Today was what I like to call Swearing In Day (although that might be what other people call it, too, because, you know, it makes sense), when all members of the 111th Congress were sworn in (except for new Minnesota Senator Al Franken, whose victory was just announced yesterday & is unfortunately being contested yet again) (sighhh, give it up, Norm Coleman). Here's a synopsis:
Before:
Around 3:00 p.m., my coworkers (slash friends!) & I made our way to Capitol Hill, where parties galore were a'happenin' all about town in celebration of the opening of the start of the new Congress. Funny - most of the country, I think, doesn't even know it did; until I started working in the District, I had no idea it would have been celebration-worthy.
During:
We hung out for a presentation of Jewish members. My favorite by far, was when Rep. Nita Lowey of New York called her friend, Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, back up to the podium to joke with him about why she wouldn't vie for Hillary Clinton's Senatorial spot. After much back & forth, she hugged him & laughed, "This is the Nita & Ben Show!" Who knew politicians could be so darn cute & funny?
After:
And at the end of the day as we exited Rayburn, I caught a great view of the Capitol Building, glowing slightly greenish in the rainy haze at twilight. My friend Ben once said, "I'll know I'm jaded when I walk by the Capitol and don't feel anything anymore. Until then, I get excited every time."
And that, my friends, says it all.
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Happy Swearing In Day!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
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Hey there! Serisouly; the only time I have been to DC was in 8th grade...then I NEVER paid any attention because I was too in love with a boy...so, I am hoping to get there; big belly bump or with a baby; but sometime within the next year! That's my hope!
ReplyDeleteHi Katie--
ReplyDeleteMy name is Eric Nuzum, I'm a writer who lives here in DC. I can't remember who passed along your blog to me, but we both are (a) former and fiercely proud Ohioans and (b) veterans of Kent/Kent State.
I just wanted to write to say that I check in periodically and enjoy what I read. You have a great expressive style.
That's it. Just wanted to say hi. I can be reached at eric (dot) nuzum (at) gmail (dot) com or through my site at ericnuzum.com
Best, --Eric