I am 90% sure that these are all of the states that I've visited.

I'd have to check the fridge magnets at home-home to be sure on some of the southern states.
Something about Florida has never appealed to me. Hm...

Mwah!
I'm back in action after an insane three-day hurry up and wait trade show experience. After clearing my system with lunch at the Elbow Room with Candy, I feel much better about the whole experience.

While I was away, I also missed the latest debate and the Dean campaign manager turnover. Just in case anyone actually reads my blog for political purposes, I'm sharing this gem from Ki in Vermont.

RESUME

George W. Bush
The White House, USA

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

LAW ENFORCEMENT: I was arrested in Kennebunkport, Maine in 1976 for driving under the influence of alcohol. I pled guilty, paid a fine, and had my driver's license suspended for 30 days. My Texas driving record has been "lost" and is not available.

MILITARY: I joined the Texas Air National Guard and went AWOL. I refused to take a drug test or answer any questions about my drug use. By joining the Texas Air National Guard, I was able to avoid combat duty in Vietnam.

COLLEGE: I graduated from Yale University. I was a cheerleader.

PAST WORK EXPERIENCE:

I ran for U.S. Congress and lost.

I began my career in the oil business in Midland, Texas in 1975. I bought an oil company, but couldn't find any oil in Texas. The company went bankrupt shortly after I sold all my stock.

I bought the Texas Rangers baseball team in a sweetheart deal that took land using taxpayer money.

With the help of my father and our right-wing friends in the oil industry (including Enron CEO Ken Lay), I was elected Governor of Texas.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS GOVERNOR:

I changed Texas pollution laws to favor power and oil companies, making Texas the most polluted state in the Union.

During my tenure, Houston replaced Los Angeles as the most smog-ridden city in America.

I cut taxes and bankrupted the Texas treasury to the tune of billions in borrowed money.

I set the record for the most executions by any Governor in American history.

With the help of my brother, the Governor of Florida, and my father's appoint-ments to the Supreme Court, I became President after losing by over 500,000 votes.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS PRESIDENT:

I invaded and occupied two countries at a continuing cost of over one billion dollars per week.

I spent the U.S. surplus and effectively bankrupted the U.S. Treasury.

I shattered the record for the largest annual deficit in U.S. history.

I set an economic record for most private bankruptcies filed in any 12-month period.

I set the all-time record for the biggest drop in the history of the U.S. stock market.

I am the first president in U.S. history to enter office with a criminal record.

I set the the all-time record for most days on vacation in any one year period.

After taking-off the entire month of August, I presided over the worst security failure in U.S.history.

I am supporting development of a nuclear "Tactical Bunker Buster," a WMD.

In my State Of The Union Address, I lied about our reasons for attacking Iraq, then blamed the lies on our British friends.

I set the record for most campaign fund-raising trips by a U.S. president.

In my first year in office over 2-million Americans lost their jobs and that trend continues every month.

I set the all-time record for most foreclosures in a 12-month period.

I appointed more convicted criminals to administration than any president in U.S. history.

I set the record for least amount of press conferences than any president since the advent of television.

I presided over the biggest energy crisis in U.S. history and refused to intervene when corruption involving the oil industry was revealed.

I presided over the highest gasoline prices in U.S. history.

I have cut health care benefits for war veterans and support a cut in duty benefits for active duty troops and their families -- in war time.

I have set the all-time record for most people worldwide to simultaneously protest me in public venues (15 million people) shattering the record for protest against any person in the history of mankind.

I've broken more international treaties than any president in U.S. history.

I'm proud that the members of my cabinet are the richest of any administration in U.S. history. My "poorest millionaire," Condoleeza Rice, has a Chevron oil tanker named after her.

I am the first president in U.S. history to order an unprovoked, pre-emptive attack and the military occupation of a sovereign nation. I did so against the will of the United Nations, the majority of U.S. citizens, and the world community.

I created the Ministry of Homeland Security, the largest bureaucracy in the history of the United States government.

I am the first president in U.S. history to have the United Nations remove the U.S. from the Human Rights Commission.

I withdrew the U.S. from the World Court of Law.

Anyone care to join me at a Dean meetup on the 4th?

Settling into my booth at Mamma Lena's Cafe, I quickly reconsidered my lifestyle change. Steak and eggs will have to wait for another day. A day when I feel up to the task of expelling a full meal deal. Until then, I'll stick to french toast.

I'm not sure when my habit of breakfast for lunch really began. Perhaps in Michigan. Yeah... that's right. It was in Michigan. It was that fateful day walking through Old Town with the woman who wrenched my heart out of my body. The woman who changed my idea of love. The woman who changed my notion of tolerance in a relationship. It was that day that I decided to hold my own in this world of lunchtime delights. No longer would I pass up breakfast, during any time of the day. Breaking the fast had seemed to be important only when I was setting off on a road trip or on a visit with more conventional friends or family members. Knowing that I had to move forward, I had a little more to eat. Knowing that I had to make my way out of that town and out on my own, I decided to keep breaking the fast by making breakfast the most important meal of MY day.

Little did she know that she was changing my eating habits as she was breaking my heart. Or perhaps she was breaking my fast in her own "very special" way.

Knowledge is power and I don't plan on sharing my reasoning for my breakfast quirk with anyone.

"So, french toast again?" asked the pockmarked Mamma Lena. It took only three breakfasts of french toast for her to realize my little pattern. She knew not to cross me. Especially after a five hour meeting. I must have had an exhausted look on my face as I nodded my acceptance of the meal.

Heh... check out these campaign theme songs from Slate:

Lieberman - We Are Family (Sister Sledge)
Kerry - I Won't Back Down (Tom Petty), No Surrender (Bruce Springsteen)
John Edwards - Small Town (John Mellencamp)
Dick Gephardt - The Best (Tina Turner)
Bob Graham - The Best (Tina Turner)
Howard Dean - A Little Less Conversation (Elvis Presley)

Thanks to Left Center Left

I haven't established my presidential campaign theme song yet, but I do know that my "now up to bat..." minor league baseball song would be Sinead O'Connor's I Want Your (Hands On Me).

You're making your way through a crowd of screaming fans... what song is playing?

Just in case anyone doubted my newfound addiction to the Democratic race, let me share a brief realiaztion:
I was just on the phone and realized that when asked how my day went, I said...
"Very cool. I was interviewed by the Des Moines Register. A few weeks late for any major impact with the caucuses and all... blah, blah, blah." As soon as I hung up the phone, I remembered that I was also had a media call from Harpo (Oprah's production company).
Um, hello. Proof positive that I need to chill a bit on the race.

Ah, the world of politics.
Somehow I've become addicted.
Oh wait, I know how... this country is a huge mess.

Today is the 31st Anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Even if you choose to keep it, you've made a choice.
In inadvertent celebration of the 31st Anniversary of the Right to Life March, Candy sent me this lovely local link to an IndyStar article.

P.S. - Howard Dean's stance on reproductive freedom.

Um.... garlic.

I intended to take a mental health day away from work today. As the days came closer, I realized that it wasn't going to happen. Instead of going out and about with JL and Candy today, they met me in the field that isn't plain for lunch. I'm so glad that they made the drive for lunch. While I couldn't have a margarita with JL, I could revel in the fact that friends were in my "work" space. Always makes me smile. Anytime anyone wants to go out to lunch, just let me know.

P.S. - I said these words today and you know... it felt great.
Horoscope: It is perfectly acceptable to just admit to yourself and others these simple words, "I don't know." You will be amazed at the burden that will be lifted from you, MJ. Don't think that you always have to come up with an answer to something. In fact, trying to make up an answer when there really isn't one at all will only do more harm than good. Now that you have accepted that you don't have the answers, the possibilities are infinite.

The ponies lost. Howie is losing ground in Iowa and I haven't been selected to sit on Martha Stewart's jury yet.
Keeping my fingers crossed for a decent week.
I'll be glued to the tube tomorrow and Tuesday.
Maybe I'll pop in the yoga tape before I watch the state of ye olde union on Tuesday.
Ah, the joy.

Good news is that I had a lovely time with my sissies this weekend.
The Mary Kay lady didn't touch me and didn't give us a hardcore sales pitch.
Both good things.
We went out with Crystal for a little bit then went back to Krissie's and played "name that tune" with ringtones.
Doesn't take much to entertain us, I guess.

Off to Massachusetts later this month, then to South Carolina next month... then I rest (and get back to blogging more frequently).

Yippee!
Commenting has returned.
Seemed it was too much for the BlogSpeak guy to handle.
Thanks to Haloscan, I'm back in business. And your comments are saved!

Things could finally get interesting around here.
Indianapolis Among Areas Gay Rights Group Targeting in New Ad CampaignIntrigued by divisions within conservative ranks, gay-rights strategists are trying to portray a proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage as a radical step that true conservatives should oppose. The Human Rights Campaign, a national gay rights group, is targeting conservatives with a radio and print ad campaign starting Monday in 10 areas, including Omaha, Neb.; Indianapolis; Tampa, Fla.; Milwaukee; Las Vegas; and Philadelphia. 'Be conservative with the Constitution,' the ads say. 'Don't amend it.' [1/10/2004]

In other news, Howie hasn't sent me an email today. What's up with that?

And convention season is in high gear.
I worked on Saturday and a 12 hour day today.
Actually, I'm forming some very unique friendships throughout the country as a result of my jobbie job.
Prime example: I received a call from a chimGOOGLEGOBBLEney cap manufacturer in NC this morning along the lines of "How 'bout them Panthers?" I had to do a little informal research to figure out exactly what he was talking about. Makes you wonder if he made three other calls to football-region specific people he knows. Did I tell him that I skipped the game in favor of Big Fish? Nope. I'd much rather hear people from the southeast gloat about a football team than the weather. Go figure, eh?
Anyway... I had good news and bad news waiting for me when I returned home from work today. No, not another noise complaint. The good news is that my simple IRA has earned a whopping $31.41 since June. I was surprised to see a number in the positive. Perhaps one day I'll be able to fully appreciate the money I put into it. Only 9,493 workdays until I can retire (at 65). More realistically, let's say 10,797 workdays until I retire at 70. Only another forty years or so.
But wait! There's more!
That wasn't the bad news.
The bad news is that I received my first recall notice from Ford today. Seems my fuel pump is a bit shady. But, at least I have until 2011 to have it fixed gratis. So, that's something at least. Right? Right.

Please let me dispel a few common myths regarding yesterday's post:

1. No I'm not eating meat now.
2. And I didn't move to Atlanta.
3. Apparently it's not possible for me to write fiction.

Yesterday, I posted the first few thoughts of my NaNoWriMo attempt from November.
The premise of Na(tional)No(vel)Wri(ting)Mo(nth) is to write a "novel" in the month of November by writing a few thousand words a day. I lasted three days before I found that I am entirely too wrapped up in life to write a substantial amount each day. Occasionally, I'll be tossing in a bit of my "novel" for my own giggles... or maybe just to throw you off.

So, with all that said, never fear. I am still a vegetarian and I haven't quit my job.
Speaking of employment, today was my third anniversary.
I have a peculiar job that I usually find stressful and often quite rewarding.
Now that I think about it, I used to have dreams about not being able to deliver fried chicken to waiting customers at HoliHell. Seems to be a personality flaw more than anything.

"Let the games begin!" she said with a start. After sitting through a five hour meeting, she was ready to get moving. Maybe not moving on the project she had spent most of the day planning, but moving nonetheless. She'd had three rather large cups of coffee, a Diet Coke and two glasses of water. She was ready to move to the bathroom. And then on to the diner down the street.

Keeping in mind the project, she picked up her notebook before heading out for a steak and egg sandwich. "What am I doing eating steak and egg anything?" she mumbled under her breath as she gathered her belongings. Just down the hall she heard Veronica recapping her latest cholesterol check appointment from earlier in the day. Luckily, steak and eggs weren't a usual meal. In fact, she considered herself a vegetarian as she hadn't consumed a meat product since 1992. The morning's meeting had left her with a brazen mindset. Some things change, she thought. "Change is inevitable, remember that." she declared to a no one in particular as she made her way down the hall, leaving a wake of flustered coworkers to ponder her intent.

She thought she overheard someone whisper, "I wonder if she'll be back..."

I'm sorry, but this new fringerprinting at the airports deal is just a little too much.
"Welcome, we will be watching your every move. Hope you don't mind."
Seriously, what's the deal?
When is this going to stop?
From Independent.co.uk:
The programme will be extended to 50 land border crossings with Mexico and Canada by the end of the year. Mr Ridge said a trial of the new system at Atlanta's international airport, officials had exposed almost two dozen people trying to enter the country illegally.
Ahem, where did you say you are from again?

Hee hee...
I'm a happy camper.
I just found a decent (read: free) image service site.
I'll try not to go too nutty.

Hey there hotmail people...
Something screwy is going on and I can't email you.
In the meantime... Little sister, that comforter you just made is awesome!
I'm very impressed (and a little jealous of your craftiness).
And...
Happy Birthday Auntie Lisa

In eight Stuckey's stores in the years after World War II, employees faithfully followed Mrs. Stuckey's recipe. The maraschino cherry-laced nougat was hand dipped in hot, creamy melted caramel, then before cooling, freshly shelled pecan halves would be liberally sprinkled onto the caramel. Each pecan log roll was hand wrapped and delivered straight to the customer.

Something about the words "maraschino cherry-laced nougat" makes me want to vomit. I hope Jeff finds pecan logs soon.

P.S. - The 2004 Library Book Schedule has been released.

After visiting with Pam (formerly Indy, now Seattle)
and talking to Steph (new homeowner in Indy),
I have been thinking of where I want to end up.

Do I want to buy a house in Indy?
Eh? Not really...
Is it time for another move?
Eh? Not really...
Do I want to rent in Plainfield?
Eh? Not really...

Happily, I remembered Find Your Spot.
And after a five minute (or so) survey, I found that I am most suited for these cities. (Ranked in order.)
Portland, Oregon
Little Rock, Arkansas
Baltimore, Maryland
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Charleston, West Virginia
Frederick, Maryland
Eugene, Oregon
Salem, Oregon
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana
Corvallis, Oregon
Medford, Oregon
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Reno, Nevada
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hartford, Connecticut
Alexandria, Louisiana
Carson City, Nevada

Fairly surprised by Little Rock being higher than my beloved Albuquerque.
Has anyone else heard of Natchitoches, Louisiana?

Happy new year, dahlinks!