Dear Friends,

I have something in common with former President Barack Obama.

Many years ago, I discovered the joy of listening to audiobooks while driving. It’s an obsession and, in fact, I really dislike it when people ride with me on long distance trips, because that means I can’t listen to my book.

My favorite audio books are those read by the author. Some of my favorite authors have been comedians. One of the first books I ever listened to was ‘Bossy Pants’ by Tina Fey. Next, I listened to ‘Still Foolin ‘Em’ by Billy Crystal, followed by Steve Martin’s ‘Born Standing Up’ and ‘The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo’ by Amy Schumer.

Each book was incredibly funny, touching, and made me look at these hilarious and famous people in a different way. They all struggled with family, love, money, careers and all worked hard to get where they are. They had real issues, struggles and insecurities like us non-famous people. How crazy was that?

Clearly, I was hooked, and I slowly began expanding my reading to autobiographies of other famous people (non-comedic ones), historical figures, motivational books and of course a good romance, thriller or government conspiracy just for variety; J.D. Robb and James Patterson are particular favorites.

I do, in fact, consider this “reading”. For us busy people on the go, spare moments to just sit down and read a book are few and far between. The only way I can get to all the books I want to enjoy is by listening to them. My husband does not agree with me. He often corrects me when I reference one of my audio books that I did not READ the book … I LISTENED to the book. It’s semantics.

This past year I discovered Glennon Doyle, who was such an inspirational writer that I was immediately hooked and purchased every book she has written. She has a writing style similar to mine, and I feel like she is talking to me when I listen to her stories. “Untamed” hit me on so many levels between the challenges of motherhood, relationships and that self-talk that we all deal with. It’s not just me, I’m not crazy and other women think like I do. It was a revelation really.

After sharing my new discovery with a friend, she encouraged me to read ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama. What an inspirational story of a strong woman who came from a simple life in Chicago. She worked hard, had a strong foundation, strong values, a tight family and never accepted less than what she deserved – even when she met and married the love of her life, and somewhat unwillingly travelled down the path to becoming the First Lady. What I loved most about this book was how real it all was. She talked about her struggles with the direction her husband’s career was taking, trying to be a working mom, taking care of her home, the heartbreaking battle with MS her father endured, and trying to be there for her mother, brother and family. I felt like I could really relate to her – trying to have it all and not letting any ball drop. I recall a story of her running out on a lunch break to try and find appropriate outfits for two daughters before a big event. Who can’t relate to that?

I didn’t immediately pick up a copy of President Obama’s book, ‘A Promised Land’. It was around the time of the election, and I had enough of it before November even rolled around. I wasn’t sure how “political” the book was, and honestly couldn’t handle anymore. I put the book on my Audible Wish List, and went back to my fiction adventures.

Just a couple of weeks ago, having finished my latest book, I went to my wish list and saw ‘A Promised Land’ still sitting there. I decided it was time for me to read it, and downloaded the selection. Once again, I found myself lost in his story. The struggles with his mother, an absent father, growing up in Hawaii with his grandparents, meeting Michelle, and his fast moving career in politics. It was also interesting to read his point of view, compared to that of Michelle’s. Her book focused on the kids, her career, her family and personal struggles all while trying to create a normal life for Sasha and Malia. His book, while it touched on many of the same elements, focused more on the ins and outs of how he got to where he is, the fast moving train his political career seemed to be on. It was also an interesting point of view as you followed him through the Democratic primary, the general election and his first days in office. I’m only halfway through the book right now, but I am definitely enjoying it and seeing others through his eyes as well as learning things of which the public may not have been aware.

On the night before Barack’s debate with Republican nominee, John McCain, he was talking about how he had a tradition to get ready for a debate. He has a routine, from which he did not vary, likely due to a growing superstition and not wanting to chance the cosmic balance. Part of his routine included reading his notes and listening to music. He said there are two songs that get him “revved up”, one of which was a song by Jay-Z, and the other song was “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.

When I heard this, I yelled “No way!!”. That song is how I get revved up before a big presentation! In fact, it was the song that came on the radio while I was sitting in the parking lot at Commerce Chenango, the day I had my final presentation to the search committee for the position of President & CEO. I remember the song coming on and feeling like it was a sign. I belted it out, getting myself ready for what was the most important presentation of my life. “You only get one shot, do not miss your chance and blow it. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.” I don’t give Eminem all the credit for me getting this job, but he definitely helped me get fired up and crush my interview.

There you have it. My connection to President Obama. Pretty cool, huh?

Be well, Chenango.

~ Kerri