Inauguration Day - January 20, 2009

What an amazing day! Yet another fun time on the national mall, witnessing history in the making. Here are some personal highlights from the day.

• How many layers do you need to stay warm while standing outside in 20 degree temperatures with wind chill factors below that for 6 hours? Not sure I would say I was warm exactly, but I ended up with 1 coolmax turtleneck, 1 smart wool cycling jersey, 1 fleece pullover, 1 wind blocking cycling jacket, 1 well insulated winter coat, 1 cashmere scarf, 1 pair of fleece lined wind blocking cycling tights, 1 pair of jeans, 2 pairs of smart wool socks, hiking shoes, 2 pairs of gloves, 1 fleece lined wool hat, a hood, and some "hotties" in my shoes and I managed.
  
• We scored a super nice metrobus driver (most of them are super nice on a regular basis actually) that picked us up on the walk to the Shirlington bus station. Next stop DC! From the time we left my house to the time we got off the bus on C St. SW took an amazing 15 minutes.
• The volunteers, today and all weekend, were so happy and cheerful they were just fun to be around.
• The energy on the mall was incredible - people from all over the country and the world talking, sharing stories of how far they had come, and how long they'd been standing in the cold (some since 4am).
• A fantastic inaugural address that captured the moment perfectly and gives me hope for the future. Having read Lincoln's second inaugural address the night before, I noticed some common themes with Obama's speech - specifically the need to work together to rebuild our country and the need to reach out to other nations with respect.
  
• Frauke, overcome by emotion as President Obama finished his inaugural address, thanking everyone for voting! She received several hugs from complete strangers.
• Celebratory cartwheels on the mall to celebrate a new President with a vision for a better tomorrow.
• Walking home over the 14th Street bridge and down 395 - a route typically only traversed in a car, and doing the Obama Dance along the way.
• Arriving at Carlyle in Shirlington, about 4 miles and 90 minutes later for heat, food, and a TV to watch the parade.

It was an amazing day.

More pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/ironjeh/Inauguration2009#.