Barack Hussein Obama - Presidential Inauguration

First, I must preface this post by saying I did not have a high profile press pass to obtain these amazing angles of this historical day. The artistic credit for the images belongs to the many camera personnel of msnbc, who braved the freezing conditions to provide the world-wide video coverage which I enjoyed from the comfort of my living room. Photographing the live TV coverage was my way to participate in and document this historic event.

During my time in Europe I learned, first hand, the world was watching to see the outcome of the recent election which led to today's inauguration. Like millions of Americans who gathered at the Mall in Washington D.C. and across the country, countless people from around the world also celebrated the swearing in of Barack Hussein Obama, 44th President of the United States of America.

There was no doubt in watching the coverage, the excitement and hope for change, change aimed to touch our nation and the world.






Aretha Franklin sings in celebration . . .



Vice President, Joe Biden, as he takes the Vice President Oath of Office



World renoun musicians, Yo-Yo Ma, Anthony McGill, Gabriela Montero, Itzhak Perlman perform a special arrangement by John Williams





Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts Jr., administers the Presidential Oath of Office to Barack Hussein Obama using the same Bible used during the presidential inauguration of Abraham Lincoln.



Michelle Obama stands by her husband and listens intently to the commitment her husband makes execute the office of the President of the United States faithfully and to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States . . .



. . . as do millions of people gathered at the Mall in Washington, D.C.







Highlights from President Obama's Inaugural address:

"Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision f those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents."

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."



The nation watches and listens as the President speaks . . .



. . . and the light of hope and change can be seen in the faces and tears of the people.



The flag of the United States of America, with its stars and stripes, a long standing symbol of a nation's unity, waves above the President during his address.















Lovely Michelle Obama, in the midst of past presidents . . .











A farewell to the former President and first lady.



































While the excitement seen on today's broadcast is not shared by all, one thing is certain . . . the world is watching.

murray park dental

Even though I am a nurse, I really prefer being on the providing end of health care than I do on the receiving end. In the future, I will not be blogging much about my adventures as a patient, but when I find a something I like (especially a company that provides great service), I love to share it.

This past Monday I had a great experience at Murray Park Dental, a newly established dental office in Murray, Utah, USA. I have not been to the dentist in some time, as my awesome childhood dentist has retired. Needless to say, despite brushing and flossing, my teeth were in need of a little tune-up.

I must say that I really love everything about this office: the relaxing decor, the beautiful mountain view from the dental chair, and, especially, the people; Ali, the receptionist, Melanie, the dental assistant and my new family dentist, Adam P. McLachlan, D.D.S., were all wonderful to work with.

Adam was particularly great to work with; he turned my least favorite part of a dental procedure, the shot of numbing medicine (lidocaine), into a much less unpleasant experience through his good technique.

To me, the office has a simple, clean, cozy, welcoming feel.

The kids can even play with some-sort-of tooth toy while waiting . . .

To see the rest of the office and meet these great people, you should schedule an appointment...which I highly recommend (one might say I am a little picky about to whom I entrust my health :) ).

utah: winter

Today I had the opportunity to teach my cousin, Desi, a little about the basics of photography. We ventured out into a temperature of 19 degrees Fahrenheit to enjoy the views of the Wasatch mountains with a fresh blanket of snow. I love that Utah has four beautiful seasons.

I think these Canada geese found out they returned a little too early . . . brrr