Here I am with my brother Doug, his wife Sara, and my daughter Arti after the inauguration. It was so cold, but worth it. As a liberal republican, I'm proud to have 2 children that are Democrats. Tuesday - inauguration day - was a very "Democrat" day for me and I loved it. Obama's speech was inspiring and brings me hope. The benediction and the musical numbers were also highlights.
Arti and I didn't mind the crowds too much. It was hilarious to be soooo close to soooo many people - but we had to hang on to each other. A man in front of me in the throng yelled, "Stop pushing!" That is like asking the rain to not fall on you in a down pour. A mother right behind me lost her daughter (about 10 yrs old). She was only 6 or so people behind her mom, and the crowd got them back together - both were teary. Scary! We did get separated trying to get in the Silver Gate, but Doug got us all back together just before Obama took the oath of office.
Arti and I waited for the new President and his wife to leave the capitol and head down Constitution Avenue for the parade. Arti actually saw them waving out of the limo. We had a great time walking around after the inauguration - but our feet did hurt by the time we got back to Doug's home. I watched the whole event again that evening when it was replayed on TV.
It was great to see Doug and Sara - thanks for your hospitality - and to get to know Cameron. I got to read her a book and taught her how to play music on my cell. She would listen for a minute and then say, "Not that one," and we would change the song.
I'm now back to work and need to be healthy and not take any time off work -- because I'm using my time off as fast as a earn it. I just finished Acct 363 and start Finance 320 tomorrow - I got an A- in the accounting class even though I missed 6 out of 25 on the final (I took it at 6 p.m. and had been up since 2 a.m. - except for a nap on the airplane). Good thing I had a decent grade up until I went to the inauguration.
By for now~
