Road Trip: Day 1-2

We left Cincinnati and drove through Indiana, Illinois and made it to Iowa City, Iowa before we stopped for the night. It was Darcy's first ever Hotel visit.


He was such a gentlemen.


Welcome to Nebraska! Day 2 we spent a large chunk of in Nebraska. We drove from Iowa, through Nebraska, Wyoming and into Colorado.


Not a whole lot to see in Nebraska.


I randomly ran into a friend from AZ at a gas station in the middle of nowhere, NE. It was too funny. She and her family were on their way back to AZ from MI. (and yes, I do realize now that I looked like a complete disaster, but how often does something that crazy happen. I had to have photographic proof.)


I somehow missed pictures of Wyoming. James and I didn't realize we were even in Wyoming til we were about to leave. This one is as we were entering Colorado. The sun was setting and it was so pretty.


We made it to my brother Paul and sis-n-law Ali's house finally! Darcy met his cousin, Wally.


They were instant buddies and love playing together!

I am happy to finally be in Colorado for a long weekend, and get a much needed break from all that driving.

It is hard to believe that my last day in Cincinnati has finally arrived. Of course, my day will be spent packing, cleaning, and running errands as I prepare to leave town tomorrow. Although goodbyes are sad, all my tearful farewells have already been made, and now I am ready to get this show on the road. So, I bid my home for the past seven years a fond farewell and I am finally ready to embark on my new adventures. Sayonara Cincy!

Flying Pig Marathon

After 3 months of training, the big day has finally come and gone. Today, I was among twenty two thousand other people participating in the 11th annual Flying Pig Marathon here in Cincinnati. Our day started bright and early, as the race started at 6:30 a.m., and although the morning started out with rain, the weather eventually cooperated and we only had to deal with drizzles the first couple of miles. We made great time. We finished our 13.10 miles earlier than we anticipated at 3 hours and 31 minutes, giving us an average walking time of 16 minute miles. The pig is a rather difficult course thanks to the hilly nature of Cincinnati, and it was quite challenging at times. I think the most significant climb was around mile 6 or 7, where you begin a two and a half mile steady uphill climb. But we did it, and I have my medal to prove it!!! Our Northside MRDD team also raised over $2,000 for the upcoming MRDD tax levy campaign which will help provide support for people with disabilities.
Check another exciting accomplishment off my 30 for 30 list.


Me, Amy, Maria, and Carol
(my marathon buddies)


My feast of food at our post-marathon lunch
at Boswell's Ally


Darcy supporting his mommy by wearing
his Flying Pig Marathon scarf.

A little bit a crazy

Check off number 2 on the 30 for 30 list. That's right, folks. I completely rocked my skydiving adventure. After a whole lot of scary nerves and one day of wind delays, I successfully dove out of an airplane at 10,500 feet. There may be a little bit a crazy in me, but this was, without a doubt, the most insane and yet amazing thing I have EVER done!!! Completely indescribable. I still can't believe I did it. Anyway, documented proof below:



Drove to Richmond, IN for the big plunge.



Unfortunately, there were wind delays and so day 1 was a no go.
Me doing my "it's too windy to jump" pose.



Day 2 proved to be ideal weather. Me suiting up for the big jump.



Getting my harness just right.



I was checking out the plane outside the hanger just before my impending doom.



Loading up on the plane.



Taking off and flying up to 10,500 feet where we jumped out of the plane and free fell for about 10 seconds at around 115 miles an hour. A total rush!!!



Thank goodness for parachutes. Yep, that's me.



Gliding in for the landing.



Landing back down on on solid ground. Wow! What an adventure! I still am on an adrenaline rush and can't believe I actually did it!!! It is one of those things that literally takes your breath away. Completely awesome!!!

30 for 30

I decided to dig something out of the early years for my picture of the week. It is an oldie, but a goodie. Besides, I should share documented proof of my cuteness since it peaked so early. This is me and my cousin Serene, celebrating a joint birthday at my grandparents in upstate New York in July of 1981. As many of you know, I have been thinking a great deal of my upcoming 30th birthday. I am proud to announce that I have selected a personal theme for my festivities. Although I do realize that it sounds like a bit much, let's face it, it is kind of a big birthday, so it really should have a big theme. In true Eva fashion, I have decided not to limit myself to only one single day of celebrations. This year in its entirety is really dedicated to the year of the 30th. So in honor of this momentous milestone, and the fact that not only will I be leaving my twenties behind, but I will also be embarking on a new chapter in my life all together, I am declaring it 30 for 30. That's right, I'm doing 30 exciting, adventurous things for my 30th year. Now 30 is actually quite a big number. I have been brainstorming and penciling in ideas for my list, but it has been a bit challenging. So I am officially soliciting ideas. I would prefer them to be somewhat adventurous and something I have not yet done. Thoughts? I will keep you posted on what makes the list.

Shoes + Inspiration = 13 mile Walk

Now shall I walk

or shall I ride?

"Ride" Pleasure said:

"Walk" Joy replied.

-W.H. Davies

What should I do?

So I have been feeling somewhat dull and boring lately. My days have been pretty predictable with working all day long and pursuing my never-ending battle with court reporting at night (yes, 12 credits on top of full time work will do that to you). Anyways, this lackluster feeling about my life was quickly reaffirmed when I stumbled across photos my brothers recently sent to me of their latest adventures. Boy, now I'm feeling even more dull. So what should I do about it? I need an adventure, something exciting to spice things up. Granted, I'm not in Colorado surrounded by amazing peaks to climb, and my tree climbing skills are still in the beginners stage, so I doubt I will be scaling up a tree solo anytime soon.  Still, there must be something in the Midwest that provides some excitement and adventure to be had. If there is, I definitely need to find it.