My Politics in a Nutshell

While my feelings on individual issues may lean one way or another, this quote by John Avlon, author of "Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics" (stolen from a CNN article about the Democratic loss in Massachusetts) speaks to me!

"Independents like the checks and balances of divided government. They dislike the ideological arrogance and legislative overreach that comes when one party
controls both the White House and Congress. That's what you're seeing."

Seriously, it's all about balance. One party in complete control is never a good thing.

Years in Review: Some Highlights

Okay... I swear this will be the last feel-good, it's-a-new-year entry of 2010... but a new Facebook application inspired me to write this. The application creates a collage of your Facebook statuses from the past year, and it was really amusing/nostalgic to re-read what I'd posted--quotes, thoughts, experiences, frustrations. But, it also reminded me how interesting, busy, and fun 2009 really was! When I get bored with my life, I'm going to come back to this entry and make myself stop b*tching. Working backwards:

2009: the Highlights (in random order)

*My first Caps game *Summer trip to NYC *Weekend at Chincoteague Island *Tried out for Redskins and Wizards cheerleaders *USMC Ball in Richmond *Gold Cup races *Work at the Pentagon *Christmas cruise to Cozumel *Girls trip to Las Vegas *Chuck *Britney Spears concert *Went platinum blonde, then brunette *Weekend at OBX *Jackie, Mel, and Kat got married
*Weekend at National Harbor *Moved to Arlington

2008: the Highlights (in random order)

*Girls trip to Miami *Playboy Mansion/LA *Beth visits from London *Halloween Monster Bash
*Wendy's b-day in NYC *W&M Homecoming

2007: the Highlights (in random order)

*Graduating W&M *My own apartment (ish) *Spring break cruise to Key West/Mexico *Holidays and New Years in NYC *Summer weekend in NYC

Looks like my years keep getting awesomer! Or maybe my memory is getting awesomer. Or maybe I just updated my statuses more in 2009, and make everything a big deal by sharing them with the world ...

2010: The Plan

Now that the year has come to a close, let’s see how I did on my Resolutions for 2009.

Hit the gym 3-5 times per week. FAIL. Major fail.

Move to Arlington.... with a stranger. DONE. I did this one quickly too. As of mid-February ’09, I was living in an apartment in exciting little Clarendon with a random roommate I met on Craig’s List. It couldn’t be going better!

Daily vitamins. Quasi-victory. I do take vitamins more regularly—a multi for women, and a Vitamin C tablet on occasion, but usually when I am vulnerable to getting sick. Hey… it’s a start.

Drink less alcohol. Quasi-victory! I’m proud of this one. I really do drink less heavily than I used to. And it has made a difference.

Bedtimes. Massive FAIL.

No more eyeliner except when I go out or I’m trying to impress. Win!! I have dramatically cut back on my every-day eyeliner useage.

Febreze and Lysol spray my bed. Almost every day, baby.

Get off of Facebook. Quasi-victory. The details of this resolution involved more than just Facebook—it mentioned other highly addictive sites as well. Perez Hilton and Myspace are dunzo… but Facebook? Well, I’m still working on that…

Protein, Zinc. FAIL. Even though I found out I’m slightly anemic and could benefit from protein and iron supplements, I got tired of taking so many pills, and noticed no significant difference in my energy levels anyway. I’m not all that sad to see this one go.

The Secret. Semi-WIN! I learned all about the Secret, and definitely use it. I’m not super good at it though, except when it comes to Health. I am a pro at the Secret to Health… I’ve been sick this year only a fraction the number of times I was sick years previous! I owe it all to the Secret (and maybe some to my Vitamins and reduced alcohol intake…)

So, what do I have in store for 2010? Nothing quite so regimented, but I have broad things I want to accomplish.

*Getting in shape is a big one, and clichéd, obviously. But I’m not going to kid myself anymore about going to the gym—I signed up for dance classes instead :) It’ll be pricey but well worth it.

*Feeling productive at work is an ongoing challenge, and I’m resuming that mission with renewed energy this year. I’m still stuck and trying to figure out what’s right for me. This is going to be my biggest challenge, without a doubt. But it’s got to dawn on me eventually, right?

*The rest of my resolutions are lifestyle/hobby oriented. I want to learn to knit. Build/improve the relationships in my life. Brush up on my French. Party less. Save money, spend money. Go to the spa. (Yes, pampering myself at a spa is a resolution of mine!)

All in all, I want to take care of myself better. Physically, mentally, financially, and socially. I am bored with my life, so I need to find ways to spruce it back up again. So…for those of you who are interested-- I’ll keep you posted :)