May Day

Yesterday was a day off for the school district - another snow day that we didn't use this year. Despite not having work, I still seemed to pack the day with as many things as possible.

First, I went to the foot doctor for my six week check. He said things are looking good. I asked him about a little residual soreness and swelling I'm still having (it's minor, but still!) and he said I could reasonably expect to have some of this off and on for the next FOUR OR FIVE MONTHS. Not quite what I was hoping for. The good news is that everything is continuing to look great and he's pleased with my progress. He also said I could take Aleve on a regular basis for any leftover swelling - apparently it's just a lower dose of the prescription meds that I was on. I go back again in mid-June for my final check. I can start activities as I feel comfortable, so I'm planning to head back to Jazzercise next week. Don't worry - I'm just doing some low impact - but I'm going to be super glad to get back to working out and seeing all my friends there!

After the foot doc, I took advantage of my time off in KC to go shopping. I went to Babies R Us, Target, Archiver's, and pretty much every store in Oak Park Mall. I had a great time! I got some baby gifts for upcoming showers, got a few scrapbooking items, and spent the rest of the day looking for a dress and shoes for Betty's and Leslie's weddings this summer. Unfortunately, everything in the stores seems to be made for someone with a body type other than mine. Where are the dresses for the girls who happen to be curvy AND short AND under 60? Finally, after much searching, I found one that looked super cute. Here's a link to a pic of it. http://tinyurl.com/d6533p

Now for the next step - shoes! I can't wear heels for at least 6 more weeks, so I'm searching for something that will look cute and also be supportive for my poor little foot. I did find something that I sort of liked at Dillard's... until I discovered that little sandal was $98. I'm going to look online today, but feel free to search for me too. :)

Then last night, we had the History Graduate Student Organization's last get-together for the year at Vermont Street BBQ. Part of the business that was discussed was the outgoing of the present board (Jeremy was secretary this year) and the incoming elected board. Jeremy was elected president for the next year! I am super excited for him and I think he will do a great job. I've been told by Jeremy's friends that we need to get a dog since I am now the "first lady"... I had to remind everyone that 1) I'm already like Michelle Obama since I shop at Ann Taylor, and 2) they had two precious little girls BEFORE they got Bo. They also had their student loans paid off from Barack's book deal, and they live in a huge house with a giant lawn. So, we'll see.

Our plans for the rest of the weekend include finishing a craft project that I'm really behind on, addressing and sending some shower invitations, a wine tasting party, a couple of reports for work for me, and some reading/writing/grading for Jeremy. And, oh yeah, not getting the swine flu.

President Obama

I couldn't let today go by without a blog post. I am really enjoying all of the festivities surrounding Barack Obama's inauguration today. We are so blessed to live in a nation where the transition of power can occur peacefully and smoothly, and citizens can witness it and participate in it. It was amazing to see the massive crowds in D.C., as well as the crowds in other cities across the nation.

The junior high where I work had an altered schedule today to allow time for all students to watch the swearing-in and the inaugural speech in their classes. Jeremy came up to school to see it with me, and we joined an 8th grade history class so we could see it on the big screen instead of my tiny computer (Thanks, Kelly!!). I was really impressed with the attention and respect our students gave to the occasion.

In reflecting on it later, I realized that the students we viewed it with were only in 1st grade when 9/11 happened, and probably don't remember a time when we haven't had challenges like the war in Iraq. They might have some memories of segregation from a grandparent's perspective, but certainly don't remember ever seeing it or having a discussion about race and school attendance (which I DO remember back in Odessa in the 1980's). They are just now coming of age and beginning to figure out what they think and believe separately from their parents and family. I wonder how many of them can appreciate the historical nature of what they saw today. For that matter - do I even really get it the same way that some of my older friends and family do?

I know not all of our readers voted for Obama and not all agree with his plans, but I think most would agree that this is a pivotal time in our nation's history. I hope that Americans will continue to take the time to get involved in our democracy, from our neighborhoods on up, regardless of their views on particular issues. I, for one, am excited to see what the next four years will hold and hope that they will live up to their billing.