The Greatest Show on Earth :)

Last week's Democratic National Convention was all I hoped it would be. The speeches were informed, inspirational, forward-thinking, realistic. There was a sparkle of hope in the eyes of the audience, an air of unity and strength present among politicians and audience members alike. With their genuine love and strong values, the Obamas personified the American family unlike any others before them.

At that point, I knew that the Republicans would have to pull out all the stops if they hoped to keep a competitive race going any longer. When it was announced that Sarah Palin would be the vice presidential candidate, I was intrigued, impressed even. This, I thought, might just be the fresh blood the GOP needs to win another election. And she's cute, too!

Alas, my respect for McCain's interesting decision was extremely short-lived, ending violently and passionately when I saw a picture of the candidates, their significant others, and a cute, chubby, special-needs infant being cradled in the arms of who my brother likes to call "The Conservative MILF."

I fully believe that a wife and a mother is capable of pursuing – and thriving – in her dream career. But with five children, four of whom are under the age of 18, one who's still nursing and another who is shooting whiskey and getting knocked up, is it really the right time to be dedicating your life and all your time to your country? Seems to me that you still have some parenting to do. The Republican platform has always prided itself on its solid family values, but the funny thing about values is, you can't just preach them. You have to LIVE them. Otherwise, no one's going to take you seriously.

I understand that even in loving families with attentive parents, things happen sometimes. Kids make mistakes. But there's no room for these types of skeletons when you are the family that is setting the example for all others. Live your life, but have the decency to live it out of the national spotlight.

Sarah Palin, do the right thing. Let's see those family values you so fervently preach about. Drop out of the race, take care of your baby, spend some time with your daughters. They obviously still need your guidance and your example.

And McCain: What the hell were you thinking?

I'm here, yo!

Well, here I am. Sitting in a bedroom in a house in the East Bay area. Dublin, to be exact. That is, until my lease starts up in Walnut Creek next week.

Saying goodbye to many people I love was emotional. I've always been in the same place. I went to college 20 minutes from home. My Los Angeles apartment (a startling 40 miles from mom and dad's) was my first great adventure. My best friend's always been only a stone's throw away if I needed a hug. I am the consummate big fat baby.

But now that I'm here in this quiet moment, in this new place, I am so excited.

Frazzled

It's no secret that things have come together for me recently. FINALLY. After playing the waiting game for too long, I now know what's ahead, logistically.

Of course, I have no idea what to expect. It's all very wonderful and terrifying and new and confusing. Just thought I'd get that off my chest.

Ode to LA Drivers

Oh, Los Angeles driver, I love you so.

Your need to weave in and out of lanes for no apparent reason makes me tingle with delight.

Please, drive faster. I insist. There is no need to pace yourself when going between Point A and Point B. It's not like hundreds of lives hang in the balance!

In L.A., you have to look the part. I can't explain how heartwarming it is to see fellow young ladies touching up their lipgloss or curling their eyelashes while deftly avoiding the elderly pedestrians strolling across the road.

No, no. Take that call on your Blackberry. I don't mind at all! It's got to be very important. I mean, it must've been, considering it caused you to make that unprotected left turn quickly enough to beat all the pedestrians who, silly enough, saw the little green walk man and thought it was their turn.

We should have known it was YOUR turn. We're lowly walking folk and you, sir, drive a Lincoln Navigator. Please, don't look back, even if you DID almost make roadkill out of me. It's totally cool. I didn't need my toes anyway.

LA drivers, this is my tribute to you.

Work

So I've officially been at my job with The Zizo Group for a year now. Happy Anniversary to me. Funny thing is it doesn't feel like a year, not even close. And yet I've done and learned SO much. Even though I worked in PR for 9 months before taking this job, I consider this my first real job, my first real challenge as a working adult. I mean there were some days when the amount I had to accomplish was enough for 2 or 3 people. We still have days like that sometimes.

It's weird. There were so many experiences that left me outraged, hopeful, frustrated, excited, wide-eyed and bursting with words to share and now that I sit here to recount them, I have nothing.