My Political Experiences

1. I love taking pictures of funny political signs. While in NOLA a candidate's sign said

"He Has the Favor of God"

It always struck me as unbelievably funny.

2. Lists are essential. If I ever run for an elected office, I'll be sure to call YOU.

3. Once, while I was working on a campaign, I went out to the candidate's spouse's car and discovered political signs for the opponent in the back. I know- it was terrible, but trust me.. I'm certain both sides were doing it. Although it is much more distasteful to me now.

4. If you ever want to get the public riled. Make sure you focus on the starving women and dying babies. Women and babies are the KEY to public outcry.

5. Political parties throw a lot of parties for really dumb reasons. They also give you dumb mementos to celebrate the occasion. I have a lot of mugs to support this theory.

6. I once went to the AFL-CIO meeting with a candidate. My grandfather was a plumber in Utah (he actually helped build the bulk of the Hogle Zoo in his day). His brothers were also plumbers in Utah. We chatted and I told them about my family. I got a very warm response. As we were leaving I yelled "Go Plumbers". Everyone thought it was pretty funny.

7. I worked on the campaign for a candidate that had been diagnosed with cancer. It was a well guarded secret. He won his re-election, but died days before the next legislative session. I've always been proud of my work on his campaign.

8. I interviewed for a job in NOLA Mayor's office. Morial, not Nagin. His Chief of Staff was reviewing his virtuous service by recounting to me that his staff includes a PERSONAL CHEF so he can eat lunch in his office and always be available. This was the same year that they were trying to levy a garbage fee to give a much needed raise to city workers. It was rejected, but he still has his personal chef. I was always really happy I didn't get that job.

9. I took a quarter off from college and worked for a lobbyist at the state capital. It was an AMAZING experience. I was lucky to work with some really experienced lobbyists. It was the year the Utah State Legislature was going to levy a tax on cigarettes and use the money for several things, including roads. I had fun listening to their conversations with different members trying to discourage them from voting for the tax. They kept referring to the whole things as Tobacco Road.

10. What goes around always comes around. Really- it does.

ROCK THE VOTE

What a great day.

I went to the gym. While I was working out I read Enjoy It by Courtney Kendrick. It was slightly embarrassing, because I was laughing so hard I almost fell off the elliptical machine. I have to say, the girl can write.



I VOTED. I was a little ambitious and I walked to my precinct. It isn't that far from my house, but I did go to the gym and I was walking with a 4 year old which made for a sssslow walk. I finally couldn't take it anymore and let her ride on the back. I'm sure I just destroyed my stroller.


At the polling station we met one of Lulu's classmates. They patiently waited while the moms voted.


Teddy was sporting his very appropriately themed "Teddy for President" shirt. He received it from my friend Carrie for his 1st birthday. I've been saving it for today. I should have written him in. Don't worry little guy.. just 34 more years until you can start campaigning (because we all know it is a 2 year process).

Everyone was quite entertained that I wanted to document the volunteer feeding my ballot into the machine.

Really does it need any explanation?

I enjoyed all of these activities, but by far my favorite activity was having this conversation with my 4 year old.

Lulu: "Where are we going?"
Me: "To vote"
Lulu: "Who are you voting for?"
Me: "Barack Obama"
Lulu: "I'm going to vote for John McCain."
Me: "Where did you learn that?" (Like I really needed to ask.)
Lulu: "I don't know, but I'm voting for him."
Me: "Well you aren't old enough to vote and you won't be able to vote for him when you are."
Lulu: "Why?"
Me: "Because he will be dead." (Now c'mon.. if Lulu can vote in 14 years he would be 86.)
Lulu: "He'll be dead?"
Me: "Okay.. maybe not dead, but I don't think he will be running for any offices. Then again, he is the comeback kid, so you never know." I freaking crack myself up.


Does anyone else find it a bit offensive that all these places are offering free items if you can prove you voted? A couple of the ones I heard were Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, and some place in a mid-western state was offering a free beer. Why do we need to get "paid" to do vote? Shouldn't we want to do this, regardless of the incentive?

Shout Out to Jordan

I have to give kuddos to my girlfriend Jordan. The comment section in her blog caused a stir. However, the kuddos aren't for that, but rather for her beautiful next post. She composed my very thoughts on the matter, but in a much more articulate response. Thank you for that.

Did you SEE the hat? The coat?

Saturday Musings

1. Last night Adam and I went to dinner and a movie. We had a great discussion regarding politics. Usually we are similar in a couple things, but vastly different in other areas. For instance, he votes based off of which candidate the NRA recommends-- me, not so much. But, last night if you were sitting at another table, you would have overheard him saying "crap, I think I'm a democrat". Music to my ears! Welcome! I did inform him that, according to many, he has now signed his soul over to the devil and his membership in the church could be called into question.


2. You may be asking, "How did you go to dinner and a movie since your ridiculous babysitting friends moved?" Well, we have been swapping with some friends for the past couple of weeks (thank you Amy W. for the suggestion). It is great. There are 3 of us and you drop your kids by 6:30 fed and ready for bed and pick them up by midnight. We were able to get right into the restaurant and headed over to the theater to see Burn After Reading. It was HILARIOUS. (I know- again, I've already got my ticket to Hell.) I'm a big Coen Bro. fan, so that was part of it, but seriously- Brad Pitt and his dancing was brilliant. After the movie we headed back to pick up the kids and we were able to talk to the other 2 couples (well the boys were in one room and the girls in another) for a bit. We talked a little politics, plastic surgery, schools, etc.. it was a great night.

3. Lulu started school this week. She has really enjoyed it. I was worried, because her favorite little friend switched schools this year, but I think it has helped that she is in the same classroom and she knew several of the other children. However, I have no photos, because I was a BAD mother.

4. Hurricane Ike has come and gone. I have gotten several phone calls from my family, making sure everything is okay. Usually their question is met with laughter. I've obviously lived in the South too long. (Yes, I would be one of those people that didn't evacuate and stayed put.) We got some rain, but nothing compared to tropical storms/depressions in NOLA. We also got a little wind, nothing major. We were pretty lucky, but unfortunately lots of our Texas neighbors can't say the same. Please remember to keep them in your prayers. There is nothing good about hurricanes.


5. Can you believe I've made it a whole 2 weeks without mentioning my opinion of Gov. Sarah Palin? (Do you still call her Governor, even though she isn't really one anymore)? I know.. I've been a terror on other blogs, but I thought on my own blog, if I couldn't say anything nice, I wouldn't say anything at all. I guess I would just have to say "heaven help us!" Drill Baby Drill- Really? This is the slogan you are going with.

THIS ISN'T HIGH SCHOOL

There are reasons why you don't let people younger than 18 vote. They have the potential of saying "I'm not voting for them because they hurt my feelings," or some other ridiculous nonsense.

I just got back from working out and watching a couple of speeches at the DNC. After Hillary's speech they interviewed a delegate from Texas. She was going on and on about how Hillary's speech was a "presidential" speech and that she should be president. She continued on that she was there as a delegate for Hillary and she would be casting her vote at the convention for Hillary. She also indicated that she doesn't have anything in common with Barack and if he isn't able to win her over in the next 2 months she is sitting this one out.

SERIOUSLY!

What is up with people not recognizing that if they are a Hillary supporter and refuse to vote for Barack, they are basically voting FOR McCain? So you think you have more in common with him? I'm pretty certain that if you are a democrat voting for a democrat it is going to be at least a little closer than voting for a REPUBLICAN. Did you actually listen to this "presidential" speech? She said she doesn't want 4 more years, that she doesn't want John McCain and that you should vote for Barack. It's funny that people are so willing to give it all up because someone hurt their feelings.

I just want to get this straight, if Hillary had won would you expect any less of a Barack supporter? No. You would expect them to buck up and get out the vote. You would expect them to vote for HILLARY.

GROW UP!!!

Although- I guess it all makes sense because really the Clintons are being somewhat ridiculous as well. Bill is boo-hooing that Barack isn't bringing him in as a confidant that he isn't patting him on the back for his years of service. It is a little too much me, me, me.

You gotta love campaign season.