2008 Update

1) The Iowa Caucuses - I'm not sure if I really did myself any favors by going to all those political rallies, in hopes of finding out more info about the candidates. They were more like hour-long commercials, than chances to find out anything real about the people who were running.

Still, I took our first in the nation status seriously, and did a lot more research than I've ever done before voting. I probably overthought my choice - I ended up caucusing for Obama.

The actual caucuses were a lot of fun - I saw a lot of neighbors that I recognized; some because they lived in my building, others because they were sorta famous - our congressman was there as we were herded like cattle into a tiny middle school gym. We had to raise our hands to be counted like in elementary school, and screamed out Yeas! and Noos! like we were in the British parliment or something. Crazy. Still, it felt more real and participatory than registering your vote in a computer. I felt like I was getting together with my democrat friends to try to choose the best candidate.

2) I'm no longer an adult Sunday School teacher for a couple months, at least; my part of the year ended in Jan. It was a great experience - not only did I make lots of friends, I got to do something I had always wondered if I could do. I don't think it's the last time I'll take a leadership role at church.

3) Teaching went really well during fall semester. I've taken on a lot more classes this semester, so we'll see how that goes. Still trying to figure out if teaching and creating can coexsist. I always struggle between work and vocation.

4) I'm still hawking pool chemicals to make up the remainder of my salary. Went to the casino for a suprisingly nice dinner with the pool posse, for our holiday shindig. Life is odd.

The bitch is back

Last night, I finally bitched out the loud neighbor I've been complaining about forever. Confrontations aren't really my forte, so I've been avoiding being direct. Well, I've gone over there and asked, apologetically, for quieter volume and a closed door (why would you leave the front door to your aparment open??). I've knocked on the wall, even mentioned it to the landlord, without resolution. I was making plans to move, yesterday, while listening to the thundering booms of a computer game through my wall (and the hallway, thanks to the open door). I decided not to give up my apartment home, which isn't perfect, but which I certainly had planned to stay in until May, without a fight. Instead changing into clothes, and going over to make a polite speech that starts, "I'm so sorry to bother you, but.....". I went over with dishevelled hair, mismatched pjs, my old glasses from the eighties, put my hand on my hip, and started "I don't know WHAT that sound is..."

When you're a short, near-sighted, sensitive chick, sometimes it seems like it would be nice to have a parent, dog, or a big strong man to fight your battles for you. But sometimes it's good to know that you can take care of yourself.