everyone is irish on march 17th.

photo by cobalt123

 Happy St. Patrick's Day folks.  I hope you're wearing green!  Enjoy some green beer, corned beef and cabbage and keep your eyes peeled for any tricky leprechauns. 

photo by James Jordan

I have a friend who is an Irish Dancer and surely we'll be seeing her dance tonight.  If you have the chance to see Irish Dancers, do it.  It's an awesome thing to see.

live music.

photo by jesse.millan

I'm a conditional fan of live music.  I don't love being in a huge arena and so far back that you're essentially listening to their (muffled) cd while being jostled by giants that somehow only come out of the woodworks when I actually want to see something. 

What I do love is going to an intimate show with pretty close seats (or the kind of place where everyone can see) and having a real experience with the band.  Some bands that I've seen this way are Stella Luce, Murder by Death and the Dovekins.  All awesome.  All even more awesome because they play in smallish venues.  I'm a short person.  Really short.  And quite often when I'm at a larger show, I can't see a dang thing because giant mcgianter always stands right in front of me.  It never fails.  But smaller venues seem to either have better viewing all around, or there is more room to move around and get a better view.  And the sound quality in small venues?  While some of these bands may not have the most up to date sound equipment, because you're close to them, the sound is raw and amazing. 

Next month Ani DiFranco is coming to Laramie and we have 4th row tickets!  It's going to be amazing!  What's even more awesome is that the venue she'll be playing at isn't very large so I know already, I'll love her show.  I can't wait!

life has a way of working out.

Photo from restartmyheart via justbesplendid

Last week I was feeling stressed out.  My work had asked me to take two Fridays off in a row because of a lack of projects to work on.  From this, I jumped to the conclusion that I would probably have to take every Friday off until my inevitable pink slip.  Dramatic?   Yes.  Did I think I was being dramatic at the time?  No sir, but I was.  Oh how I was.  So dramatic in fact that I started a search for new jobs,  researched school options and even cried to my thoroughly understanding bf who whilst being understanding, also gently told me I may be being a bit dramatic.  Did I believe him?  Nope. 

Of course then, today I get news that a project I've been waiting to start is in fact starting.  This means months of work.  I also was told that I'll be needed in the field for a week, if not more.  More work!  And so, my bout of drama-queen-itis was unnecessary.  Lesson learned.  Better lesson?  Even if it seems a situation warrents feeling dramatic, it doesn't!  Feeling/acting dramatic is a choice.  Instead, roll with the punches, go with the flow, choose to be happy no matter what, and life will work itself out for the better.  It's true.

grab your cup. it's time for tea.

photo by visualdensity

What's so great about tea?  Besides being awesome, there's not too much caffeine, plenty of flavor, and choices(!), so many choices!  My go-to tea is Good Earth Original.  It's robust and spicy and it doesn't need any sweetening whatsoever.  Some may say that tea doesn't need ever need sweetening (hmm, the bf might say that...) but I disagree.  Sometimes teas need a little sugar to bring out the full flavor.  What do you think?  Are you a tea drinker?  If so, to sweeten or not to sweeten?  What say you?

just breathe.

photo by Anna Gay

Have you ever seen the movie "Ever After"?  This post's title is a quote from that movie and is one I repeat anytime things get a bit overwhelming.  It helps.  Try it. 

summer on the brain.

Woah!  Slooooooow down lady, it's not even Spring!  I know, I know...but I can't stop daydreaming about lovely summer activities.  Of course, all of the things I'd love to do right now wouldn't even be possible where I live at the best of times.  I suppose that means that I'm free to daydream since I'd have to travel somewhere warm and near water anyways!  What are the desired adventures, you ask?  Well, I'll tell you.

Scuba Diving

photo by Ilse Reijs and Jan-Noud Hutten

Sail in a little Sunfish

photo by Simonds

Sea Kayaking

photo by adrimcm

Visit Mackinac Island (my favorite place ever)

photo by humbertomoreno

What adventures are you dreaming of?

bubbles, bubbles.

photo by grazie, davvero

One of my favorite blogs to read is Not That Kind of Girl.  The writer is "on a quest to do 250 completely uncharacteristic things before August 23, 2010" and it's so fun to read about her journey.  I love all of her posts, but her post yesterday (link here) had the most magical effect on me!  After reading it, I was filled with glee and couldn't wait to follow in her footsteps. 

What did she do you ask?  To help her quit smoking, she's taken to blowing bubbles.  Now, I'm not a smoker, but blowing bubbles is certainly a habit I'd like to pick up!  Everywhere she went, hundreds of bubbles flowed after her and the people she came across on the streets all had positive reactions.  Bubbles are so cheery and magical; people can't help but smile around them!  I am in love with this.  How often do you come across such a simple (and unconventional) idea that can warm the hearts of so many? 

If you see bubbles on the streets of Laramie this Spring, I'll surely be close by!