No Caucus = Sad, Sad Mo

So the 2008 Iowa caucuses have come and gone. Sadly enough, I was unable to go. You see, my body decided to kick off the new year by contracting a stomach virus. So instead of representing the presidential candidate of my choice, I became very good friends with a 10-gallon, bright red bucket which I aptly nicknamed "Buddy." Poor Buddy. That sure wasn't any fun.

Prior to my adventures with Buddy, I did manage to have a lovely New Year's celebration. I traveled to the booming metropolis of Alton, Illinois and met some lovely people. Melissa and I rang in the New Year together along with several of her dear friends from high school. There was music and alcohol and lots of inside jokes which made for a great time. We didn't do anything too crazy and managed to make it home around 1:30 a.m. I had tucked myself into bed and was reading Steve Martin's newest book, when the doorbell rang downstairs. Too tired and cozy to see what all the ruckus was about, I missed out on the action.

A young woman, about 20 or 21, came in and was quite shaken. "I'm sorry to bother you," she said, "but I was at a party down the street and my boyfriend had a few too many drinks and started beating everyone up. I think he has a knife." Alarmed, Melissa's parents called the police and stepped out onto the front porch to take a look. The young man who was apparently hosting the party came walking down the street. He was bloodied and bruised and in complete shock. The police arrived shortly and began searching the neighborhood for the attacker, who had fled the party. They eventually found him and arrested him. Here's the report. (It's the first one)

Yikes! The girl said he had a history of violent behavior while drinking. Who the hell gave that man a drink? Thankfully, no one was severely hurt, but who knows what could have happened? So this year of 2008 has already gotten off to a somewhat rocky start. That's okay, though. Things can only go up from here, right?

cheers