Randman's World

I try to steer away from politics on my blog, because no matter what someone says, they irritate 1/2 of their readers (so, that might actually be 3 people).

But, there has been one thing really annoying me since the election.

We were robbed.

No, I don't mean by the results of the election. I mean by the election itself.

You see, I've watched as many of my friends were so excited about their candidate. They believed in him. They were truly happy to vote for him. They have hope, and they are optimistic about the future with him in charge.

I wanted that.

I wanted a candidate that I could be excited about. One that would make me want to vote for them because of them, not the party. One who represented a change away from the old GOP, and one more in line with what I believe our priorities should be. And one that I truly thought had a chance to win.

And I got John McCain. Not saying he's not a fine man, or a good politician. But, he really never represented what I think our party needed. He wasn't someone I was excited about. To the contrary, I was very annoyed when he got the nod. Can't we nominate anyone exciting? Someone who has a revolutionary view of what our party and our country needs? Someone like, well, like Barack Obama, but more conservative. I fell back to the old habit of holding my nose while coloring in the circle on the ballot.

Sure, there were a few people in the running that I thought were closer to that than Senator McCain, but they didn't have a chance.

And then, we got Sarah Palin. Now, I know she is a smart, talented woman, who has done a great job in Alaska. But really, she was the best person to be VP? She had little experience. Sure, her speech at the convention was great, but why did they pick her? It was politics as usual. Symbolism over substance. She was young, female, and exciting. But, not the best person to be 1 hearbeat away from presidency. Sigh.

And, so we lost. And I watched my friends celebrate the inuguration. Smiling, crying, and so full of hope. And I felt robbed. I wanted that. I'm so tired of our party as it's been. I wanted "change", a new beginning, hope, but all I got was an old Senator who's been in the game too long.

I'm happy my friends are happy. And I hope that I can be excited and happy in 2012.

Sorry about the time since the last post. A lot of things going on, a lot of stress, a lot of fun.

First, the stress. The economy is striking my employer. There are impending job cuts, and it has everyone nervous. I'm hopeful that they will pass us by, but you just never can be too sure. I know friends are praying for us, and we really appreciate it.

Now, the fun. Where do I start?

We got to visit with my college friend (and best man in our wedding) Marc, and his lovely wife Helen, as well as Marc's sister, brother in law and father. It was good to see them, as we hadn't gotten together since before our trips to Russia. We spent a couple of evenings together, caught up, and had a great time.

We spent a day at Blue Springs State Park, where we saw 118 manatees. It was amazing. They love the warmer water of the springs, and head there in the winter, out of the colder waters. They are so sweet and gentle.

I'm looking forward to Pete's visit. It's always good to visit with friends, and I think we'll have a great weekend. Plus, that same weekend, Kim and Charlie are heading back to KC to visit Grandma and Grandpa, so I know they'll have fun.

Speaking of Charlie, he is sure a big boy now. He rides his bike, can count to 60, can spell his name, and knows all his letters, blends and vowels. Ladybird Academy has sure done a good job preparing him. And he loves it. Apparently, he really loves numbers, so maybe we have a mathmatics wiz in our family.

Florida is amazing in winter. It has actually gotten cold several nights, and we had a hard freeze right before Marc and Helen's visit. It did a number on our grass, so we are going to have to work hard to have a green lawn this summer. But, then today, it's beautiful, in the 70's, sunshine, and perfect baseball weather. Yes, Charlie has the bug to play catch, hit the ball, and all that. Now, if I can only find a left handed T-ball glove for him.

I'll put some photos up soon.