I would be remiss if I let this day pass without even referencing it.  I thought this graphic said what my emotions are on this historic moment in history.

Today
begins a new direction in Daughter One's (DD1) life as well.  She
begins courses tonight at OCCC (Oklahoma City Community College) to get
her certification in web design and computer programming.  She has a
degree from OU, but feels she needs to refine her skills more. 

She already knows so much about these topics but needs that
certification to land the really high-paying jobs.   She will be taking
classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights, expecting to complete by Spring
2010.

She
is in a perfect position to make a lateral move when she has her
certification.  She currently works for the city of OKC, as the
assistant to the Director and Asst. Director of Parks and Recreation. 
The job really doesn't utilize her skills, though.  As she mentioned, I
don't even do their filing...I have a secretary who does that.

But,
the nice thing she learned immediately is that the City prefers to
promote from within.  Often, they do not even advertise their
openings.  So, she is hoping to move into a more challenging position
with more money once she completes this training.
More
news from the homefront in Illinois regarding Charlie, the blond
labrador DD2 and family adopted.  Mia and Bonkers absolutely refuse to
accept him.  They growl every time he makes any overture toward them. 
Since in just a few months he will tower over them, capable of enjoying
one or both for lunch,  DD2 is in a real quandary.  She is thinking
seriously of returning him to his owner, though she hates to do that. 
Any suggestions?