My husband cracks me up

We had a Halloween party at Owen's daycare tonight where we spent some time making a colorful macaroni necklace for Auntie Meg. I put it around Keith's neck as we wandered around the other activities. So, I am sure Keith felt very pretty as he picked up some things from the drugstore on the way home.

Allow me a moment to vent

Political season is wrapping up in 15 days, and I do not think I can adequately articulate how nervous I am and how fervently I hope Obama wins.

It's something the other side feels as fervently, but if course in the complete opposite way. Sometimes I am a bit sad that, no matter who wins, nearly 1/2 of our citizens will be unhappy with the outcome; some - many, in fact, will be desperately unhappy.

I know this isn't new, certainly I cried my share if sad, bitter, scared tears in 2004 when Bush beat Kerry. But this time it just feels so much more important and terrifying. This time I really believe there is a person who can bring about the changes we desperately need. I'm fired up about election day and also exhausted from trying to engage in discourse with brick wall Rethuglicans who wouldn't know an unbiased source if it smacked them in their thick prominent brow.

Thanks, that feels better.

Top 5 things I love about my sister

5. When she complains about her thighs being too big for jeans.
4. That she can eat a bag of Cheetos without gaining the weight in the bag...or any weight at all.
3. That she ever "forgets to eat".
2. When she gives me crap for not updating my blog and she doesn't have a blog.
1. Her undying love for Celine Dion.

Almost a sentence

As I was getting Owen dressed this morning I was singing, kissing his belly and legs. I stopped and smiled at him and he said, "Hi Mama! More kisses." Clear as day! Be still my heart.

Whatever "side" you're on - be a good citizen

Yesterday I was driving to Jenn & Brian's with Owen for an afternoon visit and dinner. While waiting at the flashing yellow left-turn light at Commonwealth and Chapman, a car pulled up behind me. A break in the on-coming traffic came and I started to turn into the left lane of the two lanes going my way on Commonwealth. However, I quickly realized that the car behind me had turned right on my tail and was turning into the left lane - I had to quickly swerve into the right lane to avoid getting hit by them, even though I had the right-of-way. I looked over at their car to figure out what their problem was, and I saw a few college-age girls hanging out the window flashing McCain/Palin signs at me and giving me the finger (we have Obama stickers on our cars, I was driving the Subaru).

I was totally shocked. I am as passionate about this election as anyone I've met, and yet when I drive a car with an Obama sticker on it, I see myself as representing a larger group of individuals. I would never want to pull some jerk maneuver on the road and be "that asshole Obama supporter". Keith and I were talking about how we drive even more carefully and thoughtfully now that we put the Obama stickers on our car. I don't care if someone supports McCain/Palin - although I certainly don't understand why they do - but I would assume they would want to act respectful and in such a way that reflects well on their party.

I felt like I was driving a car with Albany High Cougar stickers all over it and they were some opposing team rah-rah'ing for their mascot at homecoming - that was the level of their ridiculous behavior. And I guess that is part of the larger distinction for me: in their behavior was so much of the machismo and disrepect towards diplomacy and earth-sharing behavior that I feel we've had to suffer for the past 8 years. Their behavior embodied so much of what I disdain about the cowboy-maverick-yeeehaw! behavior we've been subjected to from the Republican side. When are they going to wake up and realize that they're sharing the road?

This will have to do for now

I know it's been awhile since my last post, and it's been a busy time so at some point it's hard to figure out what topic to write about. Owen and I went to MN with the fam, awesome trip! But exhausting; in all the things you quickly figure out about parenthood, the complete loss of "vacation" as relaxation, reading, and playing cards, takes awhile to comprehend. It's a little like being home, but with more chaos. Thank heaven for my fun family and fall colors! It made the trip great.

Then there was Jenny's birthday at Pizza Port. Tasty pizza, lots of catching up with friends, and the requisite San Clemente slightly creepy and exceedingly drunk man wandering around talking to everyone.

This week has been exhausting but nice. Got to see Joe rock the debate Thursday. Can't wait tip 11/4!