"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.