A fun August that features some Star Wars, my three dogs, and a whole lot of flower crowns.
June In Pictures
Coming Together
In the past month, news broke that two women had been raped on the near west side. Both women had been going about their business in the early hours of the morning when the incidents occurred. One was on her morning run. I pass one of the locations every single day.
Usually in crisis, my reaction is to arm myself with all the tools possible to overcome said crisis. And when these stories broke, I really armed myself- tasers, pepper spray, alarms....
But some people took a different tactic-- this past Friday, over 600 people joined together to run in support of the two women- men, women, children and dogs-- they ran, they walked, they left messages of love and inspiration.
Because we are Cleveland. And we support each other.
Also, if you were wondering, the rapist was also arrested last week. I'm probably retiring my taser.
Clambake for a Cause
As you know, from time to time, I use my blog to advocate for an organization that is very near and dear to my heart, Secondhand Mutts. I have been a Board Member for Secondhand Mutts since 2011, but have been involved with the rescue as a volunteer essentially since we brought Otto home in 2008. Since that time, Secondhand Mutts has grown tremendously! What I am most proud of as Board Member is that Secondhand Mutts has never shied away from the difficult cases, the overlooked and unwanted dogs. Ruby was one such story.
Ruby came to Secondhand Mutts blind from diabetes. Through our incredible foster network, we were able to find her a foster home while we assessed her medical issues. Once we found out that her vision-loss was reversible, we decided that we were absolutely going to do everything in our power to restore it! A few weeks ago, Ruby underwent eye surgery, and has now successfully regained vision. In even better news, her foster mom fell so in love that she decided to formally adopt Ruby. That said, Ruby must remain on a daily regimen of insulin and eye drops for the rest of her life. All told, Ruby's rescue cost over $3,500 and she is worth every. singly. penny. I mean, look at this face!
In any case, to defray some of the cost of Ruby's care, and to honor her restored eyesight, Secondhand Mutts is hosting a clambake on October 5th. A single ticket is $45 and includes a clam and chicken dinner, and unlimited beer, wine and soda. Couples can enjoy two tickets for $80! If you're not into clams and just want to drink, you can buy drink-only tickets for $20. To see all the ticket options, and to buy tickets, please go HERE. There will be no tickets sold on site, so these are presale only!
While this is not a dog-friendly event, Ruby will be making a guest appearance to say hello and give thank-you kisses. The clambake is being held at the Pavilion of the West Side Irish American Club which is a covered outdoor facility. So, dress appropriately!!
As a side note, one of my favorite things about clambakes is the opportunity to tap into my outdoor fall wardrobe: skinny jeans, boots, cozy sweater, maybe a puffy vest....
I hope you will attend. Nick and I will definitely be there to support the cause, and I would love to see you in person!! XO
Ruby came to Secondhand Mutts blind from diabetes. Through our incredible foster network, we were able to find her a foster home while we assessed her medical issues. Once we found out that her vision-loss was reversible, we decided that we were absolutely going to do everything in our power to restore it! A few weeks ago, Ruby underwent eye surgery, and has now successfully regained vision. In even better news, her foster mom fell so in love that she decided to formally adopt Ruby. That said, Ruby must remain on a daily regimen of insulin and eye drops for the rest of her life. All told, Ruby's rescue cost over $3,500 and she is worth every. singly. penny. I mean, look at this face!
In any case, to defray some of the cost of Ruby's care, and to honor her restored eyesight, Secondhand Mutts is hosting a clambake on October 5th. A single ticket is $45 and includes a clam and chicken dinner, and unlimited beer, wine and soda. Couples can enjoy two tickets for $80! If you're not into clams and just want to drink, you can buy drink-only tickets for $20. To see all the ticket options, and to buy tickets, please go HERE. There will be no tickets sold on site, so these are presale only!
While this is not a dog-friendly event, Ruby will be making a guest appearance to say hello and give thank-you kisses. The clambake is being held at the Pavilion of the West Side Irish American Club which is a covered outdoor facility. So, dress appropriately!!
As a side note, one of my favorite things about clambakes is the opportunity to tap into my outdoor fall wardrobe: skinny jeans, boots, cozy sweater, maybe a puffy vest....
I hope you will attend. Nick and I will definitely be there to support the cause, and I would love to see you in person!! XO
Awesome Weekend (part 2) aka The Night Donnie Wahlberg became my favorite New Kid
... The Package!!
And what a concert it was... Boyz II Men, 98 Degrees, and of course, the inimitable NKOTB. And the Q got LOUD. As in louder than the Cavs playoffs games, when LeBron was still around. Kelly, Allison and I were in the FOURTH ROW!! By far, the best concert seats I have EVER had!
At 7:30 pm sharp, the lights went down, and Boyz II Men took the stage. They played a short and sweet set, of which my personal favorite was I'll Make Love To You, serenaded to a crowd of screaming women, while faux rose petals rained down on the arena from the rafters. Oh yes, there was even a rose ceremony.
They absolutely did NOT disappoint... the coordinated white outfits, the emphatic finger waving, the sweet sweet 90s dance moves... and they still sound REALLY REALLY good.
Up next was probably the weakest act of the evening- 98 Degrees. To be honest, I was never a 98 Degrees fan girl, even in their heyday. I guess power ballads don't really do much for me. Still, they put on an entertaining show. My favorite part was when they brought four ladies up on stage and sang to them. There was one woman who was absolutely ADORABLE!! With her curly hair and glasses, she looked alternately terrified and completely exhilarated to be there! I'm sure it was a night she will never ever forget, and I really hope that someone was taking video so she can have that memory forever!!!
The lights went down once again, and after a short break, out came the main act... NKOTB!! I cannot even describe the screams that this band elicits--- I mean, it was nothing short of absolutely deafening at points. The "Kids" still look really really good, and even though the youngest (Joey McIntyre) is 40, they are in really good shape. How do I know? Not only did they dance their asses off, but they also lifted their shirts MULTIPLE times, so show off their incredible abs.
Joey McIntyre
We Own Tonight (on their new album "10")
They played a mix of new and old songs, and with Donnie Walhberg whipping the crowd up into an absolute frenzy, there was no shortage of screaming and singing along. At one point, Donnie totally made out with a woman in the audience. NO LIE!!
One of my favorite parts of the concert was their cover of Prince's Kiss...
I mean, seriously?! I will say, there was definitely a LOT of hip thrusting....
Jordan Knight
He then proceeded to be totally awesome, although I'm pretty sure he drank a fan's beer...
As the song ended, and he made his way back to the stage....it happened.
As he walked by, our eyes met for a millisecond, and... HE TOUCHED MY HAND. The three middle fingers on my right hand, to be precise. And that was it. THAT was the moment Donnie Wahlberg became my favorite New Kid On The Block. Every boyband fantasy I ever had as a teen came true in that very moment.
And then, after an incredible two hours, with Hanging Tough, it was over.
In the light of day, and with the memory of an incredible evening, I ponied up my $9.99 to buy the new album, and have been listening to it on repeat ever since. DAMN YOU DONNIE AND YOUR WASHBOARD ABS, YOU HAVE ME BRAINWASHED!!!!
Sometimes I wonder why the boybands from the 80s and 90s continue to tour. I'm pretty sure they don't need the money... maybe its because they still have fun doing it (NKOTB always look like they're having an absolute BLAST on stage).... maybe its because they like knowing they can still pack an arena with 95% screaming female fans.... maybe its because they like tugging at those nostalgic strings, knowing that their fans now have way more disposable income.... either way, to them I say "well played, Gentlemen... well played."
BOYBANDS FOR LIFE!!!