Happy Champagne Day!

When I met my fiance I convinced him I did not know how to cook. Believe me, that was a smart move. Unfortunately, when I grew bored of thai (it took awhile), he figured out that I could put together a balanced dinner.

I made filet mignon with a pinot noir sauce, maytag mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. For dessert, I made chocolate souffle with this rather yummy cherry stuff. I was pretty impressed with myself. As was he...

Last year, I fell asleep early on New Year's Eve. I read books and magazines and finished a bottle of champagne all by myself. And this year - I am quite excited to be spending NYE in Florida, in the company of friends and the love of my life.

My goodness, if this was 2006, can you imagine what tomorrow and 2007 brings? Drive safely, have a sweet kiss at midnight and may 2007 bring you all that you wish!

Happy New Year!

Do y'all read this?

Not to be overly dramatic... But, every day I read a devotional. Usually it's just a verse of some kind - with a little story by a reader. Sometimes, it's rather strange, because the writer is from Botswana or Quebec and their life is a little more foreign than my own.

Anyway, it's called the Upper Room and here is today's devotional:

The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.

-Proverbs 19:21 (NRSV)

Trusting God's Purpose. Pretty cool, huh?

How the Lord has blessed us...

I've often struggled with my relationship with God. And, to be quite honest, I am rather glad that I have. Struggling is a good thing - I am convinced that it makes understanding and acceptance that much sweeter. I once had a counselor that told me that coping was really just another word for struggle. I have never looked that up and do not know if that is actually true, but I would like it to be.

It has been a tough year for me. Tough and immeasurably fantastic. 2006 was a whirlwind. I lost a friend - a dear friend, a best friend. She canceled my friendship with a quick flick of her wrist and a send button. I thought I might never recover. I did. I realized that she was not a friend - as loyal as she claimed to be - that would ever understand me, where I had been or where I was going. It wasn't necessarily her fault, being close minded, but it was better for both of us to part.

I left a job, took a better job and then left that one too. That was difficult. I struggled through several months, working with demanding clients while I "freelanced" (read: watched Charmed four times a day in my pajamas while designing stuff). I went on job interviews where Executive Directors and Presidents asked me where South Carolina was and why I had ever left. I was told I was overqualified time and time again when we all know that I am not. At one point, I even interviewed for an office manager -- I was going to answer phones. ! I was not qualified for that job either. And then, on a Thursday afternoon not too long ago, I found out that my whole household would be unemployed together.

Last week, before Christmas - we were blessed. I got a job that I will enjoy and thrive in -- that will enlist my skills to do something bigger than myself. And my guy will be doing what he wants to do - learning the ropes and squashing bills and making things happen in the Giant Wang. We are so blessed. It was incredible timing. For the first time in two months, I slept peacefully.

And let's not forget the biggest change in my life -- the fact that I found (and have been able to keep) the man who will be my partner through life. For Christmas - since we were both rather broke - I made him a blog. I wrote down memories and excerpts from emails and pictures from nearly every day we had been together. I wrapped up his laptop for under the tree and when he turned it on and saw what it was, he almost cried. I need him in a way I have never experienced. I don't need him to make me happy, but I want him there to be a part of it. I have never shared so completely or felt so safe or wanted to be something better as much as I do with this man. As much as JFall played a role in our meeting, God had a hand in bringing us together. There is no way this could have happened without His grace and guidance.

I realize that this whole blogging thing has sort of evolved. I promise to start talking about politics again at some point -- gosh, Session in South Carolina starts soon. But, my life has taken a major twist. Here I am, a Floridian. Here I am, an engaged woman (who will be married in a little more than four months). Here I am, feeling safe for the first time in my life.

Christmas Redux

Did you know that I sometimes call my dog "monkey?" I have absolutely no idea why I do this - he is clearly not a monkey, nor does he really have any monkey attributes. He cannot hang from a tree and he does not have a penchant for bananas. Go figure.

It's been a good week, down here on the central west coast of Florida. Glorious, actually. Christmas was entirely different. It was my first Christmas without my family. And no matter how you slice it, it was strange not to open presents with my Grami or have my mother melt down because I gave her a necklace in the colors she usually wears (don't ask). It was amazing too -- new traditions that are now going to be my own. Chris still rang a bell to signal to me that it was time to open presents (or stockings as the case may be). And I really enjoyed Eggs Benedict with Poinsettias in the morning.

Oh, did I mention that I got my mixer? My mixer. I have coveted this thing for as long as I can remember -- often drooling when Martha Stewart or Giada uses one. I must admit - it's pretty darn amazing. I made a ginger-chocolate cake with a bourbon sauce for it's first mission. Ahhhhh! I keep joking that I like the mixer better than Chris.

It was amazing to me to be by the Gulf this whole time. We're two minutes (if that) from water over here and it is a completely different world. Christmas Eve, folks were in shorts by the water's edge. I still cannot believe that he grew up here. What a different world. Totally different activities. While I was learning how to rock climb, he was sailing.

Anyway, it is finally time for us to leave. It's almost New Year's and then - almost my birthday. I started this whole writing thing last year around my birthday. I cannot believe it's been a year and how so much has changed. I never, in a thousand years, thought this would be my life. Goes to show ya -- you just never know.

What a day, what a week, what a month, what a year.

Um, hi. I'm down south for the holidays. Down south where the temperature reaches a lovely 87 degrees in the afternoon, four days before Christmas. I'm making a big deal of this. My usual Christmas weather is somewhere colder -- not drastically, Maine-ish colder, but colder all the same. I'm used to the necessity of gloves and a coat for Christmas. As I look over my suitcase I realize I might not have packed enough shorts.

Today was nothing short of amazing. We slept in - which was downright lovely. The fiance and I traveled down to see the parents in their respective places of business. We ate a quick bite in Central St. Pete and met with the fabulous fabulous ladies who are making our wedding invitations and are thus in charge of cutting down the several thousand trees we'll need to make this wedding thing a reality.

I walked along the water's edge on a sunny blue day with the man I love while we commented on the city's multi-culturalism. When we returned home, we found not only that George the Porge had escaped from his home (aka the Travel Cage), but we had Christmas presents from my mom and dad.

They're weird. And that might be all I have to say on that - until I write a post entitled, "Re-Gifting." All together - it was a damn lovely day.

December Something.

It's halfway through December and I have not made a single Christmas Cookie. Not one. While I stocked up on unsalted butter at Publix last week (it was 2 for 1), I have yet to put it to use. When I was a kid - the baking insanity would hit the kitchen early. Watch Out! We would make haystacks and snickerdoodles, mounds of sugar cookies decorated in this egg wash stuff my mom would make. There would be chocolate covered pretzels and baked oyster crackers and spritz cookies, thumbprint cookies and peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip and wedding cookies (which Kramps tells he called "moldy mice" growing up).

Most of my family came to our house (or the general region) for Christmas. It is still a little weird for me to think that this is the first Christmas without my parents. And, as less stressful as that is in many ways, I still will not hear my father ring Santa's bells alerting us that the Big Man has left the building and it's safe for us to run downstairs, scramble for the stockings and descend on the presents.

So, back to my original point, the absence of cookies in my household. Tonight, Durkin is planning on coming over to play Scene It or Trivial Pursuit or any game that will inevitably make me look like an idiot. Kramps wants to make his famous and rather tasty linquine with clam sauce. I'm down with that. But now, I am thinking -- what will the cookies be like. I have to make some. At least one kind. Gawd, throw me a bone!

I've been thinking about this too...

2006 has been a huge year for me. There have been a thousand things, small and large and everything in between, that have lifted me up, slammed me down - but most of all, kept me going.

I found Hannah Beth via jcristg. Hannah Beth wrote about her year in review and I found it beautiful. This whole blog thing just amazes me sometimes. People share their thoughts and fears and joys and questions with folks they've never met and will never see. Thank you.

Did you hear the news? It's Holiday!

I'm finishing Christmas cards this morning. Holiday cards, really - as none of them actually say "Merry Christmas." The Santa on the front, the Christmas Tree on the front -- none of it is clear enough! I have received at least five forwards telling me that the senders still say Merry Christmas to the Target Check Out Girl. (My usual response is a roll of the eyes and a quick delete click).

I like writing Christmas Cards (or Happy Hanukkah cards as they might be). It's fun to receive them. Sometimes, they're simply signed. Sometimes there's a short message. Maybe, if you're lucky, a picture. It's been a tradition for me to send cards since I was a little girl. Of course, now I have even more to send as I have included a new family in the list. I really liked that part.

Yesterday, the two of us went shopping for Christmas presents. Mostly ideas that I dreamed up and he perfected, which has now resulted in a massive craft project assembly line. Tonight, we're going to sit in front of our tree and attempt to take a Christmas Picture (including George in his sweater). I giggle at the thought of it. And then, my plan is to pack up my soon-to-be-husband and drive around a few neighborhoods to look at lights. I've got hot chocolate and travel cups.

It will be a big day today for us. Keep your fingers crossed. Big things are in the works. And all I can hope and pray for is a Christmas Miracle.

On why I almost almost almost

postponed my wedding this morning. It's amazing, wedding bullshit. I advocate all people eloping. Indeed, I think if everyone - in one year - eloped, the cost of weddings would diminish astronomically.

It's not the cost that threw me for a loop - although it does throw me for some sort of geometrical shape at least once a week. It was the fact that the B&B where I RESERVED A ROOM canceled on me. It wasn't enough that my photographer flaked out last week. No, no, no -- this time it was the magical and lovely location where I pictured myself getting ready for my wedding. Where I pictured my bridesmaids and family gathering for a Bridesmaid Tea. Where I would spend the first night with my husband. (OMG, my husband. Damn.)

The B&B was perfect -- had a cute little pool, right across from where I planned to get my hair done and even more importantly right around the corner from where the Pub is located (I planned my after wedding reception festivities well). But, no - the Fabulous Couple that runs the Meranova (yeah, I said it) decided to "lose" our reservation. There are words I'd like to use here, but I will decline.

Instead, I realized that the first night I shared with my husband would only be the first (shock, I get him for THE REST OF MY LIFE). And that I'm really getting ready at the hair salon and the Bridal Room at the White Chapel. And that everything everything everything is within walking distance of downtown Dunedin. I took a deep breath. And, damn if the Holiday Inn Express won't be just fine.


ps. My excuse, again, that Wedding Details have overtaken the focus of my ramblings. Really, I apologize.

One (of the many) Reasons I Love Katie Cali

There have been a lot of "I Love" posts lately, so bear with me on this one...
Katie Cali def. deserves four thousand (at least) posts about how awesome she is. For one, she gets me. As in, understands my desperate need for Diet Coke and my secret desire to have thirteen children. As in, my love of pro-Democratic policy songs (read: Dixie Chicks). As in, asks me to recite "My Short Skirt" and or the other one and is willing to stand next to me when I wed the guy that keeps my wine glass filled. As in, gives me hope when I look at my shoe closet and supports me when I cry about my mom. Okay, there's a lot more I could say (including, but not limited to, her fabulous taste in red wine, eyeglasses and cinema) - but there's probably not much more I should share with you, dear reader.

Okay - here's why Katie Cali gets a shout out tonight... She calls me while reading the Carolina Alumni Magazine. (Thought to self at that moment: Must not ever ever ever get on that mailing list). Apparently, there's a chick that graduated in the 90's that started a business. Mrs. Molly Britt, also a Chi O, created Mommy-Wear. Check it out here. I seriously want some.

Here are Katie & my favorites (click image if you want to order):





Yep. Heh. Love it!

It's only Monday?

Did you know that clementines are a cross between an orange and a mandarin orange? I did not know this. I do know, however, that I love clementines around Christmas. The crate of supersweet, easily peelable fruit makes me happy. Goodness, it really only does take little things, doesn't it?

Let's see, what next? I miss FaithInTheSound. I miss it. I sometimes loose track of days because I am unsure without the Inside the Echo Chamber as my beacon. As much as I am not a fan of Mr. Folks, I will indeed, say that I will miss reading musings of that Republican.

Catching Heat and he's not even governor yet

Never one to turn down a good time, I was starting to get excited about the whole Inauguration process. Unlike Marky Mark's Barbecue Bash, the incoming Governor of Florida has a whole week of festivities planned. Feel free to peruse the details on Governor-Elect Charlie Crist's website.

However, due to heat from Floridians far and wide, Charlie has decided to forgo the ball. Hmmm. I think Charlie doth protest too much. I have never known an incoming governor to not get heat due to the expense and cost of the Inaugural Ball. I think several things:

1) Bad precedent. The minute Democrats start complaining, the new Administration folds? Bad idea Mr. Crist.
2) Dude - go Democrats! You've got the new Administration right where you want them: scared and manipulable.
3) What is Charlie hiding? I admired the fact that he was disclosing donations weekly. It was wise. However, why capitulate so early? Everyone (everyone) protests about a ball. Why not say what you are really doing? Raising money for the party. Come clean - it's all good.
4) I had already figured out what I was going to wear. Not being a Republican, I didn't feel the need to buy something new - considering these are lean times and what not. But what about the legislators wives (and, for that matter, husbands) who wanted to shake a leg and get down on January 2nd? And the folks already contracted to provide services for the party? Or the hotels that had been banking on some business? It's a darn shame.

So, that's my thought this evening. Enjoy! The Mission is dedicating the new fort tomorrow, if I can find the camera, I might even have pictures.

CCS <3's the Internets

In the past five minutes I have figured out several DIY projects including, but not limited to: magnolia garlands, moss pomanders and beaded inserts for bouquets. I will also add that googling "pearl necklace" is probably not the smartest idea I've had today. GAWD, I love the internets!

Saturday we went to Tally's version of Christmas, complete with fake (slightly pink) snow. Ms. Gen not only plied us with Hot Apple Cider, we also nabbed a coveted balcony spot. Watching the parade put me in such a Christmas spirit -- and that had nothing to do with the Gator-on-a-Stick. Well, maybe it did. Just a little bit. Probably it was more so because of the folks we laughed with, drank with and ate that oh-so-interesting gator with while watching the Gators run away with a championship.

Why I Love Tallahassee #1

Okay, so - if you are a reader of this blog you might be scratching your head. What? You look perplexed, I can see it. Me? Say I love Tallahassee? C'mon - you know that while I love living with my fiance and making really good friends in this town in Florida, I'm not particularly fond of the city. Mainly because of the lack of good shopping.

However, at this moment, I am a huge fan of Tallahassee. It has nothing to do with fabulous tailgating at FSU or enjoying a glass of pinot at Cafe... this time my friends, I am commending the city with its choice of Christmas Festivals.

I was in many a parade around Christmas in South Carolina -- Mauldin, Greenville, Columbia... I enjoy it - bells and high school band music and kids and candy, etc etc etc. Every parade I have ever been in or witnessed was butt early in the morning. It was usually cold and hot chocolate was the drink of choice.

Oh no, not here. Here in Florida we do it RIGHT. (Notice how I just wrote "we?" As if I am a Floridian? Dude, that was progress.) Okay, so - the parade/festival/whatever is in the evening. And they have street vendors. And you can have a drink while you watch the festivities. WAHOO!

To Cruise or Not to Cruise?

Any of you people ever been on a cruise? I have not.
Not a cruise that lasted more than a few hours or left the sight of the shore.

I'm considering it. Experiences - advice - horror stories?

I am grown up!

One of the most condescending things a Republican can say to me is, "You'll be a Republican when you grow up." When I was fifteen and adamantly defending Mr. Close to Thurmond supporters, I didn't really mind. The phrase I'll show them would cross my mind; I would quickly smile and then respect my elders.

I still respect my elders. But now it irks me when a conservative tells me that I will change my party when I grow up. What will change when I reach grown up status? I'm twenty-five, about a month from being twenty-six. I pay taxes in a higher tax bracket than I can quite frankly believe. I pay taxes almost every day when I "stimulate the economy." I own things. I have muddled through government red tape, health care and the daunting choices of Old Navy. I have graduated from college and will be in the process of paying that achievement back for the next fifteen years. I am about to be married.

My goodness! What do I have to do to be considered adult?

The thing is - as I grow up (a skill I hope to hone and finally perfect by the time I leave this earth) - I have only become more of a Democrat. I have been filled with hope and compassion and a desire to make this a better America.

Yes, the first time I realized exactly how much of my paycheck was going to the Feds I flinched a little bit. Heck, I had a seizure on the floor. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it or didn't wish it was deposited in my bank account, but I realized that our government needs things that I can't do by myself. If my government left it up to me to help those less fortunate, they would be out of luck. At the end of every week when I should be taking a basket of food over to the family who needs it, I would be found at Kick's or Handpicked. And forget me helping to pave a road in said new wedges and/or fighting a fire while wearing my new cocktail ring and/or defending freedom without my Aveda Sap Moss.

I don't trust myself. And, no offense, I don't trust you either. I am not a Democrat because I am young or immature, I am a Democrat because I am hopeful and still a little idealistic. Well that, and I know I alone am not enough to fix it.

Did I forget to metion?

CLEMSON LOST!!! CLEMSON LOST!!! CLEMSON LOST!!!

We were watching two games on Saturday - FSU and Carolina. We Tivo'd both games and kept flipping back and forth. I must admit, watching Carolina play a better game than Clemson was sweet.

I like Laurin's picture of the new field....

Have I told you...

That I despise Dr. Phil? There's just something about him - perhaps it's because he actually thinks he can solve folks' deep and dark problems within the confines of a television show. It irks me.

How did I miss this growing up?

It's still November, right? Despite the fact that there is a Christmas Tree up and glowing in my living room I am pretty sure I haven't changed my calendar. And yet, it feels like Christmas. Well, after last night it feels like Christmas.

I had a friend in South Carolina who always had a Charlie Brown Christmas Party. I never went, for various reasons. Mostly because I have trouble getting into the Christmas Spirit. Yes, me - the girl who delights in holidays with various and random decorations and traditions; I had trouble embracing the tinsel so to speak.

Last night, with a glass of port, we watched a Charlie Brown Christmas. I have no idea how I missed this as a kid (or as an adult). I'm not quite sure who to blame. Because, sitting under a blanket, snuggling with my guy, and watching a cartoon put me in the Christmas Spirit in a whole new way. Wa-hoo. Let the festivities begin.

Christmas party anyone? I'm in the mood for some Sparkling Shiraz!

Geezus, Christmas already?

I find it hard to get into the Christmas spirit when today's temperatures are likely to peak somewhere around 81 degrees.

Regardless, last night we opened a bottle of port and pulled out decorations for our tree. My small little artificial tree looks rather festive with its silver and red ornaments. We've put a wreath on the door and lights around the banister outside.

I cannot believe it's already Christmas. Another year. Goodness, we are so lucky.

Hey Y'all!

I have said it once, I will say it again -- South Carolina is God's Country. It was amazing to be back home this past week. Gorgeous. Reviving. It smelled good. There were leaves on the ground that crunched. I didn't realize I would miss the sound of leaves - both on the ground and the ones left on trees.

Let's see... What all did we do? We drove, a lot. It was cold. Well, it was cold to the Florida Person I have become. We walked Cleveland Park with George and he growled at anything that moved including an adorable toddler named Nathan. We visited my Grami every time we could. We laughed with family. Kramps shot skeet and took aim at various targets. I was rather impressed with my man; he had good aim. We ate a lot. And drove in our car a lot. We walked on Main Street and drank pumpkin beer at Barley's. I saw old friends from high school. We roasted marshmallows over a fire. And, my favorite morning - I dragged him out of bed before six am and we watched the sun rise over Pretty Place.

Adventures? Driving to Athens, Georgia in order find wine or beer or malt liquor in dry Northern Georgia. Running out of gas on top of a mountain and driving clear to another state in order to find a BP. James Bond evasive maneuvers when we saw a certain silver Ford.

Oh, did I mention we went to see Casino Royale? It was amazing. Really good. Best movie I've seen in quite some time -- and Daniel Craig is smokin' hot. I've watched the Bond series -- who could resist Connery? Casino Royal has an actual plot that revolves around more than the swell of the hottie's breasts. The stunts are spectacular and the twists are even better. Go see it.

Anyway, good thing we're home. I was starting to get the shakes from not having readily accessible internet.

Thankfulness, Hallelujah, Praise God.

Today, the Infamous MSS called me rather early in the morning. He called to let me know that he was done. Done.

Save for a brief stint at a base in North Carolina, my little brother is finished with his South Carolina Army National Guard activation. He is coming home, finishing school within the next year and continuing with his civilian life.

Well played Stauffer, well played.
Congratulations to you and the 263rd.
Welcome home.

Will the laundry never stop?

I won't be around much Thanksgiving week. Internet access is sketchy at best up in the mountains of South Carolina. (And, yes, South Carolina has mountains!).

If I get a chance I'll let you know a seven hour trip in a car went.... Till then, happy gobbling!

Cakes made of spite...

It's early-ish on Saturday morning. It's Homecoming at Florida State University and I am (obviously) hard at work making pig candy and pecan pound cake and spinach dip. Well, truth be told, the spinach dip was made yesterday morning which is how this whole thing got started.

I am a Carolina girl (go ahead, you know you want to hum, "best in the world"). And in being a Carolina girl who not only graduated from Carolina, but also spent some time in the small world of Ole Miss, I hold certain things in high esteem. Some of them being the fashion that is Pearls with Jeans, I will not drink a beer out of a can without a koozie - and most importantly, Tailgate is a precious, precious occasion that only comes at certain points in the year. Tailgate must be cherished.

So, last night, a fellow tailgater mentioned that she was bringing spinach dip. Whoop-de-freakin'-do. First, if you know me, you know that I can be extraordinarily bitchy. Shocking, I know. And I shouldn't have been. There's more than enough people for two bowls of spinach dip to go around. Heh, I bet hers has water chestnuts in it. (I don't particularly like water chestnuts). Regardless, I was bent and determined to out do her this morning.

Not that my pig candy doesn't have a following. I hear there's already a Facebook group about the stuff... But, I don't know - it's the last Tailgate of the season for me --- we'll be in South Carolina next weekend, and I wanted it to be special. Insert pout here.

So, I started to make the said pound cake last night. I pulled it out of the oven looking golden, smelling good enough to tempt the Olsen twins. However, this morning, when I started to slice it for Tailgate, it crumbled. K., seeing the destruction of my hard work and culinary efforts, simply said, "Cakes made of spite always crumble."

See above for my response. Yes, that's spinach dip. On his face.


He's right though. But, that - even me being spiteful and bitchy at seven something this morning... That's Tailgate too.

Since it's been a week.

Sorry kiddos. For some reason, I haven't felt much like writing. There's been much going on in the national and state scenes that I should probably have an opinion on. And on the very very local scene, there's even been more going on.

Like, for instance, I went to see One Night with the King. Relearned all about one of the strongest women in the Bible. Even wiki'd the whole thing -- I had no idea Madonna changed her name to Esther in 2004. Where was I?

I tailgated with some seriously fun folks last weekend. Despite the heavy rain (which the Kramps and I danced around in like children or goofy to-be-weds) and the depressing loss, the day was pretty awesome. Durkin was there and that just about always makes me happy. We met some new people too -- like the impressive and gracious Ms. Gen. Woman can make some seven-layer dip. Not to mention that she reads my humble writings, which makes her rather special - she didn't even make a big deal about my horrible use of commas.

Calling All Flats.

I'm beginning to really like Tallahassee. I've started to find shortcuts. I now cherish the view of Doak Stadium. I even like the Capitol (ahem, The Giant Wang).

The thing I cannot get over is the shopping. I went to the mall yesterday to procure stockings and possibly find a pair of shoes. I have a dinner thing on Friday night with my boyfriend. I say "boyfriend," clearly meaning "love of my life."

I know I've written about my new need for flat shoes in the past. I'm not sure if I let y'all know that my best pair of dress flats were eaten by the ravenous dogs that happen to live in my house, (although after that I was tempted to let them live in the road). So, now, I have no flats. Nothing close to flats. I have plenty of sandals. And considering that it's mid-November I will give credit where credit is due: the sandals have served me well. I, however, am not one of those girls you will see wearing stockings with open toe shoes. I remember, in college for some sorority something or other, when I wore the stockings that were like flip flop thongs - they were toeless. Awesome. However, since my last pedicure was heaven knows when, I am seriously out of luck.

Oh, and did I mention that when I traveled to the mall yesterday to find the right color of hose, every store (EVERY STORE) was out of the only color I like to wear. Travel Buff. 'Nuff said.

Durnit, He's not George W.

'Specially after Tuesday. But he is doing better - he played fetch this morning and can be seen here lolling about in the sun with his favorite carrot. Dude, I had no idea I liked this little guy so much.

And Dude, Election Night. I've spent time with Republicans - even at some Republican shindigs -- but, going to a Republican Election Night Victory Party took every ounce of self-control I possessed. It's not that I was rude -- it's just that as Election Night return rolled in (and as the double VodkaSodas I was slurping) I became more and more excited.

Returning home to see final counts for South Carolina was a totally different story. I'm only a little bit ashamed to say that I cried when I realized the Democratic Party was dead in South Carolina. I know, I know - all things are cyclical. But, ti's going to take a heck of a lot to bring us back from the grave. It's going to take a Charlestonian Bill Clinton. I'm just not quite sure she's been born yet. (And yes, I think it might take a woman).

Despite the fact

that the nation's future hangs in the balance, let us not forget to take the time for gossip.

Thank Goodness! Brit and K-Fed are splitting up. Britany files for divorce.

Equally entertaining...

Poor Marky Mark... I suppose if the election is tight he might have some sort appeal? Prob. not.

My favorite is the quote at the end of the article... "The governor says this is his last campaign - win or lose."

We can only hope.

More Hope

We only elect four statewide officers in Florida: Governor, Attorney General, CFO & Commissioner of Agriculture. The Lt Guv runs on the same ticket as the Governor. We also have a Senate race up and various constitutional amendments and judicial reviews on this ballot.

Yesterday, the Leader of the Free World was in Pensacola - about four hours from where I live. George Bush drew a crowd of about 10,000. Not surprising -- the panhandle of Florida is distinctly more conservative than the southernmost parts of Florida. (Seriously, before I moved here I thought Tallahassee would be Miami-Lite. I was very wrong).

What was surprising is that none of the statewide candidates were present at this rally. Charlie Crist tried to squash speculation about their absences saying all the candidates were trying to encourage and excite as many voters as possible -- across the state. Um, yeah - and while I think that is a plausible excuse, it still doesn't make a lot of sense. Krazy Katherine was there, but she was relegated to a back seat, was only mentioned twice and was never looked at by the Prez. I would think, as a Republican candidate for Governor of a very important state, I would want to stand next to the President. Of course, I'm not a Republican, so I could be wrong. Read the story from the St. Pete Times here.

Across the nation, I hope...

Sunday morning, I heard the preacher say
Thou shall not kill
I don't wanna, hear nothin' else, about killin'
And that it's God's will
Cuz our children are watching us
They put their trust in us
They're gonna be like us
So let's learn from our history
And do it differently

I hope
For more love, more joy and laughter
I hope
We'll have more than we'll ever need
I hope
We'll have more happy ever afters
I hope
We can all live more fearlessly
And we can lose all the pain and misery
I hope, I hope

Oh Rosie, her man he gets too rough
And all she can say, is he's a good man
He don't mean no harm
He was just brought up that way
But our children are watching us
They put their trust in us
They're gonna be like us
It's okay for us to disagree
We can work it out lovingly

For I hope
For more love, more joy and laughter
I hope
You'll have more than you'll ever need
I hope
You'll have more happy ever afters
I hope
And you can all live more fearlessly
And you can lose all your pain and misery
I hope, I hope

There must be a way to change what's going on
No, I don't have all the answers

I hope
For more love, more joy and laughter
I hope
you'll have more than you'll ever need
I hope
There'll be more happy ever afters
I hope
We can all live more fearlessly
And we can lose all the pain and misery
I hope, I hope

I hope
I hope
I hope

__________________

And yes, it is the Dixie Chicks. I happen to like people who stand up to our government leaders. It wasn't arbitrary - they weren't picking on George W's socks or even his former coke habit (not the carbonated beverage kind that I suffer from). And, it wasn't like they were the first celebrities to stand up and scream about injustice. They were just the first ones who didn't fit the liberal, Hollywood, I wear-too-much-gel-in-my-hair mold.
Furthermore, I really like it when people who disagree with me tell me why. When it's smart or funny or bright -- I like hearing a different opinion. Heck, if I didn't - I sure wouldn't be getting married to a Republican.

The Pooper.

Re: the Georgester. The little puppy will be okay. We brought him home last night. He's got soft tissue damage and he's still wheezing a little bit, but with some steroids and antibiotics and serious rest he'll be okay.

We'll know by the end of the week if he's healing enough to skip surgery, so keep your fingers crossed. He's got a bandage on his leg from where the IV was located - he looks like a poodle. If I can find the durn camera, I promise, pictures will be posted.

Rain. It's raining.

I woke up this morning, early - very early. It's been so lovely and cool, we've been sleeping with the windows open. I woke up hearing the rain hit the roof. Hard rain. Lots of rain. Big rain.

Rain is not a good thing on Election Day. I'm just saying. Not a good thing.
Glad I voted last week.

The Georgie Update...

My little puppy is spending some time receiving the excellent in-patient care of Oakwood Animal Hospital.

We'll get an update in a little while... after the x-rays and stuff. I had no idea how difficult leaving the little guy in the hospital would be...

Ongoing Commentary.

I was upset on Saturday night. I wanted SNL to be live. It was a Best of... episode -- and while I happen to love showcases of talent (much like Cheryl Footman, or so I would assume), I wanted the show to make fun of the election. I suppose they're saving it all up for the Saturday after.

Tomorrow is election day. And you can listen to George S. or Bob S. or Tim R. or Bob O'R. or Chris M ---> there's a lot of opinions floating around. I have a really good feeling that people want change. Heck, Liddy Dole even said as much on Sunday morning.

I think the war is going to make a great impact. And I just almost swear, if it doesn't, I'm really going to start questioning the patriotism of my fellow Americans.

It's supposed to rain in the Panhandle tomorrow. Which is a bad thing for Democrats. Leon County is the Richland equivalent (as are many of the surrounding counties) and I hope the weather is crisp and lovely so people will come out in droves.

I've got some "endorsements" I'm working on -- we'll be back after the Vet visit.

The Big Weekend.

In addition to all the puppy drama in our house, it was a big weekend period. It was Parent's Weekend at FSU which means that parents and grandparents were visiting. CGK didn't understand why I was nervous...

1) First time future in-laws visited our house.
2) First time I've cooked for all in-laws.
3) Ahhhhhh! First time in-laws visited our house!

I never ever ever thought I would say this out loud, let alone write it in my blog, but there's a certain part of me that wanted to prove that I could take care of my family. It hit me as I was making a cake with candied orange peels; it hit me that I could be both a feminist and strongly desire to care for my family. The two really aren't that different or far apart - not that I thought they were. I just didn't realize that the two ideals could co-exist so peacefully.

We had a great time: tailgating at nine am, watching TV, having brunch on Sunday and even the requisite parental trip to Lowe's to pick up the random home improvement device. I heart these people. I had no idea I would fit in with another family so well. It's pretty darn nifty.

ps. The cake was a-mazing. Dark Chocolate cake with a dark chocolate Grand Marnier ganache. And even the bittersweet orange peels on top were tasty. Sometimes, I surprise even myself. :)

Wowsahs, what a weekend.

Our puppy is sick. My little pooper, George, was playing with his cousin dog, Bailey. Bailey's teeth got caught in George's collar. Georgie went limp and then starting coughing up blood.

We weren't home when it happened. We were headed out to dinner, giggling about how grown-up we were. A dinner: with other couples! It was still sort of new for us. And then we got a call... I can only imagine that it was like getting a call from the babysitter that our child was sick.

After rushing the little man to the Animal Hospital, we were charged to keep an eye on him and watch the hacking. We have an appointment with his Vet in an hour. I didn't sleep much last night. It's pretty amazing - the role pets take in our lives. Heck, George has a MySpace page. And while my little six month old MaltyPoo doesn't have 349 friends yet, one of his buddies is another gorgeous lady named Matilda.

Lesson - windpipes are fragile things. I'm not sure I will ever put another collar on George. And, furthermore, I have realized that I will probably be one of those rather overprotective mothers.

Simply the best...

While I might not be able to train the guy to put dirty clothes in the appropriate hamper, I have to admit - he is simply the best.

He is calm and strong and amazingly supportive. With all that is crazy in my life, my fiance manages to keep a smile and remind me to laugh. I never, ever thought I would say this, but without him I'm not sure I would be able to do the things I am supposed to do, nor would I do them as well.

All that said, however, does not mean that I voted for Charlie Crist.

Quality: My dad would be so proud.

I've been reading a lot about education over on the LaurinLine. It's important. It's big stuff - that education stuff.

And I was reading some comments - there was one about "pulling" kids out of private school. I have no idea really what the comment meant; I'm not using it to prove a point (sort of). What I think is that there are problems in schools whether you go to North Florida Christian or Leon High, whether you go to Christ Church or Wren or whether you go to East Clarendon or Robert E. Lee.

School is completely subjective. Money helps - money helps every situation from bad landscaping to the ability to procure quality healthcare so it's no big surprise that money in education helps. It helps because, like landscaping and medicine, your future is dependent on someone else. Money helps.

Now, I consider landscaping to be not so important and medical care to be tantamount to education, but the fact that our teachers do not receive the respect, consideration, wages or support that they need in order to teach is reason enough not to expect quality in every situation. Most of us have only spent time in schools as students; few of us have been part of the behind the scenes crew - the teachers and staff.

A school is a strange microcosm of society. Morale is important. In some schools, the GroupThink mentality is so strong it's confounding. Red Tape, regulations and school district procedures keep educators hands tied -- eliminating the very ingenuity and enthusiasm that makes teaching what it is ---> a gift.

The problem goes beyond a golden ticket voucher. Private school does not mean that administrators won't be letches or that coaches will be good or that the english teacher understands the implications of Beowulf. Public school doesn't ensure quality either. The issue isn't public or private -- it's quality. Period.

That's where the debate should be -- not where does quality exist, but how do we ensure that all of our kids - ALL OF OUR KIDS - get that quality education that provides them with the opportunity and skills to have a full life. Where's the quality?

From a MySpace Bulletin, no less...

One of the items on SC voting this year is about making marriage defined as 1 man and 1 woman (Amendment #1), so here's....

10 reasons why gay marriage is wrong:


1) Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.

2) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3) Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.

4) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.

5) Straight marriage would be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Brittany Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.

6) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.

7) Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

8) Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.

9) Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

*******************
And for all those folks (read: the man who called me a bigot), this is sarcasm. Irony. Humor.

Clocks & Candy.

Oh, and I discovered this over the weekend (and I thought I was the only one until my Grami and I discussed it. I suppose we're the only two people who were watching the Today Show early on Sunday morning).... I found out that next year Daylight-Turn-the-Clocks-to-Mess-with-Chrissy's-Mind will occur the first Sunday in November -- a little bit later than this year.

Last year legislators messed with timing due to the pressure from the golf lobby. Apparently, golf made $400 million by extending Daylight Savings by a week. So this year the candy lobby got in on it and decided that kids would be able to trick-or-treat longer if there was more daylight. Makes sense to me. Although, I kind of think the dental lobby was in on this decision as well.

Oh, and all that stuff I wrote below about legislators being stewards of our future -- um, yeah.

As it gets closer, it gets tighter.

The election went from Republicans having a double digit lead to a statistical dead heat in Florida. I'm headed over to vote tomorrow. I'm voting early, not only because I can, but because then I can have longer to wonder if I did the right thing.

I have never in my life voted for a Republican. Because of that, I have rarely voted for a public official who is actually in office. My intention, nonetheless, is not to start voting for Republicans. As November 7th looms before me, I wonder how smart of a policy that is. For the first time in my life, part of my life is dependent on how well the Republicans do this cycle. Since I am no longer alone, no longer responsible for just me - I have to weigh the options that are in front of me. Hmpf. I'm sure some of you (read: the folks who still visit from the SCDP) saw it as a matter of time. Hah. Chrissy was such a Democrat until... She was easily swayed, easily turned, easily manipulated.

There was a time, my senior year of college to be specific, when I took some time off from politics. For so long, the thought of red vs. blue consumed me. It wasn't healthy - I needed some perspective. The thing is, I keep coming back to my truth -- politics is really that important. It's big picture stuff. Does it matter if the House turns blue or if the Republicans keep the Senate? Not really.

What matters is whether or not this nation manages to come up with a policy to either remove our soldiers from a dangerous no-win situation (my personal choice) or enable them to do their job and outfit them while they do it.

It does matter whether we protect the ideal of social security - it does matter if prescription drug prices come down - it does matter if we find a way to ensure the health of our nation - it does matter if roads get repaved and if teachers get raises and if Johnny gets adopted or put in foster care... It all matters - the day to day to day to day stuff of America does matter. Like it or not the men and women we elect are the ones that manage that stuff.

I used to think that those men and women were so special, more special than other folks. They are special -- special in the way that they are taking on a great responsibility. They're taking on the responsibility of us. The good ones know the power and responsibility they are molding. The good ones know that our given trust in their ability to make decisions and see the big picture is often overwhelming, but they pursue the solutions that help our nation continue on the day to day to day to day stuff. The good ones are both Democrats and Republicans.

So, am I going to vote for Charlie Crist? I have a man who sleeps next to me every night that would very much like for that to be the case. Am I going to vote for Jim Davis? I am going to vote for Skip Campbell and Alex Sink and Bill Nelson. But, I'll be real honest, the big one's still up for grabs.

Because I can.

FoodTV

Is it just me (probably), but is anyone else having problems with the Food Network? Too many times (too many times I tell you!) I will travel on over to visit www.foodtv.com and it simple won't work. And other times, it works just fine. It's bad (oooh, it's bad) when I am in the middle of copying down a recipe and it stops working. That's when I start to get really frustrated.

It's not my internets - they seem to be working fine. I am perplexed by this problem. As well, it's quite difficult for a girl who has trouble cooking to be without her online bible. How am I supposed to plan?!?!

Egads, it's Monday.

Hi y'all.

It was a gorgeous weekend. Save for the back to back losses that our football teams inflicted on our household. Florida State lost to Maryland while at College Park - and, I just swear, I might wear a Fire Jeff T-shirt at next week's game. And my dear alma mater -- OH CAROLINA! You were so close. So darn close to telling those foolish Tennessee Orange people to go back to the hills.

We were very domestic in Tallahassee. We cleaned up the house, did mountains of laundry that had accumulated despite my best efforts, cooked and drank entirely too much (bad) wine. Worked on some wedding stuff, found our honeymoon location and played with the puppy. My future in-laws will be here next weekend for FSU Parent's Weekend. 'Scuse my OCD nature, but the place must be spotless.

I found an unopened Christmas present from last year that will be perfect for Halloween. It's a shower curtain. Yeah, yeah you're thinking: Whoop-de-doo. It's a shower curtain from Psycho -- it's white, with the outline of the mom and the knife. It's fabulous. And we're going to be super tacky and hang it inside the front window. Mwahahahhahahaa. There are some kids around, so I suppose I need to procure some candy. And carve the pumpkin.

I know the election is next week - and there are some really fascinating things going on right now. Issues that need to be discussed and problems that need to be solved. I think I might write about those later. After all, tomorrow is another day.

Dirty, dirty, dirty.

Election Day is a couple of weeks away. And surprise surprise, Republicans are going positively nasty. Big Shock. Going Negative - it's the New White Meat.

Was it a few days ago the big debacle of the Republican Party of Tennessee when they ran an ad against Harold Ford, Jr? Dude, that was nasty. I mean - yes, slightly amusing. But, like, amusing in the same way a co-worker tells a bad joke and you know you're not supposed to laugh, but you do anyway -- it was that kind of funny. And the thing is, I hold my elected officials to a higher level - I expect them to be honest and fair AND have a sense of humor. It can be done, I'm positive it can be done -- look at the South Carolina Bubba ads.

However, my dearest friend in 'Bama alerted me to this gem in Wisconsin. Sinister, I tell ya, sinister. Damn.

C'mon Repubs, can't you do better?

SI.

I have a sinus infection. Just in case you wanted to know.
I don't feel well.
I am whiny, more so than usual. Just a warning.

On IKEA.

Okay, all you readers out there. I'm intrigued... We're headed north at some point in our lives and want to stop in Atlanta to visit IKEA. [Notice I said travel north... to Atlanta?!?]

Having never lived with a man before, I had no idea that a bigger bed is a general necessity. It's not as much that I need to hide from his snores - but more so because I have a nasty habit of punching him in the middle of the night. Who knew I was so violent? I claim that I'm simply defending my part of the blanket. Whatev & Regardless --> We need a new bed.

So, as I'm balancing our checkbook - between wedding deposits and wedding deposits, I realized we don't have a lot of extra cash. We're not quite "flush" as my grandmother would say. I thought of IKEA for a bed. We figured we could pick one out in the ATL and bring it home. Who cares about WWIII that will inevitably erupt when the Fiance and I try to make a bed... with tools. It'll be fun, right?

Okay, so my long, drawn out question is... Has anyone really shopped there? I visited once with the brother while in DC, but didn't buy anything big. I know you get what you pay for - but then again, I'm really not sold on the stuff at Rooms To Go (and I swear, the girl in their commercials is far more annoying than the Gaffney Carpet Girl). What do y'all think?

Proof Enough.

I suppose I really am a Floridian now.
I've been removed from Faithinthesound -- as I am no longer a South Carolina blogger. That or my wedding posts have caused Will Folks' brain to explode.

It's weird - to move to a whole new place. Back in 2003, when I moved to Oxford, Mississippi to attend Ole Miss it was weird. In the northern region of Mississippi, I was just a little bit not southern enough. ME! I also wasn't used to a town without a Target. I used to drive just short of Memphis in order to see the giant red bulls-eye sign. Nonetheless, when KatieCali told me she was going out with an old classmate of mine in Jackson tonight - I felt homesick. They're headed to Old Venice, which was a popular more-than-a-pizza-joint on the Square. Apparently, there's one in Jackson too. I only spent about nine months in Oxford, and yet I can still remember my favorite place to go for green tomatoes or new shoes.

So, like, now I'm no longer a South Carolinian. I still feel like one. I think that's the beauty of "home." No matter where you decide to make your home when you grow up, the place that you did grow up still sticks to you. No matter how many places you've called home, all of them help to make you who you are... and who you are supposed to be. I can taste fall in Greenville - the leaves and the apples and the pumpkins and the crisp breeze, not to mention the overwhelming number of negative political ads on television.

Tonight, while I flip through IKEA pages to get ideas of how we can furnish our house, I realize how very lucky I am. And, y'know - even though I miss seeing the Palmetto Tree on nearly every car and SUV I pass on the highway, I can totally get used to seeing the wide variety of palm trees that line nearly every street upon which I do drive.

I'm like so copying Laurin (Florida Goobernatorial Debate)

Tonight is the Goobernatorial Debate in Florida. We're camped out on the couch, two glasses of red jug wine and we just finished leftover Sunday Gravy. Me = Happy Girl.

In full disclosure, I'm voting for Jim Davis. I am a Democrat, after all. More so, I honestly believe that the Congressman from Tampa will do a better job running this state. However, Florida's issues are still new to me -- sugar, homestead exemptions and insurance rivalries stump me a lil' bit. Plus, this state allows changes to the Constitution to reflect any whim of any special interest. Ballot issues are overwhelming for the most astute voter, let alone little ole me.

Aiight, here we go:
Charlie looks good - dang, he's really tan. Oooh, both of them wore bright red ties. Interesting. JimD looks nervous.

What? Free/Fair Laborers in the street? I'm confused. (Not surprising). Good opening JimD.
Is it just me or does Charlie's suit look a little too big? (CGK's interjection: "Brooks Brothers").

FCAT -- Yeah, I think there should be a test. I really do - I've been advocating standards since I learned that Alaska allows kids to graduate from middle school with a math standard of "using math with confidence." However, I really think part of it has to do with teachers. Wait, just about all of it has to do with teachers. It's scary, I can imagine, as a parent, to realize that your child spends more time with their teachers than they do with you. Teachers need more money. Period.

Of course, $$$ is the big issue. C'mon people - the folks that are educating your kids need more money. I'm not advocating throwing money around, instead investing in our future. And, like, really - that's not rhetoric. It's true. Charlie, how are you going to do that??? True leadership?

Intangibles tax? Ahhh, the Seniors would have heart attacks. "Why you gonna tax mya pension?"

"You can't govern from an empty chair." Dang. Referring to an Empty Chair Ad (look here under Media Videos) -- Charlie just made a huge connection to his media buys. Good move.

Government's Governor vs. People's Governor -- Hmmm, well. I hate to make a comment similar to the one I made while appealing an election at USC. But, well - I'm not sure I want a Governor who doesn't work WITH government. I think I've had experience with that in SC.

Drugs. Especially in this state are important - we've got a lot of old people. And a lot of people in general. Drugs shouldn't be as expensive as they are and both candidates have a plan to combat insurance companies.

Wait, is Charlie saying Jim Davis hates Black People? What?

Okay, that's just about all of that I can stand. Wait, Florida grows by 1200 people EVERY DAY? Seriously -- that is a damn lot of people. Yeah, yeah - this is a glorious place to be. Heck, it doesn't have income tax. I love that.

Aiight, I'm done. They're both goobers.

A Week O' Debates

Tonight: our household television will be turned to watch how the mighty have fallen. And, by that, I mean Ms. Harris. I cannot wait to see how Senator Nelson debates circles around the crazy Republican nominee.

As well, I will be watching Studio 60. I really like the show - it's clever. Ish. Anyway, Kramps wins that bet. I heard through Facebook (yes, I'm old and I still am addicted) that it's off the air next week. I'm crushed. At least I have Hereos to see me through.

Tomorrow, we see our two goobernatorial wannabes battle it out. Should be interesting. They were both the guys with flair, not substance in their respective primary debates. I wonder if a concrete idea or plan will be put forth.

Plus, we've got a real governor's debate in the Palmetto State.

Sigh - it'll be a good week.

I hate to say it, FSU...

But, I told you so.

BlackOut -- not such a good idea, was it?

However, the flag at the Gate of Tail. That, that, was awesome.

Wedding Rings.

I would like to say that I am more sensitive to wedding ringage in the media because I am in the market for one. My fiance got off easy. When he bought the engagement ring, he also purchased the wedding ring. DONE!

Me - on the other hand (heh!) - have to go searching for something that he would feel comfortable wearing every day of his life. And no, darling, it cannot be clear or flesh colored. At first, he wanted a gold ring. Okay, no problem - except for the fact that my rings are platinum. I'm pretty sure I'd like my husband to look like he's married to me.

Last night, while watching Housewives, we saw a Nivea commercial advertising the benefits of smooth skin. Evidently, if I use their product, I will not only receive loving glances from my partner - I will also fall into bed with him at any given moment. Oh, and I will totally be 120 pounds. The man in said commercial was married. The short spot featured his wedding ring at least ten times. Hers - not so much. So, as women - do we want our men to be married?

On the upcoming BlackOut.

Now that I am a Florida State fan (and God knows I should be due to the amount of money that we owe that school)... Ahem. Now that I am a Florida State fan I look forward to Saturday and Gameday almost as much as I did when I lived in Columbia.

And, I am really pumped about the Boston College game. I think we (ahem, FSU) has a good chance of showing off what makes them powerful as the Seminoles. However, this whole Black Out idea is not that great of an idea.

Perhaps it's because I remember Chris Odom and his viral message for a Black Out at USC. Um, big mistake. We were playing Florida -- it was on GameDay. Was it Spurrier who actually said that wearing all black made the ball easier to see?

I really hope the Noles can pull it out. Oh, and y'all -- say a prayer for me. I have to go to a Noles for Crist tailgate with the fiance. DEAR LORD!

I like the South.

And, like, I know Florida is not Southern. They try -- man, do they try. But we all know that this place is not the South.

But, if you are like me -- and you like hearing about Lucy & Mark & all the other good Democratic candidates across the South - from South Carolina to Mississippi.... maybe you'd like a little Florida sprinkled on your Palmetto Flakes too.

If so, Sayfie Review is for you. The political climate is truly different from South Carolina... But, since this is where I live and stuff -- y'know, the place where I plan to raise those children I eventually plan to have... I suppose I should start writing about their stuff too.

How long till the stuff of Florida becomes my stuff too?

USC SG ahead of the curve.

Way back a hundred years ago, when I was a Student Government Dork at the University of South Carolina, I helped a couple different candidates run for office. I also ran myself a couple of times. I liked being an elected official - even if it was only known to four other equally dorky people in Gambrell Hall.

There were rules to running -- and one of the rules was that University listserves could not be used for campaigning purposes. And it was strict. I wonder if the State of Florida should take an exploratory mission to Columbia and the RoHo.

Apparently, the State Department sent an email to overseas absentee voters in the 16th District alerting them of that while the voter would be casting a ballot for Foley, their vote would go to Negron. (Read the story from the Miami Herald here).

Um, what? No sir. No ma'am. What is Florida thinking? Why do the overseas voters (which includes military and non-military folks) get a primer? I realize few people inside the Western Hemisphere have been able to escape the Foley Drama as the scandal that Almost-Brought-Down-the-Republican-Party. And, I sort of doubt that anyone outside of the Western Hemisphere is completely clueless.

More than that, why do people who do not live within the borders of this state get a primer on who to vote for? Did they send an email to all the folks out of state as well? I mean, they might not have had the fantabulous coverage that the good people of Palm Beach received.

I think this smacks all the people in the 16th in the face. Furthermore, it elevates one set of voters over another.

Perhaps that's jumping the gun

Just a lil' bit.

I realize Charlie is six hundred thousand four hundred ninety eight points ahead of his Democratic challenger, Jim Davis. But perhaps the Pinellas County GOP Chair is a little bit ahead of the game -- booking rooms for January's inauguration in Tallahassee.

On the other hand, it's a durn good free press stunt.

Crist supporters book rooms

By WILL VAN SANT, Times Staff Writer
Published October 18, 2006

---

PINELLAS GOP READY TO PARTY: With their man Charlie Crist awash in donations and continually besting Democrat Jim Davis in the polls, the Pinellas Republican Party is already planning the inauguration bash. Party chairman Tony DiMatteo has booked 50 rooms at the Holiday Inn Select in Tallahassee, where he and other party members plan to celebrate Crist's inauguration as governor on Jan. 2.

"We are being proactive," DiMatteo said. "We are very optimistic that Charlie Crist will win."

In the unlikely event of an upset on Nov. 7, DiMatteo said he would cancel the reservations or offer the rooms to Democrats, at a premium price.

Super Powers

I think if I had a super power, I would be incredibly self-serving.
I would eliminate dramatic weather patterns. I suppose that would have the added benefit of stopping hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes. But, like, honestly? I really just want it to stop sinus infections.

Oh, and if I was some sort of inventor person - I would totally invent a TV that AUTO-MAT-IC-ALLY mutes all commercials - even the good ones. Mute. Silence.

Duuuuuude. Finally.

And it couldn't have happened to a better guy.

The SCDP named a replacement Third Vice Chair. They even got his email address correct! I think Mr. Sellers will be an excellent advocate for all Democrats under thirty. He'll be one of the youngest (if not the youngest) member of the General Assembly and from what I hear, a rather astute law student.

Good luck Mr. Sellers!

Me? Thoughts?

In response to Laurin's comment on the post about Emile below... Yeah, I have a few thoughts:

During my years as a South Carolina wannabe politico, I never deemed to degrade a Democratic candidate or the party in any way. I worked hard and long to propel the cause. I wanted us to win. And, more importantly, I wanted us to govern.

But, now - I'm not in South Carolina anymore. I can scream (although not many folks will care) that I don't like how our party is moving. Again, the LEFT DOESN'T WORK IN SOUTH CAROLINA. And, dare I say it? Dean didn't win the nomination for a reason -- and it wasn't the scream!!!

Okay, so - my opinion on Moore. I like the guy, yeah - I liked Frank Willis better, but I do like Moore. I think he even had a shot at winning the election. But, with both Democratic candidates, I wondered, did they really want it?
There's something slightly different about politicians. Some sort of super ego -- one that normal folks usually manage to dismantle sometime around their senior year of high school. I've seen it in friends, heck, I've seen it in myself. But - there's a certain bright sparkle that a candidate has. And, frankly, I'm not sure Moore has enough of it.

Yeah, he's personable and he has a long industrious history in the Senate. But, is that enough? Is that really enough? He has no plan people! He's a candidate and all he's got is anti-that. And that, that is not enough.

Pick an issue and find us a way to fix it. You did it in the Senate, Tommy, do it now. If you can't figure out a way to do it, start hiring people that can. And, my personal advice, don't listen to who the SCDP tells you to hire -- they haven't been doing too good of a job winning as late.

Put Your State on Your Plate

I like it. I remember waaaaaaay back before the general public started getting excited about the election cycle some friends were helping with Emile's campaign. Not knowing Emile, I was skeptical of a candidate whose name you could barely pronounce. And states on plates? What? Was he going to partner with Lenox to create a special palmetto china pattern?

Nope. He's smart. He's got it together. Emile deFelice has a brilliant plan to market South Carolina products to South Carolina and the world. We are an amazing state with even more amazing products that need to be creatively marketed to a wider audience.

I am terribly disappointed in The State for endorsing Weathers, the appointed Commissioner of Agriculture. Not that I'm surprised in The State's inability to see beyond their sidewalk, but I am confused by their main evidence... Evidently the Department of Agriculture is unveiling some sort of campaign to promote South Carolina fruits and vegetables and Weathers is behind it.

WOW. Whoop-de-doo. That's evidence of a man running a department effectively??? I simply do not believe it. Come on now. Fruits and veggies are going to save the largest industry in South Carolina?

Well, they are - but that's not all that's going to save South Carolina. It's going to take someone with infectious optimism and a vision that goes beyond choosing a site for the Farmer's Market. It's going to take Emile deFelice.

Blogging (in general)

I've been blogging since January. It's been an interesting experience. I remember the thrill of being added to blog rolls here and there. And there was the one great moment of being linked to the Washington Post. And, I just about swear to you that Dooce once visited.

I've written about shoes and makeup, presidents and politics, the adventures of getting married and being lost. Sometimes, it's an everyday thing and other weeks go by without me having a thought I'd like to share with this small world.

Lately, I've felt more like talking with the faceless and not-so-faceless folks who like to visit the adventures of a gal in her twirties. I'd like to tell you folks some of the thing that are really troubling me, but I'll spare you the drama and instead focus on the most pressing problem in my little life -- that of trying to get a man to do his fair share of the household chores. (Half smile).

Yesterday, I received two comments on my blog. I aspire to be more like Laurin, with folks posting comments left and right. Instead, I had a man tell me that I was a bigot. And another, more astute visitor tell me that I was a spiteful daughter.

Well, dear blogosphere -- I will tell the truth! Yes, the truth! I am both. Deal with it.

Funny Face

Have any of y'all seen the GAP commercial with Audrey Hepburn? I love it - it's from one of my favorite movies, Funny Face. As a kid, watching Fred Astaire and Miss Hepburn dance around a French church inspired my dreams of what a wedding should be. I won't be in a tea length gown and I seriously doubt my groom can high step like Fred, but it's funny how memories from childhood stick with you. Funny.

"They Can't Control Me"

So says Katherine Harris of 2000 infamy. Somehow, the Republican Party of Florida believes her to be a liability. Gee, wonder why.

Could it be nearly every time she opens her mouth she lets loose with another whopper? Despite the RPFL's best efforts to deprive her of winning her party's nomination for US Senate, Ms. Harris convinced the Florida electorate that she had the strongest chance of defeating Senator Nelson.

I'm not that stupid; I'm pretty sure most Floridians aren't either. Was it just that they knew no one would defeat Senator Nelson? Or was it that they just didn't care? The former Secretary of State just isn't the same chick she used to be when she helped to steal the election from VP Gore.

Nah, she just crazy.

My point is, the Party is giving her the cold shoulder. And thank goodness! She's not a good candidate, she's not raising money, and she's sort of lost touch with reality. So, when the Party realized they couldn't get rid of her, they chose to ignore instead.

Why aren't we doing that? Why aren't we giving the ice chill glare to the ridiculous stable of candidates that are looking for their moment in the South Carolina Spotlight? Why isn't the Democratic Party looking for good candidates OR moving away from their Deaniac ways? The current SCDP's affinity for Dean and his screamin' behavior will be the death knell for future candidates.

What's It Gonna Be South Carolina?

Dear South Carolina Voters,

Like most election years, a lot of things hang in the balance. You've got a great opportunity. Whether you believe Sanford will make a difference or Moore will change the status quo... Whether you want new or old, stodgy or singing, a loyal South Carolinian or a racing play boy -- your vote can make a difference.

I have a vested interest in South Carolina, even though I am now a Floridian. Having spent 24 of my 25 years in the Palmetto State, I know what beauty and intelligence lie in the people of that state. It's amazing - from the mountains to the shores and everything in between, South Carolina has such a history and an even fuller future.

So, why the fuck do we need to vote on something that is already illegal? I could make the argument that the first Defense of Marriage Act is wrong - and it would be an easy argument to make. However, I'm really just going to concentrate on the fact that you people are wasting your time voting on it again:

Is a blow job really that evil?

I happen not to think so, and I'm sure my fiance is rather glad that it's part of my sexual repertoire. And while I'm often more than happy to air some of my sexual accomplishments (please don't blush; it usually happened after Pint Night and one too many Franziskaners), it shouldn't be a requisite to receive a marriage license. When I travel down to the marriage license guy in Leon County in a couple of months, I seriously doubt that he's going to ask me for my sexual history. Why do I get that perk of privacy?

And, why oh why are we adding exclusivity to our Constitution? I used to travel to Connemara outside of Flat Rock, NC. There was a short video of the poet Carl Sandburg saying that his least favorite word was "exclusive." He used to sound it out - ex-cluuuuu-sive.

I'm not asking that gay folks should receive an honorary membership into the Flowers-Of-The-Month-Club or a reserved parking spot at Pottery Barn or any other ridiculous, bigoted "special rights" the Christian Right can think up.

I realized the unfairness of it all --- I had surgery a couple of weeks ago and my fiance was able to come back with me and stay with me and help me through it. If I had been gay, my partner would not have been able to support me in that way. And that is not fair.

What will happen, South Carolina? What will happen years from now? We've had a difficult time recovering from the whole slavery thing - as a matter of fact, I personally believe we're still recovering from aftershocks. How will we recover from denying civil rights to our citizens in this manner?

Civil Rights should never be held to a popular vote.

In case you were wondering

It was a bit of a shock to me too. I met a man, got engaged not even three months later and within a few weeks I had dragged all of my belongings to Tallahassee.

Plus, within all of that, I am a Democrat and he is a Republican (of the strongly opinionated type of politicos).

Well, we met at a wedding. He was my groomsman and I was his bridesmaid. At the time, I had no idea it would be a preview. I overheard him talking about the etymology of Klingon, I misspelled "Happiness" (use your imagination), and we shared a Grape Bomb (Grape Vodka & Red Bull - I had no idea!). It was a wedding weekend - but instead of the brief affair staying in Orlando, we never stopped talking.

We had many things in common and many things that were different. At the base of it all, we held the same values - the same goals - the same dreams. His morals matched mine. And that was what mattered. We quibbled over politics. And, for the most part, our banter is entertaining (or so I've been told).

I'm sure some folks were confused or figured I was being impulsive. After all, it was damn quick. But - sometimes, you just know. You just know. And we've been through health problems - from cancer to surgery; we've been through more than enough family drama; we've been through moving more than once. I think we're set to make a go of it (and live through many more dramas and problems and even more happy times). I've dated a lot of men and more than my share of boys. I've even been in love with some of them. But, I was waiting to meet Chris.

At some point during my junior year of college, I made a list of all the qualities I wanted to find in my partner. They ran the gamut of desirables -- from liking red wine and wearing bow ties to being spiritual and driven. I wanted a man who wore flip flops, understood Southerners and was well educated. He had to like mushy English movies and have an affinity for football. He had to be smart and witty and be family-oriented. Suffice it to say, the list was long. He met every single one... well, save for being a Democrat.

I love him, not for meeting a list - but because of who is. His very essence - BAM! hits me at various moments of the day and I realize how very lucky I am. I found him - through all odds, I found him.

So, now I've left South Carolina (which I swore I would never do again) and I wake up every morning knowing that I've finally made the right decision.