Christmas came early for this reporter when the email arrived from the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday confirming that I have a seat with my name on it for the three days of arguments on the Obama health reform law.
"This note is to confirm a press seat for the oral arguments in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act cases on March 26, 27, and 28," the email read.
Covering cases at the Supreme Court is always a treat - but when it is a major case with political overtones, it is even more fun.
The Obama health reform arguments certainly rank right up there in terms of "Best case ever" in my career; we'll see if it ends up matching the two arguments I covered in late 2000 in the Bush v Gore case, when every seat was taken in the press area.
"The press section is filled to capacity," read a note from the Supreme Court, which reminded people of something that made me recall baseball games at Tiger Stadium as a kid with my father.
"Please be aware that many press seats have an obstructed view of the Bench," reporters were told - and that's true - I sat right behind a beautiful marble pillar in 2000, as I could only see a few of the Justices.
But that was fine with me, because just being in the room will be a treat.
Back then, there was a Court employee who would whisper the name of the Justice who was speaking to those of us on the far left side of the courtroom.
Like the Bush v Gore arguments, the limited number of reporters inside will get a head start on most people, as the arguments will not be broadcast live.
Instead, as soon after the legal back-and-forth is done on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the Court will release audio tapes of the proceedings.
And yes, that means nothing electronic in the courtroom - so don't look for me on Twitter during the arguments.
DEMOCRATS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT COURT REVIEW
While the Supreme Court gets its seating chart set for reporters and VIP's alike, Democrats in the Congress wrapped up several days of rallies for the Obama health law by proclaiming themselves confident about its legal future.
"We knew what we were doing when we passed this bill," said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who said the law is "ironclad constitutionally."
But Pelosi also acknowledged the possibility that five of the Justices could disagree.
"I pray that the Court will make the right decision," said Pelosi, adding that Democrats "believe we are in pretty good shape" going into these arguments.
One thing I always say about the U.S. Supreme Court is that you should never try to predict what the High Court will do.
And that's certainly true about this Obama health law challenge as well.
As for next week, look for full coverage of the Supreme Court arguments right here.
