Why Doesn't Obama Surf Anyway?

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I'm not even going to go into Trump. If you support him on this one, well what starts with a 'ch' and rhymes with Trump? Yeah, that's what you'll be.

I just want to know when did we become so bogged down with BS like this? Was it when we went 24/7 with the news? Is the internet to blame? Did the Lewinsky mess just catapult us over into full-time "we need a scandal" mode and establish a new realm of disrspect for the President and its office? We can't have things both ways. We can't demand respect from our leaders and politicans when we don't offer them respect to begin with and we don't display it ourselves in our everyday lives to each other.

Charlie Sheen, Gadaffi and G.O.B. Bluth

Last night as H and I were having a bit of uninterrupted conversation I said to him, "You know I had a moment yesterday in the car where I realized that the more I hear Charlie Sheen and Gadaffi speak, the more they sound the same."

It's true.

One gives three hour speeches just to hear himself speak.  The other has an endless twitter stream that can't be stopped.  Both make no sense to anyone but their delusional selves. 

Gadaffi says things that make me have a Seth and Amy moment a la SNL's 'Weekend Update'.  For instance stating that the people of Libya are fine and love him.  Revolts? What revolts? No problems to speak of here.   Um, "REALLY Gadaffi? REALLY?!"


Charlie Sheen, Gadaffi and G.O.B. Bluth they are all starting to sound the same (yeah that is my real score on who said what- G.O.B or Sheen).  Maybe Emilio needs to get a little Billy the Kid on his brother's ass.

And you know what?  They are all "winners" in their own eyes. 

SCOREBOARD!



*Images from adenzone.blogspot.com, hart-beats.blogspot.com.

Open Your Ears & Minds. It's Your Country at Stake.

Reprinted from DC Metro Moms.  It's part two in my week long social/social media experiment.  Results are forthcoming.

January, 1961 John F. Kennedy asked the following question during his inaugural address, "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." Forty-nine years later the same question is still being asked. Not by a President this time but by our very own citizens of this great country.


Looking back, I find it interesting to note that Kennedy proposed this during the early sixties. Times were indeed a'chan-gin' and it would give way to less of the "greatest generation's" mindset of service and being bound to our communities but to the "me" generation, the 1970s and 80s, a time full of self-fulfillment, corporate ladder climbing, medical and technological breakthroughs and the end of the Cold War. What followed in the 1990s was more of the same. The new millennium didn't shatter any records in service either. In fact, it is harder today to figure out a way to serve your country than it was thirty years ago, much less almost fifty years ago.

Now we have a new President who has repeatedly asked us to put aside time for community service but that isn't necessarily the service I'm talking about. Looking back again at Kennedy's address you will find the following quote, "So let us begin anew- remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us." There! Right there! You just read that too. It's a call to the nation that we are still struggling with today. Now, more than ever, we need to unite and stop trying to "win". Winning isn't everything especially when our nation's future is at stake.

The political and media zealots as well as the followers on both sides need to stop and think about the greater good, which is their job anyway, and remember why they were put in office. However, it is our job to do this as well. We need to stop and listen to the other side. Really listen to the non-zealots out there and hear what they believe and want. Turns out, it is usually the same thing just expressed in a different way. We need change to our system and our country. It is divided and broken. It can be fixed but we cannot just leave it up to the politicians to figure it out. We need to ask ourselves what we can do and begin talking calmly to each other even if we think we don't agree. We need to work on solutions ourselves and then petition our politicians to follow suit. We cannot teach our children manners, civic-mindedness and lessons in civility if we are always beating down the other side.


Arguing and filibustering get you nowhere. No one wants to listen to the bully on the playground or the kid who never plays fair. If we can't do that amongst ourselves how will we ever climb out of the messes we are tackling today? Kennedy asked us what we can do for our country and I think it is high time we step up, be willing to admit neither side is completely right or wrong and begin talking. We aren't admitting to weakness we are thinking of the greater good- the future of this country and ourselves.

I Have Issues

Clearly, I have issues.  I realized this at two different times today.  First, I yelled at the gym television that was playing Fox "news".  I yelled, "Shut the F*ck up!  You are so IGNORANT!"  I mumbled something about "fallacies, bad research and fair and balanced my ass" when I realized that my right hand was extending and giving Fox the bird. 

It seems I have some built up testosterone in my system this week.  The cold that has be flagging has also taken me away from any gym time.  I didn't make it to kickboxing. I haven't gone on any runs either.  The idea of Body Pump or Boxing is just laughable.  I kept thinking if I just took it easy, as much as you can with two small kids, I would feel better.  The. Cold. Is. Still. Here. 

I'm going to have to move my treadmill.  Clearly, this is the problem. It's not that Fox is craptastic network full of lies or anything. I'm blaming this all on my "lucky" treadmill at the gym.  If I get kicked out of my gym for bad conduct it is this treadmill's fault.  It's right square in front of the television that plays Fox News.  Since it was the first and now only treadmill I have ever run on I am a bit scared to move to a different one. One that would be out of my comfort zone and possibly place me in front of the less inflammatory television that plays 24 hours of ESPN.  Except, stupid ESPN keeps playing these schmaltzy, 'arrow to the heart' feel good stories about athletes helping sick kids realize their dreams and I end up sobbing.  I feel the need to yell, "it's sweat, not tears!" while I run. 

Your Mom's a Dork

While making dinner the other night I was simultaneously finally getting around to watching the HBO mini-series about John Adams.  Just into the first disc and rummaging through the pantry TD caught me off guard. 

Coming to my side, she asked, "Momma?  Momma! What is wrong?  Why are you crying?"  I looked at her as I wiped a tear away and took a deep, cleansing breath and said, "Oh it's nothing, TD.  Your Mom is just a giant dork. A giant dork who gets really into history. The Revolution, the sacrafice, the birth of our nation, all of it."  I sighed again as I thought about how our world has changed since Adams time.  Tom Wilkinson plays Ben Franklin and he states, "It is no small thing to build a new world."

Is that what we are doing once again?  Sometimes I feel that way. 

Civics 101, Please.

Come closer.  Closer.  That's it.  Now, let me school ya on something.  Obama? You know, that man that was elected President?  He's been in office for a little over 320 days now and he hasn't accomplished ANYTHING, has he?  Geezy-peets! No, he hasn't.  It's all I hear, all the time.  It makes me "smash your forehead into a hard surface" angry.  I want to ask them if they thought Obama would pay off their mortgage or car loan too when he was elected into office. 

Oh wait. They didn't vote for him.  That's what it is. 

Fine.  That's fine.  That doesn't bother me. To each their own.  What gets me it is that no one seems to remember Civics 101.  Like I said in 'I Am Not Un-American', things do not happen over night for any government official, regardless of their political affiliation.  Changing policies, creating new programs and initiatives, fixing the massive problems that our broken nation has tried to shove under the rug since the 1960s takes time.  Most likely more time than Obama will have or be alloted.  It isn't like buying a latte or downloading a new itune.  Remember this- Clinton had a rough and lagging 100 days.  Anyone remember George W's?  There was a lot of brush hauling.  Get a history book out, dust it off and do some reading.  Every President has not done everything they promised. Even when given eight years.  It's partially due to that stubborn 'checks and balances' thing we have in this country.  Partly because other issues take precedence and need to be addressed.

When I see bumper stickers that state, "Want your change back now?  Ask Obama."  I want to yell to the driver, "Hey! Come here!  I got a treat for you!  It's called...SCHOOL."  Because clearly you have no idea what you are talking about.  This economic problem isn't Obama's creation.  The last eight years (and us) are to blame for a lot of that.  Just like it wasn't Clinton who gave us that 90's economic boom.  It's like real estate or anything else.  It is all cyclical. Next thing you know we will forget that Al Gore did not create the internet. Gah. 

So what has Obama done this year?

January- He signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.  Five days later he reauthorized the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) giving four million uninsured children health insurance.  In March, he repealed the embryonic stem cells issue.  Federal funding and strict guidelines will now go to the research for this cause.  May saw a new nomination for Supreme Court Justice.  There is a whole lot more- the economic stimulus package in February, new global warming proposals this past September, universal health care reform is in the works (Do some research on how it works for other countries, it's a good thing.  Then come fight me.) and there is so much more.  It's not like he is sitting back eating bon bons.  He and many other government officials, from both parties, are working hard.  It just takes time.  More time than it does to blow $100 at Target at least. 

And to think that I was going to write about Christmas's past and childhood wishes today.  Maybe what I really want for Christmas is a government funded civics class for the nation. 

Thank you to PunditMom and Jodifur too for such a wonderful mention today.  It made my day. 

Discuss Amongst Yourselves

Suppose you were an idiot.
And suppose you were a member of Congress.
But I repeat myself.

- Mark Twain

Do I mean any disrespect when I quote Mark Twain. Discuss in the comments. Really. I want to hear your thoughts on our current national situation.

Randomness #234

According to a recent survey conducted between November and February on Twitter (so you know it's scientiftastically reliable) people have been swearing more since the recession. Huh. If swearing weren't so uncouth I would probably add a pleasant MoFo and SOB/Whore into almost every sentence. Can't help it, I admit to liking the sailor talk.

When I was a kid I liked to watch Mark Russell on PBS. I'm quite sure my parents feared playground beatings on a daily basis. As it was no one would share a locker with me because of my political dorkiness.



Kiddie spas annoy me like a sharp piece of barbed wire stuck in my craw. When I pass by the one at my local mega-shopping-plex I want to picket it and/or grab the girls inside and teach them about self-worth being about more than your complexion and shade of toe nail polish. All this at a second grade level. It's frightening people. I can't even discuss what I want to do with the parents who take their kids to places like this.

Overheards- The Inaugural Edition

Scene: The darkened den of our house. H and I are watching the Golden Globes (shocking, I know. I can hardly believe he was there myself!) and yet another commercial for the upcoming inauguration flashes across the screen.

H: Isn't the inauguration next Tuesday?

Me: Yeah, I know. I keep thinking it's this week the way people are talking about it and promoting it. It's driving me crazy.

H: That's it! I'm done. I'm over it. Enough. I'm officially sick of the hype. I mean, just get your cardboard box of photos, turn on the light in the Oval Office and get to work already.


Don't get me wrong, we're excited and all that but if you lived here you would feel like the four walls were closing in on you too. Our roads are being closed down. School is canceled and none of our bridges will be open. We couldn't even go to this blessed event if we tried!

Toddler Crack and More

"See my nipples? See my nipples? OH! Where did my nipples go?!" TD says all this as she toodles on by on her tricycle at barely 7 a.m. in the morning.

I'm not sure I'm ready for this type of conversation this early in the morning.

Now she's fallen over from trying to shove a ball under her shirt.

Obviously she has gone to the OB/GYN a few times with me recently because I don't think that 'Super Why' is teaching her this stuff. Somehow I can't see Alpha Pig spelling out the word nipples.

Last night she had a mock-a-rita. Can we say someone is missing drinking at almost 8 months in? This thing consisted of lime-ade, lemon-lime soda and strawberries. I have never given this kid soda before and now I can see it will never be happening again. After sucking every ounce she could out of her glass and using the straw to get the last drops at the bottom she stuck her whole hand in and swiped the remaining droplets across her teeth, rubbing vigorously. Just like any good junkie would, I suppose. H and I were stunned into mouth-gaping silence then laughter. Is this some inherently ingrained gesture we all have? Scary.



Are you not enjoying the lovefest that is all things Sarah Palin right now? Then go here.

Why I Can't Tow a Party Line

Hi Kids!

Guess what?!

Did you know that Obama is a Muslim and that if we elect him terrorists will ransack our country? Yup.

It's true.

Just like McCain fathering an illegitimate child who is sshh... not white. Shocking, I know.

Do you believe this BS that still filters around? Or are you skeptical and researching the actual facts?

BTW, did you also know that we were all shocked and surprised by 9/11? Yeah, never saw that coming with all the warnings that went back to the Clinton administration. It wasn't our own arrogance or forgetting that we were attacked before at Pearl Harbor or anything. Nope. Can't be that. No one has ever tried to get on our shores before 2001. Which has me really wondering- Um.. why is it then that my father works in defense and for years has known about other country's making their way over here but we just never hear about it in the mainstream media. Can't be because unsuccessful attempts don't grab big headlines, could it?

Here's the thing people. I'm a moderate. Increasingly, I feel I have no place in this country. Yet, I know I am not alone. I believe that globalization is more than being about business. That it is to the point and beyond that we as a WORLD need to focus on the issues not just as "what is this going to do for me?" arrogant countries isolated and alone out there being bullied by other countries regarding oil and terrorism. I guess that makes me a bit of an idealist. I still believe that grassroots campaigns work. I believe in the power of the individual and how banded together we can really make things happen. You know, all that stuff our country was founded on. The foundations and beliefs that made this country great and had Lincoln pacing the White House hallways at night.

I am hurt by a party that isolates and continues to propagate untruths and by people who are uniformed about both sides of the coin.

I am spitting mad by uninformed voters and those who just don't care.

I am seething mad that one party chooses a VP female candidate to bring in not just the 'girly parts' vote but the sheer fact that they don't even have a 'Women's Issues' section on their own campaign website. Guess us pie bakers are too busy at home with our kids or ignoring them to actually do some research and see that we are being handed a bag full of fluff.

I am bitter and saddened when I see my husband, who served his country, be told he is unpatriotic with no morals and cannot simply support the troops because he doesn't tow one party line.

A party that has changed so much from what it used to be - small-business favored with small non-Big Brother type government and being a country that produced things and didn't whine. One that believed in itself and not placing blame on another party simply because things are not going the way we want them to. One that increasingly believes that we are futile. That our opinions overall do not matter because what difference can one person really make? That one size needs to fit all. If it doesn't, move to Canada. They are friendlier there with their universal health care and all, right?

Readers, sigh.. do me a favor. Regardless of who you think you like right now- Please, please, please go out and inform yourself beyond the talking pundits, the analysts, the convention diatribe and news networks. Look at voting records that don't come from campaign websites. Dig. Really, dig. Figure out what is important to you- pick three top issues or something! Then, find the best fit because as a nation we have never been one size fits all and are never going to be.

Then? Figure out a way to help and make a difference. You do matter. You can make a difference. The only way you don't is if you just sit back and watch the world go by while bitchin' from your chair.

You can start here.

Boxes of Gas Make Me Flaming Mad

"If you don't vote in 2008. Don't whine in 2009." That's about as much as I would typically say on this here blog, politically speaking, despite the fact that-

I'm a bit of a political junkie. TD is named after an old white guy of a Republican after all. I had pictures of Quayle and Bush in my 7th grade locker right next to an oh so hawt Mikael Baryshnikov. My locker mate moved out on me, deeming me a dork. When I went to cheer camp I didn't take family photos but pictures and political cartoons of Reagan and Bush that I was particularly fond of. Yeah, I admit it, asking for Newsweek for my 12th birthday makes me somewhat of a dork but at least I can admit it along with this guy. On my bedroom wall was a collage of the Silver Fox, whose position I coveted.

Obsess much? Maybe just a scootch.

I campaigned my heart out for my friends in high school. I sucked up political commentary and read all I could. I gorged on it through middle school, high school and college. I worked for the government as my first post-college job. Yet, I always remained against "the man" and never had any particular respect for the old white guy ways and such (minus the ones who earned it, including you, Dad).

I Heart politics though. Yet, I rarely talk about them here on this little ol' blog. The registered Independent voter in me hates conflict and I would rather not deal with flaming comments I suppose.

Until now.

I can't take boxes of gas instead of gallons anymore. I get really riled up when candidates jokingly say that a woman belongs in the kitchen baking apple pie because what is more American than that? (WISH TO GOD I could find the article in Marie Claire from last month that had this interview.) I know it was meant with a wink and a nudge. But it was also a way to evade the question, "What will you do for the women in America?" And really? Really, sir, it's not just that I have a daughter and another one on the way. It goes beyond the fact that I have had to deal with more than my share of sexual harassment in the workplace. It's that I, as a woman, am so DAMN SICK of hearing comments like this that are meant as jokes. I don't want to brush it off. When I hear BS like this it makes my blood boil over and I see Bluto red. I want to kick the crap out of you. For years, decades, we as women have listened to men make these types of comments and "jokes" and were supposed to be good-natured and go along with them. We have now blessedly gotten to the point where we can tell you to shove it in a nice manner and you get our drift. Well, most of you.

I want a calming force in the Oval office this fall. Not one that makes me see crimson because I am not deemed worthy of equal pay, having a say over my health care (this goes beyond the uterus ladies and you know it! Think research and testing too which is typically done more on men than women despite how different we are. We are NOT one-size fits all!) and who thinks that heh, heh it's totally fine to not be in tune with a majority of the country and world who use computers. Golly, gee what a concept I know!

Jim Henson once said, "Our children do not inherit the earth from us. We borrow it from them." I don't think that the current male/female ticket running right now believes that. At all. Not even a smidgen. If they did would one of them be suing the current administration for putting polar bears on the endangered species list? I want someone who is in touch with the country and one who "gets it" economically and knows how many houses he owns. One who has been surrounded by women who have not had above average advantages their whole life which has allowed them to skirt the issues many of us face daily.

I want my kids to have a future and I want one too. The way things are now it doesn't feel like we have much of one. If we keep going in the same vein, I cannot see anything more than an even bigger deficit, more division and world hatred towards the country I love so much and am proud to be a part of. I want a country that no longer feels like a house divided. I know I'm patriotic but I'm told all the time I'm not just for disagreeing with the current party and its line. To me, that speaks volumes.

I'm mad as hell Internets. And I'm not going to take it anymore. I haven't been this mad in a long time. I might have to burn something in effigy today. I found this piece very interesting and the comments even more so.

Olympic-Sized Overheards

Scene: H & I sitting in a darkened den watching the brain suckage that is the passing of the countries during the Olympics opening ceremony. The excitement could not be contained as we exclaimed over countries wardrobe choices and wondered when the real festivities would begin.

Me: Augh! Who the hell is that jackass yokel?! Look at the way he is sitting with his legs splayed out. Bored, much? Dude! You are on television! At least look like you are lucky to be there!

seconds later...

Me: Oh crap. That yokel is the President of the United States.

H: Proceeds to laugh so hard he falls completely off the couch, his body in a tight ball as he wheezes and laughs even harder until he almost cries or pees. Whichever comes first in non-pregnant men. The phrase, "That's classic!" utters forth in between his guffaws.

Me: What?! It's no wonder other countries hate us. That was terrible!

Overheards and more

Seriously, you must think I hang out in the weirdest places but really I'm just a regular gal going around town in my 'grocery getter' picking up diapers and hitting the gym on occasion. I just think people have no idea what they sound like, and I'm as guilty as the next person, when someone only hears snippets of conversation.



Here's what I've been privy to in the last 24.



1. I NEED more poop. (alrighty then! Get that woman some poop!)



2. It goes up your baby crack. (I think that is the opposite of the ass crack if you are a girl in case you were wondering)

3. Titah bah, Titah bah, Titah bah... (this was repeatedly said by T.D. while in the car last night.) "What is she saying?", H & I asked. I wondered aloud, "Titty bar? Is she saying titty bar? I mean we are next to a Hooters. Is that it?"

4. Titty bar, Titty bar, titty bar!!! (as said by T.D. one second after I said that dastardly phrase. H shook his head in shame and I began to sing the alphabet loudly to distract T.D.)


5. I just want to know how long Obama's been a Christian... (because that makes all the difference now doesn't it? Oddly, I have heard this question posed more than once.)



I actually posed that last overheard to T.D. to garner some wisdom from her. Dictators do have staunch opinions on things. So we had a little sit down to discuss this latest political quandary.



Me: T.D., tell me, do you think, as a toddler and a dictator, that it matters if Barack Obama has been a Christian for say 5 years, 25 years, always, or like only maybe two years?



T.D.: Uh... Why?



Me: Yeah, OK, my point exactly but answer the question. The public wants to know your stance on this issue. (I repeat the question)



T.D.: Why? Christian? Yeaaah.....



Me: So it does matter. Why? Why does it matter?



T.D.: Why? Why?! WHY?!!!! No thank you.



Me: OK, we'll take that as a no comment.



Seriously? Why does it matter if it is five years, his whole life, or the last five minutes. If he is the same belief system as you then why does it freakin' matter?!

It's SUPER TUESDAY- For Me!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..."

Aside from Christmas and the actual Election in November this is quite possibly one of my most favoritest, bestest times of the year!

I was a bit sad last week when all the excitement was flowing on every news channel, newspaper and all over the Internet. I felt left out living here in the DC Metro area. Today, it is a jubilee!

So if you live in the DC Metro area, remember today to VOTE! It's your first right as an American and one that is very important. Know that you are participating in something that really does matter and could quite possibly make history. Exciting, no?

I'm even excited about reigning in a crazy toddler while standing in line so you know this must be a big day for me. I'll report back later! I'm wearing my Baby Brewing shirt while I stand in line that reads, "I'm Blogging This". Because, well, I am.

I love the smell of Super Tuesday in the morning! It smells like... Victory!

Get full election point of views and more fun stuff here at DC Metro Moms! The whole SV, NYC, DC & Chicago set is buzzing with all things politics!

The Two E's-Edwards and the Economy

Allow me to get a little political here for a moment. In the past I've talked about a few of the candidates and how important it is to get the vote out. Super Tuesday is fast approaching and now more than ever the election is on my mind. Daily we are bombarded with news and updates about this electoral race. Both sides are playing hard and fast and in some cases there is more of a buzz about one or two candidates over another one. I'm talking about John Edwards people. Allow me to bend your ear a moment. Just excuse the page and come back tomorrow if you aren't a Democrat or an Independent like me, who wants to give some Edwards love.

You might wonder why I favor Edwards over Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Quite honestly it is gut instinct feeling. When I compare my beliefs and feelings on certain issues at this site the tally is a three way tie for me each time. However, for me Edwards is the only one truly talking about the one issue that is on the minds of US citizens the most these days. The economy. When asked during exit polls or just off the street what concerns us the most, we don't say it is the war in Iraq anymore, we are yelling in a resoundingly loud chorus that it is the economy we think and worry about the most. Many of us can't sleep at night because of it. I'm there with you.

While I love the idea of a woman president (the feminist in me REALLY wants to) I just can't fully engage myself in Hillary. I was a teen in the 1990's. I remember so much from that time. I remember the feelings of disappointment I had when I voted in my first election and had to choose between Mr. Smarmy pants and Dole. I know she isn't her husband by any means but I just can't trust her. I give kudos to Obama for his speech patterns too. He sounds very familiar and people like that. He is not a bad candidate. However, the two of them have had enough publicity and I'm sick of listening to them argue and I don't like smear campaigns. Realize this- they are so wrapped up in bringing the other down they are not talking about the issues. Got that? I know it is how the game is played but I like a candidate who is above the fray. One who is the grown-up. Not just someone who is a great historical candidate.

My vote goes to Edwards. He is the strongest Democratic candidate, despite what the media is selling you. He is the contender people. This little independent is concerned with the issues not the person. Since the 1980's the middle class has been in decline. I had a cartoon making this statement on my wall as a junior high kid. In it a limo representing the wealthy was being held up by an ever-narrowing group that was once the middle class. That year was 1988. This is not a cartoon anymore and Edwards main goal is to tear down and fix what is become a reality. The issue of the decline of the middle class and economy go hand in hand. Are the other candidates concerned with this issue? Only when they see Edwards getting media attention about it. Only then do you hear them speak about it.

In the end I still vote with my gut no matter what some online match-up game tells me. I do my research and I know what concerns me. You do too. America is screaming for a second chance and I believe Edwards is the only one listening. If you don't believe me, read this letter.

Really it doesn't matter how you vote. Just that you do vote and that you vote for the candidate YOU believe in. Don't vote for the person you think will win, vote for who you want to see in office. Let's rally ladies and see what we can do with our immense voices too! Head to this open letter and make yourself heard today!

It isn't January without the crud

Every Christmas I get sick. If it isn't Christmas, it is right after New Years. One year I even managed to contract Legionnaire's disease. Don't ask. This year I felt I had knocked it. No office time to me meant no germs. Ha! Ha! Suckas! I quit you, you blasted sickness! I dare to dream that I had defied the odds.

Then I got sick. Then I got better. Then I am sick again. That is my current state.

Can I say this really blows? I've been looking forward to the DC Metro Moms Launch party for a month. It is tonight and there is french food involved and I'm feeling half alive at 9 a.m. That's after two cups of full strength espresso and a shot of dayquil. But you know what really bites my balls (if I actually had them)?

I just can't get into the New Year when I feel this way. I start out feeling way behind. The longer I'm sick the slower I am to get to work, crack down on some overdue projects and get back to the gym. Oh the gym...that is a whole other post right there. I think of timely topics only to go a whole day in bed or laying on the couch watching bullshit shows like Spice Up My Kitchen and poof! another day is wasted in a sea of tissues, contaminated glassware and soup bowls. I think I'm half chicken soup right now and half mucus.

So in lieu of a snarky or educational post I leave you with this- Jean from DC Metro Moms writes about how I think many Americans feel right now.

I Heart Huckabee

Heh.

I've always wanted to use that.

Mike Huckabee, a former governor from Arkansas with weight issues (he's dropped the equivalent of an 8th grader) who knows how to make fun of himself. Sound familiar? That's right it's like Clinton Redux without all the Democrat stuff. Huckabee is a Republican.

I'm not playing sides here but I have decided in the past to look at many if not all the candidates in the coming year. What I love about Huckabee is his sense of humor. I've seen him on the late night circuit and he is not completely full of himself or afraid to poke some fun at his life and image. Just look at his Chuck Norris ads.



So while I don't agree with everything Huckabee stands for I do respect him just a little bit for having fun with the whole stuffy presidential race bit. It puts Hilary's Sopranos ad to shame. OK actually that whole thing was just terrible anyway. It reminded me of a high school election where the popular kid who is running decides to take whatever is the hottest, coolest, of the moment fad and bank on it for their campaign. Half the time it's not even something they would have known about if their nerdy but know it all campaign manager hadn't told them.

Anyway, Huckabee is pulling ahead of Romney in the polls in Iowa, despite Romney's attempt to blanket the state with Romney-heads (my made-up word). Can he pull through and actually be nominated as the Elephant candidate for November? Who knows. I'm just looking forward to more great ads and amusing interviews and anything to take away from this.



CELINE DION! CELINE DION ended up being the winning song! C'mon!!!

That's Gruh-VEL, not Gravel

Talking politics on the blog is like talking about my marriage it can stir up things that are best left well, not out there for all the world to see. I try not to discuss politics here but sometimes it's just damn near impossible like during an election year or when you are just too fired up and your husband can't stand to listen to you rant anymore.

Then along comes a candidate, labeled second-tier, that just begs me to learn more. I'm talking about Gravel. Mike Gravel. He's a presidential hopeful with not a lot of money but an interesting take on things. You may have seen him on YouTube throwing a rock into some water a few months ago. No? Maybe you remember him from the 70's, if so good on you! However, he's probably not on your radar. While just as busy as the other presidential hopefuls he just doesn't get a lot of play. Which really? I love.

To me what is most fascinating about Gravel is not his determination, it's his ability to show his true self on all occasions. He has no money in his campaign chest, about $130K per quarter, compared to the millions the other candidates possess. The man uses parking meters in DC because garages are too expensive and he doesn't have the staff that many of the more well-known candidates do. His thoughts on being called second-tier? He finds it troubling that because he doesn't possess a pack of media hounding him or big money that he is treated as a joke. A joke by the media. The media he needs to make his ideas and himself known to the American public. To Gravel second-tier means that just a few people get to decide who becomes a serious candidate and who doesn't. Troubling indeed.

Always a lover of the underdog, I think that is why I find Gravel so fascinating. I'm not saying I am voting for him, a lady has to keep her secrets after all, but I keep coming back to him. Listening to him speak. Reading articles by him and about him. I am curious. Just like we all need to be about our candidates. Gravel can be controversial and since he doesn't have people in his ear all the time he really talks and speaks his mind no matter what the outcome. That appeals to me. The man owns one car and rents an apartment for goodness sake. He isn't living in some big house with a staff of servants or aides always telling him what to do and not do.

So while the media likes to make him out to be a bit crazy and prone to outbursts, I would rather learn about him and his beliefs in my own way just like I do all the candidates and make my informed decision that way. In the coming year more and more spin will be made on the candidates skewing and hiding their true voices. I'm doing my homework now. And right now grassroots and old fashioned politics without all the slickness of Oprah and big money are by far the more interesting avenue to me.

Packaged candidates after all are so last election season.