It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Round the World:

The 33 most beautiful abandoned places in the world.

Climbing the Ladder:

Never forget another name again.

The most epic resignation letter ever.

Wine Me, Dine Me:

Homemade caramel sauce – in your slow cooker! What the what?!?

Out and About:

For all you peeps who aren’t going phishing this weekend:

Friday Fun:

Frank Manzi will be playing Bentley’s Bistro in East Longmeadow 8pm to midnight. For those of you who don’t know Frank, be prepared for some amazing tunes. Bentley’s is the old Fusion restaurant.

For you kiddos out in the boondocks, John Cantalini will be tearing it up solo at Teresa’s in Ware starting at 7:30pm. Go for the food, stay for the music.

Looking to get your country on?? Truck Stop Troubadours will be rocking their Hillbilly Revival at Salvatore’s in Springfield.

Saturday Shenanigans:

The Kings will be rocking The Southwick Inn. Strap on your dancing shoes and boogie on down. Show starts at 10pm.

The Shamrock is kicking off Halloween a little early with DJ Supercold. Costume contest, drink specials, and your favorite old school tracks.

Giggles and Such:

45 singalongs to get you through your Friday.

Have a great weekend!

The Awkward Way to Start Your Day…

Last month I got to spend an amazing week down in Myrtle Beach, SC.

While there, I was reminded how very different the behavior of Americans can be based on their geographical background.

If you’ve never experienced it, Southern Hospitality is in fact a real thing.

Walking down the street in Myrtle Beach, the majority of people you pass will make eye contact, smile, and say hello.

It takes a little getting used to at first.

There were times I purposefully avoided eye contact to avoid an interaction.

However, from what I could tell, this cue does not deter the Southern “Hey, how ya doin?” nor the subsequent conversation.

Which can be tedious and extremely annoying depending on how bad your Southerner is at picking up social cues.

Overall though, I really enjoy the friendly, outgoing manners down South.

Coming back to good ole Massachusetts was certainly an adjustment!

My office building has about 20 floors with various companies.

Meaning, when you get on the elevator, chances are it’s full of strangers.

Strangers who all seem to find their shoes or their phone immensely interesting.

Some mornings I just want to start a sing along and see what happens.

When did ignoring the people around you become the polite thing to do??

I know you did not just get a super important email!!

Your screen is giant!

Everyone can see you’re on Facebook!

It’s okay to smile at your fellow man.

Shit, you can even say “Good Morning”.

I promise they won’t bite. At least I won’t 🙂

Are you one of those people in the elevator?

Or do you say “Hello” to whoever crosses your path??

Do you prefer the lack of interaction or do you wish people were more friendly?

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Dollars + Sense:

Get into a little feeder-bender? 6 ways to reduce your car insurance rates after an accident.

Looking for some financial freedom?? Try making these counter-cultural decisions.

Body Lovin’:

The science of napping.

Got a serious case of CRS? 7 tricks to help you remember anything.

Climbing the Ladder:

On the job hunt?? 8 ways to make a great first impression when you land that interview.

Out and About:

Friday Fun:

For all you Phans out there impatiently waiting for Fall Tour, check out 7 Below at The Main Pub in Manchester, CT. Show starts at 9pm. $7 at the door.

Looking for an evening of good eats and good tunes?? Check out John Cantalini at La Cucina in Hampden, MA. Music starts at 7:30pm.

Wormtown Music Festival at Camp Kee-Wanee in Greenfield, MA kicks off Friday night with sets by Turkuaz, Ryan Montbleau (featuring special guest Primate Fiasco), Rusted Root and many more! Festival runs Friday thru Sunday. Tickets are $120 at the gate.

Saturday Shenanigans:

Bangfield will be rocking their own brand of hip hop/rock/funk/reggae at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton.

Sunday Funday:

Feeling nostalgic for Jerry?? Then head down to Sonny’s Place in Somer, CT for the Lobsterz from Mars. Free outdoor show from 1pm – 5pm.

Giggles and Such:

Have a great weekend!

May the Force be with You

I don’t like hearing “no”.

I know, I know, who does?!?

It’s not that I’ve never been told I couldn’t have what I want.

Trust me, that happens far more frequently than you’d think.

But, I was raised to believe, if you want something bad enough, you work your ass off to make it happen, and you don’t stop until you reach your goal.

The trouble with that mindset is it doesn’t always work so well with people.

Most people, once they have their mind made up, are very hard to budge.

I’m not a closer.

I’d be terrible at sales.

I hear “no” and get so frustrated I don’t have another course of action.

I can’t see any solution to change that “no” to a “yes”.

Cajoling and pleading only work sometimes.

And a pretty smile might open a few doors, but that’s about it.

I feel powerless when someone shuts me down.

Like I lost my ability to influence my world.

Like my choices are taken away.

It makes me wish for magical powers.

If only I could harness The Force!

I wouldn’t abuse my power.

The Jedi Mind Trick would only be employed during desperate situations.

Tragic stalemates where neither party can find a way out of the corners they’ve backed themselves into.

Maybe once or twice to see future lottery numbers or to mess with unassuming bystanders.

How funny would it be to make someone’s table levitate and turn circles mid-meal at a restaurant??

That’s just good, clean fun!

Have you ever really changed someone’s mind?

Or did you just wear them down to the point where they’d agree to anything just to get you to shut up?

Do you think it’s even possible to change someone’s mind??

What magical power do you wish you had?!

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Climbing the Ladder:

You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em. How to tell is it’s time to move on.

Get Cultured:

11 untranslatable words from other countries. My favorite is waldeinsamkeit. Now if I could only figure out how to pronounce it!

Body Lovin’:

Spine and neck pain got you down? Try these 8 yoga poses to cure your cervical issues.

Wine Me, Dine Me:

Your new favorite tuna sandwich.

Looking for Love:

Hot date with a new boo?? Here are 50 questions to ask to see if they’re the one for you.

Out and About:

Friday Fun:

It’s a beautiful night to watch a movie under the stars! Big is playing in Colt Park in Hartford. Show starts at 7pm.

Darik and The Funbags will be rocking out upstairs at Max Cap in Chicopee. $10 cover. 10pm start LA Looks will be kicking the party off at 9pm downstairs.

For all you deadheads The Dead Show is at Theodore’s tonight. Never a cover and the best bbq in town!

The Apple Jam starts tonight in Bondsville, MA. If you love good music and like your festivals to be on the smaller more intimate level this one’s for you! Only $40 at the gate.

Saturday Shenanigans:

The Marks Brothers will be at The Austrian Donau Club in New Britain.

The Alchemystics are teaming up with Satellite Rockers to blow the doors off Tammany Hall in Worcester. $10 at the door. Doors open at 9pm. Music starts at 10pm.

The Apple Jam continues Saturday with a killer line-up – The Kings, Mutherload, and South Catherine Street Jug Band will all be rocking out along with many more. When’s the last time you paid only $40 for a festie??

Giggles and Such:

Have a great weekend!

Pay it Forward

“It’s in our interest to take care of others. Self-centredness is opposed to basic human nature. In our own interest as human beings we need to pay attention to our inner values. Sometimes people think compassion is only of help to others, while we get no benefit. This is a mistake. When you concern yourself with others, you naturally develop a sense of self-confidence. To help others takes courage and inner strength.” ~Dalia Lama

I feel as though I’ve been particularly self-centered lately.

Several events transpired to form a perfect shit-storm; effectively stressing me to the breaking point and putting me in quite the tailspin for the past few weeks.

Said events aren’t exactly settled.

But I’m beginning to remember I have a plethora of absolutely wonderful things in my life to be grateful for.

Any one of which, is enough on their own, to elicit enormous amounts of gratitude.

But I have a habit of focusing on the things I don’t have, rather than those I do. (I want everything, all at once, right now!)

Over the weekend, I was reminded, no matter what I think is going horribly wrong or is irreparably damaged in my life, I still have it pretty damn good.

I was the recipient of a thousand (not actual number but there were far, far, far too many to count) acts of kindness.

Acts of kindness that went above and beyond any threshold of friendship.

Acts of kindness I will probably never get the chance to repay (even if repayment would be accepted).

The words to express how very grateful I am escape me and I cannot fathom how to even begin to reciprocate the kindness I was shown.

So I’m going to do the only thing I can think of to show the Universe, I do indeed know how blessed I am, even if sometimes I forget.

For the month of September I will be paying it forward.

At least once a day, but every chance I get, I will perform an act of kindness.

They might be random acts of kindness.

They might even be for some of you.

Every day for thirty days I will try to make someone else remember, they too are blessed. That even though not every day is good, there is good in every day.

Maybe, if I remind enough other people, I’ll remember it myself the next time that shit-storm comes blowing through.

It’s Finally Friday!!! (sort of…)

Quote of the Day:

Love + Sex:

Breaking up is hard to do.

Climbing the Ladder:

Not all “mistakes” are created equal.

Creative juices running low? Here are 4 articles and 6 TED talks to get your creativity flowing.

Body Lovin’:

Did you know baking soda can do almost anything??

For all you new mommas – the ultimate guide to organic formula.

Following Your Dreams:

Scratch that itch.

Out and About:

Thirsty Thursday:

Roomful of Blues will be rocking Stearns Square for Bike Night this week. Come soak up the end of summer. Music starts at 8pm.

If you love The Dead the Space Ballroom in Hampden, CT is the place to be. $12 at the door. Show starts at 9pm.

Friday Fun:

For my CT homies:

The Muppet Movie will be playing in Elizabeth Park in Hartford at 7pm.

Lucid will be at Stella Blues in New Haven. If you haven’t seen these guys yet you’re in for a treat! Lucid serves up a blend of funky, jazzy, reggae rock guaranteed to get you on your feet!

For my Western Mass peeps:

The John Cantalini Band will be rocking The Sky Box in Southwick.

Saturday Shenanigans:

Got the blues?? Rich Badowski Blues Band will be at The Waterfront in Holyoke.

Looking to get saved Saturday night? Reverend Dan and The Dirty Catechism CD Release Party is at The Elevens in Northampton, MA. Baptism starts at 8pm.

Feeling nostalgic for flannel and JNCO jeans?? Head out to the Southwick Inn to see your favorite 90’s cover band Gnome Sane.

Giggles and Such:

Drink to excess in Texas.

Have a great week(end)!

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Get Cultured:

24 words you probably don’t know you’re saying wrong.

Climbing the Ladder:

For when it all goes sideways; worst case scenario planning.

Just got a new gig? Not going the way you expected?? How to move on after only a few months.

Home Sweet Home:

Body Lovin’:

Does your 9-5 keep you sitting all day? This backbend sequence is for you!

Everybody poops. What yours is telling you about your body.

Out and About:

Friday Fun:

Get your Hitchcock on at Riverside Park in Hartford. Birds is playing from 7pm – 10pm

Ketch-Fyre is rocking the house up at Monty’s in Chicopee. You don’t want to miss these guys! Their secret weapon bangs the drums. She’s a girl! She’s super talented!! And she’s only 16!!! Keep your eye on this one kids.

Saturday Shenanigans:

The place to be this Saturday is Theodore’s!! Turkuaz will be bringing some serious funk. This 10 piece ensemble will also be celebrating the birthday of a dear friend. Guaranteed good time or your money back!!

Sunday Funday:

The Kings will be rocking The Wales Irish Pub from 3pm – 7pm. Good food and great tunes outside on the patio- always an awesome way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Giggles and Such:

Having one of those days? Can’t seem to catch a break?? Check out the Shiba Inu puppy cam. If it doesn’t make you smile just a little, I don’t know what will!

Have a great weekend!

Grow A Pair

Life can be pretty fucking scary sometimes.

There are so many unknown variables.

Things that could go horribly wrong.

But things could also go amazingly right.

It’s easy to decide something is too hard, that it couldn’t possibly work out and turn your back on the incredible opportunities life has to offer.

The trouble is, when you stop taking chances, decide that nothing ever turns out right, close yourself off from forming meaningful connections – you might as well be dead.

You become an empty shell, a walking/talking/breathing zombie.

Aimlessly living your life.

Accidentally bumping into whatever crosses your path. Never reaching out to hold on to anything or anyone.

Content in your assumption that while something or someone might make you happy for a moment it’s certain to end in disaster.

So you pull away.

You hide out in your empty shell. Every once in awhile giving it a new coat of shellac so no one notices how dull your eyes have become.

You miss out on the best that life has to offer.

You become a coward.

It’s not the end of the world though.

You don’t have to remain one.

Grow a pair.

Take a chance.

The regrets of the dying aren’t the things they wish they didn’t do.

It’s the ones they wish they had.

Speaking of the dying, for those of us who have lost loved ones far too soon, we have a special obligation to live the fullest life possible.

An obligation to make sure we grab life in heaping handfuls.

Never forgetting what a precious gift we’ve been given.

No one gets a do-over.

Second chances are finite.

Even if you believe in re-incarnation – you never get to live the same life twice.

So don’t squander it.

It’s Finally Friday!!! (sort of..)

Adventures in Adulthood is going on vacation!!

And not a minute too soon!

I need some serious fun in the sun in my life.

Don’t worry!

We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming August 21st.

If you miss us terribly, feel free to dig up some of your past faves from the archives and give ’em another read 🙂

Quote of the Day:

Climbing the Ladder:

Just start a new gig?? Five tips to becoming the ideal co-worker.

Trying to get an introduction?? How to ask like a pro.

Techie Love:

Are you addicted to Facebook?? 16 reasons to sign off and go live your life!!

Wine Me, Dine Me:

Think cooking is hard?? Learn to cook in 90 seconds!

Round the World:

Is there a road trip in your summer plans?? How to stay healthy while on the road and 10 free apps that will make for smooth sailing.

Inspirational:

Growing up is hard to do and anyone who tells you there’s a point when you stop growing is full of baloney. Here are 7 signs you’re on the road to becoming a better person.

Body Lovin’:

Forgot you couldn’t party like a college student anymore?? Don’t worry, you’re not actually dying, it just feels that way. Try these yoga poses to take the edge off that hangover.

Out and About:

Sick of hearing that whiny, “I’m bored”?? Pack those brats in the car and head to Old Sturbridge Village. Kids 17 and under get free admission for the month of August.

Thirsty Thursday

The Truckstop Troubadours will be headlining Stearns Square tomorrow night. For those of you who have been living under rocks in Western Mass., Springfield puts on a concert each Thursday during the summer, otherwise known as “Bike Night”. The outdoor concert usually starts around 8pm. The Troubadours will also be playing down the street at Theodore’s once the outdoor show is over.

Friday Fun:

For my Connecticut homies:

Goonies never say die! Really wish I was going to be in town for this one!! The Goonies at Goodwin Park. Free popcorn provided by Stew Leonards (the best grocery store EVER), face painting, and a Truffle Shuffle competition! I repeat, a Truffle Shuffle competition!!

For my Western Mass peeps:

Wayne Morphew & The Glorious Unknown will be rocking out at Theodore’s. If you haven’t checked these guys out yet you won’t be disappointed!!

Saturday Shenanigans:

Need an excuse to head down to the beach this weekend?? Baird Souls will be rocking the Windjammer down in Misquamicut. And everyone knows it’s not really summer until you party on the beach! So throw on your cutest suit and boogie on down.

Another shindig I really wish I was going to be around for 😦 Tony Lee Thomas (featuring one of my absolute favorites – the lovely Miss Jenny Porter) will be at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton. I also hear there will be a smorgasbord of super talented musicians collaborating to kick the evening off. Don’t miss this one kids!! Show starts at 10pm.

Giggles and Such:

Ever had your palm read? Learn the basics and impress your friends!

Things millennial girls love.

Have a great week(end)!