Tuesday - May 10, 2005

It’s FINALLY here...the long-awaited trip that we’ve heard and talked about, planned for, dreamed of – Washington DC. I anxiously wait for my two travel buddies to arrive so we can load the car and get to the airport. I’m so thankful we can dress comfortably for the flight!

We arrive in the airport terminal to find the rest of our group before going through security to the gate. Besides our class, we have Judy, Melissa, Gretchen, and Kris traveling with us…the more the merrier! At long last, our plane is ready and we walk out to board (my first time to walk on the tarmac at a ‘real’ airport) and then we’re up, up, and away.

Washington DC – Reagan Airport. I haven’t been in DC since 9/11 and things have changed! I’m used to traveling with increased security now, but DC is on a whole other level. Our mini-buses (24 women & luggage) take us to the Capital Hilton with time to register, unpack, unwind, and get dressed for the evening.

A reception this evening is hosted by Joan Davidson, co-chair of the Republican National Committee; our only instructions from Mama Sandi are to behave and meet women from the other states who are also in DC for their trip. It was exciting to be there when Judy Singleton was presented a bracelet with a charm for each program state in thanks for all her efforts. Along with existing programs, this year new ones began in Tennessee, Nebraska, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, and Alaska. At the dinner – again, mingle, mingle, mingle – several of us buzzing to find the five Alaska members to ask how they run their program, where do they meet, and how do they get there?