I have watched this campaign with the nervousness of an immigrant in a new country who barely speaks the language and watches and waits and learns. I listened to the honest, loving voice of Michelle Obama on Monday. I tried to relate to Hillary Clinton on Tuesday. I wept at Beau and Joe Biden's story on Wednesday. Tonight I believe in the hope for change. I hung on every word of Barack Obama like a schoolgirl on the first day of university. I felt my heart change. I believe "We Can". I have been impressed by a man with a dream.
On the 45th anniversary of the famous Martin Luther King Jr "I have a Dream" speech, another dream has been spoken. The foundation has been laid, and as Obama stated "This presidential race is not about me, it is about you" - "you" directed at the Americans who have stood long enough for this abysmal state of affairs. We are tired, and fed up with this government. It's not good enough. We are better than this. We have a legacy to uphold.
At every step of the way I have held my breath and hoped and wondered if the home team would win. Not just win, but hit a home run out of the park. And out the park Senator Obama hit it. "8 is enough" and "Yes We Can", will be the new mantras for this generation of Americans who stand for change. We are tired of being told to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and "you're on your own", even when we have no boots. Obama hit the nail on the head as he tore apart the politics of the Republican party and stood up for what we stand for. This is what we have needed - someone to stand up for our country.
I am proud to be an American and proud to support a Presidential candidate who believes in the same things I do. It's time for a change so let's stop talking about it and be about it.
Stop talking about it and be about it.
STOP TALKING ABOUT IT AND BE ABOUT IT!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Roll Call
Today I had the pleasure of watching the National Roll Call, televised live on CNN, where Barack Obama was voted as the official presidential candidate for the Democratic Party. I will say, this is an emotional election year, but watching this group of delegates proudly cast their votes for the "next President of the United States" was truly inspiring.
I am sure I have learned something new about each state in the U.S. that I didn't know before today. ie Kansas is the birthplace of the grandparents of the next President of the United States.
The pride of each state beams through their representatives and really makes one proud to be American.
"Yes We Can"
I waited and waited patiently for one state to cast all their votes for Obama, and finally New Hampshire stepped up and cast all 30 votes for Senator Obama. Then New Jersey followed with all 127 votes. Unites We Stand!
Then the yield motions began.
New Mexico yields to Illinois. Illinois yields to New York. What the hell? I am unclear on why this happens until Hillary Clinton comes to the floor. Clinton moves to declare Obama the official candidate in the spirit of unity, and Obama is nominated by acclamation.
I am sure I have learned something new about each state in the U.S. that I didn't know before today. ie Kansas is the birthplace of the grandparents of the next President of the United States.
The pride of each state beams through their representatives and really makes one proud to be American.
"Yes We Can"
I waited and waited patiently for one state to cast all their votes for Obama, and finally New Hampshire stepped up and cast all 30 votes for Senator Obama. Then New Jersey followed with all 127 votes. Unites We Stand!
Then the yield motions began.
New Mexico yields to Illinois. Illinois yields to New York. What the hell? I am unclear on why this happens until Hillary Clinton comes to the floor. Clinton moves to declare Obama the official candidate in the spirit of unity, and Obama is nominated by acclamation.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Exhibit Darfur, Denver
Last night I had the privilege of attending the opening evening of the Exhibit Darfur at the Ditto Gallery located at 12th and Speer, right here in Denver. I had no idea we had such brilliant activists right here in town...little ole' Denver. 
I understand that this exhibit was put together in one month. Not just the exhibit, but the opening evening's reception, which included our Govenor speaking, and various other artists and activists, educating Denver on the atrocities occuring in Darfur right now.
The exhibit included the photographs of Mia Farrow, Brian Steidle, Izabela Lundberg, and Aaron Cohen, all true to the plight of Sudan as they shared the horror that exists within the country today.
The exhibit displays visually the tragic impact of war and genocide in Darfur by Steidle; the reality of slavery in the Sudan by Cohen; Sudanese culture and life in refugee camps by Farrow; and the hope of Darfur survivors in the U.S. by Lundberg. One of the most impactful sights was the drawings by small children of Sudan depicting bloody gunfire spattering into homes and innocent bystaders of Darfur. The concentration camps, or refugee camps as the government is calling them, are implied "safe areas", yet these camps are isolated in the middle of nowhere with no food or water resources.
The Ditto Gallery did a fine job of hosting this informative and socially relevant event, and the groups which sponsored the event have made available a tremendous amount of information for the public. Please take the opportunity, pop into the gallery and check out the exhibit, it is an eye opening experience.
For more information, check out these resources:
http://www.savedarfur.org/page/group/DENVERCOALITIONTOSAVEDARFUR
http://www.beyondintractability.org/case_studies/Darfur.jsp?nid=5101
But whatever you do, Be Conscious, Be Aware!
I understand that this exhibit was put together in one month. Not just the exhibit, but the opening evening's reception, which included our Govenor speaking, and various other artists and activists, educating Denver on the atrocities occuring in Darfur right now.
The exhibit included the photographs of Mia Farrow, Brian Steidle, Izabela Lundberg, and Aaron Cohen, all true to the plight of Sudan as they shared the horror that exists within the country today.
The exhibit displays visually the tragic impact of war and genocide in Darfur by Steidle; the reality of slavery in the Sudan by Cohen; Sudanese culture and life in refugee camps by Farrow; and the hope of Darfur survivors in the U.S. by Lundberg. One of the most impactful sights was the drawings by small children of Sudan depicting bloody gunfire spattering into homes and innocent bystaders of Darfur. The concentration camps, or refugee camps as the government is calling them, are implied "safe areas", yet these camps are isolated in the middle of nowhere with no food or water resources.
gen·o·cide pronounced [jen- uh- sayhd]
–noun
the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group.
the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group.
The Ditto Gallery did a fine job of hosting this informative and socially relevant event, and the groups which sponsored the event have made available a tremendous amount of information for the public. Please take the opportunity, pop into the gallery and check out the exhibit, it is an eye opening experience.
For more information, check out these resources:
http://www.savedarfur.org/page/group/DENVERCOALITIONTOSAVEDARFUR
http://www.beyondintractability.org/case_studies/Darfur.jsp?nid=5101
But whatever you do, Be Conscious, Be Aware!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
DNC Denver 2008, sights, sounds and symptoms
Denver has been lucky enough to have the presence of the Democratic National Convention grace our fair city this summer. In an election year abuzz with media pressure, anxiety amidst a war, and at the very least, hope; here we are politicians - show us what you got.
Being from Missouri originally, I'm still a firm believer in "You've got to show me".
The city is bursting with energy. New faces are all over the downtown area. Judging our city. Taking in the beauty of Colorado; some for the very first time. Everyone with their badges proclaiming them great enough to walk the streets - our streets, for a cause. Do us proud Dems!
As I parked downtown, I looked up to see the solemn face of Barack Obama, Democratic Presidential candidate. Graced with the mountains of Colorado as his backdrop, a vision of hope for our state as well as for the country in the upcoming 4 years. Then as I walked along the streets of downtown, I saw his face everywhere, in storefronts, on T-shirts, on doggie sweaters, everywhere. I thought, people are really looking towards the convention as well as something new.
Barack Obama represents change in this country for many reasons, and seeing his face 10 stories high facing the Denver community speaks volumes. The DNC has opened it's minds, and hearts to the hope that Senator Obama has brought to the table this presidential election year. We welcome Obama, and we welcome the Convention to our city.
As with any major event in any major city, with the good also comes the negative. The protestors, the police with billie clubs, the raging lunatics; everyone comes out to be a part of the energy that brings people together. I must say I am rarely shocked, and some of the sights that I witnessed downtown were just plain shocking, and I realize that this is the point - to parlay their propoganda into a base, shock value to jar people out of their reality.
I have opted not to show the photos of the truly shocking because I am a firm believer that the media choosing to sensationalize tragic events is what pushes them to the forefront of society and actually allows them to gain momentum. I will say that the pro Life vs Pro Choice argument is a strong one and no matter where I stand personally, I would never step outside of my moral convictions as a Christian to try and manipulate people to stand on my side of the fence. I truly hope these good Christian, Pro-lifers who think it is morally correct to show pictures of bloody fetuses on the side of a 16 wheeler are prepared to stand in the light of the Lord on judgment day. My children, and the children of most of the city who happened to be downtown and were subjected to this horrific photographic display were terrified.
And it didn't change my viewpoint, only made me realize how sick these people are and pray for them.
I am an advocate for having a stance. Stand for something or STFU, is my mantra, so believe it - I have value for peaceful protestors who believe in what they stand for enough to get out there and share it with the world. This guy didn't try to shove propaganda in my face. He didn't try to scare my children, nor did he vilify my city with his viewpoint. I am proud to have him here as part of the DNC standing for something. Peacefully. Welcome Sir!
Being from Missouri originally, I'm still a firm believer in "You've got to show me".
The city is bursting with energy. New faces are all over the downtown area. Judging our city. Taking in the beauty of Colorado; some for the very first time. Everyone with their badges proclaiming them great enough to walk the streets - our streets, for a cause. Do us proud Dems!
As I parked downtown, I looked up to see the solemn face of Barack Obama, Democratic Presidential candidate. Graced with the mountains of Colorado as his backdrop, a vision of hope for our state as well as for the country in the upcoming 4 years. Then as I walked along the streets of downtown, I saw his face everywhere, in storefronts, on T-shirts, on doggie sweaters, everywhere. I thought, people are really looking towards the convention as well as something new.
Barack Obama represents change in this country for many reasons, and seeing his face 10 stories high facing the Denver community speaks volumes. The DNC has opened it's minds, and hearts to the hope that Senator Obama has brought to the table this presidential election year. We welcome Obama, and we welcome the Convention to our city.As with any major event in any major city, with the good also comes the negative. The protestors, the police with billie clubs, the raging lunatics; everyone comes out to be a part of the energy that brings people together. I must say I am rarely shocked, and some of the sights that I witnessed downtown were just plain shocking, and I realize that this is the point - to parlay their propoganda into a base, shock value to jar people out of their reality.
I have opted not to show the photos of the truly shocking because I am a firm believer that the media choosing to sensationalize tragic events is what pushes them to the forefront of society and actually allows them to gain momentum. I will say that the pro Life vs Pro Choice argument is a strong one and no matter where I stand personally, I would never step outside of my moral convictions as a Christian to try and manipulate people to stand on my side of the fence. I truly hope these good Christian, Pro-lifers who think it is morally correct to show pictures of bloody fetuses on the side of a 16 wheeler are prepared to stand in the light of the Lord on judgment day. My children, and the children of most of the city who happened to be downtown and were subjected to this horrific photographic display were terrified.
And it didn't change my viewpoint, only made me realize how sick these people are and pray for them.
I am an advocate for having a stance. Stand for something or STFU, is my mantra, so believe it - I have value for peaceful protestors who believe in what they stand for enough to get out there and share it with the world. This guy didn't try to shove propaganda in my face. He didn't try to scare my children, nor did he vilify my city with his viewpoint. I am proud to have him here as part of the DNC standing for something. Peacefully. Welcome Sir!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Summertime Travel
Today my horoscope read, "It's time, today, to add a little bit of breathing room to your schedule! You've been in a hurry lately, getting things done left and right. Your productivity is admirable, but it cannot be sustained. So go slow, today, and if you can put a few things off for another day, do it."
Generally speaking, I try not to put things off at all, because I feel like procrastination is the downfall of society. I was brought up to believe that you get your work done first and fast and then take time for yourself.
After a summer of full blown travel, I know I have taken time for myself in theory, but really these expeditions were for others as well. My brother's wedding was not a vacation. It was great to get to spend time with my family, but organizing travel for 5 people, arranging family meals for groups of 10-15, and driving all over the city of Los Angeles was work. After 2 trips to Vegas, a trip to LA, a weekender soccer tournement to Steamboat and an upcoming trip to D.C., I will admit, I'm beat. Just plain exhausted and none of these events was for the maxin' and relaxin' beach time I like to invest in for vacation.
When I woke up this morning, I thought to myself "self, what is on the agenda today? I am so tired, I can barely open my eyes, and the thought of driving kids to school, making lunches, breakfast and combing hair, is just not appealing to me right now." But, that's what you do when you have kids, you suck it up and get out of bed. Kids first, Mom second.
When I returned from walking my little one across the street to school, he's the last out of the house in the morning, with a late start of 8:30AM (that's a joke for you that don't get up at 5:30 to get 2-3 different shifts of people out of the house on time), I came in to read my horoscope.
This is generally how my day starts - 3 hours of family rise & shine'ing, then on to my day.
Meetings, client proposals, presentations, and then back in time for the 3p-5p pick ups. It never ends. Then who's responsible for dinner - oh, yeah that's me too.
So today I am spending a large portion of the day catching up with my writing. Then I will work on a pressing presentation, then I will take a nap. The first nap I have had in years.
Everything else, I will put off for tomorrow. Why?
Because I can.
Generally speaking, I try not to put things off at all, because I feel like procrastination is the downfall of society. I was brought up to believe that you get your work done first and fast and then take time for yourself.
After a summer of full blown travel, I know I have taken time for myself in theory, but really these expeditions were for others as well. My brother's wedding was not a vacation. It was great to get to spend time with my family, but organizing travel for 5 people, arranging family meals for groups of 10-15, and driving all over the city of Los Angeles was work. After 2 trips to Vegas, a trip to LA, a weekender soccer tournement to Steamboat and an upcoming trip to D.C., I will admit, I'm beat. Just plain exhausted and none of these events was for the maxin' and relaxin' beach time I like to invest in for vacation.
When I woke up this morning, I thought to myself "self, what is on the agenda today? I am so tired, I can barely open my eyes, and the thought of driving kids to school, making lunches, breakfast and combing hair, is just not appealing to me right now." But, that's what you do when you have kids, you suck it up and get out of bed. Kids first, Mom second.
When I returned from walking my little one across the street to school, he's the last out of the house in the morning, with a late start of 8:30AM (that's a joke for you that don't get up at 5:30 to get 2-3 different shifts of people out of the house on time), I came in to read my horoscope.
This is generally how my day starts - 3 hours of family rise & shine'ing, then on to my day.
Meetings, client proposals, presentations, and then back in time for the 3p-5p pick ups. It never ends. Then who's responsible for dinner - oh, yeah that's me too.
So today I am spending a large portion of the day catching up with my writing. Then I will work on a pressing presentation, then I will take a nap. The first nap I have had in years.
Everything else, I will put off for tomorrow. Why?
Because I can.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Denver...My City
I fell in love with Denver within 3 days of moving here. I have lived all over the world and initially the attraction to snowboarding and hiking, and all the outdoor activities Denver has to offer year round is what inspired me.The longer I lived here, the more I realized what a charmer Denver really was. As a community, Denver tries with all it's heart to offer everything any big city has to offer; fantastic restaurants, marketable and fashionable retail shops, a sporadic, yet solid nightlife, and even a young but workable rail system. Denver shows up.
This weekend Denver housed the People's Fair, a community driven free event where live music is showcased among local artisans and food vendors. For 2 days at Civic Center Park locals and tourists alike can mill around taking in the sights and sounds of what Denver has to offer.
Zeut
Simultaneously, downtown, La Piazza dell'Arte, which is advertised as the Rocky Mountains preeminent street chalk event, took place. This event brought chalk artists from all over the world to the streets of Larimer Square right downtown in our fair city.
This outdoor fair encouraged locals and tourists alike, to find the artist within themselves and draw, photograph and really enjoy the city streets in a new light.
Even European artists showcased their brilliant concepts on our art friendly streets as we soaked in in like a fresh ray of sunlight after a long, gray winter.
Kids and dogs alike, families, couples and even the mayor enjoyed this beautiful weekend in Denver connecting with the community. Making Denver a great city to live and love.
The all weather fans never forget what this city has to offer year round, boasting Pro teams in all sports. Go Broncos!
Denver...My City.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
When did we become so unaware and unconcerned with our ass cracks?
I saw something so disturbing this weekend I actually walked out of a retail store.
The employee behind the counter had on a pair of jeans which were designated "hipsters", and yes, she had a bit more junk in the trunk than is probably appreciated by the designer of those particular jeans, but no matter. To each his own right? What stood out to me was her trashy thong underwear which I could clearly see sticking out above the jean line.
So, if you can visualize... imagine with me... a sausage being choked by a farmer (in denim) and a dirty bow projecting from the death grip.
I stared and I stared like a stereo-typical American tourist in any other country. Almost hoping she would feel my stare and turn around to see where the heat on her ass was coming from. Hoping she would pull up her belt-less pants so I would not be forced to gawk at her crack with the dirty bow protruding from it. Desperately hoping she would just tug at the pants to cover the plumber crack with the feminine accessory accenting the inevitable downfall of American youth.
I have seen a lot of horrible Cosmo "Dont's" in the last decade, but this warranted attention. I felt like I was obligated to tell someone. But, I didn't want to get her fired, or embarrass her or even have her reprimanded at work, I simply wanted to shop without having to look at her ass. Is that too much to ass-k?
The employee behind the counter had on a pair of jeans which were designated "hipsters", and yes, she had a bit more junk in the trunk than is probably appreciated by the designer of those particular jeans, but no matter. To each his own right? What stood out to me was her trashy thong underwear which I could clearly see sticking out above the jean line.
So, if you can visualize... imagine with me... a sausage being choked by a farmer (in denim) and a dirty bow projecting from the death grip.
I stared and I stared like a stereo-typical American tourist in any other country. Almost hoping she would feel my stare and turn around to see where the heat on her ass was coming from. Hoping she would pull up her belt-less pants so I would not be forced to gawk at her crack with the dirty bow protruding from it. Desperately hoping she would just tug at the pants to cover the plumber crack with the feminine accessory accenting the inevitable downfall of American youth.
I have seen a lot of horrible Cosmo "Dont's" in the last decade, but this warranted attention. I felt like I was obligated to tell someone. But, I didn't want to get her fired, or embarrass her or even have her reprimanded at work, I simply wanted to shop without having to look at her ass. Is that too much to ass-k?
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