Every Christmas, the cousins (and significant others) on my dad’s side of the family draw names and buy gifts for one another.  For the last couple of years, we’ve chosen themes to help generate ideas for gifts.  Christmas ’05 had the theme “something corny.”

This is one of the gifts Denny received.

I see that I am, for the time being, listed on the Juice Blogs blogroll, probably thanks to my friend James.  This feels vaguely important, what with their association with the Des Moines Register and all, so I think I ought to write about something more thought-provoking than what to do with the tomato sauce I found in my freezer.  I could tell by the anti-plethora (note to self:  the word you mean is “dearth.”  Love, Aprille) of comments on that topic that my readership did not find it a very exciting topic either.

So, in an effort to stimulate and entertain, here are some comments on the world around me:

Democratic gubernatorial primaries:  gut says Fallon, head says I need to choose between Culver and Blouin.  Some websites, such as this one, have good information and lots of links about the candidates.  I’m torn, at the moment; Blouin seems more consistent with my stands on most social issues (abortion rights being the exception).  He’s anti-death penalty, which is extremely important to me, and the LGTB community is largely supporting him for having a concrete stand in favor of gay civil unions.  However, Culver seems to have a better-defined strategy for alternative energy, which is also crucial.  His role as a lobbyist for IBP is of concern, but I do like that he has a female running mate.  I need to decide by Tuesday.  I guess if I can’t decide, I might as well vote my conscience during the primaries and go with Fallon.  James probably has something astute to say on the subject.  He’s very smart.

New topic:  I’m going to try to take and post at least one photo every day.  I’m not as good a photographer as Denny or my dad, but I do enjoy it.  I wish I had a dog who wore shoes to photograph.