Where were you?

Where were you when America made history?  Where were you when we welcomed into America's highest office a man who - just a few decades ago - wouldn't have been welcomed into the same restaurant dining room as white persons.  Where were you when the millions of Americans traveled to Washington, DC just to be in the vacinity of this incredible moment in time?

I'll never forget where I was, because something greater than us stepped in and slowed everything down.  I can't remember the last time it snowed in Chapel Hill.  But, in the wee hours of January 20th, 2009, snow started falling, and today was an official "snow day!"  Translation:  everything in this town came to a grinding halt, enabling us all to slow down from the hustle of our daily lives to take in this moment in time.  It's almost as if this was planned...

So, where was I?  I was in my living room, dancing with my baby daughter as the quartet played an arrangement of "'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free..."  She laughed and laughed; I'll never forget the look on her face.  As President Obama took his oath of office, she jumped up and down on the sofa, again laughing with glee...not because she was aware of the historical signifiance of this moment, but because both her mommy and daddy were at home in the middle of the week.  But, while she didn't understand the meaning of the day, I did.  And, every detail of this day and that scene will be etched in my memory as I describe it to her one day.  

I am more hopeful for her future today...not because I expect President Obama to move mountains...but because the American people overwhelmingly decided to take a giant step in the "right" direction. 

Back at it.

...the daily grind, that is.  I've been off work for two weeks, and I'm back today (although Monday is my work-from-home day, so I'm still in my PJs).  I got a little weepy last night thinking about having to get back into the hustle and bustle of daily work life.  And, I have a number of business trips (albeit short ones) coming up.  I've had so much joy spending all day, everyday, with the little one.  On the other hand, I don't think I'm cut out to stay home all the time.  I'm not thrilled to be back at work, but I'm welcoming the change in routine.  At least, that's what I'm telling myself...right?

The best gift ever.

Maybe not ever (that would be the kid), but pretty close. My father-in-law gave me an iRobot Rooma vacuum cleaner for Christmas. Now, some folks might be offended by such a gift, but I was intrigued. You see, the Roomba is a robotic vacuum cleaner. Basically, it's as simple as pressing the "clean" button, and the robot vacuums your house. I was skeptical, but it's GREAT. It vacuums hardwoods, rugs, carpets, going from one to the other with ease. And, it even leave those nice, "I just vacuumed" marks on carpet! I can't think of a bad thing to say about the Roomba. I've run it everyday since I got it. Maybe it's just me, maybe I'm freakishly excited about this gadget...but I LOVE the Roomba. You must get one yourself.