Saturday, February 18, 2012

Illegal Immigration in the United States - where did we go wrong?

I'm fed up. I'm tired of people putting their hands out because they feel entitled to the better life or because they just don't want to do their share. America was once the greatest nation in the world. We were refugees seeking freedom  to believe what we felt deep down was true. We wanted to bear arms without someone accusing us of being "dangerous" or some other nonsense. Once we travelled the seas and made it to the New Land, we were cautious with who was let in. Before 1890 each state was responsible for regulating their own immigration issues. Then we had a huge influx of immigrants coming from mostly European nations. The Federal government stepped in to help by building Ellis Island to screen those coming in seeking hope, happiness, and a better life. Everyone was put under a health screening and if necessary was quarantined for so many days before given the approval to step onto American soil. They were also questioned and had to be cleared on a legal basis to ensure that our government would not later have to take them on as wards in any way. Those who passed had to work from the lowest part of the totem pole and share a home with those who were from their homeland until they could make it on their own. They didn't get hand outs. They WORKED HARD. They were happy to do it because to them, it was way better than being back in their home country suffering in poverty or disease or hunger. Or perhaps just from an oppressive government running their everyday lives. To them, life in America was hard but it was worth it. They were grateful.
They became Americans. None of this African-American, Asian-American, Chinese-American crap. You want to live in America and reap the benefits of this nation? Drop the homeland title. Become an American. Not all black people come from Africa you know? What about the blacks from Haiti? The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago (which are still under British rule), and even south America. They can't be referred to ask "African-American". That might be an insult to them. However, American society has deemed "black" or "negro" as offensive. So why not just call them Americans?
Since when should an illegal alien come to America and live the American dream while American-born citizens pay for it? Why should I pay for them to have handouts or free medical benefits while my family lives paycheck to paycheck, can't afford to see a doctor, and isn't always certain how we will make it tomorrow? I'm all for those wanting to have a better life. Just do it legally. Follow our laws, abide by our rules... or don't be surprised if we send your butt home when we are tired of seeing your begging hand stuck out. Look at Spain, they getting strict about letting illegals in. Especially from Africa. Heaven forbid their noble land be ruined like America.
These are just a few things I think deserve a little more consideration by the American people. Our economy is failing. Our people are struggling. How much longer will our government continue to ignore these issues? Helping others is great, so as long as you help those who are paying for it first and so long as you have taken care of the major problems at hand.
On a side note - During Obama's term in office so far immigration authorities have deported the most illegal immigrants than every other United States President in history thus far. And all the while he talks to the public about accepting the illegals (mostly Mexicans) and about wanting to halt ICE and other border authorities. But if you take a look... he hasn't. A police officer here in San Antonio informed me recently that ICE personally goes through the San Antonio jails looking for law-breaking illegals to deport DAILY. Brava!
http://www.ellisisland.org/genealogy/ellis_island_history.asp
http://www.numbersusa.com/content/news/may-28-2009/spain-revisiting-immigration-policies.html
http://www.ice.gov/news/fact-fiction/

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Need technical support here in San Antonio?

I had to get data pulled from my scrambled hard drive. My new Sony Vaio laptop had some defective parts and before I sent back the broken hard drive, I wanted to try to recover whatever I could (if anything at all). After calling several places and getting high dollar quotes, I found James on Google maps in my phone. He's the Affordable Computer Expert. Not only did he have the cheapest quote, he was the most informative and polite person I spoke to. He worked hard to get as much as possible from my hard drive, even more than I had hoped. He answered all my questions and kept me informed about every step of the process. I refer him to all my San Antonio friends and will only trust him to handle any future system/hardware issues I have. If you need anything computer-wise or even if you have questions, I highly suggest you use his services. I don't think you will be disappointed at all. He works from his home office, but also makes some business calls.
James the Affordable Computer Expert
510 Saint Xavier, San Antonio, TX78232
(210) 222-2277
affordablecomputerexpert.com

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

While you were sleeping....

Cups to make,diapers to change,
little boys wanting to strip and run naked...
While you were sleeping.
Dishes to wash,
laundry to finish,
things to organize and move...
While you were sleeping.
Floors will be cleaned,
counters will sparkle,
toys moved out of the way...
While you were sleeping.
I'll feed the boys,
prepare them for bed,
after I finish their schooling...
While you were sleeping.
Check the mail,
take out the trash,
and finally have your meal ready...
While you were sleeping.
Does it end there?
No.
Your lunch will be sitting, ready to grab and go.
All the things you need for work, will I set out...
While you were sleeping.
And if I have time,
I'll lay out your work clothes...
While you were sleeping.

An original poem written by Emily S. Vinyard on August 30, 2011

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Buddy Valastro "Cake Boss" comes to San Antonio!

Okay, so I know this is late since it happened back on November 12 of this year... But I figured writing about Buddy come to San Antonio might be fun and interesting. So here goes...
I love watching the TLC show, Cake Boss. Its so much fun! All those yummy cakes, the hilarity of his daily life in New Jersey, and the wide variety of customers that come seeking a special order cake. So when I heard he was coming to San Antonio for a book signing, you can bet I just had to meet him!
He actually came to the HEB that my husband works at off 1604/Blanco. I showed up with my kiddos and met my husband in the line they had. Word spreads fast when a celebrity comes to town, as was evident by the very long line. The book signing was supposed to last an hour or two starting at noon. He came in with his wife and kids and the crowd went absolutely wild. They had a great system set up. Everyone opened their books to the title page and was instructed not to spout of their life story so that the line would flow through smoothly and quickly. After he signed each book, he would pause to say thanks and have a picture taken with each person or group that came up.
Then after moving on from meeting Buddy, we got to have his wife sign the book and get a picture with her as well. Both of them were so sweet. I still love the show and the fact that its one thing I can still enjoy watching with my family. And having met him was truly a wonderful thing!