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September 14, 2007
Wow. Just Wow.
Today was quite an eventful day for John. This morning, he and several other MilBloggers actually sat down with President Bush for an hour long meeting.
I did not get to meet the President, as I'm not a MilBlogger, but the Public Liaison Staff there took great care of me while the Leader of the Free World met with my husband!!
I was given a wonderful tour of the White House by John Plack, of the White House Public Liaison Staff. John knows the history of practically every chair, painting and fireplace mantel in the East Wing of the White House, and he even showed me a couple of things not open to the public - like the last bit of the original White House that was burned back in 1814 by the British during the War of 1812 (seems like the name of that War ought to be a bit longer, like the War of 1812 thru 1815) - a still-scorched arched entryway close to the current kitchens.
I think my favorite room is the Green Room. It has recently been updated, and the watered silk moire walls are very stunning.
I got to see the Rose Garden and so many other things!
After my tour, I went back to wait for everyone in the West Lobby. I just sat there in awe, thinking, wow, I'm sitting in the West Lobby of the White House and my husband is talking to The President of the United States of America. And my friend, Mrs. Greyhawk is talking to the President. And Mohammed of Iraq the Model is talking to the President - and I'm just a few feet away from them all in the West Lobby of the West Wing of the White House. And NZ Bear and BlackFive and Ward Carroll of Military.com and other bloggers were having an hour-long meeting with President George Bush.
Awesome. Even though the word is terribly overused, it was awesome!
Go check out John's blog for all the links and details (I'm lazy, and besides, I'm about ready for a margarita).
Oh, and I almost forgot, when the meeting was over, Vanessa Beebe (Vanessa J. Beebe, Deputy Associate Director of the Office of Public Liaison at The White House), ran over and got me and she raced me through the White House and outdoors so I could see President Bush get onto Marine One and watch him wave at my husband and my friends standing just outside the Oval Office before waving at the Press Corps (where I was standing).
On my way out there, I did get a very short moment with a very important personality at the White House, Barney, the First Dog. He was surrounded by Secret Service Agents, but he did look at me and wag his tail when I said "Hi, Barney!" He has a wonderful personality, just like you would expect a Presidential Puppy to have!
I have to thank Vanessa and John and Claude and all the other incredible people at the White House for making this such a memorable day for both John and I.
Oh, one more thing - Marine Guards in their dress uniforms are really hot!
Posted by Beth at September 14, 2007 2:51 PM
Comments
Dang, woman! Now that's exciting! How cool for you and John [HUGS]
Posted by: Ith at September 14, 2007 3:36 PM
Dang, girl! What a day!
Posted by: caltechgirl at September 14, 2007 4:03 PM
You won't be able to top this day for a very long time! Congrats - couldn't have happened to nicer people.
Posted by: Greta at September 14, 2007 5:32 PM
I'm so excited for you guys! And Greta's right, it couldn't have happened to nicer folks!
WOW! :D
Posted by: pam at September 14, 2007 5:39 PM
To borrow from caltechgirl -- What a day! I'm grinning from ear to ear.
Posted by: cin at September 14, 2007 9:36 PM
OK Beth... I lose sight of you for one day, and you're hangin' with Barney.
Way to go :)
Posted by: Cassandra at September 14, 2007 10:15 PM
WOW. Awesome day for an awesome lady.
Posted by: Cricket at September 15, 2007 12:27 AM
On the hotness of the Marines:
Well, duh, evverbody knows that. I would feel envious, but that those guys have earned that esteem, that they get both from wimmin and men.
(Of different kinds, I hope!)
Posted by: Justthisguy at September 15, 2007 10:17 PM
You're the greatest Beth, it was so much fun to be with you and John during this trip, happy to call you friends.
Do hope to see more pics on the chicken coop as it progresses, and hey, in return I'll send you my fence pics :)
Hope to make the Blog expo, if anything just to re-unite with everyone. I'll have to wait and see if it's doable but will stay optimistic.
Posted by: Mrs G at September 16, 2007 7:37 AM
Considering your attraction to all things feathered and furry... meeting Barney seems very apropo!
Posted by: AFSister at September 17, 2007 11:35 AM
I'm so glad you got to go along, and the tour must have been fun! I'm surprised Barney didn't recognize that you are a doggy person and run right up to you ;-)
Posted by: Barb at September 17, 2007 7:36 PM
Absolutely wow!
thanks for sharing.
I found your blog through PJ and comment you left. :-O
Posted by: Frieda at September 18, 2007 8:53 AM
OMG You visited the WHITEHOUSE! fantastic. What a fabulous experience for you and John. I am heading on over to his site to read all about it.
Posted by: keewee at September 19, 2007 10:58 AM
Gotta love those marines!
Posted by: kat-missouri at September 19, 2007 2:31 PM