Inauguration highlights of my experience in DC this week

By Joy A. Kennelly

Where to start? This has been the absolutely most amazing week of my entire life. I love politics, I love DC, I'm beginning to love Obama like all my Democrat friends have for so long, and I love the energy and excitement that is evident everywhere you turn.

I left Friday morning not knowing where I was staying and landed hoping that my airbed reservation was confirmed. It was and thus began the adventure of my life. The first night I was so exhausted I wasn't sure if I had the energy to go hit an art opening and am glad I did.

Met an amazing artist who may have me rep him to the Los Angeles gallery scene since I've done that for other artists very successfully. We shall see!

But you don't care about that do you? If you want to be kept up-to-date on what's the latest in my world when I am away from the computer, please sign up to follow me on twitter - www.twitter.com/thejoywriter I'm having a ball and try to update quite frequently. You can read my past tweets to get the vibe of my experience in abbreviated form there.

I had the good fortune of connecting with a woman who has been volunteering at different activities and lives locally at the place I'm staying which has been extremely beneficial in navigating the city. We woke up early the day before to get her to her post at what I call the "Pep Rally for America" concert at Lincoln Memorial and even though I thought it was extreme decided to take her advice and go with her.

I made it through the security point without issue (what did you think? LOL) and have to admit it was rather intimidating to see so many military and police personnel all along the route to get in. It was very clear you were not to get out of line.

There were tons and tons of porta potties lining the walkway too. I ended up getting very close to the front and took tons of pix and video which I will share once I get home. I need to edit and upload which takes awhile. You will love it though. Come back and visit again.

It was a really young group of people initially, but as the day progressed (I was there from 9am - 4:30pm) the crowd became more diverse with lots of races, ages, styles and personalities. We were all sitting down thinking we would relax during the concert, but that dream soon ended when people began walking all over us. It was ridiculous and people were really aggressive.

We began hooking arms to create a wall to prevent the surge which was funny after awhile. What cracked me up is this little young East Indian woman got all mad at me when I touched her boot with my shoe to get her attention. She kept shooting me dirty glares and finally I said Listen, you pushed your way in here so deal with it. She finally mellowed out and it made me laugh to see her continue to get knocked around by all the others who kept pushing their way past her as the time passed.

Served her right. Excuse me for breathing. LOL

In any case, the majority of people in attendance were absolutely delightful and friendly. I felt like this is what Woodstock might have been back in the day except everyone was a lot more conservative and of course totally bundled up because of the freezing weather.

As soon as the concert began all of us were on our feet where we stayed for the entire concert. We were dancing, singing, clapping, jumping, waving, shouting, screaming - it was a mad house. I took some video to share the vibe because the TV program, although really wonderful, doesn't quite capture the mood of the crowd to be honest.

I really do feel like it was a total pep rally that our country really needs! I had so much more respect for Obama and what everyone has been saying about him after that because it was such a great marketing event. Where else does the President elect have a captive audience of loyal fans to share his personal thoughts one last time before 100's of thousands of people?

I was close enough to distinguish where people were standing, but for all close-ups I had to rely on the jumbo tron like everyone else. I have tons of pix which I hope turn out ok. I have to admit Bono, Garth Brooks, Usher and Stevie Wonder and so many were my favorites! I don't think there was an artist I didn't like, and you have to admit you agree right?

Also, did you notice how young and unusual the presenters choices were? That was also an obvious pandering to the younger demographic who voted Obama into office, but so be it. I loved it! Jack Black anyone? The one who drew the most gasps was the East Indian actor who plays the pot smoking guy in White Castle or whatever that movie was.

Very cool. You totally felt, along with everyone else, that you were part of history and this was something you were going to be telling your children and your children's children for years to come. It was such a special experience.

What was a little unsettling when we were leaving was to see sharpshooters on towers watching all of us as we were leaving. Hey, they got to do what they got to do I guess. I'm sure there were many more that weren't so obvious too. Did you notice the protective shield around the Obama's and Bidens too?

I laughed, I cried, I shouted, I screamed, I sang along, I danced, I waved, and I hugged so much that day. It was really one of the highlights of my trip out here. Really amazing. If you haven't watched the concert - you really must get HBO just to see it.

What I loved were all the little young Republican guys who were taking flack from everyone, but good-naturely took it. They said they were Patriots first and foremost which is, and always has been my take on this whole thing.

I have to get my house -mates home and will write more in a bit. Thanks for stopping by! You're missing out if you're not here is all I have to say!:)