I am so tired of politics. And economics. And debates. But they are practically everywhere and nearly impossible to escape. Of course I care about what happens on November 4th-who doesn't-but since February, some form of political news show or parody has graced my television screen thanks to my politico-loving husband. From Rachel Maddow and Chris Matthews, to Tina Fey and Sarah Palin, from Barack Obama to John McCain, and Hillary to Bill and Keith Olbermann...I've had enough.

Just a few minutes ago I had to walk out of my living room because I can't stand watching debates, or any kind of competition for that matter (i.e., ice skating at the Olympics--I find it stressful waiting for the triple lutz to turn into a triple klutz with a crash at the end). Real life continues to play itself out daily, but it seems like no one is taking the time to notice. There is more to life than the Dow Jones industrial average, than the plentiful "drill baby drill" Sarah Palin speeches (if you Google "Sarah Palin quotes", you will find 2,630,000 results), than the constant bickering between Republicans and Democrats. Call me selfish, because I guess in many ways, I am, but I don't always view things in a high level fashion; if it doesn't pertain directly to me, I become increasingly stubborn and disinterested. And this is not to say that I am not going to vote (because of course I am) or that I don't have an opinion on these subjects or on the politicians themselves (I do). However, these subjects are not all I think about. I would rather hear about a friend's problem, read a stimulating book, watch almost anything else on TV, go on the elliptical machine, and play with my cat, than get caught up in the next few weeks of drama which I am sure will only escalate as we approach Election Day. I am not interested in the barrage of emails I've been receiving that are anti-Palin, pro-Obama, pro-women, put your name on this list, sign here, do that, join us, whatever. I think that politics are a personal issue, and should stay that way.

That said, in the spare few hours that I have been able to wrangle the TV (just kidding, Jeffrey :), I of course have gotten sucked into all the "Drama in Real Life"-type shows on the Investigation Discovery channel. What a surprise, right? I can seriously sit through 48 Hours: Hard Evidence, Extreme Forensics, Life of a Crime, and Wicked Attraction for hours at a time. I guess because all of the stories involve real people and surreal stories. I am fascinated by the victim in most cases and the murderer in others (Derrick Robie and Eric Smith, for example). I wonder if my strange interest stems from the Beaudoin murder of 1977. It happened next door to my childhood home...before I was born, obviously, but my parents had just met the children the night before they were killed when they came over to see if they could play in our backyard. Extremely eerie. My parents were one of the few couples to call 911 when they woke to the crackling of fire and smoke early that July morning. (Lorne J. Acquin killed 9 people--8 of them children--when all was said and done, and then set fire to the house). I guess I always want to understand people, to get to the bottom of who they are and what makes them act the way they do...but these shows never really get me any closer.

Well, looking back on this entry, I guess I am actually the weird one. I know that the majority of America is probably watching the debate right now, and weighing their options regarding Election Day while I am blogging about child murders and creepy TV shows. I'm not even sure if this has been coherent or if it makes a point at all, but I was overdue in posting, mostly because my mind has been so cluttered with politics and Newsweek and SNL sketches. I will be back soon with more about my own life as promised, but until then good night.