Change

I consider myself to be a completely bi-partisan owl. Since I change homes every year, it makes the most sense. It is entirely within the realm of possibility that I could be in a very conservative home one year and a very liberal home the next, indeed that very thing has happened once or twice. So from the standpoint of wishing to preserve my sanity, I tend to stay out of politics for the most part.

There are exceptions, of course. Sometimes events occur which blur the political lines of divisiveness and bring us together as a nation - things that we experience with the full knowledge that we are living through history. Today is undeniably one of those days.

Here's something The White House and I have in common: I inhabit a new home every year; it is inhabited by new people every four (or eight) years. The White House and I, we're no strangers to the concept of change - as a matter of fact, it is an inherent part of our existence. We both carry some history, too. I represent the traditions and history of a family; it represents the traditions and history of a nation.

Today The White House changed hands. As it does. Except this time was different. Even from my strictly bi-partisan stance, it is impossible to argue the fact that history was made today. Today, one short day after the 80th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President Barack Obama was sworn into office amidst promises of change and hope. Change is a way of life for me - certainly something I embrace rather than fear. Hope? Couldn't we all use a little hope in these troubling times?


I am very interested and excited to see what the next four years will bring.

Snow Day

So it snowed in Columbus this week. It snowed a lot, by Columbus standards, I'm told. I don't know about that. I've spent more winters in Johnstown, PA than anywhere else and, well, let's just say I've seen more snow. Everyone here is all excited about it, though. The kids had a snow day right in front of a four-day weekend, providing them with a pretty nice little winter break. It would be more fun if it weren't so darn cold! That's the real weather issue. Even taking my Western PA upbringing into account, -11 is COLD! Even that wouldn't be so bad if they'd just let me sit on my nice warm perch, but no!

They're so jazzed about the snow they think everyone else will be, too. "Come on, Pink!", they yell, grabbing me and taking me out with them. Does anyone stop to put a coat on ole' Pink before heading out into the sub-zero outdoors?


Why no, as a matter of fact, they do not. They did make me a warm beverage when we came back inside, though.


That sure was nice.

Wherever you are, stay warm!

Post Holiday Ramblings

The family took down the Christmas tree this weekend. It is a weird aspect of my life that I always watch one family put their tree up and another take theirs down.

Although there was a lot of complaining about how boring it was and how long it was taking (seriously - I've seen a lot of trees come down in my day, and this one took LONG! Multiple days!)I still caught a glimpse of affection in the family members eyes from time to time. Some ornaments just came down and were thrown into the appropriate box. Some ornaments, though, were taken down slowly and held and looked over before being put away. This was my first Christmas with this family, but I got a pretty good feel for them while listening to the things they had to say while they took down their ornaments.

So now I get my first glimpse at what my new digs really look like without holiday decor. The flow is much nicer without the furniture all jammed together to make room for the tree.

I'm hanging out on a ledge above the back door in the family room. It's where they spend most of their time because, you know, it's where the TV is...

I suppose it'll do.

It's Okay, I'm With The Band

I got to sit in with a band the other night. It turns out that most of the members of my host family play musical instruments and Tom had a gig at a bookstore with Billy Two Shoes, an "americana" band. He told my story to the other members and they insisted I sit in with them on a few songs. I don't play any instruments myself, but I can sing pretty good back-up, so I agreed.

I recognized some of the audience members as the hosts of the New Years Eve party, which made me very happy. I got to meet some other people, like the guitarist's wife and some of their friends. They were nice enough to tell the audience my story and even mentioned this blog!

Below is a video of one of the songs I sat in on. It's called Haystack and was a lot of fun to play. Lea, who took the video, even did a few close ups of me (how embarrassing). I hope you enjoy the music.

Haystack

Party Like It's 1999 - Only 10 Better

We went to a party last night to celebrate the start of a new year. It was nice to meet new people - they recognized me from my internet fame, so they were at a distinct advantage. None were shy, though, so I got to know them all pretty quickly.

They had a LOT of good food and a nice variety of beverages. Always one to savor new experiences, I had sparkling wine (3 different kinds!), mojitos, pear martinis, and a beer. Is it: beer on liquor, never sicker? Or: liquor on beer, never fear? Or is it: if you're 6 inches tall and hollow, maybe drinking is a bad plan in any combination? I think it's that one.


When I realized I needed a break, I joined the kids for some sparkling juice, toasted marshmallows, and Mamma Mia charades. Probably best if you don't ask...


Yeah, I'll need a little more practice with the marshmallow thing...


After mingling with the adults (Apparently life IS just like the movies and people DO burst into song at random and sometimes in unison. But rarely in tune. Seriously. Yikes.) and playing with the kids I was introduced to a few fellows who spoke my language. I brought in the new year with the Nutcrackers while all the folks around me kissed anything that crossed their path.

A very happy, healthy and prosperous new year to you all.