During my sub block, I was watching the first votes come in on cnn....thrilled to see Vermont give Obama his first three votes. Woot. Once work got out, I rushed home to continue watching the results with my roommates, and have some 2x1 Tuesday pizza. Sitting in the living room, watching more and more states report, I was a wreck. I couldn't stop fidgeting and I making cynical and bitter remarks. With the past election, I learned not to count my chickens before they hatch, so I was not going to make the same mistake again. I was doubtful of many statistics due to the low number of precincts, and wouldn't let myself get ahead of the facts. The whole night I knew I wouldn't believe anything until morning...I'd have to pinch myself to see if it were real. So eventually, I settled down and fell asleep with my computer beside my bed. At that time, Obama was practically there...I think I missed the "official" announcement by 20 minutes or so...but my cynicism wouldn't have let me relish in it anyway....they've announced wrong presidential winners before. However, checking the results was the first thing I did when I woke up in the middle of the night, and again in the morning before class.

My favorite fun election facts: Vermont came in 3rd with highest voting percentage for Obama at 67%, following Hawaii at 72% and DC at 93%. And (courtesy of Matthew), out of all of New England, there was only one county that Obama did not win. He got 66 out of 67 counties in New England. Woot. I'm glad that's what I call home.

Wednesday morning was a good morning. Everyone seemed to be in higher spirits. One of my students asked, "Are you having a good day?" and I responded, "Yes, everyday should be better now." I know change will take time, especially with how troubled the US is right now, left in shambles by Bush, but I have faith that Obama can make it happen...we just have to have faith and patience.

Other than politics, things have been pretty normal. Monday was a holiday here, because of día de los difuntos, so it's been a 4 four work week. And I've got to say--I'm really enjoying the shortened work week.

Today is also a beautiful day, a nice change from the chillier, rainy days we had all weekend. Three days of miserable weather, making it impossible to do any of the things I wanted to do around town. And with the more constant rain and clouds, the days have become chillier (by Quito standards) and my room doesn't get warmer than 59 degrees fahrenheit...even if there is morning sun streaming through my windows.

A few of my friends have only a few short weeks left in Quito so I've been trying to see them as much as possible, and we're making plans to finish up the necessary sight seeing and adventure having before they depart, inshallah.

Well, I must go and take advantage of some of this sunshine. Hope there's some sunshine over on your end as well. =)

written by  Theresa on November 6, 2008 from Quito, Ecuador
from the travel blog: Adventures in Teaching and Living in Ecuador
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Yes, the world could smile, but the toughest job for Obama starts now.

written by  Madridcheapo on November 7, 2008

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