Nationwide

In American political jargon, an “October Surprise” is a term used to characterize late-breaking and potentially game-changing information leading up to an election, particularly a presidential election. It was first used in the 1972 Presidential election of Richard Nixon, regarding the Vietnam War and a speech made by Henry Kissinger predicting “peace is at hand”. More recently, the photo-op of NJ Governor Chris Christie and President Obama walking on the NJ shore following Hurricane Sandy was seen by some as the October Surprise that ensured Obama’s re-election to a second term. It remains to be seen whether or not the Ebola outbreak in America will surprise Senate Democrats and their quest to maintain control of the Senate.

Personally, my October surprise came in the form of a powerful cold front earlier this month that ripped a portion of our metal roof off our home. It has been a game-changer for me, redirecting my focus away from the mid-term election, while wading through insurance policies, cosmetic clauses and getting quotes for both repair and/or replacement costs – should we successfully win our claim for the latter. Someone did ask me recently for my thoughts on a few statewide offices. Never short on opinion or passion I filled his ear. Hopefully I can “get a grasp – at least in outline” – for our local paper. Channeling Aristotle . . .

Looks like I am the gazelle today and as such I am running! Started a post on Monica Lewinsky’s reemergence on the public stage but don’t know if time to note here. In the midst of the usual flurry of kid-related activities, I met with another roofer to get a quote for damages received to our metal roof in an early October storm. Naturally it appears our homeowners insurance wants to get by as cheaply as possible so it will be up to “yours truly” to make a compelling case – despite Nationwide claiming to be on our side. Truthfully, their tagline/jingle should be modified to “on your side, as long as it doesn’t cost us too much“, in compliance with truth-in-advertising practices.

Today is the District Cross Country (CC) meet and Anne is running. This is my first CC season – Anne’s our first child to participate in the sport. I am enamored with its numerous benefits not the least of which are the obvious mental and physical ones. It appears that Cross Country provides a unique and fitting opportunity for “citizens-in-training”. I’ll have to elaborate when time permits so let the premise serve as a teaser or appetizer (leave it to me to use a food analogy in a sentence about running but it DOES explains a lot!).

Left Anne “the lunch of champions” in her locker: Chick-fil-a with a cookie slice from The Great American Chocolate Chip Cookie Company. Good Luck, Anne . . . Run YOUR race!! Love, Mom.