Instead of baby fever I have dog fever.  I have been wanting another dog for months now.  Kasia, our resident 4-legged daughter is 5 and seems to really enjoy the company of other dogs..... so why not get another dog?  Plus, having a dog in the house makes me feel more safe.

I look on Petfinder all the time.  I can't believe how many descriptions I read about how dogs are found on the brink of death because their owners don't feed them.  WTF.  Here's an idea:  Don't get a dog if you're not going to take care of it.  Simple.

So, if I'm having a bad day, I Google videos of dog rescues (a before and after type short) and am immediately overcome with happiness.  Nothing is better than seeing a once-chained-up dog get a bath, a bowl of food and lots of snuggles.

Work is getting hectic so I've lapsed in being consistent with posting.  Today's blog will be a bit heavy but I want to open the floor and talk about this.

I read the newspaper (online) everyday just to ensure I'm in the know about the big goings-on in the world.  Chicago news is mostly shootings and CPS bullshit.  CNN and NBC news seem a bit more varied in topics (beyond murders) and always interesting.

Monday's headlines were consistent across the board.  The body of Shaylynn Ammerman had been found.  For those who aren't aware of this horrific story, let me give you the Cliff Notes.  Shaylynn Ammerman was a 15-month-old girl who had gone missing in Spencer, Indiana.  She was last seen by her grandmother (who put her to bed) but come morning, she was gone from her crib.  It turns out that Shaylynn's father had some friends over that evening, one being a man by the name of Kyle Parker.

Kyle Parker was last seen leaving the Ammerman residence very late in the night/early morning.  Court documents indicate that Parker's stepfather notified the police a few days later indicating that Kyle would cooperate, and had confessed to the crime.

Parker took Shaylynn out of her crib that night, put her in his car and drove off.  He then pulled over at some point, raped her and killed her by asphyxiation.  To prevent any DNA from being left, Parker then poured bleach over the child's body and his own.  Burning her clothes and pacifier, Kyle left Shaylynn's lifeless body in the woods.

An autopsy performed earlier this week confirmed severe physical and sexual trauma to Shaylynn.  

Dr. Donna Stewart, who performed the autopsy at the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville, Ky., told investigators that this was “the worst case of sexual trauma she had seen in her career.”  (Fox59 News)

I am not God.  I have no right to determine who should live and who should die.  I am struggling trying to comprehend how this could happen to such an innocent little being?  There have been millions of comments in the newsfeed about what should happen to Kyle Parker.  A majority of comments just say "kill him."  From what I understand, Indiana will seek the death penalty in this case.

I read up on the heirarchy of prison.  My thought process was along the lines of Parker getting sent to prison and how will things shake out.  From the reading, child molesters/offenders are basically at the bottom of the barrel.  Most likely, Parker will not survive in prison.  Solitary confinement will be his existence, which in many ways is unfair.  I dont think the system should protect him in any way.  Yes he should get a fair trial however, Parker should face the masses. (look up Father Geoghan in Google)

At the end of the day, I pray that Shaylynn is floating through Heaven like the little cherub she is, with her blanket and pacifier.  I pray that Shaylynn's family can someday have peace knowing that their little angel puppy is not suffering and her soul is white with purity.

Easter hath come and gone.  The kids had their fair share of candy and Casey is officially addicted to chocolate.  Who cares about the rising of Christ when there is a bucket of Nestle candy eggs sitting nearby?

In other news, we came home from Easter dinner to a pretty awesome pool of water in our TV room.  I had been observing a water spot on the ceiling over the past few days.  The discoloration had been mutating in size and didn't know exactly where/why the leak was stemming from.  Chris was able to push through the drywall -- which means water had been saturating that space for some time.

Turns out..... and I LOVE to say this...... we had a wax ring blow out.  The toilet in the master bath needs a temporary face lift, that is until we demolish the whole darn thing.  Our bathroom is straight outta Sybaris (you know-- the sex motels with heart-shaped bathtubs).  As much as I love porno style bathrooms, I'm ready for an updated shower that's larger than a porta-a-potty and a bathtub that's smaller than Soldier Field.

It's Friday.  I made it.  The beginning of the week was the pits.  I have been anticipating a break-down from one of my kids regarding not wanting to go to school.  Beau decided to have his break-down on Tuesday morning just as we were getting ready to leave the house.

(while crying)  "I don't want to go to school.  I want to stay home with Mommy-ah (my name) and read books and play and make recipes.  I don't want to you to go to work.  You're not my best friend anymore."

Good times.  Where was the pallet of Pinot Grigio at that moment?

Beau eventually calmed down and we headed off to daycare.  Once we arrived, he was laughing and back to his usual self upon seeing his little friends.  I on the other hand, felt a HUGE weight of guilt sitting on my shoulders.  As I walked to the parking lot another mom was getting into her car.  She must have sensed my sadness and walked over to me.

"You are a good mom.  Don't feel guilty.  We are better moms to our kids when we can fulfill ourselves professionally.  Plus, you're showing your daughter that its cool to be a strong working mom."

Verbal Xanax.  Thank you Jameson's mom for making me feel better.

So to all the working moms and dads out there, parents who are raising kids on your own.... keep up the good work.  You are not alone.  You're actually a member of a super secret cool society.

I play the lottery game all the time.  You know.... the game where you're actually daydreaming about winning the lottery.  What would you do with the money?  Would you live the same lifestyle?  Would you continue to work?  

Aside from the obvious conclusions (buying a vacation house in Colorado, taking an awesome vacation, paying off student loan debt), and this may blow your mind, winning the lottery for me would not equate to me shopping at high end stores.  Truth.

I LOVE the Salvation Army.  It's not just about the bargains.  The Salvation Army houses all kinds of mysterious and magical treasures that are like needles in a haystack.  If I had a day off, I could spend 3 hours at the SA Boutique.  True story.  It takes time and commitment to go through each and every single aisle; combing through all the interesting items.

A few weeks ago, I walked out of the SA Boutique with a pair of jeans from Banana Republic, a top (W/ TAGS) from Club Monaco, 3 Loft shirts and 3 coffee mugs for $20.  Seriously.  THAT is what it is like to win the lottery.

Some people are grossed out by establishments such as Goodwill, SA B and second-hand stores.  I dont know why.  You wash the clothes before you wear them.  It's a no-brainer.  

Things to NOT BUY second hand:
-Uggs
-bathing suits (due to wear and tear and loss of elasticity)
-shoes that can't be washed and meant to wear without socks
-beauty products
-rugs (unless professionally cleaned before use)
-hats (unless they can be washed)

Items to look for in second hand stores:
-dutch ovens (LeCreuset bakeware)\
-coffee mugs that are unique/have funny sayings
-unicorn figurines
-kids clothing (because they grow out of everything so fast)
-mens button downs (to use as smocks, gardening shirts)
-hooded sweatshirts (the more worn, the softer they are)
-Patagonia, LL Bean, London Fog (all well made brands)
-kitchen knick-knacks (juice pitchers, whisks, glassware, bakeware)
-accessories (scarves, jewelry, belts, purses)

The next time you are out treasure hunting and find a gem, double check tag (if applicable) and see washing instructions.  If it's a go, pat yourself on the back and celebrate your purchase.

I have a confession.  I hate matte lipstick.  After trying several times, my lips can't accept lipstick in a matte formation.  I end up looking like a dehydrated corpse. Additionally, I think mouths look best with a lovely sheen, whether it be super glossy or a downplayed wash of moisture.

What don't I hate?  Lipstains.  Yes'sir.  At first I was not down with the commitment.  Stains are just that.... a stain.  We're talking an all-day affair on your lips.  If you can forge the relationship, a little lip liner, lip stain and gloss over top.....you are set for a full day of awesomeness.  Revlon's Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain is inexpensive and comes in several gorgeous colors.

I'd like to make another quick shout out to Laura Mercier's Skin Brightening Powder.  I am a busy working mom.  Sleep is lacking.  My under eye circles tell a long story about how much sleep I need.  My secret weapon for appearing well rested?  It's a two-fold arsenal:

After moisturizing and my foundation, this concealer seals the deal.  I put the powder on to set the concealer (under eyes, between and just above eyebrows) and it really makes such a difference.  I don't know if it's the light reflective sheen of the powder or the concealer's blendability but as a duo, they rock.  *An inexpensive dupe for the powder is e.l.f.'s High Definition Setting Powder ($8)

Happy Wednesday!

My daughter is finally on the mend.  No more sick little unicorn.  Thank you God.  This winter has been a nonstop cycle of stuffy noses, coughs, colds, stomach bugs and nonsense.  It doesn't matter how much you wash hands, use Lysol, administer baths.....  people can't escape illness in winter time.  YUCK.

Spring has sprung and I am so ready to turn our heat off.  The windows need to be open and house aired out.  We have been continuously doing projects all winter long and the accumulated dust needs somewhere to go.  I literally Pledge the entire house and the next day the dust is back in full effect.

Our crocuses are blooming and I've noticed some bulbs peeking their little green heads out of the mulch.  As much as I love winter, this particular winter was a complete bust, a.k.a. NO SNOW.  I'm focusing all of my energy on trying to get outside after work and enjoy the longer spring days.

The seasons changing which means my kids are getting older......... and picking up lots of new things at daycare.  I knew this was going to happen-- influence from other little hobbits is inevitable.  Beau comes home every single day with a new words/phrases such as "challenge" and "secret hideout."  Some of the newly minted expressions aren't so cute.

On the way to daycare this morning the driver in front of me (appeared to have dropped something and reached down) slammed on his brakes.  My knee-jerk reaction was to yell "what the __!"  I did not use the "f" word however, Casey every so eloquently finished my thought with "Mommy what the fuck!"  Yeah.  There you have it.  A baby potty mouth.  #parentoftheyear

I am doing the best I can to not swear.  For those that know me (and my dad), I am a swearer.  I can't help it.  It's in me.  For fear of my kids dropping f bombs in kindergarten, I am putting in a concerted effort to use non-potty words.  

My daughter has been sick since Friday (woke up with 103.3 fever).  Thinking Monday was the turning point to a simple gross virus, I mistakenly sent her back to daycare only to have her wake up Tuesday morning with another raging fever.  We went to the pedia that afternoon and got a lovely diagnosis of pneumonia.  Good times.  Some mommy TLC, lots of water and several episodes of Bubble Guppies, Casey is now on the mend and back at school.

The above picture is Casey, about to fall asleep on the exam room floor.  Normally, she'd be pulling the paper off the exam table, opening drawers and singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" at the top of her lungs.  

The upside to Casey being sick this week was catching up on laundry, DVR'd garbage TV and lots of snuggling.  (My little unicorn daughter is not a snuggler.  Long gone are the days of my little stinker resting her head on my shoulder.  NOPE.  Too busy.  Too many messes to make.)

When did it become cool for teenagers to dress like skanks?  When I was in high school, turtlenecks, plaid shirts and J.Crew rollneck sweaters were all the rage.  Like modern day Amish, every inch of skin covered, Lahser High School was somewhat the face of Preppy In America.  Nowaday, 16-year-olds are running around in skinny jeans (if you're a dude); so tight that if they are wearing underwear, you can read the darn size tag.  Girls are parading around in camel toe spandex pants and cropped shirts.  This is like a bad parallel universe where we are in the 80s but not awesome Molly-Ringwald-Erasure 80s.  

Don't get me wrong-- spandex pants rule; I wear them all weekend long.  Spandex should not be see through.  I don't want to see your underpants, or your nether regions if you're not wearing underpants.  Spend the money, buy a decent pair with full coverage, and by full coverage I actually mean not sheer.

As for skinny jeans....  Guys should just not wear them.  No dude looks good in skinnies.  An already scrawny teenager will look even more gaunt with tight ass jeans.  Paired with large high tops-- the skinny jean look will take you from looking stupid to even stupider (is that a word?).  

There is an inspirational website called Actionforhappiness.org.  Listed on this site are different ways to achieve a happier state of being.

-volunteering
-being realistic
-getting enough sleep
-exercise
-figure out what is important to you
-go outside
-unplug
-color
-set goals and take steps to achieve them
-be mindful

Said list is very realistic.  The mindfulness point struck a chord with me.  What does mindfulness mean to you?

mind·ful·ness

ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs/

noun

1. 1.

   the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.

   "their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition"
2. 2.

   a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

For whatever reason..... I blame stimulus from electronics and rushing through life.... we as Americans are completely void of mindfulness.  As I try and teach my 3 1/2 year old how his words and actions affect others, it would be responsible of me to apply that to my own life.  

Being present is something that I struggle with.  Savoring every day moments and actively listening is really hard when I work full-time with two kids.  My life is literally a race every single day.  I don't know what I am racing towards, but its a freakin' game-on, all-hands-on-deck life.  Mornings are chaotic.  Evenings are worse.  I have guilty thoughts at least once an hour that I'm missing out on my children.  

Financially, I must work.  It is a luxury to have one parent at home (in a two parent household).  So, instead of him-hawwing about it, I try and make the most of what God has put on my plate.  The time I do get to spend with my little unicorns is QUALITY time.  

Not to toot my own horn, but I am patient with my kids.  I make a diligent effort to listen to everything they ask and say, and it sometimes takes 5 minutes for my son to complete a sentence/thought.  I value holding my daughter even when she is trying to squirm out of my arms while SCREAMING her head off.

My husband gets mad when we grocery shop.  We each take a kid and tackle shit.  Beau and I will take our time, slowly going through the aisles.  He will point at things, ask questions, touch everything.  Does it bother me?  Not at all.  I love it.  All the while, Chris and Casey are impatiently standing at the check-out.

What is the lesson in all this?  Mindfulness can be applied in very simple situations because its a very simple approach to life.  Savor completely.  Digest everything.  Breathe it all in.  Happiness will come from the most unembellished moments.

dreamWEAVES

How is it that my little sister was blessed with a gorgeous head full of hair while I'm probably an ideal candidate for a weave and/or a wig?

We taken obvious cues from Brit Brit that when you're hair sucks, it pretty much sucks all the time.  To prevent from being too much like Ms. Kentwood, I do my best to stay out of the hair-from-hell arena.  With fine and limp hair, its almost impossible to have a good hair day.  

Below is a day in the life of my hair:  

Shower: L'Oreal's EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner.  This pair is in the mix with Clairol's Shimmer Lights Toning Shampoo (to tone my highlighted hair) and Redken's Extreme Conditioner (used 2/week because too much keratin is BAD)

Since my hair is color treated yet I have a super sensitive scalp, I have to wash my hair every day; if I don't wash my hair on the daily, I get a super itchy scalp and its gross.  I try to use sulfate-free products to prevent build-up and avoid additives which are harmful.   Keratin from the Redken conditioner gives my mane a little extra something; be warned that too much keratin can turn hair strands into dry spaghetti noodles that will break.

Styling:  Comb through with a wide tooth comb then apply MoroccanOil's Treatment Light (ideal for fine and color-treated tresses) on wet/damp hair is step one.  Smoothing and a super shine boost, this stuff smells like a Caribbean vacation.  Redken Guts at the roots and rubbed in for volume, then I blow dry using a big round brush to style for max awesome.  Once teased and coiffed, Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play to keep everything in place.

I have also learned that I can't have hair below my shoulders.  Like stepping into a land mine, once the hair hits no man's land, my 'do looks even stringier and gross.  Ideally, a bob is manageable and doesn't look completely desperate on my head, and let me note that celebs should do the same to avoid my hair cautionary tale.

Famous peeps with fine hair are like unicorns to me-- I think their hair staff follow them around spraying around the clock to keep shit in check.

I have tried texturizers, gel, amplifiers.... you name it.  Nothing really works.  So I have come to terms with never having hair like Cher and hopefully, NEVER Britney.

The news can be a stinker, can't it?  Each morning I set my alarm to 5:00 AM so I can enjoy a cup of coffee without two toddlers pulling at my legs.  These quiet moments are spent either soaking up the latest trashy reality bits on our DVR or flinching at the news.  Yes.  I said flinching.  NEVER have I EVER turned on the news and been hit with positive stories; it's always "5 babies gunned down in alley" or "litter of dead puppies found in a trash bag at Wal-Mart."  

I want snippets of what is happening in the world.  Be it the presidential race, sports or even stories about celebrities with a cause, the news SHOULD be a platform for that.  Is it?  NO.  Chicago news is literally, 1/8 current events and 7/8 shootings/crimes.  Disgusting.  I get that "if it bleeds it leads" in terms of news-worthy events.... but the public still needs to be informed on other happenings (balance people, bal-lance).

After combing through all the violent crimes that happened last night on WGN's website (breaking news), Maria Sharapova's name came up.  "Hmmmm" I thought.  This should be good.

Apparently our friend Maria, the highest paid female athlete in the world for 11 straight years has tested positive for some sort of dope.  "Jesus on the cross.  Not another *Lance Armstrong saga."  Fortunately, this little pickle that Ms Thang has gotten herself into was, according to her press conference, unintentional.

"I did fail the test, and I take full responsibility for it. ... It's very important for you to understand that for 10 years, this medicine was not on WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency]'s banned list and I had been legally taking the medicine for the past 10 years. But on Jan. 1, the rules had changed and meldonium became a prohibited substance, which I did not know. ... I was given this medicine by my doctor for several health issues I was having in 2006."

I vote we give her a break.  Let Evian, Tag Heuer, Porsche and the other sponsors investigate the situation, and hopefully my girl will come out on top.  My only question is-- why is she taking a medicine that is technically used for doping?  More to come on this one.....

*Lance Armstrong.  Not a fan.  I used to be a fan and totally bought all of his books and wore the Livestrong bracelet.  Then, all that garbage surfaced about how America's Hometown Hero had been lying the whole time.  His interview with Oprah made me see red.  Talk about Lance being Lance's #1 fan.  Get over yourself douchebag, lay off the steroids, and stop talking.  

I think spring has finally sprung.  As much as I love winter, this particular winter has been a total bust.  Never did we ever wake up to the scene below:

Instead of a sparkly blanket of white, each morning has been a scenic medley of barren trees, brown grass and mud.  Really breathtaking.

Perhaps next year will allow for us to actually ride our snowmobiles or maybe even take our kids skiing?  I'm going to hold my breath on that one.  Summit County, Colorado is looking better and better.

You know what else was a total bust this winter?  Ralph Lauren.  Yes.  I know what you're thinking, "Jennie, you buy your clothes at the Salvation Army.  Why do you care about runway?"  Well my little unicorns, I care about what is happening on the Ralph's runway because I take inspiration from him and apply it to my cheap life.

Gross

Debbie Downer

Quintessential RL embodies sophistication, class, timelessness while still maintaining a youthful edge.  I also LERV how textures and fabrics are delicately balanced with every ensemble.  The above looks (in my opinion) are almost too teeny bopper and mildly "Seattle Scene."  

Pops of color and fun

A blazer and crisp white shirt never go out of style

I can't

And dare I even mention accessories?  Off the chizz.  Ah-maze.  

To summarize:  Ralph.  Seriously.  Stefan Larsson is now heading up the brand, but does that mean all things I love about RL will go down the drain?  I hope not.  Please do not take away my dream that someday, when I win the lottery, you will be my stylist.

Since You've Been Gone

I googled "strong women in US history."  You know what came up?  You're gonna die.  The Dallas freakin' Cowboy Cheerleaders.  Really?  This is what America has come to?  Long gone are the days of Judy Blume, Dorothea Lange and Marie Curie; we are now working with a gaggle of "perfectly" tanned, toned and enhanced bosom as role models.  

I accept that social media has spun our culture into this Vitamix of unattainable perfection; great tits, injected lips, photoshop and making stupid people famous.  I do not accept that the pert tarts (can I patent that term?) strewn across America's glossy mags are now being considered heroes.  If this is what Casey has to idolize in her preteen years I am literally moving off the grid......

Q:  You know what exemplifies a strong woman?  
A:  Unapologetic fierce chics that defy the odds to conquer what they set out to do.  

Serena Williams, Florence Bascom, Margaret Sanger, Gloria Steinem.....  I'm sure these ladies gave lots of fucks, but swallowed that fear (or insecurities) and went for it anyway.

It's easy to meld into the mix and become a piece of the whole.  Fear of judgement and not succeeding is human nature; so those woman that make the choice to step outside of the majority and follow their purpose is what makes a wo-man.  Madonna is quoted by saying, "I'm tough, ambitious & I know exactly what I want.  If that makes me a bitch, okay."

It's Thursday..... the day of the ole Thur.  Happiness Is Shared people so lets get on with it!

If you haven't seen Carpool Karaoke, a sketch that James Corden does on the Late Late Show, you are so missing out.  If I'm in a bad mood at work and need to take 5, I slap on some CK and turn my frown upside down.  My favorite clip, you ask?  Hands down ONE DIRECTION, followed by the James Corden sketch featuring 1D playing dodgeball.  I died.  Four times.

Little things like a 5 minute YouTube clip literally can take me from jumping off the side of I-55 to rolling on the floor laughing.  Another visual Xanax?  Puppies.  Yep.  Google puppies.  Works like a charm.  Seriously, how could you not smile when you see the pictures below:

Check out the fat rolls on this thing?!?!

Its ears are too magical to bend?!?!?

Check out the eastern quadrant of this pup's ear.  Softie overload.

All things face

I spend quite a bit of time on YouTube watching beauty tutorials.  Not only are said videos entertaining but also educational.  My go-to beauty gurus are Casey Holmes, Jaclyn Hill and Manny Mua.  There is something relaxing, in my opinion, watching people put on makeup.  Yes that sounds weird.

A hurdle that I've recently overcome is foundation; so scary yet so necessary.  I wasn't born with naturally beautiful radiant skin like Liv Tyler.  I also wasn't born with skin like Lohan, so I guess that's a bonus.  ENTER ----> foundation.

With the help of YouTube tutorials and some practice, I now have a little confidence in proper foundation application.  Well, some confidence, good foundation brush, and ideal foundation for my skin tone and type.  (switching from a makeup sponge to a brush was pivotal)  

Currently, I am using Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth foundation in Ivory.

I have dry skin that needs a little sheen to make me look alive.  *Foundation is best applied after a clean face thats been moisturized and primed*  Once I apply foundation, I then go in with concealer (under eyes, around nostrils, between eyebrows)

It just so happens that the products mentioned above are Maybelline, but I swear, I'm not partial to any brand.  Blend out your concealer (I use my fingers while some prefer a beauty blender) and set with powder to keep your look locked in place.

For powders, my friend swears by Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder or Bare Minerals Well Rested Brightener Broad Spectrum Concealer Powder.  For those looking to spend less, a good drugstore dupe is Neutrogena's Shine Control Powder ($10).

In my short time writing about beauty, there is something to say about investing in prestige brands for foundation.  If you have problem skin such as rosacea, needing extra SPF or perhaps covering problematic unevenness, higher end foundations can make a difference.  Fiona Stiles is a well known makeup artist with her own line of cosmetics (ulta.com).  The Matte Finish Foundation Concentrate has received amazing reviews for hiding flaws in a full-coverage finish without a gross flat look.  So, if you want an all-day gorgeous and lightweight makeup, Fiona Stiles may be your brand.

The whole point of foundation and makeup in general is to ENHANCE what God has already given you-- NOT to look like the 2nd runner up in RuPaul's Drag Race.  I mean, if you're going for that Sasha Glitter look then go for it.  Work bitch.

PTI

I'm so behind in my blogging due to the norovirus at the Willis household.  I can't catch up with all I've missed, so I'll just make sure blogs this week are lengthier than normal.  Additionally, after many hours of googling and seeking out advice from friends and relatives, there is nothing you can do about the stomach bug.  The body expels things intentionally; so let things work their course then rehydrate (water does not have as many rehydrating properties as Gatorade or Pedialyte, so the latter is more efficient).

It's Super Tuesday and for many, including myself, this is sort of a reckoning (cue Van Halen's "Dreams").  I know it isn't the end-all-be-all however, things kind of shape up from here.  Because this is my blog and I can write what I want, lets just put on the record how much I despise Trump (and likely getting the GOP nomination).

As I get older and my views on the world have changed, I will always have an idealogic candle that will never dim.  My bleeding heart to help others in need, a desire to keep Planned Parenthood running like a southbound train and above all a more progressive view on social issues puts me in the democrat silo.

Despite my tendency to fall left, I deeply respect any person willing to run for POTUS.  It is tough to have America the Beautiful as your panel of judges.  Any politician knows that the campaign road is not a straight travel; mud is slung, words are thrown below the belt and there are curves and potholes everywhere.

When a person like Donald Trump gets put into the hopper, the rules of the game change.  He has made it abundantly clear that acting like "Mike Dexter" from "Can't Hardly Wait" is an ideal angle for getting voters; bullying, making slanderous comments and spewing at the mouth.  Debates involving Trump are more like sketches from "Saturday Night Live" and most importantly, the straw that broke my back.....  the below:

In one of the kerfuffles that sparked early (and wrong) predictions that Trump's campaign was about to implode, the Republican candidate appeared at an event in Ames, Iowa, on July 18, during which he derided Arizona Sen. John McCain as “a war hero because he was captured.”

“He’s not a war hero,” Trump said at the Family Leadership Summit, during a discussion.  “He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”  The Arizona senator and 2008 GOP nominee spent 5½ years at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” where he was subject to repeated torture and two years of solitary confinement.

Trump almost immediately denied saying McCain was not a war hero, and then criticized the senator for not doing enough for veterans.  “If somebody’s a prisoner, I consider them a war hero,” Trump said.

Not that I was ever going to vote Republican however, I'd be more inclined to speak positively of DT if he were playing fair.  Because he went out on a limb with John McCain and made those disgusting comments, its game over in my book.  You are no longer a respectable person; you're just a coward assbag douche with bad hair and a shitload of money.

I'm on the fence for HRC and Bernie Vermont.  Both are intelligent and I think, have good intentions.  Lets be real-- a screw has to be a little loose to want to run this nation of ours.  HRC will never be able to make a Target run.  Bernie VT probably will forgo weekend trips to Stowe in the fall to see the changing leaves.