I was given the opportunity to attend The Inaugural Ball on Monday, January 21, 2013 at the Washington Convention Center. Politics aside, I like a good party and I wasn't about to miss the chance to go to another Inaugural Ball. 
In 2005, my friend, Ryan, asked me to attend the Liberty Ball with him. He called me while I was at work and told me that I had 3 hours to get ready. 3 hours to get ready for an ball?!?! I couldn't believe it, but he was serious. I left work, threw on some make up, and put on the only dress that I thought I could pass of as appropriate on short notice. Unfortunately for me, my make up was too light (i.e. so I looked like Dracula) and my dress was short so I felt out of place.
2013 was my year to make it right.
With my Carmen Marc Valvo dress that arrived the day of the ball, I was ready for the festivities. My mom gave me a necklace that I used, but unfortunately I forgot that she also gave me the matching bracelet. I took my pink Chanel clutch out of its box, and my ensemble was perfect.
I believe that the average person loves to stand in line for no reason. With our tickets in hand, my friend and I kept our heads down and walked past about 1000 people into the queue by the metal detectors. Upon entry into the Convention Center, we waited in the coat check line (i.e. where I quickly spotted Dikembe Mutombo).
While we were in line, we missed Alicia Keys perform.
Eventually, we checked our coats and headed to the ballroom. Thanks to my friend, Taiwanna, we spent most of the night in a hospitality area where there was an open bar and little to no wait for food. In addition to seeing the POTUS and the FLOTUS, I checked out the band Fun, saw Jennifer Hudson serenade President Obama and his wife, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx, Vice President Biden and his wife, John Legend, and Usher perform. I also saw Anthony Hamilton get wheeled out in a wheel chair, probably because his feet hurt. Can't say I blame him. My feet hurt for days after the event. Days. Pain. Days...
It was a great night, and I love the fact that I spent it with a group of my favorite ladies! I look forward to more Inaugural Balls in the future. It's all about who you know, and I've been around for a while... I know the game, and lucky for me, I know a lot of fantastic people!
THE WIRK
THE WIRK
