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 Last night we went to an election party at our friends’ house.  It was a grand lot of fun, and I have some photos to share.  However, I also have some words to share–and I’m going to share them first.

This is the last political thing I’m going to say around here.  Well, maybe not the LAST, but I’m definitely not going to be freaking out on a regular basis anymore, now that the election is over.

The results of the election are really bittersweet for me.  I am so, so thrilled that Obama won.  SO THRILLED.  This has been a long time coming, and I was really excited to be part of it.  It was also really cool to find out who the president was (*gasp*) on the night of the election.  I have only been eligible to vote in two other elections, and we all know how long it took to figure out the results of those elections.

My excitement about getting a brand-spanking-new president who is eloquent, intelligent and inspiring, however, was tempered by a major defeat in California.  I am really depressed about the passing of Prop 8.

I would like nothing more than to be dancing in the streets right now, but I really can’t.  I have a very bittersweet taste in my mouth, and I could barely sleep last night because I just knew Prop 8 was going to pass.  It’s really depressing and it’s hard for me to be happy right now.  There are a few things I know, however, that are helping me remain optimistic:

• It is only a matter of time before gay marriage is legal.  No matter how you feel about homosexuality, this is a fact, people.  There were a lot of white people who didn’t want people like Y and I to get married 60 years ago.  And you know what?  The Supreme Court overturned laws in states prohibiting interracial marriage, citing that it is unconstitutional to prevent marriage between two people.  And it’s the same for gay people!  Our constitution is gender neutral when it comes to marriage.  It doesn’t get much more simple than that.
• Lawsuits are already forming to appeal this decision.  It is not the right of the voters to decide what is or is not constitutional.  As Stefanie so eloquently stated, it’s the job of the Courts to protect the minority from the majority.  Let’s get on it, people!
• The pendulum is swinging the other direction, finally.  Over the past 8 years, we’ve been living in a VERY conservative country.  But with the green movement and a landslide of a win by a Democrat, I truly believe we are heading in the other direction (finally).  Which leads me to…
• Barack Obama is our rockin’ new president, and he opposed Prop 8.  Let’s see what you can do for us, Barack!

So that’s where I’m at right now.  I am sad about Prop 8, but I am trying to stay optimistic: we have an awesome new president, we made sure that young girls still have a right to privacy and we protected farm animals.  The feminist and vegetarian in me are quite happy.

And now, shall we move on to the election party, which was really fun and creative?

Y and I celebrating Obama’s victory!

Watching McCain’s concession speech (well said, McCain!):

One of the best things about this party were the beverages and foodstuffs, all of which were election-themed.  First, we have “Mav-rickies,” which were DELISH and very strong.  “After a few, you’ll see Russia from your house.”

Red and blue states Jello shots (I prefer the blue, duh):

Blue state cupcakes, courtesy of Marianne–each cupcake was a different state!  I ate Oregon.  Go ducks!

“Don’t &*%^ us, Ohio!” Swing State cookies, which I slaved over.  They’re peanut butter and chocolate, Ohio’s favorite combo.  Thanks for not $%#ing us, Ohio!  Very much appreciated!

Y, watching the results:

A few of my girlfriends and I:

And that is all, folks!  It’s over!  Finally!!  I am so excited to stop feeling anxious all the time.

Anyone else do anything fun for the election?  Or did you sit at home in your jammies and squirm until the results came in?