So, I left home about 7:00-ish this morning to head over to Mustard Seed to have a girls’ day out with Sarah. Mani/pedi/lunch/bookstore/coffee. That’s the plan.

Before exiting the lovely historic town of Abita Springs, I had to stop and take evidence photos of speed limit signs for an upcoming court date. [Oh, I forgot to mention that. . .Sunday, on the way home from church, I'm yakking with my brother on my cell phone, when I realize that the police car behind me is WAY closer than what it appears in the mirror. In fact, about to climb into my trunk closer. Then the little lights start flashing on the roof of his car. Definitely not a flirtation device.

Here's the microwave version: I pull over. He asks for license, registration, insurance. I recognize him because I taught with his mother over fifteen years ago, and I remember him when he was shorter than I am now. I opt to not disclose that information. He issues me a ticket for going 35 in a 25 plus adds a little lecture about "children in that area..."

I didn't look at the streets he'd written on the ticket until after he walked away from my car. I WAS going 35...IN A 35 MPH HOUR ZONE. The speed limit changes from 25 to 35 on that street, and I was a full block past the 35 mph change. So, despite the fact that standing on the roof of the Town Hall, one could see the speed limit sign, I have to show up for the court date. And provide proof. Which all seems rather silly considering I'm having to show evidence of signs three blocks away which were placed there by the governing body to which they're being shown. I'm now rather pumped about the whole deal, in a righteous validation sort-of-way. I'll, of course, fill you in on the details after April 28th.]

About fifteen pictures later–hoping I can produce a composite like that obnoxious four-year-old on the television commercials–I’m back in the car. Definitely going 25 mph because now I’m headed in the OTHER direction.

A stop for gas, and I settle in for my 2.5 hour drive, contemplating all the ways I’ll spend that $13 extra every week starting after April 1. Switching back-and-forth on the radio between the Christian station and the local news, I’m enjoying the juxtaposition of, “Now, from Mercy Me…” with, “And there’s Nancy Pelosi, popping up and down in her seat. . .” Because I live in Louisiana, and because Ken and I hosted a “Meet and Greet” for Bobby Jindal years ago for his first run for governor, I’m compelled to listen to the news station.

Now, I confess. I didn’t listen to Obama or Jindal the night before. We recorded it to watch later, then promptly fell asleep. But I didn’t need to read or hear anything to determine the reaction to Obama’s speech. The man surely kissed the Blarney Stone. A lot. He’s charismatic, and clearly a gifted orator whose words and sentences are spun with threads so thin, one barely senses being tangled in them.

Bobby, on the other hand, did not show any affection whatsoever for the Blarney Stone. He was examining it, digging under it, and performing carbon dating. Someone, though, must have directed Bobby to speak more slowly. He’s usually talking at 50 mph with gusts up to 70. Last night, it seemed as if the sound track was being played backwards or something. Definitely not the dynamic Bobby I’m accustomed to hearing and seeing. Plus, not playing to a rapt audience and not having the turbo-twin jumping-jacks behind him, were clearly disadvantages. Still, I’ll agree, his “performance” would not have brought him back on American Idol…the Speech Makers.

What befuddles me is when Republicans disagree with the President, they’re doing so because they’re disgruntled, prejudiced, or dumb. Chris Matthews, before Jindal breathed a syllable had this:

On MSNBC, whose hosts typically take a liberal stance, the criticism began before Jindal had uttered a word. “Oh, God, ” were the words of “Hardball” host Chris Matthews as cameras showed Jindal emerging from a side door at the Governor’s Mansion to deliver his address.

Also working against Bobby Jindal is that he had the audacity to state that he was closely examining the stimulus package, and considering not accepting the money for expanded unemployment assistance because it would require, in his interpretation of the stimulus plan, a “permanent” change in state law that would eventually place an additional tax burden on businesses.[J. Tilove, Times-Picayune]

As a resident of this state, I appreciate that we have a governor who is concerned that taking money now would mean the state would be forced to expand the program even after the stimulus money fizzles out. Where, in two years, would that money come from for these unemployment benefits? Ironically, from the very sector of the economy attempting to employ people…businesses. And while people are huffing and puffing about Jindal’s supposed arrogance and disregard for the unemployed, exactly where do they think the burden of this business taxes will fall? I know. I know. Me. Because taxes like that seem to always trickle down.

Anyway…I don’t claim to be politically savvy. It’s almost 2 am, and I couldn’t sleep, and here it is. I did find this article, which discusses some of the realities that President Obama may have whizzed by and provides facts.

And, all in all, I did make it to Mustard Seed. Sarah and I shared a fun mother-daughter day, and I rode home choosing to listen to the sports shows.

GEAUX LSU TIGERS!