17 | January | 2009 | Kcinnova's World

imagine this full of 2 million people (note the teeny-tiny cars off on the right-hand side)

A.K.A., The Intervention

At supper tonight, I continued my self-torture agonizing over “to go or not to go.” Finally, my family wearied of my blather and intervened.

First to stand in the intervention lineup was SnakeMaster. He said, “I guess I’ll go.” Of course, I had to talk him out of it –he would be miserable: cold, tired, unable to see anything but elbows and backs, no place to sit down, etc., etc. Give me a break, he’s only 9 years old and I’d have to spend all my energy taking care of him and trying to not lose him in the crowds.

Then the other boys reiterated that they didn’t want to go. I tried to convince H-J that his teacher might give him extra credit (he’s taking US History this year) but he pointed out that he already has an A+ in that class.

SuperDad stepped in at this point and said I should go so he would have bragging rights (“My wife was there”). Mostly I think he just wanted me to shut up about it. His voice was convincing, but… I started making excuses. I believe it was MusicMan who said,

Geez Louise, Mom, just DECIDE!!

Humorous-Juniorous grabbed pencil and paper and began to make a list of Pros and Cons about going into The City for the inauguration of our 44th President.
On the Pros side were things like “if you go, you won’t feel guilty later” … “One and Only Chance” … Carpe Diem … personal bragging rights (“I was THERE”) for the rest of my life.
On the Cons side were things like “it will be very crowded” … lineups for nasty port-a-potties … “will be missed at home” (Awwwww) … no one was willing to massage my aching feet and legs for the next 3 weeks.

Finally, SuperDad said, “Do you want to know what I really think?”

“Stay Home You Silly Meatball”

Yes, he did say that. I had to shush the boys from laughing so I could hear the rest.
SuperDad went on to talk about how flippin’ cold it was at the train station last week, how the seats are narrower than my hips (oh yes he did), how hot it would be on the packed train, how crowded Union Station would be. How I’d “be waddling like a penguin” (oh yes, he did!!) in all that cold-weather gear. He pointed out that Union Station is on the wrong side (behind the Capitol Building) and I’d have no way to get to The Mall (in front of the Capitol Building) except to battle my way through that crowd on a very long walk.
He finished by saying, “Under the best of circumstances, it will suck.”

I concur. And according to my unscientific polling in the comment section of my previous post, half of you agree with me; the other half of you think I am denying myself the opportunity of a lifetime.

So, call me a wimpy party-pooper if you must, but I’m going to stay warm, with comfortable seating, where I can ensure that my children also see & hear the inauguration of our 44th President (their first time, since it is not a school day for us). My family needs me at home.

Oh, and one final word: BATHROOMS