Song of the day: Right Here, Right Now - Jesus Jones (reprise)

"Bob Dylan didn't have this to sing about you
you know it feels good to be alive" - Jesus Jones (reprise)

Last evening was a normal and regular working night for me, yet there was a palpable feeling of there being "something" in the air. We were soon to find, that as the clock was moving forward; in perfect syncopation with our lives at the moment, so was the world. Because of technical difficulties, we experienced a lull in the work, and so sat quietly (most of us) until they were resolved. This was a time when many appeared to be in deep thought and meditation. A wheelchair bound gentleman sitting directly behind me, and to my right, was logged on to the CNN website and took the bold (and risky) step of providing an ongoing commentary of what was happening, or rather, what had happened on the election scene. In my present working environment, discussions about, as well as, promotion of a particular candidate, or any political/religious bias for that matter, is really not allowed. To be perfectly honest, I really like it this way. This is one rule that I have absolutely no problem following. However, on this night, there was no need for words. The beaming faces around us said it all. For all intents and purposes, it was over...and soon so was the workday.

"I was alive and I waited, waited
I was alive and I waited for this"

I walk to my car, and as I pass through the parking lot, I see a bumper sticker with the names of both defeated candidates, prominently plastered in the rear window of a parked vehicle. I think: "Blow Dryer, razor blade, or WD-40" Either of these, or any combination of the three, should help to remove it. I live in a part of the country where these types of stickers are myriad. If I am correct, sales of any of these three items should be brisk; at least throughout the rest of the week. Truth is: I'd like to see all bumper stickers removed; regardless of candidate or political affiliation. "There are really no winners or losers," I say to myself. "Each of us are attempting to get through this life." The trick is, living it in such a way, so as to make the best personal contribution possible, while not causing deliberate harm to our fellowman and/or squandering resources. We each are obligated. I believe that it will be up to a Higher Power to tally it all up in the end, and "hand us each our individual bills." In the end, the playing field is evened; and, in the end, we each will occupy the same amount of real estate. (Give or take a few feet; depending on type of burial plot or urn selected) I can only hope that I pay my debt to society, end up on the "plus" side and come out "spiritually rich".

I call my husband to tell him that I am on my way home. Something happens to me as I drive past the "Have Hope" sign on the street. I burst into tears. Yes...., now I understand. My feelings? Deep and intense. My reasons? Personal. Very personal. I have become possessed by my own unfiltered, unstructured and unedited thoughts; and this, my friends, is not political commentary.

"Right here, right now
there is no other place I want to be"

It is close to midnight when I get home. My husband is in bed and the television is blaring. On most nights, when this happens, I would just simply walk over and turn the television off. But tonight is different. Election coverage is being broadcast, and has breached the jealously guarded serenity of my usually quiet sanctuary. Just for tonight, we will allow this rare, but invited, intrusion. My husband is somewhere between the states of either being asleep or awake. He acknowledges my presence, but I do not have his full attention. I drop my purse off my shoulder and on to the floor, take off my jacket, toss it on to the ottoman, kiss him on the forehead and then tiptoe across the hall and into "The Boy's" room. I go in and kiss my child. He is not asleep. As I pull the covers back from over his head, I see his eyes; tightly and unnaturally squeezed shut; his white teeth glistening in the semi-darkness. He is grinning and soon begins to laugh. He hasn't fooled me. I tell him about the historic "news". He makes a comment, then turns over and, very shortly thereafter, goes to sleep...for real, this time. He appears to have been waiting for "something." I hope that the "something" was me. I go back to my room and get ready for bed. I look out of my bedroom window, and into the darkness. I already know what I am thinking; and so I can't help but wonder what other people are thinking and saying behind closed doors, while in the privacy and comfort of their own homes.

"I saw the decade in, when it seemed
the world could change at the blink of an eye"

This morning, our family makes a little history of its own. My husband was not able to go to work on Monday or Tuesday, through no fault of his own. There apparently was some kind of mix-up on the part of the employer. And so, today is his "official" first day. I hope that it is pleasant. Here's to new beginnings!

"And if anything
then there's your sign... of the times"

The day is cloudy and dreary, yet the colors of the Autumn leaves around me are spectacular. It is still morning, and as I sit here, sipping my morning coffee, I am:

"Right here, right now
watching the world wake up from history"

It is a new day. Good morning everyone.



Note: I have not posted Monday and Tuesday's stuff. Still in draft.