what's happenin' hot stuff?

I felt very important yesterday. Governor Haley Barbour was inaugurated in front of the State Capitol, and I got to attend. It made me even more proud to be a Mississippian. Not sure why exactly, but I suppose the reverence and formality of the event re-instilled this surge of pride. Now, in my mind (and don't ruin it for me), this was a very exclusive event to which only the most elite members of state government are invited, but in actuality anyone wandering down the street could have joined in as well. The Guv was both nostalgic and hopeful and as well-versed as I've ever heard him, and Marsha looked great. She must have been walkin'.

I enjoyed the program and all, but I was most impressed by the snipers hiding on the roofs of surrounding buildings and the Secret Service agents dispersed in the crowd of onlookers. I also found myself distracted by the sign language interpreter - I liked watching him spell out the names of the dignitaries as they were announced and I equally enjoyed his Happy Hands Club-style interpretation of the National Anthem. I did sadly miss out on the party favors - a small magnolia tree. I'll be sure to be first in line in 2012.

And while we're welcoming people into new roles, Mary-Kathryn is joining the blogging world! The budding journalist and Oxford tourism extraordinaire finally succumbed to my nagging and has launched herself into the world of cyberspace. Check her out for great articles and general. Another one bites the dust.

Attention Prayer Warriors: Dear friends Beth (Starkvillians might know her as Beth Kimbrell) and Hart Kittle's son (and Kristen's nephew) Hartley is scheduled for heart surgery on Thursday. Pre-op stuff is on the schedule today, surgery tomorrow and a fast and furious recovery soon to come! Please keep Hartley and his family in your thoughts and prayers - he'll be back toddling around soon, so look out!