Inauguration Day 1/20/09

Fun facts: The actual swearing in ceremony cost an estimated $1.24 million.

$49 million raised in donations for the inauguration.

$170 million spent on inauguration DAY.

$219 million spent (ironically - with people celebrating it!) on 1 day.

Sometimes people just need to elope. The wedding day means nothing if the marraige isn't going anywhere. I want to believe that this is ushering in the new era of change; and now, I'm struggling since his initiation was nothing short of a Bridezilla's dream.

Among the expenses of this budget? A Bruce Springsteen concert, the parade, large-screen TV rentals for all-free viewing on the national Mall, $700,000 to the Smithsonian Institution to stay open and, of course, the balls, including three that are being pitched as free or low cost for the public. Just what Joe-the-Plumber wanted needs when they have no money in the bank, a royal ball!

For those pissed about all the money from the recent government bailout ... the biggest group of donors were none other than the recently bailed-out Wall Street executives and employees. The finance sector was well represented in the list of donators, despite its recent troubles. Those who worked in finance still managed to pull together nearly $7 million for the inauguration. Despite all the donations, Obama’s team has made donations much more restrictive than in the past, capping donations at $50,000 per person, compared to $250,000 cap President Bush had at his last inauguration.

That said, we all need to stop dividing everything into Democrats and Republicans and who's to blame. It is everyone's responsibility to get it together. Everyone f*cked up and we are all suffering. Whatever your beliefs - there needs to be changes made to improve the economy - we can all agree on that.

It probably should have started with a little less pre-celebratory extravaganzas, but looking forward -- let's hope he makes some real change.

On a lighter note, I found this funny:

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

What a basic concept that everyone claims to understand without actually comprehending. I felt glimmers of hope over the holiday when a stranger would help me at the wholesale store with opening my hatchback to put my groceries in; or, a stranger on the train gives his seat to my boyfriend and I so we can sit together. Those random acts of kindness feel somewhat dashed when I go to the movies (and pay good money) only to have a couple my parents age kick the back of my seat for over forty minutes -- despite pushing back, strained glances, and finally asking them to stop. (I finally had to move seats 3/4 of the way through the movie because I was so preoccupied by the seat constantly moving that I missed sections of the movie!)

When did it become over and above to yield the parking spot to the person who was waiting? To let the person waiting at the stop sign the longest go first? How did cell phones make communication so commonplace that returning a message or text obsolete if you just didn't feel like it?

1) At the movies, the seat you are in - is yours. None of the others. You may only put your feet on the one in front of you if it's vacant. Common courtesy, people.

2) If you see someone with a turn signal on when you turn the corner, they are obviously waiting for a parking spot. Don't be a bastard and take it.

3) Be aware of your surroundings. If smiling at someone or giving them your seat would make someone's day - smile or give it up! You never know who will remember that as a small gesture of kindness they needed to make their day/week/month.

4) Don't be one of those assholes that can't drive in the WAWA parking lot. It's not that hard. And if you accidentally are one of those people, it's not that hard to raise a hand and give the courtesy wave. (Which you can't do on your cell phone - so don't pick it up til you are at least out of the parking lot.)

5) If someone sends you a personal text/call/email, return it. Even if it's only to say you are busy and don't have much time on your plate. General ignorance of people's attempts to reach you basically sends the message that you are more important than they are. If that's the case, don't be surprised if they aren't there later on ...

There are so much more, but really - its just basic respect.

Holidays, Gifts & Goodbyes

So, I can't exactly be a Scarebear when I'm in my current state of mind ... I'm a little mixed. I had a fantastic Christmas and New Years. One - I spent with my brother's kiddies and my parents (and got some FANTASTIC gifts that I was not at ALL expecting) and Two - my boy just moved 600 miles away. I'm happy, but sad cause he's pursuing his dreams -- just we won't see as much of each other (obviously). (XOXO, Meatball!)

My wonderful, franco-phile, silly Mer(edith) knitted my mascot for me (the video game littlebigworld's "sack-boy" whom I refer to as 'scarebear') -- he's wonderful and I can't believe how talented she is, especially without a pattern!

My Momma got me the little speaker amp to plug my brand new ipod Touch! I'm super excited. I'd mentioned a long time ago I'd like an ipod since I can organize all my music on it ... I had no idea she'd go so crazy and buy me this fantastic gadget!!