Day Three 1/20/09 - Dawn to about 9:30

About 8:30 AM they let us in. We went through security, which was somewhat of a joke. They just went through my bag and made me unzip my coat and then patted my sides down. Of course, we learned later that it was nothing compared to the security check they had to go through closer at the seating areas. That security check held up loads of people and around 11-12 they started turning people away and sending them out. Some people didn't even get to experience the inauguration even though they'd been in line for 7+ hours. However, that wasn't Brian and I's story. We got right in. We were in a good section. Since we'd been so crowded with people we just hung back toward the back of the section and took up some space so we could move, sit on the ground, jump up and down - anything. Plus, being short, I could see better standing in the back.



Here's the view behind us - crazy how many people were there!!

We had some time hanging out in this section...


before I noticed people moving up - closer. I got Brian and we moved up with them. Someone had knocked down the fence and people were just moving on. We got up to the Capitol reflecting pool - which was a beautiful view. I was satisfied just staying there.



behind the Capitol reflecting pond




This is when we moved up closer, we ended up in front of the Capitol reflecting pool. If you look in the middle of this pic - you can see a gold seal. Right above that was where everyone did their speeches, above that in the red is the youth choir that sang, and below the seal is the band, both of which you can see in this picture.



This is where we ended up without zoom. While we were really close for the standing area, we were still pretty far.

Day Three 1/20/09 - 3:30AM to Dawn

It's Inauguration morning - 3:30AM and we're up putting on lots of clothes getting our things together - double checking that we have our tickets. Brian's phone rings and the cab is here to take us to the metro station. And all of a sudden it's 3:45AM and we're out the door and going. It's surreal. I knew that we would have a wait in front of us and that we would be challenge to keep positive and enjoy the situation. I was ready. I'd been gearing up for these very moments for weeks.



On the train, on our way

We arrive at the station and get on a train. We felt lucky because we got to sit down. There wasn't many people on the train yet. The people that were on were in fantastic spirits. We were all united. Going to the same place, rooting for the same team. There were chants, high fives, laughter and and a buzz of excitement. The further we go on the metro towards D.C. the more people get on. And by the time we get off the train at 4AM this is what we see...

























The droves of people we expected were there. So out we go and walk toward where we believe our destination is. There are so many people and everyone is excited! We got to the Silver Gate (we had silver tickets). There was a line and the guy at the front of it said he'd been there since 11pm the night before and that we needed to go to the end. So we head up there, it was about 3 blocks away. When we got up there, someone said they were opening up a new gate and we all needed to go there. So hoardes of people start running the 3 blocks to this new gate. By this time there were even more people and we were packed in like sardines and walking like penguins. The guy at the 'new gate' said that he had no knowledge of them opening a second gate and that we should go back...WHAT?!? So Brian and I and probably a few thousand close (in proximity) friends headed the few blocks back. Brian and I ended up in a crowd that stopped around the actual entrance that said SILVER GATE and decidedly that is where we stayed. It was a smart move on our part - we'd find out later.





About 4:30 AM at the Capitol




same time, I think 18 degrees. Brian doesn't look cold at all, huh?!




This is about 5:30-6AM, there's a hint of light at the Capitol and Brian and I still have good spirits.



Between 6 and 7 they opened up the gate and allowed us about a block closer to where we would be released to go through security and then into our sections.

Here's the Capitol around 7 when the sun was coming up. It is possibly my favorite picture. I had a lot of emotion watching the sun rise. It was a new day for America, most of the time I could not believe that I was there taking it all in. And nothing had really happened yet.

Day Two 1/18/09

On the 18th which was our second day out east, we got up late, ate a huge breakfast at Brian's cousin Suzi's house, hung out and then went to the Metro station to head to Alexandria, VA and Brian's Aunt Diane's house. I had a ton of thoughts in my head, but mainly thinking about my commitment not to complain. I made this commitment with myself, not Brian (although it was really for his benefit). About halfway to the Metro station I started feeling nauseous. And it didn't go away. I was nauseous all day and evening. There were moments of unsureness - I really thought I was going to just puke! But I didn't, and I didn't complain either. Here's the first ride on the metro.



After Aunt Diane picked us up at Huntington station, we went back to her house which was a really cute apartment! I loved it and could have lived there. We pretty much dropped our bags and went back to Huntington station and on to Washington D.C. We were so excited to get into town.

The first true sign of the Inauguration that we saw was the MSNBC van. It was so exciting!



Then heard some girls doing an Obama cheer. Here they are decked out with tons of Obama pins. I imagine they were selling them also - lots of people were doing that.



We walked down the mall, toward the Washington Monument. It was beautiful at night. It is such a significant landmark in D.C. I hear there are stairs you can climb to the top and see out - I think it would take me two days and probably 25 inhalers.



Our next stop was the WWII memorial. This is something new in D.C. I think it's awesome. I took a picture at the South Dakota one in remembrance of my grandfather. He fought in WWII and was able to come back to his family. He never talked about it, but when my Aunts and Uncles when through their house they found a barrel or two with some memorabilia, some Nazi arm bands, a Luger stuff like that. Sometimes I wish we were able to know our grandparents longer and when we are older so there is more appreciation of the time spent. But that is a whole notha blog.







We walked past the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pond - I don't actually know the real name right now. But it is the rectangular pond. Here's some illegal mischief that Brian brought on.








The Lincoln Memorial was just ahead. They had just finished up with the Pre-Inauguration concert that aired on HBO. People were in line at 8 AM that morning waiting to get it. It was a free concert and lots of amazing talent was there. Stevie Wonder was there. I really wanted to see him, but we were not educated about the show enough to know when it started or when to be there. It's not something we planned on. Even though we couldn't get close, I totally got a view of Lincoln sitting in his eternal chair. What a majestic man! They just don't make em' like that anymore...



After Lincoln, we walked down Pennsylvania where I got a peek at the White House. We met up with some kids Brian new through his mom who volunteered for Obama. They actually became two wonderful new friends, Flip and Christina. Both hail from Iowa. Flip actually was the Obama worker and who also lived and still lives with Brian's mom. Brian's mom takes in workers for campaigns. That is how she volunteers for them. So Flip is like Brian's step brother or adopted brother. Anyhow - we walked back toward the capitol where we were meeting them and walked past the area that we figured was fenced off for our tickets (silver) and about 500,000 porta potties. That night would be the one and only time I used a porta pottie in D.C. I know it's going to be everyone's biggest question...

So up to the capitol we go and meet our new friends Christina and Flip. After the meeting we took the metro down to Old town and walked until they were going to close all the restaurants. We ducked into one called Austin's and had some fine faire - which we were all starving. Then headed back to Aunt Diane's to get a little rest before Inauguration Eve started, which will be my next post. Here's some nighttime photos of the capitol.



And on our way to the metro I snagged a photo of this piece of art. So fluid. I loved it.

Life is too short!

Last weekend my best friend from high school, Alysia's mom died. She battled breast cancer for two years. It matasticized to her liver and she went quick. Many of you that came into my life after high school have met or know of Alysia. She is a very important person in my life. Her family was my family throughout high school. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts this week. Her memorial is on Saturday - so if you remember send out some extra strong thoughts and prayers to them on that day.

Karen A. Searcy
Karen A. Searcy, 51, Kansas City, Mo., passed away January 30, 2009.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2009, at
Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, Mo. Karen was
born January 22, 1958, to Harold and Shirley Atkin in Kansas City, Mo.
She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, crafts and volunteering in
the Horticulture Department at the Kansas City Zoo. Karen was preceded
in death by her parents. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of
31 years, Michael D. Searcy; daughter Alysia Rae; son Michael J. Searcy;
granddaughter Cassidy Jade Bolin; sisters Valerie K. Sherman and Janet
A. Wotipka. Arrangements: Park Lawn Funeral Home, (816) 523-1234.

Day One 1/17/09

Brian's cousin Suzi picked us up from the airport in her mini-van with "Maryland Republicans welcome Bonnie and Brian" it was priceless. I laughed so hard. When we got into the van I was greeted by Brian's cousin and automatically knew she was good people. We spend the evening eating Texas steak, bush beans, and other foods that would make a republican proud. And yes I believe they are republicans, but it was all in good fun! We stayed up til 3am talking and drinking wine - the late nights being normal at their house. What a wonderful time, though. I really enjoyed meeting Suzi and her family. It was even nicer and endearing to see Brian interact with his cousin and her family (they had 4 kids). He really loves his family, it was cool to experience that. Besides the Texas size dinner, Suzi had decorated their house with books and republicanisms. You'll find an example in the picture below. Day one was perfect and tons of fun - a great way to start our Inauguration experience.

There is way too much to sit down and formulate a blog. I've been putting it off because it would just take too much time. I will let you know I had the best time in Washington D.C. I was there for an entire week - we extended our stay. Everything went smoothly - no bumps whatsoever. And it was life changing. Not in the sense of seeing Obama be inaugurated, but more in an inner sense of the journey of my life.

Because I can't wrap my mind around sitting here and describing my story while posting pics (I am really afraid it would take like 12 hours for me to do). I will stop right here and post a pic or two. I have posted about 40-50 pics on Facebook. Myspace takes a little longer and I haven't had time to do it yet. But at some point, I will sit down and picture it out for all you non-facebook types. Maybe one day at a time would be good. Just know, I had the best time!






Obama speaking from podium after his swearing in. This was my view - yes, a closer standing area than most!

Gettin' ready

2 days of work to get through and then I am outta here! I am totally stoked to go. There will be so many people! It is truly going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event! (I'm speaking of the Presidential Inauguration, but everyone that reads this knows).
I might even get to see a friend from college that is just getting back from Iraq. I'm sure I blogged about her this summer/fall. Anyway - that just adds to the excitement.

eeken excited

Alliteration is astounding. I think I will totally teach it tomorrow.

Anyway - I am terribly excited to be going out of town. It's 10:23 on a Sunday night and I'll I can think about is Friday. Friday is when I'm packing up, Saturday is when we are actually going. But it's Friday that I'm thinking about. I cannot wait. I'm in need of an adventure. I have no expectations. I am totally open to anything that will and can happen. (I usually have expectations, we know this) I absolutely cannot wait 5 days. I don't think I'll be able to do anything at work, even though I have so much to do.

I'm not trying to rub it in, well maybe a little, but I just wanted to spread my excitement around a little.

Happy week to everyone. I know I'll be thinking nothing but of my adventure.

The Salon

Many of you know and regular readers have heard/read about my very part time job at the salon. I dislike working on Saturdays, terribly. Really dislike doing it. So why do I continue to work at the salon? Here are the reasons why:
1. I get paid my measly amount every two weeks which works well for me since my real job pays only once a month.
2. It's easy.
3. They are sooo flexible. I can take off whenever I want, add more hours - whatever I need.
4. If I so choose (which I usually don't have money for), there are benefits - like half off services, 30% off product etc.

And those are the only 4 reasons why I work at the salon. I wrote this for my sanity as I stand here until 8pm in heels knowing I have to come back and do this again all day Saturday.

The pointless point.

I worry about work and personal issues. I often stress, usually more about work than personal stuff. I've tried all year to remind myself that work is just a job, makes your money so that you can come home and do the stuff that makes your life worth living. I try to take on the philosophy that I work to live - not live to work. I stayed up most of the night Thursday, worrying about coming back to work and all the paperwork I needed to complete on Friday. Then spent the rest of the weekend trying to make up for that lost sleep. Last night I tossed and turned, yelled at my dog (she was in the middle of the bed and wouldn't move) because I had a big meeting today in which I felt I had to perform (speak eloquently). So, I get to school early, to get prepared and such. There's big drama and then the meeting happens. I had more people on my side this time (last meeting didn't go well....I don't know if anyone has ever been bullied by an educational advocate - it's not fun). The meeting went on for 2 hours - but went well. There were a lot more positive things said this time. And the advocate was nothing but pleasant this go round. It was another reminder of how I need not worry. I was once so good at my job, and I have such doubt about myself this year. All that I believe is my fault from the amount of stress I create about this job I'm doing. I think it's become a habit - like I don't know how to feel anymore without having all the stress.
Resolution #1 - Destress and learn what it feels like to live without stress.
I also have hit a big wall. I'm having a helluva time getting over it. I need to be healthier. I need to change my eating habit and exercise habits. I need someone to help hold me accountable - to push me in the right direction. If anyone wants to volunteer to call or text me everyday and just ask how I'm doing - if I made it to the gym, if I ate well etc...please - I think I'm in need of a pusher or accountability partner. I'm just not handling it on my own at all and if I look back - I never have been able to. I have always been successful when I've had someone to go to the gym with or competition to loose weight.
Resolution #2 - Find a healthy place in my life: mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Those things were weighing heavy on me today. I just realized that lately all I've wanted to do and think about is reading and traveling. Both elements of escape in my life. I guess it's probably a wake up call to put aside the books and the travel channel - which is why I wrote the resolutions above.

Shout out

This is for Stacy who chose to read my blog today (I think she started in like November 08) and chose to leave a comment on almost each blog (she left 13 comments!).

I loved the mass of love! I was totally surprised and taken back by all the comments. My favorite was the one about my boss (getting a new job and punching her in the face..) ironic enough, she was a great support during a crappy meeting today.

And even though I don't always leave comments on your blog - I am a big fan and a regular reader :)

Happy New Year!

Precious. That is my Maggie.

I'm struggling with positive things to say - it's no secret, it's been the hardest holiday season in recent years. I probably say that every year, but I say it this year as someone much wiser and more mature than the person I was last year.

So instead I will name 5 things that I am looking forward to in 2009.

1. Going to Washington D.C, and any other travel adventures I choose. I love to travel and am glad that I'm getting a head start for this year in January.

2. Being in the last 2 weddings I will ever be in that are not my own. After these two, the next one will be mine!

3. Being active and embracing the warm weather when it comes. Tuesday I took a 2 mile walk with a friend and our dogs and then went and played tennis with another friend. I am looking forward to more of those opportunities anytime the weather is warm.

4. Finishing this school year and going into my final year in Special Education. No matter what I choose to do after next school year, my abusive relationship with Special Education will be finished. I will not be writing anymore IEP's, FBA's, BIP's, RED's or ER's.

5. Another year means another chance to embrace my life and all that is in it. It is another chance to release my expectations of my life (thereby releasing my disappointments) and allow myself to marvel in it's fullness and beauty, even in the trying times.

So happy new year, folks! I hope you make it a good one.

Allergies, what?

So I've been back to the doctor for weird skin stuff going on. He said he thought it was allergic reaction to something and then sent me to an allergist. I had my allergy test today (both the prick test and needle testing). In a nutshell (not allergic to those) I am allergic to animals (especially mites, cats, and horses), mold, weeds, Birch trees, Johnson and Kentucky blue grass, sage, wheat pollen, and eggs.

My arms were red, swollen and itchy from all the testing. But it was worth it. I will be getting three different shots once a week. I'm going to give this all a few months and if I'm still getting the red spots on my legs I'm going to go back to the rheumologist. The allergy doctor even suggested that I go to one before she new that I'd been to one before! But at least all the allergies are ruled out. I like knowing something rather than nothing. I don't like the feeling of wondering what the hell is wrong with me. So I'm relieved in that sense.




Merry Christmas!!!

Tonight is my family Christmas and then we'll probably hang out tomorrow. Then on Friday I am heading up to South Dakota to visit the Steen side of the family - see my cousins and Aunts and Uncles. I'm going to stop through Council Bluffs, IA on the way home and hang out with the Lendts. I'm looking forward to the little trip.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and that santa is very nice to each on of you!

tryin' on something new

Thanks to April (I cheated off your blog layout) I'm trying on something new. It isn't quite as comfortable as what I had before - but I thought I'd try it out while I was looking for a new layout.

Tag, I'm it!!!!

Thank you for the tag, April! I'm happy to fill this out.


The rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Fill out the questions below.
3. Tag 5-7 people at the end of your post.
4. Pass on the tag. Have FUN!!

1.Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Both. I can have hot chocolate at anytime. I usually only have egg nog once a year - a little goes a long way!

2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa usually puts them in a bag, depending on what it is. And yes, Santa still comes to my house. I will always believe :)

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
white on the tree - I'm not adverse to colored though.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No, but I did when I was in the practice of kissing someone regularly. It should probably be the other way around - I should have it up now so I get kisses, wanted or not.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
day after Thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
I have some Norwegian favorites that I only get on the holidays - lefse, krumkake etc. I also look forward to all the baked goods.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
I don't have a very good long term memory - but I can remember one Christmas when I was really little my Grandma and Grandpa Barnes were there and we were driving to church or something and my Grandparents and I were looking out the window trying to see Santa and his reindeer. I love any memory where I can remember being with family. I have good memories of going to South Dakota every Christmas too and playing with my cousins, and driving on the lake.

8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
That is when we always open our gifts. Since we usually went to South Dakota on Christmas day, we always had our family Christmas on Christmas Eve. We still do even if we don't go to South Dakota.

9. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
Lots of ornaments from whatever. It's just a compilation of ornaments I've gotten since I got my first Christmas tree in 2000. I have some from students, many from friends and then just others that I've bought as fillers.

10. Can you ice skate?
I don't know - I haven't been for a long time. But the times I have gone I've been able to. I think I'm going to try and get some friends together to do that this year - it would be a fun activity.

11. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I've received so many wonderful and amazing gifts it's hard to say which is my favorite. The top two are my tv and my heart necklace.

12. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
what isn't my favorite? I love, love, love, Natalie and her mom's bake-a-thon goodie bag!

13. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Christmas with my family on Christmas eve.

14. What tops your tree?
a poor looking angel, but she's always been on my tree.

15. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
hmmm..this year has been a hard one for the giving, so receiving. But I love giving too.

16. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
We three kings...All traditional Christmas songs.

17. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
okay - I don't like how they get stuck in my teeth - love them in hot drinks though

18. What do you want for Christmas?
I have no friggin' clue. (and then after thinking I came up with this list:) An external hard drive, more memory for my computer, $400 to pay for my ticket to Washington DC, a new outfit, shoes/boots, a Coach purse (like Celinda's)

19. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party?
yes, several. Most of them not so party - but more of an excuse to make lots of good food and eat as well as share our musical talents.

20. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs?
Wear PJ's or sweatshirt and jeans

21. Do you own a santa hat?
Two actually - never really wear them though

22. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
Myself, My family if we get together on the 25th.

I tag: Alicia and Sheila

NEWS!!

Thanks to my dear friend, Brian, I will be attending the Presidential Inauguration! A once in a lifetime event! I cannot believe I'm going and I cannot wait. There will be so many high profile people going. We won't have the tickets until we get to D.C. but we could possibly even have seats (although, I don't know how two midwesterners would get seats...). I'm totally stoked and now have to figure out what I am going to wear (under the layers of coat, scarf and hat. Maybe some new jeans are in order (the expensive ones...)?




Had to get my girl in there!

a load off

I have finally been able to pay for my bridesmaid dress for the March wedding and pay for my property taxes! Whew! It's a load off.

Holiday Traditions

Here's 11 of my favorite holiday traditions.

1. Enjoying a Christmas Show
Brian and I started this tradition, hmmm...5? years ago, anyway we usually go see Magic of Christmas that the Kansas City Symphony puts on. The tickets are pricey and money is tight,so this year, we went to see the Boston Brass at the Leid Center at KU. It was absolutely fantastic and funny! I enjoyed every moment. It's one of my favorite traditions and I fully intend to keep it up every year. While I was looking for a pic of the Boston Brass, I came across this. Enjoy.



2. Putting up the Christmas decs the day after Thanksgiving
3. Going to a Christmas party.
This year, I was invited to go with Shannon and Andrew to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party. Since I went to one last year, I just recycled that and put more crap on it. Here's a pic of us that went. I don't like they way I look, so I'm also including a second pic of the ladies. (vain, I know)












4. Driving around looking at Christmas lights.
5. Christmas eve dinner with my family at IHOP or Denny's.
6. Candle light service at church.
Haven't done this for many years - but it still is one of my favorite moments of the year.
7. Traveling to South Dakota to see the Steen side of the family.
I haven't done this for a few years - but will be going this year.
8. Baking
I enjoy cooking and baking. I usually do a lot more baking during the holidays than cooking. This year so far, I made krumkake (kroom-ka-ka) for a work get together. My cousin, Maure (thank you Maure!), gave me a fancy krumkake maker a few years ago and I just used it for the first time. I've never made these by myself, only with my aunts at family reunions. It was really fun, and really impressive. They turned out to be very delicious. Here's a pic of my goodness:



9. Giving gifts
This year the gift giving is very limited. I haven't been able to get people what I want, if anything at all. I've even had a hard time giving of myself. I'm not without the Christmas spirit, just without the Christmas finances and the emotional stability. While this year may be a challenge, I think this still is one of my favorite traditions anytime of the year, not just at Christmas. The best Christmas for this was the first Christmas down at the loft (2000 or 2001) with Brian. We got each other an insane amount of gifts - it was awesome! That was back when we had nothing and so there was a lot of gifts to get and be useful. It's hard now that we have all the little stuff we need.

10. Getting gifts
Santa still comes to my house. My family has the best Christmases. My parents are so great about getting gifts that are outrageous for Eric and I and often leave us speechless. Last year - huge flat screen tv for me. I can remember when we got laptops one Christmas. It's always surprising and insane. But I love it - I can't lie. It'll be a sad day when either of us gets married and has kids - that when I see Santa coming to them and not to us...

11. Sending/Receiving Christmas Cards
I enjoy this ritual and try to do it on Thanksgiving break every year. I've started a little late this year, but I'll get them out. I also love receiving them and display them for everyone who enters my house to look at and admire.