Yes we did.

 I am still trying to put a grasp on my thoughts and feelings this morning. Trying to make manifest my hopes, into words. It still feels surreal, still feels numbing, still feels like my dream.

Let me begin…

I survived a harrowing day at work yesterday. (Dammit! I keep forgetting to check my Phoenix-chart for these obstacle courses). For the first time in my absolute ever, I closed the store and showed my emotional hand to the key players in charge of keeping the train moving during my (often lengthy) absences. The players who were allowing the steady march toward chaos. I cried in front of them. I raised my voice to them. I asked for a few resignations. I just didn’t care anymore. The end of my proverbial rope was at hand. I remember telling them that I cared about each of them. I remember following that statement up with;  “However, I will not let my personal feelings for any of you jeopardize this store, this company. If you do not climb aboard our train this instant, get out. Put your keys on the counter and just get out.” I was then looking into the shocked faces of a team who’ve never witnessed their coach in such a vulnerable, yet serious state. (No, not one person took the express train to ‘outta here’). I was shocked too. I only wanted to spend the day rallying for my candidate, not altering my reality. But hear me when I tell you that I was WILLING to let go.

 (This drawing is courtesy of Doe. Yes she’s an idiot, but hell on those stick figure pics, eh?)

 All this, on election day. The day that for me, was a climax to the fretting and fear and the waning and waxing of hope over the past two years. The pushing and prodding and relenting of all things registering, all things voter, all things relevant. Relevant to me, the center of my own universe. The center where we all live, despite altruistic protests.

I left that place. I drove with lumpy, knotty, googly stomach to Lu and Vern’s. We had family night planned. BLT’s, CNN and unity. No matter what happened in the blue vs. red states, we would be together. We would plot our exodus to California, Canada or lands beyond the reach of the next W administration.

The first electoral voting screen appeared. 5:50 pm. McCain more. Obama less. “FUCK!”

 Vern calmed me then. It’s early, Deedle. Too early.

Then came Ohio. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Iowa, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine,…like popping corn came the blue states. Our hope, renewed. I began just then, chanting my mantra; “Nanny nanny boo boo, I told you Lu-Lu. Peace out, girl scout. This election’s a blowout!” Yup, I’m a goofball.

I have so much left to say, y’all. I have so much more to tell you. But I have to get busy just now. I heard president-elect Obama when he told us to get to work in our community. I have to prepare for tomorrow. Much to be done. Much to be proud of. I am proud, you know. You feel it, right?

But I’m going to write for you- Barack, Michelle, Ffej, Lu, Vern, Audrey, Ana, Doe, Yadge, Jann, Pooh, Jen, my blog benefactor and friend- Eh-Net, Phoenix and all folks who’ve endured my rants.

Hang on, I’m not at all done blogging about the day. No way-just beginning. But you asked for a taste, and there it is. My words are coming, please keep a sharp eye out…the horizon never looked clearer.

This here Yank ain’t done yet.