First Day

I start my new job tomorrow, and I feel like it's the first day of school in junior high. I've already laid out my clothes and packed my bag, and I will make my lunch before going to bed early. Earlier today I drove up and found the office, scoped out the parking situation, and timed the trip. Of course that was without traffic, so I figure I should double the time for tomorrow morning. Oh, and the first big snowfall of the year won't make the morning commute any easier, either. I'll go to bed early tonight, but of course won't be able to fall asleep. Let the new adventure begin!

One week later

Well, it's been a week since the Democrats' midterm election rout. My stomach has almost stopped churning enough to eat a regular meal again. I'm now also thoroughly embarrassed to have grown up in the state that elected the dumbest governor anywhere in the nation (see the section subtitled "Teaching career"). Of course, he's following in the footsteps of the most deluded governor in the nation.

Anyway, I've heard lots of carping from numerous sources about the way Republicans ran campaigns, both congressional and at state-level. So I guess this rumor isn't really much of a surprise. I'll just wait to see what actually happens, though, as I suspect there will be endless shuffling and maneuvering in the coming months. Time to start checking in with the Iowa and New Hampshire newspapers more regularly. Only 424 days to caucuses!

Luke and Laura

SPECIAL ALERT FOR ALL LAPSED SOAP FANS!!!
If you haven't heard, one of the most storied couples in all of daytime television is back. That's right, General Hospital has reunited Luke and Laura! To commemorate the 25th anniversary of their fairytale wedding, Laura emerged from her four-year catatonic state and Luke and Laura will be getting married again. Who could forget their dance in Wyndham's department store? I have fond memories of Luke and Laura, watching soaps with my mother before I started school, so it's kind of fun seeing all the old characters come back lately. Oh yeah, Robert and Robin Scorpio have returned in previous months too, for those who care. ABC has a special website dedicated to the occasion if you want more details.

It's official

My family is the Bradys. Kind of. 2 boys, 2 girls, but with our original parents and no maid. But this proves it:

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Very Brady Christmas

For you, it's all about sharing times with family. Even if you all get a bit cheesy at times.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

All 3 siblings and mom independently got the same result. Your response to this says a lot about you.

Were you:

• Disgusted to the point of nausea? We pity you.
• Thinking how wonderfully adorable that is? We're disgusted by you.
• Your stomach turned a little when you read it, but you still smiled and thought it was kinda cute that we all got the same thing, our family must be nice/fun? Congratulations, you've just passed the first test in eligibility for one of the three remaining sibling-in-law positions.
  

Favorite TV Characters

I spent yesterday afternoon watching a marathon of Bravo's countdown of people's 100 favorite television characters. It was quite an enjoyable trip down memory lane. But now for my complaints. There were too many groups - the cast of Friends, the cast of Seinfeld, the cast of Will & Grace, etc. Not all of those characters were created equally. Yes, the success of those shows was because of the ensemble aspect, but let's face it, who didn't like George more than Elaine, or Phoebe more than Ross? There were also quite a few I didn't really know, mostly because I'm not forty and the shows haven't been on Nick@Nite. But there were also plenty that I'd at least heard of, even if I didn't totally agree with their selections.

Anyway, here is Bravo's top five:
5. Homer Simpson
4. The Fonz
3. Lucy Ricardo
2. Ralph Kramden
1. Archie Bunker

Agree? Disagree? What were they smoking?

Start Brainwashing Early

Don't wait for your child to start public school (with a unionized teacher) - start the indoctrination process early. Order your copy of "Why Mommy is a Democrat" today!

Seriously?! Granted, at least 80% of the reason I'm conservative is because that was how I was raised, but this is just a bit much. After all, at some point I was confronted with opposing viewpoints and had to make choices based on something other than "mommy said so." I learned about politics by watching the news with my parents, discussing current events at the dinner table, and having to learn how to respond to wild-eyed raving lunatics in college. [Aside: Does anyone else find it odd that the Socialists sold their weekly newspaper on the Pentacrest? Granted, they didn't sell many, so I guess they hadn't totally figured out that whole "market" thing.] Are inane platitudes directed at four-year-olds really what political discourse in this country needs most?

I notice "Democrats want Mommy to be able to kill your little brothers and sisters if they come at an inconvenient time" wasn't included in the sample pages.

Web fun!

Here is today's distracting, time-wasting site of choice:

How Many of Me

According to the database, there is 1 of me. I know this to be false, though, as Google and some woman who e-mailed me after reading "my" fantastic article in Feminista! have led me to at least one, but more likely two, more of me, one of whom even has the same middle initial.

Oh, come on, like you've never Googled yourself?! And just to be perfectly clear to anyone who knows the real me and finds the article alluded to above, I think pretty much the opposite of what that other not-lakhawk wrote. In fact, I'm one of those traitor-women she lambasted. Oh, and kudos to loojie, for bringing this fun diversion to my attention.

Halloween Jokes (safe for the kids)

What is a skeleton's favorite instrument?
The Trombone

Where did the vampire open his savings account?
At the Blood Bank

What is a ghost's favorite dessert?
I-scream

Obligatory Grey's post

Lawfairy and Odderie have already shared their thoughts on one of the best television shows in recent memory, Grey's Anatomy. Yes, Meredith and Derek have an unhealthy relationship. Yes, it is frustrating to watch them make messes of their lives. Yes, they should not be role models of any kind (at least in the relationship arena). But who doesn't identify with at least some small aspect of this relationship and its consequences? And what does it say about just how awesomely fantastic the supporting cast and the writing on this show are that, despite the aggravation of the Der-Mer storyline, we all still love it so much? I could easily watch last week's episode, "I Am a Tree," three more times before this Thursday and not grow tired of it. And I just might. Seriously.

My ten secrets

The Law Fairy tagged me, but there's a reason they're called secrets. Nice try. I wonder what my internet-cosmos punishment will be for breaking this chain?