End of July/August Recap

For the end of July and most of August - I was on the go.  I probably should have been job searching, but instead I was traveling which is something that is important to me - so I'm okay with that.   I'll let the pictures do most of the talking, but I'll add some informative captions to guide the way.

Trip 1 - Ocean City, NJ (with a quick stop in Atlantic City)

My family has vacationed here almost every year in my life.  We love the family atmosphere and the fun boardwalk with its many mini-golf courses, food stands, and trinket shops.  We lucked out and had a few great days at the beach.

Mom, Marissa, and I always like to watch the sunrise over the ocean.  It's always such a beautiful sight... I just wish we didn't have to wake up so early.

Sunrise picture from my phone.  Even though I had waking up early, it is a beautiful sight to behold.

138' Ferris Wheel at Gillian's Wonderland Pier. 

We also usually check out Atlantic City for a day or an evening.  It's usually pretty fun (and full of gambling.)  Although this year my siblings and I had eggs thrown at us from the top of a parking garage when we were walking past.  Not cool.

We left on July 25th, and look at who was on the corner that day.

 Trip 2 - Day trip to the Philadelphia Zoo

Matt and I decided to check out the Philly Zoo since neither of us had been there since we were elementary/middle school aged.

This was the first animal we saw... and I fell in love.  It's a Giant Elephant Shrew.  SO ADORABLE!

This peacock was just walking around.  A kid walked past us, and was taunting the bird.  When the bird taunted back, the kid did not think it was so fun anymore.

She is a beauty, and I'm so glad there's a window of thick glass between us.

Trip 3 - Lavallette and Seaside Heights, NJ

Beautiful cotton candy sky!

This beach house was SO COOL!

Matt and I on the Seaside Heights boardwalk.

Enjoying the beach. It was gorgeous!  A bit windy, but the water temperature was just right.

Fireworks on the boardwalk. Perfect way to end our trip.

Trip 4 - Mini-trip to Bethlehem Musikfest

Unfortunately, it started to pour with a bit of lightning.  We were stuck under the polka tent for a bit, which wasn't that bad.

Trip 5 - Chicago/Leakycon

I won't say too much about this trip because I want to make a separate post about it, but here are some pictures:

Chicago!

A picture with Alex Carpenter

Post opening ceremony picture with the other LeakyStars entrants, and a photobomb by Hank Green. :)

Picture with Melissa Anelli.

Ministry and Magic and Lauren Fairweather performing Accio Love - my favorite wrock song!

Some of my friends I made at Leakycon!

Nerdfighter Gathering

I ran into a different Doctor this year.  Last year it was 10 this year it's 4.

More friends at Leakycon!  (And you all should check out Elsbeth's etsy page: MyLittlePatronus!)

Such a great program! HPA - Living the Lovegood Life.  Also check out Equality FTW!

Snitchwich

Potter Puppet Pals :)

Lizzie Bennet Diaries cast + Bernie Su, Hank Green, and moderator, Kristina Horner!

Wizard rock concert!

I still need to learn all the words... or at least more words to this wonderful songs.

Maureen Johnson "Stare" tattoos.

"Luna, Luna, oh yeah, Luna Lovegood. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah."

A picture with Athena and the cast of the Lizzie Bennet Diaries.  They are all very awesome!

When I flew back, I flew at sunset.  Unfortunately, I was flying east, so I didn't get to see the full glory of the sunset, but I did have some breathtaking views.

Trip 6 - Tennessee/Nashville

Matt and I visited our friends in Tennessee and we went tothe Rockin' Rollercoaster... I mean, the Grand Ole Opry.

We got to go on stage with the backstage tour.

It was a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be.

Yeah, I got into the country spirit.  It matched my shirt!

The Pedal Tavern traveling the streets of Nashville.

Nashville from afar!

Things have slowed down quite a bit since it's now September.  I'm excited that I did get to check out two new places - Chicago and Nashville.  New places are always on my to-do list!  Now onto job searching, "Little Mermaid," trying to keep myself busy, and trying to stay positive about not returning to school.  It's weird to break out of that habit, but I think it is time for me to try to pursue something else.  If that doesn't work out, at least I know that I enjoy teaching music and I enjoy working with kids that I can always return to it with an open mind and heart.  I've always been a bit of a free spirit - so while the unknown scares me, it also fills me up with hope and excitement of what I will find in my future.