We all need each other...

Observing the "brave new world" following Tuesday's election has been interesting. What is reported in the dreaded "MSM" is a previously unseen spirit of cooperation from the White House and in politics in general. This is mainly mandated by the Transition Act, which budgets and requires processes for a smooth transition in government. But it's obvious that folks in Washington have been anticipating this particular power shift prior to Nov 5. What isn't reported, of course, is what is probably REALLY happening. All in due time, I'm sure.

But I've been giving some thought to the filibuster-proof majority that didn't happen for the Democratic Party. That, plus listening/reading some of the chatter about Republican rebuilding. I am glad the Republican Party's reign of terror, er, power is over. But I am also glad that the supermajority did not happen in the Senate. The parties need each other. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and all that.

Let me be clear here: I may be left-of-center, but I don't trust or like either of the parties. I'm not a loyal Democrat, but their ideals usually fit mine better than the Republican ones. Not always. I personally think that most politicians, when placed under just a little pressure, turn out to pretty much be the same. I realize that is a very cynical viewpoint, but I don't think I am alone. I hope we've just elected an exception to this rule.

What I WOULD like to see is a new focus on public service, as has been promised by Obama's campaign. I think we could do a lot in this country if we just organized people's natural desires to be involved in the community and the world. Our citizens are our greatest natural resource, and most of them have been alienated by politics and policies of the past 20 or so years, at least. That's the change I'd like to see.

How about this WLS stuff? Well, weight is still hanging in that same 3 lb range that it has been sitting in. After taking a few days off, I ran again today. I haven't felt up to it--a little depressed, maybe--but today I just got sick of my own laziness and excuses and got off my butt. It felt a lot better to do something good for myself.

We need each other in this WLS arena, too. I get a lot of inspiration reading all of your blogs about your own journeys, at all different points along the way. Some are newbies, some long-time bandsters, some are just starting the pre-op process. And some aren't having surgery at all. I haven't really been frequenting the boards lately--that really fell off my radar once my free time started to disappear. But reading my sistas' blogs--including Achieving Me (She Smiles), Laura (I'm a Pretty Girl Momma), losingjusme, Diz, Angie (Journey to a New Me), Love My Lap Band (Lori), killthefatman (Manatee--right, not a sista, sorry man), Lise the Loser, and Pasta Queen, and Thinspiration (I'm sure I'm forgetting someone here, sorry! see sidebar for all my peeps)--you guys keep me inspired and moving along. I'm starting to formulate a bit of a plan in my brain to lose the last 10 after this semester is over. I'll let you know if I come up with anything concrete, but I think I'll be in the thinking phase for a bit here. Thanks everyone, for keeping it real.