Presidential Debate

FRUSTRATING! This is the only word that can describe this debate. The key issue in tonight's debate is the financial crisis. We are in the worse economic situation since the great depression in 1929. Obama made a reference, which has almost become a catch phrase for him, "from wall street to main street." By this he means that he is going to help the working man in middle class USA, and that he is going to stop putting the stock market above common citizens. What is ironic about this though, is that when asked about the financial crisis, NEITHER candidate stated how it will affect their presidency. All these two can focus on is how the other [candidate] is against key issues that they feel the American people care most about. I wish that politicians would forget about defaming each other and focus on the public. Here are a couple of key points about the financial situation and why this "bail-out" plan is infuriating and about politicians. We the people are paying a lot of money to "bail out" lenders and banks because they had irresponsible lending practices. So, you and I are bailing out these companies so the financial market can stay afloat and our country's financial infrastructure doesn't collapse. Okay I can see that. But when I overdrew my bank account by just a few dollars, I was charged $36 per item that cleared while my account was in the negative, whether it was my fault or not. My bank wouldn't bail me out when I was in a financial crisis? Why should I bail them out? I love having decisions made for me by people who don't struggle financially. I don't struggle any more, but I did at one point. My next point about politicians. I LOVE how they defame each other. If I said some of those negative, untruthful things about the person next to me, I would have a civil suit against me for defamation of character, but out presidential nominees can do it? Both candidates are doing fairly well, but the best person in this debate is the moderator, Jim Leher from PBS. He is a hard hitter and not afraid to read into what the candidates are really saying. I just wanted to vent for a minute and use my freedom of speech. :o) I hope you all have a good night. This is Ryan, by the way. Good night!

Oh baby...

Hey everyone, this is Ryan updating. Well Melissa and I have come to an agreement about a name for the new baby. Come the end of December, (hopefully December for tax purposes. hehe) we will be introducing Keegan Michael Betz. I am very excited and cannot wait to meet the new little guy, and with as small as Hunter was when he was born, I'm sure Keegan will be just as small.
Hunter is doing very well, he is eating real food now and we have stopped using formula completely and only feed him baby food if we are traveling or haven't made anything for him. He eats the same food that we do with the exception of fruits that have a high sugar content and fruits that are very acidic. He sure is getting big though; which is a very good thing. :)
Work is also going very well. I have been training on first shift (8am-4pm) and I start on second shift tomorrow. (3pm-11pm) I am feeling very good about the decision to take this job and believe that I am a very good fit at the clinic. My team at the clinic is very knowledgeable and I can learn a lot from them.
Melissa has started classes and she is going to enjoy them very much. (So she says right now) Being that they are classes that pertain to her major and she has no labs, I'm sure that this semester will be a whole lot easier than last. It's hard to believe that we have a year and a half in the Arbor before Melissa graduates and joins the real world. :) I'm very proud of her and she has worked very hard to get where she is today. Thanks for reading and enjoy the final days of warm weather! :o)