Since election day is tomorrow, I know I should probably be writing about that. You know, telling you to get out there and vote, how important it is and all that.
But to be honest, most of the folks I know have already voted and dropped their ballots off down to town hall. I did it last week when I was registering my car. Sure there’s a drop box, but I wasn’t taking any chances. I personally handed my ballot to Gladys Knight. Not Gladys Knight with the Pips, but Gladys Knight our town clerk.
“Gladys,” I says, “I just want to make sure my signature is okay and my vote will be counted.”
“Oh, I know you, Ida. I’m marking it as good right now.”
“Thanks, Gladys!” I just love living in a small town!
I’m proud of my niece Caitlin who, with her group of friends, volunteered to be a poll 
worker this election. They had their training last week. “There’s more too it then you’d think,” she says to me. “I’m glad they didn’t tell us to just show up.” Nice to see the young folks getting involved, isn’t it? And we need it, because prior to this, our poll workers were old. I mean, cut-them-open-and-count-the-rings old. Always took ‘em forever to find my name in the book.
Anyhoo, I know I should be talking about voting, but frankly, I can’t wait for this whole thing to be over! And I’m not alone, judging by the amount of beer and wine we’re selling down to the A&P. Election season just goes on too long, don’t you think? And that’s especially true this year. Let’s face it, 2020 has been a real corker. We’re plumb worn down with the coronaviris, and all the stress and uncertainty around that. The weather’s getting colder and we know more Zooming is in our future. Then, dagnabit! We had to put the clocks back this weekend! Why do we still do this?
There’s just so much out of our control, but you know what? That’s true all the time. It’s
just more obvious right now. All you can do is what you can do. Meaning, focus on what you can control: casting your vote, being nice to each other, helping your neighbor. Me? I’ve started baking muffins so every day we can have a little treat. (I like muffins because they’re pre-portioned and not too sweet.) I also make sure to put on my lipstick and a little perfume even if I’m not leaving the house because, as my mother used to say, “Look good, smell good, feel good.” Sometimes you have to fake it ‘til you make it, but that’s okay. Smiling, even if you may not be feeling it, can trick your brain into thinking you’re happy. Really! Caitlin told me this, and it works.
I think the most important thing we can control is our thoughts. I forget this sometimes,
especially in the middle of the night when I hop on the old worry wheel. But then I remember my secret weapon: gratitude. I’ll start listing things I’m grateful for in my head. Or I’ll practice gratitude while walking with Scamp, or driving to work. Find ten things you’re grateful for, I’ll say to myself. Gratitude can always turn it around for me, because it helps me focus on the good things out there.
Like all you poll workers, young and old. This voting business couldn’t happen without you. Stay safe and thank you for your service!
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Can’t Wait for This Whole Thing to Be Over!
Tickets On Sale Now!
December 20: A Very Ida Christmas!, The Music Hall Historic Theater, 2:00pm, Portsmouth, NH