I just returned on Monday from my ten-day East Coast trip, which included two nights in Washington, D.C., where I witnessed the Inauguration, albeit on a Jumbo-Tron in a crowded field of people just north of the Washington Monument. The mood was, as you might expect, distinctly joyous, and it's worth mentioning that my companions at the event were Rivka, Adam, and Steven of Moishe House D.C., plus their friend Maura. Our toes were cold, but we still enjoyed the festivities, and when President-elect Obama finally stood opposite Chief Justice Roberts to become President Obama, we weren't paying attention to how chilly it was. If you're interested in my experience, I suggest you check out the article I wrote for Jew-ish.com.
Winter is proceeding fairly comfortably here in Seattle; today there's even sun. I have a new part-time job, at Childhaven, a nonprofit that provides therapeutic child care for kids one month through five years old who have been affected by abuse or neglect. It's a great organization that does really good work, and I like my coworkers a lot. It's also the first job I've ever had that requires business casual attire, something I've grown to appreciate in the last few weeks, since almost everyone looks better in a dress shirt and slacks than in jeans and a sweatshirt. I think not looking like a college student every day of my life is a plus, not a burden.
Anyway, I have to go upstairs and bake some chocolate-chip cookies for a friend, and then maybe watch Mad Men in my room, unless the sunshine compels me to get back outside and enjoy it. Hope all's well at your various Moishe Houses!
