No title can encompass what I felt last night.

I started to feel it last night as I left work to begin wondering the streets of the loop. I found out just hours before that I HAD TICKETS. I was on a high, giddy, but a little gun shy.

Even then at 3pm the universal excitement was palpable. There was something in the air. You know how it feels just before it rains - it was like that only 1000 times more.

We decided to eat and hang out at a bar before we headed to the rally. This was exactly what I wanted. Instant friends with all around. Everyone helping each other out with "what do those charts mean?" And then even moving to getting to personally know about the person sitting at the bar next to you. "I was in Australia for the past 8 years and haven't been able to vote. I was so excited that we came back 6 months ago and I can be a part of this!"

Last night I realized what it must be like to be a baseball fan. To have that collective of strangers all bound together for a common cause. It was a feeling unlike any other I have before, or maybe ever will again.

Getting into the rally was no big deal. We found a place on the hill and got ready to wait it out. But no, America said, in one voice, Yes We Can. I saw the screen and literally did not believe my eyes. "Is this just a CNN prediction? Is this really happening? Holy Balls - we did it!" I have no idea how I reacted. I must have screamed and jumped and then just stood silent taking in what had just happened. It was true.

Obama's speech was amazing. And we would expect no less. But it was different. It was presidential. He knows he has work to do. And I do not agree with everything he says, but I am confident he will listen when we don't agree, which is all I want out of a leader.

The National Anthem was a bit rough - wrong words, bad singing. But who am I to judge - I couldn't do it. We even tried to get the words right afterward and couldn't. I will google it later.

But my favorite part of the night was so simple and silly. It was a sound check. "Test 1 2 3. Test 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. Test for the next PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES." The crowd went wild. For some reason that is when it was true for me. That is when I lost it. That was when I was confident that I would no longer be embarrassed by the man representing our nation. The President of the United States would be someone I looked up to and could be proud of.

And even today there is still something in the air. As everyone at work compared stories of last night and what our future would bring, I got teary eyed. I look at the cover of the Sun Times and my heart stops.

Last night was our VE day. Last night was our landing on the moon.

And I had the honor to be there.

(and I couldn't have done it with out Louisa and Joey - a big shout out to you for letting me be your "and guest")

Watch history, or participate in history

Alternate title: Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now? (nananananan)

Living in Chicago in November 2008 is a once in a lifetime experience. I am almost happy that the Cubs didn't get in the world series; combine with the Obama-extravaganza, the city would explode with excitement.

November 4 history will be made - no matte who wins. That is not the question. My question: Is it enough to watch history, or should I participate in it. I didn't make calls for any candidates. I didn't even donate. I did cast a vote, but in Chicago, it really doesn't matter - and I am pretty okay with it.

Should I go to Grant Park Tuesday night?

If I go, I will be able to tell my grandchildren I was there. I was with the other million people creating history. I will be a part of a once in the lifetime experience of a collective passion and (dare I say it) change.

If I stay at home I will most likely stay up on the information and delegate count more than if I went to the park. But information comes with anxiety and fear. I will be able to ride the coaster of the Electoral College count. I can eat popcorn, drink wine and cross my fingers and my toes feet away from my bed. I also don't have the possibility of dealing with riot-geared Chicago police or portable potties.

The cynic in me says Dayle is encouraging people to come downtown just to show the 2012 Olympic Committee that Chicago can handle it. The anxious single girl is afraid of what happens if Obama wins - or worse - if he looses. Wednesday will I regret that I chose the easy option? Wednesday will I be happy that when the news was out I was able to react personally? I really don't know.

Maybe the best option would be for me to go to the Obama party the same way I see all sporting events - box seats. Anyone have some box seats to the party?