Last week someone leaked the AI Top 24 list on the web. Although I twittered about it, I tried not to talk too much about it elsewhere for fear of spoiling the fun of watching. Correction - I didn’t talk too much about it on the web, but my family says I talked too much about it to them! **giggle**

I suppose I have a bit of a problem when it comes to keeping certain pieces of information to myself. Now, I can keep a secret when I want to, but this is clearly a secret I had little interest in keeping! I actually had a lot of fun when my sister commented about a particular contestant, because I was then able to slip in, “oh, too bad he doesn’t make it to the top 24.” WHAT?! Let’s just say she wasn’t too happy I let that one slip.

But now I can talk about it all I want because the wait is over and last night we found out whether the leak was true (it was) as Fox announced this season’s Top 24. Wonder what other aspects of this season might be leaked on the web? Only time will tell.

I remember the first time I voted. It wasn’t the first time I was eligible, it was just the first time I was registered and able to get to a polling place. My husband and I drove three hours to vote in his home town of Dresden, Maine, where we were both registered. We turned in our ballots, then drove back to Boston. We felt exhilarated at the prospect of making our voices heard. It was 1996, and we were among those hoping to send Bill Clinton packing.

We lost.

Now, 12 years later, I admit to having very strong feelings about this election as well. Today, Marylanders will officially cast ballots in the primary elections. For some, it’s an important vote to determine which candidate will be on the ballot in November. For others, it’s more about making a statement as to which candidate most clearly emulates the values and beliefs we feel necessary to lead this great nation.

Once again, I’m exhilarated about the entire campaign and election process. I closely follow the news each time a state holds a primary. I research potential candidates, both locally and nationally. I’m honored to participate in something that sets us apart from much of the rest of the world.

It’s election day people! Get out and vote!