44...

This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can. ~ Barack Obama

It goes without saying that today, I am one happy camper. But now the real work begins. We have taken the first step of what will be a long journey. It feels good to be on our way.

Americans stood up yesterday and spoke -- rather loudly in fact. They said "no more" to the politics of fear and hate. A wonderful sentiment that I hope carries on to future elections.

There is still a lot to do and this type of change tends to happen in spurts. I am proud to have been a part of history last night. And proud to have Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

Let this inspire others to greatness, encourage all of us to be everything we can be, and mark the moment when we can get back on track and foster compassion for our planet and all its inhabitants.

~stubert.

Numero Uno...

Day one at the Basin with Pete.

I hunger. ~ Sinistar

Day one on the slopes with good company... Pete and I jammed up to the Basin for some first-chair turns and well, it is early season but it was SO good to get back on the sticks. Mine are in desperate need of a tune as the conditions were firm and thin but that beats the conditions in a cube somewhere.

My index toe on my left foot has been giving me fits since the marathon and it didn't really disappoint today. It felt better as the day progressed and we only skied for about an hour and a half as there was work to be done but it was an hour and a half well-spent.

On a completely different note, the election is a mere 6 days away and I am nervous, excited, hopeful, gassy, thrilled, twitchy, scared, happy and gassy. As you can tell, my emotions on this one are running the gamut. It has been a really, really long time since I have been honestly inspired by a candidate but Barack Obama has crossed that threshold for me. The right-wing has tried to make "hope" and "liberal" naughty words but you know what... it is time to take those back. I have voted and am queuing up to help in other ways over the course of the next 6 days to get this man elected and get down-ticket, progressive candidates elected, and turn a page in the history of this country. Even if I am simply delivering coffee to those standing in line on election day, I will be there and will be a part of history. What are you doing?

~stubert.