Woooohoooo!!!! My Inauguration Tickets just arrived!!! (** NOW, with PHOTOS!! **)

[VolcanoJen]

I can't stop bouncing!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

I can't remember the last time I was this excited about something. Well, OK, maybe on November 4th. :-)

Yay!!! I'll be sure to do some DU live-blogging-posting for everyone from the event!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Yipeee!!!!!!!

Edit: Sorry about the crappy camera-phone quality, but here are some pics. I've also included photos of the commemorative MARC Train tickets!

[Uzybone]

1. I am happy for you, have fun out there! n/t

[firedupdem]

2. Good News!!!

Dress warm, Have Fun, and prepare a full report!

[lisa58]

3. Congratulations - hope it warms up in DC

[VolcanoJen]

4. Thank you! And, it looks like Inauguration-goers will miss this wintry blast!

As long as it's in the 30's, I think I can handle it!!!

:bounce: :bounce:

[Kahuna]

5. Nobody deserves those tickets more than you do, Jen! Great job!!

:yourock:

[VolcanoJen]

7. Awwwww!!

I don't know about that! But thank you so much!! :hug: Kahuna :hug:

[mod mom]

6. Excellent news Jen! Enjoy yourself and dress warmly!

[Jack Bone]

8. Don't forget the thermal undies!

I almost froze my patootie off back in '96!

:patriot: enjoy the day!

[VolcanoJen]

9. Oooh! Oooh!! Someone who's done this before!!

Any wisdom you care to impart would be much appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!

[Kahuna]

10. I have never attended an inauguration. But for warmth, try shearling outerwear.

That will keep you good and toasty. :pals:

[VolcanoJen]

11. Wish I had some!

Shearling is awesome! I'm wearing very warm boots, and a down coat that usually keeps me toasty enough here in super-cold Ohio, so I hope I'm gonna be OK. I don't think temps in the 30's are that unbearable, though... that's balmy by Ohio standards!!

But who knows? I imagine there will be moments of discomfort that are overshadowed by moments of exuberance. That's what I'm hoping!!!

[Kukesa]

67. Layer, Jen, layer.

Wear a turtleneck sweater under your coat. Wear undies under your turtleneck. Same for your legs -- wear long undies (no one will know). And gloves -- with liners. And a scarf, one you can pull up around your face. And a hat, a warm hat.

This is good advice. Listen to your mother!!!

Have a wonderful time and I expect a full report when you return.

:hi:

[Jack Bone]

12. The wind is what you need to be aware of..

It whips right down through the mall.

From your ticket pic...it looks like you'll be where we were...it's a standing section (or was in '96). They'll let the center section fill up 1st (the blue colored section to the left), that's where we were, then they'll fill the other one to the right.

You'll get a program with the events listed..song selections ect.
I remember dancing around and singing "You're a Grand Old Flag" just to keep warm.

There are loudspeakers to hear the speeches ect. The big screens are behind you..so bring some binoc's, because you're a way's away by the naked eye.

Stay warm..It's a long day.

parking..we parked up in Georgetown on a side street and walked down..it was easy and free!
port-a-let bathrooms when you can find them...(this was '96 so I dunno know about now)
bring gum..so you won't get thirsty...keep your lips dry..they'll get chapped.
Basically common sense outdoor winter stuff.

The most important advice is: write about your inauguration experience in some journal so you don't forget it! It's only been 12 years..and I've forgotten so much. Partly due to being hung-over from Georgetown the night before, and partly do to aging. I don't know about your situation, but chances are w/ me...that I'll never get another opportunity to go to one..so enjoy it! remember it!

[VolcanoJen]

13. Great tips!!!

More more more! Sorry, it's just I can't seem to find anyone who has done this before! GUM is a really good tip... I'm not usually a gum-chewer, but due to the epic stories about there not being enough port-o-lets, I plan to avoid liquid that morning, and gum will be great to quench thirst! I'm already addicted to chapstick, though... ;-) Do you remember what the temperature was in 1995?

Here's a much better graphic of the viewing areas than my awful pic...

http://inaugural.senate.gov/documents/doc-2009-map.pdf

My tix are in the blue section, yes, and it is a standing section. I'm still pretty happy to have gotten blue because I hear the vast majority are in the silver section which is even farther away. I'm arriving via the MARC Train at Union Station around 8:20. Yes, it's going to be a VERY LONG DAY but something tells me it's going to fly by!

I'll be journaling for sure... and on Monday, Inauguration Eve, I'll be on Progressive Blend Radio, live from Radio Row, to share thoughts, and again on Tuesday after the ceremonies. Progressive Blend Radio is the only Net Station on Radio Row, so be sure to check in for our coverage! (Shameless Plug!) I'll post as much stuff on DU as I can; I've been a pretty prolific DU photo-poster through the years (check out my DU Journal!).

Thank you so much, Redstate, and anything else you'd like to add will be eagerly absorbed!

[Jack Bone]

29. We went early..I think Sat...took in the festivities along the mall..

I dunno yer travel plans...but it's fun to take that in. They had booths set up along the mall..I remember walking across "The Bridge To The 21st Century", posted a note on the side of it. It was fun! DC will be packed! so will the museums, monuments etc...so be prepared for that..traffic's difficult.

other than that..on Inauguration Day
Warm socks, scarf, gloves or mittens and remember: the wind is the your enemy!

I think it was in the high 20's/ low 30's back in '97. It didn't seem cold until you were out in it for around 2 hours...then it got rough.

We left right after the ceremony, drove back to Indiana..no parade or balls...we had to be back at work the next morning...I can only imagine how cold it would've been to leave the ceremony & watch the parade too.

another thing I remember is that there are a bunch of happy, happy people around you!

sometimes CRAZY happy! there was some guy that climbed up on top of a statue behind us...a statue of someone on a horse (I think)..he kept blowing a bugle. the cops put a stop to that. we all cheered. yeah.. enjoy the day..stay warm & report back to us.

I'll check out the site with your reports on Monday.

Be Safe & Be Warm!

[VolcanoJen]

56. Such great tips!!!

Thank you so much, Redstate Red! That is some great stuff, and I wrote it all down! Especially the gum, and the chapstick reminder, and looking out for people hanging off statues. ;-)

I promise you, when "You're A Grand Old Flag" is played, I'll dance and move around, whether cold or not, thinking of you!!!

[mopinko]

46. silk long johns. the key to the highway.

http://sierratradingpost.com. they might just rush you a pair or 2. they are da bomb.

[VolcanoJen]

51. Seriously? I need long-johns help!!!!

Great tip, mo, but can I buy those in a store? Too late to ship!

My legs are gonna FREEZE! Is silk the way to go? Going shopping so please, everyone who knows how to keep legs warm, share!!! Is silk the way to go? I'm thinking toasty without getting sweaty, and most importantly, keeping the wind from piercing through me.

[mopinko]

60. silk keeps you warm when it is cold without making you sweat when you

get back inside. i love mine. if you have a ski or snowboard shop there, try them.
and smartwool socks.

[VolcanoJen]

62. Just found SmartWool socks on your recommendation!

Didn't even know these existed... they are the bomb!!! Plus they were on sale!!! Hooray!!

[mopinko]

64. that's awesome. they are a little spendy.

i gotta shake everyone around here down for mine, cuz they have a tendency to wander around my house!

[Kukesa]

68. Your Mother has plenty. Go see her. n/t

[greguganus]

14. Could you please post better pictures? I'm having trouble forging the documents. n/t

[VolcanoJen]

15. The jerk scalpers on Craigslist have posted some crystal-clear ones.

;-)

Edit: Actually, for the curious, the Inauguration Ceremony tickets are pretty fancy. They have an embossed presidential seal, and on the back, the Capitol is in gold foil, and the blue strip to the right looks to be an anti-counterfeit measure. Although I'm certain some people will try!!

[grantcart]

30. have fun and send pictures

[Zomby Woof]

16. That's goddamned fucking

SWEET! :bounce:

If I may humbly say so. :D

:hug: :loveya: :toast:

[VolcanoJen]

21. It's Our Anniversary, you know! GO DU!!!!!

Not only will I be cheering my ass off for our New and Awesome Ninja President, I will also be thinking fondly about Democratic Underground, and how we all came to find each other, on Inauguration Day, 2001.

:hug: Zomby!!! :hug:

[Kukesa]

70. And that's the Zomby troof! n/t

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. My dear VolcanoJen!

I am so excited for you!

You are so lucky to actually BE THERE!

I will be in town with friends (DU friends) but we probably will stay home that day...

Have a ball, sweetie!

:party: :toast: :bounce: :bounce: :toast: :party:

[VolcanoJen]

31. My dear, dear, CaliforniaPeggy!!!!!!!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

Honestly, I could understand someone from Cali watching the festivities from indoors... I'm from Ohio, so to me, 30 degrees in January is balmy! ;-)

[LynneSin]

18. You coming to the Hawk & Dove Monday night

So I can get you totally shit-faced and take the tickets for myself?

:hide:

Just kidding but I do hope to see you there!

[VolcanoJen]

20. What what what!??!?

There's a DU Meetup? And nobody told me!??!

Details! I need details!!! :-)

[LynneSin]

23. Did you see the big link on the DU home page (upper Right)

Party is at 8pm at the Hawk & Dove which is located between the Capital Hill South & Eastern Market Metro stops.

[VolcanoJen]

24. Oh. Ummmm... yeah! Sure I saw it!!

;-)

Thank you! Well, that should be fun!

DU DCers... is Monday going to be whacky? Will it be OK to take Metro to attend this thing, or will it be nutso-crowded?

[LynneSin]

26. I highly recommend taking the metro

Orange/Blue line

You could also meet at my place and we can go over together

[VolcanoJen]

28. Are you sure....

... I've been a DUer long enough for you to trust me?

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Happy Anniversary, Democratic Underground!!!!!!!

[MadBadger]

19. Why are you going to the inauguration? Dont you have to pay bills? You're irresponsible

That of course was sarcasm

But it wouldnt be from some people on DU, who honestly think that most of the people going to the inauguration are a bunch of homeless people who have no money and dont know how to say no or take care of themselves.

[unblock]

22. bundle up, it's gonna be coooooooooold!

[ecstatic]

25. Bring us back some autographs

:cry:

[stuntcat]

27. *gasp*

literally, I just yelped a little! That's so exciting! :bounce: :bounce:

[VolcanoJen]

32. Awwww!

Your sweet post made me gasp!!!!

:hug: :hug: stuntcat :hug: :hug:

[mopinko]

33. i hate you!!

seriously, you deserve to be there. that is great that you got tix. my congresswoman said she got 5000 requests. there was just no way to get tix here. there were so many deserving.
i will be there, back with the great unwashed. how long will you be in town? here is the thread with some plans.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=4796065
would be great to meet up, finally.

[VolcanoJen]

34. You don't hate me!!!

:cry: mopinko :cry:

I'm in town Sunday - Thursday. LynneSin's meetup Monday night looks like fun, at the Hawk & Dove! What part of town are you staying in?

It does feel truly wonderful to go; I'm not sure if it matters so much to get a ticket, as it matter TO BE THERE. I wouldn't have missed it for the world, and was always going to attend regardless!!!!

mopinko!!! Can you believe it! This is really happening, isn't it?!?? And the Ohio Primary seems like just yesterday!!!!

[mopinko]

41. absolutely plan to be at the hawk and dove.

so glad you will be there. no, i cannot believe it either.
i am in alexandria, not too far out. staying at the monaco. occurs to me that i have to figure out where the hawk and dove is, but i am in a good location.
thought i might try to get over for the "shoe bush out of office" on monday. i am there the same time as you. whatcha doing wed?

[GreenInNC]

45. shoe Bush out of office?

When is that? I am looking for things to do on Monday.

[mopinko]

48. .

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/davidswanson/709

[VolcanoJen]

52. Right on!!!

Oh Hawk & Dove is gonna be a blast! I worry it might be super-crowded, but it seems like Ms. LynneSin has a back-up plan. Let's all keep in touch; many of us will be traveling and we'll need the last-minute details!

[Jennicut]

35. Awesome! Have fun, take pics for us.

And double layer your socks...my feet always get cold when I am outside for long periods of time in the winter. Actually, layer as much as you can, you can always take some off. :)

[flpoljunkie]

36. Congrats on getting tickets! Am pleased and excited for you, Jen.

Looking forward to reading your eyewitness reports to history.

[ItNerd4life]

37. Congrats! That's very cool

Now, how much you want for them? :)

[tigereye]

38. what a great thing! Congratulations and have a great time!

:thumbsup:

[keepthemhonest]

39. you are so lucky, I am jealous nt

[Divernan]

40. Check out Washington Post's "Inauguration Central" for tons of info.

"The definitive local source to navigate the inauguration with breaking news, street closings, parade routes, weather updates and mobile alerts."
www.washingtonpost.com

Wear multiple layers, starting with silk long underwear. I had VIP tickets to Clinton's first inauguration, thanks to my adult kid who worked on the Inaugural Committee. Saw lots of celebrities; watched the parade from the bleachers set up right next to the enclosed area where the Pres./VP & families were sitting; sat next to Rob Morrow (the actor who played the doc on Northern Exposure) at one party; rubbed elbows with Faye Dunaway at the Diana Ross/Michael Jackson concert. Then we had just gone to a side street after the fireworks show & hailed a late night taxi when Congressman and Mrs. Tanner (Tennessee) dashed up and asked us if we would please share, which we of course did. They were super friendly and invited us to a party the next day in his congressional office.

Have a FANTASTIC TIME!!! You'll remember it all of your life! Everyone should go to at least one inauguration!

[proud patriot]

42. I'd be bouncing too

so cool Jen .. Have fun

[Cha]

43. Great news, Jen!

Thanks for the pics 'cause that's as close to the tickets as I'm going to get.

[GreenInNC]

44. got mine today

I am guessing I got silver standing area because my congresswoman is a republican.

[VolcanoJen]

53. Ummm, I'm pretty sure I just got lucky.

My congresswoman is a Republican, too!!

Hey, did you just get the tix, or did you get other stuff? My friends with Dem congress-critters got photos of Obama and Biden, as well as Inauguration Invitations for framing later. Me, just the tix. No complaints, obviously, but it's weird, isn't it?

[GreenInNC]

61. got the other stuff

Got a pic of Obama and Biden, fancy invitation, program, and directions to where to go through security because what is printed on the tickets is wrong.

[Number23]

47. I'm not jealous! I swear that I'm not...

:cry:

:hi:

[MountainMamma]

49. I'll be watching for someone jumping all the time

Kukesa told me that you were going to the inauguration Jen. I am so happy for you and know that your reports will make us all feel like we were right there with you all the way. This is going to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life - memorable for us all. Have fun, stay warm and we'll be watching for you. Auntie M

[VolcanoJen]

50. It's so exciting!!!

It will easily be one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I can't wait to share it!

:hug: Auntie MountainMamma! :hug:

[FrenchieCat]

54. I am so very happy for you!

Congrat and enjoy every minute of a moment that will be written about in history for years to come!

[VolcanoJen]

55. Frenchie!!!!!!

:hug: :hug: :hug: FrenchieCat :hug: :hug: :hug:

Representin' the Original DU Obama Girls!!!! I'll be thinking of you the second "Hail to the Chief" is played!!!

[democracy1st]

57. congrats I hope you have a big coat !

[rasputin1952]

58. Fantastic...Have a great time!!!

Rarely do we get to witness truly historical events...I am envious, to be sure...:hug:

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

59. Wear a HAT.Get Under Armour long johns, do you have a Dunham's by you?

They carry this stuff. But having a warm hat you must have. Carry a face mask with you, just in case, it's called a balaclava.
Most sporting shops have these. Most heat is lost on the top of you. Don't wear earrings, they will freeze your ear lobs in the cold.

Carry a thick fat newspaper with you, and stand on it.

Have the time of your life!!!!!!!!

[VolcanoJen]

63. Just got UnderArmor longjohn's on your recommendation!

mopinko suggested SmartWool socks and I found those too... DUers are the BEST!!! Thank you guys so much.

I already have a balaclava so I'm ok in the department. I'll be sure not to wear earrings... hadn't thought of that!

The newspaper is a terrific idea I've heard of before... but I wonder if they'll let people carry one through security?

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

65. There should be a website on security items not allowed out there online.

Have a great time!! & Wear a hat, sorry just had to repeat it. (I'm a Mom)

[Kukesa]

69. Thanks for remindering her about the hat.

I'm HER Mom and I reminded her, too. She also needs a scarf and warm gloves. Oy! I'll worry all the time she's in D.C.

:)

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

72. I hope she listens to us, and it is nice to meet you Kukesa.

I just love hats, & it's so easy to find one thats is just charming, cute, and Warm. It's been such fun to read peoples accounts on going to this Historic Event on this site. Brings us that can't, all along with those that go. Much Enjoyed!

[Kukesa]

75. The pleasure is mine. n/t

[WillyT]

66. WooHoo !!! - You Certainly Deserve It Jen !!!

:bounce::woohoo::bounce:

:applause::yourock::applause:

I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooo jealous, LOL!!!

Can't wait for your reports!

:loveya:

:hi:

[VolcanoJen]

73. Yay! Yippee!! HOORAY!!!!!!!!

:hug: :hug: :hug: WillyT!! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[DCBob]

71. Boo hoo, my rejection just arrived..

Congrats to you Jen -- enjoy for the rest of us no-shows!

[VolcanoJen]

74. Rejection?

:-(

What kind of rejection?

Are you still going to head to the Mall? And what about tomorrow's concert, I'll miss that because I'm traveling. And what about the parade?