TUCKER & MEG IN MARYLAND: You Know You're In DC When...

You know you're in DC when you mow your neighbor's lawn and in exchange, he gives you a tour of the West Wing. This Sunday, we had one of those days that reminds us how the experience of living in DC can be extraordinary sometimes.

As we passed the the first security checkpoint, we watched Marine I (and its two decoys!) take off from the South Lawn. Everything stopped as we waited for POTUS to leave.

Margot and I at security checkpoint #2.

While we passed through multiple check points just to reach the door to the West Wing, we also had to submit our social security numbers for background checks last week. Whether you're a visitor like us or going to the White House for a meeting, a background check is always required a few days beforehand. Nothing last minute here!

Tucker and Margot outside the main door to the West Wing.

As we entered, it was made very clear that we could no longer take any pictures until we got to the Press Room. One other family and one woman were with us on the tour.

Our gracious neighbor Chris, who is working at the White House (for FERC), arranged the visit for us.

One way to describe the West Wing would be "cozy". On the first floor, the ceilings were very low and the hallways very narrow. There were large framed photographs that covered most of the walls, just like you might see in someone's home. The difference is that the President, first family, and Vice President were the subjects of most of the photos, and they are updated every few weeks to reflect what has happened most recently in the world of the White House.

The Situation Room? Wouldn't you think it might be somewhere hidden deep under the White House? It was just down the hallway from the picture above. It's a 24/7, 365 days a year operation, producing 3 intel reports per day to the President. Shockingly, we weren't allowed in.

On the first floor, the lighting was very soft, again, like you might find in someone's home. On the second floor, there were Norman Rockwell paintings, turn of the century clocks, centuries old drawings, and shiny, polished antique side tables and coffee tables. The Cabinet Room had large leather chairs with each member's name imprinted on a metal plate on the back. Apparently, cabinet members have the option of purchasing their chair before they leave their position. Despite tight quarters, secret service men seemed to be at every turn and we actually noticed one who was watching the football game on a hidden flat screen TV. Ha!

The Oval office looks more like a movie set than a functional office. There were no papers, staplers, or computers in sight. The only sign that it was an actual office was that there were black corporate style phones stacked inconspicuously off to the side. The couches were familiar looking; like something you might see in your own home. This was a big change, I was told, from the Bush era. The intention of making the White House feel reflective of the people was palpable; another reason why I'm a fan of the Obamas.

The Eisenhower building, once known as the Old Executive Office Building from inside the White House gates.