He's Just Not That Into You

Tonight I met a guy who I thought was very good for my best friend. I liked him immediately - perfect gentleman. He reminds me of my favorite cousin, who I admire very much. Sweet, interesting, intelligent, ambitious. We met at a bar for drinks and had pleasant conversation, it was like talking to an old friend. Apparently he and my best friend had a brief relationship, where she determined that he just wasn't that into her. I am baffled. He is someone I would pick out for her. Her past two main squeezes - well, I would have never picked them. The first one I liked as a person, but I didn't think they had nearly enough in common to have a long standing relationship. The second, well, I didn't like him at all. He was the most despicable human being, though he did have some qualities, such as his ambition, that made him a little more compatible with her.

This guy is likable, and he possesses very similar qualities to hers. They both are well educated, both love to travel, both very ambitious. I wonder how he is about music..... both like basketball. They seem to have similar backgrounds, plus he doesn't seem like a big fat jerk, which is an added bonus.

But for some reason, the relationship has stalled. If and when, he decides that she is a good match, which I believe she is, she is attractive, self-sufficient and educated, he will get my vote. Hopefully he will discover this, before someone else scoops her up. Even if they don't get together, I hope that she finds someone who is her everything she needs and wants.

Weekly picks

Indianapolis 41, Detroit 9
Dallas 21, Chicago 7

While I didn't pick these ahead of time, undoubtedly I would have picked the winners. I thought it would be much close particalarly for the second game, but the outcome still would in my mind have been the same.


Cleveland at Cincinnati, - CINN
Jacksonville at Minnesota - JAX
Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants - PHI, if they were still starting Warner, I might would pick NYG, but since they aren't....
San Diego at Kansas City - I hate to say it....SD
Tampa Bay at Carolina - TB
Tennessee at Houston - HOU
Washington at Pittsburgh - PITT
New Orleans at Atlanta - ATL
Baltimore at New England - NE
Buffalo at Seattle - SEA
Miami at San Francisco - SF
N.Y. Jets at Arizona - NYJ
Oakland at Denver - DEN
St. Louis at Green Bay - GB

Mr. JDA

I am not gonna let you get to me. You who seems determined to get me back into the cycle of insanity. Is it just me or do you enjoy trying to steal my joy? Yes, you did compliment me - you complimented me on the obvious and even still I appreciate that, but you complimented after a slew of insults. I wasn't exactly in the receptive mode after that. At any rate, I wish you well.

Manipulator of Men?

Moi? What is that supposed to mean? I could tell you didn't mean that in a good way. How could you of all people say that about me? Mr. Disappearing Act? You come in and out of my life without notice, and you have the nerve to say that about me? I obviously am not very good at manipulation, because I can't get you to a daggone thing I want you to do - like have a decent conversation with me, without your condescension and most importantly stop comparing me to your ex. I am not her.

I have not manipulated you in any way. Because to be quite honest, I don't need you. I am strong, and amazingly I manage support myself without you. Fortunately, I have real friends who are there for me....

I am not pressuring you or guilting you into doing anything for me. It's funny that you would call me manipulative - you, who hasn't given me anything except empty promises.... And there are men who have done some of the most amazing things for me, who have never said anything like that. Did you ever consider that I am just a nice person?

Have you seen me in action with men? It is quite amazing to see.... but that's another story.

Weekly picks

Arizona at Carolina, ARI (that doesn't sound right coming from me), but so be it.
Dallas at Baltimore - BAL
Denver at New Orleans - DEN
Detroit at Minnesota - MINN
Indianapolis at Chicago - IND, even though I hope that CHI wins....
N.Y. Jets at Cleveland - NYJ
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati - PITT, though it would be nice for Cincy to pull one out
San Francisco at Tampa Bay - TB
St. Louis at Buffalo - STL
Tennessee at Jacksonville - JAX
Miami at Seattle - SEA
San Diego at Oakland - SD
Atlanta at N.Y. Giants - ATL
Washington at Philadelphia - PHI
Green Bay at Houston - GB
New England at Kansas City - well I know who I want to win this game, but it's not looking good for them..... but I will throw good sense to the wind and pick KC

Stop Blocking

is really a message to myself, since I am the biggest obstacle between me and someone I find to be pretty interesting.... I have his number, yet I can 't bring myself to call him. What good reason do I have to call him? I mean I really just want to talk and get to know him better.... I guess I am ol school and I think that the man is supposed to call and if he doesn't, then it is because he doesn't want to. That seems to be generally true, except I never gave him my phone number. He gave me his....and I haven't used it yet, and now it seems awkward. Maybe he thinks I don't like him - maybe he thinks I like him and he is not ready for that.... maybe I am overanalyzing and I should just call....

But I can't - yet. I hate that I didn't see him yesterday. He brightens my day. Ok, maybe I will call - nah, I can't.

Quiet Please

Oh my god. This had to be one of the worst nights I have had in a long time. Seriously, I thought I was going to hurt someone. The noise level in my office is unbelievable! I feel myself getting angry all the time becasue I can't hear myself think. And what's worse... is I have way too much help. And by help, I mean irritation. It's hard to feel justified by being upset with someone for wanting to help you. But oh my goodness, it truly is easier for me to do things myself, rather than having to stop, explain what needs to be done, and... let's be honest I don't really trust people to do things right unless I have workedwith them before and they have established themselves as trustworthy. Especially in light of the fact that if something goes wrong, I will be held accountable, not them.

How can you tell a person who outranks you that you don't want or need their help? I just wanted to say... the best thing you can do for me is go home! Let me handle my business. You are slowing me down. It is difficult for me to think of things for you to help me with, when I will have to spend time that I don't have trying to explain it. Plus you have deprived me of my eye candy for the night.... (another story) I am very intrigued by this man.... and I missed him all because I was being stalked.

Basically, there are too many chefs in the kitchen. I didn't have one moment of quiet.... which made me really upset. Then I have these spastic people who are asking me stupid questions.... I told the woman it was taken care of and perhaps she misunderstood me. So she kept asking me about it..... aarrrghhh - seriously I thought I would kill her. Then she said something about calling someone else to make sure - eh I dunno what she said, because I had 50 other things to take care of and hers was already done, long before she even got there. Then I had to have a discussion on why I looked annoyed - hmmmm BECAUSE I WAS ANNOYED! Accurate perception. I don't want to understand your point of view. I don't like repeating myself, but particularly not when I have 50 other things to do and your stuff is already done. I think she thought I was holding a grudge.... I really wasn't because I had zoned out.

On top of that, she and the other chef spent 15 minutes shooting the breeze in my work area talking loudly - and I wanted to kill them both. The decibel levels were mind numbing. I zone out often, because my area seems to be the gathering place for everyone to chat.

Then, the other spastic person, who I really wish wasn't working for me, because it creates more aggravation for me was asking me questions that were lower priority and quite frankly wouldn't have been necessary had she just read the instructions. Arrgghh!

I literally feel like hiding at times to get away from all the noise and extra help. What worse is the extra help follows me....and then does things and comes back and gives me the blow by blow, far more information than I care about, particularly the background information that I already knew, but you can't really just cut someone off and say get to the point. All I care is that the problem is resolved. Oh and what really drives me crazy, is the person reading over my shoulder while I type or interjecting themselves into conversations and situations that I am perfectly capable of handling. Give me some SPACE. I don't even like my close friends up in my grill like that. Dayummmm!

The point is..... I don't need HELP like that. I need quiet. I need peace. I know how to find answers. I know how to ask for help when I need it. I don't need a stalker.

Love that Hair

What is it with me and dreads? Fantastic.... I think it is a phase, but they are hot - as long as they are clean. Ok I like the close crop look too, but dreads are amazing.

A beautiful man

WOW! I am amazed. I hope to see you again - soon.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

You are a horrible, miserable excuse for a human being. You are a snake and I hope all the dirt you do comes back to you 10-fold. The man made a simple mistake and it is completely unbelievable (and unacceptable) that you blew it out of proportion the way you did. There is no way that mistake cost you a whole day's worth of work. Heck, I helped clean it up, no thanks to you. There was no reason for the inflammatory email that you displayed so that more people could see than necessary. You didn't have to take it there. Perhaps, you could have addressed the person directly or said that to just the people involved. (not that I even agreed with what you said). I am willing to bet you can't take the direct approach because you are a coward, and you might find that you too might be at fault.

I guess your specialty is just writing nasty emails and assigning blame. All you do is complain - nothing is ever your fault. Somehow, I had it my head that we are all human beings, and sometimes humans make mistakes.... But apparently you don't make mistakes, and by definition, you are not human. Perhaps you should not live among mere mortals.....

I would feel sorry for you because obviously you are an unhappy person, but I can't because you are trying to destroy other peoples' reputation and that is appalling. I have a need to defend the defenseless and I will go toe to toe with you any day. Oh an by the way, if you try that crap with me, be ready for a confrontation, because I will embarrass you. You simplistic, petty canine! I know you like to try your crap during the day, when I am not there, but I will get you.

Go be miserable by yourself.

Rocking in Rockville

Thanks Colin for the party. Had a great time. Good seeing everyone and finally, finally having a drink.

True Love

I have been doing some self reflection and it got me to thinking. Am I capable of a long term committment, i.e. marriage? I have been on my own (essentially) for so long, I just don't know if I could live with another person. Based on my past history, I tend to get bored, and in a lot of cases I am unwilling to try to spice things up.

The thing is, I really want kids. I think kids are great and one of God's greatest gifts. And it would be nice to have a husband too, but.... quite honestly, I don't have to have a husband. It would be great if I could meet someone and we were compatible and could make a go of it, but I wouldn't die if that didn't happen. But I absolutely want kids...

Maybe I just haven't met the right person. My last relationship has had me second guessing myself, my worth, everything about me. I knew I couldn't go on like that and I am still trying unload some of that emotional baggage. I have come a long way. Yes, I still care for that person, but I really have no desire to be with him. It is very... liberating. Those feelings of desperation are gone. I no longer wonder what he is doing, where he is and who he is with.... I just stopped caring. All the secrecy that used to drive me nuts.... has desensitized me. I am not the same person anymore.

But is that good? Will I be cold and unfeeling to new people? What if I transfer my skepticism and lack of trust to someone else. What if I can't get past all the complexes I have developed from this last relationship? What if that desparate fear of abandonment resurfaces?

I hate that feeling more than anything.... I felt that way more often than I care to admit from the past relationship - part of that was me, but I certainly did not get any reassurance from him. Maybe I am not ready yet, but my biological clock says I am.

Well, I guess there is no need to worry too much... it's not like I have anyone on the horizon right now. So I guess that gives me more time to work out my issues.

Daggone Special Teams

You really gave me quite a scare today. I like it interesting, but that was ridiculous. Please don't do that again. Allowing the same guy to run a punt back for a touchdown twice in the 4th quarter is hard to swallow. The idea that they could have won that game as terrible as they played based on two lousy special teams play is a bit too much for a die hard fan. Especially after the defense and offense worked so hard to win. I am glad you came out strong in overtime. Thank goodness you didn't have to punt.

On a different note, what in the world is wrong with the Jets? Why in the world would you run the ball and kick a field goal for overtime. At least try for a pass - Quincy is a decent quarterback - heck it wouldn't have cost you that much time and you could have scored a touchdown. What happened to playing to win?

Who knew the Giants would lost to Arizona or KC to New Orleans? Or that Carolina could score 37 points in one game? Or even better that the Bears could beat Tennessee?

Congrats to Serena for making it to the WTA finals - it should be a great re-match with Sharapova. I couldn't understand the dress selection girlfriend, but I still have a lotta love for ya.

A Little Consideration, Please

I absolutely love my friend Chau. She is a beautiful spirit. She is thoughtful and funny. She is great to be around. I was mad at her when I first met her, because she let me pronounce her name wrong. That was pretty embarassing ;), but since then it has been cool.

She is probably one of the most considerate people I know. It's just the little things - like for example, she brings in magazines after she's done so other people can read them. One of my New Years's resolutions will be to have that kind of thoughtfulness. It is very inspirational.

If you ever ride with Chau, you are in for quite the experience. I empathize with her completely. She is quite expressive - it's really kinda funny sometimes.

To top it off, she has one of the best hand bag collections I have ever witnessed.

I love that she is honest, loyal and funny. She is also really pretty, especially when wears her hair down.

Cheers to Chau. You make life better.

Weekly picks

Baltimore at N.Y. Jets - NYJ
Chicago at Tennessee - TENN
Detroit at Jacksonville - JAX (I was hoping Byron could play, but it ain't gonna happen)
Houston at Indianapolis - IND
Kansas City at New Orleans - KC
Pittsburgh at Cleveland - PITT
Seattle at St. Louis - STL
Tampa Bay at Atlanta - ATL
Cincinnati at Washington - CINN
Carolina at San Francisco - SF
Minnesota at Green Bay - Minn
N.Y. Giants at Arizona - NYG
Buffalo at New England - NE
Philadelphia at Dallas - PHI

Mango Madness!

I call myself trying to be cute today and I was... for all of about 20 minutes. I stopped at Jamba Juice to get my fru fru drink (my term for non-essential fruity type drinks) and the lid wasn't on good. I didn't notice that of course, until I was getting into my car and it popped out along with mango smoothie all over the front of my sweater, skirt, pantyhose, shoes, car..... And of course by then, I was around the corner from work, so I couldn't turn around and go home. So here I am with these huge spots all over me and of course quite a few people noticed. Arrrghhh. Fortunately, my skirt looked ok, but the sweater had a huge wet spot dead center. Almost like I had a different kind of accident.

Will the madness ever end? Can a sista get it together? How can I find true love with mango all over me? - ok a little over the top, but you know what I mean.

But good for me, I didn't curse.

BTW, I am making a conscious effort to control the potty mouth. So I am going to try to not curse for a week straight.....

Stop Blaming Kerry!

I am so sick of people saying Kerry didn't court women or the black vote. That is absolutely ridiculous. If you are angry that Bush is in office, and you didn't vote.... because Kerry didn't court you, then you are silly. You knew the options, particularly if live in one of those god-awful swing states. And who in the world voted for Nader! Seriously? I know we have the right to vote for anyone we want, but let's just be real. Why even bother? That's like voting for someone who isn't running.

Pimp My Ride

I love that show! I know my car would never be selected, since it is not completely jacked up, can you hook a sista up with a CD player?

I can't take it anymore. Leaving my musical choices in the hands of a few radio stations. I swear if I hear My Goodies, Hobostank, Counting Crows, Maroon 5, John Mayer, Lean Back, and that wretched Eminem song again..... oh and let's not forget My Boo and the new Destiny's Child joint.

How torturous to know that you are going to hear these songs/artists no matter what time of day you travel! The same songs - they do switch up the John Mayer songs which is a little refreshing, but now the hot song is "Daughters", which is not a bad song, but do I have to hear it 3 times in a thirty minute time period....a bit much!

Fortunately last night I wandered by the smooth jazz station and they happened to be playing the Isley Brothers - ahhhh good times.... Summer Breeze... nice. But how often will I get that lucky?

Can't they switch it up a bit? I don't even know who does what song, but my goodness - I hear 'she will be loved' and oh my god if I hear another white girl voice I am going to scream. Give me a break - Avril Lavigne - grates my nerves, but the worst is that song by Ashlee Simpson - don't even know the name of it - but arrrghhh! Don't even get me started on Britney.

I like some white girls, but not the really the ones listed above. OK rumor has it that Mariah Carey is broke.... how is that possible? Seriously, how is that possible? Probably just a rumor, but the mere thought of that is mind blowing.

"Mariah doesn't have a lot of cash left. She got about $16 million after taxes, but went through a lot of it," a "source" claims in the paper. "She has a hairdresser and make-up artist who she keeps on a regular basis and they cost $7,200 a day. She won't leave home without getting her hair and make-up done." - taken from EUR

$7,200 a day? I obviously chose the wrong business. That's about $2,628,000 a year, just for hair and makeup. That is about $3600 a day for each.... hmmm, yeah that is a lot of money. I could do thangs :)

Bottom line, I gonna have to break down and get a CD player in the ride. Maybe that will be my Christmas present. (Since I have already decided, my birthday prsent will be a hot stone massage). I can't wait - only about 3 more weeks.

Home Cooking

Ok, ok, I admit it. I need to cook! Which means I need to unpack my dishes and pots and go grocery shopping. It is ridiculous to think that I have been living here for 4 months and I haven't unpacked my dishes. Hadn't really felt inspired. But I am craving some gumbo and some lasagna and some baked chicken with mac and cheese and even some vegetarian chili. I haven't cooked like that in months..... hmmm - I see a grocery trip in the near future.

Plus I would save some cash.

Paisley Hair

I got my hair cut a couple of weeks ago and I haven't really gotten used to it yet. I miss my hair (a little). I get a lot of compliments on the new do, but I don't have the safety net of my ponytail for those bad hair days. I must say I was getting out of hand with the ponytails - its pretty bad for someone my age to wear ponytails all the time....

Last month I bought a pair of black paisley pants. I loved them at the store, but when I got home, not so much. SO they hung in my closet....and I decided I would take them back, but I couldn't find the receipt. I serached high and low and no luck. So I resigned myself to the fact that I would have to keep them. I finally wore them yesterday and I got a lot of compliments (surprisingly)...

Are people just being nice? Maybe it is all one big mean joke or maybe I am just tripping.

When it Rains....

I went from an absolute drought to torrential rains. It is always like that for me. This weekend I had absolutely NOTHING to do. My biggest venture on Saturday was a trip to Target and on Sunday, it was church. Next weekend, I already have too much to do, all on Saturday and I probably won't be able to do everything....

I wish... ahhh nevermind. I just wonder, will it ever happen? It's looks a little rough right now.

Help Wanted

How long do you intend to continue this madness? Having me do two jobs without paying me? I need help. I don't have a moment's peace until 3/4 of the way through my shift and then I have to figure out all the things I still need to do because I have been constantly interrupted. They may have the absolute nerve to hire the supevisor and make me train this person. I will be pissed. It is just too much to expect one person to do in 8 hours. It is not even possible. So I have been working unpaid overtime to compensate and that is just not cool.

I want more money. I see why my predecessor was bitter all the time and ranted constantly. I admit, I have the ranting down to a science.

Weekly picks

Arizona at Miami - MIA
Dallas at Cincinnati - CIN
Kansas City at Tampa Bay - KC
N.Y. Jets at Buffalo - NYJ
Oakland at Carolina - OAK
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh - PHI (this is a tough one)
Washington at Detroit - DET
Chicago at N.Y. Giants NYG
New Orleans at San Diego - SD
Seattle at San Francisco - SEA
Houston at Denver - I hate Texas! DEN
New England at St. Louis - NE
Cleveland at Baltimore - BAL
Minnesota at Indianapolis - MINN

Organized Brain Washing

So I have never been a fan of organized religion, even less so now, considering recent events. But I do attend church, although not nearly as whole-heartedly. My decision to attend church is not nearly the same as deciding to let someone else think for me. Apparently not so with millions of people. Whoever said religion is the opiate of the masses was on to something.

Top Model

I am so through with Marc Bouwer. How could he be so cold to tell Cassie that her hips and thighs were too big. The girl already has an eating disorder. You jerk. I think she looks fine, but it was obvious she didn't want to be there. I couldn't understand that. What in the world is in Oklahoma. I mean, I know family and all, but she could still visit....

They were hard on my girl Toccara too. I really like her - she is a beautiful woman. I know she is plus-sized, but her walk and confidence make her runway material for sure. She was a little upset that they didn't have clothes in her size at one of the photoshoots and she kinda got into with the designer after she got pinched. I can understand her frustration.

But the one who irritates me the most is the judge - Janice... now all of sudden Toccara is too big. Janice has always rubbed me the wrong way - not like Simon (because I usually agree with him) She is rude sometime for no reason....

Ann looked good this week and Ya-Ya worked it too :)

You Blew Me Away, Ray!

I had the opportunity to see Ray this past Thursday. It is an awesome film. It was almost 3 hours long, but it didn't feel like it at all. It flowed really well, and left me wanting know more about Ray Charles.

Jamie Fox was incredible. He really became Ray. I forgot that he was really Jamie Fox, because every moment he was on the screen he was RAY. He captured, his movements, his mannerisms. I honestly didn't know that Jamie had the range to pull it off, but this brother is talented.

The entire cast overall was pretty good. The actress who played his wife was also incredible. I don't know her name, but she was impressive. I thought Regina King's character could have been developed a little bit more, but she was still good. Kerry Washington (Ray's mom) was also good. The only character that I wasn't sold on was Larenz Tate as Quincy Jones. Admittedly, I have no idea what Quincy Jones was like as a young man, but I just couldn't picture him being the way Larenz played him.

I wonder where in the world they shot his childhood scenes. He grew up in Northern Florida, and I am sure it looked like that, then. But could there be places that still look like that in the US. I am guessing maybe Alabama, Mississippi, hmmmm - interesting.

The story was so good. And I thought it was put together very well. How the director intermingled the past with the present. I had no idea Ray had so many hits! That' s amazing. I found myself rooting for him throughout his trials. I wasn't too thrilled about the womanizing side of him, but no one is perfect.

I wonder what it must have been like to be his wife. I am amazed that she stayed with him and maintained her dignity. That's a good woman!

Jamie Fox definitely is deserving of a Oscar nod. He was incredible. If you go a chance, please go check this flick out! It's a MUST SEE!

Healing and Unity

As much as I hate to admit it, I overestimated the intelligence of 51% of voting America. It's over and done, and of course we start hearing words like unity and healing. The truth is the country is divided, with each side leaning away from the other.

I don't think this is the time for unity. I don't want to unite with stupidity - it might rub off. I believe stupidity is contagious. I feel like unity would be a great disservice to this country right now. I don't think this country has been divided this much since the Civil War. Unity was not the answer then, and it is certainly not now, because the civil rights of many Americans are at stake.

Evil has triumphed over good, ironically by dressing themselves in moral piety. It is amazing that some people believe that Bush and company have a patent on morality that the democrats are out to destroy families. Lies were spread throughout congregations all over this nation to the feeble-minded. What a pity.

I am by no means, a bleeding heart, but I fear that there is a general lack of brotherhood and love for other people in this nation, particularly towards those who do not look like us. That, to me is dangerous. The lack of brotherly love will kill us faster than any terrorist could. We put children and the elderly last.

A lot of people are thrilled about the apparent tax cut they will receive. They have no concern for social programs that help people in need. Tax cuts mean nothing to the jobless or to those who make so little, it would hardly matter. Meanwhile, while we receive these tax cuts, the costs of goods and services are increasing at alarming rates.

My tax cut only netted me about $150. At $2/gal for gas and about $30 for a full tank - that's about 5 tanks of gas, which is barely enough for 2 weeks worth a gas. Meanwhile the cost for licences and registration has increased in MD. Either way, my money is gone.....it was just coined something different.

Manufaturers sell products at the same price or more, but with less substance. Ever notice that the canned foods have gotten smaller, or the toothpaste or the rolls of papertowels?

I can only hope that when the 'involuntary' opportunity to serve in another pre-emptive strike, that the offer is extended only in the bloody red parts of this country. I will remember not to let my heart mourn for the South and the Middle if their "Enron" comes. I honestly feel when you neglect the elderly and the children, it will come back to haunt you.

He is not my President. He wasn't before, and he isn't now. Fight the Power! Stick it to the Man!

A SAD DAY

I am officially in mourning. I mourn for all the intelligent people who wanted change in this country. All the people who actually love America's values and freedom. All those who can look past their own personal morals and see the big picture. It is truly a sad day. The evil idiots have taken over for 4 more years. When will this end?

It was only a few years ago that I considered myself American - and yet now I am ashamed, I don't want to be lumped in with all the rampant stupidity that is plaguing ths country, particularly in the South and in Middle America.


I am so confused. How can such a small segment of the population be placed in the crossfire of an election? Is gay marriage really so big that it overshadows PEACE, jobs, healthcare, the environment etc, etc.

Bush hasn't proven that he can fight terrorism. Osama is still chilling and now he has alienated most of the world with his bogus war against Iraq. And heck, the terrorist didn't attack Middle Ameirca or the South - they attacked US! MD, DC, NY and would like to attack CA if they could. We all voted for KERRY!

It's sickening to think that the evangelicals could run the country. You idiots, Bush is not a Christian. He is evil. He is ushering in the end time and yes, I know the Second Coming of Christ, but if you recall those aren't exactly the best of times.

You were bought by your own self-righteousness, willing to give up everything this country stands for, because you are too stupid to read or better yet, judge Bush by his actions rather than his lies.

So he gave the churches a little money for your private schools and your little charities. He bought you and then eggs you on with his divisive platforms. You were just pawns in his scheme to steal all he can, destroy all he can and take us back to the dark ages. I am so ashamed of you - particularly you black churches. What a tragedy.

I am just sick.

Election Day

Today I got a little earlier so I could go vote. I decided that in lieu of going to the gym, I would walk to the polling place, since it was a little over a mile. Glad I did, parking was a mess. I have never seen a line that long for an election. It started outside and once you got inside (about 30 minutes later), the line snaked around the lobby of the school and into the gymnasium where you had to stand in another line to check in and then go to another line to vote... ahhhh democracy. I was there for a total of 2 hours, which really wasn't that bad. I was friends with the people around me, seeing as how we were together for awhile. It was great to see all the people out voting! How fantastic.

There was one election judge who seemed to be giving people a hard time. I wasn't in her line, but I witnessed her harass people time after time. It was wild. She would ask them for id, then make them quote their address and in most cases , make them go stand in another line or fill out some paperwork. I saw people pulling out bank cards. She was being counter productive, because she didn't have the list. It appeared that her only job really was to sign the card. The other two ladies had the list, but she was trying control everything and was being really obnoxious.

I took all my doucmentation just in case, but I really only needed my card and I had to quote my address. My line was a lot longer, but also a lot smoother.

I hope that a lot of people get out and vote - I think it is worth the long lines.

My Civic Duty continued

So I know my views are often controversial, but I have a great ability to agree to disagree. Some of my friends are bible toting conservatives and others are far more liberal than I am. Generally, I can respect different opinions as long as they are based on some sort of facts or logic.

Undecided voters are baffling to me. Uninformed voters are also baffling. Do they not read the papers/internet and/or watch the news. How can you exist and not what is going on in the world around you? These candidates seem so different, it is amazing that it would be difficult to choose. Granted, I was never a huge fan of Kerry's but after the debates, I felt a lot better about him. He is articulate, intelligent and seems to care about the Middle Class. Let's face it without the Middle Class, who would pay for all of society's needs? The rich don't pay and the poor cannot.

Neither candidate is really that dazzling to the single person particularly women. That is undeniable. No one cares is the single woman gets a tax break or that we have to pay almost as much to live as a couple.

Even though, neither candidate specifically appeal to my personal needs, I think change is needed. Most of the issues that I really care about, I tend to fall on the side of Edwards.

I am big on family values. I hate the idea of welfare as a lifestyle - it is something that should only be temporary not to exceed 12-18 mos. Dependency on an agency for basic needs seems to be debilitating and fosters a poverty cycle, but more importantly, it keeps the recipient from achieving their potential.

On the flip side, I hate welfare for corporate crooks - they are a much bigger drain on society than single un-wed mothers. They steal millions, pollute the environment, and only get a slap on the wrist, if that.

I am so big on education - free education. I hate the LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND crap. It seems like a wonderful money making scheme for testing companies. I do feel that everyone needs to be literate, but I am not for creating a nation of standardized people who test well. What about the arts, physical education, and basic life skills? Why are these being stripped out of the curriculums? That is very disturbing. Those were some of the best things about school. Don't get me wrong - I am all about math, science and literacy, but I think children need to be well-rounded. Not all kids will grow up to be the next Einstein - some may become the next Yo-Yo Ma. They both have value.

I have been recycling my entire life - it's what you do when you grow up in a modest home. So while you won't see me at any earth day marches, I am very much in support of protecting the environment. I suspect that the increasing cancer rates are directly influenced by the toxins in the air, water and in our genetically modified food.

Which brings me to healthcare.... which is definitely in need of reform. Why in the world would the solution to increasing malpractice insurance rates be to cap the award amount of someone who may be legitimately injured to $250,000. That's appalling, what gives you the right to place a dollar amount on someone's life and what's worse, such a paltry amount. You can't even get a decent single family home around here for that. Why not go after the insurance companies? Granted, I am not big on frivolous law suits, but I think this issue is best addressed if the insurance companies were made to issue malpractice insurance like car insurance. The more incidents you have, the higher the premium. Good doctors shouldn't have to pay the same high rate that a crappy one has to pay. If it were set up like that, I bet good doctors would stop protecting the bad ones.... but most of all why would you choose to punish the patient. That is so twisted.

I am in favor of the assault weapons ban. I completely understand the need to defend yourself, but do you need a killing machine. There are enough accidental gun deaths as it is.

I am in favor of free speech, free thought etc. I hate that we have become so crude, but I don't believe in censorship. Censorship is a dangerous thing, because I don't know how a governmental body can decide what can or cannot be read, heard or seen. I think that rests with parents and adults.