Welcome Aboard, President Obama.

by Missy Ward on January 20, 2009 · 11 comments

While the masses of Americans endured the freezing temperatures of DC to bear witness to history in the making, a bunch of Orlando bloggers and I camped out at the Izea offices to share in the experience of welcoming President Obama into office.

Quaker Oats sponsored my Inaugural Viewing event as part of their “Start with Substance” campaign and it was a great way kick off the day.

A huge spread of Quaker Oatmeal with all the toppings, eggs, bacon, fruit, coffee and juices were served up. We feasted until our bellies were full – and then some – as we waited for the man-of-the-hour to take center stage.

Whatever side of the political fence you sit on, there is no mistaking the fact that today was a day of great moments.

I was particularly inspired by this passage in President Obama’s address:

“For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”

The use of the words “non-believers” reminded me that Obama’s vision for America is all-inclusive.

While I may not have agreed with all of his points, I don’t have to. That’s one of the best parts about being a citizen of this great country

Yes, today I am extra-proud to be an American. Not in the flag-waving, Lee Greenwood, hyperbole kind of way… More of a personal-responsibility, stand together and do something that makes America rock once again, kind of way.

Special thanks to Ted Murphy for opening up the Izea offices for the event.

Here are two sets of photos to enjoy…

Tagged as: "inaugural viewing", missy ward, quaker, Start With Substance, ted murphy

{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Adam Wiggall January 21, 2009 at 12:57 am

Hey Missy! Thanks for a great event, as ever lots of interesting people to share the experience with. The venue rocked, as did the photography (wink).

Looking forward to the next one, and keep up the good work!

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2 ChicagoERIN January 21, 2009 at 1:54 am

Perfectly said, sister!

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3 andrew wee January 21, 2009 at 2:02 am

@AdamWiggall – great pic, esp the first one with the shallow depth of field.

@Missy – nice post. It's certainly a time of optimism.

And just because I'm a foodie, when you said Quaker Oats with all the toppings – eggs, bacon.
Did the eggs and bacon go IN the oats? or as a side?

I've not had oats with eggs and bacon in it before…….

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4 Missyward January 21, 2009 at 2:11 am

@AndrewWee – I saw a few people putting bacon and eggs in their oats, although I think that is slightly against the law — or should be

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5 andrew wee January 21, 2009 at 1:44 pm: I will have to try that.

I would think that strawberries AND bacon in your oats is definitely breaking a couple of state and possibly federal laws…

Kudos on hosting a great breakfast!

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6 Ted Murphy January 21, 2009 at 4:05 am

Thank you for introducing me back to Oatmeal! I never thought in a million years that I would like it, but after three bowls this morning I think I am a fan.

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7 Mike Nunez January 21, 2009 at 4:42 am

Very sad I couldn' t make it, looks like it was yet another great event Missy.

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8 Chris G. January 21, 2009 at 5:00 am

Oatmeal with Brown Sugar, Strawberries, and Blueberries….soooooo good! Hmmm…Thank you for the great event. Had lots of fun. Next time I'll park smarter so I don't have to leave so quick and pray I did not get a parking ticket. You Rock! for Hunger!

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9 Lisa Roberson January 21, 2009 at 12:18 pm