As the Government Turns

The Federal government is on the verge of shutting down! Will they or won’t they? The State of Texas is close to causing thousands of teachers to lose their jobs while throwing the elderly out of nursing homes. Cities across the nation are at war with their employees and trying to figure out how to […]

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The Budget Texans Want

The State House passed their version of the State budget late Sunday night. According to the Republican majority, it is the budget that Texans want and sent them to Austin to support. Governor Perry is lauding the budget as passed. Of course, this is all a bunch of rhetoric. Everyone, including the Republican leadership, believes […]

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Exempt Me, Please

Today, the Houston City Council moves the discussion of drainage and street improvements to the next step. Voters approved the Rebuild Houston referendum last November, in general terms. However, in policymaking, the devil is always in the details. Initially, the fees were to apply to all properties within the Houston City limits. During the campaign, […]

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Happy Birthday to Me!

Today’s my birthday and I’m now 52 years old! Due to a serious health scare in my late 20’s, I value every year. I’m not shy about my age and am grateful for each day that I’m blessed to be alive. This year, I have 3 special birthday wishes. 1. I would like to see […]

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Governor, Governor Where For Art Thou?

The Texas Legislature is deeply immersed in a struggle to balance the state’s budget with less revenue and more demand. They are spending hours poring over departmental expenditures and determining how they can “cut the fat” and still meet basic needs. There are no sacred cows this Legislative Session. Education, higher education, the arts, DPS, […]

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The Kid’s 10th Birthday

Today, my son turns 10! What a ride we have been on since we first heard he would be joining our lives. At the ripe age of 41, I learned that pregnancy is a great time to begin adjusting to the changes that are coming to your life. And, what a change!!!! The minute I […]

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Slainte Happy St. Patrick’s Day! This Irish soul treasures the true meaning of the day. It is truly an appreciation for the Saint that brought Christianity to Ireland by blending in with the Celtic traditions that existed at the time. Of course, we Americans love any excuse to party so we have turned the celebration […]

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Japan on My Mind

My son is turning 10 this week and, as such, is truly beginning to recognize more about the world around him. He is slowly becoming aware of the fact that there is a universe beyond his realm of home, school, church and friends. This caused him to ask one of those questions that make parents […]

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Welcome J & K

The City Council voted this week to add two new Council Districts to their elite group of 14. We will now have 16 people representing a population of 2.1 million, give or take. I had to miss the actual debate this week as I was traveling on business in Chicago. As a local government junkie, […]

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