thoughts

I should be studying and not blogging right now, but the day's events have got me thinking thoughts that need to get out.

First the funny...this morning Ned and I were watching the Inauguration (Peter was already at preschool) and as the former presidents came out, I was telling Ned who they were.  At one point, he said, "NO!  prez-den Neddy!"  Well, that's about right around here. 

And then the amazing...Did anyone else love looking at this hat as much as I did?  I really want a closer look to see how it was constructed - wow!

And now for the serious matters...I loved President Obama's speech - the call for unity, the call to be a better you, the call to dig deep and the call to serve.  Indulge me please, here are a couple of my favorite bits:

One of my favorite lines  - "We will restore science to its rightful place."  This affects my family enormously as I am married to a scientist (who currently works for the federal government), have a science degree, and work myself for over 5 years in science.  I'll stop there...I have many more thoughts on this subject, but I've erased a few versions of them already as they seem far too political for this blog.

And OK, this isn't really a bit, but it was definitely my favorite paragraph: 

"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. 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; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."

It's so nice to feel hopeful, especially when I look at my two little guys and want the best for them.

Comments

[Beth]

I agree...my favorite part was the whole thing!! I was watching with colleagues at work and when Obama said, "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers," my friend John cheered, and said it was the first time he has been included in a politician's speech. That says a lot.

[Mom]

I had several co-workers crowded into my office listening to NPR's coverage and watching video on the monitor .. there was a tear or two shed ... spontaneous applause ... if felt good, really, really good.

[Phoebe]

Pretty exciting to see what a nation can do just by getting involved and voting! Can't wait to see how the next 4 years play out.

[Missy]

really inspiring.

[heather at brown robin]

I wanted to add that I was as inspired as you. I really have felt my mood has lifted since that day. The collective exhaustion/depression/recession of or in our country has been building for some time. No one is immune to it. And now we can not be immune to that energy which is building... isn't it extraordinary?!

[Account Deleted]

I love this pic! So adorable! The kids are cute and sweet!