I'm movin' out...

Of blogger that is... after too many examples of people getting in trouble for posting opinions and whatnot on blogs linked to their name, I'm moving my blog away to something less obvious.

Clearly, I realize that there are pictures of me and my family everywhere on any blog I post and it's not too hard to figure out who wrote it, but that's okay--baby steps. It's also important that for client purposes I know how to use different blog applications, so I'm moving away from Blogger and over to WordPress. I'll leave this site up for a bit longer (not as if many people read it), but after that, check my blog out at www.suddenlysimple.wordpress.com.

Happy Wednesday!

A couple more...

I had to add a few more pictures, it's not often we have so much snow!

Snow Day!

Despite the fact that I lost feeling in my hands for a good hour on Sunday, I was super excited to wake up (with Brad's assistance before sunrise) to see the wonderful winter surprise! The last time I had seen snow it was my wedding day, ha, so this time it was much more welcome.

Brad, Oliver and I had a blast outside in the snow. Oliver wasn't too sure about it at first, but he quickly became excited about the unknown substance (I think it was when he realized he could eat it?). We tried to build a snowman, but Brad said it looked like a dog and I thought it looked like an octopus, so we gave up and decided to make a cardboard sled. Brad braved the hill behind our house first, but Oliver and I were quick to follow. We made a big breakfast, watched the snow fall and drank hot chocolate. It was a perfect morning! See below for our first Stripling family snow!

Love is a wonderful thing...

Yes, that's right, I just quoted Michael Bolton. I had a major obsession with him in the 4th grade (blame my mom) and to this day I still get super happy inside when I sing along to his tunes. The happiness that this little ditty evokes is not even close to the happiness that I felt all weekend with my husband.

I'm a love nerd, most people know this. It's why I choose the books and movies that I do and why I continue to obsess over each season of The Bachelor despite its unsuccessful history- I love, love. So, with that being said, Valentine's Day automatically ranks in my top 3 holidays (in between Christmas and my birthday of course). Brad and I don't typically make a big deal over elaborate Valentine's Day presents or anything like that, I just love the cheesiness that goes along with the holiday. The hearts, the flowers, the whole bit.

This year Brad and I are trying to stay on a budget, so I wasn't anticipating any big plans for the holiday. We'd decided to buy a desk for Brad to use to study as our gift and I thought we might do a simple dinner or something--but not so fast. Brad had a plan (and we know I love plans). When I got home Friday, after receiving a dozen beautiful tulips at work, he informed me that he had our whole Saturday planned and it would start with breakfast at V. Richard's. I was ecstatic and even woke up early on Saturday to begin my day of fun.

The day started with two roses, one from Brad and one from Oliver of course, and then we were off to have an incredible breakfast at V. Richard's. I pigged out on french toast and cheese grits and then we hit the road for our next stop--ice skating! Brad has always said he'd like for us to go, but it hasn't ever really worked out. Fortunately, this time, we got to lace up our skates and take the ice. Brad was hysterical--I called him Grandpa all day because he was hurting all over (of course I was a natural Kristy Yamaguchi, ha!) but we had fun none the less. Plus, Brad finally admitted that he had "found something he wasn't good at." Ha!

We finished off our day out and about with a late lunch/early dinner at Cafe Lazio, buying chocolate covered strawberries from Crave (the best I've ever had) and picking out a Valentine's Day surprise for Oliver at Pet Smart. As the traffic picked up and people were clearly trying to make it out for their Valentine's Day dinners, we were thankfully heading home. We spent the entire night hanging out, relaxing and watching movies; it was perfect.

This Valentine's Day was undoubtedly the best one I've ever had. For the first time in a really long time, Brad and I took the whole day just for us. We simply enjoyed each other's company and put all of our worries aside. I don't typically gush, but I have to say that I'm incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful husband.

Change you can believe in...

One of President Obama's continuously reiterated messages was that he was going to bring "change" to Washington. He wasn't interested in the special interest groups, crooked lobbying deals and the like. To me, if it could have been true, would have been major points for him in my book.

However, that promise has already been broken. Don't you find it funny that so many of the people he nominates to lead our country with him have somewhat of a shady past? Sure, everyone has a skeleton in their closet, but when it's illegal (and immoral) that's inexcusable. Political figures are not exempt from the laws that govern the rest of us and mistakes made such as Daschle's should have immediately disqualified him for consideration as Obama's Health and Human Services secretary. I e-mailed my senators urging them to uphold conservative principles and refuse to confirm Tom Daschle and as it turns out...that wasn't even necessary. He withdrew his name today... yay for small victories!

See below for an article about Daschle's withdrawal and some of the other shady folks on Obama's list.

Daschle withdraws nomination
By JENNIFER LOVEN, AP White House Correspondent Jennifer Loven, Ap White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON – Faced with problems over back taxes and potential conflicts of interest, Tom Daschle withdrew his nomination on Tuesday to be President Barack Obama's Health and Human Services secretary.

"Now we must move forward," Obama said in a written statement accepting Daschle's surprise request to be removed from consideration. A day earlier, Obama had said he "absolutely" stood by Daschle.

Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader and a strong backer of Obama's presidential bid, said he would have been unable to operate "with the full faith of Congress and the American people."

"I am not that leader, and will not be a distraction" to Obama's agenda, he said.
His stunning statement came less than three hours after another Obama nominee also withdrew from consideration, and also over tax problems. Nancy Killefer, nominated by Obama to be the government's first chief performance officer, said she didn't want her bungling of payroll taxes on her household help to be a distraction.

Daschle was the third high-profile Obama nominee to bow out. Obama initially had tapped Bill Richardson to be Commerce secretary, but the New Mexico governor withdrew amid a grand jury investigation into a state contract awarded to his political donors.

"I was a little stunned. I thought he was going to get confirmed," said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, the panel that would have voted on Daschle's nomination. "It's regrettable. He's a very good man."

Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Daschle's former Democratic colleagues had rallied to his defense in the wake of questions about his failure to fully pay his taxes from 2005 through 2007. Last month, Daschle paid $128,203 in back taxes and $11,964 in interest.

"Tom made a mistake, which he has openly acknowledged," Obama said. "He has not excused it, nor do I. But that mistake and this decision cannot diminish the many contributions Tom has made to this country."

Daschle also was facing questions about potential conflicts of interests related to the speaking fees he accepted from health care interests. Daschle also provided advice to health insurers and hospitals through his post-Senate work at a law firm.

It all proved too bitter a pill for senators to swallow, even for a former member of their club.

Last week, the Senate confirmed Timothy Geithner as Treasury secretary despite his tax problems.

The controversy also has undercut Obama's promise to run a more ethical, responsible and special interest-free administration.

The withdrawal came after Republicans and major newspapers had been questioning Obama's initial decision to stick with Daschle.

Republican Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina said Obama was "losing credibility" with his statements in support of Daschle. "Part of leadership is recognizing when there has been a mistake made and responding quickly," the Republican said.

In an editorial, The New York Times described Daschle's ability to move "cozily between government and industry" as a cloud over any role he might play in changing the nation's health care system.

The Chicago Tribune opined that "Daschle is dispensable" and suggested that "to proclaim high standards and then suspend them exposes Obama to charges that he is either hypocritical or obtuse."

In a letter released Monday, Daschle sought to explain how he overlooked taxes on income for consulting work and the use of a car service. He also deducted more in charitable contributions than he should have. He also met with Senate Finance Committee members behind closed doors.
"It was completely inadvertent, but that's no excuse," he said. "I apologize to President Obama, to my colleagues and to the American people."

Some senators laid the blame for Daschle's tax woes on his employers rather than on Daschle. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., said the friend that provided him with a chauffeur service for three years, Leo Hindery Jr., should have given Daschle a tax form that would make clear the service was to be treated as income.

Daschle began the day apologizing for his failure to fully pay his taxes from 2005 through 2007. He capped it off that way as well after meeting with the committee behind closed doors.

So it begins...

"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help'" -Ronald Reagan

There are some things that no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to make sense of. This week both local and national government have done some of the most insane things I've ever seen--things that really get me fired up. The general tone--BIG government is what we need... I COMPLETELY disagree. I believe in personal responsibility and the below examples are so very far from that (and some are just absolutely insane).

First, did you know that the city of Birmingham "deserved" (according to Larry) to have an inauguration celebration with a $50K price tag? For me, that's more of a punishment. My tax dollars are being used for an excessive celebration? The decision from the city to fund such a party is completely irresponsible and I am appalled that they were able to get away with it, history or not. I can only imagine what other places around the country thought--it only reiterated the image of ignorant leadership. Locals are often frustrated by the tainted view outsiders have of our city--things like this only make it worse. If the city wants to celebrate, fine, but do it on a less grand scale. Asking for donations or sponsorships for the event was never part of Larry's big plan, no, that would make too much sense. Up front the city offered to foot the bill for a big party downtown and frugality was never an issue. Celebrate, that's fine, but do it in your own home or at least on a private entity's dime, not mine (and was an HD broadcast really necessary?). Clearly, I'm never letting this go.

Next, in another great local government move the county decided to hire a lobbyist (for $950,000) to seek bailout money for the sewer debt crisis. Another example of irresponsibly fun management. Does anyone see that its not the government's job to bail our county, or any other, out of financial trouble? Take responsibility for your own actions, stop trying to play an ego game and make some big decisions. Fix the mess you made yourself, Jefferson County. (Yes, I live in Jefferson County but Shelby County looks better and better everyday...our next house perhaps.)

Another real pain in my side is the state proposal to provide cell phones to low income families for "emergencies." Don't get me wrong, I totally believe that EVERY person should have access to a phone to call 911. 911 saves lives in medical emergencies, domestic violence incidences, and more. However, for what reason would an additional 68 minutes of talk time, with the option to purchase additional minutes for .20/minute be provided? Did you know that in most states that have this program the overwhelming majority of people who receive these phones PURCHASE additional minutes? If they can afford excess minutes, they can afford their own phone. Buy a pay as you go phone, whatever you want, but don't add on to a "free" plan just because you can. What kind of set up is that? It's pathetic. I'm glad this has hit a road block and I hope it doesn't ever come to fruition. By the way, the company that provides the phones makes a killer profit. I'll support something like this when it's 911 only.

Finally, the national government. Our now President tried to avoid the abortion issue on the campaign trail, but it was clearly a top priority. Not even a week into the job he has overturned legislation that prevents our US tax dollars from paying for international abortions. It's pathetic that yet again people (like me) are forced to pay for something they don't believe in. Obama said he wants people to have options--great, let's make it as easy as possible to be irresponsible. No worries, the government is here for you.

The most incredible quote of all from the week--Obama felt the need to remind everyone that "there was an election in November and I won." Trust me, I don't think anyone forgot that, no matter how hard they tried. However, I also hope that no one forgot all of the lofty campaign promises you made and how so many ignored the consequences of some of your big plans. Whether you voted for Obama or not, let's all hold him accountable, he says that's what he wants "no secrets," let's see how that works out.

I want to be optimistic, I really do, but this week didn't do much for that goal. On to week two of 44's reign.

Come out, come out wherever you are

Okay, so I've officially been hibernating for almost two months, but I've decided to attempt a return to the blogosphere. The problem is that I'm not all that interesting, and I don't have a whole lot of extra time to devote to this bad boy.

However, with the nature of my career, I need to not only continue to become a better writer, but its also important that I am familiar enough with blogging that I can talk to clients about it without sounding like a complete moron. So... the solution is this-I'm coming back to the blog, but with a new game plan--focus less on Brad, Oliver and me, and focus more on things going on, interesting stories I run across, funny commentary, more general interest things, of course with my two cents added in. This plan should give me more easily accessible content and perhaps even more opportunities to fire up my liberal friends out there (just kidding).

I'm also thinking about trying to do some quirky design things, but I'm still learning how all of that works. The ultimate test--can I actually apply what I'm learning about web design to my own blog? Only time will tell.

Go Seminoles!

Last weekend Brad, Mom, Dad and I packed up and headed to Atlanta to watch the Florida State Seminoles play Georgia Tech. If you know Brad even a little, you know he's a major FSU fan and every year that we've been together he's been able to make a trip to see the Seminoles play.

I equate his excitement about watching FSU in person to a child's excitement about a trip to Disney World. The Seminoles are his Mickey and Minnie. Despite FSU's loss, we had a fantastic weekend filled with fun and tons of incredible food. I love opportunities to get away and it was awesome to be able to spend some time with Mom and Dad. Let's hope the rest of the FSU season is filled with victories (translating to even happier Saturdays at our house)!

It's all about perspective...

There has been some confusion about my last post and I think it's important to clarify. However, I think it's equally important to point out that I don't write to argue or offend anyone. This blog is totally for my venting and not for much else. Until this week, I thought that only my close friends and family read it...surprise!

First, I'm not by any means saying that electing Obama wasn't historic, it obviously was. Firsts are always a big deal. Whether we elected our first African American president or our first female VP, it was clearly a milestone. Our country continues to progress and that is encouraging. I understand how far we've come and I'm grateful for that, which is why I am discouraged by all of the racial issues surrounding this election.

My point in my last post was that it bothers me that the color of someone's skin, or someone's gender for that matter, is a qualification for office. It's not. I think it is sad if people chose to vote for Obama because they "wanted to be a part of history" and it would have been equally sad for those people that chose McCain-Palin based on Palin's sex. That's selfish, that's not putting your country or others first, that's not what our country is about.

I firmly believe that it is our duty to educate ourselves and cast our vote for the person who we believe is the most qualified to lead our great country. "Qualified" can incorporate many things (religion, policy, records, experience, character, etc.) but things such as race, sex, or age shouldn't be factors in the decision. However, I'm not so naive to believe they aren't for some people. No matter how you factor it in, it's silly. People define "qualified" differently and that's okay, I understand that, but that's not what people are arguing. That's why I'm frustrated.

The bottom line is this, we are privileged to have the opportunity to cast our vote for the person that we want to be our leader. A lot should go into that decision and while I'm glad people showed up in record numbers to vote I would be more encouraged about the progress our country is making if there were more headlines about people's faith in Obama's economic policies, or health care plans, or whatever issue is important to you, than those talking about the history being made and the racial divides. History is important and I'm thankful that I live in a country that allows anyone, regardless of race or gender, to hold the highest offices, but what's more important than that is the history that Obama chooses to make himself, history that doesn't involve skin color, history that includes our national security and our economic strength. Sure, he's the first African American president, but was he the best choice to lead our country? Only time will tell on that one, either way the election went there is clearly a lot to be proven and we'll undoubtedly see history unfold over the next four years.

Our country is at a crucial crossroad and we have a lot of ground to make up. People around the world, including me and my family, are lined up waiting to see what happens next. I truly hope that our new president finds a way to meet in the middle, for the benefit of liberals and conservatives alike, and that he is able to unite our country once again. Here's hoping that the next few years hold many unexpected pleasant surprises.

As for political rants, thank goodness election season is over--back to Oliver and the family!

Here We Go...

Well, we've done it. Call it history, call it cracks in the glass ceiling, call it whatever you want, but one thing we can all agree on is--it's over. It's time to move on--pray, hold on to you wallet with all your might and prepare to somehow support the "change" so many have asked for (that's right, I'm trying to be supportive).

Obviously, I'm not pumped about the election results, but there is something that is bothering me even more than that and multiple stories in today's Birmingham News further my point.

For example, a headline (on the front page, nonetheless) reads: "State vote shows racial divide and Obama inroads" the article goes on and on saying things like "Black voters cast ballots in the presidential race in enormous numbers for Barack Obama, while whites voted overwhelmingly for Republican John McCain." Then it thoroughly describes how Obama overwhelmingly won the vote in all majority black polling places and McCain won 4/5 of majority white polling places (wait... doesn't that contradict the point?). Then on the front page of the local section we have: "Davis: A black candidate can win Alabama: Experts say statewide numbers are not a positive sign." Despite the confusing headline the article talks about how Obama might have broken the "biggest glass ceiling," but in Alabama that ceiling is still in place for black candidates. Really? How so? I give ole Artur some credit here, he disagrees with the "experts" on this one, but the paper goes on and on about racial disparities in Alabama and how difficult they are to overcome. We go to great lengths to show racism, when an educated African American himself is saying the "experts" are wrong. What's the logic? Let's be glad we've moved on, why don't we celebrate that?

My point, in citing these articles, is how disheartening it is that this election (which was supposed to unite the country) has somehow even further divided us. We're bringing up all sorts of old racial hostilities and somewhere along the lines phrases like "black power" have become politically correct again. I'm confused.

Why is it that if someone chose to vote for McCain instead of Obama, they're racist and it's assumed they don't want a black president? The numbers show the opposite )and personally I don't consider physical appearance a factor in my choice for Commander in Chief). More African American people voted straight for Obama (based on the color of his skin, perhaps?) whereas plenty of white people chose Obama too. Wouldn't that show reverse racism? We don't talk about that. It's okay for a black person to vote for Obama simply because he's black, but if a white person chooses not to vote for him it must be because he/she is a racist? It makes no sense and I'm truly sick of the argument. If anything, I hope this "historic" election puts some of this nonsense to bed. Let's move on. Let's talk about the things that matter--what's the next step? You've got your history, now lets see some results.

I'm frustrated that this election has become more about historic moments than what is best for our country. If you think Obama is the most qualified leader, then fine, I'm okay with that, but if you're rejoicing in the streets simply because our next President is black... you make me sad.

Pray for our country, pray for our current President and our President-elect. Here we go!