I pull into our polling location and get Sabine out of the car as she protests and squirms. She wants to go to the museum instead. I explain that today is a historic day when we get to cast our vote for the first woman president. “Tomorrow you’ll wake up to a bright future, Sabine. Tomorrow the glass ceiling that has hung over our heads will be no more,” I said.
My eyes fill with tears as I mark the ballot.
That night the Professor, a friend and I settle into our sofa with beers and snacks. To celebrate I select craft beers that have labels featuring foxy women. Television on, laptops out and mobile devices connected to WiFi. Let the games begin.
Around 12 a.m. we switch to bourbon and stare slack-jawed at our screens. How was this happening?
*****************
The weeks between the election and inauguration I read the news daily waiting for something, anything really, to change the outcome.
But it did not happen.
The last two weeks have been a complete nightmare as one shocking thing after another hits the news. I grew up in tornado alley, and the feelings I am experiencing are a lot like the feelings when you’re huddled in a bathtub listening to the radio coverage of an approaching wall cloud. You don’t know what is within that cloud but you know it’s not good and if you happen to get a direct hit, well, things are going to get fucking ugly.
A bad storm line is over in a matter of hours. This Trump presidency and his cabinet of clowns, however, are going to be here for a long time and the effects will be felt for decades to come. So hunker down, y’all. This storm is likely one for the books.
Please note that we are all entitled to our opinions in this election. Hateful, deconstructive comments will be deleted.
I’m not sure if I’ve missed lots of posts you’ve posted lately or if you haven’t been around lately. Either way, good to see you, and time will tell what happens….
I’m glad you’re back too, and you know I share your feelings. Plus fear, shame (for our great country), shock, astonishment, outrage, and alternating bouts of hopelessness and optimism.
Hello Belle,
I have been reading your blog for a few years now. I stumbled upon it when I was struggling after an egg retrieval trying for a second baby. I have enjoyed it!
My question to you is, how do you get your blog read? I just started and don’t have followers. I advertised on FB which got me a couple of minutes from readers. I really had intended it for family and now that I know that almost nobody is reading it I’m just wondering what could spice it up, not in terms of content, I could focus more on my money saving adventures and my books and travels instead of just my children. More, how do I get readers. Do I like/ follow other blogs?
Thank you,
Ruth Hynes
Hey Ruth! Thanks for following. Scrambled Eggs sort of grew organically as I found infertility blogs and followed them and they, in turn, found mine. I have never promoted on Facebook but know many people who do promote that way. Good luck to you!
Thank you!
I also grew up in Tornado Alley and I know that feeling of dreadful anticipation. And I share your pain regarding our democracy. ❤
First I was so happy to see new posts from you!!! And even more thrilled to see you all are settling into to your new town/state. I’ve been reading your page for years and it’s great to hear from you again. And two I can only say wow this post totally sums up how I’ve been feeling the last few months and honestly I hadn’t been able to put words to my feelings so thank you for helping with that.
Not that it’s much consolation to you, but the rest of the world (save Russia) feels the shock and dread, too. Months later, I still see the daily headlines and ask myself, “How is this possible?!?!”
You captured my sentiments exactly. Here in Madison, WI, we were in a total bubble and the outcome of the election hit me as an almost complete surprise. Being on a university campus in a liberal city … what a bubble we were and are in. At least we realize now that organized, ongoing RESISTANCE is where we have to start rebuilding, right? Glad to read your posts again 🙂
it is going to be a tough four years. That’s for certain. Honestly, I wasn’t shocked. I had seen the brutal ugliness of people when Paige passed away, there is just so much of it and it’s terribly sad.
pretty much my experience on 11/8 as well. so much hope. then so much darkness. i am struggling to regain any hope. but keep marching, mama. i will. i want the world to know that 3 million of us americans ARE NOT COOL WITH THIS SHITSHOW.
I am from Germany and even if I am not affected directly, I certainly feel you. People here are very worried about the nacissistic lying idiot you now have to call your president. It is good to know that the majority of people in the US are appalled by what is happening right now. We have our own idiots around here but we still manage to keep the numbers relatively small. I hope it stays that way and will do my best to educate the ones I can reach. I am glad that you posted this. It is such a serious issue.