Mapping the Nation: A Scrapbook Journey through Congressional Apportionment

Family Update: Our Adventures Unfold!

Greetings, friends! This is where we share the latest stories from our family. From our fascinating journey with apportionment to our heartwarming pet companions, life is filled with exciting twists and turns.

Our passion for apportionment continues to grow. We're dedicated to exploring its complexities and sharing our findings with you. Through our website, we're breaking down the intricacies of representation in the U.S. government. From historical insights to engaging debates, we're on a mission to keep you informed.

We have our Nero, our spirited dog with boundless energy. Whether he's leading us on outdoor escapades or cozying up for snuggles, he's a vital part of our family. And let's not forget Scipio, our mischievous cat who keeps us entertained with his playful antics and purring companionship.

We're channeling our creativity through writing and DIY projects. Crafting imaginative stories takes us to fantastical realms, while DIY adventures let us infuse our personal touch into everyday items. These creative pursuits bring us closer together as a family.


Date: September 1, 2023

#CongressionalCraze #NeroAndScipioAdventures #MappingTheNation

Hey there, fellow political enthusiasts and furry friend lovers! We're Alex and Taylor, and we're on a mission to document our obsession with congressional apportionment. But, we're not doing it alone – our faithful companions, Nero the dog 🐢 and Scipio the cat 🐱, are along for the ride. πŸš—

As many of you know, congressional apportionment is the process of determining how many seats each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives. It's a topic that might make some people yawn, but for us, it's like a thrilling adventure!

We decided to take our love for apportionment to the next level by creating a scrapbook that captures the essence of this intricate process. From the history of apportionment to the latest census data, we're leaving no stone unturned. And, of course, we couldn't resist adding a dash of creativity to our project. 🎨

Our scrapbook, fondly named "Apportionment Odyssey," starts with a timeline that delves into the history of congressional apportionment. We've gathered fascinating facts, such as the original apportionment formula created by Alexander Hamilton, and how it has evolved over the centuries. It's incredible to see how our nation's representation has transformed!

Nero and Scipio are always eager to help with our scrapbooking. Nero loves to "fetch" information from the internet, while Scipio, with his keen eye, ensures every detail is in its place. They truly are our dynamic duo! 🐾

In the scrapbook, we've included a section where we explore each state's unique journey through apportionment. We've gathered data on population growth, demographic changes, and even the challenges faced by states in recent decades. #StateOfTheUnion

The 2020 Census played a significant role in determining the new apportionment numbers, so we couldn't skip this part of our journey. Nero and Scipio eagerly posed for a photo next to our map with colorful pins representing the 435 congressional districts. πŸ“

Our favorite section of "Apportionment Odyssey" is the art gallery. We've crafted maps and infographics that visually represent the apportionment process. We used our creative skills to make it accessible and engaging for everyone, even those who may not be as passionate about politics as we are! 🎨

As our scrapbook project nears its completion, we're excited to share our passion for congressional apportionment with the world. We believe that understanding this process is essential for every citizen. It shapes our democracy and ensures our voices are heard in Congress.

But don't worry, our adventures are far from over! With Nero and Scipio by our side, we're ready to tackle more political puzzles and embark on new projects. Stay tuned for updates on our next obsession. πŸ“šπŸ•πŸˆ

So, whether you're a political junkie, a pet lover, or just someone looking for a unique hobby, we hope our #ApportionmentOdyssey inspires you to dive into your passions and document your own journey. Together, we can make politics a little less intimidating and a lot more fun!

Thanks for joining us on this adventure, fellow apportionistas. Don't forget to follow us on social media for more updates and to share your own scrapbook projects! Until next time! 🌟 #ScrapbookAdventures #CongressionalCuriosity

Until our next quirk-tastic escapade,
Alex, Taylor, Nero, and Scipio 🐢🐱


Date: July 28, 2023

Hey there, fellow curious minds and fellow pet lovers! We're Alex and Taylor, a couple living just outside of Washington, D.C., and we've got a unique obsession that might raise a few eyebrows – congressional apportionment.

Now, before you start scratching your heads and wondering what's so captivating about congressional apportionment, let us introduce you to our dynamic duo – Scipio and Nero, our two adorable pets. Scipio, the wise and contemplative cat, and Nero, the energetic and inquisitive dog, have unwittingly become our partners in this fascinating journey.

It all started a couple of years ago when we found ourselves engrossed in a documentary about the United States Congress. As the TV screen lit up with discussions on representation, districts, and allocations, we realized that this seemingly complex system held an incredible amount of influence over our daily lives. We were intrigued by the math behind congressional apportionment and how it shapes the political landscape of our nation.

With Scipio curled up on the couch and Nero wagging his tail, we dug deeper into the numerical intricacies that govern the allocation of House seats. We found ourselves engrossed in conversations about the Census Bureau, methods like the Huntington-Hill formula, and the historical significance of maintaining fair representation.

We soon realized that Scipio, with his calm demeanor, perfectly embodied the precision and calculated nature of apportionment. On the other hand, Nero, always on the move and exploring new things, became our metaphor for the ever-changing population dynamics that drive the need for consistent reapportionment.

We decided to embrace our newfound passion wholeheartedly. Our weekends transformed into mini-apportionment seminars, with Scipio and Nero as our patient (or perhaps just curious) audience. We mapped out scenarios, debated about the most appropriate methods, and even used treats to simulate seat allocations – a game that Nero enthusiastically endorsed.

Our friends and family might raise an eyebrow or two when we bring up our favorite topic at gatherings, but we've come to embrace our unique obsession. We've realized that understanding congressional apportionment isn't just about numbers; it's about understanding the essence of democracy and representation.

So, here we are, a couple with two pets, Scipio and Nero, living outside D.C., unapologetically obsessed with congressional apportionment. As we write this blog post, Nero is playfully chasing his tail, and Scipio is giving us that knowing cat look, reminding us that just like the delicate balance of representation, there's a method to our madness.

Thanks for joining us on this journey, and if you ever find yourself engrossed in a conversation about congressional seats with two enthusiastic pets by your side, remember that you're not alone!

Stay curious,
Alex & Taylor


Date: April 29, 2022

Oh, the sweet arrival of spring! 🌸

The world awakens from its winter slumber, and we can't help but feel a renewed sense of joy and wonder as the days grow longer and the air turns warmer.

The sight of delicate blossoms on trees, like nature's confetti, fills our hearts with hope and happiness.

As we bid farewell to winter's chill, we welcome the vibrant colors of springβ€”soft pastels and lively greens that paint a fresh canvas across the landscape.

It's the season of picnics in the park, where the laughter of children mingles with the gentle rustling of leaves.

Spring is the time when gardens come alive, bursting with a kaleidoscope of flowers that perfume the air with their intoxicating fragrances.

And let's not forget the symphony of birdsong that serenades us each morning, as if they, too, are celebrating the return of this magical season.

So, whether you're savoring the first scoop of ice cream, dancing in the rain, or simply basking in the warmth of the sun, let's embrace spring's embrace and let our spirits soar!

Here's to the season of renewal and all the wonders it brings. Happy Spring!

With warm wishes and a dash of springtime quirkiness,

Your Springtime Enthusiasts 🌼🌞
Alex & Taylor


Date: September 15, 2022

Hello, fellow adventurers! It's Alex and Taylor, back with another exciting chapter from our lives just outside of Washington, D.C. This time, our adventure takes us beyond the realm of congressional apportionment and into the crisp orchards of autumn – yes, you guessed it, it's apple-picking season!

As the leaves start to turn golden and the air gains a refreshing chill, we decided to embark on a day of apple-picking. But, of course, we couldn't undertake this adventure alone. Scipio, our thoughtful feline friend, and Nero, our ever-curious canine companion, were more than eager to join us.

We drove to a charming orchard nestled in the countryside, a short distance from our home. Scipio and Nero, with their distinct personalities, seemed equally excited about the change of scenery. Scipio surveyed the surroundings with his characteristic calmness, while Nero's tail wagged energetically as he sniffed the unfamiliar scents.

Equipped with baskets and a sense of anticipation, we set out to explore the rows of apple-laden trees. Scipio gracefully perched himself under a tree, seemingly content to observe the activity around him. Nero, on the other hand, was ready to leap into action – he bounded through the fallen leaves, occasionally stopping to inspect a fallen apple or to greet fellow orchard-goers.

With Scipio watching from his regal vantage point, we carefully picked apples, each one a symbol of the season's abundance. As we filled our baskets, we couldn't help but draw a parallel to the principles of representation we're so intrigued by. Just as each apple contributes to the overall harvest, each voice contributes to the democratic chorus.

Our apple-picking adventure wasn't just about the harvest; it was about the shared moments and the sense of togetherness. As we walked among the trees, discussing the subtle differences between apple varieties, we were reminded of the importance of diverse voices in shaping our society. Whether it's the variety of apples in our baskets or the diversity of ideas in our democracy, it's the mixture that makes things truly special.

With our baskets brimming with apples and our hearts filled with contentment, we bid farewell to the orchard. Back home, as we baked pies and prepared apple-based dishes, we couldn't help but reflect on the lessons of the day. Just like the apportionment methods, apple-picking teaches us about balance, fairness, and reaping the rewards of cooperation.

As we close this chapter of our apple-picking adventure, we invite you to join us on this journey of exploration and discovery. Whether it's the mathematical intricacies of congressional apportionment or the simple joy of apple-picking, every experience enriches our lives and broadens our horizons.

With apples and democracy in mind,
Alex & Taylor