I have a new motto: say yes when invited to try new things. I've been saying yes to these two lifelong friends pictured here. Over the past year, I have traveled with them to Buffalo, NY, Niagara Falls, Nashville, TN, and Washington, DC (near our hometown.) I got a text early one morning saying LL Cool J was coming to town, and we would see him and the F.O.R.C.E. at Capitol One Arena in October. Yes! Why not? I'm a Gen-Xer who can re-live my youth for a night.
I checked out the lineup of performers, and wow - Queen Latifa would potentially be there as a guest. I knew who about half of the other potential performers were - DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Roots, Doug E. Fresh, Ice-T, De La Soul...count me in...yes! We snagged our tickets, booked a hotel room for the night, and got a plane ticket for the one of us who lives out of state.
The concert date finally arrived this past weekend. We had beautiful weather, an easy ride into town, and got our night started. After checking into the hotel, we changed into our bathing suits, filled up some cups, and were off to float around the pool for girl talk. After an hour or so, we went back to our room to get ready for a quick dinner at a highly-rated Ethiopian restaurant. I'd never had Ethiopian food, but again, I now say "yes" to experiences. I liked the food with the exception of the Injera. Maybe that's an acquired taste, but I gave it the old college try. The next stop was the concert.
We arrived at the concert a little late, and LL Cool J was already performing. He and his fellow performers were amazing. The best part? Queen Latifa WAS THERE! She gave a fantastic performance, joined by a rapper I didn't know before Sunday night - Monie Love. Such a fun night.
In our busy and stressful lives, what a gift to be able to spend an evening with true friends, enjoy new experiences, and feel refreshed and renewed for re-entry into our daily routines. I sit here today taking a few minutes from my morning routine to memorialize another experience with these amazing women.
Safe travels...