Music Gifting...

Music is everything…it is how I was raised.  Sometimes a song can take you right back to a special place that is pure happiness.  For me, one of those places is sitting in the back seat of my Grandpa’s silver Mark V…turbine wheels…smooth maroon leather seats…playing with my beloved “ducky” (who was kept in that particular car for me) while he played groovy tunes for me.  It was the best.  I always knew how to groove.  Head swaying to music is a sign of a good soul…and you are born with it.  I miss him every single day…his hugs…his stories…his belief that I should be a big boss someday and write novels too.  I remember always playing music for him… “Grandpa…what do you think of this?”  He was the coolest and I think the only music he didn’t like was the Trance stuff that “sounded like I was building something in my room”.  The music was never too loud.  He got it.  He played the saxophone…he was full of soul.  He always slipped me money for music and understood the urgency of needing to get to Sam Goody or Tower Records. 

One of the greatest feelings is when you find new music that speaks to you.  I was driving around this morning…summertime vibes…windows down…and something new came through the airwaves.  It made me wish that I could share it with Grandpa.  Sitting together…with a quadrophonic sound system surrounding us.  Grooving. Chatting.  I could catch him up on all of the things.  In this moment as the music wraps around and holds me…I know he is here with me…and he thinks everything is copacetic.

Rabbits Rabbits Everywhere...

Maybe this happens to everyone...but I swear the same rabbit follows me everywhere I go...there is a bunny who always gives me the side eye in my backyard...and there is one when I am in Cape May.  I swear...the bunny found me when I was in San Diego.  Or maybe it is just because I am paying more attention that I seem to notice them.  Either way...rabbit sightings have become a thing.  So I knew a few months back when I saw that a new pub like place was opening called White Rabbit Gastropub I was going to have to make my way there.  Sometimes...you just have a feeling. 

You can learn a lot about a place when you are out and about on your own.  There are lots of things that go into the evaluation of whether or not you will go back again...the beer selection is important...the vibe of the place...the music playing...but above all else...it is about the people.  In the spirit of doing the things I want to do, regardless of whether or not I have someone to do them with, I have become quite comfortable walking into places on my own.  It gets easier and I do find that there are a few things make it less traumatic for my introverted self....so I am not always the strange girl at the bar scribbling into her notebook.  Talking about music, soccer, and/or beer are ways that I do actually initiate conversations...but it does take people around you who aim to be inclusive. 

Such was the case on my solo beer adventure this past Tuesday to White Rabbit Gastropub...after finally finding the rabbit hole...I was instantly at home.  I found my way to the second level bar...picked a stool...and had a fun night of good beer and conversation.  I was instantly pulled into the chatter happening around the bar and never once felt awkward or out of place.  It was all so easy...and clear that you find the places that you are meant to find.  Plus, they let me keep a pen...so you know...since I love to write...this was a thing.  

I'm going to keep following my hunches and enjoy the rabbit holes I decide to wander down...I'm definitely on the road to somewhere...and for once...I'm not going to rush...I'm just going to enjoy the breadcrumbs that are leading me forward to the things that matter.

The Things That Matter...

I believe in signs and omens...I believe that you are not handed anything that you can't handle...I believe that you should trust the process...I believe that you should do what you love...I believe that I needed a good swift kick to remember all of these things.  We all have moments when you feel a little bit lost...but the key is not to dwell there to long.  You have to remember the things that matter.  The things that matter to you...and then all else will work its way out.  I know the things that matter to me...my family...love in my heart and soul...writing...music...soccer...beer...walking for miles...staring at trees and/or water...dates with Gym...and travel.  These are the things I need to consume myself with...not my job.  My job is the thing that allows me to enjoy all the things that matter.  I had briefly forgotten.

I was watching my favorite local band (19th Street Band) talk about and then sing their song

"The Things That Matter" and it hit me...I'm not really doing all of the things that matter to me.  It took some time to work it through...many scribbles in my journal...a few beers...some music...random epiphany inspiring conversations at my local watering hole...then a decision to put all fears aside...and just do all the things.  So, I am.  I'm going to make time for all the things...and in doing so...I'll have endless fodder for the one thing I love to do the most...write. 

Beer:  Off the Rook - RAR

Music:  I Want to Be Here - Neko Case (Case/Lang/Veirs)

Is it the boots??

Birthday Cowgirl Boots...

Early on in the summer, as soon as I knew that my boss was going to be traveling internationally around my birthday...I knew that I wanted to treat myself to a trip.  Timing wise...it was perfect.  My sister would be graduating in December.  My birthday is in January.  We were going to see my best friend (the big sister I never had) in Texas and celebrate!!  I ended up being out of the office for 12 days...some time in Texas...a day trip to Philly for the MLS Superdraft...and then more birthday fun with friends.  It was the perfect birthday week.  But, there is a price for perfect I think.  Since my time off...I have been doing a lot of thinking and planning.  My break in Texas (especially when I was up at 4am doing work emails on my birthday) got me thinking.  Is it really my job that makes me answer emails at 4am?  Or is me?  Is it how I choose to work?  I think the answer to the last two questions is yes...it is me.  So I have been working on changing how I work.  I have Texas to thank for this.  Well...Texas and a recent sick day.  Getting away is good...I'm going to do this more. Maybe next time...I won't check my email!!

Change is scary...but I am getting braver.  If I can finish a marathon...I can do anything I set my mind too.  I need to keep reminding myself of this.  I'm also learning to never say never.  I have always hated Country Music.  I was an east coast kid...schooled in Punk.  I just never got into it.  Since the Texas trip...I have been downloading lots of country music...and enjoying it.  I know, I'm still processing this.  I think maybe it is new state of mind.  Open mindedness. Well, that and my new cowgirl boots.  I think there is magic them.

A few pictures from the best birthday week ever...

Airport Reading...Sir Alex Wisdom...

Lane!!  Still miss this sweet face...

Of course we need picture in the Vera Bradley Store...

It was nice to see flowers...

Always a sucker for a pretty tree...

Amazing Views during a good walk/run... (70 degrees of Beautiful)

These were in the running...for DC United Games...am I right??

A fire pit and good friends...all one really needs...

The perfect welcome gift!!! International Travel will happen!!!

My birthday cake...made by my Mommy...

MLS Superdraft in Philly...VAMOS UNITED!!!

Philly Fun...and there was a video of me hugging our draft pick's Mom.  We also
gave his Grandma and Sister our  DC United scarves.  Very cool experience...

Lots of Laughter over my tracking my own birthday party guest list...
anyone who knows me should not be surprised by this!!

A pub...soccer...friends...all the essentials... :)

Second Morning in the Pub...next day for ManUtd vs. Chelsea... :)  

A perfect birthday...plus a few candles...with each one added...
life get's better and better. 

    

2013 Rewind (March – October): My Inaugural DC United STH Season

If I were to start from the beginning, this technically should be part of a 2012 rewind as well…at the end of the 2012 DC United Season.  I still have the sticky notes in my DC United file where I “mathed out” how much money I would save by being a Season Ticket Holder (STH).  As it turns out, what I gained was much more than what I saved (and that includes the 15% discount at the Team Store!!). 

I had no expectations other than not paying ticket processing fees and perhaps a few more events throughout the year.  As a sports fan, there is something empowering about solidifying your support for your team…so I did feel that too.  I was pledging to stand up for the Black and Red…no matter what.   It felt good.  I was truly going to be a part of the “12^th Man”…even if it was from the quiet side.  

The thing about not having expectations, is that everything is a surprise, and the result is a genuine feeling of being happy.  That is what being a soccer fan does for me.  I have written before about always being the one with the clipboard.  When it comes to soccer, I don’t have to be.  Being an STH, I found this to be even more so.  There were so many events and happenings that I would not have enjoyed otherwise.  I took great pleasure in arriving to games and events and not having to worry about anything.  All I had to do was have fun.  The results may not have been a winning MLS season, but I have so many pictures and memories of amazing times with my family and friends.

My first unexpected surprise came early in the season when I was bestowed the honor of being the April Season Ticket Holder of the Month.  It was one of those once in a lifetime experiences that I could have never dared to imagine.  My family and I got to watch the team warm-up on the pitch, we had our 15 seconds of fame up on the Jumbotron (my name in lights…and spelled correctly), we sat field level for the game, and had access to the VIP tent filled with food and beverages (best Limerita I ever had).  For the first time in my life, I wasn’t the one responsible for organizing people and happenings.  I was the one being organized.     

All of this came to be when I received a cold call from DC United in September 2012.  I usually never answer my cell phone when it rings (in fact, I don’t even have it set to ring).  I think I just happened to look over and see it blinking with an incoming call.  I answered it.  I’m glad I did.  I didn’t just math things out and decide on the spot to become a STH for the 2013 season (who does that?).  I had a fantastic conversation about the sport of soccer.  I also became fast friends with a fellow soccer enthusiast who would soon learn who the Smashing Pumpkins are.

Before moving forward to the 2014 DC United Season...here is my look back at some of my favorite moments from 2013:

Home Sweet Home in RFK...

Home Opener Tifo...

We met Nick DeLeon!!! 

On the Jumbotron...

Tailgating Happy!!! 

The plus of being on the quiet side is seeing all the Tifo...

Meet the Team Day - Lucky 13!!!

Talon!!!!

This has also doubled as my wallpaper on my work computer....

At the tunnel at half time...

First DC United Away Game - US Open Cup vs. Chicago Fire

On the bus to Jersey!!!

Flag Wavin' at Red Bulls Arena...

We won the cup!!!

Tailgating with Friends...one of several gatherings at RFK...
I should have taken a picture from when I nearly filled two rows in my section!!

Me...with the Cup...and Chris Korb!!!

I finished a Marathon and made it to RFK in time!!!

2013 Rewind (December): Philly...

It was the perfect December weekend...soccer watching, morning run by the water, snow, shopping, and more soccer watching.  As I have written before, following my first favorite soccer team, takes me to new and interesting places.  The Terps made it again to the semi-finals of the NCAA championship, which this year was held at PPL Park in Chester, PA.  I have been there several times to see the Philly Union, but had never ventured into the city.  I had a few things on my list...watching the Terps win, a morning run by the water, walking to Starbucks for coffee, and running up the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art.  I'm good with lists. We are very lucky soccer fans actually, most of time we end up at the right place at the right time.  What we didn't realize was that we booked the same hotel that was hosting the College Cup...so imagine our surprise when we walked in the lobby to check-in and the entire Maryland Team and Coaching Staff were there.  No big deal.  Coach Sasho chatting with Taylor Twellman.  As a soccer fan, it was pretty much amazing and awkward.  We are the random fans of Maryland who make no sense...and someday I will figure out how to explain how following this sport and this team changed everything for my family and I.

The Terps beat University of Virginia on Friday night...and we were elated.  We were in the stands with several PA youth soccer coaches and I was distilling all my knowledge about which players played with which MLS academy teams.  It is scary how many factoids I am starting to retain.  They were also cheering on several terps who are from PA.  We were on to the next round...which was further than last year...we would play Notre Dame on Sunday afternoon. That Friday night at the hotel bar, Coach Sasho and a few of his crew ended up sitting at a table next to us.  It was crazy...I offered him our extra chair. I had the pleasure of working out in the gym with the Notre Dame Coach Bobby Clark on Sunday AM.  Both Clark and Sasho have ties to Sir Alex Ferguson.  I was in awe.  Clark was calm and focused walking on the treadmill...I think I had a feeling then.  Our terps lost later that afternoon...but I was so proud.  Of their character, of their growth during the season, of everything.  There is a reason why they are my first favorite.

My pictorial list of fun in Philly...

PPL Park has the prettiest views...it never disappoints...so much stadium envy.

Club Level watching Notre Dame vs. New Mexico

A Club Level Selfie...times three....

 

The line up...had to watch the Terps outside...can't mess with tradition...

On our walk to Starbucks...a sign that we picked the right location for our first international trip!!

A perfect morning run...so peaceful with snow flurries...

In the city of brotherly love...a sister who DOOPs while in Philly and one who is always Black and Red.

Snow and Xmas Decorations...does it get any better?

 

Perfect time of year....

Shopping in the Snow...I was in heaven...

Watching Manchester United at the Hotel Bar...and yes...I chatted with Taylor Twellman when he passed by!!

Beautiful Morning...

I even found a Moose!!

When in Philly...

That's me in Red...a perfect moment...to celebrate how amazing 2013 was!!

Mommy (aka the Bear) and Me....

Almost Go Time...

 

The Line Up...

Maryland...My Maryland...