Note: All times are Central.

11:01 a.m. — Joe Biden was just sworn in. Although this is extremely exciting, it's simply a prelude to what everyone is looking for: when Obama is finally sworn in as president. Some may see the inauguration as simply a formality, because the votes have already been counted and we know who will be president. And I must say that I have to agree to some extent: The exciting part is when the votes are being counted. But, the difference between the election process and the campaigning versus the actual inauguration is the emotion. Politicians are known for their big cheesy grins, but when it's time for the inauguration the smiles seem sincere. It just kind of makes you want to smile, too.

11:06 a.m. — All right, so Obama just solemnly swore. He stumbled for a moment, but it really didn't matter. It sounds maybe a little stereotypical, but it just makes you feel so overwhelmingly excited. No more "Dubya." This is the beginning of a new generation, and I'm personally hoping he lives up to one of our best presidents, FDR.

11:09 a.m. — Obama lays it all out on the table. These are our crises. Nothing is going to change over night. I don't know how he does it, remaining so serious when all I would want to be doing is jump up and down, cry a few joyous tears. Dubya (also known as George W. Bush) doesn't look particularly moved, though this is the end of his career. But, the rest of the crowd carries so much enthusiasm for the moment that a brand new president finally stands to make his inaugural speech.

11:14 a.m. — Obama has always been seen as a great speaker, because he is. It's a little bewildering to think that when I grow up and have my own kids that the words he is saying right now will be in my children's history books. These quotes will be continually republished, and I'm just thankful for the invention of the Internet so that I can be miles away and yet still be watching so closely. I have to remember every little thing so that I am able to recall my own memories when, 20 years from now, some little girl asks me what it was like.

11:19 a.m. — I have not yet seen Obama's daughters, which may not be the important part of this historic moment, but I have constantly been thinking about them. These little girls, younger than I am, are going to have to drastically change their lives, living in the spotlight. They are the age of some of the children I babysit, but they will be forced to grow up and have the public eye constantly watching them. I thought tween years were bad enough without having a camera filming them and a few bodyguards to watch. All the while, though, this will be a part of their life that will constantly be embedded in their memories. How would you have liked to be making history before you can even drive?

11:22 a.m. — Some of the great things Obama has said that I hope to write down and paste up on my bedroom wall:

"America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

It's about "what you can build, not what you can destroy."

"We will extend our hand if you're willing to unclench your fist."

11:31 a.m. — I don't know how to explain it. I never consider myself a greatly patriotic person. I say the Pledge of Allegiance and I uphold the Constitution, but I never seem to feel particularly moved whenever the National Anthem is played at sporting events, and I dress in red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July but mainly because I'm excited for the fireworks. But, right now, I feel patriotic. I don't know why exactly, but the images of people waving their small flags and watching the speakers is just a very powerful statement.