Okay to Vacay

It’s that time of year when I start to get restless. Amanda and I have become quite the travel companions and this year, we plan on doing something just crazy. After harnessing the Treat Yo’ Self mantra, we take a vacation that goes somewhere neither of us has been. And Amanda has this gift of finding things to do you never would have guessed (sleeping on a pirate ship in Boston Harbor anyone?).

We’re having our meeting of the minds on Monday. We’ve thrown out attending Firefly Music Festival in Delaware and doing an international excursion at the end of August. Amanda’s not only great at finding activities, she knows how to get the most of your vacation days (we can stay for 10 days using only three vacation days and 2 Summer Fridays). Girl has a gift.

Despite this article seeing publishing light back in 2011, it’s recently come across my desk and not at a moment too soon (or late for that matter). It’s the ways to be a practical traveler from The New York Times. Two key pieces I love from this: 1) The anticipation alone makes you happy and 2) End on a high note.

We’ve already drafted lists of activities for a European adventure that include biking the tulip fields of the Netherlands, finally seeing the sculpture in Dublin and taking tea at Downton Abbey. You could say I’m eagerly awaiting the planning meeting, let alone the actual trip.

#TravelingRagers

The “Treat Yo’ Self” woman her, well, self

Neverland in Rhode Island?

We’ve made the note, you need sunscreen in Maine.

Bahstin Hahbah

Sleigh Rides in Breckenridge

Mountain exploring

Memphis Buckets

A crawfish boil in the Tennessee hills

The King(s) of New York

Taking the Throne

I appreciate great TV dramas. From Mad Men (back April 6!) and Downton Abbey to The Good Wife and Homeland, I cannot get enough. Which is why I found myself wondering what was next when I finished The Newsroom series (note, I love everything about that series). After perusing on HBO OnDemand, I figured it was time to see this Game of Thrones business.

I’ve been fighting the GOT lifestyle for a while. After seeing a few clips, I thought there’s absolutely no way I can get in to this show. I had no idea who was who, who was related to whom and what storyline each character carried until probably the seventh episode. But I’m hooked. I cannot stop. While I’ve never really been a fan of medieval period pieces, I cannot turn away. The storylines are deep and rich and frankly, completely unpredictable. While I have yet to find a character that truly “gets” me, I still constantly think about what’s going on in the Seven Kingdoms. Though I think that’s because I’m so drawn to Peter Dinklage‘s character:

After successfully powering through the first two seasons, I find myself eagerly awaiting season 3’s return. Thankfully, a trailer leaked today. Just have a month and a week to hang tight.

Finding Your Way to the Abbey

Every winter season in Chicago, I find a TV show and series to carry me through the winter blues. It helps keep me sane. Last year, it was Friday Night Lights. The year before, Modern Family. And this year, while Dexter appeared to be my new favorite show keeping me trapped in my room dressed in sweats, it isn’t.

After hearing much about Downton Abbey on all of the blogs I read, I decided to look into this show, which I’ll admit, I thought was Downtown Abbey. This miniseries airs on PBS Masterpiece and follows the lives of one aristocratic family and their servants–a bit a rather enjoy. I’ve now found myself unable to stop thinking about the show and wondering when I’ll get to watch it again. And despite appearances, it has nothing to do with the accents. It’s all about the music and that library!

I’m sure my dreams appreciate going to sleep after watching an episode about the Crawley family instead of the serial killer ways of Dexter Morgan.