I am going to see the president

The gates open in an hour and I'm going to leave before then. I want a seat, not standing room only. They've shut the lake down, roads, paths, boating, etc. It's as much of a spectacle seeing the security as the president.

So, what did I do to prepare? I forgot to refill my Depakote. I am literally all out! WTF? This is the first time so let's review. I'm going to be schmoozing with strangers for a couple hours and I'm going to be so self-conscious about how I'm sounding it won't be as fun and memorable as I'd hoped.

Plus, I sent an email to the chairof the Minnesota DFL and was thinking how cool it would be to be able to ask my question regarding the economy:

Ken,

Here is a different perspective on the job market. I took a $12.50/hour job driving a bus for disabled. I started two weeks ago and finished my training Saturday. 
I have to wait until at least July 7th WITH NO PAY for my criminal background check to come through, maybe EVEN longer. The real irony is that I'm waiting for the results to come in from Concord, NH, but I never lived in Concord. 

Did Homeland Security make it any more streamlined? Doesn't sound like it. 

I also signed away my private medical history and therefore had to have my psychiatrist disclose that I have bipolar disorder, and what prescription meds I'm taking for that. What happened to HIPPAA? 
Even before I had the interview I had to disclose my age. What's with that? 

This position is not to drive around children, (where I would expect major record checking), but adults. And while waiting for the results they can't even let me shuffle papers or wash buses. 

Plus, having left the last job I am now with no medical insurance for three months again, (required tenure to qualify), and then paying about $150 for very basic coverage out of my monthly pay? 

Did I mention this pay and benefit package is only because I'm now a Teamster with all their bargaining power? That's going to cost another $30+ per month for what? Did I have a choice of that in Minnesota?
I'll be there at Lake Harriet early tomorrow. 

Patriotically,Stephen M. Wigg

It was fun imagining a few minutes with the president. Now I'm worried about what I'd say to try to be funny, or too passionate, but not in any way, shape or form worried about clamming up.

I know how to turn an occasion into an event. How am I going to turn an event into a personal journey? What if I do fine mentally? Wow, that's the attitude.

8:20:

Why did I wait so long to head out

? They said the gates open at 8:30. I guess I should have wondered what gates those were. Not I be cynical but I think I'll be lucky to be able to see him at all.

CLICK HERE for the transcript of is speech.