by Me
****
1 The Inauguration
Ah, the most magical of days, made all the more lovely by spending it in TOD’s company. And the updates and photos from the TOD meet-up in DC made it even better ….. although I heard VC was left behind in the room behind the main one, talking to herself 🙄
****
2 Gabby Giffords’ Statement at the Senate Hearing on Gun Violence
She’s just an inspirational woman, her courage is beyond description.
#TheTimeIsNow
Mark Kelly’s pride in his extraordinary wife:
President Obama greets former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, in the Oval Office after they testified at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on gun violence, Jan. 30, 2013 (Photo by Pete Souza)
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3 The President and First Lady visiting the Fast for Families immigration protestors on the Mall
As SmartyPants put it, “when has a White House shown this kind of support to activists? The answer: Never.”
An incredibly powerful moment, the President of the United States and the First Lady departing the White House to show solidarity with immigration activists on the Mall.
Of the people, for the people.
****
4 Obamacare
The coalition of forces, $$ supported $$ by the MSM, that united against the Affordable Care Act, was a sight to behold, even so-called progressives – the privileged ones, need it be said? – like Ezra Klein did their level best to belittle and undermine the efforts to make health insurance affordable for all Americans.
Now?
They’re frothing at the mouth as those enrollment figures soar.
Obamacare is enriching people’s lives.
Thank you Barack Obama. What an amazing legacy.
****
5 A President Abroad
As if Nelson Mandela’s Memorial Service wasn’t emotional enough, the outpouring of love from the South African people for the First Couple was a truly beautiful thing.
And needless to say, this image from June will live long in the memory:
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6 Respect
This photo from Pete Souza: Respect.
Day after day we see efforts to diminish this President, to attach him to scandal, to demonize him, to smear him, lying shills like Jon Karl and Chuck Todd leading the MSM charge.
And I always smile when they gleefully report poor polling figures for the President.
Remember: Almost 46% of Americans voted for Sarah Palin (and John McCain) in 2008, and over 47% for Mitt Romney in 2012. No, seriously.
These people would have voted for Satan rather than a black man. But that’s never an ‘issue’ the MSM will address.
So, the President’s ‘ceiling’ is around 50% – his opponents are lost in a wilderness of hate, even though they benefit from his work.
The latest GOP/Rasmussen figure? 48% approval.
There you have it: the people who put their faith in him still believe in him – and respect him.
Like that man in the photo.
Because he knows Barack Obama is fighting for him.
****
7 Genius
Choosing Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow as part of the delegation to represent the White House at the Sochi Olympics in 2014.
President Obama?
You brilliant rascal.
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8 The Fun
I have no clue how he does it, but he remains cheerful through all this madness – and I love him for it.
****
9 The Blog Tyrants
On a personal bloggy note ….. the day UT agreed to run TOD with me was a bit fantabulous, at that stage I just couldn’t keep things going on my own, too much going on, and then this bundle of awesomeness teamed up and bloggy life has been a joy ever since.
Honestly, I can never ever thank UT enough, you have no idea how many ridicuously-short-notice messages I have sent her asking her to do, say, a R&S at two minutes notice, and not once has she said: “GO AWAY!”
So, I adore this brilliant woman, even if her taste in soccer teams is totally rubbish.
And I also too adore our regular blog tyrants, Liberal Librarian, Lovely Plains, Zizi and even Amk – you have all brought SO much to this place, thank you.
****
10 You
Too many memorable 2013 moments to mention, but ‘you people’ are the very, very best, you make me smile and think every single day, thank you for your company on this lovely trip – wishing you and your loved ones a healthy, happy, joyful 2014.
#Forward
The Obama Diary 
happy new year!
okay, now i’ll go back and read chips post 🙂
Congrats susanne on #1 🙂
Congrats on 1st Susanne!!!
Chips – you’re a superstar and, even more importantly, an amazingly empathetic and dedicated CITIZEN!!! Thank you.
Congrats Suzanne, I read it about twenty minutes ago? ? ? Chips?
shoulda. coulda. dropped this at midnight.
it’s midnight somewhere, amk 🙂
aloha chips! just us tonight, so pass the cheezy puffs!
Good choices!
Very beautiful and well-chosen, Chips, great work. Wishing a 2014 full of good things for you and the great Danny.
I second your sentiments.
All the best to Chips and all other TOD participants!!
The COOPS OF THE GRASS OF THE TOD MOMENTS!!!!!! (Not at all to diminish all of the other WONDROUS, spot-on TODer “moments” contributions!) Chips!!!! LOVE!
time to get this party started!
can’t sit down now!
Thank YOU Chips. This is a BEAUTIFUL post. You simply can’t hold back the waterworks when you see that “respect” photo of the gentleman saluting PBO from outside the van. This is what the media doesn’t NOT want America or the world to see/know. I echo your lovely tribute towards the mini-blog tyrants, and to the TOD-deputy, UT who does an amazing job holding down the fort. I will NEVER forget how she provided coverage of PBO’s visit to the various African countries – with the time zone difference I was simply in awe….
Anyway thanks again Chips for your creation of this nourishing and vibrant space – like PBO, it is essential and came at the right time, and we will NEVER, ever forget your contribution. Happy New Year!!!!
P.S. I’m claiming first for the first thread of 2014 —whenever that is….. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Loved that “respect” photo with all my heart. I’d like to find and salute that guy who stood up and saluted our guy!
me too–never saw that before, but it’s so perfect.
The “respect” picture was a favorite of mine too. A perfect characterization of a picture being worth a thousand words.
Thank you, hopefruit for the very nice words. 😀
That was new to me. Chips always has the Best!
Love you madly Chips. Thank you for this haven from a hostile world.
Thank you, Chips!
Not just for this post, for this wonderful positive haven.
It has been a calm boat in stormy seas.
With all the lies against the President, thank you for the truth 🙂
Amen!
Wonderful, beautiful………sigh. I love this place and all the people here. TOD just keeps going and going and going and going and………..
you get the picture. 🙂 🙂 🙂
In 2014—-Be inspired. Be original. Set goals. Work Hard. Laugh. Love. Smile. Be kind. Take chances. Tell others what they mean to you. Leave your comfort zone. Learn. Enjoy.
Chips, I know you’ve heard this many times but I just gotta say; you are a beautiful writer. I teared up reading your words to the accompanying videos. Thank you and Happy New Year.
Chips – That was delightful. Totally. And I teared up on #10. If there were any gang, crew, corps, gathering, tweeps, club, fraternity, sorority, lodge, congregation, fellowship, sisterhood, brotherhood, first responders, or any other big ol’ group I’d MOST want to be a part of going forward, as we #TrustBarack, it’s this TOD family! Many personal thanks to you and UT and the other BTs for keeping it going. We need to do this, and – with your providing the platform, each and every day – we will!
If you check Jeff’s TL, for the past few hours he’s been whacking one #teabagger after another and having loads of fun doing so 🙂
This is a beautiful list. These memories and many more are what keeps me (and all of us) going. If President Obama can hang his head high, toil everyday for a world not as it is, but a world as it should be, with a smile on his face even as hate is hurled at him, then we can keep on working for positive change for our fellow man.
Thank you for the very kind words and acknowledgment, Chiparoo. It’s been a fantastic year working side by side with you. Thank you for welcoming me into the oasis that is TOD and for trusting that I would be up to the task.
Thank you TODers for all the positive feedback. You’re a wonderful bunch.
Excuse me?! My taste in soccer teams is F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. We’re currently ending the year on a high note and where is Man United? Huh? CRUSHED by the bottom of Chelsea’s – aka The Greatest Team Ever – cleats.
I’m going to have to move to London. These early morning Chelsea matches are killing me. 7 a.m. my ass.
“Excuse me?! My taste in soccer teams is F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S.”
—-> Troll.
*Gives Chips a big hug*
Happy New Year’s Eve, all! I am on my third drink, and our guests aren’t even here yet. Two Manhattans, and a Brass Monkey. What’s a Brass Monkey, you ask?
Brass Monkey:
1 oz. vodka
1 oz. rum
3 oz. OJ
Delish.
I’m a dork. I think the only thing Anderson Cooper is good for is entertaining me on New Years Eve. Yeah, that makes no sense even to me…
Oh, I agree. We’ll be tuned to CNN for our yearly NYE bash.
oh good I have company! Kathy Griffin just did a whole improv on making fun of A Cooper tweets that had me on tears.
LL, this is what the Irish call a PattyWhack. I made it for my St. Patty’s Day party last year and it was a hit!
Shot of Vodka with a few splashes of Lime juice , a Dash of agave, fill tall Collins glass with Ginger ale and garnish with fresh mint
Beautiful, Chips.
I don’t believe I have ever seen the picture of the man saluting PBO. Just warmed my heart.
Thank you, again for the beautiful space, all the amazing blog tyrants and the wonderful commenters. I learn something new every day here.
Thank you, Ms. Chips for creating this site. Thank you UT for carrying the torch. Thanks to each and every bt, contributor. poster amd lurker.
You have all helped me.
I post rarely, but you folks have been family like you won’t believe.
I just learned that my 15 year old down syndrome nephew has passed. He was my deaf sister’s only child.
So sorry for your lost. May the grace of God’s comfort be with you and your family.
To You, O Lord,
we humbly entrust this child,
so precious in Your sight.
Take him into Your arms
and welcome him into paradise,
where there will be no sorrow,
no weeping nor pain,
but the fullness of peace and joy
with Your Son and the Holy Spirit
forever and ever.
Amen
Thank you for those words, Layla They mean more than you will ever know.
Lynn – I am so very sorry to hear this. Will pray for your family tonight. You’ll be in our thoughts tomorrow and beyond.
Lynn, so sorry for your terrible loss. You and you family will be in my prayers.
Many thanks, Grab. Your screen name has always been an inspiration. Sean was a sweet boy who loved chickens!
Lynn, my condolences to you and your family. Sending comforting and healing thoughts your way.
So kind of you, ut. This did come as a shock.
So sorry for your loss. There really are no words when you lose someone so young.
{{{{Lynn and Sean’s Mom}}}}
May you and the rest of the family feel an extra strong sense of closeness as you hold each other close in the days, months ahead!
He will be safe in the arms of the Angels now, Lynn, as they walk with him along the Path of Light and Supernal Love which guides each of us Home when we are called. Be comforted that this blessed child had suffered enough here on this Side. He is free to live in the full Soul awareness by which God honors us.
He was a sweet boy. Your kind words are priceless, MP.
{{{{{Lynn}}}}}
My condolences to you and your family.
Many thanks, dear pkayden.
So sorry Lynn, Layla’s prayer comforts you and your family I hope.
I will be forever grateful to BlackWaterDog for turning me on to this amazing site, Carol.
Your sweet words will always be with me.
May TOD always be your “safe” place.
This community and our President have given me hope that I’ve been waiting for since 1968.
We are 23 million strong and still counting, Carol.
Yes we are! Stay strong Lynn or not. We are with you.
I wish I could remember how I got here. I think it was Arapahoe.
So sorry for this unbearable sadness. Stay strong, {{{{Lynn}}}}
Sending hugs back at ya, meta.
My condolences Lynn…So sad especially during this time of the year!
Oh Lynn, I am so sorry! My prayers are with you and your family. My heart aches.
So sad for you in this great loss. My nephew has Downs too.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Lynn. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Chips, This list was so warmhearted and moving.
Thank you to all TOD blog persons who wrote these best moments. Sharing these moments all year has been a privilege and pleasure.
I’d like to share two things I’m especially thrilled about a few hours before the year changes.
I had a bit of a medical emergency today and my doctor’s office phone advised me that they were closed until January 6.
But I have good insurance so a half hour looking on the web, a phone call and in no time i got the help and prescriptions & advice I needed to deal with a spreading infection.
What I am thrilled about is that as of 12:01 tonight millions and millions of Americans will have access to the same good care I got today. Thank you President Obama for caring about your people, all your people.
The second thing I’m singing about is that by 12:01 Bill De Blasio will be Mayor of NYC and M. Bloomberg is finally removed from center stage. 12 years TOD. In the words of a local newspaper: ( like merry Xmas to all and to all a good night) “A New Day is dawning after 5 terms of night.”
That’s Giuliani+ Bloomberg!!!!
This amazing blog has been a light in my life. Thanks and a Happy New Year to everyone.
I come back in time to see Chipsticks’ contribution to our Memories.
All I will say is that I’ve been walking with you from the start and will continue to walk with you. I love you more than you can realize! Thank you for creating your own blog (TOD) and allowing us to nourish it.
I could eat you GGail – in a good way. Love ya gal, intensely!!
Just beautiful! And yes, the man saluting the President brought tears to my eyes! I’d never seen it before either. I wonder what other gems Pete Souza has for us.
Oh Chips, thanks so much for the good picture of my favorite….and Mighty Pamela’s and HZ’s….the SILVER FOX…….I miss him.
Happy New Year to all of you at TOD…….what a wonderful place this is.
Chips you are the best. Love the memories you have shared here today. Looking forward to making more memories with everyone here in 2014.
Sweet! Takes me back to when the Thunderbirds did a fly-over right over our house in Klamath Falls, Oregon back in the 80s.
Love it!
And Happy New Year, Bill R!
Bob Cesca @bobcesca_go 25m
Online Journalism in 2013: “A lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth gets its pants on. Click-bait is everything.”
Delurking long enough to wish you all a happy healthy New Year!
Thank you Chips for another year of awesomeness.
YOU. ARE.THE.BEST
Let’s send some thoughts and prayers up for our Marines and all other military who are willing to go in harm’s way around the globe tonight, so we and our families can enjoy a peaceful New Year’s Eve here at home!
Including our U.S. Coast Guard:
I agree, lets pray for all our men and women in the military this New Years that they all are safe and sound in 2014.
And that many more of them will be HOME for the next New Year’s Eve!
Been missin’ you, jojo! Remember when you tried to talk me down?!?
Yes! Hi Lynn how all is going well. So good to hear from you.
Happy New Year Everybody…Be Safe.
I’m staying in the house because I have to work tomorrow, but I admit if I didn’t have to work, I would probably be downtown in NOLA ringing in the New Year with my peeps. Even though I still remember that one year, a tourist was killed by a falling bullet that was shot in the air for New Year’s Day. So everyone be safe.
Tourist Killed By Falling Bullet
So very glad you got to go home, lam26. It’s ‘Been A Long time Coming’.
Humpfff! I wasn’t talking to myself, I was singing! 🙄 Or was that the time I was laughing? Can’t remember, but I KNOW I WASN’T TALKING!
….says the quiet one 🙂
/stomping foot…..quietly/ But….but….but Chips won’t listen to my quiet, inside voice!!!!
Crowned #MostTalkative, I’m thinking! 🙂
Moi? Not at all, I’ve hardly said much these past days.
🙂
Just noticed you crossed the gate before you-know-who and got onto the podium – way to go! That’s quite an accomplishment these days with the obstacle course that has been added. Good for you, Susanne! 😀
La la la, lalala, la la lala LA! 😉 I was singing too, vc, we are quite in harmony!
CC doesn’t have a tuneful/well-tuned ear, I don’t think. 😀
First.
“although I heard VC was left behind in the room behind the main one, talking to herself :roll:”
TOO TOO FUNNY!
Her source was unreliable, Pkay. Season’s Greetings! 😛
Ah Chips, your moments made me catch my breath. The inauguration memories with JT AND Beyoncé in the background nearly made me cry. Thank you so much. I had never seen the salute picture. That picture inspires hope for a better tomorrow,
Fabulous thread! I really love the, “Oh, shoot” video!!
WHOA
Mmmmmmmm…..
🙂
🙂
Paging Mr. Yardarm…
I guess the girls didn’t want any shave ice today.
I”m wrong, the girls were with him.
daaang! … now remembering the b/w photo of Pete’s in his Flickr group of the ‘hands’. Brilliant stuff; Pulitzer stuff.
In this village I doubt I’m the only one who has been overjoyed that Barack and the family have had these several days to themselves (more than less), while in some small back corner of my mind sort of wishing to have seen a wee bit more of them.
My last New Years Eve party that I went to was in 1982 and this was the song…..we partied like it was 1999. The reason it was the last one I went to was after midnight we drove to another party but never made it because we got into a six car accident. No one was seriously hurt but it taught me to walk to any New Year Eve party. If one of my neighbors are not having a party…I am staying home. I am living in Pasadena so everyone is camping out on Colorado Blvd or one of the parade routes. I am close enough to walk to Colorado and see it when it gets down to my street then walk home. Youtube doesn’t have Princes “Party like its 1999” 😦
Enjoy the parade. It’s on my bucket list to go and see it, but I don’t want to camp out in the cold. Maybe next year😉.
Thank you Chips for making this a wonderful space full of facts, information and fun as well as a place to revel in the love of our President. It starts and ends my day everyday. Happy New Year to you and the incredible TOD family.
Ginormous hugs to ya Jackie, happy new year – and thank you!
YES!! back atcha, Mr. President!!
Terrific job, Chips Chica! Dare I say i pick on you so often because I love you – you know, the pull ponytail, hide i-pad kind of love?
I want to wish everyone here and EVERYWHERE a very , Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year! Please note that prosper is not just monetary….it is good deeds you do for others!
Love and Peace to all,
Sue!
Thank you Proud and to you too.
Priceless!
I’m fading fast and won’t be seeing the ball drop at midnight, so just let me say Happy New Year, TODers. The Best Is Yet To Come.
Chips, this is a great list from 2013. May we all be here again next year. You gave me an early peak at the list, did you know? 😉
2012 Convention Speech…..
Sometime in 2004 I heard or saw or read the news that a Republican candidate for Senator dropped out of his race in Illinois. That left a seat wide open for this young unknown politician. I don’t remember if they said he was black. But I do remember they said he had been against the Iraq war. That made my heart leap for joy. Then I heard about this other guy Carpetbagging into Illinois that I’d heard way to much of, Allen Keyes. It wasn’t easy getting much more news but the next thing I knew he was speaking at the 2004 Dem Convention. So I’ve admired this guy for awhile now. Thankfully so does Hubby. And even better I heard him speak again at the 2008 and 2012 Dem Convention and two Inaugurals.
Happy New Year Mr. President and to your family and loved ones. (((((Big Hug)))))
thanks for sharing this, carolmae! love remembering 2004.
Thanks. I’m so glad to have had that memory of him. Wish I’d had access to TOD when it started. Had no idea there was so much available on Internet that MSM wasn’t showing. 😀 Great folks here too!
Off to work I go. I wish all of you and your families a very Happy New Year! God bless the First Family!
Welcome a new baby Layla!
Since I had my DNA done for Ancestry.com I know I’m part Irish. Think it was those Vikings. But I know I’m part English too. I saw this online four hours before my New Year starts. Hope you enjoy as much as I did. I think y’all know how much I love animals of all kinds. Please enjoy. . .
A glorious post and list from this year, Chips! Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all you do, and to the fabulous blog tyrants and their service!
Thank *you* Bill, you’re a very lovely person – happy new year to you and your loved ones.
Happy New Year ….One and All..Ms Chipssssss…UT….all TODers
The Army’s awake, 24/7 !
Thank you Chips for all the wonderful memories.
We have our work cut out for us. . .
FYI.
This delay is for two days and only applies to Roman Catholic organizations. I am speculating that Sotomayor is choosing to deal with this on her watch, rather than wait for another RW justice to deal with the appeal. They handle these emergency appeals on a rotating basis.
JER,
wow, that’s a hot photo. I think that’s the first time on TOD I’ve made a comment about his “Hotness”. 🙂
Yes!
Is 2013 the year that POTUS decided to untuck shirts from jeans?
Happy NewYear everyone and thanks Chips for posting (at last) your memorable moments. Love our President. Love Gabby. Love all the people who, just like those in the vibrant TOD community, support our President, his family, and his vision of the world as it can be and commitment to realizing the dream. Thanks to all the BTs and especially to UTAL. 2014 is the year we again prove the pundits wrong and return the gavel to Nancy Smash.
Thank you dear Chips for your good wishes and 2013 memory lane. We are grateful for all you do for us. Happy New Year to you and Danny.
Here we go again….Target…
I will be forever grateful to share a new year with all of the beautiful, hard-working, dedicated crazy-ass folks.
Once upon a time someone said: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”
So have you created, Ms. Chips.
On my way to Watch Night Service. Just dipping in to say Happy New Year! In 2014, may you continue to be Blessed with love, peace and joy! I love my TOD Family!
New post!
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/12/31/shaka/
Chips, many, many thanks, especially, for #6. Outside of loooooving that photo, see, I’ve come to only rely on TOD for most news now, but it’s ridiculous, on reflection, to realize the stuff that still ‘floats up’ (I say up b/c it definitely starts below). All I’ve been gathering is how the President’s poll #s have ‘plummeted’, ‘tanked’, are ‘unrecoverable’. So gop/rasmussen is at 48%??!! Thank you!! #TrustBarack! 2014 LET’S DO THIS.
All this mess about the President poll number going down is work of the media.
TODably Awesome. I love it. This 2013 Memory Lane is beautiful Chips.
Happy New Year…..2014 is finally Here 😉