One Last Thing...

I wanted to be sure this made it into my "notes" - the email sent from Barack to all of his support staff, volunteers and people who made donations to his campaign.

"Virginia - I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.  We just made history.  And I don't want you to forget how we did it.  You made history every single day during this campaign -- everyday you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.  I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent and passion to this campaign.  We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.  But I want to be very clear about one thing...All of this happened because of you.  Thank you, Barack"

Here's to the next 4 years!

Home Sweet Home

I am back in the ATL.  Made it back in record time, too.  The drive home was beautiful - the leaves are changing and they were the most brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.  My emotions were all over the place. But I think the feeling that I am experiencing the most is relief. And gratitude - to my friends in Atlanta that have been so encouraging and supportive and to my family who put me up (and put up with me) for these past few days.  This has been an amazing experience all the way around.  I can't wait until January 20th!

Holy Guacamole!

We did it - and we got Florida.  I'm so friggin excited!  Such a historical night.  So glad that I got to be a part of it.  

Election Day

And here it is...the day we've all been waiting for.  My brother was with me for the first shift. After a bit of uncertainty, we ended up in a minivan and headed out to "troll the streets" (as Dennis called it) both to ask people if they'd voted and to offer them a ride to and from the polls if they needed it.  

Incase you're wondering - the trip to Target for shorts was unsuccessful which worked out.  It was actually quite chilly today.  A very pleasant day to VOTE!

The morning was quite slow.  We weren't able to find many people who needed rides but we were thrilled to find that most everyone we saw and spoke to had already voted and had the stickers to show it.  Lots of cheers for Obama.  It was great to see my brother so into it.  We don't really get to do much together so it was pretty cool to get to do this.

Dennis could only commit to half a day so, I dropped him off just after lunch and picked up Evan who I am now referring to as my "canvassing buddy" (see pic).  We did more of the same only I have to say that he made more use of the megaphone.  Oh right.  Did I mention there was a megaphone?  Oh yes.  There was.  And, I can say that the golfers did NOT appreciate it.  

There wasn't a lot of success in the driving to the polls so we had to get creative.  We ended up hitting a central bus-stop in town and found a taker.  Knowing that she rides the bus an hour to and from work?  Well, it just made our being able to give her a ride to the polls and then a ride home that much better. 

We continued to look for people to take to the polls.  And, let me tell you - to say that we came across some "interesting" people would be a complete understatement.  Regardless (not irregardless) there was so much support for Obama.  Awesome.

I have to say - the highlight of my day came at around 6pm.  Once we figured we could use our time better, we headed back to HQ and were sent off to a polling station to encourage people to stay in line.  So, we're standing on the corner, holding up our signs (see pic).  And each time a person honked, it made me dance and cheer.  But yes, we did get at least one "f*ck you".  If I hadn't been holding my signs, I might have had to return the double guns.  But, I managed to keep it together.

I digress.  I am standing there with my sign and the sweetest older woman who stood no taller than 4 feet tall approached me.  She had mentioned that she started her quest to the polling station at 1pm that day and was JUST THEN leaving.  She was without a car and couldn't find anyone to give her a ride home.  Of course, she'd come to the right person.  I immediately ran to get the mini-van to drive her home.  I helped her little self in and out of the van.  And she then she pulled out her clown purse.  No, it didn't look like a clown.  Think clown car.  She didn't want to get completely out of the van until she was sure she had her keys.  I don't blame her.  I then sat and watched her pull what would equal 15 clowns out of her tiny purse.  Glasses, check book, kleenex, etc.  Finally, the keys.   So cute!  I just wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home.  Of course, she offered to pay me and of course, I refused.  If I did nothing else this entire trip - getting to do that made it all worth it.  

And, yes...she voted for Obama.  But that's really beside the point.  She went all that way to be sure her voice was heard.  Wow.

Before heading home for the night, I took Evan home and got to meet his girlfriend Jenny and his dog Abigail and their two cats (forget their names).  We shared a bourbon, watched some "McCain's Brain" and exchanged email addresses. He was definitely a big part of my enjoying this trip so much.  His enthusiasm and motivation was never-ending.  And, I made a new friend. 

Now we wait.  Bailey and Cloud came from Tampa (wearing matching Obama t-shirts, I love it!) to join Christopher and I to watch the countdown.  Some people from the campaign will be out on the town but I think we're going to lay low here.  I feel pretty confident right now but I won't be happy until we know for sure.

Obama has won Pennslyvania at this point.  We'll see how the rest of the evening goes...

Day 2

My feet are killing me.  It was such a beautiful day that I took a long walk along the water this morning which wasn't smart seeing as I was going to be canvassing yet again.  But my biggest mistake was coming down here without shorts - I only brought jeans.  Yesterday was pretty pleasant and I have to say that today was too - given that it's Florida - but walking everywhere outside with jeans is just. Well, not my best work.  Needless to say, I'll be heading to Target to get some shorts for tomorrow.

Today was great.  I canvassed with Evan again and we started off in a much nicer area of the city.  Lots of McCain/Palin signs.  We were really just hanging door hangers that included the address of each area's polling station for tomorrow.  

There was one guy who was on our list and had pulled up to his house as we were about to put up the hanger on his door and he told us not to bother.  We stood and spoke with him for about 15 minutes or so.  Again - Evan pretty much amazes me with his knowledge of politics and political history.  The guy we were talking to was in the military and owns his own business and just kept talking about taxes.  There wasn't much I could add, honestly.  But it was great to see Evan hold his own with this guy.  This guy also focused on Obama's lack of experience at which time I asked him how he would feel about Palin being President.  He admitted then that he was not a fan of hers either.  I thought about taking it a step further and talking about McCain's overall health and the very real possibility of her succeeding him but I let it go. Really nice guy and he commended us for what we were doing.  I imagine he'll vote for Obama in 2012.  : )

The second area we canvassed was in another transitional area.  We didn't speak to too many people but were excited that those we did said they'd already voted.  

Everyone is pretty pumped for tomorrow.  It's going to be a long day - my brother and I are going to spend the morning driving people to the polls and then I'm not sure what I'll be doing but I know it will be a full day.  Hopefully, the evening will be spent with many cold beverages and lots of celebrating (I am practicing now.).

  

Sisterly Love

The other nice thing about being down in Florida is getting to see my family.  I haven't seen Marjorie in just over a year and was able to grab dinner with she and her boyfriend tonight.  If only I could get her to smile in a damn picture...I love you, Marj!

Day 1

So, Day 1 is complete.  I canvassed two different neighborhoods of St. Pete over the course 5 hours. I was going around with a guy named Evan - really nice and very motivated.  He lives around here so, he could help to navigate (I am completely unfamiliar with this area). From what he said - this county (Pinellas) will be key in determining the outcome of Florida altogether.  Cool.

We were canvassing some really transitional areas of the city.  Everyone was really nice - a lot had already voted which is really encouraging.  Two interesting things.  One, Evan's sister went to Randolph-Macon Woman's College for two of the years that I was there.   I always hesitate to tell people where I went because most people haven't heard of it.  Small world.  Two, as we were walking through one of the areas we were canvassing, this guy rode up on a bike and asked us if we were skinheads - that all of the guys we'd walked past down the street thought that we were.  Which was comical - especially seeing as the t-shirt I am wearing has a HUGE picture of Obama on the front -  (pic attached - thanks again, Court & Liam!).  Evan just wrote the guy off as being crazy.  I had to agree.

Anyway, it was a good day.  We probably visited a total of 100 houses, if not more.  A good deal of them had already voted and of those who weren't - most plan on heading out on Tuesday.  Lots of enthusiasm.  

I'm working another half day tomorrow - Evan and I are going to try to hit the streets together again.  I am exhausted. About to hit the shower and then drink a cold beer.  Until next time...

The Drive Down & My Evening as Palin

So, I hit the road yesterday afternoon after filling up (gas is down to $2.32 a gallon!).  I had my iPod locked and loaded and it was a beautiful, sunny day.   After hitting parking lot traffic about 15 minutes in, the highway opened up and it was pretty smooth sailing.  Well, the drive anyway.   Even after a long night on Halloween, I woke up feeling like a champ.  Dressed as Sarah Palin for the party last night - and ran into her twin (see pic).  When I went out with friends afterwards, it was hilarious to have people ask to have their picture taken with me.  And, I was met with plenty of "BOOOOOOOOOO" cheers to which I just said "Go Obama!"  Oddly, there was a guy who came up to me asking me about the Bush Doctrine.  Following what I thought was his lead, I did my best Tina Fey/Palin impression and as I shook my head, I said, "I don't know what that is."  To which he semi-yelled, "you should know what that is!"  I took that opportunity to duck back into the bar.  Buddy, it's Halloween.  Relax.  (Of course, he wasn't dressed up - party pooper.) 

Back to the schlep - I was able to find the GA/FL game on the radio and, let's just say I wish I hadn't.  Really, Georgia?  49 to 10?  OUCH!  Once I got past that, I caught up on my music (John Legend's "Evolver" is excellent - thanks, Shaun) and with friends and family.

My volunteer shift begins at noon today.  After seeing all of the McCain/Palin stickers once I crossed into Florida, I know my work is cut out for me.  I am excited to help out and also excited to see family.  My brother is actually going to volunteer with me on Election Day which should be fun.  And some friends down here are going to have an election party on Tuesday night.   

The time change has really thrown me off.  I'm typically not wide awake this early on a Sunday. Going to take a walk and enjoy this beautiful Florida weather.