So we made it home safe and sound. We hope you all enjoyed our blog, we had an absolute great time reliving the days while writing! Thank you all for all of your comments and emails it was great to hear from you!
Ireta and I considered continuing our blog by giving accounts of our lives and interests...but then we realized that blogs about reality TV watching and cats were already being done. But we are willing to reconsider if there are any folks out there who would like to underwrite our lives as bloggers while we travel the world!!! Let us know.
Rashanda and Ireta
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Today was a long, exhilarating, exciting, exhausting day! I am sure you all watched the inauguration on television - did you see me, I was the one in the pink scarf?! Ha, me and a million other people. Make that millions of other people. I thought there were lots of people at the concert on Sunday, well I was wrong.
To me, the interesting thing about today was that people seemed so resolute and determined to be there. Lines were hours long and yet folks waited, with millions of people there, obviously everyone couldn't see and hear but folks stuck around and there are reports that folks got there at 3 in the morning to wait on the gates to open (not me and Ireta of course, I mean seriously!).
But we did get up early (4:30 am) and were on the train into the city soon after! The trains were so crowded that stops were being closed down and we ended up missing our stop because there were too many people on the platform. So like hundreds of other folks we walked the mile or so to the Capitol.
While walking to the Capitol I was interviewed for a Kansas City News Station http://videos.kansascity.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=2898834. Things just seemed to work out for us early in the day - we literally ran into the line that we were supposed to be in for our ticketed area.
Once inside we were in the "silver" ticketed area and although we weren't up close we had a perfect view of the stage and the big screen that was in our section.
Again, during the speaking parts of the program, particularly the speech, it was eerily quiet - people just seemed to be in the moment. There were hundreds of children and even they didn't say much. It was the one of the most unique times that I have experienced in my life. I won't relive the entire speech I am sure that you have your favorite parts - but Ireta and I agreed that President Obama's words about our country in relation to other places in the world was particularly compelling. 'And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.' We thought this sign was fitting:
After the program we waited for the crowd to clear a bit and while waiting we realized that the Bushes were departing by helicopter at the Capitol, so they actually flew over us as they headed out of town. (There was lots of excited waving and shouting - hmmm, not sure if folks were saying good bye or good riddance).
So getting out of DC at the end of the day proved to be a little more difficult then getting in. Unlike the morning commute into the city, everyone left at the same time creating massive congestion at the train stations. We started leaving around 1 and we weren't able to find a train to take us back to our hotel until 5! We wondered aimlessly, desperately looking for some place to warm up (oh yeah - it was freezing in DC) and low and behold we found Chicago's own Billy Goat Tavern. The perfect place to waste some time before trying to get back on the trains.
We were finally pointed in the direction of a train station several blocks away and made it there after passing some of the best inaugural day clearance sales ever - "2 t-shirts for $5.00!" After dragging Ireta away by her hair (Ireta comment: Not True. Rashanda's eyes glazed over when she heard that price) - we made onto the train and headed back to the hotel. Here is what we look like now:
To me, the interesting thing about today was that people seemed so resolute and determined to be there. Lines were hours long and yet folks waited, with millions of people there, obviously everyone couldn't see and hear but folks stuck around and there are reports that folks got there at 3 in the morning to wait on the gates to open (not me and Ireta of course, I mean seriously!).
But we did get up early (4:30 am) and were on the train into the city soon after! The trains were so crowded that stops were being closed down and we ended up missing our stop because there were too many people on the platform. So like hundreds of other folks we walked the mile or so to the Capitol.
While walking to the Capitol I was interviewed for a Kansas City News Station http://videos.kansascity.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=2898834. Things just seemed to work out for us early in the day - we literally ran into the line that we were supposed to be in for our ticketed area.
Once inside we were in the "silver" ticketed area and although we weren't up close we had a perfect view of the stage and the big screen that was in our section.
Again, during the speaking parts of the program, particularly the speech, it was eerily quiet - people just seemed to be in the moment. There were hundreds of children and even they didn't say much. It was the one of the most unique times that I have experienced in my life. I won't relive the entire speech I am sure that you have your favorite parts - but Ireta and I agreed that President Obama's words about our country in relation to other places in the world was particularly compelling. 'And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.' We thought this sign was fitting:
After the program we waited for the crowd to clear a bit and while waiting we realized that the Bushes were departing by helicopter at the Capitol, so they actually flew over us as they headed out of town. (There was lots of excited waving and shouting - hmmm, not sure if folks were saying good bye or good riddance).
So getting out of DC at the end of the day proved to be a little more difficult then getting in. Unlike the morning commute into the city, everyone left at the same time creating massive congestion at the train stations. We started leaving around 1 and we weren't able to find a train to take us back to our hotel until 5! We wondered aimlessly, desperately looking for some place to warm up (oh yeah - it was freezing in DC) and low and behold we found Chicago's own Billy Goat Tavern. The perfect place to waste some time before trying to get back on the trains.
We were finally pointed in the direction of a train station several blocks away and made it there after passing some of the best inaugural day clearance sales ever - "2 t-shirts for $5.00!" After dragging Ireta away by her hair (Ireta comment: Not True. Rashanda's eyes glazed over when she heard that price) - we made onto the train and headed back to the hotel. Here is what we look like now:
Monday, January 19, 2009
Today was a lot of fun. We started the day by going to Rep. Schakowsky's office to pick up our tickets for the inauguration. Before coming here I read something that said "be sure to pack your patience" and that was the truth. I don't think anyone expected the lines to be as long as they were...we waited about an hour and a half to clear security and other folks waited even longer. But everyone was in good spirits, as we all realized that the wait was well worth it.
Once we got into the Capitol Building we met with our Representative and thanked her for the tickets. It was a great chance to see her in action as there were families and a Korean delegation in there as well.
It was a pleasure meeting with Rep. Schakowsky in her office and exploring the Rayburn House Office Building. I must admit that when we left and we thought about the fact that we had tickets to the inauguration of the 44th and the first African American President we did a little dance!
Then we crossed the street to the Capitol grounds to check out our area for the ceremony. It was another great scene - families, seniors, young people, everyone imaginable just walking around, taking pictures of the already-decorated Capitol grounds.
America was also being celebrated with rampant capitalism ("Buttons! 3 for $5!!). Believe it or not, I actually saw big foam "Number 1" fingers like you'd buy at a football game. After soaking in the scene and failing to get on camera in the crowd scenes with MSNBC, we decided to save our strength and head back to the hotel to rest up for Tuesday's early early start.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A New Definition
Today we made it into DC and attended the We Are One concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Surprisingly our commute into the city was an easy one. We parked at one of the Metro stations in Maryland and hoped on a train going into the city with very little people. We didn't run into a crowd until we got downtown - but it was orderly and everyone was following directions.
Upon our arrival to the concert area to Ireta's delight there were rows and rows of Port o Potties!
Now, if you know Ireta you know that this set her mind at ease and we were ready to explore. We walked around a little bit to get an idea of who was there and we were absolutely blown away. As far as we could see there were people, thousands and thousands and thousands of people. Different races, ages, accents...It is really an awesome sight to witness such a sea of humanity!
The concert was fantastic - if you get a chance to see it on HBO it is worth a look. There was a mix of music performers singing inspiring songs and anthems and well known celebrities giving a historical perspective. Interestingly during the speaking parts it was weirdly quiet, with all of those people you could hear clearly what was being said. I guess like me everyone was waiting to hear the magic...the "I have a dream" of the day. I don't know if anyone got those words but I know that for me the day affirmed me as an American. I know that it sounds corny but I really felt proud to be an American. Throughout my life I've had this view that being proud of America meant defining a world agenda without the help of the diversity that makes up this world. I never related to this but I absolutely relate to the resolve, hopefulness and anticipation of Change that was evident in the crowd today. And for me that redefines what I thought being proud to be an American meant.
And here's Ireta with her perspective: It was a great day - far easier than I imagined! In fact, when we got caught in a mass of people leaving, it was actually kind of cool and interesting. I think that's testimony to the fact that, as in Grant Park, everybody was in a good mood, kind of on the same team.
Rashanda also left out a crucial celebrity-sighting. After the concert we walked over to see the White House and we saw the Bushes' dogs on the lawn! Unfortunately they went into the bushes (haha) before we could grab a picture, but Rashanda was able to take this great pic of the White House.
We walked a ways to DuPont Circle, and despite the crowds had a relaxing dinner and even managed to meet up with a D.C.-based friend before beginning the trek back out to our Maryland hotel.
On a closing note, I want to say that I agree with Rashanda's thoughts about patriotism. During the campaign, I had this feeling that Obama redefined for me what it means to be patriotic, a word I was never before would have said described me. What Obama's message, and yesterday's message, said to me is that it's patriotic to believe that America is still striving to meet its ideals and that its a patriotic act to be a part of working toward that ideals. Another big theme of the concert was "freedom," and again, I think there was a sense of reclaiming what that word can mean from the past several years. In our quest for a more perfect union, freedom from things like hunger and hate are just as important as the other civil liberties we value. I haven't heard a President talk about that before in my lifetime.
Upon our arrival to the concert area to Ireta's delight there were rows and rows of Port o Potties!
Now, if you know Ireta you know that this set her mind at ease and we were ready to explore. We walked around a little bit to get an idea of who was there and we were absolutely blown away. As far as we could see there were people, thousands and thousands and thousands of people. Different races, ages, accents...It is really an awesome sight to witness such a sea of humanity!
The concert was fantastic - if you get a chance to see it on HBO it is worth a look. There was a mix of music performers singing inspiring songs and anthems and well known celebrities giving a historical perspective. Interestingly during the speaking parts it was weirdly quiet, with all of those people you could hear clearly what was being said. I guess like me everyone was waiting to hear the magic...the "I have a dream" of the day. I don't know if anyone got those words but I know that for me the day affirmed me as an American. I know that it sounds corny but I really felt proud to be an American. Throughout my life I've had this view that being proud of America meant defining a world agenda without the help of the diversity that makes up this world. I never related to this but I absolutely relate to the resolve, hopefulness and anticipation of Change that was evident in the crowd today. And for me that redefines what I thought being proud to be an American meant.
And here's Ireta with her perspective: It was a great day - far easier than I imagined! In fact, when we got caught in a mass of people leaving, it was actually kind of cool and interesting. I think that's testimony to the fact that, as in Grant Park, everybody was in a good mood, kind of on the same team.Rashanda also left out a crucial celebrity-sighting. After the concert we walked over to see the White House and we saw the Bushes' dogs on the lawn! Unfortunately they went into the bushes (haha) before we could grab a picture, but Rashanda was able to take this great pic of the White House.
We walked a ways to DuPont Circle, and despite the crowds had a relaxing dinner and even managed to meet up with a D.C.-based friend before beginning the trek back out to our Maryland hotel.On a closing note, I want to say that I agree with Rashanda's thoughts about patriotism. During the campaign, I had this feeling that Obama redefined for me what it means to be patriotic, a word I was never before would have said described me. What Obama's message, and yesterday's message, said to me is that it's patriotic to believe that America is still striving to meet its ideals and that its a patriotic act to be a part of working toward that ideals. Another big theme of the concert was "freedom," and again, I think there was a sense of reclaiming what that word can mean from the past several years. In our quest for a more perfect union, freedom from things like hunger and hate are just as important as the other civil liberties we value. I haven't heard a President talk about that before in my lifetime.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
IG and RP are on their way to DC!!!
Well, we are on our way. As Ireta and I sit in our hotel room at a Days Inn outside Pittsburg, I can't help but think about how many people across this country are making this same journey. For us the journey began when we volunteered at the first rally at the UIC Pavillion the day after Barack Obama announced his candidacy. Since then we have phone banked, gone door to door, attended other rallies, and we were even there on that beautiful, balmy night in Grant Park when history was made.
So we are thrilled to have the chance to go to DC - and doubly thrilled that we have tickets for the inauguration (thanks Nancy!!)The trip has already been eventful. After a slight snafu with the rental car where we were told there were no cars left, Ireta used her skills of "persuasion" to get us a pretty good upgrade!
Not bad for two social workers.
Anyway, we have already met folks on the snowy roads who are headed the same way and we are excited to see what tomorrow brings. Check back - we will update daily with new pictures and info.
Rashanda and Ireta
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