Takeaways From Gov. Sarah's Debate

I was one of the 75 million people who watched Gov. Sarah debate Joe Biden last Thursday. I'll admit, I was really nervous to see Gov. Sarah in action because her performance in pressure situations the last two weeks has not been the greatest and I was expecting disaster. Although she averted disaster - in fact - she did OK (if you discount that she had a number of factual errors - that isn't important is it?), there were still three things that really bothered me about her at the debate. Of course, none of these things would make her less qualified to be vice president of the United States, but it still really got to me.

1. I can see where people would appreciate that Gov. Sarah is just like us. Her down home, folksy, mannerisms are nice if I was at the grocery store (although do not wink at me), but I do not want to see my president or vice president being like that. Do not send a shout out to your brothers third grade class when you are trying to convince me that you are capable of being second in charge of the free world.

To be honest, I do not want the president or vice president to be just like me. I want them to appear, and actually be, much (much) smarter than I am. The president and vice president are the most powerful people in the world for goodness sakes and it scares me to think that someone like me is ruling that world. Some people think that is elitist. I don't. I think it is actually being realistic and admitting that me or someone like me is not ready to govern our country or lead the world. Say it ain't so Sarah...you just do not come across as being vice presidential. Good thing I am voting for a president and not a vice president.

2. If Sarah is really like me she would not be wearing a $2,000 Escada suit and Stuart Weismann shoes that were another $800. I thought she was overdressed for a debate - it would have been perfect for a state dinner or something like that - but not for a debate where she was trying to convince me that she is just like me. A $300 Kaplan suit that she bought at Macy's using a 20 percent off coupon would have been just fine to wear, as well as a pair of $50 Franco Sarto shoes that she got at DSW Shoe Warehouse. Don't get me wrong...I would die to have the suit and shoes that she wore that night...but just like me, I think not.

3. Please do not have little Piper (who is so cute) carry baby Trig. It is OK that Piper holds him while she is sitting down, but please do not have her walking around and holding him. He is way too heavy for her and if she ever were to drop him (god forbid), especially if it were to happen when on TV, the media would be all over Gov. Sarah accusing her of being an irresponsible, unfit mother! I can just see the media clips of Gov. Sarah running side by side with clips of Brittany Spears. She cannot afford to have this happen to her.

Another thing...in all of the media clips I have seen of the family, not once have I seen Todd Palin holding Trig. Whether intentional or not, with Todd not holding Trig it gives off the appearance that he is ashamed of his special needs son or that he is scared of holding him because he has special needs. If he is going to be the primary caregiver of the family if Sarah becomes vice president, then he needs to show that he embraces that role by nuturing that baby who needs all the support he can get right now.

Perhaps the best part of the debate the other night was when Reagan walked up to the TV and put her hand over Joe Biden's mouth (unprompted by the way) when he was talking. She must have heard enough from him, although I thought he was very presidential and impressive.

Politics aside...our family is fine. There is nothing new really going on right now. Thank goodness Dancing With The Stars and the debates keep things exciting. We went to the apple farm today so I am sure there will be some photos of that sometime next week.

Gotta "go, go, go,"
Reagan's mom

p.s. - Very sad about Kim Kardashian although not really surprised. Cloris has got to go, but I have a feeling she has another week left in her. Also, devastated about Helio. He probably will not be in the ballroom anytime soon. I wonder if you can dance in jail. Ugh!

It Is Time For Cloris To Go

It is really time for Cloris to go. Don't get me wrong...I admire that anyone 82 years old is out there doing what she is doing, but last night was really embarassing for both her and her partner. The beginning of her dance was good and I thought she might be able to pull it off, but the middle and the end were just awful and it put her partner in just a horrible position. She was fun the first two shows, but it is now time to end the misery for everyone involved.

My other huge disappointment from the night was once again Kim Kardashian. I am just seeing nothing from her. It is really sad. She is so beautiful and should be just awesome, but clearly she is not. I am getting tired of her "inner zen, I am a shy girl act too." Anyone who makes a sex tape with Rick Salomon cannot be that shy. Maybe she needs to pretend she is making a sex tape once again so she can let down her inhibitions and dance. She is in serious danger of going home in the next couple of weeks.

Actually, there were a number of people who were not that good. Having only three days to prepare was hard on most of the couples. Others who need to be worried in are Rocco DiSpirto and Maurice Greene for sure.

My favorite dance from last night was actually Julianne and Cody. I thought they were really good and their scores were lower than what I expected. It is hard for him though to come across as sexy. He is just not that type of guy, but I did think they were good. Brooke and Toni were good again, although I thought Brooke needed to be more passionate in her paso doble. Warren was my favorite guy, although I thought he struggled a little and was not as good as the judges said. I also am not sure what I thought about him wearing eye liner! I am sure his football buddies are going to give him grief about that!

Susan Lucci was good, Misty May was not so good in my opinion (she does not look good either - she has really bad skin and it bugs me) and Lacey and Lance were only OK. They look the same every week.

Perhaps my favorite part of the night took place in my own home as Reagan and Andrew danced two separate numbers. Here is the video from both of them...I think Reagan is ready for the show. Andrew still needs to work on his moves.

Gotta "go, go, go,"
Reagan's mom

Dancing With The Stars - Show Two

So I missed the first hour of Dancing With The Stars last night if you can believe that. This tennis thing really gets in the way sometimes. I did win my match last night which gave us the league championship so that was exciting. Talk about pressure knowing that you have to win your individual match to win the title! Thankfully, my partner made some good shots and we won.

Once I got home though, it was all about Dancing With The Stars. Andrew gave me a quick update (Edyta obviously had not been eliminated yet) and then I was ready to watch. I missed Warren Sapp, Misty May, Brooke Burke, Cloris Leachman, Toni Braxton and Maurice Greene, but I watched them on You Tube this morning (You Tube is awesome).

My worst nightmare came true as Edyta was eliminated and I probably will have to watch the show upstairs from now on. Bummer. Since I am all about conspiracy theories - this one reeks of it. She must have had something major going on over the next three months to give her such a loser partner. She is definitely a fan favorite and to have her gone after the first week is sad.

Overall, everyone was much better last night. I guess the first-night jitters really get in the way. Warren continues to surprise me. He was great. I thought Misty was pretty good (I didn't realize her legs were so long) and Brooke and Toni were good. I really enjoyed Ted McGinley (he looked really hot once again) and I thought Rocco was good too. He has a very engaging personality - it makes you want to root for him.

My biggest disappointment was Kim - I thought she was going to be awesome based on the song she picked, but she was boring. She might not last very long because people have a real hang up about her. She is beautiful though, I am just not sure how she could not make it.

My pick to leave tonight is Cloris - although I think Susan and Cody have to be worried. The one thing those two have going for them is their huge fan base. There are so many people who watch All My Children and Hannah Montana that I doubt they will go this early. We will see....

Gotta "go, go, go,"
Reagan's mom

Dancing With The Stars - Opening Night

It is going to be a long season of having to watch Dancing With The Stars on the little television now as there is no doubt that Edyta and her partner will be the first to go tonight. Andrew let me watch it on the big, high definition television last night and he even came down when Edyta danced, but when it was over...there was sadness for both of us. I knew I was going to have to watch it for the rest of the year on the small television and Andrew knew he would not get to see what Edyta (or what she isn't) wearing for the rest of the season. Bummer.

There is also no doubt as to who will win this year as Lance Bass should not even be able to compete on the show. He was by far and away the best dancer out there. The only hope is that Warren Sapp - who was funny and will be around for a long time - can overtake them. Warren was pretty good and much lighter on his feet than I thought he would be.

For the women, I think Toni Braxton and Kim Kardashian were the best, although Brooke Burke will be around for a long time as well. Can I just say that Toni Braxton looked so amazing and I hate Brooke Burke? Anyone who can have two babies in 20 months and look like that...it is just not fair.

Although tomorrow will be her final night, Cloris Leachman was hilarious. I was laughing hysterically. You go girl...at 82 years old and doing what you did, that is awesome! I enjoyed your post dance commentary as well - although the FCC would probably prefer that she is off the show. Did you notice that once she finished (and it became a family show once again) there were a ton of commercials for Disney theme parks?

Biggest disappointment of the night went to Susan Lucci. Although she looked fabulous (she is 61 for goodness sakes), she looked old and frail when she danced. I really expected her to be awesome and she was far from it. I thought she might make the final three or four, but now it is looking more like a week 5 or 6 departure.

Andrew's biggest disppointment of the night (after Edyta's partner of course) was Misty May. She was not very attractive at all. He always thought she looked hot on the volleyball court, but last night, he was very disappointed. I didn't notice since I was salavating over Maks the entire time (Welcome Back...boy did I miss him!).

The rest of the celebrities: Ted McGinley looked hot and was good; Rocco DiSpirto was OK; Maurice Greene can dance - just not ballroom style; Cody Linley I thought was better than what they gave him credit for.

Comments about the rest of the professionals: Julianne looked amazing like always; Cheryl Burke looked fat and not amazing; Kym Johnson looks to have had a breast enhancement (that was the first thing Andrew noticed) and I liked Lacey although I cannot wait to see her do a waltz.

Reagan was really into it as well and asked us to dance during each performance. She said she cannot wait to watch it tonight - although it probably will not be as fun on the little TV. Thanks Jeffrey Ross - idiot!

Gotta "go, go, go,"
Reagan's mom

Dancing With The Stars Starts Tonight!

I have been waiting all summer for tonight and it is finally here - the season premier of Dancing With The Stars. I started singing the song to Reagan this morning on the way to daycare, but for some reason she was not as excited as I was - I am sure once she hears the song played by the Dancing With The Stars Band, it will come rushing back to her, and if that doesn't work, having to watch it three straight nights for 2 hours a night will surely work. I am sure Andrew is dreading the next three days (except for those 3 minutes that Edyta dances).

I have to admit, I am only lukewarm to the cast this year which is maybe why I am only writing about this less than eight hours from the debut. I am not really excited about any of the celebrities they have dancing coming into the show. I am thrilled about the return of Maks (as I am sure you are Kathleen!) and then I always love to watch Julianne. I hope they have her sing on an episode or two this year as well.

Here’s the rundown of celebrity contestants once again and their professional partners
• Toni Braxton, singer, 40, and season one DWTS champ Alec Mazo
• Lance Bass, singer, 29, and Lacey Schwimmer
• Ted McGinley, actor, 50, and Inna Brayer
• Cloris Leachman, actress, 82, and Corky Ballas
• Warren Sapp, former NFL star, 35, and Kym Johnson
• Rocco DiSpirito, chef, 41, and Karina Smirnoff
• Kim Kardashian, TV personality, 27, and reigning DWTS champ Mark Ballas
• Maurice Greene, Olympic gold medalist track and field star, 34, and two-time DWTS champ Cheryl Burke
• Misty May-Treanor, Olympic gold medalist beach volleyball player, 31, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy"
• Susan Lucci, Emmy-award winning soap opera actress, 61, and Tony Dovolani
• Jeffrey Ross, 42, comedian, and Edyta Sliwinska
• Cody Linley, 18, actor, and two-time DWTS champ Julianne Hough
• Brooke Burke, 36, TV personality, and Derek Hough

I am really only excited about Kim Kardashian (she is really beautiful), Misty May-Treanor (probably because she is with Max) and Susan Lucci (anyone who is 61 and looks that awesome deserve some support!). I am not really interested in any of the men this year, although I guess Lance Bass would be considered the favorite because of his N'Sync background. I am a little intrigued by his partner since she is new to the ballroom this year and comes from "So You Think You Can Dance." I guess they are adding a hip-hop night to the ballroom just for them. Hmmmmm. I am predicting right now that Warren Sapp is going to be terrible - which will be a huge departure from the rest of the football players who have been on the show.

I will wait until after I see them all dance to post my predicted order of finish, but I am guessing that Jeffrey Ross might be the first to go because I have no idea who he is. If he is the first to go, it is going to be hard to convince Andrew that I need the hi-def television to watch the show since Edyta will be gone too!

Gotta "go, go, go,"
Reagan's mom

Reagan's First 5K

Reagan ran her first 5K last weekend (she is #453) at Como Park in St. Paul. She actually ran about 1/3 of a mile, which is way more than I ran (let's just say I walked slowly!). It was for Camp Odayin, which is the Heart Camp that my friends - the Spurr Family - work at every summer. This camp, which has kids with heart ailments attend from all over the country, has been so great for Jennifer after she received her heart transplant and so we thought we would support the cause at the walk. Reagan was awesome (in the rain) and everyone that ran by her was commenting about how cute she was. It was a lot of fun and we cannot wait to participate again next year.

The rest of the weekend and week were slow. I worked a volleyball tournament at the U all weekend and Andrew was on Reagan duty. Thank goodness we did not go to Notre Dame last weekend like originally scheduled since it rained like cats and dogs there from Hurricane Ike. It would have been a nightmare. We had our fill of Notre Dame as they played in the volleyball tournament so I was able to catch up with a few friends.

Nothing much on the agenda this weekend. There is another volleyball tournament at the U so I will be there for six more matches. Andrew and Reagan will be watching Notre Dame again I am sure. Andrew is "recklessly optimistic" as he terms it. I am not even close to being at that point yet. We will see after the next two weeks.

Our biggest thing now is trying to figure out what Reagan is going to be for Halloween. She still does not understand what Halloween is, and she does not like candy (still great for Dad so he can eat all of it), but she loves looking at all the princess costumes. She must have said " oh, beautiful" at least 20 times (if you have not heard her say beautiful, it is pretty funny as she is so dramatic!). I am guessing this will be the first year of many that she will be a princess of some sort!

Gotta "go, go, go,"

Reagan's mom

p.s. - Dancing With The Stars begins on Monday of next week. I will have a full report in the next couple of days.

More photos of Reagan's First 5K at Como Park in St. Paul...

Back From Spokane

We all made it back from Spokane in one piece, although Reagan misses her Grandma and Grandpa an awful lot and with all the tears that were flowing from the eyes of Grandma and Grandpa at the airport, I think the feeling was mutual.

You can tell that they spoiled her a lot while she was there because she is always talking about something they did while she was there. I think her best memories though are the deer and turkeys in grandma's and grandpa's yard and the train coming by every day. They also took her to a big cat farm where Raja (from Aladdin) lived, as well as the white tigers which she talked about whenever we would drive past it.

They also must have gone shopping a lot while she was there because every time we would drive by the grocery store, she would say, "There's the store!" She also had about 10 new pairs of shoes and a whole suitcase full of clothes waiting for me when I finally arrived to get her.

My cousin's wedding was really nice. Jason and Nikki looked tremedous and the weather couldn't have been nicer for the outdoor affair (although I wish they would have told me the reception was outdoors too as I went in a sleeveless dress!). The highlight of the event had to be the first dance...they started dancing to unchained melody and then all of a sudden the music cuts out and changes to Baby Got Back where they did this whole cheorographed dance. It was awesome! The toasts made by the best man was good as well, and the toast by Jason to Nikki's mom and dad was unbelieveably touching and heartfelt. I was really impressed with my little cousin! It was also nice to see my whole family together as most everyone came - cousins, aunts, uncles, kids galore. It was a fun time. I am only sad that we had to leave early because Reagan was tired.

Andrew was able to play golf twice while we were there so he was happy about that and then we did a lot of family parties. I also took Reagan to the merry-go-round that my parents used to take me to when I was growing up. That was pretty neat to see her ride on that and this time she could ride all by herself. She is growing up so fast (as you can see in the photos where Grandpa let her drive the truck...I was a little nervous about that!).

We returned home on Monday night and have tried to get back into a routine for Reagan. We are still working on that. She did just fine at daycare after being gone for three weeks and got right back into her schoolwork. Bedtime has been a little harder. She was so good about going to bed with my mom and dad, but with us...not so much. I think she knows how to take advantage of her parents (and at such a young age...so sad). She has come into our bed in the middle of the night every night since we have been back.

I feel like I have been in a time warp and now it is back to real life. Some updates on things going on in our lives....

* Andrew's dad does have to have open heart surgery to replace a valve in his heart. They are still working out all the details, but he is hoping to have it in the next month or so. Andrew is planning on being there for the surgery and then we are going there for Thanksgiving to help out in any way we can since he will be on the shelf for at least three months after the surgery.

* My friend Jennifer does not have lymphoma so that was great news. They actually found some medicines that have been working and she is doing really well. We are doing a heart walk for her on Saturday which we are really excited about.

* Sad news with my sister and her family as their Scottie dog Barkley died suddenly last week. He was only 1 1/2 years old, but I guess he got an intestinal infection that is common with that breed of dog and he could not survive. They are all pretty sad, but as my niece Ava said, "He is in the sky with his parachute looking at us!"

* Andrew's brother Brett got a job in Omaha and started there last week so he and Alana were busy moving once again.

That is all for now. Enjoy the photos. A description of them...1. Reagan driving Grandpa's truck; 2. Reagan and her cousin Carson at the wedding; 3. Jason and Nikki; 4. Big Girl Reagan; 5. The Merry-Go-Round; 6. Reagan doing her project with Grandpa; 7. The finished project; 8. Mommy and Reagan ready for the Browns game...bummer that Brady Quinn did not play.

Gotta "go, go, go,"

Reagan's mom