Inauguration Day

Location: Washington, DC
January 19, 2009

I've been apart of many groups, organizations, and been to a few events in my life. But none could compare to this trip! It was by far the most stressful, painful, amazing, historic, and did I meant AMAZING event that I've ever been apart of! And I'm so happy to have shared this moment in history with my momma by my side.
After an intense last minute search for travel mates, plane tickets, and shelter. Our adventure began.
We landed in Washington on a beautiful snowy morning. We waited around for our luggage for about an hour which ended up at another airlines luggage counter located at the opposite end of the airport.
Off we went to pick up THE TICKETS. We spent forever waiting in a subway line to buy tickets, as a matter of fact we would probably still be in that line had it not been for a kind soul who gave mom a I, 2 day passes for the subway that she no longer needed. We arrived at the cannon house building only to stand in another line for about a hour. After going through some security I received these:




At this exact moment I felt like Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when he unwrapped his candy bar and found the golden ticket.
After obtaining our tickets we realized that we hadn't eaten all day. With everything being completely booked we decided to try Washington's version of mexican food at the Tortilla Coast (YUCK!).
After dinner we decided to stroll around a bit (this is when things got ugly). Our first stop was Capitol Hill where history would take place the next day. Things were going well we were taking pictures, when i decided to squat down for the "perfect picture". Instead of getting the picture, I lost my balance and fell backwards which should have been good because I landed on my rear end, but some how my foot got stuck (between the curb and one of those cement thingy's that's in front of parking spaces) and twisted.
Looking back what happened next was a little comical and sweet.
Momma, and two couples rushed to my aide, and helped me up. I was very wobbly and unsteady but determined to keep going. One of the ladies said a prayer and blessed my foot- next she began speaking IN TONGUES! Despite my determination I was in too much pain to go on so our night ended there.
Here are the pictures I took before the fall


The next morning we awoke with a sense of euphoria for what we were about to witness. Off we went to the metro station to standing in another line. After making it to designated stop and we began to make our way towards the line for purple ticket holders. Instead of a organized secured well formed line we saw this


We waited in this location for over three hours in 30 degree temperatures! At one point momma and I shimmied through bushes along the side of a building up to a corner only to see more people, thousands of them. At times fears of being trampled crossed my mind. But we were determined, finally we made it to the gate only to be told it was closed and to go a few blocks up to the yellow gate.
At this time mom and I had to rethink our strategy. We learned from family here in warm sunny California that the ceremony was already beginning.
We join a group of fellow rejects who had gathered around the small car of a vendor. Together we listed to the inaugural speech from that car radio. Then came the 21 gun salute, it was official we had a NEW president.
I wanted to cry but I think my tear ducts were frozen. I looked around and saw people literally dancing in the streets, strangers dancing with and hugging strangers.
I've never witnessed this type of joy before.


Unfortunately mom and I was couldn't hang out and celebrate, because we had to put plan B into effect quickly. We asked the first police officer we saw for directions to the parade route, it was six or seven blocks in the opposite direction. We arrived at the security gate along with several hundred other people and were instructed to go three blocks up to another gate to get in. We arrived at the other gate and waited for over a hour, we made it through some super fierce security and secured our places along the parade route.
After a brief delay, I'm sure you all heard about the Kennedy medical emergency, it happened.
We saw our new president and first lady pass us in the parade. The best part is they actually got out of the car and WALKED PAST OUR SECTION!!!!! Unfortunately I was watching them and not my camera so I only have video of the "first feet" walking past in the parade.
After the president passed mom and I (slightly frozen) went to a little cafe and had a HOT DINNER AND HOT CHOCOLATE. Then we stocked up on some awesome souvenirs.

After arriving home I went directly to the doctor to find out how badly I "sprained" my foot. After xrays I was told that my sprain was actually a fractured 3rd metatarsal. I was given crutches, and a orthopedic shoe.
Mom and I would like to thank the Miner family for their kindness and for opening their home, and hearts to mom and I.


Even though this trip was completely stressful and didn't go exactly how I would have liked, I have no regrets. Mom and I were apart of history. We went, we saw, we experienced, and we will never forget.
PS- I have videos that I wanted to share but for some reason it's been uploading for an hour now, and won't let me cancel. Hhhhhhmmm