Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Hey, I am famous!

OK, not really at all...... but my blog writing caught on somewhere else. I can't believe they included this much of the writing...
http://orphan.childrenshope.net/index.php?id=390


In the meantime, Jon and I are doing fine. We continue to pray for our family friends who have lost their homes in Santa Barbara, CA. Thankfully, all our immediate family is safe. But still- we can't believe the tremendous devastation this community, so close to home (was home), has faced.

Blessings to all!

-Stacy

Friday, November 14, 2008

Fire

To those of you who have inquired about the fires in Santa Barbara, California- thanks for your concern!

For those of you who don't know- Jon grew up in Montecito(Santa Barbara). We have family and many friends there. This morning fires broke out at this point around 100 homes have been lost. This includes a few close friends homes. Thankfully everyone is safe. It seems to be moving away and under control, but this is still very scary! It was literally on the brink of Jon's childhood home. Crazy!

We know the family in this video:

http://www.truveo.com/Fire-Destroys-Dorm-Complex-At-Westmont-College/id/808084700

We love you Santa Barbara and you are in our prayers!!!

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aeZoq5X6aUg8&refer=home

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

We are still waiting for our Risotto

Rice. It is a mystery. I can never get it right.... that is without my rice cooker appliance.

How is it that I can mess up one of the most commonly eaten foods in the world, over and over again....

Anyone else experience a rice cooking disability and proclaim dependence on the rice cooker??

Monday, November 10, 2008

A tidbit on why I am so excited about Barack

I think one of the major things people might be misunderstanding about Barack Obama as president- he IS change. The fact that we have finally elected a individual who is not a white male to be our president is a historic change. This is a change that has already resulted in a renewed sense of hope. For many who have felt like racism is a beast that is too large to conquer, an injustice that will never be understood, and a constant debate filled with frustration- we now have hope that progress really has been made. This is a change. It is a change for a group of people who can now look at our president and see that their race is no longer a reason to feel hopeless. It is a change that now our country has really "walked the talk" and proved that we can elect a president based not off the color of his skin, but the content of his character.

I understand Barack has huge challenges ahead of him as the next president. Just as McCain would have. I don't think Barack's campaign slogan of "Change" was ever really about walking into the White House and changing the way our government works. I am sure there are things he will put efforts into reforming ( I hope so at least!). However, there are also things that will need to remain stable.

The major principle behind the "change" we are all so supportive of has already happened. We have made a change in the way we elect our presidents, who is able to make it as a candidate (men, women, black, white...etc), and who actually is the face representing the diversity that truly exemplifies America.


P.S. I am not a proponent of merely electing someone to office because they are different. Which is why it is so exciting to now have a president who can be this change, but who brings the kind of personal and moral character America needs right now. Along with this is his passion for looking out for the well being of all people, his ability to run a phenomenal campaign (this success shows his ability to succeed and know the needs of the people!), an amazing team of supporters and advisers, and experience which will prove itself credible. And I can't forget to give special kudos to his wife- she is a true role model for women. Willing to put her children first above everything and make this a known priority. But also an intelligent and accomplished woman. And she looks great doin it too! :)

Saturday, November 8, 2008

A word

Just a note....

This past week, I have had numerous conversations with people about the election. I have to say, I am grateful to have such a diverse group of political opinions shared within my friends and family. I truly believe it is important to learn from one another.

However, I also just want to put this out there briefly and will likely write more later ( I seem to be saying that a lot lately! I have been busy!!) Anyway- having opinions and values that tend to align with the democratic party is not a new thing for either Jon or I. Personally, I have always been interested in politics. I also am proud to say that I have opinions that are based off thoughtful reflection- enhanced by my education, my faith, and personal efforts to continually make myself aware of what is going on in the world. For me, this meant that when I first learned about the work Barack Obama was involved in (several years ago), he became I person I greatly respected and trust as a leader. Needless to say- I am very grateful that he is our new president and that I was able to be a part of history in the making. A few people have implied that we voted for Barack because it was trendy, edgy, or "going against the flow". And that, is just not true.

OK I am off my soap box for today. :)