Kikita here.
Today I woke up with a heavy heart. I felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders . . . or at least it was on my mind. My thoughts were somewhere along these lines:
I have to vote today. ALONE.
The people in Cuba can't vote.
Whatever happens today will affect them.
Being a Cuban-American version 2.0, I don't think I can appreciate the honor of voting the way Mami and other first generation Cuban voters do.
I had spent hours researching and making decisions, I had my "Voter's Guide." I was ready. Ok, I wasn't too ready. I had to psych-up for the waiting in line. I looked out my window and it was pretending to rain. (I say pretending because the ground was wet, but it is nothing if you've ever been somewhere like Miami where it really rains). Knowing that I would have to wait in line in the rain just to do my civic duty, I decided that the whole process would be happier with a cafe con leche. Obviously, my only option was Starbucks. I know I vowed never to go back, but I had to make an exception.
I called work and said I'd be late.
I admit, I was nervous. It was my first time going to vote by myself.
So I went one step at a time. And just followed the signs . . .
praying a mile a minute.
Equipped with my comforting cafe con leche (ok, it was a latte, but close enough), I looked for the endless line. I found none.
I walked right in. Everyone was nice and cheerful and pleasant and helpful.
Being raised in the era of technology, I was all for using the machine. Paper ballot? Why?
I voted.
I double checked everything.
I got my sticker.
I was only 10 minutes late to work.
I am STILL praying a mile a minute.
My heart is still heavy with thoughts of Cuba, but I voted.
I did my part.
And, as always, I looked fabulous. =D
Now, GO VOTE!
You look fabulous!!!I voted today as well and it took me a little less then two hours. It was overcast until 1:15pm, then the sun came out, but I took only 10 minutes worth of the Miami’s sun rays. On Sunday, a friend of ours stood in line for early voting for seven hours!!!!! I couldn’t believe it. I prepared myself mentally, spiritually, took my umbrella, and a book. No matter how long the lines were, I was going to vote!
I don’t know if Starbucks is having the same special over there, but with your voting sticker, you get a free coffee today.
And at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, you get a free doughnut. That’s pretty cool. Anything happening over there?
Ody,I’ve heard the same thing. Sadly, I got the coffee first . . . maybe I will go later today for the coffee and donut. =D
Ody,Voting freebies…
Ben & Jerry’s offering free ice cream between 5 & 8 pm.
http://benandjerrys.com/features/i_voted/
Chick-fil-A: “Several hundred” of 1,400 Chick-fil-A restaurants are handing out chicken sandwiches (the kind normally $2.70) to adults with proof of voting.
Although, wouldn’t this be considered bribing? And isn’t it against the law to bribe people to vote? I’m just saying…
I’m all for free ice-cream, though. 😉
Marta
Congratulations to thoses who voted. I did my civic duty this morning in Villa Park, where I reside … no line, since it’s the smallest city in the OC.I think I will have that Ben & Jerry’s ice cream too!
Kikita – didn’t voting feel awesome? I hope I make a difference. Oye, do you have facebook?
Your Mami raised you right!This election was especially perplexing for me. Weighing thoughts about Cuba with thoughts of the current situation here. I drove myself crazy with it all.
I feel the same way your mom does about the responsibility of it all.
I pray I voted properly.
Ibiza,No, no facebook. I have been considering it though . . . I have mixed feelings about it.