1.

Sarah Palin’s book tour is coming here in a couple of weeks. It goes without saying that I have to meet her. I mean, I was one of her very first followers, outside of Alaska after all. But here’s the thing. The line at her first stop was 1500 people long. The first 500 camped out overnight. I? Am not quite that dedicated. But I am willing to get in line first thing in the morning. I’m just wondering if that means I’ll be number 1000? Also, the signing is at a BJ’s – one of those stores where you need a membership to shop. Will they let non-members in the door? (I’m assuming they would, but how much would it stink if I waited all that time and then they didn’t?) I wish I had a good conservative (meaning someone who wants to meet Gov. Palin as much as me) friend nearby to stand in line with me. It would be so much more fun that way.

2.

Lots of things would be more fun with a friend. Shopping. A night out. Chick flicks. I wonder how many years I’ll live here before I make such a friend? Not that I’m completely friendless here … there’s lots of woman I say hello to at church and I consider all the couples in our small group friends. But I haven’t yet connected with anyone in a way that I feel like I can pick up the phone and say “hey, let’s do something.” I’d blame the area but I know I’m just as much at fault. Reaching out like that seems to get harder for me every year.

3.

 A little free marital advice for any husbands out there: Men, there is a phrase that should never, ever, under any circumstances pass your lips. Not. Ever.

I’m doing everything.

If you should be so foolish as to utter these three words, it would behoove you not to say them in regards to getting the kids off to school if you have never in your life actually gotten the children up, dressed, fed, teeth brushed, lunches packed, backpacks checked etc, on your own. Not one single day. I’m sorry but driving a child to the bus stop is very very far from “doing everything.” Also not a wise idea to utter this foolhardy phrase whilst standing not five feet away from the sinkful of dirty dishes that you were supposed to wash the night before. I’m just sayin’.

4.

 Wives: It is possible that upon hearing said utterance, if the hormones are aligned just right and you’ve had a long tiring week, you will find yourself going completely off the deep end. Said deep end may include door slammings, random yelling at inanimate objects and appropriate stomping around the house. With all of the children off at school you may feel that this behavior is altogether appropriate. You are right. However, if your husband is then insane enough to ask “What are you so mad about” … well, I guess there’s no point in telling you not to yell. You are only human after all. But you may regret it later when the husband decides a long commute in DC traffic is preferable to working from home in the same house with a woman who has gone off the deep end. Especially if you are going to be leading your small group’s Bible study lesson on marriage that evening.

5.

Sigh.

6.

 Holy Moly. Husband just returned home. With flowers. And my favorite drink from Starbucks. And then he apologized for being selfish and said he’d help any way I wanted him to. This day? Just got significantly better. (for the record, I also apologized, for the crazy off the deep end yelling. I can be humble. Sometimes.)

7.

 Let’s end these quick takes on a happier note. May I introduce to you the latest edition to my extended family, my new baby nephew, Grover. No of course that’s not his real name. It’s the nickname my brother and his wife gave him in utero. He was born on Monday evening and I’ve been stalking FB ever since just to see if they’ve posted any more photos of him. Normally I won’t post face-showing photos of family, but since my brother has this picture on his open to the public website and little Grover is a tiny newborn who will look completely different by next week, I’m breaking my own rule. Is he not absolutely adorable?

My nephew’s the one on the right.

More quick takes here.