I Got my Sticker!

I should say Aspen got my sticker.
It was a lovely Monday in Logan. Sun out, friendly white fluffy clouds, Mick home to watch sleeping children- a perfect day for a bike ride. Aspen and I headed for the county building, albeit a short ride, to cast my all important ballot of votes.

It was a lovely jaunt and I felt so light without the bike trailer full of bums. I think I may have even felt skinny (hah, a funny thought). It's probably more accurate to ascribe my lightness to a feeling of weight lifted from off me (I wish it was fat lifted off instead...dreams) from heavy decisions. I got my civic duty done, gratefully and happily. I no longer need to mull over issues in my head and I feel good about my decisions. Grandpa Brown, however, may not feel so good about my decisions, well... one in particular. Sorry Grandpa.

I will be in Florida for Election results. What a great place to be to hear the results. I'm looking forward to intently watching the close of the campaign with my roommate Rosa. It's exciting to have a change in our national leadership. Our nation needs it. McCain or Obama would do great as President. Both are passionate about their issues, about change, they are intelligent, motivating, patriotic, modern thinkers, and very driven. How could we go wrong as a country with one of these two men heading it?

I do however prefer one man over the other. I never vote in party lines. I consider myself a conservative democrat. What party does this thinking place me in? Oh the tug-o-wars I faced. I love politics. It makes me feel progressive, civic and important as a woman in a nation that will help raise my children. I cringe to hear people say 'my vote doesn't count' (ya you, you know who you are) or 'it is pointless to vote in Utah either way you slice it'. It is always important to vote. So many patriotic men and women fought for a chance to vote. Why do so many individuals take this tremendous gift for granted?

Politics is a part of us all. It is one thing that unites us and separates us. I appreciate that is does this most difficult job. We should all do our job and VOTE.

As Aspen and I made our way out of the voting polls she asked me who I voted for. In her mind it was only one vote I had cast. "Did you vote for Obama"? "I want Obama for President mom". "I like him".

I like that she is thoughtful, progressive, aware of the world, into politics, and knows who Obama is. I look forward to discussing politics with her and deciphering who it is I think she will vote for on her first Presidential election opportunity. I know she will take it!