Shapeshifting

It's getting colder. And here, at home over fall break, the weather is rainy and bleak.
But that's how I like it.

But much more important than the weather right now is the Nobel Peace Prize given to President Obama.
I get so angry every time I turn on Fox news and hear them say he didn't deserve it.
Because, honestly, who is doing more to promote peace in the world right now? It takes an amazing person to reverse the damage done to America's international image by the Bush administration, but there he is doing it. I am so glad to live in a country that embraces diplomacy and is taking initiative in arms talks and climate change. But he has not only helped his own people. The outlook on the future seems a little brighter to the entire world. It is rare that a leader can inspire so much hope.
So, kudos to you Barack Obama. You deserve this award, and hopefully it will serve to remind you of how very much good you really can do.

Okay...I think I'm ready to post after the initial reaction.

Elation does not even cover this feeling.
During linguistics we all had our comps out tracking the election. I just kept refreshing my page and at first was really scared because McCain has a marginal lead. But then, by the time I returned to my dorm, Obama was leading. Everyone was in the parlor cheering and jeering until that moment when it was announced,

"California has turned in their results. CNN can now announce that Senator Barack Obama will the the next President.

The whole room EXPLODED.

People were flooding out of their dorms with banners and flags and screaming, "Yes We Did!"
I joined them for a while and ran up and down campus walk chanting and screaming and laughing. We could hear downtown Fredericksburg as well. Then I found Amanda and we sat by the fountain discussing how we feel proud to be American for the first time in our lives.
And what's even more amazing...Virginia went BLUE! My vote counted!

The entire thing was historic. I can't believe I was part of it.