The Campaign Volunteer

It was an uncharacteristically hot October day in Indiana. The 63 year old campaign volunteer found himself in very rural area this particular day. He was going door to door encouraging people to register to vote. His nearly 8 hour day had resulted in just a few new voters. However, he considered this a success. Every vote counts.

The knocks on the screen doors of the manufactured housing park were often unanswered or else met with resistance when he introduced himself and asked if he could talk to them about registering to vote. One particular knock, however, was met with a gruff voice shouting "come on in!" The Volunteer opened the door and entered the dark room. He could see the top of a man's head sitting in a recliner with his back to the door. The Volunteer cheerfully introduced himself and asked if the man was registered to vote. The man swiveled his chair around and stared at the Volunteer. His large size, bald head and multiple piercings were not completely surprising but his response was. "I can't vote" he replied simply. "Oh - why is that?" asked the Volunteer. "I'm a convicted felon" the man said. "Well, I'm sorry to hear that, " the Volunteer responded, "thanks for your time."

Undeterred, the Volunteer completed a few more stops and then drove the 15 miles or so back into town to be sure he got the few new registrations in on time - as this was the last day to register. Back at the campaign headquarters the Volunteer turned in his registrations.

At a stop for coffee afterwards, the Volunteer pulled out his phone to do a little research. He wasn't actually sure about the laws regarding felons and voting. As it turns out, convicted felons are allowed to vote under certain circumstances in this state. The Volunteer left his coffee and hurried to his car.

About a half an hour later, the Volunteer was again knocking on a screen door. "Come on in" yelled the familiar gruff voice. "Good news!" the Volunteer exclaimed as he entered the man's home for the second time that day.

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This story is not about politics. This one vote is most likely not going to turn this traditionally Red state Blue. The Volunteer did not even know the man's political persuasion as he drove the miles back out to the rural housing development. This is about finding something you believe in. It's about being passionate and doing your part. It's about perseverance. It's about not judging others. It's about having Hope. It's about giving people a second chance. It's about treating people with respect. It's about realizing that most people are not all good - and not all bad.

It's about living your life in a way that makes your children respect you, even when you're 63 and they're grown adults. It's about paying attention and learning from your parents - even when you're a grown adult and they're 63. I just did.

I still love them but...

Little Bitty cried and wanted to go downstairs pretty much all night. I have no idea what it was about. Two year molars? Hungry? Just not tired? Needs a new mattress? I caved at around 4am and we spent the rest of the night/morning on the couch. Noggin was turned on around 5am. I was worried she was sick - but she was her normal feisty adorable self this morning. Good times.

And Brother... Brother is developing a little attitude that I thought wouldn't come until the pre-teen years. As in, "Mommy, why do you wear those moccasins EVERY day now?" or "Mommy, I know this is your favorite part of the song - you've told me 10,000 times!"

It all comes with the territory of parenting. I like to see them try out their little attitudes and show assertiveness. But- for the record - I've only worn the moccasins twice. And anyway, they're awesome.

Gone Fishin'

First off - the Race was awesome. We had a great run and a gorgeous day. I love the overall feeling at the race - thousands of people together to support a common cause. It's very inspiring and gives one hope that the world is mostly good.

Next, some pictures of our family fishing outing Friday night. It seems that from fishing to soccer to baseball, etc. Brother is picking up his father's athletic (fishing is a sport, correct?) ability. Little Bitty is a bit more like me - she likes the atmosphere of it all - but would really rather stand around and drink.

Race for the Cure

My husband and I are running the Race for the Cure on Saturday. If you are able to donate to the cause - please go here to do so. Thank you!

On a personal note - I ran the Race for the Cure for the first time almost exactly 9 years ago to the day - it was October 2, 1999 in Charlotte, NC. It was one of my best days ever. I ran with a couple of friends, then went out to lunch and shopping at an outlet mall. The race was awesome, the friends were a lot of fun and - who doesn't like lunch and shopping?! THEN - I went out that night to see a Live (any other fans?) concert with a very hot guy (and some other people). It was kind of a group thing - but in my mind it was a date ( you know, the whole positive thinking/Law of Attraction thing). That night we (minus the other people) stayed up until 4am talking, laughing... and I think there was hot-tubbing involved. Not the sleazy kind.

Now, here I am - in a different city, the same weekend, 9 years later - and I'm going to spend the night with the same hot guy and our two beautiful children. We may not stay up until 4am or do any hot-tubbing...but it will be one of my best days ever - again.

On naptime

Brother: Mommy, can I keep my Harry Potter blanket forever?

Mommy: Yes.

Brother: Well...I'll at least keep it as long as I still have rest time at school.

Mommy: Ok - good plan.

{pause}

Brother: Mommy, do they still have rest time at college?

On your birthday...

would you rather:

A) Meet a bunch of friends out at a bar and do some shots or

B) Go out to dinner with a bunch of friends and drink some wine or

C) Stay at home with your husband and kids, eat popcorn and watch the presidential debate?

If you answer C - congratulations - you are likely part of the 36 and over demographic group. Party on.

A great weekend and a normal week...

Team T has been busy. The kids spent last weekend with Mum and PapaBob while we (the parental half of Team T) went to Boston. We had a lot of fun - attended a beautiful wedding, a Chinese banquet, spent the night and a day in Newport, RI, got to hang with great friends and slept until 11:20am one day (no hangovers even involved, just good sleep). NICE.

The kids seemed to have just as much fun as we did. They designed and painted their own t-shirts, picked our pumpkins (or as Little Bitty calls them, 'punkmums'), planted flowers, and were spoiled by three grandparents for a few days.

This week has flown by as I try to catch up on work, cleaning, sewing and exercise. Note - this stuff takes place between 8:30 - 4:30... after that it's family time. Family is one thing I try not to get behind on. ;) I am feeling a little blah... not sure if it is my impending birthday (which I really don't think it is... but perhaps 36 just feels this way. I don't know...I've never been 36 before) or if I just need to get my booty in gear and get all some a few of the things on my to-do list checked off. Whatever. Speaking of birthdays, my grandma turned 93 yesterday. I'm sure that feels even older than 36 - AND - I pray I am fortunate enough to experience it some day and be as with it as she is.

Here are a few pictures bound to make anyone smile...

Little Bitty's current favorite thing to do outside is to line all the toys up on the sidewalk.

A little odd, no?

Don't you just want to kiss that little face?! You have to be quick though - she's a little stingy with kisses lately.
Awww, the one picture of us together from our weekend.