"Charlie Green"

Was reading a headline in the news...I'm not reading the news as much. In fact, today was the second day of reading headlines and I did read some articles I admit (like bush let NSA spy on Americans...which is WRONG! These were people being spied on for a vague reason and I'm assuming, most likely no reasons connected to current events. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Hint: No WMD's). Anyway, that got me annoyed but I started to think about the famous Ben Franklin quote:

"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."

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I also read another headline "San Francisco Renting Christmas Trees" and I thought what in the world? So, I read that one and realized it's about giving back to the environment and making your part of the world a bit better. I liked that. One mother did this to show her kids how to be environmentally aware. The donated a tree and the kids named it "Charlie Green". I just thought that was so endearing...and we've all seen the Charlie Brown "Christmas special" with the little tree and how everyone comes together and decorates it...

Anyway, a funny line in the story and that which I'm making the quote of the day is:

"Granola-eating, sandal-wearing type people"

I love this! I wouldn't mind being described that way. Lots of good people eat granola and wear sandal's.

I, however, don't eat enough granola (in fact, I can't remember when was the last time I had some. I think I need to go the health food store and pick some up, you know us liberal types...lol!). The funny thing is I'm wearing sandal's right now. Yes, there is four feet of snow outside...these are cheap versions of Birkenstocks that I have for wearing around the house. Plus, I'm wearing white socks with them. I'm comfy, not stylish, mostly comfy. However, I do own big pink puffy slippers too.

http://www.yahoo.com/s/265255 (On renting Christmas trees)
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In other news, Jon had to take the SUV (four wheel drive) and this has the kids seats in it. This means I can't go Christmas shopping/mail packages. I'm going to be late, again, with X-mas stuff. VERY ANNOYING. I'm house bound with two crazy kids, four cats, four sluggish rats (they are nocturnal), a hyper bichon and me. Plus, I have a HUGE pile of cards to send out. I was ranting at Jon last night, why do I have to do all the shopping, etc. Let me tell you, I hate shopping. I would rather shovel out a chicken coop then face crowds at the mall. Mind you the mall here in Altoona, is nothing compared to the mall in California. That thing was huge! And you had tons of people walking around looking at stuff, buying. Ugh! And you had to go with the flow or risk getting stomped on. It was very suffocating.

It's not that I don't like people...in fact, I love people and I love watching them and seeing their expressions. But when you've got to march into a place and pick out gifts that are either overpriced or become a wizard at reducing prices and coupons, you lose something. It becomes a strange game...I'd rather be fishing. I really would. Maybe not ice fishing...but I'd rather be outside collecting a bunch of pine cones or sewing or knitting or especially painting. Now, I feel sad. I think I need to do a few paintings…which is hard to do when your husband has to work overtime.

Why do I work myself up? I am making things as well as bought a few things. I'm all stressed out for nothing, I'm sure. I just wish cards were enough. Maybe instead of wanting “things”, maybe we could buy trees for neighborhoods without them because I've seen neighborhoods near where I live without a single tree and it's pretty ugly and unfair.

Well, before I start doing a "Mr. Smith goes to Washington" rant, I'd better great life. Ciao!