SPECULATIVE BLOG

To the Fish family and other friends and invited guests, here is a topic that is affection us all in one way or another. The topic of today is the spike in gas prices, and how the evil nasty speculators are driving the cost of crude oil.

As you all have noticed the price to fill up the family truck or car has jumped over fifty cents a gallon in the last several weeks. We read on MSNBC and CSN that the turmoil in the middle east along with increased demand in China is what is driving up the cost to fill up our 02 Dodge or Grandpa Fish's Tundra. Well lets take a closer look at this subject and I will show you another culprit that is causing our family and the rest of our great country another financial hardship to go along with the recession.

The speculative oil trading game and what a shell game it is. If you have ever seen a shell game played, the objects are moved around from one spot to the next spot and then the next shell is moved. You think you know which one the ball is under, then after a few more deft moves by the manipulator you are clueless to where the ball is. Just like in the game the oil speculators are playing with us everyday. They want you to believe the actual reason for the high price of oil is revolts in Libya and Egypt or the increased demand by a burgeoning country as China. Well these things do play a part, but lest see how the shell game is being played on us by the speculators.

Just like the shell game in which shells are moved around faster and faster the speculators sell and resell and then sell the same oil again to make a bigger profit at our expense. Grandpa's Tundra sits more and our family truck stays home more often because we can't afford the rise in gas prices. The economy takes a hit each time the price goes up, the family doesn't go out to meat for dinner because of this. We haven't met mom and dad in months because we can't afford the gas to meet them halfway to eat. Then the restaurant feels the pinch as more and more avoid eating out and thus it trickles down to each small company and family. Meanwhile the speculators line their pockets with profits that come at our expense (our meaning every little family in America) is paying out the mouth so the wall street thieves can roll around in mountains of cash.

What can be done to control the speculators? Here is a solution to the problem. Have a same day trade tax in place. The speculators may pay the tax the first time, but other than that no way the speculators would take a hit in the same place that the rest of us feel it, in the bottom line. The difference is our bottom line is the choice of feeding our families and helping our children play little league soccer or baseball. The bottom line with the speculators is millions and millions of dollars profit made by speculative trade in crude commodities that is coming out of our pockets. It amazes me to read that the "price of oil goes up the price of oil goes down" or another one that makes me laugh "the market adjusts itself" what a load of B.S. Wall street was just bailed out with taxpayers money to the tune of billions due to, they are to big to fail. This term is used by the pundits to sell the bailout, yet what about the term "the market adjusts itself"?

What are we doing as a result of the high speculative fixed oil? We are staying home more and each and every day watch the price of crude go up. We can go for walks with the family and have cookouts in our backyards. Meanwhile, as the grandkids wonder why they can't go see granny and papa, the speculators thrive as the general population scrimps on family activities. We buy the cheapest brand of food possible while the speculators throw lavish parties, catered by the finest in upstate snobbery. We eat ramen noodles they eat.......well they eat what ever the hell they want to. Explain to an 8 year old why they don't see you at their soccer games.

We here supply and demand from the oil traders, yet all across the United States oil is a surplus. Tankers off shore are loaded with it, they are basically floating oil warehouses. The shell game continues at our expense and our expense is heading higher. What do we cut out of our budget next year? Clothes, maybe have the family skip a meal or two a couple times a week, that's no big deal right. Yes I am mad and frustrated and I look towards the tipping point, what is the magical number for oil that sends our very fragile economy right down the toilet. What do you think it is Stephen, Chad, any ideas Cheyenne, what do you think?

All the while grandpa's Tundra still sits in his driveway while the kids play soccer and wonder where granny and papa are. A speculator would tell me not to worry about it because soon you won't have kids playing any stupid sports or activities because you won't be able to afford it all so quit whining. Wall street keeps getting richer off the expense of the not so rich and downright poor. Something is wrong with that. As I have stated earlier, tax the speculators or even better remove them from the market. Oil would drop dramatically. End the madness before we hit the tipping point and we have really huge problems.

Troy

So this picture is so cute. Peyton is holding a potato bug. I was making my family take some pictures a few years ago and Travis and B and Peyton were there so naturally we had to get a picture with Peyton also.

This picture is old but cute. I took it last year around Easter. Just to give a little update, the girls aren't with us any more, they moved to their moms in March. Tyler is going to graduate this May. Megan has her learners permit and wants to drive to get drinks. The weather has been so bad that she hasn't had many chances to drive and feel comfortable yet. Troy is working and going to school and I am working and being a wife and mom. I hope everything is going well with everyone. Love you all.

OK, OK

Iwent through the camera and found these pictures of Thanksgiving at mom and dads house. This is the first trips that Paige and Laurien made after coming to live with us. It is also the farthest they have ever been from home. As for other trips since thanksgiving we went to Colorado for Coltons blessing. Talk about a long drive with girls who have never been in a car for more than a hour and a half trip to mom and dads house. They did really good and had a great time at Chad and Tara's house. I also want to thank Samantha for sleeping with me because Troy couldn't come and I needed company. Since the girls have come to live with us we have been reading a lot more which is good for all of us. I have been reading The Girl Who Could Fly to them. I think it is a great book and all of you should read it. As for other news, I am now the first counsler in the Relief Socity presidency, Troy is still the Elders Quorum President. We are both still working our same jobs and the kids are in school. Tyler is staying with mom and dad and is doing great. His grades are coming up and he is catching up. Thank you mom and dad. Megan is doing great in school. She is also in dance. She went to her first church dance about a week ago. Paige is doing much better in school and loves to help with anything. Laurien is also doing much better in school and loves to help as well. Tonight Troy taught them how to shoot a bow. They have spent hours out back shooting and are loving it. The girls have adapted very well to living at with us and we look forward to watching them improve.

Who are you?

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Archery

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We went to Elko for the annual archery shoot. We had a great time. Dad and mom went and we also took Tyler. Troy and I took second in our division and Tyler took first in his group. The picture is of us and some friends of ours from Spring Creek, Chris and Jamie. They took first in our division. We also had the annual stand under the water fountain picture. Some years the water fountain has not been running, but Tyler got lucky this year and had his first annual dunking. The weather was wonderful. Just as we left the rain came down hard and lasted about an hour as we drove home. The shoot takes place in Lamoile Canyon. Every year everyone searches for the goats and sheep that live in the canyon. This year the sheep came in close to the shoot and actually walked through the shoot and up the other side of the mountain. It was very neat.

remodle, and new couches

We have done some painting, and put in the wood flooring. I can't believe what a difference it makes. For my birthday I got new couches, end tables and lamps. It is the first time I was able to pick out new couches. I had a great time and love the couches. There are still a few things to finish and the remodle will be done. The TV room still needs to be painted, floor boards need to be put up and the bath room needs new paint and bath mats and towels. The kitchen needs some attention also, mostly painting. The dining room is my favorite. I love how the green turned out. The entry is hard to tell but it is brown. Troy put in the flooring and I did all the painting and wall paper. Every little thing helps and we love it.

Family

After reading Leah's post about Hallie, I started thinking about what a wonderful family we have and are so lucky to be a part of. Lots of little stories came to mind. Having 5 brothers and 1 sister who are more protective than any of them will ever admit and loving me even in my stupidity.

Travis who saved me one night when what I thought was a persons head looking in my bathroom window, turned out to be an owl sitting in the window seal. For the thoughtfulness of B. She remembers everyone.

Then there was the time Chad and I were taking out a bucket of ashes from the wood stove and as we dumped it you could see a hot coals burning inside, it scared me and I told Chad we had to stomp them out and Chad did. He stuck his foot right into the bucket to stomp the coal and burned his foot badly. Tara is one of the kindest people that I know. Always concerned about every ones feelings.

Michelle seemed to be my pick me up. Sending a card or calling at just the right time. Reminding me that no matter what things seemed at the time I was going to be OK.

Just after my divorce, Cheyenne took me out with his friend to dinners and comedy clubs. It probably wasn't that fun for him but it was a big deal to me. In his quiet way he helped push me forward. Meredith is so easy to talk to and always listens to what I have to say.

At about 2 A.M. one morning I was awakened by Zeb. Who was so worried about where my life was going that he drove to my house and told me about his concerns, but more importantly that he loved me. Leah has such an outgoing personality and loves to be around the family.

Josh reminds me to keep focused. Know matter what the situation we need to remember that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants what is best for us, and to put our trust in him. Carol is very perceptive, and not afraid to ask a question and give you suggestions to help.

I don't know where to begin when I talk about Dad and Mom. The unconditional love that exists there is heart stopping. Dad and Mom have done more for me than I can ever repay them for in a million life times. There support of me and love even when I wasn't living up to my potential never stopped.

Tyler and Megan are the two sweet spirits that the Lord has blessed me with. It is amazing how we forget about ourselves when it comes to our children. I would do anything for my children to keep them safe and help them understand the important things in life.

Now for the love of my life. Troy makes my heart beat just a little faster, he is the air that I breath, he is the warm sunshine over my body. I am so blessed to have him for my husband. I am so blessed that he loves me. I am so blessed that he wants me for eternity.

I love all of you and am so grateful that you are a part of my life. Love Laura

true color

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Yellow

You're yellow, the color of joy and energy — two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting person — you!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

I had fun with this little test and I am going to have Troy take it as well. I was happy with my results because yellow is my favorite color, and that just shows the mentality of my thought process. For fun I think everyone should take this little test.

Some of you may not know, but I am very scent sensitive. Many strong smells make me ill or can trigger a terrible headache. That being said you can appreciate my story all the more. I am not a fan of the smell of coffee, and several of my co-workers enjoy several cups everyday. I don't care if you like it and want to drink it but I am not a fan. I am also not familiar with the effects it can have on your breath. Apparently your mouth begins to smell like butt. So here is my story. Today at work, I was facing my desk and working on my computer. Right behind my desk there is a counter that holds my files and has a nice granite top on it. This is nice to spread papers out on and you are able to view all papers easily. A co-worker set a proposal on the counter and had his back to me. Suddenly there was a terrible odor and I thought he had passed gas at my desk. The smell did not go away, it was very disgusting. Then he said my name and asked me for help with the proposal. I stood and walked to where he was standing. He turned to talk to me and to my horror the smell was coming from his mouth. I fought the initial gag factor and took a step back. The odor was so strong I think I could actually see the smell seeping out of his mouth. It smelled like poo. I thought how can you not know that your breath smells like that? I helped him as quickly as I could and sent him on his way. I approached Ali and told her of the offencive odor, she had experienced this herself and explained the coffee breath to me. So for those of you who drink coffee, I suggest that you carry a travel toothbrush and paste with you at all times, otherwise your mouth will smell like poo.

Javelina

Troy, Dad and Travis went hunting Javelina in January. They were gone for five days and all three harvested a javelina. While the women at home missed them and kept the homefire burning, the boys had a good time. On the way home they went through parts of Arizona so that dad could show Troy where he grew up. Troy wished that they had more time to keep driving around and site seeing. Of course if Troy was telling this story he would focus on the hunting, camping (aka hotel), hiking and watching the javelina. The weather was warmer and much dryer. Troy thought the catus was great, and wishes we could grow that here.