I posted previously about our first trip out to the Singing Sand Dunes in January. A week later we found ourselves at a different part of those Dunes sand-skiing. Our friends Frank and Jodi who have taken us water-skiing have a “winter” pastime of sand-skiing, which is pretty much hooking wakeboards with ropes up to a trailer hitch and having an SUV weave around and up and down sand dunes. As I was discreetly pregnant at the time I did not partake in the festivities, but Kev did and had a great time. Quite frankly, I love any opportunity to BBQ at the beach and eat grilled hot dogs. Nothing better!
Speaking of awesome food, prior to the Super Bowl we hosted our Second Annual Chili Cook-off. We had 11 entries this year – more than double 2011 – and each one was unique and flavorful. Somehow, even with more entries and a whole new crowd of voters, the first and second place winners from 2011 ended up tying for first this year. And yes, I might be in that pair. Other than taste-testing 11 different chilis, I think one of the neat things about the Cook-off is that because our compound is fairly global we had a lot of people try chili for the first time (and like it!).
In mid-February the organization I work for traveled to Washington, DC as part of a business outreach mission to promote opportunities for American businesses in Qatar. We had four jam-packed days of appointments and met with elected officials, governmental departments and various national organizations. It was quite frankly an unreal week – a phenomenal opportunity that I was truly excited to participate in. I was able to squeeze in a quick weekend trip to Atlanta and the following week I was back to DC to participate in a Global Business Conference hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The first night’s reception had a surprise guest… Vice President Joe Biden. I found myself standing behind a wheelchair that was parked front and center and you want to talk unreal… try being 5 feet from the VP. Crazy! He was quite friendly with the crowd and happy to chat and take pics. I shook Hillary’s hand as well, but unfortunately no great photo to document the occasion. I had not visited DC since I was quite young and it was a much different experience as an adult. I walked through the Mall, from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, passing through the several war memorials. There was a light snow falling and for a weekend it was quite quiet as a tourist. Even though I am not the biggest fan of museums, I managed to hit 3 of the Smithsonians today (American History, Natural History, Air & Space) in under 3 hours. I was also fortunate to catch up with old friends and family while in DC.
March update in just a few...
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