I cried twice today...

Once, as I lay my whoozy head back on my sticky mat--nauseous, just as my instructor told me I would be during my first day of "hot yoga." 103 degrees. 90 minutes. And a surprising drill sergeant of a sweet little yoga teacher. Just a tear or two as I psyched myself up to give another go at the next pose.

Then, again, at the sound of our national anthem being sung before Obama gave a speech at a Baltimore rally this afternoon. Why? Normally, I grimace a little at the anthem...especially at ball games and other "luxury" settings. And today I realized that it didn't necessarily have to be that way--that my bitterness is not for the song, but for the reminder it serves of lost pride (worse...of false pride?). I realized that I just might have the chance to wear that pride rightfully again--pride in "my team," "my organization"...my country. It hit me kind of by surprise, so again I let the tears roll, and I let myself hope for a country that truly can lead--and can lead by example.

I can't wait to vote tomorrow. Can't wait.