"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America." -Barack Obama

Ah, the Inauguration! I really cannot express how happy it made me. Watching it from the comfort of my warm home this time, the enthusiasm and passion of the crowd was still evident.

Although there was a small blunder when Obama took the oath, I think the rest of the day's events ran flawlessly. 

UPDATE: Obama took the oath a second time, just to be on the safe side.

In his 18 1/2 minute inaugural address, Obama was serious as he outlined the challenges that lay ahead of us. I firmly believe that he will do the best job possible. I thought it was important that he said, "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..."

There were definitely boos at any mention of Bush, which is disrespectful, but deserved. And I could not help but laugh at poor Cheney in a wheelchair. Also, Aretha Franklin's bow-quite large! SNL is going to have a field day.

There has been a lot disagreement on the wardrobe of the Obama family, but I think the girls looked adorable in their J. Crew ensembles. I liked Michelle's nighttime dress more than what she wore during the day, but she still looked classy, as usual. And as always, Barack looked elegant and polished in his suits. 

All in all, I feel optimistic about our country's future. We definitely have several major hurdles to get through, but I could not ask for a better president to help us through.

We Are One

My inaugural journey began Saturday morning as I prepared to take a three-hour train to Washington, D.C. to stay with my dear family friends for the next few days. Of course, the train was delayed an hour, but once I boarded it was a smooth ride. 

As soon as I arrived, I could tell DC was in for a big one. The metro was jam-packed with people and full of suitcases. Every seat was taken and the standing room was squished to the max. 

That night, I accompanied my friends to an Inaugural Ball at the Josephine Butler Parks Center that was sponsored by the Cool Capital Challenge, Washington Parks and People, and the DC Sierra Club. The ball was lively, the music was festive, and the excitement undeniable. There was karaoke, dancing, tons of food, and constant chatter.

The next morning, I awoke at 10 to get ready for the Inaugural Concert. I dressed in leggings, jeans, two turtlenecks, a zip-up jacket, a fleece jacket, a winter jacket, two pairs of ski socks, a hat, gloves, and boots in preparation for the cold. I walked with my friends two and half miles to the Lincoln Center where we were greeted with enormous crowds and seemingly never-ending lines. Luckily, the wait wasn't too bad and we managed to find spots on the way left side of the Reflecting Pool. I watched the concert through the trees that lined the pool and on one of the many big screens throughout the area.

The concert was as amazing as it was cold. And despite all my layers, I was absolutely freezing! The show opened with a speech by openly gay bishop Gene Robinson, which excluded from the HBO broadcast. A short time later, the Obama family and Joe and Jill Biden were introduced and Denzel Washington gave an introductory speech. Throughout, the majority of the speeches had quotes or video clips of former presidents. With speakers ranging from Steve Carell to Tom Hanks, the speeches were entertaining, usually lasting only a few short minutes. 

Between each speech, came the musical performances. The surprising highlight for me was  Garth Brooks, who really got the crowd moving with his renditions of "Shout" and "American Pie."  I also really enjoyed James Taylor and John Legend's "Shower the People."

But no matter the entertainer, the crowd never cheered louder than when the focus was on Obama. Every time he came on the big screen, the applause was thunderous. He was cursed (or maybe blessed?) with a sleeping baby girl behind him. Perhaps she is symbolic of peaceful and safe times for the children of our country. One can only hope. Either way, the concert was inspiring, encouraging, and just 100 percent fantastic. I am so glad I was able to be there. And as Obama said, "I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure, that it will prevail, that the dream of our founders will live on in our time."