Pure, Unadulterated Joy

A Home for the Holidays - whole lotta love going on; then the Healthcare bummer

By Joy A. Kennelly

A Home for the Holidays is one show I have always skipped every year it comes on TV on because of my own adoption (almost wrote "open" adoption, but since the adoptive parents aren't really honoring it...).

Decided to give the show a whirl this year and I'm glad I have. It's filled with so much love and hope I really enjoyed it. Plus, the music was great. I remember when it first came on the air I had pitched my own adoption story because back then I was so happy with everything since the adoption had just happened.

Glad the producers didn't have me participate back then because I would hate to have something like that following me around now. That said, I think this was a very sweet show. I hope all the children and teen-agers get adopted.

If you go to Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, you will find all the details on the show, and how to adopt or foster a child if you have room and love to share as a foster parent. Wish I did - have the room and the resources to do so. I love kids and may have to consider it more seriously once I find a full-time job.:)

Years back I did publicity for a foster care organization called A Home Within which taught me a lot about this topic.  A Home Within "seeks to heal the chronic loss experienced by foster children by providing lasting and caring relationships to current and former foster youth.

We connect foster youth with volunteer therapists through our Local Chapters in communities across the country. We improve the lives of foster youth through direct services, professional training, public awareness, and advocacy.

A Home Within is the only national nonprofit organization focused exclusively on the emotional needs of foster children and youth. You can make a difference by volunteering, donating, or referring a child to our programs.

Need more information? Contact us."

I hope you do contact them if you're a counselor wanting to make a difference in a child's life, a foster parent seeking help with your foster child or children, and/or a media outlet looking for an interesting, heart-warming organization to feature at this time of year, or simply a potential volunteer. They have chapters all over the U.S. and help is always needed.

Now onto another topic that is taking up a lot of news time - the Healthcare debacle. Yahoo had posted comparisons between the House and the Senate bills which you can read here, but I haven't bothered because I'm still so disgusted at Chicago-style politics I could puke.

I hope you have been writing and calling your "representatives" since they need to know your real feelings - although they're not listening. Still wondering where the Constitution and We the People is in all this.

Here's a great web site I just learned about called GradeGov.com - you get to grade your representative! "They work for you - remind them." is their slogan.

Isn't that great?

I'm giving Jane Harmon, Dianne Feinstein, and Ms. "Call Me Senator" an "F" on listening to their constituents, an "F" on following the Constitution, and an "F" on doing the right thing for the American people.

What I enjoyed hearing recently is that in ten states numerous Attorney Generals are considering suing since the Government run healthcare (Obamacare) is unconstitutional. 

McMaster, 7 others to probe health care bill

By LEROY CHAPMAN JR. - lchapman@thestate.com

"South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster and top lawyers from seven other states said Tuesday they are looking into whether the federal health care reform bill is unconstitutional.

The move comes a day after U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint, both South Carolina Republicans, asked McMaster, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor, to look into whether a no-cost Medicaid deal given to Nebraska is legal.

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, a Nebraska Democrat, got a concession that will give his state a 100 percent federal reimbursement for Nebraska's Medicaid spending. The federal government will reimburse other states at 91 percent under the proposed bill."

Click here for the rest of the article in case you're still unaware of what a major bribe Nebraska took to vote for this damn bill. And you will be paying for it too with increased taxes whereas they are exempt. Don't believe me? Read the article.

As I heard on TV the other night, "Just because it's historic, doesn't mean it's right."

There are also states planning to nullify whatever is created in DC because that is also our right as Americans. Gotta love the Constitution's checks and balances. If only CA had smarter leaders we would do the same, but it will never happen until we get them out of office which I am going to do everything in my power to make a reality.

I, and others, can only pray for God to intervene in this devious, horrible debacle being voted on at 7am in the morning. It's in His hands now.

Now to get back to baking and wrapping.

Christmas gift ideas for military serving our country - short notice I know.

By Joy A. Kennelly

To get back in the Christmas spirit, here is information on how to bless some military personnel serving our country overseas. I just found this list again and it's been a few years since I did this. I thought it's time to share this information with you all to bless them and get back into the love mode.

This is very late and your gifts if sent now probably won't reach them in time. However, in my family we often celebrated Christmas whenever it was convenient for all of us to get together and the presents were still appreciated!:) I'm sure they will appreciate whatever you send, whenever you send them.

I'm not sure if these people are even still serving since I was given the information from a group I no longer belong to, but what's cool about sending stuff is that it's always shared among the entire group regardless. Maybe just send it to the group?

The only caution I would add is do not allow your children to address gifts because the last time I sent gifts in my neice's name a soldier had the nerve to contact them and request money which I found greedy and disconcerting.

That's why I wasn't so eager to do it again the following year, but maybe that soldier has learned her lesson and will just be grateful for the physical gifts sent this year.

One can only hope.

Send away! Here's the mailing address and the contact person:

CPT Rick Landgraf HHC / 319th MI BN
Camp Slayer
APO AE 09342

Plz send out the address to whoever you would like. Some good items to send to myself and my Soldiers include:

Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Fly Strips
Tissues
Dental Floss
Deodorant
Candy
Gum
Granola Bars
Beef Jerky
Bug Spray
Skin Lotion
Athletes Foot medicine
Tylenol
Advil
Lip Balm

Below are some Soldiers in my unit that do not get things sent to them too much. Their address is the same as e Captain's (you just need to swap out the name -  I bolded the ones I gifted last time. I think I'll choose others this time.lol)

PFC Sara Gutierrez (Female)
SPC Robert Still (male)
PFC Jimmy Richards (male)
PFC Jason Harris (male)
PFC Kevin Cabrera (male)
PFC Lewis Green (male)
PFC Shatoni Royal (female)
PFC Ariel Montesino (male)
SPC Malcalisha Jefferson (female)
PFC Tomika Wallace (female)

The above listed Soldiers are either single or their families do not have a lot of money. Anything that is sent would be greatly appreciated.

Rick Landgraf
CPT, MI
319th MI BN
Fort Bragg, NC, 28310-5000

That's all folks. Enjoy your week.

Merry Christmas!

Anger against Obamacare & the lack of transparency, bribes, and other BS to pass it

By Joy A. Kennelly

I've tried real hard not to be political on this blog, but Obamacare passing in the wee hours of the morning is total BS. Where's the transparency now President Obama?

And the fact that the White House receptionist hangs up on you when you call and wouldn't allow me and you, the American Citizens they are beholden to and supposedly work for, to leave a message for my representatives - Jane Harmon, Dianne Feinstein and Ms. "call me Senator," whatshername is infuriating.

I'm embarrassed I even went to O's inauguration and thought it might be Ok with him in office. Whatever happened to "We the People"? The Constitution? That's all I want to know. I'm so disgusted with this travesty of justice, the bribery "Louisiana Deal" and more bribery "Corn Husker Deal" involved.

Health Care Bill clearing.

Sickening. Despicable. Total Travesty.

Exactly as the Wall Street Journal says:Change Nobody Believes In  "A bill so reckless that it has to be rammed through on a partisan vote on Christmas eve."

And people who think nothing is wrong with this passing are going to be in for a shock when their health costs go through the roof, health care is rationed, Medicare is deeply cut, they are fined for not having insurance, our national debt continues to go through the roof, taxes are increased ($518 billion), a bailout for insurance companies, and everything else this means.

Millions of people will STILL be uninsured too!

And the benefit for all this doesn't even kick in until four years after it takes affect. Hello? What is wrong with this picture? Like anything else the government is responsible for running is successful.

Really????? Really?????

Post Office, DMV, Amtrak anyone? I'm just furious. We are totally and royally screwed.

It's like everyone in Congress and the Senate looked at America and say F U. We will do whatever we want because we can. I feel like I'm living in a totalitarian country right now with dictators telling me how I will now live. 

Sorry, just had to vent because I don't have insurance and know this is going to affect me personally. And not for the good. I don't care what they say.  If you haven't figured it out yet, the Government lies.

Passing Obamacare this morning is so wrong on so many levels. Wake up America! You are losing your freedom and rights right under your noses. 57% of voters said it would be better to not pass it according to the Rasmussen Poll today. Why isn't DC listening?

I am so angry. I wrote the White House, my "representatives" Jane, Dianne and Ms. Call me Senator, and told them exactly how I felt. I encourage you to do the same. Click the links above. They need to hear from you.

I need to take up kick boxing again, start dancing or something active to get rid of this energy. Totally ruined my love buzz. Definitely not a Christmas present I asked Santa for this year.

God help us all. And God Bless America - we need it.

The only good thing to happen politically today is that Copenhagen was a total wash - no binding treaties and really nothing accomplished. Whew. Gotta love the snowstorm too. But the EPA regulating carbon dioxide... that's another story.

Advent Conspiracy - I'm in, are you? God's love personified.

By Joy A. Kennelly

I have been trying to apply the 7 Habits principles and establish a personal mission statement ever since taking Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course (click the link on his name for my professional blog explaining what it's all about and my personal story following those guidelines if you're unfamiliar.)

So, when I clicked on the video called Advent Conspiracy, I wasn't prepared for how I would react. Although I should have been. I just started crying because this video reflected exactly how I've been feeling about Christmas this year. All I want to do is spend time with people I love and care about.

Watch it and see how you respond before you compare yourself to me and my reaction.

I want my life to count. I want to share God's love with the people I come in contact with and deal with. I don't always succeed, but at least it's a goal. Working for a church is exposing me to people I would rarely come in contact with on a professional basis and it's been a humbling experience to be involved in loving them through their loneliness and pain, but also happy times too.

Now I have more reasons than ever to make volunteering and giving of myself more of a priority in 2010.

In any case, have to run, but just wanted to share this potentially life-changing video with you because it impacted me so deeply. Maybe it will you too. One can only pray.:)

And to really inspire you, here's some encouraging verses Pastor Jeff Perry taught on last night which also deeply impacted me because it just reminds me how much God loves me and you, especially at this time of year. We are not alone!

Romans 1: 38-39

³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And if you really want to be blessed, read the entire chapter of Romans 1.

Enjoy your day! I plan to! And remember, God loves you and so do I!:)

P.S. Just found this year's Advent Conspiracy video and wanted to make sure you saw that too.

#LA Fashion Week - Designer Kevan Hall topped 'em all! Rusnak Night of Luxury - Pt II

By Joy A. Kennelly

Finally have time and energy to continue sharing my experience at the Rusnak Night of Luxury event with Fashion Designer, Kevan Hall. I mean it when I say Kevan Hall topped 'em all during LA Fashion Week.

Here's the info I received from his publicist:

"A grand and opulent one-of-a-kind fashion show featuring the luxury collection of Spring 2010 evening and ready-to-wear by Renowned Designer Kevan Hall.
The setting: an 80 foot runway in the center of the grand plaza of Spartacus Square amidst the display and preview of the newest releases from luxury automakers Jaguar, Porsche and Rolls Royce! The Diamond Information Center provided beautiful diamonds to accompany all of Kevan Hall's looks. Hair by Alterna & Make-up by MAC.

2000 VIP Rusnak Guests attended this event hosted by Paul P Rusnak: Chairman & CEO Rusnak Auto Group His daughter, Liz Rusnak Arizmendi: Vice President Public Relations Rusnak Auto Group was the Event Creator & Director of Rusnak Reveals a Night Of Luxury At Universal Studios Backlot (she did an amazing job! And is so nice too. Here they both are sharing a moment with a guest.)

(Here Liz is wearing a Kevan Hall design. Stunning, eh?)

Children's Hospital Los Angeles received a $10,000 check from Rusnak Jaguar Pasadena and Jaguar North America as part of this special event for Rusnak's VIP clients."

Now do you see why I consider this such an amazing event? You can only imagine! You haven't even seen the fashion yet! What was interesting to me is that I'm sure many of these people have never been to a fashion show before and now have been permanently spoiled thinking that all fashion designers throw such over-the-top shows.

Only Kevan Hall baby. Only Kevan Hall.:)

After we all enjoyed the delicious buffets,
admired all the luxury vehicles on display throughout Universal Studios Backlot,
we began excitedly gathering around the runway for the grand finale - Kevan Hall's spring collection! Recognize this handsome man? He is John Salley. I met him in Corona Del Mar at an after-party of the horse races at La' Aberge a few months ago. He was nice enough to pretend he remembered me when I said hello.:)

Front row seat baby!

Everyone was really happy to be there - can you tell?:) Recognize our local news announcer Christine from FOX News at Ten? I can't remember her last name and can't find it online right now. She is very nice too. I had fun teasing these guys. I asked them if they were there for the cars or the fashion. They said in unison, "Both. You really can't have one without the other." (or words to that effect.) True dat!

This beautiful young girl is Kevan's daughter. Aren't they cute?    This handsome gentleman standing with Liz Rusnak - Arizmendi is A. John Vartanian, MD, one of the evening's many sponsors. Thank you for such a special evening everyone!  

Soon, the stage was set and we all sat there in eager anticipation for what we were sure was going to be an amazing event.

Thank you to Stefhan Gordon, my official Photographer of the night. Thank you too to my F/B friend, Vivien Killea, who provided close-up photographs from the evening by Photographer, Arun Nevader, who she was working with that night. Thanks everyone!

(When the pix are sharp and clear - it's my professional photographer friends.When the pix are photo journalistic in style- it's me! Sorry some of mine are a little hard to see - Santa, all I want for Christmas is a Rebel camera!)

Let me set the scene. We were all seated below the "stage" and it seemed like an endless stream of Kevan Hall's beautiful designs would never stop there were so many models coming one after another.

Now without further ado since you've all been so patient in no particular order...

 

 

 

Are these gowns stunning or what? Now for the professional shots to allow you to see the designs and gorgeous models up close and personal. First Arun's work, then Stefhan's because they have different perspectives.

  

If you can believe it, I still have more to share with you! However, I'm going to stop for now and continue with the rest of the evening in another blog to come.

Now do you see why it took so long to write about it? I'm still so happy I was there.:)