January 13, 2009
ruffles and flourishes
1/13/09
Soooo, thanks to the unbelievable largesse of our Congresswoman, the inimitable Kirsten Gillibrand of NY-20, we've got tickets to the Inauguration of our 44th president in our nation's shining capital. I should add that my wife is brilliant - she befriended Kirsten four years before she ever ran for office, at a meeting of Women Democrats in New York. This was during one of the bleakest times for honest politicians in American history (spring 2002), but these women were fearless, and Tessa knew she'd be the real deal.
Despite the obvious logistical nightmare, we're taking Lucy with us to Washington D.C. because, really, I want her to know she was there. Hopefully, it'll be one of her first political memories, something she might be proud of as she gets older and begins to realize what a fairly big deal it was. We have been told repeatedly by everyone involved that it will be cold, uncomfortable, long, miserable and you can't bring lawn chairs, but fuck it - living history requires good shoes.
We've got invitations to some crazy Balls since we've hung our hat in so many places: the Black Tie and Boots Texas Ball, the New York and North Carolina Balls, and if we're lucky, we'll get into the Staff Ball, populated by all the twentysomethings - our nephew Sean Patrick and niece Katharine included - that knocked on every door in America. I should say right now: I do not own a tux. The one I wore to my wedding is brown and cream-colored (ROCK!) and two sizes too big.
.jpg){kind=link}
I don't know about Black Tie and Boots, but Lucy's got Scottish Fairy Beatles and Boots covered
Anyone else going to the long, cold, miserable yet historically joyous event?
Posted by Ian Williams at January 13, 2009 11:55 PMOh, I am so jealous that you're going! If we were still there (we moved from DC to Bangkok six months into Bush's first term) we would be living in our rented apartment at the corner of Connecticut Avenue and Woodley Road -- right next to the Woodley Park/Zoo Metro stop. (The 2000 Black Tie and Boots Texas Ball took place at the Marriott across the street from us; I cursed the fur-covered, jewel-dripping, Bush-lovin' guests while their chauffeurs kept the limos running until the wee hours, emitting exhaust we could smell all the way up in our 7th floor apartment. This year I trust the Ball will have a different vibe?) Actually, we would probably sublet the 2BR for, like, what? Five thousand dollars for the weekend? And go crash with family in the burbs (near another Metro stop, natch, so we could get down and back easily). Oh, to be there, to be there! Frack the cold and the crowds, I want to be there to say "good riddance" to Bush, and "welcome!" to Obama.
At some point during your trip, please stop at the Dupont Circle branch of Burrito Brothers. Mmm, I can taste the salsa verde just thinking of that place! Wah, this is making me homesick.
Anyhoo, the Big Event will take place during our night-time here in Bangkok. We'll be having people over, keeping the kids up, and drinking copious amounts of Prosecco while watching it all on TV -- we'll look out for the Blake-Williams crew.
Bundle up; it's going to be cold. Be ready to walk long distances and long lines on Metro. If you park in a Metro parking lot, you will need $4 cash to get out of it. Do not wear high heels. All that said, I hope you all have a wonderful, marvelous, inspirational time!! (Personally, I live here, and I am staying home. I understand the wish to be part of it, but I know my limits!)
Yay! Good for you -- ignore the naysayers. You will have a wonderful time. I will be working at the Insurance Job that day, but I will be at the inauguration in spirit. I think Lucy is old enough to remember and be proud. By the way, she is really looking like a big girl in that photo.
Go and buy a tux.
I won't make the event itself, but I will be attending one of the parties the night before. We've got tickets to see Rock-the-vote's "Hey, America Feels Kinda Cool Again" show featuring The Beastie Boys, Sheryl Crow & Citizen Cope at the 9:30 club (in NW D.C.)
How long are you in town?
Bangkok: Just got home from that Marriott, great part of DC-
From what I could see, the inauguration will be like one of the Woodstocks, but a lot colder, so no surprise there. Some people were already camped out- but not too many. The porta-potty situation will be legendary, I suspect Lucy will remember this aspect more than anything...
I'll be with y'all in spirit. I'm like Bozoette Mary (although I live nowhere near DC): I know my limits! But I *am* taking the entire day off work and will spend it with my husband in front of our large flat-screen TV, with celebratory food for the occasion.
This will be one of the most significant days of my life. Seriously.
Sunny, mid 30's.
Is it ironic I found that on a site called "Weather Underground"?
Look for my and Lee's brother Steve and Louise at the NC Ball. I know Tessa as met them before but it likely has been years.
Have fun..and stop bragging about your tux!! HA!! k
Not even thinking about it. It'll be a while before I spring for airline tickets again.
Gillibrand is made of Super Awesome. I'll be thankful to you and anyone else I know who helped elect her, for some time.
Nope. Thought about it since we friends there and a free place to stay. But I decided that between not liking crowds too much and the TV close-ups of Barack's face as he is sworn in and then gives his inaugural address were too compelling. I'm going to park it in front of my TV and DVR. I hope I don't regret not going.
I have a huge TV and I plan on Barack and I having matching tears roll down our cheeks. And I wanna see it up close and personal.
I can't believe I just said that.
Ian - I live in the DC area and would love to see you again (and meet your family) after all these years.
Please drop me a line if you think we can make it happen.
I'll be there! Witnessing history, freezing...all the like, yet no dancing..perhaps we should meet for a hot cocoa!
I want to give a shout out to my wife for picking out the boots Lulubeans is wearing.
Just layer and bring lots of snacks.