Yes We Can

As you can imagine, I'm thrilled. This is so much better than the last presidential election. Four years ago I woke up in the morning to find out that sometime in the night Ohio had been declared a red state (it was still contested when I had gone to bed late the night before). Back then I saw the news that morning and then just went back to bed and wept. This morning, despite having been up late, I was jubilant when I was awakened early (yet again) by Duet.

When we were joined by Una I got to break the news to her myself. It went something like this:
MP: Remember how we voted yesterday?
Una: Uh-huh
MP: Guess who won?
Una: Obama?
MP: an affirmative nod
Una: Obama won? (face lights up with genuine enthusiasm) He's going to be our next president! (turning to Duet) Duet, Obama's going to be our next president!
Duet: Omama!

We're all feeling a bit celebratory:Duet is obviously jealous of my shirt. Let the clothes-borrowing begin.

Una is happily eating her O-shaped grilled cheese sandwich (Bert's creation)

I don't have a picture of me celebrating but let me say it went something like this: I ate way too much food last night (including treats, what can I say? I faltered. But really it was like a holiday for me so I don't think it really counts) sprawled out on the couch in front of the TV for hours watching the election results come in. Sorry I didn't immortalize that image for you in a photo.

And now I will end on a sappy note: As I've mentioned before, I'm quite into politics. I studied political science in graduate school and I'm usually well informed each election about major candidates and issues. This is the first year I've been this excited about a candidate. Don't get me wrong, I was a big fan of Kerry, but there's something so hopeful about Obama. Without boring you with the details, I'll just sum things up by saying that I have researched his stance on several issues and I support his policies. Additionally, I truly believe he has the power to unite this country and turn things around. He's so positive and hopeful as well as practical. I've been impressed with the way he's conducted himself and how he's run his campaign. I'm hoping that's an indication of how he will act as our president.

And for those of you out there who are less than thrilled with the outcome (I know how it feels, I've been there), rest assured that Obama-related posts will be few and far between from this point on. I do reserve the right to post on the inauguration day. A day that can't come soon enough.