Hope

How wonderful to wake up and feel proud of my country. Not only was President Barack Obama re-elected, but there were significant wins across the nation in regards to equality. 

Same-sex marriage was affirmed in three more states, and Tammy Baldwin was elected as the first openly gay member of the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. There were other key senate wins, including the impressive Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts, and the defeat of four Republican candidates who made ignorant comments about rape and abortion. I was concerned about all this voter intimidation and long lines, but it seems that people came out as strong as ever...

I'm happy that President Obama will have another four years to work towards his promise of change (they gave George Bush eight years to wreck our economy... isn't it only fair?). The idea that affordable health care can become a reality is exciting, and I hope that Obama will now be able to concentrate on immigration reform... I would also support the closing of Guantanamo Bay and re-examining of the use of drones (my only real disappointments with the President over the past four years). 

But how nice to think that things might be moving forward in a more positive direction... I would hope that the GOP might focus less energy on obstructing the President, and  both parties might learn how to make compromises that will benefit us all in the long-run. I hold dear the hope that my nieces and nephews, maybe even my own future children, will grow up in a more tolerant, supportive, inclusive country...

Related Links:

"Obama's Big Night," The Atlantic, November 7, 2012

"Divided U.S. Gives Obama More Time," The New York Times, November 7, 2012

"Obama Wins the 2012 Election: Obama's Complete Presidential Victory Speech," The New York Times/YouTube, November 6

wonder wall

Feeling kind of exhausted today... I think the late nights this past weekend have finally caught up with me. 


Although I feel guilty about not getting to the gym this evening, my legs feel pretty good from all the dancing. Here's another karaoke moment: another go at Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" (the night before I did "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," but don't have that on video):




Not quite as successful as the Oingo Boingo song, but I do see some progress in terms of performing (here's a go at the same song back in February). This clip also reminds me that I did indeed do a split that evening! Once I strengthen my singing, I should be all set... but will have to pace it with the dancing! How does Britney Spears do it?... Eh, don't answer that.

Photogenic

Thank you, thank you friends and family. I finally had a chance to look through all the great gifts that we received at Sarah's bridal shower yesterday. We so appreciate your thoughtfulness, and Sarah was delighted to have you join her... I wish I had stopped by earlier myself!

Among the gifts, Sarah's sister put together a really sweet book of photos of the two of us... some I had never seen before. On top of that, my cousin dropped off an amazing group of old photos of me and my father's family... there's one of me and my grandfather (who I never really got to know) which is particularly sweet.

Tonight we met up with the photographer for our wedding, and I'm really excited--he seems like a great guy and does truly exceptional work (he's the one who took those grand shots of us dancing, that I use as my profile image). In addition to the wedding, he has offered to do some engagement photos for us in the coming weeks. He seems like a real people person, with a great eye for story and detail--I enjoyed talking with him. We're going to be in good hands and great company for our big day.