1/2 pound

I am currently a Weight Watchers member and was dreading my weigh-in this morning after a week of eating five course dinners and elaborate breakfasts on a cruise ship AND after eating a large, home cooked Thanksgiving meal that included all the butter-laden fixins' imaginable. I am ecstatic to report I lost 1/2 lb. Most people gain weight on cruises and after the holidays.

I have never, ever been more excited to loose a 1/2 lb. in my life. Whoo hoo!

Mullet-be-gone

Elisabeth was blessed with a full head of beautiful hair from birth. For some reason, the back of her hair started to grow faster than her sides, resulting in something similar to a "mullet." I finally couldn't stand this 80's hairdo and took a pair of scissors to remedy the situation.

Miss Mullet

After she was de-mulletfied

Our very own little Cindy Lou Who.

H-A-Double L- O- W- Double E -N

Our family on Halloween.  Sofi was a pumpkin this year.

We carved pumpkins for the first time as a married couple this year.

My pumpkin seeds turned out quite tasty.

We went trick-or-treating to two houses in our neighborhood.  Our neighbors gave Sofi a special treat.

Our little pumpkin and her papa.

Ladybug, ladybug.  Elisabeth was a ladybug this year and was sure cute.

Swing Voter

With great emotion, I happily bid this election season farewell. I am curious to see what Obama does in office... for better or worse. I am also relieved Prop 8 passed, as we were heavily involved with this grassroots movement. Regardless of how anyone voted, I am sure most people can agree with me that this election season was one historic and emotionally intense time.

Sadly, I have decided that I must gracefully withdraw my political registration as a Democrat. There is such a disparity between my conservative social views and the Democrat party that I feel like being a card carrying member doesn't quite fit anymore. Being a Democrat here in CA is A LOT different than being a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Laborer party in MN.

But, before all of you GOPers holler for joy that you won a Democrat over to your side, I must admit I can never be a registered Republican either. Those that know me well will also attest to the fact that I do *not* see eye-to-eye with the Republican party either. I will join my husband as being a completely independant voter - voting according to my conscience for who I think will be the best candidate for the job. And luckily, the Democratic party will still allow me, as a "decline to state" party member, to vote in their primaries.

I was listening to NPR today and am excited to hear that this decision - to become an independent voter - has made me a "swing voter." All parties will have to do their part to win my vote. I may have lost my "Minnesota Democrat" identity but have gained a new one of the "Swing Voter."