Regarding Socialism

“Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy. ”

—British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Dave Ramsey

Some friends offered good advice after reading yesterday's post. I know. I know. I've read almost all his books. Go Dave!

Toes!

How many toes does it take to keep a man balanced? My brother-in-law is giving it a try with eight. He lost a couple on Saturday while mowing. Well, actually he was falling - with a lawnmower. And they aren't really lost, just unreattachable. You get the idea. Poor Chris. A little surgery, some IV antibiotics, and mind-numbing narcotics are doing the job. Get well soon, man!

See Ya Later, New Laptop

I wanted to buy a laptop for myself, but I noticed the upholstery on the sofa is shredding. I wanted to re-upholster the sofa, but noticed Quinn's mattress is in need of replacement. I wanted to buy Quinn a new mattress, but the dryer drum stopped spinning yesterday. I wanted to pay the appliance repair guy with cash, but the State of Illinois has not released payment to its Early Intervention Providers for a few months. Property taxes are due in a couple days so I tried to withdraw three grand from my super-secret credit union savings account, but alas, I only had $116.00.

I'm considering paying my Discover Card bill with my Mastercard.

About Taxes

“To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. ”

—Thomas Jefferson

Just Finished Reading

I was pleasantly surprised by this CS Lewis adult fiction. The first in a space trilogy. And the speech path part of my brain enjoyed his description of the alien language and how he was able to acquire it. I think I might read the next one too.

Sinners Welcome

I overheard some teachers talking about sinners. Apparently they were both "having sinners" in their rooms already this week. They were proud of getting started with sinners so soon in the school year. I contemplated the conversation for a brief moment before remembering (once again) how far south we now live.

First Day of School 2010

New buildings too! Quinn is at the middle school and Rachel at the high school. After multiple attempts, neither Rachel nor the helpful custodian were able to open her locker using the combination. Being helpful, the helpful custodian used his key to open her locker, then walked away, proud of his helpfulness. Rachel did not put anything in the locker that would only open with a key she did not have. Now she has a new lock. At the middle school, Quinn said he will not need a mirror in his locker until he starts shaving.

Remember in November

Only 72 more "shopping" days until the election.

WWTST?

What Would Tommy Say Today?

“(A) wise and frugal government ... shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government. ”

—Thomas Jefferson

Window Shopping

In French, the term we use for "window shopping," literally translated means "window licking." This is my nephew helping himself to a large picture window.

I Already Have a Master (and a Master's) and a Mister

“Every step we take towards making the State our Caretaker of our lives, by that much we move toward making the State our Master. ”

—Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States

Funny Story

I found a hammer in my book bag this afternoon during an overly-long inservice. I guess the school doesn't have metal detectors.

Business Sense

"After all I've learned about business, my advice to you is to give me an offer I can't refuse."
--Quinn, on how his mother should properly go about motivating him to make his bed

"Do it - or else."
--Marcie, on motivating her son to make his bed

State Fair Tornado

Quinn's pig won Champion All-Other-Breed today at the State Fair. On the way back across the fairgrounds, he and Mike were caught in high winds with a funnel cloud directly overhead. Quinn panicked, screamed a prayer, then threw up. Mike threw his body over Quinn's to protect him. The funnel cloud pulled back up. All is well except Quinn told me that he will never leave the house again - after he gets back home.

People Talk Funny

I was surprised to learn from someone that "Connie at work had her iris cut." I was even more shocked when she told me that "Mary had her iris cut at work too!" I was wondering how I could protect myself from this workplace accident.

As the conversation progressed, I realized that both women's eyes were in good condition, but the number of hours in their workday had been reduced.

Communication. I need to work on those skills.

Back to School Tomorrow

“Can the liberties of a nation be sure when we remove their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people, that these liberties are a gift from God? ”

—Thomas Jefferson

I Talk With My Hands

I know it. It augments my free speech.

But my dental hygienist? I would have preferred a quicker cleaning experience rather than wild gesticulations near my face with sharp dental tools. I get it that the Wild Splashin' Water Slide was wild, but try using more adjectives and less gestures with the next patient.

Turtle Liberation Ceremony

It was a rather simple decision, really - after winning the small turtle at the county fair, and after learning of the various pricey food and shelter needs, and after being informed of the risk of salmonella transmission. We just convinced Quinn that "Little Tortuga" would feel much more at home in the pond near our home than in solitary confinement in his bedroom.

Quinn visits the pond occasionally to spatter the area with the remaining $6.00/oz turtle food.

The Tenth!

The tenth Rellim cousin was born today. Welcome Clay Dale. I think we'll remember your birthday! 8-9-10.

Responsibility

Does anyone say, "It's my fault" anymore? Has media taken away our free will? Have personal responsibility and critical thinking skills been completely replaced by propoganda? I will not go quietly.

Shout it Out!

“If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer(German Lutheran Pastor and Theologian)

Unfortunately for the politician, that train often contains gravy. But I love the visual this quote brings to mind. The idea that someone would have the lack of common sense to think otherwise is incredible. But perhaps you haven't been keeping up with our government officials as of late. To them I say, "Beware the November elections!"

Nevermind the Voters

We have officially become an oligarchy.

Don't Stay Silent

Presidents come and go, but the Supreme Court goes on forever. --William Howard Taft
Call 202.224.3121 to remind your Senators to vote "NO!" on Elena Kagan's nomination to the Supreme Court. Why? Read this.

Marble Genius!

And it only took three summer afternoons to complete. This is one satisfied boy.

Current Nine

All nine of the Dale Rellims were captured in this photo at Leigh and Lauren's birthday party. The tenth has of yet, refused to leave the safety and serenity of his mother's womb. But we are waiting anxiously. . .