The Reasonable Progressive

The End Of An Era....

2010-10-28T10:27:00.004-05:00

Clearly, I've been slacking. New baby and all. And tons of life changes. I apologize for not being very diligent in updating this blog but...what is it that John Lennon said? "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."

This may well be my last blog entry, ever. We'll see where the road takes me in the next few years. But for now, this is what I can tell you: My husband and I have decided that it is in our family's best interests to move to San Antonio. He has taken a position with a medical management group down there, one that has grown by leaps and bounds the last few years. It was not easy to reach this decision, and although we will miss our family and friends, we are hopeful that this is a great opportunity for us. Texas is one of the few states in the country that has remained relatively stable during the economic crisis, and San Antonio, Houston, Austin, and Dallas are part of the "Texas Triangle," a region that is only projected to increase in population over the next few years.

I am also told that despite my fears, they have Democrats there. Maybe even a few liberals.

So, on October 15, I did a very difficult thing. I handed in my resignation to District Attorney John T. Chisholm. I'll tell you this: it's very, very humbling to have a man you respect tell you that you're a good prosecutor. It was an honor to be hired by Mr. McCann and it was an honor to work for John.

From January 10, 2005 to October 27, 2010, I worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee County. I've had some tremendous, terrific assignments, from the misdemeanor team to the Drug Unit to the Domestic Violence Unit to the Community Prosecution Unit (MPD DISTRICT THREE!!) back to the DV Unit, and finally out to Children's Court, where I did CHIPS cases for a few months and just made my last court appearance on a Termination of Parental Rights case.

I believe I was born to be a prosecutor, but I'm going to explore all my options in San Antonio. I anticipate being admitted to the Texas bar by January. We'll see what happens from there.

That's all I have...for now. It's been a joy to write this blog and I hope I've been able to provide a little insight and a lot of humor to the folks that have decided it's worth reading. I'll miss Milwaukee, and the Midwest, but as we so often realize after we have children - home is wherever your spouse and kids are. After that, everything is gravy.

I debated whether to "out" myself on this blog and unfortunately I'm still too paranoid (stupid prosecutor brain!) to do it. But many of you know who I am anyway. And if the time is right, maybe I'll reveal my identity someday. ;) But if you post a comment here and want to keep up with me on Facebook or some such, give me your name and I'll friend you.

God bless, and take care.

"A Baby Changes Everything"

2010-05-01T21:16:00.002-05:00

Those ads are cheesy, but they're true. It's been four days and already my husband and I are completely different people....I think.

Of course, it could be the hormones. But Baby RP is as cute as a button and will grow up to be a strong woman! :)

Note To Pope Benedict....

2010-04-02T21:38:00.002-05:00

From your predecessor:

"An excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded."
~Pope John Paul II~

More on this later.....

Absolutely Horrifying...

2010-03-06T09:00:00.003-06:00

Over the course of my employment, I've read a lot of disturbing criminal complaints. But none of them come close to the complaint in this quadruple homicide case.

I don't want to believe in a vengeful God or in a Hell, but if our God is not a God of mercy or if there is someplace warm that truly evil people go when they die....these two guys better prepare themselves for a LONG afterlife.

You Nazi Cow

2010-02-18T18:25:00.002-06:00

For reference purposes, it is my understanding that Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which books burn. No word on if it takes more flame power for books about pants involving a sisterhood of some sort.

ILLINI 78, Sparty 73

2010-02-07T09:26:00.003-06:00

What a win! And what a lame way to return to posting on this blog...but I don't care.

I'm pregnant. I do what I want. And right now our little fetus is learning about which sports teams matter. GO ILLINI! Bring on Bucky! ;)

Rest In Peace, Teddy

2010-01-14T20:37:00.000-06:00

This is still a phenomenal song.

Harry Reid, Voted Best Statesman Of 1948....

2010-01-11T20:24:00.001-06:00

We have Senator Reid's ill-phrased comments. We have disgraced former Governor Blagojevich claiming he was "blacker" than Obama. We have Sarah Palin joining Fox News. And to top it all off, Mark McGwire finally admitted (to no one's great surprise) that he juiced for years while shattering home run records.

My brain hurts. Have you ever seen that scene from Starship Troopers when Patrick Muldoon's brain gets sucked out by the giant insect brain thingie? It feels like that.

Didn't You Know That Law Enforcement, Not Criminals Are At Fault For Criminal Activity?

2010-01-02T18:17:00.002-06:00

Knee jerk reaction

and

appropriate response.

Cops don't cause reckless, drunk, fleeing drivers to plow into other vehicles. Prosecutors don't cause people to go out and engage in questionable behavior because said prosecutors decline to press charges that they cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

Criminals commit criminal offenses. That is why we call them criminals. They are the root cause of this problem.

In Case You're Wondering....

2010-01-02T13:12:00.001-06:00

Those OWI reforms that Doyle just signed into law do absolutely nothing to address issues like this.

CBS 58 News - Teen accused of killing two people while driving drunk - Police say suspect was trying to escape officers

How Are You Most Likely To Be A Victim Of Crime?

2009-12-31T11:10:00.008-06:00

As an average law abiding citizen, how does crime affect your daily life? Most likely, if you're going to be a victim, you'll be hit by a reckless, drunk, or fleeing driver.

Guy has apparently been arrested. He'd better get used to wearing orange, sporting flip flops, and eating baloney sandwiches.

It's A Girl!

2009-12-29T17:22:00.003-06:00

Muah ha ha! Now I have plenty of time before she's born to indoctrinate her into my feminist paradigm!

And by the way, since I don't think I announced it on the blog, I'm pregnant. ;)

Hey, Hollywood!

2009-12-28T12:14:00.002-06:00

Why do you make sequels to movies that suck?

I must go watch WALL-E to remember what good films look like.

God Bless Us Everyone!

2009-12-24T09:16:00.002-06:00

I posted this last year when we weren't able to go to Peoria, but it looks like we'll be able to make it this year, as soon as they clear the roads. Regardless, this song is just as complicated as the holiday, which makes it just as beautiful as the many experiences we have in life as the years go by. Merry Christmas!

I Wish This Was Playing In The Mall 24/7...

2009-12-19T13:08:00.001-06:00

I made it through two stores and the post office before I'd had enough and just decided to ship my Christmas presents directly to the recipients.

Tell it, Linus.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-18T20:04:00.004-06:00

So help me, I have always found this funny. Even though I think that It's a Wonderful Life is one of the world's greatest movies.

There is, after all, room for parody in the classics. Now, if only SNL would put up the clip of the Sweeney Sisters Christmas Medley.

Clean Bathrooms ARE Too Much To Ask For, At Least Until January 18

2009-12-13T21:03:00.006-06:00

An update to the debate over privatization of the janitorial staffing. Wow, the next six weeks are going to be totally gross....so far as I can tell. And the comments about the private staffers cleaning the Marcia P. Coggs building are quite ominous.

In case you're wondering, it takes about two days for bathrooms to get really disgusting in a building as decrepit as the Safety Building, to say nothing of the Courthouse or the relatively new CJF.

On a side note, this conservative's take on the situation is....well...it's awesome.

UPDATE II: I did see the private cleaners yesterday. They were scrubbing the floors, the first time I've seen someone do that in months. My concern, though, is that the bathrooms in our offices in the CJF are considered "private," even though we, the support staff, and visitors to the DA's Office all use them. We shall see what becomes of that.

In the meantime...I have paper towels and toilet paper stashed in my office.

Dr. Walkerlove, Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Poo

2009-12-11T22:43:00.005-06:00

I'll write more on this when I have the time and when I'm able to express myself without devolving into angry, less-than-articulate personal attacks, but this story from WISN doesn't quite cover the whole story.

County Executive Scott Walker's claim that this is all because of laid off custodial workers is a load of B.S. I have worked for the District Attorney's Office since January 2005. The courthouse complex was, is, and undoubtedly will continue to be one of the most disgusting places to work in the city. And that's just disgraceful.

I don't expect someone to take out my garbage or clean my office, and no one ever has. But I don't think it's too much for public servants, victims, defendants, and other visitors to the courthouse to have clean, fully stocked bathrooms. I don't think it's unrealistic to ask that janitors not bludgeon rodents to death in the hallway. I think that I and my coworkers shouldn't have to worry about cockroaches crawling across our desks and into our personal property. I think that if there is trash in the stairwell, it shouldn't sit there for years. When I first started in 2005, a dead cockroach sat in the sixth floor hallway of the Safety Building for months (we even named it and pretended it had an office up there).

Apparently keeping the courthouse complex moderately clean remains too much for the county to do on behalf of state and county employees, to say nothing of the citizens who have to deal with the filth in what should be a glorious hall of justice. God help us if someone like Scott Walker is allowed to run more than just Milwaukee County.

Plaxico Burress Is More Than Welcome To Take My Furlough Days

2009-12-08T23:28:00.001-06:00

All eight, five, or however many of them there are.

Oh wait, this article wasn't about prosecutor furloughs? My bad. ;)

Passing The "Savings" On To You, The Taxpayer

2009-12-05T14:12:00.002-06:00

Let's furlough prosecutors. Let's furlough cops. Let's furlough sheriff's deputies. Let's make sure that the courthouse never has any toilet paper or paper towels in the bathrooms. Let's watch in horror as the remaining courthouse janitorial staff bludgeon rodents to death in the Criminal Justice Facility (true story).

And, just for good measure, let's make sure that well-behaved, supposedly non-violent offenders get let out of prison early.

After all, it's saving us money, right? Because after all, it's all about the cash.

There surely won't be any other consequences of such fiscally "responsible" decisions by our Legislature and Governor. Right? Right????

Apparently There's More Than One Way To Get A Federal Job

2009-12-05T10:22:00.003-06:00

Who knew?

It's Okay, Bruce. Calm Down. They Won.

2009-12-02T20:46:00.004-06:00

This time of year, I only have one thing on my mind: Illinois Basketball. Down twenty at the half, the Illini went on a huge second half surge to beat #19 Clemson AT Clemson.

Now (I feel so dirty saying this), GO BUCKY! GO OSU! Let's finally win this Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

In the meantime, congrats to my boys for the biggest comeback in Illini history, and easily one of the top five Illinois wins in recent memory.....

Classy All The Way

2009-11-20T22:36:00.002-06:00

I hate to post so soon after that magnificent ode to adultery, but this truly is an example of why no matter how many football games are lost or how many people think Notre Dame is full of elitist jerkfaces, it really it is a special place.

Have fun, Jacob! You'll remember this experience forever.

A Song For Ed Flynn And Jessica McBride

2009-11-20T22:24:00.002-06:00

Memo to Paul Bucher: It's never good to air your dirty laundry in public, especially when your child is just a few years away from having the ability to Google your Journal Sentinal musings.

"All of this falls on him [Flynn], and not my wife," Bucher said. "He continued to pursue her, and I hold him responsible for that, notwithstanding his public apology."

Also, at the risk of sounding like a "feminist," I would remind you that it takes two to tango, and your wife appears to be a willing participant in this entire sordid situation.

This Is The Face Of A Batterer

2009-11-18T21:29:00.005-06:00

He won't just hit you. He'll try to rip you to shreds in the way that it hurts you the most. Maybe he'll destroy your personal property when you're not around. Maybe he'll use kids or money or gender roles as weapons. Maybe he'll threaten to kill the dog. Maybe he'll actually kill the dog if you leave.

And maybe, just maybe, he'll murder your son as payback for your courage in going to the police to finally tell him that you've had enough.

After all, that does far more damage to you than just smacking you around a little.

I don't pretend to know what's really in the afterlife. All I hope is that by giving to the world around us and leaving it better than when we got here, maybe we've got a chance to get to a happy place.

But wherever Mr. Avey is going, I bet it won't be so great. At least I hope it isn't. And though I don't want to believe in Hell, I won't care if he ends up spending eternity in a very warm place.

Please Be True!

2009-11-13T20:35:00.001-06:00

Hmm...I also said that when Doyle said he wasn't going to seek re-election. Note moderate but not very significant irony.

I hope Tom Barrett runs, and wins. He's arguably the only candidate who has demonstrated he cares about proper retention and funding of district attorneys.

Bye Bye

2009-11-07T17:11:00.002-06:00

Don't get me wrong. I have tremendous respect for the service academies. I root for Army and Navy (and occasionally Air Force!:)) as long as they aren't playing my boys.

But to lose to Navy twice in the last three years with the talent Notre Dame has on the field is totally inexcusable. Charlie Weis, you can kiss my ass. I hope the ND alumni who have a ton more money than me can buy you out as soon as possible.

ILLINOIS 38, Champions of the West 13

2009-10-31T17:44:00.002-05:00

This more than makes up for ND losing to the Wolverines earlier this year. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is better than beating Michigan.

A Bad Bail Risk

2009-10-22T07:11:00.001-05:00

Here's a thought. Why don't we give Representative Wood lots of cash bail this time? Maybe then he won't reoffend and present a danger to himself and others.

Setting The Record Straight On The WE Energies Surcharge and DA Funding

2009-10-21T18:29:00.001-05:00

From the president of the Wisconsin District Attorney's Association:

To Whom It May Concern:

As President of the Wisconsin District Attorney's Association, I think it is important to comment on the recent press attention to the surcharge on electric bills that will be paying a portion of the salaries and fringe benefits for state prosecutors in Wisconsin.

First, it should be clear that this was not a funding source that any district attorney requested. This was a proposal made as part of the budget process that District Attorneys had no input on. On policy grounds, district attorneys oppose funding prosecution efforts with any government revenue source not related to our work.

Generally speaking, general purpose revenue (GPR) funds are appropriated specifically for prosecution purposes. However, district attorneys are generally open to considering revenue sources with a nexus to the enforcement of the laws. In this case, however, the operation of energy utilities has no relationship to the prosecution function, and use of these funds only creates confusion for members of the public receiving their electric bills.

Second, this surcharge was created solely to replace GPR funding that was eliminated. It did not supplement the prior GPR funding, and did nothing to reduce the current severe shortage of prosecutors in the State of Wisconsin. All the Governor and Legislature did was shift some of the costs of the Prosecutors from GPR funding to this surcharge. We continue to be well over 120 prosecutors short, using a case formula developed almost 15 years ago, for the state. This crisis situation has not been alleviated in the slightest by the new use of an electric bill surcharge.

Clearly, adequate resources are needed to support the enforcement of Wisconsin's laws. Along with police agencies, we are part of the first line of defense against crime. Without adequate prosecution resources, our children, the elderly, and other vulnerable members of society cannot be protected no matter how good a job law enforcement does. The WDAA does not endorse the idea, however, of supporting the vital functions of our offices with funds that are not GPR funds, unless there is a clear nexus between the funding source and our functions. Surcharges on electric bills lack any such connection to our work, and use of these funds in this manner only feeds public confusion.

If anyone has any questions on this topic or related issues, please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of our Executive Board.

Sincerely,

Ralph Uttke
WDAA President

I Knew It!

2009-10-18T13:46:00.002-05:00

That whole balloon drama was a hoax. Too bad these folks will never have the money to pay back the gracious residents of Colorado who paid for their fleeting moment of fame.

Idiots. All of them.

Our media and fame-driven society is really starting to sicken me.

USC: Worse Than Hitler

2009-10-17T18:36:00.001-05:00

I have no empirical proof of this, but I have never lied on this blog.

Thus, it is TRUTH.

Bring It, Boys!

2009-10-15T21:50:00.001-05:00

This is the year to get it done against the University of Spoiled Children.

Godspeed

2009-10-03T18:49:00.001-05:00

Please keep one of my best friends and all the folks in the Third Infantry (based at Fort Stewart) in your prayers. They are deploying later this week....

Where There's Smoke, There's Fire...

2009-09-28T07:08:00.002-05:00

And Badger Guns is an inferno.

Great Article, JS.

Sounds Interesting

2009-09-18T22:32:00.005-05:00

I wonder if they interviewed any of the courthouse cockroaches. Perhaps they will expose why the soap in the bathrooms gets replenished so infrequently, or why random hallways are partly mopped.

I just hope they didn't overhear any of my flippant conversations in the elevator. ;)

AAAAGHHH!

2009-09-18T06:59:00.002-05:00

This seems to be quite a prevalent subject line for me as of late. Several of my coworkers and I have discussed why it is we work for piddle to do justice when we could be making thousands running dirty day care centers.

Oh, that's right. We have ethics.

Rest In Peace, Mary

2009-09-17T16:45:00.000-05:00

You gave us a lot of great music.

Wisconsin: A Drinking State With A Reality Problem

2009-09-12T12:49:00.002-05:00

Seriously?

No wonder we have so many repeat drunk drivers in this state. We need to get our collective heads out of the sand....

Never Forget

2009-09-11T06:49:00.002-05:00

I posted this snippet in a piece I wrote about the anniversary of JFK's assassination. I still think about it every September 11.

On September 11, 2001, I was beginning my first year of law school at Notre Dame. I walked to my 9:00 class and arrived in the basement law school lounge to crowds of students gathering around the television. Both towers had been hit. One had already collapsed. None of us knew what to do. All I knew was that two of my best friends were returning from Europe that week. I had no idea when their flight was, and at the time we of course did not know where the flights that hit the towers had come from. So I was terrified. But class went on.

I went to my Criminal Law class in a daze. Our professor expressed his concern over the tragedy but without official word from the Dean, he knew that class must go on. Periodically, students would leave the room and return a short time later. It was only in hindsight that I realized they were from New York and were trying to get in touch with loved ones. (One of my classmates had a friend who was a firefighter who perished trying to save others in one of the towers.)After that class, the law school and the entire university announced that classes would be canceled for the rest of the day. A memorial Mass would be held on the Quad at 3:00 p.m.I was able to get in touch with my friends and found out that they had landed at O'Hare the night before. I was relieved, but still concerned for the country.

I went back to my student apartment and sat on the couch, stoically watching footage of the same thing, again and again, with the CNN commentators and other pundits and public figures expressing their shock and despair. It didn't seem real.That was the first time I looked up information on the military's JAG corps. I actually almost ended up joining the Army JAG Corps before deciding that Milwaukee was a better fit for me and my professional abilities.

I went back to the Quad at three for the Mass. There, I met up with several of my new law school friends. One was a Catholic who had recently converted to Judaism. One was a Native American who still practiced based upon her cultural roots. Another was a Sunni Muslim. Still another was Protestant.Yet there we were, on the Quad, standing by each other in solidarity regardless of our spiritual differences, all united in our grief and shock. While that is a day that I remember with great sadness, it is also a day of great joy. As I stood among my friends and other Domers as the priest prayed for the living and the dead, I knew with absolute certainty that I had made the right decision as to where to go to law school.

Serial Killer Suspect Arrested

2009-09-07T18:18:00.003-05:00

Kudos to the Milwaukee Police Department and the other members of law enforcement who helped take this guy into custody. Hopefully justice will be served.

For all of the flak that MPD gets, many people sometimes forget that they have one of the highest homicide clearance rates in the nation. It just got a little higher.

Better Than Christmas!

2009-09-03T20:19:00.002-05:00

The college football season kicked off tonight, but for me, it begins at 2:40 p.m. CDT Saturday on ESPN.

Go Illini!

Way To Go, Kid!

2009-09-03T20:14:00.001-05:00

It takes a lot of guts to do something like this.

Rest In Peace

2009-08-26T06:54:00.000-05:00

The cause is left to a new generation now....

Iowa Sucks!

2009-08-20T20:29:00.003-05:00

Forgive me, for I am a simple girl. Because I found this hilarious. My husband didn't quite get it. Rest assured, some day our children will.:)

Submitted Without Comment

2009-08-18T21:58:00.000-05:00

Robert Novak

2009-08-18T19:08:00.003-05:00

Didn't much care for his politics, but the man had the good sense to go to the University of Illinois, and had impeccable taste in neckwear. Now, if only I can get my husband to wear one of those....

Blame The Victim?

2009-08-18T07:05:00.001-05:00

Seriously? You're going to tell a man that had three hours of hand surgery and plastic surgery for two giant gashes on his face that he shouldn't have gotten involved? And that your brother wouldn't have been charged/arrested if that man wasn't the Mayor of Milwaukee?

Give me an effin' break.

Mayor Barrett Came To Kick Ass And Chew Bubble Gum...

2009-08-16T22:39:00.001-05:00

And he was apparently all out of bubble gum.

Get well soon, Mr. Barrett.:)

Please Be True!

2009-08-15T15:17:00.001-05:00

If this is legit, it may be the best birthday present my husband has ever gotten. As an inanimate carbon rod Democrat, I say, bring on the inanimate carbon rod! Anything but Doyle!;)

Batting Stance Guy

2009-08-06T23:12:00.001-05:00

It's uncanny, really.

I'd like to thank Batting Stance Guy for not including the evil Gary Sheffield in this montage. He remains the only player I'll ever boo at Miller Park.

From The World Of College Football

2009-07-30T21:35:00.001-05:00

Wrong.

Stupid.

Ignorant.

They Don't Make Journalists Like That Anymore...

2009-07-18T17:41:00.002-05:00

R.I.P., Mr. Cronkite.

All Hat, No Cattle

2009-07-17T22:42:00.004-05:00

I was watching Good Morning America this morning, eager to get my fill of the news. I've been slacking off a little in the "being aware of what's going on in the world" department and GMA is usually solid at filling in the blanks when I'm getting ready for work. It's not The McLaughlin Group or a televised version of The Nation or National Review, but it serves its simple purpose. Most of the time.

The show leads off the 7:00 hour with a brief (very brief) discussion of the hotel bombings in Indonesia, which I assume means they're going to transition into a more in-depth panel discussion or a live feed from a reporter on scene.

Nope, that's it. Two minutes. And then....without any shame or remorse or even a fake tear for the dead in Southeast Asia, Chris Cuomo launches right into a story about...Michael Jackson.

Nice. Hard-hitting, substantive news to start my day. Sometimes the lowest common denominator sucks.

Culture Of Fear?

2009-07-15T11:03:00.003-05:00

Apparently there's one in Oak Creek. I have no idea why a Bobcat is something scary.;)

My Long Triathlon Story....

2009-07-13T11:25:00.002-05:00

Back in January I got the crazy idea to do a triathlon. I’m not quite sure how it came up; all I know is that I was searching the web one morning and asked my husband if he thought it was a good idea.

As a three-time marathoner, of course he thought it was a good idea. So the training began. At first it was quite easy; I had selected a program for couch potatoes, and I was slightly more advanced than that. I set a goal of giving myself a reward for each month of training I completed, as an incentive to keep on trying to get to the Trek Women’s Only Triathlon on July 12, 2009. A sprint-length tri, it consisted of a half mile swim, 12 mile bike ride, and 3.1 (5K) mile run. My initial goal was to finish in under two hours.

Then came the first setback. As detailed earlier on my blog, I faced a health crisis that I thought might entail surgery and a lengthy layoff from athletic activity, work, and any sort of triathlon training. I thought I was done, and because of the stress and emotion and all the ugly stuff that makes me a prototypical chick, I stopped training for eight weeks.

I soon found that my guardian angels were looking out for me again, and I didn’t need surgery. Since it was only two months before the tri and I’d been seriously slacking, I had to make a choice.

My choice was to compete. Even if it wasn’t pretty.

So I stuck with the training program…and I had my ups and downs. Running has never been my strong suit, and it probably never will be. I conceded that part of the race and decided to focus on swimming and biking.

Then, last weekend, I went to Lake Andrea to practice open water swimming. It was horrible. I freaked out. It was cold. I couldn’t put my face underwater. I couldn’t swim in a straight line. I couldn’t go more than a few strokes without panicking. The solution was to borrow a wetsuit, and I’ll be forever grateful to the friend who let me borrow it (I’m also grateful to the friend who sold me his old road bike, but more on that later).

With the wetsuit, I felt much more comfortable in the water. Even if I panicked, I knew I wouldn’t sink in the deep waters of the former quarry that is Lake Andrea. With the wetsuit, my road bike, my tri suit, my supplies, and a host of other personal items, I knew I was ready to go.

Saturday night I was a wreck. I slept about as well as I did the night before our wedding. I woke up at 3:30 ready to start my day, nervous as all hell. The rational part of me was saying that it wasn’t a big deal, that I would do fine, that the goal was just to finish, but the panicky part of me was scared as hell to get in the water. Once I got the swimming out of the way, I knew I would do okay. I just wished it wasn’t so far!

It’s rough to get up that early. Without proper sleep, your body doesn’t know what to do with itself and you can’t think of anything other than how exhausted you are. You’re operating on pure adrenaline, and the last thing you want to do is eat. I managed to choke down a bowl of cereal at home and a banana and some yogurt in the transition area at the RecPlex. I set my gear up and prepared to go to the lake for the beginning of the race. A couple of friends from work were there, and they helped calm me down. My husband and my parents were there, and while they didn’t help calm me down, they were there, and that’s what matters.

Before I even realized it, the race had begun and I was in the water, as part of the seventeenth wave of swimmers. I started my Timex to record my time and stayed near the back of my wave so I could set my own pace.

This is where the wetsuit was a lifesaver. I had planned on keeping a stroke time in my head and lagging behind the others, but I soon realized that this would not be possible. Even though female triathletes are quite friendly and very eager to motivate their struggling peers, they can’t help but kick and splash each other when they’re all in a giant lake together.

I was kicked, splashed, bumped, poked…and I received many apologies but that didn’t change the fact that I couldn’t set my own pace. Amazingly, I managed to keep on swimming without putting my head under the water. I couldn’t get a good freestyle going, so I kept doggy paddling, breaststroking, backstroking….any technique I could use to keep moving.

The buoyancy of the wetsuit helped…there’s no doubt in my mind that it kept me moving. All you have to do is doggy paddle in a regular swimsuit to know that you really don’t move that fast, but with a wetsuit every tiny thing you do can help you move.

I had been able to swim 800-1000 yards in a pool in anywhere between 16 and 20 minutes, so I was expecting the 800 yard swim in the lake to take me anywhere between 25 and 30 minutes. The lake seemed to drag out forever; we were swimming toward the sun and my tinted goggles didn’t do me much good. I kept focusing on the people in front of me and the lifeguards at my side. I knew that the closer I got to the finish of the swim, the better I would be able to see the shore.

After what seemed like a lifetime, I dragged myself out of the lake. I wasn’t able to unzip the suit in the water because I was moving so quickly, so I just jumped out and started running to my bike in the transition area. I heard my husband yell out, “You got 18:13 in the swim honey, you’re doing great!”

I then thought back to my two hour goal. I had no idea I would complete the swim that quickly, and although my arms and neck were tired, I knew I had to keep going. I’d been banging out great times on my bike, but I knew I could do better. My transition time would suck because of the wetsuit, but I now knew that if I played my timing right, I could still finish in under two hours. Forget the goal of “just finishing”! I had my initial goal in mind.

The transition took a long time, but not as long as it could have been. My husband was quite amused by the fact that I stopped to brush my hair before putting on my helmet (it’s probably a girly vanity thang!). I whipped off the wetsuit, dried off a little, put on my socks and shoes, drank some water, put on my gloves and helmet, made sure I had my Livestrong bracelet and my lucky bandanna, and quickly walked my bike to the edge of the transition area.

I was off…the wind was whipping through the helmet and I knew this was going to be my strong suit. It was roughly 27 minutes into the race and I’d completed my biggest challenge already. My nose ran from the wind and the pollen, but I didn’t care. By the end of the race my face would be killing me anyway.

The bike went by quickly. I kept track of my pace and my time, and to my surprise it was much easier to go faster during the race than it was during my training sessions. Elites and women in better shape than I were passing me left and right, but I didn’t care. I wanted to finish in under two hours, but I didn’t want to waste too much energy because I still had the 3.1 mile run to look forward to.

We traveled quickly over small hills and down, and the road bike was a huge advantage. While other women struggled to pedal up hills or small inclines, I could coast. I had a hard time maintaining speed up the hills, but I managed to average between 16 and 17 MPH over the entire course, which was about the MPH average I wanted in order to maintain four minute miles.

There came a point before the halfway mark that I thought my body would give out, but then my second wind kicked in. By the time I pedaled back to the transition area to rack my bike and grab my hat and race number, I was ready and willing to crawl, jog, or slowly walk my way across the finish line. I was an hour and seventeen minutes in, and I knew the two hour goal was still within reach.

I quickly downed some water (it’s still quite hard to drink properly on a bike), clipped on my race number, and put on my New Balance hat, then started slowly jogging to the run portion of the race. My legs were killing me from the bike and after I jogged a little way, I knew it was time to let my muscles rest. I began walking as quickly as I could, looking off into the distance and trying to calculate how best to finish the run in under 45 minutes.

I walked a good chunk of the way, jogging slowly when I could. My stomach started to hurt from the lack of food, so I ate a few Jelly Belly Sport Beans I had in my tri suit pocket. They helped tremendously. I reached the halfway point of the run and knew I’d have to pick up the pace in order to finish the way I wanted.

On and on, for miles it seemed…jog, walk, jog, walk, jog, walk, slow walk….for an eternity until I reached the last 200 yards with two minutes to go. I knew that this was it. I could see the finish line and I knew my body was almost completely spent. I ached all over, I had a sunburn, and my nose was raw from running because of the pollen in the air. But I knew I had a purpose and a goal, and I was damned if anyone was going to take it away from me. I knew I wasn’t the fastest person in the race, and that I wasn’t going to place nearly as high as my competitive self would like, but that was no reason not to stick to that initial goal I set back in January. I started jogging, chugging and wheezing and pushing myself on, until I saw Sally Edwards at the end of the finish line.

I heard the timing chip beep as I crossed the pad, and I slapped Sally’s hand so hard I’m surprised I didn’t knock her over. I had done it. The guardian angels in whose honor I had raced had helped me cross that finish line. The first few minutes after stopping were terrible; I couldn’t catch my breath, I was thirsty but I didn’t want to drink, I was hungry but I didn’t want to eat. I actually wasn’t really hungry until Sunday night, after my body had calmed down.

I had done it. All that training, all that stress, all that worrying about the race, about personal matters, and about anything else in my life…it had all culminated in this moment. I’d worn my Livestrong bracelet for Uncle Dave and Julia’s mom. I’d carried my old blue bandanna that used to belong to Aimee. I’d worn the New Balance pink ribbon hat for my Grandma Bena. And the end result was a finish in 1:59:08 per my timing chip, and 1:59:09 per my watch. I HAD DONE IT!

And now, I want to do it again. The only question is, when?:)

1:59:09

2009-07-12T12:12:00.001-05:00

I am a triathlete! More details later....

The "Dogged" Story That Just Won't Die

2009-07-11T09:08:00.003-05:00

And I must say, there's part of me that's still enjoying the drama over the emails being sent, the topics of said emails, and the tawdriness of it all.

Shockingly enough, this was my favorite part of the Dogged update:

Elsewhere, McBride admits she can’t be objective about Gov. Jim Doyle, whom she dislikes immensely, and once proposed doing a story on District Attorney John Chisholm for Milwaukee Magazine. But she said the magazine shot down the suggestion because Chisholm is "too boring," an assessment with which she agreed.

I found this interesting for several reasons:
1. I also dislike Jim Doyle immensely.
2. I am somewhat concerned that Jessica McBride and I now have something in common.
3. "Too boring" appears to be code for "too ethical." Go ahead, try to find some dirt on my boss. Cuz you won't be able to find any, be it personal or political.

I Hate When Wisconsin Stupidity Goes National

2009-07-10T21:27:00.002-05:00

Then people think the entire state is full of idiots.

I hope the ACLU does file a lawsuit, and I'm ashamed that the Marinette County DA said this was an acceptable thing for the police to do.

Just because we have power doesn't mean we shouldn't exercise it responsibly.

Peggy Noonan On Sarah Palin

2009-07-10T16:11:00.002-05:00

I think I might recruit Peggy into my new intellectual fringe party (or, my reincarnation of the Bull Moose Party) after reading this column.

If you ask me, both sides are seriously lacking in the honest, forthright, intellectual discussion department.

But I'm a liberal elitist, so what do I know?;)

The triathlon is two days away and RP is restless!!

The Countdown Begins...

2009-07-08T19:56:00.003-05:00

Less than a week to my first triathlon in Pleasant Prairie. The goal is to finish. And maybe finish well, but mostly finish.

Blogging has been light as of late...no real explanation for that. Mostly training for the tri, and adjusting to a career move that has been difficult to accept, but is ultimately one that may turn out to be positive.

Yeah, that's the Pollyanna in me. I go where I am needed. I am here to serve the people of the State of Wisconsin. But of course, I can't help but be sad at the prospect of leaving some new friends behind as I leave this current assignment for a turn that brings me back to some old ones.

A prosecutor's work is never done....;P

It's Not The Constitution, But It'll Do

2009-07-03T23:00:00.005-05:00

The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the state remaining in the meantime exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.

He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies without the consent of our legislature.
He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states:

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing taxes on us without our consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury:

For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offenses:

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule in these colonies:

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments:

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive on the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts: John Hancock, Samual Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, July 8, 1776

On The Lighter Side

2009-07-03T22:46:00.002-05:00

If you're not a Harry Potter fan, you'll think this is idiotic, but I assure you it is pure brilliance.

And if you love Alan Rickman and Severus Snape, you'll adore this.

Okay, We Get It!

2009-06-30T21:25:00.001-05:00

You had lots and lots of fulfilling sex.

I'm just waiting for your wife to kick your arse to the curb.

14 minutes and counting, Governor....

Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T20:05:00.002-05:00

That not guilty verdict was a joke, but this is how I'll always remember the King of Pop. If only he could have stayed this way...

Seriously?

2009-06-24T17:10:00.001-05:00

Honestly, how hard is it to stay faithful to your spouse?

What a dink.

I would like to point out that my unwitting use of the word "affairs" in my previous post has proven to be eerily prophetic. I must go buy a lottery ticket now.

If Only Robert Guillaume Were Here....

2009-06-22T20:40:00.005-05:00

Maybe then he could tell us what's going on with the governor of South Carolina. Sounds like Mr. Sanford may need some help with his household affairs.

Bummer

2009-06-22T09:43:00.000-05:00

The historian in me hates when icons die.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T16:30:00.003-05:00

Just got home from Detroit; I am quite tired but have to give Dad a shout-out. And now, I must step away from the computer for five minutes to give him a call to thank him for being there.:)

Since I just found this news blurb now, I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage you to finish up those soffits, sell my beloved childhood home, and get the heck out of P-town. A shooting just down the street is too close for me, and you.

Wow...

2009-06-19T07:30:00.004-05:00

Kudos to my fellow lefty bloggers who scooped this way before I got wind of it. Color me shocked.

I've met the guy a few times, and I never thought Chief Flynn would do something that could so potentially damage his career advancement. But, he's a guy, and he's high profile, so it's probably okay. Just ask Senator Ensign.

Oh, and by the way, my favorite quote from the article, from a letter written by Renee Zellweger to Tom Cruise (or Tom Cruise to Renee Zellweger...I don't know since I can't stand Jerry Maguire))...er, McBride to Flynn...blech!;)

"I honestly had myself almost convinced that we were going to talk about the police department at (Brocach) that night!" it says. "Now that sounds so naïve. But something special happened between us that night; I will always cherish it. A complete meeting on all levels - mind, body, heart that I have never experienced. You completed me that night."

Not Particularly Thrilled, But...

2009-06-18T08:42:00.003-05:00

It sounds like there are a few (very few) nuggets of joy in this budget, including (as I read it) a new requirement that vehicle owners will be required to insure their vehicles. Way to catch up to reality, Wisconsin!

As for the other provisions in the budget...well, we will reap what we sow, be it in five or fifteen years.

Extremism Is Terrifying...

2009-06-11T19:46:00.003-05:00

And I mean that whether it comes from the left or the right. Someone posted this clip on the IllinoisLoyalty message boards, where I frequently go to post and discuss issues o' the day, as well as Illini sports.

Dare I say, Shepard Smith sounds downright reasonable to me here. And when he thinks something is extreme right-wing terrifying stuff, trust me, it's extreme. Everyone on both sides needs to calm the hell down. Violence, threats, blanket statements not based in reality...none of them have any place in rational discourse.

Sex, Drugs, and Revolving Doors...

2009-06-10T23:20:00.003-05:00

Frankie, you're breaking my heart. I'm just glad I never got one of your jerseys.

In other news, apparently 78 grams of marijuana is a lot in Illinois. Here that barely registers on the felony radar.

And in other other news, who'd have thought that violent offenders would re-offend? Although a few hours between release and a homicide may be a record.

Logic and Pointlessness

2009-06-10T07:30:00.003-05:00

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that in this would-be murderer's head, two attempted homicide charges are better than one charge of carrying a concealed weapon.

It is an absolute miracle that these officers weren't killed. My prayers go to them and their families, and as always, to the Milwaukee Police Department. Stay safe, my friends.

The Eternal Struggle

2009-06-08T19:47:00.004-05:00

I suppose, as a budding cyclist this makes me feel safer, but as a driver it makes me feel uneasy.

And in other News of the Stupid, these folks apparently don't know that even a fake gun can get your ass killed.

65 Years Ago Today...

2009-06-06T11:03:00.002-05:00

Imagine how different the world would be if the Allies hadn't come out on top.

Pick Your Battles...

2009-05-30T23:31:00.005-05:00

I suppose any commentary on the Elmbrook graduation issue isn't entirely fair, since I haven't seen any of the court documents and I usually reserve judgment on anything until I have all the information.

But I gotta say, as a person who believes in God and has met some atheists who are reasonable, and some who are insulting, I wonder if activists know how to pick their battles wisely. This may not be one worth fighting.

UPDATE: The federal judge has sided with the school district, for now. We'll see how the rest turns out. I suspect this battle is not over...even if the graduation goes on as planned.

On This Memorial Day....

2009-05-25T12:11:00.003-05:00

Thank you to our nation's veterans for preserving the freedoms we hold so dear. While I reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice, my thoughts are also with two dear friends serving in the Army and Navy. May you be safe and healthy....

Memorial Day Weekend Musings

2009-05-23T12:11:00.003-05:00

...which have very little to do with the actual holiday, but still bear mentioning.

Does anyone ever wonder why it's so bad to drink from the garden hose? And why, after growing out her hair for Pantene Beautiful Lengths and then chopping it all off, Reasonable Progressive's hair now looks disturbingly like Nancy Pelosi's? (Totally unintentional, I swear.) And why it's such a big deal that astronauts have been drinking recycled urine (per CNN, they "enjoy it")? And why Governor Doyle thinks that funding for public defenders (while very important, I admit) is more important than properly funding district attorneys? Why must RP speak in the third person? Is it her desire to be monarchial?

And why, for God's sake, didn't Frank Stallone have a more productive career?

These are the questions that keep me awake at night.

Bummer

2009-05-18T18:13:00.007-05:00

It's a shame Rickie is out for the season. He'd really improved his play and was one of the reasons I was enjoying Brewers games so much this year. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery that will catapult him into even better returns next year.

Best wishes, Mr. Weeks.:)

On a side note, memo to Mr. Melvin: Ray Durham is still a free agent.

Irony

2009-05-17T10:03:00.000-05:00

I'm willing to bet it's lost on this woman.

A Good Day...

2009-05-15T16:08:00.004-05:00

Yesterday and today were excellent days, all things considered. You never know how much stress you're under until you allow it to slowly lift its burden off your shoulders.

And with that, here are Bart's thoughts on reincarnation. Enjoy!

Wonderful News!

2009-05-13T13:50:00.002-05:00

First, thanks for all the prayers and support that you have given me in the last few weeks. I consider myself very, very fortunate to be surrounded by people I know and love in my family, circle of friends, workplace, and even here in the very impersonal and sometimes barren blogosphere.

I have just returned from an appointment with my surgeon, and I have wonderful news! I don't need surgery!!! I've been fretting the last few weeks over the prospect of weeks and even months of post-surgery recovery, thinking that I needed a somewhat invasive procedure done to prevent malignant liver tumors from forming down the road and to ensure that I could have kids in the near future.

BUT...God, medicine, and prayers are all wonderful things, and I'd like to think that all the positive thoughts sent my way may have changed the hand that I was dealt. So for now, I'm going to revel in my good news, and hopefully I'll find something non-health related to worry about!;)

Sign Of The Apocalypse #5...

2009-05-11T07:26:00.001-05:00

The Four Horsemen cannot be far behind.:)

Bend Over, Wisconsin State Employees...

2009-05-07T20:25:00.004-05:00

Cuz you're about to take it in the....never mind.

As my good friend Prosqtor pointed out when several of us were discussing the implications of such cuts this afternoon, it's not so easy for the state to cut the Department of Administration/District Attorney budget. You see, we all bring our own pens/highlighters/office supplies to work (at least, I do:)). We all utilize county resources at our offices. And, for the most part, the state's portion of the District Attorney budget is all prosecutor salaries.

So, my dear Wisconsinites, be forewarned. Apparently we prosecutors are going to have to take a pay cut on a salary that has stayed stagnant for two years. We have to work another two years without a contract. We have to face furloughs in violation of said contract with the state. And, perhaps most importantly, the fewer of us there are, the fewer crimes that are charged, tried, settled, or resolved in Milwaukee.

Get ready for a firestorm of deviant activity, folks. Soon, it will be a complete free for all.

Swine Flu

2009-04-30T13:03:00.003-05:00

That's right. Babe is coming for your children, your guns, and your apple pie. I recommend lots of hand sanitizer.

Or, just go here to find out if you have swine flu: http://doihaveswineflu.org/

Thank You All!

2009-04-30T13:01:00.002-05:00

I never expected such an outpouring of support...and I do still need it. I have a CT scan today that might give me some more answers.

Mmm...yummy contrast dye.

I will continue to update as necessary, but for now, a little levity.

An Awkward Request

2009-04-28T18:44:00.003-05:00

More details to come later, but this is a hard request for me to make of the 5-10 people who read this blog.:)

I have a hard time praying for myself, let alone asking other people to do it. But I've got a bit of a medical situation going on right now, without any easy answers, and it's safe to say that the last few weeks have been quite stressful. I've got about a week or so before I finally know for sure what is going on and what kind of life choice I have to make, but for now I would ask that those of you who read this blog...please pray for me, my husband, my family, and my friends as I wait for news that may significantly alter the course of my life in the coming months.

Thanks....

UPDATE: I've calmed down a little. A nap helped. Needless to say, I'm still worried, but I suppose my worst-case scenario is having my entire summer wrecked. Regardless, I still have a very difficult decision to make, and I would again ask for your prayers. Sometimes God works in mysterious ways...:)

For Those Keeping Track At Home...

2009-04-26T10:12:00.003-05:00

I'm more upset over the loss of Bea Arthur than I am at the demise of Pontiac.

Even though I did quite enjoy the white leather in my Mom's Firebird back when I was a wee one, I enjoyed Maude and Dorothy Zbornak much more.:)

Ah, The Wisdom Of Our Governor...

2009-04-23T07:23:00.005-05:00

I don't like this. Not one bit.

Especially considering that in my opinion, drug dealing is not a nonviolent offense. We have the tools to avoid making young people felons, and our office often employs them. This does nothing to further the cause of justice.

Prayers

2009-04-11T18:26:00.002-05:00

On this Easter Weekend, please keep this officer and his family in your prayers.

What Does It Take?

2009-04-08T22:25:00.003-05:00

How many children have to die before parents and caregivers realize that FREE SMOKE DETECTORS and cheap batteries save lives?

Unbelieveable, and totally preventable.

Hmm...

2009-04-07T21:02:00.002-05:00

No votes counted and yet the JS has predicted all the major winners already. Hmm...

In other news, my husband spoiled his ballot. That extra vote may have put Gabler or Fernandez over the hump. Too late now...;)

UPDATE: Guess the JS was right...how often will I say that? Congrats to the winners...and one has to wonder if Dan's negative campaigning backfired on him. Too bad.:(

I'd also like to point out that my strategy of "if you don't know who to vote for, vote for the chick" paid off as the two female school board candidates won in Franklin.

And Zach, sorry buddy. I wish you could have pulled it out in South Milwaukee. If we lived there, we would have voted for you. Even if my husband had spoiled his ballot.:)

Abrahamson, Evers, Gabler, Brostrom

2009-04-07T08:09:00.002-05:00

We'll see if my ballot explodes when I put it in the box later this morning.

The 2009 Milwaukee Brewers

2009-04-05T09:29:00.004-05:00

From Tom Haudricourt over at the JS, the regular season roster:

Pitchers (12)
RHP Dave Bush
RHP Todd Coffey
RHP Mark DiFelice
RHP Yovani Gallardo
RHP Jorge Julio
RHP Braden Looper
RHP Seth McClung
LHP Manny Parra
RHP David Riske
LHP Mitch Stetter
RHP Jeff Suppan
RHP Carlos Villanueva

Catchers (2)
Jason Kendall
Mike Rivera

Infielders (6)
INF Craig Counsell
1B Prince Fielder
3B Bill Hall
SS J.J. Hardy
INF Casey McGehee
2B Rickie Weeks

Outfielders (5)
Ryan Braun
Mike Cameron
Chris Duffy
Corey Hart
Brad Nelson

Disabled List
RHP Trevor Hoffman

Can't wait for Friday...Opening Day and we've got club seats!

I've Said It Before And I'll Say It Again...

2009-04-04T11:24:00.001-05:00

If you no longer want to call this world home, do the rest of us a favor and just do what you will to yourself. No need to take innocent people with you.

Fork, Done

2009-04-01T19:08:00.003-05:00

After 72 years, The Guiding Light is no more. I remember my mom watching it loyally every day at 2PM when I was a wee babe. My babysitter always had it on when we got back from school. And I confess to watching a little of it when I was in college.

Yet another example of the slow, searing death of the daytime serial. It's a lost art.

Aaagh!

2009-03-31T18:41:00.002-05:00

Not again!

Just for the record, Mr. RP and I signed our tax return last week.;)

South Park And The Economy

2009-03-31T07:22:00.006-05:00

I love South Park. This clip from last week's episode is classic. It was the first time I'd really laughed at the state of our economy in a while.

Obama And Notre Dame

2009-03-29T21:33:00.006-05:00

I'm not posting this link to get into a debate about the merits of President Obama coming to speak at ND's commencement. I have to admit that back in 2001, I was less than pleased that they selected President Bush as their commencement speaker because I felt some of his positions were inconsistent with the values that I believed Notre Dame stood for.

But that was a long time ago for me, personally, politically, and professionally. It is an honor to have any figure of Mr. Obama's stature speaking at my alma mater. I support the University and their decision. And if I were the person I am now back in 2001, I'd have supported President Bush as commencement speaker.

I would support their decision if McCain had won and was speaking as well. As one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the entire world, ND has every right to select commencement speakers that reflect the grandeur of a Notre Dame education.

While many of my fellow alumni and ND fans may disagree with me, that is my position. I am not going to argue doctrine, just practicality.

And just for the record:

"No speaker who has ever come to Notre Dame has changed this University. We are who we are. But, quite often, the very fact of being here has changed the speaker." - Fr. Ted Hesburgh 03/20/09