Dentists and soup

Doctors, doctors, everywhere doctors. Yesterday, I had the lovely task of taking Cameron to the dentist. Now, I've never actually had a bad experience with Cam visiting the dentist since he was about 4 and that was only once. He expressed a little anxiety going to a new dentist yesterday though. As my heart/chest constantly hurts, imagine how I was feeling when I imagined what my afternoon could be like.

Off we go to meet the lovely staff of Katsur Dental and Orthodontics. Fortunately, they are about 5 minutes from our house so we did not have a major amount of time to stress. We go in and meet the "lovely" receptionist. Before I continue, this office has to be the most unprofessional office in my vast experience dealing with office staff. I have always felt that front office staff should use their "indoor voices" while dealing with patients. What a dope I must be. First, she calls me to the desk to announce that they are not my child's dentist. Okay, I'll take a little on this one, I grabbed the wrong insurance card when I left the house. A few weeks ago, I changed the kids dental office as the old one is in Butler, an hour away. I have the new card, it's just sitting on my kitchen table, probably unopened...don't ask!!!! So, she proceeds to call the insurance company and instead of using the keypad she loudly announces into the telephone my child's ID number and date of birth. TG she did not announce his SS number or I would have been off my chair and in her face so fast she would have to reschedule my appointment as she would need the time with the dentist herself. Then another patient comes out needing a phone number and Miss Rude as I like to call her claims to not know it and can't figure out how to get off her fat ass to ask someone where it might be. As we are sitting there waiting, the other patient explains that the "we cater to cowards" notice on the door is a crock of shit as the dentist said she needed a lot of work and when she asked for it to be done, he said "well what do you think we should do first?" Um, wouldn't that be your decision as the paid "professional"? She left without the number after sitting there for 15 minutes.

By now Mr. O.D.D., better known as Cameron is developing a little anxiety and his comment is that "if the dentist is mean to him, he'll kick him with his cowboy boots." I leave it to your imagination where he meant.

Of course, a little piece of me smiled thinking, "good, now I don't have to handle it and risk a trip downtown to Allegheny County Jail." The entire time we were waiting Miss Rude or fat ass never left her chair or use the intercom button which I would hope in 2009, all medical offices have. She instead yelled to everyone else in the office about each phone call.

Finally, we are called in the back by an older hygienist who is very nice and goes out of her way to make Cameron feel at ease. Of course, once Cam is in his "mode" you've lost the battle. He does handle the cleaning well, but, is very quiet. I'm thinking that he thinks this place is full of nut jobs and he does not want to reinforce their idiotic behavior. He's not known for putting up with BS and the way people talk down to kids. After the cleaning, we are shuffled off to another room to await the "dreaded" dentist. I say dreaded because of what the prior patient mentioned. He came in took a look at Cam's teeth and announced we are cavity free, see you in 6 months!!!!!

Now, Cam has not eaten all day as he usually eats after his pill wears off around the time school ends. Instead, we rushed off for the appointment. The hygienist put flouride on his teeth and told him to wait 30 minutes. I'm okay with this as I think this is better than the monthly flouride rinses I endured "thank you Mom" in public school in the 70's. Of course Cameron wanted McDonald's, which is right in front of the dentist. But no, off to Giant Eagle we go.

Since Tuesday evening, I have been planning my soup/salad dinner. Giant Eagle has a special right now you buy a 32 oz. soup from their deli/hot bar and you get a bag salad, baguette, and 2 liter of Coke product free. So that's a full family meal for $6.99. The ad started on Thursday so I had to rush right down and get me some. I was really hungry for a potato soup, but instead they had chili, wedding soup, chicken noodle and broccoli cheese. I decided on Broccoli cheese and chicken noodle. Cameron had asked for a small CN soup, but the thrifty me intervened and thought...2.99 for a small soup, 6.99 for a full meal....what do you think we got? Yep, two specials.

Then we wandered around and bought way more than we should have, but I felt we needed. You know toilet paper and rocky road ice cream. Okay, we did not need the ice cream, but, when you and your husband both want some it does place a high priority in your shopping budget. Especially since we could not get our chocolate fix at McDonald's on Wed. with a shake because their shake machine is broken. Sad, sad day in our car when we heard that tidbit. Feeling a bit guilty for no McDonald's I opted to let Cam get a small Ben & Jerry's Cookie dough ice cream. He accepted the deal :>. I love my son!!!!

All in all it ended up being a good day. No homework. Thank you Mrs. Baker for mistakenly assigning the same homework last Friday and this Thursday and Ms. Suhy and Ms. Swogger for giving the kids the afternoon off. I needed it. A new Ugly Betty at 8 and done early enough to watch some FoxNews.

Things with Kelly are getting tense, she is losing her communication with the world, i.e., no internet and it is wearing on her. I found that she had used my computer without permission on Wednesday so I now password protect my computer and even though she has not mentioned it, I know she tries to use it. I found some unpleasant things on some sites she had visited. I passed those on to her dad and leave it to him to deal with as they are things she is planning for her return to Florida next week. She is also mad that I did not give in to her trick for seeing Jake again this week. She can see him, but, I'm not driving her there or picking her up. He 'accidentally' took her CD home with him. Too bad! Should have been more aware of what was going on is what I say.

This morning, Glenn had to go tint some windows at Allegheny County Jail...I think...he called it Pittsburgh Prison. Not sure if they are one and the same, don't really want to know. I just told him to be careful. The guys there are gonna like him. He called me this afternoon and said he made it out alive. I'm certainly glad to know he did not pick up a "girlfriend" while he was there. LOL

Tomorrow Linda and Alan are coming to say goodbye to Kelly so we'll be cleaning house tonight and tomorrow morning.

I've gotten behind in my Praying for Purpose, but I will not give up.

Quick update on Cameron

Just a quick update on Cameron's appointments today.

First, it was a long day. Left at 10:45 for occupational therapy in Gibsonia. He did great. They worked on g's and h's in his Handwriting Without Tears book and then on word spacing. He continues to need his lines highlighted for ease in staying within them. He has made tremendous progress. If you saw his writing 2 weeks ago and today, you could not tell the difference.

Then straight to see Sharee at the pediatrician's office in Kittaning. His medication level remains the same after a "parent" induced (doctor approved) increase about a month ago.

He has grown another 1/2" for a grand total of 3 3/4" since February 20th of last year. He was expected to grow 3-4" so it seems he is right on target.

He lost 1/2 pound. I hoped for that as I have tried to curb his late night snacking. We were finding him sneaking into the pantry late at night. I don't want my child to starve and certainly if he needs to eat, he should. On the other hand, I've seen people who developed late night eating habits and would actually take a full dinner to bed to snack on throughout the night. I do not want him to get into that habit. He has begun to forgo the children's menu in restaurants and I'm all for that if he can eat the meal he orders.

Update - Miss internet that I am looked up the growth chart and these numbers put Cameron in the 50th percentile for weight and.....wait for it......less than 3rd percentile in height. Does this mean he is finally on the chart for height? I hope it does. It's hard when they show you a growth chart for you child and he is marked way down below the chart.

He has been complaining of chest pain and feet pain. Sharee indicated that the chest pain can actually be due to cartillage being pulled by his growing sternum. Who knew! I learned today that muscle and cartillage does not grow as bones do. They are stretched and can cause pain. Hence....growing pains. The feet pain is most likely from the tile floors in the kitchen and hallway. Glenn is complaining of the same. The other night I had to massage both of their feet before I could go to bed.

We also found out that Cameron's stomach pains and frequent trips to the "library" are also a side effect of the Norditropin. I am accepting of these side effects, but, I still worry about the more severe ones such as diabetes and hip displacement. Thus far, all blood work has been great and his hip seems to be handling the rapid growth.

After the pediatrician at 1-1:45 we were off to Midland to return Kelly's schoolbooks and computer. Then through Ohio and West Virginia on our way back home. We finally arrived home at 5:45. For a grand total of 171.6 miles. It was such an exhausting day. Yet, spending the day with Glenn and Cameron was quite a joy I would not trade for anything.

Okay, so maybe not such a quick update, but an update none the less. 3 1/2 days to go before Kelly leaves and I did not even get to see her today. She was still in bed when we left this morning and had already left for the Avenged Sevenfold concert when we got home. She's due home by 1 so I await her arrival for a hug and kiss.

Good night all!

Finally, cheer pictures of Kelly

Kelly's coach e-mailed me the link to their blogspot. I was able to download some pictures that had been taken by coaches and parents.

Praying for Purpose - day 4-6

Life has been evolving here. They say you learn something every day and no two days are alike. Less than one week ago, I thought my relationship with my daughter was over. I have stepped back and let her make her own decisions regarding her future and it seems that despite moving forward with a GED vs. HS Diploma, she is planning on some form of higher education. A friend in Fla. is planning to go for a 2 year degree in Radiology. She is seriously considering joining him. She has expressed many mature thoughts to me in the past few days. I just wish she would walk away from the toxic relationship she has up here and move on. Dear Lord, I thank you for working in my life to help me quiet my mouth and allow life to flow so that our relationship can heal a little.

I continue to work in my Praying for Purpose Book.

Day 4 - What's confused in your life?

What's not was my first thought, but I tried to delve deeper as requested. Many of my past experiences are clouding my current experiences.

1. What is confused in your life? How do I move on and heal my family relationships. Why was I hurt in so many ways throughout my life, by so many? As a child and as an adult. I had much more to say on this subject, but, put the blog away for awhile. I feel that deleting the rest is in the best interests of the involved parties. At this point in people's lives it could hurt them more than the pain I am dealing with. That pain is between me, the parties and God.

2. Simeon of Cyrene was confused. After reading Mark 15:21, when have you found yourself saying "And just how did that happen?" or "What am I supposed to do about that?" I wonder how I worked so hard to help others, they even said I did, then they turned on me and made me the bad guy and scapegoat for their failures.

3. Prayer- After so much publicity and hostility toward the California woman who gave birth to Octuplets, I feel compelled to pray for peace and well being for her so that she may provide for her 14 children.

Day 5 - How did God use a crisis or problem to bring good into your life?

1. How did God use a crisis or problem to bring good into your life? By allowing those persons to hurt me and imprison me I was able to turn even closer to God. To experience his love. While away I was able to share my love of Christ and bring another to Him. Also, it ended my 5 1/2 year misery, allowing me to move on with my life. Had He not intercepted and opened the eyes of the appropriate people to the truth, with limits, I could have been away from my family for much longer. This time also made me realize how strong my marriage really is and how much my husband does love me. While experiencing a bout of doubt of my marriage in 2006, I prayed a heartfelt prayer to God during the night to lead me whether to walk away from my marriage or to stay. I felt the Spirit move in me to stay. I have never felt the Spirit as strongly as I did that night. Had I not stayed, I would never have had the support of my husband and his family through our rough time and been able to come to realize the strength of our love.

2. Joseph had a series of crises that God used for Good. After reading Genesis 37:23-28, 39:1, 41:39; and 50:18-20, how do you think you would have fared if you were Joseph? Knowing the full story and how Joseph survived his imprisonment, I know that I can survive it. I cried probably 130 out of 150 days. But, I was able to read my Bible and complete study guides that brought me a greater understanding of the Bible. Joseph did not have a Bible. He had to rely on his inner faith. I would hope that had I not had access to a Bible I could have relied on my inner faith. I know that I never doubted God's love for me and reminded myself daily that he was working for the best plan for me and he is my ultimate Judge. I am also grateful that God allowed me to meet such a wonderful man. I met many who had no support of a significant other. I never had to worry if Glenn was cheating on me. I knew he was focused on working, taking care of our home and our child. He came to see almost weekly and made sure I had the funds to meet my needs. Many did not have that.

3. Insight - God truly does bring the people you need in your life at the right time. He does not give you more than you can handle. I may not think I can handle it at the time, but letting it go and giving it to God works every time. His timetable may not meet mine, but He is in control.

Day 6 - What are a few of your talents or skills?

1. What are a few of your talents or skills? I have come to realize recently, that I have a talent for the written word. Could I write a book? Probably not, but someone close to me recently told me she likes to read my blogs and notes. That made me feel special and encouraged to continue to put my thoughts on paper. I thought about it and friendship to me should not be a talent or gift given to me by God. It is a wonderful gift to be given/received among those of us on earth. I, do, have a talent...a photographic memory. This gift/talent has served me well many times in school and work. I can remember where something is exactly on a page or on a desk, etc....as long as someone else..hmm hmm Glenn....does not straighten up and move it.

2. After reading Matthew 25:14-30, let's extend the metaphor to include your natural talents and acquired skills. What would Jesus say to you? Are you using your talents and skills wisely or are you burying them? In the past, I have buried my talents. I did not write. I loved the act of writing, but never put my mind behind it to put my thoughts or ideas into any semblance of order. My photographic memory serves me well daily. I use it to find things for my kids or information for Glenn or my family.

3. Prayer, insight, action - After today's lesson, I find that I need to make a point to use my talents. I will make a point to call at least one friend a week. Someone who has not heard from me in awhile and catch up. Friendships and family relationships are precious. I should not depend on others to initiate.


Writing this blog is helping me in so many ways. I am able to get my thoughts down and not have to tell Glenn every little thing. I know that Glenn is not a reader so he would not be inclined to read my guide. Someday soon, I will send him a link to this blog so that he may read it if he so chooses. He knows I write and I think he feels it is a good thing for me. I have found myself becoming more peaceful. I don't know if it is because of the Praying for Purpose or if it is a result of being able to get my feelings down on "paper." But, Glenn asked the other day if I had taken my pills. When I told him no he was surprised as he said I was handling the stress better and seemed happier. God is answering my prayers.

For those of you who do read this. Thank you. And thank you to those who find the time to send me messages. I read each one and feel encouraged by them. I welcome advice and support.

Praying for Purpose - day 1-3

On Sunday, I stepped out shopping for a few hours of respite from the trials at home. At the dollar store I stumbled upon Kay Warren's book Praying for Purpose for Women. Knowing that I needed a closer relationship with God, I picked up the book and started studying that afternoon. I have tried to take about 20 minutes a day to focus on God and this study guide. The book takes 60 days to complete and promises a closer relationship to God and an ability to pray better with more purpose. I have always felt a bit amateurish as I prayed. I know that God hears my prayers wherever I am. My pastor in Florida told me to talk to Him as I would a friend. I try to never include the word "just" in my prayers and to remember to thank him for my blessings as I ask for his help with immediate needs. I never ask for things I want only things I need and leave it to Him to decide what those needs are. I have found that my needs have always been met when I give my problems over to him. A mistake I have made recently is not asking for his guidance in my parenting and the situation at hand, other than asking him to make me a more patient, loving wife and mother.

Each day it asks you several questions, one being what insight, prayer or action step has God laid on your heart today.

Day 1 WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

1. What are you afraid of? Losing my husband and being unable to care for Cameron financially and physically.

2. After reading Numbers 13-14, if you had been one of the spies, would you have been described as courageous or fearful? I would hope to be described as courageous. Many times I have spoken out with the truth even when it hurts. Other times, I have not for fear. This is a difficult question to answer.


3. Prayer, etc. - There was a fire in the house across the street and I was pressed to pray for the family of my neighbor who died and for Glenn's friend who was admitted to the hospital in critical condition as a result of the fire.

Day 2 WHAT CONSEQUENCES HAVE YOU FACED FROM A LIFE MISTAKE?

1. What consequences have you faced from a life mistake? For 5 1/2 years, I was forced to answer to others about my actions, where I was, etc. Later, someone used that as a way to hurt my family. In the course, I was away from my immediate family for 5 months and lost my extended family. This still pains me today.

2. After reading Luke 1:5-68, how do you feel about severe consequences? Despite being hard to accept, they are necessary to treat disobedience and teach us a life lesson. Hopefully, those consequences will serve as a reminder in the future to not commit the same sin.

3. Prayer - To take time to be kind and not vengeful.

Day 3 WHEN HAVE YOU PERSEVERED?

1. When have you persevered? When I was in the Navy bootcamp, completing my physical tests was an extremely difficult task. My goal for week 6 was to get through the second PT test. The test included running a mile, I believe. I had never been physically active so completing this task was a badge of honor I still wear today, even though I have gained about 100 pounds and have a hard time walking up hills.

2. After reading Luke 18:1-8, who do you know who has been worn out or beaten down, but didn't give up? I don't know that she was ever worn down, but I would imagine if I faced the same circumstances, I would be. My mother-in-law faced the death of her first-born and 2 failed marriages before finding her true love. She dedicates her daily life to Christ and I consider her a great role model.

3. Prayer, insight - Today I had an insight. Letting Kelly go with a smile on my face and my blessing will help heal our relationship in the long run. I must hide my pain from her. I am not a bad parent, just the parent of a strong, brilliant teenager.

You may ask why I would share these personal thoughts. Somewhere in the foreword, it recommended allowing a close friend or family member read my responses. If I have added you to my email notice, I consider you to be an important part of my walk with Christ. I may not speak to you daily or even weekly. But you are a friend in my heart and you mean alot to me.

This will allow you to know me better and to hold me to completing this path I have undertaken. I truly desire to be a better daughter to our Lord. A better mother to my children, a better wife to Glenn and a better sister to everyone.

I will post my responses daily or at the least every few days as I did here. I ask that you not judge me as that honor belongs only to our Lord and Savior. Just understand me and support me in this endeavor.

Ice cream cake and fires

Last night we finally had cake for Kelly's birthday. I could not let it pass completely so I picked up a small Carvel cake when I went grocery shopping. I hid it behind the waffles and surprised her after dinner.


So about 2:00 today I hear the firetrucks outside and think nothing of it. I just went on with my phone conversation. After a little bit I could hear the diesel engine of a large truck out front and decided to investigate. Lo and behold...it's 1 of 5 firetrucks and 2 ambulances sitting out front. When I went outside I discovered that the house directly across from us was on fire. Yikes!!! According to http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/18725555/detail.html 1 man died and 2 women were treated for smoke inhalation. Our street has been shut down going both ways since 2:00. About 15 minutes ago they opened up the entrance down the hill from us so at least Glenn can get in and out. Kel had a bit of trouble getting home after work but she managed by coming in the back way and going around a police car...with permission of course.




Kelly is moving back to Florida in a few weeks. She plans to get her GED and then go to Vo-tech to be an Ultrasound Technician. I hope this finally makes her happy.

2 trophies and a broken heart

Today was Keara and Kelly's cheer competition in Indiana, PA. Kelly's squad was once again the only one in her division. Hence, a 1st place finish. Keara, on the other hand, competed against several Senior Level 2 squads and took 1st place. Walking to the car with 2 winners was a delight.

It was a nice Valentine's day. I enjoyed spending it with Glenn's family (Mum and Dad, June, Keara, Riley, and two of Keara's friends, Brynn and I can't remember the other girl's name).

Cameron spent the night at June's last night. He wanted to visit his girlfriend, Jalyne for Valentine's day. He had gotten her a teddy bear, chocolate and a flower. Quite the young Romeo in training that son of mine. They were planning to go to a dance but as there was none, Jalyne's dad took them to King Kones for ice cream.

When I saw him today he said he'd be my Valentine. What more could a woman want? The love of her life and the son she bore with him, both treating me like a queen. Cameron even found time to cuddle with me at the competition.

My camera worked fine for Keara's routine but did not for Kelly's yet again. I'm getting really frustrated. Do I sound like Kate on Jon & Kate plus 8? I think so. I made it quite clear to my darling husband today that what I want most for my birthday is a new digital camera.

That explains the two trophies...now the broken heart. Kel has been dating a guy since mid January. She said he made her happier than she has ever been. She has actually completed her schoolwork quicker in order to see him. Glenn and I have had reservations about the relationship, but after voicing them early we kept them to ourselves. Well, today, Kelly tried calling him numerous times after competition to wish him a Happy Valentine's day and he did not take her calls or return them until very late tonight. When the finally spoke he broke up with her. She just told me it's all my fault. He could not handle only seeing her once or twice a week. Does he not realize that she is 17...not 21 as he is (almost 22) and has school and work. Her being grounded is usually the result of her failure to obey curfew or not get her schoolwork done. She also believes that she should have my car whenever she wants it and for however long she wants it. I usually give her 6 hours. I think that is a sufficient amount of time to hang out with her boyfriend at her age. I told her she can take a bus but she does not want that....it takes too long to get where she's going. She claims she has to go to him because he does not have a car...helloooooooooooooo, NEITHER DO YOU! (channeling a little Kate again). Plus she thinks she should be able to go to the club to watch bands after 9 p.m. during the week. Um, NO!

She now wants to move back to Florida. At this point I say go for it. She told me that when she turns 18 she's out of here and we won't ever talk again. It that's how it is, then why am I putting up with her crap for another year when clearly she would rather be back with her dad. She has admitted to using pot, but claims its okay because she does not have to pay for it. On what planet is that logical? Certainly not mine.

I am a failure as a parent and according to her there is no redemption for me. So why am I alive? If anyone can answer that please do.

At this point, I guess there are two broken hearts!

17 down, 1 to go

Kelly turned 17 today. 1 more year until she is an adult. She reminds me in many ways that my days are numbered for telling her what to do. Does she not realize that I will be giving her advice and looking out for her well-being until the day I die?

We've had quite a week with doctors this week.

Kelly has been experiencing hip pain off and on for a few months. This past weekend it was bad enough for her to finally tell me. She thought it might be a pinched nerve so I took her to Dr. Renk, our chiropractor, on Monday. She said it did not help very much. Wednesday I took her to her PCP. He thinks it could be a slipped disc or deteriorating disc. The latter is less likely but still a possibility. He prescribed vicodin and prednisone. She is scared of the prednisone effects. I read up on it and I'm not so sure I want her on it. I've decided to hold off on that until we know exactly what the problem is, some side effects are diabetes (not good as she is at risk on both sides of the family), swelling, and weight gain. She is scheduled for an MRI on Sunday morning. If it is a slipped disc our chiropractor can treat it. I'd like to go that way. Kel wants surgery...thinking it would be less painful...yeah right!

Cameron is still experiencing difficulty with his handwriting. I had him evaluated for occupational therapy again on Wednesday. Looking at my notes, his dexterity skills have decreased since last year. He was at 15 years 1 month for mental dexterity and 7 years 5 months for handwriting type dexterity. He is now 12 years + and 5 years 8 months. He is going to be doing the Handwriting without tears curriculum for 30 minutes a week in occupational therapy. He has been doing more of his own writing. He had to write a topic letter this week (in cursive) and got an A+. I'm very proud of him.

The kids are growing so fast. I can't believe 1 1/2 years til Kelly graduates. It seems like only yesterday she was just a baby, then starting Kindergarten with Mrs. Fernandez. I miss those days when she said she wanted to work in the same office building as me so we could be together. Now she can barely be in the same house with me. I know it will get better someday. Right now, I need to be her mom and not her friend.

Cameron cooked dinner for the family tonight. It was honestly the best spaghetti I've ever had. And I'm not just saying that to be nice. We tried the Prego Heart Smart Traditional sauce. It was really delicious.

The weather has been beautiful. We were in the 60's this week. The wind storm that came through last night was quite scary. Our power went out twice. Fortunately, only for a few minutes. I saw on the news that many areas are without power still. Reminds me of hurricanes in Florida. I have no desire to repeat those experiences. It looks like it will be cold again soon. The wind made it really cold here today though.

Kelly and Keara (Glenn's niece) are competing in a cheerleading competition this Saturday at Indiana University, Indiana, PA. I'm looking forward to seeing Keara perform. I've not seen her yet this year. Luckily, they are in different divisions. Amazingly, Keara is younger but in a higher division. Our gym does not have a Senior level so Kel has to compete at Junior Level 1, while Keara is a Senior Level 2. After competition we are planning to have dinner with Glenn's family and celebrate Kelly's birthday then. Glenn's mom has been sick with a cold/flu this week. I hope she is feeling better by then.

Tonight, I hid out for two hours watching the Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice crossover. It was awesome. I can't wait for the conclusion next week. I've been watching a lot of reality TV, Jon & Kate Plus 8, The Duggars and The Real Housewives of OC. I must be getting too judgmental because the only one I think I can stand to watch for much longer is the Duggars. I'm a Christian, but not quite as fundie as them. Yet, I like that with 20 in their family they are still nice and don't stress out all the time. The Gosselins on the other hand....yikes, wonder how much longer that marriage will last. The Real Housewives, just turn down the drama. I'm looking forward to the Real Housewives of NYC starting next week. They are tamer. What I've read on the forums does not sound like they'll be tame for long though. Somehow, I don't think they'll be quite as obnoxious as Vicki and Tamra...well except maybe Ramona, Alex and Simon!

It's getting quite late. I need to spend a little time with the love of my life. I hope it warms up completely soon. I'd like to start walking again. My weight really ballooned this winter and I feel miserable. Anyone up here up for a walking partner?

Stimu-what?

My excitement over the Superbowl will take a good six months to go away, but, my disappointment over this stimulus package may take much longer.

I don't profess to be smart. I leave that to the professors. Not the legislators, the professors. I've been watching my girl, Greta and my main man, Glenn talk about the package for the past few months. Welcome back to the air Glenn Beck!

There are several things I don't understand. I'm sure that some of you will comment me to explain and I ask that you do. I'm always open to new ideas. Logical ideas. I welcome instruction.

1. Why is their pork in this bill? I get that road projects will create jobs for many Americans. Nationwide. Why are we even considering funding abortions....overseas. Okay, I get that abortion is legal in America. I can't currently change that, but we should not subsidize it. Of course, we would be subsidizing the children born in place of abortion. But, why can't people learn to shut their legs or use condoms. I know it's a hot button, but if condoms are the only viable alternative to abortion, then hand them out every week. I don't want my 17 year old to be having sex, but guess what? I did at 17. I get the urges. Sometimes your young heart and urges overrule your brain. I wish she would not. My current tag line to her boyfriend is "stay away from the spankies." If you have or know a cheerleader then you know what spankies are.

2. STD research- Is this still in the bill? I'm all for research. How else could we treat all those diseases passed without condoms. Here we are back at passing out condoms. Abstinence is best. But, a good Trojan does the trick whenever abstinence is overruled. I digress, there will be other times to fund those projects. And if we can fund STD research, why not ovarian cancer research? I think we'd have more support for that pork. I know I'd support it.

3. I know we need unemployment funds, etc. They will keep us afloat in the meantime. Heck, Glenn is on partial unemployment. But how does it stimulate the economy and create jobs? It just helps to keep us afloat until jobs can be created. Which leads me to a solution to part of the problem.

Many jobs have been outsourced overseas due to rising taxes and costs. We have given tax breaks in the past. How about we give a long-term tax break to corporations if they agree to bring the jobs back to the U.S.? If the corp. can prove they had previously employed U.S. then outsourced they will be eligible. Long-term breaks...like 10 years will allow them to get their foot firmly planted back on U.S. soil and put thousands if not close to a million workers back to work. Yes, I know, the poor workers overseas will be out of work then. Guess what? Not my problem. Let their smart citizens create companies to employ them. Everyone talks about how smart every other country is compared to us. Prove it. Bring our jobs home. They won't come home until we give tax breaks to the hard working people who founded these companies and created the jobs.

$78 billion - are you kidding me. Seems like this is a vicious circle. Clinton told Freddie Mac to approve borrowers for homes they could not really afford. Now, we are lending to institutions and accepting collateral valued at 66% of what they say it is. Does anyone really see this loan being repaid?

How can we become fiscally responsible and get our debt under control when we are spending close to $1 trillion on a package that gives NOTHING back? I think my 10 year old can answer this. WE CAN'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The value of our dollar is close to nothing. The value does not go up by making more. I think I learned this in freshman economics. Thanks, Mr. Roos.

Bipartisanship goes both ways. BOTH sides must be willing to cross the aisle and work to make a better country. It has become a we vs. them mentality in Washington. Pelosi and Reed are going to send this country into a tailspin that will only stop when we hit that big brick wall under the overpass. Democrats did not want to work with the Republicans when Rep. were in control, but now they want the Rep. to roll over in the name of bipartisanship. But, if they don't, that's okay, America gave control to the Dems. so they can do whatever they want anyway.

Please correct me if I'm wrong. I've been out of high school for over 20 years. Did we not move across an ocean to get away from tyrannical rule by a king? Did we not move here to gain religious freedom? To worship the God we saw fit in our hearts? Did we not move over here and form a nation with the goals of smaller government? The king had too much control over the every day life of the English subjects. Our founding fathers did not want that. They believed that each of us were inherently good. I do too!

Glenn Beck has 9 points that he believes in on his website. http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/21018/ If you believe in 7 of 9, send your pic to him. I believe in 9.

Someone on facebook had this to say about those points. She also called him a crackpot.

"Now on to the last two comments... Glenn Beck has once again shown that he is a crackpot, his argument is full of logical fallacies, mostly he uses the straw man argument to mis-represent the opposite side. This is a common occurrence when you force people into a yes or no situation. Lets start with point 1, America is neither good nor evil, but it certainly contains within its structure both good and evil, even to the present day. Sorry to burst your Bubble but this really was never a Christian nation (i assume that is what Beck means when he talks about going on and off track) Certainly a vast majority of the founding fathers believed in God, though several were deist. Jefferson for instance did not believe Jesus was the son of God, and given the absence of historical critical interpretation at the time he really couldn't be considered a Christian without that view. America continues to perpetuate evil however. In our business practices, in our governmental corruption..."

"In our killing of innocent people, in our refusal to help out those in need who want our help and our insistence on helping out those not in need who don't want our help, in our inability to take care of our own people, in our desire to cast out anyone who is not like us, in our hatred for the other, or those we don't understand, In our lying deceiving and manipulation both domestic and foreign in nature. Of course intentions can never be used as a cop-out otherwise Hitler was a good guy, because his intentions were not to destroy humanity, but improve it through evolutionary means by cutting out the weakest of the species (hence why Jews weren't the first to be killed, no it was the handicapped and old that were eliminated first) Obviously i don't think Hitler was a great guy, so intentionality cannot be used as a scapegoat for improper action.But America is not totally evil, we have done much to help in real ways all around the world, it's citizens are somewhat generous..."

Aunt Sharon sent me an email with this quote. His religious views aside. I like it.

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who are not. - Thomas Jefferson

Does anyone recall Joe Biden's comment that we will face a crisis in the first six months if Obama is elected? Obama officially ended the "war on terror" yesterday.

"The last terror trial at Guantánamo Bay has been halted after the senior military judge dropped charges against a suspect in the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000, the Pentagon has said.

The military prosecution of the suspected al-Qaida bomber Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri was the last active war crimes case at the US navy base in Cuba." He was the main suspect in the bombing of the USS Cole 9 years ago.

I see these acts as a welcome invitation to terrorists to come after us. We won't do anything to you now.

At least Bush let the world know that we won't stand for these acts on American soil or against American citizens.

Get ready America we are in for a bumpy ride. I get that the economy is not Obama's fault. I don't blame him. And I don't blame Bush. It has been a culmination of the past 16 years. It may take us another 16 years to get out of it.

But, damn, use your brains. 60% of Americans are opposed to this bill. Doesn't that tell the legislators something? Or are they so full of pork that they are napping on the job now?

Superbowl XLIII Champions

I am an official resident of Sixburgh, PA. In case anyone has been living in a cave for the past few days...THE STEELERS WON THE SUPERBOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are the first team to win 6 Lombardi trophies.

Glenn and I braved the cold and snow to watch the parade downtown. The kids decided at the last minute to watch from home.

About 250,000 people ventured downtown to view this historic event. Amazingly, it was quite orderly. Temperatures were in the low 20's.

I got to see some of my favorite players.

Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Mewelde Moore, Troy Palamalu, James Harrison and MVP Santonio Holmes.