What would Michelle do?

Here is something strange that's happened to me since the election of Obama: Every time I find myself doing some odious task (wiping out the toddler potty, running to the grocery store with two kids because we have nothing to pack for lunches the next day, weeding, folding mounds of tiny kids clothes) I start thinking, "This is something Michelle Obama doesn't have to do anymore." 

I lose myself in daydreams of Michelle at home at the White House while the girls are in school.  She has her feet up.  She looks great (as we all would if we never again had to suffer that internal struggle between vacuuming under the kids beds or having a glass of wine and staring off into space). 

Maybe it's because I know that she was once a normal person who had to buy peanut butter and get up in the middle of the night to change pee-pee sheets. And now, she is not.  She lives a life free of these worries.  It's kind of fun to think about, isn't it?  What would you do with all that time and mind space?   I know one thing, I'd read a lot more magazines.

A thing I like 

I just found out about this movie Away We Go today and now I am so looking forward to it I am a little frantic.  I am so looking forward to it I am already trying to figure out how I might dole it out judiciously, so as to savor it more.  High expectations, I know.  But, come on?  Dave Eggers, Vendela Vida, John Krasinski (swoon a million times over) and Sam Mendes. 

So little time

Ack!  This blogging thing is harder than I thought.  One day it's Monday and then. . .it's Monday again and all you've done in between is hang out with old friends, host a BBQ, attend a book group to discuss the wonderful and moving Out Stealing Horses, take your two-year-old twins to to the Exploratorium (note to self: Exploratorium is truly cool but a total a nightmare with two-years-olds.  Stay clear for at least three more years), get your hair cut, and shop for a 20-year high school reunion outfit even though no garment exists that can make you look 18 again. And yes, I tried a girdle.

Mostly, though, I've just been stressing out about my storytelling performance coming up on Wednesday.  I had my "run through" in front of the class last Wednesday and despite my suspicions that I was going to be a natural, I was not.  There was sort of an eerie silence when I finished and I could feel the whole thing just sort of deflate. I also discovered an until-now dormant flailing thing I do with my hands when I'm nervous.  BUT I've been practicing, so here's hoping I step up and don't make a fool of myself in front of all the Porch Light hipsters!  And even if I do, at least I've done something I'm scared of.

I'll let you know how it goes.  And if you want to check it out or cheer me on, come at 6 on Wednesday to Intersection for the Arts.  Some of my classmates are really great and it's free!

PS.  If you want to donate to the Obama campaign, go here.  We are having a fundraiser at our house soon.  More to come about that. .  .