This extended weekend has been quite an emotional experience. First, the Cardinals beat the Eagles in dramatic fashion to reach the Super Bowl for the first time ever. Then, DC is transformed into a circus because of Obama’s Inauguration. And, finally, Saw V came out on DVD today (I’ve already watched it). I still haven’t figured out which event has given me the most joy.
This Journal entry will focus on my experience at today’s Presidential Inauguration. I had planned on coupling (more or less) insightful commentary with high quality pictures, but my digital camera decided to poop out after one picture. Consequently, everything I present was taken with my first generation iPhone camera. The pictures aren’t IMAX quality, but they still tell the story.
Several items of interest at the Inauguration:
- The audio-visual coordination was so uneven that it often took 5 full seconds for a person’s actions to reflect the words or music they produced. At times, this was hilarious, but other times, for instance, during Obama’s speech, it was almost embarrassing.
- I stood in the same spot right next to the Smithsonian Museum in the middle of the Mall from approximately 6:30am to 1pm. That’s a personal record.
- I used a port-a-potty at about 6:15am for no reason other than so I could later say I used one of the of port-a-pottys. I actually feel sort of fulfilled.
- At one point, I was actually booed by about five Pittsburgh Steelers fans who saw my Arizona Cardinals beanie. I smiled.
- On the way home, I helped a man having a panic attack hurdle a large barrier so he could lay on the ground and gain his composure.
- My roommate showed up 2 hours after me and ended up just 20 yards behind me.
- I still haven’t searched for news articles that might explain why Dick Chaney was in a wheelchair because I prefer to make up my own reasons.
- Obama’s speech was amazing.
- I wore a Cardinals beanie and sweatshirt that both had a red, white and blue color scheme. Barack Obama’s campaign logo was also red, white, and blue. The American flag consists of three colors which just so happen to be red, white, and blue. Coincidence? I think not.
Here is my picture album. Enjoy looking at that pictures and imagining you were there with me.
January 21, 2009
Arizona Cardinals, friends and family, government, Washington DC