the wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round

here we go steelers ... here we go, originally uploaded by pr9000.

I can't believe I hadn't posted this photo on Flickr yet. It's one of my favorites from last year. You have to understand that the hat lasted about a tenth of a second after I pushed the button ... and that he actually looks better in a sleeveless t-shirt than I do. His guns are huge compared to mine.

***

I got up this morning and, to my shock and surprise, the sun was still rising in the east, just where I'd last seen it yesterday at the same time. Coffee still tasted as good. Newspaper was once again thrown in the bushes. Fletcher still demanded to be let outside, even though two nights ago I'd left him out all night.

In short, the world didn't stop turning. And I never thought it would. We've got a new president, and the tears I saw streaming down Jesse Jackson's face last night seemed genuine, which is surprising, because he's one of the least genuine political figures of my short lifetime. Oprah did call it "the most meaningful thing that has ever happened," confirming my deep hatred for that woman and all she stands for ... except for those Favorite Things shows, which are really kind of awesome and would be more so if I ever saw one in person. Then I'd forgive her putting Obama above, say, Jesus, D-Day, the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, Jimmy John's subs, Trotter in a Steelers shirt or ... well, you get the point.

My Facebook friends all seem to be post-orgasmic about last night. Here's a sampling of some statuses: "woke up optimistic about our economy and country and that the change we need is finally here" ... "proud that her fellow citizens (and Virginians) have done something right and taken a step to renew the country's standing in the world-community" ... "can't stop thinking, 'Yes we can.' I finally understand what it was like for my mother when Kennedy was elected. It's a wondrous day to be alive" ... "OMG! There is No Doubt! It's so wonderful! Thanks to all who worked hard for this!"

I think it will be interesting to study their reactions (and the reactions of the millions who share their thoughts and enthusiasm) as Obama The Candidate morphs into Obama The Politician. He's bound to disappoint them, and me -- that's what presidents do. And I think he's going to disappoint them in a massive, earth-shaking way at some point, because again, that's the president's job. He makes decisions that will anger some and please others. He can't always please just one side of the country -- it's not possible. All presidents -- good, bad, and Jimmy Carter -- disappoint. And this one more so, because people think he's akin to a prophet, and have become emotionally invested in him.

I try to remember: it's always a wondrous day to be alive.