Branch Out

This was the random suggestion provided to me today when I opened up Maggie's book for inspiration. The thing is, I branch out quite frequently. Pictures, songs, links to articles, random weird thoughts in my head.

One thing I haven't done in a long time was blog about politics. I have been avoiding the subject, quite frankly. This upcoming political race frightens me to the core. I have never seen the country so deeply polarized, so willing to believe the worst about their non-preferred candidate. But I have to say this: Sarah Palin is dangerous. She's underqualified, and in over her head. She's using arrogance and combativeness to cover up everything she doesn't know. Rather than learn what she needs to, she hides behind the ruse of "this is who I am--a hockey mom from Alaska".

But what scares me most is reasonable Republicans think she's great. You can't go voting with your dicks, guys. Look at her resume. I wouldn't hire her to be principal of a middle school, never mind Vice President. Think before you vote. Better yet, read. With her list of credentials, it won't take long.

Staving Off the Panic

Starting to flip out about this election just a tad. To counter the panic, I'm going to make a list of some things that are meaningful for today. Today only.

Gas is currently $3.11 at the gas station down the street.

The last concert I went to was Bob Mould, on March 12. Bruce Springsteen tickets go on sale Saturday morning. I did NOT get a Buffett ticket this year, but there's still time to check the ticket agencies.

My nephew Max will be 6 on Saturday.

I watched The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants last Saturday night. It made me cry.

I am 25 pounds lighter than I was at this time in 2006. Recently, I've had to buy new pants.

Trader Joe's makes the best Cheerios knock-off, and a huge box is only $2.00. A bargain, and tasty to boot.

There are things that I am wishing for that may not come true, but I'm wishing for them anyway, as they will go a long way to improving my mental state.

I realize I really like living alone, although sometimes it would be nice to have someone to eat dinner with.

My two favorite songs at the moment are "Gospel", by The National, and "Very Temporary" by Bob Mould.

I've consumed copious amounts of Guinness in the last two weeks. I don't consider this a bad thing.

I am desperately awaiting the arrival of REAL spring.

Deep breaths, and it will all be ok.

True Confessions

After an evening out with some of my girlfriends (all of whom, in that crowd, are partnered up), and a conversation with my mother about my "great loves", I've come to the conclusion that I need to play against type from now on. The sardonic, nerdy boys I've gone for in the past have never delivered. I'm never challenged enough, and, I need a challenge. My retreats into neediness and insecurity, I think now, have been attempts on my part to keep engaged. But, if someone comes along to keep me on my toes, someone to embrace my contradictions, I won't need to go there anymore.

Someone who's going to throw me into the deep end of the pool, and wait by the side, because he knows, as well as I do, that I really DO know how to swim, and I'll get back just fine.


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Now playing: Ani Di Franco - Not a Pretty Girl
via FoxyTunes

Friday Night

Top Three Songs to Get the Party Started:

1. Jump Around - House of Pain. I came to get down, after all.
2. Hypnotized - Notorious B.I.G. For every cutie with a booty.
3. I'm Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys. Because you can never have enough Celtic hybrids, myself included. ;)

Now, get hopping. It's the weekend.


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Now playing: Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie) - Hypnotized
via FoxyTunes

When I Am Queen

When I am queen, Hump Day will be an official holiday. Happy hour will be reinstated, and everyone will be required to spend at least one hour enjoying the company of friends in a place that isn't work. Drinks and snacks of your choosing will be served, and plentiful, and everyone will be required to smile and hug someone at least once.

That way, since we can't jump right to Friday, we've broken the monotony of the week with a little joy.

Carry on.


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Now playing: The Five Stairsteps - Ooh Child
via FoxyTunes

I Will Say This About Blog365

It's already done wonders for my traffic. Welcome. Hang around, have a look-see.

One thing I'm also going to try to avoid for this next year is writing about the mundane details. Because, as Maggie would say, no one cares what I had for lunch. Well, I may write about a well-cooked dinner or two, like the one I'm cooking for my dad and the Australian friends which will involve an animal I've never eaten--never mind cooked--before. But that's later.

I think that the aforementioned book is about to become my new best friend. Like this afternoon, when I opened up to a random page and it said "change everything", goading me into talking about a major life change you may be embarking on.

Like blogging everyday?

Like imploding my credit report and tossing all my credit cards in order to finally get myself on the road to financial stability, for REAL this time?

Like living alone, and loving it, for the first time?

Those changes? All things that I am either beginning or continuing this year. I told you yesterday, it is the year of my great reorganization. If I take Maggie's advice literally, I should give you all the details of these events, but, I think you're all smart enough to figure out what self-exploration and credit counseling entails.

I will say this, though. In spite of all the changes and challenges, I am really looking forward to 2008.

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Now playing: Ani DiFranco - Recoil
via FoxyTunes