DLM Recommends

One of my fave things on McSweeneys is their Recommends section which is periodically updated. Thought I would give it a go, so here are some things I would recommend:

Key limes: really a nice tart change up from the usual limes for your favorite beverage or other endeavors. Unfortunately I could only find Texas Key Limes and not Florida ones at my grocery. Have sentimental meaning for me, actually contemplating making a yellow cake with key lime juice/sugar icing (Grandma), though did squeeze some slices into gin (Granddaddy – though he would have stuck with olives).

Turning off the TV and listening to music or reading a book or magazine: spending more time like this and find myself much calmer. I do write more, if listening to music unless something completely distracts me.

Straight No Chaser – The 12 Days of Christmas: Thanks to the Atlanta cousins for posting this video last year. Now they are on iTunes, who can resist an a cappella group that is this entertaining? Brilliant idea of interjecting the dreidel song and a little Toto into a Christmas medley.

Container Store: Gives me an incentive as I purge unnecessary items and think of better ways to store sentimental ones.

Facebook: - ok, parts can be obnoxious; however it’s been a great way to keep in touch and reconnect with all sorts of people. Plus how else would I know that “Jon is thinking NPR discussing China and our Democracy is better than Gn’R playing “Chinese Democracy”” or that ETK’s kitty was gravely ill? (recovering well now thankfully!)

Focusing: I get too interested in too many things, so need to step back and let things go, take one thing at a time. Work in progress. I would particularly recommend this to Ohio drivers on the road – particularly those with mini-vans (also please consider using turn signals) !

Yma Sumac – Gopher: From her album “Mambo”, happy to rediscover this on iTunes. Fun little ditty that you’ve probably heard before, just didn’t know what it was.

Cousins & friends: Y’all know who you are and why you’re fabulous. If you weren’t sure- hope my saying so reminds you.

“Bad Things” sung by Jace Everett – heard it as a theme song on a TV show, a little twangy which I just love.

Chatting my sister – She who no longer blogs, sort of a vegan, inconsistent in her use of facebook or email, if you text her she just calls and doesn't leave a message if you don't answer. However when she’s ready to talk – it’s such fun, particularly making plans for my December trip to Ft Lauderdale.

After election thoughts

Wrote this a few days after election and realized I hadn't posted much lately:

Wednesday I was in a fog. Tired from the day before - Tuesday up at 5:30am to get to the polls early, then out til 1 am Wednesday after watching results and celebrating at a downtown restaurant with a bunch of volunteers. I didn't do much in this campaign, attended some rallies, donated some funds, and supported one of my best friends in her efforts to get out the vote. Being with a group of people, some of whom have spent over a year and a half was inspiring. To experience their joy and my own, realizing that the ideas of America are truly real. A smart hard working individual can become president no matter their background. Hopefully this inspiration will carry us to greater things and out of catastrophe there will be transformation. Leaving the bar that night, felt like New Year's Eve - cars were still honking horns, a few folks shouting Obama. All good cheer.

Wednesday I enjoyed at home relaxing, catching up on coverage and starting to get back to normal life. Glad I took the day, today back in the office, heard it was quiet there and some folks still sort of pouty. Though there are a lot of Dems (or Dem leaning) at work, they just keep it quiet. I don't care if people know my opinion, not like I'm recruiting. One co-worker thinks Obama will be assassinated and there will be race riots. (Don't have time or inclination at the moment to explain race views in parts of Ohio, basically some people don't get out much.)

Well tough times ahead, however there is the prospect of improvement.

Election night - Effen Black Cherry Vodka

A good time

Si, se puede

Vote Baby Vote!!

Ready to get up effin' early tomorrow to get in line. Have a 10am meeting at work that I can't miss so if lines are bad, I'll leave and come back after meetings (@3pm).

So excited about this election and the end of days for W. Will meet up with CC and her some of her pals later tomorrow night, not working Wednesday so I can relax and watch results.

Obviously I have an opinion, though I hope everyone gets out to vote - even if it's not for my candidate.

Non political - yes I have a personal life!

There were parts of my time this weekend that weren't political. Friday night was a Halloween themed wedding for co-worker. Really fun and carried the theme throughout their backyard. (Finger shaped cookies, coffin with beer & wine coolers) Very impressive. Guests were encouraged to wear costumes - I asked the bride if she was going to change out of her dress into a costume - response "What's scarier than a bride & groom?" So true! Though she's not a bridezilla and not very sentimental so good theme for her. Also very short service (a pal's husband asked "why was our wedding so long?) I ended up just being dressed up in black and it was a little chilly so good plan. My work pal K and her husband, A, were vampires - looked very good. I'm glad it all went well for the bride.

Saturday was chilling out and paying bills. Then Mrs. A had offer to visit wine country at last minute so she kindly offered her hockey tickets. Ended up taking one of the analysts, C, from work. She's based in Cbus for 2 months, fresh out of college and credit training. C is originally from Trinidad though moved to NYC for school and lived with her mom. She had a track scholarship to South Carolina State and loved it there. Now hired by my firm to be based in NY, however management thought she could use some time in the Cbus office. C doesn't drive (though is working on getting her license), and this is an awful place to be without a car. Not sure how often she can fly home on company dime. So worked out - she was very excited and since her life was mostly school and track before she really didn't know much about sports. She immediately got into the hockey game. Actually good example for her, Chicago Blackhawks (who were such punks!) played the CBJ. Early fights in the first period and she noticed how poor CBJ was at passing. Though they were able to tie it up, so she got to see an overtime and a shoot out - which Chicago won of course. Major penalties for them. It was fun to hang with someone so enthusiastic. We also made stops at Target and grocery store so she could stock up on things.

Today - did a little online shopping and may stop down in Groveport to hang with W and her little Madi (who was Kung Fu Panda at the wedding).

Back to work on Monday and Tuesday - though with a break for voting. Taking Wednesday off since I'll be tired no matter what happens. It should be a national holiday!

Sunday morning political edition

Normal Sunday morning for me: usual routine – watch and/or record some of the Sunday shows: Chris Matthews, Meet the Press, This Week and the Sports Reporters. Don’t watch all parts, depends on who’s on and the topic. Working on my fantasy football team setting, not doing so well, my era of domination may be over (injuries - Tony Romo). Which may make it easier not to join next year, am getting annoyed with certain members – they can’t take being beat up by a girl that doesn’t spend hours of research.

Election: – starting to look forward to voting. I am ready, almost decided on state ballot issues and local candidates. I decided not to do early voting or absentee, not sure I can trust those in Ohio. Plus I enjoy going to the polling station and hitting the button. I may really enjoy it this year – be interested to see how crowded it is or not. Plan to meet some friends after polls close at restaurant downtown. They'll be working the polls and closing time means if you're in line at 7:30pm (or whatever time it is) - you get to vote. So really may not close til 9pm or later just depends. Wish I could have done more this time, however with work focus haven't really had time to volunteer. Did send some $$ to you-know-who and the congressional candidate.

Life in the battleground - Schwarzenegger was downtown on Friday, rallying for McCain, Palin is here today - south of town at Rickenbacker AFB. The Obamas will be rallying at statehouse downtown. Also several phone calls about issues and robocall invite to Palin rally. (Obviously they didn't know who they were calling).