For my husband.

With apologies to Depeche Mode: A Sadness That Nauseates

Last night I finished watching the remarkable and haunting Frontline episode entitled "Bush's War." Outside of my friends, no one reads my blog, but I am prepared to receive some nasty and, of course, anonymous "rebuttals" to my thoughts.

In full disclosure, my father was in the Marine reserves in the early to late sixties. My cousin served in the airforce. My other cousin is married to soldier currently serving in Iraq. I deeply respect the Military and love my country, despite all its flaws and sins - past and current. True love entails this. However, since December of 1999, I have been disappointed and angered at the road America has taken. "Bush's War" only confirms my greatest fears.

When George Walker Bush first ran for President, I told my friends and family that he was going to bring down America like he brought down every company he had ran. Yet the past has proved the United States's resilience. I think the phoenix should replace the eagle as our national bird.

Frontline astutely showed how an administration when left unchecked by the branches, the press, and its citizens can damage multiple countries. I know there are people who believe that America should use all means to fight "the war on terror." But the tactics used by the United States in its interrogations shame me and make me sick. Knowing and seeing how prisoners have been treated not only makes me cry but makes me want to vomit. Seeing and hearing Iraqi citizens suffer only deepens my sadness.

As Americans, we should be disgusted that this is the path we have taken. Religion has become so entwined with our politics. So why don't we all start acting like our brother's keeper? Those we bomb and torture bleed like us, cry like us, despair like us, and grow angry like us. And worship the same God as a lot of us, whether we refer to God as The Father, Allah, or Yahweh.

Happy Easter!

On Good Friday evening, I watched one of the best shows on television, Tavis Smiley. That evening he had on Anne Lamott, who was discussing her book Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith, now out in paperback. Lamott, who is a liberal Christian like myself, talked about the power of Good Friday and Easter. Even to a person of another faith, an atheist, or an agonistic, what she said rang true about life itself.

"Good Friday" often shows up in our lives. Times of loss, suffering, anxiety, stress, betrayal, depression, illness, loneliness are common "Good Friday" moments and feelings. However, future light always shines. I have had many "Good Fridays" and "Easters" in my life. Lamott's words deeply touched me. The best way to sum up this attitude is said by Mr. Smiley when he always ends his show: "Keep the Faith."

Meeting a Friend on a Snowy Walk

This afternoon Bill and I walked Teddy along the Riverwalk in our new neighborhood. As I was looking out at the waterfall, I hear Bill ask, "Isn't that Martin?"

Sure enough, it was Martin Perdoux, Eileen Favorite's husband, walking their dog Chloe. With the damp snow blowing into our eyes, we talked for a few minutes while our dogs played with each other in the accumulating snow. Martin then invited Bill and me over for brunch tomorrow.

The weather is terrible, but unexpectedly seeing a friend always warms the day.

Sleeping Difficulty

I hate it when I oversleep. Last night I had plans to wake up early, finish the Environmental Markets Newsletter, and then go about my day picking up much needed items for my new condo. However, I didn't fall alseep until 4 a.m. and didn't wake up until 11:30 a.m. today. My entire day was shot.

Bill tells me when I oversleep my body needs the sleep, but I think I might have some type of circadian rhythm sleep disorder. I've always been an night owl, but in recent years I find myself struggling to fall asleep. I drink sleepy time tea, take warm baths, have been perscribed sleeping pills, but despite all t his I'm more awake at night than during the day. It's irritating. I have so much I want and need to do. Do you have trouble sleeping? If so, how do you deal with it?

Amazing.

After Dennis Kucinich dropped out the race, I chose to support Barack Obama; not because he is my U.S. Senator, or that he lives in my hometown of Chicago, or that he lives on the South side and is a White Sox fan, but because he is a candidate of truth, integrity, optimism, and inclusiveness. As of late, he has taken a beating in the press. However, I remain proud to call him my Presidential candidate and Senator. His beautiful and honest speech on race in America yesterday not only increased my pride but made me realize that my country may finally be maturing from its adolescence into adulthood.

Senator Obama's speech was not only powerful, remarkable, moving, and amazingly written but much needed in the United States, which has been divided for far, far too long.

Out of Chaos . . .

. . . and into a new life.

After months of searching, putting in bids, disappointments, and stress, my husband and I are now condo owners.

February was exciting, hell, and chaotic. My writing has taken a back seat, but I feel inspired by our new neighborhood and the much needed change in our life.

Teddy, our dog, enjoys the walks and parks, and I love it that our neighborhood is so diverse and dog friendly. While our place is still a mess, it is slowly coming along. I accidentally packed away both my writing notebooks, and it seems I have misplaced yet again. Nothing to keep me on my toes.

Dennis Kucinich - new advertisement

Though Illinois doesn't vote until next month, early voting has started today.

Congressman Kucinich is the candidate.

The government we have is what we earn. We can change the future. People have the power - Patti Smith.

A Video from My Friends, "Leave"

Here's a video from my friends, "Leave". They include Mike Murphy (guitar and vocals), Jimmy Latsis (lead guitar and vocals), and Joe Herrmann (bass guitar), Mike and Jimmy write the songs that make the whole world sing (well, at least Chicago, New York, and London). The guys will be playing as their alternate identity "Joe V." (covers and some "Leave" classics) next week at Gilhooley's Grande Saloon on December 21 and Quigley's Irish Pub on December 22. Terry Keating plays drums when the guys perform as Joe V. Check them out.

Why haven't these guys been signed yet? Shame on you music world. I mean, it's not like Britney or the American Idles are doing anything productive.

Why I Am for Kucinich.