We'll Want to Be Rockstars!

His come hither and strum my gee-tar look!

Mistah Simmons has nothing on Daddy-O.

The Hair Band of the HOE HEN INN.

Cubby Man gets his picture taken with our Rock Stars. 

I Love Some Commercials

Allstate's 'Mayhem,' AFLAC duck, Geico Caveman commercials are a riot but, coming up quickly in our family is the Duluth Trading Company.  So this crazy Black Friday our family hopes you finished all your holiday shopping.  We decided to let ya'll in on a few of our favorite commercials.











Enjoy your holiday!
Mal & Family

Thinking Outloud

While I have been on a self-imposed bed rest after a knee injury 2 1/2 weeks ago.  I have been thinking about things when I could no longer tolerate reading. 


Have you ever thought about how much education you have acquired or achieved since adulthood? 


I would safely wager between the Air Force educating me in: how to be a solider, how to do my jobs, OJT in safety, plus all the extra professionalization courses for 20 years -- my brain was given around 500K+ in military (managerial) training.


Now this does not include all my college courses of which I have around 60 or more full 3 hr classes for a bargin rate of 150K.  Now this is not counting all the materials I have used to self-teach and fill my gray mater sponge through: reading, research, and exploring the world, 1000s of books, videos, actual visits to learning institutions, volunteer work and trial / error .  I would wager my brain (& yours) has had access to over 1 million USD in information, education, training, and maintenance.  AMAZING THOUGHT RIGHT?


So why is it folks assume a Stay At Home Mother (SAHM) has not attained an education equal or greater than that of a college professor?  I am consistently amazed at my own family assuming my life has not been fulfilled because I have not become a PAID public school teacher.  Mind you, I have done and achieved all that I said I wanted to be as a child.


Teacher: 
I am currently home schooling two very bright and happy sons.
Veterinarian: 
I have learned how to take care of animals through our farm life.
World Travel:
20 yrs on active duty


I feel sucessful because I am happy.  I may never have a fancy house yet, I have the best life can offer;  my family.  I know it may be hard to parlay this into my extended family's brain because some folks can not see themselves off the rut in the road they are traveling.  I am so grateful to have my husband and children.  I am grateful for all I was able to achieve in the Air Force.  I am so blessed to know it is not the size of my paycheck that gives me peace but, the faces of my menfolk with their sleepy faces each morning -- knowing they are my gifts.


I also want to recognize my husband.  Though I was told about 'lazy Mexicans' years and years ago.  My heart, you are the hardest working and smartest man I know. 


Much love and peace to all;
In your slices of heaven,
Mal

I Am A Reader So...

After reading some articles I wanted to pass on to all of my readers.  I am really incensed after watching the Republican debates.  Yes, I do watch them because I want to know who is being set up at the sacrificial lamb (figure head) to led the free world. 

Mind you, I am not happy with President Obama nor did I vote for him in 2008.  I feel he just gives too many concessions to our GOP leaders.  In this I believe he was being a patsy up until; he started signing Executive Orders to right some of America's economic ills.  Thank you Mr. Obama for finally finding your voice and standing up to the 'NO MORE TAX INCREASES,' edict issued by Grover Norquist and signed many 'elected Republican officials.'  

And before you all consider voting for a Republican or say Libertarian just go look in many sources until you are comfortable with your candidates voting stance -- that is all I am saying.

By the way Mr. Cain, we do not purchase any oil from IRAN for the record.  LOL I almost passed out over that gaffe.  Also, if our candidates applaude or sanction water boarding or other torture techniques then, they are saying they are okay with the torture of our military or civilian abductees.  Just saying be careful of whom you are voting for because when one finger points three are pointing back in return.

Why I can not vote for a Republican this go around:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/how-the-gop-became-the-party-of-the-rich-20111109?link=mostpopular1

One of the many reasons I can not ever indorse Mr. Perry:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/rick-perry-the-best-little-whore-in-texas-20111026

The Libertarian Party website:
http://www.lp.org/

On the divide for those who serve in the military and going back to civilian.  It is not easy:
http://battleland.blogs.time.com/2011/11/10/an-army-apart-the-widening-military-civilian-gap/

The entire Republican debate on foreign policy; brace yourselves it's long.  The one of foreign policy usually seals my vote since, the LOCK BOX and condensending tone of Al Gore's .  I just imagine the TO BE President talking to a hostile foreign leader.  If I can't see a war started right there then maybe:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7388072n&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CBSNewsVideo+(News+Video%3A+CBSNews.com)

My books for the last week:

THE HELP by Kathryn Stocket (excellent read)

NIGGER by Dick Gregory (Excellent read and will use this in our curriculum.)

A MIGHTY HEART by Mariane Pearl (Excellent read and I cried for Daniel Pearl's family again.)

WISHFUL DRINKING by Carrie Fisher (Love her sense of wry humor and outlook dealing with her upbringing.)

DISPATCHES FROM THE EDGE by Anderson Cooper (Well written, sometimes people shock me too and the absurdity of the human condition in given disasters.)

I leave y'all to a wonderful week in your slices of heaven.  We are so fortunate and are still acknowledging our blessings as a family. 

Stay informed,
Mal

Complete Debate coverage online videos:
http://www.2012presidentialelectionnews.com/2012-debate-schedule/2011-2012-primary-debate-schedule/

On Veteran's Day: I Can't Explain Why

On this day of thanking our nation's veterans; I am hard pressed to explain to my sons and husband why I cry when watching or hearing:

the National Anthem, TAPS, Saluting the Flag or President, taking an oath of office, listening to prayers for peace, attending a funeral, visiting a memorial for the fallen, the Passing of the Colors, or witnessing those gathered in ceremonies to recognize veterans or our fallen. 

I well up for all those families, co-workers, and friends who have waited for months or years for their loved ones to come home.  I just bawl for those who will never again slip their loved ones into their embrace. 

As a veteran, I love my country with all her blessings and flaws and though I never stepped foot onto a battle field; I weep from feeling guilty of not being chosen to stand by those who did.  It's not that I feel cheated but, I feel like I cheated because of not being there with my 'band of brothers.' 

It is so hard to explain to my sons how being in the military; I served in only support roles. Or convey the unity of standing in a flight, with the smell of starch so strong;  it caused hunger pangs in the wee mornings during reveille's beaconing call to duty. Somethings I can only tell them about from a point of view that is still burns in my soul at the sound of a band's first solemn note -- taking me back to my youth and honor as a airman.

Another point, I can not tell them what it is to be a man in uniform so there are times I just can not speak since, I am a woman.  I can only allow them to see my tears on days such as this. On this day, I pray for peace and say thanks to all who have served to include friends and family of those who did.

May God be with you,
USAF RET,
Mal Torres
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=radaOA0eFsw (Army Cadence Ad)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8-XkPJXhCw&feature=related (Air Force Cadence)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7MlFdFs1z0&feature=related (Marine Cadence)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qv0CJnTtn8 (Navy Cadence)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1E1F5x85-g&feature=related (National Guard)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x__WAj170F0 (Coast Guard)

Cain's Creepy Oompa Loompa Vibe

Did any of ya'll watch the horror show of a press conference yesterday? First he allowed his slander lawyer talk for five minutes about the 'women' who were coming forward with claims of Herman Cain's sexual harassment. 

For me, if a President (to be, or wanna be) brings out a lawyer this in itself says he is not ready to be the leader of the free world.  From my own experience of working in the testosterone laden military machine; my Liar Liar Pants on Fire pinger went off when Mr. Cain kept referring to himself in the third person. 

Also, Mr Cain the symantecs of your speech slammed me back into the days of Bill Clinton's "I Did Not Have Sexual Relations With That Woman."


Now another thing that bothers the heck out of me and thanks to my husband for putting a finger on it.  Mr. Cain reminds me of a geriatic Dave Chappelle from this skit (click the word) on Comedy Central. Here I insert shudders because to believe he still has a following and support of the American voters makes me feel nauseous; have we really gotten so morally corrupt this strutting rooster will be allowed to still have a campaign?

One word --- "Deplorable."


For Mr. Cain, I leave you with these lyrics from Willy Wonka.


"Oompa Loompa Doompadee Dah
If you're not greedy you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the Oompa
Oompa Loompa doompadee do"

Said by Herman Cain, "If you don't have a job and you are not rich, BLAME YOURSELF."


Chicken Momma says, "If you don't have remorse, and don't get placed into the White House even though; you are rich, BLAME YOURSELF."
_______________________
On another note:

I hope all you have been doing well. I have lots to write about just finding the time has been an issue. I do hope all of you who passed here are spending time with your families. My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of those who died this passed week: Mr. Andy Rooney, Mr. Joe Fraizer, and Heavy D. All three held special places from my youth and adulthood.
May ya'll go in peace,
Mal