If You Blog It, They Will Come: The Past Week.

The past week has been pretty great and I'd like to share what I've been up to. Let's begin with last weekend...

Nick, Paul, and Brian

My three best friends from college came to visit last weekend. It started off as just Nick coming down to VA because he wanted to go to our local running store to get some shoes and a GPS watch with me. We didn't have any plans, just wanted to hang for the weekend. A few days before Nick was going to come, Paul decided to tag along, and then just a couple days before, Brian joined the crew! I was pumped. We didn't have any real plans, which is a change for the 4 of us. We usually try to hang out every 6 - 8 weeks or so, and there is usually something pretty crazy going on. A concert, a holiday, a sporting event, a bachelor party... something. This time it was just a great hang. We rocked on Guitar Hero, took a trip to Paulie's favorite Winchester bar, Brewbakers, and did some serious damage at Waffle House. Always good times. Can't wait till we can do it again!

Paulie, singing Brittany Spears

Nick, LB (we found her at Milano's), Paulie, and Bri

The Inauguration

Well, I had waited 8 long years for this day. Actually, after Bush was "elected" to his second term I bought one of those LiveStrong style bands for my wrist that said, "Think Blue - 1.20.09". I could go on and on about what this day meant to me, how I have felt since election night, and how proud I feel. Instead I'm going to keep it short and sweet.

I would have been happy with just about anybody but Bush being sworn in on January 20th. In 2004 I was really distraught that Kerry didn't pull off the victory. I guess everything happens for a reason though. If Kerry had won I can only imagine how much better these last 4 years would have been, but we wouldn't have had Barack Obama inaugurated this past Tuesday. What made this day so special to me was the combination of two incredible things. First it was that the Bush era had finally come to an end, and second, not only was Bush out, but we had elected more than just a democrat to office. The country decided on a man that exudes confidence in America, understands the need for responsibility, instills a renewed sense of honor, and someone that seems willing to put in the time and hard work necessary to turn this country around and send it in the right direction. It's so much more than the "anyone but Bush" mentality. President Obama really seems like the exact person this country and the world needs at this moment in history.

So we didn't head into Washington like we had originally planned. We stayed at home and celebrated in our own way. Mel and Kenny came over and we made a great brunch. We drank mimosas and tons of coffee, ate great food, and listened to the inspiring words (and messed up oath) of our new president.

Sportin' the Obama shirt and rolling a crepe

Slumdog Millionaire

It took a lot less convincing than I imagined, but I talked Amanda into seeing a movie in Winchester. Because our theaters are really, really crappy and disgustingly dirty, Amanda hasn't seen a movie here since 2004. We usually make the 15 minute trek to Martinsburg, WV to a half way decent theater. However, I really wanted to see Slumdog Millionaire and it was either here, or 45 minutes away in Ashburn. We decided to see it here and we were incredibly impressed with the film. The story, the action, the creativity, the cinematography, the music... everything. I have only seen one other movie nominated for best picture (Benjamin Button), but I can't imagine any of the other being as great as this one. It's definitely the best movie I've seen in quite some time and I highly recommend it!

NatsFest with Bob and Meg

Last week Bob gave Amanda and I an invite to NatsFest. All Nationals season ticket holders were given 4 tickets to the first annual NatsFest, which is essentially a fan appreciation day in the dead of winter. It was a pretty cool event. They had all of the VIP restaurants and lounges open, along with player autographs, pictures with players, tours of the club house, and the opportunity to take "batting practice" in the team batting cages. It was very cool. It made me wicked excited for the start of baseball season. Only 18 days until pitchers and catchers report for spring training. And then... the long nights of watching the Dodgers and the hope of another season begins.

We're really glad we got to tag along because we had a great time with great company. After a delicious dinner at Carrabba's we headed home after a really fun day. Thanks Bob and Meg!

Scott Olson and Josh Willingham, recently acquired from the Marlins.

I can only imagine that they wish they were back in Florida with the sun and sand.