Hello Old Friend

It's good to see you again.  

But why must you make my skin so dry and hair so brittle?

Take Me Out to the Ball Game(s)

This week I was lucky enough to go to not one, but TWO games at Wrigley. Friday Jay and I went to our first Cubs game of the year. Then Monday I met up with Corb, one of my closest high school friends and soon-to-be usher in our wedding, for the Cubs/Cards night game. Here's an instagram look at the games!

 

So much fun at both games! Can't wait to go to the Tigers vs Cubs game next month!!

Crew Member- G.

The next bridesmaid I'll introduce is Mrs. Amy Sheneman aka. G-child, Genson, or just plain G.

My friendship with Amy began over a mutual love for math and science in Mrs. Eddy's fourth grade classroom.  We sat in the back row next to two boys we thought were cute and we became fast friends.  Having a similar desire to excel, we had most of our classes together through out high school which brought us closer.  We had far more in common outside of class as well and have many great memories of cheerleading and musicals together as well!  We've always brought out the silly side in one another and to this day when we hang out it's a fun break from the stress of life to regress to crazy antics.

Amy's drive has taken her far as a career woman.  She worked for several years at the influential companies Ernst Young and Deloitte in both New York City and Grand Rapids.  She spent time abroad and is fluent in Chinese.  She managed to complete her masters in accounting, while teaching college students, in addition to caring for her first daughter.  Amy is an accomplished performer as well; she was a college cheerleader and has traveled the world dancing- most recently in Guatemala.  Amy is the most introverted extrovert you will ever meet.  She is unbelievably strong willed and has handled adversity with grace in her adult life, most notable when her first born was premature and very ill.  Amy is an outstanding mother, who's love for her daughter is palpable.  She will be a mother of two any day now and starting her PHD program in accounting this summer.  Talk about a well-balanced overachiever.

Much like Crew Member Hamm, Amy and I's friendship has transition far beyond high school buddies.  We celebrate each others success and provide strength to each other during rough times.  We laugh and do things only appropriate for pre-teens even as adults.  Although our lives have been far from parallel, somehow we understand what the other is going through each step of the way.  I'm thrilled to have her stand by my side on this monumental day.  

Fourth Time's a Charm?

In July of 2009 I raced in my first Half Ironman (Racine 70.3).  It was my first endurance event and it exceeded all my expectations.  I raced faster than I thought possible and I actually had FUN.  I was properly trained and had my entire Well-Fit training group waiting for sweaty-hugs at the finish line.

S 0:26 B 3:22 R 2:30

Finish time 6 hours and 23 minutes

In 2010 and 2011 I was determined to become a runner.  I "trained" for my first and second marathons, if you call 2 runs a week training.   Each year I registered for another Half Ironman with good intentions.  Then each year I didn't train.  But, thanks to my mother's upbringing "you don't quit something until the season is over" mentality, along with my own "it's only a HALF Ironman" thoughts- I still completed the races.

In 2010 it was the long, hot, hilly Vineman 70.3 in Sonoma.  It was painful and did I mention HOT?  Two years later what I remember fondly is biking through beautiful vineyards and standing in a misting tent at a winery who's wine I still drink.  I remember how awesome it was to train with my boyfriend-now-fiance, the preceding days of fun in San Fransisco and the follow day of debauchery in Napa.

 S 0:38  B 3:59   R 3:20

Finish time: 8 hours and 10 minutes

In 2011, it was the Door County Bluffman 70.3.  It was hotter than any race and I didn't think that was possible (seriously 110 degrees).  I got more sunburned than ever.  The swim was the scariest I've seen.  But, I did it.  And it was the best run race I've been to, most support-even on a crazy hot day.  I raced 1.5 hours slower than my time in Racine in 2009.  The best part of this race was staying with the serious triathletes (aka. Karins an Ironanimal and friends) in a house on the bay, bonfires, cookouts and triathlon talk.  Second best part was seeing ALL of Door county on bike and foot-BEAUTIFUL.

 S 0:40 B 3:44 R 3:10

Finish Time: 7 hours and 55 minutes

So.  I've done it again.  I registered for another 70.3.  This time in Benton Harbor, Michigan.  Steelhead 70.3.  What are the chances I actually train this year? 

Blogroll

You might have noticed I've added a few Blogs to my Blogroll.

The MF DRE blog is written by my college roommate Andrea about the happenings in her life, most recently her experiences as a marathon runner.  You'll find great ideas for DIY crafts, cooking, travel, time with her man/doggies and hot spots in Los Angeles in addition to her runner-friendly posts.

Inspired Strategy is a wonderfully written blog by my sorority sister, co-captain of Michigan water polo and very close girlfriend Rachel.  Rachel is one of the most eloquent people I've ever met,  Here she blogs about her experience on executive loan to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.  Her project is to develop a strategic marketing plan.  All that goes into this is fascinating and well...for lack of better words inspiring. 

 Last but not least Karin's and Ironanimal (or wattsupkarin) is a blog by my friend Karin.  Karin and I met training for Ironman Wisconsin a few years ago.  She's taken it to a whole other level now training on an elite team, qualified for The Ironman World Championships in Kona next fall.  Hence me renaming her blog Karin is an Ironanimal.  She puts a witty spin to her ironman journey.  

Enjoy them all!

Spring Break 2012

Its a long way from an adventure in Bail like 2011, this year's spring break is filled with making time for things in life I normally can't do.   What are those things you ask?

A trip to Grand Rapids for some wedding planning, followed by a few days in filled withChicago brunching with friends, girls party at Benefit, and an awesome time at Whirlyball.

Perhaps the best part of my 'staycation' is having time to planning our Milwaukee move, work some extra shifts at Northshore Hospital (30 hours in 2 days-and still have to go back tomorrow) to help fill the bank account and rejoin Well Fit.  Yup.  Last week was my first week back at it.

Not the relaxing vacation I feel like I need, but I needed to get my life in order and now I have some time to do it!

Chicago's Restaurant Row

 It's been nearly a month since I put my condo on the market and moved in with Jason in the West Loop.  Our plan is to keep his condo as our weekend home and give Jason somewhere to stay when he has to work out of Chicago.  It's been an easy transition and a ton of fun so far, although it doesn't yet feel much different than me "staying over."  

Coincidentally, in the past two weeks articles about his neighborhood have run in Time Out Chicago and Chicago Magazine for the Best New Restaurant Issue.   With old favorites like De Cero and Publican (pictured above) and new hot spots like Girl and the Goat,  Maudes Liquor Bar (below) and Next/Avairy opening recently; it's hard to argue against Randolph Street being the best place for dining in the city.

A few weeks ago Nellcote (below) opened, I can't wait to try it.  News broke recently of other big names joining the scene this spring/fall like Graham Elliot's GEB and Stephanie Izard's Little Goat. 

While most of these are special occasion restaurants because of the waitlist and price range, I'm looking forward to Friday night train rides from Milwaukee to our Chicago condo followed by date night with Jason at any of these places now within walking distance! 

Happy Easter

For whatever reason, this is the first time I've been home to Michigan for Easter in many years.  Jason and I got in town yesterday for a wedding tasting and are staying a few more days for more fun with wedding planning.  Today, we took a break from the madness and celebrated with my family.  

We drove to St. Mark's Episcopal Church downtown for a joyful service.  The church was filled with spring flowers and music was beautiful.  I don't go to church often anymore, but I'm always glad when I do.  Many might argue against this, but it's my belief that religion is a personal thing.  My beliefs and views are mine to keep private; I will always respect others' opinions on spirituality.  For this reason, I didn't put any pressure on Jason to join us this morning.  The plan was that he would stay home and relax, but this morning he surprised me by pulling his dress clothes out of the car and coming to church with us.  I'm so grateful for this gesture. 

This afternoon we had Easter dinner, dessert and Easter egg hunt out by the lake with my cousins and second cousins.  It's a perfect Michigan spring day, so I better get out and enjoy the rest of it before the sun sets.

Happy Easter!

Crew Member Hamm

I'm proud to continue introducing my bridal party with the bridesmaid whom I've known the longest:

The one and only Mrs. Natalie Hamm. 

Tal and I have been friends since before I can remember-literally.  Through the days of elementary school, middle school and EGRHS no matter what groups of friends we were the closest to at the time, we always stayed constant.  We have karaoke tapes, fashion show videos and high school scandal stories to prove it.  Somehow our friendship avoided all the drama that surrounded those years.  When Natalie and I are together, things are always fun.

With training in art and graphic design, Natalie has an eye for all things beautiful.

Having been the manager at both Kate Spade and Prada, she put her talent to work in high end fashion industry.   She has the most stylish children and perfectly decorated home I've ever seen.  Despite love for nice things and impeccable taste, she is far from pretentious.  Natalie is as real as it gets; somehow we talk about some of the most inappropriate and disgustingly hilarious things you'd ever hear most of the times we hang out.  She's quick witted, strong and a mother I will one day emulate (if I have kids).  She is a fantastic friend whom I know always wants what's best for me.  

Over the years, we've grown closer and closer- if that is even possible.  I was the first to hold her puppy (sorry drew) and one of the first non-family to hold each of her children.  I feel like her family is my family an I hope she feels the same way about mine.  I will be forever thankful that we have lived in the same city for our entire lives thus far (minus the four she was a Hoosier).  I know no matter where life takes us, we will remain a constant until we are old grannys remembering our crazy young days.