Link Card Debacle

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/13/photo-ids-on-link-cards-f_n_848748.html?ref=fb&src=sp

So politicians in Illinois (read Republicans) are concerned about people misusing the Link Card system. They are concerned that people are trading their food card usage for money that they will, in turn, use for drugs. I believe this is a real issue but I do not think an photo will help.

A quote from HuffPost:

Aside from skepticism about the reasons behind the bill, the very notion of photo IDs on LINK cards is complicated. Food stamps are assigned to families, not individuals, and a photo ID would inhibit the ability of children or spouses to do the grocery shopping for the household. Plus, food stamps are a federal program, so the US Department of Agriculture would need to create a special exemption for Illinois to allow the state to make such a mandate, DHS spokeswoman Marielle Sainvilus explained to Illinois Statehouse News.

So I'm wondering...Since these cards are assigned to families. How many photos on the card?! Huh? Can we pick the photos? Can we put the baby on it too? How often can we change the picture? Kids grow up, ya know.

Another quote:

Representative Chapin Rose, a Republican from the suburbs of downstate Champaign, was the sponsor of the bill, HB 161. The legislation was originally a mandate that all LINK cards, the state-issued debit cards on which food stamp benefits are disbursed, have a photo ID of their owner.

After much amendment, it is now simply a measure requiring the Department of Human Services to consider the cost of such a mandate. But it still encountered uproar from Democratic legislators.

So are we are going to spend money on a cost analysis that could be done in two phone calls. I know the answer. The bulk production of cards is cheaper than individually personalized cards so we are looking at multiplying the cost 3 to 5 times what it normally is. Why do I know this? I asked my husband who worked in card production two years ago.

Another quote from HuffPost:

For his part, Rose claimed that the bill would save the state $750 million in fraudulent use of food stamp funds, though he provided few facts to back that claim. And he cited oft-quoted arguments about abuse of food stamps: “I don’t see what the efficacy is in handing someone the ability on a weekly basis to trade a card easily for drugs, for cash to buy drugs,” he said on the floor.

The persons sponsoring this bill obviously have no grasp on how this is actually done. Do we really think the images of a family of 4 are going to stop a "hype" (see www.urbandictionary.com , definition #5) from trading Link for cash? The answer is no. Which then causes me to wonder.. Is the strategy to spend the baby's food money on a cost analysis instead?

There is another option, spend the money for this discussion and analysis on education for children and parents, drug rehab for those who need it, more teachers, healthier school lunches, after school programs and decent grocery stores in food deserts. Heck, life skills training for parents and kids. We could do some much more and so much better than we are doing now and it wouldn't look like anyone was picking on poor people.

Operation Sexy Mama 11/19/2010: My Trainer? - Part 3

She's awesome. I figured I'd better tell her a little more about what I can do and tell her about my inconsistent eating. Also wanted to share my current resources with her.

"Oh, cool. I emailed your mom last night. I must tell you that I am beyond thrilled that you would help me get in shape. Big blessing, you are (yoda voice).

This sounds good. Forgot to mention that I can do yoga & pilates on one leg. I'm guessing old school calisthenics would be okay too, right? Sit ups, push ups (hate them both), pull ups and the like? Will that help if I actually get my butt off the couch? I WANT MY ABS BACK!!! I am a bit of an acrobat since I've been this way for 23 years which means I can dance on crutches. But that could be too much on the knee so I'll save aerobics for when I get my new C-Leg.

I suck at eating so I better do make ahead food so it's easy. I will have to force myself to eat when I'm busy. Sad to put eating in my phone calendar to remind me but I will. That six meal thing sounds like a good challenge. I will start with part 1 and work my way up to part 2. I know that will be great if I get the hang of it. It will be an improvement because sometimes I eat nothing and you can't make milk out of air. I am supposed to be breastfeeding but I have supplement from formula for now. And of course by the time I'm starving, I eat crappy fast stuff and I have a headache. I will be a sooo much better off. My goal is to "do some kind of exercise" daily (suggestions?) and I have all of netflix at my disposal for that. Sadly, I have not managed yet. Ugh. Waaaah! In terms of counting calories, I can log my eating on the My Diet app on Facebook. It worked for my husband and I before. In fact, he was better at it then I was (Deirdre = Hater)!

Water, water, water. I'm almost finished with my 2nd liter. Gosh that was long. Next time we should inbox. Thanks sooo murch! Yes, murch."

Operation Sexy Mama 11/19/2010: My Trainer? - Part 2

She wrote me back with suggestions:

"aww. LOL, you crack me up with the way you describe things! i understand though. speaking of my mom! she wants you to email her at [email] she can send you grandma T's journal, pdf file. haha, well based on your challenges, i think it'll be alright to just start with your diet, and then we can go from there! now i know it's hard to limit yourself from the things you lvoe but since exercise is kind of out of the question right now, what you eat is going to be a factor, so i suggest one of 2 things, or both.

1) eat less carbs. carbs are what really pack on the pounds..yes, you need them, energy wise,..but for someone not as active, you dont have to have as many. carbs being pastas, breads..basically the things you probably love..cake, cookies, candy...etc. bad carbs. so eating more vegetables, fruits, protein...chicken, cottage cheese, tuna, stuff like that..i really wouldnt limit your self to like grilled meats only..i mean you dont wanna deprive yourself..give yourself one day out of the week to eat "bad"..within reason.

2), instead of eating 3 meals a day..if you limit yourself to maybe 6 small meals..so you're like snacking on a daily basis..that's also an option. small portions every few hours keeps your metabolism going. and youre less hungry.. now you can combine the 2, eat smaller meals plus eat less carbs, or you can do them separately..either way, you'll definitely notice a difference in your weight immediately, just because it is gonna be a shock to your body. as far as drinking is concerned..water is your best bet. juices and what not all contain carbs, and etc..i personally drink water and diet stuff..but i mean it's all about your preference and how hard you wanna go at this. calorie intake wise is another thing but...i don't wanna overwhelm you with stuff hahahah...so pretty much, let me know what you think, any questions, i can answer...or elaborate more on..i'm sure we can get a plan going for you, i'm honorrrred to help you."

Working on a Birth Plan: Orgasmic Birth and Other Awesome Stuff

A few weeks (months?) ago, I talked to my doctor about my previous birth experience and she told me to write a birth plan. I was kind of waiting to do it until I figured out what I wanted. I've been doing lots of research and I've been looking for doula. As I began looking for a doula, I was also looking for an alternate birthing method. I did not take to Lamaze, I was referred to a doula who taught Birth from Within (August is her vacation time), my girlfriend did Hypnobirthing (the nearest "Hypno" lady is booked til Sept) and so I was still looking.

THEN, I found Orgasmic Birth. Now, please note that the Orgasmic Birth documentary was already on my Netflix.com queue but I hadn't really gotten to that one yet. I read some stuff on Amazon.com and I was intrigued. After I saw the video, I was sold. I think I've watched it, at least, 4 times and I've now shown everything but the extras to Lewis. He's totally down with this.

So now I'm doing further research and writing my birth plan. It feels so good!!! I'm so happy because I'm researching like crazy and I'm writing down what I want. I have draft that I am taking with me on my next appointment. During this appointment, I will see one of my OB's partners. I think this is great because I can begin to gather what I hope is a sampling of the philosophies of the different OBs in her group.

I am going to be praying. Worst(best?) case scenario is that they tell me the truth, it doesn't work for me and I bid them adieu. Best case scenario, they are totally down for it, I find my doula and we sail into L&D when contractions are 5 minutes apart and they let me do my thing.

Additionally, once I get this doula/midwife thing handled (nope, still don't have one), then I will ask them to assess me and my home for a home birth. That would be my dream!!! Don't even start with me (you know who you are), don't post a comment, don't trip...just be silent and pray if you don't agree or the idea of me doing a home birth scares the crap out of you. Just don't say a word because I need prayer and positive energy to get through this birth and not flash back to the drama of the last one. Okay? Don't post, just pray. Thank you. I love you. I feel better that I've said it somewhere.

Okay, so the birth I have in mind goes like this:

• 2nd babies are usually faster but I am mentally preparing for 36 hours, just in case.
• Bag packed. Laptop loaded with songs.
• Speakers in bags.
• Battery operated fake candles packed.
• Lolo at Grandmommy's house.
• My friends have made food for me and frozen it.
• All early labor up to 5 minute contractions done at home.
• AJ/Dominique/Mendy doing Yoga with me during early labor.
• I eat food and drink beverages.
• I do some labor in the tub/shower.
• Lew and doula give me massages.
• I am free to walk and use exercise ball to get comfortable during contractions.
• I may even dance.
• I get lots hugs and kisses from Lew and my friends.
• Doula monitors my and baby's vitals.
• I head to the hospital at the 5 minutes apart stage.
• I send mom to the hotel to wait for my call.
• I bring all my stuff and we set up shop in an L&D room.
• NO intervention without serious discussion, statistical data, evidence based information about me (not most people) and a 2nd opinion. Yeah, I really want this VBAC.
• I have a few very positive friends stop by.
• Doula meets me at the hospital.
• The docs and nurses basically leave me the heck alone with minimum fetal monitoring and a Hep Lock.
• Labor advances at our pace.
• I am allowed to change positions during labor for comfort, relaxation and pain management.
• No drugs.
• No episiotomy. There are natural ways to protect the perineum.
• Baby is born and I get him right away, skin-to-skin, so I can increase the oxytocin for both of us and get the breast milk flowin'.
• Testing and baby care, in room.
• Private room for our stay.
• Lactation specialist consultation.
• Get out of there as soon as it's healthy and possible.
• Hide out for several weeks.

This is what I have so far. I am aware that things don't always happen like we want. Tis is what I'd like to see happen. I am flexible if I get real evidence and real talk from the doctors. I am not wiling to lose either of us in childbirth for my convictions. We are both going home, God willing, whether this Birth Plan pans out or not. I believe I will feel better, no matter what, knowing that I have spoken up, done the research and had a doula who is on her game advocating with me.

So, that is what I have so far. I am praying for strength, voice, wisdom, guidance and the right doula. I feel really good that I have already begun to prepare. I am so thankful that God has given me another opportunity and I want to do my best to make this start off as well as I possibly can.

That's all for now. I'm going to send a copy of the actual draft, not exactly like the bullet points, to my husband, my Angie (7 births) and a few of my other peeps for suggestions.

I am building my circle to make this birth something beautiful. May God do what I cannot through me, Lew, the doula, the doctors and my friends.

Amen.

CNN presents Black in America

Look at this:

CNN's Black in America see the clip

Lone Soldier

Okay, my people. I found a better link to this poem. You have to see it! My commentary from the previous attempt is below:

There is a lot that I need to write and think about that I just can't get into right now. I'm just not able...but every once in a while, someone else will say my words or speak to my heart, speak my pain or bring clarity to a little of my confusion. So until I can say it or write it myself....here's this.

Hanging out with Team Gray

Beloved cousins, Angie and Curtis and their wonderful children, came to visit us on Saturday, September 1st. In attendence for an afternoon feast and some good family time were Team Gray, Mom, Langston and Ryan. We grilled burgers, brats and kielbasa. Sides included Dad's potato salad(my favorite!) and a baked veggie thing I threw together (turned out good!). For desert we had popsicles, brownies and some really great cookies from Yani (chef Yani). We hung out, talked politics, sports, current events and played games. Lolo had a ball playing in the backyard with Imani, Joy and Esteban. Dad showed up later that evening and we had great conversation with him as well. It was a wonderful day, I'm so glad they came. I'd love to head north soon to visit Angie and Curtis so that we can hang out one more time before the weather turns.