No place names please!

When I heard that Pete& Ashlee's son was named Bronx I was dumbfounded. Yes, they have every right to name their child whatever they want. But when they name their child after my borough, I have to speak up. Be creative and original. Not silly. My two cents, I can see them homeschooling.

Sarah Palin sez

Express News, express news...Sarah Palin has sent an open letter to Notebook News.

My fellow Americans, I just wanted to check back in with you now that it has been two whole weeks since I lost the bid for the White House.

I've been keeping pretty busy actually. Getting ready for Moosegiving, what you call Thanksgiving. I've also been a maverick helping out Big Brother with the cause, because you know I can see Russia from my house!!

I'm talking to the hockey moms and the everyday Joe Schmoe. In 2012, I'm going to be back in the race for the White House. Until then, I'm going to be watching out for crazy things and working on my reform policies. Don't worry, it'll be okay.

So my fellow Americans, thank you for letting me check in and Happy Moosegiving!

Now What?

What are we supposed to talk about now that the elections are done? How about Thanksgiving? Are you hosting or coasting this year?

Thank Goodness It's Over!

I don't know about you, but I'm so relieved that the election is finally over. I couldn't stand the stupid commercials and slams that the candidates kept throwing at each other.

I guess because I'd much rather people would get along.

So now what is everyone focusing on? Getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Are you all ready for the holidays?

I'm back!

Maybe you've been wondering where I've been. Maybe you haven't. But I'm still checking in. I've lost interest already in the election. Once the mudslinging starts, I leave. So, my questions of the day will not be about political issues. Cause I'm not interested.

Question of the day #14

Why does being a single parent have to be so hard?

It's so hard for me to ask for help, but I have no choice. My father picks up my son once a week because I work late. It's been a godsend because I don't have to worry about my son doing his homework and having dinner. I get dinner and lunch for the next day.

The next hardest thing is not having support in the home. It's all me. And that's rough for me and for the kiddo. I've found that talking to others has been helping me along with writing about it.

It's also hard having to be the one to be the good cop and the bad cop. But it has to be done. So I ask, what is so hard for you as a single parent?

Question of the day #14

Did I watch the debate?

Nope, I had it on as background noise while I typed. I got tired fairly quickly of seeing both candidates just go back and forth at each other like cats and dogs! That bit got old fast. So, what did I think of the debate? Can't say because I stopped watching.

Question of the Day #13

Unlucky number 13, Here's my question:

Why is the number 13 so unlucky?

Question of the day #12

Does O.J. Simpson not heard of the phrase "what goes around, comes around?"

Guess not. Mr. Simpson was indicted on 24 counts and grimaced when he heard he was guilty 24 times. This is just a reminder that the universe does pay attention and makes sure that everyone gets their due. Good or bad.

What is a Full-time Mom? Me!

I just read an article about a woman who asked this question. Is a full-time mom someone who stays home to care for the kids or someone who has a full-time job outside? From the article, I got the impression that most people think a full-time mom is someone who stays home. Me, I'm a full-time mom. I'm also a full-time therapist. Just because I work outside of the home and my son is in school, doesn't mean that my "mommy" badge is hidden away in my pocket. The badge is with me 24-7, whether or not my child is with me. Because the bottom line is that I'm a mother all of the time.

My mother who passed away six years ago, doesn't stop being my mom anymore than I stop being a daughter. She's not here with me physically, but she's definitely here with me in spirit.

Working outside of the home or being a stay-at-home mom does not change the plain fact... a mom is a mom is a mom.

Reflection of the Day

A really good writing buddy, who shall go nameless, posted an article about the paranoia that moms-to-be experience. She described how worried she was about safety. Safety of the baby bottles, crib bumpers, everything. I laughed when I read it because I think about how silly I must've sounded to my own mother. Now that I've been a mom for 7 and a half years, my advice to her is to wait out the paranoia. Once her baby's here and she's been a mom for awhile, she'll realize how silly she must've sounded. Even better, she'll have written proof that she was being nutty!

Question of the Day #11

Who the heck is coaching Palin? Why isn't she answering the questions given to her?

The Debate is On!

The economy is on the forefront of the debate already. Palin is plugging into parents and Biden to the middle class. One point for Palin. Much to my dismay.

Biden threw down by showing how inconsistent McCain has been in discussing the economy. Palin just went back to promoting McCain and sharing statistics and talking about how she/McCain are about to reform. It's all about reform. She's talking to the American People directly about the subprime mortgage crisis. Interesting.

Plain is good about not directly answering questions and Biden is talking about the negatives of John McCain, though he's a good man. I don't know, but if the entire election continues this way, I'll go nuts!

Reflection of the Day #2

This is why I don't watch the news. Hearing about people hurting each other directly or indirectly, just pisses me off! A girl in Brooklyn found murdered in her own home. Who was arrested? Her 15 year old cousin! A grown man caught on tape attacking a teenage girl in California. She yelled at him for cutting in line at a McDonald's.

There are obviously two sides to every story, even these. These situations give me pause and I think about what could have happened. What factors were involved in how each of these individuals developed emotionally and socially that would cause them to react in this way? Who yells at someone who cuts them in line? Is it really worth it?

After watching the news, I feel like putting my child in a bubble to keep him safe. Because there's no way to predict how people react, no matter how old or young they are. And that's a scary thing.

Question of the Day #10

Will the House pass the new bill?

I don't know. The stock market has been given a forecast of opening on the low side in anticipation of the vote tomorrow. im just hoping that whatever the plan is, that it's beneficial to all people who are suffering as a result of the economic crisis.

All those who have homes they can't pay for or sell, all those who needs jobs, all of us regular everyday people who just work to live. Let's see how this will go tomorrow.

Here we go again!

The Senate has revamped a new bailout bill with major tax cuts. Bank accounts will be insured now for $250k up from $100k. And banks won't lend each other money, because they don't think other banks will stick around. Now, the House will vote on this. On a good note, the stocks went up in anticipation of the new bailout bill proposal. Let the voting begin.

Reflection of the Day

My mother, Francisca died six years ago of Ovarian Cancer. I still feel as if I lost her yesterday. No more hugs, blessings, great food. She won't yell my name anymore or criticize me either. I don't have a Mami anymore to hold me steady and be my lighthouse. I still need guidance, and advice and support. There is nothing to make you feel like an orphan as losing your mother.

A mother's words cannot be replaced, neither can her hugs or kisses. The warmth of her embrace is what a child always misses. She's not here to drive me crazy or to tell me what I'm doing wrong. She's not there when I lift her up high, when I sing sad songs. I wait for the day always with hope in my heart. For that moment when I'll know we'll never again be apart.

Para mi Mami, Francisca R. (1942 - 2002)

Con mucho amor y carino.

De tu hija, Heiddi

Sad News

Brilliant actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman has passed away today following a battle with cancer. He was 83 years old.

To me he was Mr. Blue Eyes. Handsome and cool. I loved him in Road to Perdition with Tom Hanks, Days of Thunder with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, and as the voice of Doc Hudson in Cars.

Today is a very sad day for Hollywood, not because he was such a great talent in acting, but because of his dedication to helping seriously ill children and others through his Newman's Own Foundation.

Newman leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Joanne Woodward, five children, several grandchildren, and his older brother Arthur.

No funeral plans have been released at this time.

Update: According to People.com, Paul Newman's family held private services and had him cremated. (9/30/08)

Economic Buzz

Well, the New York Post answered Question #6. The Democrats and Republicans have not been able to reach a consensus about the bailout plan. Everyone is arguing and blaming each other. It seems neither party wants the other to have total control over how this money is spent. Rightfully so.

But, I wonder how much these politicians are thinking about the citizens, the people that vote, the people that don't. Do they wonder why we choose not to vote with this kind of bickering going on?

In other buzz, JP Morgan has bought out Washington Mutual. WaMu will have a new name and hopefully, JP Morgan will keep the employees. I wonder if Dave and the old men will have jobs now since WaMu won't be WaMu anymore. I love those commercials!

Grey's Anatomy is here!

Finally, my show is up and I'm in McDreamy and McSteamy heaven! I'm so ready for this season because last season I was in class. No more, Thursday classes to keep me from finding out what my favorite tv doctors are doing.

Grey's Anatomy, anyone?

Save America

Bush gave a speech tonight about the government bailing out the bankrupt banks. Granted I chatted online while he spoke, but I tend to do that when I see him reading from a teleprompter. It takes away from the genuineness he's trying to show his fellow Americans, I only hope that whatever happens, America can come out okay.

Goo Goo, Ga Ga?

In the Babies On-line Section, I read an article about baby talk and whether or not parents used it. I personally did not baby talk to my son, but I noted that I changed the tone of my voice to something like the squeal of a pig. Very high-pitched. But, he smiled and reacted to the words I used. It's not what you say, but how you say it. Babies react to everything. And babies will react to Mommy and Daddy. That's the bottom line.

Question of the Day #9

Does anyone in our government know what they're doing?!?

The bail-out plan did not work. I was too through when Bush was on the radio yet again this morning keeping us posted about the failure of the plan and how our elected officials will keep plugging away to get a new plan going.

Let's see where this one will land.

Question of the Day #8

Well, what to ask today? Don't really know. The news isn't great.

Still big issues with the economy. The stock market fell flat on it's face.  Wachovia bank will be taken over. And two banks in Europe have gone under as well.

So, my question is how have you tried to stay positive through all of this negativity?

My answer to follow.

Question of the Day #7

I just finished re-reading "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown. I googled Leonardo Da Vinci to find out more about him. In an article I found, Da Vinci was labeled a polymath.

So I searched for the definition of a polymath. Here's a paraphrasing of what I found - a polymath is someone who is extremely talented and knowledgeable about different subjects including art, music, the sciences (various branches), philosophy. In addition, a polymath is also someone who has a voratious appetite for quality knowledge. Always seeking, questioning, and exploring.

So I want to know if it is possible for someone to be a polymath now?

If yes, I want to be one. If no, I still want to be one.

Question #6

Does Bush really think this bail-out plan will work?

Will the Democrats and Republicans be able to work together?

Question of the Day #5

Mayor Bloomberg is hitting New York with budget cuts of about 1.5 billion dollars. Everyone will take a hit. Law Enforcement, Education, everyone.

How the heck are we supposed to deal with a cut in services?

About the little people

Banks that have been around for decades are vanishing. Gas prices are absurd. And now we have an election running that will go in the history books. Which candidate to choose? Who is out to help little people like me? Like my child? Unfortunately, none of the hopefuls reflect me. Now what?

Question of the Day #4

Why is it that a child's giggles brighten up the day?

I had a tickle fight with my son to get him out of bed this morning. Being silly in the morning with him makes me happy to be a mom. Like all the battles, arguments, and hard work are all worthwhile. And it is?

How do you react to a child's laughter?

Question of the Day #3

How does Jimmy Kimmel come up with new ways to crack us up?

I just saw a bit on his show where his trusty sidekick, Guillermo got hammered on the red carpet for the Emmy's. Actors from shows such as Boston Legal, Brothers and Sisters, and Desparate Housewives threw back a few tequila shots. Guillermo was so wasted that he couldn't talk about anything else, but being wasted. Goes to show that stupidity is entertaining!

Question of the Day #2

Hello sportsfans! This question is for you! How can the Yankees leave so much history behind?

Last night the teams played their last game. As a New Yorker, a Bronxite, especially, it is difficult to imagine that they could move on so easily. 85 years of memories will now only live in the hearts of Yankee fans and indeed all baseball fans. I know why the new stadium was constructed. It was all about the money. More money for less seats and more luxury boxes. The big shame here is that an average joe like me won't be able to get in without saving for months. Guess it's more important to satisfy the players' bank account rather than the fans who love them.