Episode 118: Drop Joy
It has become more apparent to me that voting is very powerful. There has always been a self-kept thought that our vote really does not count, because it's just one vote. What difference does one vote make? That's probably true in most cases - take a look at the 2004 Presidential Election, but it had the opposite effect last Tuesday. We won by a very close 300,000 votes. Teens can continue to have access to quality healthcare and feel safe about it. The victory is well celebrated, but our work is still not done because we know that in the future, the opposition will try to resurface the fight and rearm themselves with the bias of their own personal and religious beliefs. I wish the fighting could just stop, regardless of how you feel about the issue.
After the Tuesday victory, the week continued with business as usual. When Friday rolled around, I enjoyed a birthday dinner at the Panda Inn. Our party of ten joined to celebrate Columba's big 25th. It was fun. I started to feel the warm holiday spirit that night. Jon came (late as usual). I still have mixed feelings about seeing him because he acts like he has done nothing wrong. I still do not know for sure if we are still good friends or just friendly acquaintances who make an effort to be nice strictly out of the obligation of having to be in the same place at the same time. Our party of ten turned into a party of 6 when I impromptly hosted the after party at my house. Patty, Paula, Dawn, Columba, and Jon were at my house for some drinks and a few fun rounds of Catch Phrase. Friday was also the first day of the holiday season at Disneyland. I'm looking forward to seeing all that!
Saturday evening became a very late evening because I was having so much fun catching up with my old Center co-workers. It was Alisa's birthday, and many of us were at her new place in Long Beach eating, catching up, and playing a few rounds of Catch Phrase. As the night moved forward, I was delighted to see a live concert in Alisa's living room. She is friends with the lead singer of the band "Drop Joy." The lead singer is Nicki, and she is amazing. I attended her wedding to Catie in July. I'm so glad I got to sit down and chat with the both of them. Before we knew it, it was close to 3 AM. After we hugged our good-byes, I found myself driving in very thick Long Beach fog. I could barely see about 10 feet in front of me. Fortunately, it cleared by the time I drove into Los Alamitos.
Sunday was spent in my casual jeans and hooded sweatshirt. Patty and I had lunch at the Brea Mall and did some window shopping for holiday gift ideas. It's finally here! I'm happy about it, but a little disoriented because I still think that July was just yesterday.
Tomorrow starts a crazy 48 hour work week. The good news is the overtime pay, but the bad news is two super early and long days in San Bernardino (including my Saturday). November 15th will be a day - entertainment wise. The Star Lounge 2005 CD, Madonna's latest album, Friends Season 10 DVD, and Three's Company Season 5 DVD will all be released this day. I doubt I will buy all of them this week, but it's nice to know they are available for sale.