September 11th...
I think today should be a national holiday..
no work...no school...no events....
It's all just too weird to see a political fundraiser "Come party with us...September 11th"
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Favorite AP News Alert Of The Day
WASHINGTON (AP) - Investigators reveal illicit sex trysts
between government oil brokers, energy company employees
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-09-10-08 1408EDT
between government oil brokers, energy company employees
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-09-10-08 1408EDT
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Public School
Brendan is now in his fourth week of Kindergarten at a public school.
He has gone to preschool for the last two years at a private church-run school.
This adjustment to public school is not going so well- at least for us parents.
It seems that while it's public school...it's not cheap.
Everyday there is something we need to pay for...
$7 for a school shirt...
$5 for PTA membership...
Third day of class- a school fundraiser selling crap....
$2.50 for an "in-house" field trip to some puppet show....
And not only that- but threatening notes...like "IF people don't pay for this field trip- we will be forced to cancel all field-trips for all students"
We don't have a class list...
We've already had two hurricane days- which you wouldn't think would be a big deal- but apparently it has thrown the entire school schedule off- and we are now getting newsletters home that are literally weeks behind...
Brendan has about 45 minutes of homework a night..
When I was in Kindergarten- it was only a half day- and there was no such thing as homework!
Now- he's at school for about 8 hours- and then has 45 minutes of homework almost every night...my how times have changed.....
He has gone to preschool for the last two years at a private church-run school.
This adjustment to public school is not going so well- at least for us parents.
It seems that while it's public school...it's not cheap.
Everyday there is something we need to pay for...
$7 for a school shirt...
$5 for PTA membership...
Third day of class- a school fundraiser selling crap....
$2.50 for an "in-house" field trip to some puppet show....
And not only that- but threatening notes...like "IF people don't pay for this field trip- we will be forced to cancel all field-trips for all students"
We don't have a class list...
We've already had two hurricane days- which you wouldn't think would be a big deal- but apparently it has thrown the entire school schedule off- and we are now getting newsletters home that are literally weeks behind...
Brendan has about 45 minutes of homework a night..
When I was in Kindergarten- it was only a half day- and there was no such thing as homework!
Now- he's at school for about 8 hours- and then has 45 minutes of homework almost every night...my how times have changed.....
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Tale of Two Candidates....
Most people don't get to experience what I've recently experienced...meeting the next President of the United States.
It's pretty intense sitting in a room with the would-be president...but it's also interesting how two men- both wanting the same job- are just SO different...
Monday:
Told we have an exclusive one-on-one interview with Sen. John McCain.
Arrive at Brevard Community College in Melbourne.
Go through a security check. Lots of sweet looking dogs that want to play- and attack.
Told we are the pool media camera for a statement the Senator will make about his vision for future spaceflight. We are housed with national media...some big names in the room.
I try to act cool- all while drooling over the food the national media enjoy.
(Photo: Orlando Sentinel photographer Joe Burbank enjoys his lunch)
We are not allowed to eat the food, as national media has to pay to eat- and we aren't cool enough to be included in that group!
After lunch, the Senator makes his statement and walks away without taking questions.
We are immediately rushed to a different room- where are are in a mad dash to set up the equipment.
The press guy with McCain asks us to look through the view finder so he can approve the shot.
Suddenly, the room fills with worker bees rushing "here comes the Senator...Here comes the Senator"
In walks McCain, who says hello and sits down. With him are Senators Mel Martinez and Joe Lieberman. Martinez jokes with reporter Scott Harris about old high school days...McCain looks on noticing the fact they know each other.
Two women come into the room- one working on his hair- the other touching up his makeup. I come to find out McCain can't lift up his arms- an injury from his POW days- so he has to have people brush his hair for him.
The interview begins- with a sea on onlookers...including the two Senators- a number of secret service agents- and a large amount of people from his campaign/press office. I would say in all, about 30 people...if not more...were watching.
They were also recording. A number of digital audio records were on, taping everything.
The interview was great- about 7 minutes later someone (I swear it was one of the makeup people) gave me the sign to wrap it up. I thought about ignoring her- but then again- there were lots of people with guns around....so we wrapped it up.
McCain was very nice and shook hands with everyone- and then was whisked away....
Tuesday:
Told we have an exclusive one-on-one interview with Sen. Barack Obama.
We arrive at the Orange County Convention Center- and told to meet behind the media riser after the interview.
We do as told- and are taken to a closet. This particular closet is home to every make and model of cord ever made. Cords of all different shapes, sizes and lengths are all organized in bins all around the mason brick room.
We are shown where to set up the camera- we do so...and are told to wait by the entrance to the closet to wait for the Senator- who first has a radio interivew.
As we are waiting, we are talking to a secret service agent- asking if it is a job requirement that you are not allowed to smile. Needless to say, he started smiling...in walked another secret service agent...who our first guy got to smile as well. All is good- and before you know it, in walks Senator Obama.
He walks up to me, shakes my hand...says hello to my co-workers, and is whisked away for a radio interview.
We wait about five minutes- and then our turn.
We are standing in the corner of this closet- in front of a blue curtain and a flag...and the interview begins.
In contrast to the McCain interview, the Obama campaign maybe has about three people in there- and they were way back.
At one point, about seven minutes later- one woman gave me a wrap sign- we wrapped it up- and the Senator just hung around talking to everyone, until someone from him campaign had to move him along.
My thoughts:
I felt like the way the McCain camp controlled things- they were almost afraid McCain was going to say something damaging...it appeared like the Obama campaign was so confident in his skills, that they weren't worried about what he might say.
It's pretty intense sitting in a room with the would-be president...but it's also interesting how two men- both wanting the same job- are just SO different...
Monday:
Told we have an exclusive one-on-one interview with Sen. John McCain.
Arrive at Brevard Community College in Melbourne.
Go through a security check. Lots of sweet looking dogs that want to play- and attack.
Told we are the pool media camera for a statement the Senator will make about his vision for future spaceflight. We are housed with national media...some big names in the room.
I try to act cool- all while drooling over the food the national media enjoy.
(Photo: Orlando Sentinel photographer Joe Burbank enjoys his lunch)We are not allowed to eat the food, as national media has to pay to eat- and we aren't cool enough to be included in that group!
After lunch, the Senator makes his statement and walks away without taking questions.
We are immediately rushed to a different room- where are are in a mad dash to set up the equipment.
The press guy with McCain asks us to look through the view finder so he can approve the shot.
Suddenly, the room fills with worker bees rushing "here comes the Senator...Here comes the Senator"
In walks McCain, who says hello and sits down. With him are Senators Mel Martinez and Joe Lieberman. Martinez jokes with reporter Scott Harris about old high school days...McCain looks on noticing the fact they know each other.
Two women come into the room- one working on his hair- the other touching up his makeup. I come to find out McCain can't lift up his arms- an injury from his POW days- so he has to have people brush his hair for him.
The interview begins- with a sea on onlookers...including the two Senators- a number of secret service agents- and a large amount of people from his campaign/press office. I would say in all, about 30 people...if not more...were watching.
They were also recording. A number of digital audio records were on, taping everything.
The interview was great- about 7 minutes later someone (I swear it was one of the makeup people) gave me the sign to wrap it up. I thought about ignoring her- but then again- there were lots of people with guns around....so we wrapped it up.
McCain was very nice and shook hands with everyone- and then was whisked away....
Tuesday:
Told we have an exclusive one-on-one interview with Sen. Barack Obama.
We arrive at the Orange County Convention Center- and told to meet behind the media riser after the interview.
We do as told- and are taken to a closet. This particular closet is home to every make and model of cord ever made. Cords of all different shapes, sizes and lengths are all organized in bins all around the mason brick room.
We are shown where to set up the camera- we do so...and are told to wait by the entrance to the closet to wait for the Senator- who first has a radio interivew.
As we are waiting, we are talking to a secret service agent- asking if it is a job requirement that you are not allowed to smile. Needless to say, he started smiling...in walked another secret service agent...who our first guy got to smile as well. All is good- and before you know it, in walks Senator Obama.
He walks up to me, shakes my hand...says hello to my co-workers, and is whisked away for a radio interview.
We wait about five minutes- and then our turn.
We are standing in the corner of this closet- in front of a blue curtain and a flag...and the interview begins.
 |
At one point, about seven minutes later- one woman gave me a wrap sign- we wrapped it up- and the Senator just hung around talking to everyone, until someone from him campaign had to move him along.
My thoughts:
I felt like the way the McCain camp controlled things- they were almost afraid McCain was going to say something damaging...it appeared like the Obama campaign was so confident in his skills, that they weren't worried about what he might say.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
My crazy life
I'm not looking for sympathy- just a little understanding ;)
I feel like I'm in the middle of an anxiety attack!
Here's my situation.....
1. Primary Elections August 26th- over 100 local races- I'm in charge of all coverage- which is pretty intense...
2. Monday- John McCain comes to Orlando
Tuesday- Barack Obama comes to Orlando
Wednesday- President Bust comes to Orlando.
I'm in charge of all coverage
3. Tropical Storm Fay looks like it's going to nail us about Tuesday/Wednesday...
I'm not in charge of coverage- but I'm sure I'll be involved!
4. My little Brendan starts Kindergarten on Monday!!! In the middle of all this work I'm supposed to be a mom!
I'm not ready- I don't think we've prepared him as much as we could have!
I'm totally freaking!
On top of that- I'm dealing with two different campaigns and the white house- none of which are very forthcoming with information and logistics...
Through all this- I'm actually supposed to be spending a relaxing weekend camping...
I type this right now at the Fort Wilderness Campground- we have a lovely cabin for the weekend- a sort of farewell to summer "stay"cation...
Instead of relaxing, I'm obsessing over emails and logistics- praying for emails so I can just go to the pool....
Only 11 weeks until the November election- and then I can relax..
So basically the whole reason I write this is an excuse for any of my behaviour over the next few months!!!!
Anyone want to either
1- Offer help on how to relax?
or
2- Take bets on when my head will explode?
I feel like I'm in the middle of an anxiety attack!
Here's my situation.....
1. Primary Elections August 26th- over 100 local races- I'm in charge of all coverage- which is pretty intense...
2. Monday- John McCain comes to Orlando
Tuesday- Barack Obama comes to Orlando
Wednesday- President Bust comes to Orlando.
I'm in charge of all coverage
3. Tropical Storm Fay looks like it's going to nail us about Tuesday/Wednesday...
I'm not in charge of coverage- but I'm sure I'll be involved!
4. My little Brendan starts Kindergarten on Monday!!! In the middle of all this work I'm supposed to be a mom!
I'm not ready- I don't think we've prepared him as much as we could have!
I'm totally freaking!
On top of that- I'm dealing with two different campaigns and the white house- none of which are very forthcoming with information and logistics...
Through all this- I'm actually supposed to be spending a relaxing weekend camping...
I type this right now at the Fort Wilderness Campground- we have a lovely cabin for the weekend- a sort of farewell to summer "stay"cation...
Instead of relaxing, I'm obsessing over emails and logistics- praying for emails so I can just go to the pool....
Only 11 weeks until the November election- and then I can relax..
So basically the whole reason I write this is an excuse for any of my behaviour over the next few months!!!!
Anyone want to either
1- Offer help on how to relax?
or
2- Take bets on when my head will explode?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Chicago: By The Numbers
Hot dogs eaten: 8
Times I've gotten yelled at for wanting ketchup on said hot dog: 2
Hours sitting in traffic on the Edens or Tri-State Toll-way: I'm guessing about 6
Beers drunk: Countless
CTA bus rides: 2
CTA Train rides: 14
Miles driven in rental car: 364
Flights I've been on trying to get out of Chicago: 4
Amount of happy American Airlines workers willing to help me after flights have been cancelled: 0
Airplanes I was supposed to be on that have been deemed "not flight worthy" by the FAA: 1
People that are on the standby line trying to get on my flight out of Chicago to Orlando: 21
Times I've gotten yelled at for wanting ketchup on said hot dog: 2
Hours sitting in traffic on the Edens or Tri-State Toll-way: I'm guessing about 6
Beers drunk: Countless
CTA bus rides: 2
CTA Train rides: 14
Miles driven in rental car: 364
Flights I've been on trying to get out of Chicago: 4
Amount of happy American Airlines workers willing to help me after flights have been cancelled: 0
Airplanes I was supposed to be on that have been deemed "not flight worthy" by the FAA: 1
People that are on the standby line trying to get on my flight out of Chicago to Orlando: 21
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Saying Goodbye
My grandpa passed away this week- we are now heading up to Wisconsin for funeral services- here is the official obit from the Chicago Tribune:
John R. "Jack" Bresnahan, age 81, of Burlington, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at Burr Oak Manor in Genoa City. He was born Dec. 28, 1926, in Chicago, IL, to Timothy A. and Catherine, nee Guilfoyle, Bresnahan. John served in the United States Army. Jack worked as a greeter at WalMart until September of 2007 and was also a retired truck driver and a member of the 705 Union. Survivors include his loving wife, MaryAnne Bresnahan of Burlington; their children, Timothy (Carol)
Bresnahan of Florida, Patricia (Pat) Pastore of Arizona, Daniel Bresnahan of Minnesota and Mary Kay (Victor) Winandy of Illinois; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandsons. John was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James Bresnahan. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 7, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Jeff Thielen officiating. Burial will follow at So. WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Sunday, July 6, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory , 625 Browns Lake Dr., Burlington, WI 53105.
-----------------------------------------------------
These are some of the amazing things I will always remember about my grandpa- things that you can't print in the obit!!
*When I was little I didn't like to kiss him because his facial hair tickled my face
*He always had jokes to share- most of them were dirty, but I didn't realize that until I was older... "I once had a girlfriend with a wooden leg- her name was Peg"
*He loved animals- especially his sweet Irish Setter named Mick...and lots of kitties...
Poor Mick died a tragic death, being runover by a combine on the farm...it was awful- but at least now grandpa is back with his dog in heaven
*I never really knew what my grandpa's name really was...people called him John, Jack and everyone at "camp" called him Irish
*Every year- he took us to camp. For one week every summer until I was about 12 or so- we would pack up and head to Burlington, Wisconsin
If you dare: http://www.sunrayhills.com
As a child- it really wasn't a bad place- we had so much fun, made so many friends and never thought twice about not being allowed to wear clothes in the pool....
But as I grew up- I thought it was very odd to watch my grandpa play volleyball.
I will never forget my high school graduation party- when he stated that he couldn't play volleyball with all of his clothes on...I got some strange looks....
*He took us to what I like to remember as "heaven on earth"...
Chocolate Fest- and it still continues today: http://www.chocolatefest.com/
I blame him for my chocolate addiction.
*For my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary, I interviewed them both- and was able to put together a movie with lots of old pictures. I'm so thankful that we had the chance to sit down and get all of his wit, humor and memories down on tape to treasure forever.
John R. "Jack" Bresnahan, age 81, of Burlington, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at Burr Oak Manor in Genoa City. He was born Dec. 28, 1926, in Chicago, IL, to Timothy A. and Catherine, nee Guilfoyle, Bresnahan. John served in the United States Army. Jack worked as a greeter at WalMart until September of 2007 and was also a retired truck driver and a member of the 705 Union. Survivors include his loving wife, MaryAnne Bresnahan of Burlington; their children, Timothy (Carol)
Bresnahan of Florida, Patricia (Pat) Pastore of Arizona, Daniel Bresnahan of Minnesota and Mary Kay (Victor) Winandy of Illinois; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandsons. John was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James Bresnahan. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 7, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Jeff Thielen officiating. Burial will follow at So. WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Sunday, July 6, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory , 625 Browns Lake Dr., Burlington, WI 53105.
-----------------------------------------------------
These are some of the amazing things I will always remember about my grandpa- things that you can't print in the obit!!
*When I was little I didn't like to kiss him because his facial hair tickled my face
*He always had jokes to share- most of them were dirty, but I didn't realize that until I was older... "I once had a girlfriend with a wooden leg- her name was Peg"
*He loved animals- especially his sweet Irish Setter named Mick...and lots of kitties...
Poor Mick died a tragic death, being runover by a combine on the farm...it was awful- but at least now grandpa is back with his dog in heaven
*I never really knew what my grandpa's name really was...people called him John, Jack and everyone at "camp" called him Irish
*Every year- he took us to camp. For one week every summer until I was about 12 or so- we would pack up and head to Burlington, Wisconsin
If you dare: http://www.sunrayhills.comAs a child- it really wasn't a bad place- we had so much fun, made so many friends and never thought twice about not being allowed to wear clothes in the pool....
But as I grew up- I thought it was very odd to watch my grandpa play volleyball.
I will never forget my high school graduation party- when he stated that he couldn't play volleyball with all of his clothes on...I got some strange looks....
*He took us to what I like to remember as "heaven on earth"...
Chocolate Fest- and it still continues today: http://www.chocolatefest.com/
I blame him for my chocolate addiction.
*For my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary, I interviewed them both- and was able to put together a movie with lots of old pictures. I'm so thankful that we had the chance to sit down and get all of his wit, humor and memories down on tape to treasure forever.
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