My daughter's first election

I have voted! It took two hours! It would have been closer to 1-1 1/2 if I hadn't had to register again with my new name. Can I tell you how awesome polling place registration is? I actually think it is more accurate, since they check your info right there at the polling place. Thank you Joan Grow.

M went with me, and was pretty good, but I didn't have water or food for her, since I didn't expect it to take that long. We even showed up early. Unfortunately I couldn't leave the polling place to get stuff from the car either, so that pretty much sucked. We made it though.

I live in North Minneapolis, and our precinct has usually had OK turnout, but it was amazing. Two hours in, based on registered voters, 16% had already voted. That is amazing! The only lines were waiting to register and waiting for a booth. I actually voted at a table with other people since I didn't mind if someone saw who I voted for.

It is a great feeling to know I did everything I could. Now the hard part... waiting on everyone else.

Voting and some fluff

Today I'm doing my daily post to remind you to vote. There are two things I really love about this country. One is that we have free speech. I may not like everything I hear, but it beats suppression of speech any day. The second is free elections. Something we all need to make sure actually happens. I've heard two different international reactions to our election process over the years. The first is that we don't allow for outside international observers, something that really came into question in 2000.

The other is that we have peaceful elections and a peaceful transition of power. That for all of the things we say and do during an election, that in the end, power is handed over without guns, or weapons of any kind.

That being said, this year has scared the crap out of me. I've done more head in the sand maneuvers than I care to think about. I knew who I wanted to vote for, and I've been trying to ignore what is out there. What I have heard has terrified me just a little. I certainly hope it has just been the adrenaline of the moment, or someone trying to get ratings, and that no one acts in the incitement that has happened should things not go their way. I'm talking about both parties really.

See, I've always thought that leaders should lead by example, and if we want to the respect and following of the rest of the world, we need to show them how it can work, even when we don't always get along.

So, this is my plug for getting out there to vote, and if something goes wrong, if you see something that isn't right, call someone who can do something about. (1-866 OUR VOTE)

Before you go out to vote, make sure you're going to the right place. You can even be a citizen watchdog. Vote, encourage the people around you to vote, make sure your employer knows the laws about letting employees take time off to vote, and oh yeah, VOTE.


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And now for the fluff. Tonight I used spinach to bribe my daughter to eat her meatballs and bread. I'm taking that as a sign that all is right with the world, and Wednesday I will wake up to a day with a clear winner, and peace. Lots and lots of peace.

A little fall cleaning.

Both A and I come from families with at least one major pack rat. Sometimes more than one, even in multiple generations. (I'm nearly positive that it is genetic) That means that the tendencies are strong, and we have but one small house, with a single car garage. (detached of course) We fight it, and we are getting better.

After our adventure this weekend, I think our resolve to keep doing something about it has strengthened. Nothing like seeing the packratting at it's worst to make you realize that you really need to work on it yourself. Especially when one of the major reasons for all of the tension was us trying to exert some control over how much new stuff enters our house. If we can't do it ourselves, then how can we hope to reasonably ask anyone else to respect our choices.

So far, not much of it has actually left the house, but we've sorted through M's room, removed the "baby" toys, and gotten rid of any of her clothes that are either too small or out of season. It is a start, but just that, a start. There is still so much to do, and it would be nice to do it before it gets much colder out.

The Halloween That Was Not

Well, we managed to make it down to see the in-laws for the big day. It was a success in that it was a surprise. Unfortunately we had failures on multiple counts

One, M had a major blowout either before we got there, or right after. Something she ate (apple cider, oreos?) or her teething cause some major... issues. Right down to her socks. So, there were no trick or treating photos, because she made it to one house, theirs. They hand out pop (to toddlers even) so there wasn't even chocolate to make it better for her parents. I can't even recreate it because I left the whole mess there, and it will be thrown out. (wings and antenae survived and may be recycled)

Another was that it was a happy passive aggressive Minnesota thing... None of the details I should disclose, at least this close to the situation. I'll just say that I have had my fill of family for the time being. Except the ones who actually live in town, those I wish I saw more of.

The rest are nit picky and involve bad beds, horrible sleep, and a toddler who is too tall for a pack and play.

All other details will have to wait, while it may be NaBloPoMo and I felt I should participate, I've also committed to try to find more balance. Crazy, no?