Hope & Change

I don't know if it is because I am biased, but did anyone else notice that overwhelmingly, Barack Obama's debate last night focused mainly on spending money? Even during the question about how this economic bailout will affect the presidency, (not only did it take Obama 3-4 times to finally answer the question--I think McCain got it in maybe 2 tries) Obama kept going back to "add this new program, fund that new program, spend more money here and there. . ." It doesn't give me much confidence in a man, who during huge nationwide economic anxiety, only seems to focus on spending even more money. It sounds like all of his so called "change" and "hope" required billions of dollars to me. And Obama himself, admitted that budgetary issues will actually limit greatly many of the things he is promising to do as president. I also wondered how during what was supposed to be a discussion of foreign policy, instead, Obama began again to discuss the need for alternative energy. I hear you on that one, Barack, but not while you are supposed to be talking about protecting this country. I usually see McCain as dry and wonder about his ability to lead this country. But last night, I was surprised at how well versed McCain seemed, especially in regard to military and foreign policy. Obama seemed pretty clueless to me. I don't particularly like either choice, but I don't know how I can trust a man as the commander in chief who believes the best foreign relations work is simply telling countries like Russia, "You are a 21st century super-power. You need to start acting like a 21st century super power instead of a 20th century one." I'm not so sure any country, especially Russia, would simply say, "Okay. You are exactly right. . ."

I don't think this is the kind of change I want for me and my family.

I want a garden

I can't wait to have my own garden. I think I would enjoy a new hobby and with such high produce prices these days, it totally makes sense. It is so nice to see everyone's plants finally exploding with growth. Tomatoes are my favorite. I attempted to keep two cherry tomato plants my parents gave me in my little patio. Unfortunately, I need a little more practice at the garden mom thing. I forgot to get a baby-sitter when I left to Belize. Poor tomatoes, dead.

Anyway, I'm not too discouraged. Meanwhile, I am enjoying eating everyone else's offerings. By the way, I accept any and all fresh produce. Don't let it go to waste--I can find a use for it. You can also take excess produce to the Food & Care Coalition--the homeless shelter/soup kitchen. I think that's probably an even better idea if you have too much to handle.

PS. There are some great sewing items for gardening. If I was a great blogger, I might even post pictures. Great aprons and bags to carry all the tools. I love this time of year!

Nice to have a day off!

Happy Labor Day.
It is nice to have a day off, even for just staying home. Today also marks Russell's two-month stint back to day shift. Wahoo. I am looking forward to having him home with me every night. Odd how I have managed to sleep on my own for my entire life (granted, I have only had my own bedroom for about 3 years), but now it feels weird to be by myself every night. Anyway, thankfully, I am getting more used to the changing and challenging schedules of police life. I have learned to appreciate a little bit of alone time and have been sewing like crazy these past few weeks. I am very grateful for my beautiful Viking sewing machine and my nursery set I have been so excited to create (and no, I am not pregnant). It is fun to feel productive and like I am creating something I can be proud of.

So, today I cleaned my apartment, washed and put away most of my laundry, and even got to enjoy a short lunch break with my husband. I enjoy the little bit of company Russell's Ipod offers and like my mom, find myself dancing as I clean. I also almost completed a dust ruffle I have been sewing away on all week. It is nice to see progress and I'll be sure to post photos eventually. Can't decide if I should post each peice I complete or just the finished product. I am also anxiously awaiting the opportunity I can have to make a bird mobile like my friend Jill made on her blog. I am tempted to just start, but I think I need to finish the projects I already have started first. Plus, I need to round up some cool fabrics. Anyone have any yellow and blue scraps? I want to try to think outside the box and get mis-matched yellow and blue fabrics for each bird. It is hard for me, though. I can't conceptualize how quilters and interior decorators mesh stripes, polka dots, vintage flowers, and paisley to create such wonderful creations.

Anyway, Happy Labor Day. Russell is running a little bit late at work, but I'm planning on dragging him off to the gym. Then we'll see if anyone has any cool Labor Day BBQs going on. I think the rain stopped.