Shallow Observations

Yesterday's blog was serious. Today's will focus on the inconsequential things I liked about the Inauguration.

1. I loved Malia and Sasha's J.Crew outfits. Colorful, age appropriate, and probably fitting of each girl's personality. They seemed to be outwardly unaffected by the drama, and I have a feeling these two girls will keep their parents grounded.

2. Rick Warren's invocation did little for me. Maybe because I'm not all that into such things, and because I was bothered by his Christian only focus. (Fortunately, President Obama was more inclusive in his speech) I also found his pronunciation of the Obama girls' names creepy. As Jon Stewert pointed out on "The Daily Show" it was almost like he found them and their names to be . . . delicious.

3. Joe Biden. I just like Joe Biden and that ever present smile, his loquaciousness, his enthusiasm saying his oath. He has cut back on his candidness, which I understand, but hope he isn't shuttled to an office and kept out of sight.

4. The Reverand Joseph Lowery's benediction beat out the Inaugural poem. No, I don't believe poety has to rhyme and personally prefer poems that don't rhyme. But his benediction's conclusion was just fun and won't be forgotten. "Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen."

5. Yo Yo Ma seemed to be enjoying himself when playing John Williams' arrangement of "Tis a Gift to Be Simple" (an appropriate choice for the times). He smiled often and if a cellist can have a "skipping down the street" attitude, he had it. Itzhak Perlman looked serious but clarinetist Anthony McGill appeared to share Yo Yo Ma's fun.

6. Aretha Franklin's hat was stunning! She pulled it off and it was just one more small piece of the day that made me grin. The lady knows how to make a statement. Other memorable hats didn't have Ms. Franklin's panache but still showed the wearers' confidence. Both Spike Lee and President Bush 41 wore mad bomber hats; Not just everyone can pull off an inaugural mad bomber hat.

7. Rahm Emmanuel was caught on camera with his thumb on his nose and fingers wagging at someone, a grin on his face. I have read that he has quite a hardnose, bulldog personality but this moment showed a sense of humor. One probably has to have a sense of humor to survive his job.

8. Michelle Obama clearly wasn't listening to what Barack was saying when he said to the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball audience, "Doesn't my wife look great?" She started to applaud and then realized just what he had said and gave him a hand wave and look that we all have given when embarrassed at such public comments. It had been a long day which was only going to get longer and I'm pretty sure Ms. Obama only wanted to be home with her children on their first night in a new home. So, to tune out the man who had been talking all day was understandable, but the moment was so everyday-marraige-moment charming.

9. The look on Michelle and Barack Obama's faces when dancing their first inaugural dance showed the essance of their relationship. Smiling, looking into one another's eyes, they still love and respect each other. Kudos to them for being true to themselves in this and the aforementioned moments.

Exhileration

Many of the feelings I had on election night are the feelings I have today. I had tears in my eyes and was awed at the inaugural events. There is a sense of exhileration about the change that has arrived with Barack Obama. While it has been fascinating to watch this man win the election, it will be even more interesting to watch him lead the United States.

Barack Obama represents a new generation, an openmindedness, a focus, and a positive nature not seen often enough in Washington. He inspires the hope that we can actually wade through the bogged down bureaucracy and make vital changes. In his Inauguration Speech Obama rarely said "I" but often said "we." The success of this country depends on all of us, not just those in Washington, and our new President put forth that expectation immediately. This is the man who energized his campaign via the Internet and has continued to access all those who kept tabs on his campaign on that electronic highway. He has empowered us to share in his success; any shortfalls will be ours also.

In his speech Obama brought forth several thoughts we must all bear in mind as the next four years transpire: "the time has come to set aside childish things. . .our country's greatness must be earned....For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.. .What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task." How clear the message that the tasks ahead are not just the responsibility of the President or Congress but responsibilities all citizens of the United States bear. If we are complacent, how can we expect any less from our leaders? Obama has set the tone and made it clear that only hard work, focus, and tenacity will turn around the direction of our nation.

But, this man is inspiring, and if we pay attention, stay involved, and own the work needed to make these changes, we all will live in a better world knowing we were a part of the change. Obabama is the kind of leader we have been missing for so long --one who looks to us to better ourselves, one who inspires and uplifts the country, one who wants to show us how to get where we need to go.

When there are tough times and mistakes made we must all refuse to sink to cynicism, negativity, and apathy. We must all take a breath, look for a new avenue to take, and forge ahead. FDR realized that if an idea doesn't work it is time to try something new; our 43rd President wouldn't admit to mistakes. The United States' dire circumstances will not change quickly or easily, so the American public is in for some tough times. The typical whining, self pity, and pessamism need not raise their ugly heads.

Let's all hang on for the ride because its going to be a bumpy one. For me,though, a few words from this new leader, and a flash of that infectious smile will be the encouragement to keep going and working for the country's best.

-40 degrees

We in Wisconsin talk a lot about the weather. It doesn't matter what season, what weather, we work it into most conversations. Right now we're not only talking about it but trying to hide from it! Cold and snow are a standard part of winter. For skiiers, snowmobilers, and ice fishermen winter in this state is great. Five inches of snow does not stop us from going about our daily business -- we just may have to do it a bit more cautiously. School is cancelled if a drifting snowfall causes country roads to become dangerous for busses to traverse. We chuckle at news reports about Southern states that are paralyzed by an inch of snow because we are snobby in our hardiness.

However...... we are now dealing with -19F temperatures but with the windchill it becomes -40F! This is "Ice Road Trucker" cold. 150 schools canceled classes today, some are canceling or delaying the start tomorrow, and I have yet to leave the house. Several hundred people on the north side of Appleton went without power for little over an hour this morning; I shivered just thinking of it. These temperatures will continue through tomorrow, but by Sunday we are supposed to hit the balmy temperature of 18 degrees F with a tropical 28 degrees arriving on Monday! I'm going to look for the sunscreen and beach blanket.

To other frozen states, I send you warm thoughts. To those of you in 30+ degrees, send some of the heat our way!

Water Landing

Kudos to the US Air pilot who successfully landed his plane in the Hudson River; he is unquestionably a hero! The story has been all over the media, but I am awestruck at the calm wisdom used by this Airforce Academy alumni whose decisiveness saved his passengers, crew, and probably people on the ground.

I am a nervous flyer who dislikes take offs. While this story doesn't endear me to flying, this pilot's success instills a hope that all my future pilots will act in such a manner. I don't envy a pilot his/her job anyway but these kinds of incidents reaffirm my belief that these are the people who are heroes. Unlike the movie stars who only act in roles, football players who only carry a ball or knock down someone who does, not fictional characters who only portray traits we wish we had. This pilot actually saved people by safely landing his plane and then walking through the plane twice to make sure no one was left behind.

The pilot also set the tone that allowed the passengers to maitain a coolness not related to the outdoor temperature. 155 people calmly left a sinking plane and walked onto land whole. Wow!

Photo from the Washington Post.

Snow Desert

I live in a relatively new subdivision without any medium or full size trees or landscaping to block blowing snow. There has been a lot of snow and blowing this winter and recently I've noticed that my backyard has interesting designs in the snow caused by the wind.

Phone Call Relief

I heard from my traveling daughter. She called at 6:45 a.m. today (it was around 3:00 p.m. in Egypt) and assured me she is safe and having a wonderful time. I could not hear all that she said but the call was clear enough to make out her calm, serene, and clearly happy mood.

The people are friendly, she is rooming with a 60 year old German woman, and an ATM ate her debit card. With only $100 American in her pocket a Minneapolis couple took pity on her and lent Ann $200. To show you how much she is loving the country she announced that she is not in Egypt to shop but to take in the culture and scenery!

My dear first born shared that she wakes up each day amazed that she is actually in Egypt and announced that she will be making a return trip. I had browsed her itinerary last night and checked the map to make sure the tour was not going near the Gaza boarder. While the military is ever present, Ann commented that she did feel safe. The only other shareable news I got was that the area around the Nile (the group took a trip down the Nile yesterday) is very lush but two miles outside the river is desert.

I have rarely heard this girl sound so calm. Maybe there is something special about the land of Isis and the power of the pyramids. I will have to find that out vicariously but, for now, I am pleased she is happy and safe.

A Mom's Job is to Worry

As I type this my first born is winging her way to Egypt. At 23 she is an experienced traveler and has seen many Western states, some of the South, taken two cruises, visited Canada, and traveled to Europe twice. She is a confident, assertive, mature person and is traveling with a seasoned group leader.

I am her mother, so I am worried. Whenever she travels I have her in my thoughts more often than usual, but for this trip I am truly concerned for her safety. I have double checked the State Department Travel reports, understand that Egypt is one of the more stable Middle Eastern countries, and trust her group leader. But it is in the Middle East and while I was worried when she announced this expedition, since the Gaza/Israel debacle I am even more concerned.

My children are patient with my mothering. I preface my worries by telling them as their mother I have a need to share my advice/unease/concern; could they please bear with me, listen, and know I feel better for expressing my thoughts. My daughter listened to my concerns, assured me all will be well, and flew off to this vastly different culture. She will call me when she can (I am not an overbearing mother and do not excessively call my kids) to alleviate my fears, and I will assure her of my pride in her adventurous spirit and the opportunities she seizes.

When she returns in two weeks I will travel to see her and marvel at her photos, tales, and souvenirs. I will hug her a little longer than usual, thankful for her safe return. For now, your kind thoughts for her safety would be appreciated.