"...your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy."

Finally. A president that inspires hope and change through his words. It feels so...refreshing.

I don't have the words to describe what I felt during his speech - all I can say is, it feels like the entire world just breathed a sigh of relief. It really does feel different.

The entire text of his inaugural address is up on Slate, and there is much in there that will be remembered for ages to come. It's weird hearing something the first time it's ever been uttered and knowing that it will be repeated forever and ever, echoing in the halls of history for future generations.

The only two changes I would have made, if I was in charge of the inauguration:

1. Rick Warren. I sneered the entire way through his speech, and imagined him ending each sentence with "except the gays." E.g. "Freedom and justice for all...except the gays." Hypocritical asshole.

2. If any John Williams song had to be played, it should have been the Cantina Song from Star Wars. I'm just sayin'.

Yes We Did.

We did it. I'm amazed. I'm incredulous. I'm still kind of waiting for someone to pull the rug out from under me (I have the 2004 election to thank for that). But mostly I'm breathing one big sigh of relief.

Right now, for the first time in at least 8 years, I can honestly say that I'm proud to be an American. Proud to be one of the many, many people who cast a vote for the first African-American president in our nation's history. But it was never about that for me.

For me, it was about ushering out the old way of doing things. The old way that obviously wasn't working anymore. It was about Washington getting in touch with the younger generations, those of us who are struggling with jobs and making rent and getting decent health care. For once, it wasn't about the people who already had it made. It was about the people who are busting their butts, trying to make it through each day.

Obama's got his work cut out for him, no question about that. The previous administration has dragged this country into a hole so deep it's hard to see the daylight filtering down. But hell, it just got a little bit brighter.

Note: Still keeping my fingers crossed for a no on Prop 4 and no on Prop 8. C'mon California, don't let me down!