Yes We Did...And boy did we ever.

On November 4th 2008 America made History and changed the course of politics as we know it.

I was there to see it.

Chicago hosted an Obama rally and I manged to snatch up two tickets the day it was announced. God bless the day job where I spend hours in front of a computer. Chicago was buzzing all day, everywhere you looked you saw Obama buttons, Hope shirts, Yes We Can paraphernalia. I realize this wasn't the norm for a good portion of America, but that is why Chicago is the city for me! I met up with my friends Mark, Jenn and Katie around 6pm and we quickly made our way over to Grant Park. It was crazy. People of all ages and colors were there. The excitement was palpable and hope filled the skies. I just knew it would be a victorious night and I think 100,000 of my closest friends that night felt the same. You could feel the change moving in with the wind and we were all ready for it.

We could not have asked for a more perfect night. Chicago in November can be frigid, snowing, windy as all get out. Not that night. It was in the perfect 60's with a light breeze. Mother Nature herself was smiling I think.

With each projection the crowd roared. I jumped, quite a lot, it's what you do when you are small. As the clock ticked we saw states turn blue and sweet victory was moments away. As we reached 10pm we counted down to the polls closing in California, and when the announcement came up on the gigantic screen screams of joy erupted from the crowd. It was a night of peace and hope. Of change and patriotism. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it.

Being short does not have it's advantages in situations such as this, and as a result I spent much of the night on the tip of my toes trying to catch of glimpse of, well, anything. I did get photos though and Jenn was able to pick me up so I could actually see Mr. Obama at one point. It didn't matter though. I was there and thrilled.

Here are some photos snapped by Jenn. Mine are forthcoming.
The Massive crowds and massive screen.
Our President Elect!
One more for good measure.
The four of us. Yes none of us look great but we were filled with joy and exhausted/dehydrated from standing for over four hours. Totally worth it.

The "Yes We Did!" stickers came from a gent in front of us. As soon as Barack was announced the winner he passed them out to everyone. I am going to save it for posterity.

And by the by, this year I picked the winners of: The Superbowl, Wimbledon, Top Chef, Project Runway (both of them) and of course the Presidential Race. What can I say? I have killer instincts.