Concerts and Friends and Beer: Oh My!

It about that time of the year again friends. Time to start stacking that paper for one reason and one reason only. Even though the weather in the DMV sure doesn't feel like it, it's almost SUMMER! One of my favorite parts of the summer: summer concerts! Right now, there is nothing that excites me more than the thought of being with my friends at a warm summer concert, lawn seats, beer in hand, and flip flops on. What better way to spend the long summer days.

If its not clear from the list below, when it comes to music I think that it is pretty fair to say that I like just about any genre. I'm a fan of anything from country to indie to rap. One thing that you will surely read about in my future posts: music. One of my favorite quotes (also on my Facebook page) is by Plato. It says:

"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."

I can't argue that! Music just makes me smile. It is my temporary fix to all of life's problems. Live music just takes that level of enjoyment a step further.

I have already started to put together a list of summer concerts. It'd make for a damn long list if I were to include ALL of the ones I am even a little remotely excited about so, I've chosen to post just those that made my heart skip like a school girl upon seeing them. It's too bad all of the venues are not outdoors but regardless they are sure to be a blast. Of course, I will not be making it to all of them for two reasons: 1) some of them fall on the same dates which I find just rude 2) a girls gotta survive and not go completely broke before the end of the summer. In no particular order of favorites, here's a rundown of the must-see concerts I've come up with so far.

Dust off those party pants and strap em' on tight people because this summer is going to be one for the books!

WMZQfest w/ Jason Aldean 05/21
Starscape Festival 2011 06/04
Rihanna 06/04
Bright Eyes 06/11
Phish 06/11 & 06/12
Katy Perry 06/15 
Rascal Flatts 06/18
Keith Urban 07/28
311 and Sublime 07/29
Taylor Swift 08/02 & 08/03
Journey 08/28

Check back for updates to this AH-mazing list as more summer tours are announced!

Suggestions for Success

21 Suggestions for Success
By H. Jackson Brown

1. Marry the right person.  This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6. Be generous.

7. Have a grateful heart.

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12. Commit yourself to quality.

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

14. Be loyal.

15. Be honest.

16. Be a self-starter.

17. Be decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong.

18. Stop blaming others.  Take responsibility for every area of your life.

19. Be bold and courageous.  When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.

20. Take good care of those you love.

21. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your mom proud.

Prayers for Japan

On March 11th, 2011 Japan was hit with a devastating earthquake which resulted in 22,000 dead or missing. This was a magnitude 9.0 quake and the worst disaster the country has seen since World War II. In one day, thousands had their lives changed forever. Disasters such as these really make me appreciate the family and friends in my life as well as everyday things like a roof over my head and food to eat. Japan can really use our prayers and support. Below are just a few of many links to check out if you'd like to help in the relief effort. Japan has not issued an official appeal for help yet but right now they are a Country in need of prayers and help.

Remember, life is short. Let the people in your lives know how much  you love them and don't take the little things in life for granted.


Red Cross Donations
The Salvation Army
Doctors Without Borders