Thursday, October 30, 2008

voting early



Kansas is a pretty horrible state to live in, but at least we have the option of "early voting" here. It's a pretty attractive option if you're all stressed about long lines on election day (which I was). I worked at home today just I could go cast my vote before next Tuesday -- and I took The Lump with me because he'd finally registered.



I'd heard that early voting was attracting huge crowds, but I had no idea how huge! I'm not sure which political party is turning out in a greater number. Maybe it's the Democrats who are excited about a new candidate promising change...or maybe it's the McCain supporters who are determined to see their guy pull off an upset despite an electoral map that says he is doomed. I honestly couldn't tell by looking at the hundred or so people in line.



The line was intimidating, but it moved quickly and the people-watching was fun. I felt sorry for the really old people who were obviously not used to standing so long and the women with toddlers who could not keep them from wandering off toward those enticing mall fountains.



Here's a heads-up for people who've never voted before: You CANNOT wear shirts, caps, pins or anything else with a candidates name, picture or logo on them. The woman in front of me had to take off her Obama sweatshirt before entering the balloting room. We were not asked for I.D., but that varies from state to state. Be nice to the poll volunteers -- they are mostly retired people who are doing this for free.



It took a little over an hour to complete the process, but the line was much longer as we left. Just make a commitment to do whatever it takes -- however long it takes -- to cast your vote. This election is too important to sit out!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

"content warning"


As much as I miss the very comfortable and familiar format of AOL blogs, I have to say I like that Blogger gives us the option of putting a warning at the front gate of our journals. I also like that you can just upload an image from your computer without going through photobucket or the very unreliable & touchy imageshack. Both of these changes will allow me to share some of my more risque sketches that I never dared post on AOL.


I'll never forget the time I had a cartoon removed because some busybody took offense to me using the word "goddamn". I've had a contentious relationship with certain conservative, religious bloggers who keep showing up to cause problems even though they've always had the option of just not reading me.


This is not one of those potentially offensive images. It's a page of doodles I made while sitting through a mandatory class at work. As I've explained previously -- I am able to concentrate and sit still much better if my pen is always moving on a piece of paper. Otherwise I'd be fidgeting and sighing and generally acting like a toddler at the opera.


Saturday, October 18, 2008

clinical


I'm still not sure what I'm doing in this new journal space, but at least Google no longer considers me a "spam blog". That's something positive.


Anyway....


The doodle I'm including here is one I started while waiting in a hospital waiting room and then finished up while watching "True Blood" on HBO (awesome show!). On top of all the cruddy luck I've had lately, my blood pressure has gotten a little out of control. I deal with it all by not dealing with it. I sleep, work, eat, write, stare into space and sometimes doodle in the notepad I always carry. I can't tell you what it is or what it symbolizes. It could be an experimental art installation called "Avoidance".


sigh


Monday, October 6, 2008

I don't get it....

Now I found out my new blog is being flagged as a possible "spam blog". ????
Is it really worth the hassle of keeping one anymore?

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Mr. Organmeat


I drew this a few weeks ago -- when things were going so bad in my little life that I really thought I'd never find joy in cartooning again. I really can't tell you what it represents.


TESTING....again

I'm going slightly insane trying to figure out this new blog format. I was almost held back in kindergarten. True.