Essential Estrogen

If it is possible to get jet-lag without actually getting on a plane, that's exactly what I've got. After adding up the distances between the various destinations I've visited (by car) since last Friday, I estimate that I've traveled at least 625 miles.

Over the weekend sexy husband and I traveled to the Mississippi River and on over into Galena, Ill. We tried our luck at the casino (and left with a little more jingle in our pockets), sampled Belgium chocolates, browsed the shops and just had a great and relaxing time.

After a brief stop back at home, I left for Des Moines on Monday and was able to spend quality time with some of Iowa's hard-working state legislators and elected officials. Things are busy (as usual) under the golden dome. Appropriations seemed to be on everyone's plate and I heard there are beau coups of great things coming down the pipe for women and families. As a side note, my special thanks to Rep. Swati Dandekar for accepting me as her guest. Thanks as well to Rep. Art Staed. After realizing I'd never had my "official" photo taken in chambers, he and Dandekar put me in the Speaker's chair just like a tourist. It's so cheesy that I must share:

Two quick items:

1. Iowa's Olympic athletes were honored in both chambers yesterday. What an amazing group of individuals! They received many good wishes from legislators, clerks, lobbyists and visitors during their time at the capitol.
2. I watched as a bill aimed at providing a hand-up to war orphans passed the House nearly unanimously. (Vote -- 99 yea, 1 abstain) Congratulations to Staed for his leadership with this bill.

There was also some sad news reported yesterday during a point of personal privilege by Rep. Elesha Gayman. The person in Scott County who has served the longest amount of time as an elected official -- Scott County Auditor Karen Fitzsimmons -- was taken off life-support. Karen, who had served for over 30 years, actively mentored women to take a more active role in politics. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Last night I had another great dinner and received a car tour before returning home -- arriving shortly after midnight. It was a long trip, but an excellent time. Now it's back to work. This week we'll start featuring the women challengers. It's a series that will continue over the next few weeks.