Shannon Harman’s blog

The Stone Arch Festival of the Arts took place over Father's Day weekend 2008.  It was a beautiful day down on the Mississippi River (I have the sunburn to prove it) and my planned "quick walk" across the Stone Arch Bridge turned into a few hours of walking around and exploring.  It was great to see all the bridges along the Mississippi, but disheartening to see the work being done on the 35W Bridge that collapsed last summer (link to Wikipedia -- check out the Collapse section to see a security camera view of the collapse).  There were tons of people enjoying the day, the booths, the vendors, the food, etc.  I am starting to find things to love about Minneapolis -- who would've guess it?!  I also checked another restaurant from my book - Punch Neopolitan Pizza - as it was in the area.  Great pizza, I have to say!

I will add pictures soon.

I ran home after work on Friday, June 13, to change my clothes in order to go to a barbeque at a new friends house.  I went online to double check the directions and was confronted with the headline that Tim Russert had died unexpectedly.  I was shocked and upset.  I LOVED to watch Tim Russert on Meet The Press each Sunday morning and find out what was happening in the world of politics.  He was lovely man and newscaster - jovial, personable, but hard-hitting and informative.  Meet The Press and the upcoming 2008 Presidential Election will not be the same without him.  God bless! 

TimRussert

When I moved to Minneapolis last summer, I bought a cute little book filled with interesting restaurants and boutiques.  I realized just recently, however, that although I have picked it up and skimmed through it a few times - I have never actually GONE to any of the places it recommends.  I decided on Sunday, June 8 (exactly 1 year since I left Denver), that I would take myselft to breakfast.  With a toast of hot chocolate for the "Breakfast Club" back in Denver (miss u guys!), I experienced my first breakfast at Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown across from the University of Minnesota.  The book advised that there is always a line when they open at 9am, so I got there at 830 and found myself 12th in line.  Once the doors opened, I realized that ONE of the reasons for the line is that there are only 14 seats - all single seats at the bar.  The restaurant itself is only about 10 feet wide - the bar separates the customers from the waiters and kitchen on the other side.  The other reason for the line is the great food and college-student prices.  I highly recommend it if you find yourself in town and hungry for breakfast!

AlsBreakfast

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The Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota, was the location where Barack Obama declared himself the official Democratic presidential nominee.  I am lucky to live in the Twin Cities when such an historic event occurs, but not lucky enough to make it inside for the event.  Instead, my friend Andrea and I spent the evening at Patrick McGovern's Pub across the street and watched his speech on TV with everyone else.  I met Barack Obama at a booksigning at the Tattered Cover in Denver in 2006 before he announced his candidacy for president.  He shook my hand and thanked me - by name - for coming.  Get out and vote for the next president of the United States!

My friends Beth and Kristina came with me to see one of my favorite comedians - Eddie Izzard (the "Executive Transvestite" himself) - perform during his "Stripped" tour on Wednesday in downtown Minneapolis at the historic State Theater.  I truly enjoyed the show as I was in need of some good belly laughs, but was a little disappointed that Eddie didn't dress up?!  He said that he feels Americans think that he dresses up as a gimmick, so he decided to go "non-girly" for this tour.  Even without the high heels and lipstick, he puts on a great show so check him out if you can!   Look out Archana and Bill -- we will have a rockin' time at his performance at Radio City next month!

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Well, I thought I would join the 21st century and create a blog to keep my friends and family updated on what goin' on with me!  I moved to Minnesota in the summer of 2007 when my employer was acquired by Carlson Wagonlit Travel and my job moved from Denver to Minnetonka.  Because of the downturn in the housing market, I did not sell my house in Denver and am renting it to a lovely woman who moved to Denver from Michigan.  I am renting an apartment in Minnetonka near my office right now, but am now looking forward to a move closer to downtown this summer to get to know the city now that the sub has returned after one really long, hard winter.

I just got back from a trip to Denver where I got the chance to meet up with my dear friends "back home."  It was great to see you all!  My friend Bill and I also went to the Duran Duran concert on May 12th.  They always put on a great show.  Hey Secelia - Roger Taylor is back with the band; hadn't he dropped out a while ago??

I don't have any exciting international trips planned this year as the dollar is SO LOW right now.  I did have a quick trip to Amsterdam for work in April and a trip to Germany last October. 

I will be spending the July 4th holiday in NYC with Archana and Bill where we plan to explore the burroughs and eat lots of local food and wine!  I will do my best to post some pictures.  I am also looking forward to a trip back home to Oregon for my niece's wedding in August.  Alisa was born when I was a freshman in high school, so I can't believe that she is old enough to get married and to have a one year old daughter - MAN do I feel old.

That's it for now.  Don't be afraid to get in touch!