March 4th was "Day on the Hill" for the Minnesota
Coalition for the Homeless. I spent quality time with Liz in the days leading up to it, in helping to prepare for the big day! I can very much admit to the fact that I have not talked to so many elected officials in my life as I did in the days leading to the event! Doing data entry, calling to set up schedules for constituents to meet with their senator and representative, to whatever else Liz could think of for me to do, I did. Then the day finally arrived! Huge turnout and very informative for me! I went with this group to meet with the man that says he will forever be my Senator as long as I live in the state. (David Tomassoni, from Chisholm)

I've never actually looked around the capitol before. So when everything was done, Liz gave me a guided tour! Thank you, Elizabeth! I decided I would go back to her office while waiting to catch the plane. On the way there, the phone rings; "if you're not sick of lobbying yet, there's a hearing at the capitol." Since I had the guided tour I knew where the room was, I turned around and met her there.

Time to head for the airport! I was so exhausted, I tried to keep my eyes open to hear the stories that the lady sitting next to me was telling. And then I slept! I awoke when we landed, but I just couldn't stay awake. Asked the kind lady if she would wake me up when our row was getting out. Slept to the last minute! Amber was there to pick me up and I spent the night at her house. While Ryan was at an appointment Amber, Nolan and I went driving around and looked at some stores. Anita picked me up after work and we got some game playing in!

Saturday morning, back to Anchorage, but this time for my whole reasoning for going to Alaska. The ceremonial start of the Iditarod. And then the restart in Willow on Sunday afternoon. Ryan, Amber and Nolan were there! The breeze was a little chilly, but beautiful day for the race to start. Anita and I picked who we wanted to be in the top ten. The guy from Minnesota, the husband and wife who each have a team, the runway model turned musher, the 69yr. old man... So far, we aren't doing so good!

The thought was that I would sleep all day on Monday, while Anita was working, so I would be all caught up on my sleep. And that is exactly what I did! Once I got to the airport, Monday evening, I was informed that they had overbooked and if I was interested in giving up my seat voluntarily. I wouldn't let her finish, and immediately said I would. An extra day in Alaska and $400 voucher towards my next flight, I couldn't pass it up! Called Anita and she turned around! Now I am hoping to make it to Nome some year! Would love to be able to see the dogs come in after they just completed a 1049 mile journey across Alaska. But in the meantime I guess I will just follow them on the website! That was my week. Now tomorrow I head north and work at the shelter. ~jen~