The End Before the Beginning

By Justin

Every good Presidential candidate hopes their vision of the future catches fire and propels them to greatness.  Some write books.  Some spend all their time in New Hampshire.  Some just have the right last name.  Sadly, these things never occurred.

So I am withdrawing from my fake presidential run.  It seems, like Newt, I failed to 'ignite the base' or 'reach for the middle'.  Now some will say that Energy and National Defense weren't really the best topics to start with, if debate and fire is what I sought.  They might be right, but in my political world if you can't get fired up over a good "clean coal" debate, then we really shouldn't discuss civil rights and the role of faith in society.  

So go back to CNN and listen to the hours and hours of nonsense and talking heads who have neither the ability to affect change nor the real answer, just a hypothetical of what might occur should something else occur in Congress.  

And for the record: in the short term the end of the world and the value of the American dollar will NOT disappear on August 2, should we have a fictitious 'default' on our debt.  Besides August 2nd was an estimate made by a political appointee, the Treasury Secretary.  And the same department gets to decide if we don't pay our debt or don't pay our electric bills or don't pay Congress.  So saying we default on our debt is saying it is our only payment due, which we all can attest, is not the case.  So lets stop the nonstop stupidity on CNN, pick a few things we shouldn't be paying for anyway...and get a deal done that really does put the good ole USA in better hands going forward.

Platform Discussion: Energy Policy

- 89% of USA energy consumption is from non-renewable sources (DOE)

- 41% of consumption is by residential users, 30% industrial, 29% transportation (DOE)

- The USA is the number one energy consumer in the world using 21%, China is next at 16% then Russia at 6%

It is easy and trendy to talk about energy policy when gas is $4 a gallon and we are fighting a war with the an oil exporter.  It is less so when gas is $2 and CNN's lead story is Justin Bieber.  The reality is there is not a single quick solution to the issue.  Just like most major issues it is going to take decisive decision-making to free our self in the future. So a few planks to the platform.

1. Expand the use of nuclear power.  Nuclear power made up only 11% of production in 2010 behind Coal, Oil and Gas.  It is safe and unmatched with regard to output vs. impact vs. left overs.  Yes the waste will outlive our kid's, kid's, kids.  But this waste pales in comparison to the gains made by the zero carbon footprint.  

I do not believe in clean coal.  I believe domestic natural gas and oil discovery has reached its peak.  I know the mining industry supports an entire section of our grand union's economy; however, we must work to lesson our dependence not just on 'foreign oil' but on all forms of nonrenewable energy.  While nuclear is nonrenewable, it is long term sustainable.

2. Invest in renewable energies.  Wind, wave and solar technologies need substantial government based investments to refine and make plausible in the near term future.  We should redirect some of the governments research in the sexual habits of men in Russia and Appalachian fruits towards solving the issues on generation, storage and delivery of these renewable energies.  It is easy to say that the government should get out of the way and let the private industry take the lead; however, the major players in the private industry have invested trillions of dollars into oil and gas exploration, delivery and refinement systems.  There is no motivation to advance renewable energies at an accelerated pace. 

3. Increase the gas tax by 25¢.  This money should be directed to help offset the startup costs of new nuclear power plants and the investments in research.  Easy as that.  A new agency should NOT be created to manage this money.  Throw it in with the Department of Energy grants and the oversight already created therein. 

4. We should carefully exploit domestic energy reserves.  We should be prepared for the possibilities that a 'friend' in the middle east is no longer a friend.  While they need us to purchase their oil to fund their regimes, it can get into difficult politics should they decide to no longer sell us their oil.  During this interim period of building nuclear plants and increase in research, we should complete careful exploration of domestic off shore drilling, Alaskan drilling, gas reserve locating and drilling in addition to continue refinement of the coal burning processes.  Additional consideration should be taken to determine the stock piling of these precious limited resources for use or sale in the long-term future (100+ years) could provide our nation with a strategic advantage.  As the amount of available resources diminished, the one holding the most reserves will be the one holding the trump card.  We, as a nation, do not want to be on the wrong end of that equation.  

A well rounded energy policy with clear direction is lacking in the nation.  With each change of President and/or party holding the office a new set of thoughts comes into being.  The result has been a policy toss around like a dingy in the ocean.  A clear, defined and well funded energy policy is a must.

Platform Discussion: National Defense

By Justin

The concept of national defense is tricky.  There is the notion of 'homeland defense' and the traditional concept of 'defending freedom'.  For this posting, we will tackle the traditional defending freedom.  I think we should start with a few facts.  As best that can be determined with little true research I turned to wikipedia.  The USA spent 687 billion dollars in 2010 in 'military expenditures'.  China is the next closes in expenditures at 114 billion.

So for 2010, the USA spent 6 times as much as the next 'superpower' in the world.  In fact, it takes the top 20 countries in the world to equal the spending by the USA on 'military expenditures'.  The fact is that the true cost of national defense is much, much higher.  If you add in defense organizations such as the FBI, veteran affairs, portions of the State Department, etc.  You easily get to a trillion dollars.

So the question of national defense is well warranted. So the Platform...

1. The Members of the Armed Forces deserve our admiration, respect and unwavering support.  The line from a Few Good Men by Jack Nicholson is so very true: 

"We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way"

It is easy for us to sit in our homes and complain about defense spending, conflicts and wars.  While worthwhile discussions and rightfully apart of the conversation, we must not forget the individuals who are carrying out their duties.  Spending on veterans should be examined, refined and reviewed. The Veterans Administration should be reviewed from top to bottom.  The methodologies and support functions for our veterans should be modern and cutting edge whether that be GI Bills, home loans or medical care.

2. The United States should continue to be a recognized international force for stabilizing otherwise unstable situations.  It is easy to say our role should not be a police force.  But saying so is like saying that homeless person should just get a job.  It isn't that easy.  An international force to address and respond to crisis is necessary and the reality is our country has the wealth and influence to be that nation.  It should be done with care, openness and always with the interests of the oppressed in mind.

3. The Armed Forces should be equipped to fight the newest threats with the more advanced technologies.  Evaluation of the methodologies of training and types of equipment should reflect the threats we face.  While all threats cannot be known, preparing for Icelandic space war should not top our spending priorities.

4. The monitoring, control, and (where needed) prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons is essential to domestic and international security.  I realize it is easy to sit behind our nuclear arsenal and say you can't have one.  I realize we are the only country in the history of time to use a nuclear weapon in an act of war.  However, I believe our values as a people would not stand for us to be 'rouge' in another use of a nuclear weapon.  Using our arsenal as an international veil of protection is warranted.  Preventing rogue nations, tribes or groups from acquiring nuclear weapons should be mission one.

Overall Discussion:  The talking of national defense could go on forever.  The truth is the 687 billion dollars is a major driver of the USA economy.  I am not a proponent of cutting defense spending, however, ensuring the spending is addressing current threats, preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, deployed in ways to assist those living under repressive regimes and ultimately providing the very best for the Men and Women in and out of uniform is key.  

If I was President, that 687 billion would be evaluated and some priorities would be shifted favoring Veteran spending, modernization and nuclear threats.

Current theaters of war, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya need to be evaluated.  I am not going to evoke President G.W. Bush's saying of 'Generals in the field will determine troop levels', but I will say that I have no vested trust that the Congress of the United States has the ability to not play politics with the US Military.  To that end, the Joints Chiefs of Staff should be advising the President on the ends that meet the means.  I will say I am confused on what exactly our ends, means or goals are in Libya.  So in effect I am 'punting' on the current theater questions.  Take that CNN!

I'm running for President

By Justin

I love politics.  I love talking politics.  I love debating politics.  Holly could care less.  Holly would probably have hard time knowing who the Vice President is.  That's okay.  It is what makes our relationship tick!  I hate that the 2012 campaign has already started.  I think we should seriously consider a law that says you can't touchdown in Iowa before six months prior to the primaries.  If you do, do not pass go, do not become president.

I will never run for political office.  At least I don't think I will.  So in the spirit of the current times I pleased to announce that I am running for President.  Now I am aware that I do not meet the qualifications under article two of the Constitution.  A minor detail.  In reality I just plan to launch a few blog posts over the next few weeks that tackle the major issues facing the candidates and our country.  I plan to post my views and maybe, just maybe, spur a little talking on the blog.  

Now we won't agree.  And respect will rule the day.  If you want to be disrespectful, go run to be a Senator.  This is a Presidential debate, and we will conduct our self accordingly.  I also want to start with this: "THESE VIEWS ARE MY OWN.  I do not speak for my wife."  Often times we disagree over major themes.  Also please do not try to box me into a political party, religious dogmatic theology, or even a regional belief system.  It won't work.  I also will not discuss the current President or GOP field of candidates.  This is intended to be lighthearted and fun while really helping me think through the issues.

So come along for the ride.  First 'Platform Discussion' is national defense.

Statistics

By Justin

I can't stand it when a statistic is used to inflate a problem. Instead of framing a problem or issue in 'real terms' we use a statistic to make it seem oh so much better or worse. No other place is this more apparant than in journalism. They have crazy important deadlines and the pressure to make a story must be enormous. Do you need an example?

Well lets start with this story from KCBD Newchannel 11 here in Lubbock. To see the full article go here. It is a story about OSHA warning employers and employees about the crazy hot heat and heat stroke. In that story they make the following statement:

"Last year nationwide more than 1,790 people became seriously ill from heat and more than 30 died."

This statement get me worked up, bad. First off "more than 30 people". Is that 31 or 3,890,903 people? You have a fairly exact number at 1,790, but not in the death number? Where did this number come from? Did KCBD research it, steal it from the 'heat death index' website, what? Does KCBD make it a habit to keep track of deaths nationwide caused by heat?

But more than the lack of sourse, the really irking thing to me is the use of a number to make this story important. Before we go any farther please know that I understand that heat related deaths and illness are 100% preventable. But what this bigger to me is if you put this number in context of the scope this article discusses, then a problem really doesn't exist. If the problem doesn't exist, then there is no need for this story. If there is no need for the story, then what is the ultimate need for the new organization as a whole. Lets break it down.

USA population: 308 million Source: US Census
USA working population: 121 milllion in 2008 (non farm) Source: US Census

So the percentage of working population affected by heat illness is:
(1,790 divded by 121 million *100) = .0014793%

So the percentage of deaths in the working populations is:
(30 divided by 121 million *100) = .000024793%

I see an epidemic on our hands...

More than anything I can't handle unnecessary exageration. This story loses nothing if it focuses on the real risks and concerns, the searing heat. So take heed cause 1 in 10 of my blog readers agrees with me.

Driving 101

By Justin
I know you are a bad driver when any of the following occur:
- You accelerate from the stoplight, and your brake lights are still illuminated.
 

- You hit your brakes and come to a complete stop to enter the center left turn lane.
 

- Your two year old is bouncing on the back seat of your car. 
 

- You are on the inside of a two lane left turn and you aren't even smart enough to follow the 'idiot lines' helping you know which lane to go into.
 

- You drive a sports car but can't beat the school bus off the line at the red light.
 

- The time you require for a break in traffic to execute a turn can be calculated using an egg timer.
 

- You wait until you can see my car over the top of the hill to turn off your bright lights.
 

- You ride with your bright lights on even on a divided highway with on coming traffic.
 

- You see the big flashing arrow instructing you to merge and get mad when I don't let you.
 

All of these items and more cause me to deduct IQ points from you on a scale directly proportional to my annoyance at the moment.  Happy Defensive Driving All!

Ode to Angela

by Justin

You probably dont know her. If you do, you are probably blog stalking...

If you have a chance to meet her you should.

In my life I have probably spent a sum total of one hour in her presence. I wish it could be more.

Angela makes people happy, just being in her presence. She is contagious that way.

She makes Holly's work days better, just being an IM chat away.

She chose to be a USA citizen and now knows more about the USA than 99% of all native-born Americans.

She is really a Canadian at heart, EH!

She loves pink and pink ribbons. It is a good thing, but a sad thing all at the same time.

Her mom and grandmother both lost thier battles with breast cancer. Angela is an amazingly strong woman because of it, even if she doesn't know it.

She walks the Komen 3-day for the Cure in their honor. You should support her here.

Mostly she likes crazy cat pictures and jokes.

Here is to you, Angela. An Ode to You, from West Texas...

Everyone Graduates!

By Justin

Kindergarten graduations...When did this become a standard of our society?  I didn't graduate from kindergarten.  In fact I only went half a day.  Maybe I need to start over.  But honestly Kindergarten graduations make no sense to me.  What did you accomplish?  You completed a year of school that isn't required (in Texas).  Who came up with this?  And now we have robes and ceremonies and cookies and punch.  Oh and pictures.  Don't forget the pictures.  

I have also heard of middle school graduation.  Seriously?  This is getting even more crazy.  What are you celebrating?  Congratulations you still have five or six more years to go.  Oh and you get to 'graduate' to Junior High where bullying and puberty will be oh so much fun.  

High School graduation is odd enough.  Whew you are done, but if you are smart you really aren't done.  So live it up for a night, cause in about three months you start at the bottom of the pool again.  And to show our immense intelligence on this day, what do we do?  Throw our hats with four pointy objects into the air.  Guess we didn't listen in Science class.  What goes up, must come down (eventually approaching terminal velocity). 

College graduation.  Now that is a reason to celebrate.  You are done with your formal education.  You get to join the work force and pay for the baby boomers to retire and have health care.  You are a 'contributing member of society'.  Now go forth and conquer.  But please don't conquer too fast, I don't need some young go getter to take my job.  

Picture update

By Justin

How about a quick picture update:

 

Easter Family Picture

I'm just helpin' mom...promise

 Just Keep Smiling!

Put your hand up on your hip...

Just a little snuggle with momma!

Parenting = Auditing

By Justin

I have thought for a long time that parenting is very similar to being an auditor.  While driving home today I finally put some examples in mind.  

1. You spend your life saying No and I'm sorry but the rules don't allow that.  I don't make the rules, I am just in charge of making sure we all follow the rules.

2. Eli likes to count 1,2,3,5,12,49,69,85,12,5.  See dad I counted to Ten!  Clients like to count: 1,2,3,4...I am sure the rest of the inventory is there.  Done!  Sometimes it is the later numbers that are the most important.

3.  Sometimes you have to ask the same question three different ways to see if the answers match.  

to Eli: Eli did you get in trouble at school today? Eli: No

to Eli: Eli did you have to go to time out at school today? Eli: No

to Eli: Eli did  you play nice and share today?  Eli: No.  to Eli: Why not?  Eli: Welllllll, Emily took my car cause I wouldn't share with her so I hit her.  to Eli: Did you get in trouble for hitting? Eli: Yes and I had to go to timeout.

@ Work: Are you aware of any fraud? No

@ Work: Are you aware of any thing that could be considered shady? No

@ Work: Are you aware of any one taking things home they shouldn't?  Well Stephanie does use her credit card to go to Sam's with on occasion, but she always says she pays us back.  Do you make sure she pays us back?  Oh that isn't my job, isn't that your job?

4. No matter what I say or do, I am the bad guy.  Even if I didn't make the rule, I am still in trouble.  Eli doesn't like that I make him go to bed.  The client doesn't like that I can't let them use the petty cash for lunch money.

5. At the end of the day, they both are rewarding in ways that is hard to explain to the outside world.

How is your job like parenting?

Where have you been?

By: Justin

Well I've been everywhere man...

We have been busy. Parenting two kids is...well...hard. Rewarding (most of the time) but hard. So we have become those parents who don't really spend that much time posting things, reading things or what have you...

I also think that Facebook has killed blogging. I said this week to a friend, Facebook has caused us to know so much about our friends, yet know our friends less than ever before.  I know where you ate last night, that your kid rocked it on the t-ball field and even that you have a test this week.  What I don't know is how you really are doing.  How your spouse or family is.  Even if we are really anything more than 'facebook friends'. 

So friends, lets all reconnect.  Lets send some emails, calls..heck maybe even a letter. 

What do you say?  Huh..sorry my phone dinged....someone just commented on a facebook post...

brb..

Welcome Baby Zay Party!

by Holly

Our dear friend Erin hosted a reception in her home for us in October, to welcome Baby Zay so that our friends could come to us instead of us having to try to make all the rounds. It was so sweet of her and we had a great time. So many people were able to make it and oh, how it made me miss my Allen/Plano area friends!!!

Kay Lyons, Lauren and DeeDee Murray at the refreshment table. Nice spread, Erin!

Erin Jones and Kim Whiteside, dear friends

Amy Tokarz with her sweet kiddoes Shelby, Knox and Jerzy

Abbey and Salomae Mulder- Abbey kept Eli for a few months after I went back to work, and what great memories!

DeeDee Murray with Baby Zay, me in the background. Our little angel!

Fun at Stonebriar Mall

by Holly

We made a quick trip to Allen back in October to visit friends and introduce Baby Zay. The first big event of the trip was a visit to Stonebriar Mall (Zay's first, and the first that Eli remembered). We started with Build A Bear, where we had our nephew's bear repaired (his voice box was broken), made a puppy for Zay for Christmas and picked out new clothes for Eli's bear for Christmas. Eli had fun doing this and was so sweet to watch.

Next up was a man outside of Build A Bear making balloon animals. Of course we chose Elmo- how cute is this?!

Daddy with Zay and all of our loot, hanging out at the food court.


Our dear friend Erin paid for Eli to ride the carousel- fun!

South Plains Fair!

by Holly

We had a great time at the South Plains Fair on Saturday, as we always do. It was Eli's second time around, although I don't believe he remembered being there last year. And Baby Zay's first fair experience! He was more interested in being fed than anything, but I love doing stuff together as our new family of four.

Justin and Zay leading the way into the festivities!

Eli's first carousel ride. I thought he might be afraid of the fast movement or loud noises, but he had a blast. The entire ride was narrated by his "Yeehaw! Giddyup, giddyup, giddyup. Yeehaw!" What a fun time!

Daddy and the boys walking through the pig barn.

Eli braving it to pet a sheep in the 4-H pen. The lady was very nice and assured me that he did touch the sheep, once. :)

He was more brave with the baby chicken, but he's a pro at this. Nana has a baby chicken that he made friends with last week. Too cute!

Baby Zay is 2 weeks old!

by Holly

Can't believe its taken 2 weeks to get pictures of our precious baby Zay on the blog- wow! But I wholeheartedly agree with our pediatrician on this: "The first two weeks are about survival." Anyway, we are all doing well and Zay is growing and eating great. He is up to 9 lbs 6 oz as of Tuesday, and is such a joy to us. He's already outgrown the newborn clothes for the most part, which is a little sad, but so great that he's doing well. Eli is a wonderful big brother, wanting to hold and feed 'his baby', bringing us whatever we may need for Baby, and just so precious when he talks about loving his 'baby boy'. Thank you all for the prayers, visits, gifts and well wishes. The transition to a family of four is a little overwhelming but we wouldn't trade it for anything!

Daddy and Baby Zay, still in the OR. Note Zay's footprints on Justin's hat- thanks to a wonderful nurse who also took about 70 pictures for us so Justin could enjoy the birth without worrying about a camera.

Our first family photo. I love that I have an almost identical one from when Eli was born.

Eli is a big fan of Zay's bouncy seat and frequents it for watching cartoons. No worries- ours is stationary and doesn't actually bounce so he can't hurt it.

Proud big brother!

My boys! Eli, Daddy and Zay just hanging out on the couch.

Zay Isaac Noble

Zay was born at 7:43 am. He was 8 pound 5 ounces. He was 21 inches long. Mom, Eli and I are super proud and excited. Pictures soon.

Baby Shower!

by Holly

My wonderful friends from Sunday School and Eli's AWANA Puggles teacher hosted a beautiful baby shower for me at Olive Garden on Saturday. Delicious food was a given, but we also enjoyed this lovely cake made by Misty, great company and an overall good time. Thank you so much to all of you lovely ladies for celebrating with me, both you hostesses and other friends and family that attended. I felt loved and am excited about sharing our new bundle with you all in just a few days!

Holly and the beautiful cake- triple chocolate, strawberry and white cake layers with a fondant baby on top!

Me with the hostesses: Renae, Lee, Katie, myself, Sarah, Misty, Kelley

Teresa, Holly, Mom Kirby, Moma (Nana)

Nana and Holly with the beautiful basket of goodies from the hostesses

Isn't this gorgeous???

Summer Fun- Part 2

by Holly

We took Eli to Mr. Gatti's to have pizza and play games the evening before he went camping with my family for 8 days. One last evening of fun with Mom and Dad. He loved it, but his favorite thing was to ride the motorcycle, which we do not put money in and he doesn't know the difference. So we left with nearly a full token card to use next time.

Picking peaches! We went to a peach orchard in July to pick peaches and we all had a good time. It was very hot, but it was an adventure and one of the rules was you could have for free as many peaches as you could eat while you were picking. We took full advantage! So good!

Eli inherited this car from cousins Jared and Tyler, and my brother loaded it in the back of our car with Eli still in it. He thought it was hilarious! I think its hilarious that he doesn't keep it in the backyard with his other riding toys, but insists it stay in the garage with Mom and Dad's cars. So cute.

Enjoying Bahama Bucks! Mama tries to order Eli light colors that will be less likely to stain his clothes but so far he hasn't been impressed. His favorite find has been Daddy's strawberry, so I guess I'll give in next time and let him order what he wants. Notice he has helped himself to all of our umbrellas!

Justin and I traveled to Palo Duro Canyon a couple of weeks ago to watch the musical drama TEXAS. It had been at least 10 years since either of us had seen it and it has changed so much. The things that matter though are still the same. We had a good time, but would have enjoyed a little breeze in the canyon that evening!

Summer Fun- Part 1

by Holly

Eli and I spent the weekend at my parents' house a few weeks ago, while Justin was camping with a friend. It was very hot and we were glad to have the pool up even with a slow leak! This is Tyler (our nephew), me and Eli. E is still afraid of the water by himself, so I held him most of the time and pretended he was a motorboat.

At Friona's Cheeseburger Festival. Again, so hot, and very long lines but we are glad that its a big hit and has so much participation. The admission price gets you a bracelet good for 4 quarters of a cheeseburger and a bag of chips. Then you vote for your favorite cheeseburger. And your plate is a frisbee! I love stuff like this and had fun despite the heat. This is Eli letting you know how he felt about the experience. :) Actually he was very good, better than Tyler did with the heat and the lines.

Eli helping Daddy open his birthday presents. This was a gift card to Best Buy which Eli thought was a total waste b/c you couldn't do anything with it. Justin felt differently. Ha!

Eli's daycare had VBS a couple of weeks ago and each class did a program on the last day. Eli's class did Noah's Ark and Eli was the bunny rabbit. The parents were responsible for the costumes, which is why they are so different. Eli did great and he loved his costume! He insisted on wearing it the rest of the day, even for naptime.

Daddy, Eli and Mama after Eli's program.

32 Weeks

by Holly

I'm 32+ weeks now, feeling generally okay, but having contractions and more discomfort than I did at this time with Eli. Our Cesarean section is scheduled for August 31st, 7 weeks from today. We are so excited to meet our new Baby, but trying to enjoy these last few weeks and prepare Eli for being a big brother. This weekend we were hauling the crib into the house and Eli asked what it was. We explained to him that is where the baby is going to sleep. He thought for a minute, then asked where the baby's room was. I showed him, and he pretended to hold baby in his hands, and had a precious conversation between himself and the baby, explaining where Baby was going to sleep and then showed Baby where Eli's room is. I was almost in tears at the sweet moment. I am so blessed!

15 weeks

25 weeks

30 weeks

32 weeks