August 11-13, 2007 Washington, DC

In August, I spontaneously decided to fly to Washington, DC for a quick weekend so I could see the Dave Matthews Band in concert for my 8th time since 2001, and to visit my friend John. I say "spontaneously" because I purchased the ticket 3 days before leaving! My love for DMB causes me to do crazy things, I guess!

The concert was on a Saturday in Bristow, VA at the Nissan Pavillion. We arrived in time to tailgate and then eat some dinner on the lawn (to claim our seats) before the opening act. DMB was awesome, as always! I actually enjoyed the concert a lot more than I did the last time I saw them (in Tinley Park, IL in September 2006) because they didn't seem to play their long extended jam sessions at the end of each song as much this time. This concert was actually the first time I had tailgated before a concert, too - and I really enjoyed hanging out with my fellow-concert-goer's for a few beverages and some vodka-soaked Gummy Worms before heading in. Fun, fun, fun!

On Sunday, John and I went to downtown Washington, DC to do some touring. We went to the "house where Abraham Lincoln died" - a free walk-through tour where you can see how the house looked back then. Then we walked across the street to the Ford Theater (above pic) where Abraham Lincoln was shot - another free walk-through tour. I had actually seen the Ford Theater when I first visited DC in 1992, but it was great to see it again... I have forgotten a lot over the years! In the basement of the Theater, they have created a museum dedicated to Abe's assassination.

Right next door, we went into the Hard Rock Cafe so I could take a stroll down memory lane. I had my picture taken in front of their window in 1992, so I did that again. Someday I'll put the pics side-by-side for fun. :)

We walked a couple blocks further and went to the International Spy Museum. It was $16 per person, which I thought was steep compared to other museums, but I guess they can charge that kind of rate because it is kind of a "tourist destination". We spent a couple of hours in there - there was a lot to see... almost too much.

I have been to DC multiple times, and have made great memories every single time - I love Washington, DC!

September 9, 2007 Minnesota Vikings Football Game

On September 9th, I went to the Minnesota Vikings game at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN. Our seats were in Row 1 of Section 107, at about the 25 yard line - awesome seats! It was my turn to use the season tickets belonging to the hotel I work for, to take a client to the game as a way of building my relationship with the client. My client brought her fiance, and I brought my 5-year-old niece.

How did my niece get to be so lucky that she was my date? Well, her parents had Army National Guard drill all weekend, and I was babysitting her for the entire weekend... so she was my responsibility, and my "date" to the game. We all had a great time, and my niece managed to win over the cheerleaders and the media with her cute looks. (A media videographer asked me if it would be okay with me if he took some footage of her - I said yes - and she did her thing by looking cute and waving her purple pom-pom for the camera!)

Why I Am Blogging.

Most of my friends and family live hundreds, and even thousands of miles from me. I think that if I commit to blogging and posting pictures of the people and activities currently in my life, that I might be able to better stay in touch with those that mean most to me.

I have been inspired by my friend Carles, who currently lives in Belgium. Carles blogs for that very same reason... (but I wish that he'd type in English more often.) :)

And as time goes on, this probably will serve as a sort of photo album or diary, too - but I think that is just a nice side bonus to staying in touch with my friends.

Welcome to my blog. Enjoy your time here. I look forward to hearing from you.

~Jan Alisa