Only 4 Obama: Up 4 A Round?

After possibly getting two hours of sleep, my friends and I slowly rolled out of bed to get dressed for the Swearing-In Ceremony. Our original plan to be at the subway station by 4 a.m. was definitely on the revision board after returning to our room at 2:30 a.m. from the Illinois Society Gala.

It was shortly after 5:00 a.m. when we boarded the train to head to our designated entry gate. We managed to calmly survive the crushing crowds on the subway platform to emerge into the cold, dark morning. Our goal was to make our way to the best possible spot in the unorganized crowd of people waiting for the security checkpoints to open.

As a way to pass the time, my friends and I made small talk and jokes. I had made up in my mind long before arriving in D.C. that I had planned to entertain myself by singing. (For the record, I don't have a particularly melodic voice.)

In order to get my other friends on board, I suggested that a song was in order. I reiterated that I am a fan of the round. It was a technique that I learned in Music class while in grade school. One person or group begins the song. A few seconds later, others join in and ultimately by sheer luck they end up coming together at the end. Oddly enough, this type of singing fascinates. For once, my friend Tonya took the bait. She began singing the famed "This Little Light of Mine." I could not contain my laughter as I joined in. Apparently our entertainment was contagious because other voices began to join in. Before we knew it, a diverse group of silver gate ticketholders became a choir.

It was awesomely surreal, and Tonya was pleased with her contribution. I think I may suggest round singing more often. Who knows what may happen?

Only 4 Obama-Look Out Below! (Part 1)

I am going to write a short entry series dedicated to the 44th President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama. All of these entries are the experiences that I willingly subjected myself to in the name of the Ever-So-Poplar & Historic Inauguration. The situations brought out a range of emotions. Sometimes I cried. Other times I was shaken up. Overall, I had to laugh (to keep from crying)...Nevertheless, I wouldn't trade my time in DC for nothing. Hopefully, you too can get a bit of a laugh at my expense.

On Inauguration Day, it was cold. I was prepared but standing in one location for hours and hours eventually cooled my toe warmers. As a result, my lower legs were pretty much frozen solid by the time Mr. Obama took the oath of office. The crowds on this day were absolutely astounding. I had to get a picture, and some kind gentlemen offered to help me and my friend get up on a large cement partition to capture the spectacle. Let's just say that it was a challenge to maintain a steady foundation when one cannot feel their feet.

Once my friend hopped up on the partition to join me, she inadvertantly sent me back into the crowd! Fortunately, the men below were on alert. I know it had to look like a serious mess cause I couldn't do much to brace my fall. Not to be deterred from the ultimate goal, my male supporters coaxed me back to returning to the partition to get some images of a lifetime. It was worth it fall and all--Only 4 Obama! (image coming soon)