I.Was.There.
January 23, 2009 at 10:36 pm | In It's Bigger Than Me | 3 CommentsI was there. In Washington DC. On the National Mall. With one of my oldest and dearest friends.
We were far away. Behind and to the right of the Washington Monument. Literally millions of people were closer to President Obama than we were. But for some reason, squished between an African American woman from Takoma Park, MD and a blatantly gay man from somewhere in California, it felt like he was right there, just beyond our view.
We heard him speak. The sound over the enormous speakers wavered at times. The crowd alternated between cheers and complete silence. At times, our view was hindered by taller people, fists raised in triumph, or waving flags.
I thought his inaugural address was well-written and eloquently spoken. Here are some of my favorite parts:
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
Here are some pictures. No, none of them are of President Obama (he doesn’t know that we are BFFs yet).
Leaving at around 9:00 am; it was approximately 25 degrees F
After an hour and a half on the metro, we start our walk to the National Mall.
People lining up for the port o potty. There was no need to line up, since there were approximately 1 billion littered around the city.
We saw some neat signs on our walk to the Mall.
Welcome to Washington DC President and Mrs. Obama!
We saw a few freaky religious signs too. And the freaks who were holding them.
This sign tells us where all the horses are put together.
This was on the walk to the Mall. Look at all the people in the distance!
See the long line of people walking around the frozen pond? Luckily we were ahead of them.
Yes, we were pretty far back. But it was closer than most of you got, as you were probably sitting on your couch.
After the inauguration, while waiting over an hour to move about 3 feet, a girl jumped up on the potties to see what was going on.
Walking across the bridge into Virginia. Notice all the pedestrians on the one side.
Walking over the Potomac River on our way to Virginia. It was really c-c-cold.
Thanks, President Obama, for an awesome day!
Another Reason to Hate Boys
January 15, 2009 at 11:21 pm | In It's all about me, Random, The husband | 7 CommentsThere are a lot of reasons to hate boys. Well, to be more specific . . . men. They have hair in weird places, they don’t know how to compliment women, they often have mommy issues, they can’t find things that are right in front of their face, they drive too fast, they smell, they act like having a cold is akin to dying, they talk about bodily functions during dinner, they usually don’t like it when the wife makes more money than them, they leave facial hair in the sink, they take food off your plate, they leave armpit stains on their shirts, they leave weird things in their pockets and then it goes through the washing machine, they floss their teeth with gum wrappers in the car, they don’t understand that candles do, in fact, smell nice, they bring a new pen home from work every day resulting in a net gain of about 340 pens per year, they break perfectly functional objects in a quest to improve them, they don’t know how to hang pants on a hanger, they remember which waitress served us the last time we were at Applebees but can’t remember their mother’s birthday, they use every single pot and pan when cooking, they let the kids jump on the couch while holding an open container of crackers, they make fun of all the good shows on television, they don’t understand why women’s haircuts cost more than men’s, they laugh at inappropriate times, they don’t notice when the house is a mess, they lose their wedding bands, they never change the sheets, they wear old-man slippers, they think they know a lot about computers, they leave used tissues on the nightstand, they think kissing with food in their mouth is acceptable, they think their place of work will fall down if they take a sick day, they snore, they look funny wearing sandals, they don’t understand why some people cry when they are happy, they don’t notice when their kid calls their name 234 times during a car ride, they pee with the bathroom door open, they complain about how other people drive . . . phew. That was therapeutic.
Wait, I forgot the number one reason. THEY LOSE WEIGHT SO MUCH EASIER THAN WOMEN. We’ve been doing the South Beach Diet since the second week in December. PLUS, I’m part of a Biggest Losers Contest. Kevin has lost nearly 15 pounds, and everyone notices how good he looks. I’ve lost 11 pounds. Not one single person has noticed. Not even a “hmmm . . . is something different? Did you get your hair cut?”. I mean, we both had nearly identical BMIs (in fact, his was a little higher than mine) prior to trying to eat more healthfully. I’ve dropped 1 full pants size, and I’m nearly ready for the next smaller size. Plus, my face is thinner and my love handles are gone. While he’s doing great too, random people keep noticing his weight loss. I mean, COME ON.
Good thing Decky’s not a man yet. And he certainly hasn’t lost any weight. 
P.S. There’s a slight chance that this list of reasons to hate men might be specific to my particular husband.
A Hair to Remember
January 8, 2009 at 10:52 pm | In Declan | 2 CommentsA couple weeks before Christmas, Decky got his first haircut. He was very solemn during the entire event. After it was all over, he looked very handsome, although I guess most people wouldn’t think it looked very different. Check out some pics . . .
Before pic . . . looking very serious.
Acting very cooperative . . . I think he was a little scared.
Savannah is reading Dec a story while he's getting his haircut. Um, I'm pretty sure that this is the cutest thing ever.
Still serious . . .
Almost done . . .
Just before the cape came off!
Thankfully, there was enough hair cut off that I had a bit to save.
Grateful
January 2, 2009 at 9:01 pm | In Day to Day, It's all about me | 3 CommentsOne of my friends recently posted a gratitude list on her blog. While her statements about things she’s grateful for were well-written and thoughtful; mine will probably be cursory and ill-conceived. But at the cusp of the new year, I thought I’d take a few minutes to reflect on the positive things in my life.
I’d like it to be noted that this list is not in any particular order.
1. My car. It always starts, it has a CD player, and the AC and heater work well.
2. My body. It’s healthy and strong, and has allowed me to grow two babies.
3. My Mommy Board. Seriously, I need to write more about these gals. They’re the best.
4. The fact that I’m literate. I love to read. I’d probably be insane if I didn’t have books to escape into. I feel that reading books makes me smarter.
5. Declan. He tries my patience, but he’s beautiful, has an infectious laugh, and he adores his family.
6. My house. I hope we live here for a long, long time. After living here for nearly 18 months, it’s just starting to appear more home-like. We actually have objects and pictures on the walls, we have some new furniture, and we’ve started to plan the landscaping.
7. My neighbors. They’re considerate, kind, and helpful. I look forward to exiting my house and getting a chance to say hello every day.
8. My looks. I know I’m not a supermodel or anything, but I’m really glad that I’m not 400 lbs, or disfigured, or have that disorder where you sweat so profusely that your clothes are soaked through in minutes.
9. My right to vote. I got to vote for Mr. Obama, and in a couple weeks, I will hopefully be in DC as he’s inaugurated.
10. My husband. He’s kind, handsome, and adores me and the kids. He’s smart, a great provider, and empties the dishwasher just because he knows I hate to do it. For Christmas he got me tickets to see Rent, the musical. How cool is that?
11. Savannah. Her assets speak for themselves. She’s cute and wonderful.
12. The internet. It keeps me entertained, in contact with my closest friends and family, and is a great source for information.
13. My peeps. Or, more specifically, my friends and family. I love knowing that there’s always someone to call if I need to chat or want some company.
14. Food. Especially of the frosting variety.
15. The lovely weather of the Carolinas. It’s sunny and happy-looking outside nearly all the time.
16. The fact that my kids sleep through the night. The beginning of 2008 was very . . . um, exhausting. Now, I’m pleased to say that both children sleep from 8pm until 7am very day.
17. My dissertation. It’s done and I have my degree. Finally.
18. My job. It’s half-time, so it’s the perfect combination of staying home with the kids and working in a professional environment.
19. My upbringing. I was raised in a nice house, with caring parents, and brothers who turned into good men. I was provided with the tools to be a self-sufficient, independent, and caring individual.
20. The water dispenser on the door of my refridgerator. It’s handy and the water tastes good.
Okay, that’s all I’ve got for now. I know there are tons more things for which to be thankful, but I just wanted to give the highlights. Yes, I’m a tease.
Peace out.
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