At the start of the presidential election campaign, I paid a lot of attention to it. This was not because I am a die-hard Obama fan like many at Uni. Rather, I was excited at the prospect of having a female president.

There is a downside to being hearing impaired when it comes to watching TV.

For one thing, any time you watch a TV without captions, you are able to hear the sound but you cannot understand a word anyone is saying.

This isn't usually a problem, but on days like the inauguration of a new president, it kinda sucks.

Anticipation, excitement, even disbelief. I could sense these along with a multitude of other emotions in the swelling crowd in the Washington Mall. Even here, in our small school, it was obvious that the inauguration was on everyone's mind.

I've never considered myself much of a Barack Obama supporter. I've always admired his personal qualities, his eloquence, his ability to stir hope in the hearts of so many.

Do you believe the hype?

Today we in America welcome a new President, a new administration, and hopefully a new attitude.

But I worry how much of our self-perception as Americans will remain.

On Monday, we honored the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today, we celebrate, honor, and accept Barack Obama as our new president.

Note: All times are Central.

10:59 a.m. — Hey, VP Biden just kissed a guy! How cute. Hey, we also have a new VP!

11 a.m. — The only one of these musicians I've heard of is Yo-Yo Ma. He was on "Arthur" once. I think perhaps he was portrayed as a mouse? Or a dog? I don't remember. But he played his cello. I don't remember why.

Note: All times are Central.

Note: All times are Central.

10:58 a.m. — Biden just got sworn in! Technically do we have half of the new presidential team and half of the old? Weird.

10:59 a.m. — Musicians like Yo-Yo Ma, Gabriela Montero, Anthony McGill, and Itzhak Perlman play. Ladeedaaa.

11:05 a.m. — Everyone stands up for the presidential oath of office … Eek!

Note: All times are Central.

11:07 a.m. — Obama's sworn in and met with huge applause. He seemed a little nervous during the oath (not too surprisingly, I guess, considering the situation). Interestingly, he included his middle name during the oath — something he didn't draw too much attention to during his campaign.

Note: All times are Central.

11:03 a.m. — Right now I'm being put to sleep by Yo-Yo Ma and other musicians of sorts performing a very relaxing symphony. Come on, it's time for the excitement!

OK, there we go — Barack Obama JUST swore in to the presidential office.

Note: All times are Central.

10:58 a.m. — Joe Biden takes his oath of office. Always interesting to watch the vice president (not elect anymore). He emits such confidence, and he really was an excellent choice for Barack Obama. Without his hard-nosed efforts on the ground campaign, I don't see how Obama would have been able to reach out as far as he did.