Obama Trading Cards???

Most of you probably don't know this, but I come from a very political family and enjoy the whole process. My grandfather was the first mayor of Bowie, my hometown. My other grandfather was the county executive of Prince George's County. I was elected treasurer of our 5th grade class (lol) and am in the public policy program at Georgetown. Sometimes I wonder why I've never had more of an urge to get into politics myself.

I really, really wished I had gone down to the mall today to witness the swearing in and parade, but the logistics just seemed insurmountable. I briefly contemplated trying to go with the girls, but that seemed ridiculous, the more I thought about it. Although the experience of a lifetime, how do you change a baby (make that two) in 25 degree weather? It just seemed unsafe. Ron and I could have gone ourselves, but would have had to leave the kids with my parents and probably pay them regular "day care rates". So, we decided not to go.

I am an Obama supporter, was so inspired by his campaign and am hopeful for the direction of our country under his leadership. During his inaugural address, I found this passage particularly moving, among many others:

"Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control..."

I work for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which regulates all major stock markets (including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq), broker-dealers and traders. Obama appointed our CEO, Mary Shapiro, to be the new head of the SEC.

I felt inspired today. I felt bad that some days I feel tired at work or that I have days where it's hard to "flip the switch" between mommy and career woman. Although I bristled a little at implying the market is "without a watchful eye", the fact remains that there is always more work to be done. We need to think of more innovative ways to regulate effectively. Someone told me once that you can be creative in any job you do, no matter how methodical or analytical a career you have chosen. I need to abide by that philosophy more.

I've been watching inauguration coverage all day and am a little worried about how much they have built Obama up and how it seems the country is expecting some magic wand to be waived and relieve us of our problems. I'm glad he mentioned we have a lot of work to do and the responsibility is not just on the government's shoulders, but all of us.

NOW. Back to the title of my post and first paragraph...after watching 3,967 hours of campaign, election and inaugural coverage, I have had ENOUGH. And the political memorabilia they are pushing is crazy!!!! I appreciate old school political memorabilia more than anyone - my grandparents have so much that is so neat - but, really Obama Trading Cards??????? Abby was playing with the remote tonight and switched the channel to QVC, where they are pushing Barack Obama commemorative trading cards. I kid you not....come on, they're yours for just $19.94! Then Ron and I shockingly calculated they have already made $900,000 off of the 45,000 units sold!!!

Anyway, I'm in it for the long haul. We're ready to see (and do our part in) what's next, Mr. President....