And so it begins

Another day of couch surfing. Another day of watching history unfold within a 32” box. Another opportunity ripe for a few observations.

Michelle – WOW! I could never wear that color but God bless her, she pulled it off better than anyone I can imagine. Still not sure whether the gloves and shoes were complementary. And, oooh doggies, she had to be freezing!

Aretha – Only Aretha could wear a bow on her head bigger than Michael’s own Air Jordan and still have people hear her voice instead of her wardrobe. Gave me chills and made me smile.

Chief Justice John Roberts – That will teach him to leave his notes at home. I would have LOVED it if Barack had smiled at him and said, “Hey, can we start over?”

Malia – I thought it was adorable how she was sitting there with her digital camera, snapping pix. It’s not like there won’t be a few million in the press to choose from to put in her scrapbook. But she had an extraordinary vantage point, both literally and figuratively. If she’s smart, she’ll take the advice I’m sure she’s already been given to save those pix for a public photo album some day. Until then, she was like any other pre-teen snapping photos at a friend’s sleep-over. Oh, to be on her friend list!

Sasha – Don’t know if anyone else caught it, but the 7-year-old boogied like Seinfeld’s Elaine up the stage after the ceremony. Just like a little kid completely full of energy and fun and no sense at all that the world is watching her. I’m quite certain she is my very favorite Obama of all.

Laura – The microphone on NBC was unexpectedly catching some chatter as people entered the stage area. Laura entered relaxed, smiling, and happy. "Hey everybody! How you all?" she sang out as if she were walking into a backyard BBQ. I'm thinking I didn't get to know Laura well enough the past eight years. Just as she's taking off, I realize she's a comfy hoot-n-a-half. I shall be reading her memoirs.

George W – Such a gracious exit. Waves, smiles, and quiet. He really allowed the light to shine on his successor today, unlike the camera-lovin’ Bill who took hours and hours and hours to finally get outta dodge eight years ago.

Barack – He was uncharacteristically and endearingly clueless and fumbly when he was signing the official papers to ensure “the continuity of government.” He awkwardly joked about making sure not to swipe the pen. He then stood up after signing the first document and was told to sit back down cuz there were two more to sign. “That’s true, I guess I have to have a cabinet, don’t I?” You could almost hear the self-talk as he tugged at his ear, “DUH, you idiot – play it cool like you’ve done this before.” Somehow I think he'll get this all figured out pretty quickly...but in a way I hope he doesn't. Sort of like Gerald Ford, it's sort of charming to see the most powerful man in the free world stumble a bit when it doesn't matter.

Us – A report on the local news said that a local banner shop is running out of flags. They are being snapped up by people claiming they’ve never had a flag before or haven’t flown one in a long time. A friend posted on his Facebook page this afternoon the question: “Do you really feel differently about America today than you did yesterday? If so, why?” I replied, “I do – because now it suddenly seems hip to be patriotic.” Regardless how you feel about yesterday’s president and today’s president, having a swelling pride and love of country is a great and encouraging thing.