It’s Inauguration Day

It’s a historic day in Massachusetts.

This is a blue state. Proudly Democratic. Openly liberal. Flauntingly intimidating to Republicans.

And yet, we have repeatedly elected conservative governors.

But today was a day of 1sts. First of all, it was ridiculously warm. This, of course, facilitated the first outdoor inaugural ceremony for our new governor — the first Democrat to be elected to this position in 16 years. In front of an eager crowd on Boston’s historic open common, Deval Patrick became the 71st governor of Massachusetts, the first African-American governor of our Commonwealth, and the second black governor since Reconstruction. And his first day in office was full of festivities — including an open-to-the-public ball at the BCEC... a ball to which I was invited at 4:30pm.

There’s nothing like “Surprise — you need a dress” to put a damper on your evening plans… especially when the dress has to be nice enough (i.e. not too much cleavage) to impress your supervisors (Leslie & Lindsay) and the CEO of the firm (Helene — who we didn’t end up seeing). So much for prepping for Tony’s arrival tomorrow. I found myself panicked in Boston’s Faneuil Hall shopping district with a credit card and a look of desperation. But I made it work with a half-priced little black dress from Ann Taylor, a new pair of heels from DSW, and a couple new jeweled accessories given to me at Christmas. Plus, straight hair and red lipstick dress up any outfit.

Leslie, Lindsay and I were not so thrilled to be among the 11,000 (yes — eleven thousand) people dressed up in anything from cowboy hats and simple skirts to tuxedos and ball gowns. As Leslie said, “It’s a tale-gating party with fancy clothes.” She had a hallway to paint. Lindsay had thank you notes to write. And I had a friend coming from across the world who needed clean sheets and a bed to sleep in.

It’s funny though; alcohol always does the trick. The second we finally — FINALLY — found a bar with a line less than a half-hour long, and the moment we ordered our first cocktails, the night took a turn for the better. The music got louder, the people bolder, the environment funner. We found a ballroom lit up in red — with hardly anyone at the bar. (Easy access to alcohol is always a plus.) Then, to our pleasant surprise, the band started — and MAMBO they played! Soon enough, the dance floor was full of professional and amateur salsa and mambo dancers, everyone laughing and drinking and having a good time. Deval even graced us with his presence… and Leslie, Lindsay, and I ended up having a rather nice evening.

Of course — how can you go wrong with good music, great company, and a couple cocktails?