Growing up, I didn't put much stock in the president. It was just some guy who went around and made speeches but didn't really affect the world or my daily life.

Bush is the first president who has made me think differently. And in a bad way. I don't agree with his foreign policy. I don't agree with his social policies. I think he's a bad president.

I'm not a big Kerry fan. And normally I vote my conscience--I vote for whoever I think is the best person for the job. I'm not registered with any party. I voted for a Republican (not Arnold) for governor of California (and against the recall). I voted for a Libertarian for Senate. But this time, I didn't vote FOR someone. This time I voted against Bush.

I do not believe Bush is saving us from terrorists. I do not believe attacking Iraq has kept us safer. I believe he's pissing off most of the rest of the world, and attacking civil liberties WITHIN the US. I believe Roe v. Wade is now in danger of being overturned. I don't think we're safer than we were before 9/11.

People I know and love voted for Bush. And not blindly. Most of the arguments I heard were about Bush "sending a message" to terrorists. They really feel Bush is a deterrant. I don't think so. I think Bush is just increasing the rest of the world's hatred towards us. I can't believe we've got four more years of this. I only hope that deep in his heart Bush realizes that half of this country doesn't support him and he needs to acknowledge that and act accordingly.

They're replacing the airconditioning system here at work, and while they've been working on it it's been freezing. Today I brought in a thermometer which reports we're at 66 degrees. That may be warm enough for some of you but not me. And it's not like I'm wearing shorts...I have on khakis, socks, a turtleneck and a blazer. And I still have to keep going into the bathroom to run my hands under hot water. Brrrrrr.

Max has been very needy this past week. Before, he wouldn't sit in somone's lap. Now he jumps on the couch as soon as we sit down. He's meowing a lot more and follows us from room to room. His ulcer is getting better, but I worry it will keep coming back--I don't want to have him on steroids his whole life.

We all miss Q*Bert.