Wednesday, August 9, 2000

 

12:30 a.m. I've been feeling guilty and mean-spirited and not a little bit uncomfortable for making flippant remarks about the new Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Joe Lieberman. For one thing, Igor is so proud and so joyful about this recent wrinkle in politics. How could I rain on his parade?

For another thing, I feel myself drawn into this, hoping that the more beautiful aspects of the human spirit will emerge, delicate as butterfly wings, from the rubble of hate. It could happen. Plus, I'm getting all weepy every time I open the paper or turn on the news and I know I'm going to be a complete basket case during the big moments of the convention.

I know I'm completely prejudiced and that last week folks on the Republican side were misty eyed when their guys were speaking -- but. I'm a bleeding-heart liberal, and ever so proud of it. I even hold out a small hope that the theme song at the end of the convention will make reference to these days of miracle and wonder.

It could happen. And here's the biggest mea culpa of all: It's been pointed out to me that I wouldn't be so critical of Lieberman's speaking voice if I would merely stop and listen to what he has to say. So that's what I'm going to do -- listen more and kvetch less. And sort of creep off the political stage for a little while.

It isn't Survivor Island, after all. It's not even Big Brother's bungalow, where tonight the eight remaining "houseguests" were universally nice to George, who in turn wept all through a phone call from home. Good TV, folks. Good TV. Decent people behaving decently towards each other -- what a unique programming concept.

In other news, in a misguided effort to add something positive to my dieting experience, I actually attempted a minor type of exercise today and let me tell you -- don't do it. You can really hurt yourself if you're not careful. I don't think the human body was meant to stretch and contort and sweat and groan and I, for one, am going to do my part and remain as sedentary as possible from now on.

Some --

omygod! yeeeeeow. You know that sound -- that chewing sound -- I was saying I keep hearing in the night as I sit here and work/type/work quietly? Well, now I know what it is! IT just fell through the open window on the other side of my office, scrabbling down the wall and omygod -- scurrying right in front of the white supplies closet -- it's a rat! It's a rat! And it's in my office right now!

Later. Must flee.

Later still ...

I woke up Igor and he got a broom and a stool and he closed the window and opened the back door and banged on the file cabinets and now what? It's going to eat my face off in the middle of the night, I just know it. Long tail. I hate these things. Maybe it's time for a kitty?

Geeze, but I hate these things. And there I was, languishing several paragraphs above, needing a topic. Ok. Here's the thought for the day: Be careful what you wish for.