Democratic National Convention 2008 in Denver...Our Story So Far

Jen on a Mission — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:00:46 EDT

Hi, all!

This has been a WHIRLWIND, and I thought I'd have a LOT more blogs up by now, so I apologize for my lack of communication.

Here is a brief synopsis of events so far.

Sunday, 8/24/08
8/24/08 at 2:12 PM Mountain Time:

I mentioned this briefly in my “video blog,” but I was really astounded by how beautiful the land around Kalispell is. Lakes that are actually turquoise around the shore, rolling tree-covered hills, the patchwork quilt of farms where humans have molded the land around them. And I silently went through the same process of discovery that the items dotted across one of the fields were not moving at all….and were therefore hay bales…and not sheep, as it sounds like many of us on the flight from Seattle first assumed. Who knew I had such strong stereotypes about Montana?

I must mention though (even though I’m sure I shouldn’t) that I’ve driven through Montana twice in a 15-passenger van on the way to conferences while I was in college, and both times slept through the “Welcome to Montana” sign. I did, however, wake up both times to see the “Next Exit: Rocky Mountain Oysters” sign both times, which has now become inextricably linked in my head with this bastion of western pride. Bull Testicles = Montana. At least it’s a strong connection, linked to the ranching heart of the people…. It could be worse….the Fish Eye State?

We finished the day off (after checking in at the hotel and unpacking the WAY too much stuff I brough) at the WA, OR, AZ Reception at the hotel. Met fantastic people, and saw my first example of the "toothpick rule"...that we can't be sitting down at meals, or it violates lobbying laws. I also decided that I was going to have everyone in the WA Delegation sign the delegation book, so that process began...and one delegate drew fake facial hair on another delegate's pic. They shall remain nameless, but are well aware that they are BUSTED.

Monday, 8/25/08
First day at Convention and navigating Denver (I'm chickening out on the whole Light Rail thing, and splitting cabs...MUCH more predictable).

Convention Center (NOT the Pepsi Center)
Youth Press Availablity...learned about the BUS Project, cheered on Planned Parenthood...and oh, yeah...SAW WILL.I.AM FROM THE BLACK EYED PEAS! He told the story of how he developed the "Yes We Can" video from Obama's speech, and how inspired he was at a down time in his life to live the dream that Obama inspires people to join. Fantastic! AND Qvisory.org was given a great mention....if you haven't checked it out yet, DO SO!!!!!!!!!

I also BRIEFLY checked out the Rural Caucus, and the National Jewish Democratic Caucus vote panel...I at least got signed up with them so I can continue this association in the future...

Lesson Learned You CANNOT go to everything you want unless you can simultaneously be 4 places at once...so don't wear yourself out trying!

Pepsi Center
The actual Pepsi Center is a pretty fascinating place! And TOTALLY surreal...I have a more complete list I'll post later, but on Monday Maria Shriver, Richard Schiff (TOBY FROM THE WEST WING!!!!), Susan Sarandon, Tim Daily, Gov. Bill Richardson, Keri Washington, Pick Boy from Nickeoldeon (I may be on...), Mo Rocca, Cyndi Lauper....all just bopping around, loving Democratic politics. Sweet.

More on speeches and actual convention business later...but remember...VIVA MICHELLE OBAMA! She brought down the house.

And BEWARE of sharp campaign signs. Oh, the carnage.

Couldn't even get in to the PPFA "Sex and Politics" Party...which is a great thing. The more support the better! We found a random little bar that was a BLAST and met CA and CO delegates who are huge proponents of electric cars. I hope I can check out their test drive site.

Tuesday, 8/26/08

More Caucus, Convention, and Celebrity love to follow, all! I'm fighting to get pictures up. Long story short before I edit and add more:

Women's Caucus and Cecile Richards, President of PPFA-FANTASTIC!PPFA President Cecile Richards

WE LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hannity: sucks

NY Gov: GroovyNY Governor Patterson:NY Governor Patterson

Tatiana Ali: moves fast

Actress from Sabrina the Teenage Witch: Very nice...does anyone know her name? :-)

Hillary Clinton delivered on an ASTOUNDING level yesterday. I was in tears almost the entire time!

Wednesday, 8/27/08
I started the day with an accidental NPR/APB Interview, so we'll find out what airs. Awesome time though, and hooray for me being pushy!

Tonight's the BIG night. Nominations, speeches, and votes on President and VP. I'll have more later. For now, watch CNN and CSPAN, and SEND MONEY and VOLUNTEER for local campaigns! Make the difference we've been waiting for!

Love,

Jen on a Mission

Starting Out...

Jen on a Mission — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:46:53 EDT

Hello, all! This is the first "official" blog on the BarackObama.com site from me, Jennifer Estroff. I'm a Community Health Educator, a Reproductive Health Contributor for Qvisory.org, and also the CD 4 Alternate Delegate for Obama from Washington State. In just a few short days, I will be flying out to my first Democratic National Convention...which is truly the most exciting and humbling opportunity I've ever had.

During my time to, in, and coming back from Denver, I will be adding my thoughts to this blog, and keeping the experience as close to home as I can for those of you who are not able to attend for thousands of reasons...from family emergencies to the constant, steady need to earn enough money to get by in this....I'm saying it....RECESSION!

Tonight, for instance, I have been trying to create business cards for the DNC trip, because I can't stand the thought of not networking and making the most of every possible connection with Democrats from across the country.

I'm also checking online for the Washington State Primary results....we've got some work to do in Kittitas County! Bring it on!

Alright, I'm off to bed. Birth control lesson, meetings with middle school instructors for a grant about media literacy and protecting our youth from harmful messages, letter-writing, and buying a camera....and then another class...working out....and organizing next week's schedule. Short day!

G'night, all!

Jennifer Estroff's Blog

Democratic National Convention 2008 in Denver...Our Story So Far

Starting Out...