Many years ago, I visited our nation's capitol for friend and sorority sister (AOT) Johanna White's nuptials. Mama and the Dipster accompanied and we took advantage of the time in DC to do a bit of sightseeing. We saw the National Gallery, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Hope Diamond, most of the monuments and were taking a glance at the new Korean War Memorial when we were informed that the current president, Bill Clinton, was scheduled to speak along with John McCain. And it was open to the public. And we could go. So - before you could say boo to a goose we were there sitting and listening to the leader of the free world speak about the glories of the Korean War Memorial.
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| that's him. the teeny tiny guy on the stage. seriously. i swear. i was there. totally saw him. totes mcgoats. |
In a rare somber note, I did see President Bush's motorcade from the campus of the Ringling School of Art and Design on September 10, 2001. He was in town and a few miles from where I worked when planes attacked. No visual of the man himself. But suffice to say the image is seared in my mind. May we all find peace in this world for all its insanity.
ANYWAY. Several years later, I got a phone call from friend, Booter Samulski, who was living in DC and working for homeland security. She scored some sweet invitations to one of the inaugural balls and since hubby was planning on being out of town, invited me to go.
In. I also bought my first ball gown for the occasion. It was $30 from a second hand store and made a big poooouuufffff!!! when I sat down. That was the best part of that dress.
Ahem. I have no photos. But I was there! And lo and behold the second we walked in President Bush and the First Lady walked in with Cheney and the Second Lady.
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| official program. i was there! honest!! |
It was after Bush's presidency and our nation elected our first African American president that I realized that I wanted to see this man in person. I wanted to see him and if I did... IF I DID....
I would be establishing a streak of viewing every sitting president.
GAME. ON.
CHALLENGE. ACCEPTED.
DOING THIS!!!
Of course, I didn't manage to see him during his first term, but was given a reprieve when he was elected to a second term. And when, a few scant days ago, it was announced that he was visiting Knoxville - my hometown! My mission became clear.
See the President of the United States of America in my hometown.
I immediately sprang into action. All trails dead ended until one day last week I walked into a party and friend Mary Kathrine asked if I wanted to see the president in town.
Um. Yesplease.
Here's Mary Katherine:
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| no wait! no wait! |
Here she is:
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| Haaaaa-leeeee-lloouuuu-jaaahhhh!!!! |
So YEA!!! I got to see our current sitting president, President Obama!!!!
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| hey! down in front!! |
Kidding. Here he is:
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| AAAHHHH!!! Iseehim Iseehim Iseehim!!!! |
Fun, special day for us all. Including Mary Kathryn's 4-year-old. Because she got seated on the front row and met our Commander-In-Chief. How do I know she's four? Because the president asked her. And she replied. And he confirmed:
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| You're four? |
Thank you, Mary Katherine for making my wish come true!! And here's hoping my next sitting president visual will be a success too!!
Over and OUT!!!
