Amazing what’s going on. It’s a true lovefest, and no one wants it to end. Here we are at almost week 2 of this new Administration and everything is still darling. We love Him and Her, and don’t forget the two young ladies. Everything is smooth, fun, and seemingly public.
Look, this is the week that was. We learned that you could be yourself if you worked in the White House on weekends. No need to dress up. No coat and tie rule. You’ve come to work, so work. That’s pretty straightforward. Leave your torn jeans at home and come on in.
Washington’s real welcome to the new President came in the form of a snow storm which was followed by an ice storm. Now people here do not drive well normally and when it snows, it’s better to sit it out for a while as the SUV’ers think it’s a breeze, but somehow they wind up on the nightly news as the vehicles that overturned and blocked lanes of traffic –too fast, big guys.
No one likes ice. It’s very hard to drive in and the coating it gave our snow was miserable. Somewhere in the middle of a meeting, a publicly recorded event, the new President interjected how tough Chicago is as no school/snow days are unheard of. He said Malia even commented that they go out for recess everyday in Chicago, not just when it’s above freezing, Washington style. Welcome to the snow-adverse city with minimal amounts creating cancelled classes and delayed openings. Yes, I believe the new President will be able to figure out how to fix this little issue, too. Two words: snow removal.
It wasn’t the fact that it snowed that was interesting. It was how human the new President was to comment on a life issue, a family matter. Family is clearly important to this new DC resident who speaks of having breakfast with his family prior to a school send-off and the 30-second walk to his office. He is delighted to have this time together. Listen up official Washington: That means dinnertime, too. This man wants dinner with his family. He is not afraid to go back to the office after family time. The message is clearly something that can translate into many lives. Be home. Spend some time together. Make it quality time.
Let’s stop here a minute: there was plenty of other news from the White House this week. We do not need to talk Stimulus, Tarp, bipartisan cooperation, etc. etc. Those weighty matters are with us. It is much healthier to focus on the newness of life in this city. The fact that we again have a pulse.
Michelle Obama was a darling of the media this week, too. Deservedly so. She championed Lilly Ledbetter who was deprived an equal salary so many years ago when she found out it was too late to complain. The new Equal Pay Bill, aptly called the “Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act,” assures workers more time to complain about unequal pay in the workplace. If Michelle Obama continues to champion women’s rights and fairness, this country will thrive even higher.
Yet, there’s always time to go out: To celebrate the city. Why not grab your new friend Jill, the vice-President’s wife, and meet up with Mayor Fenty and his wife for a little lunch at one of my favorite downtown restaurants, Georgia Brown’s. I sure hope she ordered the chicken livers. They are dynamite.
Every restaurant within close proximity of the White House should be keeping its fingers crossed as the two publicly mentioned outings have been to nearby restaurants, easy walks, if that were only possible. Who’ll be next? You can hear Ten Penh, Bombay Club, and Old Ebbitt Grill shouting, pick me, pick me. Wherever the Obamas, individually or as a family dine, they will make a lot of people happy. Having the first family eat out is good for business, and smiling faces are especially appreciated at this economically gloomy time.
The city’s mood is more upbeat. It’s been a good ride. Let’s hang on. This city somehow feels so much more normal. We have real people in charge with the interest of the country and their values at the forefront. Score another victory for this new President and his family.
Keep on the Normal Track.
