I want to start by saying that I completely respect everyone’s choice to vote for any candidate, and a great deal of the people I love dearly are Republicans/Green Party/Independent. I am not a Democrat, I thought I should say that as well. No, I haven’t liked the things that have happened in the last 8 years. I don’t blame Bush entirely, I just don’t like him entirely either. I’m a little bitter about the 8 previous years, yeah. I think more people should be. I wish more people were aware. informed. open-minded. and I wish more people felt. I wish more people would just feel. I don’t want them to feel what I feel or believe what I believe. I just think that too much has gone down for us to just shrug our shoulders and hang our heads. We’ve made some mistakes and we need to except responsibility for that. I’m not sure how that’s done exactly. But I think starting with electing a leader who will guide us, steer us, and represent us is a great start.

It’s time for us to expect and hope for change, and expect our government to better represent us. Be proud of your country but demand that your government advocate for you and your children. I don’t feel that much of the last 8 years has been a reflection of what the American people want, and I don’t think that we’ve been represented. That’s just how I feel.

We’ve been a Culture of Fear. I’m hoping we can become a culture full of hope and optimism. I’m hoping we can make changes that our children will be proud of.

I am excited! I am excited about the possibilities ahead. I can’t even use enough exclamation points, and y’all know by now how much I like using exclamation points! I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next few years within our government. I feel! And I’m ready to help my government represent me and my family! I don’t know if it’s because I’m older, because I have more time (no career), or if it’s just that I’m tired of the wrong kinds of things going down in my name– but I’m actually excited what America stands for and the things our great nation is going to do. Whether it be McCain, or Obama, or even Nader… The end of one era is nearing, and another is beginning! Doesn’t that make you all tingly? It should!

And I think Michelle Obama’s words were alright by me. I’m feeling exactly what she feels.

“For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country, because it feels like hope is making a comeback.”

You will note that “really” amplifies “proud.” As in very proud. It doesn’t mean she hasn’t been proud of her country so far, it means she is more proud now. Is that so wrong? Now let’s get past the proud bit. The important part is the hope part. Whether you vote McCain, Nader, Obama, or Mickey Mouse… Isn’t that “hope” all we want at this point? Isn’t that enough to make you want to get up and do something? Dance a little jig… Do some backflips… Register to vote…

That’s what I intend to do. I want to do something instead of just sitting here and flappin’ my gums about all the ways we’ve gone wrong in the last few years. Jeremy promised me some “mommy time” this weekend. Guess what I’m doing with that time? I’m taking training on getting voters registered! Yayyy for Stepherz! After my training group, we’re hitting the streets for an hour to get voters registered. That’s something I would have never done before!!! Maybe I’m older… Maybe I have more time… Maybe I finally just really like a candidate… Whatever the reason, there are changes a brewin’!

You can register too! You may be already, but if not you can visit here for more information on getting registered. And, because I’m an Obama Mama, here’s some linky love for his campaign. You can visit to read about what he’s up to, make a donation towards his campaign, or learn more about where he stands on different issues…