When most people think of the White House they think of a glamorous, regal building with the President and politicians roaming the halls. At least, that's what I thought when approaching the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue last Thursday evening. A good friend of mine works at the White House and was able to reserve a night of bowling at the Truman Bowling Alley.

My hair in curls, lips smiling in glossy pink (and, of course, my hodgsonConsulting business cards in my pocket) I approached the first of two security checkpoints with my other eager friends and prepared to meet, and perhaps bowl with the president.

What most people don't know is that the "White House" is a blanket term for a series of buildings. Though I did get some great up close pictures of the West Wing and the White House lawn, I did not have a chance to actually step foot in those buildings. Instead, our friend led us down a windy staircase past the eatery and an ATM, and tucked away in the sub basement next to dozens of old lockers and cleaning equipment was the Harry S. Truman bowling alley.

There were two lanes glistening over original 1940's era wood. Pictures of Truman bowling and first ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, and Pat Nixon lined the walls. We had to keep score ourselves (a feat, since out of the ten people in attendance, I alone knew how to do this) but we were all just glad to be sitting on the couches and chairs visited by so many important people.

Though I did not have a chance to meet President Obama, I did leave a business card on the scoring table. Who knows… maybe we'll get a call. I think the Truman Bowling Alley needs a website.