Grapefest Weekend

This weekend was Grapefest. One of the biggest surprises I've had down here is that Texans not only grow and produce their own wine... they actually love drinking it too. They love it so much, they dedicate an entire event to doing just that.

Grapefest is basically a huge block party. They shut down an entire street in the middle of Grapevine and turn it into a giant fair – with wine tents and grape stomping activities scattered throughout. Everyone told me that the actual State Fair at the end of the month is triple the size, but this was plenty big enough for me. 

We signed up for the 7pm wine tasting which was (of course) at the complete opposite end of the 2 mile stretch of fair grounds… and we were late. Thankfully, I spent the last few years in Boston, where people can duck and weave through crowds like champions. Even still… by the time we checked in, got our tiny souvenir glasses and started down the path towards the tasting, we were already a half hour behind. It didn’t help that we took a wrong turn at one point on our way and ended up in a behind-the-scenes glass blowing contest. I’m sadly not kidding. We looked like lost tourists, clutching our tasting books and whispering, “How the heck did we end up here?” and “Hmm… This seems wrong." Ya think?

We did, however, finally make it there, and the tasting ended up being a blast. Some of the Texan wine was actually quite good… though, some was not. I distinctly remember one peach wine that I casually poured out onto the grass after the first sip, avoiding all eye contact with the wine producer as I did so. 

After the tasting, we met back up with our group of friends and started the trek back to our car. Along the way, my liquid courage bubbled up a bit... and the next thing I knew, I was standing in a line waiting for “The Zipper”… which was by far the most terrifying carney ride I’ve ever seen. This thing spins around in the air, as your chair flips and flips and flips. I don't know who dared who... but in the end, I was sitting in a tiny caged in seat next to one of the guys in our group, praying that the door of this thing wouldn't fly open in flight. It didn't help that the only thing keeping the door shut was a tiny metal pin. Safe. It also did not help that we were hands down the oldest people on the ride. About two spins in and the ride controller had to stop the entire thing to scold me for holding on to the side of the cage instead of the front... obviously.

To end the night we headed to McFaddens just outside of Dallas to celebrate "Halfway to St. Patty's Day" with green beer and more shamrock shaped decorations that I think all of Boston has in the actual St. Patty's Day parade.

Only in Texas.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Only five more days until I'm back in Boston / Newport for a long (and necessary) weekend away. I absolutely cannot wait! 

Cheers.

Speaking of Country Music

My newest obsessions...  

 

... Such a romantic.

Part Two: "Texas"

I guess it's about time I update this thing... because the "big-scary-grownup-holycrapIactuallyhavetodothis" move is done. I'm here. I’m a “Texan". Now, there's a sentence I never thought I'd say...

My trip down here was interesting. I held it together for the onslaught of goodbyes that our group of friends went through during my last weekend in Boston. I held it together when I sat down in my empty room... after all of my furniture had been packed up and shipped south. I even held it together as we drove out of Brighton and I took one last long look at that “Gone with the Wind” house and the balcony that two years ago I saw and knew I couldn’t live without… 

"The house... it brings you luck" - prior resident
(here's to hoping they're right)

It’s funny when certain moments hit you. Like a wall. A brick wall. Suddenly, I’m at the airport, throwing up the Jay-Z HOV in airport security… and that’s when it happened. That’s when every emotion I felt for the last six months came spewing out of me in a fit of hysteria that I can only describe as “scream crying”. I looked back and saw both my parents say, “We love you”, and I didn’t have a chance. I didn't even have time to be embarrassed. The best part came when the security guard took it upon himself to inform me that, “we can’t actually see you naked in this body scanner”… Not why I’m crying buddy. 

Four hours later, I stepped off the plane (a hot mess might I add) and onto Texan soil. 

Endless boots in Fort Worth, TX

Let me stop right here and confirm what everyone is wondering... Yes, Texas is it's own little world! More and more people are moving to this state, and people from here can't get enough of it. They know every existing state fact, right down to the state bird, nut, tree, flower... and on more than one occasion, someone has told me that Texas is the only state that can voluntarily secede from the Union if they decide to do so. Um, what? What's funny is it all makes total sense when you start to pick up on the culture down here... a culture that is unlike any other place I've ever been!

The other day I drove past a liquor store with a drive through. It's like they are promoting drunk driving while at the same time providing fantastic convenience for their customers. I'm not sure if I should be appalled or thrilled by that... So, obviously I drove through. Right next to said liquor store was a mattress outlet that used God as the main appeal in their marketing scheme. Now, I've seen a lot of ridiculous advertising, but shouldn't something as sacred as religion be well... sacred? Besides, don't Catholics have enough guilt without having to worry about the big guy not loving them because they didn't buy tempurpedic? 

Don't get me wrong... I may complain about the driving and the construction... and the fact that I'm 1,700 miles away from my friends & family... but I do actually find myself enjoying many things about this place. The guacamole is unreal, and the margaritas make me seriously reconsider my distaste for tequila. Plus, I could listen to country music all day long, and the freedom to travel around and explore new areas outside of Dallas is pretty cool. Just last weekend, when Grace and mom were here visiting, I experienced my first ever rodeo! Can't find bull riding like that in Boston.

Western Saddles as bar stools

I promise to stay more on top of this going forward... I really do appreciate the support from everyone! Even if all you do is read my blog and laugh at my jokes (or tell me you laugh at my jokes)... well, that's enough. Thanks for everything. Something tells me this ride is far from over... so stay tuned!

Oh, and here's a few apartment pics... it's finally a home! 

 

Cheers for now

Two weeks to go...

I think CMR (soon to be CML) said it best the other day, “I am exhausted by my lifestyle.” The last two months have been just that… exhausting. Here’s a quick recap:

Two successful trips to Texas. A long weekend in Newport with my family… followed by a weekend on the Cape with the girls. Two weddings and one crazy bachelorette party. A weekend on the boat in Lakeville. All topped off with a Red Sox / Yankees game with my dad this Saturday. Sprinkle in numerous ice cream dates, too many happy hours to count, about a dozen family dinners in Brighton, after-work riding lessons with Parker and one beautiful engagement and you can see why coffee seems to be in a constant supply (and demand) these last few weeks. 

Red Sox game with D

Vineyard tour - Greenvale

With the rush and commotion of this life we’ve all thrown ourselves into, I’ve found very little time to sleep, let alone write. In fact, the only writing I’ve done in the past few months has been a compilation of lists – mapping out all the things I cannot forget to do before I leave for Texas. Things like find a new apartment (check), buy furniture for said apartment (check) and schedule the movers and a one-way ticket south (check and check)… and so on. 

Along with all that fun, I’ve been trying to spend every waking minute with my friends, family and everyone in my life who has made these last few years as meaningful and significant as they have been. I probably don’t have to tell you all this… but each and every one of you has shaped the life that I’m living today. You’ve all made me feel so incredibly brave about this move, and on top of everything else, so loved. Sometimes I think I’m crazy to be moving away from such a support system… but isn’t that the point of life? These relationships built up my backbone… so that one day (two weeks from now) I can board that plane and feel confident that this change will only make me a stronger person. 

Newport, RI

Enough of that mushy stuff for one day though… I’m sure there will be plenty more to come over the next few weeks…

My loving arms are for you...

"Spent all week waiting.
Now my mind's on you.
Hold my loving arms,
my loving arms are for you."

Congratulations to Meg & Jon on the most beautiful wedding in Newport, RI last weekend! There are certain couples that you know are meant to be together forever. Those that love each other unconditionally with a fire so sincere and real. It's been an absolute privilege to be so close to two such amazing people these last six years, and I was more than honored to stand up there with you both when you said your vows. You guys set the standard for true love. You keep us all believing that it does in fact exist in this crazy world. 

"I won't give up on us. Even if the skies get rough.
I'm giving you all my love. I'm still looking up.
Still looking up."

 

I should be sleeping...

I should be sleeping. I should be exhausted. This last month has been an absolute whirlwind, which should have me pining for the comfort of my own bed and an actual 8 hours of sleep... but instead I'm wide awake. I'm thinking about everything that's coming in the next two months. That's it! That's all that's left! Packing, moving, a new apartment, an empty room in Boston where my whole life used to reside. I'm thinking about how different my life is now, compared to a year ago. A year ago, I was exactly where I thought I would be after college. I was surrounded by friends and family. I could pack the car and make a day trip to my parent's house in CT on a complete whim... and I never worried about falling asleep in an empty house because there never was one. In two months... well, I guess I don't need to tell you that a day trip to CT is out of the question.

When it comes right down to it, this was my choice. Nobody signed those papers for me. This is what I wanted. Want. I need to stay in present tense. I want this. I want to challenge myself. To prove that I am not only capable of moving across the country alone, but also able to enjoy it. Then why does it keep me up every night?

Don't let people just happen to you...

I love this quote.

Darling honestly...

This is maybe the cutest song I've heard in a while...

 

Wanderlust

A few photos from our most recent adventure in London & Paris... 

Big Ben & Parliament

Westminster Abby - Palm Sunday Mass anyone?

Top of St. Paul's Cathedral

Lovers Lock Bridge, Paris

Notre Dame

the cutest...

The Louvre

Picnic under the Eiffel Tower

and then it started to rain... and we started to run...

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Montmartre paintings

delicious...

London love

Stay Cool

This pretty much sums it up... 

Oh, and stay cool through the tough times... they can't last forever.

Texas in less than four months. Deep breaths. I hope they're ready for me :)

Rate that...

After a midnight wake up last Thursday from two of my favorite people… followed by a conversation that went from comforting after my rough week, to just plain strange & hysterical… I was told that “Raw Dog Rotaries” (not even a little bit close to Raw Bars to Rodeos, but good effort) was a dumb blog because it lacked the social maturity of “BarStool Sports”. What a weird way to kick me when I’m down, right? Anyways, the conversation went on to a much more positive tone; however, it got me thinking. Since I’ve always been the type of person to use criticism in a constructive fashion, I figured I should heed this wise advice. I was going to copy the "Guess that Ass" game from the beloved BarStool; however, 90% of my followers know this person (gosh, there are so many of you). So here it is folks... Raw Bars to Rodeos’ very first (and potentially very last) “Rate That Ass” post. Please feel free to leave your rating comments below. 

Oh, and to the owner of this backside... thanks for being such a good sport. If you're not, well, I guess this is for the water on the ceiling, the wooden signs in my bed and every time you've gotten me with the "hiding and jumping out of a dark room" game.

Cheers everyone! Happy Weekend!

Sometimes...

Sometimes life is overwhelming. Sometimes I feel like I make all the wrong choices for all the right reasons. Sometimes I work myself up over the smallest things because what's really terrifying me is too much to think about....

And sometimes... I just need a little of this to brighten my crummy mood:

sleepy yawn...

Paris on my mind...

We booked our tickets to Paris! After talking about visiting this city for the last five years, I am finally booked! The ticket is non-refundable, so there's no turning back now. Plus, I think my whole heart would break if these plans fell through again.

At the end of last summer, one of our roommates packed up her life and moved across the Atlantic to my old stompin' grounds: London! After the last few months apart, we realized there was only so much Skype a person can take, and we decided we were due for some actual face time. My list of to-do's once we get there is endless. I miss everything about London: the pubs, the accents, the architecture! To say I'm just excited seems like a gross understatement.    

Most of this trip will take place in England, but in the middle of the week the four of us are hopping the chunnel for a romantic getaway to Paris! Well, it will probably be less about romance and much more about eating all the incredible french food that city has to offer... wandering for hours through the Louvre... spending way too much money - because in my mind Euros are fake (until I see my bank statements)... and most likely frustrating an entire population by our complete ignorance of the French language. The good news is, I hear they really like Americans over there. 

Jokes… looks like I'll be hitting up Google Translate again. 

Cheers for now!

My Saturday Morning Dates...

Over the last few years, Saturdays have become a cherished routine - a date with Parker & my riding trainer that I look forward to after a stressful week at the office.

It isn't always easy to drag my not-such-a-morning-person butt out of bed at 7 am after a late Friday night… but once I’m at the stables, all seems right again. I’ve been riding for the last fifteen years of my life (wow that statement makes me feel old)… so I think part of it may be the nostalgic feeling I get when I see the lesson kids dragging their pony’s around a miniature sized jump course... or practicing their dressage tests before a show. However, I think the biggest part is how it feels to let go of the bustle of the city for a few hours and forget about “real life”.

Parker in the outdoor dressage ring...

I honestly believe everyone needs an escape like this... something that gets their mind off the stress of a job, school, etc. For me, riding is just that – a welcomed interruption to the 8-5 lifestyle that I have so comfortably slipped into since college graduation. When I'm there, I'm not thinking about anything else. I'm focused. I'm relaxed.

Don’t get me wrong, riding has proven to be just as difficult and frustrating as anything else… and I’ve certainly had some terrifying moments in my riding career (as my mother can surely attest to witnessing)… but that’s exactly what makes it worth every second. It's not about the falls or the tears - and believe me there have been many of both over the years - it's the moment when everything just clicks and the movement that has been practiced over and over is finally perfected.

Plus, how could you not love this face...

Clearly the feeling isn't mutual...

I hope everyone has a very happy & relaxing weekend. Cheers for now...

Vermont Getaway

A few snapshots & stories from my weekend in Vermont with Grace...

As soon as I got to VT on Saturday afternoon, we hopped back into the car and drove up to the Burton flagship store. After about an hour wandering around and trying on all of Burton's new gear, we headed outside for a "Rail Jam". In case you're wondering, Grace and I did not partake in the actual event... just the free hot chocolate. This we followed with Thai food, champagne and a night which made me miss college even more than I already do...

the evolution of the snowboard

After a late night, the 8 am alarm wasn't exactly welcomed; however, we dragged ourselves out of bed anyways and headed to the mountain. No regrets. We spent all day Sunday at Stowe, where we showed off just how "steezy" (style with ease) we are/aren't on the slopes. It always amazes me how awkward I feel at first... compared to how natural it feels to have a snowboard attached to my feet at the end of the day. After a full six hours of shredding (snowboarding term for being awesome), we packed it up and headed back to the apartment. On our way, we swung by the Vermont Cabot store. My weekend discovery: Vermont LOVES giving away free cheese. Which fits in rather nicely with my love for cheese and free things...

Summit of Stowe

Last run of the day

  
Monday, we went on a hiking adventure just outside of Burlington. The trails wrap around a working farm which produces its own bread, pastries, cheese, etc... (more free samples, yum!)

the farm barn

The area was beautiful, despite the freezing temps, and the uphill climb was well worth it for the view of Lake Champlain and the mountains in the backdrop.

hiking trails

Lake Champlain

Overall, it was a perfect weekend... I love spending time with Grace and all the ridiculous situations we get ourselves into along the way. I had little interest in driving the four hours back to Boston this evening... back to real life tomorrow.

Cheers for now.