Genesis Moments - A Writer's Journey

Serving it up at The Kitchen Table

My post about the Westminster Shorter Catechism and the show Lost is being featured today over at The Kitchen Table. Click HERE to check it out!

CPAC 2010: Interview with Brett McMahon, ABC Rep and VP of of Miller & Long concrete construction

At CPAC 2010, I had the opportunity to speak with Brett McMahon, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) Rep and VP of of Miller & Long concrete construction.

I talked to Mr. McMahon to discuss his growing concern over the outrageous paybacks Obama is giving Big Labor and how those paybacks will affect job growth.

Because of our unions here in PA, I was interested to learn about several of his national concerns which included:

·        Radical Labor Nominee – The defeat of SEIU lawyer Craig Becker’s nomination to the NLRB yesterday was a win, but Obama may still appoint him during recess despite bipartisan opposition.

·        Employee ‘Forced’ Choice Act – Unions won’t give up on their #1 priority forcing unionization on workers and businesses.

·        Union-Favoring Project Labor Agreements – Obama is encouraging these requirements on big federal construction projects, favoring unions and stifling competition in an already struggling construction industry.

·        Jobs Bill – If the Jobs Bill passes in its current form, Big Labor is set to receive a big bailout for its failing pension funds.

·        Health Care Reform – Between the Cadillac health care tax exemption and the Merkley Amendment, health care bill paybacks will excuse Big Labor from big health care penalties and force more construction workers into Obama’s public option.

PROBLEMS in PA include: Union only labor contracts. Union preferences in state procurement.

WHERE'S THE FAIR COMPETITION? Hello people. How does one make it as the small business person when they don't get a chance at the jobs? AND, what about the crippling small business healthcare changes in the construction business? Check it out yourself! Take a second and watch the video below.

For more information, visit www.abc.org, www.TheTruthAboutEFCA.com, or www.TheTruthAboutPLAs.com.

 

When Mom Goes Beserk

The words "women" and "hysterics" just seem to be drawn together kinda like men and baseball. Whether a man ever watches or plays the game, certain gender words seem to magically connect.

Now, you read about women and their hysterics but when I hear those words, I used to mentally picture ladies in Victorian dress doubling over in impolite laughter, heads tilted together with gloved hands covering their giggles, until the other night. . . when I experienced the UGLIES of true hysteria.

I truly went into hysterics at my children. MOMFAIL but I did it. I began screaming until my husband started yelling at me to stop. I really don't know what came over me . . .

EXCEPT. . . a three hour car ride late into the evening after which we pull up in front of our house - after the last half hour of anxiety slowing rising over everything I needed to do at home after three long days away - AND then, as I am standing with my arms full in the freezing snow at the front door, my dear adorable pre-teen (as in not so small anymore) daughters plop themselves in the middle of the open front door squealing and screaming their own loving hugs around our house sitting beagle who was quite happy at all the attention - all of whom were oblivious to my horrific plight.

WHY? Because, who notices the packhorse at the back?!  Me, yes, that would be me.

"MOVE!" {decibles increasing . . } "MOVE, MOVE, MOVE" {Going scratchy soprano here} "MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!"

I started and almost couldn't stop myself. Well, technically, my dear innocent husband already in the warmth of the house also staring out at me - also oblivious - told me I was being rude. "yeah, um, well, um. . . {insert lame excuse here} . .  . they were in my way."

I tried every excuse in the book to justify my reaction (to myself silently - mind you - since I wasn't about to admit defeat just yet). But, I realized that however right I tried to sound in my own ears, I still owed them an apology BECAUSE IF ANY OF THEM EVER TALK TO ME LIKE THAT, more hysterics are coming. So, I did apologize to my girls and gave them big hugs. Not so surprisingly, they weren't that shocked at seeing me get upset and then getting over it and loving up on them. It happens, ya know. They push me to the edge.

I think it took my husband more by surprise because we really don't yell and scream around the house. We AVOID conflict at all costs and get along pretty well. And we like it like that even if some things that should be said aren't. I told him later that I apologized to the girls. He appreciated that.

The EPIC mom fail moment was over but I won't forget it for awhile but I am hoping my daughters do. They are getting older and REMEMBER things now. It's kinda scary. They learning to cope with the world. I don't want them yelling and screaming either . . . but unfortunately, it does seem effective at times, doesn't it? BUT does it truly get the desired effects in the end or do those who hear you screaming get so tuned out that they stop listening - WHICH may be a good lead-in to a post on the political conference we were just coming back from when all this happened! We'll see.

CPAC 2010, XPAC, Suitcase Pack and off we go to D.C. this Thursday

 
The Peppel family is road tripping! We've been stuck in the house with piles of snow surrounding us and now we are skipping out of town - and even letting the girls get out of school for 2 days to do it. They are a little young but my husband was determined to have them participate.

AND, no . . . this is no ordinary jaunt. We are going to CPAC (the Conservative Political Action Conference) this weekend in D.C. The funny thing is that I looked all over the site and only really found these quotes to describe the event which has boasted the likes of Rush Limbaugh and many more notable conservative pundits:

“CPAC has consistently over the years championed those ideas that have made America great: limited government, free enterprise, low taxes and a strong national defense.”

- Vice President Dick Cheney

 

“.. A showcase of the heart and soul of American conservatism”

- Los Angeles Times

 

“ CPAC is the preeminent yearly gathering of conservative activists.”

- The Washington Post

The Washington Post gets a thumbs up for the most succinct answer. I heard about the conference through two past attendees and talked my husband into going (whom I am delighted to say is totally on the same page - well, for the most part, with me politically. I tend to get a little artsy, crunchy on his conservative All-American ways but we do well to balance each other out.) We are both definitely for SMALL government and encouraging jobs in the business sector and telling the BIG government to BUTT out and keep their hands off our money where it can be helped!

HOWEVER, the jury is still out for me on tax credits and how they should be used to help businesses (i.e. the film business, and it is a growing business, here in Pennsylvania.) I just joined the first ever trade organization for the film industry - the PA Film Industry Association - and I have to say I am excited to participate but I do want to help change the mindset that more and more tax credits are the answer. I agree that the 150 billion our state has invested in film since 2006 shouldn't be wasted and that we need some tax credits to remain competitive with other states but I don't want to see it inflate out of control as so many government-run incentives do. It has to stand on its own viable legs at some point which is why I love the idea of a trade organization that promotes film and its production as a business where people work hard at what they do best and are rewarded in their efforts. I think the CPAC seminars on using modern media, film and TV for positive, wholesome values will definitely be worth attending.

Which brings me to another cool event happening this weekend: XPAC. Stephen Baldwin and Kevin McCullough are working to make conservatism cool for the next generation (which will totally make the event infinitely more fun and interesting for my daughters - or let's hope so b/c I am a little worried that they are a tad young for all this at 11 & 12 but my husband was determined)!

Here's the details from the CPAC website:

"And listen up to everyone "under 30" and those that are young at heart. For the first time ever at CPAC, please check out the ultimate in cool, a lounge created just for you: XPAC2010. Events running throughout the three days of CPAC, and everyone of them designed with you in mind, so register online, then stop by, say "hi" to Stephen Baldwin/Kevin McCullough, play some Wii, XBox, or Guitar Hero, catch exclusive events designed just for you, and both evenings don't miss the ultimate XPAC events, including "10 Questions with Stevie B, Megan McCain, and Sarah Huckabee" as well as "Millennial Impact Award" given in recognition for the most important accomplishment to a conservative under 30 (who didn't wait their turn in line to make a difference.) REGISTER today and hang all weekend, free food, films, games, and more its XPAC 2010. Brought to you by Stephen Baldwin/Kevin McCullough"

 

Hey, I'm excited. I signed up the whole family because I am totally for having a little fun in the middle of heated rhetoric and intense issue crunching. On top of it all, I've been accepted as a blogger and will have to do some seriously quick typing and writing as I go to get all the goodies in -- so keep watching for new tweets (@GenMom) and uploaded posts as I write and can get near WiFi to upload.

(Oh, and I just finished Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue: An American Life". I'll have to do a book review on that one. Still thinking through some of her issues - what I agree with, what I don't. I do think the woman has done remarkable things and has such an indomitable spirit. I am glad she wrote a book about everything. The woman was slaughtered by the media, or so it seems. I really had a problem with her quitting until I read some of the trumped up legal issues she was facing. Maybe it was the smart move, maybe not? She doesn't seem done with political life and probably shouldn't be with the life she's led. I don't think she'll be happy just staying home and baking cakes. Works for me. Not her.)

Horses in the Snow

Apparently, horse stalls still need to be cleaned out even when it snows - AND especially in poor weather since horses are in longer and DON'T "hold it" until they get out in the pasture.

So, I packed up my team of horse-stall cleaning "volunteers" and fortunately, my 4-wheel drive Suburban made it over snow packed roads to the barn. The girls scooped, dumped, spread straw and cleaned water buckets after which they were then treated to horsey rides on bareback in the inside ring. The horses had to make their own paths out in the pasture. Check it out!

 
 
 
 

Oh, can't leave this picture out! Here's what I had to dig out to get to the barn:

 

Why is Everyone Getting Out of Here But ME?!

I seem to be one of the few I know - just staying put. I've had friends flying to Nashville for the Blissdom blogger's conference and other friends driving to the same hotel for the TEA Party Conference to hear the illustrious Sarah Palin.

I on the other hand have chosen to stick with my frugal ways and just stay home. Not that I don't love meeting with others who do what I do (blogging) and think the way I think (I've been Taxed Enough Already!).

But, I have to tell ya, this weekend has been heavenly. Watching the lovely soft, white snowflakes fill our yard and driveaway. Relaxing in my PJs ALL weekend as school is called off early, church is canceled and everyone hibernates (but is totally all over Facebook).

Yes, I was invited to the Social Media Moms conference in Disney and I know several women going from here but it is not happening for me. February isn't a month to be flying all over the place. It's SNOWING, for Pete's sake and not just a little bit. We are being snowed IN. Flights are being canceled. Meetings called OFF. I'm NOT going anywhere. I am staying HERE. RIGHT HERE. (And MORE snow is coming.)

So stop by. Have a cup of hot chocolate, coffee or maybe something stronger and we'll talk. One-on-one. Not in the middle of a conference, not in a busy airport or hotel lobby, but right here, by my fireplace.

I don't know what's on your mind but tell me. While you are gathering your thoughts, I'd probably tell you that one kid of mine had her first ear infection at age 11 on Friday (woke at 1:30 crying) and that the other is growing up way too fast (12 1/2 going on 20). I'd probably tell you that I have been writing an article on the National Day of Prayer for our local Christian paper, The Voice of Grace and Truth and that I finally finished.

I'd probably tell you that I am now working on an article about the necessity and purpose of women's ministries in our local presbyterian churches and that I need much prayer because it is for a newsletter going out to all 11 of our local PCA churches and I am a little intimidated by the request.

I might even tell you that I want to pursue my doctorate in Communications, maybe at Regent College (the initial information request just arrived in the mail- YIPPEEE!) and that my husband wants to know WHY-WHY-WHY? I enjoy academics and research and the teaching that will pay for it all. I think this is new to him. I guess I should have told him that marrying him 15 years ago thwarted dreams I've had for 20+ years -- but I love him and now he needs to let me do this because he loves me.

That's what I'd probably tell you but I am wondering, what's on your mind? What are your worries, your fears? What are your goals? What are you doing about them? I like thinking through the bigger picture. Maybe I can help.

While you are thinking, here's a few pictures of the snow for you to enjoy!

 
 
 
 

Talking to kids about Haiti

"Have you talked to your kids about Haiti?" asks Danielle of Extraordinary Mommy in her recent video clip. I began to think and think. I couldn't remember telling them about it or them asking this week. I thought, well . . . . I've been gone but they were in school. They must have heard somewhere. Then, I remembered that they were out of school for half of the week for parent-teacher conferences.

I pulled my eldest daughter (age 12 1/2) into the office and asked, "Do you know about Haiti?"

"What about Haiti?

Oh, boy.

Moments later, I asked my youngest daughter who bounced in the door from a fun trip to the Y, "Do you know what happened in Haiti this week?"

No.

Where have I gone wrong? Life was busy this week. MOM FAIL. SCHOOL FAIL. In the little time they had at school earlier this week, no one told them. In the little bit of time I had with them, I didn't tell them. Their father didn't tell them. They didn't know that a major tragedy had occurred in our world - that in what seemed like seconds, an earthquake devastated a major city in a small country leaving many injured or dead.

At my kid's age, I'm not one to hold back too much. I did what I do best -I showed them via pictures on the Internet. I have found that I do better at show rather than tell anyway (just a personal observation - I like object lessons). Fortunately, they got bored of looking at cement rubble and walked away before I got to the pile of dead bodies. But, the first picture of the small, bloodied head-bandaged child looking straight into the camera touched my youngest the most. She thought that was the worst one. I am glad she didn't stick around. The pictures got worse.

I don't mind showing my kids pictures because they are at an age they don't need to be shielded as much. They need to know. They need to care too and to feel their heart strings pull for such a horrible event. They need to learn why we pray for these people, why we send money, reporters, diplomats (Hillary just arrived today), more money, clothing, even blood.

Kids need to know when BIG things happen. Things no one can control. Things that make us question God, question WHY? They need to hear us as we articulate what we think about it, how we feel about it. That's how they learn. They are only getting smarter and they need these lessons now as they face debates, write papers, and process information in more and and more intelligent ways every day.

Below is a PSA by Michelle Obama promoting the Red Cross and giving money to their relief efforts. I will honestly say, this inclusion in my blog IS NOT an endorsement of the Obama administration but I wholeheartedly stand behind giving support to the Red Cross dealing with this critical situation. For that I WILL give First Lady Obama a thumbs up!

Links to Help Haiti

Here's a couple of bloggers who have summed up how to help Haiti in a number of ways through various sites. I didn't feel it necessary to redo their work so, head over to:

Big Mama's Fashion Friday: edition help Haiti

OR

(Pensieve) Robin's "We interrupt your work day. . ."

OR

(Techmamas) Beth's Using Tech for Haiti Disaster Relief

OR

(The Centsible Life) Kelly's Help for Haiti Fund

for lots of great ideas this week on sending money to help the Haiti victims. What a terrible tragedy! Find a way to help in some way, however small this week. The pictures just break my heart. I want to hold those terrified children and wipe away their tears.

A Gift of Christmas Breakfast

 

I know - a little late but better late than never on the ole' Christmas pictures.

Here are the girls giving us our Christmas present: Breakfast. Works for me!

My daughters forgot to shop for us so the idea was to make my husband and I breakfast which is precisely why my daughter woke me up at 5:30 AM on Christmas morning to TELL me they were making breakfast. I told her I would be down at 6:30 AM and my husband showed up at the table around 8 AM.

Of course what my daughter was really saying was, "Mom, I didn't know what to buy so I SAID I would make breakfast for your gift but since there is an oven and stovetop involved, I REALLY want you to do it and tell me what to do to help." 

You ask why I know this -- well after it was all said and done and the plates put in the dishwasher, my daughter came to me and in quiet voice actually said, "I am really glad you came down. I was really nervous about doing it all myself." Of course, her version is so much cuter and melted my heart. So precious and so sweet. I love my cuties AND their Christmas gift. Nothing more precious than that time together.

(Of course, I totally wrapped a Coach purse for me which I bought for a third of the price on Black Friday so I was very happy with my present and more than happy to let it be from them too!)

Here they are opening a few more presents: (I even got my husband - the camera phobe- in one!)

 
 
   

 

Beginning 2010 with a Bang

I feel like a bear that is stuffed fulled of goodies, ready to go into hibernation and burn it off in a cave sleeping for the next three months. Only, I'm not a bear and I am stuffed full of goodies and I DON'T get to sleep it off for the next three months.

The bang I refer to in this title is me practically fainting when I stepped on the scales this AM. It's ain't pretty folks. It is also what happened when I took a good look at what I actually spent at Christmas.

Why do we get sooo out of control? What happens to all our good intentions in the last quarter of the year. All the self-sacrifice and discipline just -- poof! On vacation for the holidays.

When you are a compulsive person like myself, letting go leads to more letting go that leads to more letting go and then you are in a pile of mess and it means hitting rock bottom once again and starting over.

I'll be honest with you- I get into trouble when I stop keeping track - eating or spending. That's when the little justifications begin - little here, a little there. Suddenly - the weight and credit card balances are up and you are shaking your head sadly saying - where did I go wrong?

But, what better time to start fresh? Today is a new day. Time to pull out the forgotten calorie counter and gym shoes. Time to pull out the coupon organizer. Time to pray and thank God for my many, many blessings and start gaining control once again.

How is your new year starting out?