Are we officially Suburbanites?

In the last few days, Brad and I may have officially become Suburbanites...

I baked cookies and we went around and introduced ourselves to all of our new neighbors on our cul-de-sac. (I mean seriously - we live on a cul-de-sac!?! Doesn't get a whole lot more suburban than that!)

Brad bought a rake and raked all the leaves in our backyard. It then snowed a couple of inches covering up all of his hard work! But the dog loved it - he gets such a kick out of playing in the snow.

We went furniture shopping for the 3rd time (in about a month, ugh!) to High Point, NC which is like furniture capital of the world. It's actually a bit of a sad place right now as many of the stores have shut down, assumedly due to the economy, but we did our best to keep them in business and furnish our new home!

Final Thoughts

Ok, one last post before my obsession with inauguration day comes to a close. I was just reading some articles online and re-read the letter that Obama had written to his daughters Malia and Sasha. Regardless of whether his Administration is a successful one, I think these words are inspirational and will stand the test of time...

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

Words that I hope to live up to in my life and, if I ever have kids, a world that I hope will exist for them.

And I would be remiss if I didn't close my inaugural blogging with my favorite image of the day.....

Wow, Aretha Franklin - where's a stylist when you need one? The internet is abuzz discussing Aretha's "large hat festooned with an enormous rhinestone-studded bow." Awesome.

Inauguration Day

I don't really care what your political persuasion is, today you should feel proud.

I'm watching the news coverage of all the inaugural events and am overcome with a sense of pride in our country. Seeing the Obamas arrive at the White House and be greeted by the Bushes for a peaceful transition of power is amazing. So many countries around the world are steeped in civil wars or political uprisings but we watch our political transition on tv as pomp and circumstance, not violence, surround the day...... Seeing millions of people on the DC Mall braving the bitter cold to participate in the political process is inspiring..... Witnessing Obama take the oath of office nearly 46 years after Martin Luther King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and uttered "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." A true moment in history.

Again, regardless of political leanings, you have to appreciate the magnitude of the day. It reminds me once again of how lucky we are to be Americans and of all the rights and luxuries we are granted as a result.

I also realize that the expectations being put on Obama are ridiculous and hope that America can continue their enthusiasm despite the many bumps in the road that are sure to come. We as a nation and a world, certainly face a tough road ahead and I hope that the faith and enthusiasm that surrounds today continues on.

Happy New Year’s! (ok, a little late!)

Every year, I make New Year’s resolutions and barely ever adhere to them. I’m thinking that maybe this year if I put them down in writing on this blog, I’ll feel more obligated to follow through? I doubt it but here goes …

· Get Healthy (get back in shape despite my job that takes up way too much of my time and eat healthier including more organics and local food)

· Never Stop Learning (learn how to play the guitar; take a religions class (or at least read those books I bought years ago!); just read more in general)

· Keep Giving (donate more of my time to charities and do some good; give more of my time to friends and family to make sure they know how much I love and appreciate them!)

Hopefully, I'll at least keep some of the resolutions! But in any event, here's looking forward to 2009 - I think its going to be a great year! Excited to see what adventures are to come!