Last night, New Jersey senator Cory Booker made history with the longest speech ever on the Senate floor. He spoke for over 25 hours, from 7:00 p.m. Monday to just over 8:00 p.m. Tuesday. He spoke about a wide range of topics, including healthcare, Social Security, immigration, the economy, public education, and more; he also read letters from affected constituents (NPR).

And it got me thinking: what could I talk about for 25 hours?

A few things, though: per filibuster rules, you can’t leave your desk area, you have to keep speaking for the entire time (unless you yield the floor to others to ask questions), you can’t go to the bathroom, you have to remain standing, and the only liquids allowed on the floor are tap water, sparkling water, and milk.

Since I am a tiny human who needs to be treated gently, that’s not going to work for me. I need three meals a day, snacks, water, bathroom breaks, and a good night’s sleep. Booker says he fasted for days before and stopped drinking water “a long time ago” (NPR); he also didn’t eat at all while on the floor (The Hill).

So, then I started thinking about what are some things I could talk about for a reasonable amount of time? You can prepare documents beforehand, like Booker did, so, of course, I would show up with (multiple) binders that are organized and color-coded.

My list would include:

• Watergate
  • This will always be my #1 obsession.
• The University of Alabama’s quarterback issue once they get drafted into the NFL
  • The rant mostly includes how the QBs look really good when they’re at Alabama and once they get drafted, they do terrible. Fun fact: I gave this exact rant to Josh on our first date and he decided to actually date me!!!
• ~500 books I’ve read since 2017 with their rating
  • According to my Goodreads account, this is legit. And kind of insane.
• Where are they now? Red Sox World Series champions edition
  • We would look at what the members of the 2004, 2007, 2013, and 2018 teams are up to.
• Where are they now? New York Giants Super Bowl champions edition
  • Same thing but with the 2008 and 2012 teams.
• All of the places I’ve been on vacation and the fun things we did (like DC, Cleveland, and Maine)
  • Itineraries would be included.
• My rant about women’s pants sizes and pocket sizes
  • Ladies, you get this.
• If I reaaaally need to kill time, read the lyrics to the entire set list from an Eras Tour concert
  • Read, not sing—no one needs to hear me sing.

I caught part of the end of Booker’s speech last night when he crossed the threshold into history, and I couldn’t imagine doing what he did. I give him so much credit, especially since he had prepared for this. Now go take a nap.