Getting back into Tampa, I missed the first season opener of my collegiate career - but it was an easy win against Tennessee-Martin, so no big whoop there.
Week one was hectic as ever. Classes were all over the place, had to get the room straightened out for CD's and I am still dealing with this pain in my side from GWU.
Saw Robert F. Kennedy, JR. speak on how politics affects the environment and the other endeavors he has going on with his companies too. Phenomenal time with friends there and I have to say kudos for the turn out of the crowd there too!
Weekend came to fast, and with the USF v UCF finale ahead of me, the only thing on my mind was coming away with a win. Plain and simple. After a 50 minutes drive to Mickey Mouse town and $5 in tolls later, the school with an erector set was just ahead of me, YAY!
The "Memory Mall" left some memories that I will never forget. The arrogance, the vulgarity and the intoxication of the rudest student body I have ever encountered. EVER. Beer was thrown on me, people were blowing these horns in my ear and even tried to pick a fight with me... seriously.
Kick off and all was well. We scored, they scored, we pulled away, they caught up. And then it comes down to Alvarado kicking... not again Delbert! Shit. Now we have to go 25 yards and the Knaughts are fighting like none other - but wait... what did I just hear.... TOUCH DOWN BULLS!!!!!! So that puts us at 31-24. Now they get the ball and like true nature, some one got a bucket because they were throwing up!
Sunday was me playing catch-up on homework and getting stuff ready for Wednesday. Computer didn't get all the files downloaded and now I am stuck half way through a project I hate. grr....
Anyways, Monday is here, and I got to see Senator Hillary Clinton speak today! Granted I skipped a portion of my class today, it was worth it! Not to mention, I got her autograph, yay me!
So, now I sit here and reflect what I have seen and done as of late August and into September. I am a fortunate man for what has happened... even when you read what I have written here, I can say that this is only 1/10th of everything that I remember. For those who have enriched my life and my experiences on this great planet we have, thank you.
More will come this week.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
DNCC Day 4 - Welcome to the Big Show
It's here... yes, you know what i'm talkin about.... the final day of the convention baby!!!
Well before all of that fun, there was the usual routine of the bus ride, breakfast and then getting credentialed for the evening.
During breakfast this time, I was fortunate to listen to former Senator and Governor Bob Graham, Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and a few other great speakers. Then off to the convention hall.
We get dropped off at the center and made our way to the different meetings that were going on. I ended up back at the Womens Caucus and had the pleasure of listening to Michelle Obama speak to a crowd of a 1,000 plus. From what I could tell, she keeps her husband grounded, but lets him have his fun too.
So I leave the hall, get back to DU and get ready for going to Invesco Field. Emma, Travis and his brother Will and myself all get ready for the night. We load up onto the lite rail and make our way to Colfax, get off and make our way into the conga line that is going to the field.
Well, I am hungry and ended up pulling Travis with me over to MickeyD's for some food. As we are walking out, we ended up in a "legalize it" protest... How funny is that. So me and Travis hung out with them for a few, and they were so effin peaceful (I wonder why.)
After getting back in line (which that's a whole 'nother story,) we scarfed down the food and hung out, danced, chatted and had fun. Yes we danced. The line was long, but with the good people that was around us, we all had fun. Before I forget, thank you to Coke-A-Cola for the water and to the security for not frisking me.
So we get into the stadium and by god, just thinking on how many people will be in the stadium would be amazing. Here are some videos that were shown during the evening... sit back and enjoy!
Will.I.Am and John Legend
Vice President Al Gore
Senator Obama
Well before all of that fun, there was the usual routine of the bus ride, breakfast and then getting credentialed for the evening.
During breakfast this time, I was fortunate to listen to former Senator and Governor Bob Graham, Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and a few other great speakers. Then off to the convention hall.
We get dropped off at the center and made our way to the different meetings that were going on. I ended up back at the Womens Caucus and had the pleasure of listening to Michelle Obama speak to a crowd of a 1,000 plus. From what I could tell, she keeps her husband grounded, but lets him have his fun too. 
So I leave the hall, get back to DU and get ready for going to Invesco Field. Emma, Travis and his brother Will and myself all get ready for the night. We load up onto the lite rail and make our way to Colfax, get off and make our way into the conga line that is going to the field. Well, I am hungry and ended up pulling Travis with me over to MickeyD's for some food. As we are walking out, we ended up in a "legalize it" protest... How funny is that. So me and Travis hung out with them for a few, and they were so effin peaceful (I wonder why.)
After getting back in line (which that's a whole 'nother story,) we scarfed down the food and hung out, danced, chatted and had fun. Yes we danced. The line was long, but with the good people that was around us, we all had fun. Before I forget, thank you to Coke-A-Cola for the water and to the security for not frisking me. So we get into the stadium and by god, just thinking on how many people will be in the stadium would be amazing. Here are some videos that were shown during the evening... sit back and enjoy!
Will.I.Am and John Legend
Vice President Al Gore
Senator Obama
DNCC Day 3 - Seein Starz and gettin tranquil
Wake up, shower and catch the 24L to Red Lion. Done.
Breakfast, speeches and then onto the bus.
So I meet this amazing woman on the way there from Montana. We are talking about her kick-ass Governor and as we are rollin into downtown, we run across the best Faux News advertisement. Love IT!!! But the day doesn't stop there... Oh no.
So as we are passing the sign and the same lady asks me to model a shirt for her. I'm like ok, i'm game - yet I haven't seen the shirt as of yet. I switch shirts and put this one on...
There is just a large smile on my face and we have just having fun with it. Everyone I passed thought I was a huggy bear supporter - uh nope!But the better part is when people would read it!!!
So I made my way over to the GLBT Caucus and ended up getting a pass to the Starz Green room.... A-mazing! But more important things first... get my pass for Invesco Field.
So I make my way from one room to another, get a rubber chicken meal and listen to Kal Penn speak at the College Dems Luncheon. From there, we had to wait outside for our Invesco Field ticket. Got it.
Now what should I do? Go to the Green Room! Shit... camera battery is dead, but I can tell ya one thing that this place is amazing! there was readings by Howard Zinn and company, movie screenings and some kick ass food too.
So the evening comes and, well, let the debauchery begin!
And this is where I forgot what happened, but I can tell ya from my credit card reciepts that there was a stop at Rock Bottom, The Curtis and ESPN Zone. God Bless Denver and all of their Micro-Brews.
Breakfast, speeches and then onto the bus.
So I meet this amazing woman on the way there from Montana. We are talking about her kick-ass Governor and as we are rollin into downtown, we run across the best Faux News advertisement. Love IT!!! But the day doesn't stop there... Oh no. So as we are passing the sign and the same lady asks me to model a shirt for her. I'm like ok, i'm game - yet I haven't seen the shirt as of yet. I switch shirts and put this one on...
There is just a large smile on my face and we have just having fun with it. Everyone I passed thought I was a huggy bear supporter - uh nope!But the better part is when people would read it!!!
So I made my way over to the GLBT Caucus and ended up getting a pass to the Starz Green room.... A-mazing! But more important things first... get my pass for Invesco Field.
So I make my way from one room to another, get a rubber chicken meal and listen to Kal Penn speak at the College Dems Luncheon. From there, we had to wait outside for our Invesco Field ticket. Got it.
Now what should I do? Go to the Green Room! Shit... camera battery is dead, but I can tell ya one thing that this place is amazing! there was readings by Howard Zinn and company, movie screenings and some kick ass food too.
So the evening comes and, well, let the debauchery begin!
And this is where I forgot what happened, but I can tell ya from my credit card reciepts that there was a stop at Rock Bottom, The Curtis and ESPN Zone. God Bless Denver and all of their Micro-Brews.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
DNCC Day 2 - Tambourines, Womens Caucus and one hellofa Speech!
So the morning starts off by me hoping onto the lite rail and going directly to the convention center. First on the list of things to do... check out the Womens caucus, get a little blue bear, and see the people from CDA about shirts.
So what do I do: I arrive late, like 5 minutes till the time of the start late, and as I am walking in I got a chance to speak with Donna Brazile and Ellen Malcolm. A-maizing.
Sign in and get my seat at the Women's caucus meeting. As I am walking up, still somewhat hungover, I notice something on all of the seats... tambourines. Not just a few, I am talking like 2,000 of the fuckers. That, a dvd and a few other things as well.
So as the meeting begins, we look at the schedule of who was to speak and all of a sudden, some man comes up to the front and starts shouting "Obama wants Abortions" and some other stuff as well... So what happens next is something that will not be forgot. A thousand tambourines sounded of like that of a banshee screaming infront of you. My god, the noise nearly made my ears bleed. So he is removed and this so-called "operation chaos" is over for now.
First up is the amazing Donna Brazile who got the ladies going. After that, it was the amazing list of the who's who of Hollywood and leaders in Congress. I was fortunate enough to get a picture with some of the ladies themselves. Fran Dresher and Rosario Dawson both spoke on why it is important to vote and, yes, I did get a pic with each of the ladies.
Noise is over and back to the streets. Got a bite to eat and had some good conversation with the Anarchists protesting.... they wanted to be heard and I listened. The the yelling began... SCRIMMAGE LINE! SCRIMMAGE LINE! NOW NOW NOW!!!! The local cops over reacted a bit, but eh... they thought there was something gonna happen. Man oh man were they wrong. So the to commander who called out the order... thanks for effin up my day. You ended up shutting down public transportation for 5 hours FOR NOTHING!!!
Ok, so that mess was over. I ended up going back to the convention and ran into Doug Tudor (D) vs. Adam Putnam, and a local guy here in Florida. went back out onto the streets and got him a new Camera for the evening.
First stop, Vet Pac fundraiser. Not only was this an event with some of the greatest military leaders running for office, these are the people who have fought in wars and that are committed to real peace. In the mist of these great candidates, Doug spoke and spoke well. He not only made his country proud, but is working for a better America too.
The evening ended on a sour note, as a man who ended up having a seizure. In true form, Doug aided in calming the man down and to our knowledge, he will be OK.
So we leave there and go to the Big Party, yes it's the DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen Honors the House Democratic Caucus. How do I begin describing this evening. Well, lets start by mentioning the amazing drinks plated on mirrors with little blue donkeys on the rim. How it was only top shelf behind the bar and premium finger food on the plates. Or the fact that I was dancing next to Madam Speaker Pelosie while Wyclef Jean from the Fugees was performing on stage. That I got to speak with Chris VanHollen about politics in his position. Yes, this evening was amazing...
Then I found out the dirty tricks that Bill Mitchell played on running a false advertising against a good man, John Dicks. I for one will not forgive Bill for what he did... I know politics are dirty, but in all honestly, Bill has a snow balls chance in hell to win.
But on a lighter note, congratulations to Stephen Gorham and Kevin Beckner for excelling in your primaries.
So what do I do: I arrive late, like 5 minutes till the time of the start late, and as I am walking in I got a chance to speak with Donna Brazile and Ellen Malcolm. A-maizing.
Sign in and get my seat at the Women's caucus meeting. As I am walking up, still somewhat hungover, I notice something on all of the seats... tambourines. Not just a few, I am talking like 2,000 of the fuckers. That, a dvd and a few other things as well.
So as the meeting begins, we look at the schedule of who was to speak and all of a sudden, some man comes up to the front and starts shouting "Obama wants Abortions" and some other stuff as well... So what happens next is something that will not be forgot. A thousand tambourines sounded of like that of a banshee screaming infront of you. My god, the noise nearly made my ears bleed. So he is removed and this so-called "operation chaos" is over for now.
First up is the amazing Donna Brazile who got the ladies going. After that, it was the amazing list of the who's who of Hollywood and leaders in Congress. I was fortunate enough to get a picture with some of the ladies themselves. Fran Dresher and Rosario Dawson both spoke on why it is important to vote and, yes, I did get a pic with each of the ladies.
Noise is over and back to the streets. Got a bite to eat and had some good conversation with the Anarchists protesting.... they wanted to be heard and I listened. The the yelling began... SCRIMMAGE LINE! SCRIMMAGE LINE! NOW NOW NOW!!!! The local cops over reacted a bit, but eh... they thought there was something gonna happen. Man oh man were they wrong. So the to commander who called out the order... thanks for effin up my day. You ended up shutting down public transportation for 5 hours FOR NOTHING!!!
Ok, so that mess was over. I ended up going back to the convention and ran into Doug Tudor (D) vs. Adam Putnam, and a local guy here in Florida. went back out onto the streets and got him a new Camera for the evening.
First stop, Vet Pac fundraiser. Not only was this an event with some of the greatest military leaders running for office, these are the people who have fought in wars and that are committed to real peace. In the mist of these great candidates, Doug spoke and spoke well. He not only made his country proud, but is working for a better America too.
The evening ended on a sour note, as a man who ended up having a seizure. In true form, Doug aided in calming the man down and to our knowledge, he will be OK.
So we leave there and go to the Big Party, yes it's the DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen Honors the House Democratic Caucus. How do I begin describing this evening. Well, lets start by mentioning the amazing drinks plated on mirrors with little blue donkeys on the rim. How it was only top shelf behind the bar and premium finger food on the plates. Or the fact that I was dancing next to Madam Speaker Pelosie while Wyclef Jean from the Fugees was performing on stage. That I got to speak with Chris VanHollen about politics in his position. Yes, this evening was amazing...
Then I found out the dirty tricks that Bill Mitchell played on running a false advertising against a good man, John Dicks. I for one will not forgive Bill for what he did... I know politics are dirty, but in all honestly, Bill has a snow balls chance in hell to win.
But on a lighter note, congratulations to Stephen Gorham and Kevin Beckner for excelling in your primaries.
Day 1 of the DNCC - Let the Show Begin!!!
Wake up, get on the bus and went to the Red Lion Hotel. I got to see my wonderful Florida delegation, elected officials and my friends from Hillsborough. Susan, Pat, Ken, Marylin, Sally, and even my professor Dr. MacManus were there. Breakfast was good, not great, but good.
I ran into the Fl net roots group too. As they set up in their corner, I could only imagine what they were typing over there. The opening day and they all looked bright eyed and bushy tailed... oh the blogs would be on fire in just a few short hours.
After breakfast, I was fortunate to share a car with Susan, Pat. Councilman Dingfelder and his amazing wife into downtown Denver. On the way there, we had such great conversation and laughed too. I just hope that they were having as much fun as I was.
Well, I get to the convention center and made my way to the first major caucus meeting. Colorado Sen. Jennifer Vega and Rep. Mark Ferrandino gives the welcome. DNC LGBT Caucus Chair Rick Stafford recognizes the contributions of a number of LGBT and civil rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National Black Justice Coalition, Stonewall Democrats, the Task Force Action Fund and the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Openly gay California representative Evan Low, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Arizona representative Kyrsten Sinema address the audience from the podium.
One great highlight: Rick Stafford takes a moment to honor the life of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, an ally of the LGBT community. The audience responds with a standing ovation.
Afterwards, shopping, gift giving and socials pursued. Monday night though was a different story.
Chairman Dean hosted a massive party for all the victims that President Bush has left behind on American soil.... yes it was the "Remembrance of Katrina Victims." Zydaco music was in the air, the drinks were flowing and those crawdads were oh so good! Beads, music and good people were all there. Dancing pursued and in true fashion, yours truly participated with the Democrats abroad group.
About half way through the evening, Clyburn, Dean, and a few others made speeches about the evenings events. The people cheered and the evening went on.
So the night ended, people are leaving and a few of us went to poetry readings at an event outside in the park. Good times fo sho!!!
I ran into the Fl net roots group too. As they set up in their corner, I could only imagine what they were typing over there. The opening day and they all looked bright eyed and bushy tailed... oh the blogs would be on fire in just a few short hours.
After breakfast, I was fortunate to share a car with Susan, Pat. Councilman Dingfelder and his amazing wife into downtown Denver. On the way there, we had such great conversation and laughed too. I just hope that they were having as much fun as I was.
Well, I get to the convention center and made my way to the first major caucus meeting. Colorado Sen. Jennifer Vega and Rep. Mark Ferrandino gives the welcome. DNC LGBT Caucus Chair Rick Stafford recognizes the contributions of a number of LGBT and civil rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National Black Justice Coalition, Stonewall Democrats, the Task Force Action Fund and the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Openly gay California representative Evan Low, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Arizona representative Kyrsten Sinema address the audience from the podium.
One great highlight: Rick Stafford takes a moment to honor the life of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, an ally of the LGBT community. The audience responds with a standing ovation.
Afterwards, shopping, gift giving and socials pursued. Monday night though was a different story.
Chairman Dean hosted a massive party for all the victims that President Bush has left behind on American soil.... yes it was the "Remembrance of Katrina Victims." Zydaco music was in the air, the drinks were flowing and those crawdads were oh so good! Beads, music and good people were all there. Dancing pursued and in true fashion, yours truly participated with the Democrats abroad group.
About half way through the evening, Clyburn, Dean, and a few others made speeches about the evenings events. The people cheered and the evening went on.
So the night ended, people are leaving and a few of us went to poetry readings at an event outside in the park. Good times fo sho!!!
The fun that is CDA, day's 2-3
Rise and shine, is college politics time!!!!
Who's all happy to be up at 8:30Am and talking about politics!!!
Response: ugghhhhhh
Oh, it's not that bad, is it?
Response: ugggghhhhhh
Breakfast from the womens caucus was provided as the incentive to get our asses out of bed - and it worked! There was a moment of silence from Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones and a lengthy discussion concerning HPV and legislation to help make prevention more affordable for young ladies and guys too.
After this meeting, the real fun begins. I attend conventions to take something away from them, not to be lectured to. So the CDA put together training sessions that were led by some phenomenal people. From moderate to advance levels of discussion, these trainers from the party really helped us out a lot.
So we leave from the trainisgs and got dinner, came back and vote on the elected officials for the new year.
Sunday morning was a repeat of Saturday evening. However, one of the CDA Delegates was asked to leave from California for drinking PBR during our session - yes, that was the highlight of the morning session.
So I want to congratulate all of the new leadership to CDA for the 08/09 year. You will do amazing and I have faith in that you will help lead us into a great year. But enough of that, lets get back to the facts and fun of the evening's events.
After attending a few more caucuses, me and Kate from OSU went over to the Faith in Action event, hosted by the DNCC. For the first ever faith caucus, the turn out was amazing, well organized and had a message of solidarity. We all look to text for a sense of clarity and as a way to lead our lives. Minus the three fools who decided to yell out "Obama wants Abortions," the event went off with out a glitch. The choral groups were well put together and a the music selections were amazing!
Sunday's events after the Faith in Action event included a walk through the mall by 16th and California, a coffee from Starbucks and enough fresh air to make me feel 10x better.
Who's all happy to be up at 8:30Am and talking about politics!!!
Response: ugghhhhhh
Oh, it's not that bad, is it?
Response: ugggghhhhhh
Breakfast from the womens caucus was provided as the incentive to get our asses out of bed - and it worked! There was a moment of silence from Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones and a lengthy discussion concerning HPV and legislation to help make prevention more affordable for young ladies and guys too.
After this meeting, the real fun begins. I attend conventions to take something away from them, not to be lectured to. So the CDA put together training sessions that were led by some phenomenal people. From moderate to advance levels of discussion, these trainers from the party really helped us out a lot.
So we leave from the trainisgs and got dinner, came back and vote on the elected officials for the new year.
Sunday morning was a repeat of Saturday evening. However, one of the CDA Delegates was asked to leave from California for drinking PBR during our session - yes, that was the highlight of the morning session.
So I want to congratulate all of the new leadership to CDA for the 08/09 year. You will do amazing and I have faith in that you will help lead us into a great year. But enough of that, lets get back to the facts and fun of the evening's events.
After attending a few more caucuses, me and Kate from OSU went over to the Faith in Action event, hosted by the DNCC. For the first ever faith caucus, the turn out was amazing, well organized and had a message of solidarity. We all look to text for a sense of clarity and as a way to lead our lives. Minus the three fools who decided to yell out "Obama wants Abortions," the event went off with out a glitch. The choral groups were well put together and a the music selections were amazing!
Sunday's events after the Faith in Action event included a walk through the mall by 16th and California, a coffee from Starbucks and enough fresh air to make me feel 10x better.
The Denver experience, Day 1
So my morning starts out at 5:00am as I am waiting for my friend to come pick me up to take me to the airport. As I am sitting in my living room, I am checking over and over, if I actually have everything I am going to be needing for the trip. Shoes, check. Socks, check. Long sleeve shirts, check. Jeans and shorts, check and check. Suits, check. Dress shirts, oh shit - oh wait... got them, check. I'm ready to go.
So as I am still waiting for my friend to come, I open up the blinds and realize it is raining. Great. "Hurricane" Fay decides to dump rain on top of Florida the morning I decide to leave to go to Denver. My ride finally gets here, roughly 30 minutes late and apologizes not once. He proceedes to tell me that he ran into every red light - yet he has a bag of McDonalds and a large coffee in his lap (oh how I wish he would hit just one large bump.)
So I loaded up my stuff into the back of his truck and we took off to go to Tampa International. Well, thanks to the rain and his tardiness, we hit morning rush hour traffic. Top speed: 30mph, but we averaged 20mph. As we rolled into TIA, the traffic became worse. Frontier Airlines was the main airline taking delegates to Denver, so everyone and teir mother had Obama gear on. My friend looked sick (he is a Republican by the way.)
It looked like it would be a short wait in line, but alas, my luck was no where to be found. As I waited in line, Frontier Airlines computers decided it was time to take a nap. So, what are we to do? The Sisterhood of the traveling Suit Pants, the O-train and all others were there and figured we should just check in at curbside - something that the airline didn't even mention.
So we finally get the luggage loaded up and then we wait again. Me with my laptop and suit in tow, we waited at the terminal. To my left, there was a few super delegates from the area. To my right was a family that wasn't even a delegate, but received tickets to see Senator Obama accept the nomination. Then there was the mother with her child who wouldn't be quiet; so much so, the lungs on this kid could be considered as cruel and unusual torture under the Geneva Convention.
The plane takes off, and for the next four hours, I had one of the best conversations with a young lady who unfortunatly had an extreme case of Breast cancer. As we took off, she prayed, then laughed. We talked about everything there was to talk about. After playing a few video games on her laptop, I found out about her family, her friends and people she uses as a pillar. I shed a tear as she told me her story as it is something I canot even comprehend. I know that she will never read this blog, but I have to say thank you for having such a humbeling impace on my life.
We land, and made our seperate ways. I hope she enjoyed her trip in Utah.
After picking up the luggage, we made our way to University Denver. The trip was short, but the landscape was beautiful. Check in however was something else.
After getting settled in, I made my way downstairs and met a group of fellow CD members from Oklahoma. OSU and OU were well represented fo sho! I ended up hanging out with them for the majority of the weekend and into mid week, but that is for a later posting.
So as a side note: Denver's public transportation system was effin amazing!
Took the literail into Denver and got checked into the CDA Convention, mingled with a few people and then got ready for the opening ceremonies. Before getting food, Johnny, Chip and myself all trucked to the front of the room and got some killer seats (pic's to come later) as Gov. Howard Dean was the keynote speaker.
As the evening progressed, everyone there was searching the liberal media blogs for some clue as to who was going to get tapped. Johnny got confirmation that there was a union printer publishing Biden stuff. Some one else said Secret Service was at Biden's house (5 minutes later.) We were all excited, but never got that text.
After the speech, we piled back onto the literail and headed back to DU. Got changed and headed out to Spankey's Sports Bar. About 10 minutes while we were in there, MSNBC reported out that Biden was the official pick. The place erupts and from there, we proceeded to drink.
Well, after about 10 minutes after, we hound out that this place was no 18 and up friendly... so the gang proceded to leave and find a bottle store. Nothing. Not a dam thing. The city's policy shuts down at 10pm, and 12pm for beer. How lame is that. Anyways, we made due and went back for more drinks.
And this was the "short day" I had.
So as I am still waiting for my friend to come, I open up the blinds and realize it is raining. Great. "Hurricane" Fay decides to dump rain on top of Florida the morning I decide to leave to go to Denver. My ride finally gets here, roughly 30 minutes late and apologizes not once. He proceedes to tell me that he ran into every red light - yet he has a bag of McDonalds and a large coffee in his lap (oh how I wish he would hit just one large bump.)
So I loaded up my stuff into the back of his truck and we took off to go to Tampa International. Well, thanks to the rain and his tardiness, we hit morning rush hour traffic. Top speed: 30mph, but we averaged 20mph. As we rolled into TIA, the traffic became worse. Frontier Airlines was the main airline taking delegates to Denver, so everyone and teir mother had Obama gear on. My friend looked sick (he is a Republican by the way.)
It looked like it would be a short wait in line, but alas, my luck was no where to be found. As I waited in line, Frontier Airlines computers decided it was time to take a nap. So, what are we to do? The Sisterhood of the traveling Suit Pants, the O-train and all others were there and figured we should just check in at curbside - something that the airline didn't even mention.
So we finally get the luggage loaded up and then we wait again. Me with my laptop and suit in tow, we waited at the terminal. To my left, there was a few super delegates from the area. To my right was a family that wasn't even a delegate, but received tickets to see Senator Obama accept the nomination. Then there was the mother with her child who wouldn't be quiet; so much so, the lungs on this kid could be considered as cruel and unusual torture under the Geneva Convention.
The plane takes off, and for the next four hours, I had one of the best conversations with a young lady who unfortunatly had an extreme case of Breast cancer. As we took off, she prayed, then laughed. We talked about everything there was to talk about. After playing a few video games on her laptop, I found out about her family, her friends and people she uses as a pillar. I shed a tear as she told me her story as it is something I canot even comprehend. I know that she will never read this blog, but I have to say thank you for having such a humbeling impace on my life.
We land, and made our seperate ways. I hope she enjoyed her trip in Utah.
After picking up the luggage, we made our way to University Denver. The trip was short, but the landscape was beautiful. Check in however was something else.
After getting settled in, I made my way downstairs and met a group of fellow CD members from Oklahoma. OSU and OU were well represented fo sho! I ended up hanging out with them for the majority of the weekend and into mid week, but that is for a later posting.
So as a side note: Denver's public transportation system was effin amazing!
Took the literail into Denver and got checked into the CDA Convention, mingled with a few people and then got ready for the opening ceremonies. Before getting food, Johnny, Chip and myself all trucked to the front of the room and got some killer seats (pic's to come later) as Gov. Howard Dean was the keynote speaker.
As the evening progressed, everyone there was searching the liberal media blogs for some clue as to who was going to get tapped. Johnny got confirmation that there was a union printer publishing Biden stuff. Some one else said Secret Service was at Biden's house (5 minutes later.) We were all excited, but never got that text.
After the speech, we piled back onto the literail and headed back to DU. Got changed and headed out to Spankey's Sports Bar. About 10 minutes while we were in there, MSNBC reported out that Biden was the official pick. The place erupts and from there, we proceeded to drink.
Well, after about 10 minutes after, we hound out that this place was no 18 and up friendly... so the gang proceded to leave and find a bottle store. Nothing. Not a dam thing. The city's policy shuts down at 10pm, and 12pm for beer. How lame is that. Anyways, we made due and went back for more drinks.
And this was the "short day" I had.
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