Off the Grid

So, I've been a little off the grid for the past week. It's not unusual for me to cut myself off from the outside world for a day or two. I go to work, interact with people there, then go home and hole myself up in my safe little haven of my own condo. Sometimes I get phone calls, sometimes I refuse to answer.

It's just how I am. It's how I deal.

So, like I said, it's not unusual. For a day or two.

But recently I went off the grid for a whole WEEK! From Thursday to Thursday, there was no talking to me. Of course, I made my public appearances at work, and Thanksgiving and all of that, but the whole time I was just waiting until I could make my escape.

The reason?? Stephenie Meyers.

Oh yes, the author of the Twilight saga.

If you've been paying even the slightest bit of attention (or even if you haven't), you've heard of this phenomenon among teenage girls. It's now even a major motion picture! I had heard of the books, a lot of my friends had read them and loved them, so they were on my radar. Then the movie came out, and the books were everywhere! Out of curiosity, I picked up the first one, Twilight, at Target and bought it.

That night at 10:00, I figured I'd read for 30 minutes then go to bed.

30 minutes passed. Then an hour. Then two. Suddenly it was 1:00 in the morning, and I still didn't want to put the book down!!

Needless to say, I am obsessed. I have now read all four books, and have even started to read the whole series all over again. (And it's not just because the main character happens to share my pseudonym. I had it first!)

When I'm not reading, I'm thinking about them. Seriously. Those books get in your head.

So yes, I am embracing my inner 14 year old girl, and I suggest you do the same.

Oh, and if you've read the books already, then I suggest you check out this. You'll be glad you did.

Hope

It's been awhile, but a long time ago I wrote about my student Mark, and his love of The Kitten. Well, The Kitten had a good long run (seriously, about 18 months!), and is currently on the back burner. I have the feeling it will make the occasional comeback, but will never be the main attraction. His new love?

Obama.

Seriously.

We studied the election all October, learned about Obama and McCain, talked about the president, etc. Well, Mark took a liking to Obama immediately. I don't know if it was something he got from home, or something he developed at school, but he walked around the room every day muttering to himself about Obama and the president, and who knows what else.

He had been asking for the picture for a long time, and I told him that if Obama won the election he could have a copy.

Lucky for Mark (and me!), the picture is now his.

But, in all seriousness, I am ecstatic. Besides being from Chicago, there was always something that I really liked about Obama. I'm not one to talk about politics, read about politics, etc,. but I have to say that I followed this whole election from the early stages.

Watching Obama win felt amazing to me; it's really the first time I've ever been really invested in a candidate. I always vote, but rarely feel passionate about a particular person.

The election this year gave me hope. Hope for a brighter future. This campaign was based on hope instead of fear.

I'm glad that Obama will take the Oval Office, and I'm glad that he is there to provide hope for ALL people.

Even for stunted, growly-voiced, autistic teenagers who carry around laminated pictures of kittens.