Clinton's nomination popular, but is it constitutional? ...

Such BS!!!

- You know for as far as we have come as a country it still boggles my mind how AGAINST the men are at having a woman in power... I refer, of course, to Hillary Clinton...
- Now I'm happy for our choice in the White House - I desire that CHANGE that we all do, however, it screams......... discrimination when we see that Right Winged Republicans & Dems would rather see a man of color in the HOUSE - because GOD forbid we let a woman in power... the reason why I bring this up is because of the article below... They will look for ANY reason to keep a woman out of power...
- Mind you, I'm not a feminist ------- but I mean come on already - enough is enough ... & everyone out there thinks that the Arabs are soooooo controlling - I have seen many woman in Power and making a difference in those countries... I thought we lived in America - Land of the Free & Opportunity... EQUAL Opportunity!
- so here's the article that ticked me off...


From Samantha Hayes
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Polls show that Americans overwhelmingly approve of Sen. Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, but will the founding fathers veto this popular addition to Barack Obama's "team of rivals"?President-elect Barack Obama named Sen. Hillary Clinton as his choice for secretary of state Monday.Yes, according to one conservative interpretation of the Constitution.Article 1, Section 6 of the Constitution says the following: "No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time."

Translation: A lawmaker cannot fill a position if the salary for that position has been raised during that lawmaker's term in office.

In January, President Bush signed an executive order increasing the salary for the secretary of state and other Cabinet positions by $4,700. Hillary Clinton has been in the Senate since January 2001.Case closed, says the conservative advocacy group Judicial Watch.

"There's no getting around the Constitution's ineligibility clause, so Hillary Clinton is prohibited from serving in the Cabinet until at least 2013, when her current term expires," Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement.

"No public official who has taken the oath to support and defend the Constitution should support this appointment."

Not so fast, most legal scholars say.

In the past, lawmakers have found a way around the clause, with Congress changing the salary of the office in question back to what it originally was.

It happened when Ohio Sen. William Saxbe was named President Nixon's attorney general in 1974 and again when Texas Sen. Lloyd Bentsen became President Clinton's Treasury secretary in 1993.

"There are many ways around this problem," CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin noted. "One is for Congress to vote a lower salary. Another way is for Hillary Clinton simply to accept a lower salary. Another way is simply to ignore the problem on the idea that no one has the right, has the standing, to sue to stop her from being secretary of state. Watch: Analysts weigh in on Clinton pick »"This is not going to be an impediment to her being secretary of state,"

Toobin argued.One Clinton aide said that both Clinton and Obama were aware of the issue when he announced her as his choice for secretary of state. And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office said congressional Democrats are moving forward with a measure similar to what has been done before.Judicial Watch takes issue with the precedent.

"We think it's inadequate," Fitton said. "You can't amend the Constitution through legislation like that. ... The Constitution doesn't have any caveats. It's plain as day."Fitton pointed to what President Reagan did when facing a similar situation."Ronald Reagan took a look at this clause and decided against appointing Orrin Hatch, who was a senator and still is, to the Supreme Court," he noted.

your constant companion,

~deirdra

Good Day!!!

- today is a Good Day!!!

-- Thank God!

- i have decided that after all i have been through recently... that it is still better to love than put that proverbial wall up again... for fear of getting hurt... this is so, cliche, however, out of every bad - does come good... i'm a work in progress and i thank God for allowing me to see that & use that to propel me forward... forward to the Greatness HE desires in me...

- i came across this in my email - it's from Joel Osteen - it touched me & reminded that we are ALL fragile & desire that love and understanding... no matter how hard we hide it behind our masks... because as my dear, dear friend Betsey (may she rest in peace) used to say: Dee-Dee, DENIAL is not just a river in Egypt... so here are the words that touched me today:

“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:12, NLT).

- Most people have photos in their home of treasured times as a family or with friends. You probably enjoy showing those photos to others and sharing those special moments. But have you ever thought about having a picture of God in your house? It may not be in a frame on the shelf, but this scripture tells us that when we love others we are creating a picture of God. We are showing others what He looks like because God is love.

- God wants us to know Him. He wants to reveal Himself in and through us. He wants us to display His love and share it with others. First Corinthians 13 tells us what love looks like—it’s patient, kind, gentle, and so much more. You are never more like God than when you are loving others. Love never fails. Always remember, the greatest thing you could ever have or do is love. Everything else will fade away, but His love is a picture that will last forever!


your constant companion,

~deirdra

Separation...

- just a little of what i'm feeling at this moment... tonight...

it's not mine...


Separation

Your absence has gone through me.
Like thread through a needle.
Everything I do is stitched with its color.

~William S. Merwin


i'm missing what i became accustomed to... i'm missing the company, the words, and the attention of the one who captured my heart & thoughts... ayyy...

each day is easier for me, however, at times like this, times like when i'm done with my day & my thoughts aren't clouded or occupied by others - times like this when i have time on my hands to think of... what could've been... it's times like these that i miss him... the most...

that's all...

your constant companion,

~deirdra

One Day At A Time...

- early in the day - i became that lioness that retreats to her cave (when she needs to think & process things) i didn't say surrender - because in the evening i emerged feeling alot better... thank God!!! it's only been one day, however, i do believe that time heals all... as cliche as that may sound... i'm feeling good... one day at a time is all i can hope for... ;)

- i can't blame him... i can only look to myself... things that have occurred are because i have allowed it... yes, i allowed them...because i was hopeful, hopeful that this was it, hopeful that we could grow and move forward.... however, if you're reading this then you know that wasn't the case... it's all good, though... out of all bad - comes good ---- i know that "this too shall pass"

- i'm grateful to have shared the 'good times' --- i guess some things must come to an end...

- now it's time for ME!

- time for me to really focus on what's important & achieve those goals... time to love Deirdra so that i may be a better person, a better mommy & a better friend... ;)

- i'm thankful for my buddies out there who constantly remind me of what i have to offer & that there's always tomorrow...

- i'm grateful for new opportunities... to Shine!

your constant companion,

~deirdra

What a blow to my heart...

- tonight, something disturbing happened... i became totally aware that people don't really care when they have hurt someone... i have learned that most people are selfish, self centered, self absorbed and just plain mean sometimes... :'( now, i know you're probably thinking, "no, this is not true, Deirdra"... however, i'm not buying it... i have bought it for way too long now... i have justified and justified and convinced myself otherwise, however, to no avail... i lost !!!

- tonight, my heart has been broken... u know, for a long time - i built a wall around me - i felt protected... like nothing could penetrate it - like i would be safe... and then i met someone and i decided to open up - to take a chance on this wonderful emotion - called, "love" ---- it felt great... i thought, "wow, this is so wonderful, i was missing out"........... but i quickly learned that the heart is the biggest deceiver... i was so blinded... i wanted to believe so bad - so bad i could taste it... you know what i mean? some of my friends would say that i am ruled by my heart - but, i always thought - isn't that what people really want... deep down inside... don't they want someone to love them & accept them for who they are,,, who wants to be be with someone who is always negative or complaining or crabby all of the time... or even judgmental? Right? i thought that if i let my "wall" down & it came crashing down on me tonite - i thought that if i did that - that i would find what my heart was searching for...

- i'm totally vulnerable right now... a place i'm not too comfortable with... but, hey maybe there is someone out there that needs to read this and know that they are not alone... and you know what, amidst this merciless pain i'm feeling - i still believe deep down that "love, is where it's at" does that make me stupid, or silly? i don't know - what i do know is that it's what My Lord promises for me... i can't see it right now - however, i have to hold onto that faith - that i will encounter that "one" for me...

- geez, my heart is split in two ... and i can no longer wear this mask anymore... i have to let it be known...

your constant companion,

~deirdra

Endurance,,,

The manner in which one endures what must be endured is more important than the thing that must be endured-Dean Acheson

I know so many folks who come apart when they are confronted with adversity. First, they chastise themselves for not living up to what must be endured; then they blame others for "getting in the way" of their problem solving; and before long the entire situation has escalated beyond its original importance.

That reaction is, of course, merely another form of subterfuge. All of us are masters of "diverting" the issue. But it's not just grace under fire that we need to learn. We need to understand what is worth noting as a correctable error and what is worth calling 911 to fix.

First-time Buyer Tax Credit: REALTOR® Magazine

First-time Buyer Tax Credit: REALTOR® Magazine

Debates...

- I have to say.... I'm neither Democrat or Republican... however, I'm feeling Barack right about now...

- I don't really feel connected to either, however, myself, like many other people feel that we just cannot afford another, 4, 8, or 16 years of Bush Bullshit!

- What does Change look like??? Well, I do know one thing - Change brings Adversity! That's why all these Republicans are up in arms - they don't agree with Change... I can only hope and pray that this Change that Obama is promising will catapult us towards (dare I say) greatness in all areas...

- It is my duty as a Christian to pray for our leader - whomever that may be - all I can do is pray... that all things... "work together for good"

मिराक्लेस थ्रौघ अद्वेर्सिटी...

I really needed to read this today! God is always on time & I wanted to share this... It's difficult at times - & sometimes I want to run in the opposite direction, however, after reading this - I have been reminded - that, once again, there's purpose in the pain.
May you be blessed - as I have been thru this reading.
~d
Seeing a Greater Purpose in AdversityReferences:-->Acts 16:28But Paul shouted,"Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
Paul and Silas had just been thrown into prison। An earthquake erupted and the jail cell was opened. It's Paul and Silas' opportunity. "Deliverance! Praise God!" might be the appropriate response. But this is not what Paul and Silas did. In fact, rather than leave, they sat quietly in their cell area. The guard, in fear of his life, knew that it would be automatic death if prisoners escaped. Paul and Silas did not leave because they saw a higher purpose for which they were in prison. They were not looking at their circumstance; they were much more concerned about the unsaved guard. The story goes on to explain how Paul and Silas went home with the guard and his family. Not only did the guard get saved, but his entire household as well.What a lesson this is for us. How often we are so busy looking for deliverance from our circumstance that we miss God completely. God is looking to do miracles in our circumstances if we will only look for them. Sometimes as businesspeople we become so obsessed with our goals we miss the process that God involves us in, which may be where the miracle lies. What if that bill collector who has been hounding you is unsaved and he is there for you to speak to? What if a problem account has arisen due to something God is doing beyond what you might see at this time? Our adverse situations can often be the door of spiritual opportunity for those who need it.I saw this personally when God allowed me to go through a number of adversities. It took some time, but I saw some great miracles as a result of those adversities. When God said that "all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purposes" (see Rom. 8:28), He meant all things. It is up to us to find the "work together for good" part by being faithful to the process. In the next adversity you face, tune your spiritual antennae and ask God for discernment to see the real purpose for the adversity.

This is the light of my Life!!! Everyday I look at him in amazement - amazement that God has blessed me with such wonderful, kind hearted individual! I LOVE YOU LULU!!!

Get Top Price for Your Home By Decorating It to Sell...

Real Estate Corner

Get Top Price for Your Home By Decorating It to Sell
From Coral Nafie

- Set the Stage for a Quick Sale - The process of showing and selling your home can go much more smoothly if you get everything ready. Find out how to get your home ready to impress buyers for the best offers and the top price for your home. Preparing your home for sale is a bit like designing a stage for a play. Everything is in just the right place, perfectly arranged, and comfortably set.

- There are television shows like Designed to Sell focused exclusively on, not decorating a home, but getting an otherwise drab, cluttered, boring house ready for a quick and profitable sale. Homes that are properly prepared sell faster and at a higher price than similar, unprepared homes.

- The professional organizaton, Staged Homes trains real estate professionals and other interested individuals in the art of "Home Staging" and issues a certificate as an "Accredited Staging Professional ™." Just what do "Home Stagers" do and how can their theory help you sell your home? Get out the cleaning supplies, boxes, and get ready to sell your home fast! You'll love how easy it is to transform a languishing, slow-moving home into a quick sale with just a bit of elbow grease and an eye for beauty.

- You may be lucky and just need to do some long-neglected simple home repairs, get rid of clutter and add fresh flowers. Or you might have to repaint or recarpet your home to give it a fresh look. If you're handy, you'll be able to do most things yourself. But you may need to hire a plumber to install a new faucet in the kitchen or other professional to replace outdated light fixtures or window treatments.

- You need to keep in mind that you're not going to make the changes to live in your home. Your only goal is to show your home at its very best to potential buyers. Without being distracted by clutter and dirt, they'll be able to picture themselves in the home you're trying to sell. They will find it hard to resist making an offer. If you're skeptical about the benefits of going to all this work or doubt that it will make any difference in selling your home, put yourself in the place of a home buyer.

- Have you ever toured through a development of model homes? The paint is fresh, appliances are shiny, there is artwork arranged around the house, and fresh flowers stand on the kitchen counter. Mirrors are sparkling, towels fresh, and there are no toys on the floor. The rooms look spacious and the furniture comfortable. For the complete article visit the link below:
http://interiordec.about.com/od/moving/a/a_homestaging.htm

Room-by-Room Safety Tips

Bathroom
1. Keep space heaters, radios, and other electrical products away from bathtubs and sinks.
2. Keep medications, cleaning products, and other poisons away from children and pets.
3. Make sure that you have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets installed in the bathroom as well as in the kitchen, laundry room and workshop.

Kitchen
1. Store all portable and small appliances and their cords out of the reach of children and always keep them a safe distance away from the sink.
2. Keep all portable and countertop appliances unplugged when not in use.
3. Never use or attempt to repair a damaged appliance; always consult a qualified technician.
4. Every home should have working, UL Listed smoke detectors and fully charged UL Listed fire extinguishers strategically placed in the kitchen, garage, and workshop.

Nursery/Bedrooms
1. Install UL Listed smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms outside every sleeping area and near fuel-burning appliances.
2. Place halogen torchiere lamps in locations where they cannot be tipped over by children, pets, or a strong draft from an open window. Do not allow curtains or other combustible materials to come in contact with torchiere lamps at any time.
3. Use a tape measure or ruler and look for strangulation hazards and areas where an infant can become trapped. There should be no more than 2 3/8 inches between crib slats, corner posts should not extend more than 1/16 of an inch above the end panels (unless the corner posts extend at least 16 inches high for a canopy), and headboards and footboards should not contain cutout areas.

Family/Living Room
1. Use outlet plug covers to prevent children from inserting objects into outlets.
2. Never run an electrical cord under a rug or carpet, or drape it over a hot surface such as a radiator or space heater.
3. Make sure that all portable lamps and fixtures are equipped with light bulbs of equal or lesser wattage than that recommended by the lamp or fixture manufacturer.
4. Unplug all extension cords when not in use and never use an extension cord that is cut or damaged.

http://www.ul.com/consumers/home.html

~deirdra