Change is in the Air

It is just plain cool to think I could walk the streets of DC and spot the new First Lady. Michelle and Jill Biden met Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and his wife Michelle for lunch at Georgia Brown's on 15th Street NW. The Obamas are bringing excitement and charisma to this town - the most I president bring in my lifetime. If you were around during the Robert F. Kennedy days, does this new era take you back? From my history courses and the pictures I have seen, the Obamas are the Kennedys of my generation – from their styles to their leadership qualities. Has Washington DC changed? Or, have we returned to the District dynamics from more than 40 years ago?

Since moving here in late 2004, this is my first time witnessing a change in administration and, I can tell you, it has been fascinating. I had to go into the city last week and was 2 blocks away from the House. I couldn't help myself -- I was looking for the Obamas. I think many Americans relate to the new first family because they are normal people just like the rest of us.

The First Family’s normal style is taking the world by storm. Michelle's JCrew green gloves and the little girls' jackets crashed the retailer’s Web site. President Obama is not sporting the jacket in the Oval Office. Washington is often criticized for a lack of style. I strongly disagree. There are boutique districts in Bethesda and Old Towne. And, don’t even get me started on Georgetown and Friendship Heights. DC has style – its own style. Nevertheless, I can’t help but think bringing a sense of normal back to fashion gives a girl like me hope. I can’t drop money at boutiques but sure wish I could. I see women with great outfits and style but spend a fortune to get it. I mean, isn’t what this new administration is about, hope?

The designers Michelle chose to showcase January 20, 2009 were symbolic. Not only does she have a classy, unique style but a true compassion for those that work hard, have passion, and never quite. Her style choices spoke a BIGGER message: support small business! Small businesses should be feeling the hope. She could have any BIG designer but instead she chose designers with a lower profile. Well, Isabel Toleldo and Jason Wu can say good-bye to the quiet lives they once lived! It appears whatever the Obamas touch, do, and eat to turn to gold.

I was warned this town was transient. Recently I have seen a lot more moving trucks along The Pike. There are new cars in my apartment parking lot reflecting license plates from around the globe, new faces in the elevator, new floor neighbors. There is a refreshing vibe everywhere I go.

From my perspective electing Obama is the biggest change in history I have seen. And you?

A Purple Sunset: What a Symbolic End to a Historic Day

As this day in history comes to an end, I sit at my kitchen table in my Arlington, VA studio apartment gazing at the purple sunset stretching across the DC sky. Purple: a range of color shades between red and blue on the color spectrum. What a symbolic sign to the end of a day the world will never forget. The purple sky can also remind us there is change in the air - the end to a day for the history books but the beginning of a long, challenging, and rewarding road.

Millions of people from around the globe gathered on the Mall to be part of history. I chose to stay warm and safe in my apartment. But, I feel lucky to have attended the Convention and to have traveled the campaign trail to PA and NH. My blinds have been pulled up all day for a bird's eye view of the Capitol. My 6:30 am wake-up call was sirens, helicopters, and flashing lights. A bit early for a day off but a wake-up call I will NEVER forget. Tomorrow I go back to my clock radio.

This leads me to larger question. Will we all go back to our normal routines tomorrow? Will this energy and enthusiasm continue? The White House Web site http://www.whitehouse.gov/ transferred power at 12:03 pm today. The headline reads "Change has Come to America." Yes, there is a change in Beltway leaders. But, most important, let's remember there is a change happening across America. And, as Obama emphasized today, this change is more about the millions of Americans. Our country has spoken. I encourage you to browse the new White House Web page. I said it before and will say it again. Obama's technology and media team is brilliant. He is the first (of many to come) Internet Presidents.

I am confident this energy and enthusiasm will continue. I am anxious to see what our country does with this new positive vibe. What a wonderful time to be living inside the Beltway.