Of course there's going to be a Bush-Cheney blog, and of course it's too much to hope that Bush write the entries himself. But I should dearly love to see an example of his unadulterated writing. I fear it would go something like a sixth-grader's, and that is being generous.

I simply cannot have any respect for a man who appears to have gotten everything in his life from riding on his father's coattails.

I suppose it's time for me to blog politics; I've actually been reading up on the 2004 election. Quite a shock, isn't it? Simply put: if Bush wins, I go to Canada. This seems to be the general consensus, though, and I wouldn't want to appear a lemming. There is a major possibility, however, that Bush will win, what with the Democrats factioned off as they are this year. Dean is the leader, for now, and there was a time (i.e. a few months ago) when I truly believed him the best choice. After further research, however, I have concluded that something's rotten in the state of Vermont.

Dean has received most of his funding from the Internet, from idealistic people who needed the barest encouragement to rally round him. He projects himself as a liberal man who is the anti-Bush. As it is with most things in life, the image is sweeter than the reality. In reality, he is just another moderate politician using what he can to get what he can. And he isn't even a skilled politician; he has been shown to be reckless, and brash. While I am all for the anti-politician in theory, I would prefer an experienced president who won't decide to blurt out some insult that'll start another war.

Now, I cannot claim full knowledge about positions and important things like that, but I will say that I am rooting for Kerry, though it appears he is being overshadowed by a fellow Democrat, General Clark.

Please, just not Dean or Bush. I WISH I could vote in the primaries!!!!!

Back from Florence, and in Philly with Arney. It is absolute bliss to be in the arms of the one you love. I generally don't like to gush about my boyfriend because when I read other people's writing about their 'love', I can't help but think, "Okay, either that's going to last a week or the person is trying to prove something." But I've been missing him for a week, so I think it's justified.

What else? Am in general state of happiness, as school doesn't start for another week. So will be lounging around, reading like crazy and watching lots and lots of TV. Is anyone else as excited for UPN's Next Top Model? Airs tonight at 9 et!

Clubbing in Italy is crazy.

Oh yes, must mention Britney's one day wedding so will remember in future when am reading archives. Must have been piss ass drunk. Heard there's a video of the wedding. Can't wait for that to circulate the internet.

From Florence, and because I just couldn't resist the internet. Then again, it wasn't a very difficult choice. It was either: hide out in the computer lab and go on the net OR go to a lecture. Tough choice, eh?

Florence. I am sad to say that I would much rather be back in America.

I can't help but compare it with another European city that is, I suppose, in somewhat the same category: Paris. I find Florence much lacking. Of course, Florence is smaller. And of course, Florence is mainly for 'arts and culture'. There are many 'of course's one could find in comparing the two, but suffice to say, they are the two I have chosen to compare.

Perhaps it is my natural affection for the French. I have always thought it a beautiful language, and although I know the common perception that they are snobs, I like the people. When I was there, I found the citizens (excepting one who was insufferably rude to my sister and the waitstaff of a restaurant who served us excessively slow) lovely. There was an older gentleman who would not stop until I had found fish in the supermarket, barring language barrier. His kindness is one I will never forget. I think that France is like the United States, in that the citizens who are in contact with the tourists are on the whole, much ruder than the general population. And people just made sweeping generalizations based just on their experience as a tourist.

Now, I have never heard anything about Italians being rude, but I find that they are, in correlation with my theory on contact with tourists=rudeness. The reception desk at my hotel is absolutely unpardonable. There has been, in general, one frazzled lady and one man who have sat behind the desk. Both, when I call them from my room with questions, answer one question, and I barely hear a "good-bye" before I hear the dialtone.

And the hotel is ridiculous in their "one key per room policy." I have a roommate and we have very different schedules, which means that we both need a key to get in our room at different times. However, this hotel refuses to allow more than one key per room. I cannot understand this. Pure silliness. Or cheapness.

On the whole, I find Florence, as I recently wrote in an e-mail to a friend, soulless. It is a shell, a beautiful shell, which holds nothing, no charm, no joie de vivre, no warmth. All it holds now is tourists, and a pandering government. Where is the real Italy? Where are the real Italian foods? Most likely in the rural areas, which we won't be able to visit while here.

I will write more, if you're interested.

Now that I look back on the entry, it is much negativity of Italy. I did intend this, but there are good aspects to this country as well. The pastries. And little sandwiches at the snack bars. That's about it.

I will (fingers crossed) be back Sunday afternoon. Hope all my darlings are doing well, especially A. I miss everyone terribly!

Back in New York.

Actually did feel sad at prospect of leaving Minnesota. Close to shedding tears when said goodbye to parents, as remembered how lovely they are to me. Why is it when you least want it, you remember the good stuff about people? When I fought with my parents over break, all I could think was "New York, New York," but on my way back here, I couldn't stop thinking about all the sweet things they do. Definitely must work on being better daughter.

I found it really ironic when a certain mother was complaining about another's lectures on how to raise a better daughter, because mother A's daughter is so much better than mother B's.

Longing... for something again. Maybe it's for my suitcase to be unpacked and re-packed for Italy. Maybe it's for my sore throat to go away. Maybe it's for A. to be here.

Definitely the latter.

I also want to talk to someone, but I believe he will be busy tonight, naturally.

I'd better stop before I lose you all in a maelstorm of vagueness.

Happy 2004 everyone!

Should I make a resolution list? I don't really have anything I'd want to change about myself. Just little things that are already ingrained into me and would thus be impossible to remove. And plus, I'm always on the self-improvement bit, always thinking about "Oh I should change this, so I'll try."

I feel there should be some sort of list. I'll think about it and get back to you.

2 days till Florence!