on election eve

In a surprise move to none, I have been excruciatingly busy these last few weeks, my first semester as an MBA student. I have just recently managed to jump clear of my first round of exams, and now that all those midterms are behind me I am feeling considerably more grounded. There's really nothing like getting graded to let you know how you're doing.

Me? I'm doing fine.

The commute has settled into a nice routine, and I can now reliably fall into a deep and (mostly) restful sleep within five minutes of sitting back into my seat on the bus. So it is less of a problem than it might otherwise be that I am routinely getting only about 4 hours of sleep a night -- I make up for it by grabbing an hour each way on the bus, at least. Sometimes an hour and a half.

I'm making adjustments in my study habits, as I figure out what works, what doesn't, and what's really necessary.

And I'm discovering joy in places I never expected to. Accounting, for instance.

Yes, I said accounting.

It is a marvelous thing to learn how to use the tools of the system in which one participates. And to thereby become more of a participant and less of a passive rider.

And on that note, I will diverge from my usual restraint on this blog concerning things political and urge you to participate tomorrow, by going to the polls and voting.

Many people are saying that this is the most important election of our lifetimes, and while that may have some truth to it, I put it to you that every election is important. Every opportunity we have to exercise our right to participate in our own governing is important, is an opportunity to participate, to take control of the tools that can otherwise be used against you. To act with dignity and honor, despite everything.

Cynical about the power of your vote? About the fitness of the system? About the likelihood of things ever getting better?

Tough. Vote anyway. Vote in protest against cynicism. Vote in rebellion against apathy, fear, inertia.

Vote to honor the sacrifices of those who came before you.

Vote because your great-great-grandmother couldn't. Vote because your grandfather didn't.

Vote like it mattered. Believe that I believe.

It matters.