DC is known for its politicians and fast culture, but weaved into the fabric of this eclectic city is an active, entertaining music scene. Punk rock to folk and everything in between can be found right here in our nation's capitol. 

The Hula Monsters may be the perfect example of just how varied the music culture in this area is -- and just how much talent can be found here. The local rock-a-billy/oldies/country group is made up of regular folks who have day-time jobs, but who just like jammin' at night. They've been entertaining audiences with their hapa-haole style since the early '90s.

Cliff and I had the opportunity not only to see one of their recent shows, but to be part of it. Yep, that's right! See that hula dancer a few photos up? That's me!

Thanks to the Creative Alliance, the six of us were able to come together for an evening of funky fun music, and -- of course -- hula lessons. I've been dancing hula for the last five years, and always enjoy sharing my aloha with others. I offer a special thanks to all those audience members who braved humiliation and embarrassment to join me on the dance floor.

DC may feel like a city full of politicians and lobbyists, but this place offers so much more.  Look past our hard, crusty shell, and you're certain to find some really special gems. [shaka]

Don't know me? Don't worry. Here are two important facts: I love cats and I'm from Nebraska.

That's right: I'm proud of my midwest, corn-husking roots. To most, Nebraska is one of those boring fly-over states on the way to somewhere more exciting. But for me and the 3 million people who live there, it's a hidden gem, a treasure trove of amazing people and incredible places.

One of those places is our beloved State Capitol Building--the first state capitol building purposely designed to be drastically different from the greco-roman style of the U.S. Capitol Building. 

It isn't just the exterior that captures one's imagination. Inside, the building offers an array of art and artifacts found nowhere else on earth. That's because the imbedded wall paintings and mosaic tiling depict our state's history--all of it. We're talking tens of millions of years worth of history.

(Don't stop reading now--this stuff is fascinating!)

During the late Cretaceous period, the majority of the state was covered by water. Eventually that prehistoric ocean receded, leaving behind its sandy bottom.  Overtime, the Sandhills--made famous by our state authors Willa Cather and Mari Sandoz--were born. 

To show off this marvelous feat of time and evolution, the creators of the Capitol commissioned artists to include Nebraska's prehistoric creatures into the makeup of the building--literally. Not only do the mosaic tile floors have pictures of Plesiosauria, but the marble used to create the floors contain the fossils of mollusks, ammonites and plankton.

Other artwork within the building depicts the life of Native Americans who once lived and hunted on the plains, as well as the American pioneers who migrated west searching for a better life. With so much history and so much art, it's no wonder I love this place. 

Read more tantalizing facts about Nebraska and our State Capitol below:

• Although Nebraska's Capitol Building is a statehouse, Nebraskans don't refer to it as such. In fact, it wasn't until I moved to Washington, D.C. that I learned other states do not refer to their state houses as capitols. 
• Nebraska is the only state in the union with a unicameral--that is, a single body of government.
• Construction of the Capitol Building started in 1922 and took 10 years to complete. The cost: nearly $10 million.
• The statue on top of the Capitol is called The Sewer. He stands 19 feet tall and faces Northwest, sewing his seeds over the rest of the state.
• The Capitol is 400 feet tall and boasts 4 outdoor courtyards that are only accessible from inside of the building.
• Today, the building is extremely secure--so secure that one can get locked inside while taking photographs. (um, yeah, that was me. If the good Samaratin who let me out is reading this, thank you! As much as I adore this building, I really didn't want to spend the night there).

Want to see the building for yourself? You can book a tour and learn even more here.

True friends don't come along very often, so when they do, it's important to remember just how special they are. Kendra Roller-McKee and I met in fourth grade. She was the outgoing, athletic, spunky girl with bright blue eyes, and I was the introverted, shy bookworm. We became instant friends.

Kendra helped to make me the person I am today, and I relish the fond memories I have of us trick-or-treating together, attending summer camp and spending time at each others' houses. In high school, we were both members of the Lincoln East High marching band, and active with our school's student publications.

She went on to pursue an art degree at a small college in southern Nebraska, while I ventured north to Wayne State to try my hand at journalism. There were times when we grew apart, but we never lost touch for long.

That's why, when Kendra asked about holiday photos of her family, I couldn't say no. It was wonderful getting to spend the day with my friend and her family.

Kendra's son was born in April. It's hard to believe that Kendra is now a wife and a mother, but I couldn't be happier for her. Watching her baby grow makes me excited for his future, and leaves me wondering, with great anticipation, about the fun adventures he'll have with his own friends.