YOU DID WHAT TO YOUR KIDS

You threw your daughter out at the age of 16 cause she annoyed you. You have another daughter out on her own trying to make a life for herself and you demand money from her to pay your bills, You browbeat your son who just graduated from high school. What the hell kind of mother are you? It's not easy for anyone to get a job these days. You should be proud of the 16 year old who, despite no help from you, has a nice apartment and supports herself, or your other daughter that obviously does well enough to pay her bills and yours. Your kids feel that you don't respect them. While I feel respect is earned and not freely given, they are your kids. You brought them into this world and one of these days your going to regret your selfish actions.

PORTLAND POLICE UNION REJECTS PLANS FOR DRUG TESTS

The union representing Portland's Police department is saying no deal to a proposal that would require random drug testing of police officers. Apparently the lawyer for the policemen said that this policy would violate officers protection from unreasonable search and seizures. WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD Portland policemen. You are not above the law that applies to everyone else. Almost all jobs here require drug testing. I feel that violates my right. What, if anything, I do on my own time is none of my bosses business, however the law sees fit to justify this invasion if you wish to get a job. So suck it up Portland cops. You're just like one of us "common folk", follow the law you seek to enforce.

PREGNANT AND TASERED.....SAY WHAT

A three judge panel of the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals has agreed to reconsider the case of a pregnant woman who was stun-gunned by a Seattle policemen when she refused to sign a traffic ticket. The policemen said it was justified. Uh exxxxcccuuuuussee me. You must be joking right. The police over use of tasers is getting out of hand. Did you even think Mr. Seattle policeman, that by tasering the mother you tasered the child within as well. Did you feel this pregnant woman was so much of a threat to you that you felt the need to taser her? One of the panel members called the decision that the police was justified "off the wall" and said "the woman posed no threat what so ever." What the hell is the matter with the justice system? Do we need to worry about being tased just for the hell of it? Is this force really necessary against a pregnant woman, an Asian student? I understand the need to apprehend dangerous criminals and to subdue them for your safety however there should be a modicum of common sense here.

HOW I COPE

My dear friend Tom asked me how I cope with everyday stress. Laughter is a big part of easing my tension. Gardening takes me to a place of magical creation. I am now embarking on a renewed venture, thanks to Erin. She has given me all new paints and an easel so that I may resume my painting. I love creating new things, be it by putting random objects together to make something totally different or creating new gardens in my yard, of which i have 5 different ones. Each with a different theme. Ideas come to me in different ways, shape or forms. When I am in the midst of creating something new I feel energized and content. That goes for my music as well. Nothing better than chillin at home and listening to jazz and all the candles lit. With a cocktail of course-lol. Heaven. My ultimate chill out and what restores my sanity is always trips to the coast for a few days. There is nothing like the sound and smell of the ocean. How can one resist the relaxing sight of the waves rolling and crashing. I hope this answers your questions Tom.