i'm exhausted (i couldn't sleep last night and was up early worrying) and i haven't processed much of what this means to me, but i want to write something to capture the power of what i'm feeling tonight.

as an other, seeing obama elected is the most liberating, invigorating, empowering event of my life. 

there is honking and happiness in the streets, there is relief and freedom on my shoulders, and finally, finally, we have all let go of the breath we've been holding on to for eight long years.  

this is an historic night.  i'm so happy to have shared it with my second family, my friends.