My First 5K

2013 has been a great year for me so far, both physically as well as mentally. Bethanne and I started exercising early in the year, and we have both come a long way from where we used to be. I had a Groupon for some group fitness classes in the basement of a church down the street, and I became hooked! It's the ONLY thing I have ever done fitness-wise that I have stuck with (minus a few injuries setting me back). The two girls that run it are like drill sergeants and it works.

Exercising has also brought about a healthier lifestyle in general. I have primarily gone organic at home and eat much healthier than I used to. It's hard to eat a burger and fries at lunch and then go to a class at 6pm. So now I opt for salads and fruit. Without intending for it to happen, weight started to come off, and I became much more energetic than ever before.

For the last few years, I have participated in the Most Excellent Race for the Achievement Centers for Children. In the past I simply signed up for the family fun walk, and strolled my way through it. I remember two years ago my mom wanted Bethanne and I to run to a corner about 1/16 a mile up the street when we were on the walk, and I thought I was going to die! Well this year was quite a different story. Matt, Bethanne and I decided to run the 5K. I'm still not much of a runner and the longest distance I had done up to that day was 2 miles. A 5K is 3.2 miles. I was kind of doubting myself, but the three of us stuck together (with iPods on) and helped push each other to cross the finish line in 31.32 minutes! I didn't stop once and I was SO PROUD of us! 

Blossom Weekend 2013

Sometimes I just love small town America. Even though I live in Cleveland and take full advantage of the city, we have so many smaller communities around town that give you a sense of being in a much smaller place. So once again, I was looking forward to my favorite weekend of the year in Chagrin Falls, OH. Blossom Time!

As we have gotten older, the dynamic of the weekend has definitely changed. Not for better, not for worse, just different. Instead of focusing on keg parties and bars (however, don't be fooled), we enjoy seeing the kids watching the parade, getting candy, riding rides, and eventually, going home to a babysitter! Then the fun begins!

This year I went to a fantastic party on Saturday night with different musicians and tons of fun people. And a crazy amount of food. Three of the girls I was with were pregnant so it was a bit more low-key, but they still stuck it out and went to the Greenville after the party. One till 1am! Impressive! Sunday was parade day and I was able to see so many people who I have known and loved for many years, which is the main reason I love the whole weekend.

 Overall, another successful Memorial Day weekend was had in Chagrin Falls!

At the Murphy Jam on Saturday night

Dana and Sydney enjoying Sydney's first ride ever!  She loved it!

Parade time