I'm sitting at Panera at 5:00 pm and it is so dark already.

I forget that it is November and that such things as rapidly diminishing day light occurs at this point in the calender. Now that I think of it, I still haven't changed more than 90% of the clocks in my house. My bedroom clock is the only one that has been set back so far. A rebel? An affinity for simple math? Nah, it just takes me a little while to get to it. I'm easing off of being a "procrastinator" to one who is "selectively productive" ™ April is my deadline, heh

Anyway, much to my distaste, I now see many neighborhoods peppered with full on outdoor 'Christmas' decorations. Seriously, it's a little early for the GIANT PLASTIC SANTA ornaments plopped on your lawn. Perfect weather for outdoor work aside, it is still too early to see those decorations for any reason on route to anywhere. Sure, string your lights while your ladder is still free of ice, but DO NOT turn them on.

Yikes.

Where is my "marshmallow assault rifle" when I need it?
Essentially a passive-aggressive toy, but I want it. Actually, been wanting it forever now, but am too cheap/lazy/cheap to order:

I love ThinkGeek.

I'd rip into the numerous stores/ads/sites that are/have been heavily pushing decorations and gifts 'perfect for the holidays', but alas that along with the above mentioned, is a moot point. It is expected by this time, but I need my moment to snark at it because it has been going on for much longer.

AND..As much as I love (love love love) Chocolate Peppermint cappuccinos, and the occasional "Gingerbread latte", I'm still enjoying the flavors of fall. A nice Pumpkin Spice hot drink is still welcome. I want to see again each Charlie Brown episode to its respective 'holiday'. That November day of sweet glutton seems so lost. What is it called again? Please, just slow it down a bit- there is no need to have three months of "Christmas". Yes, holiday "season" really is more appropriate, time wise, isn't it?

Oh, yes friends, we are just moments away from hearing Jingle Bells. Maybe you have already???

(if I were feeling sadistic.. and masochistic.. I would upload it as my user song, yup)

In a few weeks, I will be all for it. Music anyways. Feliz Navidad!

until then, gobble gobble.


:)

Starting my day out in the town of Lockport then heading to The Summit in Wheatfield for a business workshop, I loved driving in the bright sunshine. Music sounded extra good with the day being so warm and pleasant out. What little walking around I did, I enjoyed kicking my shoes through the crispy fallen leaves. Between yesterday and today, I found myself wishing for more of these perfect temperature days. I would have rather have been home working on some outside projects, but I did not want to miss any of the workshops I signed up for either. Besides, I knew I would have a couple hours of daylight once I returned home.
or would I?

Coming home (after being gone since Tuesday eve in general) from a business workshop (in specific), as I went down Lewiston Hill, I noticed a wide spread haze hovering over Lewiston, Youngstown, and Niagara Falls, Ontario. The entire view of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario could not be seen. I was curious as to what I would find once I got into my little neck of the woods. Looks like some heavy fog was rolling in.

I took these shortly after getting home-4ish. Within a half an hour, there was little to see at all.










Just whitish-gray. Then a little while later, the darkness settled in for the night. It always takes me awhile to adjust to the shorter days, feels so much later than what it is.

My hobbies tend to be cerebral. I really need to get back to the gym (especially after the Halloween candy consumption fiasco!). I love being there- it is so energizing and it simply feels good to do something, but I haven't in quite some time for various reasons (and excuses). Anyway, it is just turning 7pm and I want to curl up in bed with a book until I fall asleep. That sounds soooooo good right now. It will be even worse once the cold officially sets in. Maybe I can counteract the need to go to bed early by waking up early.

not likely..

That's it for now!

I didn't have to listen to the radio for updates- something I thought I would have to do seeing as I don't have cable nor an antenna to catch a fuzzy station or two. Thanks again to (e:mrmike) and (e:libertad) for the radio station suggestions. Instead, I headed out to my boyfriends last night and turned on CNN. We switched between every other station anytime there was a commercial, but CNN was the default. Besides, I needed my fix of James Carville, (Skeletor!).

I was attached to my seat for at least five hours. It wasn't until sometime after midnight that I went to bed. I was all tingly and feeling in awe...

Usually after an election, I am disappointed. Sometimes it is because my preferred choice was not elected, sometimes I feel like that even when that preferred person was elected (but I wasn't "all in" for them), or when I, on some level didn't really care- a major lack of affect- simply because I didn't like either candidate, and so I would feel a great sense of being let down regardless.

In the past it was rare that I became engaged or proud or excited. I mean, I follow the world, I am fascinated with politics- but I am rarely really positively moved by the experience of what I learn, watch, read or listen to. And furthermore, I never really felt the sense of "what can I do to help". I know that we have to start with ourselves, start locally to make things better and yet my motivation, inspiration and desires wax and wane a bit, truthfully.

I was totally "in" on my choice for Obama, so last night was really great. I have felt especially engaged throughout the past year during this whole political process (and tired at times too), but the prevailing feeling is that of pride, excitement, intense curiosity, hopefulness all with a stronger sense of thinking about how I can contribute more.

After five hours of tv, it isn't surprising that my dreams were replete with images of Obama. I wish I remembered more.

I really liked McCains speech- humble, positive, classy-- wish I saw more of that these past several months.

Obama's speech was about what I expected- elegant, hopeful, promising. Good luck to you, President-Elect, please, don't disappoint. "yes we can"- lets hope so.

I thought about all of you who may have been out celebrating, hanging at HQ etc. How was it? I imagine the energy was crazy high. What about the city streets- chaos--good, bad? I need to catch up on entries and local news now :)

wow, I have so many more thoughts, but I will end here.

Voted.

Walking up to my local Fire hall, towards the voting booths, always has such an empowered feeling.

Happily, I just missed the rush. Walking out, the lot and street were busy with cars arriving and people walking in.

The sun is shining warm, what a fantastic day.

What is the best radio station and/or web site to listen to election day updates? Not having cable or an antenna to tune in kinda sucks today.

must...stop... eating...

candy.

• hides gargantuan mound of empty wrappers in shame*

and now I've got a serious need for some vodka soaked jello encased gummies. thanks (e:fellyconnelly)

now where was I? oh yeh..

• bites a reeses*