Transfer of Power

Four years ago on this day, we were celebrating the inauguration of George W. Bush at an Inaugural Ball in DC. If my memory doesn't fail me, I believe it was the Independence Ball located at the Convention Center. We didn't see the actual swearing-in ceremony that day, just heard it on the radio in the car as we traveled to DC. We were one of the first ones there, me in my embroidered black and white satin gown and Ron in his rented tux, and we were one of the last ones to leave the party, well past midnight.

When we finally got through security and in the door, a quick survey of the hall and some quick thinking (on my part, I'm proud to say) led us to snatch one of about eight small round tables (with four barstools) located in the big, yet empty room. We got ourselves some drinks and whiled the time away. As the room began to fill with people and become quite crowded, we rejoiced in our good fortune that we had a table.

We guarded that table throughout the night, leaving it one-by-one only for food from the nearby buffet, more drinks, and some photos of the President and First Lady as they made their appearance. (Sadly, this was in a year when my digital camera was busted and all I had was a flimsy disposable. Can you believe it? I cannot tell you where those pictures are.)

And throughout the night, many visitors filed by our table, asking for permission to sit, people like Morton Blackwell, various elected officials, and celebrities, whose names I don't even recall. All of Washington was at our particular ball, as our state got grouped together with DC, which was great, because we got to meet several people who worked in the Bush administration.

It was an awesome night, one we will not soon forget.

Needless to say, we were not in DC today, nor were we attending any Inaugural Balls. We watched the peaceful transfer of power on television, reverent of the US political process, and aware of the historical significance, but wary at what America's future holds with this 44th President at the helm. Beyond campaign slogans and sweeping promises, some of which have already been cast aside, America has yet to see who Barack Obama truly is.

Starting tomorrow, we will find out.

Trick or Treat? (we shall see on Election Day)

Tonight, in the spirit of the Looming Marxist Regime, we pondered whether we should just fall in line with the logic of the masses and force all of the hard-working kids who diligently spent their night going about town, collecting their precious candy, to come by our house when their work is done and SPREAD THE WEALTH AROUND. We agreed, each of them should put 5 pieces of their candy into our goodie bag.

This would all be done in the name of FAIRNESS, of course. Because we are obviously small and frail and unwilling to traipse around town all night, collecting our own candy. So they must collect it for us.

If they don't want to do this (what?! they think this is unfair?), we would sit them down and explain to them that they already have too much candy to begin with. This is not fair. Why do they need so much? Really, they should not be so SELFISH. Be an American, already! Handing over your candy after a long night's collecting is PATRIOTIC!

Luckily, we came to our senses before this scenario played out. We hope that the country also comes to its senses before this plays out nationally.

And so, what happened tonight? We VOLUNTARILY GAVE CANDY to all that came to our house. Because we are big-hearted that way. As for our own candy-collecting activity, we agreed that if we want candy, we really need to put our shoes (and cute patriotic elephant outfit) on and walk over to at least one neighbor, which we did.