...sweating it out...

i went to bed last night without setting my alarm clock.  and for me, when i do that i usually don't sleep very well.  i find myself waking up every few hours checking my watch to make sure i don't oversleep.  last night was no exception (arrrrghh), and it didn't help that i went to bed totally stressed out about the election.

my plan was to wake up at 5:45 am and then hop in the car and head to the polling place. rumors were rampant that the wait would be four or so hours today, and i wanted to knock it out as quickly as possible.  since all the schools were CLOSED for students today (insane idea), i had to figure out a time to go that wouldn't mean dragging two small children with me to wait half a day in a voting line.  i figured that if i arrived at 6 am, i could bring a chair and a good book and chill until the polls opened at 7 am and then drive home to relieve steve to go.

i woke at 5 am, and because i was horrified that i would fall back asleep and never wake up again, i tossed and turned until 5:45 am. i arrived by 6 am, and was back home at 7:30am. YES! i was happy with that.

the wait was actually very entertaining.  i met some really neat people, and we chatted it up the entire time with no lull in conversation.  we talked local real estate, children, rich people, college football and life. i was surprised to see that NOTHING political was brought up in conversation.

here's a picture of me and my buddies waiting for our turn to vote:

notice that guy in the auburn sweatshirt? of course i harassed him about his terrible team. and the cool thing was he still spoke to me afterwards..

 

because i have a two monkeys show at the end of the week, i was able to keep myself super busy today.  this is a good thing because i've been a bit (oh let's be honest- ALOT) stressed about this election, and i'm not looking forward to sitting here all evening watching election results come in. i'm tired of having a tummy that is tied in knots.  NO FUN.  this is one of those days i wish i had a different personality- you know, one that is LAID back and chill. unfortunately, i've got what i've got. and it ain't laid back and chill, let me tell you.  

the solution for me:  i have to spend time reminding myself that God hasn't gone anywhere. and He can still move. and still encounter people. and still shake the world. and change people's minds. and choices.

besides jesus, these faces also help me refocus and give me hope for the future: