Exploring LIC with Mom and Dad

Christopher and I have lived in Long Island City for just over a year now. After our first summer in LIC, it is safe to say this little pocket of Queens really comes alive at this time of year. The two big recurring weekend events are Smorgasburg and LIC Flea. We've been to both a handful of times. And really enjoyed introducing my parents to the area with these two events over Labor Day Weekend.

You can't really say you've experienced Smorgasburg unless you try the Ramen Burger. It really hits the spot. A little salty, a little savory, a little tangy. Somehow, it just works. Mom and Dad gave it a shot though Dad was a bit more skeptical than Mom. In the end, they gave it a thumbs up!

We opted for cold treats at LIC Flea & Food since it was such a hot day! The gelato macaroon sandwiches are absolutely delicious. We ordered a passionfruit and vanilla one...and neither disappointed! While debating on our treat selection, we browsed the market style booths and a couple really caught our eye. Chris and I couldn't pass up the creative sign of Queens with our first home of LIC designated on the upper left side.

We spent a bit of time walking along the water at Gantry Plaza State Park, too. There are great views of Manhattan and the Queensboro Bridge, lots of unique benches, and, of course, the Pepsi Cola sign! Mom and Dad also enjoyed the scenery from our apartment rooftop. LIC is the perfect spot to watch the sun set over Manhattan's east side. Stunning views!

Andrea :)

Health & Fitness in August

I'm one month into marathon training.  It's going well.  It started off rough though.  Really rough.  But after a month, I'm good.  Well...as good as I could have hoped at this point! Surprisingly, I stuck with my schedule of running (sometimes in more of a walk/run pattern) four days a week.  It was great in the beginning.  I felt like it really helped me to get back into the swing of things.  However, as the month progressed and my body got used to running those short(er) runs during the week, it started to feel a little repetitive to run back-to-back on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Given that and a number of other reasons, I decided to make a switch for September.  I am going to cut back to three runs per week.  As the mileage increases both during the week and on the weekend long run, I want to ensure I give myself a proper amount of time to recover between runs.  We'll also be gone for a portion of the month and I know it won't be realistic to keep up with all the runs then so I am attempting to keep things somewhat attainable.

My only other update to the schedule is the addition of a half marathon the second weekend in October.  Originally, that was scheduled to be my final long run (20 miles), but after further reflection I think a timed race at that point will be more beneficial for me.  Mostly, I feel it will give me a realistic idea on my pace for the marathon itself.  Either way, I am looking forward to the challenge/test!

Andrea :)

Saturday States: Tennessee

Tennessee

State Nickname: The Volunteer State

Years of Family Trip: 1995 and 2004

Cities Visited: Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Gatlinburg

Can't Miss Tourist Attractions:
Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Opryland (Hotel) in Nashville, Graceland and The Civil Rights Museum in Memphis

Walls of Wonder 

Graceland is just one of those places.  Even if you don't particularly like Elvis, you just have to check it out.  It's legendary.  One of a kind.  Little did I know how completely true those statements would ring after I laid eyes on the place myself.  The exterior isn't anything out of this world.  It's fairly simple as far as mansions go.  There is an elaborate gate providing an entrance to the place, but the house itself is pretty standard.  At least on the outside.  Inside is a different story.  The carpet is the shaggy variety and finds its way pretty much everywhere - including the walls!  Yes, the walls are carpeted.  I can't really imagine how that conversation went, but I'm sure there were a slew of questions involved!

YOU can't sit here!!

My family has been to our fair share of museums, but without a doubt the most powerful one I have ever stepped foot it is the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.  Not only are you able to roam the grounds of the Lorraine Motel and see a replica room where Dr. King was assassinated, but the actual museum is outstanding.  We experienced several interactive elements including a bus and a lunch counter where passengers and waiters/customers yell angry words to give you the feeling that so many felt in those tragic times.  It was unreal to walk in those shoes for that brief time.  Over a decade later, I still clearly remember my raw emotions as I made my way through the exhibit.  If you do nothing else in all of Tennessee, don't miss this museum!

Have you ever been to Tennessee?

Andrea :)

An Old Hollywood Wedding...in Albany!

After planning a wedding last year, I find that I enjoy checking out all the nuances and details of the weddings we attend so much more than I did before we got married.  It takes a lot of time and effort to put together a wedding with a well thought out theme and decor.

I loved the old Hollywood theme at Ryan and Zamira's reception this past weekend.  Every detail was perfect.  Not only did the theme match their personality, but it was also so fun!

My favorite element was their guest book.  They had each person sign a champagne glass on the painting that will eventually adorn a wall of their home.  So neat!

And, of course, the photo booth is always fun.  They modernized it by including selfie sticks and props.  We managed to get a great shot with the fun backdrop!

Chris and I had a wonderful time celebrating the lovely couple.  The night was full of delicious food and fun times with friends.  A great way to end the busy month of August!

Andrea :)

#collaboreads: Set in Summertime

I found my book for this month's category via random google search, and I couldn't have been happier to have stumbled upon it!  I didn't have anything on my to-read list set in summertime so after a quick search I found a few options.  Cancel the Wedding is the debut novel for Carolyn T. Dingman.  The story follows Olivia's journey to discover her mother's past via a strange scattering of ashes request upon her premature death from cancer.  A summer road trip to the quaint Southern town where her mother was born and raised yet never visited as an adult allows Olivia to learn more than she ever dreamed.

RIVETING.

What part of the book could you NOT get enough of?

I absolutely did not want to put this book down.  The mix of mystery and romance woven throughout really had a tight grip on me.  The most intriguing part of the book dealt with the mystery surrounding why Olivia's mother, Jane, wanted her ashes scattered in two quite specific areas of Huntley.  On the surface, the novel appears to revolve around Olivia and her cold feet issues, but truly SO much more is going on here.  I was fully invested in uncovering the mystery of her mother's young life.  As the daughter of a lifelong genealogist, this story was right up my alley.

ELEMENTS.

How did you relate to/care for the characters?
What's your thought on the plot line and twists and turns?

As I mentioned, every aspect of the book that revolved around the life of Jane was fascinating to me.  The book begins with a prelude snapshot of a few hours of young Jane's life so the reader begins the novel at a bit of an advantage since Olivia knows absolutely nothing about her mother's past.  I really liked this element of the book because it allowed the reader to anticipate and make educated guesses about the way the story might go.  I did make a couple of correct guesses, but there were also several twists and turns that really kept me intrigued.  I deeply cared about the story line surrounding Jane and really liked the fact that two characters - Florence and Buddy - provided information, but also respected her privacy (even in death) to only answer direct questions.  This particular twist was both frustrating (as the reader just wanting to know everything right away) and brilliant (as the author allowing an opportunity to provide snapshots, but not give everything away all at once). 

ASSOCIATE.
What other books are like this one?
If none, did it remind you of a particular TV or movie with it's themes and characters?
Does it serendipitous-ly line-up with things going on in your life or the news right now? 

This novel was a story within a story where both stories were equally interesting and life changing for the main character.  On Goodreads, the book is compared to "Emily Giffin’s Southern charm and Jennifer Weiner’s compelling, emotionally resonant novels about the frustrations of blood ties".  I've never read Griffin, but I can see why she is compared to Weiner.  

As far as lining up serendipitous-ly with other things going on in my life, we do have seven wedding to attend this year so I guess you could say this is our year for all things wedding.  Thankfully, after this weekend, we only have two left in October!  And I thought the year we got married (last year!) would be our busiest! Ha! 

DESIGN.
You know you judged this book by the cover. What did you think of it? 
How did it relate to the contents of the novel? And the font and layout of the pages? 

I liked the design of the book.  It is simple, but really invokes the idea of journey.  The book begins with a summer road trip to Huntley, Georgia, so the cover is certainly fitting.  I like that the hood of the car is down and the sun is shining!  The other unique aspect of the novel was the opening prelude with a snippet of Jane's early life that I referenced earlier - great feature! 

STARS.  
How many out of five do you give this book?
Would you recommend this book to a friend?  

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  I would recommend it to anyone.  Well written story with an array of intriguing characters on a mission to discover the truth!  Can't beat that!

Andrea :)

Saturday States: Kentucky!!!

Kentucky

State Nickname: The Bluegrass State

Year of Family Trip: HOME!!
Bicentennial Tour of all Kentucky Counties from 1992-1996

Cities Visited: ALL!!

Can't Miss Tourist Attractions:
Floral Clock at State Capitol, My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Georgetown College, Old Hickory BBQ in Owensboro, UK Basketball at Rupp Arena, and the list goes on...

Each square represents one of the 120 Kentucky counties.

Take it from an expert, Kentucky is the BEST state in the country!  Honestly, even if I wasn't a born and bred Kentuckian, I'd still have to admit it is a pretty great state!  It's mostly peaceful and serene.  There are cities...a couple decent size ones...but mostly things are spread out.  I could probably talk forever about Kentucky and all the things to do there so today I'll focus on a few highlights.

A Bicentennial Tour: Kentucky Passport Style

Kentucky turned 200 years old in 1992.  We were young...me at age 8, Jordan at 7, and McKinley just shy of 2.  Mom and Dad decided to make a series of family road trips to collect Kentucky counties over the next few years.  There are 120 counties. We managed to cover them all by 1996.  There were even these fun Kentucky passports that allowed us to gain a stamp at various state park or historical sites.  We sure made some great memories on these trips throughout our state.

 

Jordan Falls

Our family has made more than one stop at Cumberland Falls over the years.  On a trip when we were a tad older - let's say at least high school age - Jordan provided us all with a memorable family moment.  There are several sets of stairs at Cumberland Falls.  And on one of these staircases Jordan, you guessed it, fell.  Hence Cumberland Falls will forever be known to the Heflin clan as Jordan Falls.  Before you start feeling too bad, let the record state that no one was hurt in the making of this memory...though Jordan probably wanted to hurt me after the new name was born!

"Rigamortis Has Set In"

My only word of advice about visiting Kentucky is be careful in that eastern region.  I grew up in western Kentucky, but spent my fair share of time in the central and northern parts throughout my collegiate years.  And even though I traveled back and forth from Georgetown to Richmond for my graduate courses at Eastern Kentucky University, I didn't really spend a ton of time in that eastern part of the state.  Now, those that grew up there might have a different story to tell, but here's mine.  Way back on one of those collecting KY counties trips in the early 90's, a highly impressionable moment occurred in the backwoods of eastern Kentucky.  We were driving along the crooked roads at a little more than a snail's pace when we noticed a dog in the yard up ahead.  Not just any dog though. This one was lying on its back.  With its legs straight up in the air.  And it wasn't moving.  As we approached, Dad said, "I think rigamortis has set in!"  Someone (maybe or maybe not me...I can't recall) suggested we pull over to get a photo.  I mean, it's not everyday you see something this crazy, right?  We needed evidence.  As we slowed to a stop, we noticed the dog had company.  On the porch sat a rugged old man with a shotgun by his side.  Um. Nevermind about that picture, Mom!!  Let's get the heck outta here!! 

Molly's (Do we really have to go again this year?) Ride

The Civil War re-enactment of The Battle of Sacramento is our home county's claim to fame.  Every May folks from far and wide convene on little ole McLean County to check out the settler's tents and see if the North or South will win the Battle.  At first, it was fun to go.  The kettle corn and cream soda were treats to look forward to each year.  And I always loved Molly's Ride as she went to notify the troops their opposition was near.  But then after year two...and year three...and year four...it lost a little appeal.  If you ever find yourself in McLean County around Battle time though, it's worth a peek for a first time viewer!

"I Love You, Dad"

Working Cincinnati Bengals camp during my undergraduate summers became routine while at Georgetown.  My family usually came up to visit at some point throughout camp.  After a few years of getting to know the coaches and players, I was quite comfortable around this bunch.  Among others, Chad Johnson was always one of my favorites.  And, in true Chad fashion, when I introduced him to my dad he exclaimed "Dad!  I Love You, Dad!" as he embraced and lifted Dad off the ground.  So...here's a family portrait of Dad with all his kids!

A Derby to Remember

The 136th running of the Kentucky Derby is the only one I'll never forget.  It was the year my friend Reba and I completed our own triple crown...and we kicked it off with my family at the Derby!  My dad and I have always enjoyed the track.  We've even won big a few times.  Ok, maybe it was just that once, but we have fun regardless.  The rest of my family wasn't super thrilled about the experience though I recall them enjoying the fried turkey legs!  But, I digress.  We arrived early, brought our chairs and set up shop in the only area that we could see even a sliver of the track.  We were all set.  Or so we thought.  As race after race went by, the infield became more and more crowded.  The day had already begun with a drizzle that turned into full out rain showers that pitter pattered into sunshine so we were prepared for anything.  And by anything I mean drunk frat boys that had been sliding through the mud for hours who thought they could waltz right up in front of our group as soon as the bugle player began his call to post for the biggest race of the day year.  Oh, no they didn't!!  The New Yorker in me came right out and promptly put those folks in their place much to the chagrin of my more mild mannered family.  Minutes later, we saw those horses for the split second they whizzed by our 2 inch viewing window between a fence post and a security station though.  And that made everything worth it!  However, you'll never catch me in the infield again.  If another Derby is in my cards, I'll have a (preferably covered) seat in the grandstands!

Have you ever been to my old Kentucky home?

Literally, My Old Kentucky Home...

Do you have any questions about things to do or places to visit in KY?

Andrea :)

#MarriedMaitlands - TEN months!

I can't believe another month has come and gone.  We seem to be getting the hang of this married thing with each passing month!  Summer has been busy, but great for us!  We had some fun date nights this month along with a romantic birthday getaway in the Finger Lakes.  I am looking forward to all the fall holds for us!
 

Date Nights

-Paint Along

-Deception Night with Nonverbal Group
This event was totally random, but we enjoyed it.  The premise was to arrive at a venue set up to resemble a social function.  You mingle around trying to figure out who is lying as you converse.  After an hour or so of conversation with various individuals, the liars are revealed.  It was actually a lot harder than I thought to pin point those not telling the truth!  Fun event!

-Deon Cole at Caroline's

-Red Bulls Game

Movies/Shows

Trainwreck
My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
 (LeBron gets 5 stars from me though.)
Chris' Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
(Review here.)
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Chris' Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Vacation
My Rating:  4 out of 5 stars
Chris' Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Traveled

-We celebrated my birthday with a weekend getaway to the Finger Lakes!
Here are the recaps of Day 1, the Castle, and Day 2.

-I was in Philly for an overnight work trip and saw a couple of classy Eagles!

-I spent a weekend in Vegas celebrating a fabulous and fun bride-to-be!

Notable Events

-Halfway through the TV series Parenthood via Netflix.  Awesome show!

-Enjoyed Miracle Treat Day with a blizzard at Dairy Queen!

-Celebrated Dave's birthday at the beer garden in Astoria.  Neat spot!

Andrea :)