Posts Tagged ‘First Lady Michelle Obama’
Two weeks ago my son’s and I had an opportunity to tour the East Wing of The White House along with my best friend and her family who were visiting from Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The mini men and I took the Amtrak Regional Rail from the Wilmington station at 7:04 am and arrived at Union Station in DC an hour and a half later.
It was another warm July morning so it was a pleasure, albeit a bit costly to catch a cab from Union Station to the White House instead of walking the 1.6 miles. I was thankful to my best friend’s son who had invited us to take the tour with them, however, we didn’t get the memo of the prohibited items so my sons and I ended up walking at least 5 miles trying to find a locker to store my purse and camera.
Unfortunately, I never found one and thought I would have to miss the tour, but fortunately, Noah’s office was close enough that he could store it there until we completed the tour.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Video Recorders
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Handbags, book bags, backpacks or purses
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Food or beverages, tobacco products, personal grooming items (i.e. makeup, lotion, etc.)
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Strollers
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Any pointed objects
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Aerosol containers
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Guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size
Obviously, there were several security checkpoints to clear before we were actually inside The White House, but once inside we were able to take our time on this self-guided tour. Thanks to the change in the “no photo” policy we were also able to take a lot of pictures and if you follow me on Instagram you probably saw a few of these.
The tour began at the Visitor’s Entrance where you are welcomed by a recorded greeting from the President and First Lady Obama, and the self-guided tour gives you plenty of time to check out the various rooms and portraits. We were also fortunate in that we were treated to a musical performance by the Drama Kings and Queens, a Los Angeles Speech and Language Therapy Center, Inc.
Through the windows you can see carefully landscaped gardens and grounds and floral arrangements brighten some of the rooms. The carpets are rolled back and the rooms are roped off, however, you can get a good view of the Library, Vermeil Room (gilded silver), China Room, The Diplomatic Reception Room, The East Room, The Green Room, The Blue Room, The Red Room which was my favorite and The State Dining Room.
I was really fascinated by the Red Carpet, it’s the one that President Obama walks on during his major announcements. The President and First Lady were in Philadelphia for the DNC Convention so we didn’t get an opportunity to see them in person.
However, we did see a lot of pictures and the China Sets from each of the various administrations. We stayed on the main floor as the second and third floors are used exclusively by the Presidential family and guests.
It was a once in a lifetime event and I was glad to be able to share it with not only my best friend since 4th grade but also with my sons.
After the tour we had a quick lunch together and then said our goodbyes at the Metro Station. They headed to the airport and the mini men and I took the Metro to the National Air and Space Museum where we hung out to stay cool until it was time to head back to Union Station and catch the train back home.
Have you ever taken a tour of The White House? If not, and you want more information on how to request one, click on this link
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On Saturday, the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, held it’s annual From Purses to Portfolios Celebration at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.
This event was held to honor the 2013 Award Recipients, those who had achieved various levels (hours) by participating in Money School Classes, Money Clubs, Special Events and Volunteering. Women achieving various levels ranging from 1-15 hours and up to 250 hours were being recognized, the highest achievement being the Ambassador of Financial Education ~ 250 hours.
The recipient of this award was Elizabeth “Penny” Church for her “Penny’s 2 Dollars Money Club” and she also received the Sandra A. Varano Golden Purse Award.
The other categories of recognition were: Money School Advocate Awards; Executive Director’s Awards and Outstanding Volunteer Awards of which I was also a recipient due to the volunteer hours of instruction for the Blogging 101 and Blogging for Your Small Business classes.
The From Purses to Portfolios Celebration was held in a beautifully decorated ballroom, and on each table there was a vibrant Autumn Mum and a small Gift Bag on each seat. Inside the Gift Bags was a pink FAB pen, Note Cards, “friends don’t let friends drown in debt” magnet, a donation envelop, a card advertising “Money Letters” and a retractable measuring tape from Citi, who was the major sponsor.
Chasing the Dream Exhibitors were set up around the ballroom selling products and attendees walked about chatting and networking. In an adjoining room there was a breakfast buffet, warming trays filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and fried potatoes. As well as tables of yogurt, pastries, bagels, fruit, coffee, tea and juice.
Ronni Cohen, Executive Director opened the program with a warm welcome and explained the levels of achievement and how they are gained through the Money School of Delaware.
Alisha Adams, a Money School instructor gave a beautiful blessing and Quadia Muhmmad, Program Director introduced the Keynote Speaker, Jackie Cummings Koski.
Jackie Cummings Koski, is the Award Winning Author of Money, Letters 2 My Daughter. As one of 6 children raised by a single dad, where money was always short, finances were taboo to talk about and bad money decisions were made, she knew that she wanted her daughter to make better financial decisions in her life.
She was determined to teach her daughter Amber, financial literacy but in a fun and easy way, one that would appeal to her teenage mind. Jackie began to write letters and those letters turned into a best selling book, one that was sent to and acknowledged by the President and First Lady Obama. Money, Letters 2 My Daughter is available in book stores as well as a downloadable ebook.
Jackie ended her presentation with a Group Activity in which she asked us to answer 1 of 4 questions on a “My Money Letter” form. Those willing to reveal their answer on stage were each given a $2 bill which has been significant in Jackie’s life long savings plan.
Ronni returned to the podium to present the 2013 Awards and Door Prizes which included Gift Cards, a WaWa Gift Basket and Books. One of the winners was a man, but in keeping with the FAB motto of “FOR Women ~ ABOUT Women ~ BY Women AND the men in their lives” is was okay!
A game of “What’s in your Purse” was then hosted by Quadia with the winner of having the most items on her list in their purse receiving the table’s Mum.
The event concluded with a book signing by Jackie and more sales by the Chasing the Dream Exhibitors. It was a great day and another wonderful FREE event sponsored by The Delaware Financial Literacy Institute – The Money School of DE.
The 10th Annual From Purses to Portfolios Event will be held next year on October 25th 2014 – so mark your calendars.
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