I wore all my pins today…My Army Yellow Ribbon Pin, my Flag Pin and my Service Blue Star Pin (worn by member of the immediate family of an individual serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any period of war in which the US is engaged) in honor of all of our heroes of September 11th, 2001, past and current. I remember how horrified I felt watching people jump 70+ stories from the World Trade Center to avoid being burned to death. How my heart swelled with pride as I watched ordinary people do extraordinary things to help fellow Americans in distress. The vulnerability I felt and still feel, knowing that terrorists can inflict such wounds on American soil.
Do not mistake vulnerability for fear. I am not afraid to die at the hands of some ignorant terrorist(s) who think they can take away my freedom. I can live free, or die free…as long as I am free. I’m afraid for my Niece and my boy, but not for me. I am an American, a citizen of the United States of America. I’ve pledged my allegiance to the finest Country on the face of the earth. I am not naïve to the shortcomings of my Country, but I’m proud to be an American. I will never bad-mouth my Country on foreign soil, but instead be a shining example of what an American is when representing my Country abroad.
Whatever the future brings, I will never forget the events of 9/11…where I was, the impact I felt, the impact on my family, the sacrifice of many, and perhaps, most of all, the failure of Osama Bin Laden. He sought to bring discord but instead, united a Nation. As the days unfolded, we were one…we were united. We were strong, vocal, and if one of us wavered, all were there to reinforce. I pray that we will always be one…one Nation, indivisible. Let nothing come between us, not injustice, not religion, not race, not opinion. May we always be strong against those who would tear us down, weaken us, hurt us, kill our loved ones and try to steal our freedom. When one of us falls, there will always be another to stand in their place.
Thanks to our soldiers…all of our soldiers….past, present and future. Because of you, I have the freedom to say…..”Osama, and any one else out there who wants to tear off a piece of America….COME GET SOME!”
Subscribe To Diz Rant
Posts
All Comments
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Youth
Today was the book fair, being held in the Quad at work. As I stepped outside (around 10 a.m.), a cool breeze was blowing, along with a sweet scent of flowers and freshly cut grass. As I inhaled, it brought back those long-ago days of grade school during Fall. I would walk to the bus stop and enjoy the wonderful smells of fresh air, grass, and that feeling of…being young? I’m not sure, but I felt it.
How great that I was purchasing books for my 5 year old Niece. It just fit the feeling and the smells. I picked up 2 books…Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy, and something a little older, “Clementine”. It’s supposed to be something like the “Ramona the Pest” books that I grew up with in elementary school. I used to love reading about Ramona and her mean sister Beezus, and her doll Chevrolet. How she would sing the song at school about the Donzer lee light, and wonder what a Donzer was. I pray that my Beanie has the same love of books and stories that I do.
I also picked up a new journal. Although I journal less now that I blog, I’ve made a commitment to make sure that I blog and journal and promised myself that if I don’t do a journal entry that I don’t get to blog….thus the gap you see on the blogspot. I can go back and fill in some blanks on the Dizbizz site, but not the other way around. Oh well.
Anyway, it was fun reminiscing about one of the few times in my childhood that I enjoyed.
How great that I was purchasing books for my 5 year old Niece. It just fit the feeling and the smells. I picked up 2 books…Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy, and something a little older, “Clementine”. It’s supposed to be something like the “Ramona the Pest” books that I grew up with in elementary school. I used to love reading about Ramona and her mean sister Beezus, and her doll Chevrolet. How she would sing the song at school about the Donzer lee light, and wonder what a Donzer was. I pray that my Beanie has the same love of books and stories that I do.
I also picked up a new journal. Although I journal less now that I blog, I’ve made a commitment to make sure that I blog and journal and promised myself that if I don’t do a journal entry that I don’t get to blog….thus the gap you see on the blogspot. I can go back and fill in some blanks on the Dizbizz site, but not the other way around. Oh well.
Anyway, it was fun reminiscing about one of the few times in my childhood that I enjoyed.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Reno Baby
I'm in Reno, staying at the WorldMark resort. Overall, I'm happy with the room and the view...(some of you have seen it), and having a great time. I've only gambled about $5.00 so far, because I'm just not a gambler. But that's a good thing, since it's the end of the month, and I'm waiting for payday. Have to hold out till Friday!
I'm in the rec area of the resort waiting for our pizza to be delivered. We decided on pizza and a movie (The 300), so that should be fun. The Rib Festival starts tomorrow, and I can't wait. On Thursday, the man has to go back into Sacramento for a knee appointment...I suspect surgery on the horizon. Then he'll drive back. It's worth it as long as the knee gets taken care of. I think while he's gone, I'll do the Reno river walk and see what there is to see.
It's so nice to not be thinking about work and "annual changes", and all the stuff that went with the old job...although I miss the old job. e-file was always exciting and something that I believed in. I still do...so e-file your taxes, darn it!!! I love my new job, but I know my old unit is traveling and I so loved to do that. Ah well. I'm happy with the choice I made, but change is always a challenge.
Anyway, I'll try and write again in a couple of days.
I'm in the rec area of the resort waiting for our pizza to be delivered. We decided on pizza and a movie (The 300), so that should be fun. The Rib Festival starts tomorrow, and I can't wait. On Thursday, the man has to go back into Sacramento for a knee appointment...I suspect surgery on the horizon. Then he'll drive back. It's worth it as long as the knee gets taken care of. I think while he's gone, I'll do the Reno river walk and see what there is to see.
It's so nice to not be thinking about work and "annual changes", and all the stuff that went with the old job...although I miss the old job. e-file was always exciting and something that I believed in. I still do...so e-file your taxes, darn it!!! I love my new job, but I know my old unit is traveling and I so loved to do that. Ah well. I'm happy with the choice I made, but change is always a challenge.
Anyway, I'll try and write again in a couple of days.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Pledge
I’m constantly getting emails about the Pledge of Allegiance. It’s usually about making sure “God” stays in the Pledge. The vast majority of the people who send me the emails are good, god-fearing and patriotic people (some are extremely close friends and family)…but they don’t know squat about the history of the Pledge and my guess is about 70% of the people forwarding the emails don’t realize that “God” was added after the fact, i.e. in the 50’s. I am tired of the rhetoric I receive about making sure that “God’ stays in the Pledge…where it’s always been”. NOT.
Let me make one thing clear, if the founding fathers put “God” in the constitution, made references to “God” in original documents and plaques (i.e. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address)…then I don’t think history should be removed or altered for the benefit of religion only. I just don’t think we should be going around and adding “God” to things that are not necessary. And for me the Pledge is a “Promise”. More on that later…..
So… for those of you willing to be bored by a small history lesson…
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by the Christian Socialist Author, and Baptist Minister Francis Bellamy. The pledge was supposed to be quick and to the point. Bellamy designed it to be stated in 15 seconds. He had initially also considered using the words equality and fraternity but decided they were too controversial since many people still opposed equal rights for women and blacks.
It originally read:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Here is a forward thinking MIINSTER OF GOD who not only believed in equality for all Americans, but he knew putting “God” in the Pledge would alienate new comers to our Country.
After a proclamation by President Benjamin Harrison, the Pledge was first used in public schools on October 12, 1892 during Columbus Day observances. This date was also significant as it was the dedication day of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. Bellamy thought that the pledge itself and the involvement of children across the country would be a fine show of national solidarity. These words are key…why? Because our differences in religion will NEVER bring national solidarity, something else is needed..like maybe “love of freedom?”.
In 1923, the words, "the Flag of the United States of America" were added. At this time it read:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The Knights of Columbus in New York City felt that the pledge was incomplete without any reference to God. Who are the Knights of Columbus???? The Order of the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. So a bunch of Catholics (No offense to my Catholic friends) get to decide on our Pledge? Technically, that would mean the God referenced in the Pledge is a Catholic God. I wonder how many bible-thumping non-Catholics would like that?
And why do the Knights of Columbus push the issue??? Hmmm…maybe to straighten out the “Godless Commies” of the time? Remember, not only was Communism a threat of the times, but the Government was accusing everyone of being a “Commie”. People were scared. People were being accused, put on trial and imprisoned for being communists.
The Knights of Columbus made several attempts to get Congress to pass a resolution to amend the Pledge, but Congress held out (as well they should). In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower pushed Congress to add the words "under God," creating the 31-word pledge we say today. Bellamy's daughter objected to this alteration.
Today, through the legal immigration process, we require our newest citizens to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Why? Because we’re requiring them to Promise to put this Country first. They are giving their word that they will unite with us and be Americans…One Nation, Indivisible!
People say the Pledge but do they think about the words? Indivisible…i.e. Nothing can divide Americans. However, if you throw God into the Pledge, then religion divides us, and we originally came to America for religious freedom.
I’ve also heard Christians (and yes, I am one) say, “Well, God could mean the same thing as Allah, a higher power or whatever someone believes in.” Gee, that’s an interesting stance, but if it came down to your God being replaced by Buddha in the Pledge, would you say the words and MEAN them? Or would it cheapen your promise to this Country, because…well, you didn’t really mean all of it, just the part where it says “the flag”. You cannot ask someone to make a promise on a “God” they do not believe in. They’re not willing to die for YOUR “God”, they’re willing to die for theirs!
However, you can ask them to be willing to die and sacrifice for their new home, for their belief of Freedom, for their fellow man that treasures the same freedoms they do. Those are the things that unite us as Americans. Love of this Country and what it stands for are the only things that can make the United States of America INDIVISIBLE!
Let me make one thing clear, if the founding fathers put “God” in the constitution, made references to “God” in original documents and plaques (i.e. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address)…then I don’t think history should be removed or altered for the benefit of religion only. I just don’t think we should be going around and adding “God” to things that are not necessary. And for me the Pledge is a “Promise”. More on that later…..
So… for those of you willing to be bored by a small history lesson…
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by the Christian Socialist Author, and Baptist Minister Francis Bellamy. The pledge was supposed to be quick and to the point. Bellamy designed it to be stated in 15 seconds. He had initially also considered using the words equality and fraternity but decided they were too controversial since many people still opposed equal rights for women and blacks.
It originally read:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Here is a forward thinking MIINSTER OF GOD who not only believed in equality for all Americans, but he knew putting “God” in the Pledge would alienate new comers to our Country.
After a proclamation by President Benjamin Harrison, the Pledge was first used in public schools on October 12, 1892 during Columbus Day observances. This date was also significant as it was the dedication day of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. Bellamy thought that the pledge itself and the involvement of children across the country would be a fine show of national solidarity. These words are key…why? Because our differences in religion will NEVER bring national solidarity, something else is needed..like maybe “love of freedom?”.
In 1923, the words, "the Flag of the United States of America" were added. At this time it read:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The Knights of Columbus in New York City felt that the pledge was incomplete without any reference to God. Who are the Knights of Columbus???? The Order of the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. So a bunch of Catholics (No offense to my Catholic friends) get to decide on our Pledge? Technically, that would mean the God referenced in the Pledge is a Catholic God. I wonder how many bible-thumping non-Catholics would like that?
And why do the Knights of Columbus push the issue??? Hmmm…maybe to straighten out the “Godless Commies” of the time? Remember, not only was Communism a threat of the times, but the Government was accusing everyone of being a “Commie”. People were scared. People were being accused, put on trial and imprisoned for being communists.
The Knights of Columbus made several attempts to get Congress to pass a resolution to amend the Pledge, but Congress held out (as well they should). In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower pushed Congress to add the words "under God," creating the 31-word pledge we say today. Bellamy's daughter objected to this alteration.
Today, through the legal immigration process, we require our newest citizens to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Why? Because we’re requiring them to Promise to put this Country first. They are giving their word that they will unite with us and be Americans…One Nation, Indivisible!
People say the Pledge but do they think about the words? Indivisible…i.e. Nothing can divide Americans. However, if you throw God into the Pledge, then religion divides us, and we originally came to America for religious freedom.
I’ve also heard Christians (and yes, I am one) say, “Well, God could mean the same thing as Allah, a higher power or whatever someone believes in.” Gee, that’s an interesting stance, but if it came down to your God being replaced by Buddha in the Pledge, would you say the words and MEAN them? Or would it cheapen your promise to this Country, because…well, you didn’t really mean all of it, just the part where it says “the flag”. You cannot ask someone to make a promise on a “God” they do not believe in. They’re not willing to die for YOUR “God”, they’re willing to die for theirs!
However, you can ask them to be willing to die and sacrifice for their new home, for their belief of Freedom, for their fellow man that treasures the same freedoms they do. Those are the things that unite us as Americans. Love of this Country and what it stands for are the only things that can make the United States of America INDIVISIBLE!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
To Promote...or Not to Promote
If you've ever known anyone in State service (no rude comments from the Peanut Gallery please), one of the first things you learn is that to promote, you are always taking tests, interviewing, doing 'self-appraisals' and being placed in a Rank on a list. The State goes by the rule of 3...First 3 ranks are reachable, i.e. can be offered a job, promoted, etc. Any rank below the top 3 has to wait until a rank clears.
I find myself in a curious position. I took a Statewide test for Senior ISA. I'm now Rank 2. I'm getting job notices from other agencies, etc. I just took a position as a Staff ISA with the Network Management Bureau in April, which I love, and I'm learning a lot. Now my Agency has decided to do their own Staff/Senior ISA test, and once a list is determined from it, it will render the statewide test null within my Agency. This means I have to go outside my Agency to be picked up off the Statewide list....unless I take the Agency test also and Rank within the top 3. Makes you feel like all of your studying and test taking was for naught.
So my options are...talk to my boss about getting picked up off the Statewide list after passing probation; taking a position with another agency; or testing within the Agency to get placed on the new list. Hmmmm. Well, unless the other agency is in Lake Tahoe, I guess I'll be doing option 1 and 3.
I feel a little funny about talking to the new boss. He's a fantastic guy and a great boss. I'm just new to the unit, and I feel like I'm saying "Hey, thanks for taking a chance on me with the new job, now I want more". However, if I don't do that, who else is going to fight for me? That's one lesson I learned from my old unit. I need to put my best foot forward, work hard and fight for my opportunities...or someone who's fighting harder, and making more noise, will get it. Don't get me wrong...I have no one to blame but myself when it comes to not speaking up, but I started changing that a little more than 2 to 2 ½ years ago. I started standing up in my personal life, and then my work life...and I'm not going back.
So, I'll talk to the new boss (sounds like a Who song) and see what happens. Wish me luck.
I find myself in a curious position. I took a Statewide test for Senior ISA. I'm now Rank 2. I'm getting job notices from other agencies, etc. I just took a position as a Staff ISA with the Network Management Bureau in April, which I love, and I'm learning a lot. Now my Agency has decided to do their own Staff/Senior ISA test, and once a list is determined from it, it will render the statewide test null within my Agency. This means I have to go outside my Agency to be picked up off the Statewide list....unless I take the Agency test also and Rank within the top 3. Makes you feel like all of your studying and test taking was for naught.
So my options are...talk to my boss about getting picked up off the Statewide list after passing probation; taking a position with another agency; or testing within the Agency to get placed on the new list. Hmmmm. Well, unless the other agency is in Lake Tahoe, I guess I'll be doing option 1 and 3.
I feel a little funny about talking to the new boss. He's a fantastic guy and a great boss. I'm just new to the unit, and I feel like I'm saying "Hey, thanks for taking a chance on me with the new job, now I want more". However, if I don't do that, who else is going to fight for me? That's one lesson I learned from my old unit. I need to put my best foot forward, work hard and fight for my opportunities...or someone who's fighting harder, and making more noise, will get it. Don't get me wrong...I have no one to blame but myself when it comes to not speaking up, but I started changing that a little more than 2 to 2 ½ years ago. I started standing up in my personal life, and then my work life...and I'm not going back.
So, I'll talk to the new boss (sounds like a Who song) and see what happens. Wish me luck.
Monday, August 20, 2007
RSS Subscribe and Beanie
Damn that Red. She wanted to subscribe to my blog and my RSS Subscribe button didn't work. This meant I had to play for hours trying to figure out where my problem lies.
Hmmm, seems to be accessing a local host folder. Need to get rid of that. Maybe I'm tired and it's been a tough weekend, but my mind doesn't seem to want to wrap itself around the damned thing. I'm trying one more option tonight before I head to bed (Girl with my looks needs all the beauty sleep she can get!).
Talked to the Niece and her "brothers and sister" about their first day of school. Looks like all went well and they had a great time. I asked Beanie if she made any new friends in Kindergarden. Nope, not yet, but she had a good day, and that's all that counts. It took everything I had not to drive down there and take pictures. She wants to come for the weekend, but I had to tell her that this weekend wasn't possible that that we were headed to Reno for a week...not that she knows what Reno is. She wants to go too. I told her that I can't possibly take her out of school for that, but maybe we could work something out.
Gone are the days when I could take her for an extended period of time, now that she's in school. It's such a milestone. Ok...well, enough of that...Do you want to see my Beanie?
Hmmm, seems to be accessing a local host folder. Need to get rid of that. Maybe I'm tired and it's been a tough weekend, but my mind doesn't seem to want to wrap itself around the damned thing. I'm trying one more option tonight before I head to bed (Girl with my looks needs all the beauty sleep she can get!).
Talked to the Niece and her "brothers and sister" about their first day of school. Looks like all went well and they had a great time. I asked Beanie if she made any new friends in Kindergarden. Nope, not yet, but she had a good day, and that's all that counts. It took everything I had not to drive down there and take pictures. She wants to come for the weekend, but I had to tell her that this weekend wasn't possible that that we were headed to Reno for a week...not that she knows what Reno is. She wants to go too. I told her that I can't possibly take her out of school for that, but maybe we could work something out.
Gone are the days when I could take her for an extended period of time, now that she's in school. It's such a milestone. Ok...well, enough of that...Do you want to see my Beanie?
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Miscellaneous
Thanks for all your prayers. Nephew Christopher is doing well. He can hear things that he couldn't before. Hopefully, this will cure all the ear aches.
Took 5 hours exactly to straighten the hair. Is it worth it? Don't know yet, but everything looks well so far. We'll see after I wash it tomorrow or Tuesday Morning... You be the judge...
Had some real fun the other day..Friday night we bought school supplies for Serene and her "brothers and sister". It was a lot of fun. We may have gone a tad overboard, but we were having fun re-living our school years and the things we wanted to have but couldn't or the things that we did have that were fun.
Talked to the Boy...always a joy. He always makes me feel like life is worth living. I adore him.
Hope this blog finds all my friends well and happy.
Took 5 hours exactly to straighten the hair. Is it worth it? Don't know yet, but everything looks well so far. We'll see after I wash it tomorrow or Tuesday Morning... You be the judge...
Had some real fun the other day..Friday night we bought school supplies for Serene and her "brothers and sister". It was a lot of fun. We may have gone a tad overboard, but we were having fun re-living our school years and the things we wanted to have but couldn't or the things that we did have that were fun.
Talked to the Boy...always a joy. He always makes me feel like life is worth living. I adore him.
Hope this blog finds all my friends well and happy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)