The Audacity of Taupe

Okay, fine, I stole that title from the Huffington Post, but it was pretty brilliant. So last night my lovely college roommate who works at the White House took us for a West Wing tour. I was trying to play it cool, but in fact I was pretty much giddy from excitement. No photos inside, so you'll have to settle for a nighttime view of the front of the building sort of glowing orange:

Hi James! Hi Mr. President inside somewhere!


The tour was really cool. Everything was smaller than I imagined, and even though it was nice, it was hard to fathom that it was really where the President goes to work every day. I thought there would be lots of antechambers and such before you get to anything real, but no, we walked in and the first door is marked "Situation Room." The art (all on loan from the Smithsonian) is fabulous.

And finally, my all-important thoughts on the Oval Office redesign: while it isn't terrible in person, the turquoise lamps are still a bit jarring. And the couches look almost too comfortable--they are more rec room than reception room. Also, I thought the whole room would be bigger, but it's almost cozy in person.

Okay, time for pancakes!