Done, Done and Done.

By that I mean, second marathon, plane ride with baby and first round of successful Holidays! Ahhhhh.

When folks asked why I would want to run a marathon, let alone, a second one... I didn't really have a good answer. Exercise? Joy of running? I'm not sure and I figured either one of those answers might put me in potential harm of running haters. The truth is I wasn't sure if I could do it again. I thought maybe the first time was just a fluke and I wanted to see if I could do it. Everything becomes a bit more of a juggling act when a little one is involved,  so I liked the idea of the challenge.

It was an amazing day and ever if there was a Fall day in Philly to run a marathon it was the one! My amazing cousin paced alongside me (even though she had only trained to do a half) and kept my spirits up the entire time. We discussed music, crazy family, being moms, running itself and listened to some tunes that I'm personally embarrassed to mention. We high fived lots of fantastic friends along the way that came out with water, bananas and lots of encouragement. And, dare I say, before I knew it we were at the finish line high-fiving and saying maybe we would do it again! Maybe.
A huge thanks to my wonderful husband that took on baby duty for me to escape on long weekend runs and rolled his eyes saying you could actual be getting sleep now. He's a hard egg to crack, but the best cheerleader out there!  And to my sweet, EB,  for being a pretty amazing training partner. He took in the miles and happily enjoyed snoozing and the scenery.

Training for a marathon at least had a manual. Thank you Hal Higdon. Flying with a baby, not so much. I felt like a magician with a bag of tricks... bottles, Puffs and pacifiers we had a plenty! There were backups for the backups! But at the end of the day flying with a 9 month old is pretty much what I imagine flying with a baby chimp to be like and no amount of pacifiers is going to fix that. However, we arrived and Thanksgiving in warm, sunny FL with both of our families and friends was fantastic!

With the Holidays around the corner I was on overload. It was my mission to make this the most amazing first Christmas any baby had ever seen. Tree, check. Decorations, check. Lights, check. Tons of hand painted Christmas gifts with baby's print, check. Cookies, check. Delirium, check. I felt like a crazy person trying to think of every creative, unique idea known to man. After weeks of preparing, I had a hard reality check when baby couldn't focus on any of these amazing gifts and creative things that had been put into place because he was too obsessed with the tissue paper and wrappings, check.

So, I learned something in all of these scenarios. You can do what you put your mind to (even if it takes a long time), you can survive most situations (as long as you have pleasant, fellow passengers) and you should appreciate all of the things that your mom did to make the Holidays magical for you!!

           
                                                           Live Wildly. Love Deeply.

It's all Relative(s)

After much time away (many months) I returned to a post that I wrote back in  August. I felt like it was missing something, so I walked away and took a very long blogging break. So, my apologies to Mimi (whom this is about) at least she knew I was a bit of a procrastinator.






But it's all relative 
Even if you don't understand 
Well it's all understood 
Especially when you don't understand 
Then it's all just because 
Even if we don't understand 
Then lets all just believe - Jack Johnson

Over the past weeks life has brought us the unfortunate passing of my husband's grandmother, his Mimi. So, needless to say, life slowed down and sped up all at the same time.Thoughts slowed down and it was nice to soak in some memories, but with a death comes all the hustle and bustle of services, family and keeping up with day to day life.

This Spring and Summer has brought a heavy heart to both myself and Jason between my Papa and his Mimi passing away. They were both pretty amazing people and each had a wonderful impact upon our lives. What was so important to me was that they were able to get to know, love and have an impact on the significant other that each of us chose.

As my aunt stated in her sympathy card to Jason that his Mimi was a 'lovely' lady. I couldn't say it more perfectly. She was proper, lovely and always made sure that Jason was minding all of his manners around me. She would scold him for walking in front of me and made sure that all doors were opened... for that alone I loved her. She always asked how my mom and brothers were doing and how my career was going. These were much more than just questions. They were moments that let me know she cared, she remembered, she noticed and that I mattered. It's amazing that it's the little things that mean the most.

In each sadness that life brings, there is always a silver lining. Jason's family was able to come up from FL and his siblings were all able to meet EB and little cousins got to meet and hang out for the first time!

The whole Griesser family was able to connect (Jas says it had been 11 years since his whole family was together!) Who knows, maybe this was Mimi's way of planning a reunion?!

Life (and death) can be pretty ironic. I never pray before I go to bed, but the night before the funeral I said the Serenity Prayer (the night before a funeral seemed like a good time to pray) and I told Jas that I had prayed that night. And wouldn't you know.... as we were sitting in mass the next morning, he held up her funeral prayer card with the Serenity Prayer on the back. Maybe she was speaking to me... that's what I choose to believe.

I feel very blessed to have been able to meet, know, love and feel appreciated by such a wonderful woman.   I am so grateful that she was able to share two of the most amazing moments in both mine and the husband's life....

                                                                 Live Wildly. Love Deeply.

Swim, Bike, Run...Eat, Feed, Sleep

The past few weeks have brought a lot of hecticness... exercise, good friends, good food and lessons.

I was able to do my first post baby triathlon, the Philly Sprint Tri, and survived the swim that I was a little unprepared for in the not so succulent Schuylkill River. For those not local, while it may be nice to look at on your drive into the city, the fact that they pull cars, bodies and God knows what else out of this River doesn't make it the most desired swim spot.
While I missed having my friend and race partner, Megan, there with me (I lost her to the Olympic distance) there was something very invigorating about getting up early, heading to a race alone and completing it all by myself. I felt proud of myself for being motivated enough to do it just for me. Again, not pretty, no pictures, but my bike looked good.

On to the next....

The 4th of July brought us to the Shore with good friends, plenty of sunshine and good food. We got to share the weekend with some very dear friends and have them get to spend some quality time with EB. The weekend consisted of Coronas, crab legs, clams and chocolate covered pretzels.... I can find no wrong in that.








Good friends are wonderful in my opinion because they let you practice for 'real' life. You may not always say or handle things in the perfect manner, but they'll allow you to mess up and redeem yourself and go for a do over. In the words of Allen Iverson, 'it's just practice.' I feel lucky to have people in my life that allow me practice for the big show. This will be the one and only quote I will ever use from Allen Iverson. Promise.







We got to take EB to his first 4th of July parade in Ocean City. He cruised the streets in his 'stroller on patriotic steroids' according to my husband. It's amazing that Holidays take on a whole new life and meaning with a babe involved. The bike parade hasn't drawn our attention in years past, but this year involved an all out evening on the porch of beers and mass decorating.

What a godmom! The Dischers and McLaughlin's came out as well. Although, they're apparently good OC residents and attend every year.







Even amidst the baby triathlon routine of eat, feed, sleep... I couldn't resist another 'real' one. This past weekend brought myself, some friends and my cousin, Judy, to Stone Harbor, NJ for yet, another triathlon. It  brought a great pre-race pasta dinner (with 2 lucky Coors Lights), a nice sunset and a chance for EB to hang with us at the bar,

a perfect Sunday, Shore race day, a great beach recovery day that ended with ice cream.

During each race I have time to think and learn more about myself.... how I handle stress, when to push myself and when to take it easy, where do I/ should I focus my energy and what is most important...showing up or winning.
Each of these thoughts and lessons go for the 'real triathlon, the baby triathlon and the race of life. We all need to work hard, but relax. We all need to do well in life, but focus on the people that matter the most. We all need to get out and participate, but it's not the winning, it's the showing up that matters (that's the motto of slow people.) And, you usually get a participant medal anyways, so you'll always feel like a winner.

Whatever your triathlon may be this week....
work, booze, sleep... live, laugh, love... wash, clean, fold...
do it well and find a balance.

                                                 Live Wildly. Love Deeply.

Bittersweet

This past weekend was such a bittersweet one. It was the first Father's Day in my lifetime that I can ever really remember looking forwards to. When you lose your father at an early age, the joy of this holiday is sort of swept away. There were still wonderful uncles and my amazing Papa to celebrate and craft up gifts for, but it surely isn't the same. So, as any Father's Day in the past it was difficult to wake up and know this would have been a day that my dad would have loved and it was even harder this year not having the best Papa around to fill that hole as he was always able to help do in the past. This year however, was very different.....

this year was painting a coffee mug with the babe's handprints (more like blobs),

this year was whipping up an early morning quiche and making a Dunkin' Donuts run,

this year was a fun bike ride, not one used as a distraction,

this year was the grill, filets and red wine!! (thanks O'Connor's)

While I always feel like I've tried to celebrate my dad on Father's Day, it's more difficult than one can imagine and it never mustered up to much of a joyful occasion, until now, so I was more than happy to finally celebrate the day and have it come easy!

Pre Father's Day also provided me with my long awaited Christmas gift in June... Kenny Chesney!! While many may laugh and I can understand, this is a day that I long for and eagerly await every summer. It's a tailgate like none other with margaritas, Coronas, friends from VA, blow up swimming pools, sand and beach chairs, fishing poles..... you name it .....

and most of all, fabulous people watching and fashion like none other!!

It gave the husband and I a much needed day off (thanks, Mom) and some fantastic simple tunes. It gave me a chance to sit beside not just my husband and best friend, but a guy that has turned out to be a more amazing father than I could have ever imagined.

I hope that this past weekend and Father's Day provided each of you with an opportunity to be with your father... to talk to him, hug him, share a meal with him and tell him that you love him. It's a beautiful thing that I've missed for many years, but am so happy to have a son to enjoy those moments in his life.

 Live Wildly. Love Deeply.


































            (Jas and EB with an appearance
              by Dropkick Murphy!)                                          

Holy Summer

So while the past few weeks have been hard in dealing with the loss of Papa, there has also been a great deal of goodness that can't be overlooked....

My husband's sister, Mary Catherine was able to visit and have some quality conversation time with the babe.

Although under unfortunate circumstances, we were all able to have some time with my brothers (up from FL)

I was able to run my first post-baby half marathon with one of my besties, an amazing friend and my wonderful cousin, who trotted by my side the whole time, even though she could have been happily done and in the beer garden a great deal earlier. (No pictures from this event, it wasn't pretty.)

We were able to ring in the unofficial beginning of Summer at the Shore over Memorial Day weekend with friends!!























And...EB had his original sin wiped away!! We were able to celebrate with lots of family and friends and God didn't rain on our outdoor parade!

This passage was read at my Papa's funeral and I've been thinking about it a great deal since. While it could have been easy to look at the glass as half empty while mourning, it was more beneficial to see the half full side....


There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—
A time to give birth and a time to die; 

A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance. 

 So, the past few weeks have been about birth... of great godparents....

 the planting of new Shore memories with our son....

the growth....of new beginnings (with a little luck)

 

taking to laugh....

and even a little dance or two.

If there's no breaking then there's no healing, and if there's no healing then there's no learning." - One Tree Hill

"The soul is healed by being with children." - Fyodor Dostoyevsky

                                                       Live Wildly. Love Deeply.

The Wonderful Years

It's with a heavy heart, but a smile on my face that I write this entry. One of the most wonderful people in my life died this past Saturday....my Papa. The sadness and heavy heart is my own selfishness, I want him here, but the smile is for him, I know he was ready.

People often times become glorified after they pass away, that isn't the case here...my Papa truly was that person. He was human and wasn't perfect, but he was about as close to it in my eyes.

He came from humble beginnings, he was a hard worker, served in the United States Army, worked for the classic American company M&M's but above all he was a family man and I can attest to the fact that he was the best Papa out there.

I think it's the true sign of a good life lived when all of your family and friends come together and celebrate your life over mourning our loss. To have your two daughters stand and speak about what a truly amazing father and person you were says more than anything a person could leave behind. To be able to leave this earth and know that you are loved and respected by your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is a blessing that he absolutely had.

Funerals are always hard no matter how you dice it, but a good, Irish service is always followed with a get together that sure makes everything feel better. Kids running around, everyone drinking and sharing stories....it's exactly what my Papa would have wanted.

It's true what they say that we don't get to pick our families. That's why I feel extremely blessed to have been dealt a good hand!
I couldn't be happier that our little Edward was able to meet one of the wonderful Edward's that he was named after. He surely has some big shoes to fill!


 

My Papa was amazing.... he was a glass of lemonade on a porch swing, he was a summer Yankees game on the radio, he was a Manhattan at 5 and he was most certainly a handful of M&M's!

Give your loved ones a big hug and kiss tonight, tell them why you love them, not just that you love them and enjoy happy hour together....maybe even a Manhattan!
                                        
                                                        Live Wildly. Love Deeply.

Officially Open

Officially open....myself, to even more flexibility in my life and our back patio!

Motherhood has been an incredibly humbling experience. It's a great deal of work, patience and flexibility and it's truly a labor of love. So, I decided that I would really soak up my first Mother's Day experience, and it was a great one!

The big task on the agenda....clean off the back patio! Most folks 'winterize' their deck/patios and save themselves a lot of trouble when the Spring rolls around, not us. We're lazy in the Winter and essentially create much more work for ourselves when the long awaited warm weather finally arrives. But, at least we get to enjoy it throughout every season!

I swear I didn't plan this, but it was smart to have a big job booked in on Mother's Day...I was able to escape the work. So, with the help our friends and neighbor's the, Williamson's, who own absolutely everything, the husband was able to power wash that layer of dirt right off! Some new string lights, hanging plants and fresh herbs...and just like that, we're officially open!!
Outside of the Shore, the back patio is my favorite summer spot. Wild, out of control grass,  the huge willow tree, beer tub and a fire pit make it the perfect oasis for simple humans and dogs alike.

I had requested Mexican food, Coronas and outdoor dining for my first Mother's Day, which made the local Mexican restaurant around the corner the perfect, easy spot. We headed over to enjoy an early dinner on the outside patio. When we arrived we were told that the patio was all book up with reservations but we could sit inside. Much to my dismay we took a table by the sunny window and decided to make the best of it...until....

the older couple entering behind us requested the same thing. The young hostess said that she would get the manager, who quickly came over and said that he would be happy to accommodate them (I have bat ears.) So, the gentleman in the polo shirt and his white haired wife in fancy pants were escorted to their outside table.  I was outraged! We had been set up in the indoor make shift cry room (with one other table filled and yes, they had young boys) so as not to disturb the elite outdoor patio eaters and their older children that were entertaining themselves with their electronic devices.

Did those folks put up with your Cinco De Mayo parking debacle for the past 6 years? I don't think so. Not to mention we were still without water or server several minutes into our sit. That was it, I was done, this relationship is over. I don't care how many Groupons you send out!
 We unanimously decided we were done, headed outside and found ourselves in the parking asking, 'now what?'
So, I did something very un-Susan like, I made a decision. Take out tacos and a 6-pack of Corona on our newly cleaned patio. All I wanted was to eat Mexican food outdoors and we could surely make that happen, so he did!

The service was prompt and much more friendly,

the babe was more comfortable and had great entertainment,

the soundtrack was better, it was more cost effective, a bag of gummy bears was on the dessert menu and my 'original babies' were able to enjoy the dining experience with us! It was perfect!

So, some extra AM sleep time, a delivery of blueberry iced coffee and a strawberry frosted donut with sprinkles, some solo work out time without the jogger, a clean patio and a perfect dinner... I couldn't ask for more. I've always dreamed of being in a Corona commercial, which I realize may never happen, but this surely felt close enough, I'll take it!

Thank you, local Mexican restaurant that is around the corner and flushes up to our backyard that will remain unnamed. Thanks for disappointing the locals, yet again, for in doing so I believe that you have helped to create the beginning of a beautiful Mother's Day tradition! Two of my most favorite days are Halloween and Christmas and I eagerly anticipate them each year, however, I think Mother's Day just may give them a run for their money!

As I prepare to slowly reemerge myself back into my art therapy practice next week, it seemed a good idea to practice what I preach and engage in a little art therapy of my own. So, I helped a friend out with a sign (maybe to follow on Etsy) and engaged in a little horticulture therapy with the flowers and herbs.

I hope that wherever you found yourself this past week, that you found yourself open...open to the amazing local weather we had, open to a new experience or open to a new person, it just may be the beginning of something beautiful.

                                                             Live Wildly. Love Deeply.