Not that he's willing to be VP

Inferring from John McCain's own statements, Gov. Sarah Palin is more qualified than ANY of the Prez/VP candidates to be President.

After all, she was a Wasilla council member for 4 years, mayor of Wasilla for 6 years and has been gov of Alaska for 2 years.

McCain, Obama and Biden have just been senators. McCain was a Rep for 4 years and Senator for 22 years (including many campaign years) Obama has been a Senator for 4 years (including campaign years) and Biden has been a city council member for 2 years and a Senator for 36 years (including campaign years).

Maybe John is giving credit to her Miss Congeniality award and Miss Wasilla 1984 title?

If Palin is more qualified to be Prez than Biden, then according to McCain's own logic, McCain should have deferred the nomination to her and signed on to be Palin's VP. Right?

Here is an article that scares me.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

The starter marriage

As many of you DON'T know, Peaches Geldof, 19 (and daughter of Bob Geldof), married a few months ago. She had dated the guy for a week and they got hitched in Vegas.

Peaches readily admits she does NOT expect the marriage to last. That's more mature and realistic view than most people hold. People are still growing and evolving, even in their 30s and 50s.

Nick Cage and Lisa Marie Presley announced divorce before 4 months, ditto Renee Zellweger and Kenny Chesney. Neither married in Vegas.

At least if/when Peaches announces her divorce, SHE will be the one saying, "I told you so!"
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

It's a special day because Hallmark says so!

Last Saturday was "Sweetest Day," a newer morphed Hallmark holiday.

Rick and I don't "celebrate" such a lame occasion. EVERY day should be Sweetest Day!

Sure, our marriage is still young, early double-digits, but the vows we took far outshine any diamond ring that could grace my fingers. A bouquet of flowers seems so silly compared to the beautiful home and incredible life we have built together.

A thousand romantic candlelit dinners cannot bring the happiness of a family dinner spent laughing and talking, when the kids are supposed to be off living their own lives.

Rings, flowers, cards, vows...all of them mean NOTHING to a relationship...MARRIAGE... if there isn't love and trust. Hallmark may be good, but they aren't THAT good!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Fun senior pics! Taken by family members!

WOW! And this is a real NEWS STORY!!!

Karina was SO cutting edge last year when I took her senior pics with my digital camera at the elementary playground in the fall and all around Vegas this past spring.

Here's a tip for the parents of seniors: print out extra pics at Walmart or Walgreens and scrapbook the grad invites with them. It's a killer idea, especially for grandparents and the younger kids.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

My daughter makes me proud

Karina has turned into quite the little activist at college. She's an active member of The Alliance Club, which is affiliated with GLAA.

My daughter doesn't understand hate and prejudice based on sexuality. Even though her dating preference is the male gender, Karina still feels compelled to show her support to her friends. Actions speak louder than words, so she attends rallies and works the info booths. No shame, no embarrassment.

I've always preached that if it ain't your sex life, it ain't your biz. You don't judge because of sexual preference.

Of course, I've thrown in the reminder to Karina that being friends with a gay man is GREAT because they totally understand how frustrating it can be to love a man!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Home is where the Kraft mac'n'chez is!

Picked up Karina for midterm break. She's home for a week and we are already having a great time.

Earlier this evening, we headed into town to find her a winter coat. There was just one inkling of a possibility at the Mall. I suggested Gander Mountain and there she fell in love with a multi-layered camo coat. She fretted about the price (of course!), but it was too good of a choice to pass.

Then, we hit Kroger. Karina wanted "real meat, Mom, not meat-mix!" I bought her a T-bone and cheese and yogurt and baby carrots and her beverage choice. On our way home, we picked up Little Ceasar's bread stix.

Still, all she craved was REAL mac'n'chez from the box. Can't make it at school and the school stuff just isn't the same. Neither, in her opinion, is the Kraft microwavable.

I was very surprised to hear her tell off her on/off boyfriend, who kept calling, even after she asked him to stop. He'd wait an hour, then RING-RING. Sure, it is "Sweetest Day," but (like me) the Hallmark Holiday doesn't matter.

And all we did was come home before 9 p.m. and take up residence in front of our respective puters. No big plans. She just enjoyed being home and doing what she wanted to do, like snoozing on the couch. Pretty early. And there she sleeps now, with her kitty purring next to her.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Flair is the tie-dye of the 70s

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Pray for my soul...I love carpeting

Maybe I am a country snob, but whenever I watch HGTV, it never ceases to amaze me how much people pay for so little. It's really about the ZIP code on that show.

"This 3 bedroom (ranch/bungalow/bilevel) has 2 full baths! It's 1200 sq ft! Look, the backyard has a patio and a tree. It's only $350,000!"

There might be 10 feet of grass which makes a "nice-size backyard." And does every kitchen HAVE to have granite counters?!!? And every floor be hardwood?

I love my almost 2000 sq ft ranch. It sits on an acre and cost far less than their typical price range. My master bath is as large as many of the living rooms they show! Don't get me going on the yard...

HGTV wouldn't write me off as a total freak, though. I do have an island in my kitchen!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Busy lives, beautiful traditions

This weekend has been mine. Rick "decided" to go to his parents, do some hunting, visit with his mom and dad. I think he was a big jealous of my quality time alone with them last weekend. teehee

Niko loves having me all to himself. So do the brat-cat pack. There's been no real structure to the days, I just came home from work and read a book on the patio, took Niko for a walk, watched some TV, sent out FLAIR, chatted with Bethany on IM, watched more TV and went to bed about 2:30 a.m.

The trees are in full brilliant color-change. It's such a glorious sight, the beauty everywhere. Today is 80 degrees, Indian summer, and I feel the need to celebrate with a fresh-made pumpkin spice donut slathered with homemade cream cheese frosting.

Maybe if Rick gets home early enough, we'll take his Magna out for our last ride of the year. Check out the magnificent colors on the tree-lined country roads. Then, a quickie trip to the closest McDonalds, our low-key way to start the season.

We love our traditions, even if we sometimes have to squeeze them into our busy lives.
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Cold OUT, warmth IN!

This weekend will be spent winterizing. The cost of heating is expected to go up about 20%, but that was BEFORE the cost increase went through. In more layman terms, take your average winter heating bill and divide it by 5. Add that amount to your bill. VOILA! Instant poorhouse.

I've already bought new lined drapes. We are breaking out the caulking gun. I have carpets to cover the kitchen floor and another to put in front of the front door. There are a ton of little things that help keep Consumers from making a million from this house!

Plus, Rick and I love to change into our warm jammies and snuggle in our soft blankets on the sofa while recapping our day. Or, sitting in front of a roaring fire while eating supper. Winter really is good for together time!
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Taking one for the team

It is difficult for me to feel excessive pity for my employees. Their average workweek is 38.5 hours. Mine starts at 46 hours. As upper management in a financial institution, I never ask my staff to do something that I'm not willing to do. That's NOT how to build trust and respect.

In the past 2 days, I have already put in 21 hours, not including hour lunches. Neither of my assistants come close. That's by MY choice. Those are my expectations.

And **I** do the schedule!

This Saturday, I have to stay late because of cleaning. Instead of working a typical 5.5 hour day, it will be 9.5 hours...WITHOUT A LUNCH!

It is so important for me to show Karina and my staff a good work ethic -- DAILY. Early there, late to leave, give my all and show pride in my job assignments. It's not just about the paycheck. I love to prove myself daily: work with people, HELP people, increase my knowledge.

College won't help somebody who doesn't have the right attitude. Some days, I just love my job! Others...not so much. Tomorrow is another day. Another challenge. Another success.

And maybe, I'll take one for the team.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Growing up in the military

My nephew showed up at the hospital today during Dad's infusion. He's home on leave for a few weeks.

This will be the last time most of the family sees him until he returns from "The Sandbox" next summer. He is psyched to finally go to Iraq with his unit of the Air Force. Most of the family think it's because of the $$$, but my husband knows it's the thrill of being in the action. BTDT. Who wants to admit they were stateside during a "time of war"?

My nephew and I talked about how good the military has been for him. We are proud of him. He's advancing quickly in the Air Force, which has matured him immensely. Like it did Rick.

He said Cody wants to enlist and "it might be just what he needs." I reminded him that Cody doesn't like to take orders from anyone. He doesn't RESPECT anyone. And that could be dangerous, not in a silly Maverick kind of way, either.

And right now, Cody is laid up at his momma's house after being injured at work last week.

When I left my inlaws this afternoon, my nephew gave me a big hug. "I love you, Aunt Sheila. I'm glad I got to see you. I promise to keep in touch."

Please, God, keep him safe.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

End of Days

This weekend is being spent with my inlaws. My last 3 days of vaca. I drove up last evening, after kissing my husband and dog goodbye.

Yep, Rick is at home, while I visit his parents. This morning I drove them up to the hospital for dad's IV infusion. Thanks to Karina's episodes, I knew what to expect.

Dad told me I'm a great chauffeur. We took Mom's new Yukon, which I'd never driven before, but I handled it fine. They made the same comments about my ability to switch btwn vehicles without problem...my cute, little Caliber to their sleek but huge SUV.

I loved hearing the pride in Dad's voice when he bragged that I came up ALONE just to visit them. Not just for a few hours, but DAYS, without their son or grandchildren. While on my vacation, too!

And it sure doesn't hurt that my husband loves me all the more for it!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Kris refuses to give the medical info

IMHO, he is PSYCHO! He cannot distinguish btwn Karina and me. Seriously. He claims needing medical info is some elaborate hoax by me.

I did call him tonight to find out when he was going to mail the info. His conversation was as bizarre as when he called me a few weeks ago.

Then, it was about him having "lived with this lie (I) have been telling for the past 18 years."

Now, with the proof-positive that I was NOT fibbing, his hostility is about my "lies and deceptions for the past 18 years." HUH?!!?

Crazy talk. Thank goodness I protected my daughter from that all these years!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

This is the first Homecoming in 4 years that I'll be missing for Karina. Every single year, we did the shopping: dress, shoes, jewelry. Karina bought her own dress while out with her friends. I saw it yesterday, and she will be GORGEOUS in gold!

As a parent, I should be sad. It's the end of an era.

But I'm not wistful. This is what we've worked toward for the past 18 years. And when I saw the dress she chose, a combination of elegance and pomp - think Ginger Rogers - and remembered she was going without a date (FOR THE FIRST TIME!), I knew she had come into her own. This time, it was ALL about her and she chose classic glamour.

And it fits her beautifully!
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

MY FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR

Eighteen years ago today, I became a mother. My entire world changed. Being pregnant and actually holding your own baby are so different!

Karina has been a dream child. She's so sweet and funny and intelligent and loving. Is she that way because of everything she's gone through...or in spite of everything she's been through?

Karina remembers every story she's been told about her. She loves to hear them, too. She knows about my pregnancy better than most other kids. She loves to hear me tell her about our early days.

She rarely brings up the unpleasant times she's been through. Even her recent eye condition is only mentioned in passing.

She is almost pompous about being adopted, and proud of the heritage I have given her. Or "chosen," as we prefer to brag. She has a relationship with her dad that rivals most others. He taught her to tie her shoes, ride a bike with no training wheels and comforted her during some of her most serious medical moments.

And Rick never wavers on "how many kids do you have?" He always answers, "Two. A son and a daughter." Simple.

Karina asked me yesterday if she was spoiled. "Yes, you are. But you have earned those special privileges every day for many years. You deserve them. You've always appreciated every little thing, whether given a penny or a compliment. Most parents spoil their kids when they are young, but your dad and I waited til you were old enough to understand the value of what you were receiving."

Today, I am taking Karina to the store to buy a pack of cigarettes, can of chew and lottery tickets. She registered to vote today. Welcome to adulthood!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Vacation: Day 3

Picked up Karina yesterday, then we enjoyed some retail therapy.

Got up this morning and we headed over to visit my mom. Took her to lunch and for LOTS of retail therapy.

Also took Karina to register to vote at the SOS. YAY! We had a small bday party for her with several friends, plus our wonderful neighbors.

It has been a wonderful visit!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)