Written Tuesday…

No matter who you voted for in November, today should have been an exciting day. Change is in the air, and history was made.

I love new beginnings. I don’t care who’s in or who’s out, I love the changing of the presidential guard. We watched the inauguration in class today, and moi, a girl who doesn’t cry for anything besides road kill, sad pet stories, and the sight of the last donut, totally teared up a few times. I think I enjoyed the processional more than the actual event. Watching all those dignitaries walk to their seats and being so regally introduced. Watching people who had stood with Dr. King (who also would’ve wanted me to have his holiday off) now see an African American president two hundred and thirty-two years after the words “And we hold these truths to be self-evident…”

Then there were the cameras set up in other parts of the world. How strange that the world is rooting for this man, that they have hopes hinged on him. The children in Indonesia were at school ’til midnight to see this event. This man may not represent my values, but he represents something to these kids that I, as a pasty white girl, do not fully comprehend. Nor do I understand being at school after 3 for any reason for that matter…

I loved the quiet as I went down the hall this morning. Kids were silent, and all I heard was the simultaneous sounds of the inauguration coming from most rooms. My kids seeing history…and knowing it held their attention…but not sure why. Of course, Aretha Franklin’s hat would capture anyone’s attention. And a 747.

And I had to leave my classroom. Because I needed to toast this event with a Diet Dr. Pepper…and I smelled cake. (It’s still a mystery…)

Here are the things I noticed:

1. It was 27 degrees, and Mrs. Bush is going to catch pneumonia with that excuse for a coat.
2. You know you’re great when Aretha Franklin sings for you.
3. The composed instrumental piece needed a little something. I’m thinking rapper T.I.
4. The poem…I dunno. As one of my kids said, “That didn’t even rhyme.”
5. Some people just did not look happy to be there. I would’ve been smiling all over the place. Maybe their lips were frozen. That would be understandable.
6. Look how spry Jimmy Carter is. He’s like speed walking!

It was cool to watch the Obama girls and their reactions and expressions. You could even tell the moment their attention span had been maxed out. And one of the girls was taking pictures. The world is watching her…and she’s taking pictures of them. It was an ironic moment I thought. Because she’s still just a girl. And they have no idea what they’re getting into. They will forever be famous, forever be watched, forever be scrutinized. This means they probably won’t get to wear sweats as much as I do.

I liked Obama’s line in his speech that said, “Chancho. When you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants in your room. It’s for fun.”  Wait…that’s not right.  All these life-changing quotes in my head. Obama’s might’ve been something more like, “Greatness is not a gift. It must be earned.” That was really inspirational. And I wish he’d personally tell that to the cast of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

Whether Obama was your guy or not, whether you think his presidency is the ushering in of dynamic change or Armageddon, this is a time to pray and get on board. I wouldn’t wish the job of president on anyone, so I’m glad there are people to step up and take the challenge so I can continue with my lazy life of eating cereal, watching American Idol, and not ruling a nation. It’s an exciting time, and I was proud for America today. Our first African American president…and we got to see it….live it…and hope some crazy white guy in a wife beater didn’t break through security and go Rambo on our president.

All was well today. And all will be well in our country again.

Happy Inauguration Day!

JEN

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