Cadillac Desert

My return to the Cadillac Desert (Arizona) this past weekend wasn't a trip done for some R & R, instead it was a 48 hour working binge!

To take you through the roller coaster of emotions here is what happened...
Our condo, and former home, was reported trashed and unfit for anyone to move into. So after receiving this disappointing news on Thursday morning, we quickly bought 2 flights to AZ leaving that same night. We landed about 8pm, and drove straight to the condo to assess the situation. It definitely wasn't fit to move in, but was far better than I had imagined. We painted, cleaned, fixed, and got it in tip-top shape just in time for our new tenant!

As we reflected on our trip we came to a few conclusions;

• Damn was that expensive
• Wow, I really miss the winters in Arizona
• It is tough being away from the kids
• Our family is amazing*

*I need to explain how amazing our family is...First, Grandma and Grandpa took the kids cancelling whatever else they had planned. Next, we arrived to open arms (and a very tasty Pumpkin Brew) for which the Brew Master and his wife (Tia) provided room, board, a car, supplies to fix the home, and always great conversation. Finally, we enjoyed a perfect meal; from conversation, to the people we were with, and yes the food too! This potentially disastrous trip was actually rather amazing, and I don't think I could have said that had it not been for our family. So in a weird twist of events and despite the expenses accrued, I am actually happy this all happened the way it did.

Thank you!

Mickey is 80...or is he!

Mickey Mouse turns 80, but his pancake head (picture) is only 47...dilemma??? (kidding)
In all seriousness though, Mickey first debuted on the screen in Plane Crazy on May 15, 1928, which bombed at the box office. However, the more notable date in history, November 18, 1928, is the "official" Mickey Mouse birthday due to his debut in Steamboat Willie. Here's to another 80!

When the day is done...

...we should breathe a sigh of relief. Ok maybe relief is a bad word depending on your candidates result, but how nice will it be not to be bombarded with mudslinging ads on the TV and radio, the barrage of emails in your inbox, or the late night political party phone calls asking for your vote. I will be relieved of that if nothing else.

Reflections on the 2008 Presidential Campaign:

Do as I say, not as I do -or- Do as I do, not as
I say: Three instances resonate in my mind as we look back at the political campaigning of 2008;

Moral Mistake#1: The promise from both candidates to "take the high road" clearly was left in the quick sand 18+ months ago. Negative campaigning has sent a message that lying is ok, and it could even be equated to lying to your employer (in this case the American people).

Moral Mistake #2: "Greed" has driven an over spending economy (referring to the financial crisis we experienced this year). Very true, but then how is spending over $1 Billion on campaigning not greedy? (Yes I know the money was donated and not paid for by the American taxpayer like the Bailout Plan of $700 Billion is). Somehow I don't think our children, nor many adults see that difference...it still shows that spending in excess is acceptable.

Moral Mistake #3: More the media's fault than any was the constant reminder in the division of sex and ethnicity in this election. Cue the marching band for segregation! We should be more united, but this only seems to divide us more.

As a parent I tend to over think these things more than most people, probably sometimes to a fault...I guess I just care.