Yes I know this post shows as being January 21, which is a day after inauguration day, but it's also 12:45 in the morning. That means for me, Obama Day just ended.  So deal with it.

Today we took time out of work to watch the history of the inauguration ceremony for the 44th President of the United States.  It was definitely a unique setting with all of us sitting around the TV in my boss' office paying rapt attention.  There were certain aspects of it that were great (the speech, the benediction, the music) and there were things that weren't (the invocation, Aretha Franklin's hat, the poem).  The presidential oath flubs were like watching someone trip while getting their diploma.  It all worked out in the end though, and the sky was a touch more blue, the air a bit more fresh, and the sun a bit more bright afterwards.

It should be noted that on the new whitehouse.gov's civil rights page, there's a very clear section on LGBT rights.  It's awesome to see that our President has an agenda that doesn't involve ignoring and denying our rights.  I hope his agenda is more than just words.

On an unrelated subject, I received an e-mail recently from a friend from college that I haven't heard from in years.  She was dealing with a situation in which she was confused about her sexuality, and she had questions for me.  She came to me because of how open and willing to answer questions I was for her in college.  It was really touching to me to have her specifically seek me out for answers.  It's nice to know people trust me.

We've had a dialogue, and she seems to be handling the situation much better since we started talking.  It makes me so proud to be able to help someone understand themself better.  Here's a direct quote from her recent correspondence with me:

"you know what?  Honestly, you inspire me, Jess. Even in college, its like you've always had a vision of what you've wanted for yourself and you went after it. You always strike me as someone who is confident in her own skin, proud of who she is, and that is really inspiring. You're hardworking and striving after all your goals with the diligence of a night watchman. Plus you know how to have fun. You know how to be competitive and serious in your field, and you know how to have fun.  Besides all that you make time to reach out to others. To really care for the other.  you are a kindhearted gentle soul and I'm grateful to know you."

I can't tell you how awesome that made me feel.  To my friend, thank you for your kind words.  I hope you don't mind my posting your thoughts.  And as always, I'm happy to be an open ear and help as best I can. That goes for everyone. :)

OK..I told myself I'd get to bed before 1:30, and it's 1:00 now.  I better go. Until next time...

P.S. I may have a date this weekend...sort of. More on that later.