Today’s a great day. A day I didn’t think I’d see, at least not this early in my life. I’ll always remember where I was when President Barack Obama was sworn into office — sweating profusely on a treadmill at the Angie’s List employee gym. You know something big is happening in the world when everyone crowds into the fitness center just to be closer to a TV so they can witness history.

Despite the turnout, our trainer Kelsey wasn’t there. That’s a first. She seems to always be there, to offer us fresh fruit or remind us how many reps we’re supposed to do. Today she joined thousands of local residents at the Conseco Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis to watch the momentous event on the giant screens. Of course, that’s nothing compared to the throng of people who turned out on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to see the action unfold first-hand. Something like 3 million people showed up. That’s an incredible thing to see, even if it’s only on TV. Angie’s List Data Manager Ann Marie Titsworth flew out to D.C. to take part. I can’t imagine what it was like to stand among millions of people chanting and clapping, all united for a common cause.

Watching the inauguration gave me a great feeling of hope and a sense of peace — the exact opposite of how I’ve been feeling for months as I listen to the newscasts paint an ever-drearier picture of our country’s situation. But as I turn back to my work in the Blue House and flip through the online newspapers, searching Angie's List Magazine story ideas, my sense of awe is deflated somewhat. Stories about the inauguration are followed by hateful and hurtful comments. We’ve come a long way, but we have a long way to go.