At the center of the universe the day history was made

I was not fortunate enough to get tickets to the Obama rally on election night. My friend Chi Chi was. She's detailed the unbelieveable experience on her blog at nonyespace@blogspot.com. Reading it gave me chills and I have to share it with everyone. Her post is below.




Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Yes. We. Did. Barack Obama is MY President

Is it me or is the sun shining a little bit brighter today? Today is a new day and last night, America turned the page on the deep depression that settled over us when George Bush was appointed president in 2000.

Barack Obama is my president. Michelle Obama is my first lady.

I have to repeat these sentences because it still feels surreal. I'm still pinching myself. I was at the rally in downtown Chicago and I had keep asking my friends, "Did this really happen?" Yes it did happen and in one day, the world has changed.

Getting a ticket to the downtown rally was truly a blessing from God because the Obama campaign emailed it to me at 4:23 PM last night. I was preparing to leave to join my friend and canvassing partner Tara as her guest downtown (bless you Tara!). For some reason, the email junkie in me saw 23 messages and made me check my email one more time before I left. I looked and there it was, "Waitlist update" and there was my ticket to the downtown rally. I couldn't believe it, I felt like I'd just received a golden ticket from Willy Wonka to go to his chocolate factory!

With this great opportunity, two more people were invited, I ran to lab to print them out and then I was off. I hopped on the green line and rode into downtown Chicago. After stepping off the train, everything was cool until I walked onto Michigan Ave. The place was bananas and I wanted every Obama shirt that I saw. After meeting up with friends, 4 security checkpoints, airport style metal detector checks and a lot of movement we were in and it was liberating!

It was funny because we were in the center of it all but we only had CNN to rely on. Without my eyes glued to a TV, I felt so unaware of what the news media was saying. My parents gave me updates and we stood next to a guy with a radio but we still were clueless at times because I guess we were in the middle of history. Everytime they called a race we cheered but in my heart I didn't believe it because I was looking for the percentage of precincts reporting as well as the exit polls.

It's funny because although I bought three buttons that declared victory for Obama, I had to see it for myself. First I saw 199 EV's and then 207. I knew that California would give 55 EV's so at 262 EV's we only needed 8 votes to put us over the top. So when Virgina was called I knew it was all over. Virginia was like a symbol for change because not long after that California was called for Obama and then the words that I dreamed to see on the CNN jumbotron, "Projected: Barack Obama, President of the United States!"

The crowd went wild and I screamed at the top of my lungs. I hugged my friends, my canvassing buddies and was vaclempt. I couldn't believe it. And then John McCain conceded. This was really happening! Oh my God, it's really happening. Barack Obama is the president! I called everyone that I could until my phone died. I dedicated my minutes to phonebanking that day but I didn't predict that I would use it until the battery died.

And then it began. The page turned and we bowed our heads for prayer. We prayed together in that crowd and then we said the Pledge of Allegience. I've never recited those words with so much pride for my country before. Yes, I finally feel like this is my country too. And then we sang the Star Spangled Banner and I sang every word with true sincerity in my heart. Next "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder and "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher" by Jackie Wilson was played. We also heard "Only in America". But when they played "Sweet Home Chicago", I never felt more at home than I did that night. I love my city and last night we were the center of the universe.

Then there was silence and they announced the First family of the United States! I lost my mind and screamed again. I felt so much pride as the Obama family marched across the stage. In that moment, the Obama family was lifted up as a beacon of love and positive family values for all Americans and especially African-Americans to see. We have a new Huxtable example and they are real people. I felt like Black folks finally had a symbol, an example and a leader to follow. I saw Barack and Michelle embrace and I saw her say, "I love you too". Black love is beautiful y'all and it was there for all to see.

And then he made his victory speech and we closed the chapter on the Bush years forever. He set a new tone through his leadership and in one speech healed the nation.

This morning I woke up to NPR and they said it again, President Obama (smile). I went outside to pay the meter and saw that I got a $50 ticket 8 minutes prior. But it didn't matter, Barack Obama is the President of the United States. The flowers outside my apartment were shining brighter and the world is now on the right track.

We have a reason to believe again because with President Obama (I smile every time I type those two words) I see a brighter future ahead.

Today I feel like a normal person again. Like a "Born-again American". I feel like the civil rights that we lost with the Bush administration have been restored. I feel like common sense will rule again and that we now live in a world where anything is possible. Congratulations America! Welcome to a new day and a new world!

Joy and happiness and light

The world is a better place.

Best weekend ever

It was the best weekend ever. Ok, well atleast the best weekend in a long time. First, this weekend I worked zero hours. That never happens!! Also, it was Halloween which is one of my favorite days of the year. I made an adorable Dorothy and Vanessa and I had a great time at the party we attended. Although we did spend about 45 minutes driving in circles because Vanessa thought she was smarter than MapQuest. Smarter than me? Definitely. Smarter than most people? Sure. Smarter than MapQuest? Not quite...



Saturday, I woke up suprisingly not hungover. I met my mom for lunch. She had a delicious looking cheeseburger. I had an ice tea. (Taco Bell challenge, remember?) Then we headed to the Oriental Theater to see Wicked. I bought her two tickets for her birthday and was lucky that she chose me to be her date. She loved it and I loved it even more than the first time. I guess the company was better this time!!

I followed my afternoon of being all-civilized-like at the theater with some tacos. Although I am still loving the Taco Bell challenge, I am so incredibly thirsty. I don't even want to look up how much salt is in my delicious Taco Bell. After the tacos, some of my Indiana crew came out to my house to play dice. It was great to hang out with my peeps. These are my old-school, I-would-do-anything-for-them friends. These are the friends that you can wear sweats and your glasses in front of. And I did. And, I also won thirty-seven bucks! Go, me!

Sunday was Doug day. Every day should be Doug day. Doug is my favorite ex-roomie of all time. He also tends to bring beer wherever he goes. Doug doesn't disappoint.

One highlight of my Dougday-Sunday was Indy's win over the Pats. I am addicted to football and this year has been decidely negative so far. But beating the Pats? That's all I need in this world. Well, that, Doug and the beer.

We continued with the beer after football and watched a few episodes of Entourage, which is my new favorite incredibly offensive show. After yelling at the TV for the previous two hours, it was nice to just shut up and laugh.

Shut up and laugh. I think those are words to live by.

Pre-Halloween Party

Vanessa and I pre-gamed Halloween at my house. Then it was off to an awesome party. We had a blast. Although we got some really strange looks as we're wandering around Walgreens as a Cowgirl and her Dorothy sidekick!

Ethical dilemma

I am attending a Halloween party tonight, about which I am super excited. What my costume lacks in originality, it makes up for in absolute, to-die-for cuteness. But there's a problem.

Of course there is.

My beautiful hostess will be serving Jello-Shots, which is something that is totally on my favorite things of all times list, right behind hula hoops and mud.

So this is a problem, why?

TACO BELL CHALLENGE. I am in day 3 of the Taco Bell challenge. (And loving it.) I'm not sure, if doing Jello-Shots (and considering them liquor) means I will be cheating in the Taco Bell challenge. I think I am going to be in moral distress for the rest of the day.

I really should have thought this out better. Who goes on a Taco bell challenge the week of Halloween? Think of all the candy I'll be not eating.

How 'bout this? I forgo the candy (because I have to) and drink the Jello-Shots?

the Challenge

So, I'm doing it. I'm taking the Challenge. What Challenge?

The Taco Bell Challenge!!

3 meals a day, for seven days nothing but the Bell. I'm going to think-outside-the bun. I'm going to devour days and days worth of crunchy-melty goodness. Tacos, bean burritos, crunch wrap supremes, chalupas, cheese roll ups and then more tacos. Yes, friends, I'm really going to do it.

Why am I doing this?

Because I can.

Undecided

So right now, I am a woman with too many job offers - at a point in my life where I wasn't even looking for new employment. I thought I had made a decision to take Job A. But then I went on a fourth (yes, fourth!) interview for Job B. At the conclusion of interview number four, the gentleman shakes my hand and tells me, "I love you. You have to take this job. I absolutely love you!" Kind of puts me back on the fence...

In other undecidedness, Halloween is fast approaching and here's me with nothing to wear. I was going to be the 1984 Prom Queen, but my mom tossed the dress when she was cleaning out the basement. So now I am at a loss...

Chi Chi and I went to Barack Obama's house

Ok, so really we just drove by it. Twice. Really slowly. Lots of police. We couldn't get too close. But I still get to tell everyone I went to Barack Obama's house. Twice.

All my jobs...

Weird. Inside two business days, I received two phone calls offering me two different jobs, neither of which has been publically advertised yet. Weird, right? But also, very cool.

Now I must deliberate...

I'm ashamed to admit

I watched Hannah Montana. After swearing her off. But I was drunk. And in the woods. And in the middle of a rousing game of reverse-strip-rummy. So it doesn't really count.

Right?

I *heart* Tomah

This post can also be titled "Northern Wisconsin hates Taco Bell"....

So, heading home from the Northwoods, all we wanted was a little Taco Bell. You know, just a taco or two and a crunch wrap supreme. That's all. And we're driving along on the interstate thinking a Taco Bell is just around the corner.

There'll will be one at the next exit...

Rice Lake: no Taco Bell.

Chetek: no Taco Bell.

Bloomer: no Taco Bell.

Chippewa Falls: no Taco Bell.

Eau Claire: no Taco Bell.

Black River Falls: no Taco Bell.

Tomah: TACO BELL!!!!

Of course, the long wait precipitated the buying of 10 tacos, 10 bean burritos, a crunch wrap supreme and a small coke. I LOVE TOMAH TACO BELL!!!! But after that order, I'm not sure how they feel about me...

Barnes, Wisconsin, Population: 392

I ran away from work. To Barnes, which is a tiny little town waayyyy up in Northern Wisconsin where I spent my summers as a kid.


This was my first trip up during anything other than the summer months. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to take this trip for many reasons:


1. It kept me from committing homicide on the colleague-type-person mentioned in the previous post.


2. It was awesome to be in the woods with all the fall colors changing.


3. I got to bring the best "off in the woods" buddy ever.


4. I got to babysit three cool dogs.



5. Paddleboatin' with beer is good for the soul.


6. Bear huntin' with beer as bait is even better for the soul.




7. Reverse strip rummy is my new favorite game, especially when it comes to wearing a plush moose head belted to your booty (ie: Moose-Caboose)



8. Cheesehats make the world a much better place.

The Hater & the D-Bag

I don't like the word hate. I don't like what it means. But once in a while everyone is a little bit of a hater. Right now, that's me.

I'm in a weird position in which the scientists I work for also work for me. And one of these scientists is the ULTIMATE D-BAG. And I hate him. Not kinda sorta. But like totally, man. I H-A-T-E him. He makes my job miserable, which sucks, because I love my job. And that makes me hate him even more.

Last week, he was 3 hours & 48 minutes late in getting me what I needed to do my job in order to make him money. Let me tell you, my level of haterism hit an all time high.

This week, he comes in with a $180 spa gift certificate for me to make up for last week. So on the surface I have to be all nice and grateful to him. On the inside, I'm boiling thinking this makes him an even bigger d-bag. Who spends $180 on a massage? Do you realize that amount of money would feed me for six weeks? What's wrong with a thank you card? How does (a ridiculous) amount of money count as an apology?

I hate that I'm a haterrr.

the truth

Another note about Saturday... I did NOT watch Hannah Montana. It was mildy painful, but bearable. However, this is only week one in kicking the addiction. I'm not sure if it gets better or worse as time wears on. I do know that I miss her already. Sweet nibblets!

Call me alaps.

So I almost pulled off this Saturday as an adult. ALMOST. I left the house at 6:30 am. I ran to a place called Manny's on Jefferson to pick up "the best corned beef in the world" for my uncle, who is a gruff, blue collar, dirty old man. He alsways calls me sweetheart, affectionately, although he certainly doesn't look like a "sweetheart" slinging kind of guy.

Next task: 8 am needle in the arm, five vials of blood and a successful pee-in-the-cup. Look, Mom! I'm a big kid now.

Next up: 9 am breakfast with Mom. I do this every week, not just because she's recently divorced and my brother is kind of a douche & never visits her. I do it because I like to - and I like her. I wish I could see her more than once a week.

Then we (Mom and I) headed out to the snooty 'burbs to visit the douchey little brother and his girlfriend. On the ride there, I cast on and re-started my scarf. Made great progress and had an enjoyable afternoon with the fam.

I followed this by meeting up with some friends for a few drinks. Discussed politics, history and baseball, and was even able to not get all defensive-in-your-face when it came to a football debate. That shows remarkable restraint. I left at a decent hour. This again shows remarkable restraint.

Once I returned home, I felt that since I had behaved in a bar so well, that I deserved a celebratory drink (or three). And that's when my adultness fell off the map.

I thought I had long since given up on the drunk dial, but in this technologically advancing world we live in, I fell prey to the temptation of drunk texting. I started out texting Sunny about the butt-crack incident that will forever haunt me. Then I moved on to texting Cowboy. It wasn't pretty. It went something like this:

"i like u & u suck. dont pretend u didnt get my VM. u should have called me alaps."

Yeah. Call me alaps. What does that even mean?? Call me Al? Call me in the Alps? Ay yi yi.

Then I come to find out later, that I accidentally drunk dialed Sunny. I'm sure it was a wrong-button-pushing-accident, because I apparently didn't know it was her and really had no reason for calling. Luckily, she found it amusing rather than annoying.

So apparently, I can only be an adult until ten pm. Also, it is apparent that post ten pm, I need to hide the cell phone.