On Friday, January 2, 2009 4:47 PM I received the following email:

As you know, when I contacted the Congress Woman’s office I was advised to send my travel itinerary immediately no later than Monday, which by the grace of God I was able to do.

On Wednesday, January 7, 2009 11:31 AM I received this email:

I left Los Angeles January 19th at 6am

wearing 3 shirts, thermals, a sweater, tights, sweats, corduroy pants, 2 pair of socks, tennis shoes, a peacoat, and a huge thick heavy bubble jacket.

People in LAX (airport) were looking at me like I was crazy (It had been 80+ degrees in Cali)… Curiosity had obviously gotten the best of some people, folks actually stopped me to ask where I was going.  The assumption was usually Chicago… but I would politely explain:

“I have a layover in Chicago but my destination is Washington DC.”

This would prompt a second question…

“Are you going to the inauguration?” (wide eyes and raised eyebrows).

Upon saying yes the response was always the same:

“YOU ARE SO LUCKY! I WISH I COULD GO.”

(There was a time when I would correct people on calling me lucky, I would insist on replacing lucky with blessed.  While I do believe and receive that I am blessed, I also have a new found respect and meaning for the word LUCK. L=living U=under C=conscious K=knowledge.  I am blessed and lucky and it is my life’s work and mission to be a blessing unto others while sharing luck).

My flight to Chicago was not so great but I was happy to be on it.  Of all of the flights I’ve taken in my life I have never sat next to an irritable toddler.  The dad was knocked out sleep while his daughter cried, kicked, screamed, and stretched herself out all the way over my lap.  It was a full flight so I couldn’t ask to be seated some where else.  I just kept reminding myself why I was on the plane and to be grateful!

When I arrived at my gate in Chicago I was surprised to see an additional security check point.  I was thinking oh great I’m going to have to take off all of this stuff, shoes, belt, and open up my computer bag again!  As it was time to board the plane however,  we were told it would be a random security check.  Interestingly enough, it seems the only folks that were stopped were white males.

My flight to DC was great.  I sat next to a young woman on a similar mission.  I forgot her name but she was just as happy and excited as me.  When we touched down in DC I felt a surge of excitement.  Prior to leaving LA I had not made solid plans as far as accommodations were concerned.  I had faith that everything would work out and unfold the way it was suppose to….My main focus and number one priority was getting to Congress Woman Laura Richardson and her staff to pick up my ticket to the inauguration.

When I got off the plane at DCA (airport) I knew that I was meeting my friend and sister Willae at baggage claim (she was flying in from Atlanta on blind faith with no solid plan either and no ticket to the inauguration).  I hadn’t seen Willae in 7 years so this was a reunion of sorts.  I made my way to baggage claim, spotted Willae, we hugged, we screamed, we grabbed our bags, and hopped in a cab headed straight to Tortilla Coast.

We got there right in time to meet, hug, and shake hands with Congress Woman Laura Richardson and her awesome right hand Daysha Austin.

We skipped into that restaurant pulling suitcases, holding computer bags, purses, and cameras.  We had to catch our breath.  Thank goodness there were gentlemen to help us down the stairs.  Yes we had to go down a flight of stairs to get to the meeting spot in the restaurant.  We Made It!

Here’s a picture of me with the Congress Woman.

(I did not get a picture of Daysha but I think our paths will cross again.  At which time I’ll get one).

We were tired, cold, happy to have made it to DC, glad that I made it in time to get my ticket when we realized that there were lots of people who could not and did not make it to pick up their tickets.  We wondered what would happen to those unused tickets.  Willae and I are strong believers in asking, believing, and receiving.  (A wise man said ask and it shall be given to you…. another said you have not because you ask not… yet another said the prayers of the righteous avail much…HINT! HINT!).

I received my ticket and couldn’t stop smiling from ear to ear.

We stayed in that restaurant for I don’t know how long.

We watched people come in and pick up their tickets we watched others act real ugly for no reason after receiving their tickets.  I won’t go into detail but it was ridiculous.

I will say this, Daysha Austin did everything but bend over backwards to make sure that everyone received their tickets to attend the inauguration.

There were a number of folks from California (self included) that arrived in DC after the initial ticket distribution time 11am-1pm.

The Congress Woman’s office made special arrangements for us all to pick up our tickets at the Tortilla Coast Restaurant after 5pm.

Daysha was there standing on her feet the whole time with a smile distributing tickets, answering calls, giving directions, agreeing to wait longer, and going above and beyond the call of duty.  (You Rock Daysha!)

To Be Continued…..

Majority Of The Photos From The Inauguration DC Adventure Are Provided Courtesy Of The Wonderful & Talented Willae Ivory