Sitting here...

Not wanting to grade papers, but really (really) needing too.

Found out Friday I won't be teaching again until Novemeber.

Found out Tuesday that I am being evaluated for my teaching (annual requirement) even though I just finished my internship.

Derek has gone to his grandfather's funeral so he's on the road somewhere, by himself.

I have all five kids.I have papers to grade.

I have laundry to fold and wash and dry and put away.

I have dishes that need to be done (lots of dishes).

I have to go back to my day job tomorrow.

I don't get enough sleep.I have papers to grade...still.

Good News

Very GOOD news!

Becuase of so many military members being hit by landlords in foreclsoure, the government has agreed to help out, so our move is being paid for and professionals will be doing the heavy lifting! I am SOOOOO happy (and grateful, I needed some good news).

Why Sarah Palin?

Why Sarah? I was asked this question recently because I have been strongly considering McCain as my presidential pick. So I should answer first, ‘Why McCain?’
This is not an easy question for me to answer, though I think a big part of it has to do with my conservative nature and “Kansas Farm Girl” roots. Additionally, I am a military member, so McCain strikes a chord deep within me. Basically, he reminds me of my grandfather who I adored and respected above anyone else. Grandpa was a solid, honest, plain-spoken man with a quiet sense of humor. You could rely on him in tough times. He made decisions, even though they weren’t always popular. He didn’t switch sides, just because someone disliked what he thought. This is the person I see in McCain. McCain has made mistakes, and will continue to make them, but I think he owns up to his mistakes and is willing to confront them. He has met adversity and lived through it. He acknowledges that he does not tow the party line and that this makes him less than popular with the base he needs to support his candidacy. I think he’s someone who knows his strengths and weaknesses and he will ask for help where he needs it. Do I care if he knows how many houses he owns? No, not really. I assume he’s got an accountant and property manager who handle those details. Do I care that he’s rich? Not really. Isn’t that what Americans aspire to be? As long as he’s honest about his choices and not biased towards the rich, I DON’T CARE! I want someone who can lead, someone who can make decisions, someone who can build bridges and make myself and my family safe and secure in all respects, now and into the future.
I am not saying that Barack Obama can’t do those things, however, he doesn’t give me the warm fuzzy that McCain does. It’s not about experience, it’s about leadership and Obama doesn’t strike me the way McCain does in that area. I am going to vote for the person who can best lead me, not the one who gives the best speeches.
So, Why Palin? She’s not a proven leader since she’s only been governor for a few years, at least that’s the general consensus. I beg to differ on this point though. She’s a mother of 5. She makes difficult decisions every day! She made a decision to keep her baby that she knew would have a handicap. Having been in that situation, I know the pain and emotional soul-searching she went through, and she made the decision. That’s what I want, someone who will make the decision based on facts, as well as on morals. And whether it was the decision other parents would have made, it’s still a tough decision. That’s what leadership is about, making tough decisions. And it’s about making the best decision you can, even though it might not be the popular or easy choice.
And what about her daughter? Pregnant at 17? Guess what, that’s reality! Her daughter is probably a good student, a smart kid, a GOOD kid, who made a bad choice (sex without protection). That is not something her mother (Sarah) can be held responsible for. A parent can preach and teach, but children will ultimately make their own choices. At that point, parents support them or not.
I think Sarah Palin is ready to lead the country should something happen to McCain. Not because she’s had years of political experience, but because she is prepared to make tough decisions. I think she’s smart enough to ask for help on issues, but she will ultimately make the choices. I don’t think she will back down from a fight, but she will choose her battles. I think she understands compromise and the value of people. She still has her small-town values and is willing to stand up and clearly state her stance on issues that are touchy.
Is she the best choice for Vice President? I don’t know. I don’t have a crystal ball to see into the future. However, I think she has the ability to be a good Vice, just as Biden does. I do not think there is any truly wrong answer in the 2008 Presidential Campaign.