to get Zach's watch fixed, get The Dad a new wallet and me an eyeliner.  We went to "Precision Time" out at the Spokane Valley Mall - a place that had only weeks ago replaced the battery in my watch.  We walked up - waited as the young man was working on another gentlemans' watch and when he got to a point where he could acknowledge us he asked if we were just needing a battery... I explained that no, my sons uber nice watch lost a link as he was standing in class (uh huh...) and I have a link, yada yada yada.  He looked at it, pulled out the link, the pin, put those on and then asked if I had the other pin.  "Uhhh noooo..." He shrugs it off, opens a little drawer and pulls out one pin, tries to put it in, doesn't go.  Pulls it out and then gets in his little box again, another pin... taps it in.  Wha lah!  He hands the watch back and says thanks for coming by.  Good wife that I am, wanting to freely spend The Dads money, I look at him and say "Well, what do I owe you?"  He says "Nothin'".  

WOTY - "Nothing?  No.  I'll pay you."

GAGGY - <kneeing me in the side>

KID - "Really, it's fine.

WOTY - "You sure?"

KID - "Yah, no problem."

I realize it took him no time and one little pin that would have cost us a dime and he could have charged us $18 for it... but no one does that anymore.  Tell me the last time someone provided you a service (especially in a mall) for free. 

So everyone... "watch" issues - take your business to "Precision Time".  We've had quick, friendly experiences both "times".

Overheard At Clinkerdaggers Last Night

We went to Clinks' for our 21st anniversary.  We sat at the same table we sat at the last two years and we enjoyed the "usual" dinner that we order when we go there.  Two things:  1) We don't go there enough.  2) We should really try something different.  Not that our food was bad - if wasn't.  Until around midnight when all of its amazing flavor and "richness" decided to settle in.  

It appeared as though there were several celebrations going on - birthdays & anniversaries.  Many tables with the celebratory "Congratulations" cards and little curls of ribbon about the table.  While we chatted about work, the boys, spring, summer, there was a conversation going on nearby about age differences in couples.  I should preface this with - we all noticed this old woman (I would like to say "older" to suggest she was just older than us, but no... she was OLD.  She had brown hair, which is lucky for her she got good genes <wink wink> ...but she was "old" and nothing was more telling than the point when we saw her teeth start to come out and she quickly [which is a nice feature if you're old] caught them as they were coming out and semi-discreetly pushed them back into place.) and a man come in to sit at the table next to us.  We conversed briefly about whether it was her son or husband and I went with "son".  So there's that.

So back to the conversation about age differences in couples.  The mans' comment was:  "Would you date someone 10 years older than you?"  And the following was the general conversation:

Woman: Ummm well, yah, I mean maybe...

Man: I just don't think I could.

Woman:  Ya... hmmmm.  I don't know.

Man:  No.  Not me.

Woman:  Well, my dad is 10 years older than my step-mom...

Man: I know.

Woman:  And my mom is 7 years older than my step-dad...

Man:  I know...  that's them.  But could you sleep with a 52 year old man?

Woman:  Well, if his name is George Clooney, then yes.  Yes I could.

Man:  Well if you put it that way... then I would go with Sandra Bullock.

Woman:  Sandra is NOT 10 years older than you.  She's my age.  That doesn't count.

Man:  Then I'd probably have to go with the Oscar winner.  

Woman:  Octavia?

Man:  No... no... the other one.

Woman:  <cackle!!!>  You mean - Meryl Streep?

Man:  Yah.  She's hot.

Woman:  She IS for her age.  But now you've gone over the 10 year mark by an additional 10 years.  

Let it be  known I did my research today - and George Clooney is not 52.  He will be 51 on May 6th. (Close enough)  AND... ironically, Meryl Streep - shares a birthday with my mom.  June 22nd.  Just not the same year.  Ballpark area though.

I like the womans' choice for an older man though.

Oh wait.  That WAS us!  Our anniversary dinner consisted of - essentially - a round of "Who Would You Do?"  

Here's to 21 one more years.  I might have to keep track of this list to see how the "selections" change as we get older.