I admit it

I got a little teary last night. We were watching the results and the victory sort of came out of nowhere - I mean, we knew which way it was going, but on NBC news (come on, where else would I be watching it?) Obama went straight from 207 to a lock. I immediately shuffled down the street to NewsCorp HQ and confirmed the news (hey, if Fox News admits it, then it's done!), then went back to Channel 4 (local bar right by 30 Rock) to let them know.
I was so overcome by emotion, and I couldn't place it. After a few minutes, it hit me; I was actually proud of my country. I can't remember the last time I felt that way - it was certainly long enough ago that the emotion was completely foreign to me. It was, in fact, the antithesis of my emotions after the 2004 election, and judging by the (happy) pandemonium in the city, I wasn't the only one feeling that way.
I'm proud that we finally voted for the right guy. I'm proud that we've elected a black president, that we've elected an intelligent president, and that it wasn't even a close contest. When I move to Germany, I won't be ashamed to be American, because at long last it looks like we've seen the error of our ways and will at long last be on the right track.
I proceded to get absolutely smashed at the bar last night. The vibe was perfect, everyone was happy, some people were crying, overcome with the same emotion that I was feeling, and I just wanted it to last forever. I only wish my wife could have been there with me.
I woke up this morning about 10 minutes before my 8am conference call. I have a hell of a hangover, but it was absolutely worth it. If I could live that night over again, I wouldn't change a thing.