During these last few days before the election, it's really easy to focus on how much money each side is spending to shit on the other. I know I have, now that I no longer live in such a deeply-blue state like New York. Despite raging debates over six ballot proposals, Michigan has been relatively spared from the Obamney Barrage.
But Ohio is just getting hammered.
So far, about $181 million (or one-fifth of the nationwide total) in campaign money has been spent in Ohio, spreading fact-free nonsense like this. When you consider that Ohio's operating budget for schools has been slashed by $700 million for 2012-13, it's hard not to think that we're doing it wrong.
And Jesus, are we ever. Humans are singularly oustanding at making a pudding of things.
As strange as it feels to watch it from so far away (more on this later), though, I'm deriving a lot of joy watching my home turf clean up after Hurricane Sandy. I'm seeing nurses evacuating dark hospitals up and down several flights of stairs. I'm seeing firemen conduct a bucket brigade bringing oil to rooftop generators. I'm seeing floods of outreach from those who were spared to those who were not.
Plus:
- I met Doug Flutie and talked a lot with him about fatherhood (more on this later).
- My younger son finished his first soccer season, which I coached, and actually won a game (more on this later).
- My older son is curious enough to care what SPQR means (more on this later).
- I live in a neighborhood where lots of people care what SPQR means.
- I tried making my first pot roast last night, and it kicked major ass (more on this later).
- The 10yo actually ate a piece of it--after I told him it was a prerequisite before any more Halloween candy.
- It tasted even better today.
The kids are healthy, the power is on, the boiler works, and we will celebrate all with a French Fryday Bacchanal of tacos and "The Pirates! Band of Misfits."
I don't know where these high spirits are coming from (I think I blame Gretchen Rubin), but I'm going to enjoy them while they're here.
Much, much more on this later.
