Earth Hour

We can all make a statement in support of Mother Earth.

At 8:00 PM tonight, everybody is asked to turn off all unnecessary electric appliances for one hour. The point? To make a statement about "Global Warming."

No thanks. In fact, I think I'll turn on all my lights. Heck, my house may be lit up like an airport runway.

Loony Tree Huggers.

You all are welcome to join me.

Coffee

For years, I have enjoyed the taste of coffee.

And my (coffee) drinking has evolved over time.

My first step in my evolution occurred ten years ago when I purchased a blade-type coffee grinder. I would drink fresh ground coffee on the weekends and at work, drink the company blend.

All that changed on our trip to Eureka Springs where, after reading all the positives, bought a French Press coffee maker. I've been hooked since my first cup and I now take my own freshly ground coffee to work and make it in my new press pot.

Now, I even have a brand new French Press for home thanks to a sale at Ross's. Say goodbye to the fifteen year old drip coffee maker.

WW says I'm turning into a coffee snob.

This is Why I Chose My Arm

A little interesting note:

WW's company was bought and they had their orientation meeting yesterday afternoon. In addition to compensation, which is better, there are some new changes coming down the pike.

Her new employer has a much more conservative dress code policy. For esample, beards and open-toed sandals are no-nos. Something that cuaght my eye is their policy towards tattoos. In short, if you have one, you either have to get it removed or covered up.

I'm all for covering up tattoos so I would have noe problem complying, but this goes to show you why I got mine in a hidden place, my upper arm.

Liberals

Last night I was listening to The Patriot a radio station dedicated to Conservative talk. I didn't catch the background but what sounded like a twenty-something college age kid was interviewed. The question was asked "What is the most important issue for you during this election year?" Based on her answers, I knew she was a lefty. Who could be this ignorant but liberals.

Answer: "We need to completely withdraw from Iraq without condition. This war is costing us too much money".

When asked if there was anything else, she said she wanted a more "Constitutionalists" government. She was upset that Bush was abusing the Executive office and wanted a president who would respect the office. (Like Clinton did with his girlfriends I guess?) When asked about Gun Control and the case before the Supreme Court questioning the constitutionality of the DC Gun Ban. (For those unaware, it is illegal to own a handgun in DC; one can purchase a permit for a rifle or shotgun but it must be disassembled and locked up at all times) her response about floored me.

Answer: "I don't see anything wrong with banning certain handguns.....Despite what statistics may say, I don't believe gun ownership curbs crime; those statistics can be twisted....." After awhile, she went on to talk about how guns hurt people, especially children.

This goes to show liberals know about as much about history as I know how to see 20/20. (For those unaware I'm legally blind)

As for the war costing too much money, when did liberals suddenly become concerned about spending? Are we spending too much on their "War on Poverty"? How about Government Schools? What about the Government Health care liberals are touting? nuff said.

Also, If we withdraw from Iraq without condition, we give the terrorists a victory which will embolden them. Remember Vietnam? What happened after we withdraw from South Vietnam? The North marched in and took that country over and our country was demoralized for years to come. How about Munich 1938? Did Hitler stop invading countries after appeasement? Nope, it took a very bloody World War and the murder of millions to stop him. Did the Ruskies fear us while Carter was playing nic? (answer, NO) Regardless of what the left thinks, based on facts, the surge IS working. Granted, I think we ought to be fighting this war more like we fought WWII, but regardless, cutting and running isn't an option. If we do that, we will have multiple September 11ths. Bottom line: The left can't wrap it's collective head around the fact we were attacked and regardless of what you may think of Bush, we're at war. They also can't come to the realization if we give in to dictators, it sends the wrong message.

It also goes to show you liberals know NOTHING about our Constitution. As much as I disagree with President Bush on certain issues (amnesty for illegals, reckless spending, kissing up to Mexico, his love affair with outsourcing American jobs) how has he abused the Executive branch? I doubt this lefty could provide facts proving her point. My Sister in Law is a Democrat and she tried to tell me the same thing without providing evidence. Sorry libs, I need concrete facts, not the latest screed from Moveon.org.

I also wonder what part of the Second Amendment this liberal doesn't understand? For somebody who wants to a "Constitutionalists" president, she's sure willing to play fast and loose with it. When cities try to ban handguns, that is infringing on some body's right to own a gun. Sound pretty unconstitutional to me. Truth is liberals want "Selective Constitutionalism" Simply put, if it's not in there (like abortion, protection for gay marriage, absurd "rights" given to criminals, protection for sodomy and limiting expressions of religion because of "Separation of Church and State, not to mention race quotas etc) they add it. If there is an amendment they don't like (the First and Second Amendments for example) it's ignored or stupidly interpreted.

I got a kick out of her statement "facts can be manipulated" Her statement can be translated....."We know if we argue facts, you right wingers will demolish us in the arena of ideas, so we'll just revert back to the your-facts-are-twisted argument and call you names like sexist, racist, homophobes etc"

If I don't laugh I'll cry.

Choice?

Apparently the Pro Abortion establishment is mad. Just so you know, if I can be called an "anti abortion activist" I'll turn the tables and call the Pro-Abortion group the way I see them .

There is a bill that would require all abortionaries to provide an ultrasound and a picture to anybody of their unborn child before the abortion can occur. The doctor would be required to give the woman information on what they see on the ultrasound screen.

Of course, Planned Parenthood is against the measure. The representative said even if a woman chose not to look at the picture she would....."have to listen to the doctor give details about what they see in the ultrasound."

And there is the crux of the pro death, anti life camp. You see, it's not about choice. If it were about a "woman's right to chose" I'd think they would be all for a woman getting ALL the facts. Of course, it's not about any choice whatsoever. As long as the uninformed woman kills her child, that's all they matters. Agendas come first.

I think the Pro Abortion/Anti Life camp know the truth. If women knew exactly what they were killing and the consequences of their actions, many would think twice before going ahead with the procedure. Of course, many in the Pro Abortion/Anti Life movement are themselves abortionists so if a woman chooses life, their business if finished.

You know, it's funny, Pro Lifers are accused of exploiting women and "denying them the right to choose." Who is exploiting these women? One side wants to give them ALL the facts; the other wishes to deny providing these facts to women about their unborn child. It doesn't take a genius to figure out who is really "Anti Choice" here.

Inked

PLEASE NOTE: The following account is based on MY experience. Depending on one's tolerance for pain, and where the tattoo is placed, their experience may be different. Much of this may be subjective.


So what's it like getting a tattoo? Is it as painful as they say?

As I said in my last post, I was more than a little nervous and considered calling the tattoo parlor and canceling. I didn't because I've been talking about getting one for several years and knew it was time to put up or shut up. I also know myself and knew if I chickened out, I'd regret it so I said "what the hey" and wen through with my plans. Plus, WW went from "not a snowball's chance in hell to "I'll support you if you get a tattoo." I'd hate to think I'd wasted all that time persuading her.

I'll answer my two questions and more with this post.

Upon entering the parlor and getting the paperwork out of the way (signing the release and paying) the artist Jodi asked what I wanted and where I wanted it placed. Because I'm a Christian and would be one the rest of my life I wanted something which would express my Faith. Hey, God chose me to be His, and I can't lose my salvation so an expression of my Christian faith was a safe choice. I've heard it said many times and they are right on this point. Choose wisely what you want and where you want it on your body. For example, I'm a Republican but may not be one the rest of my life. Remember, Reagan was a Democrat and when they got wacko liberal, he hit the door. I may also in the future work somewhere where tattoos are frowned upon so whatever I got, I wanted it in a place I could easily cover up if need be. Besides work, I may, in the future, serve in a leadership position at church. My tattoo may be offensive to somebody. Although I have no moral qualms about what I did, the last thing I want is to cause offense to a fellow brother or sister.

Besides an expression of my Faith, I wanted a simple design for a first-time-tattoo so I chose the triquetra. (Spare me the BS about it being a pagan symbol, so were Christmas trees, but like trees, God created these symbols, if we Christians want to take something paganism uses for evil and Christianize it, we can) This is a symbol of the Triune God composed of three interlocking triangles that form one shape; the representative three-in-one doctrine of God. As for where I wanted it placed, I decided to go with my upper arm instead of my shoulder blade. In addition to the upper arm being less painful than other parts of the body, I wanted a place I could cover up easily but also somewhere I could show off. Hey, I wasn't getting a picture of a naked lady. :-)

While I was sitting off to the side Jodie prepped her station taking all needles out of the packages and mixing her ink. I also saw her grab some clean gloves, paper towels and face mask. You know you're in good hands when you hear your tattoo artist say "I've done several triquetras before." so I was confident. After choosing my design and size, Jodie showed me the color I chose and what it would like on my skin. I must admit, she did a remarkable job of mixing a dark green that would stand out on my arm.

After shaving the area, spraying my arm with a couple of solutions, tracing the design on my upper arm, applying the gel so the needle would glide easier on my skin, and (again) reassuring me it wouldn't hurt too bad, it was time to get started. Jodie warned me when the needle would hit the skin and although I had some discomfort, I've had worse pain skinning my knee or burning myself. Honestly, I did grunt a couple of times and flinched when the pain got more intense, but I didn't have to bite on a lead bullet or take a slug of whiskey. The procedure was pretty straight forward; Jodi would apply the needle, stop, then wipe excess ink (and I'm sure blood although I didn't see any) from my arm. The entire time, Jodi talked, telling me about herself and asked where I was from. She did an excellent job taking my mind off the pain. After about 25-30 minutes she was through. Before bandaging my arm, she had me take a look at the finished product in a full length mirror.

Once bandaged, I purchased some antibiotic lotion and she went over the aftercare procedures. I have to keep it clean and apply the antibiotics several times a day for the next four days and over the next week or two, keep it moist using over the counter lotion.

So am I glad I got inked?

Yes, I like the design, and the pain before and after wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. If you were to ask me, I'd say it felt a lot like cutting myself shaving, though a little more intense. Besides a little pain, which resembles a sunburn, my arm is fine. The only restriction I have is for the next week or so, I can't submerge my upper arm in water; showers are fine, just no baths. I think I can manage.

Remember, this is MY experience. Everybody's experience may be different. Also, like I said earlier, the upper arm is not as painful as other parts of the body. I'm sure the pain would have been more intense if I'd gotten tattooed by my ankle blade, lower back, or lower arm/hand. All in all though, the descriptions given to me by Jodi and Carrie (the shop owner) were accurate.

I was in a state of shock after the entire procedure. First, I was amazed how easy it was getting the tattoo (lack of pain). Second, I still couldn't believe I went through with it. WW was looking in a novelty store when I called and she brought me in and told the shop owner what I did and that I didn't chicken out. The lady pulled up her shirt (tastefully) revealing a tattoo on her lower back.

Of course, everybody I've talked to that has gotten inked will say the same thing.....think carefully what you want and where you want it. Remember, tattoos don't wear off after a few months. If you get tattooed, you've got it for life so make sure you're happy with your choice. That is why I have no problem echoing this advice. Besides doing plenty of research, wisely select your design considering placing your tattoo somewhere, where, if need be, can be covered up.

I'm glad I got inked, but I'm as glad it was done after many months/years of consideration and not a little bit of research.

I still have one other arm and two shoulder blades. Maybe I'll get another one?

Maybe.

Road Trip Day III

After WW got a massage and I took care of some business in town (more on that later) we met up and spent the rest of the day driving/walking around Eureka Springs. We both enjoyed the Bed and Breakfast we've been staying at and would gladly come back. If you are interested in getting away for a couple of days, give Evening Shade a try. Our room, which was large with a king sized bed and two person hot tub in the corner, was very nice. Each day, the owners bring a breakfast and an afternoon desert to your door. For the price of the package, we got a good deal. For both of us, this was a much needed get-away. I'm glad we got to vacation, but I'm ready to get back into the normal swing of things at home.

As for the business I had in town? Well, let's just say I did something which had serious consequences. WW and I will have to live with my decision the rest of our lives and everyday I will have a reminder of the choice I've made. Taken rashly, this action would have a serious affect on my job and future career choices. It was (a little) painful and more than once while undertaking it, I had second thoughts. It was a grave undertaking fraught with long hours of research and self reflection. More than once, I had second thoughts and considered calling my contact and cancelling my appointment. However, I decided to throw caution to the wind and continue with my plans. Needless to say, I (or a part of my body) will never be the same.

I GOT A TATTOO!!!!!!!

That's right, I got inked. This is something I wanted to do for some time. Let me start from the beginning.

For several years, I've considering getting a tattoo but did not know what to get or where to put my art work. I did my research and talked to several tattoo artists. All in all they had very good advice (think carefully what you get, and where you put your tattoo, the pain depends on where you get inked, don't get one spur of the moment etc) Remember, this was before Oklahoma legalized tattoos so if I went through with it, I'd have to go to another state. I almost got tattooed several years ago on an Arkansas trip but a shortage of funds and time put a stop to my plans.

After choosing a design and getting an estimate, I called Tattoos Done Eureka Style and told them if I choose to get one, I'd stop by. Due to business, I had to schedule a four o'clock appointment so I spent the day anticipating (and worrying) about my date with destiny. The artist, Jodi, was very patient with me and answered all my questions. If I wanted to know why she was doing something, she happily explained that part of the procedure. She reassured me I'd do fine and the pain was not as bad as people said it was. The parlor was a very clean and professional establishment. In fact, I later learned the owner was going to school to pursue a career in medical work.

I was very happy with the finished product. If I needed my tattoo updated or got another one, I'd go there again.

You'll have to read the next post if you want to know what tattoo I got and where I got it.

Road Trip Day II

This morning, after checking out of our motel and looking at a little used book store we ran across in Fayetteville, we started our second leg of our vacation. We made reservations at a local B&B and were very impressed with the room. Of course, no trip to Arkansas is complete without a trip to AQ Chicken House. We tried the location in Fayetteville, but several people told me the one in Springdale was better so I took this opportunity to try them both. I found the chicken in Springdale had a better flavor and wasn't as greasy. Both, however are very good, but if I had to choose which one I'd eat at, it would be Springdale.

On the road we made a stop at the Pea Ridge battlefield which, unbeknown st to us, was fought March 7th and 8th 1862, one hundred forty six years ago to the day. What's interesting about the battle of Pea Ridge isit was the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. General Earl Van Dorn set out to try and draw Missouri into the Confederacy. Both parties met at the battle site, and after Van Dorn's forces were defeated, Missouri was securely in the Union and the tide began to turn in the Trans Mississippi theater. I've been to Par Ridge several times, the first time hiking the battlefield with my Boy Scout troop when I was in fifth grade. WW and I learned they are going to have reenactors Sunday so we may try and stop by there again. I'm a big Civil War buff and every time we visit, I learn something new.

Both WW and myself have always loved Eureka Springs. We were married there in 2001 and have been back several times. Even though I don't buy into the New Age mumbo jumbo and the politics are a little liberal for my tastes, the peaceful settings make this a favorite destination for the both of us. We were able to get some tickets to a show free of charge, but we both decided to just stay indoors and just relax. I'm blogging, she's watching a movie.

As for the snow? What snow? All traces melted out before we even left Fayetteville so it is smooth sailing.

Road Trip

This morning WW and I loaded up the car and began the first leg of our three day stay in Arkansas. Day one, we're staying in Fayetteville, the next two nights, we'll spend at a Bed and Breakfast in Eureka Springs.

We arrived in Fayetteville around 11:00. After checking in and going swimming in the indoor pool ,WW and I headed out to check out Fayetteville our last stop a favorite restaurant of ours, AQ Chicken House. I've never spent the night in Fayetteville, but so far, I like what I see. This may be a place we visit more often.

As for the weather, it's started snowing, but so far, it's not sticking.

And the Winner Is.....

For the Republican nomination, Senator John McCain, aka Amnesty John. The Democrats, the jury is still out.

I'd like to say I'm happy Amnesty John is our candidate but I'm not. We'll see if he is serious about reaching out to Conservatives.

If he doesn't, get ready for a President Clinton (or Obama)

New Computer

I came home from work and discovered UPS had delivered my Best Buy gift card. I now have a brand new laptop. Although a bit smaller, the screen is brighter making it comfortable on my eyes.. Nothing is perfect though as I even at times had to hold my '17 up close for better viewing. The keyboard is also smaller and the layout different, but with a little practice, I should be typing (read blogging) like a pro.

So far, it looks like a well built computer.

Yes, I did purchase the extended warranty.