Nana & Pappy's Day Trip

One of the perks I'm absolutely excited to get when I'm in my retired years: Taking the whenever-I-feel-like-it day trip.

My parents, being the retired two that they are, did just that today. They stopped down and picked up Sydni from Mindi's, and proceeded to spend the entire day out with her playing. By the time I got home, she was spent, but one clearly happy little chicky.

Rob met us in the middle on Beechmont for dinner before Nana & Pappy had to head back. There was enough laughing and stray food to go around, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

syd with her guys

the amazing two men in my life: rob & dad

girls!

As a bonus, this was in our back yard when we got home:  

hi there!

 

It's going to be a busy couple of days coming up, but I'd say that's not a bad way to start the weekend!

xo | cmd

Rained In ...

First, here's the obligatory #TBT, to the time when I wore a pastel onesie and made scrambled eggs for the fam: 

... and i bet it was delicious ;) hahh..

We had plans to take Sydni down to Bluegrass in the Park tonight, but it of course is raining. Welcome to the Midwest, folks.

Instead of heading out and taking the gamble, we defaulted to our regular fail-safe plan: hanging out together as a family!

or pre-bedtime mini napping.. whatev..

There really isn't much to report today, so I'll leave it at that. It's a dreary day out there, but I'm a happy camper, no less. I love this little family of mine... to the moon and back!


xo | cmd

Brakes? What Brakes?

My morning routine typically starts with leaving for work. Yenno, something basic like that.

Well, I didn't get very far. I didn't even make it out of the neighborhood before my brakes completely gave up the ghost and stopped working for good. I somehow managed to coast back home and into the driveway. Rob came home for a bit to inspect the damage; we ordered some brake parts to be delivered to his work later on today, and he headed back. Lizzy was kind enough to come and get me, so I eventually made it to the office. 

well.... yeah.

Two hours late, but made it no less. Thanks, Lizzy!

After work, Nancy took me home. I think I needed today if for no other reason than a clear reminder to appreciate my [usual] mobility. I coordinate things daily with people reliant on public transportation, so often that I lose sight of how grateful I should be for having a car that functions. Anyway, I made it home just before Rob showed up to save the day [again].

He wasted no time digging into the back brakes on poor little Subie.
I'm glad he did, because it... was.... a mess.

poor subie

whoa!

he. is. awesome!!

Kalyn called in the midst of it all; she was looking for something to do in the gap between work and our 9:30pm volleyball game. She stopped over and we headed to Eli's, because YES. That's why ;)

It was then home, food and a little more relaxing before our journey over to Hahana, where we put up a big WIN before calling it a night.

*Yawn. What a day!

We'll see how these brakes hold up tomorrow. If I'm right, these puppies will have me stopping on a dime. My mechanic's pretty awesome ;)

See ya then!

xo | cmd

Hoxworth Reds Blood Drive

The fact that I participate in blood drives will forever be blamed on Becky. Hahh. I'm not upset though; I'm glad that she ingrained the necessity to attend these as frequently as I'm allowed.

The last time I attempted to donate, I nearly passed out, apparently not having eaten enough earlier in the day. I decided this morning that that would not be an issue today: 

breakfast

lunch

It was time to go! It's always unnerving to get a needle stuck in my arm for 15 minutes, but I was happy to report even halfway through that it was a no-worries situation!

good to go!

SUCCESS!

cincinnati reds swag ;)

Your turn, friends! These donations save lives; if you are able, GO DONATE!

xo | cmd

Starbucks Inspiration | USAvGHA

Gooooood Monday Morning! 

I chose to start the day with a grande cup of sugar and caffeine. That's good, right? ;) Well apparently, Teavana and Oprah have teamed up with Starbucks and now have the cup wraps printed with inspirational things. This likely isn't a big deal to anyone else, but I personally think it's a nice little boost to whatever we're drinking!


inspired!

Continuing on in the spirit of awesome things, the USA men's team kicked off their World Cup participation today against Ghana. I was in the car during kickoff, and nearly ran off the road when Dempsey put in a goal in the first minute. YEAH!

#1n1t!

And then, because Becky, Mike and I cheered our souls out, screaming at my TV here at the house [yes, that's the reason, not that the team played well or anything like that.. hahh], the USA pulled a win by 1.

usa 2, gha 1! | #webelieve!

Successful Monday!

xo | cmd

Father's Day 2014

Every year on Father's Day, I could easily give the world no less than a hundred reasons why I believe my father deserves every accolade in the book. This is no different, but for the sake of brevity, I've taken the more personal approach this time and sent everything he needs to see directly to him ;)

But still, brag time!

Here's my dad. He's a staple in our family, and I could not be more thankful that he was carefully chosen to be a part of my life, and me of his.

circa 1985, 1995 & 2009

 My dad's not just a father; he's a grandfather to my wild little mini!

"pappy"

Thank you, Dad, for what you've done for our family, for what you continue to do and for who you are for us and for everyone who is blessed to have you in their lives!

Today wouldn't be a proper recognition of fathers without expressing my sheer gratitude for Rob, as well. While he may not have a blood-tie to Sydni, he's welcomed the role of an honest, invested father figure to her without doubt or condition.

"mister rob" - we love you!!

These two men are the models of what real men should be - loyal, generous without stipulation, compassionate and transparent in all they do, say and are. I will easily say that, while I'm a pretty self-sufficient person, I wouldn't be nearly as guided, grounded and secure as I am with them.

Dad and Rob, you two are the best. I love you & hope you both [& the rest of the deserving dads out there] enjoy today. This is for you!

Happy Father's Day!

xo | cmd =

Chacos | City Flea | World Cup | Farm Fresh

Bro, I am TIRED today.
It could be the fact that I stayed up with Nader and Keith well past my usual bedtime, and woke up this morning on my body's workweek alarm setting. Meh.

To combat my grogginess, I opted to do something outside the box.
I'm here to say that, after nearly five years of belligerance, I broke down and replaced my old Chaco's with a brand-spankin' new pair. Thank you, RRT in Milford!

newbies!

They are fantastic! My first order of business post-purchase was a mini hike down by the Little Miami. It was a perfect morning for it all, and despite being tired, I was quickly rejuvenated by my little jaunt.

pretty little morning :)

nature selfie!

It wasn't long before Becky and Mike called; they were heading from Findlay Market over to the 513 City Flea, so of course I joined.

513 city flea, washington park | cincinnati, oh

Our friends at Fab Ferments were of course there, so it was an easy choice to pick up some kombucha along the merchant route.

fab ferments kombucha = deeeeelish.

And on the opposite end of a body cleanse, some grilled cheese from C'est Cheese:

yum!

And on our way out, Becky and I made a stop off at one of the vendors, where I picked up this cute little number:

wooden hair accessories - love!

yay, city flea! :D

After City Flea, it was time for some World Cup Coverage; for that, it was Hap's Pub in Hyde Park. The World Cup is just beginning, so it'll be interesting to see where our good old boys from the U.S. land, and how they play, since Landon Donovan obviously won't be making an on-field appearance this time. GOOD LUCK!

standing room only!

Our last stop of the day was out to Becky's parents on the western side of Cincinnati. It was egg-collecting time, and there were plenty for the taking. Thanks, chickies!

straight from the chicken!

There's nothin quite like farm fresh eggs.

Anyway, it's definitely been an extended day, and I'm ready to do all of nothing else tonight. I'm pretty excited for that (:

xo | cmd



WOrld Cup @ Hap's. 
Home. Relaxed. Did NOTHING rest of night.