2013 is almost over.

Standing outside Obama's viewing box for the inaugural parade in DC

Despite my best efforts, I turned 25

Crafting Easter eggs

Enjoying good music, food, and company at Googa Mooga with free VIP tickets.  Later in the trip, I met Matthew Broderick. 

Reliving Rocky's glory days in Philly.

Me and my wedding date, using as many photo props as possible.

I found myself back in DC, riding bikes in front of the White House with these two patriotic beauts. 

Grandma and Papa celebrated 65 years of being married

One of my first days of teaching, taking selfies in the staff bathroom

Celebrating Melissa's engagement to Vance

Oliver and I dressed up as Charlie Brown and Snoopy for a Halloween party

I attended my very first country concert...and enjoyed it. 

In November, my oldest sister had her first baby the day before Thanksgiving.

In December, I played bingo and had lunch with my grandma's church group consisting of many older women who are avid supporters of both bingo and a modest lunchtime

Over the Weekend: Hopscotch

A Tin Djinn

Megafaun's back there somewhere

Shelby won a PBR pin, The Love Language performs

Shelby, me, and Sarah dreaming of beards

This weekend was awesome! I spent a majority of it outside at a free day concerts put on by Hopscotch. I was able to see The Love Language, A Tin Djinn (my guitar teacher's band), Megafaun, and a lot of other bands around downtown Raleigh. This was the first year I've been able to go and am already looking forward to next year! There was no shortage of hipsters drinking PBR all weekend long. Rumor has it Bon Iver even stopped by to watch a few shows but I didn't catch sight of him in the sea of handsome, bearded men.

Hope your week is off to a good start!

Things to Do...in Raleigh

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I've been living in Raleigh for almost a year now and still feel like I haven't really experienced it or seen a lot of the cool things the area has to offer. Since very recently deciding to stay here for another year (!),  I put together a little list of things to do and see here in Raleigh:


1. Visit museums!
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, The North Carolina Museum of Art, and The NC Museum of History all offer free admission. I've never been to any of these, which is funny considering how much I enjoy going to them when on vacation. (Emma, seriously, we need to have a museum day soon.)


2.  Enjoy downtown during First Friday!
I've been to this event once when I was in college but since moving here in July, I've been out of town every first Friday of the month. Hopefully that will change soon! First Friday is a cool way to check out art galleries, restaurants, and the downtown "scene," which leads me to the next item...


3. Experience downtown Raleigh!
I rarely go to downtown Raleigh. At first I was intimidated at the thought of driving through it and finding a parking spot. Then I never knew where to go when I was there. But now I'm ready to get over it and do some investigating! 


4. Take a hike!
My friend Amy and I once went on a little walk at Umstead Park and declared that we'd commit to doing a longer trail. Then it got cold and we never did. With spring time at its maximum potential, I'm thinking we should be hitting the trails soon.


5. Drink!
I recently came to the realization that Raleigh has a lot of really cool breweries in pubs. One of my favorites is the Boylan Bridge Brewpub, which has an awesome view of the Raleigh skyline. Two places I'd like to try: The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium and Natty Greene's Brewing Co.


6. Eat!
My friends and roommates have been dedicated to introducing me to new places in Raleigh but it's so easy to get stuck in the same comfortable (and delicious) places. Gravy, Poole's Diner, and Irregardless Cafe have all been recommended to try.


7. Find a boyfriend!
I kid, I kid...sort of. Anyway, Raleigh is full of perfectly hipster, talented, trendy guys. I will take one, please.




And that is all my Saturday brain can think of right now. Raleigh folks, got any other suggestions?