What a January

I think for many Americans January 20th, 2009 will be "one of those days" you remember where you were when...

Check out The Big Picture for an amazing slide show of the day and its reach around the world

In this case it was when our 44th president was sworn in. I was sitting in our Skyview Elementary Library with a handful of staff who could break free for a moment, and a third grade class who spent their music period watching history instead of practicing scales. Every time there was a break in President Obama's speech, or the crowd cheered, the giddy third graders clapped and giggled. They had no idea what they were clapping about, but between the unusual break from their routine, and the energy in the library that day, they could feel there was something special to be applauded.


In fact, most classrooms that day took time out to watch the inauguration. Taking advantage of the TVs that were put in every classroom a few years ago, teachers watched with their kids as Barack Obama became President of the United States. Everyone was excited and buzzing about..."What time is the speech?" "Did I miss anything?" I tried to soak it all in. It was an historic, amazing day for so many reasons.

I still find myself with the same sense of awe and excitement as that day. This picture of Barack in the Oval office on his first official day of work stopped me in my tracks. I ordered a Barack Obama t-shirt, like he's some kind of celebrity I might see in concert when he rolls through Denver. And isn't he just that? The most famous person in the world right now?


John McCain tried to use this celebrity status against Barack during the election, as a reason not to vote for him. Of course, be aware of the policies and ideals of a candidate, not just their article in People magazine, before voting for them. That's only being a responsible citizen. But shouldn't you admire the person who will lead your country. Shouldn't you be inspired and excited by your President? Doesn't it seem like a good thing that we want to show our pride with a little Obama action figure, bumper sticker, mug, or "Barack and Roll" t-shirt? I don't see why that is a bad thing.

This is a picture of the door to a second grade classroom in my school. Hanging around the picture of the President are letters written by the kids. These letters tell of their lives and their hopes, funny questions, and simply "I saw you on TV when you gave your speech." Those kids will remember when...

When they felt the excitement for this new day.

When a shift, both socially and politically, took place.

When hope and change seemed certain.

When their President was worth admiring as a celebrity.

And I say, lucky them, lucky me, lucky us.

Lilly is coming!

In two weeks!

This is my precious niece at one month old. So tiny! She's traveling to Colorado as a wide-eyed six month old, who sits up and has full control of her neck.


I will be adding to my collection of Lilly photographs, and will be sharing. So, if you are offended, annoyed, or just plain bored by sweet little blond babies, consider yourself warned. It could get obnoxious...

A new era

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So I'll shut up and let them speak.

The New York Times has put together an amazing slide show for more images.

It's an exciting time to be alive.

Hores

Being a teacher is extremely rewarding.

And at times hysterical. Here is one such time.

As the terrible speller that I am, I can relate to this kid, but oh, what a word to misspell. It all started with the innocent little sticker in the corner...
Classic.

I heart award season

Did you hear me cheering last night from my living room?!

If you've talked to me in the last six weeks, I've told you to see Slumdog Millionaire.

Spoiler alert... The underdog from the slums won best picture last night at the Golden Globes!!! Me in my pj's and the beags under their blankets rejoiced as the winner was announced. My poor husband got the news via my "YESSSSSSS!!!!" as he lay in bed asleep. (Sorry babe)

So now, you have no excuses. You have to see it if you haven't already.

Go! Chop-chop! You won't regret it.

New on the book list

I love discovering awesome new writers that aren't new, but new to me. Though I like to think I am aware of the ins and outs of my favorite things (writing/books/authors, fashion, pop culture), every once in a while, I'm reminded that I'm clueless, and might as well live under a rock.

I got a forwarded email from my friend Danielle about friendship. It's a clip of writer Kelly Corrigan reading an essay she wrote about women and friendship. It's beautifully done, and gives a great perspective on not only friendship, but the ups and downs of life as well. I wanted to share it with everyone. Check it out.

How did I not know about this chic?! She has a blog, and a best selling book that I must now read, and writes for O magazine. Hello? Under a rock. That's me.

A visit to the gym + Sunday, January 4th @ 11:00 am = a bad idea

My friend Heather is enjoying this brand new January more than those of past years. This year she is working out in her freshly painted home gym.

I, on the other hand, spent this morning (prime New Year's Resolution time) running at Bally's. As usual, I'd forgotten how last January looked.

Heather has always dreaded this time of year, dubbing it amateur hour at the gym. Suddenly, the parking lot is packed, much of the equipment is occupied, and the regular gym-goer's routine is seriously hampered by the new influx in holiday-stuffed-resolution-makers. It takes about six weeks or so, but without fail, all becomes normal again. Today the gym was right on schedule.

Here are a few choice encounters:

Full-hair-and-makeup-girl, fully stocked with waters and protein drinks, wanders off the elliptical every 5 minutes for another magazine

Several male 40-somethings who surely cleared out the entire tightest-smallest-shortest-under-armor-spandex-we-could-find section at Sports Authority

a few cell-phone-talkers

one iPhone-toucher

Around mile 3 on the treadmill, a large cloud of cologne was shared with me by an Abercrombie-pantsed-Steve Madden-loafer-wearing boy, as he actually clipped on the emergency stop cord to his striped henley, and walked for about 9 minutes

At mile 4 my nostrils were assaulted by the worst B.O. I've smelled in recent memory by a rather large bandanna-clad-man who took over the treadmill for cologne-boy. I switched treadmills once I started to gag.

This is all within 4 miles, people.

I can hear Heather giggling from her computer right now. Oh yes, it's January at the gym. Only 5 weeks left to go...