Random Tidbits

The Maids came and cleaned the house from top to bottom today. AWESOME! There must have been 2 years worth of dust trapped in various pockets in the house. I didn't do a white glove test, but they passed the white sock test. I've been walking around in stocking feet all day and the soles are still pristine.

Now we just have a good amount of clutter to purge. You should see what we've thrown out and freecycled already with help from our friend, Susannah. BIG Thanks, Suzie Q!!!! I have 2 weeks to work at that little by little until the cleaning crew comes again. I'm not kidding myself that we're going to get through all 4 closets in that time. I see that as an ongoing project for the next year. I just want to get the nursery together and clear up the remaining clutter in the nursery, bedroom and living room.

I must be honest, I felt slightly guilty about paying people to clean my house while I sat at Starbucks and addressed holiday cards. It's a treat for now while I'm too preggo or busy with baby to do it myself, but it is an added expense when we're trying to eliminate expenses.

Hopefully once the baby's here and settled in I can maintain things myself and just hire someone once or twice a year to do a giant spring cleaning so I don't have to move furniture and scrub baseboards, etc. As I've always said of myself, "For a socialist, I sure have a shitty work ethic."

On the other hand, it did feel kinda cool to pretend I was a rich corporate wife who runs errands and shops while other people do her less savory tasks. Nice to get a glimpse of how the other half lives once in a blue moon. It was a big job today, so I made sure to tip the crew double the suggested amount.

Lulu supervised them in my absence. She's an excellent foreman, hence her nickname "The Foreman." She spent the last few months watching construction crews and landscaping crews out the bay window all day long making sure they were working hard and not lallygagging.

Fred went around sniffing everything after the ladies left. He appeared confused as if to say, "This does not smell like my house." To his credit, I do not believe he's peed on anything to rectify that just yet.

So, things are coming together. My house is actually clean enough that people could drop in unannounced, which is usually my biggest fear. We cleared out a lot of junk in the nursery and put down the area rug. Just need to put the crib together, hang the curtains and decorations.

In politics, Keith Olbermann gave a fantastically touching special comment last night regarding the anti-gay marriage bills which passed in several states last week. You can check it out here. Perfect example of why this man is on my "list." That, and his impeccable grooming. Guys should always wear ties. No exceptions.

Speaking of my "list," can I just say that "Renegade" is the SEXIEST Secret Service nickname of ALL TIME???

The Origins of President Mack Daddy

In answer to Jeanne, I thought I would explain the origins of my nickname for President-Elect Obama.

The Urban Dictionary has many colorful definitions for the phrase mack daddy. The longer term, which I have shortened, is "long-legged mack daddy." This comes directly from a vitriolic, racist, anti-Obama sermon from the Rev. James David Manning . It's so over the top, so ridiculous, so hateful that it's--dare I say--hysterically funny. See for yourself. I can only hope that those folks standing silently behind him all secretly voted for Barack on Tuesday.

We first heard Rev. Manning say this earlier in the year. "Obama is a long-legged mack daddy!" became a catch-phrase for us that we would shout gleefully every time Obama delivered one of his inspiring speeches or won another state in the primaries (after Super Tuesday--we were Edwards supporters before he dropped out and we found out he'd been cheating on his terminally ill wife).

This is a very amusing video of various Rev. Manning anti-Obama sermons set to 50 Cent's "P.I.M.P" Enjoy!!

President Mack Daddy

What an amazing evening. I knew we could and that we would. I'm so glad I can now say, "Yes we did!"

To all the chumps who thought tonight would be close and that there would be no landslide, I say this:

Put THAT in your pipe and smoke it!!!!

Okay, you had to give me that one moment of unabashed gloating.

Tobin was kicking like crazy during McCain's concession speech. I'd like to think it was his little victory dance. I didn't cry nearly as much tonight as I thought I might. I only began leaking when Obama told the story of the 106 year old woman in Atlanta who had lived to see women and blacks finally obtain the right to vote, an end to segregation and the advent of civil rights and, sweetest of all, an African American man elected president. I just hope someone records her life story before it's too late. It must be a phenomenal one.

I feel rather guilty for not having to wait in line at the polling booth today, and I'd like to thank every single American who spent hours in line today and last week to vote in this momentous election. Your patience, dedication and perseverance paid off. You are the embodiment of "Real America." God bless you.

FINALLY!!!

The day I've been waiting for for 4 (say THAT 3 times fast) very, very long years.

I thought I'd have something profound or monumental to say. Nope. Just glad it's here. The Democrats are on the verge of a sweeping victory, and I will be watching with baited breath tonight as this--fingers crossed--unfolds.

I've never felt so strongly about a presidential candidate in my entire life. Not even my beloved Bubba. I was so happy to waddle into the booth this morning with Tobin in my belly. I can't believe he'll be almost 4 years old the next time we do this!

He'll be old enough to go into the booth with me, rather than in me. Unless he goes in with Daddy, of course, which he's welcome to do. I'm totally OK with that being a father/son ritual. He can even push the "Cast Vote" button at the end, assuming we still live in New Jersey and still have the same booths.

There is nothing in this world I want more right this second than for Tobin to be born with Barack Obama as president. With any luck, he'll be in office for the first 8 years of Tobe's life. I want my son's first impression of government to be a positive one; to know that his government and, most importantly, his president cares about the American people and wants each and every one of them to enjoy the same rights and privileges once reserved for the rich, white few.

This hit home the other night when I had my first Obama dream. Obama and I were walking along talking about the future. I don't remember much of the dialogue. I just remember looking him dead in the eye and telling him point blank that I did not want to live in an America where he wasn't president. I really don't want my son to live in such an America either.

Not that the family would pack up and move to another country if he doesn't win, I just think an Obama loss would be a terrible loss for America, and a crippling shame. Besides, the only 2 places I'd consider moving would be Canada or France. I find Canadians largely boring and the French kinda smarmy (no offense, eh, mes amis?). In the end, I'd still pick France, if only for the wine.

Lord willin' an' the creek don't rise, I'll be following this post with a victory post tomorrow or late this evening. Regardless the outcome, I'm thankful to Barack Obama for filling me to bursting with hope and optimism, and reigniting my flagging passion for the democratic process after the election debacles of 2000 and 2004.

Thank you, Barack, you long-legged mack daddy!!! I hope to be calling you President Mack Daddy before the day is through.

A Few Political Nuggets

Colin Powell officially endorsed Barack Obama on Meet The Press this morning. It was a wonderful interview. It was clear that he had devoted a great amount of time and thought to his decision and did not make it lightly by any means. I have huge respect for him for that.

I had huge respect for him prior to his support of the Iraq war and didn't buy his argument that he only supported it on the basis of faulty intelligence. I figured, as Secretary of State, that he had to be "in the know" and therefore "in on it." As I read further in Angler: The Cheney Vice Presidency, I now realize that in the Cheney/Bush administration (inversion intentional), that no one knows one single goddamn thing unless Cheney wants them to know it. Therefore, General Powell, please accept my sincere apology. However, I don't know if I can forgive you for convincing me via your interview today that centrist Republicans might actually be OK , halfway intelligent, rational people. I have to chew on that one for a while.

Also, Johnny Mac is now claiming to love "being the underdog." Enjoy it for the next 16 days, Johnny! Your optimism is kinda cute.

My favorite portion of the article:

Asked if Gov. Sarah Palin has become a drag on his ticket, McCain said, "As a cold political calculation, I could not be more pleased."

"She has excited and energized our base. She is a direct counterpoint to the liberal feminist agenda for America (my emphasis). She has a wonderful family. She's a reformer. She's a conservative. She's the best thing that could have happened to my campaign and to America," he said.

I still don't get how "liberal" and "feminist" have become such dirty words. What's so anti-American or--gasp!!!--unchristian about women having equal rights??? This is why I can't understand how any woman with a brain could even think of voting for McCain. If his personal life hasn't proven his utter disdain for women, his political life certainly has. I hope he loses by a record-breaking, humiliating margin. I hope during the middle of his concession speech that he breaks down and cries like a little bitch.

Last Night's Debate

Not TOO much to say about the debate last night. Once again, Ethan was afraid that McCain had won, I reassured him that Obama had, and the pundits agreed with me.

Things I noticed:

• Both candidates were asked to discuss their plans on various issues. Obama answered these questions directly. McCain spent most of his time pointing out the flaws in Obama's plans rather than selling his own. Not surprising since his plans are utter BS and aimed at destroying an already vanishing middle class

• McCain kept huffing and sighing off camera every time Obama was talking. Did he think that would play well with the public? He doesn't seem to be able to differentiate being "aggressive" from being "angry/haughty/condescending/a total prick"

• The confident, non-aggressive smile Obama trained on McCain every time McCain was talking smack about him. That's my favorite Obama debate tactic. You can almost read his thoughts. You know he's sitting there the whole time thinking, "Corpse, PLEEZ!"

• How the pundits IMMEDIATELY seized on McCain's abortion gaffe re: the "health of the mother" exception for late-term abortions. Good for them! And keep running that soundbite, please, for any women out there who might have missed it. Wave bye-bye to any undecided women out there, Johnny

And one non-debate-related observation:

I've been saying this for a long time, but will finally post it since it's relevant to the upcoming holiday. MSNBC political analyst Richard Wolffe (whom I adore) has a big, candy corn-shaped head. I affectionately squeal "Candy Corn!" with glee every time he comes on-screen. It could also be likened to Frankenstein, also holiday appropriate. See for yourself. I couldn't find a decent still shot, so the attached video will have to suffice. He's approx. 3:47 seconds in.

I love candy corn. If his head were actually a giant piece of candy corn, I would eat it in sections from chin to forehead. I'm a touch OCD when it comes to certain things.

Highlights from This Weekend...

Friday

1. Watching Countdown with Keith Olbermann (he had the day off) and seeing:

a) The footage of McCain having to defend Obama's character and tell his supporters that they have nothing to fear from an Obama presidency

b) The results of the Troopergate investigation come in, proving that Palin abused her powers as Governor. Nice! No wonder she had that gleam in her eye during the debate when discussing the newly expanded powers of the office of VP. Aside to Dick Cheney: Go fuck yourself!!

2. Delicious shredded beef szechuan style from my fav chinese restaurant

Saturday

1. Sleeping ungodly late with my warm, snuggly husband, 2 dogs and 2 cats. I don't know what the furry ones will do when the baby comes and they have to make room for him

2. Lounging in the comfy chairs at Starbucks reading the NY Times

3. Going to the library to find out that my copy of Angler: The Dick Cheney Vice Presidency was in! I'll do a mini book report once I finish it

4. Watching Halloween (the original) for the buhbillionth time while eating leftover shredded beef szechuan style from my fav chinese restaurant. Yes, it's dated, but it still scares the bejesus out of me. I chalk this up to its having been the first horror movie I ever saw (at the tender age of 6--it was edited for TV). I saw the Rob Zombie remake and really enjoyed it, but I have to say that the notion of Michael Myers coming from a perfectly normal, suburban family is far more terrifying than his coming from the white trash, abusive upbringing he had in the remake.

Sunday

1. Sleeping in again, though not as late

2. Sweet talking Ethan into going to the grocery store for me. He did a great job. I'll have to do that again

3. Ethan and I giving Mr. T yet another stern talking to for battering my internal organs all day long. Most of the day it felt like he was working the heavy bag, but he would occasionally switch things up and work on the speed bag for a while. Work that jab, Kid. Work that jab.

4. Cooking a home cooked meal for the first time in ages. I made this chili recipe from Tyler Florence and the accompanying corn pudding with poblanos. It was frickin' awesome if I do say so myself. I made the corn pudding to the exact recipe, but took some liberties with the chili. They didn't have beef shoulder, so I used stew meat. The recipe called for ancho chili powder and chilis in adobo sauce. I had some awesome chipotle chili powder, so I just used that instead of the 2 separate ingredients. It also said to puree the veggies, tomato paste and sugar before adding to the pot. I skipped that step since it was all going to simmer for 2 hours and wound up dissolving into the broth anyway. Also, I added a little more of each spice called for and omitted the coriander. I was totally sure I had coriander before I sent Ethan off to the store, but I was mistaken. Didn't miss it. Unfortunately, Ethan had to buy a 5 lb. bag of masa harina when I only needed 1/2 c. Gives me an excuse to buy a tortilla press so I can make my own corn tortillas.

4. Eating abovementioned chili while watching this week's episode of True Blood. It just gets better and better--and Sookie and Bill finally got down to business, bless their sexy beating and unbeating hearts

Victory Dance

Can I get a "whoop whoop!" for my main man, Sen. Barack Obama? By the end of the debate, Ethan was worried once again that it was too close to call. I reassured him that, despite everyone's expectations that tonight would be a blood bath, both candidates stuck to the issues and Obama always wins on the issues. The CNN poll confirmed this, though the spread was narrower than I thought it should be.

Ethan thought the debate was also very boring and many people in the blogosphere agree. Once again, that's because they stuck to the issues and the issues aren't exciting to the average viewer.

Andrew Sullivan (Republican), called it a MAULING--advantage Obama. He picked up on several things that I also found odd or troubling during the debate. Namely, McCain blowing off Obama's handshake at the end (I missed the first 20 mins, so I don't know if he shook his hand at the beginning), the "that one" comment, his weird habit of pacing behind Obama while Obama was talking, etc. He left out McCain calling for a spending freeze while simultaneously wanting to buy up bad mortgages, though.

There's also been a lot of post-debate hubbub about the McCains hightailing it out of the debate while the Obamas stayed to greet and talk to the crowd and give autographs and pose for photos. I thought that was very personable of them. I'm sure the McCain campaign will spin that as the Obamas acting like "celebrities." The talking heads kept asking "why" the McCains left so abruptly. Duh, because it was way past his bedtime.

Holy crap, I can't wait for the last debate.

If the McCain campaign has any sense whatsoever, which we've already established that it doesn't, they will cancel Palin's remaining stump speeches and hide her away from the public eye until election day. She is not helping them. AT ALL. I know it doesn't help the Democrats for me to keep reiterating this, but she's an embarrassment and a liability for the ticket. WHY DON'T THEY SEE THIS???? They're some willfully ignorant motherf*ckers.

Ethan just poked his head in to say, "Man, you got a lot to say about a BORING debate!" What can I say? I didn't find it as boring as most. I thought Barack was on message and smooth like butter. What more could the Dems ask for?

Holy shit. I just agreed with Ari Fleischer.

Ari Fleischer is a pariah, as far as Ethan and I are concerned. He is the #1 Self-Hating Jew (what we call all republican Jews) in America. Joe Lieberman would be #2 (I know, he's technically an "independent," but if it quacks like a duck...).

However, as Ari spoke with David Gregory a few minutes ago on MSNBC, I found myself seconding his suggestion regarding Friday's debate. He made the point that with the country so up in arms over the financial crisis, a debate on foreign policy would get lost in the shuffle. Rather than postponing the debate, he suggested that they switch topics since a debate on the economy would be far more relevant.

I couldn't agree more. It has the added bonus of forcing both candidates to step up to the plate with less preparation. Perhaps they'll shoot from the hip rather than spout forth countless canned answers and catch phrases. I know this might not be the ideal situation for Obama, but as he's more informed and in touch with the average American (those making less than $5M/yr) regarding the economy than McCain, I think he'd do just fine.

I suppose we'll see what happens a little over 48 hours from now...

Blessed Relief

For the first time this summer it was cool enough to turn the air conditioner off. I opened up all the windows,turned the fan on high, and aired out the apartment. I've been praying for autumn's early arrival these last few weeks as I near the beginning of my third trimester (which is this Friday! Woot woot!!). As this is the most exhausting and uncomfortable trimester, I'm glad the bulk of it will take place during cooler weather.

Some men were doing construction in front of our house and had blocked off the driveway with a 4 foot mound of dirt. We had been warned about this, but I had completely forgotten. As such, I neglected to pull the car out of the driveway last night and park it on the street. As I had my final dentist appointment at 2:00 pm today, this meant I had to hoof it down to Main St. rather than drive myself in the air-conditioned comfort to which I am most accustomed. Had it been in the mid-80s like earlier this week, this would've sucked ass. It turned out to be a very pleasant walk (interrupted by a very unpleasant torture session at the dentist).

When I had finished schlepping my big butt and even larger gut up the (never ending) hill to our house and finally up the stairs to the apartment, I found that I was only slightly damp and breathing normally. Any other day I'd have been dripping with sweat and gasping for air. This made me feel frickin' awesome! Not like the giant, plodding land mammal I normally feel like.

On the way up the hill, I met an adorable little bichon frise named Zoe with a less-than-warm mommy. She barely tolerated me stopping to pet her dog. I normally don't pet dogs whose owners give off the "don't pet my dog" vibe, but this dog was begging me to pet her--standing on her hind legs and giving me that two-paw wave that only bichons seem to give. So I stopped to pet her. And she loved it. And I secretly wished I could steal her and take her home where she would be adored and not treated like a status symbol or accessory.

Although I do live in a town brimming with rich people--most of whom are republicans--I'm happy to say that the majority aren't like Zoe's mom. Please keep in mind, my definition of "rich people" are people who make over $250K, not $5M as McCain would have it. They're warm and friendly. They say "Hi!" when you pass them on the sidewalk and stop to pet Fred and Lulu when we walk them. I wonder sometimes if this is because they assume we're one of them. Though not rich by any means, I guess we do technically qualify as "Yuppies"--even now that we're down to one income (note: Ethan HATES when I point this out), but I'd like to think they're just genuinely nice people.

I'm also happy to report the surprising number of Obama yard signs and bumper stickers that have popped up all over town over the past 6 months. New Jersey is a solidly blue state, but Madison in a very red town. Or it was--it's as purple as a savagely twisted nurple now!! We even have an Obama sign in our front yard now--and we didn't put it there! Our downstairs neighbor did. It's like we have our own liberal enclave in the heart of Republicana. I'm surprised we haven't been egged by privileged, A&F-draped teenagers "raisin' McCain!"

Temporarily Breaking My Election Coverage Boycott...

Did ya see Obama on Letterman yesterday? If not, it's available here on YouTube in 4 parts (he was on for a large portion of the show). He was amazing. I was so bedazzled by his eloquence, charm, humor and vision that I swear I had cartoon hearts shooting out of my eyes and red, white and blue stars circling my head.

None of these attributes of his was new to me, by any means. It was just magical to see them all packaged so perfectly in one appearance--and to see him so relaxed and comfortable and natural. It's a good indicator that someone genuinely believes what's coming out of his own mouth when he's so clearly comfortable in his own skin.

Once again, I'm aware that this is his normal demeanor, I'm just so jazzed that America had a chance to see him shine in such an intimate, no BS, one-on-one type of setting. How anyone could watch that appearance and not fall in love with this candidate and his vision for America befuddles me greatly.

Also, we cheated and watched Countdown with Keith Olbermann last night. I think this might just be the most amazing Special Comment he's ever delivered. The man gives me chills.

Why isn't it November yet???

I have decided, after much thought, that I need to take a step back regarding this election. I'm not able to be as involved as I would like to be. I'm too pregnant to canvass (not that I've ever done that before--I don't like knocking on strangers' doors) or to host a fund raiser for my chosen candidate (take a wild guess. I'll give you a hint: As far as we know, he never called his wife a c-u-n-t in front of reporters). Ethan and I did the latter for the '04 election and actually managed to raise an impressive sum considering we only had about 15 people there.

I just don't have it in me to be as emotionally invested in this election as I was in the last one and it makes me very sad :(. The historic ramifications alone make me wish I had the energy to go (figurative) balls out and do all I can do to make sure America elects a president we can actually be proud of. I just don't have it in me this time, is all.

I can barely shower, dress, feed myself and get a couple of chores done in a day before collapsing for the evening. The constant exhaustion and helter skelter hormones leave me no choice but to deliberately avoid anything that might upset me. Election coverage is at the top of that list. I must also avoid sad/sappy movies and TV. Ethan is very stressed out about the recent bump in the polls McCain has received post-convention and post-nomination of Sarah Palin. I sure don't blame him, I just don't want to hear about it.

I know it sucks. It sucks that the election could be anywhere near this close at this point in the game. If the American people would ignore all the media talking heads and their sensationalism and actually focus on what the candidates have to say about the issues, the choice would be obvious and this election would be a mere formality.

Sadly, that's not the case. We love a dog and pony show! Don't make our heads hurt with all your brainy solutions to America's problems, just make us wanna have a beer with you. That's all that counts. Seriously? Is this how we decide who should lead our nation? That's a ginuwine polling question, folks. For the highest office in the land! I'm glad that's not how hospitals decide which surgeons to hire, or how schools select teachers, or how airlines select pilots (although there have been a few stories that would make one think otherwise).

So anyway, on to the point of this post--because it's late and I'm sleepy. I've decided all I can do for the duration is to throw money at my candidate when possible, show up on voting day, push the button and wash my hands of the whole shebang. And I have to feel OK with this. It's all I have the emotional and physical energy for right now.

And a direct plea to Obama campaign advisors--Playing nice is all well and good when your opponent reciprocates. We dems tend to take the high road out of principle. It's honorable, but there's far too much at stake in this election. You have my express permission to do whatever it takes to get the job done. The uninsured and working poor of this country are depending on you. Don't sacrifice them for your principles.