A New Hope

I'm stealing the subtitle from the original Star Wars movie to illustrate my current state of mind. And it's not just the election - everybody knows how this Jeffersonian liberal in a blue state casts his ballot. It's much, much more.

November 1st was my New Year, and it already feels like it. There's been a sort of pallet-cleansing of the soul recently, and although I'm not going into too much depth here, suffice to say it's really good, forward progress.

Some of it has to do with the dream I had last night, wherein my dad gave me a guided tour of my entire life, a la A Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life. Some of it has to do with the fact that Gavin has helped hold Tyler's feet to the fire with his school work and attendance, and it appears to be working. He cheerfully and promptly left with us for school this morning. Some of it is the improvement in Tyler's and my relationship recently. Some of it is grownup relationship-related (and again, not going into detail - only that it's forward momentum).

Overall, there is a sense of optimism and hope for the future. My future. Our collective future. In every arena. And that is a feeling I wish everyone could have, at least once. That's all I have to say about that.

Tonight we'll be going to Dan & Trish's place for Election Day coverage, dinner and wine. We're bringing a bottle of champagne just in case, and Rae is staying here tonight. And on the topic of Election Day, why is this not a national holiday?? If we're going to pride ourselves on our democratic process, why not give people the day off to exercise their rights and do their civic duty? Let's revel in the process we helped invent, and reinvest in our national pride.

That's all I got.