On the Campaign Trail

This is a big week for Kennedy.  First, she cut her long hair off.  Chop and it was gone. 

Let me just quickly add here that while her hair was beautiful when it was still attached to her head, it is creepin' me out seeing it sit in a bag (waiting to be mailed off to Locks of Love). 6 ponytails look eerie stashed in a ziplock...so inhuman and unnatural.

Anyhoo, her next big step is transpiring today.  She is running for 8th grade officer.  I love that she is finding interest in doing the same kinds of things that Jeff and I did when we were young. But on that same note, I know what it's like to feel the stress, pressure and insecurities that come along the campaign trail.

Will people vote for me?

What if people vote for those who are more vocal or aggressive campaigners? (which she is not)

What if people write on my posters?  Or worse, tear them down?  (Jr. High, remember?) 

She is brave.   To be willing to put yourself out there for all to analyze and decide if they are willing to give you their approval?  At almost 13 years?  The very definition of bravery!  

The great thing about my daughter is that she is always true to herself.  What you see is what you get.  No theatrics.  No drama.  No insincerity or phony baloney.  She is Kennedy at home and at school and at church.  The same girl everywhere she goes.  I hope kids at her school can see that.  She is solid and acts her age.  This is a good thing.  She is 12 going on 13...not 12 going on 16.  I hope kids don't hold that against her.  But again, this is Jr. High, right?

Here are her posters.  Ideas and creativity we have.  Artistry we have not.  Luckily, we have a decent printer and legible handwriting.  If I said it once I said it 6 dozen times over the weekend, "I wish Amy Gregson lived close by!"  She is the Gregson family muralist and artiste and a dynamite one at that!  

The candidates also had to put together a 3 minute video.  No more election assemblies and live skits?!  3 minutes doesn't sound like much, but this video took us hours to put together. Thanks to Jeff and iMovie for this diamond in the rough.  The quality of filming isn't top notch but we think the 7th graders will enjoy watching.  Kennedy loved it so mission accomplished!  And yes, Jeff is now looking into a career of voiceovers.

Also, as an added twist, she has a blog that she'll update daily about why she'd like to be an 8th grade officer.  It will let her peers get to know her a little bit better.  Check it out: www.kennedyforofficer.blogspot.com