Well, I went to the citizens’ meeting last night. I really had high hopes (I know, silly me) of hearing from the County Supervisors as to their reasoning for their choice…or lack thereof.

Surprise, surprise.

Not one supervisor spoke. Nope. Only two of the five were there, standing in the very back hoping to be incognito…and they were until one of the constituents called him out. That was a pretty funny moment, actually.

One of the non-elected county officals spoke and tried to help us understand their reasoning. He said he believes they asked for more time because the voters voted down the first attempt a year ago.

Um. NOT the same thing. The first attempt was a 9.5 million dollar complex with a 4 mil increase for 20 years. Now, I voted for it, but many didn’t because county property taxes had just gone up. And frankly, if they had known it was THIS OR NOTHING I guarantee you, the outcome woulda been different.

The new initiative is taking 150K from the current budget and it is NOT raising anyone’s taxes.

NO. BRAINER.

APPLES and ORANGES.

And that’s when I spoke up. I told him they were two different things and that people felt like the supervisors went into the meeting with their minds already made up and they were using the former inititave as an excuse.

Seems like everyone agreed. Lots of “Yeahs” and “That’s right”. Maybe even an “amen” or two. Almost like church.

Speaking of church…I was beginning to be proud of the room for sticking to the issues and not bringing God into it, when someone finally broke the ice. Now, I’m not against prayer and church and God, etc…but come on folks, this is a city/county meeting over a Sportscomplex. I really think God has more important things on her plate right now than worrying about Lafayette county ball fields. But we did get a few “Y’all is in my prayers.” and “I try to be Godly in my decisions, the supervisors should try that, too.” But that was toward the end of the meeting. Small towns, gotta love them.

My favorite quote of the night was: “The people who ain’t for this are gonna be the first people to complain when the kids are doing drug cuz they ain’t got nothin’ better to do.”

and

“When you’re pointin’ fingras (fingers) you might wanna take a second to look at the three fingras pointin’ right back at you.”

I knew nothing would be solved last night, but I really wanted the Supervisors to hear from their constituents. And the two who showed up, did. As they hid in the back and didn’t step forward to explain themselves, I have to wonder, did they LISTEN and LEARN?

Well, I went to the citizens’ meeting last night. I really had high hopes (I know, silly me) of hearing from the County Supervisors as to their reasoning for their choice…or lack thereof.

Surprise, surprise.

Not one supervisor spoke. Nope. Only two of the five were there, standing in the very back hoping to be incognito…and they were until one of the constituents called him out. That was a pretty funny moment, actually.

One of the non-elected county officals spoke and tried to help us understand their reasoning. He said he believes they asked for more time because the voters voted down the first attempt a year ago.

Um. NOT the same thing. The first attempt was a 9.5 million dollar complex with a 4 mil increase for 20 years. Now, I voted for it, but many didn’t because county property taxes had just gone up. And frankly, if they had known it was THIS OR NOTHING I guarantee you, the outcome woulda been different.

The new initiative is taking 150K from the current budget and it is NOT raising anyone’s taxes.

NO. BRAINER.

APPLES and ORANGES.

And that’s when I spoke up. I told him they were two different things and that people felt like the supervisors went into the meeting with their minds already made up and they were using the former inititave as an excuse.

Seems like everyone agreed. Lots of “Yeahs” and “That’s right”. Maybe even an “amen” or two. Almost like church.

Speaking of church…I was beginning to be proud of the room for sticking to the issues and not bringing God into it, when someone finally broke the ice. Now, I’m not against prayer and church and God, etc…but come on folks, this is a city/county meeting over a Sportscomplex. I really think God has more important things on her plate right now than worrying about Lafayette county ball fields. But we did get a few “Y’all is in my prayers.” and “I try to be Godly in my decisions, the supervisors should try that, too.” But that was toward the end of the meeting. Small towns, gotta love them.

My favorite quote of the night was: “The people who ain’t for this are gonna be the first people to complain when the kids are doing drug cuz they ain’t got nothin’ better to do.”

and

“When you’re pointin’ fingras (fingers) you might wanna take a second to look at the three fingras pointin’ right back at you.”

I knew nothing would be solved last night, but I really wanted the Supervisors to hear from their constituents. And the two who showed up, did. As they hid in the back and didn’t step forward to explain themselves, I have to wonder, did they LISTEN and LEARN?

Okay, so I told you guys about the local bru-ha-ha surrounding the sports complex and the county supervisors not ponying up the cash (which is only $150K a year for 20 years). Well, today, I was quoted in the local paper.

Snort.

Parental concerns

Melissa Francis lives in the city limits so her children will continue to participate in OPC activities, but her two boys will have to face losing some of their teammates. Francis, who is a volunteer with the OPC, has also been vocal about the situation, commenting on Ward 6 Alderman Jon Fisher’s blog.

“The whole thing should’ve been a no brainer on the part of the county supervisors. Sadly, now all the kids will suffer. This is a community issue people. Not a city vs. county issue,” Francis wrote.

“It’s truly sad that the aldermen were put into such a tough position, but I support their decision. It just breaks my heart to know that so many kids won’t get to participate in January. This could’ve been avoided and I honestly hope the supervisors will remember who they really work for and make this right before there is a fracture in this community that is too big to repair.”

Like other parents, one of Francis’ biggest concerns is what this is going to do to the programming of activities in OPC and the remaining kids.

And my friend Andrea (with her last name spelled incorrectly) was quoted just below me…

Andrea Jekobsons said the decision is holding the kids “hostage.”

“It is not fair because my kids go to the city schools and my 6-year-old son will be in classes with the kids who are able to play,” Jekobsons said. “How do you tell a 6-year-old they can’t play soccer with his friends any more?”

Okay, so there’ s a citizens’ meeting tomorrow about this whole thing, and you couldn’t keep me away. Andrea suggested that I print my quote into a big bubble on a stick and carry it with me as I go. I don’t think that’ll be necessary. I have no problems expressing my opinions verbally.

I just have to sensor my language so people will actually LISTEN to what I say. Anyone who is attending, when I’m taking a deep breath, just insert the words “You Assholes” or “you bass-akwards rejects” and you’ll be in my head.

For years we’ve been telling the boys how much fun raking leaves can be. Sure, we were trying to get slave labor out of the deal, but honestly, is there anything more fun than jumping into a pile of leaves?

My kids must be a little slow on the uptake, but they finally figured it out this weekend. Woohoo!

For years we’ve been telling the boys how much fun raking leaves can be. Sure, we were trying to get slave labor out of the deal, but honestly, is there anything more fun than jumping into a pile of leaves?

My kids must be a little slow on the uptake, but they finally figured it out this weekend. Woohoo!

That’s right. Shopping.

Since we moved to Oxtopia almost 7 years ago, the only shopping I generally get to do is of the online variety or at War-Mart. And though I can do quite a bit of damage both online and in hell War-Mart, it’s not the same.

My friend and I are headed to Memphis at 7:30 and I can’t wait. I miss real shopping. Now, if only I had an unlimited income…

The lurvely Kristen Painter tagged me with the “Four Things” meme and since my last two post prior to this one were about crappy local politics and crappy people posts, I thought I’d lighten up a little.

Four Things

Four jobs I’ve had:

1. Pizza Delivery girl
2. After School Coordinator
3. Waitress
4. Staff Accountant

Four places I’ve lived:

1. Bryant, AR
2. Little Rock, AR
3. Oxford, MS
4. Yes, I’m boring.

Four favorite foods:

1. Cheese Dip
2. Medium Rare Filet Mignon
3. Spinach (not kidding)
4. French Toast

Four movies I could watch over and over:

1. The Replacements
2. Dirty Dancing (shut up.)
3. The American President
   
4. Better Off Dead

Four TV shows I enjoy:

1. Brothers and Sisters
2. How I Met Your Mother/Two and a Half Men (2 shows, 1 hour…LOL)
3. Grey’s Anatomy
4. Men in Trees

Four places I’ve traveled:

1. California
2. Florida
3. Virginia
4. New Jersey (told ya, I’m booooooring)

Four places I’d like to visit:

1. U.K.
2. Japan
3. Alaska
4. Fabio Cannavaro

Four websites I go to daily:

1. Google Reader
2. RWA Online
3. GMAIL
4. My Space

That’s right. Shopping.

Since we moved to Oxtopia almost 7 years ago, the only shopping I generally get to do is of the online variety or at War-Mart. And though I can do quite a bit of damage both online and in hell War-Mart, it’s not the same.

My friend and I are headed to Memphis at 7:30 and I can’t wait. I miss real shopping. Now, if only I had an unlimited income…

The lurvely Kristen Painter tagged me with the “Four Things” meme and since my last two post prior to this one were about crappy local politics and crappy people posts, I thought I’d lighten up a little.

Four Things

Four jobs I’ve had:

1. Pizza Delivery girl
2. After School Coordinator
3. Waitress
4. Staff Accountant

Four places I’ve lived:

1. Bryant, AR
2. Little Rock, AR
3. Oxford, MS
4. Yes, I’m boring.

Four favorite foods:

1. Cheese Dip
2. Medium Rare Filet Mignon
3. Spinach (not kidding)
4. French Toast

Four movies I could watch over and over:

1. The Replacements
2. Dirty Dancing (shut up.)
3. The American President
   
4. Better Off Dead

Four TV shows I enjoy:

1. Brothers and Sisters
2. How I Met Your Mother/Two and a Half Men (2 shows, 1 hour…LOL)
3. Grey’s Anatomy
4. Men in Trees

Four places I’ve traveled:

1. California
2. Florida
3. Virginia
4. New Jersey (told ya, I’m booooooring)

Four places I’d like to visit:

1. U.K.
2. Japan
3. Alaska
4. Fabio Cannavaro

Four websites I go to daily:

1. Google Reader
2. RWA Online
3. GMAIL
4. My Space

*if you have sensitive eyes, just ignore the F-word that is rampant throughout this post*

Yesterday afternoon started out as normal. Ian had a dentist appointment, so I picked him up from school. He was so excited to finally get the “chain” on his braces. (that excitement went away this morning when he woke up and realized how much his mouth hurt)

So, it was a little after 4:00 when we pulled into our driveway. I hadn’t turned the car off yet, when I noticed black smoke billowing up behind the house. It took a second to register before I realized it wasn’t someone burning leaves.

I believe my words were. “Holy fuck! That’s a fire! That house is on fire! That’s a fire!”

Then I listened and heard no sirens. HOLY FUCK! No sirens. Nobody’s called yet. Shit!

I dialed 911. Apparently, the next door neighbor had just called. I get out of the car, tell the boys to stay at the house and I run over to the burning home.

It’s a big house, 5 bedrooms and a large basement. 5 college boys live there. They’re good kids. I was terrified one of them was in the house, but thankfully no. Nobody was home when the fire started.

They got home in time to save the dogs, too. Thank God.

Anyway, I get there as the fire dept. shows up. Watching them fight this blaze was amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it so close! The fire was alive. It was hideous and beautiful at the same time.

A group of gawkers began to gather. I hadn’t seen the boys who live there yet, so I’m looking for them. I’m asking around. The looky-loos all say, “Who? Oh the frat boys? Yeah, I don’t know where they are.”

“Doesn’t anyone care where they are?”

“Well, they’re college kids, you know.”

“And what does that have to do with the price of tea in china?”

“They drink beer in their carport.”

Oh THAT explains it. Damn, I must be one lucky bitch. I can’t believe all my houses haven’t burst into flames.

At this point I’m totally incensed. What the hell is wrong with people? They stand around watching the boys lose everything to this angry fire and don’t even bother to ask if the kids are okay? Because they’re students? WTF?

I find the boys. They’re scared to death but okay. I give them my information and tell them to call or come by if they need anything…two of the boys hug me. They’re grateful to be alive. This could’ve been much worse.

If one of my boys are ever in a situation like this, I hope someone will remember that even though they drink beer in their carport, they are also someone’s son.

That was #2’s fever last night.

I guess that headache he was complaining about was real, huh?

So, the Fishdog and I are switching out today. I’m going in this morning–hoping to accomplish my to do list before I come home after lunch to sit with a sick boy.

He’s feeling okay this morning. I usually feel like run over dog crap if I have a 99.1 fever. But he’s up and watching tv and sneezing.

Poor thing.

On another note, I’d like to take this time to bitch about the County Supervisors in our area who voted down the Sportsplex for the community. They expect the city to fund the project but want their county families to be able to participate without taking any financial responsiblity. That’s what my daddy called gettin’ sumpin’ for nuttin’. And that dawg don’t hunt here, boys.

In response, the City Aldermen voted (7-0) that only city kids will be allowed to participate in 2007 events. What this means is that most likely there will be no basketball and no spring soccer because the county kids make up about 58% of the program. Yeah. that’s what I said. They have the majority of kids in the program yet the Supervisors refused to help fund the Sportsplex. Those parents ought to be hoppin’ mad.

The only ones to get hurt in all this are the kids. And hell, they don’t count do they? They’re just kids, after all.

The Fishdog and I are starting to look for programs in Memphis and in Tupelo. I hate the thought of driving an hour or more each way for sports, but you know, it might be for the best. I hate local politics especially over something so damn stupid. This was a no brainer, y’all and y’all screwed the pooch.

What cracks me up is that I was brought up in a small bedroom community outside of Little Rock. (it’s not so small now a little bigger than oxford) Anyway, they’re a very sportscentric community like Oxford…the only difference is, they’ve embraced their growth. The city and surrounding communities voted in a multi-million dollar complex that will be state of the art and have both rec and competitive sports available. I never thought the county supervisors would be this closed minded. This area is sports obsessed. What the hell were they thinking?

Okay, sorry to bore y’all with stupid local ignorance. Back to your regularly scheduled blogging.

That was #2’s fever last night.

I guess that headache he was complaining about was real, huh?

So, the Fishdog and I are switching out today. I’m going in this morning–hoping to accomplish my to do list before I come home after lunch to sit with a sick boy.

He’s feeling okay this morning. I usually feel like run over dog crap if I have a 99.1 fever. But he’s up and watching tv and sneezing.

Poor thing.

On another note, I’d like to take this time to bitch about the County Supervisors in our area who voted down the Sportsplex for the community. They expect the city to fund the project but want their county families to be able to participate without taking any financial responsiblity. That’s what my daddy called gettin’ sumpin’ for nuttin’. And that dawg don’t hunt here, boys.

In response, the City Aldermen voted (7-0) that only city kids will be allowed to participate in 2007 events. What this means is that most likely there will be no basketball and no spring soccer because the county kids make up about 58% of the program. Yeah. that’s what I said. They have the majority of kids in the program yet the Supervisors refused to help fund the Sportsplex. Those parents ought to be hoppin’ mad.

The only ones to get hurt in all this are the kids. And hell, they don’t count do they? They’re just kids, after all.

The Fishdog and I are starting to look for programs in Memphis and in Tupelo. I hate the thought of driving an hour or more each way for sports, but you know, it might be for the best. I hate local politics especially over something so damn stupid. This was a no brainer, y’all and y’all screwed the pooch.

What cracks me up is that I was brought up in a small bedroom community outside of Little Rock. (it’s not so small now a little bigger than oxford) Anyway, they’re a very sportscentric community like Oxford…the only difference is, they’ve embraced their growth. The city and surrounding communities voted in a multi-million dollar complex that will be state of the art and have both rec and competitive sports available. I never thought the county supervisors would be this closed minded. This area is sports obsessed. What the hell were they thinking?

Okay, sorry to bore y’all with stupid local ignorance. Back to your regularly scheduled blogging.