Oh, it's on!

We went to my first campaign event last night. Jeremiah's been having "man dates" for months now (having dinner with men who can give him advice on his campaign based on their experiences). But I haven't done anything beyond requesting people's help with cute t-shirt ideas for the kids. 

Well, actually, I'm working on a stellar idea for the Pasadena Parade that I've run by several people and I think that should count as campaign work.

We went down to Annapolis for the State Board of Elections seminar on Campaign Finance Compliance.  Since I'm the official Treasurer for the nonprofit group "Citizens for Jeremiah Chiappelli", I needed to know this stuff. I have to submit reports and keep an extensive database and everything! 

Jeremiah already knew everything at the seminar but I was a little intimidated. Not by the people or the ideas or the regulations. But by the level of diligence necessary. I'm exhausted by the level of recording necessary and the ramifications if I don't stay on top of the record keeping.

But anyhow, I did officially do something on behalf of the campaign. And I found out, sadly, that Jeremiah wasn't kidding- we have to put "Jessica Chiappelli, Treasurer" on EVERYTHING for the campaign.  Important stuff like commercials. Dumb stuff like mass emails. Prolific stuff like bumper stickers and signs. Embarrassing stuff like t-shirts. 

Somehow it's different to see my name out there and not just his. Any illusion of anonymity in this campaign will be gone. On the other hand, who ever reads the fine print? So I'm telling myself that it's totally fine. No big deal. No one will notice. 

Best Moment: The seminar ended early so we had time to stop at a sushi restaurant on the way home! We totally snuck in a date night! Of course we talked about the campaign the whole time. Another night in the life of a multi-tasker!

Worst Moment: A work-related email that I got late on Friday night which showed that something I'm working on is FUBAR. Great.

Thoughts of the Day: We operate in such a community of friends. We're constantly trading favors with people and it's awesome. With some people I'm even getting comfortable enough to stop keeping track. This is a big deal for me because I'm always cautious not to take people or things for granted. If I ever think that someone doesn't know that I love them or appreciate them or would help them if they need it, I feel guilty that I'm not doing my job.  Sometimes I think I try to show my love with my actions, which is better than with gifts but not as good as just trusting in love.  

Julie babysat for us on Friday night and then stayed around to help Jeremiah with his campaign website. If there was a St. Peter at the Gate judging my actions all these years with Julie, I bet he'd find that I owe her big time. But there's nothing I can do to make up for it. It's hopeless. I can only just love her and hope that counts double against all the stuff she does for me!

Also, Kate came back from her trip and picked up her chickens this morning. I didn't get to see her because I was at work but she left some gifts to say thank you. I thought we were already squared away on this one because her husband helped us build the new chicken coop when they dropped their chickens off two weeks ago! And now she topped it off with a thank you gift.  I should send her a thank you gift for the thank you gift! I usually feel that way when I receive a thank you. No, thank you!

Plus I suck at thank you gifts. I'm always thankful but I never show it with gifts or cards. I just figure it's an IOU and I'll catch you next time. 

Kate and Julie are key to my community of friends that I trade favors and gifts and hand-me-downs with. But really, it's such a big community, and I'm so thankful.  Karma is a blessing.