OBAMANIA!!!

As everyone of you no matter where in the world watched the inauguration of the United States 44th President, a sense of hope, renewal, pride and oneness has over come this city and nation. As the Inaugural Balls unfold as I speak, I feel blessed to not have ticket for one of these events since I have been out in the largest and most joyful crowd I have ever witnessed for almost 10 hours. And I am exhausted but feel blessed.

And this is despite one of the most disappointing 4 hours I have ever had. Ironic that Pranvera, my Kosovar wife, has close personal connections with a US Congressman who gave us 2 tickets to witness today, up close. This was not to be. Not only was Pranvera in Kosovo watching the ceremony from a better vantage point than we had, we waited patiently to inch our way for 4 hours only to get up to the gate where they had collapsed multiple lines together and thousands of us ticket holders were locked outside of seeing or hearing anything. And sad enough were the tens of tens of unused security machines that the secret service were not letting people access. Sven (friend from Kosovo) and I finally gave up and could only feel that much worse all the people who not only waited several hours the day before to pick up their tickets but after countless hours of travel or flights, only to be turned away a stone throws away.

Somehow, we were able to break off from the main crowd to slide laterally and eventually get within site and sound of the Capital. To hear the powerful worlds from our new Commander in Chief along with the rest of the speakers. And here the power of millions of other people in celebration of what we have done today electing the first black American President came to light. But lasting for such a short time to leave mass confusion and many closed off exits which herded everyone through one gate and out one tunnel to finally not be nose to back for the first time in 6 hours. I would have called it a day here if not for the invitation I had to a private parade party on the 6th floor of a building directly on the parade route. And with no line or security check to fight, I was able to slide on in and enjoy plenty of food and drink with my college friend Carolyn and boyfriend Matt. And as you can see we were able to enjoy 'up close' the President and First Lady as they emerged from their car.

All and all, a day in DC, and a new dawning for America...World, we're back:-)

We are One Concert Washington DC

With 500,000 of our closest friends, my cousin Rand and I listened to everyone from Bruce Springstein to U2. A day of unbelievable energy and pride to be an American.

Kirkbride Christmas in the Capital
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A Happy Holiday and New Year to you all!! We feel so blessed to have shared this holiday season with the Kirkbride family in the States and to be in touch with so many of you long distance (thank god for technology). This was not only Pranvera and my first Christmas but it was the first time I have ever hosted the holiday's with a real tree, preparing the Christmas meal and organizing all the related activities to entertain the 8 of us for 4 days.
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My parents flew out from St Louis, my sister arriving from LA, my cousin Rand flying in from his post (with USAID) in Haiti and his two girls coming down from Silver Spring MD. Our little place turned into a festival of food, laughs, games, stories, presents, food and slumber parties (with Rand and the girls crashing in the guest room). It had been over 5 years since my family had gotten together like this and a first (and finally complete) one with Pranvera by my side.
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After everyone arrived, we had little time to spare before we walked up to our local Unitarian (for all and non religions) for the Christmas Carol Candlelight family service. It was a great hour of hearing babies erupt every 15 seconds in between the Little Drummer Boy and Silent Night. The lighting of the candles concluded a very nice family time before we wandered to a new local restaurant to enjoy a wonderful Christmas Eve meal and catch up with everyone. Fully stuffed we wandered home for a night cap, enjoyed the lights on the tree and the massive amounts of packages we would rip apart in less than 12 hours. And then we lay down with sugar plums dancing in our heads.
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Amazing that months of planning, shopping and spending can be unraveled in less than 1 hour. But we drew it out a bit by waking up late, preparing a nice buffet style breakfast and really appreciating the intention behind each gift. We all got that special present, Pranvera's being the plane ticket I gave her to visit many of you back home from Jan 15-Feb 9th. Mine was the navigation system from her to use in our new car once I get around to purchasing it. We had such a great time and wish we could replay the morning over and over.

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(plane ticket gift:-))

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Now that the production of the gift exchange had passed, Pranvera and I were tested by preparing our first ever formal dinner somehow squeezing 6 of us around our small table and the kids table near the fireplace. We were able to use all the fine China from our wedding and we tag-teamed the dishes perfectly. A nice Salmon Tarragon bake with veggies, a Musaka dish from Kosovo, baked new potatoes and the highlight of Pranvera's tiramisu. YUM!!!!

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The next day we ventured out in DC to see a special train and monument exhibit at the botanical garden and to wander around the brightly decorated Union Station. Weather was relatively warm and it was pleasant to be out as one big family.
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Throughout the other days we all went to the 'Marley and Me' movie, had nice walks and talks and explored Georgetown on the unseasonal warm sunny day. We are so thankful we had the opportunity to bring my side of the family together and can't wait till next year (since we will still be stateside). Our tree is even still up but we know that it will be time to now move on...

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We have an inauguration to attend to now!!! (and tickets to see it;-)

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