Wow.

First of all, let me just say... I am so proud to have voted for the first black president of the United States.

I have started and re-started this entry about 4 times and still have no idea where to begin... so I'll just start writing. Sorry if I sound incoherent.

For half of my entire life, and the whole of my young adult life, we have had a president that I was utterly ashamed and embarrassed of. Because of that, I have really never in my life been able to express any type of patriotism for my country. In all fairness, not only was I unpatriotic, I hated America. I know hate is a very strong word... but I really do believe that it's fitting. When I was 12, and living in Paris, Bush was elected for the first time. I was devastated. I was nearing the age when I began to have an interest in politics and what was going on around me and I felt completely bewildered as to why anyone would want that man to run our country. He stood for so much that directly conflicted with so many of my beliefs and as time went by... I just became more and more ashamed.

America has always been a source of shame for me... especially during the times I've lived in Europe. It is a very, very strange feeling to be in Europe right now and not feel like I have to hide where I'm from. I still don't think America is the greatest country on earth... far from it, but there's no doubt in my mind that we're on the right path. And that's saying a lot because I really don't think Obama's political standings are all that "different" from previous democratic candidates but what I dobelieve is that Obama's character is different than any candidate I've seen in a long, long time. I really think that the way he has handled his campaign thus far and the honesty and genuineness he exhibits can really be key in making the difference we need to make in America.

I am honored to have been a part of this election. Although I know it would have been great to be in America to witness Obama's victory... it was an absolutely amazing experience to be in Amsterdam. I stayed up until 7am watching CNN on a huge screen in the company of people from all over the world screaming and cheering for Obama. It was so, so moving.

Here's proof -


In other news... Micah comes tomorrow! I am so excited to see him and show him around this wonderful city. I think it's going to be pretty rainy this weekend, which sucks, but we'll just have to make do.

Oh, and yesterday I signed my lease and program extension forms and am officially returning to Amsterdam for the spring semester.

I'd also like to thank Christian for being a really amazing person and saying some really sweet things to me today. He wins the boyfriend of the week award, for sure.