Yes We Can...and YES WE DID!

Ok, I'm lucky enough to be in America at the moment so yes I felt the FULL force of what happened yesterday and wow.

I've been trying to think of the best word to describe the general mood and sentiment in the air last night and jubilant is the best word for it. (And I must add, its not part of my normal vocab). But I was actually surprised at just how ecstatic and excited people were.

People were out on the streets, whooping with joy, shouting, screaming, fireworks and lots of general revelry. You could literally hear a collective cheer and roar across the city when it was announced that Barack Obama is the new President of the United States. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it so I'm so glad I was here to see that first hand.

His acceptance speech was made all the more powerful and moving by the fact that he was so calm and composed and humble. People all around me were transfixed, literally. Every bar/restaurant/shop you looked into, everyone was watching Obama. And people were tearing up just listening to him speak.

And Michelle...wowza, did you guys see that dress? And those bangles? And those earrings? Wowee. when last did any country have such a badass First Lady? Impressed. And it also just echoed their youth as well.

I'm very eager to see what happens next for America and Obama. I think people do need to bear in mind that America is knee deep in dire economic and political times. A situation which will not and cannot be resolved overnight. From watching he reaction of people, I wonder if they hope Obama is some kind of Messiah that will deliver America from evil by ending the war and 'fixing' the economy.

As is often the case with world leaders, we tend to get a much clearer idea of what they really did do and what they really didn't do after they leave office. And I strongly suspect the Bush Administration made a much bigger mess than we're all aware. And isn't it funny how the economy goes to pot in its more extreme form the month before the election. The problem with that is things in America could potentially get worse before they get better. I just hope people have enough foresight to be patience with the changes that will come.

BUT I think the US is in such dire straits economically and politically they could benefit from the popularity vote (in the eyes of the rest of the world) they will get with Obama. Regardless of whether its true or not, voting a young black man into office instead of a wrinkly old school war veteran indicates, change, progession and the promise of equality. Now that, to me was worth every single vote.

The fact that America now has a black President who is so intelligent, articulate, calm, composed and seems to possess the qualities of a true leader, shows that dreams can come true. Keep you eye on the prize, keep you eye on the time and run your race at your own pace. Focus your energy in the right way on the right things and you will get to where you want to go. Have faith in your vision, believe in your dreams.

I'll share one of my favourite quotes.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt


We all just have to believe, strive and achieve...YES WE CAN and YES WE DID!!!!!

UPDATE!


And daaaaamn...was I the only woman who was like, OMG that dress, OMG, those earrings, OMG those bracelets...Michelle. I salute you. And FYI dress is Narciso Rodriguez who for me is one of my all time favourite understated designers.

See, me and Michelle, peas in a pod. POD!

The picture perfect husband, kids, her wardrobe....

OMG, I think I'm actually in love with that family.

OMG...I love them a little bit more!