Being There

After my classes, I came home to watch the Inauguration. It pleased me that I was warm while watching, and I felt sorry for the discomfort for those that were there. Age has overtaken my desire to "be there." I am not sure that "being there" was ever a big thing in my life. The magic of television allows me to be very close to the ceremony, to hear distinctly what is being said, to be free of distractions like conversations of other people, or being crowd jostled, or fatigued from standing. The driving traffic, parking problems and long walk to the venue are happily avoided as I sit at home with a seat that is better than any $150 seat. While watching, I ate my lunch: grapes, a handful of cashews, water and a half of a sausage and egg McMuffin (left over from breakfast.) The sandwich lost its warmth and I put it in the Microwave for ten seconds. I like the temperature to be just right. I pitied the people on the Mall that they would not enjoy a temperature controlled meal, or perhaps, no meal at all. I took time to go to the bathroom and the seat was warm, felt good. Were the porta-potties on the Mall heated? Did anybody have to wait in line? Being there is highly overrated.