A little piece of me died today . . .
What more can I say . . . All I can do now is pray . . .
Yes, I watched it (well most of it) – the inauguration . . .
Hard to swallow these feelings of consternation . . .
Just something I was thinking about . . .
Wow – I started my day by turning on the TV before I got out of bed, and then I saw it – Trump Is President-elect. I won’t lie to you, tears flowed. I was so depressed, it was hard to get out of my bed and go to work this morning. But, being as it’s a new job, I had to get up and face the day. AND that’s what you do – face adversity square in the face.
The least qualified person to ever run for president has won. What does that say about our country? The world now really seems so different, so upside down, so lost . . .
It was a hard day. Add that to the fact that my best friends’ mom is probably dying, and I was a hot mess, for sure. I had a teary morning at work, luckily by myself, and then I pulled it together.
Now, I just got home from a dinner of Mexican food and margaritas, to celebrate I don’t know what, maybe the beginning of the end, and I hear there are Trump anti-protests in several cities.
I have to admit, I blame the Democratic National Convention (DNC) for their misstep. Truth is, they cheated Bernie Sanders out of the nomination. They did everything they could to ensure he was not their nominee, even though Bernie WAS the predicted winner some time ago.
It was so bad, even I , who always thought I would relish a woman candidate for president in my lifetime, was stymied. It’s definitely been a tough bittersweet election cycle. Knowing Bernie got screwed made it hard to be loud and proud about our first modern female presidential candidate.
I hate to say it, but you get what you get. America wanted something new and different, and that’s what they got. The Democrats didn’t give them that option, but somehow the Republicans did. Being a praying person, all I can do is pray that God guides Trump to be the positive change America believes he is. That and wring my hands, just a little.
Oh and as an aside – I can’t wait to win so much that I get sick of winning and to become rich beyond my belief – we shall see (after the three and a half years I’ve been through) . . . but not holding my breath. (That was Trump’s promise!)
How are you feeling today? Sad, scared, hopeful?
Just something I was thinking about . . .
I know “the opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings.”
But, it’s looking like it might be bad, and I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. AND I never took anything for granted, as I saw the “jump on the Trump bandwagon” steamroll early on.
I’m not sure I can take anymore of this speculating, and I’m tired and thankfully I have a job to get up for early in the morning. But like a train wreck, I am just not sure I can turn away, shut the TV off, and actually go to sleep. (Though, my neck was really bothering me today, so I took a muscle relaxer not too long ago.)
Right now I am seeing Clinton with 209 electoral votes, and the “Don” with 228 of those votes. Winning involves garnering 270 electoral votes. Am I worried – you fucking betcha!!
I just don’t get it . . . 😦
They reported earlier that the Dow is expected to plunge tomorrow . . . so glad we pulled what little money we had left out of the market just in time!
I just heard the Canadian website crashed, due to all the Americans who now want to leave. The news pundits are comparing it to Brexit. OMG!!!
Are you watching the results come in? Your thoughts, feelings?
Just something I was thinking about . . .
I had to reblog this, as these are my thoughts exactly!! I have been that rebellious voter . . . and my preferred candidate is no longer in the race. But this year, I can’t take the chance with the future of this country, my grandchildren’s future, the world as I have known it.
Even if Hillary is not your candidate, she’s got to be the lesser of the two evils. If there was ever a time NOT to follow the road less traveled, exert your independence, and say “fuck you” to the establishment – THIS is that time . . .
Just something I was thinking about . . .
Third Party voters. You’re everywhere. You’re young, you’re old. You’re Independents, or you’re disillusioned Democrats and Republicans. There’s a lot of you this time around.
And it scares the hell out of me.
You might think I’m being dramatic. Or experiencing some longest election year ever hysteria.
But right now there is a racist, bigoted, nationalistic, white supremacist baiting, federal reserve illiterate, foreign and domestic policy ignorant, dangerous narcissist applying for the job of the most powerful person in the world.
And your protest vote could very well be the reason he gets the job.
I get it. You’re fed up. Frustrated. And you’re going to walk into that voting booth in November and vote your conscience.
But I don’t know if we can afford your conscience.
Your moral vote, your election day purity, your clean conscious, they are all luxuries we can’t afford in this election year. Not when…
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WOW – as expected, that was entertaining and frightening all at the same time! Just finished watching the first U.S. Presidential Debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. I wasn’t surprised when Trump began to unspool pretty quickly in. Clinton was able to bring out his “best side” with little provocation. He was rude, childish, vague, defensive, argumentative, and came off about as genuine as a slimy used car salesman. I don’t think he answered one question with a clear thoughtful response, instead meandering in various other directions. Presumptive expectations were met.
I followed Twitter during the debate this time – it fascinates me that so many people see and hear the same things, but interpret them so differently . . .
Personally I thought Hillary kicked the “Don’s” ass, for the most part.
For all the people that think Trump would be a great president because he is a great businessman, consider this:
He’s definitely good at keeping his head above water – but a smart and trusted business man – I don’t think so. Conniving and slick, I have no doubt, as he’s admitted to having conducted business this way. And he may not be a politician, but he’s probably the richest candidate (if you go by appearances) that’s ever run for president. Why don’t people see that he’s one of the worst of the 1%ers?
I will say that even if I liked him, and I don’t, I would never vote for someone who refuses to release their tax returns . . . that one action tells me he has much to hide, and/or that many of his lies will be revealed.
Looking forward to the next debate – I just hope those that need to be watching are.
Were you watching tonight? What did you think?
Just something I was thinking about . . .
Yeah, I know, it’s been a while since I have blogged in any way, shape or form – hope you all have been doing well & I plan to catch up with you soon ❤
My mother-in-law, who is 76, and her boyfriend are Trump supporters. When we talk about it, and I ask her why on earth she would even consider voting for him, she always says because this country has a lot of problems and change is needed, and that Hillary would be four more years like the last eight. In her opinion, nothing would change.
I’ve been unemployed for three years, and something needs to change soon – but that doesn’t mean I should kill myself, become a prostitute, or start ripping people off to elicit change. Change often needs to be thoughtful. This isn’t like taking a different route home from the grocery store.
I’ve got so much to say about change and the last eight years and other things, but for today . . . in the spirit of One-Liner Wednesday, I will keep it brief. Thanks Linda – lately I haven’t written much for various reasons, but I always think about this prompt you provide 🙂
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that our president gave an amazingly energizing, genuine, insightful, hopeful, and positive speech tonight. Unfortunately, those who needed to hear it the most probably weren’t listening.
OH – and Trump’s treasonous comment made at the news conference in Doral, Fla. More to come on that – I’d love to find a video that actually showed the faces in the audience as he made those comments. A picture of his kids slapping their foreheads at that moment that crap tumbled out of his mouth would be priceless! 🙂
More soon . . .
Just something I was thinking about . . .
Hello my Blog Buds! I hope you have all been doing well, here so close to the end of May. The end of May already – I am amazed how quickly this year has flown by. I had so many goals for this year, and so far, I am no where near meeting any of them! I’m working on that, though some days are better than others.
I have been busy, back hot and heavy on the job hunt. I am always looking, but sometimes take a break from the all out full-time job of searching. I have a couple of really good leads, with people who know me well pulling for me – so I am quite hopeful. But, I was in this position in March, and nothing came of it, as another friend who is 10 years younger received the offer. (The interview had gone well, I had much more experience in the role than she did, and agreed to the lower salary they mentioned right up front. The person leaving that position, due to a promotion, even recommended me for the job.) I AM NOT GIVING UP, even if I’m not counted!!!
Today I made pineapple marmalade for the first time. It tastes great, but hope it gels properly, as marmalade usually takes a little time to set up. Fixing to make some more apple butter, and some blueberry jam, in the next week or so. Then I will have enough to rent a space again – this time at one of the farmers markets, as we have many around my area. [YEAH, I know . . . Fixing to, you know I’m from the south, though I smiled at how incorrect it was when I typed it. 😉 ]
Oh Lordy, the upcoming election . . . I am truly absolutely shocked and amazed and confused and frightened and apprehensive, and I could go on and on and on. Let’s be honest, NONE of the candidates from the beginning were the best choices – BUT no one else stepped up. And the issues and possible solutions are endless. Also, I can genuinely understand where some of these people are coming from, the depth of their discontent and disparity. I even get their differences of opinion. I also realize the sense of greed and lust and power and control others approach these matters with. What a dichotomy . . .
The government and others in power and control of our lives have let us down often. It seems much of their time and effort is spent furthering their own agendas, not the American peoples’. In doing so, “the powers that be” have eroded this country’s greatness and ability to be the best by eroding the basic security and self-esteem of so many that have worked so hard for it. We don’t all want to be rich, but we would like to make enough to survive and have a little extra, and to know that in our elderly years we won’t be homeless, or dependent on others. You know be reasonably comfortable.
I do know the world is different than it was when I was growing up – often to survive or succeed you talked tough and made few compromises. Once you kicked ass a few times and proved you could hold your own, you had it made and no one messed with you anymore. BUT, the world is smaller now, and larger all at the same time. Mindsets and tactics have changed, and everything is faster. Information about almost anything you want to know is available and on overload. Balances are delicate – you can’t bulldog your way through the china shop. We have to change the way we approach some things for this country to prosper and out-maneuver, or we’ll die – our democracy as we know it.
At this point, I’m just waiting to see what happens when the game of “52 Pick-Up” is over, and the last card falls to the floor. I will vote, and we’ll see what shakes out . . .
[That’s not to say I won’t write any other political thoughts, because I might!]
I doubt my backyard owls will return this year. The city has been doing sewage upgrades in my neighborhood, and they have been quite busy back in my little alcove, where one of the mains is located, even storing one of their small bobcat diggers back there for the last several weeks. All that noise and activity I’m sure will eliminate my little area as a suitable home. I’m pretty sad about that, as I enjoyed the little glimpses of them I was blessed to have.
After spending most of the day online looking for jobs, I have to take a break from the computer screen, so I have not been able to keep up with all of you lately; I am slowly, but surely, trying to visit you all! I miss you and what you share ❤ I’ll be coming around to visit soon. 🙂
Just some things I’ve been thinking about . . .
The Democratic Debate was lively tonight. I think Bernie did a good job overall. I think Hillary is getting a bit nervous, with Bernie snapping at her heals.
The commentators stated after the debate that “Hillary cleaned Bernie’s clock,” on the gun control question. I mentioned to my husband that I agree with Bernie’s decision to vote against holding gun makers and dealers responsible, as long as they did the appropriate background checks. What no one has mentioned is WHO does these background checks? Using that thought process, shouldn’t they be held liable as well, if a background check came back approved on someone who later committed a crime?
I believe in Texas background checks are performed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, though I am not sure on that. For all I know, that work is contracted out to some third party, in my state, as well as others. The point is, it’s really no different than if a drunk driver kills someone and has a floorboard full of empty Budweiser bottles – it’s doubtful that Budweiser would be sued, or be held responsible. If someone stabs someone with a Buck knife, no one would try to sue the knife company.
You can still walk into any gun show in Texas and sell your weapons with no background check, or exchange of any paperwork, with anyone who is willing to pay the price you are asking. Anyone who happens to have paid the ticket price to get into the gun show and has cash in their pocket. And how many crimes are committed with stolen guns? (No, I have not had a chance to actually research the numbers on this.)
Anyway – it seems like the audience was giving Bernie some good feedback, from what I could tell.
Changing topics, about a month ago I had a job interview, in my industry, for a job I have a great reputation for doing sucessfully. The position was being vacated by an old friend and colleague, who gave me an excellent recommendation. The interview went really well. I found out, via FaceBook, that I did not get the position, but another friend and colleague was offered the job instead. She is about ten years my junior. Though I wasn’t super jazzed about going back to a place I feel sucked my soul out, and it was also for over a third less than I what I used to make doing the same job – I won’t lie, the snub hurt. I need the money, I need the benefits, I need something to do with my time – I am getting so unfocused, and feel that I am adrift. BUT, I will keep looking!
Last, but certainly not least, it’s tax time in the U.S. It’s no secret that my husband and I have been surviving on our 401K money for over the last two years. So, let me be a little more frank – after our standard deductions, our taxable income this year was $29, 252. My taxes, and penalties for keeping my bills paid – surviving on about a third of what we are used to making – was close to $10,000. Oh yes, I did the math, our tax rate was 32.8%.
I could be wrong, but I doubt any millionaire, or billionaire, paid 32.8% of their income in taxes – but I bet a shit ton of them paid as much as, or more than, I paid to their accountants to ensure they did not pay that high of a percentage in taxes due to all the loopholes the rich have at their disposal. To me, that is a crime . . .
On a side note – my dad’s 76th birthday is coming up, and he is a staunch Republican. I bought him a Feel the Bern coffee mug, so he could start his days thinking about his “bleeding heart Liberal” (in his opinion) daughter. And I can’t wait to wear my Bernie Sanders T-shirt 🙂
Just some things I’ve been thinking about . . .
Everything seems broken . . .
In honor of Linda Hill’s One Liner Wednesday . . . no it’s not funny or inspirational – but it’s factual.
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[NOTE: I really like Bob Dylan’s and especially Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s versions of these songs, but this version by Immaterial had that right touch of melancholy it seemed to deserve today.]
Just something I was thinking about . . .
So today, one of the happiest things that happened to me was I got some cigarette coupons in the mail . . . what does that tell you . . .
I’m still watching the political debates, town halls and caucuses. Heard Donald Trump’s Nevada caucus victory speech last night. Between his, “We won with poorly educated. I love the poorly educated,” and all his, “Winning, winning, winning . . .” I wanted to bang my head against the wall and vomit. Really . . . every time he talks about winning, I see Charlie Sheen and his bat-shit crazy public unraveling. And the American people are falling for it, even the highly educated – tripping over themselves to jump on his bandwagon.
And this fight over the newly vacated Supreme Court Justice seat not hours after Judge Scalia passed away is ridiculous. The Republicans keep dragging their heels deep, and the deeper they drag, the higher Trump goes in the polls.
Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton are still running a close race, for now. I keep trying to get me a Bernie t-shirt to wear and freak out all my family (and many of my friends!), but they haven’t had the ones I want in my size the last few times I checked his site.
In honor of Linda Hill’s One-Liner Wednesday . . . our shit’s fucked up, people!!!
Just something I was thinking about . . .
Just something I was thinking about . . . 