An Election Adventure

We were two girls with a dream.

That dream was to vote in Manhattan, and then find our way to our Nation's capital to celebrate one of the most important moments of our time: the election of Barack Obama.

Things got started early. And when I say early, I mean really early. G was a bit paranoid about all the poll site hullabaloo. I was pretty sure our site was going to be just fine, as it has all the other times I've voted, but I figured better safe than sorry, so I indulged her. Our compromise was 6:30, though the voting started at 6. Voting took about 15 minutes, which is about 8 minutes longer than usual. Still, 6:30 was really early.

On the plus side, we had plenty of time to get ready for our adventure. We wanted to go to Shopsin's at the Essex Market for breakfast, and it didn't open till nine anyway, so we had some tea and figured out our special Election Day outfits.

Shopsin's is pretty great. There are a plethora of insane people there, including the Grand Puba of Insanity, Kenny Shopsin, who is the large and opinionated chef/owner of the establishment. He's pretty awesome, although he yelled at G for taking pictures. Just so you know, he hates that.

She got a few in before he noticed:

Ooh, amazing photo-journaling G.

There's the menu. It has a gazillion things on it, and I'm pretty sure everything is great.

I had huevos rancheros, which were supposed to be spicy and weren't. G had some crazy combo with eggs and baked beans, and we shared some cheese grits. Except that I ate all the cheese grits...

Then, it was time to high tail it to Penn Station. G had another panic attack about printing our tickets, but everything was just fine. We picked up a few Coors Lights for the ride. You know, American beer for an American day, and everything.

Don't worry. It was almost noon.

We had a great time entertaining ourselves on the train. Check out me with this mad combover:

For craft time, I made a puppet out of a paper bag.

Yeah, that's Obama, in case you were wondering.

Upon arriving in Union Station, we had a hot toddie to soothe my aching throat.

Then it was off to lunch: Ben's Chili Bowl. This place is a D.C. classic.

At Ben's Chili Bowl, you must order a half-smoke, which is a delicious sausage covered in Ben's famous chili.

It's pretty awesome. Also, this was an Obama hotbed, so I felt extra excited. Sausage and Obama together in one establishment: what could be better?

Next up on the whirlwind tour of Americana:

Old Lincoln himself. I cannot tell a lie, it's beautiful. Also, Obama loves Lincoln. So it made perfect sense to make the stop.

Next up, Georgetown. We met Michael for a drink before heading to the viewing party. This is a famous place who's name I cannot recall. Lots of movers and shakers like to come here.

Check out these two:

The party was so cool. It was at a political consulting firm that helped bring you our new president.

UPDATE: SOOOOOO sorry to said political firm, I had no idea about your policies- don't worry- only 12 people read this. I hope I didn't cause any problems.


And then it was eleven, and Obama was officially announced as president.

The waterworks really got going then.

I was just so darned happy, I couldn't possibly contain myself.

The adventure was everything we set out to make it: fun, patriotic, and victorious!

Check out the new administration here.

Playing with politics,
Meredith