I had a phenomenal weekend celebrating my birthday. Another year older,  another year wiser (I hope). I'm from Connecticut, and decided to go home and enjoy.  So what is one of the first things I made sure to do? I booked tickets to see a comedian, of course. What better way to start a new year, getting some laughs in? 

I saw Sebastian Maniscalco, and he was so funny.  He was at Mohegan Sun casino, so I took the trip over on Saturday.  After the show, it was time to check out the casino. I'm not much of a gambler, but it was fun to walk around and see what was going on. Afterwards, my best friend and others surprised me with balloons and cake at her house, and it didn't hurt that we had pizza either. It  was a fun night, but it was so long. I was drinking coffee like crazy the next day. 

On Sunday, I got to have a family barbecue and enjoy time with my loved ones.  And because it's my family, and this is our luck, we had a visitor pop in....A black bear. Yup, an adult black bear looking to join in on the fun. Half of my family backed away, the other half tried to get a photo. We're an interesting group. And we always have unique stories to tell. Let's just say, this was a birthday to remember. 

Since I've been out of college, I've felt like gifts just aren't necessary anymore. Of course, I don't complain when I get them. It's very thoughtful for people to get me things, but it's just not what I'm excited about. I got what I truly wanted-spending time with some of the people that are closest to me. And cake. Cake is important too. 

I'm a big believer in celebrating birthdays, not just mine. I've always felt that birthdays are important. When I was younger, it blew my mind that adults had to work on their birthday.  I see the occasion as another year of life. Another year of growing, laughing, getting joy, giving joy, and so many other things to look forward to. Maybe I won't feel that way once I'm older, but right now I just look forward to the celebration. 

It's hard to believe it's mid-summer already. It seems cliche to say, but it really has passed by so fast. I feel like I haven't really been able to do all the things I've wanted to do here. I wanted to go white water rafting this summer, zip lining, more hiking, and I still haven't had a beach day yet! I'm from a coastal state, I feel like I'm obligated to go to the beach a minimum of two times before summer ends. But that deadline is fast-approaching. 

While all I can think about are the things I haven't done, there are a lot of things I HAVE done. I've been able to check out breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the Hudson Valley. I have gone hiking (as you can see from my last post). And I have never been a huge concert person, but I went to Bethel Woods this summer and got to sit out in the lawn section and listen to some great music, perfect weather and surrounded by loved ones.  I've gone home to Connecticut a lot to see family, and just two weeks ago, I attended a baby shower. My cousin and his wife are having a baby next month, and I found out they name they picked for their son. I have also been able to celebrate with friends as they said their "I do's" for their weddings.  I recently made some chocolate zucchini bread, using a recipe my aunt gave me. If I ever wondered whether or not I have willpower, I have proven to myself that I don't. I ate that bread so fast. But if there's zucchini in it, it's still healthy, right? :) 

Summer still isn't over. My birthday is next weekend, and I'll get to celebrate my birthday with family and friends. I want a nice cookout before the season ends, and there's still time to hit the pool before it starts getting cold. Plus, I haven't gone to a farmer's market yet! I enjoy going to those, so I need to make it happen. 

What have I missed in the Hudson Valley this summer? Does anyone have a recommendation of where I should go, or what I should do?  Please let me know! 

I've been in the Hudson Valley for 8 months now. I can't believe it's been that long already. Time flies when you're having fun! I always enjoying seeing new places, and learning what the area has to offer. I'm originally from Connecticut, but I feel like a New York transplant. I went to college at Syracuse University for my bachelor's degrees. Then I spent the past 2 years in the North Country (Potsdam, St. Lawrence County), and now I work in Middletown in Orange County. 

With this beautiful summer we've had, I've had the opportunity to get out and explore. Over the weekend I went to Sam's Point at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. To say it was beautiful was an understatement.  The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking. It seems like in the hustle and bustle, I tend to forget that I need to disconnect sometimes. This was  a good chance to become one with nature for a few hours. For me, I need to take the time to "recharge the batteries.," and this was the perfect way to do it. I'll admit, I got a little out of breath at some points on the walk up, but that didn't stop me one bit. 

My favorite part of Sam's Point? The Ice Caves Trail. I loved the cool air hitting me on a hot day, the calming sounds of water, squeezing through the crevices in the rocks, climbing up the ladder in that loop. It was so much fun. I would definitely go back again. Next time I go back, my plan is to check out the waterfall at the preserve. 

I'm always looking for new places to check out. If you have a recommendation, let me know!