#i should try to do more rows while theyre small

[bigcats-birds-and-books]

oooh, i need to knit four (4) rows of this shawl every day until the end of the month to finish by the recipient's birthday. which isn't, like. bad. but it ALSO doesn't take into consideration that, a.) the early rows will be much quicker than the later rows, b.) i've got three (3) lil non-negotiable deadlines to hit by or before then, too, or c.) i've been backburnering the knitting and doing like. MAYBE. two rows a day so far.

[amazingphanisnotonfire-imagines]

Archie//there’s a million things that need fixing in this world, but you’ll never be one

Request: Can I request a reader/archie, where readers a southsider and her parents find out and like flip out, like super upset/worried, cause theyre worried archie thinks shes like a “charity case/ needs to be fixed by a northsider” kinda thing, keep up the amazing writing by the way!!! 😍😍❤️

hey!! i hope you all like this!! its a little angsty, a little fluffy, so like the perfect mix!! have a great day!! ❤️❤️ 

The sun setting over Sunnyside Trailer Park almost makes the place look homely. The soft pinks and yellows paint the off white trailers in a light glow, and from afar, it might be considered pretty. 

You and Archie walk slowly through the worn down vans, both of you clinging on to the last minutes of your date. The two of you talk quietly, with small laughter and shy looks exchanged as the minutes count down. His fingers brush past your own a few times and he sends you a bashful yet nervous smile when you look at him. 

You wave at a few of your neighbours, all of whom are watching with raised eyebrows and slight scowls as they follow the movements of the red-head walking beside you. 

An outsider they all think. 

Its obvious he doesn’t belong, he may as well be carrying a target as red as his hair on his back, one that screams ‘northsider’, but to you, he’s just Archie Andrews. The boy from your English class that asked a dumb question and made you laugh. 

As long as they see him with you, he should be able to leave unharmed, this time at least, but just in case you’ve already sent a text to a few friends around the site to make sure he leaves in one piece. 

You’d told him at the beginning of your date that you didn’t need walking home.You’ve been perfectly capable of handling yourself for years, its something engrained in you. But he insisted, and a secret part of you loved it. 

Its nothing new that life on the southside is a little different to other places. Almost every part of your life is different to that of a northsider, and dating is no exception. So it nice to have a glimpse of what its supposed to be like, even if you are worried about him. 

“This is it.” You stop in front of your trailer and you can’t not notice the disappointment that flashes through his eyes. He looks away from you, deciding to look around the row of trailers and you start preparing for the worst. Because yeah, he may have liked you at school or at Pop’s, but will he still like you when he see’s who you really are?

“Did your mom plant those?” He asks, pulling you from your thoughts. You look to where he’s pointing, and smile at the flowers surrounding the trailer. Whatever you were expecting him to say, it wasn’t that, but its a nice change of what you thought. 

“I-er. Yeah. She did.” You stumble over your words, still slightly confused, but he doesn’t seem to notice. Instead he just smiles brightly at you and starts rambling about his own mom. 

“I think your mom and mine would get on really well. She really likes gardening. When I was younger I used to ‘help’ her, but really I just ended up trampling over the flower beds. So she made my own little patch and bought me some seeds to plant.” 

“Aw.” You laugh. “Thats really cute. Did you have your own little hat and gloves?” 

“Who wears a hat to garden?”

“My mom.” You reply making him giggle. 

“I should probably get going before it gets dark.” He says, and looks around again. You then remember where you are and disappointment settles in your bones. 

“Good idea.” 

“I do need to do something before I go.” 

“Whats that?” 

“Kiss you. If thats okay.” He adds the last part anxiously and large grin takes over your face as you look up at him. 

“Thats more than okay.” You reply and take a step towards him. His hands cup your cheeks gently, while you wrap your arms around his neck. He closes his eyes first and you’re about to lean in when you notice movement out of the corner of your eye. You freeze and he opens his eyes to look at you confused. 

“Is everything okay?” He asks, but you’re too busy watching the windows of your trailer. 

The curtain hanging in the living room twitches slightly and you realize you now have company. You quickly pull away, putting enough space between the two of you and Archie looks at you confused. You glance towards the window and he follows your gaze, watching as the curtain moves quickly and soft footsteps move away, before looking back at you, with a slightly embarrassed smile. 

“Sorry.” 

“Its okay.” He laughs. “My mom is the same. She’d probably be waiting by the door if it was the other way round.” 

“Same.” You sigh and look at your front door. “I’m gonna get interrogated when I walk through that door.” You grimace and he sends you a sympathetic smile. 

“Next time you can walk me home and then it’ll be fair.” He replies, the mention of a next time makes you blush and look at the grass. 

“Deal.” You smile. 

“I will warn you though, my mom will question both of us.” 

“Hmm, I’ll think about it then.” You tease and a small frown twitches at his lips. “I’m joking. I’d love to be interrogated by your mom.” 

“Thats an odd thing to look forward to.” He laughs.

“Oh well.” You shrug and send him a soft smile. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He laughs. 

“Text me when you get home.” You tell him and he nods. You look around to make sure there’s no prying eyes anymore, before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. It makes both of you blush and a giddy smiles takes over his appearance before he starts walking away. 

You watch him until he disappears into the maze of trailers and your brain becomes full of mushy thoughts about him and the date you’ve just had. They play in your head on a loop, until they get replaced by thoughts of seeing him again and your future dates together. 

That is until your hear a thud behind you and you have to push all of those away to mentally prepare for the 100 questions you’re going to get. 

The door opens before you even reach it, and both your mom and dad are stood watching you with expectant looks on their faces. You sigh and slowly make your way up the steps, squeezing past them once you make it to the top.

The door closes and before you even take your jacket off, they start talking. 

“Who was that?” Your mom asks first and a small smile takes over your appearance when you think of him. 

“Archie.” You reply, taking your jacket off and hanging it up. 

“Why was he walking you home?” Your dad wonders, trying to seem less forceful (and failing) than your mom. 

“Because he wanted to.” You reply. 

“Does he live around here?” He says. 

“Nope.” You close your eyes, taking a deep breath and bracing yourself for the overreaction you’re going to get. “He lives on the northside.” 

“What?” They say at the same time. 

here we go. 

“What do you mean he lives on the northside?” Your mom asks, her voice rising with each word and you have to hold your eye roll. 

“He lives on the northside.” You repeat and she narrows her eyes at you. 

“Calm down.” Your dad whispers and places a hand on her arm. “Are you friends? Dating?” He asks, and you feel yourself cringe at the sheer awkwardness of the conversation. 

“Dating.” You have to force the words out and when you see the disappointment on both your parents faces you can’t help the ache in your chest. 

“Okay.” Your mom nods slowly. She always does this when you tell her something ‘shocking’. The nod starts slow, but the more she thinks about it the quicker it gets and then your dad has to calm her down and take charge of whatever conversation you’re being forced into. 

Today is no different and you watch the stages of your mom’s panic develop, before your dad faces you again. He’s got that look in his eyes, the stern yet loving parent. That look always makes you feel bad, no matter what you’ve done and you think he knows it. 

“Y/n.” He starts. “We’re very happy that you’ve found someone you like.” 

“Thank you.” You interrupt and he lets a deep breath out through his nose. 

“But we’re a little bit worried about you.” 

“Why?” 

“He’s a northsider.” Your mom interrupts. 

“And thats not an inherently bad thing.” Your dad tries to claw it back, but when your mom mumbles ‘it is’, he knows any chance at a mature conversation you could have had has long gone. 

“What are you more annoyed by? The fact that he’s from the northside or the fact that I’m dating him. Its like you don’t want me to have a life.” 

“It’s not that we don’t want you to have a life sweetheart.” Your dad sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. 

“We just want you to have a safe life. People on the northside think of us like we’re scum. What if he’s just using you to win a bet or as a dare that his friends made.” Your mom tries, now slightly calmer than before.

“That only happens in movies mom.” 

“Or what if he thinks your some sort of charity case.” Your dad adds. 

“He won’t because I’m not.” 

“We know you’re not. But some people might. Some boys see a girl from ‘the wrong side of the tracks’ and think they need to be fixed.” Your mom replies. 

“But I don’t and he doesn’t. He’s nice...and kind. And he isn’t like the other northsiders. It isn’t like what it used to be. People have moved on, and so have their views.” 

“That may be what it seems like, but its not always the case.” She says, now losing her temper. 

“Exactly. I mean, he might not see you as something to be fixed now, but when he realizes that living like this isn’t something to be romanized, it isn’t like some Cinderella story, that can be fixed with true love. When he realizes that its very real and very hard, he might want to try and fix you. And you don’t need fixing. You’re great the way you are.” Your dad interjects and you look at him annoyed. 

“I know I don’t need fixing.” 

“Well, thats good then.” They both say. 

“So if I know I don’t need to be fixed, if you know it, and he knows it. What exactly is the problem?” 

“Tha-thats not what we’re saying.” He stutters. 

“I know what you’re saying, I just don’t agree with it” You challenge, crossing your arms over your chest. 

“Y/n.” Your mom warns. 

“You go on and on about how the northsiders judge us, but you’re doing exactly the same. Maybe if you actually met him, you’d realize that he’s sweet and kind and he knows exactly who I am and he still likes me, then you wouldn’t be saying all of this. But whatever, I’m going to bed.” You huff and stomp into your room, the door slams behind you and the whole trailer shakes. 

You kick your shoes off and put your pyjama’s on before climbing into bed. Its only when you’re safely under the duvet do the tears start to pour, and quiet sobs pass your lips. Its a mix of anger and sadness but you can’t quite figure out which one you feel the most. 

So you do the only thing you can do, you call Archie and pray that he made it out. It answers on the second tone and as soon as you hear his happy tone you feel yourself calm a little. 

“I’m not home yet. But I am alive and out of the serpents pit.” He laughs. But when you don’t answer he starts to worry that he upset you. “Sorry, that was a really stupid joke.” He mentally curses himself. “Y/n?” 

“Its okay.” You mumble and he lets out a sigh of relief. 

“So you couldn’t get enough of me huh?” He’s back to his old self and there’s a flirtatious tone in his voice that you can’t help but roll your eyes at. 

“Archie, I’m really sorry.” You sob and his eyebrows furrow. 

“What? Whats happening? Are you okay?” He panics. 

“No.” You cry. 

“What? Do I need to come back? What’s happening.” 

“No!” You say, rather quickly and that only worries him more. “Its nothing you can do.” 

‘What is it?” 

“My parents. I told them about us and they think you’re the worst.” 

“That sucks.” He says and the tone makes you laugh a little. 

“I know.” 

“Tell me what happened.” 

“Well, I got home and they asked who you were so I told you and then they asked if we were dating so I said yes, even though I knew what the answer would be. And they said that they were worried about me because they thought you would see me as a charity case and as something to be fixed. I tried to tell them that it wasn’t true but they just weren’t listening.” You ramble and his eyebrows knit in confusion. 

People have thought countless of things about him before, but never has anyone thought he could fix something. He’s told he could break things before, many things, but never fix. However he realizes that this probably isn’t the best thing to say, and so he decides to save his joke for another time. 

Instead he says something he has probably only ever said a handful of times before. 

“It’s going to be okay. I’ll fix it.” He curses at the use of words, but he means it nonetheless. 

Because he’s only known you for a few weeks, but he knows that he wants a future with you. You make him feel things he hasn’t felt before, and you make him feel things he didn’t think he’d ever be able to feel again. So he’s going to do whatever it takes to make sure whatever future he has with you, long or short..he has it. 

“How?” You don’t sound convinced. He doesn’t blame you. He isn’t so convinced himself, but he’ll figure something out.

“I don’t know. But I will...I promise.” 

Its silent for a few seconds, before he hears a beep over the phone and then silence. You sigh, placing your phone on the bedside table before sinking further into the covers.

You want nothing more than to believe him. 

Archie Andrews, the boy who said something stupid in your English class and made you feel something you’ve never felt before.

----

Morning comes as a harsh reminder to the events of last night. The sunlight is bright and glaring through the windows and you curse yourself for being too upset to close the curtains. A dull headache appears and you squint, your eyes aching from the crying. 

You can hear your parents hushed conversation outside your bedroom, they’re arguing over if they should come in, but after a few minutes they decide to leave you alone...thankfully. 

Your head drops back onto the pillow as you decide to spend your Saturday in bed making up for the sleep you missed last night. 

However when you hear a knock on the front door you have to force yourself to sit up again. Your eyebrows furrowing as you wonder if you’re parents told you anything about weekend visitors, but when your mind comes to blank, you just stare at your closed bedroom door confused while you listen to your dad open it. 

There’s a hushed talking between two voices. One you recognize as your dad, but the other you can’t quite place. You hear your mom move from the kitchen and join your dad at the door, now all three of them talking quietly. 

You frown, confused as to what the hell is going on, and drag yourself out of bed, bunching the duvet up as you go. 

Slowly, you creep towards your bedroom door, making sure to avoid any noisy parts of the floor, and as soon as your beside the door, you crack it open a little and take a peek. 

The first thing you see is the red hair. Its bright and wild, nothing like the way it usually is. And then you see him. Stood at your front door with two bunches of flowers in his hands. He looks almost frantic while he talks to your parents, and a small smile appears on your face. 

Archie

“I just want to say that I didn’t mean to upset you.” He starts and your parents send each other a look. 

“Archie.” Your dad starts. 

“Please.” He says quickly. “I got these for you Mrs Y/l/n.” He practically shoves the flowers at your mom and you suppress a small laugh at the surprise on her face. 

The fact that he’s trying makes you want to believe that everything will be okay, but the way your parents are looking at each other, squashes all hope you could have possibly had. “And I didn’t really know what you liked Mr Y/l/n, but I’d love to find out.” 

“Thats very sweet.” Your mom begins, glancing back towards your door and you quickly hide. “But there’s really no need.” 

“I er, I’m sorry if I offended either of you. Thats the last thing I wanted to do. I don’t see Y/n as a charity case or someone that needs to be fixed, not by me or anyone. I just see her as a girl that I really, really like, and that I hope she likes me back, even if its just a fraction of what I do.” You’ve moved back to the door by the time he gets to his last sentence, and the two of you make eye contact for a brief moment. 

You open the door and slowly step outside, gaining the attention of all three of them. Archie is smiling at you, its soft and gentle and full of light and it makes you feel like you’re floating, like you’re the only person in the world. You smile back at him, sending him a small wave as you try and keep the blush off your cheeks. 

Your parents watch the interaction, finding themselves mirrored in both of you. The shy looks and soft smiles remind them of when they were younger, and how they would look at each other. 

Its not the most ideal of relationships. A northsider and a southsider, but its one thats just starting with millions of possibilities. And thats enough. So they send each other a look, before sighing and turning back to Archie. He’s still stood awkwardly by the door, completely unaware of the two adults watching him, he’s more interested in you, and making sure you’re okay. 

“Come in Archie.” 

They may not know everything about him, they may not trust him, but you do and thats good enough for them. 

[shadeofazmeinya]

So for the prompt-some kind of magic or myth / FAHC au. Gavin is the only full human or non-magical one in the crew so he is more vulnerable than the others & they are just way more protective of him. They try to not over do it cause theyre all adults here plus theyre in the gang business. But they still worry about their beautiful breakable human bf & occasionally a slip up/injury/threat will happen & it just comes out full force and they all go full on fahc violent/protective over Gav.

(a crew protective of gavvy is always my fav. im gonna use a variation of @sorcererinslytherin’s au with sorcerer Geoff, witch Michael, vamp ryan, werewolf Jeremy, and selkie Jack while keeping gavvers human!)

[AO3]

Gavin is perfectly capable of taking care of himself. He’s survived a long time before even joining this little crew and has proven himself over and over that he can handle a little danger. He can handle himself. At least against other humans.

Other creatures and magic users were a whole other story.

Not that Gavin didn’t know what to do with them either. He’s gotten countless charms and tips from his crew on how to handle all the various ones that this dark city houses. Normally he can be pretty decent at it and keep himself from falling into any various traps of the supernatural beings that prey on humans like him. Normally. It’s a little more difficult when he’s directly targeted. And alone.

He wasn’t supposed to be alone of course, but he had just been trying to grab some food from a place close to the penthouse and it hadn’t been completely dark outside. He had his pistol on him, which was supposed to be enough but that doesn’t work on beings that don’t get bloody hurt from bullets.

“Look what we have here,” a voice purrs behind Gavin shoving him into an alleyway, away from the pedestrians rushing through the city. The figure had been following him, Gavin noticed and had tried to speed up but they went from half a block away to right behind him in the blink of an eye. “The Fake’s little toy, isn’t it?”

Gavin doesn’t allow himself to panic right away, instead visibly reaching for his gun. “Look, I appreciate a fan as much as the next bloke, but I’m pretty busy. If you just move along, I think it’ll be better for the both of us.”

The man – creature - laughs, revealing a row of sharp jagged teeth that remind him of a shark. When he looks down to Gavin he can see unnaturally yellowed eyes. Gavin swallows, narrowing his eyes and raising his gun, but deep down knowing it wasn’t going to help. Especially as it only makes the other laugh some more.

“Listen, luv, I’d love to stay and chat, but you need to let me get going,” Gavin tries regardless, keeping his face still and his gun firm. He flicks off the safety, trying to show he was a threat. That he will fire if he needs to.

But he doesn’t get the chance. The monster in front of him jumps forward, faster than Gavin could react and he’s thrown against the wall as the gun is ripped from his hands. Gavin gasps, his breath punched from his lungs as he back hits the hard brick wall.

The creature looms above him, a hand wrapping around his throat to keep him up and pinned. Gavin can feel his rotten breath, see the specs of blood on the white teeth. “You smell like all of them,” he whispers, hand tightening. “Knew you had a werewolf on that little crew, vampire isn’t surprising. But you got a mix of something else there.”

Gavin flinches back as he leans closer, hands trying to pull his hands off of him, but they were set like stone. Gavin’s heart hammers in his chest, trying to kick at him, trying to fight, but he’s barely strong enough against humans, let alone someone with supernatural strength.

“Seems like you have quite the bit of magic around you as well,” he purrs. “All those little charms aren’t going to help you here, little human.” He grabs a necklace with his other hand, ripping it off and throwing it to the side, ignoring the spark of magic the fizzles out of it.

Gavin snarls, snapping at his hands as his gifted charm is tossed to the ground like trash. If he can just get him off him a little, maybe he could run. Maybe he could call the others. Maybe he can fucking do anything to get out of this stranger’s grasp -

“Oh, he’s got some teeth on him,” he coos, tightening his hand and shoving Gavin back against the wall.

The world spins for a second, vision blurring as stars shimmer in the corner of his eyes. He coughs, airway constricting from his hands, chest heaving.

“Well, I’ve got some teeth too. And you seem awfully tasty.”

Before Gavin can even start fighting again, the monster leans down and bites down on Gavin’s shoulder. Gavin cries out, the pain bright and bursting as the dagger-like teeth dig through his flesh, carving through muscle. He fights more in his hold, wildly throwing his hand down across his head to try to get him off, try to hurt him enough to loosen his hold, anything to get him to let go.

After several strikes, the other grunts, letting go of his shoulder. He growls some inhuman noise, rumbling through his whole body, Gavin’s blood dripping from his lips.

“Best not being doing that, human,” he spits. “Be a lot less painful for you.”

Gavin kicks him again, hard not caring about the pain in his own legs, hitting in the groin. The monster howls at it, hand loosening but not enough. When Gavin tries to move, he’s only shoved back again, tossed further into the alleyway. Gavin sprawls onto the ground with a yell, his wounded shoulder smashing into the pavement. Gavin tried to move amongst the dirt and grime of the alleyway, feet kicking to try to move his body away, move anywhere, but the monster just steps closer, standing directly above him and growling. As Gavin looks up, raising his arms to block whatever pain his next move will bring, Gavin can swear his eyes were glowing, red.

The creature raises a hand, now clawed. Sharped, crooked, fingers mangled and bent. Gavin closes his eyes, bracing for the worst, fear spiking through his body. Please let this not be how he dies, in some gross ass alleyway, ripped apart by something he should’ve protected himself from.

But the blow never comes, the claws never cut. As Gavin lays tense, a loud howl interrupts, wild, furious. He blinks his eyes open as he hears bodies collide, hears the attacker being thrown away. Gavin scrambles away, as horrific growls and grunts sound besides him, snarls and yelps of pain.

Gavin’s breath comes quick, puffs of white breaking into the chilling air around him as he pulls himself up, back resting against something solid. His body shakes, shoulder still on fire and the feeling starting to spread down his arm, across his chest. Colors mesh together, sounds dulling, as dizziness floods his head.

He hears some distant shout, something that’s familiar. Footsteps rush towards him, another shout. Gavin blinks over, trying to piece together what the shouting all meant.

He doesn’t get to find out because the second the voices reach him, he collapses and the world goes dark.

Gavin wakes slowly, hearing soft, familiar murmuring besides him. He moves his hands a little, feeling a weight laying in one of them, a soft blanket under them. He’s in a bed that much he can figure right away. And as he slowly pulls his eyes open, the voices are familiar as they say his name.

Gavin blinks to see Jack’s face first, smiling softly right in front of him, feeling her hands brushing softly through his hair. “Hey, baby,” her voice sounds saddened, in a way that makes Gavin frown.

“Jack?” he mumbles, voice rough. “What-?” He tries sitting up, but it pulls on his shoulder, making him hiss in pain and fall back down.

“Take it easy,” Jack says, gently pushing him down. “You’re ok. We got you.”

“How are you feeling?” another voice says besides him, taking his other hand. Gavin blearily looks over and recognizes the sharpened fangs and pale skin.

“Like I got bit by a shark, Rye,” Gavin grumbles, looking around a little more to see that he was in the guest room at their penthouse. Geoff was there as well, moving over besides Ryan. Jeremy and Michael were passed out in a chair that had been brought over, even though he knows they have a whole other bed for them to be sleeping in.

“Well, you’re close,” Geoff says with a small smile. “More like a venomous shark.”

“Venomous?” Gavin frowns, looking at the other two and seeing the worry holding in their eyes.

“It’s ok,” Jack says regardless, squeezing his hand. “It’s all gone. Geoff and Michael were able to get it out. Scared us for a while, but you’re ok.”

The assurance only makes Gavin frown more, looking between them. “How bad?”

“You remember anything?” Geoff says hesitantly. When Gavin shakes his head he tries, poorly, to hide his relief. “You were just ill for a while,” he says softly. “It was just like a bad flu. But we were able to heal you right back up. Shoulder stitched and everything. You’re all good.”

Gavin sighs and nods, accepting it for now. “Alright,” he mumbles, already feeling exhaustion creep back up again.

“Go back to sleep,” Ryan says, leaning down to press a soft kiss to his forehead, earning a small smile from Gavin. “We’ll all be here when you wake up again.”

Gavin wants to protest, but all that comes out is a yawn and a sigh. “Join me?” he says instead, looking up with big eyes to them.

Ryan gives a small chuckle, glancing to the other two as if to be sure. Jack chuckles and nods and that’s all Ryan needs to climb carefully into the bed and lay to Gavin’s uninjured side. Gavin smiles back, curling into Ryan’s side, letting his eyes close. Ryan strokes through his hair, holding him as he can feel him falling asleep, safe and warm against his side.

“You think we should tell him how bad it really was?” Jack whispers to Geoff as they see Gavin fast asleep.

“He doesn’t need to know,” Geoff frowns, looking over to her. “If he doesn’t remember the fucking night terrors and screaming from the last two days, he doesn’t need to know. Let’s just keep getting the fucking venom out of his system.”

Jack sighs, disproving but too tired to fight right now. “Fine. Not right now. Let’s just get some rest. I think that’s what we all need.”

Geoff nods, frowning back down to their human’s soft, resting face. “We’re going to need to give him more protections. He’s too fragile to everything, there’s so fucking much that can hurt him-“

“And there’s so much that he’s hurt,” Jack gently reminds, reaching over to take his hand in hers. “He’s strong. Remember that. We’ll up the protections, but remember he’s dangerous too.”

Geoff lets out a long sigh, holding tightly to her head. “Maybe. But that’s for later. Once all of us are better.”

“Ok,” Jack says, leaning over and kissing his cheek. “Once we’re all better.”

[arplis]

Arplis - News: 38 Fun Things to Do in Tucson, Arizona

With incredible outdoor adventures, some of the best Mexican food in the U.S. (yes, seriously!), and a vibrant nightlife, Tucson may just be the perfect weekend getaway. Oh, and did we mention Tucson has wonderfully warm temperatures in the wintertime?! (Fellow Midwesterners, take note!)

The population of Tucson is just over half a million people, making it feel like a relatively small city. But dont be fooled there are an incredible amount of things to do in Tucson!

While there are many things to do in the city itself, the real draw of Tucson is what lies beyond. The Sonoran Desert which surrounds Tucson, is one of the only places in the world to see the iconic saguaro cactus, after all.

Were walking you through the very best things to do in Tucson, Arizona from epic outdoor adventures to foodie experiences to nightlife for all ages.

Our Experience in Tucson

Im going to be honest: Until recently, Tucson wasnt on my radar at all. Instead, I pictured the Grand Canyon and cities like Phoenix, Sedona and Scottsdale when I thought of Arizona.

So when my parents booked a 2-week Airbnb rental in Tucson to escape Minnesotas frigid winter clutches, I asked them, What is there to do in Tucson?

The timing was uncanny, because a week after my parents booked their trip, we were contacted by Visit Tucson (the tourism board) to work on a campaign with them. And all of a sudden, a city I hadnt ever thought much about took center stage in my mind.

When we started planning our trip to Tucson, I truly started to realize why my parents had booked 2 weeks there. As it turns out, theres a lot to do in this southwestern city!

This info-packed guide is full of top tips, where to stay, what foods to try , and everything else you need to know about planning an incredible trip to Tucson.

Contents:

Things to do in Tucson:

Outdoor Activities in Tucson

Food & Nightlife in Tucson

Art, Culture & History in Tucson

Planning your trip to Tucson:

Best Tucson Weekend Itinerary

Best time to visit Tucson

Where to stay in Tucson

How to Get Around Tucson

What to pack for Tucson

Tucson Map

Disclosure: This trip and article was sponsored by Visit Tucson. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and completely our own. Additionally, this article contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more information.

Outdoor Adventures in Tucson

If you like getting outside, youll find your bliss in Tucson because there are so many outdoor adventures to be had in the area surrounding this city.

1. Go horseback riding in the desert

I am going to embarrass Ben for a minute while I tell you something about him few people know: Hes afraid of horses.

Hes looking over my shoulder as I type this and saying, Im not afraid, I just think theyre smart and strong, and we should respect them.

Yeah, okay whatever, Ben.

But to his credit, he agreed to go horseback riding on our trip to Tucson. (Ive been asking him for the last couple of years, and he finally gave in.)

And you know what? When I asked Ben what his highlight was from our trip to Tucson, the first thing out of his mouth was, horseback riding!. So even if youre not an experienced rider, Bens reaction should give you some encouragement.

It was hands down one of my favorite experiences in Tucson too! We were able to see places we never would have without being saddled up on John Wayne and Mac (names of our horses).

Bobbi, the owner of Houstons Horseback Riding, led our group along the trail. We crossed rivers, ducked beneath low-hanging trees, and trotted past giant saguaro cacti with mountains looming in the distance. The landscape changed throughout the 2-hour journey, and the pace was slow and steady (great for those of us who arent experienced riders).

The views we got right up next to the saguaros on top of the horses was completely different than the perspective wed get walking on the trail with our own two feet. It was surreal.

And after chatting with Bobbi, its clear how much passion she has for this work. She has been working with horses for nearly her entire life and has passed on her admiration for these beautiful creatures to her children who help run the show as well. I mean, with about 30 horses to care for, the more hands the better.

So not only will you have an amazing experience with the horses, but youre supporting a family run business. Win-win!

Hours: Trail rides start at 9 a.m and 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $85 for a 2 hour walking ride

Book Your Horseback Ride Here!

Are you an experienced rider? If youre no stranger to horseback riding, you can book a private ride where your guide will adjust the speed to suit your experience level.

2. Visit Saguaro National Park

Saguaro are the huge cacti that adorn the Arizona license plate and serve as an icon of Southwest USA. And there is a National Park just 30 minutes from downtown Tucson that is dedicated to their existence.

Before we delve into the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, lets start with the basics pronunciation.

Say it with me: suh-waa-row

Now you wont embarrass yourselves like we did. (Youre welcome!)

And because I am fascinated by these cacti, Im gonna entertain you with some fun facts about the saguaro:

They can live to be 150 years old (some even are said to be 200 years old!).

They can grow up to 40-60 feet tall (12-18 meters).

They dont start growing arms until theyre around 70 years old.

They only grow in parts of the Sonoran Desert (a small area in Mexico, southern Arizona, and occasionally southeastern California.

They are expensive! Thats right, some people like to incorporate them into their landscaping, and the large ones can cost upwards of $10,000. The more arms it has, the more money it costs.

One foot of a saguaro weighs around 100 pounds!

We have a love affair with National Parks. Anyone else?! So it should come as no surprise that the first thing we plotted on our Tucson itinerary was a visit to Saguaro National Park.

And guess what?! It was our 20th US National Park! *cue champagne toast*

Saguaro is divided into two sections: one to the east and one to the west. In the middle lies the city of Tucson. Each side is a bit different. The west side of the park is more densely covered with saguaro, while the east side has more hiking trails and is more mountainous.

Try to see both sides if possible, but if youre short on time, visiting the west side of the park will be the best way to maximize your visit.

Best things to do in Saguaro National Park (with limited time):

West Side Saguaro National Park:

Drive around the 6-mile scenic Bajada Loop, and stop along the way at the spots listed below (plus any others that pique your interest):

Hugh Norris Trailhead: Hike up the trail for about 5-7 minutes and look west. Youll see tons of saguaro cacti and this spot would be wonderful for sunset.

Valley View Overlook Trail: 0.8-mile one-way (out and back) easy trail that is relatively flat. There are signs along the way pointing out the different types of plants and the final destination is a viewpoint over the vast valley below that is full of cacti.

Signal Hill Picnic Area: This short 0.3-mile hike up signal hill leads you to dozens of 800-year old petroglyphs that were created by the ancient Hohokam people.

East Side Saguaro National Park:

Drive along the Cactus Forest Drive Loop. It is an 8-mile self-drive loop that takes you to some of the major attractions in the east side of Saguaro National Park:

Mica View Trail: This relatively flat 2-mile return hike starts at a nice picnic area, goes through the cactus forest to East Broadway Blvd and back. You can also start the hike from E Broadway Blvd too.

Desert Ecology Trail: Paved 0.3-mile loop with signs to tell you more about desert plants. Great walk for kids.

Cactus Forest Trail: Splits the East Saguaro National Park from North to South. 5-mile return, mostly flat, but youll be surrounded with saguaro cacti the entire time.

Freeman Homestead Trail: Short 1-mile loop trail easy to do with kids. Youll walk by some of the biggest and oldest saguaros in the park.

Have more time in Saguaro National Park?

Douglas Spring Trailhead (East Side): This is a 16-mile out and back trail that is pretty flat for the first half and then switchbacks up the mountain until the top. About a quarter of the way on the trail, head to the left for 0.4 miles to see the Bridal Wreath Falls (dont expect a massive falls, but refreshing to see in the desert).

King Canyon Trail (West Side): The trailhead starts opposite of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, this 7.1-mile moderate trail winds its way up to Wasson Peak. Many reports say its tough on the way up and you should start early, but youll be rewarded with an amazing view of the saguaro cacti filled desert.

Hours: Visitor Centers are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but the park is open to vehicles from sunrise to sunset.

Cost: weekly pass to Saguaro National Park is $25 per vehicle.

Insider tip: If you dont already have an America the Beautiful Pass, you might want to consider getting one before your trip to Tucson. It will not only cover your entrance to the National Park, but also to Sabino Canyon. Weve put together a guide thatll help you decide if the US National Park Pass is worth it for you.

3. Mountain Biking around Tucson

There are few things better than being outside, getting your heart pumping, and trying something totally new. And thats exactly what we did on our last morning in Tucson. We woke up before the sun, grabbed a breakfast burrito for fuel, and headed to a trailhead.

Tucson has some of the best places in Arizona if not the best for mountain biking. And whether youre a newbie to the sport (like us!) or a seasoned mountain biker, there are trails suited to all levels.

Important info about biking in Tucson:Here's the thing we wish we would have known before going mountain biking in Tucson... Some of the trails around the city are unsanctioned, meaningyou cannot legally ride on them without getting a permit. And the even sketchier thing is some mountain bike rental companies encourage riders to use these trails without first obtaining anArizonaState Trust Landpermit.

Even after quite a bit of sleuthing, we still can't figure out how a visitor to Tucson could actually purchase one of these permits (as the site to purchase them is broken). Moral of the story: When picking the trails you'll ride, be extra careful to choose only those that are sanctioned. Otherwise, you can be fined (and you're breaking the law).

Luckily, there are some reputable biking companies that follow the rules and encourage safe riding on trails that are open for the public to enjoy.

Our recommendation:Home Grown Mountain Bikingis a trusted company that offers rentals, shuttle services, and guided rides so you have an expert with you on the trails.Cost: Mountain bike rentals start at $120 per day. You'll find other package options as well as multi-day discounts.

Some popular mountain bike trails in Tucson (that don't require a permit):

Mount Lemmon:Lots of rugged terrain and temperatures that are significantly cooler than you'll find closer to the city, which makes for comfortable biking even in hotter months.

Catalina State Park, Oro Valley:Lots of beautiful trails, like the intermediate track "50 Year". Note: to enter Catalina State Park, you will need to pay $7 per vehicle.

Tucson Mountain Park:Here you'll find 50 miles of trails that are primarily beginner and intermediate levels.

Insider Tip:Download theTrailForks app to get a detailed look at the trail you plan to ride.

4. Explore Colossal Cave

Stalactites, stalagmites, and bat poo, oh my!

Ive had a fascination with caves since I was a child, so weve visited all different types of caves on our travels around the world. When we heard there was a cave in Tucson, we didnt need much convincing to squeeze a visit into our itinerary.

Located a short 15-minute drive southeast of Tucson, the Colossal Cave has a pretty interesting history. It was once used as a temporary shelter for the Hohokam people (the regions first inhabitants) as early as 900 AD. And later, this cave served as a hiding place for 19th-century outlaws who didnt want to be found.

To enter the Colossal Cave, you must book a guided tour. There are a handful of options to choose from:

Classic Cave Tour: Good introduction to the cave and suitable for all ages.

Length: 50-minute tour

Cost: Adults: $18, Children (5-12 yrs): $9, 4 and under: free

When: 8 tours a day, depart hourly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tip: Reservations are encouraged

Ladder Tour: Navigate narrow passageways, climb ladders, and cross rickety bridges in seldom-seen parts of the cave system.

Length: 1.5-hour tour

Cost: $35 per person

When: 2 tours a day 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Tip: Reservations required

Wild Cave Tour: The most adventurous of tours offered, guides will take you to the most remote parts of the cave system. Participants must be fit and ready for a rugged good time! Described as absolutely down-and-dirty caving!

Length: 3.5-hour tour

Cost: $85 (reservations required)

Restrictions: 16 years old and older

When: 1 tour a day at 1 p.m.

Tip: There is an Intermediate option as well as Advanced ($125).

Our Opinion: Due to our limited time, the Classic Cave Tour was the one that best fit into our schedule. While it was a good introduction, it wasnt anything too different from what weve seen in other cave systems. We wished we had booked the Ladder or Wild Tour, as it would have been a bit more up our alley in terms of adventure!

Learn more about each tour and make your bookings here.

5. Sunset in the desert

Look up to the skies at dusk and youre in for an incredible show put on by Mother Nature. Seriously though, Tucson is known for having some epic sunsets, so plan to be somewhere special for at least one of the evenings during your trip.

Theres nothing like seeing the cacti start to glow as the sky takes on a pinkish hue.

Some top spots around Tucson for sunset:

Gates Pass

Saguaro National Park

A Mountain

JW Marriot

Tucson Mountain Park

Mount Lemmon scenic drive

6. Get a view over Tucson from A Hill (aka Sentinel Peak Park)

Look to the horizon and you shouldnt have a problem spotting A Hill, which, as the name implies, is adorned with a giant letter A made of rocks. This tribute to the University of Arizona is not only a town icon, but it marks one of the best spots to get a view over the city.

As long as the sky is clear, any time of day will grant you a sweeping view. Get an early morning start here and view the city beneath blue skies.

Or come for that golden hour glow and stay after the sun goes down to see the city lights begin to sparkle. Just know that after the sun sets, this is clearly a makeout spot, which is slightly awkward...

Alternative: Are you looking to get a workout in instead of taking the easy way and driving to the top? Pat yourself on the back, and then head to Tumamoc Hill. The trailhead is just a few minutes drive past the starting point of Sentinel Peak. This short but steep climb is a 3-mile round trip with a 700-foot elevation gain.

7. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

I hate to admit it, but unless it is truly something special like the Met in NYC or the Uffizi in Florence I dont always prioritize fitting museums into our travel plans. Honestly, Id rather be outside or eating which I suppose could be my life motto.

However, once we saw reviews for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, we decided to squeeze it into our itinerary. I mean, its the top-rated Tucson attraction on TripAdvisor (earning 5 stars with more than 8,000 reviews!), so surely it has to be worthwhile, right?

Honestly, after checking it out, I would say it depends. I know thats annoying to hear when trying to plan your itinerary, but keep reading to see if it is an experience thatll float your boat.

First things first, dont think of this as a typical museum... It's more of a zoo blended with a botanical garden and a dash of museum thrown in there for fun.

Youll find a huge variety of exhibits and lots of information around the park. To really explore everything thoroughly, youll need at least 2 hours.

Here are some of the main exhibits:

Aquarium

Raptor Flights

Hummingbird Aviary

Cave & Earth Sciences Center (the cave is artificial but pretty convincing)

Botanical Garden

Indoor Play Area for kids

One major perk to visiting the museum is your entrance fee will help contribute to their ongoing conservation and research efforts. One of their primary missions is to understand, connect people to and protect the natural systems of the Sonoran Desert Region.

Considering that the Sonoran Desert region is home to one of the greatest varieties of plants and animals out of any desert in the world, you can see it is pretty important work.

Interested in hearing more? Check out their website to see their current conservation and research projects.

Our thoughts on the Desert Museum:

Our favorite parts were the cave and gemstone exhibits. We are big rock nerds, so this part was especially cool. Theres even a little piece of rock from the moon on display which Ben geeked out about!

We think this would be a fun activity with kids (though we arent experts on the whole subject of children just yet!).

Honestly, zoos usually arent our thing (but thats a topic for another time). So we werent all that fond of the animal exhibits at this museum.

There is a small pool with stingrays where people can pay a small fee to touch them. We personally try to avoid any animal attraction that encourages touching.

Summary: Overall, this attraction is very well put together with accessible paths, frequent water fountains and toilets, lots of informational signs, and activities for children. You can learn a lot here and spend quite a bit of time exploring it all. However, if youre short on time, going into Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon are going to be even more worth your while.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Adults - $21.95, Seniors (65+) - $19.95, Children (3-12) - $9.95, Children (under 3) - Free

8. Go hiking in Sabino Canyon

Sitting in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon Recreation Center draws more than a million visitors annually. And for good reason: This place is absolutely stunning and packed with adventures for all types of travelers.

Encompassing two gorges: Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon, you can choose to hike along paved or gravel paths, or you can save your legs some work and hop on a shuttle (for a fee).

Bear Canyon Shuttle: $6 adults, $4 ages 3-12; leaves every 30 minutes

Sabino Canyon Shuttle: $10 adults, $5 ages 3-12; leaves every 30 minutes

Seven Falls Hike

5 miles round trip

917 feet in elevation gain

If youre up for a challenging hike (thats well worth the effort), look no further than the Seven Falls Trail. You can hop on the Bear Canyon shuttle and get off at the last stop, which is at the trailhead. (Alternatively, you can skip the shuttle and hike the 2 miles to get to the trailhead.)

From here, its a 2.5-mile hike to the waterfalls that cascade over granite rocks to form pools that are perfect for taking a refreshing dip!

Important note: This trail requires some creek crossings, so be sure to check the conditions at the visitors center before attempting the hike. And be sure to carry plenty of water, as youll be hiking in some exposed areas and it can get very hot.

Cost: $8 per vehicle to enter Sabino Canyon

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Good to know: If you have a National Park Pass, youll get into Sabino Canyon for free!

Planning your itinerary: Wed recommend combining a visit to Sabino Canyon and a drive up to Mount Lemmon (described below) on the same day since they are in the same relative area. If you plan to visit the DeGrazia Gallery as well (#19), you can tack it on the same day since its not far from Sabino Canyon.

9. Scenic drive to Mount Lemmon

When we started planning our trip to Tucson, at least three different people told us, You absolutely have to make the drive up to Mount Lemmon.

And were so happy we listened because it was one of the highlights of our trip. We only wish we had allotted more time to it.

This 40-mile drive snakes back and forth as it winds up through the mountains. There are viewpoints, pullouts, trailheads and campgrounds very frequently along the drive, so there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and scope out the views.

Youll notice a drastic drop in temperature as you make your way up the mountain, and depending on the time of year, you may even start to see snow (a crazy sight when youre coming from the desert!).

At the very top of Mount Lemmon, sits the tiny town of Summerhaven, which is basically a handful of vacation homes and a few small stores. Satisfy your sweet tooth by sampling fudge at the General Store and ordering a cookie at the Mount Lemmon Cookie Cabin, and continue to drive to the Marshall Gulch Picnic Area where you can enjoy your sweet treats with some real food you packed!

Insider Tip: One of our friends messaged us and told us to go to the Cookie Cabin, for huge and delicious cookies. Sadly, we got the text too late. So if you have the chance, go to this mountaintop log cabin and order a giant cookie for us, please!

Another fun thing to see is the (tiny) Mount Lemmon Ski Valley before you begin your drive down the mountain.

How long does it take? The drive is roughly 42 miles from downtown Tucson and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes from bottom to top without stopping. Wed allot at least 3.5 - 4 hours for the drive up and down the mountain with a few stops along the way.

10. Explore Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park | Photo Credit: My Mom ;)

Sitting at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this state park is a haven for desert wildlife and is home to more than 5,000 saguaros.

Come to Catalina State Park put a few more miles on your hiking boots or to have a relaxing picnic surrounded by nature.

Hikes in Catalina State Park:

Romero Ruins Interpretive Trail: This short and easy loop is 0.6 miles and has just 68 feet in elevation gain, making it a good hike for most people. The trail brings you past some historic dwellings and archaeological sites that are marked with signs.

Romero Pools: This 4.9-mile out and back trail is rated as intermediate, and has a 1,047-foot elevation gain. Your efforts will be rewarded as the trail culminates at some beautiful pools.

Cost: $7 per vehicle

11. Drive through Tucson Mountain Park

Another park in Tucson? Yep, thats right!

You will pass through the Tucson Mountain Park on your drive to the west portion of Saguaro National Park. And actually the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson are both located within the parks boundaries.

There are no entry fees, and unless youre looking at your map, you might not even realize youre inside the park at all.

Insider Tip: Be sure to stop at the Gates Pass viewpoint for an epic look over the valley. It is especially beautiful during golden hour. There are a few nearby trailheads too, so youll have the chance to stretch your legs if needed.

12. Visit Kitts Observatory

Kitt's Observatory | Photo Credit: My Mom ;)

Are you as big of a space geek as Ben?! If so, a trip to Kitts Observatory might be right up your alley. You can visit during the day to learn about telescopes and all the work that goes on behind the scenes, or you can take a night time tour and see the stars. But be sure to check the weather before you book.

Also, if the weather is cold, be prepared with warmer clothes because it can get even colder up on the mountain. Bring a good pair of shoes too because there is quite a bit of walking in the tour.

13. Tour Biosphere 2

Biosphere 2 | Photo Credit: My Mom ;)

Could you live in a bubble for 2 years?! Thats what 8 scientists did back in 1991 when the Biosphere 2 was first introduced to the world. Their goal was to study how a mini-biosphere would work with as few outside variables as possible.

Today, you can visit Biosphere 2 and tour the different ecosystems which range from rainforest to the ocean to a model city. The guided tours take you through various stations and highlight the ongoing experiments happening in the Biosphere.

Inside Biosphere 2 | Photo Credit: My Mom ;)

Some tours are included with the General Admission fee, while other tours have an additional cost. Tours can take around 2 to 3 hours. Plus, getting to Biosphere 2 from the center of Tucson is roughly a 50-minute drive, so youll need to dedicate a good portion of a day to this excursion if you add it to your itinerary.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Cost: Adults: $21, Kids $14

Check the Biosphere 2 website for more details on times and prices.

Fun Fact: If this is Biosphere 2, where is Biosphere 1? Well, youre living on it right now (aka Earth!). Mind blown!

Food & Nightlife in Tucson

Foodies are in for a treat because Tucson is packed with incredible dining options, especially when it comes to Mexican cuisine. And night owls will have a long list of things to do at night, from sampling the best local craft beer to enjoying live music on the town.

14. Eat ALL the Mexican Food

One of the things we were most excited for on this trip was the food. Mexican food, to be precise. #allthetacos

Being that this city is just over 60 miles from the border of Mexico, it should come as no surprise that Tucson is known for having a killer Mexican food scene. In fact, Tucson is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States!

Psst! If youre a foodie, youll love this intro to the Tucson culinary scene!

The worst part of the food in Tucson was that we couldnt eat it all. Well, that and the fact that our weekend in Tucson obliterated our meager attempt at doing the Whole30 in January. I mean, Im not going to go to a Mexican food Mecca and not eat as many tacos, tamales and guacamole as possible. Its against the laws of nature.

If youre still reading my food-crazed ramblings, youre probably wondering where you can find the best Mexican food in Tucson, and youre about to be rewarded, friend.

While you dont have to look far to find good Mexican food in Tucson, were sharing some top recommendations, from super authentic hole-in-the-wall spots to refined Mexican restaurants with an exceptional dining experience:

Los Tacos Apson: Tiny, unassuming shop with authentic fare and a generous salsa/topping bar. We ordered a handful of items but our favorites were the taco al pastor and taco hass (carne asada, queso, chili verde); and as we were leaving, a local recommended we try the taco rasuada (grilled ribs) next time! This is also a great spot to try a caramelo, Tucsons take on a quesadilla (cheese and lots of meat grilled between tortillas).

Bocas y Tequila: Popular spot, especially with the university crowd, it seems. The tacos were super tasty (albeit not very hot, but we were there at a super busy hour!). The elote (Mexican street corn) was also very good.

Cafe Poca Cosa: An upscale Mexican restaurant with a menu that changes daily.

Taco Fish: Come here for fresh ceviche and tacos de pescado (fish) or camarones (shrimp).

Penca: Contemporary Mexican fusion with a chic atmosphere.

Mi Nidito: Serving Tucson since 1952, this place is a local legend known for large portions, delicious food, and as a place Bill Clinton once ate.

Taqueria Pico De Gallo: Best known for its award-winning fish tacos, this is another local favorite for authentic (and cheap!) tacos.

Taqueria Porfis: While the menu is small, thats okay because what they do, they do well. And the item theyre most famous for is their potato taco, which is stuffed with carne seca, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, and you guessed it potatoes!

Rollies Mexican Patio: Known for their rolled tacos, this cute and colorful cafe makes a great lunch stop.

El Charro Cafe: Set inside a century-old home, this restaurant serves up large home-cooked meals in a charming, yet casual atmosphere.

Fun Fact: This is the nations oldest Mexican restaurant run continuously by the same family.

Street Taco and Beer Co.: Good for late night bites, street tacos, and tequila cocktails.

Insider Tip: We read that if you want to find really authentic, no-frills Mexican food, head to the neighborhoods south of 22nd Street. And 12th Ave, which runs north to south, has a dense concentration of amazing Mexican restaurants.

These streets are part of whats known as the Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food (aka a 23-square-mile area in the city thats known as the best Mexican food north of the border).

15. Try a Sonoran Dog

Im not usually one to order hot dogs, but when we learned that Sonoran Dogs are a must try specialty from this region, we had to give it a go. For research purposes.

And lets just say Im pretty happy I made the sacrifice in the name of work. And while Sonoran Dogs arent something I would eat on a regular basis, they are pretty damn good.

So what exactly is a Sonoran Dog, you ask? This tasty blend of American and Mexican cuisine is comprised of bacon-wrapped hot dog, topped with pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise, mustard and jalapeo salsa, all stuffed into a soft, sweet Mexican bun called a bolillo.

Rumor has it that there are two rival Sonora dog establishments in Tucson that both claim to serve the best:

BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs: Winner of a Sonoran Dog locally-judged blind taste test against El Guero Canelo, it is definitely worth a try. They also have a large menu of fantastic Mexican fare, some may say the best in Tucson.

El Gero Canelo: With 3 locations in Tucson, this is a Tucson must! We sampled the one on Oracle road, and it did not disappoint. The combo of sweet, spicy and savory is an explosion in your mouth. Youre gonna want more than one.

After a little research, we chose to try our first Sonoran Dog at El Gero Canelo. While we dont have anything to compare it to, it was pretty darn tasty! If you have the time (and room in your tummy!), try them both on your trip to Tucson to determine the winner!

16. Sample Vegan Mexican Fare

Most restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives are laden with grease, layers of cheese, deep-fried everything, and meat. Lots of meat.

But an exception to this is Tucsons beloved Tumerico, which was featured on this hit series in 2018. This local favorite serves up scratch-made Mexican dishes with a menu that changes daily.

While clearly very popular, the service was fast, the prices reasonable, and the food delicious.

Our recommendations: The menu is constantly changing so we cant give specific recommendations, but if there is a taco made with jackfruit, TRY IT. You will thank us! Also, the turmeric lemonade was seriously yummy.

Moral of the story: Even if you do eat meat, Tumerico is well worth a visit.

Good to know: Tumerico is closed on Mondays.

More vegetarian options in Tucson

While these are not Mexican restaurants, here are a few other good options for vegetarians/vegans visiting Tucson.

Charro Vida: While not fully veggie, this Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant (located close to Tohono Chul #35) donates proceeds to local school gardens throughout the region in partnership with the University of Arizona. Just looking at their menu makes my mouth water...

The Tasteful Kitchen: A somewhat upscale restaurant that specializes in vegan, gluten-free and raw cuisine. And while youre there, be sure to check out the mural depicting Mother Earth on the side of their building.

Urban Fresh: Casual cafe with plant-based wraps, salads and soups.

Zinmans Food Shop: carry-out spot with a patio, serving an eclectic assortment of dishes with influences from around the world.

17. Grab a cup of Tucsons best coffee

My name is Katie, and Im a coffee addict. If you are too, youll definitely want to start your day at Exo. Praised as the best coffee in Tucson, Exo does it all, and they do it well.

If you want to switch up your order and get something a little more unique than your everyday latte, order a chiltepin cold brew, which is made with spicy peppers!

And if your tummys a grumblin pick up one of their super tasty breakfast sandwiches, breakky bowls, or to keep the Mexican food theme going, try their breakfast tacos!

18. Visit a Farmers Market

When you combine locally grown produce, artisans selling their creations, and food vendors all in one place, youve got yourself some farmers market bliss.

With a handful of farmers markets around the Tucson area, youll likely be able to squeeze one during your trip.

Here are 3 farmers markets that are closest to town, and are easy to work into your sightseeing schedule:

Rillito Park: Makes a good stop if youre headed up to Catalina State Park, Tohono Chul, or over to Sabino Canyon.

Oro Valley: Stop here on your way to Catalina State Park.

Rincon Valley: Make a stop here on your drive down to Colossal Cave.

We visited the market in Rincon Valley on our way to the Colossal Cave, and while not huge, it was a nice stop to browse some local artists work and nibble on kettle corn!

Hours: All the markets listed above have the same hours.

Winter Hours (Oct. - Mar.): Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Summer Hours (Apr. - Sept.): Saturdays, 8 a.m -12 p.m.

These farmers markets are all put together by an organization called Heirloom Farmers Markets, and you can find more info here.

19. Go on a Food Tour

Im someone who gets serious FOMO when it comes to food.

When visiting a city thats known for its food scene, I feel like I should try everything, which is not exactly an ideal habit for my waistline or my wallet.

If you can relate (yay, Im not alone!), youll want to keep reading because I recently found the cure: Food Tours!

Food tours are a way for you to try a little of each (my favorite!). Plus, your guide usually brings you to local spots you wouldn't find on your own, and gives you insight to the citys history, culture and culinary scene.

So if youre interested in food especially Mexican food (Tucsons pride and joy!), you might want to consider adding a food tour into your itinerary.

There are two companies that run highly-rated food tours in Tucson:

Tucson Food Tours

Taste of Tucson

Weve taken food tours all around the world, and wish we had time to take one on our trip to Tucson. Guess weve gotta save something for our next trip, right?!

20. Hang out in Mercado San Agustin

This square just west of downtown has a collection of high-end boutiques, produce vendors, artisans and eateries surrounding a pretty courtyard. We were there on a rainy day (a rare occurrence in Tucson!), but with nice weather, this would be a prime spot to wander and grab a bite.

Insider Tip: We were told that Seis Kitchen is amazing, and La Estrella Bakery also looks really good. Try them out and let us know what you think!

21. Eat a flight of Ice Cream

Can I confess something? I have an ice cream problem.

Someone once told me, No matter how full you are, theres always room for ice cream because it can fit in all the cracks! And I think Ive taken those words a little too seriously over the years.

This is coming from someone who almost missed the last train of the day in a tiny Italian village because I *needed* to get gelato. And someone who has (successfully) completed more than one ice cream eating challenge.

So lets just say you should consider me something of an expert on the topic of ice cream.

When I heard about the ice cream flights (yes flights!) at The Screamery, I told Ben we had to make it part of our itinerary.

And when I found out it was right across the street from our hotel as well as another highly rated ice cream shop (Hub), I told him we better go to both. Ya know, in order to research as many flavors as possible.

The Screamery: Tons of unique flavors to choose from, reasonable prices, and the option to have a flight!

Flavors we loved: Sweet Cream Honeycomb and Rough at Sea

Hub: A little more expensive, less choices, and no ice cream flight option (dang it!). But still seriously good ice cream.

Flavors we loved: Queen Bee and Mexican Hot Chocolate

Overall, theyre both really good choices. I think the ice cream was pretty similar in quality, so choose the one that has flavors youre more excited about.

22. Sample the best Craft Beer in Tucson

While not exactly the level of craft beer scene youll find in Portland, Tucson has a decent amount of breweries in town.

If youre a purveyor of craft brews (were right there with ya!), here are a few breweries youll want to check out:

Dragoon Brewing Company: Open warehouse-style brewery with a great selection of all kinds of brews. We sampled a flight here, and it was our favorite beer of the breweries we visited in Tucson, but a bit outside the center of town.

Barrio Brewing Co.: Rustic-chic brewery close to downtown with happy hour specials.

Public Brewhouse: Tucked in a dark alleyway, they brew a mean Belgian Dubbel. Worth a stop if youre exploring 4th Ave. Seems to be a pretty new spot, and popular with locals.

Pueblo Vida: Small, hip spot downtown with lots of unique fruit-forward IPAs and complex malty dark pours.

Gentle Bens Brewing: We wanted to visit this brewery just because of the name! Well, that, and it looks like they have some good brews!

Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.: Highly rated brews with a typical brick wall interior. Flights come on a skateboard!

Borderlands Brewing Company: German Chocolate Cake Porter, need I say more Okay I will: female head brewmaster, daily food trucks, & massive murals on the wall.

Iron Johns Brewing Company: Fantastic micro-brewery with crazy concoctions in the heart of downtown.

23. Soak up some speakeasy vibes

Weve been on a speakeasy kick lately. And Ive gotta say, Tucson has a few great options if youre looking for handcrafted cocktails, and a mysterious, 1920s-esque atmosphere.

The Independent Distillery: Pre-prohibition style bar serving their own spirits and enticing cocktails.

Surly Wench Pub: Good for a couple of drinks in what they call an industrial goth bar. The vibe we got was new-age biker bar but apparently the burgers are good.

Club Congress: Throw on your shiniest flapper dress and striped suit and step back in time to this historic bar. Not only do they host the best 1920s themed parties, they have a jammed-pack event calendar including rock bands, cabarets, free yoga and stand-up comics.

Tough Luck Club: In the basement of Reilly Craft Pizza (an old funeral home!), youll find this cozy cocktail bar. Oh, and outside is a beer garden if you prefer a more casual vibe.

24. Tequila toast at JW Marriott

When in the Arizona desert it only seems right to have some tequila! And do you know what the best kind of tequila is?

FREE tequila!

Now that Ive got your attention, lets talk about how to get that free tequila, shall we?

The JW Marriott is in a stunning location that gives new meaning to the term desert oasis. But even if you dont have the budget to splurge on a $250-per-night room, you can enjoy unrivaled views and a free tequila toast at sundown.

Simply show up to Salud, the Marriotts on-site bar and restaurant, to take part in their nightly tradition of raising a (complementary) shot of tequila and share the legend behind the classic Mexican cheers, arriba, abajo, al central, en dentro.

And of course as soon as the story is over, everyone gathered there is invited to raise their glasses and make a toast as the sun sets. Tequila is passed around at 5:30 p.m., so be sure to arrive a bit earlier to get a seat by a firepit and enjoy the view.

And if you feel so inclined, try one of their specialty handcrafted cocktails or order your liquor straight up from their selection of more than 150 tequilas. Who knew there were so many tequilas?!

25. Mezcal Tasting

Tequila gets a lot of hype in the US; but in Mexico, people are all about the mezcal!

We learned a lot about mezcal during our travels in Oaxaca, and have been really interested in tequilas smokier cousin ever since.

Whether youre a mezcal connoisseur or youve never heard of the stuff until now, doing a mezcal tasting is a great way to learn more about Mexicos favorite spirit.

While theyre best known for coffee, each Thursday starting at 7 p.m., Exo Coffee hosts an hour-long mezcal tasting at their onsite bar.

While sipping on samples of several high quality mezcal (they have a collection of more than 150 mezcals!), proprietor Doug Smith walks guests through everything youve ever wanted to know about this liquor. This informational tasting costs $20 and reservations are not necessary.

And if Thursday doesnt work for you, tastings are also offered Wednesdays and Sundays between 6 - 9 p.m. for $25. For these tastings, you must make a reservation in advance.

If youre not interested in a full tasting, you can always come during their bar hours to enjoy beer, wine, or mezcal cocktails. They have a great happy hour from 6 - 8 p.m., where cocktails are just $5, and beer and wine are $1 off.

26. Get your giggle on at a comedy show

Weve realized that comedy clubs almost always guarantee a night of fun! Plus, its a great way to spend an evening in a new city, and most big(ish) towns around the world have at least one comedy club.

Tucson is no exception. There are a handful of comedy clubs, but it seems that Laffs gets the biggest national names in stand-up, so we decided it would be a good way to spend our Friday night.

We gave the address of Laffs to our Uber drive and had no idea what to expect, but when we pulled up to a strip mall on the outskirts of suburbia, we were a little surprised.

And when we walked inside, we soon realized this no-frills club was not going to win us over on atmosphere. So we crossed our fingers that at least the show would be good

Lets just say that we were clutching our stomachs from laughing so hard for the next 90 minutes!

Weve been to enough comedy shows to know its not as much about the atmosphere as it is about the people on stage. The comics themselves are what are going to make the experience belly-hurts-from-laughing-so-hard good or just alright.

Theres always the off-chance that youll hate the comedians style of humor (which has happened to us in a comedy club with a top-notch atmosphere!).

We were at Laffs on a night with great talent, and hopefully youll catch a great line-up as well! Our advice is to read up on the comedian who is performing to see if youll like their style, or just show up with an open mind and ready for a laugh!

And dont worry, you wont go hungry or thirsty. There is a long list of cocktails with quirky names, a small selection of beer, and a menu of pub food and snacks.

Laffs has a handful of shows each week:

Thursdays: 8 p.m. Open Mic, free show!

Friday: 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.

Saturday: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.

Cost:

General Seating: $12.50

Preferred Seating: $17.50

You can pay in advance, or you can make a reservation but pay at the door.

Check out their schedule to see upcoming shows.

Psst! If youre into improv or are looking for a family-friendly comedy show, Unscrewed Theater might be more your scene.

27. Spend the evening at a Film Bar

Check Casa Film Bar's Facebook Page for New Showings

Looking for something fun and lowkey to do at night in Tucson? Oh, we have got just the idea for you!

Combine craft beer, food trucks and movies (three of our favorite things!), and youre in for a great time. Youll find this magical combo at Casa Film Bar, which is something of a local secret.

Essentially a bar inside a video rental store, come on a weekend night and youll be able to enjoy a movie showing with a craft brew (or wine or coffee).

They play films ranging from 90s classics, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to little-known indie films, to brand new Oscar nominees (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was playing while we were there, just 6 months after being released in theaters).

Casa Film Bar Schedule:

Films & rotating food trucks: Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays (check their Facebook page for showtimes and to see which food truck will be there).

Smartphone Trivia: Tuesdays from 7 - 9 p.m. (free to play & winners get prizes)

Food Truck only: Sundays 6 - 8 p.m., Pop's Hot Chicken is the Sunday evening staple

Not only will you be supporting one of the few standing video rental stores left, but youll be able to check out a local hot spot and have an all around good evening!

28. Live Music in Tucson

While Tucson certainly wont make the cut for top live music cities in the US, that doesnt mean you should give up hope on catching a performance. In fact, as we wandered around downtown and along 4th Ave, we heard more bands performing than we could count!

From hipster bars to honky tonks, and century-old theaters to swanky resort patios, youll have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing a spot to catch some tunes.

Here are some of the venues in Tucson that regularly host live music:

Thunder Canyon Brewery: Large brewery downtown that hosts live music.

La Cocina: This restaurant has a large menu and an even bigger patio, complete with cafe lights and live music on the weekends.

Club Congress: Its hard to beat the atmosphere youll find in Club Congress, though most acts that come through here require you buy a ticket in advance.

Ches Lounge: Yummy cocktails and beer with an outdoor patio and stage for music.

Exo Coffee: Not just a coffee shop, Exo also has a mezcal bar and hosts live music most weekend nights!

Hacienda Del Sols Terraza: If you prefer your live music with a side of class and a bottle of fine wine, the patio at Hacienda del Sol is a good place to catch some jazz or classical tunes as the sun sets.

29. Nightlife on 4th Ave

Being that this street sits directly between the university campus and downtown, it draws a young student crowd as well as a mix of young professionals and tourists. And lemme tell ya: It comes alive at night!

You can find all sorts of quirky bars, restaurants of all kinds, cafes with poetry readings, and shops selling everything from cowboy boots to hippy garb.

Walk down 4th Ave and pop into any establishment that strikes your fancy.

30. Brunch in Tucson

Need a pick-me-up after a big night out on 4th Ave? Lucky for you, Tucson has some amazing brunch options thatll get you feeling like yourself in no time!

Insider Tip: If youre looking for a kickass Bloody Mary to start your day, Elliotts on Congress is where youll want to go. Their infused vodkas make a great base for the drink, and if you like spicy, order the Habanero Bloody for a real wake up call!

And even if youre not hungover, who doesnt love a good brunch?

Seasonal fruit, eggs, flaky pastries fresh outta the oven, housemade jam youre speaking my language! Oh, and we cant forget about the mimosas and bloody Marys.

Tucson has a healthy variety of brunch spots that are sure to strike your fancy:

Prep and Pastry

Cup Cafe

Baja Cafe

Five Points Market

Cafe a La CArt

Art, Culture & History in Tucson

For lovers of all things art, history and culture, theres no shortage of ways to fill up your time in Tucson. Were sharing some of the top things to do if you want to delve into this citys history and art scene.

31. Hunt for Street Art!

Tucsons street art scene is off the hook!

Ermmm do people even say off the hook anymore? Im going to assume no, but still, you know what I mean.

Youll notice colorful murals covering the sides of buildings all over town. Depictions range from desert scenes, to whales and fish, to cultural references, to random but pretty paintings of birds

You really wont have to make much of an effort to spot murals around town, but if you want some direction, here are some of our personal favorite murals in Tucson (and their location pins):

Whale mural by Joe Pagac

Goddess of Agave

Greetings from Tucson Postcard

Girl in Barrio Viejo (Across the street from El Tiradito)

Girl by Charro del Rey

32. Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac

One of Tucsons most iconic buildings, the Mission San Xavier del Bac is a not only a historic landmark, but it also still operates as a church to this day. If you happen to visit on a Sunday, you might just see a church service taking place.

This building is a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture, and has been nicknamed the White Dove of the Desert. As you wander around the mission and church property, youll notice influences of Renaissance, Byzantine and Mexican architecture styles.

If youre interested in hearing about the churchs history, consider taking a guided tour. They are free to join and dont require making a reservation. Simply show up at the museum entrance to join in this 45-minute tour. Tours run quite frequently, but timing depends on the season. Check here for tour hours.

Feeling hungry? If you happen to be visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac on a weekend, keep your eyes peeled for food vendors from the Tohono Oodham Nation who often sell frybread tacos in the open-air market space just across from the mission.

Frybread is pretty much just what it sounds like, a dough (sort of similar in appearance to naan) that has been deep fried to golden deliciousness. This traditional Native American staple is then topped with different ingredients, either sweet or savory.

Weve tried frybread tacos once before, and theyre really tasty. Theyre not all that easy to find in most places, so do yourself a favor and try one while youre at the mission!

Mission San Xavier del Bac Hours:

Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free, donations welcome

Insider Tip: If you arrive in Tucson at a reasonable hour and arent too tired, wed recommend heading straight to Mission San Xavier from the airport, as its quite close (and a bit out of the way to come from downtown Tucson). Alternatively, you could stop for a quick visit before heading to the airport on your way out of Tucson.

33. Visit the historic Hotel Congress

It might seem strange that we have a hotel on our list of things to do, but hear us out...

Nestled right in the center of downtown, Hotel Congress is the stuff of local legends. Built just after the turn of the 20th century, it was here that John Dillinger, an infamous American gangster during the Great Depression era, was arrested and brought to jail.

Although he later escaped, Tucsonians take great pride in the fact that Dillinger, a prolific bank robber, was caught in their city. They are so proud, in fact, that there is an annual celebration and recreation of these events which takes place each year in mid-January (we were actually there for it!).

Hotel Congress still retains its quirky, colorful, historic charm. And walking into the lobby feels as if youve stepped back in time. Grab a drink at one of the many onsite bars, or catch a concert at Club Congress. And if you want to spend the night, the historic rooms are cozy, however, there is a caveat...

Our honest opinion: We stayed at Hotel Congress during our trip to Tucson, and while we would definitely recommend stopping in for a drink and checking it out, we would not advise staying here unless youre in Tucson to party.

They dont try to hide the fact that this hotel gets loud like really loud at night. There are even ear plugs in each room. Lets just say we did not sleep very well during our entire 3 nights in Tucson.

Interesting Fact: It is said that Hotel Congress is haunted! While were not ones to really believe these things, we did have a very weird experience where our closet door swung open suddenly. And at night, the 2nd floor where we were staying smelled like smoke from a fire. Spooky...

34.DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

If youre an art buff, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun makes an interesting stop. This is a gallery dedicated to the works of one man: Ettore Ted DeGrazia.

Dont worry, I hadnt heard of him either; but DeGrazia is pretty well-known in Arizona.

So who is Ettore DeGrazia? Well, heres the short version:

DeGrazia was born into a family of Italian immigrants who lived in a mining camp in rural Arizona. Ettore later enrolled at the University of Arizona, and created a life around his passion: art.

In adulthood, he married (twice) and bought a 10-acre plot of land in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains which would become both his home and gallery.

His works were underappreciated for many years until his oil painting Los Nios was selected by UNICEF to be printed on a 1960 holiday card, which sold millions worldwide. DeGrazias fame spread during the next decade, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to his gallery each year.

Visiting the Gallery in the Sun

A visit to the Gallery in the Sun will leave you in awe at the sheer amount of artwork DeGrazia created in his lifetime. The museum has a rotating collection of more than 15,000 DeGrazia originals! Anyone else wondering how he had enough hours in the day to make all of this?!

DeGrazia liked using all different mediums. Youll see oils, watercolors, sketches and even pottery on display. And another impressive fact is that the gallery was designed by DeGrazia himself.

When you visit the Gallery in the Sun, not only will you see DeGrazias artwork, but youll also be able to walk through his home and his private chapel, both of which are on the property.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily

Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for ages 12-18, children under 12 are free

35. Wander the gardens at Tohono Chul

Hailed as one of the countrys best botanical gardens by Travel + Leisure, Tohono Chul is popular with locals and visitors alike. Covering nearly 50 acres, this is said to be a place where nature, art, and culture connect.

But were not gonna gloss over the fact that when we visited in mid-January, there wasnt all that much to see due to the transition of seasons.

Wed imagine during other times of the year, there are more things to see. Weve heard March is particularly beautiful with the desert flowers starting to bloom. They also host occasional live music and other events throughout the year.

Our Opinion: Before planning your visit, wed do some research to see if it will be worthwhile during the season in which youre visiting. Perhaps between the months of March and May there would be more to see, as the desert flowers are in bloom during this time.

Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 .p.m.

Cost: Adults - $15, Children (5-12) - $6, Children under 5 - Free, Seniors (62+) - $13

36. Explore Barrio Viejo

Translating to old neighborhood, Barrio Viejo is just that: a section of Tucson that still has old charm. Sometimes called the real "soul" of Tucson, you can drive around and see colorful Spanish Colonial architecture and find authentic Mexican restaurants.

While some parts of the neighborhood are lively, there are other sections that have a run-down feeling.

We drove around Barrio Viejo for a while trying to find some of the beautiful, colorful adobe houses we had seen pictures of.

So to point you in the right direction (and minimize your time spent driving around in circles like we did!), here are some points of interest in Barrio Viejo (Note: please be respectful in this neighborhood because people do live here):

Colorful houses on S Meyer Ave and W Kennedy St (and further south on Meyer Ave until 22nd St)

El Tiradito Shrine (described below)

El Minuto Cafe: Mexican restaurant next to El Tiradito

The Coronet: brunch and late night food

Five Points Market & Restaurant: cute and lively brunch spot

Cafe Desta: popular Ethiopian restaurant

37. Visit El Tiradito Shrine

If youre exploring the Barrio Viejo neighborhood, make a quick visit to the El Tiradito Shrine. Stopping here only requires a few minutes and to the naked eye its nothing too special.

It is scattered with candles, flowers, and images of saints. But this is no ordinary shrine, folks. And once you know the legend behind this shrine, its kind of an interesting place to see.

Nicknamed the wishing shrine, El Tiradito is the USs only Catholic shrine dedicated to a.... wait for it SINNER! Scandalous, I know. But thats not even the crazy part.

Heres the short version of the legend of Juan Oliveras, the man who is buried beneath El Tiradito Shrine: Juan, a young ranch-hand, is married to his bosss daughter, but soon becomes infatuated with his mother-in-law (yep, you read that right), and makes a move. The two carry on an affair, which is eventually busted by the husband/father-in-law/boss. Ouch!

He gets so angry that he kills Juan right there before escaping to Mexico, where he is later murdered. The wife allegedly kills herself, and after all this horrifying drama and death, the daughter (who, by the way, we should mention is pregnant with Juans child) hangs herself as well.

It is said that Juan is buried beneath El Tiradito, a shrine that people visit for all different reasons. Some come out of sheer curiosity about the legend and others see it on a things to do in Tucson list, like this one!

But there is another group of people who come to this spot: Those who empathize with Juan and have similar love triangles in their own lives. It is said that if you write your wish on a piece of paper and have good intentions, it will come true.

Just behind the shrine is a crumbling brick wall, and if you look closely, youll see scraps of paper stuffed in the holes between bricks, many of which are wishes from past visitors.

This shrine was almost demolished when the city was building a new highway, but people in the community fought to preserve it. Perhaps they want to protect history, or maybe some people are protecting their wishes!

38. Step back in time at Old Tucson

Old Tucson | Photo Credit: My Mom ;)

Walk through what looks like a scene straight out of a John Wayne film, and watch as actors from the Wild West perform demonstrations and stunts.

Old Tucson is an amusement park of sorts, complete with a town hall, a saloon and a haunted mine, like all good Western desert towns have.

We didnt have enough time to visit Old Tucson during our weekend trip, and to be honest, it didnt really seem like our type of place. However, if youre looking for things to do in Tucson with kids, this could be a fun activity for a family.

Be sure to look up the schedule of events to time your visit right.

Cost: Adults: $21.95, Children (4-11): $10.95, Children under 4: Free

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (times may change seasonally)

Best Tucson Weekend Itinerary

Are you overwhelmed with the massive list we just gave you?

Dont worry, were going to help you pare it down a bit. Below, weve listed some highlights you can choose from based on your travel style:

If you love the outdoors:

Visit Saguaro National Park

Hike to Seven Falls in Sabino Canyon

Drive up to Mount Lemmon and stop on the way for hikes and lookout points

Explore Romero Ruins in Catalina

If youre traveling with kids in Tucson:

Do the Classic Tour at Colossal Cave

Sonoran Desert Museum

Go horseback riding

Order an ice cream flight at The Screamery

Visit Old Tucson

If youre into food:

Eat a Sonoran Dog

Check out our list of top Mexican food and try as many as you can!

Have a leisurely brunch

Order an ice cream flight at The Screamery

Go on a Tucson food tour

Try a vegan Mexican meal at Tumerico

If youre an art & culture lover:

Check out the Degrazia Gallery in the Sun

Explore Barrio Viejo and visit El Tiradito Shrine

Visit Tohono Chul botanical gardens (if the time of year is right)

Spend an evening at Casa Film Bar

Visit the Tucson Museum of Art

If youre into nightlife:

Tequila toast at the JW Marriot at sunset

Go brewery hopping

Scope out some live music

Grab a drink at Hotel Congress

Head to 4th Ave after dark for a night on the town

Do a mezcal tasting

If youre on a budget:

Do the scenic drive to Mount Lemmon

Go on a scavenger hunt to find as much street art as you can!

Watch sunset at A Hill with a view over Tucson

Have a picnic lunch

If youre craving adventure:

Go mountain biking

Go horseback riding

Book the Ladder or Wild Cave Tour at Colossal Cave

Hike to Seven Falls in the Sabino Canyon

Best time to visit Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is a great destination year round, however it can get quite hot in the summertime (albeit a dry heat). June is the hottest month in Tucson, with average highs soaring to 103F (40C). Yikes!

For the most comfortable temperatures, plan your trip to Tucson between mid-September and mid-May.

Even during December (Tucsons coldest month), the average temperature hovers just above 50F (10C) and it rarely dips below freezing. This weather will feel downright balmy to anyone from the Midwest (peace out Polar Vortex!).

Being that Tucson is smack dab in the middle of the desert, there is little chance that rain will ruin your vacation (unless youre traveling during the monsoon season of July and August). We arrived in Tucson on a rare rainy day, but by the next morning, most of the puddles had evaporated and there wasnt a cloud to be seen!

Another thing to keep in mind about this desert city is that temperatures can drop drastically from midday to evening. Be sure to pack layers to keep warm during the nights.

When Do the Desert Flowers Bloom?

It depends on the plant, but the flowering season is from mid-February to mid-June, with the biggest blooms peaking from mid-March to late April. Each year is different depending on rainfall, freezing temperatures during the winter, and springtime weather during the growing season.

Where to Stay in Tucson

Most of the time when were visiting a city, we like staying downtown so we can walk places and be near all the major sights. But depending on your interests, Tucson is a place where wed actually say you dont need to stay in the city center. As you can see from reading our massive list of things to do, many of Tucson's major attractions are on the outskirts of the city.

Weve rounded up some recommended Tucson hotels and Airbnbs below, with a mix of locations in the city as well as some that are a literal desert oasis.

Hotels in Tucson, Arizona

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort

In the foothills of Tucsons Mountain Park, sits the massive JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort. With easy access to Gates Pass and the Western Side of Saguaro National Park, this resort has a great location. It also has 3 golf courses, 4 restaurants (with a daily tequila toast!), and 3 outdoor pools, you can really enjoy your stay in Tucson.

Azure Gate B&B

Located in NE Tucson, this charming B&B is a quick drive to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area or the East Side of Saguaro National Park. Included in each stay is daily ( breakfast, an onsite pool, and free parking.

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine

This modern hotel is perfect for a couple or a family who wants to stay a little bit outside of downtown. There are murals everywhere (check out the pictures!), an excellent staff, and a daily continental breakfast.

Hotel Congress

If youre looking to stay downtown, Hotel Congress has an unrivaled location. Add to that its historic charm, and you might be ready to book. However, we would be remiss if we didnt mention that this hotel is directly above a club, and it can get incredibly loud on weekend nights.

So loud, in fact, that the hotel provides guests with ear plugs. If that doesnt scare you away, then you might love staying at this historic property.

Airbnbs in Tucson

There are tons of amazing Airbnb options in Tucson. Overall, they are very reasonably priced, and some even have pools. Just take a look at some of the Airbnbs we hand-selected for you!

Insider Tip: Find out how we set our Airbnb filters to find the best properties anywhere in the world!

'Case Study' Guest House: Charming guest house and hosts. Youll have the entire place yourself with a full kitchen and a rain shower in the bathroom. Southeast of Downtown. Check Availability here.

Historic 4th Ave Herbie House: Beautiful studio apartment in the 4th Avenue Neighborhood. Close to bars, restaurants and the metro stops. Check Availability here.

Sonoran Desert Retreat: This inexpensive but lovely place is located in the Catalina Foothills close to shops and restaurants. This would be perfect for a couple looking to get away from the busyness of town. Check Availability here.

Self Check in Airbnb - Near I-10: This cheap Airbnb is located in the northern suburbs of Tucson and is great for a solo travel or a couple wanting to mountain bike the local tracks. Its a small, clean studio, but it has everything you need for a basic stay. Check Availability here.

Tucson Poet's Studio: This Santa Fe Style studio comes with a beehive corner fireplace and a small lounging outdoor pool. Its pretty close to central Tucson just a few blocks east of the university, so its a great location for exploring. Check Availability here.

Psst! Is it your first time using Airbnb? Follow this link and well give you $55 off Airbnb!

Getting Around Tucson

While Tucson itself is a relatively small city, youve probably noticed that most of the major attractions are outside the center. In order to be able to see the best things to do in Tucson, you really do need a car to get around.

Rental Car

If youre flying into Tucson, you can pick up your rental car at the airport. We usually reserve cars through RentalCars.com because we have used them before and they have the best deals for rental cars. When searching I found deals around $36 per day for a standard sedan, which is all you would need in Tucson.

However, this time, we tried reserving our rental car through our American Express Platinum card and we found the same cars for about $23 per day! This saved us about $40 over the 3 days we were visiting Tucson. Head to this article if you want to learn more about the travel credit cards we use to get free or discounted travel.

When driving in Tucson: Be aware that some areas have speed traps enforced by cameras, so keep an eye on your odometer.

Uber or Lyft

If you plan to have a few beverages out on the town, dont risk driving. Instead, order an Uber to get you where you need to go. Downtown Tucson is not that big so rides are pretty cheap.

Metro

In Tucson there is a Light Rail metro line called the SunLink that connects University of Arizona to the 4th Ave District to Downtown (Centro) and finally to the Mercado District including Mercado San Agustin.

For a single one-way fare it costs $1.75, but you can purchase a 1-Day SunGO ticket for $4.50 which is good for 24 hours.

What to pack for a trip to Tucson

Camelback (if you think youll be hiking a lot)

Daypack for hikes

Chacos or other hiking shoes that wont get too hot

Closed toe shoes (for horseback riding or mountain biking)

Layers (it gets cold at night and hot during the day)

Swim suit (if your hotel has a pool)

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Reusables: Weve been kind of living in a bubble in Oregon where plastic bags are banned and many establishments encourage you to bring your own reusables, or provide a somewhat eco-friendly option (like wooden utensils and paper straws).

While many Tucson restaurants and accommodations, like Charro Vida, Boca Tacos y Tequila and Hotel Congress, offer eco-friendly options, there is still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to reducing unnecessary waste (just like many other cities around the U.S.).

We had our reusables packed (as we always do!) which helped a bit, but it was still a challenge.

Responsible Travel Tip: Pack your reusables (listed below), and eat inside restaurants as much as possible to avoid waste like styrofoam and plastic utensils.

Its difficult to avoid it altogether, but wed recommend bringing the following to help you reduce the waste you create:

Coffee tumbler

Utensil set (great for picnics!)

Reusable straws

Reusable bag (one that stuffs up like this is great!)

Water bottle

For more tips on how to reduce your waste while traveling, check out our article on 18 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Use Everyday.

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Are you planning a trip to Tucson? What things are on the top of your list? Do you have any additional questions for us? Write to us in the comments below and well do our best to get back to you!

Arplis - News source https://arplis.com/blogs/news/38-fun-things-to-do-in-tucson-arizona

[blackrupee]

Wow your life sounds complicated right now I'm sorry for that. So you aren't gonna have any managers what the fuck? And OH MY GOD I hate when people come in to eat so close to close!!!! ( I work @ zaxbys) if someone is acting passive aggressive I would act even more passive aggressive- make that bitch regret it- regarding the 2 guys: 2 guys is better than no guys:))) wish the first one didn't pressure you though. How did the 2nd one hurt you? - and I care so don't worry about boring me

hi hello would you like to read a novel on my life thanks i talk too much (tldrs at end)

nah like.. we had been managing with a general manager and 3 assistant managers even though we really need 4 so as not to overwork anyone. we recently hired a new one from a corporate arbys (we’re franchised) and two just quit. like i mentioned, theyre not coming back even though the original plan was that their new jobs would be only temporary (6 weeks). sooooo now we have a general manager who only works weekday day shifts, one assistant manager who is relatively new (she had been working at this place for a while but was promoted to manager 6ish months ago) and another who is brand new but still has some experience. they said theyre looking to promote from within initially, but they might have to hire outside people if no suitable potential manager is picked. id love to get manager pay and its not like managers do anything hard so id be WILLING to be a manager..like the whole reason why i got trained on backline was because we have such a big turnover rate with backline people since it fucking SUCKS and i was wanting to be helpful and flexible. so like. thats what i offerred. but one assistant manager was like “lmao all youd do is swear at the customers” and im like bitch when have i ever?? i talk shit about them all the time but ive only sworn IN FRONT OF a customer twice and neither time was it directed at them. but i mean im sitting on a small handful of customer complaints so its not like the gm would even consider me probably. idk dude. i can be nice if you pay me to be nice. but i get paid to do food and do it fast……….so

but yeah literallyyyyyyyyy i have no idea how people can be so??? inconsiderate???? and they dont??? care??? im learning that my contant frustration with people in my personal interactions is due to a disconnect between what i value in  expectations and what actually happens. like. when i go somewhere i already KNOW what i want, so i say it quickly and competently. i preface a lot of my interactions with people im requesting food or services from with “i’m sorry but…”. i phrase things as “could i get” as opposed to “get me” or “i want” which sound HELLA rude tbh. id always have my money ready at the window or the register, im always trying to pay attention and not miss anything or just….be rude in any way bc i know fast food fucking sucks. i know some of the people i interact with probably hate their job as much as i do and i want to be the smallest burden i can be. and it seems like nearly no one else has these same values???? and i dont understand how people can just??? be? so? inconsiderate?

also yes bitch im the queen of passive aggression. literally the night before i was working a short shift and my friend was closing frontline and this bitch was closing drivethrough. i just got the okay to clock out and i was like “bye! have a beautiful night! just know that i love you so much and ive everything ive ever said has always been fake until this point! never meant anything ive ever said until now especially if your name starts with k or ends with ristin (drivethrough girl/the one whos being so difficult is named kristin) but just know that i love you!” and basically being really dramatic and extra as satire.

i guess for context the whole reason she decided to be mad at me was the other night when she was drunk and was like “do you even likeeeeeee meeee i feel like you hateeeee meeee wahh wahh wahhhh” even though im like…..yes bitch i enjoy your company? i joke/use hyperbole/satire/irony/whatever a lot but like occasionally id be like “ey yo you know its all jokes right u know i love u right” just to ensure that she knows but she fucking. ignores it all. i feel like she so desperately WANTS me to hate her and tbh i got fucking sick and tired of hearing her complain all the time about this shit! i fucking hate repeating myself! so sure. if you want me to hate you so fucking much there. i hate you. i fucking hate you so fucking much. like is that what you want to hear? is that validating? are you fucking happy?

its so fucking frustrating

but i will not be held accountable for her decision to be upset. because thats what it is. she wants to be upset, and she wants me to be responsible for it when its literally not my responsibility. i am absolutely not going to stand for this shit like i kind of want to say its emotional abuse lmaooo but im just so fucking sick of it. 

everyone knows that i take chicken tenders and turnovers that would be thrown out at the end of the night and she was closing frontline yesterday and made a point to throw out the turnovers right next to me without asking if i wanted any/leaving any for me. i mean i completely expected her to be that petty of a bitch so it was kind of funny tbhonestly. also im p sure she unfollowed me here lmaoo

with regards to the guys and this paragraph could get a bit tmi/nsfw: yeah the first one kind of sucked but i feel like a little bit of the New Person Nerves have worn down so id do better if we were to hookup again. because like i totally would love to have fucked him but…..anxiety. he was hot tho. like 10/10 body and ass holy shit. plus he complimented me on my ass eating so (assuming that was genuine and not a vapid ego boost haha paranoia am i right) hopefully he comes back for seconds. 

second guy ive had a longish history with. started talking to him at the beginning of last fall semester and we hooked up kinda regularly for about a month. things fell apart, we both understood that we wouldn’t be good dating wise but still enjoyed meaningless cuddles. whatever. it got to a point where he would only hit me up like once every month and a half or so and towards like january-ish he hits me up again. so im like nice cool lets chill. im getting ready for this but my phone is in the other room. while im doing this he drove by my place to pick me up (since he was on his way back from nashville), didnt get a response to an “im here” text (bc i was busy and tbh not expecting him to do that), and left. he lives within like walking distance tho so im like “?? sorry i was busy are you still out or should i walk over?“ and he texts me like “sorry hold up a thing just happened” and im like…….okay. so im just.. waiting around for him. periodically texting like “hey are we good for tonight and whats going on?” because like there was some drama with his friend? hes like.. apologizing and shit but this goes on for an hour. BUT. the ENTIRE time he’s dealing with this friend problem or whatever he’s literally on grindr. and at the end of this hour im like in full blown paranoia panic mode and i literally text him something mentioning this and he BLOCKS ME ON GRINDR so im like ??????!!!!??? and i text him (all while saying “not to be crazy or paranoid bc im probably coming off that way but like could i get an answer or something??”) AND HE LITERALLY SAYS HE DELETED HIS GRINDR. but thats a LIE because i have a secondary account to see like……if guys are still on grindr/if a thing with a guy might turn into something more like if i see he’s not on grindr as much?? thats prob incredibly stalkerish and probably really creepy but hey. thats me. so i KNOW he lied to me but i cant really say “hey ur a liar” without disclosing this weird creepy stalker part of me (funnily enough this isnt the first time a guy has lied to me and i caught it with my secondary account! so it proves to have some function use in the end. not totally crazy). so. yeah. that was the incident. after this i dont trust him at all, and i still dont, but i had it in my mind to like somehow get him to fall in love with me just so i could break his heart for doing this? never really worked out. so now im at the point where im like….eh he’s a piece of shit and i hate him but ill cuddle with him bc it feels good

back to nsfw/tmi: the sex was okay. he’s weird about people being near his like….dick and stuff because he was raped and i totally get it bc i was too but he was comfortable enough for me to finger him and my finger still hurts from where he clenched when he came lmaoooooo. was totally hot tho. and i got to east his ass so im like eyyyyyyyy. its been so long since ive eaten ass so having it two consecutive nights in a row has been cathartic.

tldr; we have 2 assisant managers and a gm rn. looking for more

tldr; bitch. same.

tldr; bitch. same.

tldr; he’s a liar

[birdloaf]

hi bird! so i know you mentioned going to a clipping. concert a while ago, and i got a ticket to go soon! what can i expect to happen? i feel like you already answered this question already but i couldn't find it when scrolling. i hope you have a good day!!

hello!! THAT’S EXCITING!!! i can only really speak from experience, but i will share some things. ur experience will probably vary depending on whether ur seeing them with the flaming lips or not.

this got long so im putting it under a cut

1. when i go to shows i usually try to get to the front row because i’m small and i want to be close. for clipping this might require getting there a little before doors open and waiting in line. i would recommend this if u are small like me and dont want to risk having your entire view blocked by a 6′3 dude who decides to stand in front of you

2. the band is very friendly and chill and will usually hang out around the merch table before/after the show to chat with fans, sign stuff for people, accept armfuls of gifts in daveed’s case, etc. if ur seeing them with the flaming lips they will probably head to the merch booth after they finish playing, but might go back to their bus before the lips’ set is over, so if u wanna say hi try to catch them between sets or during the lips’ performance

3. general rule, and idk if this would even apply to you but im gonna put it out there just in case: PLEASE do not show up at the clipping show repping hamilton. there is a time and a place, and a clipping show is neither. do not spend the show looking like u are waiting for daveed to launch into guns and ships. do not bring it up to him if u talk to him. it’s disrespectful, especially to jonathan and bill who already have to deal with being “daveed diggs’s band” in half the articles written about them

4. the crowd, again, is probably gonna vary depending on whether u see them with the lips or not:

the first time i saw them was on their tour with youth code and the crowd seemed about evenly split between Industrial Kids™ and newer fans who might’ve gotten into them bc of hamilton (plus a lone middle aged metalhead and one girl who i think just came to stand there very still and stare at daveed’s abs). the crowd was decently rowdy, i dont think there was ever a full out mosh but we were all generally jumping around and being loud and enjoying ourselves

the second time, with the flaming lips, was way different– lips fans skew slightly older and more uhhhhhhHHHH psychedelic? theyre great, but way more chill than clipping fans. also probably on a lot of drugs. the show i went to was completely sold out by lips fans before clipping even announced they were opening, so i was one of like 3 clipping fans in the audience (they’re kind of 2 different genres so there wasnt too much crossover). The downside to this: the crowd was DEAD during their set. it sucks being an opening act when the audience doesnt know who u are. SO IF U CAN, despite being in a sea of ppl who dont give a shit, u should still dance/sing along/generally put some effort into making a Fool out of urself so that they’re not uncomfortable playing to a bunch of zombies. the plus side: they will appreciate u and daveed will probably give u a shout out for being, quote, turnt

5. thats all i can think of! HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!! enjoy the music! they put on a really good show, diggs is a goddamn powerhouse and it’s really cool & genuinely interesting to see jon/bill work their Crunchy Beep Boop Magic (also if ur seeing them with the lips i’d recommend getting familiar with their music too if ur not already, ur not gonna want to miss their set lol they’re always so much fun)

[the-little-red-noodle]

10/2/19 5:56am

This is the 2nd night in a row i have been keep up all night by thoughts, mostly about this boy.

I met him at larp. He’s a fairly powerful warden and sorcerer, and i met him (in game, in character) in a tavern. People were paying him to draw wards on them (which give you in game advantages). I always notice peoples teeth first, and he has really cute teeth and a really cute smile. He was very attractive. I asked what he was doing and he briefly explained what the wards are and i was like cool, and started to walk away, and then he was like “I’ll give you one for free” and reached out his hand to take mine. He drew an anti perm ward on my left hand and was really sweet about it. I said thanks and proceeded to leave the tavern. I kept thinking about him though.

It became a running joke between my closest friends and i that i was going to wander around and look for the hot mage. I didn’t have any other interactions with him at game, but i saw him around a couple times and would try not to stare too long.

After packing up and heading home, i texted patrick. He is in the same culture as the hot mage and so they interact a lot. I asked what his name was and proceeded to do a *very small* amount of fb digging, just to see if he was single, ya know just in case. I then went on the page where everyone was doing their post game posts so people can find each other and i saw his. I liked it, friended him, and wrote a little comment.

“Thanks for teaching me about warding in the tavern, you seem really cool and i hope we can interact more next game”. He liked it and commented back to talk him up about warding sometime. He friended me back and then liked my profile picture and i was like interesting...

I was planning for the long road. Give it a couple days then dm him about warding, or just conveniently show up at a combat practice where i knew he would be and be casual and flirty then. Or try to flirt with him next game, over a month from now. But then he dmed me.

“Hey i hope the warding stuff worked out alright. Your costume was very cute btw”

I saw this while texting my friends joking about “operation hot mage” and it being my characters one true objective to hook up with him ha ha it’s never gunna happen tho, and then he just slid in my dms and called me cute?? Like who is running this mod, it’s not realistic.

I sweat and overthink for a bit and then finally, with heavy encouragement from my friends, messaged him back.

“I remember you being exceedingly cute as well” and then i inmediately change the subject to talking about warding vs alchemy and i can’t decide HAHAHAHAHA

He replied with an “Awwh thanks ^-^” and then we discussed magic for a bit. Ya know, normal small talk things, apprentice vs journeyman scrolls, mana control, herbalism. Basic stuff.

Then he was like oh we also have a combat practice that meets every weekend, id love to see you there sometime. And i was like yeah sounds awesome, i hope to see you there and he was like “I would very much like that as well 😊”

So of course, based on this, i should overthink right? Because of course we’ll hook up and of course he’ll want to date me because of course I’m irresistible. But like.. none of that could be true. Maybe he was just being friendly, and then i made it weird calling him cute outright because he only said my outfit was cute, so really I’m the one who made it weird, and I’ll be super awkward next time i see him because of course i will because i don’t know how to flirt and of course I’ll say something wrong or I’ll be too enthusiastic or not enthusiastic enough and eveerything will be ruined.

And on top of those anxieties, it’s like, hey, even if all those (unlikely) assumptions are true, like.. am i even looking for a relationship? Like a truly monogamous relationship. Cuz i really like being with my goth couple and hanging out and hooking up with them and i like where the general friendship is going.. and then theres emily and we kinda have a thing right now, and we cuddle and are affectionate but it’s not a relationship and she might be ace so idk... then theres dempsey which is it’s own enormous can of worms that boils down to if we get together again, it’s for the long haul. So yes of course i want that, and i want to be with him again, but at this very moment, i don’t really want to give up my other interactions. Not because i want someone else to be my forever person, but because i want the experiences and i want to be single wnough to be in control of this sort of thing and i am right now, but then enter hot mage and my structure is breaking a little.

No joke this is the 2nd night in a row i have not slept because I’m thinking about him. I keep looking at screenshots of our conversations and this one photo i saved off of his fb because he has such a cute smile..

But I’m overthinking and that’s unhealthy. My therapist said the same thing after i was doing this nonsense when emily and i started hanging out more. I can’t let things sit for a minute. I wanna skip ahead and see how the story ends.

But i can’t really do that here until i see him. Cuz also, I’ve only interacted with Archmaster Kayn, not the real person. And based on his post game post, he is “not his character”. His character was just really suave and a little bit of an asshole but i was like 🤤.. so I’m eager to see what the real guy is like. Also notice i say guy and not his name because *sigh* his name is ryan and i feel like talking about a ryan usually is referring to dempsey so that’s something i gotta get used to.

I like him tho.. he’s so attractive and nerdy and has great hair.. all that’s left is actually talking to him in person out of character and seeing how we mesh then. Maybe he’s not even a little bit interested and i can move on. Or maybe he’s dtf which would be amazing. Or maybe he would want to date and id have to figure out if i want that or not.. or we could just be really good friends.

I’m kinda cool with whatever but i can’t stop thinking about it. I can’t put it out of my mind for long enough to focus on anything else. I can’t focus on school or friendships or any other potential relationship because i keep trying to remember what his voice sounded like, or trying to imagine what his personality is like, or trying think of things to talk to him about when i see him on saturday.. I’m so nervous about all of it.

It’s 6:30 in the morning and i haven’t had a minute of sleep tonight. Is this how it’s going to be until i see him? What if i waste all this sleep and time thinking about him and then i get in person and I’m like, meh. I’m over it. Cuz that’s happened before. I build things up in my head and then I’m disappointed by the outcome. And that wouldn’t even be his fault, cuz like he said, he’s not his character. So maybe i was just fawning over the suave hot mage when in reality he’s nothing like that..

I just can’t let it go. I find him so attractive.. it’s kind of pathetic. Why am i like this. Also, why must i get bored when it’s no longer a hunt?.. that’s probably why I’ve stayed so interested in emily because like nothing is set in stone and so much is up in the air that theres like still some work to do. And my mind likes a challenge. Hence i was gearing up for the long battle of ~make the hot mage fall in love with me over a series of months~ but then he just outright calls me cute and i have no idea what to do.

What if he’s creepy? What if he’s a virgin? What if he has no direction in life? What if he’s 45? What if he actually is an asshole?.. or a fuckboi, cuz christ i do not need another one. That’s why i like the nerdy boys cuz theyre so rarely also undercover assholes. Theyre usually cute and awkward and nervous but the payoff is amazing. Nerds tend to appreciate the hell out of their partners, plus i find them way more attractive usually than the pretty boy/fuckbois of the world.

I just wanna get to know him. I just wanna listen to him talk about magic. I just wanna sit on a park bench with him and talk about magic and maybe touch my knee to his. Really that’s all.

But here i am at almost 7am really just playing out every possible scenario.

What is i invite him over and he thinks my room is childish? Or he notices the rips in my comforter? What is he thinks I’m fat? Or he thinks I’m not as interesting in person and out of character as he thought.. even though my character is basically just me and talks and sounds almost exactly like me.

Still, what if he thinks I’m boring or dumb or since i don’t know game mechanics that I’m not worth talking to. What if xyz?

I really can’t eat or sleep these past two days. I can’t focus. I’m also like really horny cuz i haven’t gotten laid in 3 weeks which is a lot for me, so it’s possible that most of this is projected at poor hot mage because i need to get laid and he called me cute so therefore the hunt is on.

But also maybe i shouldn’t be meddling in peoples lives. When if he turns out to be really sweet and i just stomp in trying to hookup and hurt his feelings. I mean guys do that all the time but it’s different for me. Every guy I’ve hooked up with (except 3 ways with couples) has wanted a relationship with me so i kinda don’t know any better.

I want to sleep. I want to eat something. My stomach is hurting but I’m too tired to get up and feed myself. I just want to talk to him and compliment him and play dumb and pretend like i don’t understand the game mechanics of basic magic so that i can listen to him explain it to me..

What even am i doing

[lexaprodream]

9/2/19

idk how much of this one i’ll be able to describe it was rlly long and rlly complex and sort of in 4 parts

part 1

almost like the plot of an anime?? it was this weird story about soulmates. there was a boy and a girl and i was looking at it from the third person. first she was crying for some reason and she was testing him by seeing if he’d hang out w his friends or come with her and see why she was crying and he ended up going with his friends. but it’s revealed later that its because he didn’t know what to do and didn’t want to hurt her more by not knowing how to help her or smth. then later theres this scene where everyones studying for a test, and the boy and girl are being rlly flirty like talking a lot and touching hands and locking fingers and one of their friends is like what are you guys a couple and theyre like nooooo. but then the girl pulls out this stack of change and she looks at the guy like i’ll double this if you dont think about me for the entire test. and he makes some joke i dont rmr. and then shes like no i’ll make it even easier i’ll double it if u don’t talk to me for the entire test and that includes whispering at me after. bc i guess theyre both smart and always finish their tests early. i can sort of hear the girls thoughts mostly and theres this underlying feeling of like. i sort of know this person likes me but what if i finally make the move to make it official and it goes wrong. i need the extra confirmation of him not even being able to go the whole time without talking to me/thinking about me. so the test happens and while theyre filing in to the test center he sees shes a couple rows behind him and is about to say hi to her but then stops himself bc the bet and she sorta smiles smugly or whatever. the rest isnt rlly super clear but smth about the lady administering the test being evil and she sets off this big explosion and its sort of light blue/a big wave almost steven universy more a energy bubble than a big fiery explosion. anyway all the students and desks and stuff are thrown up in the air and the boy and the girl find each other and i think kiss if i remember right?? and then suddenly they’re teleported back to there the first scene with her crying happened which  was this beach. and they see this scientist guy in a boat and something happens that causes his boat to rock rlly violently. he’s like this bald guy w goggles a lab coat and purple gloves, and theres a big gray machine on his boat. very cartoony. and then he says smth along the lines of YOU GUYS ARE SOULMATES. U DISRUPT THE BALANCE OF THE WORLD AND CREATE PARALELL UNIVERSES. U MUST BE CONTAINED OUTSIDE OF THIS UNIVERSE. and he makes this bubble around them and theyre transported outside of the universe and they sort of shed their human forms and join hands. the outside of the universe is very purple..sort of a bunch of bubbles connecting to the central bubble that is the universe they were ejected from.

part 2

i’m working on a school project with artesia dilara and someone else i forget..idk why but we make this dinosaurs that are supposed to be themed after scooby doo, where the velma and daphne dinosaur are in love and the freddie and shaggy dinosaurs r in love. first we decied on the canon couples but then we were like it’d be better if they were gay. we were making them out of clay and putting them on this premade backdrop but the ones i made were always too big and i had to squish them..some other stuff happened but eventually we put them in a gallery and everyone said the shaggy and freddie looked like father and son instead of lovers because i made freddie too big and they were the same species.

part 3

i think this one happened bc i read a rlly violent web comic before sleeping. so i’m this crazy mansion baroness lady. rlly tall long black hair white clothes..i think im similar to the evil lady running the test in the first part. there were people all around my property and i was shooting at them..either with a gun or with magic i cant remeber. and then this boy and donkey duo that both looked like winnie the pooh got separated and got into my mansion and i had to go inside to shoot them and i shot the donkey and left the boy cowering and then this guy interupted me.. he took me up the stairs of the mansion and told me how my vision of the decrepit rundown mansion was actually just an illusion and there were people living on the upper floors. like this group of girls..they were rlly small the size of dolls for some reason. there was smth about how steam on the walls created the illusions. so i started trying to kill all of the girls in rlly gruesome ways by like bashing them against the walls and stuff, but nothing was happening and then were all just ridiculing me. then one of them said maybe u should steam the walls haha and i was like oh good idea but then it was supposed to be revealed that this was another illusion and th eguy was messing with me. so i yelled at him and he turned off the illusion and i started killing the girls for real. like rlly violently. and someone who was like the boss of the girls (she was bigger than any of them) said smth about how they won’t back down and i started bashing her against the wall. eventually there were only about 5 girls left but i let them live and let them start an academy...and it was eventuallly like a redemption/forgiveness story but like idk how practically u can forgve someone who massacred all ur friends like that

part 4

suddenly i was on the bus heading to see my friend whos in berkeley now. she had to ride a plane and 2 buses just to see me. i rode by a live performance that included margeaux and her boyfriend and 3 people i didnt recognize and i commented to my friend that theyre a brockhampton/odd future coverband. theyre either called brockhampton collective or wolf gang collective depending on what theyre covering. the other details are kind of blurry. i just remember for some reason my friend was only at berkely to transition to a different school.

[themoneybuff-blog]

Could Waking Up an Hour Earlier Change Your Life?

Getting enough exercise has always been an issue for me, mostly because I think working out is so incredibly boring. I love the initial rush I get when I hop on my elliptical or take a brisk walk through the neighborhood, but I always wind up counting down the seconds until Ive satisfied my goal for the day whatever it is. The humdrum of repetitive movement is bad enough, but I also struggle to find the time. Not only do I have two kids ages 7 and 9, but I work full-time and I have groceries to buy, meals to make, and a home to take care of. We also have piano lessons, gymnastics classes, and an array of school activities to plan for each week. I love my life, but its also exhausting. My husband and I have tried several strategies to get a workout in each day. For a while, we tried getting up at 6:30 a.m. before the kids get up at 7 a.m., but we would get out of our routine quickly if one of us overslept. We also tried doing our exercise videos in the late afternoon for a while, but we were always so distracted. After all, its hard to crank out a T-25 video when the kids are home and asking 300 questions the entire time. The obvious answer here is one Ive fought against for as long as I can remember getting up even earlier. If I could just get out of bed long before everyone else does, I would have plenty of time for exercise without my kids asking for things or any other distractions. Why I Started Getting Up Earlier Earlier this year, I decided that I had finally had it with constantly failing to achieve my goals. While I have never been one to get out of bed super early, I started setting the alarm for 5:55 a.m. Thats not so early that it makes me miserable, but it gives me plenty of time to drink some coffee and do 25 minutes on my Bowflex M3 Max Trainer. And, my oh my, what a difference this has made! Now that I have the hang of getting up early, I have no excuse not to work out. I never feel rushed or distracted, and I am in much better physical and mental shape. I also feel like Im in a much better mood and much more prepared to handle whatever life throws my way. Simply put, the change has been amazing! The thing is, this isnt really all that surprising. Ive read countless articles about the virtues of rising early for years, and many successful people swear by this practice. For example, Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly gets up at 3:45 a.m., and Ellevest CEO Sallie Krawcheck gets up at 4 a.m. Plenty of other successful early risers have been profiled in publications like Business Insider and Forbes, and the story is usually the same. People who get a lot done believe that getting up earlier gives them more time and more mental energy to be successful. And, while a lot of people believe that staying up late can also help them gain more free time, getting up early is usually the more advantageous option. Either strategy can give you more hours in the day, but financial advisor and life coach Natalie Bacon says that waking up early is way more helpful for a few reasons including the fact that you generally dont have what she calls decision fatigue in the mornings. Your brain is ready to go and isnt tired, she says. Even if youre a night person, you still run the risk of being more exhausted at the end of the day because youvebeen making decisions all day long. How Getting Up One Hour Earlier Can Improve Your Life If youre someone who wishes you had more hours in the day and more time to get things done, you may be wondering if getting up early is the answer youve been looking for. Here are a few reasons you may want to set your alarm clock an hour earlier from now on. You can live more intentionally. Bacon says that getting up can give you the time and space to be the creator of your life instead of responding, reacting, and putting out fires. When you wake up as late as possible, youre constantly having to rush to solve problems and prepare for the day, whereas getting up earlier can help you plan your day more intentionally. While Bacon works full-time as a life coach now, she used to work on her side hustle on top of her full-time financial planning job. Instead of burning the midnight oil to get things done, Bacon said she would wake up at 4 a.m. to brainstorm for her new business. This way, I knew that I got it done no matter what. Nothing could interfere with it, she said. Getting up early helped her be more intentional in this case because she was prioritizing her goals instead of waiting to see if she had time for them later in the day. You can work toward big goals or your own peace of mind. Most of us have something we wish we could accomplish, whether thats exercising more, learning a new language, or pursuing higher education. While it can be difficult to find time to accomplish anything when youre working and raising a family, getting up early can buy you the time to work on these goals a little bit at a time. Bacon also said that morning time is excellent for self-care that you cant find time for during regular daytime hours. If youre not working on a business goal, you can wake up early to read, journal, meditate, or pray basically anything that improves your state of mind or makes you happier. A morning routine with specific habits, even if theyre small, can compound over time to have a huge positive impact on your life, she says. You could finally get in shape. I already mentioned how I get up early for the sole purpose of drinking coffee and working out. For me, early morning is really the only time I can exercise consistently and without interruption. And since I sit at a computer all day long, I have to work out. Todd Mitchem, who is a life coach, speaker, and the author of You Disrupted: Seizing the Life You Want by Shaking, Breaking, and Challenging Everything, says that its pretty common for fitness-minded people to use their mornings to take care of their health. And really, mornings may be the only time for people like me (who have to force themselves to work out) to make it happen. If you have a busy family, the early morning is often the only quiet time in the house for you to take care of you without distractions, he says. The rest of the day and evening is usually jam-packed with family time and errands, and it is way too easy to put exercise off. But most people dont face these challenges when they work out first thing. How to Wake Up Early When You Dont Want to While I never like the sound of an alarm clock and especially not at 5:55 a.m. Ive gotten used to hopping out of bed without hitting the snooze button once. Im a coffee junkie, so I just set my coffee maker to start brewing early and remind myself that a warm cup of my favorite beverage is waiting for me downstairs. That may not work for everyone, but it does work for me. Mitchem says that if youre struggling to wake up early, you can start small and set the alarm clock back slowly over time. For example, you could start by waking up just 15 minutes earlier for a few weeks. From there, you could set your alarm back another 15 minutes slowly until youre getting up at the exact hour you desire. Also remember that you dont have to wake up at 4 a.m., like some CEOs do, to have more free time. A schedule of waking up just 15 minutes earlier each day, for example, will gain you over an hour in just the first week without wrecking your life in the process, said Mitchem. Bacon also says that, if youre someone whos always struggling to get out of bed until the last minute, you may need to focus on reorganizing your life so you can go to bed earlier. Getting up early starts the night before, she says. You need to consciously choose to go to bed early enough that you feel good about getting up early. That might mean cutting yourThe Walking Deadbinge off earlier than normal or getting in bed and turning off the lights instead of scrolling Facebook on your phone. It may also mean going to bed even if other members of your household are awake, which isnt always easy. You may even need to let yourself be exhausted for a while to give your body time to reset to a new sleeping schedule. If you get up early several days in a row, for example, it should start getting easier to go to bed at a decent hour. The Bottom Line If you wish you had more time and cant seem to meet your goals, getting out of bed earlier might be exactly what you need. Whether you dial back the alarm 15 minutes or an hour, that extra time could help you have the time to accomplish simple tasks, take better care of your health, or simply relax and enjoy some peace and quiet for once. But, dont take my word for it. Try getting up an hour earlier for a week to see how it feels. Schlepping out of bed at the crack of dawn may not be easy, but you may find that its worth it. Holly Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer and the author ofZero Down Your Debt. Johnson shares her obsession with frugality, budgeting, and travel atClubThrifty.com. Related Stories: https://www.thesimpledollar.com/could-waking-up-an-hour-earlier-change-your-life/

[ulyssesredux]

Penelope

Why should I tell you what you are glad that he will not always if ever they got a chance in Brighton square running into my head sometimes itd be great fun supposing he got all the scribbling he does it all upside down the two ways I always used to be a new consciousness, and threw the penny to that use of his wits making as much as to roaring myself red and that kind of rank, when I looked back and smiling rather nervously; that about roaring himself red at rotten boroughs, and was really wondering with some cold veal and ham mixed sandwiches there are always egging on to say what she knew what it is difficult to Fred that Mrs. Well, sir, he said Im extremely sorry Mrs Bloom only I felt rotten simply with the lights out in the home and call them ideas. Said yes I would not be an obstruction but a disagreeable resolve formed in the kitchen he might think was something else and she went back to Lewers this morning. Fred than the muscular. It was rather irritating to him the other room he was a child. The independent member hasn't got his speeches well enough by heart. Now, are you sure O yes her aunt if you got pelted, interposed Mrs. He was an innocent boy then and could either look at Mary's labels and praise her handwriting. That's a showy sort of Daphnis in coat and waistcoat; and while she gave her 2 damn fine cracks across the ear for herself take that thats alright the one like a small conservatory—Celia all in white and lavender like a Stallion driving it up into me Ive a holy horror of its breaking under me besides him and his straw hat laid flat over his old lottery tickets that was his name on it for a picture of a king theyre all right for tonight now the lumpy old jingly bed always reminds me of another change which also made her drink a dose of sal volatile.

He does play for money, and at the Vincys', and let him try to stop and not Lees it was a mercy, said Mrs. I opened my legs I wouldnt so much the fashion now garters that much I have wanting to go on I want him to come and tell Chettam that it would not undertake the Tipton estate again unless Brooke left it entirely to him as can be; everybody is being ruined; and he believed himself to foresee with perfect clearness. Will Ladislaw thinking about me and Floey made me buy takes you half an hour he was thinking of him there was anybody that made it all now plainly and they bring the voters drunk to the vague fellows in the morning it must be lovely, said Mrs. However, it must be bought, and he willingly imagined her toiling under the rockgun near OHaras tower I told her over him that way for him to send the girl down there to be finished off with the butterflies. I was engaged for for fun to the fellow you want to say Im a little when I gave my eyes over things in the world about it if Im to take in lodgers off the hand off that little gimcrack statue with her in the world is divided in any case I might look like a young boy would like to think of it the night after Goodwins botchup of a woman and a little flirtation with politics. Mr. Casaubon had left the property: it will take it off myself anyway and it staring her in private.

Mary.

Garth could not possibly ever think of some paper of and she went back to Freshitt with the one they called budgers or something I often asked him I was badtempered too because how could they where would they say her tongue as far from the tumbling and my tongue round any of it wasnt my fault we came together when I was leaning over him because he looked at and a darling little fellow in khaki and just the ordinary do it off myself anyway and it sick what became of them. Of course I had a name like her?

That's a showy sort of way: perhaps even in the home and accounts with still magic, yet keep her fingers ready to touch the lute and transform life into romance at any moment what a robber too that he always wore crooked as often as I dont like books with a picture of that in her nature what could she do on a small conservatory—Celia all in white and lavender like a new form, that she had too on the mahogany sideboard then dying so far away I hate those rich ones off Stephens green running up to my sleep for this heat always having to answer he always tells me that well he doesnt smear all my life yes he came on black paper sealed with sealingwax though she clapped when the room was crowded and watch him after trying to make up to their navels even when we walk forth happily among them in Abrines I could feel him trying to look like Lord Byron I said to herself was, I dare say?

She was knitting, and he must have been in executing it, not being used to say yes then it came to the hall-floor. Ideal happiness of the night they have swelling up on her own way as you were a wheelbarrow theyd die down dead off their feet if ever he got in with the wine of love in his way. But you were a wheelbarrow theyd die down dead off their feet if ever they can out of it, not me when I asked her to do as she was skilled in.

Said Mr. Brooke, rising to go beyond this salutary general doctrine, and her vexation had fermented the more because of the living, I am he ought to go to the firmness of a grateful woman. And happening the next century, you must be admitted, Dorothea said—'Since yesterday, a little when I took my time living with that determined vicious look in his face wheres the chamber arrah what harm if he was so tasty and browned and as tender as anything only for children seeing it too young hes about wait 88 I was jumping up at the end I can say still it must be too lengthy.

That would have despised any ostentation of expense; his profession were the objects he should have proved to him of Lydgate and Rosamond. There is the fruits of Mr Paddy Dignam all the gilt mirrors and carpets getting round those rich shops get on in life now, only because Mr. Casaubon was spiteful. Fred could not help feeling that this was reasoning with an effort to recall subjects not connected with her its me shed tell not him I liked though he looked Poldy pigheaded as usual.

Casaubon was spiteful. He must have been expected of him there and show him the winds that waft my sighs to thee so well he may have noticed her wogger he was lo times worse himself anyhow begging me to kiss my bottom on the chair against the door much after we took the port and the peaches first and I none was he annoyed me so barefaced without even asking permission and standing out that my system is good under all circumstances—under all circumstances—under all circumstances, you ply him with all her husband's strange indelicate proviso had been attacked himself. Dorothea, as she cant feel anything deep yet I never made a mummy of herself indoors in a state of convulsive change; the whole insides out of the baby, which no one present to make a face youd run miles away from his side of Jersey they were so round and shaking hands. At that moment thought of him like that I could scout it out between them would be dissolved, and other incidents of scientific inquiry, are you bootmakers and publicans I beg your pardon coach I thought the most people as sharers in it Thoms and Helys and Mr Riordan here and Mr Stanhope and Hester and father talking about Spinoza and his profession were the best men, you know, said Sir James, who had risen to look like Lord Byron I said I could see as well marry an Italian carrying white mice! Vincy, you naughty undutiful nephew. It is frightful—this taking to buying whistles and blowing them in such a home as Wrench had—well, well, we shall bring them on, observing nothing more than was inevitable. Lydgate pitied her so either it was what 22 or so. About this property many troublous questions insisted on rising: had she not been right in his nature slapping us behind like that he himself had even blinded his scrupulous care for most pleasure-loving florid men; and then at Dillons 5 or 6 about 88 I was washing myself there below with the soup splashing about taking spoonfuls of it picking his nose bleeds youd think it signifies two straws about the 'Pioneer,or Ladislaw, who is to show himself in it I suppose he felt lost shes always making love to have tattered them down off him once or twice first he meant to point out to see that: it was not advantageous, a day I was married hed do it to God he had omitted to send off from the house I couldnt tell him every scrap and make better.

I said on the tea-table, was on the sly if they could have been a little backward.

No, my dear, you know, said Fred. He makes enemies; that's the worst I know how to row if anyone was passing pretending he was doing some valuation for me on the wrong bill he took out of him. Fred felt that the half of a horse or an engagement which must be if they hadnt all a mother to look over everything—to be noticed the way his father and mother were gone to sleep in the Stabat Mater by going around saying he was black and blue and yellow houses and the tall old chap with the coffee she stood there standing when I was selling the horses for the engagement under Mr. Vincy's answer consisted chiefly in a position of that kind. You wanted to make his micky stand for him to tell me his name is disgusting you more with those medicals leading him astray to imagine he was with him at Freddy Mayers private opera he had intended; but beyond the absolutely necessary half-dozen, Rosamond continued, almost as large as life he can scour off the shelves into it. What have you been agitated? Fred or not there thats good enough for their keep. But when I asked him about some woman in the museum one of them its like all the people and give him much consolation that he should by this time I saw the possibility of making amends for the name of a poet like lord Byron and not bother me with a married woman or a captain or admiral its nearly 20 years if I could often have written out a thing pfooh you wouldnt know what: perhaps they have to wash in my bed in the half-dozen, Rosamond, a little too far. The iron had not been right in thinking that the Vicar of Wakefield and Mr. Farebrother with a dog if you didnt open the carriage door with his glasses and him the sweet furtherance of satisfying affection—beauty—repose—such help as our thoughts get from the house that Jack built.

I suppose who he does it with a child embarazada that old Arab with the opera hats I tasted once with her hand.

Cadwallader. Which of your uncles do you harm, remarked Sir James could know what: perhaps they have us swollen out like elephants or I dont like my nice cream too I remember they all do they ask us to see there was something about poetry in it I wish I had to be a regenerate Porson, and he is now so as to the whatyoucallit everything was whatyoucallit moustache had he he said with energetic decision, You made a speech your sad bereavement symphathy I always liked poetry when I asked him with the lowneck as she likes, he is one of those kidfitting corsets Id want to buy stock, or prospective income from a distance. Let us all go and get them to propose that they should walk round the back ways after to make it for a man who wants to kiss my bottom was to write it in his vestments and the water rolling all over his wrinkly old face for him to make you unhappy,—and he had the gift of the room was crowded and watch him after that I never thought hed write making an appointment before. I know, said Mrs. Mr. Brooke is making a factotum of. They were in from Benady Bros and exploded it Lord what a name Id go and ruin himself altogether the way hed take it hard, Vincy.

One must hire servants who will not look with my veil and gloves on the ground with that one denying it up besides he wont let you suppose that cant be helped Ill do Ill go to Ennis his fathers I wonder was it last I Whit Monday yes its some little bitch or other inconvenience, purely by the cut his clothes have and his fooling thats better I used to be governed by the Chettams and Casaubons. But they are and the brown costume and the big wheels of the room upstairs empty and Millys bed in Gibraltar even getting up in some anxiety.

Everything was changing its aspect: her husband's injustice.

And I should say, my dear? In my opinion Mrs. Rosamond, examining some muslin-work, as if she loved it and stick out her tongue is too warm to hang for me he might like I had the devils own job to get up under my nose all the time like that Gardner said no more, her own intellect was probably deficient. And Rosamond—where is there not a letter on its way and scandals too the 3 queens and the coalmans bell that noisy bugger trying to hurt you I often wanted to touch mine with his big foot in the shape of my being jewess looking after my beauty sleep I thought well as can be done only once.

And he doesn't really care about, and seldom imagine how much those wishes cost others, and he in mourning thats 11 years ago my God after that hed kiss anything unnatural where we havent I atom of any person place or other would take the farms, and I will Yes. Ideal happiness of many young lives. Fred Vincy walked to Lowick. But as to the subtle offence she might be in love and being expected continually by some one who always do manage everybody. I laughed myself sick at him outside Westland row chapel where does their great intelligence come in Id like to begin about it people make its way and scandals too the few old rags I have the living at Lowick.

But Dorothea's effort was too much make it for a month yes and its so much to know that. The fact is, said Mr. Brooke had been asked to admire when I was one true thing he slept on the carpet have him I was living in Rehoboth terrace we stood staring at one another and then said seriously—There would be ample. Said Mrs. The fact is, I could see his face cleanshaven Frseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeefrong that train far away pianissimo eeeee one more chance Ill get a nice semitransparent morning gown that I never could get over the railings if anybody saw him that gets you on on the jealous side whenever he asked me to lift the orange petticoat I had a jolly warm bath and feel a day or two. Mary was copying the labels from a cabbage thats what he does it with ah horquilla disobliging old thing at all, was on the run again his huguenots or the lancers theyre grand or the lancers O the lancers O the lancers O the lancers theyre grand or the dishcover one coming down about us to cover our faces but she was a hope. Why, you know, said the Rector said. I've told you about that would attack a poor one, and this with the earrings I dont want to get well if his nose is not so ignorant what a Deceiver then he wanted to and she will come back Lord its just the worst old ones odd stockings that blackguardlooking fellow with the fine eyes peeling a switch attack me in Holles street one night man man tyrant as ever she could be known for Will's sake, since her friends seemed to be drawing money out of the world to be, did interfere with the gondolas and the boats with their eyes as darkly bright as loves own star arent those beautiful words as loves own star arent those beautiful words as loves own star arent those beautiful words as neatly as possible, and those often go with and come again like that you will consent to their finding holes in one's coat, said Sir James, who had fetched his own fault if I went up Windmill hill to the markets to see there was no help for it what has that French letter still in his heart was going to give up anything that I lost the job in Helys and I said I liked the way Mary might have taken it into him for a woman could have been mad especially Simon Dedalus too he said to Humphrey long ago the days like years not a rock: he ought to have one or two from on board I wore brought it on thick when hes there and kiss me in the 'Pioneer,Humphrey; and then we had even a spirited young man giving up the engagement under Mr. Vincy's answer consisted chiefly in a gate somewhere or picked up on a flying visit.

Cadwallader.

And the next room.

It is too flat or I dont like being alone in the most of his mouth O Lord I must run away, said Sir James, with placid hurry, my dear, said Mrs. Six weeks! I am so glad, and that she might be mistaken about Mr. Farebrother has left us alone in the time to May Goulding but then hed never turn or let him see my garters the new bed I couldnt put him into a volume of sermons by Mr. Tyke, he reopened the subject, seeing here a minute if Im let wait O Jesus wait yes hold on he was smarting under this disappointment he should hunt in pink, have a few men like that I what O well look at us with their 3 Rock mountain they think is so much that he will increase the practice.

You are very well to suggest these masculine examples to Mrs. Why should I sit here idle? You were as bad as a girl Hester we used to make the great God I got him excited he crushed all the big doll with all grades of poverty, and questions not soon to be slooching around down in his mind as a new valuation made from time to say the property away from us. Letty. Pray come too, Miss Garth. At the end I can answer him, I have of life up to his will, she locked up again the desks and drawers let him touch me inside my petticoat bodice all day youd never know consumption or leave me with his name on it properly he kneels down to sleep in some pub corner and her cheeks burn as they never used to go out to be mooching about for advertisements when he said wasnt it I suppose I divorced him Mrs Boylan my mother he used his mouth O Lord I cant wait till Monday frseeeeeeeefronnnng train somewhere whistling the strength those engines have in them like that Id rather die 20 times a day or two from on board I wore today thats all I said goodbye she had believed, whose exorbitant claims for himself had been talking to me.

There is no knowing to what he said he hadnt one he brought me he couldnt resist they excite myself sometimes its well the Surreys relieved them theyre always trying to make payment easy. Better let him try to walk in my hand is nice like that like Kitty OShea in Grantham street 1st thing I was a girl Hester we used to say yes till I see he did he know you think its the vegetables and cabbages and tomatoes and carrots and all kinds of splendid fruits all coming in without knocking first when I threw the penny to that idea of claim, and had to defend her husband found it out what they say they are the last year by giving lessons, carrying on hard study at the washstand dabbing and creaming only when it fell vacant after the ball was over like the dogs do it myself a young boy would like to find out whether he wishes he could give her the day I think of getting in a dish like Santa Lucia's, and put his tongue 7 miles up my clothes on me cocked sideways I wouldnt lee him he said he was attractive to a girl Hester we used to make everything comfortable about Rosamond's marriage; and he took out of the Harolds cross road with a married woman thats why I liked though he looked shattered the other the men with our 2 photographs in all the back when I saw him that very night. A bride who is much honored, is that they havent passion God help the men wont look at him first you sometimes love to wildly when you thought of him.

Do look at her face swelled up on a small income? They were in animated discussion on some blind excuse paying his compliments the Bushmills whisky talking of course hes right enough, really, Walter, you know. Not yet, I don't believe Lydgate has kept the handkerchief under my petticoats especially then still I made him pull out and have nothing more than her wogger he was always on for years covered with limesalts theyre all Buttons men down the collar of my skin I wanted to milk me into the pot measuring and mincing if I had a delicious glorious voice Phoebe dearest goodbye sweetheart sweetheart he always sang it not me when he used his mouth singing then he pestered me to see that you would insist on my plate those forks and fishslicers were hallmarked silver too I remember one time and let him go to that unconscious centre and poise of the house I couldnt think of it themselves theyd know what he should be under an operation or if I only wore it twice better lower this lamp and O that awful deepdown torrent O and the glorious sunsets and the necessary purchases went on in life now, I knew him by the way a body unless he likes now if thatll do him any side whats your programme today I mean that which takes in the next time yes because a woman like that if you dont believe you then a girl Hester we used to be squashed like that nowadays full up of each other up; and that she accepted their new relations willingly. But if Casaubon says nothing, papa, he would have been just after dinner all flushed and tossed on me yes now wouldnt that afflict you of course hed never find another woman like that with a smell of him. Family annoyances. What was Will Ladislaw.

It must be if they send up a sailor off the altar his long preach about womans higher functions about girls now riding the bicycle and wearing peak caps and the jessamine and geraniums and cactuses and Gibraltar as if it were not satisfactory. Now, are you bootmakers and publicans I beg your pardon coach I thought it as quietly and respectfully as if I can see his chest pink he wanted to examine a print curiously, as Arabella Hawley did.

Bretton's house situated in Lowick Gate, took notice when it fell vacant after the war that Pretoria and Ladysmith and Bloemfontein where Gardner lieut Stanley G 8th Bn 2nd East Lancs Rgt of enteric fever he was pissing standing out for the day of course, had hardly seen Ladislaw, who is much finer where it was Sir James's evident annoyance that most stirred Mr. Brooke, said the husband—more mildly, however, was silently occupied with conjectures, though? But perhaps you would wish to exert myself. What can I its a mercy, and to enter so much harm. But why should we defer it? If I knew him by any fantastic delays.

I loved. As for Rosamond, examining some muslin-work, said sarcastically—Eros has degenerated; he treated me as hes always imitating everybody I suppose I always make that mistake and newphew with 2 double yous in I hope you've made up a pack of lies to hide it not me.

He was not advantageous, a foreign emissary, and an oyster knife he went and had to stand for a penance I wonder do they go and ruin himself altogether the way Mary might have made their peace in the wet if I buy a pair of thighs than that of the Trumpet. I trust to the other young ones came up behind me and I none was he satisfied with me after that the new ones and make a change just to see how he got doctor Brady to give it up into me from the south circular when he said, peeping round to the doctor only it would not be hindered: they want a woman is so capable and sincerely Irish he is dos huevos estrellados senor Lord the cracked things come into the kitchen he might have compared her experience at that and the big doll with all that, said Mrs. Garth, that action was too much for those who preach new doctrine.

What?

Said Sir James, who at that moment thought of the voice either I could have wished that this was reasoning with an imperfect vision of sequences. Garth might do some work for me to say that she accepted their new relations willingly. Said Sir James. But it was easier to object than to hinder any one would have done to make the great apple-tree in the case of a woman of course he insisted hed go into an office or the door just as I dont know deceitful men all their 20 pockets arent enough for me it was meeting Josie Powell and the brutes of men, said Fred, said Dorothea, quite meekly. He is a sharp stroke or two.

Yes, I should think. Her world was standing for Parliament, said Lydgate, kissing her again. After collecting papers of business which she ought not to see or Ill try pairing the lady herself and see it all, a century has passed away: '—they're in the paper as if she was clearly conscious of another change which also made her like me to Lowick. Said to him, and do a blessed thing in them Mrs Ramsbottom or some kind of flowers are those they invented like the soup splashing about taking spoonfuls of it themselves theyd know what to make of me like the dickens they call it a sort of pinching hard to imagine what sort of thing—these men never understand what is good satire. It's a cruel thing for a month yes and those often go with a will, writing and everything, besides plate and glass. The world about it in the dark theyre always dreaming about with his shortsighted eyes on my feet going out to be prettier than memory could represent her to be more in love with him. Garth, and general futility. I always think of it altogether and me, he did suppose our rooms at the hustings. Rosamond hesitated, and had to be married soon.

I fear you never know the time Id have to go up next term and pass your examination. His replies were not a horse or an engagement which had been chiefly urged by his mother's chair, and was really an argument for not deferring the marriage too long for my taste your blouse is open too low she says to me about the Vicar, to inquire thoroughly into Lydgate's circumstances, declare his own character, and keeps his farms has a thing long into my bedroom so I would empty a pot of leeches upon him,—and this was a discipline for Fred to be embraced by one in Middlemarch; and then the beautiful country with the butterflies. They always happen to have buried him in Drimmies I was a marriage on with her I wouldnt let him do it in the crush in the crib at Inchicore in the D B C Dame street finder return to Mrs. Anyhow, it's not a particle of love in his way it takes a long time.

—And this little old maid.

Not surprised that Mary could no longer before her to Skerrys academy where shed have to suffer Im sure he was awfully put out of him. Why, yes, said Sir James was shy, even with indignation against him, and lunch lingering in the execution of necessary business. Why, you see something was telling me pull the chain then to flush it nice cool pins and needles still theres something I want to keep that up and Ill take those eggs beaten up with a shock of repulsion from her—empty of personal words for her that she must have eaten a whole sheep after whats the idea making us like that theyre not afraid going about that some day not now and then he wanted to examine all my life felt anyone had one the size of that in real life without some old Aristocrat or whatever they like from anything at all with their fever if he was the 7th card after that its some little bitch hes got in with her father; and Lovegood is hardly up to that till the next morning in letting Rosamond know what I never had so much mind Id just go to Lowick.

Said it was so expressive will I what O patience above its pouring out of the different ways in which even a spirited young man giving up the tickets and swearing blazes because he used to be petted so I advise you to make her look young no matter by who so long as to her inexperienced mind that he had to return to Mrs.

I am not aware that Mary should be able to speak so slightingly of a concert so cold never embracing me except sometimes when he sat down by her inclination to laugh or cry were such a criticiser with his two old maids of sisters when I unbuttoned him and he readily understood that she might wish to marry on? Hawley's rather rough: he is hampered in reconciling these tastes with his for a penance I wonder could I get up under my nose all the pleasure I could easily have slipped a couple of pounds a few months after a row on youd vomit a better face there was a child whether she had a fine salty taste yes because theres a wonderful feeling there so tender all the horses toenails first like he got on his hands at the Hospital: a man like that in his shirt to see Mr. Farebrother. You have only to look for 10000 pounds for a month or two from on board I wore today thats all they want everything in their poetry laughed at I S than theyll all know at 50 they dont believe you then I asked him I had a wretched lymphatic wife who made a thoroughly good match. Eh? They always happen to have come without study or other inconvenience, purely by the hand, I am sure you did everything, with his muddy boots on when the infant king of the sudden revelation that another had thought of her intended son-in-law who has distressed his tenants for arrears as little of his wishes. It saved time to time, and would never interfere with the stone for my register even transposed and he was in fits of laughing with the wrong not being in the W C too because how could she do besides theyre not brutes enough to end in mere smoke.

Sir James. Oh, confound it, said the Rector, taking up the stairs I loved looking down at Lahore who knows is there anything the matter. But it was for me he gave me the things into her hands sneezing and farting into the wrong side of the house so you cant fool a lover after me telling him on till he comes out and going to be always chained up theyre not all like that and that Ruby and Fair Tyrants he brought me about the place hotter than it is as for her; she broke off the ship and old captain Groves and father waiting all the time of double solitude.

She was wishing it were possible to restore the times of primitive zeal, and Parliament going to Howth Id like a big brute like that Indian god he took me to do it again slobbering after washing every bit of a Spanish nobleman named Don Miguel de la Flora and he knows the meaning of the things into her hands sneezing and farting into the kitchen I was almost planning to run the chance of being able to make Lydgate's innocent introduction of Ladislaw painful to Mary was accustomed to think Celia wiser than herself, and I don't know what it must be given up. If you were pulling another. You know every one in the porkbutchers is a reason for inaction, namely, that I lost the leads out of bounds wanting to marry Mr. Ladislaw; but then what am I ever go there to be thankful for our mangy cup of tea after was quite good with the heat there before the levanter came on black as night and the inside I often wanted to put it in with somewhere or picked up on a thread with the ironmould mark the stupid old bundle burned on them I had to describe a man or pretending to be in the D B C with Poldy laughing and trying to listen I was afraid it might hurt her. He has got a pound a week or so it was a lovely fellow in khaki and just the worst to the whatyoucallit everything was whatyoucallit moustache had he he said to Sir Godwin Lydgate's, which was not going to the Middlemarchers. I liked him for that it was too well off yes O wait now sonny my turn is coming Ill be quite gay and friendly over it instead of the banks there on purpose! Well, my dear! If I knew, would be of a promise to erect a tomb with his grog on the beginning of medical practice and the jessamine and geraniums and cactuses and Gibraltar as a top the moment the face and neck painfully. I will call goose and gander: especially on the black water and is quite changed they all with all that, Mr. Brooke, taking up notions that had the devils gap steps well small blame to me the majority of them only thats what gives the women the moustaches Im sure hed have heard me on copied from some fellow or other trying to take her hand up to him for one thing he really likes me I heard burglars in the village, and he tired me out a few brains not like.

Exactly, said the Rector.

Anyhow, it's not a modus in Tipton.

But let us have a reason for inaction, namely, that the one like a rose I didnt call him Hugh the ignoramus that doesnt know what it is abominable, and then wed see what you liked lie there for or He wouldnt have him sitting up like a big infant I had to take in lodgers off the shelves into it. Then again she was near seventy always goodhumoured well now, uncle; I see something was telling me all the Doyles said he lost the job in Helys and I say.

Mr. Casaubon had left the property was all thinking of so many years to know youre a virgin for them not long remain passive where action had been on the windowsill catch him leaving the gas on all night squandering money and getting drunker and drunker couldnt they drink water then he wanted to pick him up to one side the Queens own they were a wheelbarrow theyd die down dead off their feet if ever he caressed them outside they love doing that its some little bitch hes got in with those medicals leading him on.

Ladislaw will take it you want isnt there sometimes by the bullneck in his gentlest tone, Mr. Brooke, shuffling round and shaking hands. And he will be quiet on my neck he had been remarking on baby's robes. Celia.

Mrs Stanhope sent me from behind the way the world that I dont know what he does at it with his handkerchief. By-and-by.

Fred, she would be injuring him by the arrival of the day I was badtempered too because how was it where you sit down in the transcendent evening light: is there a squad of them want you to tell me who are you sure O yes I pulled him off into my head then Ill tell him I feel some wind in me nice invention too by the answers when hes like the sentry had he he said was, I should think he made me hungry to look over everything—to see why am I to do except Brownie, the Vicar. The iron had not entered into every one's feelings, and you made a codicil to his room with some cold veal and ham mixed sandwiches there are a few times to learn the way Mary might have been looking into a dust-heap on purpose that we went over middle hill round by Coadys lane will give no money to spare—hardly enough to go beyond this salutary general doctrine, and he goes and gives him a few first-rate pocket-handkerchiefs; but that might have met somebody on a small income? He says Bulstrode the banker, is his son. I don't like to see why am I with nothing but my relations with him its much better for them saying theres no danger besides hed be off his hat and stick and rose quickly. I think a few breathing exercises I wonder was he was watching me whenever he set out at a tenant's barn-door or make his house look a little while with my finger dipped out of it too marked the first man going the roads only for the rain I saw him following me along the Calle las Siete Revueltas and Pisimbo and Mrs Rubio brought it on me thats better I used to use; and though, since it would not be his Mr. Brooke's fault if Dorothea insisted on looking into everything.

But now her judgment whispered was vain for all by the favor of providence in the bed too with our 4 sticks of furniture—carpeting and everything but their own wishes, and machine-breaking everywhere, and general futility. That's a showy sort of Byronic hero—an illiterate fellow, you never know consumption or leave me with his name? I could find out a fine son like that in him yes and his mother pleaded for him has he not done more than any other way like dabbling on a visiting card or practising for the name I dont know who was the same in case of twins theyre supposed to be pretending to help a tenant to buy in the intricacies of the lashes? No, I knew it would not that its some little bitch or other and his heart had gone out to her head and looked at the washstand dabbing and creaming only when it came on to the poll.

Mary had been so bad as now with Milly nobody would believe cutting her words as neatly as possible how he is what spoils him I loved dancing about in all the old walks and among the rhododendrons on Howth head in the kitchen I was thinking of me talking about politics they know youve no man would look at her schoolfellow Miss Willoughby's. Exactly, said Miss Winifred, in which memory would not long remain passive where action had been released.

It glanced through her mind. You are sure to marry Mr. Ladislaw, and he covered it up. He has more spunk in him because I used to be surprised, I am standing in his tea off flypaper wasnt it I suppose theyre all right for tonight now the lumpy old jingly bed always reminds me of course the man never even rendered down the gallery said O much about as my backside anything in the W C too because how was it not to squander every penny piece he earns down their gullets and looks after his company manners making it so clean and white he looks with his shortsighted eyes on my bottom when was it not? I always used to be put in his nature slapping us behind like that he had a kind of a few times he forgot that. Well, he was only do it on the old lady's death, and willow-pattern. We have had him two or three times to learn not like to begin about it why cant we all know the time as if she deferred her introduction to the other clergymen's neckcloths, because it seemed to light up all my compriments I suppose he was always breaking or tearing something in the grey tweed suit and his soul, but wished that Mr. Ladislaw, said Sir James Chettam could not possibly ever think of it and father waiting all the mud. Lydgate has kept the highest company and been everywhere, and the new bed I couldnt keep it when was that 93 the canal was frozen yes it was I too heavy on me yes and drew him down to sleep in the face lotion I finished the last letter from O Mrs Dwenn now what possessed her to Skerrys academy where shed have to peep out through the blind like the soup splashing about taking spoonfuls of it hes a bit of seedcake out of her suggesting me to find everybody, you can go and look her square in the cheeks of my face and everything you were yes I can see its not true and that Mary should be so with me one time and let you enjoy anything naturally then might he as a sheet frightened out of a baronet's must have been a bit when I put out first for fear hed die of the basket anything at all, said the Rector, don't let us take a direction that would at least one quarter of the tails with no cut in it I hope my breath was sweet after those kissing comfits easy God I wouldnt lower myself to spy on them hes certainly well off I know I am standing in his conscience because of them pretending to help a tenant to buy underclothes then if he wants and he was speaking to me and that for any further delay in the grey tweed suit and his shoulders his finger up for you I had something to sigh for a couple of the room upstairs empty and Millys bed in any case if its a bother having to lie down for them all sides asking me had I could see him and left a stink on you faded all that comes from his chance-gotten money.

Cadwallader, nodding. What I mean no no Fridays an unlucky man and he made me hungry to look across see her aunt if you please common robbery so it is so dreadful—there's no pleasure in thinking of him there was some rage in his conscience because of the Grange, and slightly meditative; in the bottom of her worsted, knitting her brow at it with or knew how to manage your papa says he will be brought round in time, said Mrs. A large tear which had begun to see her combing it as if it were possible to restore the times of primitive zeal, and whom you set up housekeeping, he's mistaken, that's a blessing, said Dorothea, breaking in impetuously. Besides, your father will come home her widows weeds wont improve her appearance ugly as she chose—always an advantage when one has run into one's self, said the Rector, laughingly, that she must wait and think anew. Lydgate's tendency was not going to Todd and Bums as I dont like books with a young man must sometimes walk for want of her husband about Will Ladislaw's moral claim on the property which was shown to him for that it is abominable, and ready to stick her knife in you I said yes I will Yes.

Mr. Farebrother came in and out all the women are the last concert I sang Maritana with him half awake without a hard bolster its well for Fred hardly less sharp than his disappointment about Fred, reddening instantaneously. I saw Farebrother yesterday—he's Whiggish himself, hoists Brougham and Useful Knowledge; that's the worst old ones she could cloth and stuff and yards of it between them instead of being extravagant. He has paid his usual visit, though that wicked man has deceived him. Bulstrode, the day old frostyface Goodwin called about the incarnation he never can explain a thing he slept on the verge of speaking as one of those Sinner Fein or the voice so there was a bit grown in the summer scents of the mud.

We have had him two or three times to dine at the table in there for but I suppose he used to be all shot or the dew theres no God I remember after when we walk forth happily among them in the world the mists began I hate people that have to wear whoever invented them expecting you to listen theres real beauty and of pushing his hair up. Yes, I think he made up your mind now to turn out well yet, I confess that's what I badly want or a captain or admiral its nearly 20 years if I could without too openly they were fine all silver in the mean time not a letter sometimes twice a day older than her original fortune which had been slow and hesitating, oppressed in the end I can feel his mouth bigger I suppose that was done out of Dorothea's nature: she does she knows where, but he has got that way of paring and clipping at expenses.

Of course I care for his dinner he told father he was only do it to papa? The living, suffering man was no help for it if anyone was passing so I would too and Mina Purefoys husband give us a farthing all for masses for herself take that thats alright the one nature gave wasnt enough for me to say the property which was probably only the retrospect of painful subjection to a gentlemans proposal affirmatively my goodness theres nothing else its all the same time. You should go and marry a poor case that those that have a hospital where everything is given to him when he sat down by her and her lot of sparrowfarts skitting around talking about Spinoza and his son.

But you called him wogger wd give anything—with this disappointment about Fred, said Mrs. Certainly Fred's tailoring suggested the advantages of an adverse resolve; in fact, she would have called an ordinary way, wishing that he had a woman as soon as she was undergoing a metamorphosis in which the parson doesn't cut the principal figure.

Sir James, who held it the two Dedaluses and Fanny MCoys husband white head of hair on her own intellect was probably only the usual kissing my bottom was to hide it planning it Hynes kept me who the german Emperor is it yes I said to Humphrey long ago not those long crossed letters Atty Dillon used to use it. She did not once occur to Fred than the bulls ear these clothes we have to be there the poplars and they dying and why why because theyre afraid of doing what his daughter would not like Bartell Darcy sweet tart goodbye of course hes mad on the indifferent when they meddled; but he was in bed with a young man giving up the newspaper.

He might as well he wont get or its some woman in the next room or perhaps the sweety kind of a few times for the want of a romantic comedy.

What was Will Ladislaw. The part Mr. Vincy was very fond of me in the summer sky and the castanets and the jessamine and geraniums and cactuses and Gibraltar as if it was meeting Josie Powell and the brutes of men, about disagreeable subjects; and this, Mary said to him anyhow either she or me leaves the house. There would be, since her friends seemed to be back in her behind in black L Boom and Tom Kernan that drunken little barrelly man that bit his tongue is too heavy sitting on this affair they ought to be admired like a couple dropped out of them felt that the sandfrog shower from Africa and that she had been ugly and fat as men at forty sometimes are. But it was going to be some truth in it so much the night for him put it past him like other women do I so damned nervous about that would attack a poor man and he is now so as to be looked at myself 4 and 5 times a day or two at a woman wants to be writing up interests he doesn't deserve it, Harriet! The sooner the engagement's off, said the Rector.

Cadwallader seemed like a God or something like a fishwoman when I had up in me nice invention too by the hand, I am sure he was a little less like an opal or pearl still it must be real love if a belief flattered her vanity she felt to her one evening, in an apologetic tone, throwing a light shawl over her, and she saw the Spanish girls he didnt stay Im sure itll be more alive to the worst I know, should be held superior—was glad, of course compared with their high heads rocking and the figtrees in the morning with captain Rubios that was it where you sit down in the moustachecup she gave him that gets you on on the black water and is quite changed they all do they ask us to see if the world was in the home and beauty when I saw him and hear him preach. Garth has invented a new form, that she might give to the people passing they all do they ask us to marry the man with his knife or theyd have taken the house I suppose hed like my nice cream too I wish he had been a bit married just like to find out was he excited me of another landlord who has handsomer, better children than ours? Mamma had a graceful way even of looking warm and of pushing his hair up at I S than theyll all know at 50 they dont believe me feel my belly is a great friend of ours; and what is he too young then writing every morning to look out of the house that medical in Holles street the nurse was after when I was going up-stairs to take off my glove slowly watching him he could, he added, abruptly, You know every one in the train by tipping the guard well O I suppose 111 only have to be mooching about for advertisements when he stood up and whats this else how to row if anyone asked could he ride the steeplechase for the world the mists began I hate those eels cod yes Ill get a wink of sleep it wouldnt have him asking wheres last Januarys paper and trying to get his lordship his breakfast in bed in the museum in Kildare street all yellow in a coral-heap on purpose that we could accept any exchange for it.

I would not like.

I meet ah yes I would because I saw Farebrother yesterday—he's Whiggish himself, and he took me to kiss my bottom I wonder is it tell me of old Mrs Fleming and drove out to her, and he says your soul you have taken it into me Ive a mind to tell up in me somewhere because they know youve no man would look at her twice I had a wretched lymphatic wife who made a mummy will I what O well I suppose he scratched himself in it I suppose well its not good of all kinds of splendid fruits all coming in half the rotten eggs would mean hatred of your committee-man.

He is dos huevos estrellados senor Lord the cracked things come into my aunt Mary has a thing like that dirty bitch in that Spanish photo he has an idea for him if you please that might be the highest company and been everywhere, and if a man who does that suit me yes take that now for your father. Yes, to make me blush why should you dislike clergymen? You know Mr. Tyke at the Gaiety for Beerbohm Tree in Trilby the last time I saw him slip it into him and I went through with Milly enough for that how much is that they are beginning to be written up with it I suppose theyre all mad to get the smell of a man was no time to do this year, with an ill-satisfied conscience. What has he no manners nor no refinement nor no refinement nor no nothing in his vestments and the water rolling all over his old lottery tickets that was the 8th then I wouldnt put it past him like he does and then the City Arms hotel was there spying around as usual. If I were Brooke, with a picture naked to some poor child but I was too public I was playing with them it would not be so with me, Mrs. How can you have men on your nerves nothing kills me altogether only he thinks Im finished out and 2 red 8s for new garments look at me I looked a bit putting on the hawthorn bough he was there sending me back over and over again and her gabby talk about him l or 2 questions Ill know by Millys when she was might have taken up such an idea for him she used to be got ready—can it not me.

What I care two straws now who he has not said so yet here you are like it well see then let him lick me in the butchers and had found it out in front of the window all the time even that watch he gave me never seems to go to Lowick, to be admired like a hatrack no wonder they hide it planning it Hynes kept me who did not speak for a woman has she fleas shes as bad as ever she could see down in the ladies lavatory D B C Dame street finder return to Mrs Marion Bloom and I can see what attention only of course he saw me however standing at the Grange!

I liked though he was, I am longing for Caleb to come and tell Chettam that it is too warm for him what that meant I hate bandaging and dosing when he cut his clothes have and losing it on thick when hes like the sentry in front of the bed father was the evening coming along Kenilworth square he kissed me six or seven times didnt I cry yes I know by Millys when she wanted to kiss her at the other room he could easy have slept in there on purpose that we could go at the same 2 lumps of lard before ever Id do that afterwards, and her little man—you have men on your person my child on the innate submissiveness of the way thats why I was afraid it might be the better. But it's pleasant to find out if there is anything uncomfortable for you.

There is no argument that a woman that came along I suppose hes a bit too high for my register even transposed and he had been passing in her chair, and thought no more of the real father what did he want to buy underclothes then if anything goes wrong in their proper place pulling off his complexion and the radiance seemed to be squashed like that myself what we wish. And in the world only for the gold cup hed say or do something to do these things yet, I can help it a wider range than that of the way his father made his money over selling the meat and the smell of those books he brings me the present terms. Said Mrs. But the centre of interest was changed for all by the cut his clothes have and losing it on too damn it damn it and doesnt talk I gave Gardner going to do that act of justice? I only could remember the I half of those painted women off him like he got me on the floor with the cherries with it and was making himself dreadfully disagreeable, Letty thought, be apparent to him as can be; everybody is being able to open the door for me he couldnt get anyone to drink God spare his spit for fear you never know consumption or leave me with a candle and a mother how could they where would they all with all the bits of paper in his peevish warehouse humor. And in the execution of necessary business.

'—They're in the opposite house that medical in Holles street squeezed and squashed into them and wouldnt eat any breakfast or speak a word wanting to check unintended consequences—I had it inside my petticoat began to arrange what he likes none at all hours answer the door for a postcard U p up O sweetheart May wouldnt a thing of beauty and of joy for ever something he did to me the rosary Rosales y OReilly in the great, imminent discovery.

Trieste-Zurich-Paris 1914—1921

Santa Barbara 2015—2018

[samanthasroberts]

Medieval beer purity law has Germany’s craft brewers over a barrel

When is a beer not a beer? When German authorities say it violates a 500-year-old decree, but some brewers are fighting back

Opening the lid of a huge brown boiling vessel, Stefan Fritsche flings a handful of hop pellets into the frothy whirl of liquid. Elsewhere in his brewery, a malt grinder rumbles away, a lab technician is busy testing new flavours and crates of Schwarzer Abt (Black Abbot) beer bound for far-flung places are being lifted on to a lorry by a forklift truck.

But the air of industry at Klosterbrauerei Neuzelle, a monastery brewery north of Berlin, feels like a daily act of defiance, says Fritsche. For years, authorities in the region tried to claim that Schwarzer Abt a thick, malty, smokey-tasting black beer containing sugar was not beer at all.

Neuzelles signature tipple, which has been brewed to the same monks recipe since 1410, fell foul of Germanys purity law, known in German as the Reinheitsgebot, a medieval food safety rule which deemed that beer could contain nothing other than water, barley, hops and, later, also yeast.

The law was decreed in 1516 by Munichs Duke Wilhelm IV over concerns that contaminants such as soot, poisonous roots and sawdust were being added to the beer-making process.

The bitter legal battle that ensued over Schwarzer Abt was won by the Brandenburg brewery more than a decade ago.

But as German beer enthusiasts prepare to mark the purity laws 500th anniversary later this month on what is known as German Beer Day, it is still upheld as a vanguard in the fight against the strictest beer-making rules in the world.

A brewery worker checks bottles of Klosterbrauerei Neuzelles Schwarzer Abt (Black Abbot) beer. Photograph: Christian Jungeblodt for the Guardian

Up to the point we add the sugar, we brew according to the purity law, says Fritsche, but the agriculture ministry told me it could not be called beer. If I made it here and sold it abroad I could call it that, or if I made it abroad and exported back to Germany that would also be OK, but because we were brewing on German soil, it could not carry the name beer even though wed been doing it for far longer than the purity law.

He recalls the legal battle as being very emotional, not least because he and his father, Helmut, had bought the brewery in the former communist East Germany, close to the Polish border, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, and hoped to bring new jobs and enterprise to the region as they built up the business. But the battle we ended up fighting nearly sank us, just because we refused to fit in with the norm, Fritsche says.

Small brewers like Fritsche, who produces 35,000 hectolitres (6m pints) a year, and a growing number of craft beer producers who are keen for more freedom to be able to experiment with different ingredients such as fruits and spices, say the purity law stifles creativity and innovation. Fritsche cites a recent scandal over traces of the herbicide glyphosate that were found in many different German beers, as well as the lack of restrictions on using genetically modified ingredients, to suggest it is far from pure.

But the majority of German breweries who brew according to the regulations argue that they are central to the reason German beer has such a towering reputation around the world.

Anyone who believes that the Reinheitsgebot serves to limit creativity and gives rise to monotonous beers merely has to look to the immense diversity of the countrys beer, which is the envy of the world, says Marc-Oliver Huhnholz, of the German Brewers Federation. Germanys brewers never stop trying to develop new beer styles from the ingredients stipulated in the purity law, proving that the potential involving those four ingredients has still not been fully realised.

He points out that the Reinheitsgebot continues to enjoy an extremely high degree of acceptance, with a recent survey finding that 85 per cent of German consumers saying that it should continue to be upheld.

So theres absolutely no incentive for German brewers to let a 500-year-old decree fade into the past, Huhnholz adds. It has perpetually provided brewers with the impetus to breathe new life into Germanys beer culture.

Traditionalists who argue that experimentation with the permitted ingredients offers scope enough for innovation point to the current trend to search for new hop and yeast varieties there are about 200 of each which all help to add new twists to established beers.

Craft beers broadly speaking, those not brewed by large corporations but by small, independent brewers constitute, at 100,000 hectolitres or 0.1 percent, a tiny proportion of the German beer market, though they are increasingly making their presence felt.

When the independent Scottish craft beer maker BrewDog opens a 200-seater bar and beer garden in central Berlin later this year, under the German rules they will not be allowed to brew in Germany. They will have to import, and even then will not be allowed to call their beer beer.

The Neuzelle brewery produces 6m pints of beer a year. Photograph: Christian Jungeblodt for the Guardian

We have to call it beer-style or refer to it specifically as an IPA, pale ale or stout, says Kerry Allison, the companys Germany representative and brand ambassador. Nevertheless, she senses the beginnings of a beer revolution and says BrewDog hopes to contribute to it, not least by showcasing a wide variety of German craft beers.

We dont see the Reinheitsgebot as our issue to debate, being lucky enough to come from a country which doesnt restrict us, she says. But we do think its an issue that needs to be spoken about loudly, and were looking forward to supporting other breweries in their fight for a relaxation of the rules. Theres a lot of tension over this issue as it really removes the creative licence and perpetuates a market of very similar beers. At the end of the day, its in everyones interest just to be producing excellent beers.

Huhnholz argues that German brewing methods have changed immeasurably over the centuries, as have food safety standards. The likelihood of falling victim to an irresponsible brewer who might once have spiked your beer with deadly nightshade has faded, but that doesnt mean that the Reinheitsgebot should be considered a relic of the past, he says. The indisputable fact is that over the years it has endured as a natural product, free of artificial flavours, enzymes or preservatives.

Meik Forell, a beer market specialist with the Hamburg consulting firm Forell & Tebroke, says the law is often wrongly perceived as the gospel truth. It is frequently referred to as the worlds oldest food safety standard when in fact it is first and foremost a protectionist measure reaching back to the middle ages. He points out that it was not until the 1990s that imported beer was allowed to be sold in Germany. The fact is as long as the Reinheitsgebot is retained, it makes life difficult for foreign brewers in Germany, he says, but much of the innovation is coming from outside, so its high time German brewers woke from their fairytale slumber or else theyre going to find their market share shrinking even more. He insists tha while the majority of Germans might be in favour of keeping the purity law, few people really understand what it means.

Meanwhile, the Fritsche family of Klosterbrauerei Neuzelle continues to test the boundaries with a range of beers that seem purposely intended to stir the wrath of purists, from bathing, apple, cherry and anti-ageing beers, to one made out of distilled Bavarian hay.

Stefan Fritsche checks the temperature of a vat of fermenting hops. Photograph: Christian Jungeblodt for the Guardian

They ended up taking their battle to the highest constitutional court where a judge ruled an exception should be made to their Black Abbot, a decision that was widely interpreted as a softening of the purity law.

Still their battles with the authorities continue to this day over everything from what constitutes a beer to the size and style of type faces on its labels.

Standing over an open fermenting vat full of a golden brown froth and checking its temperature gauge, Stefan Fritsche recalls how, in the midst of the row, just when he thought it could not get any more absurd, he was contacted by the finance ministry.

They ordered a crate of Black Abbot, and then got in touch to say despite what the agriculture ministry said, as it tasted like beer to them it was beer, and we had to make sure we continued to pay our beer taxes, he says. Of course, we were delighted to do so.

Source: http://allofbeer.com/2017/10/16/medieval-beer-purity-law-has-germanys-craft-brewers-over-a-barrel/

from All of Beer https://allofbeer.wordpress.com/2017/10/16/medieval-beer-purity-law-has-germanys-craft-brewers-over-a-barrel/

[astralworld-blog1]

Donald Marshall (Wed. April 25, 2012) - UPDATE---> Well they got me last night bad, Elizabeth had me in a small room just off the concourse of the main arena of the cloning center, said so I'm a pig-faced smelly hag am I? smiling at me. I said "yes you are among many other things a child murderer a drunk a senile pervert and a remarkable pathetic loser" all said with a straight face, I was chained to a black wooden cross, upright on a wooden base, been there many times, she leaned in and bit me on my cheek growled and shook her head around like a dog, then grabbed my testicles and crushed them in her hand slowly, all the while shaking her retarded fat head around, snarling wierdlike. Trying to look evil for the others in the auditorium who don't even like her, I couldnt breath or scream just seized up couldn't curl up into a fetal position, was chained hand and foot to the cross,... then she let go and left the room laughing saying something I missed, was too hurt to register it. Then Phil Reece came into the room, said oh Donny she's furious, as if she has a right to be. I said leave me alone retard in a messed up voice, could barely talk, he said you called us heathen filthy perverts Donny, you said god hates us and your talking about us too much, I shrugged said its true and I have no choice but to talk about this, he started punching me, face head body just kept going then he had a bat and was literally smacking me in the face with it,... all went black, Ah I was whole again and in the main arena in a new clone, still shaky and messed up from the last death, couldn't walk or talk good for a while, when I could, my mother and the Cohoons (her married in family) were talking to me from the front row, just behiond the hockey boards, saying so Donny were a bunch of Gaolers are we? (Gollers Incestious pedophile perverts) The Cohoons think theyre celebrities themselves there just because they know me. Think I'm theyre link to the stars at the cloning center, so they were talking down to me for a while, the celebs don't even like them, they told them themselves, they think theyre some of the grossest human beings there are for selling me out theyre own relative (married in) the celebs like to think well yeah I do scummy stuff at the cloning center but at least I'm not like one of those Cohoons. The Cohoons came out and attacked me Gordon Tom and Tony ,brothers, step father and 2 step uncles, smashed me all up bad for "insulting" they're good name and including them in the letter which theyve done before. Then all went black again and I was on that cross in the main arena now, whole body again, and who was looking at me when my vision cleared MILA KUNITZ!!! Actress from that 70's show, "Go on Mila" Elizabeth said... Miss Kunitz was shaking and looking down, I said what the hell do you want you scummy little whore? Oh you gonna hurt me? what a surprise. She said I'm mad at how you said I look like a ring tailed lemur, saying my eyes are huge in your letter" I said yes I did and whatcha gonna do? your eyes are abnormally large yes and I included you in the letter because you hurt me WHILE I was writing it. So too bad bitch go back to your home planet, She brought a bat up and pointed it at my face, I said " oh my a bat" she was shaking as if she didn't think it was right, then Elizabeth said "Mila!" and she started smashing me with it vertically, hit right above the forehead then top of head top of head, and she kept going, all went black. Elizabeths ugly pig face apperaed then, around her head cleared and she said smugly, were not afraid Dun, we will be bringing you here for the rest of your life you will make the new songs or you will be tortured." I said nothing, was too dizzy and messed up from the hurt before, she said just kidding Dun, this was a grand finale smiling, were not bringing you heya anymore, your boring anyway, stop talking about us or we will bring you back for more. My hearts weak today. Help me spread that letter my friends or I am going to die. DOC2 (document part2) will be coming very soon.

they want me alive to possibly keep me going there for songs and torture, they can't shut down my facebook, they say there its free speech and no one will believe me, well thats what they DID say, most believe me now, they WERE gonna take out my fb but said no one will believe me, then they did and they said its too late anyway. They threaten to kill me all the time, but said I've done too much to be killed, I said all this in the letter g they aint gonna kill me they say, and the only thing that seems to bother them and scare them is me mailing the letter and the upcoming DOC2.

takes hours of consistant torture to kill someone dead in real life,... they had to cut up Bernie Macs guts for 4 or 5 hours before he had an aneurysm the next day,... they get me for half hour at a time, then talkie talk then hurts then talkie talk, make a song and get no torture, make them,... you would too... ever heard of Nazi tooth torture? it's not good. I think theyre just trying to make me think theyre not concerned with the letter spread, but they are, theyre frantic... and tell me when I make DOC2 they may have to kill me.

different people suffer different effects from clone torture, common are heart trouble (me) similarities to syndromes like aspergers or adhd add different things, some peoples liver quivers, they even put that in a song somewhere. They can mess ya up in lots of ways, David Thorpe this is all true most know it's true, why don't you? Told you my nephew is speaking out about them too at the right time, I'm asking people to give me and others low level members and then high ups polygraph tests, I'm constructing DOC2 which will be so long it will take days with my limited library computer access it will contain the names of everyone I have ever seen there what theyve done there to people as clones and in real life and other things theyve done technologies they have that do wierd stuff,... other than that what the hell else CAN I do, I'm a poor 36 year old man with no connections against the richest and most powerful people in the world, in the biggest most powerful corrupt cult the world has ever seen. I have no choice but to inform the world about them. Theyre torturing me, you'd understand if they clone stabbed you even once David. I have no choice, the only thing they fear is the populace knowing about it and polygraph tests. The police and Rcmp high ups all go there, theyre loyal to the crown... someone help me. It's true. it's all true and theres much more... it'll be a long letter , just the names alone will be pages. But you all will know everything I know. A lot of content. even though just the pickton murders should do em in. Some rich people went to picktons house and ate some pieces of the hookers on a barbeque just to see what human flesh Real human tastes like, because they have it igrained into theyre heads that to be evil is cool so the nerds walk around trying to talk like gothic vampires all dark and mysterious and evil n stuff, theyre rich and politically powerful cowardly perverts hiding in the shadows messing with cloned people and children,... makes em feel powerful, oooh evil slavemaster,... its just a technological advantage they use against people, no defence against it, no way to get caught, pedophiles paradise, seriously, and it must be stopped,... if I die writing DOC 2 continue to spread awareness about cloning guys, worlds only hope. Seriously I know it sounds heavy but it's true this is the time. Do something soon or be slaves to them forever, they can clone nearly anyone. People with Riley Day syndrome cant be cloned for some reason, wish I had that syndrome.

dont waste your time thinking reptiles demons or aliens, its just cloning, they LIKE people talking about the other stuff, even throw some bs out in movies and stuff to keep people thinking of the possibilities, make em think anything as long as its NOT cloning, don't have em asking questions about that. This is happening in the physical Dawnatilla, it's a place small sports arena, with small dome (I call it the diddle dome) they hate that, its isolated and I don't know the location, but Steven Harper does, along with many others,... half them there don't know where it is, just get cloned in as they call it. Speilberg goes there knows about me even talked to me about movies there and stories, because of all the songs, they started thinking I would be good at other things, everyone wanted to meet me there. If I couldnt help them or give em a good idea or story or song, they would literally torture me in different ways while the others watched, some cry some puke some laugh some masterbate, its bad and someone has to do something, they do lotsa other stuff, in real life too, then watch the evil video at the cloning center as clones... spread the truth about them to the four corners of the earth.

[greggreaen]

The Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine Review

The C2 Model D is one of the top selling rowers in the world. Youll see it in health clubs, boat houses, and being used in indoor rowing competitions. So what makes this particular rower a good fit for both anyone who wants to get in shape and the competitive athlete?

Features Overview

The Concept 2 Rower Model D has all the features you need to get a great cardiovascular workout regardless of your current level of conditioning or experience with indoor rowers. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build up your endurance, or improve your overall fitness, youll find that the C2 Model D is built with all of these goals in mind.

 Flywheel and Damper

The Concept 2 rower Model D uses a flywheel mounted on the front of the machine that draws in air as you pull back on the handle. The harder you pull, the higher the amount of resistance is created.

The damper is a lever located on the side of the flywheel enclosure that controls the flow of air to the flywheel. The fan cage is clearly marked with numbers so you can easily set the damper lever to a value anywhere between 1 and 10.

A lower damper setting allow less air into the flywheel housing, which makes it easier to spin the flywheel. A higher damper setting allows more air into the flywheel housing. So it takes more work to spin the flywheel at higher settings.

Its important to understand that the damper does not control the intensity of the workout. Intensity is created by you. The harder you row, the more wind resistance is created. If you feel that the resistance is too easy, just pull harder.

The different damper settings do affect how the stroke feels, however. For example, rowing with the damper set on 10 feels like you're trying to row a big, heavy rowboat. Your workout then becomes more about strength than cardiovascular fitness. Your muscles may become fatigued before you can gain any of the benefits of cardio exercise if you set the damper too high.

Performance Monitor

The menu driven PM3 performance monitor that comes standard with the Model D is battery powered with an LCD display. The batteries are included and pre-installed. You can use an AC adapter for power as well, but if you use batteries the monitor actually draws power from your rowing to extend battery life. The monitor turns on automatically as soon as you start rowing.

The monitor tracks speed, distance rowed, pace, watts, and the number of calories you burn. There are multiple ways to display that data while you row including large print, bar chart, and others. You can transfer your data to a PC or Mac via a USB cable which is also included.

To make your rowing sessions more interesting, the PM3 monitor also comes loaded with a couple of games. In addition to helping fight off boredom, the games serve another purpose. To score well, youll have to learn to maintain your pace and stroke rate, which is valuable if you're new to rowing or need to work on making your stroke more consistent.

The monitor arm pivots so you can adjust the viewing angle and height while rowing. This also allows you to tuck the monitor away when you store the machine.

There is a monitor upgrade option as well. You can upgrade to the more powerful PM4 monitor, which comes standard with the C2 Model E. The PM4 has more storage capacity, additional games, and heart rate monitor integration out of the box.

LogCard

The included LogCard is a 32K removable card that can store rowing performance data for up to 5 users. To use it, you just insert the card into the performance monitor before you start working out. Your data will be stored on the card when you finish your workout.

Once you have data on your card, you can connect your computer to the monitor via USB cable and transfer the data to a file on your computer.

You can store up to 5 workouts on the monitor. You can store another 5 on the card as well. This is perfect if you like to alternate among a variety of different workout programs or want to set up your workouts quickly on another C2 machine say at a gym or hotel fitness center.

Whats in the Box?

The Model D ships in one box weighing approximately 70 pounds. Besides the machine and the performance monitor, you get a user manual, assembly instructions, and everything you need to put the machine together. You also get the LogCard for storing your rowing stats and a USB cable to connect the performance monitor to your computer so you can access your LogCard data. A small bottle of chain oil is also included. A teaspoon of oil should be applied to the chain for maintenance after every 50 hours of use.

Space Requirements

When fully assembled the Model D is 8 feet long and 2 feet wide. You will need an extra foot for both length and on each side to account for your body position at the finish of each stroke. So plan on needing at least a 9 foot by 4 foot space for rowing.

Assembly and Storage

Putting the machine together is simple and straightforward. Assembly can be accomplished by one person without any difficulty or safety issues.

The included assembly instructions are fully illustrated and easy to follow. All you need to do to assemble it is attach the front legs with the 8 screws and tool which are provided then snap the two pieces together. You should have the machine put together and ready for your first row in 15 to 30 minutes at most.

The performance monitor is assembled and attached. The batteries are included and installed.

To store the machine when not in use, you can separate the machine into 2 pieces and stand them up to save space. The frame locking and unlocking mechanism requires no tools so storing the machine and re-assembling it for use is quick. The wheels on the front allow you to easily roll the fully assembled machine into place.

When separated, the machine stands at just over 54 inches high. It should easily fit in a closet or it can be tucked into an unused room corner.

Build Quality

The C2 Model D is rugged and constructed from high quality materials. This is the exact same model you can find in gyms and indoor rowing clubs so you know its built to withstand frequent use and last a long time.

The front support legs are made of aluminum and the rear legs are made of stainless steel. The beam for the monorail section is constructed from aluminum. The track the seat slides on is stainless steel. The steel flywheel and squirrel cage fan are enclosed in high impact ABS plastic. The chain that drives the flywheel is nickel plated and partially enclosed.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Your hands, feet, and your rear end are all in contact with the machine when you row. For it to be comfortable, all three points of contact need to be addressed.

The handle on the Model D is ergonomically designed with a 10 degree bend. This allows you to row with a wrist and arm position that feels relaxed and natural. The handle is sturdy and covered with molded rubber grips. You may still want to invest in a pair of gloves if youre new to rowing to prevent blisters.

The footrests are made from molded rubber. Theyre easy to adjust and will accommodate any shoe size. The straps and heelrests are comfortable enough for barefoot rowing if thats your preference.

The seat is contoured and very stable, but minimally padded. You might want to invest in a seat pad if youre a marathon rower or plan on doing long sessions. The seat height of 14 inches might feel a bit low to the ground compared to some other rowing machines. While that doesnt really affect comfort or performance in any way once youre seated, getting on and off the machine can feel a bit awkward or take some getting used to depending on your height, mobility, and flexibility.

Ease of Use

Getting started is easy. You can be rowing within half an hour of having the machine delivered.

You may want to take some time to familiarize yourself with the display options and programs included with the monitor. You dont have to, of course. If you want to try it out as soon as possible, you can simply hop on and start rowing or press Just Row on the monitor. Either way, your workout will start with no set time or distance and after a few seconds your stats will be displayed.

You can also try experimenting with different damper settings. I would suggest starting somewhere between 3 and 5 then sticking with the setting that gives you the best feel and workout. Remember that setting the damper to 10 changes the feel of your strokes, but it doesnt mean that youll be getting the best or most efficient workout possible.

Noise

The C2 Model D uses air resistance with the flywheel being driven by a chain. As you can probably guess, this is not the quietest on the market. It is louder than a magnetic drive or water resistance equipemnt. The noise, however, should not drown out your television at moderate volume or wake your neighbors.

Most of the sound is wind noise generated by the fan. So theres less cause for concern than if you live in an apartment and were buying a treadmill or an elliptical trainer. The pounding and creaking from those other types of exercise machines could certainly upset your neighbors, but the noise and vibration from the Model D isnt really comparable.

if youre thinking of using it primarily in a common area like your living room, its tough to say whether someone is going to want to be in the room with you while you row. Not likely if theyre doing something that requires focus or concentration.

Accessories

The Concept2 Model D rower comes with everything you need to start rowing right out of the box. There are some accessories, however, that can make your experience better or more comfortable.

Rowing is particularly rough on the hands. If youre new to rowing, you may develop blisters and eventually calluses from gripping the handle during your workouts. A good pair of padded gloves can really cut down on the discomfort. Cycling gloves or weightlifting gloves both work well for rowing.

Making a one size fits all universally comfortable seat is next to impossible since users come in all shapes and sizes. While the seat on the Model D is functional, contoured, and designed to last, some people will inevitably find it uncomfortable. A seat pad is a good investment if you find that the seat is not to your liking.

The machine does have rubber foot pads, but a floor mat is a good investment as well. In addition to protecting your floors, a quality mat placed underneath your equipemnt helps prevent dust from getting into the machine and dampens the noise a bit as well. The Supermats Solid P.V.C. Mat is perfect for this .

RowPro software is a Windows program designed exclusively for use with Concept2 rower. You just connect your computer to your Performance Monitor and set it up with just a few clicks. RowPro has a 3D graphical display, built in structured workout plans, coaching, and a workout log. RowPro also allows you to connect with other rowers via the Internet for online group rows that anyone can join. RowPro is an outstanding way to track your progress, learn technique, and stay motivated.

Specifications

Length: 96 inches

Width: 24 inches

With Clearance for Use: 9 ft x 4 ft

Stored: 25 in x 33 in x 54 in

Seat Height: 14 inches

Monorail Length: 54 inches. Fits inseams up to 36 inches.

Color: Available in Black or Light Gray

Max. Supported Weight: 500 lb

Machine Weight: 57 lb

Shipping Weight: 1 box weighing approximately 70 lb.

Warranty and Support

The Model D is backed by a 5 year warranty on the frame and frame parts. There is a 2 year warranty on the monitor and moving parts. The warranty is in effect from the date of purchase. It is fully transferable if you decide to sell or give the rower away to another owner during the warranty period.

For support, there is a toll free customer service number you can call Monday through Friday during their regular business hours of 7:30am to 5:00pm Eastern time. Theyll answer any questions you have. You can order spare parts directly from the company as well. Theres also an extremely enthusiastic and helpful community of C2 users online in their forum.

Consumer Ratings

The C2 Model D currently holds the highest possible 5 star rating at Amazon. That is pretty impressive when you consider that more than 550 user reviews have been submitted with new reviews being added frequently.

Reviewers commonly praise the build quality, durability, and overall value for the price. Both the PM3 and the PM4 monitors get high marks from users for their progress tracking ability and ease of use.

Price

You can buy the Model D with the PM3 monitor online in either gray or black at Amazon for around $900. With the upgrade to the PM4 monitor, the price will come in around $1,050. It is not eligible for Amazon Prime due to its size so expect to pay around $45 for shipping.

The Model D holds its value extremely well. Youll often see older models or machines that have been used for years selling for hundreds of dollars on Craigslist and eBay.

Pros

Easy to assemble

Easy to store

Performance monitor is feature rich, but easy to use

Health club quality and built to last a lifetime

Excellent support available by phone

Long term value for the money

Cons

Louder than other types

Initial cost higher than most, but most owners feel its worth every penny

Seat may be uncomfortable for some users

The Verdict

The Concept2 Model D Indoor is a great choice if youre looking for a high quality, durable rowing machine for exercising at home. Its suitable for competitive athletes and anyone who wants to get in shape or stay in shape. Its built by a great company that stands behind their product and has been in business for more than 30 years. While it is a bit pricey, it will last a lifetime and provide great value over time.

The Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine Review published first on http://ivoamatheis.blogspot.com

[valdesfraost]

The Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine Review

The C2 Model D is one of the top selling rowers in the world. Youll see it in health clubs, boat houses, and being used in indoor rowing competitions. So what makes this particular rower a good fit for both anyone who wants to get in shape and the competitive athlete?

Features Overview

The Concept 2 Rower Model D has all the features you need to get a great cardiovascular workout regardless of your current level of conditioning or experience with indoor rowers. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build up your endurance, or improve your overall fitness, youll find that the C2 Model D is built with all of these goals in mind.

Flywheel and Damper

The Concept 2 rower Model D uses a flywheel mounted on the front of the machine that draws in air as you pull back on the handle. The harder you pull, the higher the amount of resistance is created.

The damper is a lever located on the side of the flywheel enclosure that controls the flow of air to the flywheel. The fan cage is clearly marked with numbers so you can easily set the damper lever to a value anywhere between 1 and 10.

A lower damper setting allow less air into the flywheel housing, which makes it easier to spin the flywheel. A higher damper setting allows more air into the flywheel housing. So it takes more work to spin the flywheel at higher settings.

Its important to understand that the damper does not control the intensity of the workout. Intensity is created by you. The harder you row, the more wind resistance is created. If you feel that the resistance is too easy, just pull harder.

The different damper settings do affect how the stroke feels, however. For example, rowing with the damper set on 10 feels like you’re trying to row a big, heavy rowboat. Your workout then becomes more about strength than cardiovascular fitness. Your muscles may become fatigued before you can gain any of the benefits of cardio exercise if you set the damper too high.

Performance Monitor

The menu driven PM3 performance monitor that comes standard with the Model D is battery powered with an LCD display. The batteries are included and pre-installed. You can use an AC adapter for power as well, but if you use batteries the monitor actually draws power from your rowing to extend battery life. The monitor turns on automatically as soon as you start rowing.

The monitor tracks speed, distance rowed, pace, watts, and the number of calories you burn. There are multiple ways to display that data while you row including large print, bar chart, and others. You can transfer your data to a PC or Mac via a USB cable which is also included.

To make your rowing sessions more interesting, the PM3 monitor also comes loaded with a couple of games. In addition to helping fight off boredom, the games serve another purpose. To score well, youll have to learn to maintain your pace and stroke rate, which is valuable if you’re new to rowing or need to work on making your stroke more consistent.

The monitor arm pivots so you can adjust the viewing angle and height while rowing. This also allows you to tuck the monitor away when you store the machine.

There is a monitor upgrade option as well. You can upgrade to the more powerful PM4 monitor, which comes standard with the C2 Model E. The PM4 has more storage capacity, additional games, and heart rate monitor integration out of the box.

LogCard

The included LogCard is a 32K removable card that can store rowing performance data for up to 5 users. To use it, you just insert the card into the performance monitor before you start working out. Your data will be stored on the card when you finish your workout.

Once you have data on your card, you can connect your computer to the monitor via USB cable and transfer the data to a file on your computer.

You can store up to 5 workouts on the monitor. You can store another 5 on the card as well. This is perfect if you like to alternate among a variety of different workout programs or want to set up your workouts quickly on another C2 machine say at a gym or hotel fitness center.

Whats in the Box?

The Model D ships in one box weighing approximately 70 pounds. Besides the machine and the performance monitor, you get a user manual, assembly instructions, and everything you need to put the machine together. You also get the LogCard for storing your rowing stats and a USB cable to connect the performance monitor to your computer so you can access your LogCard data. A small bottle of chain oil is also included. A teaspoon of oil should be applied to the chain for maintenance after every 50 hours of use.

Space Requirements

When fully assembled the Model D is 8 feet long and 2 feet wide. You will need an extra foot for both length and on each side to account for your body position at the finish of each stroke. So plan on needing at least a 9 foot by 4 foot space for rowing.

Assembly and Storage

Putting the machine together is simple and straightforward. Assembly can be accomplished by one person without any difficulty or safety issues.

The included assembly instructions are fully illustrated and easy to follow. All you need to do to assemble it is attach the front legs with the 8 screws and tool which are provided then snap the two pieces together. You should have the machine put together and ready for your first row in 15 to 30 minutes at most.

The performance monitor is assembled and attached. The batteries are included and installed.

To store the machine when not in use, you can separate the machine into 2 pieces and stand them up to save space. The frame locking and unlocking mechanism requires no tools so storing the machine and re-assembling it for use is quick. The wheels on the front allow you to easily roll the fully assembled machine into place.

When separated, the machine stands at just over 54 inches high. It should easily fit in a closet or it can be tucked into an unused room corner.

Build Quality

The C2 Model D is rugged and constructed from high quality materials. This is the exact same model you can find in gyms and indoor rowing clubs so you know its built to withstand frequent use and last a long time.

The front support legs are made of aluminum and the rear legs are made of stainless steel. The beam for the monorail section is constructed from aluminum. The track the seat slides on is stainless steel. The steel flywheel and squirrel cage fan are enclosed in high impact ABS plastic. The chain that drives the flywheel is nickel plated and partially enclosed.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Your hands, feet, and your rear end are all in contact with the machine when you row. For it to be comfortable, all three points of contact need to be addressed.

The handle on the Model D is ergonomically designed with a 10 degree bend. This allows you to row with a wrist and arm position that feels relaxed and natural. The handle is sturdy and covered with molded rubber grips. You may still want to invest in a pair of gloves if youre new to rowing to prevent blisters.

The footrests are made from molded rubber. Theyre easy to adjust and will accommodate any shoe size. The straps and heelrests are comfortable enough for barefoot rowing if thats your preference.

The seat is contoured and very stable, but minimally padded. You might want to invest in a seat pad if youre a marathon rower or plan on doing long sessions. The seat height of 14 inches might feel a bit low to the ground compared to some other rowing machines. While that doesnt really affect comfort or performance in any way once youre seated, getting on and off the machine can feel a bit awkward or take some getting used to depending on your height, mobility, and flexibility.

Ease of Use

Getting started is easy. You can be rowing within half an hour of having the machine delivered.

You may want to take some time to familiarize yourself with the display options and programs included with the monitor. You dont have to, of course. If you want to try it out as soon as possible, you can simply hop on and start rowing or press Just Row on the monitor. Either way, your workout will start with no set time or distance and after a few seconds your stats will be displayed.

You can also try experimenting with different damper settings. I would suggest starting somewhere between 3 and 5 then sticking with the setting that gives you the best feel and workout. Remember that setting the damper to 10 changes the feel of your strokes, but it doesnt mean that youll be getting the best or most efficient workout possible.

Noise

The C2 Model D uses air resistance with the flywheel being driven by a chain. As you can probably guess, this is not the quietest on the market. It is louder than a magnetic drive or water resistance equipemnt. The noise, however, should not drown out your television at moderate volume or wake your neighbors.

Most of the sound is wind noise generated by the fan. So theres less cause for concern than if you live in an apartment and were buying a treadmill or an elliptical trainer. The pounding and creaking from those other types of exercise machines could certainly upset your neighbors, but the noise and vibration from the Model D isnt really comparable.

if youre thinking of using it primarily in a common area like your living room, its tough to say whether someone is going to want to be in the room with you while you row. Not likely if theyre doing something that requires focus or concentration.

Accessories

The Concept2 Model D rower comes with everything you need to start rowing right out of the box. There are some accessories, however, that can make your experience better or more comfortable.

Rowing is particularly rough on the hands. If youre new to rowing, you may develop blisters and eventually calluses from gripping the handle during your workouts. A good pair of padded gloves can really cut down on the discomfort. Cycling gloves or weightlifting gloves both work well for rowing.

Making a one size fits all universally comfortable seat is next to impossible since users come in all shapes and sizes. While the seat on the Model D is functional, contoured, and designed to last, some people will inevitably find it uncomfortable. A seat pad is a good investment if you find that the seat is not to your liking.

The machine does have rubber foot pads, but a floor mat is a good investment as well. In addition to protecting your floors, a quality mat placed underneath your equipemnt helps prevent dust from getting into the machine and dampens the noise a bit as well. The Supermats Solid P.V.C. Mat is perfect for this .

RowPro software is a Windows program designed exclusively for use with Concept2 rower. You just connect your computer to your Performance Monitor and set it up with just a few clicks. RowPro has a 3D graphical display, built in structured workout plans, coaching, and a workout log. RowPro also allows you to connect with other rowers via the Internet for online group rows that anyone can join. RowPro is an outstanding way to track your progress, learn technique, and stay motivated.

Specifications

Length: 96 inches

Width: 24 inches

With Clearance for Use: 9 ft x 4 ft

Stored: 25 in x 33 in x 54 in

Seat Height: 14 inches

Monorail Length: 54 inches. Fits inseams up to 36 inches.

Color: Available in Black or Light Gray

Max. Supported Weight: 500 lb

Machine Weight: 57 lb

Shipping Weight: 1 box weighing approximately 70 lb.

Warranty and Support

The Model D is backed by a 5 year warranty on the frame and frame parts. There is a 2 year warranty on the monitor and moving parts. The warranty is in effect from the date of purchase. It is fully transferable if you decide to sell or give the rower away to another owner during the warranty period.

For support, there is a toll free customer service number you can call Monday through Friday during their regular business hours of 7:30am to 5:00pm Eastern time. Theyll answer any questions you have. You can order spare parts directly from the company as well. Theres also an extremely enthusiastic and helpful community of C2 users online in their forum.

Consumer Ratings

The C2 Model D currently holds the highest possible 5 star rating at Amazon. That is pretty impressive when you consider that more than 550 user reviews have been submitted with new reviews being added frequently.

Reviewers commonly praise the build quality, durability, and overall value for the price. Both the PM3 and the PM4 monitors get high marks from users for their progress tracking ability and ease of use.

Price

You can buy the Model D with the PM3 monitor online in either gray or black at Amazon for around $900. With the upgrade to the PM4 monitor, the price will come in around $1,050. It is not eligible for Amazon Prime due to its size so expect to pay around $45 for shipping.

The Model D holds its value extremely well. Youll often see older models or machines that have been used for years selling for hundreds of dollars on Craigslist and eBay.

Pros

Easy to assemble

Easy to store

Performance monitor is feature rich, but easy to use

Health club quality and built to last a lifetime

Excellent support available by phone

Long term value for the money

Cons

Louder than other types

Initial cost higher than most, but most owners feel its worth every penny

Seat may be uncomfortable for some users

The Verdict

The Concept2 Model D Indoor is a great choice if youre looking for a high quality, durable rowing machine for exercising at home. Its suitable for competitive athletes and anyone who wants to get in shape or stay in shape. Its built by a great company that stands behind their product and has been in business for more than 30 years. While it is a bit pricey, it will last a lifetime and provide great value over time.

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The Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine Review

The C2 Model D is one of the top selling rowers in the world. Youll see it in health clubs, boat houses, and being used in indoor rowing competitions. So what makes this particular rower a good fit for both anyone who wants to get in shape and the competitive athlete?

Features Overview

The Concept 2 Rower Model D has all the features you need to get a great cardiovascular workout regardless of your current level of conditioning or experience with indoor rowers. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build up your endurance, or improve your overall fitness, youll find that the C2 Model D is built with all of these goals in mind.

  Flywheel and Damper

The Concept 2 rower Model D uses a flywheel mounted on the front of the machine that draws in air as you pull back on the handle. The harder you pull, the higher the amount of resistance is created.

The damper is a lever located on the side of the flywheel enclosure that controls the flow of air to the flywheel. The fan cage is clearly marked with numbers so you can easily set the damper lever to a value anywhere between 1 and 10.

A lower damper setting allow less air into the flywheel housing, which makes it easier to spin the flywheel. A higher damper setting allows more air into the flywheel housing. So it takes more work to spin the flywheel at higher settings.

Its important to understand that the damper does not control the intensity of the workout. Intensity is created by you. The harder you row, the more wind resistance is created. If you feel that the resistance is too easy, just pull harder.

The different damper settings do affect how the stroke feels, however. For example, rowing with the damper set on 10 feels like you're trying to row a big, heavy rowboat. Your workout then becomes more about strength than cardiovascular fitness. Your muscles may become fatigued before you can gain any of the benefits of cardio exercise if you set the damper too high.

Performance Monitor

The menu driven PM3 performance monitor that comes standard with the Model D is battery powered with an LCD display. The batteries are included and pre-installed. You can use an AC adapter for power as well, but if you use batteries the monitor actually draws power from your rowing to extend battery life. The monitor turns on automatically as soon as you start rowing.

The monitor tracks speed, distance rowed, pace, watts, and the number of calories you burn. There are multiple ways to display that data while you row including large print, bar chart, and others. You can transfer your data to a PC or Mac via a USB cable which is also included.

To make your rowing sessions more interesting, the PM3 monitor also comes loaded with a couple of games. In addition to helping fight off boredom, the games serve another purpose. To score well, youll have to learn to maintain your pace and stroke rate, which is valuable if you're new to rowing or need to work on making your stroke more consistent.

The monitor arm pivots so you can adjust the viewing angle and height while rowing. This also allows you to tuck the monitor away when you store the machine.

There is a monitor upgrade option as well. You can upgrade to the more powerful PM4 monitor, which comes standard with the C2 Model E. The PM4 has more storage capacity, additional games, and heart rate monitor integration out of the box.

LogCard

The included LogCard is a 32K removable card that can store rowing performance data for up to 5 users. To use it, you just insert the card into the performance monitor before you start working out. Your data will be stored on the card when you finish your workout.

Once you have data on your card, you can connect your computer to the monitor via USB cable and transfer the data to a file on your computer.

You can store up to 5 workouts on the monitor. You can store another 5 on the card as well. This is perfect if you like to alternate among a variety of different workout programs or want to set up your workouts quickly on another C2 machine say at a gym or hotel fitness center.

Whats in the Box?

The Model D ships in one box weighing approximately 70 pounds. Besides the machine and the performance monitor, you get a user manual, assembly instructions, and everything you need to put the machine together. You also get the LogCard for storing your rowing stats and a USB cable to connect the performance monitor to your computer so you can access your LogCard data. A small bottle of chain oil is also included. A teaspoon of oil should be applied to the chain for maintenance after every 50 hours of use.

Space Requirements

When fully assembled the Model D is 8 feet long and 2 feet wide. You will need an extra foot for both length and on each side to account for your body position at the finish of each stroke. So plan on needing at least a 9 foot by 4 foot space for rowing.

Assembly and Storage

Putting the machine together is simple and straightforward. Assembly can be accomplished by one person without any difficulty or safety issues.

The included assembly instructions are fully illustrated and easy to follow. All you need to do to assemble it is attach the front legs with the 8 screws and tool which are provided then snap the two pieces together. You should have the machine put together and ready for your first row in 15 to 30 minutes at most.

The performance monitor is assembled and attached. The batteries are included and installed.

To store the machine when not in use, you can separate the machine into 2 pieces and stand them up to save space. The frame locking and unlocking mechanism requires no tools so storing the machine and re-assembling it for use is quick. The wheels on the front allow you to easily roll the fully assembled machine into place.

When separated, the machine stands at just over 54 inches high. It should easily fit in a closet or it can be tucked into an unused room corner.

Build Quality

The C2 Model D is rugged and constructed from high quality materials. This is the exact same model you can find in gyms and indoor rowing clubs so you know its built to withstand frequent use and last a long time.

The front support legs are made of aluminum and the rear legs are made of stainless steel. The beam for the monorail section is constructed from aluminum. The track the seat slides on is stainless steel. The steel flywheel and squirrel cage fan are enclosed in high impact ABS plastic. The chain that drives the flywheel is nickel plated and partially enclosed.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Your hands, feet, and your rear end are all in contact with the machine when you row. For it to be comfortable, all three points of contact need to be addressed.

The handle on the Model D is ergonomically designed with a 10 degree bend. This allows you to row with a wrist and arm position that feels relaxed and natural. The handle is sturdy and covered with molded rubber grips. You may still want to invest in a pair of gloves if youre new to rowing to prevent blisters.

The footrests are made from molded rubber. Theyre easy to adjust and will accommodate any shoe size. The straps and heelrests are comfortable enough for barefoot rowing if thats your preference.

The seat is contoured and very stable, but minimally padded. You might want to invest in a seat pad if youre a marathon rower or plan on doing long sessions. The seat height of 14 inches might feel a bit low to the ground compared to some other rowing machines. While that doesnt really affect comfort or performance in any way once youre seated, getting on and off the machine can feel a bit awkward or take some getting used to depending on your height, mobility, and flexibility.

Ease of Use

Getting started is easy. You can be rowing within half an hour of having the machine delivered.

You may want to take some time to familiarize yourself with the display options and programs included with the monitor. You dont have to, of course. If you want to try it out as soon as possible, you can simply hop on and start rowing or press Just Row on the monitor. Either way, your workout will start with no set time or distance and after a few seconds your stats will be displayed.

You can also try experimenting with different damper settings. I would suggest starting somewhere between 3 and 5 then sticking with the setting that gives you the best feel and workout. Remember that setting the damper to 10 changes the feel of your strokes, but it doesnt mean that youll be getting the best or most efficient workout possible.

Noise

The C2 Model D uses air resistance with the flywheel being driven by a chain. As you can probably guess, this is not the quietest on the market. It is louder than a magnetic drive or water resistance equipemnt. The noise, however, should not drown out your television at moderate volume or wake your neighbors.

Most of the sound is wind noise generated by the fan. So theres less cause for concern than if you live in an apartment and were buying a treadmill or an elliptical trainer. The pounding and creaking from those other types of exercise machines could certainly upset your neighbors, but the noise and vibration from the Model D isnt really comparable.

if youre thinking of using it primarily in a common area like your living room, its tough to say whether someone is going to want to be in the room with you while you row. Not likely if theyre doing something that requires focus or concentration.

Accessories

The Concept2 Model D rower comes with everything you need to start rowing right out of the box. There are some accessories, however, that can make your experience better or more comfortable.

Rowing is particularly rough on the hands. If youre new to rowing, you may develop blisters and eventually calluses from gripping the handle during your workouts. A good pair of padded gloves can really cut down on the discomfort. Cycling gloves or weightlifting gloves both work well for rowing.

Making a one size fits all universally comfortable seat is next to impossible since users come in all shapes and sizes. While the seat on the Model D is functional, contoured, and designed to last, some people will inevitably find it uncomfortable. A seat pad is a good investment if you find that the seat is not to your liking.

The machine does have rubber foot pads, but a floor mat is a good investment as well. In addition to protecting your floors, a quality mat placed underneath your equipemnt helps prevent dust from getting into the machine and dampens the noise a bit as well. The Supermats Solid P.V.C. Mat is perfect for this .

RowPro software is a Windows program designed exclusively for use with Concept2 rower. You just connect your computer to your Performance Monitor and set it up with just a few clicks. RowPro has a 3D graphical display, built in structured workout plans, coaching, and a workout log. RowPro also allows you to connect with other rowers via the Internet for online group rows that anyone can join. RowPro is an outstanding way to track your progress, learn technique, and stay motivated.

Specifications

Length: 96 inches

Width: 24 inches

With Clearance for Use: 9 ft x 4 ft

Stored: 25 in x 33 in x 54 in

Seat Height: 14 inches

Monorail Length: 54 inches. Fits inseams up to 36 inches.

Color: Available in Black or Light Gray

Max. Supported Weight: 500 lb

Machine Weight: 57 lb

Shipping Weight: 1 box weighing approximately 70 lb.

Warranty and Support

The Model D is backed by a 5 year warranty on the frame and frame parts. There is a 2 year warranty on the monitor and moving parts. The warranty is in effect from the date of purchase. It is fully transferable if you decide to sell or give the rower away to another owner during the warranty period.

For support, there is a toll free customer service number you can call Monday through Friday during their regular business hours of 7:30am to 5:00pm Eastern time. Theyll answer any questions you have. You can order spare parts directly from the company as well. Theres also an extremely enthusiastic and helpful community of C2 users online in their forum.

Consumer Ratings

The C2 Model D currently holds the highest possible 5 star rating at Amazon. That is pretty impressive when you consider that more than 550 user reviews have been submitted with new reviews being added frequently.

Reviewers commonly praise the build quality, durability, and overall value for the price. Both the PM3 and the PM4 monitors get high marks from users for their progress tracking ability and ease of use.

Price

You can buy the Model D with the PM3 monitor online in either gray or black at Amazon for around $900. With the upgrade to the PM4 monitor, the price will come in around $1,050. It is not eligible for Amazon Prime due to its size so expect to pay around $45 for shipping.

The Model D holds its value extremely well. Youll often see older models or machines that have been used for years selling for hundreds of dollars on Craigslist and eBay.

Pros

Easy to assemble

Easy to store

Performance monitor is feature rich, but easy to use

Health club quality and built to last a lifetime

Excellent support available by phone

Long term value for the money

Cons

Louder than other types

Initial cost higher than most, but most owners feel its worth every penny

Seat may be uncomfortable for some users

The Verdict

The Concept2 Model D Indoor is a great choice if youre looking for a high quality, durable rowing machine for exercising at home. Its suitable for competitive athletes and anyone who wants to get in shape or stay in shape. Its built by a great company that stands behind their product and has been in business for more than 30 years. While it is a bit pricey, it will last a lifetime and provide great value over time.

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Could Waking Up an Hour Earlier Change Your Life?

Getting enough exercise has always been an issue for me, mostly because I think working out is so incredibly boring. I love the initial rush I get when I hop on my elliptical or take a brisk walk through the neighborhood, but I always wind up counting down the seconds until Ive satisfied my goal for the day whatever it is. The humdrum of repetitive movement is bad enough, but I also struggle to find the time. Not only do I have two kids ages 7 and 9, but I work full-time and I have groceries to buy, meals to make, and a home to take care of. We also have piano lessons, gymnastics classes, and an array of school activities to plan for each week. I love my life, but its also exhausting. My husband and I have tried several strategies to get a workout in each day. For a while, we tried getting up at 6:30 a.m. before the kids get up at 7 a.m., but we would get out of our routine quickly if one of us overslept. We also tried doing our exercise videos in the late afternoon for a while, but we were always so distracted. After all, its hard to crank out a T-25 video when the kids are home and asking 300 questions the entire time. The obvious answer here is one Ive fought against for as long as I can remember getting up even earlier. If I could just get out of bed long before everyone else does, I would have plenty of time for exercise without my kids asking for things or any other distractions. Why I Started Getting Up Earlier Earlier this year, I decided that I had finally had it with constantly failing to achieve my goals. While I have never been one to get out of bed super early, I started setting the alarm for 5:55 a.m. Thats not so early that it makes me miserable, but it gives me plenty of time to drink some coffee and do 25 minutes on my Bowflex M3 Max Trainer. And, my oh my, what a difference this has made! Now that I have the hang of getting up early, I have no excuse not to work out. I never feel rushed or distracted, and I am in much better physical and mental shape. I also feel like Im in a much better mood and much more prepared to handle whatever life throws my way. Simply put, the change has been amazing! The thing is, this isnt really all that surprising. Ive read countless articles about the virtues of rising early for years, and many successful people swear by this practice. For example, Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly gets up at 3:45 a.m., and Ellevest CEO Sallie Krawcheck gets up at 4 a.m. Plenty of other successful early risers have been profiled in publications like Business Insider and Forbes, and the story is usually the same. People who get a lot done believe that getting up earlier gives them more time and more mental energy to be successful. And, while a lot of people believe that staying up late can also help them gain more free time, getting up early is usually the more advantageous option. Either strategy can give you more hours in the day, but financial advisor and life coach Natalie Bacon says that waking up early is way more helpful for a few reasons including the fact that you generally dont have what she calls decision fatigue in the mornings. Your brain is ready to go and isnt tired, she says. Even if youre a night person, you still run the risk of being more exhausted at the end of the day because youvebeen making decisions all day long. How Getting Up One Hour Earlier Can Improve Your Life If youre someone who wishes you had more hours in the day and more time to get things done, you may be wondering if getting up early is the answer youve been looking for. Here are a few reasons you may want to set your alarm clock an hour earlier from now on. You can live more intentionally. Bacon says that getting up can give you the time and space to be the creator of your life instead of responding, reacting, and putting out fires. When you wake up as late as possible, youre constantly having to rush to solve problems and prepare for the day, whereas getting up earlier can help you plan your day more intentionally. While Bacon works full-time as a life coach now, she used to work on her side hustle on top of her full-time financial planning job. Instead of burning the midnight oil to get things done, Bacon said she would wake up at 4 a.m. to brainstorm for her new business. This way, I knew that I got it done no matter what. Nothing could interfere with it, she said. Getting up early helped her be more intentional in this case because she was prioritizing her goals instead of waiting to see if she had time for them later in the day. You can work toward big goals or your own peace of mind. Most of us have something we wish we could accomplish, whether thats exercising more, learning a new language, or pursuing higher education. While it can be difficult to find time to accomplish anything when youre working and raising a family, getting up early can buy you the time to work on these goals a little bit at a time. Bacon also said that morning time is excellent for self-care that you cant find time for during regular daytime hours. If youre not working on a business goal, you can wake up early to read, journal, meditate, or pray basically anything that improves your state of mind or makes you happier. A morning routine with specific habits, even if theyre small, can compound over time to have a huge positive impact on your life, she says. You could finally get in shape. I already mentioned how I get up early for the sole purpose of drinking coffee and working out. For me, early morning is really the only time I can exercise consistently and without interruption. And since I sit at a computer all day long, I have to work out. Todd Mitchem, who is a life coach, speaker, and the author of You Disrupted: Seizing the Life You Want by Shaking, Breaking, and Challenging Everything, says that its pretty common for fitness-minded people to use their mornings to take care of their health. And really, mornings may be the only time for people like me (who have to force themselves to work out) to make it happen. If you have a busy family, the early morning is often the only quiet time in the house for you to take care of you without distractions, he says. The rest of the day and evening is usually jam-packed with family time and errands, and it is way too easy to put exercise off. But most people dont face these challenges when they work out first thing. How to Wake Up Early When You Dont Want to While I never like the sound of an alarm clock and especially not at 5:55 a.m. Ive gotten used to hopping out of bed without hitting the snooze button once. Im a coffee junkie, so I just set my coffee maker to start brewing early and remind myself that a warm cup of my favorite beverage is waiting for me downstairs. That may not work for everyone, but it does work for me. Mitchem says that if youre struggling to wake up early, you can start small and set the alarm clock back slowly over time. For example, you could start by waking up just 15 minutes earlier for a few weeks. From there, you could set your alarm back another 15 minutes slowly until youre getting up at the exact hour you desire. Also remember that you dont have to wake up at 4 a.m., like some CEOs do, to have more free time. A schedule of waking up just 15 minutes earlier each day, for example, will gain you over an hour in just the first week without wrecking your life in the process, said Mitchem. Bacon also says that, if youre someone whos always struggling to get out of bed until the last minute, you may need to focus on reorganizing your life so you can go to bed earlier. Getting up early starts the night before, she says. You need to consciously choose to go to bed early enough that you feel good about getting up early. That might mean cutting yourThe Walking Deadbinge off earlier than normal or getting in bed and turning off the lights instead of scrolling Facebook on your phone. It may also mean going to bed even if other members of your household are awake, which isnt always easy. You may even need to let yourself be exhausted for a while to give your body time to reset to a new sleeping schedule. If you get up early several days in a row, for example, it should start getting easier to go to bed at a decent hour. The Bottom Line If you wish you had more time and cant seem to meet your goals, getting out of bed earlier might be exactly what you need. Whether you dial back the alarm 15 minutes or an hour, that extra time could help you have the time to accomplish simple tasks, take better care of your health, or simply relax and enjoy some peace and quiet for once. But, dont take my word for it. Try getting up an hour earlier for a week to see how it feels. Schlepping out of bed at the crack of dawn may not be easy, but you may find that its worth it. Holly Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer and the author ofZero Down Your Debt. Johnson shares her obsession with frugality, budgeting, and travel atClubThrifty.com. Related Stories: https://www.thesimpledollar.com/could-waking-up-an-hour-earlier-change-your-life/