I'd like to take a moment to tell you that I'm not happy. Not one bit. I'm practicing my right to voice my opinion… and I can do that, since I voted. And I voted for you, actually, since the thought of McCain saying "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" scared the bejeesus out of me. So, I won't lie, you weren't my first choice… mine conceded early in the primary. But, holy crap, right now? I'm really disillusioned.

You see, I'm a historian by nature. So, I look at things in the light of what has happened in the past. It's not always fair, but it's how I work. And in times of crisis, a president should jump to the aid of its people. The 2010 Gulf Oil spill, known as Deepwater Horizon, began on April 20, 2010. You still have yet to set foot near the Gulf of Mexico (and you won't until tomorrow). Instead, you did a flyover a little more than a week after. I'm calling you out. I'll be the first one to call other presidents' mistakes out, and right now, some of the worst legislative presidents in history are making you look like a chump. Our most recent president, George W. Bush, almost immediately after 9/11 was on rubble in New York City with a bullhorn rallying Americans, and just a few days after Katrina was in both Mississippi and Louisiana on the ground speaking with residents. [Of course, Vice President Cheney didn't help things when he told the world to eff off, but I digress.] Americans need a president to come to their aid and more than anything right now, Southerners needed YOU to have already visited and tell BP to step up their efforts to stop the spill.

You see, it's not an educated estimation, but I can't help but wonder if something would have been stopped sooner if you had stepped up sooner. Instead, now as oil plumes are reaching Mobile Bay, the South is in danger of losing pieces of the ecosystem, months (or years) of the fishing industry, and a hit in tourism which drastically affects our economy. The farther this goes, the worse it gets, and it will continue to get worse especially if a hurricane(s) comes through. 

Kudos to you sir, for standing up and taking responsibility today. This is now the largest oil spill in U.S. history, and will far surpass the Exxon Valdez spill. But, if this top kill doesn't work, what are your plans? Will you continue to let big business let states and their economies be devastated while they continue to rake in a profit, or for once, will the U.S. stand up for its own people and not let another travesty like Katrina blemish the government?

This may not be fair. But, you initially blamed BP; BP said they're not in charge, and then today you said it's your fault. Southerners are searching for answers as our region is beginning to suffer because of what has happened. The South is watching your actions, Mr. Obama, just as we watched Mr. Bush five years ago. So far, you've scored just as poorly and it's our governors who are looking like the superstars.

Civically yours,
VM

P.S. It's interesting to see how news outlets pulled apart the your oil spill presser… CNN chose to focus on the "Top Kill" project, while MSNBC looked at the administration response times of Deepwater Horizon versus Katrina and 9/11, and FOX attacked the Obama administration's delay in the Sestak allegations. And people don't think that their media is biased…

You said the following: "This is Alabama. We speak English. If you wanna live here, learn it." You know Mr. James, I don't mean disrespect [actually, yes, yes I do... just a little], but I've only met maybe a few hundred people in this state who speak proper English. So, I've decided that I like your plan… Of course, I don't mean to change the license tests. I mean to challenge every Alabamian to the test of speaking English. I teach in the Alabama public college system, and I read (and hear) the simplest of grammar rules broken every single day. In breaking these basic rules, it proves to me that Alabamians don't even know English, so how can we expect anyone else to follow the same example?
 
I've provided a guideline of specific rules that should be counted against citizens of the state should your policy go forth as you deem appropriate. My guess is that your preference to the original codification of the licensure tests in English would be a one-time deal, but I'm sure after reviewing the following list, you might choose to give Alabamians at least a three-strike chance before booting them to neighboring Mississippi.
 

Let it be known that under the future governor Tim James (if elected), English will be the official language on all legal forms in the State of Alabama. Under the "Alabama Speaks English. Live Here, Learn It" initiative, citizens must follow spoken guidelines, or be subject to consequences, as decided by the judiciary.

I.    Please know the difference between the following words, do not confuse their spellings, and know their proper usage, as each word carries separate connotations:

·      Accept / Except
·      Affect / Effect
·      Allusion / Illusion
·      Capital / Capitol
·      Elicit / Illicit
·      Emigrate / Immigrate
·      Principle / Principal
·      Than / Then
·      There / Their / They're
·      To / Too / Two
·      Your / You're
·      Lie / Lay
·      Set / Sit
·      Who / Which / That
 
II.    Also, just for clarification: The following phrases should also be corrected immediately in daily usage, as they are appropriate usages of the English language.

·      It is “supposed to” not “suppose to.” And also, it is “used to” and not “use to.”
·      There is no “s” at the end of “toward.”
·      The word “anyway” does not have an “s” at the end.
·      The proper phrasing is: “I couldn't care less.” If you could care less, then you care some, yes?
·      It’s a chest of drawers, not a chester drawers.
·      And it’s “for all intents and purposes,” and not “for intensive purposes.”

 
There you go, Tim James… You’ve unleashed a beast. Just be careful, because I’m watching everyone one of your campaign videos and speeches to see if you can practice what you preach.
 
ALABAMIANS FOR GOOD GRAMMAR!

Anyway, in the craziness that was December, I TOTALLY forgot to make all of my college football bowl picks. So, instead, I'll just post all of them for the games from here on out. Of course, I don't claim to be a pro. I always like to make guesses with friends and family on who will win and why. Feel free to argue… I enjoy the rivalry and competition. 

Picks (in bold) after the jump…

Outback Bowl (Tampa, Florida – 1/1, 11am EST)
Northwestern v. Auburn
Why? Well, this one was a toss up really… OK, not really. If you saw that Iron Bowl, you know that Auburn almost toppled Alabama from it's number 2 ranking at the time. While Auburn's conference ranking may not be that hot, it's in the West Division of the SEC, which is the most competitive, and five of its six teams snagged decent bowls. Northwestern can play ball in the Big Ten, but matched against the defense of the Tigers, and I think they'll fall flat.

Capital One Bowl (Orlanda, Florida – 1/1 1pm EST)
Penn State v. LSU
Why? I really feel like I can't pick a winner in this one. I know I'll be cheering on LSU because I'm an SEC fan girl when it comes to bowl season, and I hate Penn State. There are a few reasons I can't come to a conclusion on a pick: 1) I think PSU is completely overrated, and always has been (which is why I'm excited Alabama plays them next year), 2) LSU has suffered a plethora of injuries and continues to do so, which makes them vulnerable, and 3) when it comes to Les Miles, you really never know what you're gonna get… he can make things happen with 2 seconds on the board and win the game, and all of a sudden, you feel like you got gut-punched by your 80-year old arthritic Aunt Margaret and never saw it coming.

Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, Florida – 1/1 1pm EST)
West Virginia v. Florida State
Why? Florida State is quickly running out of gas, and it was long time ago that Jimbo Fisher should have taken the reigns. Either way, they barely made bowl eligibility, and are a notable name that will pull in money. Also, while they may be a hometown favorite, West Virginia did damage in the Big East, and will most likely embarrass the home crowd in a spoiler.

Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California – 1/1 4:30pm EST)
Ohio State v. Oregon
Why? As much as I hate picking Ohio State, because some days I hate Tressel's sweater vests, I just don't see Oregon being able to match up to what OSU can bring to the table. Oregon plays in the Pac-10, which yes I'm a hater, I don't consider a competitive conference. It should be a good game, but I think the Buckeyes will take it because of their tenacity and the tradition behind their team playing in the Rose Bowl.

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, Louisiana – 1/1 8:30 pm EST)
Cincinnati v. Florida
Why? Do you have to ask? Florida will tear Cincy to shreds for one reason and one reason alone: Urban Meyer's recent announcement to take an extended leave of absence. They'll play this one for the coach, which means that the Bearcats, whose coach also quickly departed for a shaky tenure at Notre Dame, will be wondering when the mercy rule goes into effect. Not only that? Florida fans will pack the house, since it's SEC local.

International Bowl (Toronto, Ontario – 1/2 12pm EST)
South Florida v. Northern Illinois
Why? Alabama has played Northern Illinois before and they are often underestimated, and I expect that USF will waltz into this game thinking the exact same thing… just as Alabama did when they almost were beaten a few years ago by NIU. Plus, NIU actually had a winning record in its conference… USF was 3-4 in the Big East (lame).

PapaJohns.com Bowl (Birmingham, Alabama – 1/2 2pm EST)
South Carolina v Connecticut
Why? Why not? South Carolina's defense alone will wipe UConn off the map. No, Garcia isn't the best quarterback… if he even IS a quarterback. But, the Gamecocks should take this game easily, especially under Spurrier's command. If he doesn't, consider him to call it quits and retire, as he'd be the laughing stock of the SEC to lose to a team that went 3-4 in the Big East. Plus, I'm going to this game, so I'd really like for the SEC to have a win in my presence!

Cotton Bowl (Arlington, Texas – 1/2 2pm EST)
Oklahoma State v. Ole Miss
Why? I know the Big 12 is so great according to ESPN, but so is the SEC. All 4 losses that Ole Miss suffered were to the SEC… OSU's weren't. Plus, in tight situations like this, I'm always going to side with the SEC team anyway. I know the news earlier this year about the KKK hooded guys showing up to protest the ending up the song "Dixie" are terrible, and I'm not a fan of what's going on… but for football's sake, I still say, Hotty Toddy!

Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tennessee – 1/2 5:30pm EST)
Arkansas v. East Carolina
Why? I know East Carolina has a great Conference USA record, but it's CUSA. While I'm an alum of a CUSA school, Arky has to beat out SEC teams on a regular basis, and I've seen the arm of their sophomore quarterback, Ryan Mallett… he could be the SEC's next near-Tebow.

Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, Texas – 1/2 9pm EST)
Michigan State v. Texas Tech
Why? It's tough to call MSU on the game for this, but considering that TTU just fired Leach effective immediately under the circumstances, it will have an effect on the game, as assistants will be scrambling for the bowl game, and it will be chaotic. While MSU has a barely-bowl eligible record coming in, the frenzy of TTU might work in their favor. Still, could go either way… as Texas teams typically play big or go home.

Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Arizona – 1/4 8pm EST)
Boise State v. TCU
Why? Boise State, yes, you're undefeated. You intimidate with your blue field… You've got the WAC beat. But, TCU is coming out of TEXAS. And if there's anything a southern knows outside of the SEC is that Texas teams know how to play ball. Plus, who doesn't love the mascot Horned Frogs?!

Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida – 1/5 8pm EST)
Iowa v. Georgia Tech
Why? Georgia Tech did well in the ACC, which isn't a terrible conference. However, Iowa has stepped over a few hurdles to climb the rankings to get where they have and fight in the Big Ten, which in my opinion is usually stronger than the ACC.

GMAC Bowl (Mobile, Alabama – 1/6 7pm EST)
Central Michigan v. Troy
Why? I'm going with the hometown favorite in this one. Troy will draw a big home crowd since Mobile is only a few hours away, and they are a bigger threat than people give them credit. Just ask Florida why they couldn't score in the first quarter whey they played Troy.

EDIT (1/2/2010): Due to the poor picks that I have already made, I've removed my pick for the national championship game, because I am INSANELY superstitious. So, obviously, I am an Alabama fan. So, I'll pull a Herbstreit and act like I can't make a pick due to partiality, and I've deleted my pick. So sorry, but I can't even possibly chance the situation that my picks could jinx this game for my team. Yes, it's that serious. In the South, football is serious… it's sacred, and it's a second religion. 

Who knows… I might miserably fail. I might get a perfect record. Challenges?

This isn't the first time I've had to do this. I had to apply for a new one in October of last year, in order to take care of my DC registration. It was my first replacement ever from the one I had from birth. However, during the move from DC to Birmingham, it's been put away in a box, and I'm not really sure which one. And, Alabama is a little crazed with the new hire forms and verifying social security numbers with cards (which I've not had to do, this is a new thing… but maybe it's because this is a state job). So, instead of tearing apart every box in storage that I have to find it and making an utter mess in the possibility that I might have lost it, I figured it would be just as easy to reapply for a replacement card.

Now, the downtown office was a madhouse yesterday. So, I opted for the Birmingham "East" office. It was quite a change from the office in DC. In DC, I was the ONLY "white (not hispanic)" person in the place. And everyone was there to do what they needed to, no one talked, and everyone looked hacked off while we were there. But, in the Birmingham-East SSA office, I'm pretty sure every area in state of Alabama made sure to send representation. And what did I do? I sat back and watched… and took in some life lessons.

As the scary looking man that looked like he could kill me, whose fingernails were longer than mine, kept staring at me, this cute, little African-American boy was singing songs into the bottom of his grandmother's cane. The scary man's woman had her kid's names tattooed on her left arm, in about 36 pt font, horizontally, perfectly readable and in flowy cursive. Names like Perthashia and Jameem. I was just amazed at how large the tattoos. Down the row from those folks were an Asian couple that had just gotten married that couldn't keep their hands off each other. And she had some bling on that left hand. A few rows back was an Army man in his fatigues, sitting with his Army son, in jeans and a tight tee, discussing something that had been stolen the night before, apparently while the son had been partying. How do I know the son was Army? When you live in DC and you have family that is Army, you learn to know who's young and within their first few years. A few seats down from them, high-school aged teens, brother and sister, fighting and punching each other. Behind them was a family from the sticks… the wife looked like she was probably on meth, the dad looked high, and the dirty, barefoot kids were running around without any supervision… and as their, albeit cute, little, chubby boy (about 3 years old AND with a pacifier) was about to run out the door, the dad (too lazy to get up) simply yells, "GAGE!" I'm wondering if he's named the kid after a truck or a shotgun. Friends have mentioned that he's possibly named after the kid from the movie "Pet Sematary."

Luckily, my name was called about 2 minutes after the "GAGE!" moment. All this in about 30 minutes. The only part that was comforting was the American-Idol-to-Be singing into the bottom of the cane.

Things running through my head during my experience today at the SSA:B-E…

1. If you name your child after a gun, a truck, or a horror film, I will judge you.
2. If you want to tattoo your child's name in a font bigger than 10 pt, put it somewhere that I can't (and won't) see it.
3. If you look like you're from the movie "Deliverance," I really want to yell "I Hear Banjos!"
4. Men, you're not meant to have long fingernails. Leave it to the women.
5. Hey, new couple, mazel! But, c'mon… we were about to puke.
6. Excuse me, Officer and Son, I don't know what was stolen, but everyone knows about it now, and God forbid that you ever have to talk about a classified mission, because you sir, will fail miserably.
7. Also, if you name your child after a gun, a truck, or a horror film, I will judge you. Yes, I felt the need to repeat.

Color me Judgy McJudgerson all you want. But, this is exactly why you should give people that feel like Yankees in the South an option for bureaucracy online instead of having to sit around in an office. This is the result.

I love the South, but after that experience… seriously, paddle faster. I heard banjos.

Of course, since I thought about the musical, days later (read: last night), I watched the movie form of it. I love how they portray the characters. Most people think they are being comical… but in historical memory and readings, it's hilarious that they are almost true to form. The playful Franklin, the uptight Adams, the thoughtful Jefferson, and of course New York who confounds us all. As soon as I finished "1776," I immediately sought out my "John Adams" series since I had Mr. Adams on the brain ("Mr. Adams, leave me aloooooone!"). And the rumblings of rebellion and murmurings of "taxation without representation" got me to thinking.

On the Fourth of July in Alabama, a small group of conservatives chose to gather to voice their opinions about taxation, and have what has been recently called "Tea Parties." Now, pardon me for just a second, if you will… pretend that you're one of those people, and maybe you are. I might like to ask you just a few questions. Do you have a representative in Congress? Can that representative speak on your districts behalf? Can your representative acquire funds for your district for road repairs and other various projects for your area and/or state? Now, my guess is that your answer to that is a yes to each of those questions, and if you were to say no, I'd challenge your answer.

These same people with refutable representatives, who ARE and have been elected by the people, DO represent the people of Alabama. However, the constituents of these elected officials are holding "tea parties" in which they claim they are being "taxed without representation." And WHY do they feel they are being taxed without representation? Because their party isn't in office.

Dear people of Alabama who don't understand this concept… let me tell you what it REALLY means. As a legal resident of the District of Columbia [yes, still... my license still states it], you should know that "taxation without representation" is not held lightly in the District. We place it on our license plates for a reason. It is the ONLY remaining area within the landlocked states that is YET to be declared a state, and has YET to be given a representative with VOTING rights on the house floor, and still has to ask Congress to do anything. We don't have a Governor, we have a Mayor… and that Mayor has very little power, since the President is just down the street. That Mayor is under the authority of the Vice President. Anything the Mayor wishes to do has to have the release of the VP and Congress. A million people live within a 6+ square mile area, and we are held to every federal tax that any other American is in the country. And yet in DC, residents also have to give way to anything federal, because it is first and foremost beyond any resident. So, fair Alabamian… if you really want to tell ME that you are taxed without representation because your party didn't get into office, be prepared for a lecture in American and DC history. Unless you've either lived in DC (or the colonies, and I'm pretty sure they've died off by now), don't you DARE tell me that you understand what it's like to be taxed unfairly. Until you can't call your congressperson and complain only to hear that person say they can't do anything because they can't speak on the floor, then get over it.

Also [if you've made it this far], should I remind you that the "Tea Party" in Boston in the colonial days were conjured up by yes, Patriots. But, in that day, they were considered liberals. They were against the ebb and flow. They were the ones strayed from the "right." So, please, for the love of history, don't destroy the beautiful imagery of what our founding father created only to saturate it with protests that don't get anything done. Children and teenagers these days need history that is passionate, and protests like the modern-day tea parties are nothing but a joke that makes history less poignant.

• While the CDT zone SAYS it's almost 11pm, my EDT zone body can feel the midnight and then some from the trip/packing. > 
• Destination reached (Birmingham). Beyond exhaustion. Considering a challenge to Rip Van Winkle's record… >
• Music off. #pens / #canes game on XM until I get home. >
• Who else has an Alabama song for me?? Unleash 'em. Hahaha. >
  

• (Replies: "I Am My Own Grandpaw" from @StephenWolfe, "Rammer Jammer" from @erinshawstreet, "Yea Alabama" from @TrackBirmingham and @moebes, "Alabama Getaway" from @sspenguin and @ScottSchablow, "Train to Birmingham" and "Alabama" from @ScottSchablow, "Dixieland Delight" from @Streyeder, and "Mountain Music" by Alabama from @DCGiant.) 

Woohoo!! Stopping for a food break to last the rest of the trip home. Steak & Shake FTW! http://twitpic.com/5snlp > 

I wanted to make a last good walk through my apartment and glimpse through my neighborhood, the neighborhood that I have cherished while I lived in D.C. It's a struggling and redeveloping neighborhood, but it has so much potential. The beauty lies in the people. Instead, I had to quickly grab my cat, Zoe, and put her in the car so we could get on the road. I had one quick walk through while people were waiting on me outside.  

I feel robbed of my chance to really get to say goodbye to Washington. I didn't get to see it out my rearview mirror as I had planned, as I had charted the route from Rock Creek Parkway down to the waterfront to catch I-66 out of town. At that time, I figured I'd be able to start mourning my losses… the history, the architecture, the anonymity of the city, but most of all, some of the most amazing people I've ever known. I was also so incredibly busy until the last minute that I didn't have time to spend with the people I cared about. Instead, I had to give quick hugs and goodbyes to the friends that helped me pack the truck as tears welled realizing that I had to hurry because we were standing in the street and time was passing and the clock was ticking.

On the other hand, there's a sigh of relief that comes with it. The last time I left Washington, I cried for 2 hours of the drive. Of course, I had just left SassyBlonde's house right before I left, which definitely didn't help matters. If you know me, you know that I don't like goodbyes… which really means that I don't like to let anyone see me cry. Having to actually admit that I may not see someone again is so painful. It's why I usually make clean breaks and just move without the hurrahs and go. Then, if you see them again, it's great. If not, you always have the memories. But, usually someone is mad at me because I left without saying goodbye. But then I just have to continually explain that I don't like goodbyes. So, there's relief in the fact that while I was robbed of the goodbye, I didn't have time to actually process it.

Of course, today as I drive, I'll probably think of everything that I'm leaving behind and bawl like a baby, as I'll finally have some rest and start processing it. But, so far, that opportunity has been taken from me, since my family, who had 2 of the 3 vehicles in the caravan got the majority of the votes. 

If I didn't get to see you before I left, please know that you are near and dear to me still. Washington and the people that I associate with the city, those friends that I accumulated there, will always be a part of my heart. I'm touched by your generosity and offers to help pack and load my truck, by hanging out, by simply showing up. I'm also thankful for the kind notes and thoughts for safe travels and even the sarcasm about Alabama not having the interwebs. 

No worries… I'll still be around. I'm sure you've got my contact info. If not, it's on the main site page, and you can find me somehow, whether on Facebook, Twitter, or email. Some of you even have my cell, so ring it on up! I will see your D.C. faces very soon, I hope! And when I come in, you should sound the horns.

P.S. Driving in a multi-car caravan SUCKS.

And so it is, just like you said it would be… life goes easy on me, most of the time. -Damien Rice

Except now. Now, I’m in the end of a chapter, one which some know, and one which some don’t, but one which is now going public for all to know.  

A few weeks ago, I made the decision to return to Alabama to work on my Master’s Degree, which is only 12 hours shy of completion. I had high hopes of finishing it in Washington, D.C., because it is a city that I love so much, but things never worked toward my favor. It was a difficult decision to make, but one that I feel is the best in my situation. I’m going to work with one of the best urban historians in the country, and with great hopes, I’ll be headed toward an amazing doctoral program in the fall of 2010. I move the Friday of Memorial Day weekend.  

The hardest part of all of this is leaving behind some of the people that are so near and dear to me. My neighborhood that I love: the CVS with the snazzy pharmacist, the bodega, the restaurants, the stoops where politics are discussed. The public transit that is so accessible, which continually ran me late for work because I had to transfer twice just to get to work, even though I live and work in D.C. My beloved Capitals… man, what do I say about a team that I have followed so passionately with all of my heart and soul, and now I have to leave behind to go to a city without hockey (blasphemous, I know!)? 

To my dear friends that I have always had here before and always: you are amazing, and I thank you for your continual friendship. You’ve held me steady in hard times and kept me strong when I couldn’t think to hold my head up. You have kept me here as long as I have been here… it’s been a rough ride this time through… and you know the story. 

To my hockey tweeps: It’s amazing that in just a month or more, I could create an incredible bond with such phenomenal people. Through wins and losses, you have shown me what it means to be loyal, truly loyal (and that’s saying something to a southern gal!). You have no idea how much I will miss you and our tweetups at Old Dominion. It seems my life will be somewhat incomplete without you, since you’ve been such a part of it for the last month during playoffs. 

To my Alabama friends, that’s right, you heard it, I’m coming home for a while… Cue “Sweet Home Alabama.” It will be good to see you. 

But, don’t worry… I will be up to D.C. to visit, you can rest assured of that! J And when hockey season rolls around, I’ll be up for some games. And to play tourist in general at other times. This city is my second home. I love it so much, and it was so difficult to make the decision to leave.  

So, be gentle with me for a while. I’ve been fragile for quite some time with the decision, and I will be for some time yet. I go with some mixed emotions, but I am excited about school, hopeful for the future, and also hopeful that our paths continue to cross.

I left Alabama in 1961 and never went back to live. Not because I don’t like it, but because living outside it, I can see it more objectively. –William Christenberry

I've told people before that I have a love/hate relationship with Alabama. Jokingly, I tell them that I love it when I'm away, and I hate it when I'm there. It's halfway right, but mostly wrong, too.

While I shouldn't joke about how my home state, there is a lot that I feel really proud that the state has accomplished. For one, I am in love with the governor right now. Gov. Bob Riley is the best governor the state has had since Big Jim Folsom. Of course, Big Jim was pretty crooked, so technically, Riley is the cleanest governor so far that the state might have had… pretty much ever. But, Riley has brought some amazing industry to the state, and most of all, he has put honesty, honor, and dignity back into the governor's mansion, something that has been missing for far too long in the state of Alabama (plus, he wears cowboy boots with his suits, and rides a motorcycle). I'm also excited to see about the prospects of 2010 for the Governor's Mansion. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact Artur Davis can make on the state and its voting habits.

I grow incredibly homesick at times… with all of my family there, it is harder and harder to be away and to see my niece growing up just by pictures seems so unfair. It's difficult to have lived there and know everything about daily lives to just talking a few times a week and the conversations are short-lived. There are also people there that I have dear friendships with that I have really grown to miss our connections. While I have been gone, one friend has birthed a beautiful son, a few have gotten married, and others, well, I'm not gonna lie, I miss their stories. I miss the lunch gatherings at regular spots. I miss getting to see friends do stand-up. I miss the BBQ. Oh, dear sweet Lord, do I miss the BBQ. I mean, not as much as my family, of course, but I can call and talk to friends… there's no connection with BBQ here. None. Nada.

At the same time, when I do go home, because of my seeming "black sheep" status in the family, or even in the state, I feel out of place because I've been in D.C. and lived a life completely separate from that of everyone in Alabama. There's a sort of disconnect that happens at gatherings and functions. Once again, it becomes small talk, which I can't stand. Much of it is my fault, because I become so busy that I don't stay in touch with friends, but it's only half my fault. Still, it's painful to have a disconnect in a place that I consider my home. I sincerely want to know what is going on with people and their lives. Sadly, instead of conversation, we've let technology in the form of Facebook and Twitter replace those meaningful exchanges. I love knowing what is going on, and it's helpful, but a simple message on the 'book or a tweet in 140 characters can't exactly divulge every emotion of the heart.

In retrospect, I am on and off the fence with Christenberry's view of Alabama. Being away from it, I don't know that I can always see it more objectively. There are times when I can, and times when I can't. It's like a power switch. Perhaps I didn't stay long enough before I departed to have a connection to be able to hold my objectivity. Maybe that it why I yearn to visit so much, and I long for home much more than many of those around me. Or, maybe Christenberry is off base, and has no idea… and we are all critics of our home, no matter where this life takes us. It's what we do with that criticism, positive or negative, that shapes our viewpoints.

Either way, I suppose that since I have been such a nomad in my life, I will be forced to live by the old adage, "home is where you are." And, I need to learn to get used to it. But, I secretly still count down the days when I get to visit my dear sweet home Alabama.