Dear Obama Family,
My name is Kori. I'm your neighbor. I live down your street, just a half-block away. Not on the fancy house side (Kenwood), I'm afraid, but on the not-quite-as-fancy condo side (Hyde Park). My daughter goes to the KAM preschool directly across the street from your home, and has throughout the past two years. I know that you have been particularly busy during this time, so you probably haven't noticed us walking in front of your place.
You know who has noticed us, though? Your Secret Service team. They have been very friendly, and I must admit, I found it pretty charming that my child learned early that step #1 in the "going to preschool" daily routine is "getting through the Secret Service checkpoint." When you moved to DC, and your security staff was pared down, she missed her daily chats with the agents. She's very chatty.
You know what I DIDN'T miss, though? The barricades blocking access to our one-way street. The barricades blocking access to our alley on one side. The security detail asking for my ID when I come to my own home, and the need to email all friends and family visiting with an official invitation so that, if they were stopped by security, they could make a case for coming through.
Should you think that I'm not a big supporter---an Obama-backer, if you will---from this note, let me clarify: I am a BIG fan. I voted for Mr. Obama for president. I've continued to support him throughout the challenging months of trying to create big change in the slow-moving, often-deadlocked culture that is the US Congress. Believe me, if you were coming home and wanted to do a meet and greet with the neighbors, I'd be there, with a giant smile on my face.
I understand, though, that with only one weekend to spend back home, there isn't time for such a meet and greet. I also understand that, for those of us here, our holiday plans will likely be more restricted because of your holiday plans to return. I know you know this, too: as Ms. Obama (also a big fan of the Mrs., by the way) stated, when you come, you "shut down [y]our neighbors."
I understand how homesick you must be. Hyde Park is beautiful this time of year, and you have so many friends that love you and miss you in your neighborhood. I'm glad that you'll be able to have a good time for your Memorial Day weekend. I'm really not a sourpuss---if anything, I tend to resemble Glinda, the Good Witch in my demeanor. You don't know me, so I'll go ahead and tell you that, if I could pick out the one word that I think best describes my interpersonal interactions, it's "bubbly." Seriously, my bubbly self hopes that you have a FANTASTIC time.
Please understand, though, speaking as a neighbor who really likes you but got a little panicky on election day when I was told that I was not allowed back in my home because I needed to carry more proof of residence (yes, I managed to get in eventually), that I hope that you soak up all that Chicago can offer in your short stay, and you create enough Chicago-time memories to sustain you through many, many, many months in DC, making it possible to forgo any additional visits here for a good, long while. I'm so sorry, as I know that's not particularly neighborly or hospitable of me to say. Obviously, you can come visit your own home whenever you want. I'm just asking---kindly, nicely, politely, meekly, with all due respect---that you continue to rely on the White House and Camp David as primary residences for awhile.
We lived and worked in the DC metropolitan area for nine years. We love it there. We'd love to move back. How about we strike a deal, okay? While we are finishing graduate school, could you enjoy DC for us, and in return, we'll soak in Hyde Park for you? We could compare notes at your convenience, and share favorite hot-spots as suggestions. For instance, have you visited the Dairy Godmother recently with the girls? It's fantastic, and a perfect way to beat the heat. If you go, please give Liz our best.
Thank you, for your consideration.
All our best,
Your friendly Greenwood neighbors, The Lusignan Family
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3 comments:
Okay, I know your post was all about the real inconvenience of Obama living in your neighborhood, but all I could think was OBAMA LIVES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND THAT'S SOOOO COOL!
So, perhaps that envy will sustain you, however little and however briefly.
I'm with your other reader- I got butterflies just thinking about Michelle being across the street from where you LIVE! It's pretty cool.
You never told me the part about Election Day before. That's NUTS.
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