Sunday, May 4, 2014

It's Dad Strnad's Birthday!

Today is a joyous occasion of many sorts. First off, it's Cinco de Mayo (which I will gladly be celebrating at one of the few Mexican restaurants in Prague). But, more importantly,
It's Dan Strnad's Birthday!
Cinco de Mayo is lucky to share a celebration day with the best Dad that's ever existed. Because I can't be with him today (and buying gifts can be tricky...), I thought I would post him a little surprise Birthday Blogpost. 


I think it's officially safe to say you're an old man now, right dad? Just another couple years and you're legally considered a "senior citizen." How exciting! A whole new world of possibilities: discount dinners, movie tickets, entrance fees -- gosh, you'll be living like a king! But let's not get ahead of ourselves. 

You are the youngest "old man" I know. You're playful, quick to laugh, and probably the most devious (in a good way) and ornery person I know. You've taught me that taking yourself too seriously is a waste of time and energy (even though I still do this too much) because laughing at yourself is sometimes the best medicine. You still run or walk every day, ski like a badass, and hike around the open wilderness with a 65 pound backpack on like it's just another day in the park. One foot in front of the other, right? And even though your bedtime is somewhere around 9pm (on a good night) you're always up an at 'em, ready to greet the sun. 



Your youthfulness inspires people in a way I know you will deny. The second you start to laugh, others start to laugh too. Your laugh is absolutely contagious! It fills a room, and immediately makes everything lighter. Your desire to explore and learn is anything but old. You make people feel young right along with you, I've seen it. Poking fun at our friends who are usually too afraid to talk, making Mom and I scream and giggle while you squeeze our sides, playing pranks on your office mates. The list could go on forever. Besides the number on your birthday cake, there isn't a single old thing about you. 



So, while you're still young, feel free to eat all the German Chocolate Cake you want, poke a little fun at Mom and Ty, and just dance like it's your birthday. Because it is. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! I love you!


P.S. Just in case you forgot how to dance, here's a little reminder to get yourself back in the groove :)


Saturday, May 3, 2014

A Well-Read Traveler: Travel Booklist

Recently, due to my time in Prague, I've become inspired to read more about other's worldly adventures. There are so many books out there that deal with the seemingly infinite facets of travel -- from the actual trip, to personal impact, to global connection. So here is a short (but incredible!) list of books about traveling. Most of the books are either ones I've read myself or know someone who has (so they're legit), but a couple are ones I've come across and would love to read myself. Enjoy!

1. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert



2. The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World  by Eric Weiner

























3. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

























4. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

























5. On the Road by Jack Kerouac

























6. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

























7. The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in The Equatorial Pacific by J. Maarten Troost

























8. Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson

























9. The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton

























10. My Life in France by Julia Child

























Hopefully one of these tickles your fancy and leaves you itching to jump on a plane, head outdoors, or even just roam around the undiscovered places of your own town.

Until next time!