The Trifecta

Some folks are dreaming of a white Christmas. Elvis and his gang are having a blue Christmas. But I have already had a Red, White AND Blue Christmas!

Life, being what it is, tends to throw some funny twists and turns in the road. I hit a rather large twist eight years ago and found that when I finally landed, I was at the doorstep of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The friends that I made, the experiences I was afforded, and the overall life changing road, er Avenue, called Pennsylvania culminated this past weekend for the last White House Christmas party.

This party is one of the most magical and surreal events. This was my seventh and final soiree on the State Floor and it was one, big Frank Capra moment from beginning until the end. The theme this year was a Red, White, and Blue Christmas and the entire White House, from the moment I cleared security, was a big house of bunting. I half way expected to see Yankee Doodle Dandy and Uncle Sam sipping the killer Presidential nog in the corner. The entire mansion was bedecked in the most beautiful and elegant decorations. The President's Own Marine Band played non-stop for two hours. The food was something out of a Gourmet Magazine photo shoot and the entire event, believe it or not, is, well, cozy.

All of my close friends from my wild ride that was the White House were there and it was an unforgettable evening. Nothing is more festive to me than being able to get dressed up and celebrate with the people who have become nothing short of my extended family. I was honored to be able to thank The President and Mrs. Bush one final time. Serving them will go down as one of the great joys of my life.

This was an emotional weekend for reasons that are difficult to articulate but I can honestly say I made it a point to savor every detail, no matter how small and I am humbled and grateful to have been able to attend this event one last time.

On a lighter note, travel always provides good material; for writing, for conversing, and just for sheer entertainment. There is one detail of travel that continues to plague me and my quest for answers and this trip was no different.
Riddle me this: When you board your flight and have stashed your carry-on items and taken your seat among the masses, the first thing you are told to do is to fasten your seat belt. "Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats and fasten your seat belts". This civilized request ramps up and becomes a threat of sorts, "Ladies and Gentleman, in order to push back from the gate, we need everyone to be seated with their seat belts fastened. We can't leave until everyone is seated with their seat belts fastened". One would logically surmise that by virtue of the aircraft taxiing down the runway, all seat belts would be fastened. Why is it then when the attendants begin their safety demo, the first thing they show you how to do is...that's right...fasten your seat belt? Anyone? Anyone?