a series of naps, a trip booked and lesson (re)learned

This week was incredibly busy. I worked at all of my jobs and a couple that I didn't even know that I had. Besides working at Second Helpings (and the events surrounding our annual meeting), the Red Key and Marigold, I wrote three pieces for NUVO and turned a giant Broad Ripple Gazette column. I also wrote the sponsorship letter (and mailed a bunch out) for an event the Christamore House Guild is having in April. 

All of this left little time for sleep, but I did get several naps in - which seems to work well for me. I've become a champion napper. 

The Ireland plans: I'm traveling with some folks from Philadelphia. Kevin will be celebrating his 50th birthday while we are there. The group includes his brothers, a few cousins and friends. Dad and I went to Dublin with some of that group five years ago and had a fabulous time. 

I managed to get a great deal on the air fair. I'll fly to Philadelphia to meet up with the gang on February 28. We fly overnight to Dublin arriving on the 29th. Kevin's cousin Jimmy is going to be our bus driver, which is brilliant. None of us have to drive or worry about Guinness intake. I'm going to share hotel rooms with a friends of Kevin, which will help greatly with costs (the exchange rate is not the best). 

Here's our itinerary. 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday (2/29, 3/1, 3/2): Dublin

Monday (3/3): Nenagh, County Tipperary

Tuesday (3/4): Ennis, County Clare

Wednesday (3/5): Galway, County Galway

Thursday, Friday, Saturday (3/6, 3/7, 3/8): Cookstown, County Tyrone

Sunday (3/9): Dublin

Monday (3/10): fly home

I have not taken a vacation this long, um, ever. Very exciting!

Okay, I'm sure you've been wondering about the "lesson learned" part of the post. 

I got a press pass for the Three Girls and Their Buddy show. I was also offered a photo pass. 

I had to sign an agreement that I would not use a flash and could only take pictures for the first three songs. I was beside myself with excitement and very nervous. I was afraid I'd throw-up on Emmylou Harris's boots. 

So what did I do? Text Mr. Ex-Boyfriend to do a little bragging. 

What happened when I showed to up pick up my pass? They told me it was faxed in to the tour manager too late. No pass. 

Premature talking bit me in the ass again. 

I did saunter in with my camera anyway. The seats were excellent (row 8, center). I was tempted to snap some photos (lots of people were taking flash pictures), but I was sitting next to the music writer for the Indianapolis Star and wanted to at least pretend like I was professional. I'd already joked that I was going to copy off of him.  After David left to file his story (his deadline was  11:15 - mine is Wednesday).  I snapped a few photos. Here is one of Buddy Miller.