Early voting - go do it!

Because, frankly, I think this year is going to be nuts. I'm going in tomorrow (well, later today) to toss my vote in for Obama.

Now, I'm not a Democrat. Or a Republican. I deliberately stay unregistered, for the simple facts that (a) I don't want the parties to make any assumptions about me and (b) it cuts down on junk mail. (And some of the ads coming in have been absolutely vile.)

I grew up in the 80s. Loved Reagan, thought he was incredible. First vote was for Bush Sr, then - I think Perot, actually. Then Nader, as I had no faith in Bush Jr. or Dole and wanted to encourage more third party participation. Kerry after that, seeing how Bush was acting (and how slanderous his attacks would get.)

But I'll tell ya, watching Obama versus McCain is night and freaking day. I really, REALLY was pulling for McCain four years ago, hoping he'd get the nod from the Republicans - but they pulled together behind Bush, unfortuntely. And somewhere between then and now, McCain lost ... a lot. Integrety, I suppose is a word for it. He's certainly not the same person *now* I'd have happily voted for four years ago.

He hasn't offered anything I've seen other than attacks, and Sarah Palin - oh, my, god. Yeah, she's "folksy," or something, great. She's NOT VP - or more importantly, Presidential - material. I can't see her as anything but a cynical grab for the women who were supporting Hillary Clinton as well as the radical right. (Didn't we - aren't we, still fighting against a theocracy? Why do we want to introduce one at home?)

Obama's been respectful. He's shushed supporters - even denounced them - when they started attacking McCain. He's offered answers to the horrid attacks from the Republicans ("He's a muslem terrorist, he supports terrorism, and his christian preacher is nuts!" What?) He's said flat out he *respects* those who serve their country, and mentioned McCain specifically, seeming very firm in that he would NOT tolerate anyone questioning his opponent's service or patirotism... meanwhile, that same opponent's camp has twisted and turned everything they can.

One side's slinging mud, the other's giving answers and hope. Who the hell do you *think* I'm voting for? I've said it before, I'll say it again - it's like the Republicans WANT to lose this race.

I'm looking forward to four years - preferrably eight, I think he'll do thta good of a job, even with the rough road he's going to have to start on - of Obama.

How to make a customer annoyed.

1. Hype a game (Hellgate: London.)
2. "Suddenly" require a subscription before release.
3. Be vague about what's needed (do you REALLY need to subscribe? Oh, only for new content. Can you see it single player? I still don't know.)
4. Be buggy and slow.
5. Make sure selecting a nice, clear "System Requirements" option does not bring up, oh, system requirements. In any way shape or form.

Hellgate sucks. And I was so looking forward to it, oh, a year ago or so.

How long?

How long does it take to no longer be angry at an ex?

All I know is, I need to find someone. Not having someone means I end up with time to think. Which sometimes leads back to her. Heck, I'm realizing I don't recall seeing anything of the first miscarriage in insurance or hospital bills... convenient that it was while she was away from me.

Yeah. I need to get my butt out there and hook up with someone, I think. This isn't healthy.

Yay!

So, two things I've been waiting for arrived today.

See, I've been planning on getting back into model building - it's one of those "essential parts of me" I've neglected since divorce, just from feeling so lost and "not-me" since.

Well, I couldn't pass these up, and as I got that *urge* to build again - I've been getting a few kits together and supplies. I lost thousands thanks to the bitchy, forced nature of the move I had to do - and not just little things like the kits and such, but irreplacable things, like my high school yearbooks. Something I can't forgive being forced into the position I lost hem from.

Anyway... my "stuff."

First, I used to have an airbrush, an Aztek 470. It's a nice brush, with a unique system of tips instead of full needles, and a resin (of some sort) body that can't be disassembled. I lost that during the move. I finally turned round, hearing Badger had a "yard sale," and bought a Thayer-Chandler Omni 4000.


I still may buy another Aztek, but... this is a gorgeous brush, with comfortable heft for it. Normally runs something like $130. I got it for $40 or so. Then another 10 for an air hose with water trap built in. NO air cans for me any more (something that always irked me.)

The other thing?

A Dragon HE-162D kit.

I love this airplane. It, the P-36, and the F-5/T-38/F-20 series are my all time favourites. They just look *right.* The D's a forward-swept wing variant... yes, on an early (WWII German) jet.

... I can't wait to get building.

Edit: 6000. Not 4000. Still an awesome little brush.

Anniversaries

Two days ago was my ex's birthday. Emailed her a week before - as I don't really trust myself to talk to her, or, honestly, just trust her. Haven't heard a thing.

Somehow, this doesn't really bother me, given my thoughts, when turned to her, are either those of feeling used or downright angry.

And in less than a month - March 6, to be honest - is the second anniversary of my emancipation.

Heck of a thing to call a divorce, hmm? Yes, I celebrate the day we signed the papers, even though life went to hell shortly after, and I found myself driving cross country to the barely-open arms of my brother - not, in hindsight, that I could blame them. I had, for her, burned bridges... two weeks after that, I left, to live with a friend for a few months, then move back in with my mom to help get me on my feet.

I'm getting there. I still feel adrift, somewhat - I can't say I'm of my job, but it's a job, and if I don't think of where I could have been, it's... tolerable. Still not where I want to be, but it's there, and letting me collect bits of myself back.

Meanwhile... I turn to ME. I'm still rediscovering who I am - quiet and somewhat of a loner that I am, never satisfied and always curious. Soon, I'll have to find a focus for that building energy.