As I write this, it is close to 10 o’clock on a Friday night.  I just finished knocking on doors about an hour ago and am getting ready for the busiest time in any candidate’s campaign.  That’s right; I’m talking about the weekend.  A relentless series of neighborhood events, community celebrations and, of course, precinct walking is what I look forward to over the next couple of days.  Now, I really do not intend to sound down on it.  The reality is that I really enjoy the constant slew of activity.  I could not even imagine running for office if I was turned off by the continual schedule.  I genuinely love the community events, some of which I had never been to before this year.  It is amazing how many events are put on throughout the year in each of the neighborhoods around the community.   Of course, there are neighborhood coffees, which are small gatherings of half a dozen to a dozen neighbors who meet at one of my supporter’s homes.  It is through these intimate gatherings where I make great personal connections with the voters. 

The door-to-door walking is great, but it is exhausting.  Over the years, I have walked countless miles for other candidates and causes I believe in.  Walking as the candidate is a whole different ballgame.  First, it takes an incredible amount of time to get through a precinct.  Obviously, people are more interested in talking with me now and drilling me with questions then when I appeared at their door as a representative.  Second, you always have to be “on.”  It takes an immense amount of focus to be the focus in virtually every conversation you have during the course of the day.  I cannot even begin to imagine the amount of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion Obama and Clinton must be feeling with a campaign that is approaching 18 months long stretching across the nation.  Last Saturday, I walked for over eight hours and, at the end of the day, I was completely drained.  But, I had to get ready for the next day to do it all over again.  The great part about it and what really gets me energized is the positive response I am getting from around the entire District.  We have well over 400 lawn signs spread around the community on supporters’ lawns.  I have to tell you that it is surreal to see your name on someone’s lawn.  However, it is most definitely invigorating and keeps me knocking on doors until the streets are empty and the kids have gone inside to finish their homework.  In ten days, the absentee ballots are going to be mailed out.  The campaign is about to be turned up another notch.  I better call up for some take-out.  Some hot and sour soup would really hit the spot.