S-S-Satellite

A Bird’s Eye View Of The Inauguration
(First Satellite Image)
Posted at techcrunch.com
by Erick Schonfeld
January 20, 2009

My Beautiful, High-School Best Friend

Rae Pearson, talking with her momma via cell phone the night Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. Salem High School, Virginia Beach, VA, Class of 1991.

Love you, Girl!

Hometown Newspaper

The Virginian-Pilot

Citizen Accountability 101

Your homework assignment

With thanks to my brother, Rob

President Obama's Inaugural Address

Inaugural Address

By President Barack Hussein Obama

"My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you've bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.

I thank President Bush for his service to our nation as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents.

So it has been; so it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many -- and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable, but no less profound, is a sapping of confidence across our land; a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation. But in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted, for those that prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops, and settled the West, endured the lash of the whip, and plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died in places like Concord and Gettysburg, Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions, greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week, or last month, or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of our economy calls for action, bold and swift. And we will act, not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We'll restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short, for they have forgotten what this country has already done, what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.

The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched. But this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control. The nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity, on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man -- a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience sake.

And so, to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born, know that America is a friend of each nation, and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity. And we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we'll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.

We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense. And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken -- you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders, nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the role that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who at this very hour patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.

We honor them not only because they are the guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service -- a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.

And yet at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all. For as much as government can do, and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.

What is demanded, then, is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall; and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served in a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At the moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words to be read to the people:

'Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it.'

America: In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America."

Right on, Bloggy Todd

My friend Todd nails it with his post today in follow up to yesterday's inaugural festivities. I'd like to share it with you here.

"I, for one, am ready and expect for the new prez to take us in the right direction. I am done with Republican/Democrat, conservative/liberal crap. I'm ready for Americans. Let's band together and get the things we need. A better economy, healthcare, etc.

Congrats to yours, mine and our new President . I pray that 2009 will be good to us all."

Well said, Todd. Readin' my mind. I swear I was just thinking about this while pouring my coffee this morning.

I was reflecting on our times, the crises at hand (plural intended, with Iraq, Afghanistan, the Economy in mind). You know, the reports about what it was like in those stairwells in the crumbling WTC towers revealed a camaraderie and synergy that was born in adversity for the purpose of the task at hand: live through this or at least die trying. Americans summoned the best of themselves to render aid, pour out compassion, and strive together for the common good.

I spent yesterday in tears—sadness for the years paid in the waiting, years that deferred the dream of people like the Reverend King and President Johnson and Bobby Kennedy; joy for the blessing of bearing witness to its fruition and of being a citizen of the state of Freedom and Democracy with the power to effect peaceful change as one person and one of millions; anticipation for the hope that somehow has come bubbling up into a beautiful crescendo of affirmation.

Old labels and divisive ideology are the yoke of yesterday. Today is a new day, a time for courage, a time for involvement, a time for responsibility, a time for accountability.

We may be broke. We may be limping. We may even be fearful. But we are something else as well. We are Americans, and it feels good to be proud of it again.

Bedtime

Water-ditching

I got serious reservations regarding air travel. I can't believe I ever worked in an airplane.

I'm genuinely...

speechless.

"I love Jesus, but I drink a little."

Gladys Hardy, of Austin, Texas, talks with Ellen Degeneres.

Jackson plays with his cousin Bailey

Jackson is visiting his Austin family for the New Year with his momma and daddy. Jackson loves his cousin Bailey. Here's a video of the two of them playing at breakfast this morning.

Workin' Santa

Turns out Santa needs a little help from his friends, too. Here's Charlie lending a hand to the Man in Red. Ain't he cute?

Hope Jackson doesn't catch mommy kissing Santa Claus...

Just Me

How about a photo update, sans cosmetics?

That's me, Baby.

More on Continental flight #1404

Mike Wilson, a passenger, described the chaos on messages posted to the internet site Twitter.com on his cell phone.

"By the time the plane stopped we were burning pretty well and I think I could feel the heat even through the bulkhead and window," he wrote.

"I made for the exit door as quickly as I could, fearing the right wing might explode from the fire. Once out, I scrambled down the wing."

Gabriel Trejos told KUSA-TV in Denver that the plane buckled toward its middle and that the seats felt like they were closing in on him, his pregnant wife and his 13-month-old son, who was on his lap. His knees were bruised from the seat in front of him.

Maria Trejos told KUSA that there was an explosion and that the right side of the plane, where they were sitting, became engulfed in flames. The family used an emergency exit and slid down the wing of the jet to the ground.

It's almost here...

Miss Pansy just wanted to wish everybody a Merry Christmas--Meow!

Miracle

"The LORD bless you, and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace."

--Numbers 6.24-26




'A Sudden, Terrible Stillness'
A passenger on Continental flight 1404 describes the crash.

Jeb Tilly
Newsweek Web Exclusive
Dec 21, 2008 | Updated: 5:16 p.m. ET Dec 21, 2008

This will forever be my memory of Christmas 2008: huge flames streaking past the windows. Snow and dirt flying past as we augered into the ground. The inside of the plane so orange with firelight that I could see the destruction—the overhead baggage compartments destroyed and pieces of plastic hanging down, wires everywhere and the acrid smell of burning plastic and jet fuel suddenly thick in the cabin.

We'd been on the way to Houston from Denver to visit my wife's family for Christmas. My own parents had flown in earlier in the day. We'd given ourselves plenty of time to get to the airport, an extra half hour so we wouldn't have to go too fast on the icy Colorado roads. Check-in was a breeze by most standards. We sped through security, enjoyed a glass of Chianti and a Cobb salad. My wife noticed a woman boarding with her two children, one of them a toddler, and remarked to me how difficult it would be to manage kids during Christmas air travel. The tarmac was icy near the gates, but the as we taxied onto the runway, I was relieved to see that it was dry.

Things went horribly wrong shortly after we began takeoff. At first, we gained speed just like any flight, then it got a little bumpy, and then a little too bumpy. Then we made a hard, arcing left turn off the runway. That's when what was happening hit home: We'd clearly left the tarmac and gone off-road. Every bump and dip slammed me into my seat, the walls and the bulkhead behind me. People erupted into cries and prayers. I was sure it would stop soon, but we just kept going. What I recall most is the incredible violence of it, like the roughest roller coaster you've ever ridden but with a desperate, roaring engine noise that seemed to get louder as we bounced more and more.

Things were flying around the cabin—books, newspapers, bags. After an especially hard bounce, the lights went out, and there was a sudden, terrible stillness. We saw later what had happened: The runway we were on is about 60 feet higher than the plains below, and we had sped over the edge at what one passenger who has military flight experience later estimated to be 150 miles per hour. The plane must have floated somewhat, or we'd have gone down nose-first; instead we belly-flopped onto a runway below. That's when the right engine burst into flames and the fuselage cracked in half. My wife, Ashley, in the seat beside me, screamed over and over, "I love you, Jeb!" I pulled her head into my lap, away from the debris I was sure would slam into us.

Amazingly, it never did. It took a minute for us to realize we weren't moving anymore, that the engine noise and the wrenching, roaring destruction had stopped. Voices screamed, "Get out! Get out! The plane's going to blow up!" The right wing was entirely engulfed in flame, but thankfully, the fire was still outside the plane. There was a crush at the tail as everyone tried to push through. Ashley and I were out quickly because we'd been in the last row of seats. We clambered over the spongy rubber emergency slides and out into a dark, snowy, windy field. Everyone was running as fast as they could away from the fire, and against the flames we saw surreal silhouettes of people scattering in all directions.

I'd managed to grab my bag, which had a phone, sweater and jacket, and I took Ashley's hand and the two of us ran slipping through the snow toward lights and buildings we saw above us on a hill. Eventually, all the passengers ended up there. It was a runway firehouse, and emergency teams were already taking care of the most seriously injured—the pilots—who were on backboards in the kitchen, one moaning and bloody and the other talking on a cell phone. We waited there for hours, absorbing what had happened. The mother with her child and toddler were there. She was ashen, her baby sleeping so deeply that she couldn't wake him up. All three were loaded into an ambulance and hurried away.

Continental eventually bused us and the other passengers back to the terminal, and then to a hotel in Denver. People around us were rehashing their stories and trying to guess what had happened. A failed left engine? A gust of wind? We booed at the hotel bar when news reports described us as having "exited the runway"—a little disaster-management euphemism that didn't do justice to our ordeal. This morning, we awoke stiff and sore and trudged to breakfast, where we saw the woman with her child and toddler, the baby bright-eyed and smiling. "We're going to get on another plane and go to Houston," she told the older boy. "But no fires this time?" he asked. "No fires this time," she said. "No fires this time."

URL: http://www.newsweek.com/id/176611

Another Crazy With No Business Raising Kids

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28269290/

Iconic Saga of the 80s Child Comes to Sad and Unsatisfying Close

http://mobile.nytimes.com/article?a=269797&f=21

"Some just want to watch the world burn."

Alfred was right. I know people like this. Or, better said, I thought I knew them.

My Two Boys

The man I chose to marry is the love of my life, being made for me every day we choose to carve out life together. We made a beautiful baby boy who gives us air to breathe just by smiling at us. I have everything I will ever need.

Merry Christmas, Y'all

With gratitude to our neighbor and friend, Ray, who hung his own icycle lights for us on our house. What a guy.

Jackson learned a new trick from Grandaddy...

Takin' Daddy to Work

Well, hello there. Glad to see you. Sorry we've been away so long. Here's a quick shot of our morning to get this blog rollin' again.

Living History

I am proud of Barack Obama, the American people, and the grace and dignity of John McCain's concession speech. It was also my privilege to share tonight's historic election experience with my husband in our humble little living room and with my brother, Rob, listening with us via cell phone. I've never been more proud to be an American.

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."--E. Burke

When I worked for the chamber of commerce in my home state, I met a woman who introduced me to the possibility that email forwards are suspect. Recently, at a neighborhood dinner gathering, a good friend of ours referenced a moment captured on film in which Barak Obama refused to place his hand over his heart for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

I said nothing.

I didn't believe it, suspected it was an incendiary email designed to denigrate a good man and motivate well-meaning Americans to vote their fears rather than their conscience. I learned to investigate everything, to do my research when I smell a hoax.

I was right. I was also wrong. I wish I had said something.

John McCain and Barack Obama are good men. They each deserve respect for their public service, not to mention for waging one hell of a campaign in what will be remembered as unprecedented times. Unlike some I know well and love dearly, I believe that America can survive fours years of administration from either of them--albeit a low expectation, I freely concede. We've got bigger problems than "my guy" winning or losing.

I voted weeks ago, absentee, because I live a long way from my home. These remarks won't matter in today's proceedings. Hopefully, the "undecideds" have finally made up their minds (or just didn't want to admit their choice aloud, as is their right not to). I post them, frankly, to try and assuage my conscience, but also to lend a voice to reason in a time when those with whom one agrees are "good" and those with whom one disagrees are "evil." This kind of rhetoric is indicative of a corrosive mindset that divides compatriots and infects democracy with illusory fear that erodes freedom. Out of fear, already we have given so much away.

I hope that my fellow Americans, friends, neighbors, and family will be thoughtful and respectful today as we all participate in the crowning achievement of democracy--free election.

Jackson spent some time with his BFFs Hunter and Jordan at a Pumpkin Patch and the Duck Pond in Shreveport last weekend.

We Three Corbetts

Eat at Joes

Indeed!

Oh, the humanity

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27478070/

It is difficult to restrain myself from open weeping...

These are exciting times.

I can hardly wait to hear which corporate entity will step up next to claim its multi-billion dollar bailout, courtesy of John Q. Taxpayer (aka me).

That’s entertainment. Who needs cable?

I think I will take up learning the Chinese language for my next pet project. I should probably be conversational by the time it becomes the official language. It will be the least we can do in gratitude for China allowing us to borrow money.

Or maybe we could borrow from Iraq. I understand they have a budget surplus currently.

She just gets me

Daddy's Day Off

One of my favorite things...

...is to sit back and watch as Jackson plays. I love to play with him, but I am fascinated by the way he plays independently. He has an intense focus, and he's so close to walking that he has a new set of skills to practice during his play. He spends a lot of time up tall on his knees. It's strange and wonderful for me to see him this way. His little body looks so grown up all stretched out to his full height. I am losing the baby and gaining a little boy. I'm delighted and a little sad all at once.

I Enjoy Just Hanging Around

Mardel said...

"I love the act of hanging clothes on a clothesline. I love seeing them there. I love folding them and taking them down. It doesn't really take that long, but the act itself seems to slow down the perception of time, at least for me, making life a little calmer"...

and I couldn't agree more.

19 Cent Bath Tissue at Kroger

These babies are $1.19 on the shelf. My Kroger automatically doubles coupons up to and including 50 cents, so I applied 6 50-cent coupons from a recent Sunday paper insert (we buy 6 newspapers on Sundays), bringing the total per pack down to 19 cents.

That's about 5 cents per roll, people.

Couponing. Look into it.

CVS-ing on Monday

Look at this haul. Not bad for 79 cents. We're planning a yard sale for October 18th. Dude, I am gonna score so much cash for thesegoodies. Check out the receipts, you unbelievers!

No refills, No Helping

The Little Prince eats all by himself today.

Oh, I feel ya, Maxine...

Pure Genius

CVS-ing, Defined

I was first introduced to what I call "Extreme Couponing" by my good friend Christina. Click the title of this post for an excellent place to start, if you want to become a Couponing CVSer yourself.

Recentme

Posted for a friend.

CVS-ing

CVS Card #1

Using:
• $13 in Extra Care Bucks from previous transaction
• a gift card with $35.47 remaining balance on it















Transaction #1
1 Suave Shampoo 1.79
1 Suave Conditioner 1.79
1 Suave Shampoo 1.79
1 Suave Conditioner 1.79
1 Johnsons Buddies Easy Grip Soap bar 1.19
1 Johnsons Buddies Easy Grip Soap bar 1.19
1 Ped Egg Refill Cartridge 3-pack 9.99

Coupons
$2 off $10 CVS coupon printable
50 cent off 1 Suave Mfr.
$2 off 3 Suave Mfr.
2 - $1.50 off 1 Johnsons Buddies printable

Used $13 Extra Care Bucks (1 $5 and 1 $8)

Total OOP: $.03 + tax
Earned $2 Extra Care Bucks














Transaction #2...This one I screwed up royally…watch and learn from my mistake!
1 CVS tampon 10 count 1.99
6 Trial size Dove shampoos@.99/ea 5.94
5 trial size Gold Bond powders@.99/ea 4.95

Coupons
$2 off $10 CVS coupon printable
6 - .75 off 1 Dove hair Mfr.
5 - $1 off Gold Bond Powder Mfr. (couldn’t use because item cost less that $1)*

Used $2 Extra Care Bucks (from transaction #1 above)

Total OOP: $5.87 + tax
Earned no Extra Care Bucks**

*I will be returning these powders for a refund of ~$5.40. I should have asked for a void, but the line was backed up and I planned on doing another 5 or 6 transactions while I was there. Sometimes you just suck it up and do the nice thing because you want a good working relationship with your CVS pros. The return will bring my OOP down to ~$1.27

**I wanted to break even with Extra Care Bucks here because I had remaining Extra Care Bucks associated with another CVS card. Otherwise I would have tried to keep the Extra Care Bucks coming as long as possible.


CVS Card #2

Using:
• $5.99 in Extra Care Bucks from previous transaction
• a gift card with $28.31 remaining balance on it














Transaction #1
3 Ambi Facial Bar Soaps@1.99/ea 5.97
1 Purex laundry detergent 2.99 on sale from 5.99
1 Plastic bat/ball set 1.49 on sale from 2.99

Coupons
$2 off $10 CVS coupon printable
35 cent off Purex Mfr.
2 - $3 off Ambi Mfr. Printable (adjusted down .03 by register)

Total OOP: $2.13 + tax
Earned $10 Extra Care Bucks (1 $9 and 1 $1)
CRT $4 off $20 CVS Coupon (printed after Extra Care Bucks)

Transaction #2
1 Bucket of sidewalk chalk 2.49 on sale from 4.99
4 Purex laundry detergents 11.96
2 Schick Quattro disposables 7.99 on sale Buy 1 get 1 free

Coupons
$4 off $20 CVS coupon CRT
4 - .35 off 1 Purex Mfr.
2 - $4 off Schick Quattro Mfr.

Used $9 Extra Care Bucks (from transaction #1 above)

Total OOP: $.04 + tax
Earned $4 Extra Care Bucks




















Transaction #3
1 Roll-a-Bag 4.99 on sale from 9.99
1 Loreal Age Perfect Cleanser 5.99 on sale from 6.99

Coupons
$2 off $10 CVS coupon
$1 off Loreal Age Perfect Cleanser Mfr.

Used $6.99 Extra Care Bucks (1 $1 and 1 $5.99)

Total OOP: $.99 + tax
Earned 5.99 Extra Care Bucks














Transaction #4
2 Kotex tampons, 18-ct, 2 for $6 6.00
1 - 6 oz Chex Mix 1.00 on sale from 1.99
2 Colgate toothpaste, 6 oz 4.18 on sale from 2.79 each

Coupons
$2 off $10 CVS coupon
2 - $1 off Kotex printable
2 - $1.50 off Colgate printable

Used $4 Extra Care Bucks

Total OOP: .18 + tax
Earned no Extra Care Bucks














Transaction #5
3 2L Diet Coke 4.00 on sale 3 for $4
2 12.5 oz bags, mini Butterfingers 2.99 on sale B1G1
2 packs of hair clips , 2.99 ea 5.98

Coupons
$2 off $10 CVS coupon
2 – $.50 off Butterfinger Mfr.

Used $5.99 Extra Care Bucks

Total OOP: 3.98 + tax
Earned no Extra Care Bucks

TOTAL OOP for the day at CVS = $13.22

for…

2 Shampoos
2 Conditioners
2 baby bath bars
3 refill plates for Ped Egg
10-ct tampons
6 shampoos for travel
6 powders for travel
3 facial bar soaps
5 bottles of our favorite laundry detergent
A plastic baseball bat/ball set
Large bucket of sidewalk chalk
2 packs of disposable Schick Quattro women’s razors
1 rolling, collapsible shopping bag
Loreal Age Perfect Cleanser
2 boxes of Kotex
Cheddar-flavored Chex Mix
2 full-size Colgate toothpastes
3 - 2L Diet Coke
2 bags, mini Butterfingers
2 packs of hair clips

Check out one of my favorite CVS-ing blogs over at the Centsible Sawyer for more great CVS deals!

Lunchtime

Clean Towels?

Why it's hard for me to stay on top of the laundry...

NORMAN AND PANSY ARE ALREADY THERE!

Benjamin Sargent

If I live to be 100, I will never forget the story my friend Devon told to me one Friday night not too long ago about a little baby boy named Benjamin Sargent, just five months old. I wish I hadn't read this. Do so only with the knowledge that you've been warned. This isn't gore. It's worse. I don't know how else to warn you.

The details of the neglect and abuse he encountered in his tiny little life--I cannot bring myself to type them into this space. I am trying to think of a good reason for posting his picture. The truth is, I wish I didn't know about Benjamin. The night I heard about him, I called my brother and tried to unburden my mind by telling it to him. It didn't work. We both wept easily and violently. I told Rob then, "I think I know what it must have felt like, that first human glimpse into the knowledge of good and evil. There I stood, at a Friday night cookout, the Garden's newest Adam, stumbling naked and nauseous.

It's been well over a month now, but I can't forget. God, I wish I could forget.

This is the house where Benjamin died, now for sale.

The filth masquerading as the human biological variables that brought Benjamin into existence are awaiting trial in November in Peoria. I have such poetic imaginings for their wait. God forgive me and help me to want the forgiving. A searing, white-hot pulse of vengeance radiates from the center of my brain, hurting me with its intensity.

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