Song of the day: Right Here, Right Now - Jesus Jones

"You know it feels good to be alive...

I was alive and I waited, waited
I was alive and I waited for this" - Jesus Jones

It is early Sunday morning and I am sitting in a hotel suite located only moments from Washington D.C. Sure, I've been to this town many, many times before. However, this time it feels different. Meanwhile, many miles away, Hurricane Gustav is brewing around near the southern Gulf, as I find myself less than a few miles from the seat of where policy is being made. The President (Bush) appears on television and I again self consciously realize just how geographically close I am to the decision makers of our day. I am feeling the history.

"Right here, right now
There is no other place I want to be"

We went to a party/cookout last night and I am "pooped". We have another one scheduled for later this afternoon. I have never been a party girl, and this confirms it. We had a great time last night...But to be honest, I could just as easily sit this one out. I'm sure that I'll feel better after I get dressed to go this afternoon.

"The Boy" is now sitting quietly in the common area watching cartoons. It is sunny outside and the air is clear and bright. We went to a buffet breakfast downstairs this morning. "The Boy" in true form, met and made many international acquaintances. This is an international town. People are drawn to him...the old and the young; especially those "special" ones with disabilities. He understands them, speaks their language and treats them just as he would anyone else. If he has a question, he will ask without any embarrassment. He is not the kind to avert his eyes or hide his curiosity. I hope that he will always remain the kind-hearted, free-spirited soul that he is. He is a nice boy.

"Right here, right now
Watching the world wake up from history"

I find it amazing to be again immersed in a sea of so many cultures. Immediately when my sister and I walk into the room, eyes are upon us. This always happens whenever we are together, regardless of city or place, (as she can attest to). The action in the room just stops! We have always been aware of this "something" that happens whenever we are together, but have yet to understand it. It is not about our looks, but is more or less some type of 'quality' that makes people curious. However, this is the first time that I am acknowledging it publicly. You see, I am now at the age that I can do this now without being self-conscious. When my sister reads this, I'm sure that she will also agree.

"I saw the decade in, when it seemed
The world could change at the blink of an eye"

I see a young Asian woman attempting to eat a pancake with a spoon. She does a surprisingly good job of balancing the whole thing on its bowl as she takes a few dainty bites. Good for her! I witness others also attempt make their way around the breakfast buffet. Some are brave and take heaping helpings of the familiar, while others cautiously select only the "safe" and "well-recognized" foods. A woman in a beautiful light pink silk sari speckled with sparkling jewels passes by, the loose end of it floating softly behind her as she goes about her business of supervising her family's breakfast choices. I am suddenly feeling underdressed.

"And if anything
Then theres your sign... of the times"

Our family eventually finishes breakfast (We carried our food upstairs to eat) and then decide to rest up until time to leave for the party this afternoon. Truth be known: We could easily sit around upstairs, watching television and doing nothing for the rest of the day. We are not "party" people, but we will be going. We are expected to be there. It should be fun.

"Right here, right now
There is no other place I want to be
Right here, right now
Watching the world wake up..."