Historic Protests Against Scott Walker's Agenda

This has been a big week in Madison, WI. Big enough to get Sandy and I back on the blogging horse. Recently elected governor Scott Walker has made a big splash in his short time. Wisconsin is facing a challenging deficit and Walker has proposed sweeping changes to the way public employees are compensated in this state as part of his solution. Sandy and I went out to the site of the protest at the capitol yesterday. The movement has been growing for a week and there were over 60,000 people there on Saturday based on CNN estimates.

I'm going to spend a paragraph on personal opinion and then get to some images and video of the ongoing event. My family has deep roots in Wisconsin. I'm proud of the fact that my grandparents farmed the land here and worked on the highway system. I'm proud of my mother's work in the school districts and my father's work in the private sector of Janesville. This state has a great history of progressive values thanks to leaders like LaFollette and Feingold. I was raised to believe that Wisconsin was special in that it cared a little more about education and the well-being of its community. I don't accept Walker's bill as anything other than an assault on the institutions he doesn't like in this state. Sure, I understand why labor unions are unpopular. Sandy and I would both like their benefits. We need to sacrifice somewhere, but I think there is lower hanging fruit than our public employee's right to organize. For example, Wisconsin corporations currently owe 1.2 billion in unpaid taxes. Mmm hmm. One other note: In a particularly cynical move on his administration's part, the police and firefighter unions were spared from the bill because they are seen as a Republican stronghold. It was inspiring to see that those unions were out protesting with their fellow public workers regardless of the bribe.

Alright so two paragraphs... One protester had a great sign that read, "A 3% increase in taxes on the rich is called socialism, but reducing middle class wages by 15% is called 'doing our part'." That's acurate and disgusting. For a further sickening feeling, check this out. Our leaders do a good job taking our eye of the ball and setting worker against worker. That's what I saw out there yesterday. No one showed up in their Bentley to protest public employees' right to organize.

I've said too much and can feel my collar heating up. Let's get to the images. They are impressive, but can't capture the power of the event as you're out there. It was emotional for both Sandy and me. Thankfully it was also very peaceful, even after the Tea Party showed up to express their views. Let's hope that continues.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! We decided not to travel this year and hosted a small dinner at our place. We ate with friends Lauren and Yesenia, and Yesenia's daughter Azucana, and had a few other friends in and out all day.

Although it's hard to be away from the fam on Thanksgiving, Thursday wasn't a day entirely without family. We spent the morning with Gram, who is doing great. Doug was close in Chicago, and he and I were able to bond over cooking for a group of friends. Plus, Matt and I were able to speak with all of our loved ones on the phone.

Friday night, we went to Matt's Aunt Laurie and Uncle Greg's home in Middleton. I met some of Matt's extended family who he hadn't seen in a while either. It was a great great weekend.

Friends and Family Bout

The big day arrived: the first public bout for the 2008 rookies and Little Bo Bleep! Last night, the Mad Rollin Dolls played a round robin expo bout and I have to say we held our own. We beat the RD's rivals (the Quad Squad) and of all the teams, we had the tightest game with the Unholy Rollers (the team to beat this year). I was paired up against some amazing vets and, well, didn't fall down...maybe even made them a little nervous.

Thanks to Matt, my workies, friends and family who came out to cheer us on, and to everyone who called to wish me luck. I really appreciated it! I've been in a funk this week about my own level of play, but I think last night changed that. We have two months until we go head to head again with the other Madison teams, and by then we should be unstoppable.

P.S., Here's a great video that helps explain the basic rules of roller derby. Enjoy!

Happy Autumn!

A week after the first snow flurries, we've come with wish you a Happy Autumn!

Don't forget to vote!!

Love, Sandy and Matt

Trip to Chicago

Let me first tell you how happy I am that my brother Doug lives 1) live so close and 2) it's on the North Side of Chicago. If I had to drive through any part of Chicago, I'd never go to see him. N-E-V-E-R.

Anyway, last Friday I took a "Mental Health Day" and headed down to Chicago for a quick trip to visit Doug. It was great. We walked around the city for the entire day: The Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, shopping, and we ended the visit going out with Doug's new friends (he's a fast moving social butterfly). My camera died just after the Lincoln Park Zoo, but enjoy the animal pictures:

I was hoping to have the day to myself to tinker around the house, but now I believe it was better spent with him. We had a great time together and I hope to get back soon.

Exciting Thing #3: Our Anniversary

I can hardly believe that a year ago this month we were all together celebrating the beginning of mine and Matt's marriage. Thank you to all of our well wishers, and to everyone who shared in our wedding day and every day ever since.

Matt and I are so lucky to have one another. With all we have been able to celebrate in just our first year of marriage, we look forward to the many many good times still ahead of us. I couldn't imagine having more fun, being more in sync, or more in love with anyone else.

Exciting Thing #2: Roller Derby

Little Bo Bleep is in the house!!! Friday, September 26th brought double the fun: Not only did we buy a house, but it was also the day of the Draft Party for the Mad Rollin Dolls. I was so happy to learn that I had made it (whew!), and I was doubly happy when I was drafted by my favorite team: The Reservoir Dolls! There will be much more to come on this great team, and roller derby in general, very soon.

I was sad to see some of the women I had tried out with go to competing teams; we spurred each other on all summer long and each improved so much. This was the first time I had ever done anything like this and really surprised myself. I'm very proud of my fellow draftees...it's going to be an incredible year for MRD.

Why Matt is Great, Reason #2,840,736: My habits, schedule and life have been turned upside-down by derby. I'm so excited about it, but I certainly can not do it without his enthusiasm and support. Even when I feel like all I'm doing is running out the door for the next practice or event all the time, he's cheering me on.