Blue Monday
November 6th, 2008
I mean the color, not the sentiment, and in this case, I guess it was a Tuesday. What a day (or, uh, two) to not post, eh? It was, in a word, quite surreal. This is the first time in my voting history that I’ve seen the electoral map more blue than red, and I like to think it wasn’t because everyone suddenly decided to come over to the dark side. My hope is that we may have found someone who can bring us all a little closer to purple. Time will tell.
I have been, for the record, impressed and humbled by the graciousness of those who supported McCain, and I was most impressed by McCain himself. I wish we’d seen more of that on the campaign trail; perhaps if we had, things could have turned out quite differently — or at least not been quite so ugly. I like the guy. I didn’t love his campaign.
At any rate, I look forward to the coming months/years and hope that everyone remembers that although Obama has tremendous potential, he is not Jesus Christ himself, and I don’t think he’s going to accomplish much unless we’re all willing to make serious sacrifices and exercise a little patience. The time of being selfish and expecting the government to take care of us is over, I’m afraid, although I’m not so sure that’s a bad thing.
On the flip side, I’m more than a little disgusted by the McCain campaign’s (not the man himself) incessant pummeling of Sarah Palin. Look, I was never that impressed with her either, but to see her so ruthlessly filleted and served up for supper like a tuna steak isn’t necessarily what anyone needs, now or ever. Besides, nothing infuriates me more than passing the buck. Did she go rogue? Maybe, but that’s as much the campaign’s fault — if not more — as it is hers. Take some damn responsibility, especially seeing as she may be the future of the party. And no, I don’t think she was ready — that doesn’t mean she won’t ever be — but what kind of dumbass couldn’t figure that one out? Again, YOUR FAULT, CAMPAIGN MANAGERS.
Ultimately, however, I have never been so pleased after an election. I am — dare I say it — hopeful and optimistic about the future. And, as most people with small kids are saying, my daughter will never know a world without a black president, and her world will be a very different, more open place. I’m thankful for that. And that moment is one that I — or anyone else, I imagine will not forget.
Anyway! Onward! I stayed up so late watching the returns and speeches and endless analysis on Tuesday night that I fell asleep sitting in front of my computer late yesterday, and when the phone rang, I had one of those moments when I neither knew where I was, nor what time it was. My first thought was how panicked I was that it was morning already, and oh my God, I wasn’t ready for MORNING. And wait, why was I looking at a laptop and wearing my glasses? It was 5 p.m., and I’d been asleep for 10 minutes. Thank God I wasn’t in an office.
Man, I’m not going to adjust well to the sleep deprivation of early parenthood. I’m bound for bouts of narcolepsy in inappropriate places.
Rapidly switching gears, you know how there are some words that seem like they should mean something other than their definition? Nonplussed is one that comes to mind, and it’s a major hot button for me. It SEEMS like it should mean “unaffected”, but instead, it means quite the opposite — it’s “bewildered”! I know!
I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve seen it misused. I’d … well, I wouldn’t have to keep searching for a tenant, that’s what. (Hate. This. Process.)
Words that seem much more regal than they are for me include sartorial (really? relating to clothes? HOW LAME), avuncular (seriously, you need a WORD for that?) and noisome (WHY ARE YOU NOT NOISE-RELATED?).
The English language is so bizarre. And nonplussing. Or if you prefer, nonplusing.
I think it’s time for some Hostess cupcakes.
Have a great weekend!
*New Order
Entry Filed under: Nuttin'
22 Comments Add your own
1. Jennifer | November 6th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
YES! Nonplussed just baffles me. I have to reread the sentence every time because immediately think “not bothered” and have to go back and switch it to “confused”. Oh my, I am so glad I’m not the only person who is nonplussed by that word.
2. Leah | November 6th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I use avuncular all the time! Seriously, all the time! And I’m SO glad there’s a word that means exactly that.
Also, tuna steaks. Mmmmmm.
3. Christine | November 6th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Yes, I feel exactly the same way about nonplussed. And I chalk up the Sarah Palin treatment to the fact that the whole damned campaign couldn’t decide which position it wanted to take or what the hell it was doing. Honestly, had this been the McCain of ’00 when he could actually be considered a maverick and had he picked Lieberman, things may have turned out differently.
And here’s to hoping and dreaming. I can’t imagine that I’ve ever been excited over a presidential candidate before, or so hopeful that he could inspire change. I don’t believe Obama can do it on his own. He is afterall a president which really means he gets to appoint a bunch of people who will run this country. May he choose wisely.
(In other news I would be really upset if they went and upended Lieberman from his current position as Chairman of Homeland Security, he certainly didn’t make the most idea Democrat. But if you can’t reach and make amends with a pseudo-Dem, how in the world are we going to do it with real live Republicans and not just those who agree with us all of the time. It’s not exactly the trend towards purple I was hoping for, you know? I just sent out some letters to a few Senators, will it matter? Probably not, but it makes me feel useful)
4. JMH | November 7th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Christine- I completely agree with your last paragraph. If the new Cabinet is all blue and the Senate and House of Reps is mostly blue, that frightens me. After all, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Anyway, I am writing letters too. Maybe if enough of us write, it WILL make a difference.
Jonniker- I like McCain too. His speech when he conceded showed his grace and class. He really does put country first and I hope that is recognized by the new administration. He deserves a cabinet postion (IMHO)
5. Jeanne | November 7th, 2008 at 3:37 am
My 6-year-old daughter was soooo excited about the election reuslts. She thinks that her school sent in the kids’ votes and that’s what tipped the scales in Obama’s favor (483 to 81 in favor of Obama). I’m happy she feel like she’s able to make a difference by casting her vote.
And thank you for starting my day by broadening my vocabulary. After I had to pull out the dictionary to look avuncular, I’m really going to strive to find a way to use it in a sentence today. Do you have any suggestions on how or why anyone would?
6. Kristin H | November 7th, 2008 at 5:41 am
Ooo, I love word talk! Two other words that sound regal but aren’t: atelier and milliner. ITA on nonplussed. I’ve looked it up several times, trying to keep it straight in my mind. Another word like that for me is belie.
Also (and this is in no way meant to be like OMG you are going to be so tiiiiired), my husband and I laughed when we realized we’d had the exact same experience of disorientation when the baby was first born, waking up and not being able to remember where her room was.
Have I ever told you how much I love that you have spell check on your comments box?
7. Cobwebs | November 7th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Another word that (in the words of Ynigo Montoya) do not mean what you think it means is “enervating.” It looks like it should mean something like “energizing” but it actually means “weakening.” It’s rare to see it used correctly, and it always makes me cringe a little when it isn’t. I should probably find something more important to worry about.
8. jonniker | November 7th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Christine: I don’t think they’re going to touch Lieberman. You’re right, they’d be stupid to regardless, but especially without the filibuster-proof numbers, they may find that they need him more than they want to.
I don’t want them to be filibuster-proof. I don’t want absolute power. And while I have hope (uh, ha?) that Obama can work with all stripes, the real test will be whether he can get Pelosi and others to govern a little more from the center.
I’ve always felt a little guilty saying this, but I do not like Nancy Pelosi, and I hope she cuts the partisan bullshit out.
JMH: I don’t see McCain getting or even wanting a cabinet position. None screams out at me as a perfect fit, and if I were him, I’m not sure that’s what I’d want.
9. slynnro | November 7th, 2008 at 6:35 am
You know, I wish WISH WISH I could say the same about the McCain supporters in my life. I know the people you are referencing exist, but not in my plane of vision. I have seen more vitriol and hate and racism spewed all over the internet, more specifically in my Facebook account, this week than I have ever in my entire life. I have become so disgusted with some people that I will never be able to look at them the same. And they are really raining on my fucking parade.
10. jonniker | November 7th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Slynnro: Facebook doesn’t count. Same thing happening here, but I ignore them, as I would under any circumstances, as they aren’t the kind of people, much less conservatives, I’d choose to align myself with on anything.
Do you ever read Mandajuice? She was (is!) mostly libertarian, but wrote some really graceful, kindhearted posts around the election, before & after it ended.
11. slynnro | November 7th, 2008 at 6:50 am
It does count when the people doing the spewing are some of your best friends and family.
12. jonniker | November 7th, 2008 at 6:51 am
I should have said “for me,” for that’s what I meant. Perhaps I can give you some little images of my FB unknowns to tape over your naysayers so you can pretend?
Ugh, I’m sorry.
13. Sadie | November 7th, 2008 at 6:54 am
YES! Nonplussed! Does not mean what it sounds like it should mean!
I also agree with you (as usual) on the disgustingness of hurling Sarah Palin under the proverbial bus. If McCain’s campaign really thought their victory hinged on her, then they got everything they deserved. Palin wasn’t ready but it’s not her fault the campaign was a complete fiasco.
Hostess cupcakes, mmmm – but only if they are the chocolate ones…those orange/yellow ones, NO DO NOT WANT.
14. She Likes Purple | November 7th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Hostess cupcakes, mmm.
Why are all my comments to you food-related? I’m going to be 300 lbs in no time.
15. Maggy | November 7th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Ooh, words! How about “enormity” which people think means “enormous” but actually has connotations of wickedness, as in an outrageous, immoral act. Then there’s “bemused,” which means “bewildered” more than “amused.” “Nonplussed” is such a great word. If you want fun and blank stares all around, try “crapulous.” It has nothing to do with crap! It means drunk.
16. jonniker | November 7th, 2008 at 8:17 am
“Enormity” does have “the state of being huge” as a third-tier definition for the word, but that could be because it’s been used so improperly that they just add it. “Bemused” is similar, but the amusement portion is more or less done with a dry tolerance, rather than gleeful amusement.
Language is so fun. Am such a dork.
(But honestly? Misuse of nonplussed makes me effing NUTS. NUTS. Does no one read a dictionary anymore?)
17. mar | November 7th, 2008 at 11:15 am
love the language convo.
also, i removed a former hs classmate from my facebook list because of his vitriol after election day. we were never friends (i mean, i graduated with 42 people, everyone knew everyone!) & i haven’t seen him in 10 years. i don’t give a flying flip what he thinks nor do i care what he’s up to. there are many other extreme conservatives who’ve been a bit more tactful, but still in the same vein (wait, which vane/vein/vain do i mean?) i need to vet my facebook list, methinks.
18. TwoBusy | November 7th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Nothing beats a crudely made crudité.
19. Angella | November 7th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
“My hope is that we may have found someone who can bring us all a little closer to purple.”
That sentence made my day. If everyone could just hug it out an work *together*, that would be awesome.
20. Nora Bee | November 8th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
I love how valuable and invaluable mean the same thing and are not opposites.
When I saw Hugo tapping the TV screen Tuesday pointing at Obama “da guy!” I teared up. This will be NORMAL for him, this world we are in now.
21. Georgette | November 9th, 2008 at 10:03 am
nonplussing. when I see it, i think of something entirely different. and then i feel dirty.
22. Mauigirl52 | November 9th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I agree – McCain came through in his concession speech – he should have acted that way the whole time and he might have had a better chance of winning. But I’m glad he didn’t since it meant that Obama won! I’m still walking on air…
I agree about Sarah Palin – I can’t figure out what the GOP’s game is with trashing her. Maybe they really don’t want her to be back. Or maybe they’re trying to help McCain and blame it all on her so he can go back to the Senate and hold his head up. Who knows. I do think she was used. But I don’t have a lot of sympathy.
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