U.S. Newswire: Speaker Hastert (IL-14) Creates Task Force to 'Save America's Cities'; Appoints Rep. Turner (OH-3) to Spear Head the Effort

The Speaker said, "I'm so pleased to announce that Congressman Mike Turner will head our effort to "Save America's Cities." As the former mayor of Dayton, Congressman Turner understands the problems ailing our cities. Congressman Turner will coordinate with other members of Congress, Committees, and the Administration to look at ways to help rejuvenate our cities and combat depression in areas through initiatives of homeownership, job creation, crime reduction, and community organization assistance. I sincerely hope that America's depressed cities will become a better place through this initiative. Congressman Turner has dedicated his life to this cause, and with his leadership, I know we can get it done."

Holiday Party

We had a holiday party at the hotel where I work tonight. It was nice. I got a little bit of a bonus, and there was free food. The management of the hotel served us. Jennie, Keisha, and I sat at a table with others who work at the restaurant. Stan the Magic Man performed. We'd seen him at the Boonshoft Museum earlier in the year, but it was a good magic show nevertheless.

In other news, I'm on the schedule for this Saturday from 11 to 3 only. Then, I'm off at least until January 2nd. In some ways it's a good thing because Keisha will be off school, too. In others, it isn't because I'm not getting paid much, or at all during this time.

Also, I found out after last Thursday's psychiatrist appointment, while trying to fill a prescription, that the insurance card I have has "expired." Jennie called our case worker at the Montgomery County Job Center today, and we have a meeting with her to discuss it.

I discovered last night that tonight's dose of the Lexapro is my last until I get a refill. I have some of the regular (i.e., not extended release) Adderall, which I can take. So hopefully this meeting tomorrow will be fruitful, and we can get set up with insurance.

Also, I feel like I'm getting a sinus infection. I feel the headache and the sinus pressure. Then again, it may just be a cold.

I'm having a rough time having a great attitude about all of this. It's supposed to be a happy time of year, and, in one sense I am grateful for all that I still have. In another sense, I look at all that I have lost over the last year. I see the lack of purchasing power we have, the tough financial times, the illnesses, and it feels depressing.

My initial tendency is to want to pull back from everything and retreat under the covers until someone tells me it's all over.

I guess I need to talk with God now.

Reminder to Self - Walking the Dog

When taking the dog for a long walk, I need to take at least two bags. The dog pooped FOUR times while we went for a walk this morning!

Love Defined

Man's best friend truly loves unconditionally:

• "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." -- Josh Billings
• "Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window!" -- Steve Bluestone
• "The great pleasure of a dog is that you make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, he will make a fool of himself too." -- Samuel Butler

Someone in our house just farted, and it was a moment that should have been videotaped! The dog had his nose downwind and "took the entire experience in," if you know what I mean. After a short moment (perhaps the smell?), he turned and walked away, sneezing shortly thereafter. Then he returned to that very person.

And no, it wasn't me!

Get That Job! - Job Hunting Success Story

Sue got that job!

Eneuresis Control

We're researching some ways to help us with this with Keisha. She had been taking a bladder-control medicine, Ditropan, for awhile, with mixed results. Her pediatrician had suggested a Wetness Alarm, yet it appears that she may not necessarily be ready for something like that.

I'm linking to that site here so that I can go back because it contains some other useful links.

News Where I Live

Yesterday morning, as I took the dog for a walk, I noticed several sheriff's vehicles in our apartment complex. I found out why:

HARRISON TWP., Montgomery County -- One man was shot and seriously injured late Wednesday in Harrison Twp., the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reported.

Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to 4164 Indian Runn Drive, Apt. D, just before midnight on a report of shots fired. A man, 20, had been shot at that location then ran to 4026 Indian Runn Drive, Apt. K, to seek help, according to deputies. The victim, who was hit in the chest and arm, was taken to an area hospital.

Two persons apprehended in the immediate area of the shooting were being questioned, according to the sheriff's office.

Source: Dayton Daily News

We must have been sound asleep.

The Dog

• has found a nice place to relax: under the Christmas tree
• knocked a sick Keisha over this morning while running around
• ran away momentarily while I tended to Keisha
• did NOT get a treat when he came back inside

Strep Throat

Keisha has strep throat. The pediatrician said that she needed to stay home a second day until the antibiotic was in her system for 24 hours. So, Keisha and I have been hanging out these last two days.

The doctor said that their office had been packed lately with flu-related and strep-related patients. The waiting room is divided up into two sections: one for well patients and one for sick patients.

When Keisha is sick she tends to want to snuggle and be loved up on (who doesn't, huh?). This is a great opportunity for Mommy and Daddy to shower her with the love that she sometimes doesn't want. What I mean to say is that there are times when she is well that she doesn't want to sit on my lap and have me hold her. When she feels sick, however, she's more apt to do this.

I suppose that God allows her to get sick so that we can show her love. It reminds me of 2 Corinthians 1 in the Bible.

The Birthplace of Aviation

... is Dayton, Ohio, USA, right? I mean, the Wright brothers are from here and did most of their research here.

That's why when I saw this, I thought, "You gotta be kidding me."

PETROPOLIS, Brazil (Reuters) - As Americans prepare to celebrate the centennial of the Wright brother's first flight, a whole country is cringing at what it believes to be a historical injustice against one of its most beloved heroes.