History in the Making!

I didn't want to be cliche and like every other blogger out there and post about the inauguration of Barack Obama. However, I feel like it's something I should talk about. I really didn't think I would care a whole lot about it or be moved by it, but I was. I was charged with helping to plan a watch party for our campus, so I looked at it more as a work event than something I would enjoy. As someone who graduated with a degree in political science, I am always interested in elections, speeches, and things like that. This event did not disappoint. Seeing all those former presidents and vice presidents in attendance was neat. I mean, who would have thought Walter Mondale would be there! I literally got chills after Obama was inaugurated. I feel like this country is energized more than ever before. More people care about politics and believe in the election process, especially young people.

I really enjoyed Obama's inaugural address as well. He is a great public speaker and is very engaging. I think he gets a very important message out there, letting people know that there is still a lot of work to do. His election isn't the end of the road, it's the beginning of a political process which will hopefully make us a better country. I hope that those who worked so hard to get him elected will continue to work to see his ideas turn into reality.

There were only two things that bothered me about the event: 1) Why is everyone saying that Obama is the 44th president? He is really only the 43rd. Grover Cleveland served two different terms (1885-1889 and 1893-1897), and is labeled as the 22nd and 24th president? But isn't he one person that should just be counted as the 22nd? Yes it was the 44th Inauguration, but Obama is really only the 43rd person to serve as president. 2) MSNBC was the only station we could get to work to show the coverage and Chris Matthews was awful! He made some inappropriate comments and I didn't enjoy him. But overall it was an amazing moment, one that I will never forget, and it made me add "attend a presidential inauguration" to my list of things to do before I die.

It's about time!

So I know it's been a while since I posted, but that's what happens when you are trying to finish up a Master's thesis while working a full time job at the same time. It was a pretty good semester, a few challenges as normal, but overall good. I enjoyed my holiday break, I am happy to work in the world of education where we get two weeks off for the holidays. Some of the highlights included:

• Getting to spend a week with my nephews Max (4 years old), and Tyler (5 months old). They are a lot of fun and Tyler is growing up so fast.
• Hanging out with the family in general. It's not often we all get together, so we have fun hanging out.
• Going to see Marley & Me with my parents on Christmas Day. It brought back a lot of good memories of my dog Magic. We had Magic for 17 years and he really was my best friend.
• Finishing my Master's Degree! It feels good to be done, and it only took 2 and a half years. Now I have to figure out if I want to try and get a PhD.
• I got to go to the Texans game when they played the Bears. It was cold and rainy, but a great game. Plus, me and my brothers got on TV!
• Seeing my only living grandparent, whom I haven't seen in a few years because of all the stuff my parents went through. She is still truckin' along.

Those are just a few of the highlights, but you get the point. I have high expectations for 2009, and so far it is off to a good start. I wish each of you success and happiness in the new year.

Cheers,

Jason