Someone finally crystalized my thoughts on Elizabeth Edwards

When I first heard that Elizabeth Edwards’ cancer had returned I cringed. When her husband didn’t drop out of the race for president, I got mad. How could he waste what little time he had left with his wife and she with their children on a political campaign?

Then I read interviews with her and I got mad at her! She sincerely believed this was a good idea! My righteous moral indignation went through the roof. What about her children? How could she rob them of a mother? Was she telling them that the plight of the U.S. was greater than their need for a mother? Did she expect that her oldest daughter would step up and be a mother to the younger children. That’s a lot to ask!

Then I got real. Hey, it is their business. It is HER business. I wouldn’t want someone to tell me how to live my life, so I’m not going to tell her how to live hers. Even if she made dumb choices

Then I saw her at Blogher ‘07 and I was really struck by how genuine she was and I was moved by her sincerity. She was very matter of fact and part of me thougth she should be the one running for the White House. This woman has a plan and I’m sure she’s gone to great lengths to insure that her children will be well cared for and loved.

I was out at The Motherhood today (great site stop by if you haven’t) and found a link to Jen Lemen’s site. Jen also attended BlogHer 07 (think I saw her, wish I’d met her), but she had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Edwards personally. She crystallized my feelings on the situation perfectly. When Jen met Elizabeth Edwards, she said

“I worry about you,” I said, surprised at how emotional I felt putting these thoughts into words. “I know your cancer is back and that you have these little children. I want to be so supportive of what you’re doing, but at the same time I don’t want to participate in something that would diminish this time in your family’s life–your time is so precious.”

YES! YES! that is it exactly. I’m not 100% sure I’ll vote for Senator Edwards, some of what he has to say appeals to me, but I’d hate to think that by voting for him, I some how hastened Mrs. Edwards’ death.

You can and should read Elizabeth Edwards response here. I’m still mulling over my options in the Democratic field, but now I feel like if I pick John Edwards, I can vote for him with a clear conscience.

Thank you Jen for putting words to my feelings!

Hey GM, are you listening?

I attended BlogHer ‘07 in Chicago. It was an amazing conference. Like any conference they had corporate sponsorship. I don’t have a problem with that especially when the sponsors’ messages aren’t SHOVED down your throat. No, at BlogHer, the sponsors were very unobtrusive.

GM sponsored the opening reception. It was delightful. To tell you the truth, I was actually looking for a GM representative, but never found one. I wanted to share some of my desires for my next car, so if no one minds, I’ll just do it here.

I have a 2003 Honda CRV, that I adore. Wen I bought it three years ago, I test drove several GM vehicles, including the Trailblazer and the last of the Blazer’s. While I liked both, there was no way I was going to purchase any vehicle with such atrocious gas milleage.

I live in a area where I NEED all wheel or four wheel drive. The CRV was the best combination of all wheel drive, fuel efficiency and safety for my money.

I’ll own it in a year an plan to keep it for another 2-4 years after that. So GM, you have at least 3 years to build me a car that a) can seat 5 comfortably, 7 on demand, b) has all wheel drive or on demand four wheel drive, c) has good safety ratings AND d)gets a minimum of 25 (preferrably 30) MPG city ( I am painfully aware that none of the mini SUVs get that kind of mileage, but a girl can dream can’t she?). If you can’t do that, I’ll be buying the Toyota Highlander. But hey, and thanks again for the shrimp wrapped in bacon, delish!