Our friend and Senator Jesse G invited us to Governor Reynold's inauguration ball. What an honor to be able to attend. I think very highly of Gov. Reynold's and all that she has done for Iowa. Mark and I made reservations to stay at a hotel downtown within the skywalk. We could walk right to the Iowa Event Center without stepping outside. It was cold and that sounded great to me. We both dressed for the occasion, I in my new dress and Mark in his suit. This was to be a black tie optional attire. Upon entering, we were given our seating assignment and I bumped into an acquaintance I knew from Hidden Acres. I had only met her once, but she knew me and had interviewed Jake when he worked out at Hidden Acres. Her husband was in his uniform and an Army General .
Everywhere we looked we saw evening gowns, tuxes, and suits, a fancy occasion. I felt like I was at the Cinderella ball. I liked the dress I was wearing and felt very formal, however I was very casual and plain compared to many of the evening gowns. We felt like VIP being part of the crowd, that is until we got our seating. Women were snooty in their ways about them. and acted like they were the most beautiful and important person invited. Nobody smiled at you or complimented you like a normal occasion. Mark knew several people through Bio-diesel and different boards he has been on over the past. I felt like the wife of a politician and Mark and the men were trying to "one up" each other. I hope he never ever goes into politics. I would hate to attend these types of social events throughout life. When it was time to find our seats, we were in disbelief that we were in fact seated on the outside of the giant event center ballroom. In fact we were back behind in an area of around 6 tables with some curtains sectioning off a false room. It was like we were the insignificant overflow. Yikes, that took the awesomeness right out of being there. We had a TV monitor to watch the ball and the sound was so delayed. We endured through the ceremony and enjoyed our food and conversation at our table. It was a bit awkward being a table away from a family who we had a falling out with us years ago. It seemed this night could have gone so much better. We still felt honored to be there and tried to enjoy the opportunity and atmosphere. After the meal, the ballroom was open and music and dancing took place. We meandered around and had our photo taken in front of the ice sculpture. We briefly saw Kim Reynold's off in the distance having her photo taken with large crowds around her. The next morning was a cold one and Mark went to get the car from the parking garage. I sat on a couch in the lobby. In my disbelief, Kim R walked down to the lobby with her suitcase and handed it to a state patrol who took it outside to her car, probably her escort. She said goodbye to a few family members and then walked by herself right by me to the lobby. I wasn't going to make a big deal, so I just made eye contact and said "Good morning." She smiled and said good morning back. Mark was in disbelief and a little envious. That was so ironic and neat.
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