wedded bliss

Catching Up

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It’s been too long since I’ve update here.  I’ve been bitten by the Twitter bug and that has been taking over my life.  Luckily (?) I don’t have a phone that will allow for mobile Tweets…when that happens we are all in trouble.  Instead of a proper post here are some random updates:

  • Friday night Mark and I went on our first date night in entirely too long.  We went to the Cavs/Celtics game to watch LeBron and Co. kick some ass.  It was my first NBA game ever and I had a blast (even though our seats were about as close to the arena rafters as you can get). I think I’m becoming a serious Cavs fan.
  • We got about a foot of snow here over the weekend and we had a lot of fun with M playing in the white stuff.  We even purchased her first sled and took her to an ity-bity hill a few blocks away.  She loves it (and loves eating the snow).  She squealed with delight going down the 6-foot hill and wanted to do it again and again.
  • Preparing for these snowy outings is more like a scene in the “Christmas Story” then I’d care to admit.  Anyone have any tips on good toddler mittens that are easy to put on but stay on?  They can’t cost a fourtune, either. 
  • My GB surgery has been rescheduled for Feb 9.  Thankfully, Mark and I have an overnight alone for Feb 7.  It’s been almost a year since our last one.  We are banking on this one being more restful then that.
  • 2009 is the year we will finally be able to start some work on our house.  Now that we’ve been here a year the list has gotten quite long and it boggles the mind to try to think about getting it all done.  Our plan is to start with the upgrading of the electrical system and a complete re-wiring of the house.  Sounds exciting, no?
  • I’ve taken a too-long hiatus from my workouts.  Tonight that changes.  I expect to be quite sore tomorrow. 
  • Sunday mornings have become “pancake day” in our house and M loves it.  If it’s my sleep-in day (Mark and I take turns sleeping in on the weekends) she wakes me up by saying “Mama!  Pancakes, yes?” while nodding her head and looking hopeful.  It’s too cute.

Short and Sweet

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In the last 7 days…

Cookies: baked (and frozen lest they be inhaled prior to Christmas)

Surgery: cancelled

House: decorated

Dust: swiffered

Laundry mountain: summited

Shopping: started and finished

Holiday cards: ordered, addressed and mailed

Big-ass TV: set up

World: rocked

A week from today is my big family Christmas gathering.  After that it’s pretty low-key and low-stress.  My sister & her kids will be coming up for a couple of days to watch M during a daycare shutdown and I know M will have a blast – she adores her cousins.  p1040875

M and her cousins, the morning after Thanksgiving

Rock with your Daddy

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Today we finally got to experience Rock-n-Tot and we all had a blast.  Pumping music, toys, snacks, art and people to meet – what’s not to like?  Naomi puts on one hell of an event – I could not believe all the things she thought of… from goodie bags to a sports center to get game updates.  I will be watching for news on the next date and will get my tickets quickly as this one was sold out.  

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rnt2While we were there I recognized Erika’s little girl shakin’ it on the dance floor and eventually spotted Erika and introduced myself (no small feat for this shy girl).  Hopefully I’ll see her again at the Kurt Vonnegut Book Club in a few weeks.

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As with everything worth doing in Cleveland, Bar Cento was involved.  And upon seeing this sign we immediately knew where we were going to dinner:

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It was fantastic, as always.  I branched out from my usual (sunnyside pizza) and had the mussels which were fabulous.  We also all shared the olive oil cake which was very, very yummy.  And, in another display of finally overcoming my social awkwardness, I introduced myself to the famed Amelia – AKA Chef’s Widow. The KVBC is her brain child so I hope to see her in a few weeks, too.

All in all it was a fabulous family day on all accounts.  Now I’m looking forward to the short week and more family time ahead.

Have to Get Away

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Even though I’m a couple of days back at the daily grind I thought I’d tell you a little more about our vacation. Mark and I have been going to Hilton Head just about each of the last 8-9 years thanks to the generosity of my parents who own several weeks in time shares.  We have been very spoiled by vacationing to condos with 2-3 bedrooms and as many bathrooms and I now can’t imagine spending more then a couple of nights in a single hotel room with kids (I’m a brat, I know). Last year we drank the kool-aid and bought a week for ourselves.  We own at the Marriott Surf Watch and it’s fabulous.  This was our first trip with our week (I’ve been to this resort before with my parents) so it was great to confirm that we love our purchase.  

Since we’ve vacationed here so often we know what we love about the island and what we can skip.  This made for a very relaxing trip where the biggest decision was “pool or beach?”.  Our days pretty much consisted of letting M dig herself silly on the mostly deserted beach, going back to the condo for lunch and naps (which we all took, every day), swimming – some days outside, some days inside, dinner, then another jaunt to the beach for some more digging action.  

The great thing about the condos are the full kitchens and we stock ours for several meals in as soon as we arrive.  But, I can’t be near the ocean without indulging in as much fresh seafood as possible.  This trip with my diet restrictions (no drinking, ultra low-fat foods) I was worried about eating out but then remembered grilled or steamed fish and seafood is perfect.  Our first night we were too tired from the drive to think about making dinner in so we headed to a touristy spot that is a usual place for us to go: the Crazy Crab. This is a mecca for vacationers: casual, kid friendly, nothing fancy.  We usually go to the one in Harbour Town but this time we went to the one on the intercostal waterway and it was a beautiful view.  While their menu features everything fried there was a nightly special with grilled fish, shrimp and veggies that I ordered.  The food is okay, nothing special but perfect for a first night out.

Later in the week we took a recommendation from the staff and tried the Sea Shack.  We were told it was good, very fresh seafood at cheap prices and a local favorite.  The place was hard to find and when we did find it there was a line 20 deep.  “No way” we said, then discovered that it was a few minutes before 5:00 and it wasn’t open.  We change our tune; “Must be a good place!” and get in line.  We wait about 25 minutes before we even get inside.  The place is small – maybe 15 tables and very, very unpretentious.  There is a board with all the fresh catch selections along with the standard fare.  Everything can be grilled, fried or blackened and comes with 2 sides and hush puppies.  I order grilled scallops at the counter and snag one of the last empty tables, Mark gets blackened shrimp and we get M the kiddie popcorn shrimp meal.  Add in drinks and and piece of blueberry-keylime pie to go and the total is about $30.  I wasn’t expecting much but I got a dozen good-sized scallops that were cooked perfectly, a huge serving of parmesan mashed potatoes and salad – all for $11!  Everything is served on disposable plates with plastic utensils.  Like I said, not fancy but oh so good and cheap. When we left there was still a line 20 deep out the door.

Our last night there Mark chose the restaurant and we headed to Captain Woody’s at Palmetto Bay Marina.  We had never been to this part of the island before and will most likely go back.  It seems like a very fun place to hang out and have a few beers on a nice night.  The night we were there it was chilly and pouring rain so no beers at the outdoor bar for us.  Instead we ate inside listening to the chatter of all the regulars at the bar.  The menu was decent but didn’t have much to offer with my low-fat needs.  I ended up with grilled grouper and Mark had the shrimp po’boy. M had PB&J and cottage cheese and a few cocktail shrimp. I wouldn’t say this place was exceedingly kid friendly but that might be different on a warmer night sitting on the patio.  Next spring when we go with family this would be a great place to head when we can leave the kid at home with grandparents.

Rounding out our trip was the ubiquitous trip to Harbour Town and South Beach (we had to get M a Salty Dog shirt) and a rainy day visit to the Sandbox – a new find.  

As usual a trip to the low country left us relaxed and recharged.  A stop over in Saxapahaw to see Lindsay on the way home was icing on the cake.

Updates and Such

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There is so much going on right now that I feel like we are zipping through weeks at a time.  Our vacation seems to be the carrot at the end of the stick right now.  We will be spending a week in Hilton Head in late October; we’ve never been down there in the fall and we wanted to take advantage of having no school schedules to check out a favorite destination in a new season.   We’ll also be visiting a college friend on the way home.

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This weekend is the bash to celebrate M’s 2nd birthday.  I can’t believe she will be 2 next week and can’t believe all that’s happened since we celebrated her 1st: a new house, two new daycares and a host of other transitions.  We’ll have about 15 people (including 5 kids) over on Saturday and I’m trying to get ready.  I know I will still be a psycho-Martha-Stewart-drone all morning before the party.  It’s one of the few times I’m a typical Virgo – I love party planning but I get crazy stressed about all the tiny details.  This year I’m trying to be very Zen.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

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I’ve been doing Weight Watchers @ Work for about 4 weeks and it’s going very well.  My employer is paying for it as part of our wellness initiative.  I’ve lost about 15 pounds (and have more then several left to lose) but am feeling like the last several days I’ve been stuck in a state of inertia.  I need to start working out on a more regular basis again.  So many people have praised the 30 Day Shred that I have it next on our Netflix queue.  I need a few options other than walking to get me back to a regular schedule. 

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I’m so excited about this.  I hope it pans out because I think it would be amazing!

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M was about 70% potty-trained via the lazy-parent method at her old daycare (this method is where you let the daycare staff do the training and just follow their lead when at home. I highly recommend it).  We have never really tried to train her but she had been interested in sitting on the potty for several months and in the last month had actually started using it with regularity.  With the switch to the new daycare/preschool she isn’t using the potty at all.  I need to talk to them about working with her some more now she is settled in.  She’s there for 40 hours a week and if they don’t work with her she’ll never get it.  I don’t feel she needs to be out of diapers yet, but I also don’t want to loose all the momentum and interest she had gained before the switch. 

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I go to Chicago for 5 days next week, leaving the day after M’s actual birthday.  I’m looking forward to it but also hate to be gone that long for work.  It’s a long time to be gone from my family and I feel guilty for leaving Mark as a single parent for that long.  The guilt is all mine, he is a wonderful and more than capable parent who has not said one word about going it alone for that long, but I still feel bad.  Plus, although we get reimbursed, the trip is a pretty big outlay of cash and that’s something we don’t have much of right now (2 more payments and a major debt is cleared and I cannot wait).

Happy Birthday Belly!

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I am wrapping up a nice birthday weekend here in Cleveland, full of great local food.  Saturday night we went to Pier W on Michelle’s recommendation and had a superb feast.  While we waited for our table I had a Bombay Sapphire Cucumber Lemonade which was a refreshing new taste combo and Mark had a Grey Goose and cranberry which had to be sent back for more cranberry – as served it was basically a glass of straight vodka.

We were not seated by the windows as I had requested when making the reservation but we were situatied at a table with a great view, nonetheless.  We decided to go all out and get two of everything and share. Mark started with the lobster bisque which was incredible.  I had to wrestle the dish away from him to get my share, then I had to restrain myself from licking the bowl clean.  I had the crab cakes which while very good, weren’t anything special.  

All week I had been thinking about the rave reviews Michelle had given the king crab legs and I was sure that was what I was going to order.  However, there were so many good things on the menu I opted for the bouillabaisse while Mark took on the crab legs (he had to promise to share several bites with me).  I’ve never had bouillabaisse before and I was glad I tried it here – the broth was savory and full of herbs and the fish and shellfish were plentiful.  Mark’s crab was sweet and succulent, the legs were enormous and there was more than enough meat to share.  While I was glad to try it I was happy with my decision not to order it as my entree – it was too much of one thing for me.  

We finished off the meal with two shared desserts.  Mark got the chocolate-peanut butter bomb, which while very good got his usual reaction – not enogh peanut butter.  I had the chocolate crème brûlée which was amazing. Mark thought it seemed like more of a pudding but I loved it and it was a huge dose of chocolate that I wanted.  We liked Pier W and it was a good “special occasion” place. Michelle’s recommendations have pointed us to many restaurants I don’t think we’d ever have found on our own.

Today we lazed around the house – Mark made me pancakes for breakfast and I got a nice long nap.  This evening we decided to have an impromptu early dinner out.  We were going to stay close to home but the Shaker Heights restaurant we went to appeared to have closed down.  Faced with a choice of what to do I declared that we should go have my favorite Cleveland eats: Bar Cento pommes frites.  After a plate of those oh-so-good potatoes Mark had the daily special of lasagna which he said was the best he’s ever had and I went with the heirloom tomato margherita pizza which was, as always, incredible.  I love their crispy crust!

While we were at Cento we saw both Chef Sawyer and his wife, the fabulous Chef’s Widow, who was working the bar.  Mark kept trying to get me to go introduce myself but my shyness won out and I never did. Besides, I felt a bit awkward and stalker-ish about going up to her and saying “Hi!  I read your blog all the time!”  How are you supposed to introduce yourself in real life to someone who’s blog you read all the time?  I need a blogger etiquette class.

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Thank you to my parents who gave me money for a pedicure to take care of my nasty feet.  The pedicurist at Dino Palmieri had her work cut out for her but did a hell of a job! (thanks Erika, for the reccomendation to this salon; I love my new haircut!)

Thank you to my co-workers who got me a gift certificate to Pier W – it helped make the final bill a bit easier to handle!

And thanks to my hubby I will be taking this class soon.  I can’t wait.

Bronze and Pottery, Lace and Linen

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8 years ago today was a picturesque day with clear blue skies. Bald eagles rode the drafts above as I stood in a beautiful garden on Salt Spring Island, BC and pledged my never-ending love and commitment to my amazing husband.  I was not quite 23, he was 28.  I wore orange tennis shoes, he wore a yellow bow tie.

8 years. 

Wow.

When we met 22 months earlier I knew he was different… he was permanent.  From our first “date” which was after he took me home from a friends house which turned into a late night viewing of the Princess Bride and a nearly all-night gab fest; to us both forgetting where we went on our first proper date.  From the first night I met him that he doesn’t remember.  Even when my father asked if he was a Communist and we tried to elope but couldn’t find a Registry Agent Office or Marriage Commissioner on the last day of our trip.  I knew then like I know now that it’s him and me – end of story.

It’s a keeper.

I love you honey!

Long weekend “staycation”

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I hate that word – “staycation”, but with new jobs and a lack of vacation time we aren’t going anywhere this summer.  With the long weekend we had a great time hanging around our house and hitting a couple of local attractions.  

On Friday we went to a picnic at my boss’s house (she’s a good friend, too).  Saturday we hit this really cool free tour of the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway and the awesome Westside Market.  On Sunday we headed east to Chagrin Falls for lunch and sites in this quaint little town.  In between we hung out in the back yard with Maggie’s new climber and wading pool – we didn’t neglect the “family nap” either. 

We had a great time!

 

Problem Solved

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Last night we saw The Cure in concert.  Awesome show, awesome songs, entertaining crowd.  3 solid hours of music with no breaks.  Two encores (sadly we missed the second in order to get home to the babysitter on time).  It was a fantastic performance. I would see them anytime they came back to Cleveland.  Well, maybe not on a work night…I am so damn tired today.  Honestly, their core fan group has to average between ages 35-40 so you think they could start their weekday shows a bit earlier!

Almost equally entertaining as the stage show was the diverse crowd.  Young Goths, old Goths, parents with their teenage kids, 30-somethings with polo shirts and khakis and the weird 60-something in front of us who I’m guessing was tripping on something. 

We solved our ‘where to go?’ dilemma by dining at Bar Cento last night as we decided to skip the opening act in favor of dinner.  We shared three dishes – sunnyside pizza, braised short-rip appetizer and an order of the divine pommes frites.  Mark had a glass of their newly tapped Christmas Ale and I had a glass of their house white.  We were more than satisfied.  The short-rib was wonderfully tender and flavorful, the pizza was an intriguing combination of flavors and textures (Mark wasn’t a fan as it was “too breakfasty”) and the fries – well the fries I could eat every day! 

It was a perfect date night and apparently one that is popular among the cool kids in town.

Grandma arrives in a few hours and then it’s a couple of days of dinners out and wall-paper scraping!

Blog? What Blog?

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Well hello there – has it really been that long?  What, you want content?  Stop pressuring me!! 

There are no real reasons as to why I haven’t posted here in so long – just the beauty of summer and daylight savings time mixed with the busyness of life. Life has been extremely busy lately – just living has taken up a ton of time.  Between toddler wrangling, social lives and us both trying to exercise a lot more there isn’t much time for anything else. 

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One of the things that is a constant source of discussion around here is how much there is to do in Cleveland!  We are trying to experience our new town to its fullest this summer but wrapping your head around it can make you very tired.  Add to that the seemingly endless list of Cleveland restaurants gaining national media attention and our desire to try them all and things can get a bit out of hand. We’ve managed to get to a ball game already, and had dinner at a couple of great restaurants.  However, affording a babysitter along with a dinner bill can make these things out of reach.  

But this is shaping up to be a very fun week ‘round these parts.  M’s grandma has been dying to get her hands on her since she was born.  But, since M had no desire for nourishment that didn’t come straight from the source, this nursing mama was tethered to her side for well over a year.  She’s been weaned for several months but grandma (who is a teacher) didn’t have the time, not to mention energy to take our knee-biter off our hands.  That is until the beauty of summer break for teachers – now my mother has nothing to do but dote on our little angel.  Not really, but she is making the 3 hour trek here on Thursday and taking M home with her until Sunday afternoon.  Whoo-hoo!  Two and a half days of sleeping in and livin’ the pantless life!  

In reality we are in dire need of some time to work on the house.  We are stripping the wallpaper off every stinkin’ wall of the first floor and that’s the kind of task that goes much faster with two adults and no toddlers.  But things will not be all work and no play in the household – we do plan to go out for dinner each night, and maybe catch a lunch or 2, too.

As soon as my mom confirmed the dates I called Lola and snagged reservations for Saturday night.  I am beyond excited.  To add to the excitement I caught an Iron Chef America with Lola’s Michael Symon last night (our almost-neighbor Ruhlman was a judge – Cleveland represents!) and I now am positively vibrating with the anticipation of dining there. 

That left Friday up in the air and leads us to our dilemma…do we try something totally new (the Flying Fig) or go back to Bar Cento for a full dinner?  We know that we will love Chef Sawyer’s full menu and he even commented on my post about our first visit so how could I not go back?  But, the sheer number of places to try on our list is so overwhelming that it’s hard not to use the free babysitting to check out a new spot. So it will all come down to reservations – if the Fig can’t accommodate then we will happily check out Sawyer’s dinner fare.

Either way it will be a great weekend and I can’t wait.  But before we even get to that we have one more fun, kid-free activity planed.  On Wednesday night we are going to the Cure concert downtown.  Again, this is something we are both hugely excited for.  I’ve got my black eyeliner all ready to go.  

Ah… it’s like the revisiting the heady, reckless spending, late night days of pre-parenthood. I have a feeling I will be exhausted when it’s all over!