What a day it has been

I have been watching the day's events unfold with such a wide range of emotions. The peaceful transfer of power is an amazing thing to observe. No other nation has past world leaders and current adversaries standing on the same stage, shaking hands, waving, and even embracing. As I've seen on twitter and other blogs today, I agree that THIS is a proud day to be an American. Regardless of your political views, THIS IS A GREAT DAY for our history and for our country. God bless America and God bless our new President.

Move on

 After 2 years of watching this election unfold, it's like the media has no idea what to do now. I thought Bill Hemmer was going to start bawling saying goodbye to Carl Rove and his hourly "insights." I'm relieved. Let's move on. Sure, I'm one of those that is concerned about some of the issues that our new President built his campaign upon. However, I'm ready to see us talk about how to deal with our country's problems - instead of the cost of Palin's clothes. Let's go, people.

Proud American

How cool is it to see our country ACTUALLY taking an election seriously? I have voted every year since I could and this is the first election that I've seen my fellow Americans embrace the privilege of voting in such mass. Regardless if your guy wins, you have to be proud to see Americans acting like Americans and taking this election seriously. THIS makes me proud to be an American! I only waited 30 minutes to vote...Todd waited for 2 hours...How long did you wait?

Gov. Palin interview with Charlie Gibson

I admit that as a woman, I have been energized by McCain's choice of Palin. Although I am not a Hilliary supporter, I was disappointed that her efforts in the primaries were not rewarded with a Vice-Presidential nomination from her party. Palin's nomination is bringing issues to light that working mothers face everyday, especially in this area of sexism. I felt that Mr. Gibson's interview did shed some light on some very specific areas in her political career that I wanted clarity ( Bridge to Nowhere, banning books, "Trooper Gate") since her arrival on the national scene. I do have a couple of questions for Mr. Gibson...Have you or will you ask the other candiates if they are afraid to be President/Vice-President? If they said no, would you ask them again if they felt overwhelmed? Have you asked the other candidates if they felt it was sexist to ask how they would be fathers to their children and be President/Vice-President? If you know of a transcript where these questions have been asked the other candidates, please let me know. If not, I look forward to these questions being asked of the other 3 candidates who might possibly be President.

A fresh voice

Over the last week, I have investigated the life of Gov. Sarah Palin and have come to admire her accomplishments and her strengths as a leader first and as a female second. The media has done a fantastic job of helping me respect her life even more.  But as I sat and watched this historic speech, I thought about my 4 year old daughter and I was overwhelmed with the importance of this entire Presidential campaign in my life and in hers.  Although I do not share the ideals of Sen. Clinton, her campaign was historic. The nomination of Gov. Palin on a Republican ticket is historic. These women have destroyed barriers that will have lasting effects on this generation of women and beyond.  No one can deny that women face certain challenges that are very different than men when it comes to being in positions of influence. Working in the church world for the last 13 years has shown me that. I have been blessed to serve with leaders who have embraced my leadership skills and helped paved the way for me to have the opportunity to be a leader at a level not normally offered to women in the church world.  My experience has been amazing, but I know it is not the norm. Gov. Palin's nomination to the Vice-Presidency is an opportunity for women to be heard at the highest level. I know that Gov. Palin does not speak for all women, but for those of us who share many of her ideals, she is a fresh voice and someone who can elevate the discussion in this country with regards to issues that effect women everyday. As a working mother of 2, I am proud that she is on the front lines for me.

Change

I did an hour bike ride this morning and it was delightful. Fall is coming, the winds of political change are coming, and Hanna is coming.  4 years ago, I was a DINK (double-income-no-kids) and now I am a mother of two.  15 months ago, I lived in New York City, ordered groceries online, and didn't own a car. We cannot escape change.  It is going to happen. I'd like to say that I handle change well all the time, but that would not be true. There are seasons of my life I wish had not changed.  There are things about the present I do not want to change (like the age of my kids). There are things about the future that I cannot wait to change. My prayer today? to be confident through change. I love this quote...

"Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind.  To the fearful, it is threatening because it means that things may get worse.  To the hopeful, it is encouraging because things may get better.  To the confident, it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better."  - King Whitney Jr.

How do you handle change?

Who is Palin?

You gotta love this...regardless of what side of the aisle you are on this year. This election has been THE best reality TV show we could ask for. Last night, Obama speaks to an unprecendented 80,000 plus people and not even 24 hours later, McCain pulls a fast one. Who is she?  I admit. I have a vague memory of hearing about her, but I don't know anything about her. Click here for a quick look at where she stands on big issues.  You thought the Olympics were over? Let the games begin...

Obama/McCain forum at Saddleback

It didn't change my mind about either candidate. Pastor Rick did a great job of asking questions that we will probably never hear asked quite like that. Obama was definitely more personable and much more of a conversationalist.  McCain started stumping at times, but then he would surprise me - like the answer about his 1st marriage being his greatest moral failure. Obama represents the new generation of leadership - more focused on what we agree on, not necessarily showing all his cards on everything. McCain is from a generation of fighters - you know where he stands and he will fight you to prove it. America clearly has 2 different choices.  Their answers may have been similar at times, but how they will lead this country is vastly different.