Today’s meeting started out with the members-elect and their spouses sitting in house chambers. We heard from the sergeant-at-arms discussing procedural matters. The chief of the Capitol Police gave us a briefing on safety and security matters, complete with a demonstration of a “hood” that protects you in case of biological, chemical or radiation contamination. The parliamentarian then described stuff like who sits on the three-tier podium, how to cast your vote, etc., etc.
I walked to the NRCC and had lunch with the Republican Congressional Spouses Club. Caroline Aderholt is my “big sister”, so we sat together. It was a very large group that included past congressman’s wives, including JoAnn Kemp (widow of Jack Kemp) and Mary Ryun (wife of runner Jim Ryun, the first human to break the 4 minute mile).
Next Mo, Mark and I sat through a briefing by a bunch of congressmen who gave us tips about a bunch of things. We left a little early and went condo/apartment shopping. Sticker shock!!!!
Tonight we got on the busses again and went to the Library of Congress for a dinner with Eric Cantor and his wife and Kevin McCarthy. Kevin’s wife was not there. The Library of Congress is so beautiful!!! It was a stand-up dinner with several stations including sushi, three types of soup (I had butternut), chicken pot pie, shrimp and grits, etc., etc., etc. At one of our meetings yesterday, a congresswoman warned us about the “Freshman Fifteen”. And now we see how that can happen!
Today’s meeting started out with the members-elect and their spouses sitting in house chambers. We heard from the sergeant-at-arms discussing procedural matters. The chief of the Capitol Police gave us a briefing on safety and security matters, complete with a demonstration of a “hood” that protects you in case of biological, chemical or radiation contamination. The parliamentarian then described stuff like who sits on the three-tier podium, how to cast your vote, etc., etc.
I walked to the NRCC and had lunch with the Republican Congressional Spouses Club. Caroline Aderholt is my “big sister”, so we sat together. It was a very large group that included past congressman’s wives, including JoAnn Kemp (widow of Jack Kemp) and Mary Ryun (wife of runner Jim Ryun, the first human to break the 4 minute mile).
Next Mo, Mark and I sat through a briefing by a bunch of congressmen who gave us tips about a bunch of things. We left a little early and went condo/apartment shopping. Sticker shock!!!!
Tonight we got on the busses again and went to the Library of Congress for a dinner with Eric Cantor and his wife and Kevin McCarthy. Kevin’s wife was not there. The Library of Congress is so beautiful!!! It was a stand-up dinner with several stations including sushi, three types of soup (I had butternut), chicken pot pie, shrimp and grits, etc., etc., etc. At one of our meetings yesterday, a congresswoman warned us about the “Freshman Fifteen”. And now we see how that can happen!
At the dinner, Eric Cantor asked me how we were doing. I said, “We’re doing GREAT! But then it’s easy when everyone is being so nice to you!” He kind of laughed and then we went on to talk to other people. A few minutes later, Eric gave a short welcoming talk and said, “I hope you are all enjoying this week. I got a little guff from Alabama when Martha told me, ‘It’s easy to be doing well when everyone is being nice to you!’” A shout-out from Eric Cantor!!
As we were walking into the Library of Congress, Rep-elect Billy Long from Missouri came up to me and said, “Can I have your autograph?” I asked why and he told me I was quoted in the Washington Post on p. C9. You can read it here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/15/AR2010111504004.html
Ho-hum. More national press. ;)
At the dinner, Eric Cantor asked me how we were doing. I said, “We’re doing GREAT! But then it’s easy when everyone is being so nice to you!” He kind of laughed and then we went on to talk to other people.
A few minutes later, Eric gave a short welcoming talk and said, “I hope you are all enjoying this week. I got a little guff from Alabama when Martha told me, ‘It’s easy to be doing well when everyone is being nice to you!’” A shout-out from Eric Cantor!!
As we were walking into the Library of Congress, Rep-elect Billy Long from Missouri came up to me and said, “Can I have your autograph?” I asked why and he told me I was quoted in the Washington Post on p. C9. You can read it here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/15/AR2010111504004.html
Ho-hum. More national press. ;)
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