week 24 - Green Beer and New Songs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C3uRqjA8UE&feature=youtu.be

Boom! Bap! Pow! - Suit  

Your so cute I wanna wear you like a suit
I think you'd look pretty good on me 

Your so cute I wanna wear you like a suit 

I think you'd look pretty good on me 

ok alright ok alright!

St Patricks Day 2015

Its official... I have had Green Beer on St. Patricks Day! (Dont need to be doing that a second time lol)

Week 23 - Ted All Week Long!

The book Jill Bolte wrote about her experience as a neurologist and stroke survivor was really moving to me and I have since given it to 2 friends.  When I heard that she was giving a Ted Talk I was eager to listen and meet this woman.  I loved the venue and so I decided to watch or listen to one each day this week! :)  Here is the link if you want to browse: https://www.ted.com/talks?page=2 .

For my week I sampled the following:

1. My Stroke of Insight - Jill Bolte
https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight

2. Encryption Technology - Andy Yen
https://www.ted.com/talks/andy_yen_think_your_email_s_private_think_again#t-615252

3.http://www.npr.org/podcasts/510298/ted-radio-hour

    The Unknown Brain

4.Success (R)

5.Spoken And Unspoken (R)

6. https://www.ted.com/talks/ricardo_semler_radical_wisdom_for_a_company_a_school_a_life

7.https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime
#Tedtalk #mystrokeofinsight

Week 22 Movies

This weeks firsts were intended to push me out of my comfort zone.

1. I invited a friend to the Member/Guest Paddle Tennis Tournament at my club.
It was really fun but a bit unnerving. Its a round robin and we were out matched quite a bit. Still fun and you cant learn if you dont try new things!  My first time doing it in the 5 yrs I have been invited.

2. This week I went to the movies alone twice AND I went to 2 really interesting cinemas.
The Movie Tavern and the newly renovated Springfield Cinema.

The first is in Phoenixville.  I saw 50 Shades of Gray
(the really odd part was that there were only 5 other people in the theatre with me and 3 of us were alone haha) I had a salad, diet coke and watched.  BTW It was good but there wasn't any chemistry between the actors.  The book was better as usual.

I saw the 2nd film in Springfield at a newly renovated cinema that had BARCALOUNGERS! lol http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcalounger Now if it only had a massage feature and someone doing my pedicure... would have been nearly perfect. 

Week 21 Forget the Pasties... Go for Falsies!

No, pasties weren't really on the table.  That wouldn't have been very pretty when I was in my 20's so defo not something I would do now!!  

False eyelashes though... now that sounded interesting!  I am lucky that I have fairly good lashes. Dark and lots of them. 

 My first attempt was on Friday night. I had a friends 40th birthday celebration in Philadelphia.  I thought it the perfect time to unveil the lashes!  So the experience went something like this... - Watch 3 youtube 'how to' videos.
- Trim lashes,
- 4-5 attempts to put it on the first eye... with tweezers and without , not much luck ...lots of white glue showing (if you wait long enough it does dry).

I finally got one eye done and liked it, but then I needed to match it on the other side! That means, the same starting and ending points and the same distance away from the lashes.  Not easy at first but with some practice I am sure it becomes so.

Pretty results.  I will say that you have to use fairly thick liner though to hide the seam of the lashes, so if you aren't a big makeup wearer this probably isn't for you, or have them done professionally.  I should have saved the url for this video I watched and gave her a shout out but I forgot.  I tried to find her again on Youtube but I couldn't... 

(eek I cant believe I am posting a video of me without makeup AND all of these close up shots! haha Thinking that might be a first too!)

 Saturday night I had another party so I decided to put them on again! No one noticed this time either lol.  It wasn't any easier the second time, but it was still very fun to wear them.  If I do it again I will choose longer thicker lashes.  Also this makes me think I should try extensions! Found a blog that suggested dying your lashes as an option... ( http://loveswah.com/2015/02/beauty-tips-before-you-travel/ )Might have to do that over the summer! #falseeyelashes #lashes

Week 20 - Polar Bear Plunge

I was asked, several times leading up to the plunge, why would you want to take your clothes off in 28F snowy weather to jump into a 36F ocean?

Well, I am looking for things to take me out of my comfort zone. To try things I wouldn't have otherwise done... and who knows I might just discover something new about myself and the world!  Soooo I scooped up some support and other adventurers and headed to Sea Isle City, NJ!

 It was cold but the adrenaline rush that happened was amazing. Once we took off our clothes (I wore a bathing suit, robe, hat, scarf and throw away shoes) it kicked in and none of us were uncomfortably cold!  My husband, friend B and I were the only 'Plungers' in the group. We brought 3 other girlfriends to cheer us along.

When the whistle blew, everyone began herding into the water.  I got so caught up in the moment I forgot to drop my robe lol  I hiked it up to my shoulders and ran.  The entry was not bad. I plunged up to but not including my bathing suit bottoms (not much worse than a cold wet 90 min ride home) then headed out. The splashing was the biggest problem because as the first wave is running out, the next is running in! Its cold but you instantly go numb where you touched the water so you arent cold!  Afterwards we went for pizza. The 3 of us plungers felt great until we ate... 10 mins afterwards we all started shaking and shivering. My lips went literally blue!  I dont know that I have been thankful for a long hot car ride before, but I was on that day! It was a remarkable experience and all of us agreed we would do it again! #polarbearplunge 

Week 19 Battle of the Bulge..Monument

I personally, am in a perpetual battle of the bulge, but that isnt what this post is about! lol  

For years I have driven past these signs on nearly a daily basis without having the foggiest notion of where/what the monument was! I was in need of a first for the week so I decided to explore. I am so glad that I did!

Turns out the monument is on the campus of Vally Forge Military Academy (Specifically its on Eagle Rd. along side of the parking lot.) Siri (my Iphone BFF) had no idea what I was trying to find.  I ended up googling it and finally found someone else who had posted about his visit and I stumbled upon it. (Shout out to Scott @ http://www.scottmanning.com/content/bulge-monument-valley-forge/ )

The Battle of the Bulge (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Bulge

            The battle is significant in the course of World War II because it is seen by most as Hitler’s last major offensive. The battle was intended to split Allied lines and force negotiated peace, but the American forces were able to contain the battle!  The Germans lost so many troops and equipment that they couldnt launch another attack on the Allied forces. The Battle of the Bulge is most significant because, in essence it brought about the end of the war. 

             Really interesting stories from the soldiers themselves in the PBS link below.

            http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/bulge-dispatches/

 On the monument itself is a quote from Winston Churchill 

“This is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war, and will, I believe be regarded as an ever famous American victory.”

Though I found differing statistics on how many troops were involved and how many casualties, All sources I read agreed on the importance of the war and the sever  loss of life.  

The other interesting thing I uncovered while digging around is that Hitler may have had a son.  http://www.hitlerschildren.com/article/591-did-hitler-have-children  Jean-Marie Loret, claims his mother had an affair with Hitler when she was 16 and he was the result. He wrote a memoir, Your Father's Name was Hitler, which is where he discusses what his mother said about his father before she died. Facts are still being validated.  He died in 1985 but was survived by children. I wonder if we will ever know.  #battleofthebulge #hitlerschildren

Week 18 Pescatarian for a Month

Pescatarian - someone who abstains from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish. In other words, a pescatarian maintains a vegetarian diet with the addition of fish.  Thats me for one month!  I have to say that I was going to do a strict Vegetarian diet but then decided that its much easier to include fish and the Omega Acids would do my brain good!

I havent found it difficult to follow (and really I am not eating a much fish).  I have been eating sooooooo much more dairy and carbs though that I feel terrible.  Bloated and tired. My body seems to crave the carbs (especially sweets).  I have gained 5 pounds too. Thank goodness this month is nearly over! lol 

I might actually try a Vegan week sometime. Just to explore how difficult it would be to eat that way. #pescatarian 

Week 16 Grand Canyon - Prison Visit 2 with Stepmom

 Though it makes my list of 'firsts', I have been to the Grand Canyon before. I include it because I haven't ever visited it all on my own nor have I stayed on the canyon rim overnight before! Both were highlights of my year so far!  There is something so spiritually rejuvenating about the place.  Mind boggling to think of its age (far older than the dinosaurs) with people inhabiting it for 3000-4000yrs!

After 3 hours in the medical walk in clinic in Flagstaff, AZ (I had Pink Eye and Bronchitis), I found my way to the Grand Canyon. It was about a 2 hr drive from there.  Even the drive was extraordinarily beautiful! I checked into my cabin at the rim and had a look around. It was early evening so I got to see the sun set. It was a bit cloudy and snow forecast.  

 

Snow at the canyon is interesting. They dont salt and barely throw down dirt to help with slippage.  It had snowed that night but by about 10 the next day it was near 50F and all melted.

 I drove my car to the furthest point of the trail open to the public, then hiked back.  Later I took the shuttle back to my car. Guessing I did between 5-10 miles. I was concerned about my knees but they have the rim trails paved so it was easy walking most of the way.  One morning I woke at 5am and went out to look at the stars. It was magical.  So little light that the sky appeared clouded with stars!  Breathtaking.

 A herd of Elk were just lounging around the grounds the entire trip.  Once I had stopped the car to catch a glimpse of a male across the road from me and while I was busy looking at him, a female decided to cross directly in front of my car! lol

Friday I got my Stepmom from the airport and we visited with my brother the next day. It was traumatic for her to see her son in that situation but it was still really nice for them to spend time.  Living right in an alley between 2 of the prison buildings was a group of homeless people. Guessing about 7-10 of them. One morning we brought breakfast for them.  I should have done it more than once but I kept wondering about safety.  In the end I felt great for getting them a hot breakfast on that chili day.  Next time I will do more.

When we weren't visiting my brother, we went to the Phoenix Botanical Gardens, a place called Hole in the Rock archaeological site and Old Scottsdale.  Shout out to Frankie and Lupe's restaurant.  They had wonderful Mexican food and a pobleno cream sauce to die for!  Really great trip. I love Arizona! #Grandcanyonsnow #frankieandlupes #holeintherock

Week 15 Orange is the New Black - AZ Prison Visit

This is definitely not a first that I aspired to have but it is one none the less. My brother is in an AZ St Prison for DUI charges and I went to visit him this month.   Since this was my first time in a prison I did some research and I have to say it is not easy.  I want to give a shout out to one blog I read that did help me http://www.jessicasoperationorange.com/faq 

She (I am assuming through her family and friends since I cant imagine that she has access to the internet)has answers posted to the simplest questions. What to expect, What to bring, and What to wear. With all that valuable knowledge it still took me 3 tries and two trips to  Walmart 2 times before I got in. Looking, I might add, like the poster child for Walmart as well! lol

 My first set back was my V neck shirt.  When I mentioned that it doesn't stipulate no Vnecks on their website, and that when I called no one told me I couldnt wear one, the guard looked at me and said, " Well honey, I am telling ya now."  Soooooo off to Walmart I went! haha

Me (above) in the Walmart bathroom changing into prison attire... seems that the hooks from my bra set off the metal detectors, so I decided to change 100% of my clothing so I didnt have any other issues.  3rd time was the charm! 

The 2nd day I saw him I wore the same outfit but with sneakers (flipflops in the car just in case).  You only have one failed attempt through the metal detector or they escort you out and you aren't permitted visitation that day.

The only things you can bring with you are 30$ in quarters in a plastic bag for the vending machines, your drivers license and the key to your car (with nothing else attached). #azprison #orangeisthenewblack #visitinginprison

So I had 8 hours with my brother the first day and 4 the second. Lots of Mountain Dew and vending machine junk food.  To be honest, that $30 goes pretty quickly over 8 hrs! 

There were loads of visitors wearing jeans (with buttons and zippers!) and tight clothes.  No "V" necks though lol.  I changed one small thing each time I went to visit him and on my final visit the 2nd weekend, I was in jeans, Toms, a tee with a cardigan over it. Dare I say I looked nearly normal! lol 

The stories he had were so interesting.  He never has felt unsafe thankfully and flies under the radar as much as possible. The gang mentality of life in prison helps with order and safety.  How everything is ordered is generally by race and the inmates rule the roost.  I learned some new terms like PCing (Protective Custody - when an inmate fears for their life due to getting in trouble with other inmates  for things like getting caught snitching or not able to pay off debts.) They are then immediately put in "the hole" and then transfer to another prison.  Getting a "Hot One" or invited to the back to get beat on for a minute or 2 in order to teach a lesson (ie wash your hands after you use the toilet, dont embarrass your race doing something you shouldn't etc.  Keistering... well you can guess that one... up the butt to smuggle in drugs, phones, nearly anything! 

One of the most interesting experiences I have had in a while.

Week 17 - Fleetwood Mac Concert

 Fleetwood Mac in Atlantic City. Great concert and wow they are all impressive for their ages! Stevie is 66... Mick Fleetwood and Chrissy are 71! They spent 31/2 hours full on entertaining. Great special effects.  Fun weekend with friends! :)

Always fun to go to a concert where you know all the words to all the songs!  The only downside to the week is that my son ended up in the hospital for 2 days because of a Mrsa infection in his elbow... maybe thatssss why he didnt clean his room?!?!? lol  He is fine now! #fleetwoodmac  #atlanticcity #Mrsa

Week 14 James A Mitchner Museum and NYE Wedding

The James A Mitchner Art Museum has been on my list of places I wanted to see for years,  It is directly across from the Mercer Museum.  It once was an old stone prison which makes its bones and story as interesting as its art!  http://www.michenermuseum.org/

New Years Eve, 12/31/14, I went to the wedding reception for one of my oldest dearest friends at the museum. Fabuloussss setting for a wedding and bonus... I got to see the museum as well! 

 We pledged our sorority freshman year together (Thats me right over the Sigma in pearls, and her 3rd row from the top, left side, second in, wearing brown stripes).

Both Kim and Joe have been married before. I was at Kims first wedding.  Her first husbands parents were at this wedding as well (In the photo below). Kind of a long story but a nice one.  One that I hope has had a happy ending for everyone. :) Great to see some other old friends too.

#Jamesmitchnermuseum #kimswedding #nye

Week 13 Mayan Museum - Cancun Mexico

 ***MEXICO***  Its been a family tradition for the last several years to go away between Christmas and New Year.  We have gone to Cancun for the last 4 yrs and never once left the resort to explore any of Mexico's rich culture. This year,(as a first for me and my family) I forced the troops to the Mayan Museum.  It was directly next door to our hotel so it wasn't too difficult a sell.  The only unusual/difficult thing is that its the only place in the area that doesn't accept US Dollars or even credit cards so we had to exchange money to get in.  We were unprepared.

 (Sunset Beach Vollyball and pineapple drinks were not part of the museum admission price!haha)

 The grounds are well kept and impressive. There are several Mayan ruin sights there, as well as some other structures. Its not a place that will leave you awed but it was worth the time and effort to get a taste for the culture.   Some huge Iguanas and interesting native trees.  Big termite mounds all over...

 Inside (raised onto a higher lvl so that there isnt the risk of flooding) there is a nice exhibit of ancient remains found in Tulum dating about 14k yrs old.  There is another of the remains of La Mujer de las Palmas or "the Woman of the Palms".  They believe these are the remains of a person that lived 10k yrs ago during the Ice Age! Some other tools and bones of wildlife are there as well.

Clearly everyone was as impressed as I was! haha  It was a fun afternoon!  #mayanmuseum #cancun 

 Can you see the drawings in the rocks above?