Weekly Roundup 43: Election Day

I'm writing this on the afternoon of November 5, Election Day. It's too early for any real results, so I'm trying to keep my mind occupied and my spirits up. This has been an election like no other in my lifetime, and almost everyone I know has felt the impact on their mental, emotional--and sometimes physical--health.

Frankly, there's a lot to be upset about, not the least of which is the rampant misogyny. But as Denzel Washington said, "It is impossible to be grateful and hateful at the same time." So today, I choose grateful.

Thank you to election officials and poll workers who uphold this country's standard of free and fair elections.

Thank you to everyone who took the high road and refrained from sharing disparaging, insulting, and demeaning content.

Thank you to everyone who believes that all registered voters deserve to cast their ballots in safety and without unreasonable inconvenience.

Thank you to everyone who helped their friends, family, and community members exercise their right to vote.

Thank you to everyone who fact-checked and sought out reputable, trustworthy sources of information.

Thank you to everyone who was willing to think instead of simply react.

Thank you to everyone who made me laugh, including SNL and The Daily Show.

Thank you to pets, houseplants, and autumn leaves, thank you to tea, chocolate, and long walks, thank you to my husband, friends, and family for helping me keep my sanity.

And thank you to everyone across the country who submitted artwork for new voting stickers, including the one above, designed by Julia, a 12th grader from Loveland, Colorado. (See other great examples, including the Michigan Werewolf, here.)

I don't know what the next days, weeks, and months will bring, but here's hoping we can all Keep Calm-ala and Carry On-ala.