Congratulations, President-Elect Barack Obama

On our way to the polls, Jon and I chanted the stoat-vote rhyme. You know, “votevoteVOTE, vote like a stoat!” … (C’mon, you’re telling me you DON’T follow CuteOverload? Seriously, what’s wrong with you?!) We cast our votes, but sadly, they were NOT handing out free stoats. Instead, we just got our little “I Voted” stickers to proudly display for the rest of the day.

And I was so hoping for the stoat.

I think I must have held my breath all day, too, and avoided any news until … well, Barbie made one of those calls. You know, one of those 1-800-psychic-hotline calls, except I’m the one who answers. The polls close earlier on the east coast, right? So naturally, I’m the one to call. It seemed she needed to find out WHY Obama had only three electoral votes while McCain had SIXTEEN and HOW could this be? You see, living three hours in her future grants me mystical vote-altering magic.

Perhaps ma’am would also like some rain with her miracle?

Well, it turns out that indeed only three states at present were reporting results, and yes, Obama was then behind with his single, itty-bitty 3-vote state. However, the news was very different an hour later and then the whole of last night — POOF — changed history. Way to go, Virginia! Democratic for the first time in 44 years. No more Bush. No more Republicans muckin’ up the economy. Gasp, even a black president.

Wow, the Dark Ages could end before I die! Dare I should hope?

Today, I am oh-so-very relieved. I worried McCain might win and we could look forward to more systematic degeneration (his and America’s). I worried he’d win, drop dead, and put Palin in charge — I’d seriously have to move to Switzerland then, if they’d have me. I worried, too, that she’d reinstate witch trials right there on the White House lawn and my only blessing then would be in being the first to go up in flames. I’d hope to burn a bright, pretty blue, too. I’d have to insist that you bring your own hot dogs and marshmallows, though. I mean, I AM providing the bonfire here, people; the least you could do is supply your own ding-dang food!

Despite the ranting and raving going on around me there is — deep inside — a sense of right. Not because I believe the Democrats will miraculously lead us to the Promise Land, but just because Obama is a smart man. And, smart men think. Although Biden suffers more than most (I feel for ya, babe!) from hoof-in-mouth disease, he’s the experience and wisdom everyone has been clamoring that Obama needs. I don’t mind the frankness and candor. I don’t expect miracles or for America’s current state of affairs to change overnight.

I just want a president I can respect. And support. Maybe even trust.

Have you seen Obama’s election night speech? If you haven’t, I strongly encourage you to check it out, available on YouTube, and hear what he says. No one man can make the necessary changes alone. Everyone has to change. Think globally. Work locally. Don’t talk. Do.

Also, light a candle for Obama’s grandma, Madelyn, who died this last Sunday. I’ve been poking through articles that say it’s sad, even disappointing, that she went before she saw her grandson win this election. Between you and me, though, I think she already knew he was a winner. :)

Happy day.