This week I was in Washington, DC for work and had the opportunity to see some friends.

Monday night I met my friend Jim and we went to see a hockey game.  As luck would have it, the Devils were actually in town playing the Capitals.  This was Jim’s first professional hockey game.  The game was sold out (probably because it was Columbus Day), so I bought tickets from a guy in the street.  It was a nice shady transaction that we completed in Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  Unfortunately for Jim, the Devils won, However the game was pretty exciting as it ended with a shoot out.

There was an interesting banner in the rafters at the arena as well.  The Washington Mystics (WNBA Team) had the highest attendance in the league for a few years.  They even have the “Attendance Champions” banner to prove.  Is this really necessary?  It is like kids getting trophies just for playing.  I remember when I was a kid you actually had to win something to get a trophy, award, or banner.  (Click the photos to see the full version and to be brought to my flickr page)

On Tuesday night I was able to hook up with my friends Laura and Dan for dinner.  They are expecting a little one in a few weeks and she looks great!

I capped off the trip with a stop at Matsutake Sushi at Reagan National Airport (Terminal B).  Karl (who works the sushi bar) knows me as I used to be a regular.  He used to live in the town next to me, although we did not know each other from up here.

It’s great to catch up with friends while having to travel for business.  It’s not as lonely on the road. 

-Allen

Today Aidan got to see his friend Mason as we went to Stef and Dan’s to watch the Giants game

Susan made these really cool cupcakes too!

Check out the rest of the pictures on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/susanandallen/sets/72157622811067830/

-Allen

Aidan is almost 7 months old, so I brought him down to the makeshift studio for some pictures.

Check out the complete set of photos on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/susanandallen/sets/72157622817628726/

-Allen

My friend Tim came in from Chicago with his girlfriend Mary. Susan, Aidan, and I went to meet them for lunch at the Heartland Brewery.  Our friend Ken from work also joined us.

Heartland is one of our staple restaurants in NYC.  I highly recommend the buffalo burger and the harvest wheat beer (if it is in season)

It was good to see Tim and finally meet Mary.

Check out the rest of the photos on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/susanandallen/sets/72157622811583496/

-Allen

I received a survey today about my store pickup experience.

Dear Allen,

Store pickup is a popular option with BestBuy.com shoppers – and we’re continually striving to make this service faster and more convenient. Please click the button below to fill out a brief survey about your recent purchase on 09/14/2009 , including Dynex®-DVI-to-VGA Adapter-DX-D1114 . It should only take a few minutes.

Thanks for helping BestBuy.com serve you better!

I filled it out honestly and provided my feedback.  I also pointed them to part I of the blog post.  I wonder if somebody will actually contact me.

Oh yeah, still no reissue of that reward certificate.

-Allen