The Pocket Sandwich Theater!

I’m new to the Dallas area so I joined E&A to get to know the city and meet people. I’ve never heard of The Pocket Sandwich Theater and it’s is unlike any other theater experience! It's a unique theater where being a loud and raucous audience is desired. Who knew audience participation could be so much fun? We booed the villain, the Ghost of the Opera, every chance we got. Popcorn throwing at the actors and at other theater-goers is encouraged, nearly required. I never would have guessed throwing popcorn could bring out a person's competitiveedge. We had a great time!
Events and Adventures Dallas

Australia....Wow!

 Definitely a bucket list item for most of us. And Sydney does not disappoint. Directly after our early morning arrival we were whisked away to drop our bags at our hotel (THANK YOU  early check in!) changed our clothes and headed out for a great, enlightening tour of ‘The Rocks’ the original area of town built by English criminal that had be sentenced to their new penal colony. It was so interesting! You can still see chisel marks, foundations and even a few original buildings. Since they are sandstone and not wood they are still in use!

After that we jumped on a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbor. It seemed odd to have the day we arrived jam packed but by 7pm I totally understood. Stop moving and you crash from the overnight flight and time change. We were gifted with a lovely spring day where the outside deck was warmish. Dinner on the harbor was a perfect end to our very long day. Day 2 started with early morning breakfast and the group scattering a bit to different adventures. Eastern Seaside Walk and Blue Mountains tour were the top choices. The coast is spectacular. The ocean breathtaking around each point. I’ve walked how far? No wonder my legs a sore!  Day 3 coming up! Events and Adventures Dallas

Another Amazing Labor Day Weekend with our Houston Club!

Labor Day Weekend was so much fun! We had a smaller group this time, only about 40, but that worked great because I got an opportunity to actually talk to and get to know a lot of people. When there are 80 or 100 it’s hard to talk with everyone. Friday night we hung out in the dining hall while we waited for everyone to arrive before we headed out to the fire pit for smores. Saturday morning breakfast came bright and HOT. Some hiked, some golfed some of us napped then headed to the Colorado River for some tubing. There was plenty of water so we didn’t have to lug our tubes over the shallow parts! Dinner was almost elegant, except for the flip flops and swim trunks. J Sunday was a repeat of Saturday with an added park ranger led hike that taught us about the Lost Pines and devastating fire of 2011 and kayaking or canoeing for some that tubed Saturday. The evening cooled down enough that most everyone headed out back to the campfire to toast marshmallows.  Monday morning’s breakfast was definitely quieter and more leisurely before everyone headed home. I have to give huge kudos to those athletic souls who ran or bike the hills in the mornings. Events and Adventures Dallas

ice!

We Accepted The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!

 One of our members is a great nephew of Lou Gehrig, the famous baseball player that ALS was nick named after.  We had about 20 people participate in an ice water waterfall. It was encouraging to see so many members involved.  We had many people that were not interested in an ice bath, but most donated. And all our dunkees donated at least a couple bucks. We had a great cheering section. We also raised over $500! It feels really good to be involved with a group of people that rally around a cause. We donate our time volunteering on a normal basis, but this was an added level of fun and challenge. There were plenty of laughs and high fives. Then we went and played snd volleyball. I’d say we dried off playing but it was 95 and humid. At least no one got cold!  Thank you for being such an inspiring group!
Events and Adventures Dallas

Wallyball, Giant Jenga and More!

Games nights are a club favorite. And since we have the exclusive use of a local fitness center (it closes at 6) we get to do it all!  Many of us start with wallyball in the racquetball courts. It’s like volleyball but you play off the walls. Some like regular volleyball or badminton, or even racquetball. There’s always a bunch of board and card games and don’t forget the food. We always have tons of great food that everyone brings. 

 

I appreciate how easy it is to meet and get to know people without the strain of getting to know people. We had time to chat with a group before the game ended then we could pick another game to get to know even more people, or talk further with a new friend. Can you say new carpool buddy?  There was always something going on so we never got caught in that ‘what do we talk about now’ situation there is usually when you go to a party where you don’t know anyone.  Even sitting and watching the giant Jenga was fun since everyone ooo’d and aah’d as the tower grew, swayed and finally fell. Next month I intend on winning that one! Events and Adventures Dallas

A Great Day At The Dallas Aquarium!

The Dallas Aquarium is a great way to spend a really muggy summer day.  We had a great time.  The Aquarium here has lots of animals, no whales, seals or dolphins but they make up for it by having quite a few different types of animals.  We all talked about if you could have any pet what it would be. Who wants big scary pets and who wants amphibians.  You would never guess what some of our members interest are.   It’s interesting to learn more about my new friends.   We had a great day. Next month we are going to the Zoo to check out their animals and feed some too! Events and Adventures Dallas

A New Sport Called Foot Golf?

I’m a big soccer fan. I watch, I play, all of it. So when I heard there is a new sport that is soccer based I was in! We played Foot Golf for the first time. I’d never even heard of it. It’s like golf but with soccer balls. We arrived at the golf course and everyone paid a nominal fee to get on the course. We had our own soccer balls (or you could rent them) got out our score cards and headed out to the T’s. We had 3 groups of 6. We teed off from the ladies line and aimed for the green. This a LOT harder than I thought it would be. In soccer we have to get it to another person or in the general direction of the goal. On the golf course it was way easier to aim way off from our target. Getting it into the 3 foot diameter hole was hard!  We laughed and talked a little trash as to how everyone’s aim was at the beginning. Towards the end we were all aiming better (some better than others!) When all the groups gathered after our game we went out to recharge and decided we really like this new sport.

Bridget L

Member, Event Host

Events and Adventures Dallas

Painting and Socializing!

Paint the top 3 inches or so blue.  Then paint this white in circular motions, that darker blue and blend in green like this. (Ding!) You are concentrating too hard! Breathe. Take of drink of whatever you have. Breathe again. Mix in a little white. Ok, in this corner star with the tan. Break time, let it dry a few minutes, grab a snack, refill your beverage and socialize. This is really going to be a painting when I’m done!  During our break we check out each other’s paintings and steal ideas of how to make our a little bit better. We all know who the real artists are. We laugh about how this blank canvas we were given is turning into an actual painting. By the end of our 2 hour session we all have a real painting we did without numbers or special paint. Some will hang in their home; others given to family as gifts (Mom’s like home made gifts no matter how old we are) and others will be regaled to hang in the laundry room or closet where only the artist sees it and thinks I made that! Events And Adventures Dallas

Sometimes What You Really Need Is Just A Great Big Party....

On the water of course!  We rented one of those double decker party boats and did it right. We had burgers, dogs and sausages on the grill and everyone brought a side and beverages. We played in the water, used the slide and the brave souls jumped or dove off the top. It seems waaay higher looking down as it does looking up! We had a great variety of music so everyone did some water dancing.  We got out the washable markers and wrote nicknames and smiley faces on each other.  Discovering what people wanted to be called was hilarious.  Ok, some people were given silly names but it was all in good fun.  The greased watermelon rugby-ish game was comical to watch.  When Captain Brian called us in from the water to head home everyone groaned and swam in as s-l-o-w-l-y as possible.  Best summer day so far! And we get to do it again in August. Practice gabbing that greased watermelon and maybe you can beat Jade! Events And Adventures Dallas

June In Texas Means The Beginning Of Incredibly Hot Weather.......

So there’s no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than on the water! We went out to Lake Ray Hubbard and spent the afternoon with our favorite Kayak instructor. We call him Kayak Dave. After we had our lifejackets, boats and general instruction Kayak Dave took us to a minimum wake bay on the edge of Lake Ray Hubbard. He did a really nice job of making sure everyone knew how to paddle for more motion, less work. He pointed out wildlife and taught us cool stuff about the lake we had a leisurely paddle with the wind to the end of the bay then we headed back. Against the wind was bit more challenging so we stopped at a sand bar half way for a break.  Jade talked enough smack that she was helped out of the boat via flipping by one of the guys before she got out on her own.  I know they payback will be fun to watch. After everyone cooled off in the lake and rehydrated we headed back to the launch area where just about everyone said they would be sore tomorrow. After an early dinner and discussion as to just how outrageous Jade’s retribution is going to be we all headed home for a late nap or early night. Great way to spend any afternoon in Texas! Events And Adventures Dallas

Best Brunch EVER!

Because it was followed by a day of water volleyball, sun, fun and E&A friends. We moved out to the pool deck after a nice brunch buffet by the lake. I love it when they have bacon. Some of us preferred to hang out in the lounge chairs or at the pool edge while the even-though-it-is Sunday-I’m-going-to work-hard members headed into the pool for a game of water volleyball.  It was a beautiful day that wasn’t too hot so it was great to just kick back in the sun and watch the game.  Even the new members got in the action and played.                                             Events And Adventures Dallas

What A Great Memorial Weekend We Had!

The Dallas and Houston clubs met in New Braunfels for tubing and camping. The river was cold, the air hot and a little spotty rain did not deter our fun. It is so cool that we get to meet and hang out with members from other clubs. I remember some of the Houston members from last year and it was wonderful to see them again and catch up. We tubed on the Guadalupe River, we made meals and ate together, we sat around the campfire, we relaxed and left our work lives behind and WE HAD FUN! On Sunday some people headed to the hills and hiked. A few hit the other side of the hills and zip-lined and some even went into San Antonio to enjoy the other wildlife. The rest of us decided a chair in the river with a cold beverage was just right. It really was the best chair in the house. 

We had some great meals too! I'm not sure if the french toast or the taco bar was my favorite. You always learn who has the formidable cooking skills when you put them in front of 2 massive grills with food for 90. I was quite impressed.

Thank you all for a great long weekend! I can hardly wait for Labor Day Weekend!

Events And Adventures Dallas

Beautiful Night on the Water!

The Cinco de Mayo Dinner Cruise was a spectacular evening! We danced our way onto the huge catamaran with DJ Vendetta. He played our favorite tunes and any request we had. Dinner was grilled by the E&A staff. Tons of choices from brats to hamburgers and different kinds chicken sausage. I think my favorite was the brats.  The DJ turned up the music and we danced. Can you believe there was enough room to dance on a boat?! We laughed, we conga lined, we made new friends and had a fantastic time! I can hardly wait until the 4^th of July Dinner Cruise! That one includes swimming and fireworks! Events And Adventures Dallas

Live From Greece!!

After nearly 30 hours for flights and transfers we all got to Athens !!!
Even with the travel/jetlag we are all exited to be in Greece and starting our adventure.

The first night we had a welcoming dinner in the heart of Athens old town and not far from the Acropolis, the restaurant that was picked by our guides was perfect. a true Greek favorite as the photos on the
walls of the owner and his family with so many of Greece's famous and other well known world wide bid shots showed us.

As a kid in school you learn about Greek history and it some how seen so unreal, but when you get to walk right up to the pillars of the Parthenon and hear from our guides just how this was all made and what they were thinking at the time this was being built it becomes a image
that will be with you for the rest of there life.
I can't wait to write more next week about the Greek islands we are heading to. Events And Adventures Travel

This World Needs More Scavenger Hunts!

Really! How can you not have fun running around town with a team trying to beat other teams? Whether it’s a figure-out-where-you-need-to-be question or a silly photo op, how can you resist? Wanna make it better? Add some silly costumes and water guns.  I think we were out of breath from laughing so hard, not running from place to place. We gathered after to refuel and rehash our challenges. It was great! Events And Adventures Dallas

Whirlyball Is So Much Fun!

 

Remember Wiffle Ball as a kid? Add bumper cars and a basketball backboard and you have the madness that is WhirlyBall. I swear my steering arm will be sore for a week. It’s a good thing the steering systems are metal; I’d have pulled or pushed that handle off. Not that cranking on it makes it go or turn faster but with the adrenaline pumping and all that laughing I just couldn’t help it.   We played 5 minute games so everyone got time to play and time to socialize. There were so many new members I’d never met. I think they came out of the woodwork.   Now if only I had good enough aim to hit the bulls eye and get the ever elusive 3 points! 

Events and Adventures Dallas

I Love Meeting New Members.....

I love meeting new members and watching them bloom. At the new member ice breaker we did a couple introduction games that were fun, easy and not uncomfortable like so many are.  They got people talking but didn’t put anyone on the spot but really got them engaged.  Then many of the existing members joined us for games night after the ice breaker. People started opening up. They met existing members who have been around for 2 months or even 2 years. They realized everyone here is just like them. Single.  And wanting to get out and do something fun. We play some games. Board games. People love board games. It gives them easy conversation topics.  By the end of the evening the IT guy that was scared to walk in the door turned into the clever smiley guy and the hesitant divorcee turns into a confident cool chick that made 2 new friends she’s going to go running with next week.  And this was the first event for both!   I know in the coming weeks I’ll see them both again. It’s awesome to see new members become excited to attend events because they know their new friends are going to be there.  The smile that beams across their face when they are greeted like Norm on Cheers is priceless. Events And Adventures Dallas

Dancing And Bull Riding!

We try all kinds of new activities at Events and Adventures. Sometimes it’s the ‘regular’ stuff that is a favorite. We have such a good time going dancing. We have 30-40 people that show up. Some dance, some just come to socialize and others even come for the bull riding! It’s so nice to have a large group to go dancing with. We get a space reserved so we don’t have to worry about losing our table or drinks. There’s always someone dance with, lots of people to visit with and not have to wonder what they want from you and even people to watch your purse when you go dance! At Red River the DJ before the band is quiet enough for us to talk. The band is great and when they break they play pop dance hits for those that want to do the other kind of line dancing. Great, fun night everyone! Events And Adventures Dallas

E&A's Pub Olympics!

Its Olympics time and E&A decided to get in on the theme. It’s too cold outside to go play without snow so we had Pub Olympics! Darts, pool, shuffle board, ping pong and bean bag toss.  I’ve never seem so many mild mannered people talk smack. Janean was so good at ping pong the guys she beat were totally defeated as she blew through each game. After she beat each one she just sat there with a little smirk. At the end of the last game the smile on her face was worth way more than her medal. It was a fun, long evening. The guys won in the end. In a tie (each had one first place and one second place) Tom took the All Around win with a Rochambeau of paper covers rock against over Lindsay. Way to go Tom! Events And Adventures Dallas

What A Great Time We Had Rock Climbing!

 After we got all geared up and harnessed we were given instruction on how to belay for our partner.  It's a little to scary to think that I hold someone else's safety in my hands.After a bit of practice, belaying does get easier, but it is definitely not instinctive motions.  The fun part is actually climbing up the wall. As I learned, using your legs is way more important than using your arms. I used my arms to pull up instead of using my legs to push myself up. My forearms ached for days!  "Take!" I yelled to my belayer as a signal I was ready to come down.  As he lowered me slowly to the ground, I realized how far up I had actually climbed! What a sense of accomplishment! The great part about this rock climbing place is the self belay. When you are ready to get down, you let go and it feels as if you are flying! That was a great feeling!Those people that weren't climbing were there to socialize. There was a great spread of food like fruit and veggies, as well as cookies and brownies. After climbing for a bit, it was good to refuel and spend sometime getting to know new members and reconnecting with people  I hadn't seen in a while! The funniest part was when a group of guys decided to make a human pyramid. Such a guy thing to do! Maybe they got the idea from the giant Jenga  that was being played.  Those of us that went to the after event had a great time getting to know each other as well. Overall, it was a really fun night! Events And Adventures Dallas

When Was The Last Time You Went Rollerskating?

I was in junior high the last time I roller skated.  Disco ball, parachute pants and zipping around the rink with pals. Change from zipping around to being zipped around and swap the parachute pants for jeans and I’d swear we were there again.  How fun! Most of us skated on roller skates or blades as kids and we did it again this week. It was a work out. Those skates weigh way more than I remember. We had a great group that kept coming back to a corner where we’d laugh, tease and talk. I was surprised that more than 20 people went to the pub after skating on a week night. We definitely worked up an appetite. That and we were having so much fun no one wanted to go home! Events And Adventures Dallas
 

Murder At The Juice Joint!

 It was the Chief in the bar with a gun. How fun! We did our own murder mystery dinner and had a spectacular Italian dinner catered. The 20s theme was a blast (get it?) and there was just enough attitude and sass to make it competitive.  Having a smaller group is good sometimes so we can get to know people better. Even if they are in character most of the time. Almost everyone was in costume and we teased each other about how our 20s accents weren’t so great. How fun to reach into our inner detective and gangster. Good teamwork! When’s the next one?
Events And Adventures Dallas

Wolfgang Puck Certainly Knows How To Do It Right

Five Sixty is a restaurant just below the observation deck of Reunion Tower in the  56^th floor. It spins 360 degrees in 60 minutes. The Lounge at Five Sixty has great happy hour prices on the famous Wolfgang Puck food as well as beverages. This intimate bar limits group sizes so there were just 12 of us watching the sunset and downtown Dallas light up. We had the best time! With only 12 people we could easily chat as a group and get to know people better. We shared dishes and stories. A couple people were Dallas lifers that know what some of the older buildings used to be. It was really interesting to learn some history about Dallas when we just thought we’d have an amazing view. Great night! Events And Adventures Dallas

 

We Love Trampoline Dodgeball!

Remember dodge ball from when you were a kid? Put that on a trampoline and you have a hilarious night. I’m glad we rotate games because that’s hard work. The breaks also lets us chat and get to know each other more. I really like that everyone plays for fun. No one is out there trying to kill anyone which makes it more fun for those of us no longer in top physical condition. Sure, I can hold my own, but I forgot how hard it is to walk on a trampoline much less coordinate throwing or catching a ball while jumping. Of course we were laughing so hard it was hard to do it all at once. We had such a great time. After we played most of us went to a restaurant down the street to refuel. We got more time to visit. I like how the table of 18 would talk as a group and we’d have smaller conversations around the table too. It felt very inclusive. A great night once again! Events And Adventures Dallas

Another Amazing New Years Eve!

New Years Eve was SUCH a great time!  As we walked in the 3 tiered ballroom there was a DJ playing great music and a nice cheese and light appetizer spread. I got to see friends I hadn’t seen in months as well as meet all sorts of new people. Most had masks and it was fun figuring out who everyone was. About 45 minutes after we arrived the dinner stations were opened. There were a bunch of Italian options, a slider station, a martini mashed potato bar, salads, it seemed I could eat for days- wait! Awesome dance tune- we girls squealed, yanked and the guys closest to us and ran to the dance floor.  Many of the guys joined us and we danced a while. We went back to our plates, ate a little more and headed back out to the dance floor. GREAT tunes. That DJ played anything we asked for! Later in the evening they brought out a chocolate fondue with all the goodies. The photo booth had an impressive amount of glasses, hats & toys for out photos. Just before Midnight the wait staff brought champagne out to the dance floor for us, we grabbed our noise makers and toasted the New Year. Fantastic party! I can hardly wait to see what cool events E&A brings to 2014! Events And Adventures Dallas