Rest In Peace Michael

It has been a long time since I blogged and so much has happened. School has ended for me, we are moving along with our adoption process and I am looking forward to fun times this summer. But 12 days ago my world was shaken. My favorite entertainer in the world passed away of a heart attack possibly caused by medications that he was taking.

I have ALWAYS been a Michael Jackson fan! Light skin, trials, wierd behavior, nothing has ever changed the way I felt about him. I was with him forever. Listening to Michael Jackson music has always been a norm for me. He is all over my mp3 player and I get a Michael fix several times a week. If you had asked me the day before he passed who my favorite singer was I would have instantly said Michael Jackson and those who know me know that as well!

My heart is so heavy because I was so excited about his upcoming concerts. I was hopeful that he would revive his career a bit with the concerts and maybe even give us one final album, but obviously his work was done.

Loving Michael hasn't always been easy. Many gave up on him because of his unconventional behavior but I am so happy that folks are remembering him for his music, dancing, and philanthropy. The music will live on and now happy memories of him will too.

I love you Michael. Rest in Peace.

Sports Mom

Well it is official, I am a Sports Mom. My son had an Opening Day ceremony and his first game for T-ball and we had a blast. Well, let's just say it was cute. It was a success because everyone had a wonderful time. The kids were well behaved, they had fun and learned a lot about the game of baseball. However, no one prepares you for the chaos of T-ball. Kids all diving for the same ball no matter where they are on the field, kids running around the bases twice, falling kids, silly kids, and confused kids. For the first 2 innings no one would throw the ball to second base, they all thought they could run it their faster. Kids that ran home all did the same thing, slide into home base. Parents were happy and cheery but confused. They say you don't keep score in T-ball, but really, how can you? There is no way. Kids are running around everywhere. I mean really, you can't even keep up with how many outs you have. Most of the time kids are just focused on what the snack of the day is. "Mommy, can I get a juice?" "When can we eat the crackers?"

My husband was the coach and I must say he was extremly organized. He also gave the batting order so that everyone could help get their child get to the appropriate place. It was a fabulous idea. The other team only had the coach and one other parent to help. Our team had an army of men all assisting. I tell you it was a sight to see. I think it is going to be a very interesting experience, fun and chaotic all at the same time. Stay tuned for an update on the next game.

What is wrong with being a rock star?

The President and First Lady are about to wrap up their first oversees trip and I believe it is safe to say they were it hit. As President Obama said, "America is back!" As I write, the President has made a surprise trip to Iraq to visit the Iraqi leaders and to meet with the troops and generals on the ground. He will of course boost the morale of those on the ground in Iraq. This trip will also show the love and respect that President Obama has gained since his election.

We have a President that we are proud of once again. Did anyone think that President Obama would go overseas and embarass us? It is just not who he is. He was raised with decency, respect and most importantly humility. I think the American people are getting a first hand lesson on the difference between confidence and cocky. He is confident in his abilities to speak, persuade, listen and act. Sounds like leadership to me. Having watched President Obama as a Senator, candidate and now President, I no longer worry about what he is going to say or do. He always hits the correct note. I am not surprised. I appreciate candor and honesty. And much of what he said about our relationship with the world is accurate and needed to be said.

And don't get me started on First Lady Michelle Obama. The right did their best to label her as a militant black woman because of her statement, "For the first time in my adult life I am really proud of my country.", which referred to the enthusiam of the American engagement in the past election. Also because in her thesis paper in college in Princton she described her experience of as black woman on a predominantly white campus and because she did not describe it as a series of cumba yah moments then again she is not proud to be an American. Well what we saw overseas is not only is she a proud American, but she represents part of what is great about her country simply because of her story and rise to success.

What we saw in Europe is that the Europeans love and praise America again. That should make Americans proud. We are back and it feels good!

Who's Fault Is It?

So the economy is in the toilet and Obama has been President for....50 days and the low stock market value is Obama's fault? Okay, so President Bush can lead for 8 years and he and his administration get no blame? Are you kidding? It is a joke, right?

The Republicans are so confused I don't even see how they can say that with a straight face. President Obama just passed the Recovery Act about a month ago and the money hasn't even been distributed yet to states. It has to least get an opportunity to take effect.

The last few days the market has been on a steady decline and the Republicans have the audacity to say that is the market responding negatively to the plan. Let's be serious. Republicans have no ground to stand on with this issue and thank God, based on recent polls, the American people seem to agree. Obama's poll numbers are still quite high and they are giving him time for his policies to take effect.

The funny thing is the last 3 days the dow was a surge and over the weekend the Republicans on the talk shows all tried to say that Bush deserves some credit for the up tick. So let me get this straight, if it is bad it is all Obama's fault and if it is good for a few days the Bush and Obama can share the credit?

Republicans you are on a thin line to irrelevancy. I would be very careful if I were you.

On another note, last week the question was is Obama trying to handle to much at one time? Can he really fix the economy, heath care, education and the wars at the same time? Again, this country is so confused after 8 years of mediocrity. We don't even know real leadership when we see it! Speaking each day for about and hour and introducing your team that is going to work on the issue is not my idea of him spending too much time on important topics. What he is doing is leading. He is deligating the take to a team of experts, telling them to get to work based on his vision and he will then have the report back in a few months with a report. That is what he did in terms of health care, education and the wars on Iraq and Afghanistan. Now President Obama can turn his attention solely on the economy. It is the economy stupid, and he knows that. Everybody, just chill and watch realy leadership in action. It make take us a little while to know what competence looks like, but I gaurantee you will like it.

G.O.P. did you forget....

Okay. Did the Republicans forget they lost? Did they forget the economy fell apart under their watch? Did they forget we are in two wars because of them? I am just wondering because they seem to really be trying to set the agenda. They are really trying to get the public to listen to them and their opinions. But as a I recall we have been listening to them for about 8 years and where did that get us?

It is quite noble that Obama wants to be bipartisan, but based on the results of the presidential election and the congressional election, aren't democrats well within their rights to ignore them? I think the answer is yes.

So, Republicans don't expect too much love from Obama. I mean, I get the feeling he is going to listen for only so long. At some point, your ideas are just bad for America right now and the great thing about it is we now have proof, 8 years of it. So, Republicans just chill for a while. Obama is already letting you talk to much now, so I wouldn't push it if I were you. He might eventually shut you up for good.

Just a few words of advice, take it or leave it.

Inauguration Thoughts

Well the inauguration weekend is over and honestly this blog will not truly express my feelings because this is an experience that I will reflect on for years to come. But I can say that the whole entire experience was electric and breathtaking. I just witnessed in person the first African American man become President of the United States. This is something that history books will discuss 100 years for now. Sadly, Americans have talked about where were you when 9/11 happened or where were you when you heard about Katrina, or the space shuttle, but as a friend reminded me ,we now have something positive to describe our whereabouts. I am glad I can say, I was there.


The weekend began when a friend gave me surprise tickets to attend an inaugural ball on Saturday, then my husband and my dad and I went to Lincoln Memorial concert on Sunday and of course all of us attended the inauguration. I was lucky enough to get two tickets because I worked extensively on the campaign, so a few friends had pity on me, much to my benefit. It is still a shock that I was so privileged to attend so many events during the inauguration weekend. I had never been to an inauguration before so it was totally cool.


The day began early, 2am to be exact, just to get to the Metro station and catch the first train. So needless to say, it was a long day. I was tired, cold, hungry, sore and excited, nervous, overwhelmed and thrilled at the same time. I was taking pictures the entire time, but only of the Jumbo tron. I had tickets, so I was close to the Capitol, but my tickets had me seated to President's Obama far left. I could not see him at all, therefore we had to use the Jumbrotron. My tickets were beneficial in that I saw several celebrities going to their seats. It was pretty cool, but I wish had a direct view of the inauguration.


In my section there people of all ages, different races, but I must admit, to see so many large numbers of African Americans was awesome. People were just so happy and enthusiastic even though it was so cold. I saw waving flags, tears and smiles. I shared my ticket with my mom. That was cool as well because we were able to witness such a historical moment together.

It took me along time to finish this post because I just couldn't wrap my brain around my emotions. I went days and just cried for no apparent reason. I couldn't believe I was living in a time such as this, but then I remembered what I have know forever. The only thing I can think of to justify my privilege can be summed up in one word, blessed. I am truly blessed to be able to witness this.

Inauguration Woes

So I am gearing up to attend the inauguration. I plan on attending the concert on Sunday evening and of course the swearing in ceremony on Tuesday. I am really bummed that I can't go to ball, but we just can't afford it. The Obama team has done a remarkable job trying to make this an inauguration that average folks can attend, but we just can't swing the balls. There is a Neighborhood ball that went public today and they are even distributing tickets to the Youth Ball to local area Boys and Girls clubs. So really folks will have an opportunity to attend the events. But oh well, the concert and the swearing in are just enough for me.

However ,I am really disappointed at some of the people that live in this area. My husband and I can't find anyone that plans on attending. Everyone has an excuse. It will be too long, too cold, no bathrooms, too many people. Come on, are you kidding me? Do you really want to say you watched this moment on tv? I just don't understand it. But hey, to each is own. But I will be there, husband and 5 year old son. We can handle a little discomfort to be a part of this moment. We live in the DC area. I am too close to stay home. Six days and counting!