Second Thoughts

One week until our first political event. I've been thinking about our float in the Pasadena Parade forever and now it's only one week before and I just want it to be over with.  I've got that frantic urge to start new projects and plan new activities that always comes around right before something important. Like partying before an exam- I could keep studying and maybe it would help, but I'm sick of studying and I just want to make the time pass faster until I can just get it over with.  

I've recruited some friends and family to walk in the parade with us. I've toned down my original idea that included music, costumes, and choreography (I'm not kidding.).  Now I've got my brother driving his truck and pulling a trailer. Add hay bales and kids in animal costumes, blowing bubbles. Slap on several magnetic signs and balloons. Surround with people wearing "Vote Chiappelli" t-shirts, carrying similar signs and passing out candy and Jeremiah's campaign card.  Plus Jeremiah, well dressed, shaking hands with the crowd (and our photographer friend capturing it for our website). That's where I'm at right now.

 

Delicately balanced on the fence are 3 segways (one that we own, two that we rent).  Not literally balanced!  Originally the segway riders were wearing costumes and spinning around and generally being memorable. Then the segway riders were going to wear simple lion-tamer type costumes, which would go with the kids wearing animal costumes (the Chia-pets, as the sign will say). Now I have the segways on hold but I'm lacking confident segway riders! So of course I haven't done the costumes yet, not knowing who it will be. And I ditched the music and choreography citing lack of chutzpah.

And I'm doubting the whole thing. It might end up like my halloween costumes EVERY YEAR (see photo of the dragon, the butterfly, and the um, tree lady?). I think, I don't need anything expensive- I can whip something together. And then one substitution leads to another and I end up with something that is probably a costume, but people have to ask what it is. Sigh. Maybe I should save it for next year and do it right. Or maybe it will be ok with just segway riders wearing Vote Chiappelli. Maybe a cape thrown in for good fun? 

Best Moment of the Day: You know, it's lame, but I have to admit that my best moment was when Jeremiah and I finished cleaning the gutters. For the first time, ever. They really needed it but you can imagine how easy it is to do something else instead. We got a lot of household chores done today and the kids played very nicely around the yard for most of the day! 

Worst Moment of the Day: Once again, I design, research, and prepare for two programs at Masonville and today no one shows up. Heck, I didn't want to show up either- it was so beautiful today! I was ready to teach a science program in the lab called "Air and Water" and a community workshop called "Weatherproofing Your Home".  On the one hand, hey- I did what I could and got paid anyhow so no harm! But on the other hand, I do this so that I can educate people about the environment and in that way I can make a difference in the world. This does not work so well when no one comes for me to educate. (The good news is that I had ok attendance for my two yoga programs on Saturday and for my two programs after that.)

Thoughts of the Day: Last night we watched "American Gangster"- a great based-on-a-true-story movie starring Denzel Washington, directed by Ridley Scott.  It's the classic small time gangster (Denzel) makes big and is hunted by an underdog cop (Russell Crowe). I usually don't fall for the gangster- I think of the crimes that their dealings will lead to and hate them no matter what. But this gangster character was a top of the line business man; an intelligent gentleman.  I always really appreciate someone who stands for good decorum and smart planning. If Jeremiah was a gangster, he would be this guy. (minus all the yucky stuff and the inevitable demise and all) I'd like to think if I were a gangster, I would be that way too. But really I'd grab my first fistful of cash, then flee to Mexico and hide forever in a beach paradise. I'm too wussy to be a gangster.