My Semi-Patented Event-Finding Method

A Capitol Fourth concert 2019

At this point, enough friends have called me their “TripAdvisor,” social coordinator, etc. and I’ve been told that “life is never boring around you,” so I’ll own it. I’m extroverted, active, seek to live life to the fullest and have had a blast enjoying tons of eclectic events in my chosen homes of Greenville, SC, Arlington, VA and Washington, D.C. over the last ten years. Here is how I’ve discovered and kept up with many of the events that bring me joy. I hope that you find some new favorites!

My Semi-Patented Event-Finding Method

1. On Facebook, go to the events tab and see what is coming up. You can see what your internet friends might be attending and receive suggestions based on your interests, location, etc. Click interested even if you aren’t sure you can go and you will both receive a reminder about the actual event as well as reminders for any future related events. 
2. While out walking, jogging, biking, commuting or meandering, you’ll probably see signs and flyers advertising the next special event. Take a photo or jot down the basic details and plan time to try them out. Bonus: you probably won’t have to work as hard to figure out the event directions.
3. Whenever you meet new people (or are chatting with newer people), ask what their favorite events or places are: you get to learn about them and while getting new ideas (or bonding over old, shared favorites) at the same time!
4. Keep up with your local newspapers and magazines on Facebook (click “follow” to make it official) and/or read the monthly or weekend print editions at least occasionally. Weekend editions or monthly features will include top restaurant lists, museums exhibits, upcoming concerts along with a little of everything else. 
5. When you find an event or group that you enjoy, pencil in their future events so that you can get into the rhythm of joining.
6. Those bulletin boards at the cool coffee shop, the grocery store and the gym? Read them.
7. Subscribe to email newsletters that share events that you like: for example, Active Life DC, 730 DC and DCist are some of my favorites in Washington, D.C. 
8. Volunteer: you’ll be able to have great experiences and will also probably get invited to subsequent volunteer events and/or other social and potentially behind-the-scenes events.
9. Filter Eventbrite for specific types of events: free stuff, workout classes, cultural events, educational events, comedy shows and everything else. Hint: if an event is free and requires a ticket, register immediately and add a plus-one if you'd like (and then cancel your ticket ahead of time if you won’t be able to attend). 
10. Track special events at nearby libraries, museums, universities, business improvement districts, theaters, stores that you love and other venues. First Friday art events, monthly Museum Days and annual holiday events are just a few of the things that I try to enjoy whenever I can.
11. Review Meetup groups and "join" any of interest; even if you don’t actually go with the Meetup group events, there are often great ideas. 
12. Some event websites are worth monitoring (there should be similar ones in many cities). Some great D.C. ones are DCOutdoorfilms.com, Thrillist.com and Thingstododc.com.

Feel free to share your experience and any methods that I missed. Enjoy each day!

Summer Office-Survival Methods

Summer Office Survival Methods:

1. Start your day with lots of water (yes, before coffee). Remember that you need even more water than normal at this time of year. 
2. Make a good playlist (or a few) and use it to make the commute and those less-than-exciting projects more enjoyable.
3. Use a pretty bowl to keep produce and other healthy snacks on your desk for exactly the moments when you need them. 
4. Those gift cards that you got from that exchange or won in that raffle? Choose to use them for pre-, mid- or post-work treats this summer! 
5. Clean out and sanitize your office. If you’d like, rearrange or update your decorations. 
6. Take a walk break or a few during the work day. Bonus points for getting out into the sunlight (with your shades), asking a coworker to come along or calling your Grandma to say hi.
7. Use any flex or early-off time options to do special outings or accomplish errands: strategize about them sooner rather than later so that you have more flexibility. Easily knock out that medical test, haircut or play tourist in your area at a venue that you haven’t gotten to after standard work hours.
8. Finally splurge on the matcha powder (or other fun beverage) to have it handy at your desk.
9. If you can, take advantage of the office being more deserted and work or take a call from a nearby coffee shop, park or pretty hotel lobby to mix things up.
10. Deal with your files. Schedule an hour or a few for a delayed “spring” cleaning of your physical and digital files—it’s technically still spring until late June.
11. Decorate with a new plant or flower. $5 flowers from Trader Joe’s or the corner stand? They’ll probably bring you joy longer than a $5 latte.   
12. And if you’re able to take space in the evening after work: Turn your phone off for a few hours.
13. Make time to read or write on a beautiful bench.
14. Actually make one of those awesome recipes that you’ve saved.
15. Take the slow way home and enjoy the sights along the way.

All the best for your summer,

Jessica