And I'm proud to be an American...

This week has obviously brought a historic moment in our Nation's history. I am glad to say that regardless of the outcome, I had the freedom to vote! And for that I am forever grateful. (If you are 18 or older, eligible, and did not vote, that is a SHAME!)

My boss gave me until 9:30 a.m. (usually start at 8:30 a.m.) and Jim got an extra half hour if we needed it. It was our first year voting in Indianhead Park and we heard about long lines. We also wanted to snag breakfast together, so we got up EARLY (5:10 a.m.) and got ready. I asked Jim if he thought anyone would really get up this early and he said that he could hear our condo neighbor up and about...

By 5:45 a.m., we were at our polling place (in Village Hall and Police Department). I was convinced I'd have to use prego status, just to get ahead, but to my surprise, this polling place comprised 2 precincts and we were number 5 and 6 in line! We happened to line up right behind our condo neighbor and got a chance to learn more about each other and have a good laugh about the day. (Her name is Jennifer by the way!) Once inside, I was determined to take whatever was open (paper or electronic) and after much trouble behind the table, they finally found my name, gave me my ballot and I was off with my Judges' Cheat Sheet. Jim comes over shortly after and says, "They didn't sign your ballot." After filling out the ENTIRE thing, the 102-year-old woman glanced over my ENTIRE ballot to find the spot to initial, did so and I was on my way to the Counter. (So much for a secret ballot!) My ballots both went in without a hitch as did Jim's a few people later. I'm glad I still chose to stick with paper and baby was bouncing all around while we voted!

By 6:25 a.m., we were out the door, on our way to breakfast, and were leaving a line of about 50-60 people now! Thank goodness we got up early! We ate at the Honey Bee and then parted ways by 7:30 a.m. and both made it early for our typical 8:30 a.m. start times (without using ANY time given by our bosses). I was proud of myself and our country that day - to see people doing their civic duty. I thank God each day to live in a country like this with the freedoms I experience.

I can hardly wait to share this experience with my little one in the years to come! (And apparently I was SO concerned with the results that I fell asleep at 9:00 p.m. - that's what you get for getting a pregnant woman up early!)