Inaugurations: Past and Present

Today, Barack Obama was sworn in as President. I watched it from the Business Lounge at my office. Kristy sat next to me. Lots of fellow tenants were there also. I almost cried -- especially as I heard the music. But I would have been embarrassed to cry in front of all those acquaintances, so I kept it under control. I had sunglasses with me just in case. I teared up a couple of time, but not enough for anyone to notice.

I have great hope for Barack Obama. Bush did not seem to have it under control. Things have been spiraling downwards.

As I listened to Barack's speech, I was on Facebook. I decided that I would write down the next line of his speech. When I decided this, he was on terrorism, which I didn't really want to write about. But then, his next complete sentence was something about being strengthened by every language and culture in the US. I thought that was beautiful, and luckily that was the quote I was able to use on my facebook page.

I saw Gran Torino last night, and Slumdog Millionaire earlier this week, which also looked at other cultures.

What do I remember about past inaugurations? In 1977, Michelle, Kimi, Cathy, and I skipped class to watch the inauguration. We started at Michelle's and ended at Kimi's.

In 1981, I was on campus in Joplin. I heard the bells ring.. I thought it was for the new president. Later I learned it was because the hostages had been released.

In 1993, I was so happy to get rid of Bush/Reagan. I remember watching one of the Clinton inaugurals in my office on a little black and white TV. Everyone crowded around to watch it.

In 2001, I remember being so frustrated that Bill Clinton would actually turn over the White House to George Bush. How could he have betrayed Gore like that? Bush stole the election and didn't deserve to be inaugurated. I was so suprised that Clinton would just accept this. Marcy was with me that day.

And then, there's today. I was a Hillary supporter, but I did vote for Obama, somewhat reluctantly. Nonetheless, I've grown to like him more over the last few weeks. I am a little concerned that the media is toooo much in love with him.

I checked my old diaries for inaugural events, but couldn't find any.

What else is going on in my life today? Sophie is starting her final semester of high school today. Some issues over whether she has passed math, and whether she can be an office aide for her theater teacher. I've been helping Rod scan his 6th grade program into the computer. He seems a tad bit overly interested in his former classmates these days. Hhhhmmmm.

Holiday Dancing

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Diary Entry for Nov 5 & 6, 1973

Diary Entry for Nov. 5, 1973

Got up. Wore a new outfit to school that I got Friday Saturday. Went to school. Got my homework that was due 1st hour done on the bus. In science for my word today I had to say acetylsalacylic acid. That is aspirin. Mr. Watson kept talking about how quiet I was. Randy Scott tried to get Mr. Watson to move me up right behind him. Mr. Watson would not do it. Randy said that he would teach me to talk. I had trouble with the zipper on my pants. Miss Westerhide in speech excused me from class because I could not keep them zipped up. Went to get Dino’s picture taken this afternoon. He is 3 months today. It seems like he should be older than that. Went out for pizza tonight. Watched a movie called “your, mine and ours”.

The entry for November 6, the following day.

Got up. Today is Kathy Jackson’s birthday. That is my stepsister. Went to school. It sure is getting cold outside. Didn’t learn much today. During fourth hour, Randy spoke to me. It is beginning to become a regular habit with him. I want to get one thing straight. I don’t like Randy. I just talk about him a lot because he is so popular. This guy named Rick Sharp talked to us at lunch. He kept putting m&m’s down my shirt. I didn’t like it but I couldn’t stop it. I had to make up a play in speech. She picked them all up and handed them back out. I got a real dumb one. Mom made this deal where I take care of the baby all afternoon while she is at school. And she pays me $7.00 per month. He is a lot of work.

October 5, 1973 diary entry

Happy 2 months, Dino. Dino was 2 months today. There has never been a cuter baby. There is a chance that mom may be pregnant again. A slight chance. I hope it is a girl. We'll name her Rhonda Deann or him Johnathon Paul. Went to school. Made a 95 on my algebra test. Saw boring film on Ft Sill in Okla. History. Worked on a new speech in speech. I have to present a girl with a softball trophy. Went shopping after school. Practiced on my organ a lot. Dad went and got me some hamburger fries and root beer for Spanish. Marsh and Nina are coming down Saturday.

Sophie's Senior Pictures (I cried)

On Wednesday I took Sophie for her senior pictures. It comes as no surprise to me that she forgot it was senior picture day (this was the second time we had to reschedule). She urgently texted me in the morning to get her out of school early so she could do her hair and makeup.

So, when we went for her pictures, I became very sentimental. I cried; I sobbed; I embarrassed her.

But I love her so much! And this is my last year with her. I will miss her terribly! It's been heavenly to have her with me these last 17+ years.

A picture of a home in our neighborhood during Hurricane Ike

Rod's new phone inspired this post (3-31-75)

Hello. Guess what? Today's been busy. A lady tried to sell me some cookware this afternoon. It was too expensive but I got a free tray for my hope chest. TOnight I went to prime time. Deena, Kimi, David, Frankie and I walked over there. Larry C (the director) had me be the girl to hold up the words to our songs. I felt corny. I had to just stand in front of everyone and smile. John gave me a ride home. Darlene told me Donny called. He called again at 9:20. We talked for 30 minutes. He told me about his real mom. She committed suicide when he was 9 or 10. He was the one who found her. He said it was bloody and made him sick. I felt so sorry for him. Tomorrow he's running in a track meet at Del City. I'm going to go watch him. I hope he does good. I know he likes me. I can tell. It makes me feel so glad. It's not like last night because I still wasn't quite sure. But now I'm so happy and there's a peacefulness. So much has happened in five days. Let me repeat it.


1st day - THur. Got to know him a little. Enough to say "hi."
2nd day-Fri. Spent most of the day with him. Knew him pretty good.
3rd day - Sat. Began to be more than friendship. Sat with me on the bus.
4th day Sun. Sat together during church. Asked me for my phone number.
5th day - Mon -- He called me. I know for sure he likes me.

FIve short days. I can't believe it. I really like him a lot.

Donny n-Kelly (forever)