WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

I suffer from eternal survivor guilt.  That is when a nice thing happens in your life, you immediately feel guilty because so many people are suffering.  And because I now get to sing a few nights every month, that has brought tremendous joy into my life.

When I see the suffering that is happening all over the world...particularly Japan but also the unemployment here, the nut-job Wisconsin Governor with his minions in the house and kids dying all over Indonesia and Africa just because they don't have enough mosquito nets to prevent Malaria...don't get me started on animal abuse...

You see what I'm saying.  It's overwhelming.  So I have come up with a plan.  It's a combination of a serenity prayer and a call to action.  I invite any and all of you to forward this to your friends. Perhaps we can calm ourselves and still make a difference.

I'm calling my plan "ONE MINUTE FOR EVERYONE."

Here's how it works.  Once you get up in the morning and get all your morning "stuff" done...whatever that entails...shower, shampoo, shave, breakfast, kids to school...this does not include the self indulgent stuff like the morning workout, power walking...those can wait for one minute...I think you know what I mean.

After you take care of  your immediate morning essentials, sit down and if you are really pressed for time, go ahead and set your egg timer or whatever for 60 seconds.

Take one minute to reflect upon what's happening in the world that we share with so many.  Embrace them in your mind.  Ask God or Jesus or whatever higher power you may believe in to surround them in light.  If you have means and something- Japan, kids, animals, starving children, Alzheimers...Good Lord, the list could go on forever...comes to your mind, find a way to give even $5.  Trust me, every penny helps.

If you can't give anything, just give them your one minute.  Just think if the whole world concentrated one minute on the welfare of others.  There is power in our thoughts and there is power in prayer...there is power in setting aside a time when nothing else matters.

What I am saying is that 60 seconds out of your life can make a difference.  Believe it or not, it will also make a difference in you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Tomorrow is my brother Jim's birthday.  It's the first one in a long time when I believe he will be happy.  He's not alone any more.  He doesn't have to try to figure out how to finagle his way through the next day...time doesn't matter now.  He is loved, he is safe and he is home.  Happy Birthday, J.P.  I celebrate your new life.

DELANEY

I usually don't write about kids dying.  It's one of those unbearably sad things and seems to serve no purpose except to evoke tears.

This is different because of the little girl. Delaney lives in rural Colorado...they didn't divulge her age, just saying that they "celebrated" an early birthday because she has a rare brain cancer that only affects about 200 people in the entire country in a year.  No cure, no hope of a miracle.

I guess that's what drew me to this story and to watch it rather than to choose to turn off the TV...I wanted to see what this tiny little soul who looks to me to be about 5 years old, had to say.

Delaney loves animals, loves to paint, and loves the sky.  She will be gone within the next few weeks.  Her parents have accepted the inevitable and they were all so beautifully non-dramatic...which made their palpable sadness even more poignant.

Delaney's Mom said that Delaney keeps saying "Mom, I'm so lucky...I'm going to die."  Her Mom asked her "Who told you that?"  Delaney answered:  "God."

I have long believed that if you want to know what and who God really is, talk to really little kids, because they are so close to having been with God.  I believe that Delaney still remembers what it felt like to be there.

Then the newscaster asked Delaney if she had a message for people who were not dying.  Delaney said:
"You should all hug each other...and you should have color in your lives."

Delaney, I agree.  I will be thinking of you as you journey back to your status as an angel.

I SHALL NOT BE MOVED

I shall not, I shall not be moved
I shall not, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that's standing by the water
I shall not be moved.
I sent this email to Ed Schultz tonight. I don't know if it will matter but what we all stand for matters and there are thousands of us across this great nation. We are not bankers, we are not millionaires, we are not hedge fund owners, we are not a part of the problem. We are the hard working solution that will inevitably save this country. Our dark nights are not over but we are a part of a cause that will be seen as a movement that captured our country back from the corporatists and elite wealthy who believe that they have won in the purchase of our republic.

We matter as teachers, we matter as workers, and we matter as those who strive every day to make a better life for those who cross our path.

Here's my letter to Ed:

Dear Ed: I've been fortunate to see you twice in Colorado. I'm a born and raised a Wisconsin Badger and I'd like to give you this information...

I'll tell you about teachers and union leaders in Wisconsin. My brother, Andy Nirschl, was the last union member at "Mid Tech" Papermill in Kimberly, Wisconsin, when the hedge fund that owned that Mill put them out of work. They wouldn't run it, they wouldn't sell it...they just waited to collect the money from its failure while a whole community was put out of work. He led every grassroots campaign there was to be held to "RUN IT OR SELL IT."

He is the son of a teacher. he is now the LETC Case Manager Fox Cities Workforce Development ( 920-968-6043)

My father taught at Kimberly High School for 36 years. In that time, he developed a program that included every sport, right down to Badminton and Bowling, in order to make kids active. We used to sit in the family room and help him re-string badminton rackets and tennis rackets after dinner...after our homework. After he had coached and mentored three generations of kids who wouldn't have graduated without the opportunity to play for him.

He's in the Wisconsin Baseball Hall of Fame but that's not what he talks about at 87 years old. He talks about the kids, when he's in the bank, or at a cafe, who are in their 60's, who thank him not only for what he did for them, but for what he did for their kid.  Somewhere toward the end of his career, the Teacher's Union actually made it possible for him to have a decent retirement. (Preisely the fund that is now in jeopardy.)

I don't think my father should apologize for working every summer in addition to what amounted to a minimum of a 70 hour week,(and being a great Dad, he always made it a game to see who could weave a tennis or badminton racket the fastest) while also being a Dad who painfully sat through my music recitals that included his favorite violin player who never seemed to improve.

What I take from this is that Governor Walker resents that my Dad doesn't have to work at McDonald's at the age of 87 to supplement his living.

My Dad is so angry about all of this that I don't know if you'd be prepared to deal with his "going on 88" ticked off interview. If you want to talk to someone who knows the scoop,my brother, Andy Nirschl, can be reached at 920-766-4241.

If you think you'd like to brave what will be an entertaining, sarcastic and brilliant interview, My Dad who is known state-wide and even beyond the state by folks like Paul Molitor and Tony Kubek, go for it: My Dad's phone number is 920-788-2030.

If you'd like any more information on these and more great Wisconsin tell it like it is interviews, (My sister is a former cop and my brother-in-law is still a cop) I'm at 720-859-7822 (Landline) or 970-394-4059 (Cell)

ON WISCONSIN.

“The essential humanity of men can be protected and preserved only where government must answer — not just to the wealthy, not just to those of a particular religion, or a particular race, but to all its people.” Robert F. Kennedy

SHOES

This is as frivolous as it gets...but I saw a DSW commercial with these amazing shoes.  It reminded me of when I wore 6" stilettos and could run across a gravel parking lot as long as I held up my skirt.  It was so much fun.  I loved every minute of it and I envy every woman I see in sexy shoes or leather boots.

I can't do that any more.  My hips hurt all the time and I'm limited to my Z-Coil athletic shoes or other orthopedic footwear.  I dress up and every time I wish I could rock some heels.  I miss them.

In the scope of life, not wearing high heels any more is not a big deal.  I'm aware of the world situation and it's close to home.  I'm not complaining...though my jealousy of those who can and do is overt.

What I'm remembering right now is that I got to do it.  I had a trademark.  I used to do a 4 - 5 hour set, both standing in front of and sitting behind a piano but the whole night was spent in a variety of those yummy shoes.  At the end of the night I was ready for a drink and my feet were ready for a break.  I'd close the piano, unhook the straps or slip them off...depending upon the footwear...and head for the bar.

I'd sit down, set those spikey darlin's on the bar beside me and order a scotch.

One night I was working in a joint where the bartender and I had a great palship...it was one of those nights where it was a great ride and when I was done, I did my usual.  "Sho" was there as I pulled up a barstool and I set the stilettos down and said "Glenlivet on the rocks."

He stood there for a moment, turned around and poured my drink, set it in front of me and then said "That was so fuckin' sexy that I have to leave for a few moments."  He proceeded to walk into the back room.

He came out a few minutes later, still bright red (cause we were friends, not lovers) and we both laughed our asses off.  I said "Thank you, Sho, I never knew you noticed."

Funny how a commercial about shoes can bring up the memory of a time when you owned the world.  And at that time, I never knew it.

ON WISCONSIN

I can't describe the pride I feel in my Midwestern roots and the brave, steadfast stand for basic middle class rights displayed by people all across my home state of Wisconsin.

As I watch this become a national story, I watch other states become emboldened.  I remember this feeling.  It was the 60's and there were issues of civil rights and an unjust war and discrimination.  Funny...it seems that these are the same issues today...the right to organize, a war in Afghanistan that is draining our economy and discrimination that translates into the right wing war on the middle class and Unions.

Stand strong, Wisconsin.  You are leading the rest of the country into what will become its salvation.  On, Wisconsin, On, Wisconsin...grand old Badger State...you're proving your Badger status right now as you fight on. All I have left to say is "You Rah Rah...WISCONSIN!"

WHAT GOES AROUND

I have to tell you a story about an experience I had in the Milwaukee airport.  I was heading back to Denver from visiting my family.  As most of you know, I have terrible bursitis and when I travel I have to take my laptop plus a purse and a cane.  Add that to a heavy winter coat and getting around becomes quite difficult.

I slowly made my way to the restroom and as I was heading toward the handicapped stall a tall, young, fashionably dressed woman with perfect hair, stiletto boots and an impeccable, perfectly sized pull suitcase pushed past me right into that stall. I stood there in astonishment for a moment and then maneuvered myself into a regular stall, hanging my things all over the top and the hooks and managed to "do my business."

I finished up and upon exiting the stall I was greeted with the vision of  "Miss Fashion" at the sink washing her hands. Her turquoise skirt was nicely tucked in the back of her pantyhose waitband so that her butt was displayed for the world to see. Garnering every ounce of strength I had in order to avoid laughing, I washed my hands at the sink beside her, ignoring both her and her derriere. I dried my hands and smiled as she strutted out of the restroom, displaying her ass to the entire airport.

I've never seen Karma in such swift action. I do so hope that she made it all the way to her gate before being notified her of her unique fashion statement.  Have a nice flight, Lady.

Classic Dad

I was sitting and telling stories with my 87 year old dad this evening and he was telling me the stories and progression that eventually led to him meeting my Mom at La Crosse University. I said "Just think, if all this had not happened we wouldn't be sitting here having a drink together tonight. To this he replied: "And you would not have such a spectacular father which should be mentioned often... by me and about me.". Needless to say, we laughed like fools...just one of the reasons I love going home.

LIFE AND SPORTS

I am a happy old broad tonight. The Green Bay Packers won the Superbowl and had to go the same route that the Broncos had to take to beat the Packers way back in 1998.  I grew up in Wisconsin but have spent most of my adult life in Colorado and that year I wanted one for John.  We got it. I can't deny it.  I love Football and Baseball.  I couldn't be my Father's daughter without it.  I also know the obscenity as far as revenues for the owners and the players.

Trust me, the owners make the players look like paupers in the media deals.  This was a great Superbowl - two dynasties.  I promise, the owners and the media would have been weeping in their silk hankies if it had been the likes of the Seahawks and the Texans.  Football fans would have been saying "HELLZYAH" because it wouldn't have been more of the same, but advertisers and marketers would have been wetting their huggies trying to figure out how to get people to watch.  The majority of TV sports watchers are big market players and they want the big boys in the show.  This show was true, Midwestern, Smash-mouth FOOTBALL.

I listened to everything Lawrence O'Donnell had to say today about what professional athletes make and the obscenity of it all in comparison with the state of the rest of the country, much less the world.  He is right.  And I totally agree with him as regards cities and states being held hostage to owners who demand that tax payers purchase their multi-million and now billion dollar stadiums.

I understand everything he ranted about tonight....especially Jerry Jones' stadium where some ticket holders got left in a media center or the parking lot because after all that money and all the time he had to prepare, just because he wanted to break a record, he couldn't make certain that all the seats would pass a simple, fucking safety code.  He remains in my sewer of NFL owners.  I'll list them sometime in another post when I do some top ten or whatever that nobody reads anyway.

Jerry Jones...by the way, a lot of people think he paid for the stadium himself and they're wrong...the tax payers helped him fund this "Dallas Palace" just like all the other stadiums. I like how most everyone connected with professional sports is a republican but then they really like that old socialism when it comes to their stadiums, since it's the population which includes upper, middle upper, upper middle, middle, lower middle, upper lower, lower, low, and indigent classes who help build those stadiums.

 In the case of Jerry Jones' palace, I guess he figures that he can employ a lot of janitors at minimum wage.  Tell that to the janitor's kid who looks up to Neon Deion.  Deion...talk to the man.

I didn't think I had this much to say about the down side.  However, that's what makes the rest of what I need to say so important.

I'm not ignorant nor am I blind.  However, I've been doing a lot of watching and listening these past weeks.  I will grant you that there are a lot of players who do nothing but care for and take care of themselves.  However, a lot of these fine young men are NOT juiced and they take care of not only their communities but communities abroad.  I have become aware of so many foundations that are not "in name only"...these athletes and their desperately needed aid show up in destitute countries and regions and they make a difference.  There are a lot of good and fine young men on those fields who have been waiting and hoping and are now executing on the opportunity to pay it forward.

I won't choose.  If all of our life is spent just working to elect, effect, and immerse ourselves in politics, why did we elect representatives?  Shouldn't we get a little time off?  I was sick on Saturday and missed a reorganization meeting for my county.  I feel terrible but life did go on.  I hope they elected my choices and if they didn't I guess I should have shown up regardless my health.  I wish we had as many fans at caucus and county meetings as we have at sporting events but that's silly...why show up for work when you can show up for play and then bitch about the few who show up for work?

So to the joyous part.  I talked to my octogenarian parents before and after the Superbowl.  They were beside themselves as life long Packer fans and life long Wisconsinites.  My brother, Andy, had the party at his house and cooked a ham and all kinds of goodies so all that they had to do is show up.  I'm still envious...I am going home for a visit this week...had I known when I bought these tickets on sale last October that the Packers would go to the Superbowl, I'd have purchased accordingly.

This morning my parents were ecstatic and were going out to breakfast and then to the YMCA...together.

Then Dad tried to tell me but couldn't because he broke down. Mom came on the phone and told me that when the Packers won, Andy reached over and hugged my Dad and started to cry.  He said that the last time he'd seen a Packer Superbowl he was 6 years old and he wanted, more than anything, to watch this one with Dad.  I know how he feels and it meant the world to my parents.

I understand every word out of Lawrence O'Donnell's mouth.  I also understand all those nine to five and swing shift and three job and unemployed people in a little town where they have one little thing that matters.  The owners, the money, the obscenity of the difference between the have's and the have not's is irrelevant on game day.  It's time to watch the Packers.

HEY, PACKER FANS...YOU'RE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD.

It matters.

GREEN AND GOLD

I was a little kid and we were all at Gramma's house watching the Championship game which was eventually named a "Superbowl" game...the infamous "ICE BOWL."

When Bart Starr crossed the goal line, we all screamed and yelled so loudly that the neighbors came over to see if something had happened and the were right...PACKER VICTORY.  All of our family was there...back in the days before cable or satellite or any other way...we had to go to Milwaukee to watch the game.

I remember Sundays...Jane had her "scream pillow" because she went nuts and so Mom and Dad got a little pillow especially for her during Packer games.

I remember when Matt did the Bernie Cannie Ford (I don't know if I spelled it right and I don't give a shit) imitation with the Bart Starr helmet that was too small.

I remember being in places where I couldn't see Packer games and I spent a lot of Sundays hurting my liver in Sports Bars so I could remain a Packer fan.  Ron rode the ride with me and we're ready for Sunday.

Tomorrow is a Costco run with Jimmy and friends are coming over and we are cheering and yelling and celebrating the Title Town Packers once again.

Some things remain constant.  I was born and raised in Wisconsin.  GO PACKERS!!!