Garden Update

Just thought I'd post an update about my garden. I've really enjoyed watching things grow, even though mostly they aren't big enough to eat yet. Below is the biggest cuke I have-there are tons of smaller ones like the one on the right side of the picture too. I'm thinking about trying to make my own pickles.

The beans are climbing like crazy-they are as tall as the fence, and look like they still want to keep going! They have started to flower too.

The peas are also blooming. They are not quite as tall as the beans, but still growing.

I have tons of Roma tomatoes. Hopefully between Chad and my roommates they'll all get eaten. If not, maybe I'll set up a roadside stand!
So there's the update. I have lots of other things growing, I'm sure I'll put up pictures of them soon too!

Garden

I just wanted to post some pictures of my garden-things are starting to get big enough to be recognizable, and I'm pretty pleased with how things are coming along. I'm a bit worried about the impending heat-not too sure what it will do to my plants, but as this is my first real attempt at gardening in Texas, I'll take things as they come. I had some lettuce on a hamburger tonight, and it was great to eat something I've grown!

The dangers of reading

I just finished reading a book. While the book itself was not really significant or notable, some of the ideas in it made me think, especially in my current situation (and the situation of the country). Specifically, there is an instance in which the Mother Confessor (who is kind of the queen of queens-she keeps the peace between nations of various sizes-especially important for the protection of small nations) is being criticized by those who live in her city (specifically the members of her council and a group called the Imperial Order that is trying to take over the lands between which the Mother Confessor keeps peace). The leaders of the Imperial Order criticize the Mother Confessor in a public trial. She is holding out on her people, they say. She has plenty of gold in her vaults, and will not give it away, in spite of the fact that there are some people unable to feed their families. The Imperial Order says they will give every family one gold coin every week so they can afford to feed their families. Here comes the part that hit home for me: the Mother Confessor thinks about how much gold is in the vaults. She figures what is there will last for about six months before there is none left. By that time, people will be dependent on the government-they believe they will have their meals paid for indefinitely, so they will stop planting their crops and working in order to put food on the table. When that time comes, it will be too late to plant for the coming season, and many more will starve because of a lack of food.

There is a difficult balance in play here-people need to work for what they have, or they forget how to work, and start expecting to receive something for nothing. When the people are not made to work, the government gains instant favor in their eyes-they are getting something for nothing in the moment. Too many forget to think about what will happen down the road-the long term consequences of their action. My generation gives little thought to the future. While I don't like the thought of people starving (at all), I believe a good leader understands the necessity of making some uncomfortable for the betterment of all down the road.

Just some thoughts I've had lately. I'd love to know what everyone thinks.

Already?

The president has been in office for about two months, yet things like this are already popping up? (yes, I realize that some of these things were said before the inauguration) Makes me worried about what else is coming. I've never been the type to pay much attention to politics, but as I've changed my ways over the past several months, I find myself more and more worried about where the US is headed. If you don't pay attention, start. Write your representatives (if you don't know who they are, you can find them here using your zip code) and let them know what you think about current policies, and the things that are happening-America is changing, and if you're worried like I am, let your voice be heard!

Kissing Ban

Just thought this was funny...

Copying Amy

So, my friend Amy did this, and I thought it was cute, so I did it. Even though I just posted something, I'm posting this too.

The rules are, adding your name, google "[your name] needs", and type out the first ten results-I'm adding the caveat that I'm skipping the repeats. So here are mine;

1. I don't think Janelle needs to be rescued and all and I agree they need to stop doing the appearances for a while, if they want things to die down for a while.

2. Janelle needs to win.

3. Janelle needs your help.

4. Janelle needs a liiiifffeee! (yes, that's how it was spelled.)

5. Janelle needs Will's undivided attention. (I'd like to know who Will is...

6. Janelle needs to win already BB6.

7. Janelle needs healing.

8. Janelle needs to take one for the team.

9. Janelle needs a nice long weave all the other chicks are wearing then you idiots would love her.

10. Janelle needs carriage driving.

So there you have it...I got a laugh:)

Seriously?

My roommate mentioned seeing these in the mall. I'm just wondering how they will really go over-will pubs and restaurants really allow this? Do the people who are marketing them really believe that they are not harmful? Has nicotine really been proven harmless? I'm just curious.