I first voted in the 2000 election. I had just turned 18 and was a freshman in college. I nobly attended a Ralph Nader rally, and met with the campus green party. I obnoxiously preached to older and smarter people about the importance of third party candidates. Then when I got my ballot, I thought really hard about it, and realized voting for Nader was pointless; I voted for Gore. Oregon went for Gore, but Nader had a lot of support. Glad I wasn’t one of them. Not that it would have mattered anyways.

In 2004, I had graduated from college, and that summer ran the phone bank for a local labor organization. That campaign season was FUN. I was constantly surrounded by union folks who smoked and swore and just gave a shit. I started a new job on November 1st, too - the job that I still have now. That election night was a disaster. When Kerry conceded on Wednesday morning, I listened on the radio at my office. Then I started crying and couldn’t stop. And then I was sent home. It was embarrassing.

2008 was wonderful. I was with a boy I loved very much, we went to parties, got drunk, cried happy tears, and everything seemed so good. After years of dating losers, and voting for losers, things were looking up. I was 26 and life was becoming awesome.

And now, 2012, things aren’t quite as hopey/changey as they used to be. The candidate that became president wasn’t perfect (although I’m still tremendously supportive of him), and the tone of this election is miles away from the last one. And that same boy I loved in 2008 went nuts drinking, then quit drinking, bought a house with me, married me, and then 10 days ago, decided to leave me. I am older and wiser, and unfortunately, more cynical. But I guess a lot of people are this year.

Still, there’s always a little hope somewhere. Things get good and then get bad, and then get good again.

So here’s to a win today, and hoping that we are all - all of us - in a better place next time.

One of my very best friends got married this weekend. It was a beautiful and fun wedding. This is a picture a fellow bridesmaid snapped of the happy couple dancing. And what’s up with that blurry idiot in the back? Why, it’s yours truly, shoeless, playing the guitar. Disclosure: I don’t play the guitar, and I have zero recollection of this photo being taken. Fun times! Hey, somebody had to be the drunkest bridesmaid.

“I love you so much my boner hurts.” A note from my husband on our two year anniversary. (Taken with Instagram)

THIS IS THE BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE. 

Husband has to work super late tonight, and at first I got super mad, because I find his job annoying, but now I’m sitting here, realizing that I can watch whatever tv I want for like 3 hours. This is rare.So yay, not mad anymore! 

This is a tattoo I got in 2006, right after my dad was first diagnosed with cancer. When he went into the hospital I asked him his favorite flower, and he told me forsythia, but that I shouldn’t send him flowers. I was all “um, okay!” and got this forsythia tattoo. Dad is loved and much missed, and I’m always happy to see this reminder of him.

Four years ago this evening, Jeff and I got drunk enough to confess our love to each other, and then make out in a very public hallway of a very trashy karaoke bar. Our friends had the foresight to capture the moment. 

LOVE!

Happy anniversary, Sparkles!

I hope so. Happy mother’s day! Gracias for birthing me and giving me smart and pretty genes. Love you!

Okay, I’m done. My favorite is Louis.

The guy on the left is blond, so pass.

The next guy’s hair is too shiny and curly and nice. I want to know his secrets, not fall in love with him.

The middle guy looks like this sack of shit I knew in high school who friended me on facebook and I UNfriended shortly thereafter because he kept saying fag and posting pictures of his muscles. Fuck that noise.

The guy on the right - is name is Harry Styles. That seems like the kind of name that could get you into trouble in a google image search.

THEREFORE: LOUIS. COME TO ME.

Oh wait, don’t, because you’re 12.

OH WAIT, DO, BECAUSE YOU ARE ACTUALLY 20!