Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Obama-mania

As I was walking to work this morning, a bus full of kids was chugging along next to me. The kids were hanging out the windows yelling to all of us, "Vote Obama! Yes we can! Vote for Barack Obama! GObama!" They were maybe 10 years old. People on the streets were smiling.

The polling lines I saw during my walk were out the doors, wrapped around the streets -- and no one looked grumpy, annoyed or agitated.

Others walking to work seemed to have an air of excitement about them as they strolled along. Yes, I think they were strolling, not trekking or trudging like they usually do.

Guys, the energy around here is crazy. Aaand, it's gonna get crazier.

You see, Dave and I have our tickets for Obamapalooza, along with Ang and a few other people. (Like, 70,000 other people.) I fucking HATE crowds and I'm not a big fan of people in general, but this is an historic moment. To live in Chicago and not go to Grant Park? You bet your ass I was tempted to say eff this and plop on my couch watching CNN all night, but it just doesn't seem right to have this opportunity and to let it slip by.

So that's where I'll be tonight. And before that, I'll be drinking a bit to make sure I don't have a claustraphobia-induced freak out during the rally.

But even if I do, I have a feeling it will be worth it.

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh I feel you. I'm having trouble working today...

Laurie Stark said...

That story about the kids warmed my cold, cold heart. Have fun at Grant Park-- I hate crowds, too, but I bet that will be fun!

chevelin said...

See you at the rally. If we go down, you couldn't ask for a more poignant way to do it...

Andy - Instafather said...

A lot of people are drinking today, I've noticed. Democracy brings out the alcoholics in us.

bodelou said...

ahh im so excited! im headed to obamapalooza tonite also.

i feel something great in the air today!

Unknown said...

I am SO jealous. I will be there in spirit though.

I am trusting that you will send some drunk tweets.

Anonymous said...

Soooo jealous of you and Dave today!

Aunt Becky said...

Good for you! You should live blog it (I kid, I kid).

There's something weird in the air today, I swear. And I'm praying it's the good kind of weird.

Marie said...

Pictures please! Take pictures!

Anonymous said...

I'll be at the rally too, so excited!! I can't concentrate on work (obviously dicking around on the internet instead :)

Brick Cedar said...

In Elle, I trust.

Anonymous said...

have fun! i don't do crowds either so i am staying away, but i definitely think it will be worth it.

Lisa said...

Rebecca: Yeah, that's why Ang and I slid out at 2pm. :-)

Overcoat: I know, those damn kids were adorable!

Chevelin: I just saw you an hour ago... sorry I darted through the crowd and lost you guys!!

Andy: You'll be surprised to know that I didn't drink much. Yep, dealt with the crowds SOBER.

Bodelou: How AMAZING was it just being there??

Surviving Myself: Couldn't have tweeted if I wanted to, thanks to the ATT cell service and my idiot phone.

HP: Be jealous of my aching body, sore feet and throbbing pains. Worth it though? Absolutely.

Aunt Becky: I'd say it was the good kind of weird, for sure!

Marie: I have TONS of pictures. Many blurry, but there are some good ones in there, I promise.

Lynn: How close were you?? We were right up by the big screen, so it was pretty awesome. So glad they let us in early, right?

Brick: I love you.

Pbandrazz: Yeah, totally worth it. Like I said, I'm in tons of pain right now, but I'm gonna sleep it off.


Simply amazing tonight. Wow.

verb said...

that had to be an awesome experience! What a night!

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

As a fellow Chicagoan, I felt the buzz yesterday. But, much of it came from all corners of the nation, not just our fine city.

And while I chose to sit home, watch CNN and nuzzle my pup, I have been thrilled to hear stories from friends and family who were in Grant Park. Hope you'll share yours!

The Alleged Ringleader said...

What a great day it was! The energy here in LA was amazing yesterday! I'm so proud to be an American and so excited to live in an America lead by Barack Obama!

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