MY PARENTS PROBABLY DON'T WANT TO READ THIS POST

Sorry I haven't done a Halloween post yet showcasing my adorable children in their equally adorable costumes. Also sorry to Aunt Natalie that I haven't responded to her for nominating me for having an awesome blog. Both posts are coming soon. And, yes Andrea, I know I should be writing my newsletter article instead of blogging right now. It is next on my T0-Do list. That is a promise. And not a promise like politicians make promises. Meaning, I will actually make good on this one.

On Tuesday, I walked into the local junior high school, paused for a moment to reflect on how grateful I am that I am no longer in junior high school, and stood in line to vote. I was wishing there would be a really long line because I needed the extra time to decide who to vote for. I received my ballot from the sweet elderly gentleman at the desk (who could not find my name on the list because apparently, he has problems with the alphabet -- I finally pointed to it and felt very embarrassed on his behalf) and walked into the voting booth, still trying to make up my mind. I did all the local elections first. A lot of them were people running unopposed so that made it very easy. Also, one was for the local community college trustee. I mean, really, do you just vote for the person with the coolest sounding name like I do? So, anyway, I make it back to the president and stood there staring at the page for a long time. Thinking, thinking, thinking. Going over issues, policies, their ages, their wives, who would be the least annoying to look at and listen to incessantly for the next four years, who wears the best ties, etc. Really, I take all the important stuff into consideration.

I then realized that, for me, it really didn't matter. When I look at the possible options, I agree with Obama as often as I agree with McCain. I am split down the middle; siding with each for about 50% of the issues. I would be equally happy or unhappy with either one. Really, deep down inside, I just wanted it to be over. I just wanted someone, anyone to win so we didn't have to talk about it anymore.

And then, I had an even stronger realization. I really DID know who I wanted to vote for. There really was one single candidate that I wanted to win. The problem is this: I come from a long line of Republicans. I was raised in Texas, spent 10 years in Utah, and currently reside in Idaho. Those are some serious red states to be coming from. But, I just wasn't feeling it. I was letting everything that has been ingrained in me since childhood (Republicans good. Democrats bad.) affect how I really and truly felt about this election. As much as it probably made my ancestors roll in their graves, as much as it would horrify my parents and grandparents and a few others, I marked my ballot and walked out of there with my head held high.

And, you know what? It feels good to be on the winning team.