In just over two weeks ... in just over two weeks, the America I've known my entire life begins to go away. In just over two weeks, one of the most contemptible men in America will, once again, be handed the keys to the most powerful nation on earth. This time, there will be no one to keep him in line, or hold him accountable, or talk him back from the edge. This time, the only thing that can really stop him would be a takeover by the military. As depressing as the news is, and as depressed as it has made me, it still feels inconceivable that what is about to happen is going to happen. I just hope that it is not as terrible as I'm worried, because I believe it will be unspeakably horrible - Shock and Awe comes home to roost.

I recently bought a sturdy, metal Belgian waffle maker and today I used it to attempt red velvet waffles. I have a few boxes of cake mix which are expiring, so I decided to see how it worked as a waffle mix, and after an initial disaster, I added a couple more eggs and a little pancake mix and achieved a light, sweet, crispy result. I had enough to make four additional waffles, which I froze for future breakfasting.

I live such a thrilling life.