We did it. And I can safely say that America will slowly make me proud again.

I am at a loss for words at how amazing last night was. The mister and I were glued to the televison until 4am UK time, watching all of election drama unfold. And we woke up the next morning to a changed world. Obviously he isn't the oracle that is going to snap his fingers and change the world overnight, but he is a human being, a flawed human as we all are, that will help America be a better place. A different place. A hopeful country that will slowly try and change the world's opinion about it. And that makes me proud.

And here's a little message from Michael Moore:

Friends, Who among us is not at a loss for words? Tears pour out. Tears of joy. Tears of relief. A stunning, whopping landslide of hope in a time of deep despair.

In a nation that was founded on genocide and then built on the backs of slaves, it was an unexpected moment, shocking in its simplicity: Barack Obama, a good man, a black man, said he would bring change to Washington, and the majority of the country liked that idea. The racists were present throughout the campaign and in the voting booth.

But they are no longer the majority, and we will see their flame of hate fizzle out in our lifetime. There was another important "first" last night. Never before in our history has an avowed anti-war candidate been elected president during a time of war. I hope President-elect Obama remembers that as he considers expanding the war in Afghanistan. The faith we now have will be lost if he forgets the main issue on which he beat his fellow Dems in the primaries and then a great war hero in the general election: The people of America are tired of war. Sick and tired.

And their voice was loud and clear yesterday.

It's been an inexcusable 44 years since a Democrat running for president has received even just 51% of the vote. That's because most Americans haven't really liked the Democrats. They see them as rarely having the guts to get the job done or stand up for the working people they say they support. Well, here's their chance. It has been handed to them, via the voting public, in the form of a man who is not a party hack, not a set-for-life Beltway bureaucrat. Will he now become one of them, or will he force them to be more like him? We pray for the latter.

But today we celebrate this triumph of decency over personal attack, of peace over war, of intelligence over a belief that Adam and Eve rode around on dinosaurs just 6,000 years ago. What will it be like to have a smart president? Science, banished for eight years, will return. Imagine supporting our country's greatest minds as they seek to cure illness, discover new forms of energy, and work to save the planet. I know, pinch me. We may, just possibly, also see a time of refreshing openness, enlightenment and creativity. The arts and the artists will not be seen as the enemy. Perhaps art will be explored in order to discover the greater truths. When FDR was ushered in with his landslide in 1932, what followed was Frank Capra and Preston Sturgis, Woody Guthrie and John Steinbeck, Dorothea Lange and Orson Welles.

All week long I have been inundated with media asking me, "gee, Mike, what will you do now that Bush is gone?"

Are they kidding?

What will it be like to work and create in an environment that nurtures and supports film and the arts, science and invention, and the freedom to be whatever you want to be? Watch a thousand flowers bloom! We've entered a new era, and if I could sum up our collective first thought of this new era, it is this: Anything Is Possible. An African American has been elected President of the United States! Anything is possible! We can wrestle our economy out of the hands of the reckless rich and return it to the people. Anything is possible! Every citizen can be guaranteed health care. Anything is possible! We can stop melting the polar ice caps. Anything is possible! Those who have committed war crimes will be brought to justice. Anything is possible.

We really don't have much time. There is big work to do. But this is the week for all of us to revel in this great moment. Be humble about it. Do not treat the Republicans in your life the way they have treated you the past eight years. Show them the grace and goodness that Barack Obama exuded throughout the campaign. Though called every name in the book, he refused to lower himself to the gutter and sling the mud back.

Can we follow his example? I know, it will be hard. I want to thank everyone who gave of their time and resources to make this victory happen. It's been a long road, and huge damage has been done to this great country, not to mention to many of you who have lost your jobs, gone bankrupt from medical bills, or suffered through a loved one being shipped off to Iraq. We will now work to repair this damage, and it won't be easy. But what a way to start! Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States.

Wow. Seriously, wow.

One more day. One more day until change happens.

Last night, I sat down to paint my nails. Feeling really adventurous, I started choosing from a variety of possible colours: blood red, black, cherry red, white, burnt orange, sea blue or midnight blue.

As my nails are short, I figured I could get away with wearing a vampy colour, so I chose midnight blue.

And I'm keeping it on. Why? Because I realised the election is tomorrow, and it might be a fun good luck charm.

You may think this strange and superstitious, but I'm realising that globally, this is the extent (in one way or another) to which people are getting feverishly involved in the election. It has become a captivating race, filled with crazy people slashing their faces with letters in an attempt to fabricate stories about the opposition, inspirational 30 minute infomercials, the very first nomination acceptance speech (since Kennedy), Obama campaign advertisements in video games, more younger people than ever registering to vote... the list goes on.

I am thrilled to be part of a huge potential change in the American government in my lifetime. If a man can be voted into office that will try and change the way people think, the way the country is governed, the world's perception of America... it would mean slowly waking up to a new way of living. A new perspective. A new day for our children and our children's children. Incremental changes now will mean huge changes for the future.

Vote for change.

My very scary Halloween

Halloween.

You would think that dressing up as witches and princesses and trick-or-treating for candy would end at around.. umm...15. Well, at least that's what it did for me anyway.

I'm realising that this day is actually kind of important for most people. Why? Nothing religious or pagan or anything.. but I'm realising that a lot of people like celebrating it because their inner child comes out. Their hidden playmate. The excuse to be silly and dress up and wear black nail polish and let loose. It's a good way to spend the evening watching scary movies with your girlfriends or being silly with your guy friends and pretend that you're 10 again.

The day is less of a big deal over here in the UK than it is in America, but all the same, people get their outfits on. What was I? Well, for about 4 years running, I was a vampire. I have no idea why, I've just always loved vampires. I did the whole shebang: black satin cape with red lining, black trousers and black turtleneck, hair slicked back, face painted the requisite "undead white", and blood dripping down the corners of my mouth. And the fangs. OH the fangs. They looked cool for about 20 minutes, but after a while, I had to chuck them out, because I was drooling so much I might have been mistaken for someone who escaped the psycho ward.

I think I was a clown one year as well, complete with rainbow afro.

The last time I got dressed up was probably 5 years ago back in New York, for a friend's party. I think I dressed up like an 80s fashion victim. Yeah, I know, really original.



*note..this is NOT a real pic of me from the 80s- it's a program that I found online that lets you take a pic of yourself and insert it into a yearbook picture from the 50s. 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s. www.yearbookyourself.com


Today? Well, I had hoped that the mister and I could stay at home and watch scary movies, but he's out with his boys, and since every single one of my girlfriends here has kids, I'm short on company.

So tonight, it will probably end up being me, some wine, and a Sex and the City marathon. Now I think THAT is much scarier than a bunch of ghosts and goblins.

And hey, I can always dress up, but the neighbours might get a bit freaked out.

Getting close (possibly to the Apocalypse)

Whatever your political predilections are, everyone seems to have an opinion lately. This is the most highly charged presidential race I have ever seen, and it's really exciting to see the Facebook generation doing their part. As an American now living in London, I have an interesting perspective on all of this, and it's nice to view things from afar. But apologies in advance if I'm going to offend anyone, it's not my intention. These are just my personal thoughts and opinions, and I feel like I need to get some things off my chest.

As we watch this Shakespearean drama unfold, it concerns me more and more that this country doesn't seem to have any concept of moral responsibility. I don't understand why, when Obama talks about "redistributing wealth" so that the people on the bottom can benefit, people start freaking and calling him a socialist. Ummm... AND? Since when did socialism (i.e having a social consciousness about the plight of others in the same country you live in) become a bad thing? Wow, I didn't know we were back in the Reagan Red Scare years?

I am sick and tired of people electing officials because they tell them they're able to protect their wealth, they don't have to get taxed, and let them keep their gun. So every one's safe and sound in their little padded rooms and don't really care if a country goes to war on a lie. As long as they get to keep their gun. Those people end up not giving a shit about the people on the bottom rung of the ladder who can't afford health insurance and who have to live on food stamps. The might as well walk around wearing a t-shirt that says "Hey, I'm rich and you're not. You're not my problem." Fucking greedy that country is. And I know, because I was brainwashed into thinking that for a long time.

When the cops were assholes or the country went to war, or I had to pay through the nose for my health insurance and I still didn't get what I needed without paying extra, you know what I said?? "oh well. Welcome to America.." And finally, the mister had to slap some sense into me and say to me "Wake up. This is NOT ok to feel like this. NO one speaks up in this country".

And he's right. The country is so large, that people feel like they can't be heard. The country is too big to be run by one person. And for that one person to be a Republican cokehead hick that has a penchant for modern colonization? Even worse.

The US, as amazing as it is, if it doesn't change its habits, is going right in the shitter. It has GOT to get out of the grips of the neanderthal idiots who have a death-grip on their cash and their guns, and has to get back to civilization before greed destroys it completely. Wake up realise that there is a bigger world out there and that people need to help each other out rather than get their fat heads stuck inside their honeypots. Please share.

And here's a lovely epic missive from one of my favourite comedians.

A year. A year has gone by. WHAT?!?!!!

The mister and I have been here over a year now. Amazing, how the time disappears into some kind of void. I look back at all the chaos that's happened... I quit smoking. I joined a gym. We moved house (twice).We're about to move again. We bought a car. We bought a boat. I had a job. I lost a job. I partied heavily (not as a result of all this, just because so many people here do.). I bought too many shoes.

I think I've made my point. And yet, I still have so many stories ahead of me, so many that are developing, so many layers to these stories. So, to be brief, I'll just make a list.

Here are the things that I've observed along the way:

The British really, truly, cannot walk without crashing into people- I suspect that it's some of some kind of depth-perception disorder.

The food here is amazing- so much so, that due to a lack of additives and sugar in their food, I have successfully avoided sensitive teeth and cavities (which has always been a problem for me).

I've gotten used to the weather- and my complexion has gotten better as a result of not being fried by the sun. It also makes me appreciate sunny days much more. They're like gold dust.

The party scene is a bit too much for me, and I finally feel that it's not boring and nerdy to say that, and it's okay to go home at 11.

I live in a country with historic castles and 16th century churches right on my doorstep, and I've found the magic in that.

Figuring out roads and addresses wasn't that much harder than the NYC grid system.

Girls here start idealizing, at a young age: orange tan, pancake makeup and fake boobs. Though I'm sure the opposite sex wouldn't complain about the boobs.

The cobblestones, bumps in the pavement, ridges in the road are a nightmare for any heel height. Flats are necessary.

Scarves are a must. Actually, let me rephrase that: anything that is a light layer that you can take on or take off, as well as an umbrella and gloves, are MUSTS for this schizophrenic weather.

People take many more risks with fashion here, which makes it an amazing country to people-watch.

The GAP is fantastic over here for cheap, but well-cut and flattering styles. WAY different than in the US.

Having a car is almost a necessity- central London can feel really claustrophobic sometimes, and it's heaven to be able to escape to the country for the weekend.

Everything is expensive here, and it's easy to spend too much money.

Pubs are lovely, cozy little corners to hide in on a rainy evening, and no one pushes you out if you've been there for 4 hours.

A mews house is my dream to own someday. Like the real estate equivalent of a box of chocolates.

People tend to keep themselves in their own circle of friends- it's hard to be included, even if you're the spouse.

People work hard here, but they play even harder, in order to "de-stress" for killing themselves at work.

Men here are interesting to watch: they tend to "work" their politeness/shyness and know that it intrigues women if they're not too forward, which, as a result, makes them seem charming and a bit naughty. They know exactly what they're doing, even if they profess not to.

Women, on the other hand, are much more forward here, they tend to drink with the boys a lot more, and seem to flirt much more openly.

I've noticed that I stand out here: I'm tall, bony, I dress in stripes and leggings, hair in a ponytail, very tomboyish. And with the amount of estrogen that these women are throwing around, I actually like that I'm the nerdy girl on the outside looking in sometimes.

I miss my family so much, and the distance makes me take them for granted a lot less.

It DID take me over a full year to feel like I finally fit in and be my own, independent, self-confident self. And that's pretty great.

Wishes

I have a very lucky life, I have my health, I have people who love me, and I try to be a good person. That being said, I still have wishes for my future, for the world's future, for my family's future. And today is the day that I am taking a little liberty of releasing them into the universe.

I wish and hope...

That I always giggle like a 5-year old.
That I never take for granted the love notes that my mister leaves me under my pillow.
That I try and see the forest instead of the trees more.
That I get to see my children's children.
That kids stop knifing each other for no reason.
That Babchya gets to be a great grandmother someday.
That my parents-in-law finally get a well deserved break from their chaotic magazine duties.
That people wake up and realise that they need to get involved in the fate of their country and VOTE.
That our children's children still have a semblance of a natural world to exist in.
That I always make time to play rock music and dance around in my underwear whilst singing into my hairbrush.
That I learn to forgive myself more.
That I keep reminding myself that it's okay to make mistakes.
That I make time for lunch.
That learn to slow down and take in every day magic.
That all the people in my life know how very much I love them.
That I'm always thankful for my beautiful life, my amazing husband and my delicious family. They are the presents that I get to have every day.

Philosophical perspectives (aided by Dutch beer)

We're back from a lovely holiday on our sailboat.

Yes, you read that right. Our sailboat.

You see, in the process of all of this job change, financial stress and chaotic move-or-not to move worry, we were also in the process of buying our first boat. It's been in the works for quite a while, as we're both avid sailors, but it was just put into place the day we left for Holland, which is where she's berthed.

So our two weeks of constant bliss consisted of: water, boat, beer, sunshine, listening to the radio and playing fierce games of Backgammon. I cannot begin to explain how your perspectives change when you don't have a computer to sit in front of, no Blackberry to sprain your thumbs on, no phones to answer. All I did was listen to the sails flap in the wind. Listen to my footsteps on the pontoon at night when I walked into the marina for a hot shower. All I brought with me was a pair of jeans that I wore almost every day, some t-shirts, and a backpack. The mister and I found ourselves laughing a lot more, taking more pictures, having more discussions.

But it was all lumped in the same head space, which was: life gives you such a giant test sometimes, and you have to dig really deep to find some head space to deal with it. To find that one thread that keeps you hanging on. And that it's all too short of a ride to kill yourself to make it perfect.

I still don't have a job yet, the market over here in the UK isn't great either (i cannot imagine how chaotic life in the US must be right now, it's so upsetting). But I know I'd make myself crazy worrying about it. I'll start sending writing samples to some magazines, maybe all this down time is telling me that I need to rethink my strategy. We'll see.

It's also my birthday this Thursday, a day older. I have to say, I still feel like a little girl that wants her presents and flowers and cake and party sometimes, but I'm realising that I have to do that for myself now, I can't expect that at 30-something it still is that big of a deal to everyone else (otherwise Chuck E. Cheese would have an adults menu). The mister is away on business that day, and all my girlfriends have kids, so I might celebrate by getting my nails done and treating myself to afternoon tea.

One step at a time.