October 29th, 2010 by Kateastrophe

At some point in time I’m hoping my life will get back to normal.  Right now the things that are happening to my body are squashing the normal, happy, energetic person that I am and replacing her with a grumpy, tired, emotional version of myself.  The very little thread of patience I usually have is gone and I snap without warning, usually at people who don’t deserve my bad attitude. 

Let’s just say I’m not exactly pleasant to be around.

I am not a person who hides my emotions.  I feel very strongly that pretending an emotion doesn’t exist just magnifies it inside and eventually it turns into a monster emotion that takes over your life.  If I feel a certain way, I tell you.  I’m that person you casually say “hey, how’s it going?” to, just to be nice, and I respond with “crappy.  How are you?” which in turn causes you to be confused and unsure of what to say.  I’m ok with that and I’m sorry about making people confused and probably slightly uncomfortable but I’m just not good and smiling through my teeth and saying “fine!”  I just don’t think it’s in my DNA.

The anger I’ve been experiencing with this second miscarriage is hard to describe and it’s been magnified by the length of time it’s taking my body to do what it’s supposed to do.  I’ve been dealing with it for fourteen days.  That’s more than half the time I was even aware that I was pregnant.  I am grateful that my body knows what to do in this situation but if I’m being honest, it just sort of feels like nature kicking me when I’m down.  I know there are medical procedures to speed this process along but I’m all about avoiding invasive surgery when my body knows what to do.  Plus, I’m not really in the mood to fork out the $3000 deductible to pay for the procedure anyway.  Especially right before Christmas.  And that trip to Europe I’m going on this spring.

While I am well aware that this is not a lot like losing someone close to me, I can’t help but compare people’s random reactions to those I experienced after the death of my Stepfather almost six years ago.  I know people think they’re being kind or helpful or whatever, but it’s such a strange thing to be the recipient of random, off the wall statements that don’t help and really just add to my general state of pissed-offedness.  This hasn’t happened a lot but it’s amazing how the two or three people that say something stupid seem to stick with you more than all the kind wonderful things people say and do.

That being said, I should really focus on those because for every random weird comment I’ve had eight thousand amazing, kind words or gestures.  I had a friend and her four beautiful kids come over with an astouding amount of treats and food and then they sang and danced to Taylor Swift in my living room.  Another friend brought cookies and homemade pictures from her kids that were SO cute and so sweet.  Friends have sent flowers and cards and called every day just to check on me.  My mother-in-law has kept my house clean for me when I can’t or don’t feel like doing anything but laying on the couch.  My husband has once again proven that he is the world’s most amazing man and reinstated for the eight millionth time that I don’t deserve him.  I really am a very lucky, very loved girl.

I know that my trials are mine because they are hard for me.  I know just because someone might have it worse doesn’t mean that this doesn’t suck and I’m allowed to be really hurt, angry, upset or whatever else about it.  I’m still very grateful for my life.  I’ve had near perfection for the last six years of my life.  I really do lead a charmed life and it could be SO MUCH WORSE, so I am, in at least a small way, thankful that this is as hard as it’s been for a long time.  It hurts, but this I can handle. THIS I can do.  I’ve said a million times that I wouldn’t trade any of my life experiences because of the things I’ve learned and the ways I’ve grown and the person who has come out the other side.  I know this experience is the same and someday I will look back with an understanding of why this happened and I will (hopefully) be grateful for the lessons I learned.

I’m just crossing all my fingers and toes that the gratefully looking back at the lessons learned happens soon because this grumpy version of me is a total downer.

October 19th, 2010 by Kateastrophe

Sometimes it gives you papercuts then squeezes the lemon juice onto the cuts then takes a step back and throws the lemons in your face while it laughs hysterically at your pain.

And that’s the kind of month I’m having.

We lost another baby this weekend.  I wasn’t as far along this time but it had been a very emotional, stressful couple of weeks with the little bean and the ups and downs have ended in a big fat down.

I wrote about it again over at Growing Kateastrophe.  I figure my life is already an open book, I might as well keep sharing.

Last time I was sad.  This time I’m just really, incredibly pissed off.

August 31st, 2010 by Kateastrophe

Six years and 24 days ago I moved to Phoenix in the middle of the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad summer heat.  I packed everything I had into my little Corolla S and a small Uhaul.  I put in a mix CD of songs about “Breaking Away” and “Changing Lives” and made my way down the freeway, following love and a new job.  I cried because I was leaving home and scared that nothing was going to work out and I’d be stuck in Phoenix with nothing.

Lucky for me both the new job and the love worked out in a big way.

Matt and I were married ten months after the move.  He is my heart and soul and even though there are moments I miss my home town, being near him IS home.

The job I kept until a year ago today and I still miss it.  I think I truly grew up there.  I got my first big promotion, my first real title, went on my first business trip, earned the trust and respect of big important people and got my first huge, eye-popping raise at Vcommerce.  I made friends I’ll never forget, saw things that changed my life and learned things that have made me a much better person.  Walking out the door was one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever done.

However.

This year has given me a lot of new experiences and most importantly, new perspective.  Some crazy (CRAZY!) things happened recently that made me realize that being let go was probably the best “accident” of my life.  Not being at that company or affiliated with some of the people there right now is a really, really, REALLY good thing.  My new job isn’t “ideal” but it’s wonderful.  It’s low stress, secure and the people here are awesome.  I’m learning a lot about a new industry.  Every day it seems new opportunities, some a little more up my ideal career alley, are forming for me.  My expertise and input are valued and utilized here.  Plus, I’ve got a kick-a Assistant Vice-President title that comes with officer level stock match.  It’s awesome. 

This job also helped me make some personal decisions that I don’t think I would have made at the last job.  The baby we lost wasn’t planned but when I was pregnant I realized that if it’s something I choose to do, I can do this job and be a good mom.  I don’t know if I could have balanced things as well at the old job.  Now I feel a lot more comfortable with the possibility of (gulp) having a baby (shh don’t tell).  I have more time to try to be a good wife, sister, friend, chef, exercise junkie, house cleaner (ha! yeah right) or whatever I want to do after work.  I’ve read more books and I’ve spent more time getting to know wonderful friends from church and the neighborhood.  I might even have time to start teaching voice lessons and put that Musical Theatre degree to use!

Needless to say, this job has been a really good thing for me. 

So, as is always the (cliche) story with my life - anyone’s life, really - years later I can look back at the things which, at the time, seemed like the end of the world and realize that they were truly for the best.  Sometimes I look back and feel lucky to have been lead to where I am.  Sometimes I look back and am proud of the decisions I made to get to this place.  Sometimes I laugh at the follies that landed me here.  No matter how I look back at it, I have zero regrets. 

I love my family.  I love my friends.  I love my home.  I love my job.  I LOVE my life.

I can’t wait to see what happens the next 2,214 days.

July 5th, 2010 by Kateastrophe

I’ve been keeping a secret from all of you.

It was supposed to be a great surprise that I was going to share when the time was right, but as luck and the laws of nature would have it, now it’s a sad surprise, which really isn’t a surprise at all.

I was pregnant, due January 28th.   As of Wednesday, I’m officially not anymore.  There’s no real reason anyone can give me as to why, just that the baby didn’t make it and we can try again when we’re ready.  It wasn’t planned and I would say I was initially thrilled, but a life is a life and a pregnancy is a pregnancy and so I’m mourning the loss and as we all know, everyone mourns differently.  I’m actually doing really well and I’ve been able to gain a lot of perspective through this experience. I’d thought about not ever saying anything here and just leaving it as a something that was private, but for some reason that doesn’t feel right and certainly doesn’t feel like me.  Maybe there’s someone else who needs to hear what I have to say and this is the only venue where they’ll find it.  I’m not really sure.  I just know the feeling I got to share this loss with the world was very strong so here I am.  I’d started another blog to document my journey to motherhood and initially I was going to erase it, but I realized that as sad as it might be to have it there, it’s my journey and I’m going to share it with you.

It starts at the beginning and as of tonight, the end of this particular journey is there.  I hope to be able to use it to share more journeys with you but for now this is all I’ve got.  I won’t say enjoy because I’m not exactly sure that’s the purpose, but I hope you get something out of it.  I can tell you that I did and it’s documented at Growing Kateastrophe.  The tagline now seems painfully ironic . . . but I’m me and it’s me and I’m not changing it.  But I probably don’t need to explain that to any of you.

July 27th, 2009 by Kateastrophe

Like most women, I formed my “body image” in my early teens. I decided what I liked and didn’t like about myself (like my boobs, hate my thighs) and began to form those opinions based on images that I saw. Now, the part that I’m not sure is so true for most people but is true for me is that I didn’t form these opinions based on supermodels or Hollywood starlets. Oh no, I formed it based on the girls next door.

I went to a public high school in a fairly affluent area of my hometown, which is actually known for it’s good looking girls. So, needless to say, I went to high school with some absolutely GORGEOUS people. Some absolutely gorgeous, absolutely SKINNY people who I have spent my life comparing myself to.

These were the girls I’d grown up with. The girls I went to church with, who I’d gone to dance class with. I had known them forever. Somehow I had grown up to be a bit round and soft and they had grown up to be svelte goddesses of beauty and slenderness. I’m not going to lie. It was frustrating. They were my friends but I was jealous of their tans and their skinniness and their boyfriends and all of it.

It’s been eleven (ELEVEN??) years since I graduated from high school and I’ve spent a considerable amount of that time not liking a lot of things about my body. Even when I was thirty pounds lighter, RIPPED from dancing four to five hours a day and then heading to the gym after school, I hated my legs. Even when I was sickly-skinny from a depressing break-up which caused me to drop ten pounds in just a few weeks, I still hated my butt. Why? Probably lots of reasons. But one of them was because every time I ran into one of those girls from high school, they were still skinnier than me.

I learned something this weekend that made me realize what a waste of my time and energy all of that was. Pretty much every.single.girl. I can remember comparing myself to back in those days had an eating disorder. I apparently went to Anorexia/Bulimia High School where girls didn’t eat but once a week and then when they did that, they’d throw it all up. Not only would they do it, but they’d do it ALL TOGETHER. Like a barf party! Even now, eleven years later, most of them are still dealing with the medical repercussions of starving themselves. Many of them are probably still not eating because many of them never got help. And I’m so, so sad for them.

And I’m embarrassed that I formed my self-image based on a lie.

I looked at myself with new eyes this weekend. Sure I have some cellulite and areas with more chub than is ideal. Sure I have things about myself that I still don’t like, but guess what? I’m healthy. I exercise regularly and I have a healthy heart, healthy kidneys, healthy bones. I have skin that glows and healthy, shiny hair. I have curves and muscles. I have all the things that prove that I am medically and mentally healthy. I like food. I like that I get hungry and that I can eat. I like to cook. I like to entertain and see people enjoy the things I’ve made. I have fun eating with friends.

It makes me sad to know that these girls are still dealing with these issues. I cannot fathom what it’s like not to enjoy a steaming plate of pasta or my Mom’s homemade chicken noodle soup. I can’t imagine what it was like to feel that kind of pressure from your friends.

Today I woke up a new sort of person. I’m more grateful than ever for my amazing friends. I’m more grateful than ever for my functioning body.

Now I just need to figure out a way to teach my future daughter how to get there before she’s almost thirty . . .

April 2nd, 2009 by Kateastrophe

I wouldn’t say I hate country music, but I wouldn’t say I’m a huge fan either. Sometimes though, there are country songs who’s lyrics stick with you for life. John Michael Montgomery’s “Life’s a Dance” is one of those songs and lately the words are coming into my head more and more often, specifically one verse and the chorus:

The longer I live the more I believe
You do have to give if you wanna recieve
There’s a time to listen, a time to talk
And you might have to crawl even after you walk
Had sure things blow up in my face
Seen the longshot, win the race
Been knocked down by the slamming door
Picked myself up and came back for moreLife’s a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don’t worry about what you don’t know
Life’s a dance you learn as you go

Right now my life is (knock on wood) unbelievably, amazingly awesome. Sure there are speed bumps and trials that come my way every day, but overall? I am one of the luckiest people alive. I have the most supportive, kind, amazing husband a girl could ever ask for. I have the most amazing family members who inspire me every day. I have a group of strong, supportive, hilarious girlfriends that add more joy and spice to my life than I deserve. I have a job I enjoy, a home I love and a fast car that makes the endless traffic jams a little more fun.

I’m sure we’ve all noticed that, at the moment, there is a lot of extra misery in the world. This is a tough time for a lot (I mean A LOT) of people in more ways than I would have expected. I don’t know if it’s the economy or just one of those times in the lives of people I know and love that things are just HARD. Things are coming out of the woodwork that I never would have expected to see. It makes me very sad but it also in turn makes me count my blessings.

Part of counting my blessings for me has always been looking back over the hard times in my life and remembering how much I learned or grew – or both – from a particular experience. I probably haven’t shared much of it here, but I have had an . . . interesting life, to say the least. There have been so many times where I really, truly thought I might not make it through my trials and that I should just give up. Times where I was so broken I just knew without out a doubt I’d never be able to put the millions of tiny pieces back together to make a real person again. I have seen some of the lowest lows and yet, every single time, and not without help and support and in so many cases, miracles, I’m able to pick myself up and not only put myself back together – but actually find that me I’ve put back together is always a better version of myself. It’s like there’s a part of me that is newly bonded together so much more tightly that I know it will never again be able to be broken.

I think that’s why the song speaks to me. “You might have to crawl even after you walk . . . Picked myself up and came back for more . . . Don’t worry about what you don’t know, life’s a dance you learn as you go.”

My most favorite quote of all time is from C.S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity:”

God’s work in our lives can be painful, but his ultimate goal is to transform us into something better.

Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised.

But presently he starts knocking that house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor here, running up towers, making courtyards.

You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but he is building up a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.

So I say to any of you who are hurting and broken and think you’re never going to be ok, please trust me when I say that you WILL put yourself back together and you WILL be better for it. It’s so cliché, but it is always darkest before the dawn. God is in the process of building His palace with you. I know it hurts right now but just wait until He’s done and you can take a step back and look at the amazing person He’s built. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

March 13th, 2009 by Kateastrophe

My dear friend Keri sent me the link to a video produced by the LDS Church explaining why Mormons build temples.  As hard as I tried to be eloquent in my words yesterday, the video does a much better job. I attempted to post the actual video here, but apparently the computer is smarter than I am today so you’ll have to click on the link. If I figure out how to embed it I’ll update the post today.

Why Mormons Build Temples

March 11th, 2009 by Kateastrophe

I am not much of a pot-stirrer. In general, on topics of religion, sexuality, politics and the like, I keep to myself. I believe how and what I believe in what (I hope) is an informed, educated, respectful manner, and I expect the same from others. My beliefs are mine, your beliefs are yours and if we disagree, let’s do so kindly and without malice. Today, however, I have chosen to speak up and stir the pot a little bit.

It came to my attention this morning that the HBO series “Big Love” which portrays a fictional, non-Mormon polygamist family living outside of Salt Lake City, Utah (for those of you who incorrectly think the family portrayed is, in fact, Latter-Day Saints (also known as LDS or Mormon), they are not. The LDS Church does not allow polygamy. Those who practice most often belong to the Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saint religion, or FLDS.) will be airing an episode this Sunday which contains a very sacred LDS ceremony which we refer to as the endowment. The character having this ceremony performed is wearing sacred LDS temple clothing and the show has employed an ex-LDS individual to guarantee the accuracy of the ceremony.

When I saw this, my heart fell. As an active member of the LDS Church, I feel as though I’ve just been slapped in the face. The writers of this show, who, in my opinion were already treading a thin line when it comes to mocking what is most sacred to me, have officially crossed it. Some may ask why this is such a big deal or wonder why anyone really cares. I think those questions should answer themselves. The writers and the network are using what is most sacred to our religion as a trivial storyline for a fictional family. They are attempting to take the world inside the walls of our most sacred places. I want to know why they are going down that path.

Muslims do not allow non-Muslims inside the mosque at Mecca, or even inside the city itself. To them it is a sanctuary and a sacred place. The more strict factions of their religion require special attire and grooming standards, all symbolic of their commitment to their God. I would be very offended if someone were sneaking in to Mecca just for entertainment purposes.

In ancient Jerusalem only certain individuals were allowed into certain places inside the temple, the most sacred and most difficult to enter was the center, or the Holy of Holies. The Hasidic Jews wear special clothing and follow strict codes of conduct to show their faith in God.

The Eastern Orthodox Church has also adopted the concept of the Holy of Holies and have restrictions as to who may enter through certain doors and certain individuals will never be allowed.

I respect all religions. I take off my hat and walk clockwise when I enter a Tibetan temple. I do not take pictures in sacred Buddhist sanctuaries. I wouldn’t try to sneak onto the man’s side of the Western Wall or enter inside the walls of Mecca. I do not take communion in a Catholic church or mockingly wear the sacred apparel of any religion. If I have offended anyone based on religious views, it’s because of my own ignorance and not out of malice or the want to mock or trivialize.

The LDS faith does not allow those who are not members in good standing within the walls of our temples. You are required to answer a series of questions pertaining to your dedication, worthiness and faith before being allowed in the doors. Inside the temple sacred ordinances are performed which we believe allow us to take one step closer to being with God. We are asked to wear special garments under our clothes as a symbol of our dedication and promises to the Lord. It’s not a secret, it’s sacred. Pardon me if I expect in return the same respect I try to show other religions.

I think that everyone in this world has things that are sacred to them. Special moments, rituals or things that make them remember who they are and where they are going. Sometimes these things are out in the open for everyone to see. Other times these things are kept quiet and close to the heart of the individual to whom they mean the world. I realize that anyone who wants to know about what happens in the temple can find information on the internet. I realize that the writers of Big Love are “attempting to be accurate” in their portrayal of this situation, but I cannot help but feel immense sadness at the disrespect being shown by the writers, the actors and the network who is airing this episode. As I said before, what they are showing is not a secret, is it something that is most sacred to the members of our church. It is a special ordinance performed only inside our sacred temples and on those who are in good standing with the church. This isn’t like a baptism or a first communion. This is a ceremony which represents the most sacred and special covenants we make with our Father in Heaven. They are the core of our religion and what we hold most dear. We do not keep those who do not belong to our religion outside of the temples with any malice or prejudice. We believe a dedicated temple is a house for God to dwell and, like most religions, believe that one must be prepared to be in God’s presence. Therefore, only those who are worthy and willing to make sacred promises and covenants to God are given entry into an operating temple. I wish that the world understood and respected that.

I realize that I have no power over HBO and this little blog post will not convince them to take that episode of the show off the air. But what I can do is ask any of you who might watch the show or who might consider doing so, to please take a moment to think about the things that are most sacred to you. I ask that you ask yourself if YOU would be ok with those things being shown to the world for the sake of a mere hour of entertainment. I sincerely hope that your answer would match mine.

If you are curious about my beliefs and my religion, I encourage you to email me (kateastrophe(at)cox(dot)net)or visit our Church website at www.mormon.org . I am more than happy to try to answer any questions you might have. I welcome those who are sincere in their quest to learn more. I know that many of you have very different beliefs than I do, and many may disagree with me, but please, if you are planning to be rude and disrespectful, don’t bother.

To read the LDS Church’s official statement on the airing of the Big Love episode, please click here.

January 29th, 2009 by Kateastrophe

I honestly don’t know how people do it.

See, I don’t have a whole lot of responsibility in my life. Sure, I work full time and I have to be all “responsible” there, and yes it’s challenging most days, and yes it’s hard work, but overall it’s not like a huge burden or weight. When I get home, I don’t have a husband demanding I have a hot dinner ready to go. He’s easy. If I want to cook, it’s OK. If I want to be lazy, it’s OK. If I want cereal, he eats a sandwich. SO easy-going, that man. Love him. He’s also really easy-going about the cleaning thing. I don’t remember the last time I mopped the floor (don’t judge me!) and as long as things are RELATIVELY picked up, he’s good. Oh and he’s incredibly neat. Everything around him is organized, folded and in it’s place. Granted, he’s not a deep cleaner (Mop? What’s a mop?) but I am (when I clean) so it’s ALL good.

Some people have very time consuming church responsibilities, but my church calling? Super easy. I have a meeting once a month and help plan parties. It’s awesome.

Other than that? I get to do what I want. Yet I always feel behind and like I’m getting NOTHING done!

I want to work out every day, but it never seems to happen. I am a creature that needs lots of sleep. Like 8-9 hours a night. Needless to say, getting up early to work out really isn’t an option. So, I figure I’ll do it when I get home, right? Wrong. When I get home, I’m starving (stupid hypoglycemia), thereby, no matter which way you spin it, I have at least an hour or two used up to either cook or find a meal. THEN I need at least an hour to digest so I don’t die at the gym. By that time it’s like 8:00 or 8:30, at which point I start considering it will be about an hour workout and THEN I have to come home and shower. Which takes another hour. (Stupid long hair.) SO by then it’s 11:00 and I’ve accomplished NOTHING except eating and working out. Imagine doing that every day. Yeah. I try to work out three times a week but STILL.

I have a few TV shows I enjoy watching, and I’ve tried to multi-task and do other things while I’m watching, but I’m realizing my brain doesn’t work like that anymore. I end up rewinding things like five times trying to catch what Derek just said to Meredith or whatever. SO, there are several hours a week dedicated to TV. It’s sort of brainless ME time, but again, I get NOTHING done.

This leads me to the weekends.

I typically need to use Saturday to clean, organize and to wade through the laundry pile because HOLY CRAP does my husband get a lot of clothes dirty. I swear I wash five of his things for every one of mine. Then there are always annoying errands like GROCERY SHOPPING to do, and before I know it, my Saturday is gone.

Now, for Sunday. Oui, Sunday. Being a member of the LDS Church, we are asked to keep the Sabbath day holy which means that we try our best not to do any hard work, shopping, eating out, etc. on Sunday. And we spend three hours in church. Oh and my church is 30 miles away so add an extra hour there. I’m not complaining (ok I sort of am but not loud annoying complaining) because I usually enjoy church and have friends there, and being forced to take it easy isn’t a bad thing, but it’s hard sometimes because I feel like most people have two days at the end of their week to do some playing and some chores and stuff, and I feel a little slighted and like I only have one. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my religion and wouldn’t trade it for anything but I am sort of making a plea for shortened church for those of us with A.D.D. or who are just easily distracted . . . it’s not going to happen, but a girl can dream, right?

Now, add in my work travel and I have pretty much just summed up my entire life for you. Do you see time for vacuuming? Decorating? Working on projects? Joining a book club? WRITING ON MY BLOG? Nope. Not there.

I’m a slightly overweight version of myself trying to figure out how to do it all. Which brings me back to the beginning sentence. I honestly don’t know how people do it. How do you add kids and still work out and keep house and help them with their homework and play with them and all that stuff? How do you decorate your homes so beautifully and still find time to make curtains and do crafts? HOW DO YOU DO IT?

I realize I’m asking the same question women have been asking forever. I realize there’s no absolute answer. I just have all these things I long to do. I look in the mirror and I am sad because my outsides don’t match my insides. I want to fit back into the clothes I’ve saved because I know I can be that skinny again. I want to find time to work out enough that I begin to really enjoy it. I want to cook a great meal every day. I want my home to be beautiful and representative of Matt and I. I want so many things and I’m just not sure how to get them without giving up other things that are important to me.

So seriously, I know you SuperGirls are out there. I read about your lives and I’m mostly inspired, but today I beg you to share your secret with me. I promise not to tell anyone else J.

January 20th, 2009 by Kateastrophe

On this historic day, I believe all Americans have a choice to make. For some, it will be an easy one. For others, it’s going to be difficult, but we all must make it.

Today, we must all choose to whether we support and uphold our new leader, or we don’t.

For me, it’s not a hard choice. I choose to support President Barack Obama.

I do not support him blindly and without caution and reserve, without stipulation or consequence. I have my doubts and concerns, and I believe anyone who doesn’t, hasn’t been paying a whole lot of attention lately. I do not believe that he is the savior of our country or that he will be able to make good on everything he promised us during his campaign. I do not believe all his decisions and policies will be perfect, ideal, or in some cases even close to what’s right. I may not agree with all of his ideas, and I may feel he is, in some ways, misguided, but I truly feel that his intentions are good and that he will do good things for America.

I choose to pray for President Obama because I believe that ANY person in that office, with that kind of responsibility, needs all the help they can get.

I choose to uphold the democratic system that I feel was inspired by God and has done a pretty good job over the last couple of centuries.

I choose to stand by the President, as Teddy Roosevelt so beautifully put it, “so far as he serves the Republic.”

I choose, on a day where we should all be proud to be Americans, to look and hope and pray for the best and leave negativity behind.

I choose to believe in him, because I trust that we live in a world where there are still good people with good intentions, and that President Barack Obama is one of them.

Will you choose to join me?