I don't know what people are more excited about. Is it the awesomeness of the new president, or the end of the horror of the last 8 years?
Both, for me. RIght now, I think "end of the horror of the last 8 years" edges out Barawesomeness.
And the thing is, after the 2004 election especially, I was overwhelmed at the idea that so many people who live in the same country I do, who saw the government doing the same things I did, could vote to continue an administration whose central tactics were lying, killing, and hating anyone not like them.
If enough people in 2004 voted to keep a president like that in office, I was flat-out *scared.* Because it felt like all the votes that kept Bush in office were votes predicated on hatred of anyone Not Like Them.
Which was ME.
Today, I'm not stupid. I know there are countless people in this country who have never met me -- who don't know I exist -- who hate People Like Me, and may well have voted on those feelings.
It's just that, in 26 hours (!), at least that hatred won't be tacitly supported by the government that purports to be for ALL Americans.
This is cool: The Scrabble Keyboard
This keyboard was commissioned by a couple of friends of mine from back east (NJ) who are avid Scrabble players. Most of the keys are made from real Scrabble tiles that were all hand-beveled (truly an exercise in patience/masochism!) and built onto a USB, clicky, mechanical-switch keyboard. This keyboard was going into a Mac environment so I decided to use brushed aluminum for the casing and round all of the corners to keep with the sleek, simple Macintosh styling. Near the end of the build, I decided that the keyboard looked a little too minimalist so I added some silver hardware and a seam to put a slightly industrialized twist on the design.
I forgot it was a holiday. I had to trudge through much slush and water to get to work today. We had about 8 inches of snow followed by rain all night. Not fun at all. At one point I was crossing the street and I stepped onto an icy median and just slid across it. I made it to work without falling, but there were several soakers.
Both, for me. RIght now, I think "end of the horror of the last 8 years" edges out Barawesomeness.
I'm trying to gauge how much of each I'm experiencing. I know for certain that I've never felt such excitement and elation about the political situation in this country. Sure, it's not a perfect picture, but it's a damn good start.
I'm starting with number 1 on my list. Right now.
Any second.
5. mail packages
Isn't the post office closed today?
It's a holiday in Canuckistan, too? I mean, I know you're probably excited about Obaminauguration too, but going so far as to make it a holiday?!
sarameg, did you see this in the paper today about trying to drive to the inaugaration? There's also suggestions at the end for public transit options.
[link]
Anytime I hear about great crowds like that, I think, "what about if you have to go to the bathroom?"
Chicago Bob and I are taking the light rail to the Marc train, leaving at ass o'clock and staying for 12+ hours. Where I'm going to pee is my biggest concern! Also, what to wear. But it was too close to not try to go be a part of it. Especially because CB was coming into town and he really wanted to go down. And at least it won't be as cold as it was on Saturday morning when we saw Obama & Biden at the Wilmington train station. But that was not only cold but really freaking cool and I'm so glad we did it!
Will you be able to mail things? Isn't the PO closed?
I got one load of laundry in, but the machine I used may well be broken, sigh. I also motivated to wash the dishes, but that's it. We leave for a movie in an hour, not sure what I can get done in that time, maybe get sheets on the bed.
I think, "what about if you have to go to the bathroom?"
You hold it. I've done the Mall-crowd thing a couple of times- Clinton in '92 and a 4th of July that reached towards the numbers that this one will. (In retrospect, it's probably good it was 100 F that day...) I think I availed myself of the porta-potties in '92, but ...yeah, doubt it this time.
It took about 90 minutes to shuffle (and I do mean shuffle. Babysteps) to the metro-station to leave. I honestly expect the same or much worse this time. Pros for less onerous: the parade is later. So some people will attempt to head for that even though they've been warned not to. Cons: mass exodus when the address by Obama is over. I'd love to stick around for the poem, just out of curiosity, but we'll see. I'm pretty much planning for it to take the entire afternoon to get back to my car.
