I also loved the quote from Michelle's brother who's like, it's not cool enough that there's a black president, but it's my brother-in-law???

And in that wedding photo, who would pull Grandma to go with any of those faces. That is such the growing picture of our families.

Fun dispatches from Hawaii:

Shaka! [link]

Obama Dog! [link]

Just got the official word that I'm OK. But I don't remember us ever having this big a layoff before, so who know how long this will mean things are relatively safe. We're usually recession proof (people go to college when things are good & often go back to college when things are bad), but since this is so related to lending, it hit us right where we live (the whole industry, not just us).

Inauguration photos: [link]

They're all great, but #10 is my favorite.

What struck me most about that one was the American flag in the background.

My favorite caption is from #25 (emphasis mine):

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle stand with former US president George W. Bush and Laura Bush on the steps of the US Capitol following the inaugural ceremony for Obama as 44th US president in Washington on January 20, 2009.

I love all the pictures of the Obamas dancing at the balls. They're just so obviously in love -- and more than that, you can see how much they LIKE each other, which might seem obvious, but man, I know couples who barely seem to tolerate each other.

This video clip (no sound), of Barack and Michelle busting out into a little dance in the booth where they were watching the parade, is my favorite thing from yesterday: [link] Just because that, more than anything, showed how close they are. To me. It's those tiny, often dorky, moments that say everything.

They're just so obviously in love -- and more than that, you can see how much they LIKE each other, which might seem obvious, but man, I know couples who barely seem to tolerate each other.

They seem to enjoy giving each other grief, in that fun, bantering way.

Sort of like Nick and Nora Charles, but without the constant drinking.

Totally to my surprise, it was number 42 that did it for me. I mean, look! At the top of the organizational pyramid, and... man. I got a lump in my throat.

Also, I've always hated that photo of Bush, so it was nice to see it go.

Also, I've always hated that photo of Bush, so it was nice to see it go.

You mean this one? [link]

Yeah, me too. He always looked like a hyper-active four year old on a sugar rush.

Bush: They gave me candy!

Photographer: Was that all right?

Cheney: Oh, yeah. He'll run around like a maniac for a half hour or so, then crash for three or four hours. It's nice really, it means I'll get some work done.

I doubt that the Fuggers will ever get to her, but Cynthia McFadden was wearing the most hideous dress last night. It looked like something a 12 year old would have worn in 1985 if she was playing princess. It was all puffy sleeves and velvet on top with a gathered skirt that cut her off in the wrong place. I wish I could find a picture...