A note to my offspring.

To my future child(ren),

In addition to asking me questions like "why is the sky blue?" and "how did you become so awesome?" I am sure one day you will be ask me where I was on that historic day when Barack Obama became our president. Although probably by the time you are my age, you may think that things like black presidents (and maybe possibly women presidents) are a common thing. I hope that does happen. I will be in my 60s when you are my age, so let's not dwell on that.

Your mother went to work on January 20, 2009. It was a very cold day. There was an email in my in-box from my company that said:

"Given the historic nature of this year's inauguration, we feel it is important to allow our employees access to television coverage throughout the day...we will have televisions set up...As your work schedule permits, please feel free to join your colleagues."

My work schedule permitted.

My co-worker Erin and I went to the conference room and with 50 or more people, we watched the inauguration on CNN. While we were very excited about our first black president and saying good-bye 4-eva to George Bush, we were also very interested in how cute the First Kids are and what First Lady Michele was wearing. Michele wore a pretty conservative yellow-gold dress with a matching coat. I was hoping she would dress more modern, but it seems like first ladies always wear these strange dress and coat numbers. First ladies also have uniforms. She did step it up with the green shoes and gloves which I think was cool.

I have no memories of watching any other presidential inauguration in my life. Sure I have seen images or clips on presidents with their hands on the Bible, but this is the first time that I have ever made the effort to see it happen live.

Everyone in the conference room giggled when Obama stumbled on his oath and applauded and whistled when he made it through. It was amazing to see all the people on the TV who went to Washington to watch it happen live--your father being one of them. No, I didn't see him on TV but apparently he was near the WWII monument.

And then I went to work. And that is all. And that is one of the ways I am awesome.

Love,
Your Mom

P.S. I am NOT PREGNANT.
P.P.S. I just saw Michelle's white ball gown. Pretty!