That's a Stretch

Today's change caught me by surprise, because I really didn't expect to think the thought that triggered it. But there I was, early in the morning, telling myself that I ought to stretch more. What? Like, metaphorically? No, just, you know, Jane Fonda, touch your toes, keep going till it burns and hold, two, three, four . . . stretching.

If you're spouting off the initials of the World Trade Federation, I understand. If you're shouting at me through your computer screen, "Yeah, Adam, I'll see you at yoga," I'm not quite there yet. But, I did it. I stretched this morning. I felt a little bit more limber all day long. And this is one of those changes that really means nothing if I don't keep doing it. So I'm going to try to introduce stretching into the morning routine on an ongoing basis. Don't look for me in Cirque du Soleil anytime soon, but I'm stretching.

And even though I'm only 5 days into this thing (and I didn't really do anything new on February 1) I'm doing okay with making these changes stick. Internet use is down. Obviously I'm not getting to bed by 10:30 tonight, but I'm not going to work tomorrow either. Still, I'm keeping it reasonable. And I'm doing the splits as I type this. I can't wait to see what change tomorrow brings. It's kinda fun.

That being said, I feel like there is so much to say on a day like today. Regardless of who wins, I like it when people vote. I like it when anyone reads the Declaration of Independence, be it before the Super Bowl or during 4th Grade Social Studies. I love the notion that the people who govern us derive their power from the consent of the governed. The consent of the governed . . . I love that phrase. I like it when people in high places care about what precincts in Kansas have reported. I won't say everything I'd like to say. But I will say this, and mark my words:

Barack Obama just won the election. The other candidates have given small celebratory speeches tonight (although I haven't heard from Clinton yet). McCain took tonight off, deciding not to beat his drum on election night. Hillary already missed her window. I'm going to bed after this. And even though my mind is made up yet, Barack is trying real hard to make it up for me. He is monopolizing the television networks of America, and has been for about 15 minutes or so. He's saying all the right things. He's striking all the right chords. He is delivering a vibrant, powerful, invigorating speech. And he is OWNING the air waves like he's delivering the State of the Union. America is watching, and all they can see is Obama.

There was a concern that Super Duper Tuesday would render the other state primaries inconsequential. Guess what, all states who have gone before are nothing. Obama, right now, even as I type, is icing up every remaining state in the union. Mark my words. Barack is our next president. In a landslide.

I'm not saying I'm voting for him. I'm just telling you, it's over. And that's no stretch.