Reflections

Now that a few days have passed, I thought I would look back at the experience. I'm still in the "glow" of it all and happy that I was able to be part of it. Although I almost missed my flight due to the extremely long lines at US Airways (when I arrived there were about 200 people ahead of me for baggage check-in), the trip back was fairly smooth and restful. As we shuttled over to the plane, I sat next to a lady who had withstood the cold temperatures on the mall as well. I said, "Boy, wasn't it cold?" And she replied, "We have to come up with a new word for 'cold.' Cold doesn't really describe it." :-) In fact, even though it is not as cold here, I've been keeping it toasty in the house and in the car, just so I don't have to feel cold again for long periods of time. I'll just have to deal with the bill later.

In many respects, this has been a full circle experience for me. I started with the Obama campaign in the summer of 2007 when not a lot of people thought he had a chance. I didn't know if he could pull it off at that time, but I believed in his vision. I had never felt that kind of conviction for a political candidate before. I hosted a meeting in my home and invited friends to come out and learn more about him. Not everyone was convinced, but we had a great discussion. Now, that meeting seems so long ago and the possibilities are wide open.

So, what's next? Now that we have been inspired by President Obama to take a more active role in our communities, what comes next? Well, I'll be evaluating what I'm currently doing and determining if I'm working in areas where I can really make a difference. I'm not unhappy with my service, but I feel like I need to tackle other areas.

Like many Americans, I'll be following the activities of our new president very closely and looking out for opportunities where I can make a meaningful contribution.

And what about the next inauguration? I'll be there, too. Even in the freezing temperatures -- I've just gotta do it.

Here are some final pics from my album. Thanks for sharing the experience with me.

One Great Morning

Inauguration Day - January 20, 2009 - We started out at about 6:15 a.m. walking to the metro. After taking the train from Dupont Circle, we arrived at the L'Enfant station just in time to meet up with thousands of other Americans who were determined to witness this historic event. Despite the enormous crowd, I ran right into a friend from Memphis, Tennessee while walking toward the mall! It really is a small world. Once we arrived on the mall, we discovered that we would not have to stand as far back as we thought we would. After a moment of indecision, we made our way to the nearest jumbotron, trying to stand as close to the edge of the crowd as possible. Our spot was about a half mile from the Capitol, so we were in the first million. Oh, did I mention the frigid temperatures? It was COLD. I mean it was really, really cold. We had our toasties and hand warmers, thermals, jeans, sweaters, sneakers, Uggs knock offs, coats, hats, ear muffs, double layer of socks, and I'm telling you it was cold! Our only saving grace was that the crowd fended off the breeze that came along with the below freezing temperatures. I tried to be of good cheer, but I have to admit that I was miserable for parts of the four hour wait before the ceremony. I tried to past the time my standing in line to buy $6 hot dogs. Yes, I was really, really bored. :-)

Even though it was very uncomfortable, most people were in good spirits and everyone would not have wanted to be any where else on earth. It really turned into a wonderful morning. Once the ceremony got underway, the anticipation was palpable. Every musical note, every arriving dignitary brought us closer to the moment that we came to witness, the swearing in of Barack Obama, our first African American President. In the section we were in, it was a lot like being in church. During the prayer, we heard shouts of "Glory," Hallelujah," and "Praise God." Many older African Americans, some whom were barely able to stand, were clearly overcome by the moment. And so was I. Strangers hugged each other and most of us jumped up and down waving flags, shouting "Obama, Obama, Obama." I'll never forget the faces that were around me -- people of all ages, races and nationalities bound together. I thank God that I was able to be there and represent my family.

Once the swearing-in ceremony ended, we walked over to the Freer Art Gallery to warm up. To our surprise, people were lined along the walls of the galleries, sitting on the floor napping. So, what did we do? We joined them! That's right, I took a nap on the floor of a Smithsonian musuem. I thought it was a little strange, but I was too tired to object. It was the best cat nap I've ever had. I tried to get a snapshot because I knew you wouldn't believe me. Check it out.

After about an hour, we headed out to the metro station, temporarily sidetracked by street vendors set up in the plaza. We soon discovered that the closest metro stations were closed. We decided to walk about 10 blocks to another metro station that was open and accessible. (Good thing we had that nap!) We ended up back at Dupont Circle at about 4:00 or so. We were easily lured to the Krispy Kreme to partake in the two for one Obama doughnut special, since we had done all of that walking! Then we headed over to Starbuck's before walking back to the hotel where we crashed -- HARD. We caught most of the parade on CNN because of the delay, and I'm now watching the Obamas travel from ball to ball. I actually got an invite the Unity ball tonight. My heart and mind were willing, but my feet said absolutely not! Watching the president and first lady from my comfy contour mattress suits me just fine. Aren't they a darling couple?

Well, my roommates are in and out of sleep now. I've got the earliest departure time tomorrow, so will turn in soon. Even though my frozen toes are still tingling as I write this, I have had the time of my life. Just wish that all my friends and famly could have been here, too. See you when I get back. T.

Old Friends and New Friends

Before I tell you all about my great inauguration experience, let me update you on what we did yesterday. The past couple of days have been a whirlwind, so I didn't have time for updates and when I did I was too tired and sleepy. Anyway, none of my plans really worked out on Monday, but it was another great day. Fortunately, I told myself before I left that I would "go with the flow" and just let things happen even though I had outlined an agenda in my mind. Well, we were up late Sunday (again) so we hung around the hotel Monday morning -- leisurely getting ready while teasing each other about who snored the loudest (I did not win that contest, but I won't call out the person who did. You know who you are.)

After our Starbuck's cofffee and Viv's delicious banana nut bread, we were joined by more friends on their way to a concert at the National Cathedral. I intended to join them, but then got sidetracked at the Delta Drop-In in honor of Barack Obama. He didn't show, but as you see, it didn't stop me from getting a photo with him. I caught up with lots of sorority sisters -- they are estimating that about 4,000 Deltas "dropped in" to our National Headquarters yesterday. It was beautiful-- past national presidents were there along with our awesome new president, Cynthia Butler McIntyre. While Sunday was an American lovefest, Monday was a Delta lovefest. We were joined by family and friends, making it a very special day in our sorority life.

After the drop-in, my homegirl Debra and I caught a bite to eat at a neighborhood steakhouse, Annie's, located off Dupont Circle. I recommend it -- especially the steakhouse onion rings. The pear martini is for grown folks only. I had no business with it, but it was yummy.

After catching up with more friends, a quick nap and some street vendor shopping, we took the metro to Silver Springs to have drinks and dinner at the home of another friend. There, I met some new friends -- a family from Fresno, California. Their journey and participation in the inauguration activities is being covered by their local newspaper, The Fresno Bee. Pretty cool, huh? Check them out at http://localsearch.fresnobee.com/sp?keywords=mayberry+family&aff=1100. I've also posted a family photo here -- the group shot of ladies - sisters, cousins, a friend and a niece. I also have a pic of our hosts, Roz and Paul. Thanks for the wonderful dinner!

Finally, just to give you an idea for how everyone is celebrating this American presidency in their own way. I ran across this sign on a home in the neighborhood. They also had the Obama stand-up on their front stoop. Passersby were stopping to take photos. I thought it was hilarious, and pretty bold, too.

We Are One - An American Lovefest

The We Are One event lived up to its hype. It was fabulous, even with thousands of people in the audience. We were not able to get near the Lincoln Memorial, but we found a great spot between the Washington Monument and WWII Memorial. We were also standing between two jumbotrons so when the crowd shifted we never really lost our view of the screen. Another bonus -- we were surrounded by a great group of people...we had a blast!

We arrived on the mall about 45 minutes before the concert started and stayed to the end. When it was over, to a person, we said, "it was worth it." Even after we walked 2 1/2 miles back to the hotel after standing for about 4 hours, we were still thrilled to have been there -- very tired and hungry, but completely satisified with the shared experience that celebrated our great country as much our new president. My favorite parts-- Garth Brooks, he rocked the crowd and got us moving., and Denzel Washington, for obvious reasons. :-) All of the messages were inspiring and in some cases, very poignant. Many people in the crowd commented how the concert was well planned. I agree. It was just what we needed to get the celebration going. Interestingly, everyone seemed to be in good spirits. People were courteous, friendly and downright chatty. When I looked around, other than my freinds, I didn't know a soul, but it felt like we had a lot in common. I only got teary eyed once -- when Obama was speaking. I still marvel at what is about to happen on Tuesday.

Tomorrow's agenda -- MLK Day of Service activities and a concert at the National Cathedral.

P.S. It was not nearly as cold as it may have looked on TV. I don't think I've worn thermals since I was a child, but they worked wonders. :-)

Oh, before I go, I have to give a shout out to my sorors. Here are some pics from our National Headquarters building.

Very, Very Late Night

Catching up with friends...but all rested now. Sleep is a wonderful thing. :-) Just had my Starbuck's - grande soy carmel machiatto, so I am a happy person. We're headed to the Lincoln Memorial to check out the set up for the concert this afternoon. Of course, I am equipped with my handy Obama commemoorative Metro card! But we will walk about a mile or so as well, so we'll be getting some exercise while we're here.

Can't really put into words how thrilled I am to be here. Every once in a while I stop think, wow, it's really happening and I'll be here to see it. This is such an amazing country and a tremendous moment in history.

Like a lot of you, we're following along with the events by watchng CNN. All of the commentary is interesting as well. I think everyone is feeling the weight of history.

Will catch up when I get back from the concert...hopefully with pics.

Dinner with the Presidents

The city is all prepped for the inauguration. Hotels and restaurants are outfitted in red, white and blue. Here are some pics from dinner tonight at McCormick and Schmick's (incl. Edgar, our waiter). We were apppropriately seated in the South Carolina section of the restaurant, flanked by photos of past presidents.

I've Arrived!

I made my way to the capital city by way of US Air early this morning. Even though I was in the very last seat (13C , no less) the flight was great. I intended to sleep all the way (as usual), but a cup of coffee just before the flight kept me wide open. Since I brought along some mindless reading, I made my way through the entire January edition of People. :-)

It's 10 degrees here, but sunny. I haven't been out long enough to really appreciate the cold weather, but I will make my way over to DuPont Circle to explore the shops and restaurants later today. I spied a Starbucks on the way in so, I will definitely be there coffee addict that I am.

My cab driver was very helpful, offering tips on taking a short cut to the mall on Tuesday. He also drove by the mall giving me a glimpse of the staging underway. I hope that won't be my only one! :-)

Since I'm the first to arrive in my group, I've got some time to catch up on the sleep that I missed last night -- opting to pack and repack instead. What does a Carolina girl bring to D.C. anyway? I've got about 5 thick sweaters and 3 sets of thermals. Everything I've read says to layer, so I hope I'm set. Just no rain, please. Can take the cold....but not the cold and rain! Brrrrr....

Thelma R. just told me about the Obama stop at Union Station this afternoon....maybe I'll check that out.