{Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images}

There was definitely something in the air all day yesterday. An excitement, an anticipation, and even some anxiousness as the sun set here in Los Angeles. Co-workers and I chatted about the expectation. Facebook was abuzz with “I Voted” pictures showing support for the fate of our nation. Election night 2012 had arrived and I was on the edge of my seat in a way that was better than any Hollywood movie. This was life.

What I’ve come to love about this election experience in particular, was how social media tied in so closely with it. Watching as the action unfolded with Brian Williams on MSNBC, while keeping an eye on my Facebook feed laughing along with friend’s commentary made the night an interactive and connecting experience.

It was just me and my boyfriend last night – hanging out, eating baked potatoes for dinner, and cheering as results came in state by state. I don’t know what it is about this last election, but something shifted in me that made me want to really take the time to be more politically aware of what’s going on in this country. Sure, I’ll pay attention when election season comes around, then I become rather uninterested because I have a strong dislike of how politics become more about “red” vs. “blue” and not what’s best for the American people. It becomes a fight for power disguised as a fight for citizens.

I didn’t come from a politically engaged family and for reasons I could understand when I asked my mom years ago. Perhaps it’s because I am older now, and coming into my own, with a more firm concept that what happens in Washington and with California state measures has more of an impact on me that it ever has because I am an educated, professional, working adult.

With that, I will say that I was very pleased with Barack Obama’s re-election. He’s the candidate that is much more in touch with my personal values and is more grounded in the understanding of what day-to-day life is like for the common American citizen. Most people cannot just ask their parents for money when needing to deal with college expenses. I couldn’t believe that came out of a presidential candidate’s mouth.

I look forward to following our government with a renewed enthusiasm for holding our leadership accountable and myself accountable by being a bit more personally informed and engaged politically…not just every 4 years.

Congratulations, Mr. President!

{Photo credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images}