Well, it's Monday, January 19, 2009 and I'm finally here and settling in for an early day tomorrow.  Here's the run down on what I've done and where I've been so far:

Sat. 1/18 - I took the train to San Diego to meet up with my mother who lives in San Diego.  We spent a busy Saturday afternoon and evening making last minute trips to the store, the bank, and home to Mom's to pack and repack our luggage.  We'd heard the weather forecast for D.C.: a blustery and chilly 14 to 20 degrees, so we wanted to be ready!  We packed our thermal undergarments, two pairs of gloves, hats, hooded hats that would completely cover our heads like a ski mask, a few turtleneck sweaters, pants, and two coats for me! 

Sun., 1/19 - We were up at 4:30 a.m. and an hour later headed out to the San Diego Airport for our 8:00 a.m. flight to Washington, D.C.  We felt a little like celebrities because a local news crew met us at the airport and interviewed us just before we headed through security.  Soon, we were on the plane to D.C.  Here's a picture of me and Mom on the plane.  And guess what? Mom sat right next to a college student named Prince Sefa-Boakye who also got tickets from Congresswoman Susan Davis (Mom's local congresswoman).  What a coincidence!  His name is Prince because he really is a prince!  His father is from a ruling tribe in the African country of Ghana.  Turns out, Congresswoman Susan Davis awarded Prince two tickets to the inauguration through a raffle.  What a lucky guy! 

 "I feel like this is a chance for the country to start over and get it right," Prince said in a front page article in Sunday's San Diego Union Tribune.  Mom was also interviewed for the same article.  How exciting!  Here's Prince and Mom holding up the San Diego Union Tribune.  Check out the close up of Mom's picture in the paper!  We finally made it to D.C. around 5 p.m., but we missed the concert at the Lincoln Memorial Sunday afternoon.  One of our friends was there and I hope to share one of her pictures with you soon!

Mon. 1/20 - Today was spent with Mom being interviewed by another local San Diego news station on the roof of one of the CNN Washington Newssource studios .  Mom is really becoming a bit of a celebrity!  The White House and Washington Monument is in the background.  Later, we took the metro to the Longworth Building.  That's where Mom's local congresswoman has her Washington, D.C. office.  There I am in line with all the other fortunate ticket holders.  We stood in line for about two hours!  Once we got through security, we met Congresswoman Susan Davis of San Diego's 53rd Congressional District, where Mom lives.  We feel so lucky and were happy to have the chance to personally thank Congresswoman Davis.  Oh yeah, and here I am with Barack Obama!  (Not really...it's a cardboard cut out!).  Just as exciting was a visit to Pasadena's local congressman - YOUR congressman - Adam Schiff.  I told him about you!  

After our long day, I am pooped!  Its after 11 p.m. now and I off to bed.  We'll be up at 4 a.m. tomorrow - bright and early for the long lines we'll have to stand in for the inauguration!  We've got seats, but they're first come, first served!  

 You'll see an aerial map of the Mall where the swearing in ceremony will be held.  I'll be seated in the orange section to the right of the Capitol Building!!