I've now completely switched to a combination of Mrs. Meyer's and Shaklee environmentally friendly cleaning products. I really like both products and feel good about using them except in a few areas. 1. I still like Comet for my bathroom. After a few weeks of the natural stuff I just didn't feel like the shower or toilet were getting clean. I think Comet really kills the germs in those areas even if it is bad. Same thing with my kitchen sink. 2. For laundry detergent and dishwashing soap Costco now has environmentally safe products in bulk. I think I will buy those next time.
I really like the Mrs. Meyer's hardwood floor cleaner and the Shaklee All-purpose spray and window cleaners. One other little comment is that when I clean my house I like it to smell clean. Unfortunately the Shaklee is scentless, which is why it is good for allergies, but kind of sad for me not to show off my hard work. We have noticed Thomas' allergies seem better this year so far, which could be a combination of a stronger immune system, me being more careful, and our air purifier.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
More Birthday Pictures
These are all from my own camera. For some reason I didn't get any good pictures of my family that night, but they were all present. The blue jersey is a Todd Resing one, who is #5 on the Jayhawk football team. Enjoy!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Choo-Choo! Tommy is 2!
Both of our entire families were able to come over and celebrate Tommy's 2nd Birthday this weekend. We had a train themed party on Friday night and then all went to the Texas vs. Kansas football game on Saturday. The made-from-scratch cake turned out great! More pictures from my own camera to come.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Why I Voted for Obama
I know most people are sick of the elections, but I have been asked by many why I voted for Obama. I always articulate things better in writing, so I thought I'd take a stab at something that has been near and dear to my heart this week. A little background is that I grew up in a moderately Republican home, didn't vote in 2000, and voted for Bush in 2004...
1. Cultural Gaps: I believe Obama can bridge cultural gaps both within the US and around the world. Whether you like it or not, or know about it or not, minorities in our nation have been treated very poorly throughout history. I want the children of my minority friends to have someone that looks like them in the White House. I believe Obama's race and demeanor will promote peace and unity among all people groups. I also know that he will be better liked and respected by world leaders than Bush was.
2. Intellect: After working hard to earn a higher degree as well as having a husband working toward his doctorate, I could never vote for Sarah Palin. She graduated from a state school after years of bouncing around. She does not have a law degree, an MBA, or any other forms of higher education. We live in a country with some of the best and the brightest scholars in the world. Why would we not draw from the most intellectually bright to lead our nation?
3. Reflective: I believe Obama has reflected on his race, his upbringing, his past, his marriage, etc. Self-reflection is a very important quality to me. You can hear his humility and reflection in his speeches. He is passionate about admitting things are wrong and wanting to fix them.
4. Anger vs. Hope: McCain chose to run his campaign out of anger. Obama chose to promote hope and unity. I just like that approach better. Obama is just more likable.
5. Social Issues: It's time to work on some stuff in our country. Things are unequal and unfair. While I could probably not have an abortion, I would hate to ignore all the other problems with existing people on this earth and vote solely for that one issue. We need reform for our minorities and that doesn't happen by encouraging rich, white people to privately give more money to charity.
6. Faith: After reading and listening to speeches about Obama's faith, I believe it is pretty similar to my own. He believes the church exists to promote social justice and civil rights. Same with politics. He looks at faith and politics holistically, not simply based on one issue. I believe Obama has the power to promote something more like what the Kingdom of God could look like on this earth due to his beliefs.
So, yes. I cried this week when I saw the administrator at Howard University unable to speak because she was so overcome with emotion. I cried after going to hear Obama speak in Kansas City a few weeks ago and seeing people from every tribe, tongue, and nation gathered together to promote hope. And I will probably be weepy on January 20th because it's just time to do things differently around here. I can't wait to see what happens next.
1. Cultural Gaps: I believe Obama can bridge cultural gaps both within the US and around the world. Whether you like it or not, or know about it or not, minorities in our nation have been treated very poorly throughout history. I want the children of my minority friends to have someone that looks like them in the White House. I believe Obama's race and demeanor will promote peace and unity among all people groups. I also know that he will be better liked and respected by world leaders than Bush was.
2. Intellect: After working hard to earn a higher degree as well as having a husband working toward his doctorate, I could never vote for Sarah Palin. She graduated from a state school after years of bouncing around. She does not have a law degree, an MBA, or any other forms of higher education. We live in a country with some of the best and the brightest scholars in the world. Why would we not draw from the most intellectually bright to lead our nation?
3. Reflective: I believe Obama has reflected on his race, his upbringing, his past, his marriage, etc. Self-reflection is a very important quality to me. You can hear his humility and reflection in his speeches. He is passionate about admitting things are wrong and wanting to fix them.
4. Anger vs. Hope: McCain chose to run his campaign out of anger. Obama chose to promote hope and unity. I just like that approach better. Obama is just more likable.
5. Social Issues: It's time to work on some stuff in our country. Things are unequal and unfair. While I could probably not have an abortion, I would hate to ignore all the other problems with existing people on this earth and vote solely for that one issue. We need reform for our minorities and that doesn't happen by encouraging rich, white people to privately give more money to charity.
6. Faith: After reading and listening to speeches about Obama's faith, I believe it is pretty similar to my own. He believes the church exists to promote social justice and civil rights. Same with politics. He looks at faith and politics holistically, not simply based on one issue. I believe Obama has the power to promote something more like what the Kingdom of God could look like on this earth due to his beliefs.
So, yes. I cried this week when I saw the administrator at Howard University unable to speak because she was so overcome with emotion. I cried after going to hear Obama speak in Kansas City a few weeks ago and seeing people from every tribe, tongue, and nation gathered together to promote hope. And I will probably be weepy on January 20th because it's just time to do things differently around here. I can't wait to see what happens next.
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