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10 years ago I got to cast my first ballot as a registered voter in Minnesota. My choices were simple yet complex for the race in Minnesota Governor.

My choices were as follows:

• A generational politician.
• A party-jumping mayor.
• An ex-pro wrestler.

I casted my voted for the generational politican. Left the polling place and went home to watch the results. Later on that night I watched the bright lime green signs with the name “Ventura” waving feverishly as Ventura was declared Governor of Minnesota. Minnesota had elected an ex-pro wrestler for their governor.

I went on and voted in 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006. Each time the ballot held no meaning to me. I truly felt that at anytime in my lifetime I would get the chance to vote for history. Then November 4th came.

My ballot was different in 2008 and different in a positive way. Yesterday, I had the choice to choose an African-American president on the democratic ticket or a female for vice-president on the republican ticket. I happily filled in the bubble next to the name Barack Obama/Joe Biden and happily cast my vote. I had the opportunity to contribute to history.

I watched the returns nervously at home at our bi-annual election party. Then when Obama was declared the winner, our house celebrated. I stayed up to watch his acceptance speech and I was mesmerized like many in the crowd. In my lifetime it was a historic moment.

Okay, I admit I am weird. However, this week the Twin Cities Metro area has been pounded by two huge storms. The first storm did some minor damage to our home. This second storm has dumped hail, high winds, and a lot of lightning. I have yet to see what has happened to my home.

So why is technology so crucial? With my cell phone I was able to contact my parents, my husband, and still communicate with work letting them know that I was stranded at a friends house while these storms passed. I was able also to see what NOAA’s radar showed- because I have learned to pinpoint the location of her place, my parents house, and my house. 20 years ago, one had to rely on TV and light sleeping to get information about a storm late at night. I am just amazed at how far we have come and how much safer of a society we are.