It's been more than a month since I last wrote. Since then, I said tata batata (for now) to Bagar, saw the Golden Temple (gorgeous!), got my ass kicked in a one-week Bharatanatyam workshop taught by the great dancer C.V. Chandrashekar, cheered on Baltimore-native Michael Phelps, fell in love with Chicago (in the summer), caught up with cousins at a family wedding and got re-energized and ready for November's elections thanks to the DNC. Currently I'm grappling with living at home and being unemployed. Not one of my best phases, but it shall pass.

Speaking of the DNC, my thoughts on what's going on in American politics: I decided a while ago that I would vote for Barack Obama anyway just because he is pro-choice. After hearing the viciousness that is Sarah Palin, I'm just more determined. And yesterday I heard that John McCain is equal or ahead of Obama in most polls?? I am just having so much trouble wrapping my head around why anyone who was pro-Hillary would vote for McCain. I mean, I understand that they hope Hillary will win in 2012 but at what expense?? Anyway, I will definitely be watching Palin's interview on ABC tomorrow & Friday. I know he'll ask her some tough questions and I'm anxious to hear what she has to say.

Now about Joe Biden. I like him a lot and I think he adds a lot to the ticket and offers a more realist balance to what I think is a lot of rhetoric for change. He has shown that he's not afraid to get his hands dirty, and I respect him immensely for that. His aggressiveness turns people off, thus the public doesn't really get to know him. I think that people will now have to pay attention.

My final thoughts: Even if a lot of empty talk and false promises are being thrown around, I think it's so inspiring and exciting how engaged people are - there are grassroots movements, people tuning in to hear speeches, a flurry of blog entries - people are paying attention and they're getting others to pay attention. The obvious test will come starting next January, when the new president delivers (or does not) and the public responds (or does not). But in the meantime, yay democracy!