 I can’t believe it’s 2023!
Looking back on 2022, I have to say it was a pretty good year for me. It was a bit of a year of saying “Yes” for me, by saying “Yes” to more things I wanted to do and things that took me out of my comfort zone, while also saying “No” to things that weren’t for me and getting better at setting boundaries. I got more involved in church this year, including joining the church I started attending in the fall of 2021. (Read more about that here.) I continued meeting and grew closer to some amazing people there. Got involved in small groups and volunteering, etc. and loved it. I got elected to the State Democratic Executive Committee! I’m very proud of that…I loved serving on the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee from 2018-2022, and with this position I get to continue serving on the county committee as well. We had some bright spots in the midterm elections in Alabama, especially here in Jefferson County. I got to travel more in 2022 than I have in a while, including going back to Vegas to see Shania Twain’s “Let’s go!” residency show before it ended. She is as amazing as ever…and I cannot wait for her upcoming album, Queen of Me, which comes out February 3, 2023! I loved the time I got to spend with friends and family as always, and I’m really proud of the work I did in therapy throughout the year. I’m happy to say I don’t have any major 2022 regrets. It’s my hope that 2023 brings each of us joy and peace! Best wishes for the new year. Here’s a look at some pop culture things I enjoyed this year. BOOKS I managed to read 30+ books this year, which I’m super proud of. Here are my five favorites that were released this year. With their third release, Casey McQusiton has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Golden Boys - Phil Stamper I Kissed Shara Wheeler - Casey McQuiston Left on Tenth - Delia Ephron Let’s Not Do That Again - Grant Ginder Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt MOVIES I have watched so few movies this year…but that’s pretty much always the case with me at this point in the year. I’ll be watching a ton over the next couple of months to prepare for the Academy Awards and you’ll get all my thoughts on 2022 films in my Oscars blog coming in March. I will shout out a few I did see this year. Shania’s documentary Not Just A Girl from Netflix was remarkable. I highly recommend it, even if you only have a casual relationship with her music. Her music and story are both incredibly inspiring. I did my best to support gay themed films this year – Bros, Fire Island, and The Holiday Sitter were all fun and I’d see them again. I saw some wonderful independent and locally made films at the Sidewalk Film Festival this year, and I also enjoyed the Bob’s Burgers movie. MUSIC New Shania music is coming in 2023 and we got a preview of her upcoming album (Queen of Me), plus a compilation album (Not Just A Girl – The Highlights) and songs from Beauty and the Beast - A 30th Celebration! Taylor Swift’s Midnights was by far my favorite original album release of the year. She continues churning out excellence. Other albums I enjoyed this year were Harry’s House from Harry Styles, Special from Lizzo, and Subject to Change from Kelsea Ballerini. Here are my 22 favorite songs from 2022! “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)” - Lizzo “About Damn Time” - Lizzo “Anti-Hero” - Taylor Swift “As It Was” - Harry Styles “Beauty and the Beast” - Shania Twain “Bejeweled” - Taylor Swift “Heartfirst” - Kelsea Ballerini “Karma” - Taylor Swift “Last Day of Summer” - Shania Twain “Late Night Talking” - Harry Styles “Lavender Haze” - Taylor Swift “Light Switch” - Charlie Puth “Love Is A Cowboy” - Kelsea Ballerini “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” - Harry Styles “Not Just A Girl” - Shania Twain “Super Freaky Girl” - Nicki Minaj “Unholy” - Sam Smith and Kim Petras “Waking Up Dreaming” - Shania Twain “Weather” - Kelsea Ballerini “What He Didn’t Do” - Carly Pearce “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve” - Taylor Swift “You’re Drunk, Go Home” - Kelsea Ballerini with Kelly Clarkson and Carly Pearce TELEVISION There are so many (so, so many) TV shows I need to watch and catch up with. I continued my trend of rewatching some of my favorites (The Golden Girls, Happy Endings, Schitt’s Creek, The West Wing) instead of a lot of newer shows. I’ll get to them when I get to them! There were a few I really loved this year though, so here’s a small sample of my favorites. Abbott Elementary The Gilded Age Grace & Frankie Gutsy Hacks Heartstopper Love, Victor Our Flag Means Death White Lotus What were your favorite pop culture moments of 2022? What kept you entertained this year? Tell me in the comments!
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 Two years from today is Inauguration Day. In November, Politico ran a piece on 40 Democrats who will potentially seek the party’s nomination for president in 2020. I took all 40 candidates and divided them into five tiers, with eight candidates in each tier. The first tier are the candidates I think would be the best as the Democratic nominee. I do want to be clear that it is not my intention to disparage any of these candidates (except maybe a few in the bottom tier) – I think we need to unite behind our nominee and support them fully so we can get this monstrous administration out of office. This is more of an informative blog about the candidates and me stating my preference of who gets nominated. Candidates are listed alphabetically within each tier.
FIRST TIER/TOP TIER Cory Booker, U.S. Senator from New Jersey (2013-present) / Mayor of Newark, NJ (2006-13) / City Councilor (1998-2002) Status – considering running I love that Booker has executive experience and legislative experience. I love that he seems hands on and accessible, and I love his optimism. I think he could definitely elevate the field. -- Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator from Ohio (2007-present) / U.S. House of Representatives (1993-2007) / Secretary of State for Ohio (1983-91) / Ohio House of Representatives (1975-82) Status – considering running Brown has long been a favorite of mine. He’s got a consistent progressive record and strong ties to labor. Plus, four words that thrill me – First Lady Connie Schultz. -- Hillary Clinton, Democratic Party Nominee for President (2016) / U.S. Secretary of State (2009-13) / U.S. Senator from New York (2001-09) / U.S. First Lady (1993-2001) Status – not running She’s not running, but the media can’t help itself when it comes to her. We missed the opportunity of a lifetime not having her as president. Fun fact – Hillary Clinton, despite what the media says about her likability and political skills – has never lost the popular vote in any election she’s run. She’s also been Gallup’s Most Admired Woman in the World a record 22 times. -- Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, CA (2013-present) / President of Los Angeles City Council (2006-12) / City Councilor (2001-13) Status – considering running Garcetti has been impressive as the mayor of the country’s second most populous city. He has been particularly successful on initiatives and issues pertaining to climate change, the environment, homelessness, and veterans. -- Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator from New York (2009-present) / U.S. House of Representatives (2007-09) Status – announced exploratory committee January 15, 2019 Sen. Gillibrand has been one of my favorite senators since her appointment in 2009. She’s been one of the best LGBTQ+ allies and helped lead the charge to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. She also has the most anti-tr*mp voting record out of all 100 U.S. senators. She’s definitely an early favorite of mine. -- Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator from California (2017-present) / Attorney General for California (2011-17) / District Attorney for San Francisco (2004-11) Status – considering running; announcement expected imminently Sen. Harris is relatively new on the national stage, but she’s quickly made a name for herself. She’s been superb at questioning this administration’s nominees and trying to thwart them. She’s been strong on issues of immigration and I really look forward to seeing her platform. She’s also an early favorite of mine. -- Tim Kaine, Democratic Party Nominee for Vice President (2016) / U.S. Senator from Virginia (2013-present) / Democratic Party Chairman (2009-11) / Governor of Virginia (2006-10) / Lt. Governor of Virginia (2002-06) / Mayor of Richmond, VA (1998-2001) Status – not running Sen. Kaine seems to have ruled out a run in 2020. He has one of the most impressive resumes of the potential candidates and a solid record of progressive achievements. He would have made an excellent Vice President. -- Terry McAuliffe, Governor of Virginia (2014-18) / National Governors Association Chairman (2016-17) / Democratic Party Chairman (2001-05) Status – considering running During his tenure in office, McAuliffe was one of the most progressive governors in the country. He began his term in office by signing executive orders expanding LGBTQ+ rights and establishing tougher ethics rules concerning gifts to government officials. He also restored voting rights to over 200,000 disenfranchised convicted felons. SECOND TIER Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York (2011-present) / Attorney General of New York (2007-10) / U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (1997-2001) Status – not running Gov. Cuomo has made great advances for LGBTQ+ persons and women during his tenure as governor of New York. He’s also been a leader on gun safety measures. -- John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado (2011-19) / Nation Governors Association Chairman (2014-15) / Mayor of Denver (2003-11) Status – considering running Hickenlooper also has a strong record on gun safety issues as well as a progressive record on capital punishment. -- Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General (2009-15) / U.S. Deputy Attorney General (1997-2001) / U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. (1993-97) / Judge of the Superior Court of Washington, D.C. (1988-93) Holder has a great record on issues of civil rights and voting rights. I’m definitely intrigued by a potential Holder candidacy, and would love to see his platform. His biggest drawback is never having been elected to office. -- Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington (2013-present) / U.S. House of Representatives (1993-95, 1999-2012) / Washington House of Representatives (1989-93) Status – exploratory committee formed on January 2, 2019 Inslee is not well known nationally, but has a strong progressive track record in Washington, including overseeing the expansion of marriage equality and a moratorium on capital punishment. Inslee plans to emphasize climate change in his bid for the presidency. -- John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State (2013-17) / Democratic Party Nominee for President (2004) / U.S. Senator from Massachusetts (1985-2013) / Lt. Governor of Massachusetts (1983-85) Status – not running There was speculation that Kerry would make a second run for the White House, but he appears to have ruled it out. He’s certainly got an impressive resume. -- Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator from Minnesota (2007-present) / County Attorney for Hennepin County, MN (1999-2007) Status – considering running Sen. Klobuchar has quietly been raising her national profile over the last few years. She’s taken a lead on voter security and fighting foreign interference in U.S. elections. -- Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts (2007-15) / U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division (1994-97) Status – not running Despite the urging of many in President Barack Obama’s inner circle, Patrick announced in late 2018 that he would not seek the presidency. -- Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator (2013-present) / Special Advisor for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2010-11) / Congressional Oversight Panel Chairwoman (2008-10) Status – announced exploratory committee on December 31, 2018 Warren has been a progressive favorite since she launched her U.S. Senate campaign in 2011. I’m looking forward to seeing her expand her platform beyond economic issues, and I’ve been thrilled to hear her speak about racial inequality as she begins her campaign. THIRD TIER Steve Bullock, Governor of Montana (2013-present) / National Governors Association Chairman (2018-present) / Attorney General of Montana (2009-13) Status – considering running Considering Montana’s tendency to be more of a red state, Bullock has a surprisingly progressive record. He’s particularly focused on getting money out of politics and has actively fought against the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United since his term as attorney general. He’s certainly an intriguing candidate to watch. -- Julián Castro, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2014-17) / Mayor of San Antonio (2009-14) / City Councilor (2001-05) Status – announced candidacy on January 12, 2019 Castro would probably be in a higher tier if he had a little more experience. I’m definitely open to supporting him and look forward to hearing his plans. I like his record so far. -- Joe Kennedy, III, U.S. House of Representatives (2013-present) Status – not running After his response to the State of the Union address in 2018, speculation arose that Kennedy would seek the presidency. He has not commented recently, but appears to have ruled it out. -- Mitch Landrieu, Mayor of New Orleans (2010-18) / President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (2017-18) / Lt. Governor of Louisiana (2004-10) / Louisiana House of Representatives (1988-2004) Status – considering running Landrieu is most well known outside of Louisiana for removing Confederate monuments from New Orleans while mayor. He’s someone that I am interested in hearing more from. -- Martin O’Malley, Governor of Maryland (2007-15) / Mayor of Baltimore (1999-2007) Status – not running O’Malley recently announced he wouldn’t seek the presidency again in 2020. Look for him to support younger male candidates – specifically the next candidate below. -- Beto O’Rourke, U.S. House of Representatives (2013-19) / City Councilor from El Paso, TX (2005-11) Status – considering running O’Rourke performed well in the U.S. Senate race in Texas in 2018, and his strong showing propelled him nationally. Combine that with the fact that he’s a fresh face, younger, and a man – pundits were quick to tout him as a national candidate. I hope he’ll mount another Senate campaign in 2020 – this time against John Cornyn. -- Mark Warner, U.S. Senator from Virginia (2009-present) / Governor of Virginia (2002-06) / National Governors Association Chairman (2004-05) Status – not running Warner appears to be running for re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2020. He has been a leader as the Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. -- Oprah Winfrey Status – not running Of all the non-politicians Politico mentioned in their article, Oprah is the most intriguing to me. She’d certainly rally a strong base, and has the most experience of anyone not in elected office. She has stated multiple times that she will not be a candidate. FOURTH TIER Joe Biden, U.S. Vice President (2009-17) / U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973-2009) City Councilor from New Castle, DE (1970-72) Status – considering running Biden is widely expected to seek the presidency for a third time in 2020 – despite his previous poor showings in 1988, 2008, and in 2016 when he eventually declined to run. -- Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City (2002-13) Status – considering running Bloomberg can’t seem to decide which party he is in. He’s got a decent record on social issues, but not so strong on economic issues. -- John Delaney, U.S. House of Representatives (2013-19) Status – announced candidacy on July 28, 2017 Delaney hasn’t done much to distinguish himself among a large field of candidates, and seems to be banking on being able to attack his way to the top. -- Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator from Oregon (2009-present) / Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives (2007-09) / Oregon House of Representatives (1999-2009) Status – considering running Merkley has been persistent in fighting the current administration’s cruel immigration and detention policies. One red flag is that he is the only Democratic U.S. senator to endorse someone other than Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. -- Tim Ryan, U.S. House of Representatives (2003-present) Ohio Senate (2001-02) Status – considering running Ryan once had a lot of potential and was until recently seen as a rising star. However, he made the decision in 2016 and 2018 to take on and try to defeat Nancy Pelosi, which has alienated many in the Democratic Party. -- Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator from Vermont (2007-present) / U.S. House of Representatives (1991-2007) / Mayor of Burlington, VT (1981-89) Status – considering running Sanders’s problematic positions on gun safety and immigration are what have him so low on my list – along with his consistent disparaging remarks about the Democratic Party and its base. He has a major blind spot when it comes to issues of social justice and equality. -- Tom Steyer Status – not running Billionaire philanthropist and environmental activist Tom Steyer announced he will not run for president and will instead focus his money and energy on the impeachment of tr*mp. -- Eric Swalwell, U.S. House of Representatives (2013-present) Status – considering running Swalwell hasn’t done much in his short tenure in the U.S. House to distinguish himself among a large crop of candidates. He’s good on the issues, but relatively inexperienced and would need to really step up to become a front-runner in the race. FIFTH TIER/BOTTOM TIER Michael Avenatti Status – not running Luckily Avenatti announced he would not run for the presidency. If you’re lucky enough to not know who he is, you’re probably better off. -- Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, IN (2012-present) Status – considering running Buttigieg is the openly gay mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and sought the chairmanship of the Democratic Party in 2017. Instead of making a long-shot bid at the presidency, I'm hopeful he will run for governor of Indiana in 2020. -- Mark Cuban Status – considering running I feel like we should have learned our lesson by now that wealth and notoriety are not enough to be a successful president. Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. House of Representatives (2013-present) / City Councilor for Honolulu, HI (2012-11) / Hawaii House of Representatives (2002-04) Status – announced candidacy on January 11, 2019 Gabbard has a severely anti-LGBTQ+ record, and a history of praising brutal dictators such as Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. -- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Status – considering running See above comments for Mark Cuban. -- Seth Moulton, (U.S. House of Representatives (2015-present) Status – considering running Moulton is basically a Tim Ryan clone without as much experience. -- Richard Ojeda, West Virginia Senate (2016-19) Status – announced candidacy on November 12, 2018 Ojeda supported Bernie Sanders in the 2016 primary, and then switched his support to tr*mp once Sanders lost the nomination. He has bragged that he’s never voted for a Democratic candidate for president. -- Howard Schultz Status – considering running Schultz served as the CEO for Starbucks for 25 years. While he’s certainly been a successful CEO, his political stances are not as admirable. He’s recently been in the news for considering a run as an independent candidate in 2020 – a move that would hurt Democrats. If he’s truly interesting in making good chance, he’ll support the Democratic Party’s nominee in 2020. The end of the year means it's time to recap the year and look back on what kept me entertained in 2018! It's been a wonderful year personally -- I will be an uncle again next year, my best friend published her first book and got engaged, and I met a wonderful man who I'm lucky enough to call my boyfriend. I can't wait to see what's in store for 2019! But first, here are my favorite things entertainment-wise from 2018.
BOOKS: I didn't read quite as much as I did in 2017, or quite as much as I wanted to, but these are my Top 5 books from 2018.
Here are some honorable mentions: I just got autobiographies from Michelle Obama (Becoming) and Sally Field (In Pieces), so they didn't make the cut -- but I'm certain I'll love them! Crazy Rich Asians - Kevin Kwan A few years old, but I read it in anticipation of the film release and loved it! The Mother of Black Hollywood - Jenifer Lewis This book came out at the end of 2017, but I read it early this year. It is laugh out loud funny, and offers a unique perspective on mental illness. MOVIES: I tend to binge watch movies during award show season, so I won't have my full take on 2018 movies until February just before the Academy Awards. But, so far this year, Love, Simon has been my favorite movie! I also really loved Crazy Rich Asians, Deadpool 2, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and the documentary RBG. MUSIC: By far my favorite musical event of 2018 was the Shania Now Tour, which I was lucky enough to see twice! Now was also by far the album I listened to the most this year, even though it came out in the fall of 2017. As for this year, Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves tops my list of best albums released. It is a magnificent work of art. I also really enjoyed Cher's ABBA covers album, Dancing Queen, and The Greatest Showman: Reimagined. These are my Top 20 singles of the year:
Honorable Mentions: "Beg" by Jack & Jack, "Havana" by Camila Cabello, and "Tequila" by Dan + Shay TELEVISION: My Top 10 shows of 2018: Altered Carbon Brooklyn Nine Nine Fresh Off The Boat Grace and Frankie Insecure Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Queer Eye Real Country Schitt's Creek Superstore 2018 MIDTERM ELECTIONS: And finally, here is a list of my favorite 18 winners from the 2018 elections!
 Candidate: Tammy Baldwin
Position: U.S. Senate (Wisconsin) Race Status: Sen. Baldwin is seeking a second term and the race is rated on the cusp between Lean and Likely Democratic.[i] Tammy Baldwin has made history many times throughout her career despite notoriously saying in her victory speech in 2012, “I didn’t run to make history. I ran to make a difference!” Baldwin was the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin, and then the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Wisconsin. She was also the first openly gay person elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and then the first openly gay person elected to the U.S. Senate. In her two decades in Congress, Baldwin has been a fierce progressive. While in the U.S. House she consistently introduced single-payer healthcare proposals, and signed onto legislation to impeach then Vice President Dick Cheney for his fabrication and manipulation of evidence regarding Iraq. In the Senate she’s been a great advocate on immigration reform and protecting immigrants, and she’s also been one of the most vocal opponents of the GOP budget and tax plan. Wisconsin doesn’t hold its primary until August 14, so her opponent is not yet known. However, Koch affiliates have already spent millions of dollars working to defeat her. Click here to view her campaign website and be sure to check her out on social media – @TammyBaldwin on Twitter and www.facebook.com/tammybaldwin. If you’re able to support her financially with a donation of $20.18 (or another amount) you can contribute by clicking here, or via her website. Her website also has information on how to volunteer with her campaign. [i] From Wikipedia: Several sites and individuals publish predictions of competitive races. These predictions look at factors such as the strength of the incumbent (if the incumbent is running for re-election), the strength of the candidates, and the partisan leanings of the Congressional District (reflected in part by the district's Cook Partisan Voting Index rating). The predictions assign ratings to each seat, with the rating indicating the predicted advantage that a party has in winning that seat. Most election predictors use:
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