the story of the inauguration tickets

A few months ago Russ obtained a pair of inauguration tickets from our senator. We thought it would be fun to go, since we would be here in d.c., to "be a part of history."

During the Christmas break we were delighted to hear from my brother-in-law that these tickets were selling for large amounts of money. Not surprising. We didn't think twice about selling our tickets. Russ posted them on craigslist for $800 each. We didn't get many offers because we didn't actually have the tickets yet.

A few weeks ago Russ finally found a buyer, who agreed to purchase the tickets for $400 each. We were ecstatic. I figured we would be able to buy a new computer, or go on a cruise for our anniversary or something a billion times more exciting than listening to Obama. These dreams were shattered when we heard that a bill had passed making it illegal to sell said tickets. The next day we found out that the Senate had passed the bill, but the House had not. I agree with Russ's sister, Shari, who said that they should pass a bill making it illegal for people to make things like this illegal (or something like that). Waste your time getting THAT to pass, Senate!

Also on Monday, Ben Smith, a reporter for Politico, contacted Russ to ask him some questions for a story he was doing on people selling their inauguration tickets. He asked Russ why he intended to sell his tickets and this was Russ's response, which was quoted in Smith's article: “I would rather not be around thousands of teary-eyed people who think they are having a spiritual experience because their lord and savior is speaking to them.” (see the full story here). Smith found his comment amusing, as did I. Russ is pretty pleased with himself for being quoted in a major political newspaper. We are all so proud of his accomplishment.

Since they used Russ's name in the article, we were afraid that some crazy kook would call our senator's office and tell them we were trying to sell our tickets and then we wouldn't get them. Monday morning we showed up at the senator's office and, crossing our fingers, requested our tickets. The receptionist left for a moment, came back with our tickets and said "we read your quote in the newspaper, so BE CAREFUL." And of course Russ asked "what do you mean by 'be careful'? Its not illegal to sell them right?" If only you could see the look she gave him.

Since the previous buyer had been scared off by our 'false alarm' illegality, we had to find a new one, and quick. We re-posted them on craigslist and 10 minutes, several phone calls and a meeting-spot later we had sold the tickets for $1000 cash moneys. We enjoyed (maybe not the most accurate word) watching the inauguration (on tv) in the nice, warm senate building and we managed to avoid the crowds that basically took over the city.

Do I regret not going?? Not one bit.