Nights of Glee

A trip. A movie premiere. Finishing a great book. A date. Seeing family and friends. A concert. Whatever it is, I find myself in a complete state of glee the eve of a day when something fun, stellar or amazing is about to go down. I lay in bed like it’s First Day of School Eve. Tossing and turning and smiling and unable to think about anything than that specific greatness awaiting.

Hell, even the promise of a sunny day from the Weather Channel gets me amped. Just the mere idea of what tomorrow holds doesn’t give me anxiety, it gives me excitedness and eagerness. And I find it hard to harness.

Needless to say, this is pretty much me all day, every day:

*Last night’s glee totally tied to the KC trip to see the Kansas family*

 

 

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

A Moment of Thanks

***I’ve recently just started my third Gratitude/Happiness Journal. Ever since Oct. 7, 2007, every day, I have written at least three things that made me happy that day. It’s a nice way to look back over the past 5 years and see how much there truly is to be thankful for.***

There’s a lot to be thankful for this year. And I wouldn’t know where to start. But luckily, one of the things I’m thankful for just walked into the room.

Matthias was a missing link in our family before showing up nine years ago. I often forget just the kind of family dynamic and power he brings, mainly because when I see or talk to him, it’s just us. After surprising Mom last night, it hit me as we spent nearly 3 hours at the dinner table. As he and Mom sat there catching up and having thoughtful conversations, it dawned on me; underneath his huge muscle mass, he’s a huge softie. He loves family. He loves laughing. And he loves those close to him so very much.

No matter the time that passes, he always has a place in our house. Even Oscar the dog was smitten with Matthias, refusing to leave his side all morning. I’m thankful that Mom and I have someone like this in our lives. Someone who gets up at 6:30 while he’s on vacation to cook you his family’s special eggs before you head off to work. Someone who sings along at a very (some may say insane) high octave while you clean the kitchen.  Someone who does pretty much anything to get a laugh out of you.

He’s more than a friend and brother. He’s our German Destroyer. And I’m thankful he barged through our lives nearly a decade ago and made himself right at home. Hope everyone has an equally fantastic Thanksgiving holiday.

Sending Mom off to work after cooking her the most important meal of the day. He went back to bed immediately after she left.

Ad of the Day: Where Time Stands Still

This ad for Switzerland’s Tourism makes me want to grab all of my wool items and immediately go there. A place where time just doesn’t exist?! Yes please! Also, taking a “holiday” rather than a “vacation” sounds so much more relaxing.

Via AdFreak

Coastal Love

This past summer, Amanda and I had one hell of a time touring the East coast and now, thanks to Sandy, those are very distant memories as we look at the photos of destruction. Thankfully, the friends we made along the way, and ones we already knew, are all safe and sound. But seeing those images of deserted bridges, tunnels, roadways and water rushing through the Subway turnstile like it’s the Titanic is extremely eerie. Warm (and dry!) wishes to all those dealing with the aftermath.