"In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun."

What a day! Regardless of how you feel about the man, the magnitude of what this country has accomplished today is breathtaking. I watched the inauguration of President Obama (Ahhhhhh!!!!! just to say it!!!!) from my new job at NYU today. I was working in the theatre where they simulcast the whole thing. (Watch history made AND get paid...nothing wrong with that!) There were about six hundred people on their feet as our new president was sworn in. For a generation so often criticized by our elders for our alleged apathy, I think we did alright.

I am not so ignorant as to think that he has all the answers or to put undue hope in what is ultimately just a man, but with our support, prayers, respect, and love, I do believe that he can lead us to a better America.

And for some musical theatre political humour (oh yes, it's out there) please check out this video of my friend Kelly, with whom who I spent this magical day, as Sarah Palin singing "Popular". Absolutely brilliant. My friends are so talented!

oh sam
grampadog
samikins
old man
buddy

pops,
i'll miss you....

The snow is falling outside, the temperature has warmed up a little-to 30°F- but I'm cozy inside Postmark, my new favorite cafe in my new neighborhood! I wake up every morning amazed again that I get to live here. Everything is so good! Incredible roommates! Soon-to-be-gorgeous apartment! Rooftop access! View of downtown! Perfect location! Now I just have to find a way to pay for it...

we're working on doing up the apartment as often as we can afford it but I'll try to get some photos or video up soon.

One great thing is that I visited a new church! yesterday. I've been in a bit of a struggle lately about where I'm going to go. It's been so long since I have been actively involved in a church. It's kind of strange actually. I'm not 100% yet but I did really like this place and could see myself finding a home there. It also doesn't hurt that it's just a block away!

The wife of the pastor was preaching and she was talking about Esther and how the bible says she was in that place and time "for such a time as this" to save the Jewish people from destruction. It was a challenge then about why are we in this place and time. Why am I alive and here in this moment? I know the general reasons, love God, love people. but what are the specifics? She reminded us that just the fact that we are here means that we are wealthier than 80% of the planet. I can get so focused on how "poor" I am! And while I may not have any extra money right now, I still have so much. I have to stop looking at what I don't have and see instead what I DO have and how I can use it. Like Israel, I have been blessed to be a blessing. (I'm thinking maybe we both need a little more understanding about the second part) Anything I have has been given to me so that others can benefit from it as well. Just a little bit of what I'm thinking about these days......

Because Siri made fun of me...

During a beautiful, silly, deep, stupid, dreaming, laughing, chip-eating, coat-modeling, two and a half hour long skype chat with one of my favorite Norwegians today, it was mentioned that my New Years Resolution was a little lame. SO just in case anyone else thought that my only goal for the year 2009 was to blog more, for your consideration...

A song I'm loving these days...

Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails
I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercy for me every day
Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails

The wind is strong and the water's deep but
I'm not alone here in these open seas
Your love never fails
The chasm is far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails

You make all things work together for my good

New Years Resolution? BLOG!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
I got to ring it in with style this year at the annual Horton New Years Slumber Party....although I have to say I'm a little disappointed that no one actually slumbered at my very first HNYSP. Molly already said many of the lovely things I have to say about this group on her blog (scroll down past the wedding with the sword (?) to check it out plus amazing pics of our Christmas party and more of their awesome work) but I will echo how nice it is when that line between friends and family gets so blurry that they seem the same.

My most deliberate New Years resolution? BLOG MORE! I have heard the cry of the people and I can't hold back from them any longer...hahahaha...I'm not promising everyday or anything but I'll try to be better. I know I'm starting to sound a bit repetitive with that one but the intention is true! anyway, it shouldn't be to hard now that I'm unemployed! I can just blog all day long! (any chance I could get somebody to pay me for that?) BUT I'll be honest, it gets a little boring if there's no response, faithful readers, so how about you? what's your New Years Resolution? And be creative! I don't want to hear about those 10 pounds you want to lose...Dream bigger!!! If you're looking for inspiration, how about some awesome Swedish knitting "graffiti"