American made

I read this on Faceplace today (Facebook for all you non Kathy Griffin fans) and thought it was a wonderful idea. Now, I'm not anti-Chinese in any way (well except when it comes to scooters) however it is time people actually take an interest in their own community. I have a small sewing business and no, I can't make you a cashmere scarf for under $20 but the extra money you might spend on one from me goes right back into your own community. See I really believe that it isn't up to the government to fix our economy, it is up to us. I know we don't have the power to fix it nation wide, however we can do it one community at a time. Our community, our city, our state...its up to us. Let me know if you decide to take the challenge.

side note: I've changed the title to Holidays 2011 because, as many of you know, I believe in a complete holiday season.

Holidays 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- ... merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Our kitten is trying to kill me...

In May we adopted a sweet little kitten who had been abandoned by her mother. We named her Rachel (goes well with our dogs names, Kevin and Megan) and she was perfect. Tiny little thing that fit in the palm of your hand. She loved cuddles, kisses and adored us. Then, just like children, she grew up a bit and turned into a teenager.

I read somewhere that during their development, indoor cats will hit a stage where they forget they are indoor cats. Somewhere in the back of their brain a small switch flips and their ancestor instincts kick in for a while. The "Tiger" switch. We are hunted, stalked, tasted, and attacked on a daily basis. She waits quietly around corners for someone to walk by so she can use all her claws to run up your leg and bite your 'hind quarters'. I hadn't thought much of it until yesterday. After one of these attacks, my daughter yelled out "I'm NOT a Zebra!". The cat was hanging off her backside just like a lion or tiger would attack a zebra in the wild. Another example: About a week ago, I was sleeping (as it was about 3am) and I woke to a strange feeling on my face. The cat was licking my cheek. I reached up to move her and she bit me and ran away. I rolled over and about 2 seconds later she jumped up on the bed and looked at me. I could almost read her thoughts..."If I were 50 lbs heavier, I'd kill you in your sleep."

The dogs. The poor poor dogs. I'm hoping Kevin survives this stage. He is a smaller terrier and is very timid. We got him from a shelter and he has never really gotten out of the sad shelter dog mentality. He is Rachel's favorite toy. He often will be sound asleep when suddenly he has a black and white cat perched on his back, chewing on his face. He literally runs and hides from her on a daily basis, shaking in fear that the "Tiger" will get him.

We love her, adore her, but if I get one more scratch mark anywhere on my body Rachel may experience what a mama tiger can do. Grrr...