Robyn's Travels

A place to showcase my thoughts, goals, photos, and whatever else crosses my path! My focus is to: * Showcase my hobby of photography, * Share my passion for travel planning and vacationing, * Document my progress in learning Kung Fu and Tai Chi, * Review the types and brands of alcohol that I'm taste-testing, * Display my affection for my ragdoll cats, and in general, * Keep friends and family knowledgeable of what’s going on in my life.

[robynalman]

Big yellow crane on Flickr.

[robynalman]

Today is a ninja kind of day. :)

[robynalman]

robynmichelle79's photostream on Flickr.

[robynalman]

Birdwatching, a set on Flickr.

On a rainy, windy Sunday morning, I had the lovely opportunity to go birdwatching with my friends Halle and Justin. We got to see a lot of birds for the first time. and just had a blast hanging out. Hopefully next time will be a little drier... :)

[robynalman]

Roy Hargrove 1/31/14, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr: On January 31, 2014, Ben and I got to see Roy Hargrove at Scullers Jazz Club for the second time ever. Amazing performance, one of the best jazz trumpeters ever!

[robynalman]

Take 6 10/13/13, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr: For the second time, Ben and I got to see the amazing a cappella group Take 6. Singing a medley of jazz, gospel, soul and other various genres, these guys really sing beautifully. Always a treat to see them live!

[robynalman]

Honk!, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr: Ben, Christina and I attended Honk! Festival of Activist Street Bands. Lots of great music an a cloudy day in Davis Square!

[robynalman]

Kung Fu uniform on Flickr.

Via Flickr: What I proudly wear to class.

[robynalman]

Omaha Beach on Flickr.

The shores of Omaha Beach in Normandy

[robynalman]

Macallan Whisky Maker's Edition on Flickr.

Via Flickr: My acquisition from the Macallan Distillery! Purchased 5/22/13, tasted 5/27/13. This scotch reminds me of the sherry cask series, especially the 18-year. However, instead of a chocolaty taste, I get rich fruit and spice. Very smooth with no aftertaste or burn. Makes me sad I didn't buy more bottles, guess that's an excuse to head back to Scotland someday!

[robynalman]

El Tesoro on Flickr.

Via Flickr: First the Reposado, now the Anejo. Delicious tequila! And we finally found a place in Cambridge that sells both of them!

[robynalman]

Spring = sandals on Flickr.

Via Flickr: Nice to grill outside in my beat-up sandals and not be stepping in snow. Despite being sick, the weather was gorgeous today!

[robynalman]

Tax season over, now what?

It's been too long since I've last blogged.  Tax season this year has been rough, and it has been exhausting juggling my primary and seasonal jobs.  As a result, many of my other interests suffered and were shelved for future enjoyment. 

Now that tax season is over, I sat down this weekend and prioritized what is most important to me and what I need to refocus my time and energy on. It's nice to know that compared to a few years ago, that I have some meaningful interests that I am passionate about:

Kung Fu

Photography

Gaming

Traveling

Maintaining and growing my relationships with friends and family

Now to find a way to fit 8 hours of sleep per night to prepare for all this activity...

[robynalman]

My 6th year participating in the ACS Relay for Life - please sponsor me!

Six years and counting!

I am once again participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.  This wonderful event is an overnight relay to recognize both cancer survivors and to remember those we lost to cancer. I continue to walk as a member of the Watertown Savings Bank team. The event is being held on June 21-22, 2013 at Victory Field in Watertown, MA. 

Please consider sponsoring me.  No donation is too small towards the fight against cancer. My goal is to raise at least $250. For an online donation, please visit this website:

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/robynalman

Thank you for your support as always!

<3 Robyn

[robynalman]

First day of spring with daffodils on Flickr.

Via Flickr: Daffodils to cheer me up and remind me that hopefully winter is on its way out...

[robynalman]

Alman family photo!

[robynalman]

WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey on Flickr.

Via Flickr: Tasted 3/11/13. It's been an extremely busy month and I've still got one more month of tax season to go. It was time to try something new… I've always wanted to try WhistlePig based on friends' recommendations. But since it is not so cheap, you don't want a buy a bottle and find out you don't like it. Thank heavens for Five Horses Tavern for having it available. I finally ordered it and Ben and I got to melt in pure bliss. It is 100 proof and a straight rye whiskey aged in new American oak barrels for at least 10 years. It is surprisingly smooth for a rye. I almost compare it to drinking a Macallan scotch. You get the flare at first taste, but it doesn't hit the back of your throat like many rye whiskies do. It tastes of mint and oak blended into a yummy glass of happiness. So now this is my favorite rye. And Ben even loves it! Win!