How much does it cost to be a part of history...

You know the answer, but please allow me some space to share...

After struggling to find my way from North West DC to South East DC without actually going through the city, I arrived at my home for the night about 9:00pm on January 19, 2009. TP2 and 3 friends were waiting, and we immediately hopped in the car for a CVS run.

12 P's

We had to be prepared for what lay ahead. There was a list. Finger Warmers (sold out), UNO Cards ($10), Deck of Cards ($2.37), 9-V batteries ($8.99), Chips, mini-water bottles... you get the picture.

I was hungry so we stopped at a few places trying to find chicken (one place ran out) and then headed home. Once there, we were on a mission. It' was after 10:30pm and four women needed to get eat, clothes together, shower, make sandwiches, pack snacks and get some sleep. Mission accomplished by 12:15am. Alarm was set for 3:30am. It was all very mechanical.

Rise and Shine!

None of us had trouble waking up. We dressed, got the food and were out the door. Anacostia Metro was quiet. We were hopeful - did we beat the crowds? It was just after 4am. We arrived at L'Enfant Plaza Metro station about 4:30. That's when it became real.

Thousands of people bottled up at exit gates. Obama hats, scarfs and jackets. Flashes every second. Security. Inauguration day.

Outside there were tens of thousands... ok, probably hundreds of thousands even at that time. The US Capital off in the distance, glowing. Navy sky as a backdrop for a sea of people moving, smiling, running, standing in awe.

We moved quickly, arriving at the front of the Mall packed like sardines.

5:00am

The singing began. Lift Every Voice and Sing... Lean on Me.... someone even started Amazing Grace. Many people joined in. Then the birthdays. Can you imagine sharing your birthday with President Obama's Inauguration?

President Obama....

The jumbo trons began broadcasting the free concert on Sunday some hours later after sunrise. Beautiful. We sung and danced along. The feeling in the air was festive and anxious. We had our flags, we had each other, we were ready.

We saw the cars rolling in. Chevy's. Good Marketing. I noticed, but it could be the e-Service class I just took. Then the Caddy's. It was then that we knew we were only moments away. The program was very nice. Aretha Franklin - she was magical live. It was the first time a tear dropped. Melia and Sasha... can two little girls be more adorable - apparently Rick Warren didn't think so.

The musical selection that made me wish I still played the cello. Our first Lady Michelle looking very warm in a skirt and sheers. The 39th, 41st, and 42nd Presidents greeting and being ushered in. The final farewell to W. Then we see him walking down the hall. Those who were seated, stood. Those standing rose to their tip-toes. There he was.

We yelled in excitement and waved our flags. The Oaths... it became final. Another tear (or two). Then the speech.

After I got home I watched commentary on a few different channels. They thought it was a risky speech because it wasn't inspirational. What they fail to realize, still, is that we are ALREADY inspired. He has given us hope and made us dream for the last two years. His last few speeches have been designed to give us a blueprint for how to reach them, together.

I didn't mention it before, but it was bitterly cold and sometimes windy. I think it was 13 degrees when we got there. The ground was frozen and after a few hours, my toes were in trouble. Thank goodness for extra toe warmers and newspaper. Everyone wearing gloves had their fingers balled into fists. We were thankful for the crowds to block the wind. Then there were the pushy people, jockeying for position. Even then, it was all smiles and jokes. Walking away I felt my sore back and hips. We walked a few miles to get to the Navy Yard Metro Station. On that walk, we were joined by people of all ages, races and genders. Most of us were walking a little funny, but we were still smiling and thankful.

As I type this blog, I realize it isn't very eloquent. I'm just kind of jotting things, and it's a bit jumpy. Please forgive me, I am completely beat, but I have no regrets. To answer my question - being a part of history.... Priceless.

Senseless....

Sometimes I choose not to watch the news.

Plagued by deceit, destruction and death, it isn't something I can stomach every day. Since the year started, I've been getting my news sporadically, some of it has been good, and some of it bad. Israel is bombing the Gaza Strip, killing hundreds of civilians in the process. Sasha and Malia go off to their new school...

Two nights ago was the start of it.

A 65 year old man critically injured in a hit and run accident is still fighting for his life, three weeks later. His son is speaking out. You can see his pain. Willie McCargo was on his way to get a haircut for his nephew’s funeral. A 14 year old boy gunned down while delivering fruit to an elderly neighbor. How much tragedy can one family have to face, I wonder. Mr. McCargo had tire tracks on his shirt. "An animal deserves more respect than my father was given.." says his son. The police don't have any leads... (http://www.wbaltv.com/news/18428540/detail.html?rss=bal&psp=news)

Today, a facebook friend asked if I was attending the funeral of someone that went to my high school. I asked how he died... shot. I did a quick search.

"Family of Baltimore's First Murder Victim Speaks"

Mario Williams, 31, is killed while escorting a drunk patron out of Rumors Bar & Grill, an establishment in East Baltimore that he bought with his girlfriend a year ago. They were celebrating one year in a community which they'd already begun to support by holding back-to-school drives, toy drives, and giving away turkeys for the holidays. Apparently, a member of the community took it upon themselves to say thank you with a bullet to the back of the head. (http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/mario-williams-murder-east-baltimore-rumors-1s/aeaIPVASW0-d1tMsceaidQ.cspx?rss=702)

I left local news and went national. The big story is the Oakland police shooting and the riots. In the age of cell phone cameras and streaming video... you would think...
I had to see for myself. Could it be? A cop shoots a man laying face down in a subway station in front of dozens of witnesses... There's something else to the story right... no. Not really. Oscar Grant was murdered on New Year's morning. 22 year old Oscar Grant, member of Palma Ceia Baptist Church since a child, choir member, part of the church's Royal Ambassador Program, protective younger brother, proud father.. shot in the back while another officer's knee was nestled in his neck. This isn't just an allegation. There's clear video. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idJAr6NUy3E&feature=related). A week later, no charges have been filed and the officer has resigned.

Yes, I’m angry. And hurt.

Black on Black...

Police involved Shootings

In my circle of friends we wonder aloud. "What's wrong with people?" It's a way of life we think we're removed from... this is what happens when life is given little regard. No value. The question is, can you ever truly be removed from it? You're educated, have a career, friends, maybe more. But you also want to go out, have a nice time. Be social. Baltimore's almost in double digit murders and it's only the 8th day of January.

In 12 days, the first black president will be sworn into office. So many of us have such high hopes. I'm not at all saying that things won't change. I do believe that our society will improve. But there is a state of mind that needs to change first. A sense of pride needs to be born (or reborn) into a portion of people that have lost it. We have more than enough history to learn from and build on. We have to be better, but to get better we must see the value in ourselves and our fellow man.

There has got to be a way...

Rise and Shine for 2009

As this is the first blog of the New Year, I was hoping to come up with something insightful and thought provoking. Often times, blogs of that nature are born of hurt, agony or disappointment. I made a personal vow to leave as much of these ill feelings in 2008, and to be honest, I think I can do it.

2008 was a difficult year. There was a point when I'd lost a lot of myself. I was surrounded with negative energy, and I allowed negative thoughts to take over my days. I wasn't happy. My mother has always said that I have the ability to change my frame of mind, my outlook. I just have to make the decision to do it. Well, I started the process of purging those people and things that were not adding value to my life, and that made a tremendous difference. I then took a look at myself, and my life, and made some decisions and commitments to the things that I want.

I have faith that 2009 is going to be a special year. I mean, already PITT has earned a #1 ranking in both polls for the first time in 101 seasons and the Ravens are winning playoff games! Seriously though (even though that was pretty serious), I still feel that God has wonderful things in store for me. Professionally I have grand ideas I think are actionable... I will finally get a business going. I'm re-bonding with my cousins and my brother... To my surprise and delight, I'm going to be an aunt! My father is expressing himself and our relationship is flourishing. My mother and I are coexisting and still remain as close as ever. I'm blessed with great friends and a supportive family. I have a significant other that I think is wonderful...

We all know the sayings about life.

- Life is short
- Life is what you make it
- Life is like a box of chocolates

As easy as it is to laugh it off and push it aside to focus on the serious matters of paying bills, waking up for work and handling our obligations... life IS short. It IS what we make it, and it's true, you never know what you're going to get.

I want to live the best life that I can. I have aspirations and I want to see them take shape. I'm full of love and I want to share it. I plan to LIVE. I hope you do too.