it feels like the sun has finally come out

what else could i possibly blog about today? i woke up this morning, and everything felt different. the air was warmer, the clouds were hovering, but not threatening rain, and i couldn't wait to get to work to hop on cnn.com and wait.

and my, it was so worth the wait.

it's funny, that the inauguration probably inspired many conversations today. about great leaders, bad leaders, invisible leaders (hello, mr harper? are you listening?) and about being inspired. and it was absolutely amazing, some of the things i've heard today.

perhaps some people can categorize me as a typical canadian. i'm indifferent, not politically motivated, and all that other assumed crap that people have about our 'friendly' nation. and though i don't get very vocal on occassion, what i am is observant. and this is what i've observed today.

ignorance.

there are some people here i've met who i talk to every day. they are actually fun and welcoming people, but when it comes to other nations, they are completely in the dark. and they mask this ignorance with an unwavering pride and pomposity. they jokingly say that they can tolerate me as i'm a canadian (gee thanks), but today, i found myself defensive. i was defending my american neighbors.

one person actually said to me 'why are you bothering watching that? it happens every four years you know' and all i could say was no, what we're seeing today doesn't happen every four years. its never happened. we are a part of history. and they assume that what happens in the US doesn't affect their lives.

how naive.

i know we jokingly make fun of the americans (well, as canadians do), and its all in good fun...most of the time. but today, and well, its been building since day one, i realize that everything that the british accuse americans of being are simply a reflection of themselves. but in my opinion, there is a major difference.

while the brits like to bitch and complain about the americans, that seems to be all they are doing. bitching and complaining. and yes, i'm not making it sound like the americans are the greatest people in the world (no one owns that title), what i like is their work ethic in making it right. they finally got rid of that jackass bush and voted for a man who inspires change. i think obama said it best in his speech today, when he said that What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them...For the world has changed, and we must change with it. if cynics don't take that step forward, the world will leave them behind.

the brits better keep up. they may have given us great victories in the past, but they too need to pull up their socks

many say that its a matter of time before obama becomes tainted by power and money. i don't doubt that it will influence him, but i don't think it will taint him. am i putting him up on a high horse? i don't think so. i know he won't succeed at everything. who can in a mere 8 years (and yes, i think he'll be reelected), but he'll try. i honestly believe that he will. obama symbolizes inspiration, hope, authenticity, integrity and relief.

he has a lot of work ahead of him. not just to get his country out of the hole its in, but to clean up the mess that years of corrupt american governments have left behind. to heal relationships of wounds inflicted years ago. here is someone ready to take responsibility.

obama is ready to lead, not just his country, but those who believe in a world that can encourage peace.

he shared with us some powerful words. words that i will carry with me for a long time.

America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. Amen to that, for no one else seems willing to pick up the slack.

Your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.

we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist

a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves


americans must be extremely proud today. i'm proud for them. and i wish obama nothing but success in his journey in making his country great for everyone