blogging from my death bed. who wants to give my eulogy?

every winter i get a good case of "the sniffles." you know, stuffy nose, sinus problems the usual.  well, two days ago i was i was pimped slapped with an ugly dose of the stomach flu and there is no end in sight.  not only have i been giving linda blair-esque performances in the bathroom, i've been fighting a fever and since i can't keep any food (or liquids) down and therefore feel so weak and have no energy to fight this evil cold.  it won't be long now...

may i serve as a cautionary tale to one and all! stay healthy by washing your hands, slamming emergen-c  back like it's shots of vodka and definitely curb the make-out sessions - just until the spring.

bedside view. yummy.

if anyone knows the miracle cure to this craptastic illness please leave it in the comments below, otherwise just kind words of remembrance.  "she was an honest girl..."

eat, drink, explore: my vacation to san francisco

It's times like these when I miss my old blog identity.  I would have loved to name this post "The Caper Goes On Vacation," - partly for the alliteration and partly because I miss talking about myself in the third person.  Anyway, after a little special inspiration, I booked a trip to San Francisco and two long months later, I'm here!

This city is amazing!  Let's remember that I'm a Jersey girl and come from the Land of Sarcasm and Unfriendliness (a generalization, I realize, but visit the Garden State and you'll know what I mean), so coming to San Francisco and being surrounded by so many laid-back, friendly people is a very pleasant surprise.  Those who know me aren't surprised when I strike up conversation with strangers; I love meeting new people and making new friends.  From the moment I stepped of the plane, I began encountering people who, not only made eye-contact and smiled at me as I passed, but were helpful and welcoming of a visitor. 

After exploring the city on my own, my friend and lovely hostess, Lindsay and I went over the Golden Gate Bridge to wine country.  I never thought much of it.  I mean, it's a bridge; how exciting could it possibly be? Well, maybe it's just me, but I thought it was breathtaking.  The structure itself is a sight, as is the view from it of the San Francisco Bay.  

Our trip over the bridge led us north into Sonoma county to the many vineyards and wineries there.  Our first stop was to the Armida Winery, with breathtaking views and a killer Poi Zin a zinfandel "to die for"...get it? it's funny.  I had an idea that Sonoma would be beautiful and sprawling; what I didn't expect was the autumn colored grape leaves.  Although California doesn't experience the traditional seasons that I'm used to from back east, all of the vineyards we passed were a bouquet of reds, yellows and oranges.  It made my first experience  in wine country that much more special.

                                   The vineyards of Armida Winery look like a beautiful watercolor

Our next stop was at the Twomey Cellars  for more tasting.  Having not utilized the "dump bucket" at Armida, Lindsay and I were feeling relaxed and ready to sip more vino.  Our pourer, Ann was not only knowledgeable, but so friendly that after tasting all of the wines and chatting, she offered to give us a tour of the facility.  We felt so VIP.  I learned so much about the bottling process and was also schooled on my taste in wine.  I wrote of Merlot long ago as dull, simple red wine, but after tasting Twomey's 2006, I was blown away by the tasting notes and complexity of it.  It was, by far my favorite wine of the day.  If I close my eyes, I can still taste the butter cream and spice that lingered after a sip. 

Twomey Cellars 2010 Pinot Noir...I wanted to roll a barrel home

We visited a few more wineries after this, but as we stuck to our "no dump bucket" policy, I'm a bit hazy on the details of those visits.  I think everyone should visit wine country and see how much love and attention goes into making this age-old libation. 

After keeping it classy wine tasting in Sonoma, I was hell bent on sating my 4 year craving for In-N-Out Burger. I first had the delicious fast food on my trip to Los Angeles 8 years ago. I can safely say it was love at first bite.  The delectable, fresh-cut french fries and super yummy beef patty and fresh buns are only enhanced by ordering one's burger "animal style" which is with grilled onions and secret sauce.  If you've never had In-N-Out, then you haven't truly lived.  My plane ticket was worth the meal alone.   

A #3, "animal style" is a thing of beauty

Fisherman's Wharf was a fun little trip, although very touristy and super cheesy.  After snapping a few pics of "The Rock" and watching some street performers do so acrobatics, I got to explore Alamo Square and the "painted ladies" or for any of my peers, The Full House houses.  Alas, no Uncle Jesse or Kimmy Gibbler sightings, but the park is really pretty and it was yet another example of how much San Franciscans love being outdoors.  It was great to see how many people ride bikes, run, play frisbee and lounge outside in the always cool and sunny weather. 

Makes me sing: "What ever happened to predictability, the milkman, the paperboy, evening tv?"

One thing I didn't want to miss on my trip was the gourmet food trucks in and around the city.  I learned Not only do these trucks offer amazing food at very affordable prices, they roam about the city and you can find their location by following them on Twitter.  
There are so many options, but I was most excited to try Chairman Bao's Bun Truck.  I found the truck parked at the top of Haight St. (with a bunch of other trucks too!) and the very helpful girl who took my order recommended the pork belly with mango slaw. I'm so glad she did, because it was so delicious!  I also tried Little Green Cyclo's sweet potato fries with coconut/chive and mango/mint dipping sauces.  Yum! If you're ever in San Francisco, you should not miss experiencing the food trucks like a local.

The finale of my trip was the Jets game on Sunday.  My only concern about taking my trip was that it was going to be the first home game I would miss in the stadium.  Where was I going to watch the game (with volume) in California?! Well, lucky for me , I didn't have to search long until I found the NY Jets fans in San Francisco on Facebook.  This group of diehard fans gathers every time the Jets play at R Bar in the city.  It was so great to be in my Jet's jersey among other screaming fans; I felt right at home...especially since we won! J-E-T-S, Jets! Jets! Jets!  

A little "Gang Green" in San Francisco

My trip to San Francisco was nothing short of incredible and I can't wait to go back.  The city has so many interesting places to explore and even more friendly people to meet.  I really felt at home there and consequently, became quite savvy at navigating the bus system.  I highly recommend San Fran as destination to anyone looking for a fun and dynamic vacation.  There is so much that I didn't get to see and do and it was a bit difficult to get on the plane home.  I love San Francisco; I guess you could say I left my heart there.

i'll take the physical challenge: a daring, high-heeled post

From the time I was a baby, I have always been motivated by challenges.  When someone tells me I can’t do something, it fuels my desire and ability to prove them wrong.  I guess sometimes I need a little push in order to realize my potential.  

My mom loves to tell the story of how I learned to walk.  As the first grandchild on my father’s side, I was constantly being held and passed around and hadn’t yet learned to get around on my own.  As far as babies go, I was a real chunker and one day my mom decided I was too heavy to carry and set me down in the grass and walked away from me.  She said I reached my sausage-link arms in the air so she would pick me up, so she said, “if you want me, come over here.” Apparently, this made me very angry and after a few minutes of tantrum, I slammed my tiny fists on the ground, stood up, and walked over to her screaming.  Viola! I could walk.

see? i wasn't kidding about being a chunky baby. 

My next challenge came when I was five years old and my extended family was on vacation at the Jersey shore (fist pump!).  Family friends came to visit for the day and they had a daughter who was a bit younger than I.  We were all sitting around the living room and the girl's mother was explaining how her daughter had just learned to read.  The girl took out a book and started to read aloud; everyone was impressed - everyone except me.  Maybe I just didn’t like the attention she was getting, but I walked over to the coffee table, picked up a copy of Tikki Tikki Tembo, cracked that sucker open and started to read as though I’d been doing it for years. Brat.

The next time I can remember acquiring a skill after being dared was when I learned to ride a two-wheel bike.  My little brother, Mr. I’m-Awesome-At-All-Things-Physical, started riding his bike without training wheels and I still couldn’t.  One summer day, he was outside riding his bike with some friends.  As they rode down the street, on their way to the pool my mom asked me if it bothered me that my younger brother knew how to ride a bike and I didn’t.  She told me I’d be missing out on fun if I didn’t learn and didn’t understand what I was waiting for.  No more waiting necessary. I grabbed my pink, Desert Rose Huffy, hopped on the banana seat in my Umbros and after a few wobbles was peddling down the pavement towards the pool.

What's the deal? I'm confident and capable, so why do I wait to be pushed to a precipice in order to gain new skills? I’m a pretty fearless individual, but I’ve never been able to figure out what it is about my personality that thrives on being dared to do something. 

Recently, I was faced with the daunting task of walking in high heels.  Although I may make feminists cringe, I did it for a guy.  I mean, not really for him but because he liked the idea of seeing a tall girl in heels.  I guess I took it half as a challenge and half as a way to impress him. Sue me.  Being 5’ 11”, I don't wear heels often because I don't need to; it's not uncommon for me to be the tallest person, let alone girl in the room.  I find that most guys are intimidated (turned off?...let's go with intimidated) by by height, so I rock flats most of the time. Ok, I guess I need to admit that the other reason I don't often don a pair of stilettos is because I have trouble walking in them. What girl doesn't love standing in front of the mirror looking at her legs in a pair of heels?  Go on, I dare you (get it?) to do it and not develop an immediate crush on yourself.  Standing in heels: no problem. Out on the town in heels: I feel like I'm being punished for a crime I didn't commit...until recently.

a view from the top: my slutty halloween get-up, complete with 4 inch heels

Maybe it sounds very Betty Draper of me to be learning to walk in heels because a guy said he liked it.  I'd be lying if I didn't say that's what got me to DSW in the first place, but after trying on a few pairs and walking around I thought, "I can do this!" I can bring the way I feel standing in front of my mirror together with walking like Heidi Klum on the runway.  I wanted to do it, for myself.  So, three pairs of heels later, I had a new challenge.  

My test run was out to the bars.  I was nervous, scared and my toes were totally pissed but i put on a pair of skinny jeans and the 4" Steve Madden platform pumps and hit the town.  Because I get a lot of comments on my height, I wasn't looking forward to making the leap from 5'11" to 6'2" but as I entered the first watering hole, I didn't feel any taller than usual and I noticed I wasn't nearly the tallest person in the room.  Better yet, I wasn't dying of discomfort and was surprised at how easily I could maneuver in my lofty footgear.  I was so comfortable in fact, I decided to hit the dance floor.  I thought I was just shuffle away from a broken ankle, but after 3 songs, I was still standing!  

Going home that night, I realized that walking in heels wasn't as difficult as I made it out to be.  Actually, it made me feel beautiful and confident.  Since practice makes perfect, I wear heels out often now and I can say that I walk in them like a champion!  I love the way I feel when I master a new skill, now I just need to learn how to push myself to do it.

Although, sadly, things didn't work out with Mr. Heels, I would love to thank him for my new ability (seriously.  I kind of feel one step closer to being a superhero).  Thanks guy! Now, I can and will walk for miles in any sized heel you throw at me.  I may even be able to play basketball in a pair of these bad boys.  Anyone want to dare me?

my non-dairy, coconut milk soyshake brings all the boys to the yard

it's been 53 days since i've consumed dairy and i've felt every one of them.  i've known that i am lactose intolerant for years but have always taken lactaid pills and avoided crazy amounts of dairy.  well, that stopped working and the tummy aches became unbearable, so after a bit of research i discovered that if i allow my body time to rebuild the enzymes necessary to break down lactose that i may be able to enjoy it again in moderation.  so i have committed to 1 year with no dairy to see if it works.  so far i've been feeling great, no stomach pain and actually a lot more energy (haha! although i don't think i lack any of it to begin with).

that was always my problem with dairy: moderation. i love milk and cheese! i used to drink a gallon of milk in 2 days by myself (maybe that's why i'm 8' 4"?), and don't even get me started on ice cream!!! this dietary modification means i had to end things with my boyfriends, ben and jerry and now find myself daydreaming of a soft serve vanilla cone with rainbow sprinkles on a regular basis.  it's gotten pretty bad.  i don't know if i can make you dairy-eaters out there understand.  let me put it to you this way, if i had to choose between ryan reynolds showing up at my door without a shirt on ,or someone holding a grilled cheese sandwich and thick, chocolate milkshake, i'd have to think for a second. now, ryan reynolds showing up at my door WITH a grilled cheese and chocolate milkshake? um, that's fodder for another blog post all together.

i will be the first to admit that i am shocked at how disciplined i've been since making this decision.  i am also shocked by how dairy seems to be in everything!  i have switched to soy milk and coconut milk and even made myself a pretty slammin' pseudo-milkshake using chocolate soy milk and chocolate coconut milk "frozen dessert."  on the other hand, i tried soy cheese pizza and dry-heaved a bit it was so gross.   it was the same with soy yogurt (*puke*).  it's been a bunch of (albeit, very expensive) trial and error and although i can find alternatives, there really isn't a substitute for the real thing.  i'm not giving up though.  i will continue to live in the absence of dairy for another 312 days in hopes that it will make a difference.  

can anyone recommend any acceptable alternatives to lactaid-laden products out there?

that's right kelis, rub it in! i know how the boys feel.

trying to "lelax": getting a massage with a not-so-happy ending

last week, my friend and i decided to get massages;  due to less than favorable, personal economic circumstances, i haven't had many massages, but i know that i always feel like a million bucks afterwards.  i work on my feet all day, so the thought of someone oiling me up and kneading me like pizza dough for 90 minutes is very appealing.  treating myself to a massage seemed like a great way to relax and feel great. not so much.

we decided on a place to go and made appointments for the next day.  when we arrived, a small Asian woman lead us into a room with two beds. how romantic: a couples massage.  well, i was excited, so i immediately started taking off my clothes* and got on the table ready for a rub-down.  i was still in my bra and undies, as i figured that was the more modest thing to do with another person in the room. 

 once my friend and i were settled, the ladies came back in the room and asked us to lay on our stomachs.  i flipped over and almost immediately, my massage was underway.  she started on my shoulders and upper back and undid my bra. i figured this was normal because it would have been uncomfortable otherwise.  after a few minutes, i started to relax and go into a daze.  soon, i was lulled by the pan-flute version of "i swear" by all-for-one (i'm serious.  there is a massage remix of the 90's hit) and then it happened. she pulled down my underwear and started rubbing oil all over my butt. i wish there had been a camera beneath the table to capture what my face looked like, wide-eyed and shocked in that little donut hole.  i started giggling and was biting my lip as she continued to massage my derriere and then she finally worked her way back up towards my shoulders, but then magically she found her way right back to my butt.  i'll spare the nitty-gritty details, but i will say that my gluteal region received more attention than any other muscle group during the 90 minutes.

just when i thought the worst was over and had composed myself, homegirl mounts me like a horse and starts going from lovin' on my tush to shaking my head and tossing my hair around.  that's when the giggling started again.  the combination of tickling, pain and shame resulted in me clenching my back muscles so that i wouldn't laugh (or cry) outloud.  i guess my molestor massage therapist could sense my tension so she whispers, "Lelax." now i'm dying. i feel as though i'm going to burst into laughter at any moment. i clench even more. this upsets my butt-jockey so she whispers loudly, "LELAX!" now all i'm thinking is, "i'm trying to lelax, but i can't!" so what does she do? she starts kicking my calves rapidly with her feet.  at this point i feel less like a massage client and more like 1/2 of a disturbing bachelor party act.  i'm laying on a table, covered in oil, undies around my knees with 100 pounds of Asian fury on top of me...and i was paying for it.  when will it end?  then i realized i was only halfway through the ordeal! oh my god, what is she going to do to me when i flip over?

lelax...i'll spare you.

 

just so no one thinks i'm embellishing.  here is my "after" pic for my lelaxing massage.

*author's note: excitement doesn't always lead to this blogger stripping...just some of the time;)

i can give it all on the first date: a make-out post

i'm having a bit of a blogdenity crisis.  i miss being the caper.  i'm not blogging about life in cleveland anymore so where does that leave me? single and loving it, but also missing the simple pleasures of having a boyfriend.  so, as of late, making-out has been on the brain. sue me; i'm in the mood to smooch. sometimes i long for the days of middle school when all we needed was a little french-kissing and some heavy petting.  it was all so uncomplicated, yet so satisfying.  my friends tease me for longing for the seemingly "tween" sexual encounter, and more so for being so selective with whom i lock-lips.  what can i say? i'm picky.  

a great make-out sesh isn't complete without a great soundtrack.  daydreaming about kissing left me thinking about songs that are apropos for the occasion. so in the spirit of this cleveland blog, i have created a make-out mix. check it out:

1.  staring at the sun - tv on the radio

2.  everyday is exactly the same - nine inch nails

3.  say it ain't so - mozella

4.  set fire to the third bar - snow patrol

     5.  wonderwall - ryan adams

6.  stars - the xx

  7.  what if you - joshua radin

8.  the great shipwreck of life - iamx

  9.  hold you in my arms - ray lamontagne

 10. running up that hill - placebo

11.  fly away - poe

12.  into dust - mazzy star (i mean, it's not a make-out mix without a little mazzy star)

see? don't these two look like they're having a great time? - photo by nan goldin

a little bit of music goes a long way.  feeling frisky? try my mix...or make your own and let me know about it.

*applies chapstick*

ok, now who wants to make-out?

dye jobs, drug dealers and dating: a summer retrospective

allow me to reintroduce myself: my name is hov h to the ov, i used to move snowflakes by the o.z....ok, so maybe i'm plagiarizing a bit.  i am emily and i am back! it's been 9 months since my last blog post, since i packed up everything that would fit in the back of my car and moved back to jersey...and i'm loving life!

a lot has happened since then and although i could write it all, i'll spare you the long-winded explanation and give the cliff-noted version.  i've been working my ass off all summer in a wonderful restaurant on a private golf course.  i love my job, but i really need a vacation.  60-80 hour work weeks have kept me honest and put me 1 step closer to getting behind the wheel of a jeep wrangler.

i've gone blonde! yes sir. i've always wanted to see how the other half lived and after making the transformation, i can say it is extremely fun to be a sassy barbie.  although i'll be returning to my brunette roots (pun intended), i'm glad i tried the lighter locks for the summer. i went from this:

to this:

my makeover is quite apropos as my first time being blonde coincides with my first experience in the dating world.  i know, that sounds strange as i wrote about my now ex-boyfriend on his very blog.  what i mean is i've never actually been on a "date," or started a relationship based on romantic pretense.  i've had 2 boyfriends and both were my friends long before we became a couple so i've always been able to base my romantic relationships on platonic foundations.  being single again after 5 1/2 years has been interesting and wonderful.  i've had a blast being more social than i was when i was in a relationship and i've met some great people in the process.  i've learned that while i continue to grow, i really love the person i am and want to share that with someone else.

it is difficult to meet guys i'm interested in though.  when i go out to bars, i swim in a sea of wannabe jersey shore cast members in affliction or ed hardy shirts.  no one is interesting or funny! i mean talk about a weakness.  some girls like guys with muscles; i like guys with a sense of humor...ok and tattoos. sorry, i'm weak. sue me.  since finding true love on the dance floor as taio cruz is blasting doesn't seem likely, i've turned to the internet for dating and man, has it been a disaster!

wait! does this count? i mean, i did have a beer with rex ryan...

a bunch of guys at work are on this dating website and encouraged me to sign up.  they all claimed they used it for random hook-ups and that's all that it was good for.  however, my boys also said that if i wanted practice dating that it would be great.  hahahah! well, for me it's a mixed bag.

after a few weeks of dead ends, i finally got asked out on a date by this guy who seemed nice and after talking for a few days we decided to meet up.  i was so nervous i wanted to throw up! going on my first, first date and i had no idea what i was doing.  the day of our scheduled date, mystery man and i texted to firm up plans.  we were supposed to meet at 6 pm.  then, out of no where i get a text that reads, "yeah, come over whenever like after 10 should be fine." huh? and then i realized that text wasn't meant for me.  awesome. another chick? so i responded saying he sent the text to the wrong person to which he replied, "yeah that was for a buddy." well, of course that's what you'd say! sure a buddy. so i got super uneasy and just told him i wasn't comfortable anymore and that i didn't want to meet up anymore.  His response: "no seriously, it's a guy coming over later to buy pot." oh! well in that case....wtf? no thanks! i mean, i don't want to get played, i don't want to date a drug dealer and most of all, guy, who says our date would have been over by 10?!?!? hahahahah! funny and so appropriate.  my foray into the cyber dating world has been rocky to say the least.

i'm not in any rush to be in a relationship.  when it happens, it happens.  i just want to go on a date!  and that my friends is what this blog is going to be about for a little while: my adventures in dating.  i promise to give it more depth that this post; be gentle, i'm just getting back in the saddle.

well, that's my summer in a nutshell:  a time of transformation and discovery...with a little bit of alcohol and a ton of fun.  so, what did you do this summer?

Farewell Cleveland! A tribute to my favorite local bloggers.

I'm not joking. Not even a little.

Well, it's true. I am leaving Cleveland. After a five year "tour" of the United States, I have been called home to Jersey.  Although I am extremely excited about my decision and the opportunities awaiting me, it is bittersweet to leave the 216.  It's true, I am a Jersey girl, but I was born here in Cleveland, so the city is in my blood.  I wish I had more success while I was here as I explain this week on Mel's awesome blog, but professional woes aside there is much I will miss about Cleveland. 

 First, I will miss my family.  It's been so great to foster relationships with my mom's side of the family.  My cousins and I have always been close, but it's been great to spend time with aunts and uncles and my grandmother and attend family events I normally would have missed.  Luckily for me, my family being here means I will be back often to visit!

Secondly, I am going to miss the amazing restaurants here! Food is absolutely my favorite thing to blog about and Cleveland makes it very easy.  Oh the cravings I had during my master cleanse! I am disappointed I didn't have a chance to eat my way through this dirty, old town a bit more, but I definitely have my faves: Bar Cento, The Greenhouse Tavern, Reddstone, Gypsy Bean, El Jalapeno, Thai Spice and Tommy's. I am going to miss the shit out of these restaurants and hope there are tables available when I blow through town next.

Lastly, but most definitely not least I am going to miss getting together with my favorite Cleveland bloggers! Since we are all internet nerds, I'll get to stalk everyone online no matter how far away I may be, but missing out on meet-ups is making me sad.

After starting my photo blog about two years ago, I got the itch to start writing thus a blog was born! I get inspired everyday by the blogs I read. So I'd like to say thanks to a few of you:

Cleveland Bachelor -  I think you like to be anonymous so I won't mention your name, but yours is the first Cleveland blog I discovered through my job as a web-editor.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you reached out to me and invited me to hang with other bloggers that first time.  It was like a group blind-date and although I was nervous, you made me feel like one of the group.  Although we don't always see eye-to-eye on everything ( I believe I still owe you a stab wound to the rib-cage...) I respect greatly your desire to find and love of new music, art and food.  You have a gift for unearthing the unknown treasures of this city and showcasing the fact that it is indeed a sparkling gem!

Kelly & Jose - Not only do you two write a great blog filled with awesome tunes and even awesomer recipes, you're probably the coolest couple I've ever met.  Seriously, you make marriage look like a fun adventure filled with bike rides and microbrews.  Our night out to Beer Wars was a blast and it makes me sad to know I'll miss out on all of your other exciting jaunts in the future. Cheers!

Chef's Widow -  Lady you are a force! I marvel at how you juggle your marriage, 2 kids, 2 dogs, a restaurant and your ever changing hair color! I don't know where you find the time to do everything and more importantly do it well!  You are an awesome mother, sassy hostess-with-the-mostest and my cosmetics muse (Givenchy mascara is my must-have thanks to you!).  Watching you and Chef open and run such an incredible restaurant inspired me to get back into running one in NJ.  Your commitment to Cleveland and the earth is an example to all and exactly what Cleveland needs.  Best of luck to you as you continue to kick ass and take names.

P.S. Chef -  Damn you and your delicious wings!  Your food is my fave in Cleveland and when I come back to visit there had better be a seat for me at the bar!

Cleveland's A Plum - Alexa, I think we have beat statistical odds in the number of events we have both attended and yet never met! I feel as though the world played a cruel joke on us.  Although I have never had the pleasure of meeting you in person, I L O V E your blog.  I would like to request a small speaking role when it becomes a movie?  Awesome. Thanks!

Addicted to Vinyl & Brokenheadphones - I hate you smarmy bastards.  No, that's not true.  Ahh, the memories...What a fun night at the Happy Dog seeing Chris Allen and watching as "Stompy" tried to make The San Andreas Fault 2.0.  You two also win the award for "Only Bloggers to Visit Me at Work." Um...I'll, uh, mail you your prizes? Seriously though you two a-holes write great music blogs.  I love reading to know what my opinion about various artists should be;).  I know I'll be moving, but I hope that doesn't mean you won't make fun of me on twitter...like contstantly.  Thanks for being my "friends," and by friends I mean people who make jokes at my expense.  This isn't goodbye; it's I'll see you at the Bowery Ballroom for a show...

Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Your Boyfriend -  Oh Mel, I feel as though our courtship just began.  You are definitely my favorite person with whom to see shitty community theater.  Hands down! I can't believe I'm going to miss out on sooo many fun adventures with you.  I'm not convinced we wouldn't have eventually lit the city on fire though, so maybe it's better for everyone that I'm leaving.  Seriously though, thank you so much for your blog.  Your unabashed honesty is so refreshing and inspires me daily to be more open on my own blog.  I can't wait to see where the road (read: internet super-highway) takes you.  I would also like a role in your blog turned movie, but waaaay more than a few lines.  Make plans to come to NYC ASAP! It's so not ok that you've never been.

Well, I could go on forever, but I'll end saying that I love you all and thank you for inspiring me to blog!  I am excited for the future and hope we all remain connected through the interwebs.  If any of you ever make it to NYC let me know! I will be there in a heartbeat!  

Sadly, this is my last post as Cleveland Caper.  I am kind of at a loss with what to name my new blog.  Jersey Caper doesn't have a ring to it and "Garden State of Mind" is taken. shit.  If anyone has any ideas, please let me know! 

Thanks for reading my ramblings! I'll miss you, but not pumping my own gas....

*Smoochies*

Emily

Cleveland Caper