Yesterday after school I went through my usual routine of asking my soon-to-be-5-year-old what kids she played with today, what kids are her friends, etc. She was a bit defensive and answered with some reluctance and irritation in her voice.

"Uh, I play with lots of kids. Lauren and Shana, and you know, lots of kids."

To all of my blog buds out there who are experiencing hardships of one kind or another, please know that I am sincerely sending all many positive thoughts and prayers your way!

Which now leads me into my true media crush-of-the-moment. It is none other than loud-mouthed Philly-expatriate himself, Chris Matthews. I developed a crush on him while watching extensive coverage of the two  conventions and catching an occasional episode of Hardball now and again on also-ran cable news channel MSNBC.

I found out on some blog somewhere in the vast rumor-mill that is the internet, that he dyes his hair that yellowish hue. And that, though you can't see it on camera, that he has a sizeable paunch going on under the news desk. Ick.

Nonetheless, its obvious to me why Mr. Hardball (!) puts a twinkle in my eye: he looks, speaks, and has the same attitude and sense of humor as another smart-ass, older, charming Irish guy I knew many years ago. But that's ancient history. I think I'll give Chris a few more days on my fantasy list; then perhaps I'll move on to a new flavor of the week.

But who is left?

Anderson"my mom used to make cheesy bluejeans in the 70' and now is a major designer for Khols" Cooper? Uh, no. 

George "I got that Davy Jones thing going on" Stephanopoulos?  Doubtful.

I think I'd like to poll the readers and find out who their crush-able, "spongeworthy" media types are. Note: Limited to news and quasi-news only. Does that mean we can include super-hunky rocker Mark McGrath because he's a co-host of EXTRA? Sorry, but no. Can women be included? Of course! I once had a non-sexual "admiration" for Ashleigh Banfield, so why the heck not.

Start channel-surfing, folks, and let me know who makes your heart skip a beat.

Now last night was a different story ...ahem...a middle-of-the-night rendevous with my bedmate was thrilling for him ( I haven't been too "enthusiastic" lately) and satisfying for me. And I was the one who initiated it! heheh, I guess maybe my menopausal symptoms are coming to a light simmer after boiling for awhile! So hubby should be in a pretty good mood this weekend, especially if I can maintain my "activity" level. :)

What is REALLY wierd though is that it was spurred on by a wild dream I had involving a certain TV "news" commentator/host. Someone I really despise, too. I guess it was fresh in my mind after watching his show last night as there ws nothing else on. I guess my mind juxtaposed my passionate dislike for this individual and instead made him over into a hot-stuff dreamlover. Talk about a flip flop! Oh my! 

So...needless to say I have eschewed a "workout"; in its place I have been furiously whipping through the house vacuuming every baseboard, cobweb, and air duct. I even vacuumed out the fireplace. I organized toys, put all papers in a neat pile, cleaned out the cat litter box, hmmm...I feel like there is something I am forgetting. Oh yeah, I need to spray FEBREEZE everywhere and put the slipcover back on the sofa.

Tomorrow will also be busy as I will put fresh linens on the table, mop the floors, and brew some coffee. Hmm...or maybe I should make tea? Argh!  The visit is only supposed to be 30 minutes long. I think it should be ok (fingers crossed.)

I noted on a fellow blogger's site that at least in my state we have the hope and promise of a new, energetic Senator, the so-called "superstar", barak Obama. I am really nervous about Obama in that I was so excited and energized when Carol Moseley Braun won that seat back when - imagine: an African-AMerican woman in the senate! How excitng and new! But she really disappointed us Illinoisans and did virtually nothing in office but exploit the "perks" of it. We felt so "used" after that. Some became cynical, apathetic. That is one of my concerns now: that previously apathetic people who went out to vote may lose its steam for many who felt that theie efforts didn't effect change.

I really hope that Obama can be the next Senator Paul Simon - a true statesman, a leader, a result-getter, liked across party lines. I am concerned that he's facing an uphill battle in a newly-Republicanized Senate, but we can only hope. Hope. Hope.

Obama's very REFRESHING, positive campaign slogan was "Yes, We Can!" This has to now become the mantra of our country if we are going to make a go of it over the next four years. Yes We Can create better relationships with other contries and cultures around the world. Yes We Can learn to be empathetic of others in our community, our country, our world. Yes We Can be inventive and tenacious and create new industries and jobs and opportunities. Yes We Can do all of this while respecting our land, our oceans, our planet.

I dare you to post a witty caption for the above graphic in the COMMENTS section below.  I am streaming so many in my brain right now...but each time I try to type I start to giggle!

"Use the force, John!" (in Yoda and/or Obi Wan Kenobi voice...)

 

I am amazed at the crappy costumes people put on their kids; I dunno, I guess I was spoiled as my mom or dad always made our costumes. But back then the store bought ones REALLY sucked. Now they do have some super-cute animal/plush costumes in the stores for little kids.

 

I think I will never forget the year (1976) my mother dressed us as "Feminists" for halloween: Me, age 7, in overalls, a train engineer hat, bandana and timberland boots (engineer); my sister in flannel shirt, jeans kiddie tool belt and yellow plastic hard hat (construction worker), and the baby in a beret with a "Pink Power" sign on her stroller! It was kinda like the Village People in reverse! You know I honestly think if the ERA had passed that my mom would not be a republican today. Meaning: I think she, like a lot of other women, were really let down and deflated when that amendment failed and lost their sense of idealism. It still makes me sad today.