By Any Other Nerd

Sometimes, we do things that even surprise ourselves.  We take what we think is a good idea and execute it, only to find out that it is indeed, a fabulous idea and realize, it is definitely worth sharing.  That, my friends, is what this blog post is all about. So my partner and I have two anniversaries around our marriage.  When we signed the formal papers and when we had a ceremony.  We know other couples who have done this for various reasons and it's just how it worked out with us.  Somehow, we have decided that I plan something special around one anniversary and she plans the other.  This past May, I executed my surprise weekend and it went pretty well even with several last minute adjustments.  Actually, we had an amazing time.  So, if you're looking for something to do for a weekend in Massachusetts, pay close attention. It all started in late February or March when I came across an article:   Fascinating Places In Massachusetts Tha...

Optimistic at the start. On Sunday, I plunkered down for my first half-marathon of the season, the Shipyard Old Port Harbor Half-Marathon in Portland, Maine.  It was a brutal run overall but one that I needed to get done.  It's been about 2 months since I last wrote about my running .  And while I've been logging in mileage as best I can, I still haven't upped the running to the point where I feel like I'm at a good training level for tackling the upcoming marathon (now clocking in at 3 months away--gulp!).  Thus, I needed a good kick in the ass like this run in order to get me back on a more serious focus on running.  Granted there have been distractions such as going away in May and having a very busy month in June, but the summer's here in full force and I need to charge ahead! Onto the Race What were some of the challenges of the race?  The first was the heat.  It was harsh.  Though the race started around 7:30AM, it was already in th...

So as many know, I recently went on a trip .  Well, over a month ago now, so this post is wildly overdue, but June got crazy, so here it is now.  This is what I've come to find my essential travel pack.  What I mean is the stuff besides thing like toiletries.   I have listed things that would be useful in your day to day adventures or just a good resource to have on hand. Plastic Baggies of various sizes :  These will come in handy for carrying small amounts of food or trying to keep something protected from rainy weather.  They can fit easily in your day-bag (see below) and you can toss your phone into one if it starts raining hard (and you for got your umbrella). Loc k:  Particularly if you plan to stay at a hostel, many of which will have storage you can lock stuff up.  I'd go with a combination lock, doing your best to remember it and to store it on a digital device or something along those lines. Umbrella :  A small 6-8 inch umb...

So I came back to the US on May 31, 2013, in the evening but have been quite busy since I came home.  I finally had a few minutes to reflect on my travels and bring this video journal to a close.  I appreciate everyone that's been reading it and enjoying the videos.  They were fun to make and experiment with and I hope they weren't too painful to watch! For those interested in reading  my journal  updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out  my photos  thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the  video updates ,  check out this link . Today's random images  from the photo archive : A scrumptious English breakfast! The Eye of London Camden Town Marketplace Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around and  check out some of my other posts! . You might also want to keep up to date w...

So I decided to get lost in Paris while listening to Kate Bornstein's A Queer and Pleasant Danger .  It was a great time had by all! For those interested in reading  my journal  updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out  my photos  thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the  video updates ,  check out this link . Today's random images  from the photo archive : Just what the doctor ordered! In the Garden of Luxembourg...who knew? Hey!  She shrank...and moved to Luxembourg? Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around and  check out some of my other posts! . You might also want to keep up to date with my blog by  signing up for them via email. This work is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License .

Paris has been fantastic!  Here is my update of my excellent day yesterday, but for more details about my wanderings, check out my journal as you'll find out about my crepe adventure and soaking in all the sights--as well as my FAVORITE part of the Louvre! For those interested in reading  my journal  updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out  my photos  thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the  video updates ,  check out this link . Today's random images  from the photo archive : Now entering the Louvre. A sculpture that grabbed my attention Lance make's crepes....not really! Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around and  check out some of my other posts! . You might also want to keep up to date with my blog by  signing up for them via email. This work is licensed under a...

So I have left the Netherlands and even Berlin and am now in Pars!  Fun times await! For those interested in reading  my journal  updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out  my photos  thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the  video updates ,  check out this link . Today's random images  from the photo archive : Inside the Berliner Dom Notre Dame Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around and  check out some of my other posts! . You might also want to keep up to date with my blog by  signing up for them via email. This work is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License .

An update about my second to last day in the Netherlands--lots of fun and sad to depart! For those interested in reading  my journal  updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out  my photos  thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the  video updates ,  check out this link . Today's random images  from the photo archive : The Start of the presentation I made a friend. Dinner:  Vegetable Lasagna Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around and  check out some of my other posts! . You might also want to keep up to date with my blog by  signing up for them via email. This work is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License .

A light update this time around.  Instead of a video, I've done a slide-show of some of my favorite pictures taken thus far.  I've also updated my journal, which as of now is in the vicinity of some 8500+ words.  To see a full screen version, you can also click through here . For those interested in reading my journal updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out my photos thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the video updates ,  check out this link . Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around and  check out some of my other posts! . You might also want to keep up to date with my blog by  signing up for them via email. This work is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License .

Not a bit update per se nor a cool video like the last few times, but just me talking about a palace I visited, getting pulled over by the police (I assure, I'm not blogging from prison...yet), and facial hair.  Enjoy! For those interested in reading my journal updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out my photos thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the video updates,  check out this link . Today's random images  from the photo archive : The hedge maze at Het Loo The old castle on the grounds Pretty purple flowers in Anna's parents' backyard Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around and  check out some of my other posts! . You might also want to keep up to date with my blog by  signing up for them via email. This work is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International ...

Below is the video I made of the art project that my host and her friends worked on at the Galerie Zuid.  They came out really well and I wanted to make this video to capture the progress and atmosphere.  I've also updated my journal as well as added more photos so be sure to check them out!  I'm still having a great time and even though the weather isn't entirely agreeable, the people are. For those interested in reading my journal updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out my photos thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the video updates,  check out this link . Today's random images  from the photo archive : Now, there's a throne to sit upon! A new building with a golden dove and big egg... or eye...or disco ball--we weren't sure. Art on street tiles. Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around...

Another great day of adventuring in the Netherlands!  Here's my latest video update, giving some of the numbers of my first week in the Netherlands.  Enjoy the video, the pics, and the updates and let me know what you think. For those interested in reading my journal updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out my photos thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the video updates,  check out this link . Today's random images  from the photo archive : Clearly, these gnomes have gotten into the wrong batch of mushrooms! Medusa--a woman you never look twice at! More cool street art. Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around and  check out some of my other posts! . You might also want to keep up to date with my blog by  signing up for them via email. This work is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attri...

I continue to have a great time with lots of travelling and meeting of new people.  During my adventures in Zwolle, I decided to make this video capturing some of the sights I've encountered there.  It's not great, but it might give you a better sense of where I am and what I'm doing.  Enjoy! For those interested in reading my journal updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out my photos thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the video updates,  check out this link . Today's random images  from the photo archive : A sculpture of the Archangel Michael The spikes for our candle-holders. Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around and  check out some of my other posts! . You might also want to keep up to date with my blog by  signing up for them via email. This work is licensed under a  Creative Commo...

The trip continues to be an excellent success with lots of learning, laughs, and excitement.  Below is my vlog update.  Also, I wanted people to know, after 2-3 requests from readers that I have opened up the travel journal so that if people want to use the Comment feature, they can in the Google Doc to ask questions and comment about what you read there.  I promise to answer them as best as possible. Two Video updates! Update 2: For those interested in reading my journal updates,  you'll want to check out this link . For those interested in checking out my photos thus far,  check out this link . For those interested in subscribing to the video updates,  check out this link . Today's random images from the photo archive : Seriously, bikes are everywhere! Anna's College Yum!   Did you enjoy this read? Let me know your thoughts down below or feel free to browse around and  check out some of my other posts! . You migh...