A new day.

Edited: I know many people out there may strongly disagree with the new choice for President and I fully respect your personal decisions. In the same vein, please be respectful of my desire to document certain parts of my life from time to time on this blog that may not fit with yours. At this time I am closing the comments as there is a fair mix of positive and negative that is most likely representative of the mixture of emotions that people are facing today.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes yesterday. It was quite a day around here as I am sure it was for many of you throughout the United States.

For me it was exciting and stressful and emotional and amazing. 

Chris and I spent some time checking-in at local election headquarters for Obama, Jeff Merkley (US
Senate candidate) and Kitty Piercy (local mayor). Witnessing the energy and the excitement of the volunteers who were tirelessly calling and walking and continuing forward was a really cool way to spend the day. 

In the early evening I watched the returns coming in on CNN up until the announcement that Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States. The three of us then headed down to the Lane County fairgrounds to watch the local and statewide returns, listen to Obama's speech, and celebrate with others in our community.

Here's to looking ahead to the future. 

[ obama rally at university of oregon : may 2008 : photo by local news photographer ]

I will never forget waiting in a room at the Oregon Convention Center back in September 2007 for the opportunity to meet Senator Obama. Meeting him that first time will always be one of the most memorable moments in my life.

Yes we can. A new day has begun. Let's get to work.

Two giveaways coming in a new post later today.