Tuesday, December 9, 2008

I Told You So!

Yes, I am one of those that like to say,"I told you so!" I don't do it often, but every once in a while when I am right-it just comes out. I am so seldom right about something that I think I am entitled to this one little flaw in my character. So forgive me in advance.

In my last post, while complaining about the lack of salt being spread on the icy roads, I mentioned that it was our Governor's new policy to try to save the state money. I also mentioned that I thought he would be investigated in the years to come.

I told you so! This morning Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested for trying to 'sell' former Senator Obama's senate seat. You can read all about it here.

Am I saddened by this turn of events? Yes, because it proves that power does corrupt. Maybe not all people, but it seems to happen in government more and more these days.

Am I happy about this turn of events? Yes! In our government there is a system of checks and balances that try to keep wrongs from being done. And occasionally right does prevail!


Are you ready for Christmas? Are you getting stressed? Me-I'm not ready, but I'm not stressed either. It is going to be a much simpler Christmas here than we have had in past years and I am letting go of the 'picture perfect Christmas'. I am just going to enjoy spending time with the family.
Happy Holidays to each and every one!

39 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Beckie, I am not surprised that your Governor got into big trouble. Sad but as you say justice will prevail...I hope.

Your header picture looks so cheerful. I hope you and yours have a great christmas. We are all cutting back in the celebrations department. It will feel good to feel good about the holidays. Family is what counts.

Is the pretty arrangement the one you got from S? It looks like a sleigh full of sunshine and happiness.

Jan said...

Hi Becky, Well it's nice to see some good news come out of something not-so-good. Sometimes, what goes around really DOES come around! As for Christmas, I'm not stressed...yet. But, I'm not doing as much as I used to in that department, my kids are older...there's no more 'Santa'...and it doesn't seem like there's a need for all the stuff we used to buy. No one here needs anything! I'm looking forward to my daughter coming home from college on Friday, and just spending time with her, my son, and my husband. Happy Holidays to you! Jan

Robin's Nesting Place said...

It amazes me that these people think they can get away with that kind of corruption. Wow, he was certainly bold!

We are scaling back here too.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Hi Becky,
I'm sorry about the problems with your governor.

I am not ready for Christmas, but will have more days off than usual. The winter break at our schools starts Dec. 20th. I would like to have our families come to our house, but my husband doesn't think there's room.

Gail said...

Dear Beckie,

It's ok to say I told you so about your governor. The arrogance and narcissism that goes hand in hand with power is so prevalent and terribly sad.

We have scaled back this year...but it's easier, we have one child and no grandkids! It seems to make a big difference. We do have my gf party and then we have breakfast with some friends on Christmas morning. I sent my son a box of 24 small presents for advent! Shipping was outrageous! It is low key here!

Keep warm and safe.

gail

tina said...

Happy Holidays to you too Beckie.

Susie said...

Your new header sure looks festive! I'm not stressed out about Christmas either. I try to get everything done early where I can get out in the crowds and just enjoy "their" craziness!

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

I love that you say "I told you so!"--that is so like me! It's good to know that sometimes politicians do get caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

I am feeling stressed, but I think it is because our house is full, and we are expecting company, I have not finished my shopping, and therefore not wrapped, baking not done, and house not spotless. But I keep telling myself the important stuff will get done.

Your flower arrangement is beautiful. It looks very festive--and your new header does too!

Merry Christmas!

Wendy said...

Oh, I'm with you Becky. A simple Christmas with family and forget about trying to make things perfect. It doesn't work anyway.
I love your new holiday look. Those stockings are just bulging with goodies!

I'm glad the governor got into trouble. Serves him right. Now, I hope your streets will be properly salted.

Have fun preparing for Christmas. Hope you do lots of baking and fun stuff with your grand-girls!

NCmountainwoman said...

When I heard about the Gov, I was totally shocked. Not by what he apparently has done, but that he actually seems to think he could get away with it.

Love the sleigh.

Laurie and Chris said...

We finished the last of our shopping today. I only have to het small items for my hubby. Since I work at walmart it should be done thursday before I come home!!

Amy said...

I think I'm ready - I've had to be organised this year because of my surgery next week. I'm not sure how I'll be feeling at Christmas so we're still trying to figure out what to do. Probably a low-key family get together at our place with some snacks and gifts.

Amy

Rose said...

Beckie, Daughter called me from work early this morning to tell me the news about Blago, and then I saw the story on CNN. It's about time! With all the wonderful people we do have in Illinois, how we can have two corrupt governors in a row is beyond me.

Am I ready for Christmas? Are you kidding? The only ones whose gifts are finished are the granddogs:) I think the next two weeks are going to be very busy.

Your new header looks beautiful as does the centerpiece. I'm sure Husband and younger Daughter will have finished the decorating by the time I come home:)

Cheryl said...

Hi Beckie.......sometimes we just have to say "I told you so" loud and clear.....this was that time......

I am so chilled out about Christmas this year Beckie it is unbelievable.......I have all the family coming here.....and as yet nothing is ready BUT it will get done.......
My children, grandchildren, parents and Mum in law are all coming to decorate the house this weekend.....I shall bake mince pies....play Christmas carols.....and drink mulled wine......in fact I cannot wait.......it looks like you and I will have the same sort of Christmas.....

It is not about decorations or presents.....it is about being with those we love.......

I shall think of you at Christmas.......I know it is sad when there is an empty seat......

beckie said...

Lisa, can you imagine the gall of that man?! No wonder Illinos is in such a sad state. He cares little about anything but making money for himself.

I think a lot of people are cutting back this year. Uncertainty about the future is one sure reason. But as long as we have family and good food and a warm house, we are blessed.

I liked the sleigh too, but it's clip art. :)

Jan, I am so hoping he will get his!! We still have Santa for some of the younger "grands" and that is always fun. But it is about spending time with family. I know you will enjoy having your daughter home. They become much more interesting when they have moved out for a while. :}

beckie said...

Robin, arrogant comes to mind! Thinking he's above the law is another one. Hopefully he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Sue, I am just glad he got caught! Now if they can just make the charges stick. School is out here a full 2 weeks, too. I know that's always appreciated by teachers. We get pretty crowded here, but the more the merrier! Happy Holidays!

beckie said...

Gail, I think some people in power think they are entitled. "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely" or words to that effect. I think we have not heard the whole story yet.
What a sweet idea for your son. I know he will appreciate all the gifts. Have a great GF party and enjoy your friends. Happy Holidays to you!

Tina, and to you also!!

beckie said...

Thanks Susie. The stockings are last years, haven't gooten then up yet this year. I like to start early with baking and candy making, but this year am a little behind. That's okay though, a little less candy won't hurt us. :) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Morning Glory, sometimes it just has to be said! :} I have no sympathy for him at all. People in Illinois are struggling just like the rest of the country and all he seems to care about is how much moneyhe can make from the office.

I hope you don't get too stressed. Company won't care about a spotless house if the are family or good friends, and delegate some of the other things! Hope your holidays are wonderful!

beckie said...

Wendy, we are planning on a baking day soon to do breads and some candy. It's always a lot of fun and of course we have to taste to make sure they are good. :}

I find time has a lot to do with how much I try to do for the holidays. Some years I get an early start and some years not. But in the end, it's all about just being together.

NCMountainwoman, Thanks for visiting! It is amazing what they think they can get away with. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad. Happy holidays!

I am sooo glad the Govenor is getting his due! I think we may see a lot of changes in the next few weeks and months.

I wish you and yours a wonderful Hoiday season!

beckie said...

Laurie and Chris, good for you! Do you have it all wrapped too? Hubby and I aren't exchanging gifts this year, we decided to spend it on the grands instead. ut that's okay. I really enjoy the giving more than the getting.

Love your cany canes! And the Christmas tree on your blog is so cute. You always do such cute things for the different seasons.

Amy, I hope you are feeling well enough to enjoy the holidays at least some of the time. I will be saying a prayer for you. Think good thoughts and let us know as soon as you can. I'm sure your family will be happy that you are home and on the mend- everything else will take care of it's self.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year.

Hope you have a great Holiday!

beckie said...

Rose, I thought about calling you too. We can both say, 'I told you so!'. I know we should be upset that we have a gov. in trouble, But I an so tickled he got caught-finally. I'm sure there will be lots more come out in the next few weeks and months.

Can't wait to see you Thursday. We will have a lot to catch up on and a nice drive to do it.

Cheryl, good for you! I would love to be there sharing a glass or two of mulled wine with you. Sounds as though all your loved ones will be there to share the holidays and to help. Isn't that wonderful! Mince pies are one of my favorites, but no one else likes them. :{ When I get to wrapping or baking, I love to play Christmas music. I could play 'Oh Holy Night' all day long and never tire of it.

Thank you for thinking of us. Holidays are hard, but we try to make the best of them. I know she would want us to carry on the family traditions. And we have the girls-we want them to have a wonderful Christmas.

Enjoy yours! Happy Holidays to you and all your family!

Beth said...

Beckie, I am so sorry that that arrogant moron was your governor but maybe it will usher in an honest administration for the land of Lincoln. Funny, I didn't hear in any of those tapes where he was asking for money from people in order to put salt on your roads. Merry Christmas--no stress here either.

flydragon said...

What the heck is up with these arrogant, ignorant, foul mouthed, politicians who think they can do whatever they want and get away with it. So glad he is finally getting what he deserves!!

That said, I also noticed you didn't have my stocking hanging up there with the rest of them. What's up with that?

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

I heard Patrick Fitzgerald intone "This is a sad day for Illinois." Poppycock! It's a happy day - we're finally going to get rid of that weasel! Now if we can just find a way of getting him to resign...although I'd be OK with impeachment. What disturbs me is how delusion Rod has become. He knew the Feds were after him, he invited them to tap his phone & then he says that stuff. Is he insane or does he live in his own little world?
So what do you think - is Pat Quinn the last honest politician in Illinois?
As for Christmas, I'm in complete denial. It works for me. I tool along get a bit done at a time then I can freak out for only a short time.

beckie said...

Beth, I know there must be honest politicians out there-it just seems Illinois can't find them. Our last Govenor(Ryan) is in prison now for taking money and letting people buy their driver's license. The funny thing is after he was arrested, the state trucks were out here putting salt down!

Glad there is no stress. Hope you and C. and all the kids have a very Merry Christmas!

beckie said...

Flydragon, that's just part of the stockings. I'm sure yours is at the other end. :)

I don't know why some of these people think they are above the law. Do they have to pass and idiocy test before they can become politicians? Or maybe they come from 'Crooks R Us!'

Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas.

beckie said...

MMD, I feel the same way! I am tickled he got caught. I suppose he will say he was just baiting the FBI-or maybe he will plead insanity. Wouldn't you love to be on the jury? :)

Now that's a plan. Only panic for a short while instead of all month. I'm sure you will get it all done, but if not, it probably won't be noticed.

Have a very Happy Holiday Season!

Anonymous said...

Hi Beckie. Your header picture is very festive for the upcoming holiday season. I'm glad that truth does prevail sometimes especially when it comes to politics. Maybe this means your state will get the proper road treatment it needs during inclement weather.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hey Beckie, I've heard doctors are now referring to Blagovich as a sociopath. I'm ashamed to say I voted for him. He seemed sincere with his election platform of ending political corruption.

I did see the potential with Bush. I was absolutely certain he would bring us to disaster.

Well, speaking for myself, I am not proud to be from Illinois right now.
Marnie

beckie said...

Thanks, Racquel. Those stockings are part of the ones I had on the mantel last year. I think one of the granddaughters took that picture.

I hope with his arrest and the on going investigation, we will see some changes for the better in our state. Maybe even salt for the slick and icy roads.Have a great Holiday!

beckie said...

Marnie, I think at the time I thought Blago was the lessor of two evils. Now I'm not so sure. Illinois is probably the laughing stock of the nation, but I am going to laugh with them. How anybody could be that stupid! He deserves what ever he gets. And maybe now, we will get someone worth our trust and respect.

Hope your Holidays are great!

joey said...

Dear Beckie, you always 'have your head screwed on right' and why I love knowing you! I'm beside you focusing on God's gifts and the true meaning of Christmas (with good food, family & friends). Simple is good and my mantra, not only during this stressful time, but trying to enjoy the gift of each day and the 'true' meaning of the 'present'! Christmas Blessings!

Meems said...

Beckie, I'm really glad you were right. Sometimes I go with the thought that "power attracts the corrupt" rather than "power does corrupt." Either way there is so much clean-up needed in our government these days. What happened to the philosophy that government is to SERVE the people not RULE the people! Yeah... you don't want me to get started on this subject. :-) Maybe Blagojevich will be the start of a long line of purging... let's hope.

As for Christmas, it is going to be much simpler this year. Finally, after all these years I'm just refusing to stress over what is supposed to be one of the most joyful celebrations of the year. Here's to family and friends and the true meaning of Christmas!
Have a lovely Sunday, too, Rose.
Meems

Aiyana said...

It's hard to believe that he wasn't corrupt before he got elected. From the sound of some of the recordings, he appears to have had a long history of poor character.
I changed my Christmas routine about 5 years ago and it has made a huge diffence in stress levels, not to mention all the work. I'll never go back to the elaborate spectacle I used to indulge in.
Great header photo!
Aiyana

Monica the Garden Faerie said...

I am both not ready for and not stressed by the holidays! :)
~ Monica

Susie said...

Beckie-I left an award for you on my blog. Don't feel like you have to participate. I just wanted you to know how I feel about your friendship.

ConsciousGardener said...

Once in a while justice prevails...with all the attention in Illinois this year, it's like he wanted to get caught or something!

I'm ready for Christmas! And it's dang cold this morning...brrrrr

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Well, I left a comment here, too, after all. We had my side of the family join our kids, grandson and us for our traditional soup supper. Larry's dad always made oyster stew, so I do, too, but also make several other kinds because oysters are so expensive, and not all of us like oysters. Besides, it's fun to have variety, and we took leftover soup to Larry's sister's the next day. We are still eating on it, too!

Corner Gardener Sue said...

By the way, that was quite the show your governor put on at his press conference! It looks like he is going to put up a fight. In matters like these, one hopes for the truth to come out.