When I was in 7th grade, I ran for Student Council.  I wanted more than anything to be the Vice President.  Why, I have no idea, as I'd never ran for office before, I certainly wasn't a popular kid, I didn't like being in control of anything, and I honestly didn't even know what a Student Council did.

But, by god, I put my heart and soul into the campaign; I made signs, passed out notes to my friends, vote for Chase! please?, and wrote one heck of a campaign speech - which I had to deliver in front of the entire middle school. 

I wrote a big ol' speech, telling of how I'd help improve the system...how I'd fight for the little man...how I'd try to get more functions going because, honestly, why the hell isn't there a Groundhog's Day dance??  You know, typical politician B.S.   I couldn't have cared less - it's not like I'd have been invited to any dances anyway.  (Did I mention I didn't have any boobs?)

The night before the assembly, I read the speech to my father.  He looked up over his glasses at me, wrinkled his nose, and told me it was horrible.  He reminded me that I'm a goofball...that I don't take anything seriously : why should I take the speech so?  He said I needed to be myself, to write like I am - not like I think people want me to be.  He said to be stupid and silly and laugh at myself because that's how I really was.

A light went off in my head and I got it.  It was enlightenment.  Well, about as much enlightenment as a 7th-grader could handle, anyway.  I ran back into my room and wrote a gut-busting, silly, flop-on-the-floor speech.  I read it to him and he smiled and nodded.  I'd done it.  I'd written the winning speech and I was STOKED.

The next day?  I chickened out.  I couldn't read a silly speech - what if people thought I was silly?!  This was a serious office with serious responsibilities...who would vote for someone who was a big ol' goofball?   So I read the serious speech.  And I won.  I won!

But I always wondered what they would have thought about my me speech.

Last night, I was given the opportunity to try it again - to give my me speech - to be....Chase.  Lisa over at Niihaus (one of the most brilliant bloggers there is, by the way) presented the Perfect Post Award to me last night. 

She wanted to honor my Puberty Is Awesome! post....one that ended up being so long and drawn out, I didn't think anyone would read it.  But she did.  And she liked it!  And I WON!  So here's my speech.

Dear blog world,

I'd like to thank you for the opportuni.....eh, screw it. 

I FREAKIN' WON, YO!!!!  Now, where's the tequila?!

Love,

Chase

ps. Thank you, Lisa.  The money I bribed you with will be sent this week.