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5/14/2010 9:06 PM:

Arizona- the armpit that everyone is racially profiling???

It saddens me this week to see all the negative press aimed at Arizona. We came here 10 years ago (legally) and the people of this state welcomed us with open arms- we class this as home and thank all those publicly that helped us feel welcome!!!

I cannot understand why the USA, as a country founded on such STRONG fundamentals such as the Constitution, can have cities/ states boycotting other states based on political attempts at favor or gain with an electorate!

The European Union has nothing that even comes close to the US Constitution! They envy what the USA achieved!

- it doesn't take much to see that a single country (Greece) can bring the "mighty" EURO to it's knees...

Whether you support the current AZ illegal immigration law or not, in-fighting WITHIN the United States is not going to solve a thing (even more so under the present world climate with "global warming", "terrorism", "economic downturn", "health care" etc)...surely we should be able to pass this up to our elected leaders...

"We, the People" have the power to elect, choose and forge our futures...let's make sure we exercise those rights rather than verbally attacking/ slandering/ media slanting the other sides/ political parties!

I, for one, have had enough of in-bickering etc- time to actually solve some of the problems!

This is just my 2 cents Friday rant...been a long week!

5/7/2010 9:10 AM:

A hung parliament- not good for the European markets!

I was watching the UK election overnight (sad I know)- most of the results are in now and it looks like we are going to have a hung parliament with the Conservatives in the majority...

My wife asked me last night why I was so interested- well, with all the economic woes of Greece, the UK really needed a strong government to bolster the European markets...and those in turn affect Wall Street (which in turn affects all our investments, 401K etc)...

There is one saving grace- at least we won't have to deal with Mr. Gordon Brown anymore...

4/30/2010 8:38 PM:

A weird April...

I don't quite know what to make of this month- it's been good at home- we've done a lot, achieved a lot but as usual it has gone so quickly!!!

Then there is the politics!

What a month!!!

AZ has not only introduced a Concealed Weapon law for ANYONE over 21 (which I disagree with), it has introduced the most severe immigration law in the USA (which I actually agree with). My wife and I entered this country legally and followed all the laws and rules to eventually be fortunate enough to be granted naturalization. If I were anywhere else in the world on vacation I would be expected to carry some form of identification indicating that I am on holiday and not a worker...the UK, Spain, France- even Mexico...so what is the big deal? And before I get cr@p about visas, work classifications, racial profiling, etc...SAVE IT...I'm going to be carrying my VALID LEGAL DRIVING LICENSE as proof of legality- and I have NO objection to being pulled due to my "pom"/ British accent!!!

If someone is here illegally, then why should they NOT fear the local state police- the federal government is not doing anything...when did YOU last see the FBI on patrol on the I-10!

Now, please hold all your hate mail- remember, I'm entitled to my opinion as, after all, this is a free speech country (last time I checked)...! It's what our current armed forces, our fathers and grandfathers (if not earlier) fought for!!!

4/4/2010 2:46 PM:

Happy Easter...

Wow- where is this year going? It has been quite some time since I posted on this blog- February was my last post! That said, it does not feel like 2 months have passed!!!

To all our friends, family etc, we would like to wish you a Happy Easter!

With the speed that this year is going, it won't be long before we are wishing you all a Merry XMas...

We had a great time with Mick and Doreen over last month- a highlight of which was being in Las Vegas for St. Patrick's Day...I even got to wear a HUGE green hat (with the kids), walking the Strip (beer in hand of course)...the weather was exceptional!

Well, time to spend some time with the kids looking for the elusive eggs around the yard...

2/21/2010 12:31 AM:

What a start to the year!

Not sure yet whether to laugh or cry at the way this year has started...it has been madness to say the least!!!

In less than 9 days, the in-laws will be back to stay with us- I am really looking forward to having Mick and Doreen back especially as half of their plan is to get away from his 70th birthday back in the UK...we'll sort THAT out over here in AZ!!!

The madness is with work, home and the usual stuff that we all have to deal with...but this year has been a little more than the norm...work has really put a big strain on my family time and I'm vengeful for that (no, not in a gun toting way)...but you can NEVER reclaim time with your kids...and for that I already have regrets!

For XMas the kids bought me a glass plaque with the following engraving...it touched me deeply!!!

You went to work each day at dawn.
returned as darkness fell.
We didn't know how tired you were,
or asked if all was well.
Year end year out you met our needs
without complaint or woe.
Today we thank you from our heart,
please know we love you so

Perhaps this is the year we change direction and either set up on our own or at least change companies/ departments...? Who knows...

It will all work out for the best as usual, I'm sure!

1/22/2010 11:32 PM:

Arizona earthquakes and tornados...time to move!!!

What a past few weeks- first an earthquake at work and last night, a tornado warning for Scottsdale! Add in the fact that I was actually "rained" off going to work today due to flooding, it has been a weird start to the year!

We moved to AZ as we thought it was safe from most of natures worst but who knows these days?

1/15/2010 4:22 PM:

Haiti disaster...

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those suffering hardship or trapped in the aftermath of the earthquake!

It looks like the world is responding with massive relief efforts and public donations from all over the world...let's keep it coming by donating to an OFFICIAL Haiti relief fund (beware of fake sites and spoofing)!

12/29/2009 2:51 AM:

Family and friends...

I love the holidays- the lights in the street, the parties etc...but this year it really has brought it home how important spending time with your family and friends really is!

I have never been a big one for parties etc., but I can honestly say that I have had more fun with my two girls over the past week than I have had all year- that goes to show me I need to change my priorities...

I wish you all a VERY happy new year and wish you ALL the best for 2010!!! If you believe it, that only gives us 2 more years of fun...12/21/2012!!!

11/25/2009 10:14 PM:

What are you thankful for?

At this time of year, I feel it is appropriate to reflect on what I am thankful for in my life...I have the love and support of my family and friends...and (for now) I have my health!

With these gifts, I have been able to have a job that I enjoy (although time demanding) and have everything we need. To that end, I am VERY thankful!!! There have been VERY trying times in my past- all of which the above three gifts managed to get me through!!!

Michaela, Hannah and Leia- I love you with all my heart. To my friends- thank you for all you help, support and criticism (it helps me grow as a person)!

We also had the fortune to regroup in England this year with some lost family- to you all, thank you for making us so welcome and I hope this is a new beginning!

I hope 2010 brings you ALL heath, happiness and a good life!