Rep. Kyrsten Sinema is blogging from D.C. during the Obama inauguration. This photo is from the Western Regional Ball on Jan. 20.

(Sent from Rep. Kyrsten Sinema's iPhone at 11:45 p.m. Arizona time on Jan. 20) 

The Arizona Ball was packed tonight, from die-hard Democratic activists to lobbyists such as Knox Kimberly, Mike Williams, Tom Dorn, and Victor Flores, to members of our congressional delegation such as Jeff Flake and Ann Kirkpatrick. After an hour or so there, I headed out once more into the frigid night to the Western Regional Ball.

The Western Regional is an official ball, so President Obama and Vice President Biden both stopped by to make some remarks. Rumor has it that Jennifer Lopez was also there, but I didn't see her. By the time all the balls had ended, it was well past midnight and we all had a long walk to the Metro.

I've finally made it back to Chris's apartment and am reflecting on this phenomenal day. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been here today – a day that I will remember for many years to come.

Today we have a new president. And not just any new president -a president that I believe can help our country get back on it's feet, restore our standing in the world, and lead us into a new era of prosperity and peace. It really is a new day in America.

Later this morning I'll head back to Phoenix to face our own tough challenges. But I know that we can and will meet these challenges, and I'm ready to get to work. I hope that we in Arizona can do what President Obama today urged all Americans to do – put aside the pettiness of the past and forge a new path together, with everyone of us working towards a better Arizona. I plan to do exactly that.

Now on to the Parties 

(Sent from Rep. Kyrsten Sinema's iPhone at 8:03 p.m. Arizona time on Jan. 20) 

This afternoon I made my way back to Chris's apartment and watched part of the congressional luncheon. I was shocked and saddened to learn about Sen. Kennedy's seizure – I hope he is OK. He spoke last summer at the DNC Convention in Denver and brought the whole arena to tears. I thought of that speech and his joy about Obama's election this afternoon. 

The parade was great – President Obama and Michelle got out of their car and walked with the crowd several times. The noise was just incredible – people were cheering so loudly you could hear them for miles. The crowd was so diverse – young and old, black and white, families and friends, even people from other countries were there to celebrate our new president!

After resting a bit, I got ready and headed out to the balls. First stop – the Human Rights Campaign gala at the Mayflower. It is packed! Cyndi Lauper and Melissa Etheridge played but the hotel is so packed we could hardly hear. 

Now I'm in a cab fighting horrendous traffic, on my way to the Arizona ball. More soon!

Worth Every Freezing Minute

(Sent from Rep. Kyrsten Sinema's iPhone at 11:53 a.m. Arizona time on Jan. 20) 

The ceremony started at 11:30 a.m. I'd been sitting for nearly two hours, but it was worth every freezing moment.

About 30 minutes before the start, I hobbled off in search of more toe-warmers. I had one pair under my toes and some hand-warmers stuffed down my boots, but it wasn't enough. A kind woman gave me an extra pair, and I put them on top of my toes. Another nice couple in my row gave me another hand warmer to thaw out my fingers.

Everyone us so excited to be here, so happy to be a part of this momentous day – helping each other, being generous and kind – it's easy today.

The ceremony started as a large wave of cheering started way back on the Capitol Mall. We all stood as Obama came out, and the cheering was deafening.

His speech was quite simply amazing. I couldn't stop crying as his words made me swell with pride. Today really is a new day for our country. It's hard to even say what part I appreciated most, but the words to our partners around the world touched my soul.

After the ceremony, two great Democrats from Hawaii helped me get out safely – no easy feat in a crowd of millions. I'm now resting my ankle at Union Square and am about to take the Metro back to Chris's apartment.

Only a few hours until the balls begin!

Waiting in the Cold 

(Sent from Rep. Kyrsten Sinema's iPhone at 8:30 a.m. Arizona time on Jan. 20)

It's almost 10:30 a.m., one hour until the ceremony starts. I've been in my seat for nearly an hour, and my toes are freezing! Sitting next to me is one of Obama's neighbors, and just behind me is the chair of Obama's Hawaii campaign.

I'm sitting right in front of the stage, about 120 yards back.

Although it's very cold, spirits are high and people are chatting and sharing their stories with each other.

Scoring Primo Seats

(Sent from Rep. Kyrsten Sinema's iPhone at 9:23 p.m. Arizona time on Jan. 19)

I'm here in DC and it is cold!!! The whole city is buzzing with excitement and the streets are packed! Traffic is backed up for miles, so people are walking the streets, teeth chattering, with Obama buttons peppering their jackets.

Tonight we went to a party at Johnny's Half Shell hosted by Jim Pederson, former chair of the state Democratic Party. It was a who's who of Arizona Democratic politics, and most of our congressional delegation joined us, as did Gov. Janet Napolitano. Janet spoke briefly, and the crowd was full of bittersweet happiness – happy for our new DHS secretary, proud of the honor for our state and a little sad about our loss. All in all, a good party.

I could feel the excitement throughout the room – and on the street when we left. We headed off for some dinner, but the city was so packed that the restaurants all had two-hour waits! We grabbed some food at Whole Foods market and went to Chris's apartment in Dupont Circle. The rest of our evening was spent watching MSNBC, planning our route to the inauguration in the morning, and discussing how best to keep warm the next day.

I'm so lucky – I scored a SITTING seat tomorrow in the coveted "yellow section." Now I just have to figure out how to get on and off the Metro without being crushed alive…

And now I'm going to try to sleep.

-Rep. Sinema is a Phoenix Democrat who blogged for the Arizona Capitol Times during the presidential inauguration. Check back at http://www.azcapitoltimes.com// for updates.