Tuesday, January 11

The minute I walked in I knew it was going to be a busy day.  Even more chairs than yesterday were crammed into the space between the back row of reps and the pages' corner.  Today was the day of the joint session with Governor Culver, who gave a speech which complemented him greatly.  Several clap-happy participants were eager to applaud at the slightest positive remark (at least every 45 seconds); applause easily accounted for half of the speech.  After that, it was back to the regular session, which was promptly dismissed for lunch.  At 1:45, it was reopened to announce the committee meetings for the afternoon. Five minutes later: adjournment for the day.  At 2:00 I reported to the Reagan Room to page for the Local Government Committee.  I handed out the rule sheet to the legislators, and after introductions around the room, the rules were adopted and the meeting adjourned. Ten minutes.

Now I am sitting in the corner after a break during which I bought a Mt. Dew and a Nutter Butter.  I briefly filled in at the Sergeant-at-Arms desk and talked to Maynard (the Sergeant-at-Arms).  He has now begun his 24th year in the House, beginning as a doorman, becoming Asst. SA, and then to SA just last session.  Between him and Harold, the Asst. SA, the House floor is relatively well-organized.  We can all tell that those two have been around here for a while - - - woo woo woo!

I just packed everything up and moved to a couch next to an exterior door... the fire alarm is going off... rather than wait for the all-clear, I'm comfortable on a couch finishing my blog for the day.  I'll remember to give the outcome tomorrow.