fun

Refusing to succumb to Blue Monday.

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Last Monday was the infamous “Blue Monday.” You know, that day in January deemed the most depressing day of the year? And why not? It’s cold, dark, everyone is sad, feeling the aftereffects of the happiness of the holidays and of course feeling the aftereffects on their credit card and waistline.

I’ll be the first to admit it – I get in a funk from about January through the end of March. Rough for someone having a January birthday. But this year, I decided that I wasn’t going to be “blue” on Blue Monday. I can’t do much about the weather, the icy roads (which make it SO hard to run outside), or the dark days, but I CAN get excited and embrace all there is to do and enjoy in Cleveland this time of year. Yes, even in the winter. How can I be blue when I’ve done all this fun stuff since the holidays have ended?

Trying out Dave and Anson’s deep fryer, eating homemade fried chicken wings and watching football:

fried chicken

Baking mitten cookies. Because when it’s cold, who doesn’t love mittens?

chocolate dipped mitten cookies

Attempting to sew mittens. I don’t have an “after” picture because the one mitten I tried to make didn’t come out. I’ll stick to baked cookie mittens (see above):

20140110_194128

Shopping at the West Side Market. Because it’s somewhat warm in there and if it’s not you can always get a hot beverage and your groceries:

my favorite stand at west side market

my favorite stand at west side market

And then cooking some fantastic vegetarian dishes with Ali. I love this girl (my former work-spouse) and don’t see her nearly enough – and it was SO good to spend a day cooking with her!

Ali making samosas

Ali making samosas

the recipe for these awesomeness is coming soon.

the recipe for these awesomeness is coming soon.

A few outdoor runs when the weather “warmed up.” And a few hot beverages from Rising Star.

almond milk latte from rising star

And seeing Chicago – with the oh so talented Peterman John O’Hurley! Thanks to B’s parents for the awesome tickets as our Christmas gift.

chicago

And then wrapping up a fabulous weekend with sushi from Sushi 86, the Golden Globes and tea and Downton Abbey.

sushi

OMG can you believe about Anna?

OMG can you believe about Anna?

And that’s just for the first few weeks of this month. What are you doing to keep yourself entertained this month?

Wordless Wednesday – Infographic: 10 Rad Jobs of the Future

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About a year ago I saw an article called 10 Job Disappearing from America. It was kind of a sad article, and I felt a little bad as I read about all the positions – copper workers, leather workers, sewing machine operators, postal service employees (poor Cliff Clavin:() and so on. That’s why when I saw this infographic this week, I had to share. Much more upbeat – take a look at all the jobs of the future. SO exciting! (and slightly silly. Memory Manipulator? hehe)
10 Rad Jobs of the Future

10 Rad Jobs of the Future infographic

 

Reason #2142 I love Cleve – Going Out On School Nights

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Summer in Cleveland = Concerts, patio dining, happy hours and beautiful weather. What could be better?

This week included all of the above – and yes, I’m referring to the week, not weekend.  It included:

Happy Hour 

Tuesday, me and some coworkers/non coworkers headed to Zocalo for Taco Tuesday – half off margaritas and $1 tacos! Nothing says summer quite like an icy margarita.

Catching a Summer Blockbuster

After margs, I saw The Avengers with B and a few other friends. It was awesome! We saw it in 3D and it was great to see the streets of Cleveland in the film. Some advice if you haven’t seen it yet – while not necessary, it does help to see Captain America and Thor beforehand. I was glad to understand what was going on as the movie picks up where the two of them leave off.

A photo from my walk to work – E 9th turned into NYC during Avengers filming last summer

Remember the explosion during filming? (Shot by B’s coworker from their office – explosion happens 30 sec in)

Checking Out the Guys Outdoor Exhibits at Marine Week

It’s Marine Week and this year the marines invaded Cleveland! Well, tomorrow’s the actual invasion – but this week Public Square and Voinovich Park were closed for some Marine Week activities, expeditions, and more. Which means that I live exactly in between where the Marines are staying and where they have to walk to for their daily activities – it’s okay to be jealous!

Patio Dining

Pre-Fun concert, we sat outside and enjoyed some Mediterranean Happy Hour specials at La Strada. This is the 12th attempt at a photo, so pardon the silly faces. The old couple next to us didn’t know how to take a photo with a phone!

Crew before Fun concert

Live Music

Last night was the Fun. concert at House of Blues. It was amazing, incredible, awesome, unbelievable – insert another exciting word here. They put on an AMAZING show and we had great spots to watch. And best of all – my aircast is officially off so I could dance, jump (carefully) and enjoy a concert the way it should be enjoyed!

Great view of the band rocking out.

Ali’s caption: “Having fun at Fun.!”

And just a few seconds of the show – sorry, my longer video disappeared

If that’s what this week had in store I can’t wait to see what the weekend holds! Here’s to another great summer in Cleveland! What fun have you been having? (No pun intended)

Tunes Tuesday – FUN Edition

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This Thursday, I’m excited to be going to see one of my favorite bands, Fun., at the House of Blues Cleveland! It sold out right away but I was able to snag tickets for me, a coworker, Cari, her boyfriend, and my former coworker Ali.  In honor of the awesome band and their amazing music, this week’s Tunes Tuesday will feature some of my favorite Fun. and old Format songs. Enjoy! And for some more Fun. and Format songs, here’s my Spotify playlist.

Walking the Dog

This was the first Fun. song I listened to – my brother introduced it to me a few years ago!

All the Pretty Girls

Some Nights 

This is the official video, but the sound doesn’t start until like a minute or so in. It’s my favorite song off their new CD. I get chills every time it starts!

It Gets Better

Can’t find the official video on YouTube, but this live version makes me SO excited to see them!

Carry On

Another acoustic that is just unbelievable. In my opinion.

Believe In Me

Light a Roman Candle With Me

She Doesn’t Get It – The Format

The First Single – The Format



Tunes Thursday

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I was inspired by Alexa’s post last week, featuring some of her favorite tunes and decided to do a TUNES-day Tuesday this week … but forgot to actually do it on Tuesday! Woops! So here it is on Thursday, instead. Here are a few of the songs I’ve been listening to this week – enjoy!

To get me pumped up for St. Patrick’s Day, a little Dropkick Murphys:

Something from my new favorite CD, Fun: (yes, I have concert tickets for when they come in June!)

Nicki Minaj, Starships: (sorry, don’t think the official video is out yet)

Some Mumford & Sons … not new, but in my head this week:


  Another St. Patrick’s Day Inspired Pick, Flogging Molly:

AND for all those dying for The Hunger Games movie to come out, Taylor Swift: