The Non Update

Gosh, been a while, huh?

I feel like I begin an insane number of blog entries that way, no?

Things on my mind:

• exercising more
• going to the beach (on a budget!)
• starting a new blog about going to the beach on a budget!
• buying new clothes (I haven't, but I seriously NEED to)
• eating a buddy boy from Frisch's (see bullet point #1)
• highlighting my hair, am long overdue
• restocking the kitchen
• making banana bread and muffins from the bananas I grabbed on clearance Monday. (78 cents for 2 huge bunches!!)
• rocking out my history paper yesterday in workshop. Nice to be reminded that I can occasionally write things that make sense.

I found this quote from Secretary Clinton this morning:

"How does anybody know about love? If you can describe it, you may not fully be experiencing it. My husband is my best friend. We have an endless conversation [and] we never get bored. I’ve loved and been loved. And all the rest is background music."

— Secretary Clinton mused when a student at Seoul’s Ewha University asked her how she knew that she loved Bill Clinton

I thought that was the sweetest thing. Everybody knows they've not had the perfect marriage, but the fact that they stuck it out through the problems and she can...all these years later...still talk that way about her husband? So cool.

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Expect another update from me in a week or so...because I really don't have many interesting things to wax poetic about lately. Unless you wanted to know what I had for lunch. In which case my answer would be: Cajun Trail Mix....like every single day.

Quote of the Day

"One of my she-roes is Mother Theresa, she is an icon for what it means to be pro-life but it’s not because she ran around wearing an “Abortion is Murder” shirt. She said, if you didn’t want to have your babies, you can give them to me. That has an integrity that you can not argue with. Jesus had a political manifesto in the Sermon on the Mount and the beatitudes and the poor are at the very center of it. So if our political agenda is not good news to the poor, then it’s not the gospel of Jesus."

Shane Claiborne, a founding pastor of The Simple Way, a church in inner city Philadelphia

I just thought that was an awesome quote, so I had to share it beyond my little Tumblr world (again, if you aren't on Tumblr you don't know what you're missing).

One of my ultimate fascinations with the pro-Life movement is how much it could do if it took all of that mobilized energy and instead of focusing it on ending all abortions, focus it on ending all of the situations that lead women to choose abortions.

If adoption were simpler in this country, what difference would it make? If more families looked beyond biological children and opened their eyes and hearts to the beauty of adoption, what difference would it make? If more emphasis were put on ending poverty, improving conditions in inner cities and providing assistance to those in need, what difference would it make?

Food for thought on this chilly December night, indeed.

I'm sitting here snuggled up under the blankets, still freezing to death though. I made 120 peanut butter buckeyes for my Mom's office Christmas party tomorrow. How I got roped into doing that, I'm still not sure. But there I stood methodically dipping peanut butter into melted chocolate for God knows how long, and I don't care if I never see another one of those damn candies again.

(Ha, yeah right. I call BS on my on BS, you watch me.) ;)

So anyways, there's that tidbit. I leave you with quite possibly Amy Poehler's best Hillary Clinton to date. It's pretty fabulous.



This Saturday is Amy's last official SNL, unless they ever have her back to host I suppose, or if an obscure VP candidate pops up in the future and looks freakishly just like her. Either way, heads up.

Blue Lights, Thanksgiving and Chex Mix

I bought an 18 pound Butterball on Friday, for FOUR PEOPLE. I'll never stop pointing that out. The excess we go through each year for FOUR PEOPLE. I mean I guess I'll stop if it's ever more than FOUR PEOPLE. But until then...

And really we do enjoy the leftovers. A lot. I think I enjoy the cold stuff the day after more than the actual meal. Since by dinner time on Thanksgiving I'm usually too exhausted to really enjoy my plate. At any rate I've finished most of the shopping. Behold, the menu:

Dinner:
Turkey
Dressing
Pioneer Woman's Rolls
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Corn
Broccoli Casserole
Mashed Potatoes/Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Pickled Beets
Deviled Eggs
(and anything else I've failed to list...which I'm sure is something)

Dessert:
Pumpkin Pie
Jello
Chocolate Pie
Pumpkin Cobbler

Today I strung blue Christmas lights for the first time ever. I must admit, there is something very retro and cool about them. Or nuts. Really...it's all about perspective. I'm trying to stay positive.

And I made homemade Chex Mix. Which I still can't decide if I like or not.





I used corn and wheat chex, pretzel sticks, cheereos and Planter's Pecan Lover's Mix. And of course the recipe from the Chex site. I tried to make it once when I was like 12 or 13 in the microwave. Needless to say it was disgusting. So I was at least much more pleased this time.

And finally, have you heard the news? Apparently I've hobnobbed with the future Secretary of State!

Sure, she'll meet lots of important people over the next few years...but first? She had to meet me! ;)

Stump Speech

Here are a couple of clips that I got of Hillary's speech. They aren't the most thrilling clips in the world, I managed to not get any of the funny stuff she said. But oh well. The point is, I was there, she was there, still kind of amazing to me.


Hillary Clinton Clip #1 from apsies on Vimeo.


Hillary Clinton Clip #2 from apsies on Vimeo.

Democrats are Donkeys, Donkeys are Asses, There is a Connection in This Story

I could wax poetic for a few paragraphs, tell some big elaborate story, only to eventually get to what I really want to tell you . But I won't. I'll just come out and say it: Hillary Clinton has a great ass.

It's true. At one point my mother looked and me and said, 'I'm 14 years younger than she is but I wish my ass looked that good.'

I think it can be said that the camera does add 15 pounds to a person. And the pantsuits might be a little deceiving. Because Hillary Clinton is the tiniest, most petite thing in real life. And a lot of things are said about her that I don't think are true. Like in the immortal words of Amy Poehler, 'shrew, harpie, flurge and cankles.' But I'm here to tell you, my mother and I walked away knowing why Bill Clinton begged for forgiveness, she's way hotter that that Monica lady ever thought about being.

And I don't think it's sexist to say these things. I spent days drooling over how sexy Bill Clinton was back in April. Okay, it's just the truth. And one of those indelible things you think of when meeting famous people. They aren't as tall or short as you thought they were, they have bad hair. You know?

Hillary is adorable. She is also just as bit as intelligent as you'd think. She's a fantastic speaker. Maybe not Bill or Barack caliber, but the crowd LOVED her. Hillary Clinton is totally personable and charismatic.

Trust me, I would know:



The details:

• I almost didn't go. But at the last minute was pushed out the door by my family, with the assistance of my travel partner...my Mom.
• We arrived at 12:45, we left at 3:45, we stood on our feet in an overcrowded room with no water for all that time in between. That alone certifies my Clinton Groupie Official Membership.
• She still wasn't as late as Bill was back in April.
• I forgive her for the lateness though. There are lots of hands to shake.
• As I said, she's tiny. Little waist, little hands. Little. Despite the scaling in that photo above. Just trust me on this.
• Bruce Lunsford is also WAY short.
• We stood to the left of the stage, one row of people back, but as Hillary began working the crowd the lady in front of me MOVED, in a strategic TWIST OF FATE, and that's how I ended up with a prime picture taking spot.
• She signed my book with 'Hillary Rodham Clinton', the stuff she signed before my book were only signed with 'Hillary'. I feel special.
• She also shook our hands and thanked us for our support when we told her what a fan we were.
• Secret Service never fails to entertain me. She was surrounded by like 6 of them. But they scanned each person with their supersonic eyeballs before she could reach us.
• The Democratic Party is alive and well in Kentucky. Excitement levels were good.
• All the Hillary supporters I met HATE Sarah Palin. At one point a guy started a chant, 'Sarah's a failin' and McCain can't'.
• She repeated 'No Way, No How, No McCain, No Palin'.
  
• Mentioned Barack and Joe SEVERAL times, and how we needed Barack in the White House.
• Governor Beshear spoke, as well as Kathy Stein, and former governor John Y. Brown Jr. was there with former wife, they are back together I think (still not sure of that situation) Phyllis George.

#77: See Hillary Clinton in Person


Edited to add: Kathy Stein and Governor Beshear fist bumped in an homage to Barack Obama as Gov. Beshear was leaving the stage. Which was, admittedly, adorkably cute.

Clinton-ite Part Three of Three Parts

So this one time I met Bill Clinton. You all remember that? Here's a link in case you forgot: http://apsies.blogspot.com/2008/03/off-deep-end.html and here: http://apsies.blogspot.com/2008/03/accomplished.html

And then, not long after I met Chelsea Clinton. As evidenced here: http://apsies.blogspot.com/2008/04/photo-of-day-full-circle-moment-edition.html

But in my quest to become a full on Clinton groupie I fell just short. I didn't get to meet/see/take-a-far-away photo of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Until.

SATURDAY.

Last night I was in the middle of making my 50 phone calls to Indiana on behalf of the Obama Campaign when I noticed I had a call coming through from the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Now, I should preface this by saying I accidentally ended up with a list of people to call in Indiana by accidentally clicking something on the Obama website I didn't intend to. And I really did not want to be calling these people. Because I'm a bit awkward sometimes, you know?

But there would be nobody else to call them. And suddenly the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I sucked it up, and I began to call. Call, after call, I began to enjoy myself (in my own awkward kind of way). It's sort of (kinda if you squint real hard) fun to talk to voters.

And that's when I got the call from the Democratic Party, the Bruce Lunsford for Senate campaign to be precise. They asked and I agreed to take on 40 calls for them.

And that is when it happened.

The heavens opened up and shined down upon me. The person on the other line said, 'oh by the way, Hillary Clinton will be in Kentucky Saturday for a couple of rallies, would you be interested in attending?'

Umm. Hmm. Let me check my schedule.

YEAH. Duh.

So that's how it happened. That's how tentatively I will be at the Kentucky Horse Park on Saturday fulfilling my Clinton-ite Part Three of Three Parts Dream.

I'm so freaking excited.

Overheard

April: So who do you want to win the election Mamaw, now that Hillary is out?

Mamaw: We need that black man, that Obama. He's going to change the country.

April: You think so? What about McCain?

Mamaw: Just another Bush. I hate George Bush. War, war, war, that's all they care about.

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So there you have it, the election from the eyes of my almost 81 year old grandmother. She also said some things involving violence and a certain President that I'm frankly, not going to print. But umm, it wouldn't surprise me if her house is wiretapped is all I'm saying.

Imagine

I haven't talked politics in a while. It is after all that slow lull in the campaign season where the biggest news is which governor/senator/political big wig has said they DON'T want to be VP. Trust when you hear that they are most definitely hiding something and could never pass the vetting process. Or they are lazy. Take your pick.

Nevertheless, MOMocrats has been entertaining me during this slow news time. Just so you know, I stand by my comment on the Kathleen Sebelius for VP post, it would be a slap in the face to Hillary supporters. I know this because my mother is one of those supporters, you must tread carefully with those people. Barry knows this.

This post has been one of the most genuinely thought provoking things I've read in a while. I really feel on the cusp of something big this fall. What with ol' Johnny's age problem, the Crypt Keeper former mistress turned wife and the fact that he's just now getting around to the internet, I'm feeling a bit like a Democrat in china shop full of glass elephants.

Just read a few of the suggested cabinet positions and members from that post and tell me if the amount of progress and vision we are getting the pleasure of dreaming about doesn't make you salivate just a little bit.

Secretary of Homeland Security the Department of
Public Safety and Border Defense: Richard Clarke

In my Dream Cabinet, this position will be renamed something significantly less Orwellian. And the department itself will also be made to, you know, actually function.

Richard Clarke, Bill Clinton's former chief terrorism adviser, was pretty much totally ignored by the Bush Administration when he warned of an impending Al Qaeda attack before 9/11. One would hope that most people have since learned that Richard Clarke is a man who ought to be listened to.

Head of EPA Secretary of Environmental Policy: Al Gore

This will be elevated to a cabinet position. And when I say this will be elevated to an official cabinet position, I mean this will be elevated to an official cabinet position. If the next president fails to muster enough concern about the current state of our environment to elevate the EPA head to an official cabinet position, the future of humanity is totally screwed.

I know Al Gore is an obvious pick. But it's obvious because he's the best man for the job.

Attorney General: John Edwards

Duh.

Secretary of Peace: Dennis Kucinich

Kucinich mentioned during his own presidential campaign that he thinks an executive Department of Peace would be an excellent idea. He wanted Jimmy Carter to head it under his administration. But I'm pretty sure Kucinich himself would do an excellent job.

Chief of Staff: David Axelrod

Why mess with a good thing? A man who revolutionized campaign organization can almost certainly also make sure that administrative operations at the White House run smoothly and efficiently. I'd like to think that under an Obama administration, the Chief of Staff would be just that— a guy who runs the White House staff— and not some creepy sneaky Emperor-Palpatine-esque puppetmaster figure like a certain former Deputy Chief of Staff we won't mention who now works for Fox News. Therefore the primary qualification in my mind for a good Obama Chief of Staff would be someone who knows how to make an organization made up of lots of people with varying backgrounds and personal agendas run like a Swiss watch. And David Axelrod seems to be that sort of guy.

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John Edwards for Attorney General is the most brilliant of all suggestions, close behind is changing the name of Homeland Security. Genius.
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The other day I mentioned the story about the Obama daughters getting promised a dog after the election was over to my Dad, his response: "Oh, so they're going to have a dog in the White House." My Mom's response: "Oh how very Kennedy-esqe."

Which is cute, because Michelle does seem to exude Jackie's style.

A change is coming.

Photo of the Day: A Place Called Unity

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton leave Washington DC together, headed for a rally in Unity, New Hampshire. Unity is a town where both candidates received the SAME AMOUNT OF VOTES in the NH Primary. They are of course, rallying to UNITE the Democratic Party.

Photo of the Day

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton chat on Wednesday at AIPAC. (Credit: Callie Shell/Aurora for Time)

Photo of the Day: Election Day Edition

I did my Civic Duty today and voted in the Primary. I'm happy to say I helped lead Hillary Clinton to victory tonight, even if it ultimately doesn't mean much. I've dreamt about casting a vote for Hillary in an election since I was in high school. Today, in that booth, I stopped for a second after voting, soaked in the beauty of that name at the top of such a historic ballot, and smiled. I might not get to vote for her in the fall, but today I did it. Such a powerful moment for sure.

I digress.

My polling place is at Plum Creek Baptist Church. Thankfully I remembered as we left the church basement today that I had Jon's little camera tucked into my purse. I knew I wanted a few shots of my surroundings and immediately got to snapping. To the chagrin, I might add, of my family.

I have a thing about cemeteries, and old structures. And I knew I could make the images I took look sufficiently creepy with a little editing.

They did not disappoint. At least not me. I love them.

Jon on the other hand says I'm sick and demented for photographing graves and that the barn looks like a serial killer shack.

I was flattered.

Photo of the Day

credit to Perez

Found on Perez

Too funny. Some people have too much time on their hands.

Clinton-ite

First things first, if you read me at Myspace it would appear I'm unable to cross-post there this morning. (Anyone else having a blog problem at myspace?)

Second things second, if you read me over at myspace chances are you are not reading this. So who cares?

Anyways.

I've skipped the remainder of the day's classes because Chelsea Clinton will be on campus later on this afternoon and I need some time to eat first. She's, from what I've heard, fielding questions from students for about an hour. I've been plotting the perfect question and if I get a chance to ask it I'll be sure to tell you all the details later.

Not that anyone cares. My Bill Clinton story dropped like a boulder. ;)

But it is important to me. I'm very loyal to the Clinton family and it will be fun to see Chelsea in person today. After her, I'll only have Hillary left to see. And given the word out of the KDP, all three Clinton family members are going to be hitting Kentucky hard in the coming weeks.

My mother, an ever faithful Clinton-ite as well, is growing increasingly jealous of my hobnobbing. Poor thing. ;)

So in addition to my Clinton schmoozing my parents are still on the hunt for a car. Which with my vehicle needs on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Mom's new job requiring her to travel to the hospitals has them renting a car this week. I am beyond ready for them to just buy something. But Mom wants an Odyssey so they can eventually travel more when she scales back work in the next few years and Dad wants a good deal.

My father, let it be said, is a very frustrating person to car shop with. It's why I went a year without a vehicle once, and it's the reason Mom is dealing with it now. He is the worst consumer...ever.

But today he's foregoing the car search because our other outside cat showed up a couple of days ago with a gash on his side just like his sister a couple of weeks before. Dad and Jon are taking the cat to the vet, in what I'm sure will be an experience for them both. I don't think they've ever done it without me and I'm a bit worried.

To say I'm a mother hen would be an understatement. I tend to want to hold their hands through everything they do. Perhaps it's codependence. Perhaps it's just because they simply cannot manage without me.

Or perhaps it's because I know that while my Dad drives a hard bargain on a vehicle, he'll get himself taken to the cleaners at the Vet's Office.

Either way, I'm focusing on my day with Chelsea. And only periodically checking in on my boys.

Accomplished (Seriously, A Dream Come True)

I woke up to one of those mornings where everything that can go wrong will. I got up too late, I had an exam that I hadn't studied enough for at 9:30, I was moody, everyone was annoying me and I couldn't find my jeans.

But most of all I was pissed that my 9:30 exam was going to clash with a 10:30 rally in Frankfort featuring Bill Clinton.

My one chance, or at least the only chance I am currently aware of, in which to see President Clinton speak. And I had to focus on effing Biology.

Somewhere around the 3rd or 4th light before the parking garage at school I had an epiphany. Perhaps it was the radio people talking about going to see The Prez in Bourbon County that did it, perhaps it was my mother's subtle urging that I should really try to make it to Paris. Other classes be damned.

And so I did. Except I was wearing sweatpants because, as mentioned, I couldn't find my jeans this morning. AND I didn't have my beautiful camera with me, because when I left my house I had no intentions of seeing Mr. President today.

I may or may not (totally did) get lost in Paris. As I later discovered it was a straight shot to the place where he was speaking. At any rate it added a good half hour off of my arrival time. As did the trip to Target because I had to buy a crappy disposible camera.

Upon arrival at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds I discovered I was late and according to event coordinators and the FREAKIN' SECRET SERVICE nobody else would be allowed in the building.

Which was fine, I figured I'd stick around with a few other folks and at least watch his motorcade arrive.

He ended up running nearly 2 hours behind due to a large crowd in Frankfort. A few people left the venue, tired of waiting. And around 2:00 the SECRET SERVICE informed us they would let about 20 of us "motorcade waiters" into the building. I was #18 of the 20 they counted out to go in.

Since we arrived late we were shuffled in a side door, which...to the chagrin of those already inside, offered us prime Clinton watching spots. We proceeded to listen to a speech from a Clinton Pledged Superdelegate and after that, former Miss America, Heather French Henry. Then it happened.

The most charismatic, surreal, unbelieveable politician I've ever laid my eyes on arrived.

Let me tell you this, everything you've ever heard in relation to Bill Clinton in person is true. He commands an audience like no other, is well spoken and has this way of looking into a room full of people and making you think for a split second that he is speaking only to you.

I swear we made eye contact like twice.

And I'm not lying when I tell you he is sexy. Is he the most attractive man ever? No. But sexy he is. I totally got it.

I also got his message about his wife. I think she will end up doing well in this state based on what I heard from other voters. He gave solid reasons why she is the better candidate. And I, for one, completely agree.

But politics aside I want to get to a much more personal notion here.

There are many things I want to see and accomplish in this life. Writing most of my 100 Things To Do Before I Go list this weekend has really helped me to set solid goals for myself and outline exactly what I want from my short time on this earth.

And I wasn't kidding about #76 this morning. It has always been a dream of mine to specifically see President Clinton speak in person. It was icing on the cake to get to shake his hand today. I can honestly say today's experience has made my year.

1 down, 99 more to go.

( http://www.kentucky.com/263/story/356517.html ) That is a story and actual video from the event I was at in Paris.

Bitch is the New Black

Jill has decided to vote with her race, so she and Jon are supporting Barack Obama. However everytime you say Hillary Clinton, Molly's face perks up and she stares back at you with her ears pointed. I'd say she's a supporter.

Into the Wild

My Dad's former Union, AFSCME, is endorsing Hillary Clinton for President. I didn't realize that until last night while watching her speech in Ohio. But I thought it was pretty cool.

Rah rah, Texas and all that stuff. It certainly makes this thing more interesting. But it proves that it's true what they say....never count out a Clinton. Comeback kids for sure, only not kids anymore. Seasoned politicians I suppose. Either way, this race totally rocks and is kicking my ass. I'm still tired from staying up half the night waiting on the official call on Texas. Sheesh.

I want to thank everyone who sent their happy birthdays yesterday. You don't know how much I appreciate it. My family has dwindled down to just the four of us essentially and I didn't hear from my grandmother, aunts, uncles or cousins yesterday. But for every family member who didn't say it, 2 or three friends or neighbors did. That meant a lot to me.

And finally, I should mention. After mulling it over with my mom for a bit and working out my budget I am happy to say I am probably going to purchase a macbook. Finally, after coveting one for years. I can't express my excitement in words but know that it involves jumping up and down and proclaiming "I'm getting a Macbook" over and over. Visualize it.

I am a little nervous because it's going to be so different than a PC. The only experience I have with Apple are my iPod, my journalism classes, and reading Dooce. I mean, I should totally be prepared, right?

haha

Oh gosh. Anyways. Television warning for tonight: Project Runway Season Finale. For which I'm totally excited, but bummed because Chris March won't be there, and his tranny-licious-ness was the only thing entertaining me this season aside from Christian's fierce-ness. Oh well, I'm calling it....Christian by a yard.

Yes We Can

In the summer of '04, sometime in July, I placed myself under self imposed exile. Much like Benezir Bhutto did in the 90s. I can't really remember the exact situation that led to the exile except I had been spending nearly every night of the week out with my "friends" for the first time in my life, hadn't been coming home until 1 or 2 in the morning and had missed various important family occasions like...my mom's birthday.

I had relished in freedom and in the process deeply hurt my mother's feelings. I suppose that's the root of what landed me in exile. Because my parents never grounded us, took away anything from us, placed us in time out or any other method of discipline save for a nice talking to (dad) or silent treatment (mom) and a look of disappointment, it was up to me to punish myself.

And punish I did. I told my parents I wasn't leaving the house for a week, unless they needed errands run. I grounded myself. Except, my fascination with words turned the whole thing into "Self Imposed Exile". As Candace can attest to, she brought me a bag of candy that week, I really did do this. Just so you know I'm not making this up.

During my week of exile, as other friends were calling and unable to understand why I'd punish myself, I turned my focus and attention to the Democratic National Convention. I didn't have cable or satellite then, so every evening and night I'd tune in my television to the PBS channel and watch that evening's keynote address.

There were a myriad of speakers that week, wonderful orations from the likes of Al Gore, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton, Teddy Kennedy, and the ticket of both Johns: Kerry and Edwards.

But one gentleman caught my attention that evening with his inspiring speech of regaining the country as a whole, that there could no longer be red states and blue states, but a United State.

I had goosebumps on my arms, the hair on the back of my neck stood up and I'm fairly certain I cried. I also proclaimed, right then and there, out loud to myself in my room of exile, that I had just watched what was sure to become the first black president of the United States of America.

Tonight I watched that same man, stand on a stage in Houston, Texas after winning yet another state (Wisconsin) in his quest for the White House. And while I am a Hillary supporter, while I'm still loving this race, I have no problems admitting that Barack Obama is a Change I Can Believe In. My mom, a very diehard Hillary supporter, even spoke up with her own, "Yes We Can".

The torch is being passed. The future is looking bright. And this country is awakening from a hard, cold 8 years. A change is on the horizon, can you see it yet?