Almanac: At the Capitol

Today was my first day back at the Capitol since my car accident last week. I'm trying to start slowly which is always difficult for my overachieving hyperactive nature. Just a couple of hours did me in. It was nice to see all my wonderful colleagues who showered me with flowers. My husband joked that our house looks a like mortuary. The lawmakers were also incredibly kind and welcoming. A couple of my favorite anecdotes: Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher said "I'd hug you but I'm afraid I'd crush you" (for background she's a strong farm kid and I'm a puny city girl). Rep. Brad Finstad earnestly rushed over to me on the House floor and said "on behalf of the Republican men" we're very concerned about you. Rep. Paul Marquart took time out from his appearance on Almanac: At the Capitol to send good wishes (I hear he was really excited to be on the show and a tad disappointed not to see the curly haired gal who's usually running things). Former Majority Leader Erik Paulsen sent a card and Former House Speaker Steve Sviggum called me at home. So you know this isn't all about me, I think this can help readers see that there are some really great, kind and considerate lawmakers who sometimes get a bad rap (from people like me too). It doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on anyone who was extra nice to me, but it shows there's more to this place than just politics and name-calling. It's one of the reasons I was too anxious to go back to work. A very tired, sore and aching Lahammer signing off for now.