A Day of Change.

Today is historic in more than one way for thousands of Americans.

The first and most obvious is the inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44th President! I must admit, the excitement that surrounds me in regards to the upcoming event is contagious. The energy that fills the air is a great feeling and if the hope and promise of change Barack Obama brings become actions that he can stand behind, then America will come back stronger and better than ever before. He's a great man with a loving family and as with past presidential children, it will be fun watching the girls become women. The only issue I see is his inexperience but, with time I'm sure he will prove himself. At least, unlike G.W. Bush, I don't see him being known as the 'most vacationing president ever'. I see him digging in with both heels and taking on the pressing issues as hand.
Plus it's going to be fun watching Michelle Obama go through the fashion's of the day. We'll follow her like they did Jackie Kennedy. And of course there will be stories of the Pre's pooch. I'm hoping they decide to look at local rescues to find the perfect puppy but, I doubt that will happen. Regardless, watching the antics of the dog and the kids will be entertaining and the girls finally get the dog their daddy promised. That's a good sign.
Cheers to the promise of change!

On a more somber note, it's been rumored around the Nation that there will be more job losses across the board for a major radio corporation. It is a move of historic measure and my heart goes out to the thousands of people that are about to become part of the millions of unemployed Americans. Somethings gotta give in regards to the amount of people that are and continue to be out of work. I'm interested in seeing how this particular issue will be handled but until then...don't give up, things can only get better. You're definitely not alone.

Thanks for reading.

4 Paws Animal Rescue

As you know I'm heavily involved in military support but another organization I believe in very strongly is the rescue of dogs that are in need of a new home.

It seems that our society has deemed dogs a disposable commodity and I couldn't disagree more. My dogs are my kids...fed food that a human could consume. Not the commercial feed that's comprised of the 'Four D' meats. Dead, disabled, dying, diseased. That's what goes into most commercial dog food like Science Diet (including the prescription diet line), Iams, Purina (both Purina One and Pro-Plan and Eukanuba. But, I digress.

The point behind this blog is to make you aware of a fantastic rescue organization called '4 Paws'. They are a local, non-profit organization that relys 100% on donations and volunteers. And their service, unfortunately, is so needed in this area it's incredible. After hearing stories of the condition of most of the dogs brought to 4 Paws, it's amazing to me how I have any respect for humans but even more amazing are the ladies that face these people that think it's ok to just tie a dog up in the backyard and hope it lives. They see not only the result of abuse and neglect, they have to deal with the a**holes that bring the puppies and dogs in thinking they're actually doing something good. They are. The best thing they could do is give the animal to 4 Paws. At least the dog is guaranteed food, water, a warm bed and most of all true love. 4 Paws doesn't consider a dog a 'pet'. 4 Paws considers them a companion. A friend for life that deserves respect.

When looking for a dog please, don't go to the mall and pick out a puppy mill dog. Don't go to a breeder that has no regard for the already over populated animal society. Take a minute and do some research. The dog you want as your companion could easily be found at a rescue.

And, could be the breed or temperament you're looking for.

I love 4 Paws because of the professional and caring people that volunteer their time and effort to ensure that the dogs they take in are brought back to health if needed and are given the attention they require to be placed into a loving, permanent home.

Every other Saturday at the PetsMart on Southgate or the Petco on Cheyenne Mountain, you can find the volunteers working and the dogs from 4 Paws up for adoption hoping for a chance at a new start (click here for the schedule of events). All the dogs brought in are evaluated while being fostered at a volunteers home. They look for agression issues, non-social issues as well as bringing them back to health from an almost near death state. Which unfortunately happens all too often.

They are strictly run on donations. Not one penny goes into the pockets of the four board members or any of their volunteers. The money goes to food and vet visits as most of the dogs brought in aren't spayed or neutered. Most of the money goes to getting the dogs their shots and medications and in the summertime that can be a lot to handle as puppies are the biggest challenge 4 Paws faces. Puppies require a series of three shots, not to mention they all get spayed or neutered before going into a foster home or being put up for adoption. And 4 Paws usually gets the whole litter.

I highly encourage you, as a moral and responsible human being to please, take a moment and go to their website. You'll be able to see the dogs currently in need of permanent placement. There will be information on the organization itself as well as ways you can make a monetary donation or even volunteer your precious time for these precious friends. The ones that suffer the most have no voice to speak out to tell you of their lot in life so be their voice. Reach out and help this fantastic organization so they can keep helping the only creature in this world that will always love you unconditionally...the dog.

Click here to be directed to 4 Paws and should you find the dog of your dreams...I want to hear all about it.

Thanks for reading.

'"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Unknown

New Year 2009

I can't believe it's that time again. I don't usually make resolutions. I never stick to them anyway and I don't like to disappoint myself to any degree but, this year I may have to make one or two so what kind of a resolution would work for me?

I'm not wealthy by any means and don't have enough of an income to start any kind of savings or investments so, curbing how I spend my money isn't a resolution I'll be putting on the list.

I'm not in bad shape either. I don't eat right or exercise properly but I'm blessed with a fast metabolism however, there are some soft spots starting so maybe getting into walking for about 30 minutes a day wouldn't be too bad. I can't consider that a resolution though because I should be doing that for myself anyway.

I don't smoke cigarettes and I'm not a heavy drinker. I'm not a compulsive shopper either. I'm pretty conservative when it comes to major purchases for myself but with my meager income I do manage to keep myself and my daughter happy in ensuring that we want for nothing so no quitting any of the above.

With that, I was thinking about my attitude. The one thing I have complete control over. The one thing that always manages to decide what kind of a day I'm going to have and determine how others respond to me. I've heard the saying 'every day is a good day, some are just better than others', but it's easier to say than to see. I can be positive and I can be happy, and by just believing that, this resolution could actually be do-able. The hardest part is going to be figuring out whether I've been living to make myself happy or if I'm living my life for the happiness of others?

So, I could have resolution #1; live to make myself happy, not within the happiness of others, and learn to know the difference.

Another personality quirk I'd like to work on is my reliability. I consider myself reliably unreliable which I can't say it's worked for me. Mainly because of the way it affects my friendships. I've gotten better at times but I'm still a lazy but spontaneous person who changes her mind at the drop of a better offer. I never answer my phone or return calls and I'm always the one to say 'let's get together soon' and then flake out.

This could make for resolution #2; do what I say I'm going to do. And that includes answering and returning my calls. One problem to this resolution...I may send my friends and family into a state of confusion when I actually come through. Could also be a real eye opening experience for me as well.

And one last possible resolution...love. I have so much of it around me yet I can't seem to commit myself to it. My philosophy on this one is that maybe I can't love fully because I don't fully love myself. I think this resolution #3 will come together once I nail down resolutions 1 and 2.

Slowing down and looking around could also lead to changing a few of the things within myself. Looking around and smelling the roses isn't an issue for me but I have to learn to not yank the rose off the bush in order to smell it while I'm running full speed past the garden.

Happy New Year to all of you and may your 2009 be incredibly prosperous regardless of the state of the world around you.
Thanks for reading.
~W~

The traveling is the worst part of vacation.

As some of you may know I took some time off this week to head to Vegas. Of course, Vegas rocked! How can it not? But, what was more exhausting than the drinking from eight in the morning through the night, and endlessly walking the strip from casino to casino was by far the traveling.

I took F-something Airlines and instead of taking the suggestion of an awesome flight attendant and writing a letter to the CEO of the airlines, I've decided to write a blog on the experience.

We were delayed on our departure to Denver from the Springs where we took a prop-plane from our airport to Stapleton. The whole 16 minute flight was like a scene out of Indiana Jones...and the theme song would not get out of my head. Once we landed in Denver, and I peeled my nails out of the arm rest, it was a two hour delay to Vegas so we sat at a bar for drinks. What else do you do during a layover right? Well, overpriced, watered down bloody Mary's just don't do it for me. My suggestion at the bars at the airport...stick to beer. At least you know you're getting the alcohol content you're paying for.
Our flight to Vegas finally arrived, which added to the confusion of the boarding attendant as she was anticipating the flight to Portland instead and Oh My God...if you can't handle the job maybe you should look into another line of work. That's all I have to say about that one. So, we get on the plane, right next to an eight year old hellion who's mother was actually arguing with him instead of just laying it down so, here we are with sassy-butt and the catalyst mommy and of course, he sat right across from us. Yay!
We did make it to Vegas only four hours later than expected and all I know is when there's a round of applause from the cabin after a landing you should look into your flying techniques. I've always been told that doing the 'dolphin' style landing is more appreciated in stunt-flying, not commerical jets, and should probably be saved for that occasion.

Now we're in the city of sin and it's everything you can expect and more. This part of the vacation was a no brainer. You pretty much make your own fun there. We gambled, saw a show, took a limo and rode in a helicopter. The food was amazing, the women were beautiful and yes, some things really do stay in Vegas. Everthing you'd expect in Dirty Vegas but, we still had to leave.

Yeah, we thought the flight to Vegas was taxing...we hadn't seen anything yet.

We got to the airport an hour earlier than our departure time which was lucky to say the least since our pre-paid shuttle decided they weren't picking up anymore passengers that hour which left us paying for a cab. More advice to you...skip the prepaid shuttle.

So standing at the counter we place our bag on the scale. We only had one bag between the two of us in order to save on baggage costs. One bag is $15, the second is $25. We can deal with the $15 charge but our bag was 20 pounds overweight. Now, here's what I don't understand and what truly set my mood for the rest of the trip. All passengers are allowed a check in bag at 50 pounds. There were two of us traveling with one bag at 70 pounds and they were ready to tack on a $75 charge for the excess weight. Three times the amount of the two bag cost!!! We asked the check-in representative how it is that two people can have two bags at 50 pounds a bag for a total weight of 100 pounds but two people traveling with one bag at 70 pounds is going to get charged $75? That sounds a little to me like double dipping but it's a great racket for the 'Everything's $10' store that we ended up purchasing a carry-on bag from to hold the addtional 20 pounds of stuff we had to take out of our one check in bag. So the weight went from the belly of the plane to the overhead. I guess it's all about weight displacement right?

If the CEO of F-something Airlines just happens to read this...yeah, ok...I would love an explanation to that one cause I don get it and seriously...I'm calling Shenanigan's.

Because I report the news everyday, when I'm on vacation I don't watch TV, listen to the radio or read the newspaper. So, I had no idea that the day before our departure the Continential flight had crashed in DIA. Well, it didn't really matter because according to the inept boarding attendant in the Vegas airport our flight was delayed an hour due to weather. At least that's what he told us. Once again it's time to hit the bar and wait with Bud and Weiser and the other delayed travelers just itching to get home. As we were waiting it was announced that our flight was now delayed for two hours which made it to where our connecting flight was going to be at least two passengers lighter.
Five drinks, a pizza and two hours later our plane made it in. We spoke briefly to the attendant asking what other connecting flights from Denver to the Springs we may be able to take. His answer to us...'why don't you just drive?' Well that's a novel idea Captain Obvious but our vehicle is in the Springs. Are you paying for the cab ride? I didn't think so. We're off to a grand start. Now I think that if you're going to tell the paying passengers that the flight was delayed due to weather you should coordinate your story with the other employees because the pilot went on to tell us we were delayed due to mechanical issues in Chicago. I remember a game show called 'To Tell The Truth'. I think both of them lost. Needless to say I went unconscious for the short flight from Vegas to Denver which sucked cause I so looked forward to spending three dollars for two ounces of pretzels.
We finally landed in Denver! Only to deplane and get right into the F-something Airlines Customer Service counter line that kept us standing there for two hours. Apparently we were lucky. Another passenger had the same experience only she waited three hours in line and missed four connecting flights as a result. Merry Christmas to her. I do have to commend the reps at DIA for their patience because they were dealing with a perpetual line and they were as accomodating as humanly possible. We got our flight to the Springs and a food voucher that took some of the pain away...mainly in my stomach. The difficult time was over.

Home James!! One more flight in an Indiana Jones style prop-engine plane only this time it was a lot more pleasant and I base that on the wonderful attitudes of the two flight attendants that made us feel so much better about the entire event. They were the ones that told us of the tragic Continential flight which I have to say put it into persepective after all was said and done. We made it home safe which we took for granted regardless of the cycle of events that took place. I have come to a realization with this latest travel excursion. Prepare for the worst. You're going to pay outrageous amounts for baggage. Know that some attendants would be better off working at a less stressful position and be ready for them to NOT be able to handle even the most basic of events. If the airline doesn't want to cover your missed connections due to their mechanical issues be ready for them to lie to you. And don't order the bloody Mary's at the airport bars unless you really don't like the taste of Vodka.
Other than the travel my Vegas vacation was as sinful and wonderful as I knew it would be. I have to admit that I missed my job and my listeners and I'm thankful to be home safe and sound to celebrate this Christmas with my friends and family and my thoughts go out to those who may not be so safe and sound this holiday season.
Thanks for reading my rant. I'd love to hear about your travel fiasco's...or even your greatest vacation ever! So please, write me back and try to do what I have a hard time doing...make the best of every situation.
~W~

Once again I find myself drawn to the places online, and at home where I can help out a soldier or soldiers family.

Along the way I found this incredible website that's been around since 2002 supporting nearly one million deployed U.S. troops with care packages and letters from all over the nation.

There is no better time than during the holidays to send your thanks and gifts to those serving our country and having to be away from their families during a time of togetherness.

Please, click the following link to give2thetroops.org and find the places nearby where you can drop off your donations or it will link you to a place where you can make your own type of donation online.

Just take a moment to thank a soldier who's sacrifice's have made it so that we can celebrate this season at home and enjoy the holiday knowing we're safe during this time of war.

Thank you my best friend Stephan for protecting us all. Having you come home safe tomorrow after your fifth consecutive deployment was the only wish I had this Christmas. Now I wish that every American could feel the emotions and pride that come with having a soul mate sent away to fight for our freedom and the freedom of others. You would never take life and love for granted again. I promise.

This morning I received an email from a KVOR listener with a fantastic website we should all take advantage of.

Of course, most of you know I'm a huge supporter of the military, being a dependent of a retired Air Force Colonel and my best friend finishing his last leg of his fifth deployment since the war began. With that said, I ask you to join me in making at least one soldier a little happier this Christmas and to feel a little closer to home with an e-card.

To send an e-card go to LetsSayThanks.com and pick out a card. Xerox will print it and send it to a soldier currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. It's FREE and it only takes a second to make a soldiers day.

We talked briefly today about the amount of hand guns and rifles that are flying out of retailers nationwide in a response to the election of Barack Obama.

As you may or may not know, I am a huge gun advocate and member of the NRA. I am also a member of the most incredible indoor shooting range in Colorado called Whistling Pines Gun Club. I am an avid shooter (I don't hunt tho) and am a solid backer of our second amendment rights.
Out of necessity, I did some digging into Obama's stance on gun control and found him to be repressive to say the least. Here's a brief interview from the then Junior Governor of Illinois, Barack Obama in April of this year.

Q: Is the D.C. law prohibiting ownership of handguns consistent with an individuals right to bear arms?
A: As a general principle, I believe that the Constitution confers an individual right to bear arms. But just because you have an individual right does not mean that the state or local government can't constrain the exercise of that right, in the same way that we have a right to private property but local governments can establish zoning ordinances that determine how you can use it.
Q: But do you still favor the registration & licensing of guns?
A: I think we can provide common-sense approaches to the issue of illegal guns that are ending up on the streets. We can make sure that criminals don't have guns in their hands. We can make certain that those who are mentally deranged are not getting a hold of handguns. We can trace guns that have been used in crimes to unscrupulous gun dealers that may be selling to straw purchasers and dumping them on the streets.
Source: 2008 Philadelphia primary debate, on eve of PA primary Apr 16, 2008

So basically, the first answer appears to me to be the 'eminent domain' for gun owners. Sure, you can own a gun but the government, with Obama as President, may exercise their right to determine how you can use it. What?

I fully understand that we have a problem with illegal guns and their distribution...I mean a local tattoo shop was busted a few months ago for selling illegal weapons out of their business here in our town! In my opinion that makes them American terrorists. They inevitably sold firearms to gang members, felons, mentally challenged and emotionally disturbed individuals whose intentions in purchasing said weapons is most likely NOT for hunting or target practice. I do agree with a waiting period for firearms...we can plan ahead as responsible gun owners to determine how long it would take to get the weapon. That shouldn't be too much of an issue as the government takes the time to screen out the people that probably shouldn't be in possession of a weapon anyway.

Please, understand that I believe fully in the right to bear arms. However, I do have an issue with individuals that feel the need to own semi and fully automatic weapons outside of a military or combat situation. We brought this topic up on the air at one time and I had a caller tell me that I would regret not having a semi-automatic Uzi or machine gun of that nature if I was out east and out numbered by Coyotes. When I stopped laughing, I brought up the point that my single action .9mm Sig/Sauer with a full clip (15) and the accuracy training I have had, should be more than enough to take out a pack of hungry Coyotes. Even under those circumstances I'm not seeing a need to go 'Rambo' on anything, or anyone.

Now, with that said I do think that maybe there should be a renewal of the assault weapons ban. As I mentioned...a .9mm pistol would be sufficient enough, with proper training, to protect yourself, your home or your family. Heck, buy up all the shotguns you can if you don't trust your aim or shooting skills. You're destined to hit something with a good load of buckshot and a heavy gauge. But really...an AK47 for a home invader is nothing less than excessive. You're bound to kill the intruder no doubt but really...really?

I am working on getting my conceal carry permit due to the fact that Obama does want to take that right away giving the right to conceal carry only to retired police officers. Digging a little deeper I found Obama only voted for that measure in order to win the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police. I'm sorry, but if I'm approached by one of the people that have purchased an illegal firearm and they demand something from me...I'm going to make sure it's an even playing field. So I say, you may be my Commander In Chief but I won't stand beside you on that one Barack.

I am in full disagreement and profound disgust with the fact that our President-Elect could, and really wants to use the governments weight to ban guns of all types at his whim. Yes, that makes me nervous and want to huddle in my church, holding on to my Sig for dear life.

So, now we wait.

For a complete transcript of Obama's past gun control Q & A click here.