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

Just for Fun

This past week, Chicago welcomed the annual Just for Laughs festival. Last year, I was able to attend a couple of smaller shows, but this year, all bets were off.

After Rochelle’s boyfriend was unable to go to the Conan show, I got the invite. We posted up outside at 6:30 a.m. to ensure we scored great seats. It paid off as we received the fourth row! Anna (my mentee and Rochelle’s sister) made shirts for us to wear throughout the work day and it was a struggle to stay focused. At 4, we all headed over to the Chicago theatre for the taping. Despite boasting a guest list I wasn’t too thrilled about, the show was phenomenal (though to be fair, those seats were the main reason). Aziz Ansari popped out of nowhere and did a little something, at which point, I sat shell-shocked in my seat.

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A few days later, Amanda and I went to see Nick Offerman‘s show (Ron Swanson for those Parks & Recreation fans out there). He’s married to Megan Mullally (neé Karen from Will & Grace), so I was equally pumped when she made an appearance and performed for a bit. Offerman’s set was so incredibly fantastic. I felt like Leslie Knope receiving advice from my mentor as he went through his 10 tips for prosperity. I firmly believe we should clone him.

After leaving the set, we ran into Retta, who plays Donna on Parks & Rec. In the last season, Donna and Tom (played by Aziz Ansari) do a bit about “Treat Yo Self.” It’s a day (“The Best Day of the Year”) devoted solely to yourself and everything you love. Amanda and I took this idea to heart when we booked a northeastern adventure in August to see Mumford & Sons in Maine and the Lumineers in Central Park. So naturally when we saw Retta, we had to do “The Best Day of the Year” pose.

I cannot wait to see what’s in store for next year’s Just for Laughs Fest!