Rachel and I went out to see Barack Obama’s Inauguration today. We were far enough back that we couldn’t actually see what was going on at the Capitol, but here are some shots of what we did see, both in our trek to and from the National Mall and our experience there.

Regardless of your political persuasion, there is no doubt that the inauguration of America’s first African-American President is an historic moment, and it was very cool to be there for it.

How did you experience the Presidential Inauguration?

I took this shot on the way home from the inauguration. It was inspired by a similar (although much better) one from David Russell. There are some things that are too easily forgotten.

This is Bernard (or so we’ve named him), the St. Bernard that lives across the street from us. He’s quite cute.

A few minutes ago I posted a message on Twitter that could have been taken as an attack on my wife. I basically asked if she wanted a stay at home husband because of the things (i.e. cooking, cleaning, paperwork) that aren’t getting done around here. What I failed to communicate in 140 characters is that I’m the one responsible for the stuff that isn’t getting done. We share the cooking and cleaning responsibilities (with her typically doing more of these), and I’m the one that handles the paperwork. Meals actually haven’t been a problem; it’s actually more the undone paperwork and the mess on the desk, which are my areas of responsibility. It was a joke that was meant to communicate that I would take care of all of this stuff if I could stay at home rather than work. In fact, right now Rachel’s the one bringing home most of the money, as I’m working at NCC as an unpaid intern. So, if in any way you thought that I was upset or angry with her, don’t think that. This is what I think of my wife.

Undoubtedly my most important relationship (other than my relationship with Christ) is my relationship with my wife, Rachel. One of my goals for our relationship is that I would work on my temper. This is something that I have had a problem with in the past but had seemingly dealt with. It seems to have come back in the past few weeks, and so my goal for our relationship in the beginning of 2009 is that I would crucify this. I don’t want to just suppress my temper; I want to avoid letting things bother me in the first place.

Other people with whom I want to continue to foster deeper relationships this year include Dan Kyser, Jeff Johnson, Darren Cogan, and Tony K.

Who are you building relationships with this year?

Live, Laugh, Love is a new blog by Min Kim. Min is part of the mission trip to Ethiopia that Rachel and I are going on, and her first post is about the trip. Unfortunately, Min is going on the early trip, and we are going on the late one. Both Rachel and I would love to have her with us. Regardless, Min is an amazing person with an awesome story. You should check out her blog, and if you ever get the chance to meet Min, your life will be better for it.

Yeah, I know I’m late on this one. So shoot me. But what I’m thankful for is my wife. There are a great many reasons I should be thankful for Rachel, but I guess the one most apparent right how is her support for me. In many ways she is my rock.

Rachel is always open to God’s calling. When you look at our relationship, it appears that I’m the one out front, that I’m the one calling the shots and leading the way, and I guess this is sort of true. But she is the one supporting me, the one pushing me forward. Rachel let me quit my job to take an internship at NCC (making her the primary breadwinner). This is no small thing when you consider that our plans to buy a house and take a real vacation were put on hold. Our considering living in Ethiopia for a while was at least as much Rachel’s idea as it was mine.

These aren’t the only stories I could recount. Time and time again Rachel has shown selflessness towards me and for the Kingdom. If we think something is part of God’s plan, Rachel is in 100%. She is solid.

Rachel, I love you. Thank you for being mine. I’m thankful for your willingness to give, to go, and to sacrifice. Thank you for supporting me in so many ways.

We finished cleaning up from Thanksgiving dinner about an hour ago. It was a great time. This is our third year hosting. A lot of people move to DC for work, so there are tons of folks (like us) who don’t have family around. It’s good to be able to share it with both new and old friends. This year we had Henry Tran; Brad, Glenda, Macy, and Mia McMath; Jeff Johnson; Dave Hickox; Scott Myers; and (obviously) Rachel and I. Yes, 10 is a lot for our ~600 square foot apartment.

I have two awards to give out this year. The longevity award goes to Henry Tran. This is his third consecutive Thanksgiving with us, and we’re glad he keeps coming.

The second award is for cutest Thanksgiving dinner guests ever, and it goes to Macy and Mia McMath.

Here’s a quick after dinner video (I’ll warn you, it’s pretty dull).

Yes, at the end, I do say, “I have Legos.” The mom of the cute dinner guests was wondering if we had anything the girls could sort or stack or whatever. I still have my childhood Legos, and while it’s been a while, I do still pull them out every now and again.

For a couple more photos check out my Flickr set.