I SAW THE SIGN - THE CAMPAIGN FOR BARACK OBAMA

I have to admit, when I first started seeing a group of Barack Obama supporters gather in the freezing cold with signs in hand waving at my car, I laughed and thought - how are these people going to get me to vote for him by frantically waving signs at me and screaming his name?  Then, the following week, I started to see a few more of them - cropping up at my local shopping center handing out flyers, at major intersections - I even saw a mom on a street corner, hand in hand with her young son waving an Obama sign.  And today, they were out in droves, wherever we were, the Obama signs and supporters were front and center.  In the town that should be a slam dunk for Hillary Clinton, it is incredible that I haven't seen one Hillary supporter waving a sign and chanting her praises.  But when it comes to Obama, it's a whole different story.

He has not only captured the hearts and minds of Oprah Winfrey, Caroline Kennedy and countless other celebrities and politicians, he's won people over right in my own neighborhood and these supporters are so excited by the prospect of him potentially becoming president that they will spend hours outdoors on a February day to motivate people to cast their votes for their candidate.

A few months back, I didn't have a question in my mind that I was going to cast my vote for Hillary, but as we get closer to Super Tuesday, I'm starting to have my doubts.  Sure, her website is filled with details about all the issues she'll tackle when she's in the White House, but why, in her own hometown are there no supporters outside waving signs, handing out flyers or finding another creative way to earn my vote?

Sure, she's bought time on the Hallmark Channel to answer questions from across the nation but what I'd love to see is Hillary make a surprise visit to an undecided woman voter's home (um, that would be me) and convince her why she is the best candidate for the presidency.  I did send in an interview request to Hillary's website many months ago (I even asked for her to respond via email) and never got a response back.  Is that the kind of president I want to elect?  One that says she connects with the average mother but can only find the time to meet with potential voters as long as they throw a fundraising house party in support of her campaign?  Convince me Hillary. Why should I vote for you?  I really do want to endorse you, but there's something to be said about the words of hope, change and optimism offered by Barack Obama.  He's a brilliant orator, he doesn't waver from his convictions and sure, he may not be as experienced as you are, but sometimes, having a person in the White House who is open to the opinions and visions of others may be the right person we need to lead our country into the next decade.

Phil Keoghan, the author of the book No Opportunity Wasted and the host of "The Amazing Race" once told me that the world is filled with "Nah" people and "Now" people.  "Nah" people dismiss everything you suggest and if your idea seems too difficult to achieve, they'll give you 50 reasons why it will never work. While I don't think Hillary Clinton is a "Nah" person I do think she may not be as receptive to ideas that come from outside her inner circle and that concerns me.  On the other side of the spectrum is a "Now" person - someone who is a dreamer, who finds a way to turn a "no" into a "yes" without ever letting the "Nah" people bring them down.  Obviously, Barack Obama is without question a "Now" person - someone who brings a whole new perspective to the Democratic party and perhaps our nation.  It's time for a change. Will the person who leads the charge be Barack Obama?  I guess on February 5 we'll get closer to finding out the answer.

Caroline Kennedy Endorses Obama...Now What do I do?

It appears that Barack Obama has just secured the crown jewel of an endorsement for his presidential run for the Democratic nomination. If you thought Oprah can bring in millions of votes, there's no telling what an endorsement by the Kennedy family will do for his prospects to become the Commander in Chief.

I have always admired Caroline Kennedy. She has endured so much tragedy in her life - losing her father to an assassin's bullet, her mother to cancer, and her brother to a horrific plane crash. Through it all, she has remained intensely private about her own life. She is truly a role model who has managed to raise her children out of the specter of the public eye while helping others realize their full potential so they too can pursue their dreams.

Though I have made it clear early on to friends and family that I was a Hillary Clinton supporter, this recent endorsement does make me think twice about my decision. The reason I was hesitant about voting for Obama was because of his lack of experience. Hillary is the more seasoned candidate - she's been in the White House before, she's a senator, she can potentially set us back on course to what once was before our lives were irrevocably changed by terrorism, war and economic turmoil. But just because I feel more at ease with a Clinton White House, will it really just be more of the same?

Will the Republicans come out with poison pens blazing again - ready to uncover the latest scandal that will prevent her from doing her job effectively? And if that does in fact happen, does it make more sense to vote for a candidate who offers hope, promise and change for a nation in desperate need of a makeover?

In Caroline Kennedy's editorial to the New York Times she said, "I have spent the past five years working in the New York City public schools and have three teenage children of my own. There is a generation coming of age that is hopeful, hard-working, innovative and imaginative. But too many of them are also hopeless, defeated and disengaged. As parents, we have a responsibility to help our children to believe in themselves and in their power to shape their future. Senator Obama is inspiring to my children, my parents' grandchildren, with that sense of possibility."

With this moving passage, Caroline Kennedy has given us all something powerful to consider. Do we take a chance on a candidate who is reminiscent of her own father, who at the age of 44 became the youngest man to ever become president? I'm sure back then, there were parents like me who doubted this young senator from Massachusetts had the ability to effect change in this country, but in the short time he was president, he did instill that sense of hope, purpose and promise that so many Americans were desperately longing for.

As I personally learned this year when I left a stable corporate job to launch my own company, change can be unsettling and at times, frightening. But to truly experience success, you have to take chances. Perhaps Caroline Kennedy is on to something. I still don't know if that will sway my vote, but what I do hope is that our next president offers our nation a sense of unbridled optimism so that our children can inherit a nation rich in opportunity and not one of despair. To truly experience the American dream, you have to live your life as a dreamer. Perhaps that dreamer is Barack Obama. I guess we won't really know unless we take a chance.

Lay Off on Jamie Lynn!

As a mom blogger, I've been reading and watching all the judgemental commentary flying all over the web and TV about the latest train wreck situation to hit the Spears family.  After hearing about what an absolute mess Britney Spears' life has become, her sister has now been thrust into the spotlight after the media announced that she's pregnant - at 16.  

For any other teenager, this would be one of the most traumatic moments of their lives and they would either be forced to confide in their parents or figure out in private how they are going to deal with this news that will effectively change their life forever. For Jamie Lynn Spears, she doesn't get the chance to keep her secret to herself.  She's forced to share it with every entertainment magazine in the free world and is forced to suffer all the hateful commentary about what a terrible role model she is for getting pregnant while she's still a kid herself.

What people seem to forget in this process is that Jamie Lynn and her big sister have both been forced to grow up too soon.  Their careers hit the stratosphere while they were both children themselves and now they both have to deal with adult responsibilities before they have been given the chance to actually grow up.  

According to Jamie Lynn, she plans to move away from the Hollywood spotlight and give birth to "it" somewhere down South.  Let us hope that for her sake, she'll realize that "it" is going to be someone who is going to depend upon her to care for them, love them and teach them not to repeat the same mistakes they did when they were a teenager.  

It is sad that so much pressure has been put upon Jamie Lynn and Britney to the point where they are cast into the spotlight with the media watching their every move.  But that's what the press thrives on - they love to build someone up only to relish in those moments when that star takes a fall from grace.  It's time we let the Spears family live their lives in private.  I am sure there are plenty of people with secrets or indiscretions in their own family that they'd like to keep to themselves.  Why not give Jamie Lynn and Britney the same respect - it's their life, it's their decisions - we're just the the ones watching them from the comfort of our homes casting judgement as we peer into the window of their misfortune.   

So how about in 2008, we all make a resolution to leave Britney and Jamie Lynn alone.  Let's stop building up these teen stars only to rip them apart when something in their lives goes wrong.  And perhaps if we do lay off, Britney can work out her litany of problems and focus on being a good mom to her kids.  And while Jamie Lynn experiences pregnancy and prepares for motherhood, let's hope she has a strong support system by her side who will help her close the door on her childhood and prepare her for one of the toughest challenges of her life.     

Make New Friends and Be Damned Sure You Keep Your Old Ones...A Fabulous Post from Jenny's Happy Life

Today we're featuring a fabulous Sound Off post from Jenny at Jenny's Happy Life. I'm sure you can relate to what she's experienced and if you do, then feel free to share your story too!

EXCERPT FROM JENNY'S HAPPY LIFE

I have always had friends. Not because I'm popular or irresistible, but because I thrive on friendships. It's been this way since kindergarten. I talked so much my teacher moved my seat next to her desk...but then I talked to HER.I envisioned adult friendships to be so connecting, close, open and trusting. You know...like a sorority of thirty-somethings who do play dates, shop together, take our kids to the park together and so on. I thought we'd be able to talk about intimate issues and not be judged, have something personal occur in my life and it would stay confidential. I thought. All of this day-dreaming took place prior to me actual becoming a parent, you see.Fast forward a few years, a husband and a few babies.Did you see Heathers, way back when? Freakin LOVE that movie. Well, add a few years, a husband and a few babies. That's what my social life has been like as an adult. Not when my kids were babies. When my kids were babies I could only find friends who wanted to talk about coupons and recipes, and that was almost just as grueling.Now that my kids are all in elementary school...and we live in a SUBDIVISION...now the claws are out. I will break down the categories of women I have met:

*Women who want to be my friend so I babysit their kids.
*Women who want to be my friend so they can talk about other women with me, and then heaven forbid I so much as say "yeah" to what they are saying, that evil woman goes back to the person SHE was talking about and says I was talking about her.
*Women who only talk about coupons and recipes just like the boring baby moms.
*Women who I just adore but their kids aren't the same age as my kids. Doesn't "mesh" well.
*Women who I just adore who have kids the same ages as my own, but they don't live in my neighborhood. That means I actually have to put shoes on to drive to their house. They may as well live in Zimbabwe for that matter.
*Women who I adore but they are busier than I am, so I always feel like the sucker fish trying to get together. "How about next week? No, you're busy. Next month? Next year? Please?" It's pathetic.

I wanted so badly to have a close friend live next door and we could get together for coffee every morning after the kids were off to school. My mom had that. My husband's mom had that.
We had a family move into the house across the cul-de-sac a couple of years ago. With KIDS! Around the same ages as MY kids! It was December, so I took a platter of cookies on a cute little holiday tray over to their house to welcome them to the neighborhood. After talking for a few minutes I asked her if she worked. When she said "No", I said "Maybe we can get together for coffee or something."

She said, "You're not gonna stalk me, are you?"

Me: " "

What do you say to that? I think I mumbled "I wasn't planning on it" or something like that. I knew already it was doomed.

I'm so tired of trying to make local friends who I really enjoy and connect with. I don't think there is anything worse than getting together with someone you "kind of" like, and then gritting your teeth most of the time you are together just to do something social.
I am lucky enough to have a most wonderful woman in my life who I have been best friends with since 9th grade. The unlucky part is we have never lived right down the street from each other. At one time, we were about an hour away. Then, I moved to Michigan and we were 12 hours away. Now, I live in Delaware and we are 2 hours away.

Most importantly...we are only a phone call away. We talk on the phone about an hour a day, almost EVERY day. She gets me through all my hard times, she laughs with me through funny times and she cries with me through sad times. She is my play date, my shopping day, my trip to the park. She is my "Want to get together for coffee?" I love her to death, and I don't know what I would do without her.

So, if you're like me and can't quite connect with local women, "phone friends" are just as important. Just pick up the phone.

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What's Your Biggest Pet Peeve of the Holidays?

We know you're supposed to be in a happy go lucky mood this time of year - what with the thoughts of presents, and great food dancing in your head. But why is it that moms have to be the ones to oversee their kids' holiday lists and plan how they're going to celebrate all the holidays and New Year's Eve too? Can't someone else pick up the slack for the social calendar for a change? What's your biggest holiday pet peeve? We want to hear from you, so sound off. Or if you're too busy, then send us a message telepathically and we'll print your response the same way.

Home Depot Makeover???

Just heard that Home Depot is planning to do a store makeover so they can attract more women to their stores. Whoever is in charge of the operation...save your pennies on construction and spend it on salaries for employees who are actually helpful when you ask them a question. The reason why I don't go to Home Depot anymore is because the service stinks. When you walk down the cavernous aisles trying to find the lighting department, there's no one in sight and if there is, they're not that helpful. So my advice, as a woman - we like to be treated well. Hire well trained workers who are excited to be helping us find which light bulbs or locks we need for our homes and quit decorating. Unless of course you open a silk flower section - then I'll be at the store in no time flat!

Seriously though - do you care if Home Depot does a makeover? Will you go to the store if it looks prettier? Or is service more your thing? Sound off and let us know!

The New Survivor - Best Emailed Story of the Week!

The Next Survivor Series - sent in by Michelle...

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks. Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes. There is no fast food. Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money. In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week. Each man must remember the birthdays of all of their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time. Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut. He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care (weekend, evening, on a holiday or right when they're about to leave for vacation). He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function. Each man will also be responsible for decoration his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times. The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done. There is only one TV between them, and a remote with dead batteries. Each father will be required to know all the words to every stupid song that comes on TV and the name of each and every character on cartoons. The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, which they will apply to themselves either while driving or making three lunches. Each man will have to make an Indian hut model with six toothpicks, a tortilla and one marker; and get a 4 year old to eat a serving of peas. Each man must adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep their nails polished and eyebrows groomed. The men must try to get through each day without snot, spit-up or barf on their clothing. During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties. They must try to explain what a tampon is for when the 6 year old boy finds it in the purse. They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park. He will need to read a book and then pray with the children each night without falling asleep, and then feed them, dress them, brush their teeth, and comb their hair each morning by 7:00. They must leave the home with no food on their face or clothes. A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothing size, and doctor's name. Also, the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up. They must clean up after their sick children at 2:00 am and then spend the remainder of the day tending to that child and waiting on them hand and foot until they are better. They must have a loving, age appropriate reply to, 'You're not the boss of me." The kids vote them off the island based on performance. The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moments notice. If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years...eventually earning the right to be called Mother!