Real Housewives?

Okay. It's official: I am hooked on the Real Housewives shows. I'm embarrassed about it, but I am hooked.

My one problem with the show is the idea of anything be "real" (as in everyday real and ordinary) about these women. If you want "real," do a show about the women (and men) who are balancing a tougher budget than any government, using prayer as their main healthcare plan and trying to keep a relationship alive under all that stress. That's real. Shopping for Gucci, Ucci and Whoever-else-ii is not as common as shopping at WalMart, Target and Susie's Deals.

OK. My rant is over & I have to say I love the show as a diversion from real life. I'm impressed
at the diversity of it all. Ignorance is equal opp. Black, white, bi-racial - it doesn't matter. Give some people money and they get all caught up. It's all about big boobs, good weaves and hot wheels.

I watched the one with the ladies from Orange County. That was just so-so for me. I saw the same women in my everyday life when I was working in Arizona. The fake boobs, the "me" obsession... It was too familiar.

Then came the ladies from NYC. Inter-esting! I liked watching people being so classy-trashy that they would pimp out their lives on a television show. I mean, come on - the duchess or whatever... How secure is she that she needs to feel big by showing all the common folk how she lives? (My fave scene with her was when she got miffed about being introduced to the help by her first name.)

And now, just like I knew it would be, here are the ladies of Atlanta. Lord have mercy... I think the one I admire most in the group is Nene. At least she is real. Not that the other ladies aren't just something else, but I get the feeling that these are a bunch of little girls playing with big money. The weaves, the showy talk about needing nannies and estate managers... You just cannot give some people money and expect them to act right. My fave quote: "I don't keep up with the Joneses, I AM the Joneses!" (And that makes you proud because...why?)

Here's what I wonder about all these people: are they more proud of the work they do to make the money, or are they just proud of the money?

On the very positive side, the ladies do seem to try to do a lot of good with their money. They all seem to try to "give back" and help out with their foundations and charities. I LOVE Nene's work with helping women. How cool is that? And I like that Lisa and Sheree seem to be doing their thing as businesswomen. (Kim... Well, I don't know what's up with her and the whole "Big Poppa" thing. Sounds like a Suga-Daddy situation there & does he feel used or what? Or just like he's getting his money's worth?)

And is it just me or is Dwight probably embarrassing to other gay people with his Steppin Fetchit gayness? (Yet & still, I find him soooo amusing.)

Anyway... I can't wait to see the reunion show for the Atlanta ladies.

Sarah Came Marching Back

Mudflats had me crying with their account of Palin's return to Alaska. Poor Mudflats was there in the freezing cold & it had to be worth it for the one giggle over what would happen if she'd started up the "O-ba-ma" chant. You have to take a look at the pics.

Thinking About Today

Here are snatches of some thoughts and conversations I've had since the announcement of Obama as President Elect:

• Black people are really going to need to step up their game. Finally, the world is going to have higher expectations for us. And that's a wonderful, beautiful thing.
• Obama is not the Messiah. He is not going to be able to wave a wand and solve every problem right now. Or even soon.
• I hear people saying how not young minorities can look to Barack Obama and say "I can grow up to be President." He's the first black president & he did it without one before him. We need to teach our children and ourselves to strive to be "the first" in all areas that they want to reach for.
• There is going to be some payback in the workplace for some of us. Until people's feeling, emotions, tempers - whatever - calm down, things will be a little touchy sometimes.
• There have been many successful minorities in various walks of life, but for whatever reason, they have not been as visible to our young people. Well, you can't ignore or hide away the President of the United States.
• When people who didn't vote for the new president get over their disappointment, many of them are going to come around to the idea of being as hopeful as the rest of us. If Obama messes around and cleans up some of this mess we've made of the economy, all those disappointed Republicans will be knocking the rest of us down getting to the polls to vote for him next time.
• I do feel bad for Mr. McCain. To work so hard for something and lose it. Because of his age, this was probably the last shot for him to run this way. No one likes defeat. And to have the campaign fall apart the way it has. To have people you thought were your friends turn out not to be. To have ridden that high and worked that hard for so long. I just can't imagine what the morning after felt like. Maybe he's glad. Hopefully he is resting. Maybe he will put his energy and abilities into doing what he can to help the new Prez.
• Sarah Palin. Well. This has got to be tough for her too. I wonder what has gone through her mind in the past week or so. I wonder what coming down off of that high feels like. Wonder what thoughts she has when she lays down to go to sleep at night.
• If Mr. Obama runs the White House the way he ran his campaign, we're in good hands.
  
• Even though nothing has changed yet. Even though the new prez isn't even sitting in the Office yet, I already feel a personal sense of hope that things will get better. I don't feel so much anxiety about "what now?"
• I wonder what Mr. Bush is feeling. I wonder what anyone about to leave the Job feels.
• What is going on in Hillary Clinton's head? Bill's? Will Hillary run again. Will she be a friend to Obama?
• Wonder what kind of puppy the Obama girls are going to get? (And who gets to clean up behind a puppy in the White House?)
• I saw Jesse Jackson on the night of the election (well, not in person!) and I watched as he cried. I can't imagine what went through his mind. Hope? Joy? Envy? A feeling that if he'd just been born in a different time? I kind of imagine that he was just proud and wistful.

I had lots more thoughts and conversations, but it's all too overwhelming to continue.

Next post, I'm going to get back to a website roundup.

Peace (& hope & change)
--Free

• 
  
• 
  

Finally...It Starts

Well. I guess today is the day.

I didn't post for several days on the election because I was just sick to death of the whole thing, but now, here we go, huh?

Interesting what this race has done to people. Yesterday, someone I know was upset with a person she works for. She sent me a text: "I believe L___ is racist from some of the stuff she is saying about Obama." Hmmm. The person she was talking about is someone she always liked before. I guess certain subjects never came up before this election...

I've heard other stories (and have some of my own) about surprising undertones of racism and class-ism and sexism coming out between people because of this particular election. I was really shocked when one friend of mine kept making little comments about the election. She would never come out and say that she doesn't want a Black president, but the things she did say made me feel that she was on that track. And the saddest thing is: I don't think that she even admits to herself that she's against Obama because he's Black. I don't think she wants to admit that to herself, but... Just so many things make you stop and think and really re-examine what's REALLY going on.

Just imagine what some of our personal relationships are going to be like TOMORROW. I know that some of my relationships with friends and acquaintances are going to be tense. I know that, for years to come, things are going to feel a little... weird for all of us.

Well. Back to CNN and MSNBC. I'm going to be watching the returns like a hound dog. I need to know which game face to put on tomorrow. I mean, am I going to be happy or depressed tomorrow? Am I going to be feeling like we may finally be "overcoming," or am I going to feel like we still have come a long enough way? AND... how am I supposed to behave if Obama wins? I mean, I'm going to be happy (and, no, not just because a Black man is president, but also because I believe in his policies-to-be), but I need to be sensitive to the feelings of the other side (ha!)

See you in the morning, morning.

I Can't Help Myself. Palin Gets Pranked!

I swore this all off until after the election, but Mudflats has me just ROTFL with this one!



Oh, stop it! My sides are just hurting from all the laughing!!!

Celebration Time, Come On!

It is 5:37pm on October 31st. I don't want to be premature, so I'm holding this back and won't post til THE DAY!!!

This is how I'm feeling.

The Spirit of America

This is something that a friend of mine, Drew Williams, wrote for his hometown paper.

So many have asked the question: Who will win the 2008 Presidential Election? The answer is simple. The one who can capture the Spirit of America.

Several years ago, British Prime Minister Tony Blair spoke to the US Congress about its role in bringing down Saddam:

“and I know it's hard on America, and in some small corner of this vast country, out in Nevada or Idaho or these places I've never been to, but always wanted to go...

I know out there there's a guy getting on with his life, perfectly happily, minding his own business, saying to you, the political leaders of this country, "Why me? And why us? And why America?"

And the only answer is, "Because destiny put you in this place in history, in this moment in time, and the task is yours to do."

Prime Minister Blair spoke of a defining moment in our history and what he felt our obligation was as the Leader of the Free World. He understood the importance of our history and what the impact could be if we did nothing. He is wise beyond his years.

We have now reach such another moment. It is now up to us, Americans, to decide which side of our history we respond to for this presidential race. It’s not an easy choice. There have been some things said by the candidates that have cause Americans to draw a few lines. There have been some things said by Americans that have produced even more lines. Somewhere in the midst of all the myths and misleading statements lies the truth. That’s where many of us are today. Looking for a truth inside our conscience.

If Americans can remember, it is the efforts of all people that allows us to shine. In our darkest moments of war, famine, disasters, and disease we have overcome desperation with diversity, hunger with heart, and division with cohesion. This is our strength as a nation and it sets us apart from any other nation across the globe.

Whoever you may decide to cast your vote for, remember that you don’t need a President to lend a helping hand, to show compassion, or to just be a good neighbor. For these moments are reserved for you to define. How you manage these moments will define the manner in which your life moves forward. In your moment and in your vote, capture the Spirit.

Depressing Emails

From my last post, you can tell how I feel today. So. I get the following email from someone who I know meant well, but... Can we please just admit that those emails don't help too much. It's like when someone is drowning & instead of offering them your hand - or a rope or something to help them out of the damn water - they stand there singing an uplifting song. Doesn't mean the song is not meant to be uplifting, but it's not going to save the drowning person, is it? So, please: enough with those emails. They only sound good to someone who doesn't need the help.

One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my
life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

God', I asked, 'Can you give me one good reason not to quit?'
His answer surprised me...
Look around', He said.. 'Do you see the fern and the bamboo?'

Yes, I replied.
When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care
of them.

I gave them light.

I gave them water.

The fern quickly grew from the earth.

Its brilliant green covered the floor.

Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the
bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on
the bamboo. He said.

In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would
not quit.' He said.
'Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared
to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6
months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong
and gave it what it needed to survive.


I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.
He asked me. 'Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been
struggling, you have actually been growing roots'.

I would not quit on the bamboo.

I will never quit on you.'
Don't compare yourself to others. He said.

The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern.

Yet they both make the forest beautiful.'
'Your time will come', God said to me.

'You will rise high'
'How high should I rise?'

I asked. 'How high will the bamboo rise?' He asked in return.
'As high as it can?' I questioned.

'Yes.' He said, 'Give me glory by rising as high as you can.'
I left the forest and brought back this story.

I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on
you. Never, Never, Never Give up.

For the Christian, Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how Great
the Lord is!

Heavens door opened this morning, God asked me... My CHILD...
what can I do for you?' and I said 'Protect and bless the one reading
this message. God smiled and answered ... 'request granted ............

Guess what, friend? Obviously your request wasn't granted. (I haven't given up on God, but this email got on my nerves!)

Someday We'll All Be Free

Just because of the way I'm feeling today in my tired soul



Doesn't make me feel better, but I don't feel alone in the gloom

Alert: Missing Child

From Electronic Village comes this.

Get the word out, people.

I'm... Speechless?

Saw this on Perez this morning.

Well, this is what America is about. Picking a leader based on qualifications and not color.

(I'm not even going to comment on Palin's wardrobe function. Or her kids' travel expenses - representing the campaign my a**...)

Obama Endorsed & Others Chastised

I'm not surprised at the endorsement. I was feeling a little chastised. I, too, have been narrow-minded at times. Thank you, Mr. Powell

Food

Don't neglect checking out my Hoecake & Grits blog. Talking about food & I just put up the latest of the recipes from my fam's faves...

Is It Over YET???

Whew. I don't know about anybody else, but I have election fatigue. I only got through part of last night's debate. I think it was when they got to Joe-the-plumber that I gave it all up...

Look (like the policiticians say all the time). I don't hear anything new from McCain - well, he had that good zinger about "I'm not Bush," but Obama even squashed that one. John's still trying to woo sane Republicans without pushing away those nutcases McCain is so proud of but that the Secret Service is checking out. Obama is still cool and controlled. Nothing has changed.

I did find it funny about Dan ("Potatoe") Quayle offering encouragement to Palin. Bless their hearts.

So, we've got, what? Nineteen days left? Oh, please let the time fly.

My family and I (all Dems) have been joking that if Obama loses, we're going to move to another country. Last night, we joked that if Obama wins, we might all have to move. It's like a lot of people have been joking about not wanting to go to work the DAY AFTER...

Personally, I have no idea how it's all going to shake out. I mean, what if there really is a Bradley Effect in this election? What if there's not?

At this point, I just want it over.

Palin really keeping an eye on Russia

This mention of Palin being "unaware" does not surprise me.

When I think of the "trade missions" Palin likes to refer to, I have to laugh a little. Why? Well, maybe because of the way a local talk show guy (Cary Carrigan) explained those missions - some of which he went on. Pretty much, a group of people (at least once including Mr. Carrigan) trot out their trinkets to interest the foreign parties & the foreign parties trot out their trinkets. They all look at each others trinkets & discuss ways to do TRADE (since that would be the mission). Oh, yeah. Then afterward, they all do a lot of eating, drinking & partying.

So, nice to know that Palin attended these trade missions where she got to practice her Joe 6-pack persona in the name of stimulating business for Alaska. Maybe since people like Cary Carrigan were also there, we should be looking to them to fill out future V.P. seats... At least Carrigan is intelligent and likable. Just saying.

Liar, Liar

Um

Mac Told A Whopper...

... when he talked of being calm and steady (or whatever). Or else, all these folks are lying:






Thanks to Electronic Village where I first spotted this via Google Reader (get your own!)

People (McCain) In Glass Houses...

The Debate. My Take.

They're trying to say that Palin won?

No.

What she did was not openly drool, fall off the stage, or mispronounce George Bush's name.

I guess that's a pass for her.

What did was spew the same old crap. All I could think of was that saying about if you can't dazzle them with brilliance, blind them with bullsh*t.

She not only avoided questions, she even tried to make herself sound gutsy for doing so... The woman deserves some kind of position for sheer baseless confidence.

But I did say it: she's not as dumb as she looks. Maybe I should say that she knows how to make being dumb work to her advantage.

Peace
--Free

I'm SO Busted (or my personality is anyway)

I can thank Mz Newy for turning me on to this handwriting analysis program (free online & even tho they will try to sell you a registration, you can opt for the total freebie) that nailed the good, bad & ugly that is Free...

Mz Newy is so gutsy. She shared her entire analysis. I'm way more guarded (and that showed in the analysis, damnit) and will only share partials.

Ahem. Here goes (My comments in small letters):

Free is moderately outgoing. Her emotions are stirred by sympathy and heart rendering stories. (Heck yeah. The street-corner homeless LOOK for my car 'cause they know I'm good for a handout of a buck or two)In fact, she can be kind, friendly, affectionate and considerate of others. She has the ability to put herself into the other person's shoes.

Free will be somewhat moody, with highs and lows. ("Somewhat?" Nah. I'm "Allwhat" when it comes to moody!) Sometimes she will be happy, the next day she might be sad. She has the unique ability to get along equally well with what psychology calls introverts and extroverts. This is because she is in between. Psychology calls Free an ambivert. She understands the needs of both types. Although they get along, she will not tolerate anyone that is too "far out." She doesn't sway too far one way or the other.

When convincing her to buy a product or an idea, a heart rendering story could mean a great deal to her. She puts herself in the same situation as the person in the story, yet she will not buy anything that seems overly impractical or illogical. Free is an expressive person. She outwardly shows her emotions. She may even show traces of tears when hearing a sad story. (I bawl out loud over those orphan commercials. Can't help it & I don't think that's a bad thing. Just wish I had more money to give.)

Free is a "middle-of-the-roader," politically as well as logically. She weighs both sides of an issue, sits on the fence, and then will decide when she finally has to. She basically doesn't relate to any far out ideas and usually won't go to the extreme on any issue.

People that write their letters in an average height and average size are moderate in their ability to interact socially. According to the data input, Free doesn't write too large or too small, indicating a balanced ability to be social and interact with others.(Yep. Til they start getting on my nerves. Then I just go into hermit mode.)

Free will be candid and direct when expressing her opinion. She will tell them what she thinks if they ask for it, whether they like it or not. So, if they don't really want her opinion, don't ask for it! (Um... I've gotten into trouble for this trait)

Because Free has sharp needle pointed 'm' and 'n' humps, she has a very sharp mind. She instantly sizes up situations, making instant decisions. She thinks and evaluates circumstances very rapidly. Many people with this type of mind are geniuses, thus she may be seen as highly intelligent. Free is often irritated by slow talkers or slow thinkers. If she drives, she gets irritated by slow drivers in the fast lane. She quickly becomes bored when being taught on the level of the slowest student in class. She may be on problem number three when the rest of the class is on problem one. Free is curious and very active. In fact, in school she might have been a trouble maker because she thought so much faster than the other kids, she finished her work first, thus having plenty of time on her hands to make trouble! (And to think that my folks just thought I was being a pain in the ass...)

Kind of cool, huh? The thing is, some of the analysis disturbed me. Not because the observations were wrong but because they were right & I hadn't realized some things about myself. Shit. Now I'm pretty sure I need therapy. Too bad I'm broke.

I'm curious to hear what other people think after trying the analysis.

Peace

--Free