Aliya S. King

Time recently published a series of photos from photographer Callie Shell. The images are stunning and speak volumes about the monumental changes taking place in the White House. I urge you to check out the complete photo essay. In the meantime, my six favorites. And a few questions…

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It’s not the Oscars or the Grammys or the Superbowl. It’s better! The only thing missing last night was a bowl of popcorn. My (fat) butt was right in place on the couch, ready to hear what my president, (isn’t that crazy how we say that? I always say MY president. Not THE president), had to say about the economy and his plans to get the country out of the recession.

But my first question had nothing to do with his speech…

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I’ve told you all before. I know next to nothing about sports. I root for teams based on a very arbitrary set of rules that can change at a moment’s notice. I find myself thinking about the color of the uniforms more than the technical aspects of the game. And this weekend, as I half-watched some of the All-Star Weekend events, I had some honest questions that I really need answered. Please help.

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I told TH to pick up some ice cream on the way home last night. I turned on the television promptly at 8, even though I couldn’t start watching right away. Wanted to make sure I’d be able to rewind. I got my Sunday chores out of the way. Then settled down with TG and TH in the living room, ready to indulge in some Grammy night celebudrama.

And my first question was…

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After September 11, there was this weird time period where you didn’t speak to anyone in the tri-state area without asking them, are you okay? Is your family all accounted for? I remember getting back to work relatively quickly after the tragedy. But there was this unspoken rule that you had to address it before getting to the business of business.

That’s kind of how I feel right now about The Obamas. I’m a critic, by nature and by profession. It’s my job to chin-stroke and watch what’s going on in pop culture and report on it.

So when can I keep it real on The Obamas? When can I break fool and tell y’all the randomness that goes through my mind when I see the First Family in the media?

The inauguration was a few days ago. I watched with glassy eyes, clutching TheOtherGirl as she cheered, “Yay, ‘Bama!” everytime she saw the president on the screen.

I felt hopeful. I felt helpful. I felt invigorated. I felt changed.

And now. Well, now can I have the all-clear to keep it real?

Thanks.

Here are the Top 10 things that run through my mind when I see The Obama family:

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