I swear law school gave me ADD. I become immersed in something, and then 5 minutes later I'm bored and ready to move on to the next thing. I blame this on having wireless Internet in my law school. If we didn't have that, maybe I would have tried to pay more attention to the professor when he/she spoke.
Anyway, my faux-ADD has impacted this blog. I thought I would have the time to create more entries, especially ones that aren't "journal-like." Except I don't. Blame it on my ADD, blame it on my lack of time, blame it on the fact that I already spend too much time on the computer, or whatever else you can dream up, but bottom line is that I don't really have the attention span for this blog. And, honestly, I think I see my friends more often than I write this. And that's a much better method of communication for me--I much prefer a cup of coffee and good conversation with another real human being than the emptiness of writing into the open blog world.
So, check back on this occasionally; maybe I'll post an update or two. But, for now, if you want to know what's going on with me, well, call me!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Health Care Reform-Rant #1
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that Congress passed the last hurdle in health care reform today, and President Obama will sign the last piece of legislation into law tomorrow, this weekend, or Monday.
Bravo, President Obama. Brava, Congress. Kudos to you, President Obama, for coming through on a campaign promise. I can't remember the last time a President made promises to me (ok, I've only been able to vote for 3 presidents so far), and actually carried through with one of them. Of course, being the socialist-liberal that I am, the health care reform bill is not as comprehensive as I would like it to be. Don't be fooled--this is NOT universal health care. Not everyone gets covered. But, it does cover a vast majority of people who do not have insurance now. And for those of us who have insurance, it puts some limits on what those big, bad insurance companies can do. No longer can they discriminate against those with a pre-existing condition. No longer can they revoke coverage when someone gets sick. Why people are outraged by this, I do not understand. (And save me the abortion debate. Why does that have to get brought up into every federal debate on health care?)
But it is about freaking time! Some Congressional members and members of the public are outraged by this. They argue that we are becoming a socialist country, or that our constitution does not allow for this. Or, they simply state that they do not want to pay for someone else's health care. I'll deal with each in turn.
I fail to see that negative implications in becoming a socialist country. A country that actually cares about its citizens and strives to make a better place for them is a *bad* thing? Why is walking into a clinic, getting treated and not spending any money something that should be criticized? Why is going to get a higher education and not being riddled with debt when you're done a bad thing? Is it because you pay a high amount in taxes? Well, who cares? If your take home money is going to pay for those things anyway (if the government isn't going to pay for it, you will have to, and you'll have to through your own pocket), then why not give it to the government and have it pay for your health care and education? Wouldn't you want a society that puts more of an emphasis on health care rather than a "fend for yourself" type attitude?
The second argument I have been hearing is that the constitution does not allow for the passage of health care reform. Guess what. They argued that FOIA ("Freedom of Information Act") wasn't/isn't constitutionally permissible, either. Guess what. It passed anyway. The PATRIOT Act. Much of that wasn't considered constitutionally permissible, either, but it passed anyway. As much as I may disagree with these federal acts, the constitution is and must be a fluid document. It needs to change with the times. We were attacked by a bunch of radical Muslims in 2001. The government decided to use the constitution to enact some radical pieces of legislation that will have far reaching impacts. If I don't like it, I vote the person who pushed for it out of office. (Good riddance, Bush-y.) Unfortunately, if Congress changes parties again, they, too, can repeal this health care act. But, lets hope by the time that happens Americans are satisfied and even happy with the change that they keep our current, smart leaders in.
To those that argue that they do not want to pay for other's health care, all I have to say is that if they aren't going to pay for it themselves, someone else is going to have to. And I'd rather pay a few extra dollars to the federal government so they can pay it rather than me being stuck with higher premiums because we somehow have to cover the un-insureds' debt.
Perhaps this post will generate some strong criticism. Fine, I accept that. I won't change your mind that health care reform was a bad thing, and you won't change my mind that health care reform was the best thing since sliced bread. (Ok, maybe not *that* good....yet.)
Bravo, President Obama. Brava, Congress. Kudos to you, President Obama, for coming through on a campaign promise. I can't remember the last time a President made promises to me (ok, I've only been able to vote for 3 presidents so far), and actually carried through with one of them. Of course, being the socialist-liberal that I am, the health care reform bill is not as comprehensive as I would like it to be. Don't be fooled--this is NOT universal health care. Not everyone gets covered. But, it does cover a vast majority of people who do not have insurance now. And for those of us who have insurance, it puts some limits on what those big, bad insurance companies can do. No longer can they discriminate against those with a pre-existing condition. No longer can they revoke coverage when someone gets sick. Why people are outraged by this, I do not understand. (And save me the abortion debate. Why does that have to get brought up into every federal debate on health care?)
But it is about freaking time! Some Congressional members and members of the public are outraged by this. They argue that we are becoming a socialist country, or that our constitution does not allow for this. Or, they simply state that they do not want to pay for someone else's health care. I'll deal with each in turn.
I fail to see that negative implications in becoming a socialist country. A country that actually cares about its citizens and strives to make a better place for them is a *bad* thing? Why is walking into a clinic, getting treated and not spending any money something that should be criticized? Why is going to get a higher education and not being riddled with debt when you're done a bad thing? Is it because you pay a high amount in taxes? Well, who cares? If your take home money is going to pay for those things anyway (if the government isn't going to pay for it, you will have to, and you'll have to through your own pocket), then why not give it to the government and have it pay for your health care and education? Wouldn't you want a society that puts more of an emphasis on health care rather than a "fend for yourself" type attitude?
The second argument I have been hearing is that the constitution does not allow for the passage of health care reform. Guess what. They argued that FOIA ("Freedom of Information Act") wasn't/isn't constitutionally permissible, either. Guess what. It passed anyway. The PATRIOT Act. Much of that wasn't considered constitutionally permissible, either, but it passed anyway. As much as I may disagree with these federal acts, the constitution is and must be a fluid document. It needs to change with the times. We were attacked by a bunch of radical Muslims in 2001. The government decided to use the constitution to enact some radical pieces of legislation that will have far reaching impacts. If I don't like it, I vote the person who pushed for it out of office. (Good riddance, Bush-y.) Unfortunately, if Congress changes parties again, they, too, can repeal this health care act. But, lets hope by the time that happens Americans are satisfied and even happy with the change that they keep our current, smart leaders in.
To those that argue that they do not want to pay for other's health care, all I have to say is that if they aren't going to pay for it themselves, someone else is going to have to. And I'd rather pay a few extra dollars to the federal government so they can pay it rather than me being stuck with higher premiums because we somehow have to cover the un-insureds' debt.
Perhaps this post will generate some strong criticism. Fine, I accept that. I won't change your mind that health care reform was a bad thing, and you won't change my mind that health care reform was the best thing since sliced bread. (Ok, maybe not *that* good....yet.)
Welcome back
Life has gotten a bit busier, and I don't have as much time to update this blog. Here's a brief re-cap on the goings-on in Crystal's World the past couple of weeks:
- We were out-bid on the gorgeous townhome in Cottage Grove that I previously wrote about. They bid $13K more than the list price. Who does that in a buyer's market?!?
- I fired my realtor (not because we got out-bid, but because I just didn't like the guy), and hired my best friend's realtor. With him, we found another townhome in Oakdale. It's not as nice as the one in Cottage Grove, but it has a nice lay-out. It needs a little TLC--such as new carpet. It just needs a woman's touch (or, as I lovingly tell my husband, a woman to tell a man what needs to be done, and he does it). This house is a short sale, so we're dealing with a bank. Hopefully will hear in the next couple of weeks whether the bank is going to approve our offer. I'm thinking when the market turns around, I might get my realtor's license. I can see quite the benefit being a lawyer and being a realtor!
- My parents are in San Francisco visiting my brother, so I've had Mollie all week. Having to deal with Thor and Mollie all week makes me think this is what it feels like to put two only-children together. Mollie is so used to having undivided attention from my dad, and Thor is used to just being with his Mom and Dad. Put the two together (and the fact that Mollie is a hyper puppy), and you can imagine what my week has been like! Here is a picture:
- I put my smarts and skills to good use and took on my first pro-bono case. For confidentiality reasons, I obviously cannot divulge the circumstances, but I have been enjoying working on it. I need to take on more--anyone have any legal services they want done?!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A brief recap
My lack of posting has probably bothered some of you. (Or, I'm going to pretend it bothers one or two of you.) I've been working all day this week, and while I am able to leave the office by 5 or 6pm, by the time I get home, take my dog for the evening walk/run, clean up the kitchen, do some laundry...etc, the last thing I want to see is my computer. (And I really should call that surgeon about my hands. The pain really is becoming troublesome.)
Not to mention I've been looking at houses all week, as well. We did find one (again), and are putting an offer on it Saturday morning. It's a gorgeous townhome in the southeast-ish part of the Twin Cities. The basement is completely unfinished, which leaves a great project for my husband and his friends. (They love building stuff.) The part that sold me was the loft; upstairs has 2 bedrooms and a loft. I love that as an open office, another living-type-room, whatever we want. Wish me luck that our offer is accepted!
To relax after this crazy week, I've been watching some movies that recently came out. On Monday, I watched The Hurt Locker. Tuesday was Up in the Air. Further reviews will come soon, but I see now why the Hurt Locker won Best Picture at Sunday night's Oscars. The movie is engaging, terrifying and thrilling all at the same time. It really makes you think about our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, and you hope (without much optimism), that life isn't that bad for them over there.
Up in the Air is good to quite-good, too. George Clooney does a wonderful job playing an older man who is threatened by change. He also appears to crave and love his solitude, all the while the audience knowing that he craves love and attention, just like the rest of us humans. He meet someone, but the story line takes you on a path that you did not see coming. Or, at least, I didn't. I highly recommend both movies for your weekend pleasure.
Not to mention I've been looking at houses all week, as well. We did find one (again), and are putting an offer on it Saturday morning. It's a gorgeous townhome in the southeast-ish part of the Twin Cities. The basement is completely unfinished, which leaves a great project for my husband and his friends. (They love building stuff.) The part that sold me was the loft; upstairs has 2 bedrooms and a loft. I love that as an open office, another living-type-room, whatever we want. Wish me luck that our offer is accepted!
To relax after this crazy week, I've been watching some movies that recently came out. On Monday, I watched The Hurt Locker. Tuesday was Up in the Air. Further reviews will come soon, but I see now why the Hurt Locker won Best Picture at Sunday night's Oscars. The movie is engaging, terrifying and thrilling all at the same time. It really makes you think about our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, and you hope (without much optimism), that life isn't that bad for them over there.
Up in the Air is good to quite-good, too. George Clooney does a wonderful job playing an older man who is threatened by change. He also appears to crave and love his solitude, all the while the audience knowing that he craves love and attention, just like the rest of us humans. He meet someone, but the story line takes you on a path that you did not see coming. Or, at least, I didn't. I highly recommend both movies for your weekend pleasure.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Up-date on the home search
Finding a home to buy has been quite frustrating! After looking at just two properties, I found a great townhome on Tuesday in our price range (and also really close to my best friend's house!). We went to put in an offer on Thursday, and there was already an offer on it. The bank wouldn't accept any other offers, either. It was just about perfect! It was 3 bedrooms and 2 bath (one half bath), and three levels. It had fresh paint and new carpet, and nice size kitchen, living room, and a patio. The down-side was that it was a split level (when entering the home, you had to go up a flight of steps, so not accessible for my brother), the furnance needed replacing, and there was no air conditioner. But, those are adjustments that we could have made over time. I'm so frustrated with myself...if only I had moved faster. Who knew that you had to make an offer right away?
With the home-buyer's credit set to expire April 30 (although, technically, it is June 30 since you only have sign a purchase agreement by April 30 and close by June 30), there are a lot of buyers on the market, and in my price range, not a ton of really nice homes. So, it makes finding a home hard, and I really have to move quickly when I do find one! I hope I find something, because this is just frustrating...
With the home-buyer's credit set to expire April 30 (although, technically, it is June 30 since you only have sign a purchase agreement by April 30 and close by June 30), there are a lot of buyers on the market, and in my price range, not a ton of really nice homes. So, it makes finding a home hard, and I really have to move quickly when I do find one! I hope I find something, because this is just frustrating...
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I miss football...
Being born and raised in Green Bay has made me quite the football fan. And, obviously, with all the McDonald's in Green Bay painted green and gold, I'm quite the Packers fan. I was devastated when Brett Favre joined the Vi-Queens, and it makes me sad to see him in purple and gold. In my mind, he will always be a Packer. (And I was more mad when my husband bought a purple Favre jersey and proceeded to wear it at every Viking game!)
However, as much as I love football, and miss it during the off-season (I have to wait till August for training camp!?!?), I have to give this guy some credit. Jacob Hickman was an offensive lineman for Nebraska for the past 4 years. He had one of the first rounds of invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine, and apparently he was going to be a sixth or seventh-round draft pick. But, after surgeries on his knee, ankle, hand and elbow, and arthritis, he decided that playing for the NFL wasn't worth it. He said that while his injuries were part of his decision to not go pro, he honestly did not have the stomach to play anymore. As he says: "I enjoyed everything I did here. I had a great experience. I didn't feel the need to continue playing. It just didn't feel like it's what I wanted to do with my life."
Good for him. Too many young players get sucked into the promise of fame and money. I don't blame them; I probably would, too. But Hickman sounds like he has the maturity to realize that football is not life, and there is more to do with his life than play. If he doesn't have the passion anymore, he would be a poor teamsman, anyway. And with his injuries, who knows how long he could have played.
60 Minutes did a segment a few months back on concussions in pro-football players. After years of playing, many of them had memory loss, and scans showed significant differences in their brains. Hickman did not want to become one of those, and for that I applaud him. But, if the Packers would have drafted him, maybe we could win the SuperBowl next year...!
From Yahoo: No chance at NFL
However, as much as I love football, and miss it during the off-season (I have to wait till August for training camp!?!?), I have to give this guy some credit. Jacob Hickman was an offensive lineman for Nebraska for the past 4 years. He had one of the first rounds of invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine, and apparently he was going to be a sixth or seventh-round draft pick. But, after surgeries on his knee, ankle, hand and elbow, and arthritis, he decided that playing for the NFL wasn't worth it. He said that while his injuries were part of his decision to not go pro, he honestly did not have the stomach to play anymore. As he says: "I enjoyed everything I did here. I had a great experience. I didn't feel the need to continue playing. It just didn't feel like it's what I wanted to do with my life."
Good for him. Too many young players get sucked into the promise of fame and money. I don't blame them; I probably would, too. But Hickman sounds like he has the maturity to realize that football is not life, and there is more to do with his life than play. If he doesn't have the passion anymore, he would be a poor teamsman, anyway. And with his injuries, who knows how long he could have played.
60 Minutes did a segment a few months back on concussions in pro-football players. After years of playing, many of them had memory loss, and scans showed significant differences in their brains. Hickman did not want to become one of those, and for that I applaud him. But, if the Packers would have drafted him, maybe we could win the SuperBowl next year...!
From Yahoo: No chance at NFL
Monday, March 1, 2010
Living Arrangements
While I intended on blogging over the weekend, life got a little busy. I am now looking to buy a town-home/condo/house, hopefully somewhere in the East metro. For those of you who don't know, my husband and I have been living in a house for the past 4 years that his mother and step-father bought as an investment property. They have now decided to sell the house this summer, and so we need to find a new place. We were not excited about the prospect of moving; we knew we couldn't buy quite yet, and since our house is over 2,000 square feet, we were going to lose a lot of space if we moved into an apartment. But, at the time, we did not think we had much of a choice. My husband and I tried purchasing last fall, and things fell through. So, we were resigned to finding a townhome/apartment to rent.
However, things changed this weekend with my parents in town, and if we can find something in our price range, we hope to move by late spring/early summer. And, hopefully, we will be able to take advantage of the first-time home-buyers credit! I am resuming my relationship with my relator, and we are going to look at a couple townhomes tomorow. Maybe this blog will turn into a "What not to do when looking for a home!"
However, things changed this weekend with my parents in town, and if we can find something in our price range, we hope to move by late spring/early summer. And, hopefully, we will be able to take advantage of the first-time home-buyers credit! I am resuming my relationship with my relator, and we are going to look at a couple townhomes tomorow. Maybe this blog will turn into a "What not to do when looking for a home!"
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