I had planned a fairly smooth schedule for inauguration day but it didn’t quite go to plan, nevertheless I won’t be forgetting it any time soon.
The idea was to start work early and take a late break at 3.30pm. I would then spend 30 minutes, driving to my mum’s where I would arrive in time for the 4pm start of inauguration activities and pick up work where I left off. Like I said, that was the idea but not quite what happened.
15:50pm
Myself and my sister are scrambling round my house. I’m fretting now and declare to my sister that unlike our experience of being late for New Years we can’t just park up and watch the events unfold from a field. In other words it’s time to go!
16:15pm
In my sister’s words, I’m driving like Cruella DeVille as we make our way to our mum’s. I’m frantically trying to find a radio station that can tell me what’s going on and am very annoyed to be hearing everything from Girls Aloud to some dude asking when will people realise that whales are more precious than cod.
16:35pm
I do a swift and surprisingly near- perfect park in the bay infront of my mum’s house. And rush in just in time to catch Rik Warren’s opening prayer. My responses to various parts of this ceremony are as follows:
- Aretha Franklin – She looks lovely. The hat is risky but it really suits her. Go Diva Go! (Speaking of which, Aretha really doesn’t strike me as the female version of a hustler)
- Joe Biden’s Oath – I think I quite like Jill Biden’s red coat
- Musical Selection – How cute is Anthony McGill? Must google him later
- Obama becomes President – Can’t believe this is happening. Did he just stumble on the oath? I wonder if they’re really nervous? (Later discover it may have been the other guy’s fault)
- President Obama’s Speech – I bet this is going to be amazing. He’s sounding quite sombre though, like he’s trying to manage expectations and avoid the hysteria this moment could create. Overall a solemn but effective speech
- Elizabeth Alexander’s Poem – Huh?
- Rev E. Lowry – Wow this man is soooo old. His speech is good though. Hold on, is he rhyming? I love this guy!
Sad to hear of the collapse of Senators Ted Kennedy and Richard Byrd at the luncheon.
21:??pm
I enjoy watching the Obama’s walk/drive parade especially when they get out on foot. I’m also in awe of the security that surrounds them and soon believe that should they all decide to holiday together they could quite easily sink a small island.
22:??pm
I sympathise with Malia and little Sasha as they appear to be wilting with the longevity of the parade. At this point my mum somehow manages to extract a very reluctant me from in front of the TV to do a quick late-night shop for some groceries. Not surprising that I go about it like it’s Supermarket Sweep.
22:??pm
I return to find the parade is coming to an end and Malia and Sasha have disappeared, hopefully to rest from the long and weary day. I’m not quite getting the NASA float? Where’d the astronaut go with the flag?
01:00am
CNN end transmission??? What the Elois! I hunt through TV and internet to see who’s still following. Manage to get CNN coverage online. Phew!
02:00-ish am
When I nearly give up hope of capturing a glimpse of ‘The Gown’, all the news channels come back to their senses and show their arrival at the first ball. Am waiting with baited breath to see Michelle Obama’s choice for the inaugural evening gown. It’s a surprise but it doesn’t disappoint.
02:30-ish am
It’s time to head home and we hit the road with every intention of grabbing sounvenir editions of the newspapers. Finally, I spot a 24-hour shop where the shopkeeper looks more than a little amused when I present him with the many copies I wish to purchase.
04:something am
After arriving home, and updating my blog post on the First Lady’s inauguration gown I slip into a deep and satisfying sleep knowing I’ve taken the day off work tomorrow.
