Inaugural

Yeah--this is what I get from being SHORT. I held my camera up and stood on my tiptoes for this shot. Tells you something about my view. Thank goodness for the jumbo tron nearby--although I had to constantly shift because all the tall people moved into my little window.

I just learned this from the OED:

inaugural: adjective OR noun--having to do with an inauguration
inaugurate: verb--to admit or induct a person to an office or dignity by a formal ceremony; to consecrate, install, invest. To invest a thing with a sacred or supposed sacred character.

Pretty cool, huh?

Before we even got to security we waited in a line that stretched all the way to the Air & Space Museum. Crowd control was a minor issue--although the news reported no problems, I had friends who couldn't get in with their tickets as other spectators crashed through barriers. Mostly there was a lot of respect and kindness in the air. And a LOT of garbage. I've never seen so much in my life.

I trekked in with the masses to the 44th Presidential Inaugural yesterday and I reveled in the excitement. The air was invigorating.

King Street metro at 6:30 am... while the train wasn't too bad going into the District (other than the woman who actually threw up on Jenette & Deidre!), the L'Enfant station was jammed full and it took forever to get out onto the street above.

And secretly, I hoped to become an Obama convert. Don't get me wrong--I think he's a pretty cool cat. I think he has some valuable ideas and great skill at organizing the masses and getting things done on a local level. I love his family and I'm super excited to have kids in the White House. But to be completely honest, I wasn't entirely convinced. Some of his ideas hit me in a negative way.

After the ceremony we stopped by the Utah Delegation Reception to warm up and snag some fruit and cookies. We watched the Bush family leave via helicopter and realized that walking helped us to stay warm.

BUT... I was there. I wonder if part of inauguration means to sustain and support. While I realize I have some fundamental ideological differences of opinion, I sustain and support President Obama as my nation's leader. I believe in his push for sacrifice and service (although for the life of me I do NOT understand why these are supposedly new concepts at this time?!?). I felt the exciement and the renewed vigor of the masses as they cheered and cried, as they waved their flags and bowed their heads in prayer.

I was dressed in so many layers I felt like a giant ball of stuff--handwarmers everywhere, thermals, sweaters, sock liners, glove liners, hats, scarves. All the extra weight made my back and shoulders hurt! And my pockets were full of snacks and water because supposedly we couldn't bring bags into the area--although we saw tons of people with big bags.

It was magical. One day I'll tell my kids I was there.

Rather than brave the crazy ridiculous crowds at the metro on the way home, Yvette and I walked all the way from Eastern Market, down past the parade, to the 14th Street bridge, then on the George Washington trail to Crystal City. Long walk, but it felt great to move. And it took us just a little bit longer than the rest of our group's metro trip. I fell asleep last night at 9:30. Dog tired.