Heart Disease

I am certain I have heart disease despite only being in my thirties. How do I know this? Let's see- my mother's father died of a heart attack at 59, my father's father had a bypass in his 60's or 70's and my father had a bypass and a heart attack at his relatively youthful (you're welcome) age. I cant avoid it. I do have one thing in my favor- I am a woman, but actually its not as helpful as one would think. Worse yet, my 5 and 6 year old will have heart disease (two boys with history on both sides- goodness we have work to do to make sure they stay active and healthy).

No wonder I am focusing on wellness this year. Seriously- I went to the doctor prior to the events of last week- actually it was about a month ago. The doctor prescribed me PREP (formerly known as 60/60) at ACAC, a mindfulness meditation class and a few other things, none of which were drugs. I like that doctor. The PREP program at ACAC has been particularly helpful. One pays $60 for 60 days of membership at the gym. You are required to go two days a week. My doctor recommends I go 7 days a week (so that I at least go 5 days a week). As a PREP member I have unlimited access to the gym for 60 days. Another post will be on the day I fell in love with ACAC.

I enrolled in the mindfulness class, then realized it was too pricey for the family at this point, especially when Insight Meditation has some classes at much more reasonable rates (not that I have been to those-baby steps).

Texas- what?

Now I have been to Texas. To be clear I went to Brooks Army Medical Center (BAMC), my dad's house in San Antonio, the airport in San Antonio and the Wal Mart close to my dad's house (we did drive thru a starbucks and a Sonic, but I wont count those b/c I was just in the car). Not really the typical tourist visit, but I hate typical so I dont feel like I missed much (except for Olive Garden and I can get that here, somewhere).

I didnt see the Riverwalk, the Alamo or the Spurs. My dad tells me the Alamo is over rated and that if we have a chance go see the other missions. I didnt really have the chance. The thing about San Antonio is that it is not pretty, it is pavement and suburbia for miles. There is a dome building where the Spurs used to play that is called the armadillo dome because it looks like a dead armadillo-really unattractive.

BAMC is a special place though. First because my dad was healed there thankfully but also because the wounded warriors that are healed in that facility. It was a special privilege for me to pray for the family I met there and the other families/soldiers I didnt meet but saw.

I slept in the waiting room multiple nights, no one bothered me (and I snore). The cafeteria only accepts cash, which I never ever carry, but generous family members provided the money and the meals were so cheap. Admittedly it was difficult to eat for the first few days, not because of the food, but the circumstances, the appetite came around for all of us and the food was nourishing and above average.

We watched a lot of SportsCenter, my dad and I were both so grateful on Saturday and Sunday when we could watch football all day and not the same sports news all day. I like sports news because it really doesnt matter in the grand scheme and no one has an agenda to overthrow our president on SportsCenter.

CT surgeons are my new best friends and post op nursing teams. The surgeon could not have been better, so personable, listened, spent time with us oh and brilliant. Bless that man. Because my step mother and aunt and cousin and I were constantly by my dad's side the care my dad received was exceptional, it helps to have advocates. The nurses were all good. They can get busy so it helps to have family gently reminding or even the patient himself tell the nurse what he needs.

Perhaps my view of Texas would not be so negative if I didnt arrive there under inauspicious circumstances or if San Antonio wasnt in a multi-year drought. Perhaps. I hope my step mother's next assignment is slightly more scenic & closer. I am however grateful to be able to leave Texas w/ a dad who is recovering. Blessings abound so I cannot be too harsh to the state.

Congratulations to Creigh Deeds & Jody Wagner

I am proud to support the democratic ticket (Deeds, Wagner, Shannon).

Creigh Deeds is a man of honor. He is a moderate, he connects with working, middle class people because of his own experience. With him as the nominee, I feel like anything is possible- his optimism surely cannot be matched. His credibility in the General Assembly and with voters in Virginia will allow him to get things done in Richmond in a unifying, not divisive manner.

Jody Wagner - what can I say about her? She dominated. She will provide Bill Bolling the competition he needs. She has made things happen in Virginia- she will as Lt. Gov.

Congratulations to all democrats in Virginia. I am now convinced that a primary, while painful to watch, can build the party.

Upcoming dem events

After the election I had a brief respite from the daily political dramas. Now I am in event mode- so many things are happening in the next three months:

Left of Center- "How Perriello Won" at Rapture on 1/5/09 from 5:30-7:00
A Left of Center speaker panel will discuss how Virginia’s 5th District Congressman-Elect Tom Perriello pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the country, squeaking past 6-term incumbent Virgil Goode with a razor-thin margin of 700 votes. Speakers will include two reporters that covered the campaign closely—the Hook’s Lindsay Barnes, and Will Goldsmith from C-Ville Weekly; two senior campaign staff— Tom’s personal assistant Brian Bills, and Rachael Klarman, a lead organizer in Danville; Kelli Palmer, who led efforts that registered 5000 new voters in Southside; and 5th District Democratic Chairman Fred Hudson, to provide some historical perspective. The event is free and open to the public.

Fundraiser for David Toscano

Democratic Breakfast at JABA on Hillsdale from 9:30-11:00 (third Sat. of the month)
Robert Toplin, semi-retired professor of history from UNC, will speak at the January 17th Democratic breakfast. His topic will be "Dealing With Economic Crisis: The Democrats' Approach". Bob spoke over a year ago at the breakfast on radical conservatism, the subject of his most recent book and his presentation was very well received. He is a prolific writer who has published about a dozen books and a multitude of articles on American history and politics.

Inaugural Ball "We did it" Herman Key Recreation Center on 1/24/09 Tickets may be purchased here only. Multiple levels of sponsorship and involvement. Come celebrate the inauguration in style. Proceeds benefit the Road Back PAC, City & County Democratic Committees.

Grace Tinsley Scholarship Fundraiser Elks Lodge on Rt. 20 on February 7th.

Annual Democratic Party Pasta Supper Fundraiser Saturday, March 28th Charlottesville Senior Center

DONT FORGET TO DONATE TO YOUR FAVORITE statewide CANDIDATE PRIOR TO MIDNIGHT TONIGHT- FUNDRAISING DEADLINE FOR THIS QUARTER IS TONIGHT! GO CREIGH!

Am I still a blogger? And other goings on

No posts in December? I am not sure I qualify as blogger any more, so I thought I would post some inside stuff in hopes of continuing my blogger credentials.

Here is the news as I know it.
My favorite Parks and Rec. Director has accepted an offer to head a new Parks department in Arizona- that has professional baseball spring training. So jealous, I love me some baseball. Svetz is a hard act to follow. I wish the City Manager well in finding a replacement. My top pick is Brian Daly, the current Assistant Director (I am not sure why, but I dont know their titles). Brian has been Svetz's right hand man for the past three years. Brian came from FFX County where he helped modernize the parks and recreation. Svetz's political savvy is impressive, Brian has been learning from him.

The CDBG task force has been reviewing applications for the CDBG/HOME funds (federal funds). We have a lot of applications most are very worthy of funding and again we have a reduced amount of money to work with. After this round of applications, the task force will review the RFPs for the Charlottesville Housing Fund, including presentations by the applicants. The task force particularly appreciates hearing the perspectives of the applicants, usually it makes our jobs easier, not more difficult.

Year of Wellness

I am graduating from Sorenson Political Leaders Program (PLP) next week. My project this year was the PLP program (& get Obama/Perriello elected among other things).

Last year, I ran for City Council;

The year before, I started my own business;

In 2005, we moved back to Cville and bought our first house;

In 2004, I had baby #2;

In 2003, I had baby #1;

In 2002, I got married;

In 2001, I graduated from law school, studied for, passed bar, first protective order (ugh).

I am thinking 2009 I can refocus on my own wellness, since in all the hubbub since 2001 I havent had much time for that (and it shows itself in many ways).

What does wellness mean? Do I join a gym, like Waldo or Jim? Do I get a hobby like Marijean (knitting, not the pies)?

If I give myself a goal, which any good type A'er does, what should it be, besides lose weight. Something a bit more than physical wellness is on my mind. I am open to suggestions. Luckily I have a few more weeks to figure it out.

Here are some thoughts I have:
Writing- I do enjoy writing and if I write then maybe I will feel more wellness.
Church- I could do some church tours and see if going to church will bring some feeling of wellness.
Travel- ? not sure if travel brings wellness, I frequently get ill after traveling.
Hiring someone to clean my house regularly (as if, but I think it would bring some calmness to my life).
Quitting all the things that annoy me- I cant figure out if I would be more annoyed without these things or less (I know my bosses would be happier).
Eat healthier- obviously (and eating right does take some work).
Exercise- I dont think I will join a gym until I can demonstrate my own capacity to exercise without a gym..
Meditation- I like the sound of having time to meditate (I read Eat, Pray, Love so of course for a 21st century girl like myself meditation seems like a good idea)

Here is what I will NOT be doing
1. running for office- not that this is news.
2. quitting my job (as I get better at my job, I feel more wellness, and even though its challenging A LOT, this is a good thing).
3. signing up to lead crap- clearly someone else can do it, if it must be done.

Political Buzz

Jody Wagner will be in Charlottesville on Saturday to speak to at the Chville-Albemarle Democratic Breakfast. She is a candidate for Lt. Governor, her opponent in the primary is Jon Bowerbank. Light breakfast will be served, starts at 9:30, donations appreciated, its at JABA on Hillsdale Drive.

Brian Moran says he can win Virginia because a bunch of Delegates in Loudoun County endorse him. I find some flaws in his logic- first those folks better support any eventual nominee, so this isnt about winning Virginia, its about winning the nomination. And Loudoun County is not really part of the rest of Virginia anymore, it is northern Virginia, AND endorsements from Moran's colleagues in the House, while thoughtful, doesnt exactly mean an onslaught of support for Moran.

I went to a Creigh Deeds reception last night, wow it was fun. I had never been to the Second Street Gallery (this is me ducking, I know I should visit). The gallery was full of people, most of whom wore their grown up clothes. The good Senator discussed the economy, transportation and reducing our carbon footprint. Deeds wants to get Virginia moving again- especially with a vision for transportation that represents the future not the past - obviously funding and building roads, but leading the way in new modes of transportation. Deeds is straightforward, in a refreshing, non political way-- I really appreciate candidates who tell me the truth "I am not saying its going to be cheap or easy" he told the crowd. I appreciate that to move forward and protect the future for my children (and yours), sacrifices will need to be made. Donate to Deeds campaign -- its a great opportunity to keep the issues of all Virginians on the front burner.

The NEW Congressman from the 5th district showed up to the estatic and thankful group. Tom Perriello, wearing his classic campaign boots, barely made it past the front door before a line formed to speak to him. He patiently, even enthusiastically talked to everyone and seemed to be doing quite well, not as tired as last week for sure. Even I waited in line with friends to thank Tom for his hard work and awesome campaign. Tom Perriello needs some donations to cover the cost of the attorneys covering his canvasses in far away precincts. Please consider donating so that Perriello can go into his term debt-free (and fund raising for the next cycle).

Am I in trouble?

Today I got a call from Terry McAuliffe- himself. I wasnt home, so he left a message. I have heard from potential candidates/candidates Jody Wagner, Jon Bowerbank both have tried to reach me via telephone because of my role in the City Committee. I do sense I am in trouble and the whole Clinton world may come down on me because of my post yesterday (I am kidding, I hope). Stay tuned...