Gosh, it has been forever since I've actually had something to write about.  Lots has happened since my last entry.  I had my second son in March and we named him Colin.  Thanks for all the name suggestions from my last post! 

I've been dealing with the complete loss of my kitchen since late December - the dishwasher leaked and ruined all the cabinets; leaked through the wall and into the office in the next room, ruining the walls, carpet, and furniture.  I'm hoping it will be done in a month - I've been washing dishes and bottles in my laundry room sink; I have no oven or stove either.

I also finally was able to see Michael Moore's movie "Sicko".  I know people either like him or hate him, but every American should see this movie.  It will make you really think about our current health care system, and what needs to be done about it.  If the current system is still in place by the time my husband and I retire, I really worry about our ability to be able to pay for premiums, and get full coverage for any preexisting conditions we might have at that time.

A socialized medical system is actually not a bad idea.  When we were in Australia for our honeymoon, we asked our wine tour guide about the medical system in Australia and he loved it.  Every citizen has government healthcare (paid by taxes).  Canada, the U.K., France and even Cuba has universal free healthcare (they do pay for it with taxes, but no one is turned away for their inability to pay). 

Some people may be of the opinion that 'Oh, I'm healthy, why would I want to be taxed to pay for universal healthcare?  Why should I pay for other people's medical care?'  Well, you never know if you will be struck with a catastrophic illness (e.g., cancer, massive heart attack), or sustain massive brain injuries from a car accident, which would leave you needing life-long medical care - which under our current system would bankrupt most Americans.  Or if you have a child born who needs life-long medial care.  It's a gamble with a privatized system - especially if you are denied coverage by your insurer for whatever reason.

Since this is an election year, all the presidential candidates are touting their solution to the healthcare mess.  I encourage you all to check out their proposals prior to the November General Elections.  Here are the links to Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain's websites.