Oh Happy Day

President Barack Obama.  It has a nice ring to it — and I’m so glad we have at least 4 years to say it.

In my part of the world, at least, no one got any work done.  I have some friends who made the trip to DC to be part of the (freezing cold) crowd but I was content to stay warm and watch on screen.  People watched in movie theaters, in auditoriums, on giant TVs in public places and streaming live on the web from our desktops.

I watched and listened on CNN and Facebook, which let me share comments with my friends while we shared the experience of the music, the words, the faces, the hope, the promise of change.  I admit having the Chief Justice, and then Obama, mangle the oath of office was distracting but never mind that.  It was just one part of a bigger whole.

And I was intrigued by small things:  the way 95 movers worked for 5 hours to whisk out the Bush’s belongings, and moving in and unpacking the Obama’s, all while they were at the swearing in and assorted Inaugural events.  Painting and transforming the Oval Office.  The White House website changing as soon as the oath was taken.  Sasha and Malia skipping up close to see their dad become president.

My family in Texas said it was just another day; no one was particularly interested in the inauguration, which makes sense since they didn’t vote for the new president.  We, however, did – and the enthusiasm that flowered during the campaign just settled into a big happy glow today.

The right man, the right time, the right office.  Oh Happy Day 🙂