dazzle the district

Wow, what a weekend. It was SO awesome that I’m pretty much speechless. Okay, not really – but I am suffering from some minor laryngitis … for real. But at least I can type, right?

Friday started with a 10.5 mileish run BEFORE work. Yes, that’s right – I ran before work with Nicole, a girl I’ve been running with who also signed up for the Cleveland Half Marathon (in less than two weeks!). We both had bus weekends planned so decided to get in a run before work early Friday morning. It was so nice to know that we’d done 10 miles before 7:30 a.m.!

10 early morning miles with Nicole

Friday night was amazing. My parents were in town (YAY!!!) so we enjoyed dinner at Saigon, and then took in the Dazzle the District celebration. The live music, performances, crowds and of course the actual lighting and fireworks were incredible. For those that don’t know – my neighborhood is now home to the world’s largest outdoor chandelier. And not only did I get to enjoy the lighting of the chandelier, but I got to go with my parents who were in from NY.

Jamie (lives in my building) had a Dazzle pre-party

Pho for dinner

before

Chandelier is lit!

Saturday I woke up with no voice. Like literally no voice at all. So instead of going for a run and playing tour guide, I took it easy. We went to West Side Market with my parents, then of course I had to take them to Cleveland Tea Revival (my mom’s new favorite place!) and then we walked around a bit and explored Ohio City.

YUM! Bread at West Side Market

Pizza at Biermarkt

We enjoyed some pizza for lunch at BierMarkt and then it was on to the Indians game! B got us great seats (4 rows back on the first base side) AND we won. My parents loved sitting so close – and taking home a win is always great.

All wearing Indians hats

Indians Win!

Sunday my parents left pretty early – which was sad, but okay because I had an event to go to. I’m on the board of the Phi Beta Kappa Association of Cleveland and Sunday was our annual Scholarship Banquet. Each year, our organization recognizes 100+ local outstanding high school seniors and awards one a $4,000 scholarship. It was a great event and it was so nice to “talk” (my voice was still coming back) to the young students, their parents and hear what they had planned for their future.

Hundreds of people at the PBK Scholastic Awards – Students, Parents, Teachers

Sunday night ended with some work and of course dinner at B’s parents house.

I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday … we’re already halfway through this week and soon ready for the upcoming weekend! Some questions for you:

Have you ever lost your voice? What did you do to get it back? I’ve been drinking tons of tea and honey and trying to suck on tons of cough drops to prevent from constantly coughing/clearing my throat.
Are you Phi Beta Kappa?
Plans for Mother’s Day? We will be hanging out with B’s family. Since I saw my parents last weekend, and I’ll be seeing them again in a few weeks, we won’t be seeing them for Mother’s Day.
Have you ever done a long run before a work day as opposed to on the weekend? Would you do it again?
What are you looking forward to this May?

April may be flying by but I’m pretty much enjoying every speedy minute of it. The end of the month means that I have some fabulous things to look forward to:

1. DAZZLE the District!

I am SO excited for this event – happening NEXT FRIDAY. The Dazzle the District celebration is a big party happening in my neighborhood that in honor of some new renovations – lights, video signage, elegant gateways, a humongous “retro” sign inspired by PlayhouseSquare’s 1920s-era roots and the world’s largest outdoor chandelier. Yes, I will be living near the world’s largest outdoor chandelier. Anyway, there’s going to be a big party with happy hours, Hot Chelle Rae Concert and a lighting ceremony. I CAN’T wait. You better bet I’ll be tweeting/Instagramming/etc. with the hashtag, #DazzleCLE.

I walk by here every day pretty much .. here’s where the chandelier will be!

Love the new gateways – and they’re lit up at night!

New gateway in the area

2. Cleveland 10-Miler

The Cleveland 10-Miler is this weekend! It’s a race I’ve grown to love (yes, I said “love” about a 10 mile race) over the years. The crowds, the weather, the people running it, the after-party events, the medal, the Gu/water stops, the t-shirt and even the route. The last time I ran it I was training for a marathon and had already run 10 miles before the start (and had the last 10 miles of my 20 mile run be the race) so this weekend I’m happy to be “only” running these 10 miles.

3. Races for a Good Cause – A Better World for Autism 5K

The spring and summer are full of 5ks that support various causes. This weekend, B and I will be participating in a race that supports a cause that’s definitely close to us, autism awareness. B’s aunt is active in the organization hosting the race, so we’ll be driving down after our 10-miler to join their family in this event. Who knows if I’ll feel good enough to run in it, but I’m looking forward to being part of the event!

4. Summer Farmers Markets and CSAs!

Now that summer is almost here, it means our CSA is about to begin! B and I signed up once again for Fresh Fork Market and I can’t wait to see what new meats, vegetables, cheese, pasta, etc. we receive this year. I had a blast trying out new recipes and cooking many new greens last year (check out some of my Fresh Fork wrap ups, including what we got and what we made). Some of my favorites included:

Kohlrabi Slaw … I’m so happy that Fresh Fork introduced me to Kohlrabi – now I’m hooked!

Fennel, tomato and avocado salad

BEER CAN CHICKEN

5. Our 3rd Wedding Anniversary

Next week will mark 3 years that B and I have been married. Wild, huh? It honestly feels like yesterday (cliche, I know) that we were just dating, not even engaged. Wow, times have changed. Please join me for a walk down memory lane (warning, cheesiness ahead)

OK, i know this is before we met, but I couldn’t help myself. 🙂

Dressed up for a formal, senior year of college.

A Turkey Trot, circa 5 years ago. check it out – B IS WEARING A HERMES 10 MILER SHIRT! (yes, this post just went full circle)

Halloween. We were the robots from Flight of the Conchords.

And from this past year – us in Seattle

A few questions for you:

What are a few things you’re looking forward to as April draws to an end?
So apparently the 3rd anniversary is your “leather” anniversary. Quick, what are a few leather gifts?
Any fun races coming up?
Clevelanders – will I see you at Dazzle the District?
Has a CSA or Farmers Market introduced you to any new foods? Yup, kohlrabi! I love it roasted and as a slaw but when I first saw it I thought it was an alien. No joke. It scared me.