I stopped sleeping on election nights in 2000. I kept waking up every half hour to check the vote counts in Florida. In 2002, I couldn't sleep because I was so disgusted that Romney got elected. In 2004, I kept waking up to see what happened in Ohio.

But last night, I went to bed before the Republicans lost congress. Just seeing that Deval Patrick got elected was enough. I would have probably slept through the night, but Kaylee needed to have a little nurse-a-thon that began at 11:00. So, another day after an election I'm completely exhausted, but instead of feeling a terrible stress behind the back of my head, I feel hopeful. It's like going on anti-depressants after a very long spell of not being able to get out of bed. Suddenly there's a crack in the gloom that lets you know that things are going to get better.

I know that the Dems taking congress won't make any huge changes, but I think it's a great start.

I'm a little bummed about not being able to pick up a nice chablis to go with dinner at Stop and Shop. But whatever. I liked Deval Patrick. I think he'll do a good job.

Still checking the internet about senate races in Montana and Virginia.

But I'm just enjoying the feel of the tides turning again.