"Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced."
— Søren Kierkegaard

It may be a cloudy day, but it’s still a warm one! I don’t know about you, but I am already sick of the heat. I think for the rest of the day I will stay inside and catch up on stuff around the house. No sun=no excuse for the pool!

Scottsdale MUST eats…

• If you’re visting the area make sure to check out the ever so famous In-N-Out Burger. They have a very simple menu, fast and friendly service, and are known for their cleanliness. This is NOT your typical fast food chain. (Located throughout the valley.)
• Sapporo in North Scottsdale is the place to be on the weekends and for happy hour. This restaurant is always hopping with above par service, delicious food, and a social scene unlike any other. Their outside patio, located in front of the restaurant, is always packed full of people talking and having a good time. The cuisine is Japanese-the sushi and fried rice are to die for-check it out for yourself!
• The Yard House located in Old Town Scottsdale in the Fashion Square Mall is another must eat. They are a brewery and have a variety of yummy beers on tap. I also love their happy hour-3 to 6 PM and 10 to 12 PM, martinis, wings, and delicious salads-they have a pear walnut salad that is amazing!

I really love this article on good self esteem and living life with the glass half full. I read this article and it was so inspiring to me, http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/8251/self_improvement_and_motivation/glass_half_full.html.

...Another thing I want to check out is Michael J. Fox’s new book Always Looking Up. I saw him last night on David Letterman and was so pleased and almost jealous over his optimism towards life. I wish that I could live my life that way! Hopefully his book can inspire me. It is for sale on Amazon for $17.00 and that is the hardcover version.

**It seems that Tempe Town Lake 4th of July festival is going to be the place to be for the upcoming holiday. They are suppose to have the best fireworks show in the valley, music, family fest with rock climbing wall, face painters, relay races, etc, and a food court for all to enjoy. Entry is free for anyone with a current military ID. If you want to learn more about the event visit their website at http://www.tempe4th.com/index.asp.

**The 4th of July holiday is right around the corner. Looking for something to do? Me too... lets see what I found... 

First off, there is something for everyone from concerts, to firework shows, to water play, to smaller easy-going events! 
Not all cities are hosting fireworks shows this year, partially due to the economy, but with a little bit of a drive you should have no problem finding something to do! Fireworks can be found in the following cities; Anthem, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Maricopa, Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise, and Tempe.

Looking for a Concert...

• Rawhide at Wildhorse Pass in Chandler, Arizona's largest western-theme park, is hosting a large 4th of July event. There will be stunt and magic shows, singing, rock climbing wall, mechanical bull, an opportunity to take old western photos, shop at more than 10 stores, an aerial fireworks display, and you can eat at the Rawhide Steakhouse and Saloon. It costs $15.00 to get in to the park.

Interested in lakeside and a large crowd, TV crews included...

• Tempe Fireworks display is very popular, held at Tempe Town Lake near ASU. The gates for the event open at 4 PM with inflatable rides, rock climbing, live entertainment, food, and the Budweiser Beer Garden. Children under 12 are free and tickets at the door are $8 for one and $15 for two. Buy tickets in advance at Fry's for $5. For more information and pictures visit, http://www.tempe4th.com/

Want to see the largest free fireworks show in the valley of the sun...

• It takes place in the city of Phoenix. The fun starts at 6 PM and runs until 10 PM. There will be local entertainment, misting area, classic car show, inflatable rides, and you can cool down in the water spray zone hosted by the Phoenix Fire Department. Fireworks begin at 9:20 PM. Admission is free and food and beverages are available for purchase. http://phoenix.gov/news/061909fabphx4th.html

Low key holiday...

• Scottsdale's 4th of July activities are not as large as some of the other cities in the valley. They are hosting a laid back picnic affair without huge crowds. It is held at the Scottsdale stadium from 5 to 7 PM. At this BBQ letters will be written to our servicemen and women and care packages will be sent. You can take part in games and crafts. People are urged to bring their own picnic dinner as grills are available. There are no fireworks at this event, but maps of nearby events will be provided. Admission is free.

*~*If your not into fireworks then go see a movie. There are many great movies being released all summer long. Or take a stay-vacation! Hotel Indigo Scottsdale has rates at just $72.00 a night on 4th of July weekend! *~*