There are certain things in history each of us will always remember. For example, on January 28, 1986, I remember sitting in Mrs. Earl's 5th grade class when the substitute teacher walked in and told us the space shuttle Challenger exploded in mid-air. Then on August 8, 1988, I remember riding in the tractor as my father was plowing his farm when the radio DJ announced the lights had gone on in Wrigley field for the first time. Then the DJ proceeded to play the Statler Bros "Don't Wait on Me" because of the verse "when the lights go on in Wrigley field." As almost all Americans, I remember where I was September 11, 2001 as I watched in awe what was happening to our great country. February 1, 2003, I remember waking up to a boom, and then going back to sleep not knowing what I had just heard was the space shuttle Columbia breaking up in the air above DFW.

While I remember several events that have happened, I also remember the death of some amazing people that have changed history. One of those great people was President Reagan. One Saturday afternoon, I was at the Las Colinas Polo Club, and prior to the match a group of folks were gathered under a tent watching the Belmont Stakes. Before the Stakes ended, a scroll ran across the bottom of the television screen stating that President Reagan had passed on. I remember suddenly feeling numb. I will always remember June 5, 2004. For the next several days, I would watch coverage of Reagan's life and funeral at every available opportunity. It seems like it was only yesterday Nancy Reagan was kissing the flag draped coffin on national television. May President Reagan continue to rest in peace.

Reagan was truly a conservative, and he left a legacy that will almost be impossible to replicate. This election cycle, candidates all across the nation have used Ronald Reagan's political career as a barometer for conservatism, and they compare themselves to him. While it is great to have so many who want to get back to conservative ways, there will never be another Ronald Wilson Reagan.

Two years ago today I made a change that would ultimately change me, my path in life, and allow me to discover and embrace dreams.

I had spent 11 years working for various financial institutions. One particular Monday, April 10 to be exact, I decided I was done. I went to my supervisor after lunch that day and told her I was not happy and would be seeking employment elsewhere. The company decided to release me that day with a check for one month's salary and insurance benefits until the end of the month. So, that deal worked out great for me. However, while I had a huge sense of relief and felt like a weight had been lifted, the thing I did not have was another job. At that point, I decided to truly have faith and allow God to take control and see where I would end up.

When I got home, I started networking, and I had three interviews by the end of the week. I had interviewed with the government entity who I now work for, a medical company, and a pyramid scheme company (yeah they fooled me into that one). In addition, I exchanged voice mails and emails with everything from a glass company who needed an accounting professional to friends of friends who may know of someone who could use someone with my experience, etc. Basically, the job hunt was all over the board, I wasn't looking for one industry in particular. As it turned out, I received an offer from the government entity.

I was interested in government and politics, but I had not completely realized the passion I had for the two. There is one person I know who was involved in politics on one level or another. I always enjoyed spending time with this particular individual because we would discuss current affairs and even watch the likes of Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, etc, and this person is someone who I continue to have a lot of respect for. So this particular person initially lit the fire within me which revealed my desire to help and be involved politically. Then, on April 24, 2006, I began working for my current employer. I actually was a little disappointed that I didn't have more time off, but I was blessed to have found something so soon. Little did I know that was the beginning of what has been a great ride, and I am still enjoying the ride.

I have never enjoyed a job as much as I enjoy this one. Granted I sometimes get bored, but I often get bored easily...so it's not the job, it's my addiction to always needing to be busy. This job has allowed me to see and experience things first hand that I do not think would have been possible elsewhere. I have learned many things that are applicable to life in general, not just the workplace. I have now become someone who once watched from afar to someone who is now a part of the team. Granted sometimes I am the one sitting on the sidelines suited up and waiting to get in the game, but there have been times where I have actually been in the game and have seen some of the action first hand. It's been great, and I love every minute of it! This whole process has expanded my knowledge, strengthened my backbone, and has given me an ultimate goal to reach.

Follow your heart, set goals, and when you reach your goals...create new ones. Life's fun that way!

These 5 little girls (ages 8-13) sang the National Anthem at a Texas Tech basketball game earlier this year. Oh how wonderful it would be if all sporting events had a rendition as beautiful and touching as this. I really get irritated when folks sing their own version of the song. If Francis Scott Key wanted it to be open to interpretation, he would have noted that in the original score (at least that is how I feel about it).

Here is a story about T. Boone Pickens. If you do not know who Boone Pickens is, you can google him and find more than enough articles. He is a native Oklahoman who now resides in DFW. If you would like to hear Mr. Pickens speak, he will be the keynote speaker on Wednesday, May 14 at the Texas Tech Rawls College of Business Scholarship Breakfast.


From Politico:

April 11, 2008
Categories: Parties

Reps. Pence and Tancredo witness charity at its finest


Last night was the Media Research Center's 20th Anniversary Gala.

A solo Mary Cheney was there, sitting at Larry Kudlow's table. He introduced her and asked her to stand and wave to those in attendance. She did, and there was a "polite round of applause," we're told.

Meanwhile, there was "LOTS" of Chris Matthews bashing, we hear. Tony Snow got the big William F. Buckley award - woo hoo Tony! - and Ann Coulter took her turn at the mic along with Reps. Mike Pence and Tom Tancredo.

Also, as these things go, there was a "nice moment" near the end where they showed a video of a medal of honor winner who was killed in Afghanistan. His father and brother went on stage, followed by T. Boone Pickens, who had a check for $100,000 to the Medal of Honor Foundation. While on stage, Pickens scratched out the $100,000 and changed it to $1,000,000.

Apparently, when first asked by MRC founder Brent Bozzell, Pickens agreed to $50k. Then he saw the video and upped it to $100k. Then having met the father and brother, he changed it to a cool mil.

Anyway, watch the Video

As I sit here tonight, I just keeping thinking back to the day I met Commissioner Phyllis Cole. From the first day I met her, I could tell she has a passion for her job and a passion for Collin County. Phyllis Cole has served Collin County for the past 18 years as a Commissioner. She has played an integral part in the growth and success of the county.

Tonight, we learned that Collin County will be losing one of it's finest Commissioners as Phyllis Cole faced Matt Shaheen in a run-off election. Congratulations to Mr. Shaheen, he won by 30 votes. That's right, 30 votes. This is proof that every vote counts. Think about how many people you come in contact with daily, for most of you, it's probably more than 30. Think about how many people are sitting around you when you are stuck in traffic, I know in Dallas, it's definitely more than 30. Think about how many days are in a month. All in all, 30 really is a small number. Especially when 2260 votes were cast.

I cannot seem to find the words to say to express how I really feel. I have so many thoughts going through my head right now, I just cannot put them into words. I was one of many who were at Phyllis' house tonight to watch the results come in. When I say many, I'm not exaggerating. Cars were lined up and down her street and the neighboring streets as well. She is a very respected lady who was surrounded by many friends, and not even all of her friends were there. As the final results were shown, many just stood there wondering if it is really over. Once Phyllis called everyone into one room, we all knew what she was going to say. The media was there taking pictures and notes. People were crying and hugging. It was something I have never experienced before. This will always be the first campaign that I so tightly knit into. While I wasn't able to phone bank, I did walk the streets, attend events, and even sent a letter to multiple newspaper editors for Commissioner Cole (only one was printed). We had all become a family with a goal. We fell short of our goal, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. We fought, Matt's team fought, and in the end Matt's team prevailed.

Best of luck to Commissioner Cole. There is so much more to be said, but I just might add to this blog at a later date. I'm tired, it's been an interesting day.

Today is the 5th anniversary of the Iraq war. With so many mixed opinions on the war, it really shouldn't surprise me to see protestors. However, today I saw a group of protestors in Dealey Plaza, and I was taken aback a bit. A man was standing on a stage with a bullhorn, and many folks were out there with their anti-Bush signs. News vans were surrounding the area, and there was a DPD car there as well.

As I drove by, I couldn't help but wonder if protesting ever really solves anything? Personally, I believe it is better to be part of the solution instead of the problem. Therefore, I will never be part of a protest because I see protests as a way of stirring the pot instead of helping solve whatever the perceived problem is. I respect differing opinions, and I am thankful we live in a country where we can think freely, speak freely, and have our other freedoms. I wonder if those who protest actually realize if it wasn't for war then they wouldn't have the freedom to do what they do.

I am curious to find out if a protest, rally, demonstration, or whatever name you have for it, has really solved a problem in a postive, constructive way. Feel free to enlighten me if there have been instances as such.

God Bless America and God Bless those who fight to defend our freedom!

Welcome to my blog...

For those who know me, you know my given name is not Gracie.

So, I want to tell you how the blog name originated. I was very close to my paternal grandfather. He and I were buddies from the day I was born (July 9, 1975) until the day he died (July 3, 2007). We could just call one another for no reason and talk about the most random things. Before he ended every phone call he would tell me he was proud of me and then tell me he loved me. I have so many wonderful stories about him, I still miss him every day.

Papaw's favorite hymn was "Amazing Grace." From that hymn, he decided to call me Gracie, or other variations of the word...Gracie Mae, Grace Annie, etc. Since he is no longer here, my grandmother said she will not refer to me as Gracie anymore because that was his name for me. I will never again hear anyone call me Gracie, and I will always remember how that was the name he had for me.

Papaw loved the fact that I was getting more involved politically. Papaw and I would talk about the way the world used to be, the way it is now, and where it is headed. Since he is no longer here for me to share my thoughts with, get feedback from, etc., I decided to have this blog created. This way, I can still share my thoughts, feelings, etc., even if they are now just words on a screen instead of an actual conversation. When thinking of a name for the blog, I couldn't help but think Gracie had to be in the name somewhere.

So, with that, welcome to Gracie's blog! :)