A Bit of Hero-Worship

I'll be the first to admit I've got a bit of hero-worship going on when it comes to our new president. I wasn't paying attention when Bill Clinton was in office (other than noticing the tabloid bits) and I've not been enchanted with Bush. President Obama, though, I find inspiring.

Which was why I wanted a fancy cake from Ace of Cakes today, and my sugar high to go along with my emotional high and excitement for the inauguration. I didn't get the cake. I wasn't willing to pay $1,000. I was, however, willing to go over to Safeway and get one of their delicious chocolate chip muffins. I even decorated it. If you can't tell, the picture to the right shows the O and B of Obama. (You try writing on a chocolate-chip covered spherical surface with cool whip using a fork as your "pen." See the top-down view below. I'm sure that will make it clear.)

I watched more news today than I have in the last three months combined, and I reveled in every moment. I was unashamedly addicted.

I stood when the president was being sworn in, feeling proud and foolish in front of my TV. I cried when he gave his speech. I have several favorite quotes from his speech, but will spare you and share with you only my top three:

"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

I believed before Obama was elected that we were all equal, all free, all deserving of our chance to pursue happiness. I didn't need to hear him say it. But it was nice.

"...know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy..."

This appeals to me as a woman, an author, a citizen. I could add this line to my "The Hero Question" post as one of the things that I think defines a hero--what they create, not what they destroy.

"...there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."

Did I not say the same thing just a few posts ago? (Okay, okay, my "Lessons in Life" post might not have been quite as eloquent...or quite as publicized.)

I hope you all had a fun, celebratory inauguration day. I'm off to consume that delightful chocolate masterpiece.

(If you're wondering, the book hidden by my tribute to Obama above is The Secret Lives of the First Ladies. Also of note, everything I had to eat today was round...we'll say that coincidence was also in honor of Obama.)