Podcasting...Again

Photo Cred: What Should I Read Next?

Back in August, I had the privilege of being a guest on What Should I Read Next podcast.  It was like a dream come true!  I've always wanted to have my own radio show, and in the 21st century, being a guest on a podcast is the next best thing.

Think of my excitement when I was approached to be one of the folks on a follow-up episode about What DID I Read Next?  Clips from my original episode were included and then I shared what I had read next and what was still on my list.

Anne Bogel, the host of this podcast, did an excellent job of picking titles for me and though I've only read one so far, I loved it.  Two more are on my list from Anne, but the reader response was overwhelming.  Literally hundreds of suggestions came through comments from readers on Anne's blog and Instagram.  I'm set for life for books to read, as if I wasn't already.  

If you haven't listened to the original episode, you can do so here.  And then you can list to the follow-up here.  Happy listening...and reading!

Designated Survivor

I don't watch a ton of TV and most of the time my TV is on to make noise while I'm piddling and working around the house or getting ready in the morning. But, I do try and watch one or two new shows each season to see if they're worthy of following.  One of those this season is Designated Survivor.  It stars Kiefer Sutherland (pardon me while I swoon) and, no, it isn't just a remake of 24.

Kiefer Sutherland is the head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is chosen as the designated survivor to be sequestered during the State of the Union address in the unlikely event a tragedy occurs and the government leadership is wiped out.  The show's Pilot involves a bombing at the Capitol and the need for Kiefer to be sworn in as President of the United States.

I'm only two episodes in, but the story is riveting, and quite ironic in its applicability to today's presidential landscape.  Kiefer's character assumes a role he really isn't prepared for, but serves out in the best way possible.  His humility in this role as his life changes in a blink of an eye is commendable.  I get this is fiction, but it sure is refreshing.  

It's an understatement to say I'm beyond disappointed in this year's presidential election.  Neither candidate is someone I want running the free world.  I was quickly reminded of this when in the first 30 minutes of the Designated Survivor becoming POTUS, he was given the instructions on how to launch all nuclear weapons operated by the US.  Frightening.

I try and avoid political debates on social media.  That's why I'm writing this blog.  I can't handle the constant bickering in my social feeds.  It's exhausting.  So I'm keeping my most passionate comments here.

When I fill in the bubble to vote for our next president, I can't, with good conscience vote for either of the two leading candidates.  I can't. Don't try and persuade me, it won't change.  Hilary's complete disregard of human life - her pro-choice stand and her Benghazi behavior - doesn't give me comfort.  Yes, it would be tremendous to have a female president, but is she the role model I want?  Absolutely not.  You continue to tolerate your husband's fornication all for the sake of maybe becoming President yourself.  Have you no more regard for yourself than that?  It's sad...and troubling.  

Trump is a whole other issue.  Take away his recent "locker-room talk" scandal and other female encounters that have come about, he turns my stomach.  His narcissistic, prideful attitude is not appropriate for the Oval Office.  I'm a conservative Christian and many stand behind him because of his potential Supreme Court Justice appointment.  I have zero faith in his keeping that promise since I've not really seen any consistency in his campaign...other than narcissistic pride.  I didn't vote for Obama, so take this statement from that perspective.  Obama has more class in his pinkie finger than Trump has in his whole body.  

In some ways, I wish we could designate a President somehow, but that would only come if neither major party gets the majority and it goes to Congress.  It's times like these I miss my Dad so much.  I'd love to hear this take on this.  But, if I could talk to him now, he'd say, "I'm sure glad I'm not on earth anymore for a lot of reasons you don't understand yet, but this election is another reason."  

I'm not sure who'll I'll vote for come November 8, but I will vote.  It won't be Trump or Clinton, but someone else with a chance, albeit slight.  I'm voting because I have that right.  The right as a woman I've only had a short time in light of history and the right many people fought for my freedom to have.  I'm not going to "pull the lever" for someone who I can't respect.