Last Week of Summertime

August 21, 2022August 20, 2022 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

This week was our last week of summertime. School starts next week, along with early mornings, earlier (hopefully) nights and a change in our routine. So, this week I tried to take advantage of sleeping in a few last times and get in some good runs. I’ve really been enjoying getting out there and watching the sunrise at the end of my runs, but with the days getting shorter and having to get up earlier, I know that time is limited. I’ll have to start a countdown until next spring/summer when it starts again!

Here’s what the week looked like – including some of my sunrises:

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Long Weekend in Upstate New York

August 14, 2022August 13, 2022 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

This week was a little out of whack, workout wise. But for good reason – I was in Upstate New York visiting my family! It was the first time we’d been out there since GM was born, and only the second time since 2020 (thanks, pandemic). That’s why I didn’t get in a long run, or even every day of DR exercises. But I got in some runs with new scenery, some long walks, and – most importantly – some great family time.

Here’s what the week looked like:

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Much Needed Family Time in New York

April 27, 2021April 26, 2021 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 1 Comment

What. A. Wonderful. Weekend.

After a year of pretty much staying put in our house in Cleveland, we FINALLY made it back to New York to see my parents. My brother had flown in from Germany, so we braved the 8+ hour car ride with the two kids to see him and my parents for a quick weekend. We hadn’t been back to New York since December 2019 – it was crazy to think how much has changed since then. Not just with the pandemic, but even with our kids — LM was still nursing, in a crib, in diapers, and not talking; FW could barely remember what my parents’ house looked like, and was hardly independent, etc. Oh yeah, and I was not 6+ months pregnant. It really seems like another lifetime.

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It was a quick trip – way too quick – but so great nonetheless. I got to enjoy home cooked meals and baked goods, quality time with my whole family, and even some runs with my brother. Here’s a little of what the weekend entailed:

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A Weekend With Family in NY

October 19, 2019October 21, 2019 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 9 Comments

This past weekend I got to travel – by myself – to New York! My brother was in town from Berlin and somewhat last minute I decided to get on a plane to see him and my parents.

It was such a good decision – I hadn’t been home since Christmas and it was great to see my family and also get in some quality time.

The weekend started with a quick stop in the City to see Jane. We were able to grab a quick lunch and catch up before I caught the train up to Albany with my brother.

Friday started off with a run around my old neighborhood. I saw cows and even caught my brother who was out for a bike ride!

That afternoon, we went to the Hyde, a nearby museum and old house. It was a GORGEOUS fall day in the area, but chilly.

And the museum was really cool – they had a Picasso exhibit going on, but you also get to see the interior of the house, which is preserved since the family lived there in the early 1900s.

Friday night, we went out to dinner in Saratoga Springs. I had an AMAZING grilled octopus dish.

Saturday, we decided to escape town and go for a hike in the Catskills. My brother, mom and I got in the car and after a kinda long car ride, got to the bottom of the trail at the mountain. After hiking up, we saw some amazing views.

The trees were all yellow and orange.

Then, we climbed up even further — you can see the house down below right where I took the picture above.

That night, we had tickets to the Albany Symphony Orchestra! It was a great performance at the beautiful Palace Theater downtown.

Unfortunately, that was the end of an amazing weekend. I hadn’t spent time with just my parents and brother in several (8? 10?) years, and it was just what I needed.

Questions for you:

When was the last time you traveled by plane?
Do you live near your parents? Siblings?

FW’s First Trip To NY

September 6, 2016September 5, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

This weekend, B and I took FW on his first road trip- we went to visit my parents, brother, extended family and friends in NY.

It was the baby’s first road trip!

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First, I’ll admit that a normally 8 hour car ride is not my idea of fun. Add in a semi cranky 2-month-old baby? Not the greatest way to spend your Friday night. But once we got into town, it was great! I loved being able to introduce everyone to the baby and also get some time to myself as he was passed around.

semi-cranky baby hehe

Some weekend highlights included:

Playing “pass the baby.” Not really- but FW got passed around from my mom, to my aunt to my uncles, etc.

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Going for a run around my old neighborhood while FW was watched by my parents. It’s a nice change of scenery from my usual downtown runs and much hillier than I’m used to!

seen on my run

Seeing my brother. I hadn’t seen him in a few months and I was so glad that he and FW got to meet! This picture makes me so so so happy.

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Hanging out with Jane and Alisa, two of my bffs from forever. They were also excited to meet FW.

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And we snuck in some FaceTime with our bff Melgar of course.

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Taking FW on a run at a local park. B and I took turns with the jogging stroller, which is getting a little easier to use.

post-run pic at the park

Getting through our first road trip with FW. I was lucky to get some advice from some mom friends ahead of time (including Reanna) and it went pretty smoothly. I spent about half the time in the front of the car, half in the back and brought a few toys, some pumped bottles and a car adapter for my pump.

Watching the first BC game of the season. FW hung out with B and cheered on the Eagles, who sadly lost their lead at the end of the 4th Quarter.

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We had to leave early Monday but still managed to make it home for our usual “Sunday” dinner – where FW continued to get showered with attention, this time by his cousins.

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My heart is so full from showing FW my home and introducing him to so many of the most important people in my life. I know he won’t remember these days later in life, but I’m cherishing every one of these moments as he gets bigger and bigger each day!

I love the holidays

December 30, 2015December 29, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

Welp, the holiday season has come and gone. I had such a great time spending time with family and friends, and it seems like ages ago I was back in New York.

I had a great trip home, as always. I had a week home with my parents, some time with my family for Christmas, and then B and I took a few days off and visited Newport, Rhode Island. All in all, a successful holiday break. If only I were ready for 2016!

family

Some highlights from my trip back to New York:

Decorating the tree with my family. When I was younger, we used to go out and cut it down ourselves – it was a great tradition.

tree

Going out to dinner in Saratoga. We went to one of my favorite places and had some delicious fries. It was a little chilly and we spent some time walking along the main street of the downtown area.

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Tons of baking for Christmas. Of course.

Taking walks with my family. One day it was 30 degrees, the next it was 60! SUCH seasonably warm weather! We had some 50+ degree days before and after Christmas. It was incredible!

selfie taking a walk

one of the 50+ degree days. Doesn’t look like December!

Running while home. B wore shorts and short sleeves on Christmas – I told you it was warm!

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Going to the movies. A usual Christmas tradition is seeing a movie on Christmas – this year, a group went and saw Carol, while another group saw The Big Short. I saw The Big Short – it was really good! Christian Bale was so good.

Seeing two of my best friends, Jane and Alisa. Jane and I got to hang out several times, taking walks (in above said warm weather), eating cookies, watching holiday movies, grabbing lunch, etc. It was great!

jane and alisa selfie

Some (but not nearly enough) quality family time.

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And tons of reading. I finished All the Light They Cannot See, Station Eleven and California. All of them were so good! Next up I’m reading 1Q84. What else should I add to my list?

And that was about it. A perfect relaxing holiday!

Some questions for you:

Did you see any movies?
What books are you reading now?

WIAW #43: Home for the Holidays

December 23, 2015December 22, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 12 Comments

I’m home for the holidays! While it’s not quite yet Christmas, and I still haven’t finished all my gift wrapping (fingers crossed my last package from Fedex arrives today as planned!), I’m back home in New York and enjoying some rest, relaxation, lots of reading (finished two books, onto the next!) AND home-cooked meals. So for this week’s WIAW, instead of one day of eats, here is a glimpse at a few of the meals I’ve enjoyed since I’ve been home.

Breakfasts have been pretty standard while I’ve been home. Some cereal (my parents’ cereal collect rivals that of Seinfeld) and fruit. Pretty standard AND delicious. Oh, and I love my mom’s homemade granola.

Granola! (no, not frozen yogurt)

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Lunches have varied somewhat, typically including some sort of bread with cheese, fruit and a type of soup.

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For dinner, I’ve eaten all meals home (and homemade by my mom!) but one. We went out to dinner one night in the beautiful Saratoga Springs and hit up Ravenous, a place known for their crepes and frites. They did not disappoint. Otherwise, we had some roasted turkey breast, pesto pasta and cornish hens. All hit the spot. So. Much.

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And desserts. How can I forget about these? I’ve been baking up a storm for the holidays and of course sampling some of the treats, including chocolate covered pretzels, lemon bars, chocolate fudge cookies and jam cookies. ‘Tis the season!

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Questions for you:

What have you been baking?
What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?

Weekend in NY

December 14, 2015December 14, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

Happy middle of December! It hardly feels like that right now because it is so warm! This weekend B and I were in NYC to celebrate my dad’s birthday, and it was nearly 70 degrees. That’s right, 70 degrees on December 13! I can’t complain, though- it made for an even better weekend in the city.

B and I got in Friday night and met up with my BFF Jane who lives in Brooklyn. The plan was actually to surprise my dad with a birthday dinner Saturday night with family. He had no idea that we were coming in, and had no idea about the family dinner planned. I can’t believe we pulled off the surprise!

Jane and me and Mexican food and beers. Yum!

So, Saturday, Jane and I mostly hung out around the city and met up with some of her friends. It was also a warm day and we checked out some holiday markets downtown.

super crowded markets

amazing cauliflower bahn mi for lunch

Saturday night, it was surprise time! We got to the restaurant 30 minutes before my parents and brother and waited… I was nervous! Surprises make me anxious. Luckily, all family and friends arrived on time and when my dad showed up he was so surprised!

Dad and me at dinner

My brother and cousins

B and me

Sunday, B and I had a late flight back to Cleveland, so we were luckily able to meet up with my family again. We met up for a tour of One World Trade Center, which is now an observatory above the city. There were great views of the city all around us! We then grabbed a late lunch before it was off to the airport.

amazing views

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The trip was great. Even though it was short (and we didn’t get in any runs), I got to see Jane AND my family. I hadn’t seen my family in months, and my extended family in nearly a year. And I can’t believe I’ll be seeing some of them again in a few weeks for the holidays! I feel so lucky I got to celebrate my dad’s birthday and am looking forward to seeing everyone again soon. Now, to survive a short week!

Linking up today with Erin for my weekend snapshot post, Katie for MIMM and the weekly wraps.

Some questions for you:

How often do you see your family?
Are you traveling for the holidays?

The Most Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful … Time of Year!

December 28, 2014December 26, 2014 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / Leave a comment

As we start to wrap up 2014 and the holiday season, I just wanted to share some highlights of my few days in New York celebrating the holidays with family and friends. ❤

This tree. I love the lights, the ornaments we put on together, and how at home I feel when I’m standing right here.

Sushi with friends at my favorite sushi restaurant in New York. Nothing beats it!

Holiday baking with my mom. We don’t actually bake together, but rather discuss recipes and baking choices and then pretty much bake on our own. We enjoy finding new recipes, like this year’s raspberry almond thumbprint jam cookies.

Seeing friends I haven’t seen in ages. My three best friends from high school this year lived in San Francisco, Brooklyn and Finland – a.k.a. waaay too far. I’m happy to share that this lovely lady is back from her Finnish stint and living in the U.S.A. again!

“Is this going on your blog?” was probably said a few times.

And seeing my cousins. We haven’t had a cousin photo in a while.

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Slightly change of running scenery pace. For example, one day I ran past cows. Grazing. On snow. A little different from my downtown Cleveland runs, huh?

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How have your holidays been so far? What’s your favorite part about this time of year?

Merry Christmas!

Another Carnoski Thanksgiving in NY and Cleveland

December 3, 2014December 3, 2014 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / Leave a comment

I really love this time of year. I love the food, the holiday music, the traditions, etc. But really, I just love seeing my family. B and I swap Thanksgivings, spending pretty much every other holiday with my family, and this was one of the years we spent in New York so I got to see my family and friends.

A few highlights from my Thanksgiving:

A few homemade meals (I still love my mom’s cooking):