Task # 30: Read at least one book a month (1/30)

Task #30: Read at least one book a month
Suggested by: Me
Completed: (1/32)

So, I have been admittedly a little slow in completing one book a month.  But, have no fear, I will catch up with some much needed vacation time at the Jersey Shore coming in the very near future.  However, I did complete my first book.  I read, Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson.   It was an insightful book about how to fight more constructively, repair relationships and be a better better-half.  I thought that it was important for me to do a little internal house cleaning after a particularly tumultuous previous relationship.   I think that I learned a lot.  And because I also managed to leave it out on the porch during one of this summer’s rainstorms, I also now own the Lakewood Library’s copy. 

Hold Me Tight

Task # 22: Ride 150 miles in an organized bike ride

Task #22: Ride 150 miles in an organized bike ride
Suggested by: Eliza H.
Completed: 8/13 - 8/14/11

This weekend marked my first time riding in the MS 150 Pedal to the Point, which consisted of a 75 mile ride from Middleburg Heights to Sandusky, OH (Home of Cedar Point).  It was a tough and rewarding experience, all rolled into one.  We rode for our friends Julie W., Karen M. and Eli W - all recently diagnosed with MS.

Day 1 started out pretty smoothly with a large crew and a lot of excitement.  Thanks to Sean's company we had snazzy jerseys to rock out in.  The day went quick with a lot of rotations as we took turns riding with each other, it was nice to have so many of my family and friends to ride with.  The picture below was taken at about the half way point - a delicious lunch of pb&j sandwiches and ho-hos.  Mom was at the finish to greet us with her loud whistles and cheers.

Day 2 was a different story, sore legs, not enough sleep and nerves overtook the morning.  And when that wasn't enough, the sky opened up and we got drenched right after lunch, without about 40 miles to go.  Wet conditions led to dad slipping on the rails of a railroad track and taking a pretty big spill, but like a trooper he got right back on and didn't miss a beat and I'm proud of him for that.  The rain subsided, but only for a short while - the last 40 miles or so were ridden in the rain.  But we finished strong as a group and have proof of it - courtesy of Channel 5 News http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/pedal-to-the-point.

Task #32: Go to a professional sport event

Task #32: Go to a professional sporting event
Suggested by: Me
Completed: 7/31/11

It was only a matter of time before I completed this task – I love going to baseball games with friends.  This past weekend I caught the Phillies take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia with my girlfriend, my best friend, and his friend.  Had front row seats right above the Philies dugout – which makes for a spectacular view but meant that we roasted in the hot sun all game long.  And while we may have had some mild heat stroke, we quickly cured it with some cherry Italian ice.   But the sunburn was worth it to watch the Phils take home a win in the 10^th inning on a clutch hit by Raul Ibanez and for a take home souvenir.

Task #60: Host a happy hour for friends

Task #60: Host a happy hour for friends
Suggested by: Me
Completed: 8/4/11

I’m a little bit behind on posting my progress, but I played host to a happy hour last week for the greatest friends a girl could ask for.  My best friend from high school, my amazing sister in law and her two sisters – I love that everyone gets along so well and it was nice to have some girl time.  We did appetizers pot luck style and, as always, ended up with way too much good food.  Bruschetta, turkey roll-ups, crackers and fancy cheese, fruit and dip, apples and nuts and cheese and balsamic (yum!), coffee chocolate soup, espresso granita and creamsicle cake.  It was a great night and I couldn’t have asked for better friends, better food, or better times.

I just hope that my next happy hour will be to welcome a new work colleague that we so desperately need!