Hi Everyone!

Sorry for taking so long to get the journal from Washington DC posted. I had another event this past weekend so I thought it would be better to combine the Washington DC and the Charleston journals together.

Washington DC was phenomenal! I was there to host a party for the cover I shot for Capitol File Magazine. It was so nice to be back in DC. I arrived early so I could make a trip to the PSI offices for an informal visit. It was really cool to meet everyone behind the scenes and see all that they do, and I am really looking forward to my next trip with them! It was also great to visit with representatives from PSI, USO and BGCA. All three charities had a presence at the party, they each had a table for people to get additional information and make donations. There was also an auction with proceeds from the sales being distributed equally between the organizations. It was so fulfilling to have all of the organizations that are close to my heart in one room and seeing that my work is really making a difference.

From DC I went back to Miami then back off to Charleston, South Carolina where I played in an exhibition during the Family Circle Cup with Jim Courier, John McEnroe and Monica Seles. It was a beautiful day in Charleston and I was excited to be back. The last time I played there was in 2003, and it really brought back a lot of great memories from when I was competing on the tour. We did a sponsor clinic and meet & greet which was great. I always like to get out on the court with people who really enjoy playing for fun, and it also gave me a chance to warm up a little bit on clay before my match. The first exhibition match of the evening was Jim vs. John, and they are always so much fun to watch. They both still go out there and play as if they are on the professional tour. After their marathon match it was John and I vs. Jim and Monica. As always, it was great being back on the court with Jim and John. They really know how to get the crowd involved, and at the same time they are still super competitive. It was also fun having Monica out there with us. I haven't played with or against her since we were on the tour, and it was good to catch up with her before the match and find out what she has been up to!! I have been playing a lot more tennis lately, so I really felt great physically, and my wrist felt good too! I am really looking forward to playing a lot more tennis this year!