Having done my patriotic duty and watched the Republican Convention I'm more hopeful than I have been in a while.  They did their job and hooked me in with their views and speeches.  I was impressed with the South Carolina Governor's speech - she came across as well as the other Governors and maybe better than some.  Very proud of her.  Next week I'll watch the Democratic Convention and see the other half of the political playing field.  60 days left for each side to show what they want us to know.  I'm the first to admit I expected Obama to perform miracles with our economy, the wars, job market, housing problems, and have been disappointed over and over during the last roughly three and a half years with both his actions and what he chooses not to act on.    Personally? I'm a reformed hippie who has grown more conservative as I've had children and aged.  I don't like sitting on fences.  Maybe it's time to try something new in the White House since the "Change" we were promised in 2008 has been for the worse.  But we'll see.