Are You Planning Beyond Next Tuesday?

Where are you watching the inauguration?

I haven’t decided yet whether I’m going to watch from my couch or my armchair, but I’m pretty well decided on from home. It seems like no matter where I tune in to the news these days, the keywords are economy, bailout, Burris, Super Bowl, and inauguration. While driving around San Diego the other day I saw several marquees inviting me to “Watch the inauguration here”.

Do you have special plans for Tuesday?

If you came to this post looking for places to celebrate, people who’re gathering, or other 2009 Presidential Inauguration-related information, I’ve included some (hopefully) helpful links below. Since you’re in planning mode I just thought I’d ask a question. You’re planning for the inauguration. Have you planned for whatever comes after (or before) that day? Do you know who will take care of you if you can’t? Who will care for your mom and dad if your parents are unable to care for themselves?

Where will you be after Tuesday?

The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States was an historic event. It follows that the inauguration of President-elect Obama is an historic occasion. Don’t spend more time planning for a historic moment than you do for a fateful one. You’re making plans to watch his story. Are you planning for the rest of your own story?

Try not to offend your family if you can avoid it.

I had a whole imaginary family situation that I was planning to insert here, but I was having trouble coming up with inoffensive names and relationships. I’ve got a huge extended family. If I accidentally used the name of some cousin in an example about a greedy or abusive family member — well, you see where that might end up. Let me say instead that it’s in your best interests to make sure there’s a written plan that even the shifty branch of the family that you seldom speak to can understand. In other words, you may want to make some decisions of your own while you’re still able…before the Sackville-Bagginses show up to put you in a home and divide up your stuff.

Do your relatives know your wishes?

If you don’t recognize the Sackville-Baggins name, know that they are definitely not related to me. They are, in fact, the greedy relatives of Bilbo Baggins, the Hobbit in J.R.R. Tolkien’s book of the same name. I used the Sackville-Bagginses in this extreme example because when Bilbo left his home for a time, they moved in and claimed ownership. Not that anyone in your family would make decisions on your behalf that aren’t what you would want…but how would they know if you hadn’t told them what you would want.

I just have a few more questions.

I cheated earlier. I said I was asking a question and technically asked three. Now I am asking three questions (really).

1. Do you know where you’re watching the inauguration?
2. Have you thought about your life plan (if you’re a senior) or considered plans for your parents (if you’re treading the middle ground)?
3. Care to answer in the comments?

Inauguration Links as Promised

General Information on Presidential Inauguration 2009

“Bush Declares State of Emergency for Inauguration” The Caucus: The New York Times Politics Blog
Inaugural Blog The Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden
“Obama Inauguration Schedule” The Huffington Post

Where to Watch the Inauguration in San Diego

“Obama’s In: Where to Watch the Inauguration in San Diego” San Diego Citysearch
“Free Inauguration Viewing at Hilton San Diego Bayfront ” Discover San Diego

Resources to Help with Other Plans

“Boomers & Seniors: News You Can Use” Seniors for Living
Grandparents & Relationships, Caregiving & Independent Living, Grief & Loss – Family Topics for Seniors AARP

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Originally posted 2009-01-15 05:49:39.