Proud to be an American

Today as I watch the inauguration of our 44th President Barack Obama, I am filled with the overwhelming sense that more than just a transition in power has taken place, but a transition of thought, ideals, and definition of what it means to be an American. We are no longer divided by the color of our skin, but united by the red, white and blue of our flag. We are not seperated by our cultural, religious, or ethnic backgrounds but brought together as Americans. The dreams of our ancestors, have come to pass. The blood that was shed to create and preserve our freedoms has not been in vain. Every step, word, hope, and prayer that came before has brought us to this extraordinary day, when we see reflected in the face of our new President, that we as Americans truly can acheive ANYTHING. No longer are there excuses or road blocks on the road to our destiny. We are the masters of our fate, and we can be or do anything we put our minds to. The blood stained road we have traveled has led us to a moment where once again we stand head and shoulders above the rest. Our sons and daughters have been ushered into a whole new world, a world that we hoped to provide for them, and one that we have worked hard to create. A world where the promise we make to each of them that no matter who they are, where they came from, the color of their skin, or their cultural, religious or ethnic background, they can be and acheive anything. This is now more than just a beautiful dream but an amazing reality. We can all stand a little taller and hold our heads a little higher because of the sacrifice born on the backs of all that came before and cleared the path that we would stand up today change our history and claim our future. No voice is to small to be heard, no dream out of our reach. All those that gave their lives to make this day possible are surely smiling down as history is made. We will shape and create our own future. The mold has been tossed aside and a free form symbol of freedom has begun to immerge. As history is made upon the podium, it is an island amidst a sea of beauty. The beautifully different faces of my fellow Americans. A sea made up of people who stood up and said not only YES WE CAN, but YES WE WILL. A sea filled with people of every color, age, religion, ethnic, cultural, economic, and social background. First generation, newly immigrated, and founding families. The day we dreamed of, hoped for, and feared might never come is here. We are forced now to dream bigger, hope for more, and let our fears go. A new day has dawned, a new world awaits, and the first steps on a new path have been taken. Freedom has rung and its echoes are being heard around the world. As the storm of our history passes a beautiful rainbow fills the sky as a shining symbol of our nation. Just as we are never able to find the end of a rainbow so is the potential of our nation and its people endless. I heard a quote that I think best sums up the gravity of this day, although I don't know who said it, it has resonated with me; "Rosa sat so Martin could march, Martin marched so Barack could run, Barack ran so our children could fly"

God Bless President Obama, and God Bless America!

I had no idea...

Five years ago this past Saturday I went out for the first time with my husband. I had no idea that, that night was the beginning of the rest of my life. I was happily single, and at a place where I did not think that I wanted a relationship. But I did want to spend time with the gorgeous guy I worked with. I had spent 2 months trying to subtly hint that I wanted to spend time with him and finally all my hard work had paid off. I had more fun that night than I had in a long time. A year later we were parents, and now 5 years later we are married with an amazing son and a wonderful life together. I continue to love him more every day than I did the day before. All this from a simple night out, a couple of beers, late night breakfast, and one hell of a kiss. I could not of predicted that night that this is where we would be today but I am sure glad that it happened.

New Years Eve....

Came and went without much fan fare, as is usually the case in our house. It was my baby sister's 21st birthday so I was quite sleep deprived from taking her to the casino at midnight on the 30th/31st. She is finally legal, and pregnant so there was no partaking in adult beverages but the gambling was fun. I actually won which is a quite nearly a miracle. Then later, much later, in the afternoon we headed to the St. James Tea Room for a proper English High Tea. Although I am not sure how proper it was because I think that High Tea is served at a specific time, but what do I know I am American. It was very nice and I think that I am just going to have to back a truck up to that place and fill it with Sugar Plum tea. Oh man was it good. Also a plus the Tea Room is a kid free zone, they have rules about it, you have to be 10 so my rambunctious 4 yr old was happily with Grandpa for the afternoon. Dinner was steak, crab, and shrimp at my Mom's, can you say YUMMY with a capital YUM! Then we sat down to watch Transformers for about the billionth time, the difference being this time it was on Blu Ray. Pause for collective OOOOOOOOOOOH! My son fell asleep in my lap and I quickly followed, I woke up just in time to see the ball drop kiss my husband, hug my mom and gaze sadly at my ginormous son sleeping soundly on my lap. We promptly headed home to avoid the drunks and crazies, I fell into my bed and off to sleep I went.

Now wasn't that just the most exciting thing you have ever heard!? Either I am getting old, or motherhood has slowed me down a step :P Either way I am glad to be a happy old married person with a beautiful son and wonderful husband so that I never have to spend another NYE in a crowded club or bar surrounded by strangers.

Here is to 2008 - may all the lessons learned make us better
Welcome 2009 - may it be the best year yet