I’ve been absent for a while. I apologize. I thought I had chronic tonsillitis, but really I was just sick. Meanwhile, I have been getting ready for today. The day of all days. The day of new beginnings. Election Day, 2008. My friend K.S. is voting for the first presidential election today–she was too young last time around. Her sister is voting, too. I voted. Jeff voted. K and SS are voting. It’s a movement. I have friends coming out of the woodworks who are voting. B from work and SJ voted this morning. It’s so exciting. Everything is moving, everything is starting, and everyone is READY. FINALLY.

Last night I roasted a chicken for the first time, and made some more banana bread. Then I made cupcakes. I had a lot of pent up energy that I didn’t know what to do with. This morning I covered B’s carpool shift here at work, and chatted up my co-workers about the election. Wearing two Obama buttons, I was pretty sure it was clear which way I voted.

I am so excited for today. I am so excited for tomorrow. I am excited for the day after that. The future. The beginning, an end, something bigger than any of us could have ever imagined. I am proud to call America my home, and I am proud of places like Michigan that have 98% of their possible voters registered. I am proud of places like Ohio where people are waiting for hours to get their chance to vote, and for the volunteers who are committing themselves to getting every vote counted. I am proud of California for focusing on “No” on Prop 8. This morning, I saw some students at the school I work out with signs, standing in line at the car pool, trying to get parents to see their signs—NO on Prop 8. What a wonderful world we live in. I am so proud to call it my home.

Notes: Today you can get a free tall coffee at Starbucks, and a free ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s.