It's only money... right?

This is a true story of a lady I will call Liz. I first began working with Liz several years ago at one of the non-profits in Waukesha. Part of our jobs were to help empower women, whom have seen some tough times. Ironic that our educations and intense, front line positions only enabled us to begin making a whopping $9.00 an hour.

I was fortunate that I could afford to work there. I loved working with these women. Liz, however, couldn't hardly afford to work there. A young, single mom. She was willing to pick up extra hours when necessary (which was always) because she, too loved working in the field.

In here lies my point. Liz understood that she was throwing away her money on renting every month. She wanted a home for her and her little one. With pittince in savings she proceeded to see if she qualified for a home. DUH! Of Coarse she could. No credit? No savings? No problem!

And so Liz and her little one moved into their lovely home on the border of West Allis and Milwaukee. Liz is now a home owner.

Not only is Liz a home owner, but she was able to qualify to buy a NEW car. It was gorgeous! (I have to admit that I was a little jealous after driving my used little import, which is not much to look at but gets good gas mileage.) She purchased a new Toyota 2 door. One of the sporty models.

On the back of Liz's car are bumper stickers to the effect of "Feminists for Democrats", "Don't Blame Me, I Voted For Kerry"... you get the picture.

Liz found extra work this fall with the Democratic Party in Milwaukee. She emailed us, wrote us, texted us, called us, and invited us to rally's, speeches, etc... in favor of Obama and the Democratic vote. On one very somber Wednesday (for me) in November I got her final text regarding that subject. Something about her joyous victory. Now, she believed, some wisdom will be brought to the economic and social service political tables.

Liz also told me that she was facing financial crisis. No longer able to drive her beautiful supped up car she was facing foreclosure. You see it didn't take long before her affordable dream home needed a roof. She was forced to take in a roommate. Her and her daughter shared a room.

Soon after that she was given the opportunity to move into her parents home so she could take in more roommates. You see the house had now dropped its value so sharply that she owed more than she could sell it for.

Her answer. File bankruptcy and blame the Republicans. Hmmm.

You see Liz didn't get that memo regarding the progress blocked by the Democrats regarding The Community Reinvestment Act. You see in 1977, when Liz was just a lil one herself congress enacted this Act to help avoid discrimination to the poorer communities. So lovely in thought, so dangerous to our economy.

Fanny and Freddy are not looking so good. And now neither are Ford, Chrysler, and GM. Our US Lawmakers will decide in December whether or not to give them 25 BILLION dollars. Bankruptcy among the automakers. Obama will consider a pre-pack package.

Now my friend Liz is not doing so well. No longer able to teach empowerment to women due to poorly managed leadership at the non-profit, she works at George Webb. Still living with her parents and hoping a wealthy buyer will come along and offer her what she owes on her house before she files those bankruptcy papers. I feel badly for her. She really is a good hearted person.

I should encourage her. Her Robin Hood has made it to the White House. But I just don't feel like it.

my morning latte

Yesterday someone bought me a 'flavored' latte'. It was almost too good looking to drink. 2 shots of espresso flavored with some Carmel syrup and topped with whipped cream drizzled with caramel. Seriously???? I felt guilty enjoying it, knowing that it must be laden with sugar... but ohhhh so good.


This morning, however:

• we have reports that Iran has been busy producing nuclear material. Should we be worried? Ummm, duh! It seems to be enough to produce an atom bomb.
• No this is not pirates of the Caribbean, this is the pirates of Somalia. Pirates are seizing sea vessels off the coast of Somalia.
• Here is the list of nominations sent to the senate.
• Waukesha's City Budget was passes this week. This year you could say that officials learned their lessons from last years marathon session of 9 1/2 hours. They divided and conquered.
• It was cold and icy. The roads by me were fine on my route home but apparently other places throughout the city didn't share my experience. There were several accidents reported. My own mom called me on my cell phone while I was en route home to yell at me for answering my cell phone while I was en route. (no joke)

Today the flurries are heading our way. Stay safe if need to head out there. My brother in Arizona is bragging of warm sunny days. Still... I do dream of a White Christmas.

• North Lake School District is planning an anti-bullying program with 'New York Times best-seller and expert Jodee Blanco'
• Gas prices are still dropping. I found $1.92 by the Waukesha Post Office yesterday.

Have a FABULOUS day.

I'm thinking of chaning my latte'

I know most of us are better at adapting than others. Most have moved on. Gotten onto 'other' news. Truth is... I don't really want to read the papers these days. I don't want to know what is going on in the news. I don't want to hear Dave and Carol talking about world events on my morning show at WKLH. I have politics burn out.

I'm sure it's temporary and that soon I will bounce back. But for right now... I'm not going to read about the horror in the Congo, the injustices in Iraq, the pitiful state of Waukesha's not for profits. I don't want to know.

Bad mood. No, not really. But as the saying goes (with my little tweak) this girl just wants to have fun!

Can anyone relate?
Most bloggers have moved right on to the next topic. There are so many to cover. I, however, will choose the happenings downtown for my topic.
I am SO excited about this years Christmas parade. (not really sure why, maybe because I just need to get away from my politically depressed state) BUT... I really hope you are planning on attending.

I have volunteered to hand out jingle bells to the parade visitors. Don't forget to say 'hi' if you see me. Then, after jingling all the way (which is the theme for this years parade) I plan on stopping by one of The Clarke Hotel spots for a warm cup of 'Carmel Apple Cider' or Allo' Chocolate for some hot cocoa. Yummmmy!
The route has been posted.

I've heard good reports about the sushi bar. But I have to admit that I haven't visited yet. It looks as though the 3 sisters have opened at Sadie Brueners old place (i think I spelled that wrong, but I don't know HOW it was suppose to be spelled) on the 5 points. But I didn't see any 'We're Open' signs. AND the new gallery on Clinton and South is open. Nice.
I'm going to stop by the 3 sisters today and see if they offer yoga. I think it may be the answer to chilling out after this stinken election and before the Christmas shopping. (I really don't have a bad attitude)

Hope you and yours are doing well. Stay warm and don't forget to put windshield wiper fluid in your car. (nothing like not being able to see out the front window because you have a snowy, salty mess on it.) I am NOT in a bad mood!!!

A lil Sunday som' em

If you are looking for Alexander's 'blog-yo', you won't find 'em at Hobo Springs any longer.

Click Here at A little off Main for 'da blog'.

We'll see ya there Alex!