"No way. No how. No McCain."

I haven't always been a fan of Hillary Clinton's. OK, I've never been especially fond of Hillary Clinton, not even when I was a loyal Clintonista. But tonight I don't feel like dwelling on that. Right now, I admire the speech she just gave at the DNC.

"We don't need four more years of the last eight years."

Specifically, to her supporters: “I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me, or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible? You haven’t worked so hard over the last 18 months or endured the last eight years to suffer through more failed leadership. No way, no how, no McCain.”

I don't love Hillary, but I loved this speech.

I do love Bill Clinton. In spite of it all. Let's see how he does tomorrow ... Gotta go. Hard to type with crossed fingers.

PS Wasn't Chelsea great, too? That girl grew up before our eyes and I'm pleased that she appears so poised and confident.

DAY 26 -- August 08 Happiness Challenge

I'm starting to feel healthy again! This month was kind of rough on me physically -- lots of headaches, one a vicious migraine, wild mood swings and some tenacious tummy trouble. That meant more meds, more couch time, less exercise. As I felt better, I began to ease back into working out. Suddenly, over the past week or so, my ferocious craving for Cheez-Its has been replaced by an irresistible yen for ... are you ready? ... SALAD! Snow peas and lettuce and diced peanuts. Much better for me than Cheese Goldfish crackers.

Like running into my Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

As I walked home from the train this evening, I passed an elderly lady walking toward the el stop. She was short and white-haired and obviously in a hurry to catch that train. Her face was deeply lined, her eyes obscured by purple sunglasses. Those glasses were really pretty hip, and they matched her purple bag. On the bag, front and center, was an Obama '08 pin.

You go, girl!

I say a little prayer

I worked five years at an advertising agency that was run by a gentleman. A gentle man, too. I can't stress how rare that is in this business. The day he retired was one of the saddest of my professional life, for once the agency was taken over by a multi-national network, my world changed and was never to be the same.

He was a tough, savvy but honorable businessman. He treated his employees and clients equally well and was proud to have long relationships with both. He discouraged interoffice politics and power plays by saying, "Don't waste your time kissing my ass. Kiss up to your clients! If they're happy, and you're happy, I make money and I'm happy." In an industry filled with ravenous egos, he was a rarity.

I just got word that he has non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I hope that he recovers fully and can go back to relaxing and enjoying his retirement. He is special, and deserves only good things.

10 Things I Didn't Like About School

As you read this, it might help to know that I have always suspected Ally Sheedy's character in The Breakfast Club was based on me.

1. The Monday car pool, because that's the day when my dad drove -- it was always good to start the week by being humiliated in front of four other girls

2. Most of my teachers

3. Most of my classmates, especially the really "peppy" ones filled with school spirit

4. Having to see so much of my older sister, who was on an Honor Roll goodie-goodie and only year ahead of me

5. Lunch if my best friend Judy wasn't there -- then I had to find someone else to sit with, and it was torture

6. Assemblies (see above)

7. Homework

8. Math (I was right -- as an adult I have NEVER used it!)

9. Phys Ed

10. No air conditioning made the beginning and the end of the school year BRUTAL

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Tuesday Tunes #10

Google or use a photo from your collection of something that involves your summer. Then tell us what music figured in the most on your summer playlist this year.

The reason for the beer bottle is two-fold:

1) The team I love with every fiber of my being -- that would be the team with the best record in the National League, The Chicago Cubs -- is having a storybook season. Whether I'm at a Cubs game, or watching a Cubs game, or listening to a Cubs game through my headphones, it's better with a cold beer.

2) "You take a drink, then pass the bottle around …" The first line from "Heart and Soul," my favorite song on my favorite new CD, Peace, Love and BBQ by Marcia Ball. Something tells me this bluesy Texas girl is singing about something stronger than beer, but never mind. This works for me and my summer.

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