"If the monorail doesn't pass, it's YOUR FAULT!"

I nearly got beaten up last night for admitting that I wasn't registered to vote. Technically this isn't true, but I didn't get a new license when I moved to Seattle from Redmond, and I didn't change my registration information, etc. So my card is worthless, basically. I did vote last year, though, so I don't feel like a complete waste of skin. And I even when I do vote I always feel like it's a completely futile gesture, since I don't live in swing states or districts. Almost everyone either agrees or disagrees with me; I've never voted on a candidate/issue that was at all close.

Last year was actually the first non-presidential election year I voted, and probably only because I did register when I got my license. I still didn't really feel that much like I was a part of a "community" enough to care about anything else (I certainly never felt that way back in North Carolina), but I did what I could. Now I feel slightly more in tune to the community, but I still only know about two initiatives, and no candidates. Last year (and in 2000) I basically voted for the independent, then the Democrat (if both the same party, then the woman). Is it worse to vote uninformed than not vote? Probably. And then there's the "if you vote stupid, it's worse than not voting" school of thought (which is how those anti-gay marriage props passed, I assume)...

building on it

I went running today for the first time in literally two weeks. I managed to do two miles, which I think is impressive considering my general state of being plus lack of exercise due to vacation.

Of course after I bought this at Best Buy this weekend, I had no choice in the matter. I use it to carry my Pocket PC, which I use to listen to music. And it's pretty cool, actually. I can even keep my keys in it and not have to worry about the prevailing lack of pockets in workout pants.

It's actually a reasonably nice day today (61F), which I didn't realize, since it's been so goddamn cold lately. I started with sweats over shorts and shirt, and had to take off the sweatshirt a quarter through. I wanted to take the pants off halfway through but didn't really feel like tying them around my waist too. Especially as I had the damn belt on already. But then towards the end I felt like I was going to die a little, especially since I totally have this weird problem where I don't sweat on my face so much as secrete oil. I sprayed myself with my water when I got back to my car, though, and started to feel better. And then they played "Spin Spin Sugar" by the Sneaker Pimps when I drove home. Sweet.