We Heart Obama

Nova and I caught some major press when we waited for 3 hours to see President Obama's motorcade drive past our block.  The President was speaking across the street at Parkville Middle school, Shawn's alma-mater.  Here are some photos and press clips.

Scroll down to the "Jessica Kartalija Reports" clip. http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2011/02/14/president-obama-unveils-budget-touts-education-at-parkville-middle-school/

Chandra Travers, 36, let her 8-year-old daughter, Nova, stay home from Villa Cresta Elementary School on Monday so the two of them could deliver a special message to the President of the United States.

Nova happily waved a homemade sign when President Barack Obama arrived at Parkvile Middle School on Monday.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, President Obama.”


“I don’t know if I’m just dorky for being so excited, but I think it’s awesome,” said Chandra Travers, who lives near Parkville Middle.

Travers, her husband and her daughter moved to Parkville about eight months ago from Juneau, Alaska.

“Used to run into Sarah Palin all the time in the street,” Travers said. “Yeah, she was interesting.”

http://timonium.patch.com/articles/live-blog-president-obama-to-visit-parkville-middle#photo-4886391

Chandra Travers, who lives near the school, allowed her 8-year-old daughter, Nova Knoedler, to miss class this morning to try to catch a glimpse of the president.

Nova was carrying a poster nearly as big as her that featured a big red heart and read, "Happy Valentine's Day President Obama!" 

Travers recently move to Baltimore from Alaska and is a fan of Obama.   

“This is one of the things I love about Baltimore," Travers said. "You can be so close to politics. Just look at how accessible the president is. It’s been a long time since I liked a president, so, ‘Yay!'’” 

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-obama-school-visit-pg0214,0,2159544.photogallery

About 100 people lined the streets and stood on the porches and steps of nearby houses to watch and wave to the motorcade that arrived at 10:10 a.m. Monday. Some held heart-shaped balloons and signs, including 8-year-old Nova Knoedler, who held a poster that said, "Happy Valentine's Day President Obama."

 I don't know if Nova understood the significance of the day but after his first motorcade pass, she was just as excited as I was.

 I woke up this morning at 4 a.m. to see security tightening around the middle school from my bedroom window.  I can see Obama from my house!

 This is the reporter and camera man who interviewed Nova.  An amazing feat considering her shyness.  The crowd around us gave her mad props when she finished.  Proud!

 Our sleepy block was full of enthusiasm....mostly.  There were a few negative signs but people told Nova to stand in front of them with her Valentine.

 Here's some friends we made this morning.  We bonded while we excitedly waited for a glimpse of the President.

 "Here he comes!"  At this point Nova started jumping up and down.

 We went home for a snack during his speech inside the school and returned for his exit.

 He totally saw Nova's sign.  I think it made him feel good. :)

That's his hand waving in the third window.  We were farther away on the second pass but I looked him in the eye on the first.  What a great day.  We'll never forget it.  

Happy report on school, just words

Ok so, I was totally freaking out about being one of a MILLION people trying to get into a nursing program and was convinced that ultimately I would not getting in.  Most of you have had to endure my fretful stories of this endeavor and will be happy to read on.

When things were looking their darkest, I caught an unexpected break.  No, I haven't heard back from any of the schools yet BUT, I did get recruited to join a Massage program. Hooray, purpose!!!!  I can start this program and finish later if I get accepted into a nursing program.  OR, if I don't get in I can finish massage and try again for nursing next year. Yay for options!!!!  Either way it's win-win and I am THRILLED to be starting SOMETHING.... especially something so up my alley that can compliment nursing.

My first lab was Friday where our small cohort of 6 did yoga for a half hour and gave/received massages for the next 3 & 1/2.  Can you say heaven?  More news on school to come.  I should know by end of April about all the programs I applied to.  In the mean time, I'll be blissfully learning the art of massage and finding joy in being in school once again. xo