Erin go big or go home

So I am super excited about my new job. I love going to work. It really is a ton of fun. I don't know if the excitement will wear off, but it feels like I won a prize. I've slung shots on New Year's Eve. I've cocktailed the Super Bowl party. However, I feel like this weekend, being St. Patrick's Day is my first real big event.

This Saturday there is a lot going on downtown. There is live music, a pub crawl, food, fun. It is more family oriented during the day, but as the day wears on, Prescott is set up for more adult fun for sure. Every bar is doing it's own thing. Trying to bring in the crowds of party goers. Most drinking enthusiast will slip in and out of bars looking for good specials and meeting up with special friends. Some loyal fans will post up at their favorite watering hole all night. It is part of my job at Coyote Joe's to help out with social media and marketing. So with a small budget that I was given I put together a few things that I thought might make this Saturday a fun themed night.

My first, and despite my bosses minor objections, most brilliant idea was to make homemade green jell-o shots. I did some research and with some creative colaboration on Paula's part, we concocted some pretty amazing green shots. Now, I want to say. These are not all lime. Some are strawberry, bubble gum, sweet tart, raspberry, apple, and so many others, but they are ALL green. I think it is so clever, I peed a little when I thought of it.

As many may know, March is mustache madness. Every year men spend a month grooming their best (and sometimes creepiest) lip ticklers. In my research for this anual testosterone display I learned that mustaching is a pretty serious sport. In the spirit of this whisker rivalry, Coyote Joe's is hosting their own mustache contest. This is where I really kicked in what creative gears I have. I designed some buttons and a t-shirt and even crafted out some mustache stickers to give away to the crowd.

It was super fun-and a little exhausting- but I am stoked to see how it goes off. If you're looking for something to do this Irish holiday bender, come on down to Coyote Joe's and see if my little experiments work. You can also check out my designs at my online T store.

Say good bye to Flash Drives...Drop Box is here.

Some months ago I heard about this cloud storage space called Drop Box. I immediately liked the idea of it and downloaded the App for my iPhone, my MacBook, and my school computer. It has been an invaluable tool ever since. I use it almost daily.

DropBox is a free service that allows you to store photos, docs, videos and access them anywhere. Any file you save to your DropBox will automatically save to all your computers, phones and even the DropBox website.

I make my plans and handouts at home and place them in my Drop Box, at school I can open them up on my computer. I have access to my documents anywhere that I have internet access. I prepare a track workout routine and look at it while I am coaching instead of printing out the page.

DropBox makes it easy to share with others as well. It is great for sharing files and documents with other DropBox users. Simply drop items into your DropBox Public folder and others can have access.

One downside is that the Free version only includes 2G of space. However you can upgrade and purchase 50G, 100G or 1T of space. Check it out. I definitely find it a useful alternative to flash drives, email, and other storage devices. Download DropBox today and give it a try.

Shooter? But I hardly even know her...

Paula and I Saturday night

Say hello to the newest member of the Coyote Joe's family. "Hi out there." This weekend kicked off my official new job as the "shot girl" for CoJo's. It was amazing. I had a blast, danced to great music like Cheek Tones, O Allen the DJ, and Agent Audio, and served up some liquid fun with a smile to thirsty party goers. If you didn't come down to Joe's over the weekend, you missed out. It was the best first three days I ever spent at a job. It can only go up from here. But, as I write this, I am remembering how I got so lucky to land really what I consider to be a coveted position in this town.

Carl at the Patio Bar

In this struggling economy and with so much competition, local businesses need to find innovative ways to keep the money coming in the door. The management at CoJo's have done a great job in my eyes (though I may be a bit biased) of working toward this goal. Live music plays every night of the week, Annie's hosts impressive themed parties, amazing drink specials and happy hour prices slam the competition, some of the best pub food served on The Row, and on and on. CoJo's is always looking for ways to add to their arsenal of fun while still keeping that vibe going that makes it the most popular bar in Prescott. My hire was along this vein.

Adieeeeeeee

A few months ago, my bestie Paula-kick ass bartender at Annie's, threw my name into the ring for Jell-O shot girl for New Years. I was offered the temp gig and must have rocked the shots, because I was offered a few more guest appearances for the establishment and then two weeks ago I got the news that it was official. I was the newest employee.

I loved dancing with her all night. She got the moves.

Serving the public is honestly one of my favorite jobs. I couldn't ask for a better employment, really. I get paid to, well, be me. I get to dance, socialize, laugh, and sell sell sell. It's really the same reason why being a teacher appeals to me so much. I love to entertain. I enjoy being a personality.

O Allen the DJ and Thursday 80's night. Always fun.

If you didn't meet me this weekend, don't worry. I will be slinging $2 shots all over the building every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ooh, which reminds me...

If you have any ideas for shots that you would like to see, throw me a comment here or participate in the poll on the left: What shot flavors would you like to see on my tray? Are your tastes sweet or do you like a bit more sour zip when you sip. So far, it's Pineapple Upside Down Cake shots that are the top sellers. But Paula and I would like to introduce some new fun flavors. Tell us what's on your mind. Vote for your favorite flavors. You can choose more than one.

Annie's and Joe's...Why would you go anywhere else?

Coyote Joe's Bar and Grill, located on Montezuma St. in downtown Prescott, is a staple in any Prescott night life outing. Not once have I gone out and not started and / or ended the night there and made a few back and fourths in between. The reason is simple. It is simply the best in town. Nicknamed CoJo's affectionately by those who frequent this haunt, it has been given many awards and five star recommendations, including one of Northern Arizona's Best Bars to Visit and the best Happy Hour in Prescott. Annie's Attic, the upstairs baby sister to Coyote Joe's, may not be the newest kid on the block anymore, but the local watering hole with a bit of upstairs class keeps it fresh with a variety of live music, innovative party themes, and tasty drink specials.

Coyote Joe's has been a favorite for years. With a large outdoor patio for smoking that hosts a patio bar and a recently revamped live music stage, a patron can enjoy the gorgeous Prescott summer weather or cuddle up next to a fire pit on those cold winter nights while sipping beverages, munching happily on delicious appetizers and listening to smooth sounds. The inside of Joe's is just as attractive with three pool tables (free on Sunday), a juke box, a roomy bar with a massive drink and beer selection and booth seating.

Following the tone set by CoJo's, when Annie's opened three years ago, it was instantly a favorite bar for locals, college kids and tourists alike. The atmosphere is clean and inviting with its large open bar area, seating options inside and out, a sizable dance floor, and some of the cleanest public restrooms in town. Not to mention that just like her big brother, Joe's, Annie's offers an array of liqueurs and beer all served by a knowledgeable, friendly and, I must say, attractive staff. Oh, and have I mentioned the food? Annie's shares Joe's menu. The bars' tasty treats are all made to order with fresh ingredients. My personal favorite are the vegetable quesadillas or the garlicky fries. Hands down Annie's (and Joe's) has all that a saloon enthusiast could ask for.

Whether it is a Thursday night, a Sunday afternoon, or an impromptu mid week happy hour, the only place I ever frequent is Annie's and Joe's, and for very good reasons. Practically any night of the week, you can visit the Joe's complex and find live music either echoing up the hill from the outdoor patio or slipping out the windows and floating down to the street below from Annie's. Local live acts like Kenny James, Cheektones, and Butte Creek Boys frequent the calendar. The musical tones of the diverse bands that trapse across the two different stages are as eclectic as the patrons. Rock, Reggae, Blues, Jam Bands-whatever your taste, you can find a band on the calendar to suit your needs.

Yet, if you are looking for something a bit more booty shakin', Annie's and Joe's DJs are sure to please. DJ Oh! Allen has built Thursday 80's night up to a formidable weekly affair and continues to entertain the masses with his themed parties. That being said, mark your calendar for April 19th. This year is the 5th Annual 80's Prom Night and this year's theme is simply Nerd-tastic. Other music mix masters include DJs Nathanial Chase, Chris P and Four-nr Sound and their Friday night "Bass Attic" where they kick it with electric glitches and dubstep. DJ Whiteout frequents Joe's playing music that keeps the party rocking. And check out Beatmauler. He'll be appearing at Annie's on St. Patrick's Day (March 17). He is sure to bring the party, and when you catch his show, you're sure to witness not only his musical talents but his rubber band man breaking skills. However, music isn't the only pleasure that Joe's and Annie's trumpets.

On Sundays and Wednesdays, Annie's hosts a free poker tournament where winners have a chance to win a seat at the WSoP. Tuesdays are Taco terrific on the Joe's Patio with $2 tacos and Brad Newman playing cool sounds. Saturday, March 31 will be the return of Comic Thunder-a two show stand up night featuring local and Phoenix talents. The list is extensive and too exhausting to mention it all here. The local establishment has a website with a music and event calendar where the curious can find all upcoming shows from local and not so local entertainment.

And while you are charmed by the merrymaking, it is always best to do so with a frosty beverage. The bartenders at Joe's and Annie's are among the most knowledgeable, friendly and good looking in town. With the best happy hour around-EVERYDAY from 4-6 and 8-10-the establishments offer 2 for 1 drafts, wells and wine as well as 1/2 priced pizzas and other food specials. Whether it's Carl slinging cocktails in rain, snow or sunshine on the patio, Paula and Holly doing what it is they do well upstairs at Annie's, or Josh and Nikki handling the masses at the downstairs bar, you are sure to get a well made drink or two. Just make sure you show your appreciation for that stiff cocktail with your own heavy handed tip.

And when the night has come to a close and the last note has been played, there is no need to go home empty handed. Sarah inside the cage will gladly send you off with a slice of za, a pint of Jack, or a commemorative shirt to remind you that of all the choices on "The Row" the only real option is Coyote Joe's Bar and Grill and Annie's Haunted Attic. I look forward to seeing you there. I mean with all that Coyote Joe's and Annie's Attic has to offer, why would anyone go anywhere else?

Go the Fuck to Sleep - Read by Samuel L. Jackson XD 'Read Description'

I purchased this book for a friend of mine who had a baby recently and just wasn't getting the rest she used to. I think it is pretty awesome, though certainly not appropriate for all ages.

Just out for a stroll

P and I decided to go on a PBR adventure today. A hike on willow lake trail over by heritage park. It's a little over two miles.
The adventure was fun. P and I always have good times. Monday we are going snowboarding together in flagstaff. Today we both needed some fresh air.
Bodhi of course was with us. In some hot pursuit of critters. We discovered mud and snow make for slippery tough mudder practice. Moss and ice make for fantastic photography. Ducks and sailboats make for auditory tickles. And not putting the emergency car break on can cause kind strangers to put large rocks under tires to keep little marshmallow cars from rolling away.
It was a great day with one if my besties. Thanks p. let's do it again soon.

Family and the holidays

The week of finals in a high school is exciting and stressing. Lots of pressure schmeered with holiday cheer and red and green sprinkles. It is a time to give gifts - I got lots of chocolate. It is a time to say good bye until the new year. It is a time when the questions are always in air, "so, what are you doing for the holidays? Are you going anywhere?"
Personally I am hoping to make it to some mountain somewhere.
A colleague of mine when learning that my parents were neither coming out to see me nor was I going to see them looked at me like I was such a terrible person. And then She proceeded to tell me that I was one. I was at first in shock and then I began to believe i was a terrible person.
Today, after the last grade was entered, I strolled round the building to say some good byes to those who were left. And again with the questions.
Exchanging pleasantries with a coworker with whom I don't have many conversations proved to be a bonding experience. I asked her if she was traveling anywhere and she said, "no. My family lives in X but I am not going there. I don't have those same gooey feelings about family and holidays that others do. People look at me like I am defunct. But holidays were never fun for me. At least once during the season my mother would lock herself in the bedroom threatening to kill herself and crying about how our father ruined our lives."
Exactly!