St. Patrick's Day Fun

St. Patrick’s Day

Origin of St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Will you be celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day with a feast and religious services? Maybe attending a parade? Hopefully you will at least wear green. We have veered a bit here in North America from how the Irish originally paid tribute to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. It is said that Ireland has adopted some of the traditions created here in America for the sake of tourism (smart), however the shenanigans were not an original part of the tribute. Leave it to Americans to dye our rivers green (Chicago) even though the original color of the holiday was blue, and to get langers on green beer wearing shamrock headbands and green tights to celebrate what was once a religious holiday.

March 17th (the day Saint Patrick died) - While we revel in leprechaun pranks and corned beef, in Ireland there are feasts and religious ceremonies. The Irish form of tribute on this holiday is more aligned with the patron saint himself, as he was most honored for his mission work and for converting mass quantities of people to Christianity.

Trivia

Do you know the difference between the 4 leaf clover and a shamrock?
A 4 leaf clover is considered lucky because they are difficult to find and are known to represent faith, luck, hope, and love . A shamrock represents St. Patrick’s day as it dates back to the religious origins and represents the holy trinity, father son and Holy Spirit.

Speak like a leprechaun (or an Irishman/woman)

Words for the pub

Descriptions for people you know

When you are “hungry enough to eat the 12 apostles”

Things to do on St. Patrick’s Day

• Watch a parade

• Participate in it attend a themed fun run

• Eat corned beef, cabbage, and red potatoes Corned Beef Dinner Recipe, Delish.com

• Decorate (the dollar store has great decorations) Dollor Store Decorations

• Use Irish slang

• Participate in or attend St. Baldrick’s Event near you

• Make meals themed in green Green food ideas

• Wear green!
  

  To find a parade in your area, just search “st patrick’s day parades in (your town).” It’s wise to search a couple weeks early since some will occur prior to the holiday.

  I also like to search for promotions such as themed meals at restaurants, seasonal treats, and so forth. I love a “limited time offer!” If you are old enough and enjoy a beer or two, pubs and bars often have a green beer deal going on either the weekend before or on March 17th .

  You know Pinterest will have all sorts of ideas for meals, outfits, games, and more.
  
  

  Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!
  

Music Festival Fun

Taking the Mystery Out of Music Festivals

Attending a music festival is FUN. Once you know what to do, where to go, what to bring, how it all works. There are multiple ways to approach a festival and everyone will do it their own way, but there are guidelines to make it more enjoyable. I am no expert (I’ve only attended one) but I know who to go to for the best information. I felt completely prepared for my first one, only because I had asked around. The effort is completely worth it! Festivals are an incredible, safe way to see talented musicians and multiple concerts in one place. Some of the shows have very small crowds, which is a dream come true when seeing live music.

Logistics

Which Tickets Do I Need?

Festivals often offer various ticket options. If you only want to go one day, check out which bands are playing each day (I know, duh) but also consider whether or not you want to stay in a hotel more than one night and other factors along those lines.

Parking and Transportation

If you are driving yourself, parking can be a big deal. Search ahead of time online where the good places to park in the are will be. You don’t want to get caught in a situation where you either can’t find a spot or you are paying much more than you intended to.

Using something like Uber or Lyft can be the safest, hassle free way to get to any major event. They can drop you right at hte entrance and you won’t have to worry about parking or getting to/from the event from your parking spot.

What To Bring

If you don’t have a plastic (or) see-through bag, you’ll need one if you’re bringing more than what fits in your pockets.

Minimalists: wallet, phone, sunglasses, sweatshirt/light jacket

Practicalists: wallet, phone, sunglasses, sweatshirt/light jacket, poncho if it might rain, lip gloss/chapstick

Go-Getters: wallet, phone, sunglasses, sweatshirt/light jacket, poncho if it might rain, lip gloss/chapstick, binoculars, hat, sunscreen

Tickets

You can search for festivals, there is always at least one coming up. The sooner you catch an upcoming festival the better chance you have of getting tickets you want. For example, maybe you only want a ticket for one day at Bottlerock - you’ll want to get that option of a ticket before they sell out. One day tickets are often the first to go.

YOU CAN ATTEND THE AMOUNT OF DAYS YOU CHOOSE AND THE PRICE IS ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY. Once I learned I could pay less and only go one day I was in! This saved me money on the hotel, food, and obviously tickets. However! The benefit to getting multiple day tickets is that the per day price goes down.

Overnight Accommodations

Hotels are often extremely expensive and run out of rooms far in advance of the weekend of a music festival. If there is any way you can stay in a nearby town (basically, if you or someone you are with will be sober enough to drive or if you can use a ride share option) this is by far the most cost efficient way to go.

Many people camp. Campsites are even quite expensive near a festival, so plan accordingly. Additionally, they book up far in advance.

What to Expect

There are multiple ways to enjoy a festival. In addition to the multiple stage options at any given time, there are also food stations, games, relaxation areas, demonstrations, dance areas such as silent discos, and more.
Most festivals have an app, all have a website. Go on a couple weeks before (and probably many times up until the event) and start looking at the schedules and layout of the festival if there's a map. It is recommended to at least plan out a couple major shows you want to see so you don’t miss them and then for the rest you can see what looks fun once you’re there. But if there are things you absolutely don’t want to miss, you need to know what time and where to be.
Bring cash, but vendors accept alternate versions such as pay options through your phone and debit cards. When you get inside, maybe plan your day (at least tentatively) if you haven’t already. This will save money and will help you get to the things you want.

What to Wear to a Music Festival

Unless on some off chance the festival is indoors, outfit planning should start with a weather check. Next, hop online and take a look at what people wear to festivals. At any festival you attend, there will be a wide range of what people are wearing. Aside from personal style statements and choosing clothes that make you feel like your best you, there are a few general keys to success. Wear comfortable shoes. Sandals or boots for women, and just about anything goes for men. Choose a comfortable outfit that you can wear all day, and allows you to sit on the ground and move freely in. Nobody wants their top to fall down while dancing in the Silent Disco! Accessories are fun - just remember you have to have them with you all day long so think about comfort and practicality.

Leaving Time

Give yourself plenty of time to get out of the festival and to your transportation or sleeping situation. If you don’t like crowds, leave during the final featured artists. You'll be first to the ride shares, there’ll be no crowd at the exit gates, and clear sidewalks. If you’re walking alone, stay alert and near other safe groups of people.

Lastly

Have fun revisiting your pictures and videos! Going back through them will immediately bring back all the great memories. Post to social media! I love hearing about up and coming artists and learning about new trends (for example, what a silent disco is) from people who attend festivals.

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

Turkey Feathers and Pine Needles

Holidays Are Upon Us

Holidays bring joy to many, and at the same time carry their own stressors unique to the season. For some, decorations are all things joy and nostalgia. For others, they are annoying clutter. To an extent we can each choose our level involvement with the pumpkin spice phenomenon and neighborhood light displays. But for most of us, there is at least one holiday gathering we are expected to attend or would like to attend. If only we could get a preview of what to expect…

Family Get-Togethers

A family get together can be the least amount of stress out of our holiday obligations, or can create a great amount of anxiety. Each family has its own traditions and routines, so you would know your own better than anyone. If you have been skipping them over the years but are still invited - just go. You don’t have to love it, but you will regret it someday if you don’t put in time now. Regret is high on the list of uncomfortable emotions.

Expect someone to say or do something uncomfortable. Then just move on and tell yourself “that was expected.”

Remember that everyone there cares about each other.

Do your best to be interested (or appear so) in the lives of family members. Use it as a time to catch up by asking questions. My recommendation is to think ahead of time about what you are interested in knowing that won’t fall into the “too personal” category so you can have a guide of what you want to talk with people about. Suggested topics - hobbies, any new changes such as a move or a job, kids, current events in your area that aren’t political.

Know that people will want to know what is new in your life. This doesn’t mean they are judging (or maybe they are but that’s their problem and that’s weird for them if they are). Think of what you might want to share. Have you read any new books? Have you gone somewhere new? Whether it be a new restaurant or a vacation, have you tried something new? If you truly have not done anything new, that’s ok too! Just say so. Nothing to panic about.

Holiday Work Parties

Holiday party

You should go. You should avoid drinking too much. Let someone else take the role of “that guy” that everyone is talking about later. You should keep in mind there are all varying degrees of comfort, most of which morph as the party moves along.

Most likely someone has been put in charge of organizing the venue (where, what food will be served, how much people will pay) and the schedule.

Mingle

You will probably have to ‘mingle” upon arrival. This is a good time to look around and just blend in. You will find someone to talk to, or maybe there will be something for people to do while they wait such as eat appetizers. I recommend admiring the decorations if you do not see someone you feel comfortable talking to. Whatever you choose to do, remember to smile. People feel comfortable around someone who looks like they are enjoying themselves. And usually a smile will turn into genuine joy or at least contentment.

You can use similar guidelines for conversation that are outlined in the family gathering section. Talking about what’s new in your life or others makes for an interesting conversation.

Try not to: complain, ramble (be sure to take turns talking and listening), making strong political statements or opinions.

Try to: ask others things like what they are doing for the holidays, if they will be spending it with family or doing something else, expand on what they say if possible.

Meals

There is likely a meal. If so, be sure to scope out the seating when you arrive. People often place a jacket or purse where they will be sitting. Find a spot that’s open and do the same. It won’t matter who you are sitting by at that point, everyone will chat with each other once they sit. You can take the role of the person who does more of the listening during the meal, that’s not a big deal. Point being, do not worry much about who you sit near, just get a seat.

Clothing

Clothing is dependent on the venue. If you are having a work party at your office, just wear something mildly festive such as holiday colors or even just your normal work clothes. If your party is at someone’s house, it is likely casual if it is right after work or a little nicer if it is on the weekend or later in the evening. If the party is at a restaurant, dress “business casual” or casual party wear (you can look up either one on the internet). Or honestly, if you aren’t worried about it just be yourself. Everyone respects that.

1. Depending on where you work, there is likely a cost per person for the work party. Be sure to find out who is collecting and pay ahead of time.

2. You do not need a gift for a work party unless there is going to be a white elephant game, or some other gift exchange.*

   *Explanations given at the end of this post.

Gift Etiquette

As the host ahead of time if there will be a gift exchange. If not and it is Christmas, Hanukkah, or other traditionally “gift giving holidays.” it is always safe to go with bringing gifts for children in the family. My sister who does not have children of her own has found that sometimes buying a family game for all of the children in a certain age group is a nice way to cover all the bases without having to spend too much or shop too long.

If there are not children and/or it is not a family gathering (it is a friend gathering), simply bring a gift for the host/hostess. A plant or festive decoration are safe options.

Special Events

It is fun around the holiday season to check out events in your area dedicated to the holidays. For example, most places have a turkey trot which is a fun run/walk on Thanksgiving. Typically they intend to raise money for those in need. Ultimately, they are a great way to start the day! You do not have to be in great shape to participate. All levels of humans show up and the overall attitude of friendliness and joy in the holiday is hard to pass up.

If fun runs/walks aren’t your thing, no big deal. If you just search “upcoming events in (enter town name),” you usually can find all sorts of neat ways to celebrate upcoming holidays in your community. This is a great way to expand the way we celebrate.

Other fun traditions to look up in your community:

• Religious organizations often have special events open to the public

• Parades

• Santa visits

• Craft Fairs

• Toy or Food Drives

• Christmas Tree Lightings

*While Elephant - bring a funny gift or a gag gift. It’s a hilarious game, whose rules will be explained at the party. If nobody explains, be sure to ask - that would a perfectly legitimate question. If you prefer not to play don’t feel bad. This is a game a few people usually sit out from. However, it is packed full of fun and there is no one correct gift which is what makes it extra funny! If you’re looking for some fun gifts - either for white elephant or for that favorite uncle, check out this list of fun and inexpensive ideas.

https://www.inspiredherway.com/20-funny-white-elephant-gifts-under-20/amp/

*Gift Exchange: Hopefully the rules or guidelines of any gift exchange will be explained by the organizer. Be sure to fulfill the expectations if you sign up or agree to participate. An example might be secret Santa. There are many variations to secret Santa, but most include drawing a name, exchanging gifts based on a form filled out by participants about preferred items, and a price limit. Keep in mind it will cost money to participate as you will be purchasing gifts for someone else. It also requires a bit of planning ahead and organization to make sure you bring gifts periodically if it is the type where you get multiple little gifts leading up to the “reveal” or bigger exchange where you all tell who had whom. Some only involve one exchange which is easier in the planning portion but a little more difficult as far as knowing what types of things people will be buying. You can always ask someone who has worked in the organization a while what types of gifts people buy. If you like receiving gifts and don’t mind buying them, secret Santa is a lot of fun!

Closing Thoughts

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

“Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a JOY, you must have somebody to divide it with. ”

— Mark Twain

Going to a Wedding

Turn Wedding Blues into a Day of Wedding Bliss

It Starts with an Invitation

You have been invited to a wedding! You should be happy, right? Don’t worry if a wedding invitation makes you more overwhelmed than excited. This is true for many people!

RSVP as soon as you can. People planning a wedding appreciate knowing how many people will attend because this number is required for ordering food, tables, etc.

Usually the RSVP card is self-explanatory. It usually indicates whether or not you can attend, how many guests will come from your party (if you are single this one is simple), and what you would like to eat if it is catered and not buffet style.

If more than one person from your party is going, you just write the number of each meal type on the little line next to the option.

IMPORTANT: only bring a guest if specifically indicated to do so on the invitation. It will say something like, “you and a guest are invited…”

If you do get to bring a guest, it is perfectly acceptable to bring a “date” that is simply a friend. If there is not someone you would like to bring to such an event, you do not need to bring a date. It is just a kind opportunity provided by the guests of honor.

Gift

Typically a couple getting married will register at a couple of places and you can simply find their names, then choose a gift to buy for them. They will let guests know where they are registered, perhaps on the invitation or “save the date” card sent before the invitations.

You can either send the gift to them ahead of time in the mail, or bring it to the wedding. Either is equally as acceptable.

The Event

Attire (what to wear): If the invitation indicates the type of attire, you can do an internet search for examples of outfits for the type indicated. If the invitation does not indicate attire, simply dress somewhat nice. I have found at every wedding I have attended there is a wide range of fanciness. To a large degree, it depends on each guests’ style and preferences.

Arrival: This is by far the most nerve-wracking part of any event, including a wedding. Hopefully you will see other guests walking in and can follow them, there are signs showing you, or it is obvious because you pull right up to where the ceremony will take place. The last option is most common if it is at a church. Sometimes however, weddings are on a beach or unseen area of a large property and this is when you hope for other guests or signs.

As you walk into a venue, just look around to see what everyone else is doing. There is a great deal of variability when it comes to weddings. Some will begin with mingling before the ceremony, some will start with the ceremony at one location then move to another for a reception.

Seating

For the ceremony, you’ll be able to sit anywhere. At some weddings there is a designation of which side to sit on based on which person getting married you are family/friend of. Whether there is a designation or not, it really does not matter which side you sit on. If you are unsure, just sit anywhere except the first or second row. These two rows are usually for the immediate family. If you are there as immediate family, your family will have shown you where to sit and it may be in one of those two rows.

If you are eating a meal at the reception, seating can be uncomfortable. Just know most people are a little uncomfortable when first finding a seat and as they are first easing into sitting with strangers and/or people they have not seen in a while.

Meal

Some weddings have assigned seating for lunch/dinner and some do not. When there is assigned seating, just find your name card and have a seat. Sometimes the cards are all on a table. In this case, you find your name then find your table accordingly and pick a seat at that table.

When there is not assigned seating, it is up to you to find a seat. This can be stressful if you do not know people at the wedding. Do not let it freak you out though, people will never say you cannot sit with them, and usually people like meeting someone new.

How do I know if a seat is taken?
If you said something like “there is a personal item on the chair or on the plate” you are correct!

There’s no perfect way to act. The great news is, you were invited because the couple getting married wants you there! Keep that in mind throughout the event, as any insecurities start to pop up. So go ahead, you be you.

Use your manners! Within the idea that everyone should be allowed to be themselves, it is also important to use basic manners. Of course there are the typical “please and thank you,” but there are a few more that are not quite as obvious.

Lunch/Dinner:

Buffet: Wait until the wedding party is served before you get in line

Plated (they bring it to your table): Wait until your whole table is served before starting

• If you don’t like the food, don’t mention it. Just eat what you like.

• If there is something shared on the table (e.g., a basket of bread), only take your share.

• When it comes to knowing which silverware, glassware, etc. is yours, simply watch what others are taking then act accordingly if you are unsure.

Bar: If you are 21 or older and enjoy alcoholic beverages, there are a few details to know about the bar at weddings. There are different terms for types of service chosen by the hosts (of course you can always do an internet search if you forget what each means). Regardless of which type of bar is chosen, be sure to tip the bartenders! One or two dollars each drink is appropriate.

No Host Bar: Guests pay for their own drinks

Hosted Bar: Drinks are free. Sometimes the wedding party will designate types of drinks being served. For example, they may have a list of 5 drinks to choose from.

Open Bar: All drinks are free. Depending on the location of the wedding, there may be limited types of alcohol and they will tell you what they have.

Cash Bar: Just as it sounds, you pay for your drinks. Doesn’t have to be cash most places, can use a card too.

Limited: Drinks are paid for within a certain time frame. For example, for one hour between the ceremony and reception drinks are served to guests for free.

DON’T DRINK TOO MUCH. It is difficult to monitor consumption when you are nervous, or if you are really excited to see family and/or friends, the drinks are free (and usually delicious), you’ve looked forward to this event for a while…the list goes on. You will thank yourself the next day if you drink responsibly. You will feel physically healthier, and you will have peace of mind that you were in control.

Dancing

If you enjoy dancing, dance. If you do not enjoy dancing, don’t dance. The great thing at a wedding is that it is perfectly acceptable and expected to do either one. Some people even enjoy standing outside the dance floor and watching people dance. For slow songs, weddings are not like awkward school dances. Typically the people who dance to the slow songs are married couples, fathers and daughters, or other people who know each other well. There is no pressure to ask someone to dance and very unlikely anyone with formally ask you to dance.

Have Fun!

Make sure to remember that this is one of the most important days in this couple’s life. They have planned a special celebration not only for themselves, but for their friends and family too. Enjoy yourself!

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!