Wedding Blog
So, as you’ve probably read by now, this week we’re doing a fun little feature that’s a twist on the currently popular book and movie The Secret Life of Bees. I’ve been thinking about my secrets for a few days now and have had a tough time deciding what to share with y’all… Perhaps I’d fill you guys in on how in high school I was incredibly holey (although I not quite to the extent that that gentleman has gone) or my former love of steel toe Doc Martens. Or maybe I’d share a ridiculous tale about how I got my tattoo (although I’m sure I could never top Pengy) or out my groomsmen as rock stars. However, none of these fun little antidotes are really ‘secrets’. I mean, they’re basically common knowledge for anyone who remotely knows me.
Wanna know a real secret?
I wish I lived anywhere besides Texas. At least every four years.
What?! Miss Lemonade, the die-hard Texan who loves her native state more than cake wishes she resided somewhere else?!
Yes, folks, it’s true. You see, I am a politics wonk. I love politics almost as much as I love Mr. Lemonade and every four years that makes being a Texan a very tough thing. I am 28 years old (!) and the 2000 election was my first opportunity to vote on a national level. It was also the year that I interned in the Texas House where for a very brief time I got to hang out with this guy who was our Governor at the time. That experience and time period in my life shaped who I am and what I believe more than almost any other and ignited a passion for policy that has yet to be extinguished. However, I learned in 2000 a lesson that I carry with me every day when I go to work and is something that I am even more acutely aware of every four years in November: Texas is a good ole’ boys club and one that is damn near impossible for outsiders or “radical” new ideas to break into.
Now don’t get me wrong – I’m a firm believer that every single vote counts and I will totally be at the polls this afternoon doing my part. That doesn’t mean that I still don’t get jealous of my friends and relations that live in swing states.
There, I said it, and I feel sooooooo much better! Now, regardless of who your candidates and issues are, get out there and vote!
xoxo
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Share this post: The Secret Life of Bees: Lemonade Edition
I feel the same way about where I live (Alabama).
That picture of the man with all the piercings scared the crap out of me… not what I was expecting to see! yikes! I hope you are that holey…
I live in Missouri, and I do appreciate that every vote really does count. Thank you for making me reflect on that and how frustrated I would feel to live in a decidedly-one color state.
I really like reading your secret and I would feel the same way. I am also 28 and know exactly how you feel about past elections. There is something about knowing even if the candidate you wanted to win didn’t, at least my state and I were voting the same way sort of thing. As I was taking the first bite of my lunch sandwich I opened the pic of pierced guy. I almost didn’t want my lunch anymore!haha!
I’ve been saying this all week! Living in Texas is a downer when you know that your vote won’t REALLY matter. I want to move to a more “swingin” state haha. My dad just relocated to Virginia and he called me this morning to tell me all the things he was getting to do to help the campaign. So jealous!
Great post, and so totally Lemonade! Wonk, Wonkette, love those words! Do you read the wonkette blog? LOL!
I feel the same way about where I live, New Jersey. Maybe we should swap states? 
i feel the same here in cali. you’d think with all our electoral votes people would care but nope, apparently we always have who we want in the white house written on our collective foreheads. though i don’t envy those in swing states. i’d be annoyed with all the constant coverage and polling!
You had me worried there for a minute, I mean you love Texas more than CAKE! Great post 
I hear ya — I often have fantasies about moving to DC. I really wanted to work at the Department of Justice after I finished clerking, but the divisions I wanted to work in weren’t in a very good place morale-wise at the time, and I just couldn’t bring myself to uproot everyone to work at a place of misery. But one day, you and I will put together our Fashion-meets-Wonkette blog, and it won’t matter where we are.
I felt the same way about the state I grew up in (Louisiana) - Southern states are pretty similar politically. Imagine my excitement when I discovered my new home (I moved to Denver this July) is a battleground state - we’ve had visits from both Presidential & Vice Presidential candidates as well as a few from Mrs. Obama - it’s weird when I watch the news & they actually go over the calendar of visits from the candidates each week. I know every vote counts, but it kinda feels like it’s even more important for everyone to get out in vote when you don’t really know which way your state will go.
I’m from Iowa, which isn’t swing state but we are still an important part of the election process since we start off the caucuses. I’m proud to be able to have that kind of an impact nationally and enjoy the attention my state receives every four years (since who really cares about Iowa any other time?). I momentarily debated whether to vote this morning, then realized what an idiot I’d be and how sad I would be if I hadn’t done my civic duty in this incredibly historic election. That said, don’t think for one second your votes in non-swing states don’t count. You’re the building blocks to changing your state, whether you know it now or not. Four years ago, I was disappointed in my state for going red (apologies to those who may be offended) and this year, it went solidly blue! Be proud of your vote!
Thats exactly how I feel about CA!
I had the same experience, well, every election for which I’ve been able to vote. When I lived in New Mexico, it wasn’t in play like it has been for the last 8 years. Then I lived in New York — NEVER in play. Now in Tennessee — not in play for the opposite reason. I did vote, though, even though in the end it didn’t matter… again.
Wow!!! You describe my sentiments exactly. I live in NY.
I got a great email on why it’s still important to vote in non-swing states…here is ONE portion..
Big margin = big mandate. The popular vote doesn’t put anyone in the White House, but it affects what presidents can do when they get there. Want Obama to be able to actually do the stuff he’s been talking about? Pass universal health care? End the war? Then we need a landslide.
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Mrs. Lemonade, Austin/San Antonio
Age and Occupation: 28, Bureaucrat
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Music Management
Engagement Date: December 21, 2007
Wedding Date: April, 2009
Blogging Since: August 22, 2008
Venue: Country Club ceremony, ballroom reception
About Me: I’m a total wonkette who is lucky enough to be surrounded by her favorite things on a daily basis – awesome music, the great State of Texas and of course, Mr. Lemonade! I find any excuse I can to craft something and am completely infatuated with the 1950’s, all things Kennedy, and my furbaby Vida.
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