Day of Reading and Racing

Memorial Day was awesome in this house.  B and I started our day out with a nice 5k race at the St. Joseph Academy Jaguars 5k.  While there was no "official" stroller division, the kind volunteers at each intersection announced to B and I that we were the first stroller in the race.  Talk about pressure.  As I rounded the corner in the last half mile of the race, I spied a double stroller gaining on me.  Let me tell you, after pushing my 50 pound daughter for 25+ minutes, I was in no condition to sprint.  However, I am also one who enjoys a little friendly competition so sprint I must! I crossed the finish line only seconds in front of the dad pushing a double - but a win is a win in my book! Best of all, B got her Malley's chocolate bar (a race sponsor) and I got my uhmm water bottle. Gotta love small races and this one might have to be a new Memorial Day tradition!

Later in the day, we squeezed in a movie (Epic) and waited for Greg (who saw Fast & Furious 6) back at Barnes & Noble.  Love this pic of my girls sitting peacefully reading books.  It was one of those rare moments where everyone was quiet and I got to enjoy a magazine!

Portside Distillery - Another CLE Gem

A couple weeks ago, hubs and I stumbled across a little gem here in Cleveland.  He had read about Portside Distillery and, since we had a free Saturday afternoon, decided to pop in and learn a little about Cleveland's newest brewery and distillery. What a glorious afternoon!

We sampled the smoky Rachbier and the 216 dry-hopped ale while B played a little foosball.  Portside has opened up their Sampler Room, while working out the plans for their forthcoming restaurant.  We sat around a table, flipped through the architectural plans for the Flats, and enjoyed the simplicity of a damn fine beer on a Saturday afternoon.

Check them out and, by all means, spend an afternoon chatting them up, learning about the beers, and enjoying a simple, carefree afternoon supporting a Cleveland-independent.  You'll be glad you did!

The Scent of Coffee

Sometimes, it's the little things that we need.  Not just a bed, warmth, love, food.  But the simplicity of a routine.

We sold our house and moved out last week.  Didn't plan to.  Listed the house on a whim.  Sold it in eight days.  SOLD. IT. IN. EIGHT. DAYS. Didn't have a Plan B.

We ultimately found a house that we love.  One catch.  We will have a gap in addresses of about 5 weeks.  So for a few days, we lived in a hotel. Not wanting to tear up the dogs, we took them to our lovely dog sitter who they adore.  One of the things I immediately missed was my coffee pot and my morning routine of making coffee with Jameson. 

You see, I would get up every morning at 6, grind the beans. While waiting for the coffee to brew, I would fill up my Jameson's food and water while smelling the amazing aroma of coffee brewing. 

In that 10 minute time, I would sit in the kitchen floor and give my dog so much love.  It was a great routine. And one that I truly missed.

But this morning in our transitional digs, with the dogs back under our feet, the coffee smelled even better and I am sure that Jameson loved having his ears rubbed an extra bunch.  And just like that, we fell back into our routine...

Beautiful Weather Deserves Beautiful Flowers

Mother's Day Fun at School

B invited me to her class to spend an amazing two hours with her, her friends, and their mommies.  What a great day!

Age 6 - Mother's Day

Well, That Was Hard, But Worth It

Today, I finished the Cleveland Rite Aid half marathon. While my finish time was reflective of the training (or lack thereof) that I had, it sparked something in me. I love running. And I love racing.

I had originally registered for this race in February - well before deciding to sell our house and spend EVERY evening boxing up the contents of our home, which interfered with efforts at consistent training. But I love this race event and enjoy the course even more. We have an amazing city. Even though my longest run was 10 miles, and I sure did feel the distance, I truly enjoyed visiting the various Cleveland neighborhoods on foot. For example, the Guardians on the the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge are breathtaking!

So if time allows, this weeks I will squeeze in some speed work and get back the basics!