Weekend Updates on a Wednesday

Hey guys! I'm still trying to get the hang of this whole life-work balance after transferring positions so I haven't really been to this space in awhile, but I'm trying to come back to it because I miss it! I was lucky enough to score a 3-day weekend two weeks ago, so I wanted to to share all the fun stuffs (and because I like pictures).

Friday was "deck beers night" with the Mountain Mamas. Apparently this is an annual summer girls night with Blue and "the Mamas"- a group of girls she's met in her complex that have become very close friends. There was lots of beer, snacks, CAH (which I won- woot!), and laughs. And I got initiated into the group even though I don't live there :)

my fave picture this year- so much happy

Saturday was a day of rest. We binged on Stranger Things which I absolutely loved. Have you guys seen it? Also- I printed the below and pinned it to my workspace because I couldn't agree more!

On Sunday we were up bright and early to get ready for our trip down to Asbury Park, NJ. If you are from the area, you know that this part of the Shore was not the nicest a few years ago. However, it's quickly become a hot spot for Jersey Shore goers, and I can totally see why.

Our first spot was The Asbury, a new hotel where we were staying for the night. Before even arriving I loved everything about this spot. There was a pool with (free) cabanas and waitress service (not to mention huge flotation devices, such as the coveted swaaaaan), 24 hr food market/kitchen, and... be-still my beating heart... a beigarten complete with a food cart.

I would love to give this place a rave review, however, I cannot. First of all, it was so packed when we arrived that the only spot we could get by the pool was by the (unlit- thank whoever you pray to) firepit- directly in the sun. When we went to check out the (empty) beirgarten, we found that it wasn't open yet, including the food truck which was supposed to have opened an hour beforehand, and we were swarmed by biting flies. Not cool. In fact, the food truck never opened that day. First, they said it was "too hot" and then... nothing. The beirgarten wasn't supposed to open until nighttime, but there was a poolside bar, so we were still able to quench our thirst. After a 2 hour wait, we threw our stuff into the room and made out way to Wonder Bar.

Wonder Bar is an infamous bar and Asbury Park landmark. I don't really remember why, but I've definitely heard of it before. Anyway, it was dingy, dirty, and full of old people, but they did have a "Yappy Hour" dog park which is where we sat and enjoyed watching the dogs play until it was time for the concert.

We chose to stay at The Asbury in part because of its proximity to The Stone Pony. 2 blocks? Don't mind if we do! Traditionally, The Stone Pony is an indoor venue, however they recently expanded to include an outdoor section, which is where this concert was held. We went to go see The Go Go's Farewell Tour, mostly because it was cheap and we thought it would be fun. Which it was, and would have been more so if the venue wasn't a giant parking lot. I'm not kidding- they set up a stage on the parking lot adjacent to The Stone Pony, and had many beer tents, but only 2 that had food, and it was hot as Hades and there was absolutely no escape, not to mention absolutely nowhere to sit. We sought out AC inside The Stone Pony until the show started,watched for a bit, and left right before the finale, which actually sounded better outside the venue than it did inside, because the soundbar was in the back. Go figure. 

When we got back to the hotel, I was hangry (the lines for the 2 food trucks were just too ridiculous). I was excited to get some fresh food, only to find that the aforementioned "24 hr diner" was more like a "24 hr pick up station"- there were only pre-packaged sandwiches to purchase. It was terrible, overpriced, and dry, not to mention the completely false advertising! On Monday we checked out the boardwalk, grabbed some iced coffee and sat people watching over the beach, and headed back. 

where

How was you weekend? 

When was the last time a hotel/venue didn't meet your expectations (positive or negative)?