John and I had invitations to the Inauguration and to an 'Official' Ball. Official Ball=Event that President and First Lady Obama WILL attend (for at least 10 minutes).
We debated long and hard if we would go. If I were 25, I would be there in a flash, but I am 52 and tired. And the cold, the crowds, the security, the expense...all those things made me say 'maybe not'. I watch all the coverage on TV and I sometimes wish I could be there. Witnessing it firsthand. Up close and personal. But I know my tolerance for discomfort. And it has gotten to be pretty thin.
So, tomorrow morning we will watch the Inauguration with like-minded citizens at O'Connors, a local restaurant. I will drink coffee and cry with the rest of them. And I will indeed be satisfied with my decision to be here in Oregon. Warm. Close to home. With folks I love.
Good job, America. And welcome President Obama.
It was a fabulous inauguration, but I can understand why you wanted to stay home. The crowds and the cold looked pretty uncomfortable.
Posted by: Stephanie | Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 10:46 PM
I would have LOVED to witness this in person, but alas....(and it sure did look COLD!) I've been pretty worthless at work today being naughty and watching the video stream on my computer even though we weren't supposed to.
Posted by: Tonya | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 04:37 PM
We are celebrating over here esp. the danes. I can't stop singing It's a new day and I'm dancing, too. I am so happy celebrating silently at home and glued i front of the tv.
Posted by: isay | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:55 AM
If I were in your shoes, I think I would have gone through the same thought process. If I were 20 years younger, heck yeah. But the thought of the sheer cold and the crowds would be enough to keep me home. We just watched the new president and it was quite moving. But we didn't get the day off, so back at my desk and back to work!
Posted by: Arlene | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:59 AM
We could have stayed with friends in Maryland, and we would have flown into Harrisburg and driven south...so, less than going to Washington. But I did hear that they were telling people to bring their own toilet paper for the potties because they thought it would be in short supply. I agree with the guy who commented: When they say to BYO-TP, that's when I decided to get out of town.
Posted by: violetismycolor | Monday, January 19, 2009 at 07:11 PM
That would have been hard to pass up, but I understand your reasons completely and share them. I don't enjoy crowds, portapotties, standing around in the cold, or even fancy balls. (plus the airfare and hotel costs would be outrageous)
Posted by: Margaret | Monday, January 19, 2009 at 07:06 PM