Even the president's supporters...

okay, we usually just put stuff here about the house and things that are going on in our lives, but I saw this today and just couldn't help myself. Follow this link to a story on Slate about Bob Dole. During an interview on CNN where he was sent by the masters of the Republican party to defend the Swift Boat Veterans for Absolute Lies and Distractions, and to repeat the fabrications his handlers had fed to him about John Kerry wounding himself for a medal, Bob Dole made a very interesting, damaging, and sad comment. He basically agrees that the president should be ashamed of himself for the dirty tricks and flat out lies that he lets third parties make in his name. Just watching the face of Senator Dole, a man I respect and actually admire a great deal, is enough to bring home the true effect of negative power politics on our nation's soul.

(my apologies to anyone without broadband, but you really have to watch the video to understand what I mean)

-ja

Our house is a very fine house

Well, the house is there, I think it's safe to say. It's been parent-approved by all, and it will soon be time to open the doors to everyone. I am looking at having an open house sometime within these next couple of months. The Morris's were here last weekend for dinner with the Rusinko's and Terri liked it so much she came back to KC Sunday with her sister and mom, and also brought over Ja's two brothers (one who lives here) and Ja's two cousins (both live here). So, it MUST look all right! As soon as we take the time to figure out how to add pic's to the blog, we will post pictures of the finished product. Of course, there are things to do here and there, but no obvious absences. Now it's not a chore to come home, but a true vacation. -em

Busy Boy

Well, I just want to brag on my fiance. He had the day off yesterday, and you know all that stuff I told you about that's in the garage- yea, well, it's all gone now! He and the kitty were busy, busy yesterday. They organized boxes and loaded up the attic with everything we don't need right now (I say "they" b/c Incense, the kitty, even climbed the ladder and checked out the attic- ballsy). And I must say it all looks great. And you see, just the night before, we had our interior decorator over to help with the family room, and I tell you, it's just amazing what they can do. She walked around the house and pulled things out of one room, stuck it in another room next to something I never would have placed it by, and just like magic, the house looks great! I wish everyone could experience this, b/c while you feel somewhat violated; it's really just cool to think that all that stuff was in your house, and now look at how it all fits together. But back to Ja. He tore into that garage and attic and did his manly duty and now we just walk around the house in aww. We're almost done!! (And just in time for this Saturday when his folks come up to have dinner with my folks to discuss wedding plans). -em

Sunday Morning Press Conference.

We've been short staffed at work lately, and this has necessitated my working 6 day weeks until things get worked out. This leaves Sunday as my only day of rest, and so in keeping with the whole 6 days on, one day off theme, we decided it would be the perfect time to try out some new churches in the area. We started this Sunday with the 11 am service at Asbury United Methodist. As we walked in the front door to the sanctuary, we were tickled to see that they had a table set up outside with lemonade and glasses for anyone who wanted some. Now that's a way to make someone feel welcome. We went inside and sat in a pew about half way up in the sanctuary. The first thing I noticed was the huge projection screen they had going above the pulpit. I guess it's been a while since I've been active in church, but apparently they were now multi-media experiences.

It was a good service. They had what they called the "pastor's press conference". During the offering people put questions into the basket and he spend the sermon time answering them. What really struck us was when he answered a question about same-sex marriages. The pastor explained that he had a hard time reconciling Jesus' message to love everyone, and his example of loving even those who society had cast out, with the sentiment among many christians that loving same-sex unions were somehow evil. He said that he didn't think the church would perform same-sex marriages during his lifetime, but that he looked forward to the day when he could preside over a same-sex union. That pretty much did it for me, and I told Emily that I think we may have just found our church.

Afterwards we went grocery shopping and picked up our first half-gallon of Shatto milk. -ja

"Here come the brides... galore"

What a day! Mom and I went to the Bridal Spetacular in KC. I tell you what, I had no idea so many people made a living off of brides. If you can think of it, they do it. Massages for the stressed, dj's to run the show, outfittings for the party, Hummers to cruise in, chocolate fountains to gorge on, cakes too pretty to eat, and did I mention... who wants their picture taken, and what shall you wear?!! But it was most fun to find out what all the vendors in KC have to offer... at a price, of course. And you know what, I think we have less figured out now than before!! Do we want a harpist? What kind of bouquet? And which photographer to pick? The rush is on now, too, b/c so many of them are already booked up. All in all, a success, though, b/c we learned what we like. -em

"Be with those who help your being" -Rumi

Ja and I are recently engaged. We also just became proud home owners in Prairie Village, KS (aka, Kansas City). We're busy still trying to get settled in this house- the garage is full of stuff that I can't even figure out what- I feel like I have everything I need, so what could be in there? And what are we going to do with it all? I'll post pics of the house once we're all done. Other than that, I'm having fun planning this wedding with my mom, and some help from Ja. We're going to get married at The Villa on May 29, 2005. I think it'll be great. I don't have a whole lot planned, but still plenty of time. -em