Me, Ethan, Misty and Kaiden at the Obama Rally in Virginia Beach.

Taking children to political events is a wonderful way to demonstrate how lucky we are to live in a country where we have the right to vote, and the right to voice our support for any candidate we choose.

Don’t you just love Ethan’s little thumbs up? He was so into it. While we were waiting for the speeches to begin he yelled out “let’s get this party started” and throughout the speeches he cheered and clapped, yelling Obama as loudly as anyone in attendance.

…for another Obama rally!  Tonight at 5:45, Barack Obama will speak to a crowd at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Virginia Beach. 

I’m hoping tonight is a little warmer, or at the very least that the wind is calmer, since we’ll have the little ones with us. I am trying to imagine what this event will be like through their eyes. The enormous crowd, hearing the cheering and the chant of O-BA-MA over and over, listening to a man speak who will most likely be the next President of our country, seeing the smiles of pride on the faces of the thousands who surround them. Will they remember this moment? Will they tell their children about waiting in line with their mothers to see a man who represented a change and hope for an America who was quickly losing hope?

I am hopeful that today I will give my son a new love and respect for his country, a passion for politics, a better understanding of the election process, a vision of an America united.

Ethan was so disappointed that he did not get to “meet” Barack Obama with me at last night’s rally. It was a little too late, a little too cold, a little too “I’m not sure if this is the best place to bring a child.”

It was a little too late, and it was a little cold, but it WAS the place to bring your child. It WAS the place to show your child a unified group of people who all want one thing…CHANGE.

Tomorrow is a different story. The rally is earlier, the weather expected to be warmer. Ethan will be attending the rally in Virginia Beach. I think it’s important to show your child at an early age how important the right to vote is. Misty will be bringing her daughter, Kaiden, and we will show our support once again, as women and mothers.

It was such a thrill to be a part of the Obama rally. Can’t wait until the next rally on Thursday night! This time the kids will be joining us.

Stephen and his girlfriend, Ashley, and the grandpuppies, Odus and Dottie won a costume contest this past weekend in Richmond.  Ashley put together the costumes for the four of them.  You can read about it here and see all the pictures here.

Going to an Obama rally tomorrow night. One week before he’s elected the next President of the United States, I’ll be listening to Obama speak at Harbor Park in Norfolk.

Ethan came in a few minutes ago, and asked me to “guess what I am” …

“I’m a cow. See my four nipples.”

As I looked at the pile of crap toys strewn all over Ethan’s bedroom floor, I started thinking about how few toys I actually had as a kid. A few Barbies, some Liddle Kiddles, a couple of board games (Monopoly and the ridiculous Mouse Trap), lots of art supplies and the spirograph.

I loved that thing. LOVED it! I could spirograph for hours, and I did. Kept it for years, and continued to spiro well into high school. You could often find two or more rings in my purse so I could spiro during math class, rather than listen to Mr. Smith ramble about Algebra II-Trig. I’m not sure when the spiro stuff disappeared from my parents’ home, probably the week I moved out of the house when I was stupid enough to get married a couple of months shy of my 21st birthday.

I’m not sure if Ethan is ready for the joys of spirograph, and I’m not even sure if they still market this toy, but he’s I’m getting one this Christmas, and a whole collection of colored pens to boot.

Are there any vintage toys you’d like so see under the tree this year?  I’d love some Clackers…anyone else remember those?

With an approaching birthday, I thought it was extremely important to research the characteristics of my birth sign, and evaluate if I am the typical Scorpio.

Beneath a controlled, cool exterior beats the heart of the deeply intense Scorpio. Passionate, penetrating, and determined, this sign will probe until they reach the truth. The Scorpio may not speak volumes or show emotions readily, yet rest assured there’s an enormous amount of activity happening beneath the surface. Excellent leaders, Scorpions are always aware. When it comes to resourcefulness, this sign comes out ahead.   This part rings pretty true.  I will definitely probe until I reach the truthe.  The not speaking volumes part…well, I have no problem expressing my opinions in a very vocal manner.

Friends and Family

Sincerity and truth are strong components of the Scorpio’s friends. It can take some time before really close bonds are formed, but once done, the Scorpio will remain dedicated and loyal. Witty and intellectual, they prefer companions who are humorous and easygoing. Full of surprises, this sign will give you the shirt off their backs if that’s what you need, yet once they are crossed, there’s no turning back. They feel deeply, and once hurt, it can be impossible to turn things around. Commitment to family is strong and consistent with the Scorpio. They are exceptionally helpful in managing affairs, and they are excellent advocates when needed. This is exactly me, particularly the part about being crossed.  If  you screw me, we’re done.  I won’t even turn back to spit on you.

Career and Money

I desire is the key phrase for the Scorpio. They are fantastic at managing, solving, or creating. Once the Scorpio sets their sights on a goal, there’s no deterring this sign. Tasks that require a scientific, penetrating approach are always best done by Scorpions as they will delve deeply into the materials they have. Their ability to focus coupled with determination makes for strong management skills. They’re not ones to worry about making friends on the job scene; rather, they prefer to see the task accomplished well.   This one’s close, too.  In a work environment I usually find one or two people I bond with, and the rest I keep watch over.  I don’t trust co-workers, although that might just be the last place I work.  There’s so much backstabbing at that place that the carpets have turned a permanent red.

Pursuing such careers as scientist, doctor, investigator, navigator, detective, researcher, police officer, business manager, and psychologist all suit the mighty Scorpio. Respect is an essential aspect of working for this sign. They need to respect their coworkers while also feeling a sense of being respected by others.  I should have been an investigator or a psychologist.  Probably a criminal psychologist.  That would have been the perfect field for me.

Scorpions are disciplined enough to stick to a budget and unafraid of working as hard and as long as it takes to get themselves in a good financial position. Many are fortunate and inherit money. Whatever the case – and regardless of the balance – they are great managers of their dollars and are not apt to overspend. Money means security and a sense of control, which is important to the Scorpio. Therefore, they’re going to hang onto the majority of the cash, making decisions carefully before turning any of it over.   Money talk bores me…

Love and Sex

This is the strongest of the sexualities in the Zodiac. Incredibly passionate, the Scorpio takes intimacy seriously. Partners need to be intelligent and honest. Much of the foreplay for this sign happens long before the bedroom through conversation and observation. Once in love, they are devoted and loyal to the death. But relationships can take some time. The Scorpio needs to build trust and respect for a potential mate slowly and thoroughly.  Devoted and loyal…always!  But screw me, and you’re yesterday’s trash.  I don’t forgive on the trust front.  You lose my trust, you LOSE!

SCORPIO TIDBITS

Health
Each sign has a part of the anatomy attached to it, making this the area of the body that is most sensitive to stimulation. The anatomical areas for Scorpio are the genitals, bladder, rectum, and the reproductive organs.  Not surprising considering my previous health issues. 

Ruling Planet
The ruling planet for Scorpio is Pluto. Traditionally, this planet rules that which is hidden from view. It also represents conception, birth, death, slow growth, generation, regeneration, unpopular causes, anonymity, phobias, and the exposition of secrets.  Ummmm, yeah…Whatever…

Colors
The colors of choice for Scorpio are dark red and maroon.  Can you say jeweltones?

Gemstone
Scorpio’s star stone is the opal.  Really?  I didn’t know this.

Lucky Numbers
Scorpio’s lucky numbers are 2, 7, and 9.  Playing the lottery with these numbers tonight.

Compatibility
Scorpions are most compatible with Pisces and Cancer.  Whatcha think about that one, Misty?

Opposite Sign
The opposite sign of Scorpio is Taurus.   Well, I’m married to my opposite…you know what they say about opposites, don’t you?

The Perfect Gift
The best gifts for a Scorpio are sentimental choices, clothing (especially something sexy), and non-fiction books. Pretty true, but spare me the sexy clothes.

Likes
Truth, facts, being right, teasing, longtime friends, a grand passion, a worthy adversary   This is so true it’s scary…everyone one of these things rings true…very true!

Dislikes
Dishonesty, passive people, revealing secrets  Again, VERY true!

House
Natural sign of the Eighth House. This house focuses on sex, taxes, death and rebirth, a partner’s resources, inheritance, and regeneration.  yeah…got it…well, not really but let’s move on.

Famous Scorpions
Hillary Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Combs, Julia Roberts  I’m in great company.  Do you think I should start changing my name on a regular basis?

Best travel destination
Zambia, Syria, Norway, Halifax, Liverpool, New Orleans, Washington, D.C.  Big NO to the Norway!  BIG, BIG YES to Zambia!

Strengths
Passionate, stubborn, resourceful, brave, a true friend   That’s me…all of those!

Weaknesses
Jealous, distrusting, secretive, violent, caustic   Caustic?  You have no idea!

Charismatic marks
An intense look in the eyes, muscular   The intense look?  Yes!  The muscular thing?  Hell no!

Best environment
Dark, sensuous places, any situation that offers power or rouses strong feelings  Do Casey’s Pub and Judy’s count as dark and sensuous?