Dreaming...

This was the view from my bedroom this morning...

This was the state of my parking lot...

This is where I want to be...

Who's with me?

Until next time -

~Shel

It's @*!$**ing Snowing AGAIN!!!!

I HATE SNOW AND WINTER!!!!!!! We are supposed to get another 6-9 inches of snow tonight. Seriously, can't we just be done with this already? Who pissed mother nature off and who wants to help me beat the shit out of him? I was thinking I might as well drive into the City and sleep in the damn parking garage tonight - that's how much fun my commute is gonna be tomorrow.

I need a vacation..

Until next time, if I'm not buried in freaking snow,
~Shel

This just in - more arse numbing cold!

At a whopping 26 degrees, today will be the warmest day of the week. Really?

On to other topics, because I am sure you know how I feel about the cold. Today is a court holiday, so I've been hanging out in the office all day and I think my assistants are ready for the Court's to reopen now. Or to just throw me out of the office. I am sure either would suffice.

In honor of President's Day I have a little quiz for you! Yay! A pop quiz! WOOHOO!

(1) From what did George Washington die?

(2) Where was Washington sworn in as President?

(3) Of what did Washington warn the people against in his farewell address in 1783?

(4) George Washington only traveled outside of what is now the United States once, where did he go?

(5) Abraham Lincoln was a captain in what war?

(6) How many children did Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln have?

(7) On what date was Lincoln assassignated?

(8) In what year was Lincoln admitted to the Illinois Bar (to practice law, not a drinking facility)?

(9) How tall was Lincoln?

(10) True or False: In Lincoln's first Presidential Election, on November 6, 1860, his name was not on the ballot for President in 9 southern states?

Just a little fun - I can provide answers for anyone who so desires. Happy President's Day!

Until next time -

~Shel

In the Shadow of a Gunman

As most of you know, yesterday afternoon a young man entered a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University and opened fire with a pistol and a shotgun. The last I saw 7 people were dead and over 20 injured. I have various connections to NIU, so my first thought was a mental checklist of people I know who may have been on or near campus. My second thought was "what the hell is wrong with people?"

I know, I know, I cannot understand this guys pain... Whatever. Get over it. We all have pain. We all live in our own version of hell sometimes. There are times that everyone's life sucks beyond the telling of it. Most of us; however, do not pick up some guns and go on a shooting spree, random or not. A friend also blogged about the shooting today and he asked why these types of incidents seem more common in the U.S. than abroad. He goes on to say that gun laws have nothing to do with the difference. Well, this friend is usually much smarter than I am and he and I always enjoy a good debate, so Peaches, buckle up, because I am about to start our next debate. I believe the more frequent occurence of these types of gun related crimes are at least in large part because of differing gun laws. Not only are gun crime penalties more harsh in most other countries, but it is often much more difficult to obtain guns.

I know, we have the Second Amendment, but when was the last time you actually took a look at the Constitution or the Second Amendment. Me, I carry a copy with me, so let's review, shall we?

Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

What, exactly does that mean? Frankly, your interpretation will probably differ from mine. However, most legal scholars will tell you that when interpreting the Constitution or a Statute, the framers' intent should be taken into account. Again, if the framers' intent was clear, this debate would not rage in Congress, courtrooms and classrooms throughout the country. What I do know, is that if guns were more difficult for people to obtain, then maybe we can cut down on some gun related crime. People have a right to protect themselves and I am not convinced that the general populace, after having been thoroughly screened and having endured a reasonable waiting period, should not be able to carry a concealed weapon. The guy stalking a woman walking home from the bus at 10 p.m. would probably be much less likely to attempt rape if he thought she may be carrying a stun gun or a 9 mm. I'm just saying. Is it a perfect solution? No, but we do not live in a perfect world, as yesterday's events illustrate.

However, not everyone should be able to purchase a gun. You should not be able to walk into your local Wal-Mart and take home a gun. You do NOT need automatic weapons for hunting. Guns should have fingerprint safety locks, so that only the registered owner can use them. There should be a long waiting period before you are able to take home a gun purchase. Finally, the world does not revolve around the NRA and other people do, in fact, have valid viewpoints and concerns with the unfettered ownership of guns. All of this being said, I do have my foid card and fully support the average citizens right to protect oneself and own a gun, with restrictions and within reason.

As for the rest, I am grateful that none of my people were hurt yesterday. I feel for the families and friends of those who were and have no sympathy whatsoever for the shooter. His actions and death were cowardly and deserves nothing.

I know, a little dark. On a light note - tonight is the season finale of Psych and I am so sad! I love this show and do not want to wait until this summer for more new episodes!!!!! If you have not yet watched it - you MUST! Laughter guaranteed, and really who among us couldn't use a good laugh? I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Until next time -
~Shel

Happy Valentine's Day!

A little something special for the ladies...

And a little something for the boys...

Other than sending out goofy cards and half naked pictures, I really have no use for Valentine's Day. People who take it so very seriously drive me nuts. And if I see one more commercial telling a guy that his woman will not love him unless he spends his monthly salary on diamonds for valentine's day, I may revolt. BUT - I love sending out silly cards, as this year's recipient's can attest.

I'm also very excited that tomorrow is Friday! WOOHOO! Not that it really matters, but I am excited on principle.

So, in closing, I hope everyone had a great day. Maybe some chocolates, the notice of a hot person or a good laugh.

Until next time -

~Shel