The Part Where I Hate Not Being In America

(Or: I lack fingernails).

Tuesday, November 4, 2008. The day we've been waiting for. The day that's finally here. The day that's going to kill me with anxiety before it's over. The day where (KNOCK ON WOOD) America finally puts an end to the error, the criminality, the sheer stupidity and willful recklessness, of the last eight years that have left our country in tatters. The day where they listen to the better half of themselves and vote for hope, not fear. Vote for moving us into the 21st century, vote for finally realizing our promise as a better nation, instead of the laughingstock we've managed to make of ourselves. The part where we regain the trust of the world and our core American promise, where any citizen of any background can claim the highest office in the land. The part where I cry and laugh in joy, even though the first polls don't close until midnight my time. If I have to stay up until 5am to know for sure, I will. I leave nothing to chance. I am there the whole way. The nervousness is unbearable.

This American girl voted from Oxford two weeks ago, by Colorado absentee ballot. She re-registered in her home swing state (instead of where she goes to school, a very blue state indeed) to make the greatest difference. She checked the Secretary of State's website to make sure it arrived. She voted for hope, for promise, for her children's futures, for her own. She looks forward to being proud of her country’s choices and example again. She voted a straight Democratic party ticket and BARACK OBAMA AND JOE BIDEN for President and Vice President of a country that awaits their leadership and vision. And now she waits and prays.

YES WE CAN.