I was going to go for a bike ride but it started raining, so I'll wait a little while and then go.
I've been reading many peoples comments about Katrina and it's time to get my 2 cents in. First off the whole thing is completely beyond belief. Everytime I see pictures from there I can't help but cry. It's really hard to believe something like this could happen to us. Okay, having said that; this whole thing pisses me off. Over 3 years ago a study was done and showed what would happen to NOLA if a major storm hit - WHY DID NO ONE PAY ATTENTION TO THAT??? Wasn't it just last year Georges almost hit them?? WHY DID NO ONE PAY ATTENTION TO THAT?? Wasn't it on 9/11 that we were hit by terrorists and realized how vulnerable we really are?? WHY DID NO ONE PAY ATTENTION TO THAT?? Why doesn't every major city/community in this country have an emergency plan for disaters (both natural and man made)?????
Who the hell is this mayor of New Orleans and governor of Louisiana?? Talk about leadership qualities - they clearly have none!! Yes, the Federal Government should help in these situations but it's up to the local officials to be the first responders. These elected officials should have stood up and took control and started issuing instructions and orders on what is to be done. Clearly they are no Rudy Giuliani!!!! Being elected mayor, governor, city council member, dog catcher, imparts a responsibility of leadership. In times of crisis these are the people who are supposed to step forward and take control to help maintain order. They are on site!! The federal goverment may be days away!!! These folks did none of that. The mayor was on TV begging for help. God knows I'm glad that whiner is not my mayor. And the governor looked like a deer in the headlights of a fast moving car. Now everyone is already trying to point fingers on who is to blame. YOU ALL NEED TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR!!! And as for Senator Landrieu thanking all those politicians - SAVE IT!! You all can pat each other on the back and tell yourselves what a great job you did after this mess is over. And you'll have to do it cause we won't!!!
I read a post the other day on Renee's site that really hit home for me. Black, white, rich, poor, democrat, republican, gay, straight, or anything in between; at this point it doesn't matter. All that matters is getting the living out of the worst areas and making sure they have food, water, and a place to sleep. Frankly, since I have no attachment to dead bodies (I think everyone should be cremated) the recovery of the bodies ranks very low on my list of priorities. Anderson Cooper told Sen. Landrieu he saw a body being eaten by a rat; big deal!!! Watch The Lion King, it's the circle of life baby!! Our resources are stretched to the breaking point now, recovering dead bodies can wait till we take care of the living.
This is one of the worst disasters I've ever seen and I can't believe the finger pointing and blame placing that's already started. WHO THE HELL CARES WHO DIDN'T DO WHAT!!! YOU DO IT!!!! I'm a huge proponent of personal responsibility (can you tell???) and unfortunately it appears people in New Orleans are not. It certainly appears this is what you get from a society of victims. When people are raised all their lives to believe they are victims, you have no personal responsibility at all. They expect everything to be done by the government for them. Well guess what??? It ain't gonna happen!!!
I live in Hawaii and we have hurricanes here too. We have been lucky and haven't had one in 13 years I think. We are in a much more vulnerable position than anywhere on the mainland because if we are severly damaged it would take over a week for ships to get here to help us. In the last hurricane, which was originally headed straight for Honolulu, the navy started sending ships with supplies 2 days before it hit because they knew it would take 6 days to get here. What has this taught us?? We need to rely on ourselves. During hurricane season I keep a supply of bottled water, canned food, canned dog food (wouldn't the dogs love that??), bandages, all kinds of supplies, because I DON'T EXPECT HELP!!! I fully expect to be on my own for a couple of days. SO I HAVE TO HAVE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND TAKE CARE OF MYSELF!!! I don't understand how people can stand around just waiting for someone to save them. It's a different story if you're old, or invalid, or in some way incapacitated. But if you are healthy and strong - get your ass moving and save your own hide!!! I have visions of me walking through chest high water with my 3 dogs on leashes swimming behind me trying to get to high ground.
As you may have guessed, I'm really PISSED off over this whole thing. You give people handouts their entire lives and this is what happens. OH!!! And the looters!!! Hello!! Why wasn't the shoot to kill order given when the looting started?? Why did it not get given until yesterday??? Policital correctness be damned. These people are the scum of the earth and don't deserve to live or for us to waste our resources on them. I'm not talking about people taking food and water. I'm talking about the scumbags with the TV's and DVD's and jewelry and such. Again, absolutely no personal responsibility so they can't think of anyone but themselves. They've been handed everything their entire lives so they think they are somehow entitled to take what they want.
When you look at the tsunami disaster and this disaster you can really see the differences. People in Thailand are way poorer than people in NO yet there was no looting and firing weapons at rescue crews. Could it be because the government of Thailand doesn't hand out money for doing nothing??? Could it be because the poor people of Thailand have to provide for themselves and not rely on the government??? Could it be because the poor people of Thailand are used to taking RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEMSELVES????
This country has turned into a bunch of wimpy, whining, scumbags, and I really hope as a nation we learn from this. But we won't!! People like Michael Moore will continue to spout his insane bullshit about how this was all Pres. Bush's fault and unfortunately ignorant people will continue to believe him. Oh by the way Michael, Bush did not cause the hurricane!!! Having minored in Oceanography I can say this with some confidence!!!
Okay, I'm off my soapbox. All I ask is that people take responsibility for themselves. I don't EXPECT the government to do anything for me and I assume most people feel that way; but clearly I am wrong.
Everywhere in the country there are different types of natural disasters; hurricanes, floods, tornados, earthquakes. Wherever you live, take all the necessary precautions and be prepared to take care of yourselves. Do not assume that someone will come along to help because, as we have seen, it may take days for help to get there. Take care of each other, that's really all we have...... 'K, nuff said..
03 September 2005
02 September 2005
For show and tell I brought some pictures.
Tonight is a night of photos.
So I live across the street from a working ranch (which also happens to be a tourist attraction). These 2 horses belong to one of the employees and I just love these guys. Every night when we walk the dogs on the ranch these two come racing over to visit. The one in the front is Picasso (appropriate yeah??) and the one in the background is Sheriff. Great horses.
Here is Picasso sniffing the dogs. Those are my knees are sitting on the fence taking the pictures. Notice Picasso's mane, it's half white and half brown - very cool.
This is one of the ranch buses. They take tourists around in these. A lot of movies were filmed on this ranch so it's pretty popular tourist destination. I love the cattle skull on the bus, really nice touch.
Here is Picasso at eye level.
This is my back yard. That white thing in the distance is an old bunker from WWII. After the attack on Pearl Harbor the army took over the ranch and built these bunkers all over the place. The house I live in was built by the army corps of engineers for the officers; all the homes along the beach were.
Well, things aren't going so well on the training front so I thought I'd post pictures instead. Tomorrow is the first day of a long weekend and I plan on getting lots of activity in.
So I live across the street from a working ranch (which also happens to be a tourist attraction). These 2 horses belong to one of the employees and I just love these guys. Every night when we walk the dogs on the ranch these two come racing over to visit. The one in the front is Picasso (appropriate yeah??) and the one in the background is Sheriff. Great horses.
Here is Picasso sniffing the dogs. Those are my knees are sitting on the fence taking the pictures. Notice Picasso's mane, it's half white and half brown - very cool.
This is one of the ranch buses. They take tourists around in these. A lot of movies were filmed on this ranch so it's pretty popular tourist destination. I love the cattle skull on the bus, really nice touch.
Here is Picasso at eye level.
This is my back yard. That white thing in the distance is an old bunker from WWII. After the attack on Pearl Harbor the army took over the ranch and built these bunkers all over the place. The house I live in was built by the army corps of engineers for the officers; all the homes along the beach were.
Well, things aren't going so well on the training front so I thought I'd post pictures instead. Tomorrow is the first day of a long weekend and I plan on getting lots of activity in.
31 August 2005
ANOTHER new start...
So today on the schedule I had aerobics because last Wednesday I twisted my ankle AGAIN and figured I'd still be healing today. Well, after walking the dogs I felt pretty good so I whipped out the ol' treadmill and decided to give it a whirl. At first I was going to walk. That felt so good I decided to give easy running a try. I ended up doing 5 -1 1/2 minute runs at about 6 mph. It felt great. I feel great. The ankle feels great. So okay, it's begun again. I just have to take it slow and build myself back up again. Awesome feeling...
Just a song before I go....
Actually a note before bed.
Today was great. I got up and got a short bike ride in between rain storms - that was great. Then tonight after work I had the best swim; it was one of those times I felt like I could have swum forever. I have a new "lap" from my house down the the old jet ski area. I don't know exactly how far that is since it's open ocean but I'm guesstimating it's at least 400m one way. I did 2 full laps so that should be about 1600m in 24 minutes. That's awesome for me. The tide was coming in so it was a little rough but what a great swim. I'm reaching the point where I don't freak out if I can't get a breath when I'm planning or I get water in my mouth or nose. I'm learning to handle all these situations and starting to feel really comfortable in the ocean. I can also feel it in my arms after I swim so I think I'm using my arms properly. I'm really beginning to think that all those lessons from high swim team are coming back. I'm very happy.
I've begun a little piggy bank where I put a quarter in for every exercise session I complete. In the last 2 days I've racked up $2.00 already. I just have to decide what I'm going to spend it on!! Something to sleep on - goodnight...
Today was great. I got up and got a short bike ride in between rain storms - that was great. Then tonight after work I had the best swim; it was one of those times I felt like I could have swum forever. I have a new "lap" from my house down the the old jet ski area. I don't know exactly how far that is since it's open ocean but I'm guesstimating it's at least 400m one way. I did 2 full laps so that should be about 1600m in 24 minutes. That's awesome for me. The tide was coming in so it was a little rough but what a great swim. I'm reaching the point where I don't freak out if I can't get a breath when I'm planning or I get water in my mouth or nose. I'm learning to handle all these situations and starting to feel really comfortable in the ocean. I can also feel it in my arms after I swim so I think I'm using my arms properly. I'm really beginning to think that all those lessons from high swim team are coming back. I'm very happy.
I've begun a little piggy bank where I put a quarter in for every exercise session I complete. In the last 2 days I've racked up $2.00 already. I just have to decide what I'm going to spend it on!! Something to sleep on - goodnight...
29 August 2005
Monday, Monday....
It was not a bad day. I walked the dogs this morning and got rained on :) I was going to do some aerobics that I had DVR'd but for some reason they didn't record. So after screwing around for 1/2 an hour I didn't have time to work out. Oh well. I worked on my swim mentally all day. But Charlie got home late from golf and after we walked the dogs it was getting dark already (ain't swimming in the ocean in the dark!!!) I did go for a dip since I was all psyched to get into the ocean and it was super humid. It was nice just to swim with the puppies instead of trying to get a "workout" in. Of course this means that tomorrow I have to bike in the morning and swim in the evening but that's cool.
Things are still crazy at work but the boss returns on Weds. so things should get better. We are so busy it's insane. I really hope this lets up soon. I've decided that I will work as fast as I can and do as much as possible. I'm not a machine and I'm not going to stress over it.
Other than that, not much to say. Reading everyone's Ironman reports gets me all excited to work towards one. I really believe I can do it with enough training and hard work.....
Things are still crazy at work but the boss returns on Weds. so things should get better. We are so busy it's insane. I really hope this lets up soon. I've decided that I will work as fast as I can and do as much as possible. I'm not a machine and I'm not going to stress over it.
Other than that, not much to say. Reading everyone's Ironman reports gets me all excited to work towards one. I really believe I can do it with enough training and hard work.....
28 August 2005
I've been avoiding this place,
but now it's time to face the music. First, let me cover the nonsensical stuff. I purchased a printer yesterday. Actually, I purchased a printer/copier/scanner yesterday at Sam's Club for only $70.00. I have not had a printer for over a year and you have no idea how annoying it can be sometimes. I would have to e-mail stuff I wanted to print to work and then print it there; annoying!!!
We also ate with abandon yesterday. We went out to breakfast; purchased huge sub sandwiches for lunch; topped it off with dinner at Haleiwa Joe's including mai tai's and dessert. I'm not real sure what happened but it was a food day. Today, by contrast, has been a no food day. It's 2:30pm and I've only eaten a pb&j sandwich.
Now for the tough stuff. After much careful consideration I decided to not exercise at all since my injury on Wednesday. That appears to have proved to be a good idea as the ankle is really feeling good. Now however it is time to get back into action. I am going to avoid running this week but I will be swimming, biking, and weight training. I figure I can get really good at my swimming while not running. So I will post my new workout schedule on the side there and get on it.
I have been working all day cleaning my computer room, desk and general area. This place gets to be a real pig sty if I don't stay on top of it and I haven't been :( But I got everything either put away or thrown away. So I'm happy. Charlie should be home from work soon so I'm going to take this rubbish out and get something to eat...
We also ate with abandon yesterday. We went out to breakfast; purchased huge sub sandwiches for lunch; topped it off with dinner at Haleiwa Joe's including mai tai's and dessert. I'm not real sure what happened but it was a food day. Today, by contrast, has been a no food day. It's 2:30pm and I've only eaten a pb&j sandwich.
Now for the tough stuff. After much careful consideration I decided to not exercise at all since my injury on Wednesday. That appears to have proved to be a good idea as the ankle is really feeling good. Now however it is time to get back into action. I am going to avoid running this week but I will be swimming, biking, and weight training. I figure I can get really good at my swimming while not running. So I will post my new workout schedule on the side there and get on it.
I have been working all day cleaning my computer room, desk and general area. This place gets to be a real pig sty if I don't stay on top of it and I haven't been :( But I got everything either put away or thrown away. So I'm happy. Charlie should be home from work soon so I'm going to take this rubbish out and get something to eat...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Conversation with Hubby
So yesterday morning I presented my idea of working out at home to the Hubby. Once I presented it to him, he said he was in. I told him I h...
-
colloidal silver is very fine particles that are suspended in liquid, usually water. This apparently has antimicrobial properties and has ...
-
and today I found yet another one. The Great Aloha Run this morning was just awesome. I didn't break any records, it was not my best ti...
-
Look to the left there. My blog has been rated by blogged.com as Great!!! I scored 8.5 out of 10. Woo Hoo!!! I don't normally get ex...