Happy New Year!
I lost the election. I accepted this result with outward grace but inner turmoil. I had to hide that first day. I bawled my eyes out. There was nothing anyone could say or do. I felt like I had a big L plastered across my forehead for all to see. Now I know why people congratulate losing candidates for “putting themselves out there,” because you really truly do. And the rejection hurts. Especially the day after.
I started the day by heading out to remove my campaign signs from the side of the road. This is a sad, sad chore. Luckily, I have an amazing husband, who not only pulled six hours of poll watching duty beginning at 6 am, but also jumped in the car and got ALL of my signs down. After that, I just hid and cried. It was like losing a loved one. Ridiculous, I know, but that is how it felt: full-blown mourning.
Since I didn’t lose a loved one, each day got a little better, and eventually I was able to look people in the eye, as long as they didn’t say anything like “Thank you for running.” And I learned that even though I felt really visible and well-known, having knocked on 1,000 doors, most people did not know who I was. Just like before! I could slip back into anonymity. Though I admit that I haven’t attended any Council meetings since Election Day. All in good time.
Turns out that some people took notice of me. Running brought me to the attention of the County Freeholders. I was appointed to serve a one-year term on the Somerset County Open Space Advisory Committee. In addition, I was asked to join the Board of Directors of the Raritan Headwaters Association, a well known environmental group here in Jersey that safeguards ground and surface water quality for 2 million Jerseyites living in two big watersheds. I can’t wait to serve as an ambassador for this fantastic group.
One door gets slammed in your face. Another opens to reveal a new opportunity.
I logged 3,154.65 miles of cycling, running, hiking, and walks this year, an 11 percent increase over last year’s effort. I rode the grueling 65 mile New Jersey Fondo, representing Raritan Headwaters, in memory of two local bike gurus whom we lost this year, Greg and Marty. I have purchased every bike I have ever owned from one of these two guys.
I attended the Boston Marathon, though as a mere spectator. Perhaps next year I will complete the bike ride of the 26.2 mile course which takes place at midnight the night before the race.
I garnered two states, Minnesota and Oklahoma. I went winter camping on a frozen lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and I ran a 5K trail race under truly unique conditions. I may not have run a winning campaign, but I have the guts to bear it all and run!
I explored Greece with Kip and Italy with an amazing assortment of girlfriends. I ran for office. I saved my little dog’s life. He is ten now and doing well. I know it’s not forever, but it’s wonderful to have him by my side… although he has become rather pushy about getting his favorite things right on schedule. It’s a bit like having a newborn again, or living with an elderly parent. It’s family… it’s love.
What’s ahead? I’m flying to Iowa for the last weekend before the caucuses. I managed to fly in to the wrong city, for the second time in a row, but I will make it work. I feel a bit stupid because if I had not become too excited and rushed, I might have been able to get Wisconsin… or Nebraska, for that matter. No worries. I am hoping to explore and run or hike in the mornings and chase candidates as they chase votes in the final run up to the caucus.
That will leave 8 states to go, 2 years… I have plans to go to Michigan in late July. I found a community service trip through the Sierra Club. More on that this summer!
I had better pick up the pace if I am going to meet this challenge.