Summer Fun 2014

As most of us know I can be quite the procrastinator. But to go virtually all summer w/out a single peep is a little uncharacteristic of me. I've been crazy busy and I haven't had the time to write about any of it.  But the least I can do is provide a brief recap of events since our last chat. Here goes:




1. Bangor, Maine to see Dave Matthews, whom I have seen a gazillion times, but not in what seems like a gazillion years.  There's nothing like outdoor concerts on warm summer nights.

2. Poland, Maine for a mini USM roomie reunion.  It was great to reminisce and see how everyone's lives have unfolded thus far. 

3.  SIT Community Garden: What was super exciting in the beginning has turned out to be one of the most exhausting, time consuming tasks I've ever taken on.  I will 100% be blogging about this catastrophe later... it definitely deserves special recognition.

4.  The McNulty family reunion.  There's nothing like packing 25 irish cousins into an Irish bar, for the evening of true shenanigans. It was an Irish conglomerate of similar people, with similar physical attributes and similar bad habits; which we've all learned to blame on our ancestors.

5.  Atlantic City, NJ (one of my summer playgrounds and a Thanksgiving staple growing up).  Although not nearly as luxurious as it once was, its always fun to go back.  Especially when you win $118 on the penny slots... pretty sure Jimmy Brooks played a huge part in that :)

6. Ocean City, MD to meet up w/my soon to be sister in law, Marissa, and 7 other ladies for weekend of bachelorette mayhem. 

7. SIT 50th Reunion weekend.  As a key player on the planning committee for this extravaganza, I've been knee deep in party logistics for the past 8 months.  Now don't get me wrong, I love to throw a good party, but to successfully pull off this 3 day event, for more than 300 participants had its challenges.  I am proud to say that it went off w/out a hitch, thanks to all who contributed. 

8. Fletcher/Nutting Wedding.  What do you get when you hitch up two of the nicest people, with 150+ of their closest friends/family, at a posh nearby resort for the weekend?  A hell of a good time... nuff said.

9.  And in between all that, there were wedding showers, baby showers, backyard bbq's, and lakeside bbq's.  I somehow managed to miss just 3 of the Friday night Marinavilles, where Courtney and I were guest DJs on the radio one of those nights... it was a hoot and a half.

Up next?  A giant family wedding.  My younger brother Ryan and his fiancé Marissa are tying the knot Sept 6. I cant wait :)  I have a couple more fun-runs scheduled for the month of September, including Rugged Maniac which is sure to be a good ass whooping.  And finally, once October comes around, its gonna be nothing but detox, diet, sleep and repeat... I'm exhausted!  Happy summer to all :))

Fun-Run Season is Back!

This past weekend Marissa and I participated in 5K Foam Fest New England (http://5kfoamfest.com/Location?locId=32). 

For those of you who aren’t aware, Foam Fest is one of those obstacle races.  It’s similar to Tough Mudder/Spartin Race but on a smaller scale… it’s like the Fischer Price of obstacles runs.  Most of the obstacles are made out of inflatable bouncy-houses.    It's less crowded, less intense, family friendly, and they use more foam than mud... although we were hot muddy messes by the end!

Other than a few minor scrapes and bruises we flew through those obstacles w/flying colors.  In fact, I was a little disappointed they weren’t more challenging.  But I’ll tell you what was challenging… that vertical climb for the 1st mile.  Up and up and up and up w/no end in sight.  It was mentally discouraging and I’m pretty sure I got a cramp w/in the first few hundred yards. Ugh… running is NOT my forte, especially running up hills. 

But after that it was smooth sailing.  We did the whole thing in just over an hour and only had significant wait-time at a few obstacles (which is a major problem at the bigger, more challenging races).  We sprinted to the finish line where we were greeted w/our medals, protein bars, free T’s and complimentary Mikes Hard Lemonade.  (Just one... what a tease).

We hung out for a bit at the post-race party.  They had an area set up w/additional obstacles for spectators and kids. They had a beer tent, merch tent, and other vendors pushing the latest and greatest in sport/health/nutrition. We mowed down on some festi-food (NOT healthy) and people watched.  

Aside from the parking sich, it was a blast and I look forward to doing it again next year.  In the meantime I’ve registered for a couple other fun-runs, including  Rugged Maniac in September (http://www.ruggedmaniac.com ).  It’s not going to be nearly as fun as Foam Fest but it’s going to be one heck of a challenge.  I anticipate a plethora of scrapes and bruises, ridiculously sore muscles, and obstacles that I probably won’t be able to finish.  Hit me up if you’re interested in joining… should be another great time.  

Hasta luego!!

It's with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this beautiful city I once called home. So many memories,  rediculously perfect weather, prestine beaches and back drops.   It's crazy how much can change in such a relatively short period of time.  And then of course, some things will never change... Bali Hai Mai  tai's anyone??

As predicted the time flew right by. Trying to fit everyone/everything in is nearly impossible. It was great to catch up w/those I got so see, and for those of you I missed, I hope to reconnect the next time I'm in town.  

A giant thanks to BettyBo for putting up with me for the week.  Al-vac and SusieQ.... no words needed and I miss you already.  Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go sleep for the next 36 hours.  Lord knows I need it!!

Mötley Crew

While living in San Diego for 12 years I spent the first 6 working at Sea World. My original goal was to go back to school for marine biology/oceanography and ultametly become a marine mammal trainer. Step one:  get hired at Sea World (anywhere) because once I had my foot in the door that's all I would need. Step one done and I was hired to work in the Hospitality Center.

Now for those who are unfamiliar, every Sea World and Busch Gardens theme parks are (or were) owned by Anheuser-Busch (as in Budweiser beer).  The Hospitality Center is the designated area in each of these parks that represents A-B and the beer side.  We had a beautiful bar where we gave away free samples of product.  We had a small micro brewery where we would brew our own batches of beer (for employees only... something's to do with our liquor lisence). There was Budweiser Beer School where guests could relax for a half hour, learn about the history of the company and the brewing process, sample even more product, and walk away with a personalized Beermaster Certificate. And lastly, located right next door, were the Budweiser Clydesdales. A most impressive group of horses. The hospitality crew would help the Clydesdale handlers parade the horses around the park and assist in photo ops.

The majority of our staff were hired as temps to help out during the busy summer months. They were either exchange students from other countries, or older, retired folks that were looking for something fun to do on the side.  And although the turnover rate was high, there was a core group of us that were employed full time.  We spent year after year, growing together, supporting each other and made the most mundane tasks bearable.

The other night this motley crew reunited for the fist time in years.  And although some weren't able to make it, it was a great turnout. It was good to catch up and see everyone together again.  A giant thanks to Carol Clough for graciously hosting the event, and to BettyBoo for helping round up the troops. It was a blast! (FYI Betty featured above in red walking w/the Clydesdales... Found it online!)

Clearly step 2, or 3, of becoming a dolphin trainer was never meant to be. But regardless, those were some of the most memorable times my life.  The experiences that were had and the friendships that were created are life lasting. Each of you holds a special place in my heart and I can't wait to see you all again :))

Wine n Crafts

For a Mothers Day surprise I bought KB (Kathy Brooks) an evening of wine and painting.  It was a bit pricey, and for the amount I spent I thought at least one drink would have been included... wrong!  But it was money well spent regardless. The experience was priceless. 

We met up at 5:30 at the Marina, a local restaurant in my town. Drinks and bites for an hour (our own dime) then we all reconvened in the designated painting area at 6:30 pm sharp. 

Kristina Wentzell, out of Keene, NH, is a local artist who's finally capalitizing on the the much needed void of an evening of wine and crafts (already available in most major metropolitan areas).  With a couple glasses in, and a full belly, we were ready to get our abstract on.  Kristina guided us through the whole process. Within a few short hours we went from blank canvas, to full blown (armature) masterpiece.

A group of strangers to start, we were all besties by the end. 12 random people all giggling, laughing and complementing each other throughout. It was fantastic.  In fact, my checks haven't been this sore from perma-grin since I used to dabble in the funny stuff way back when. And I'm still smiling right now!  What a gas! (Did I really just use that phrase?? )

For whatever it's worth Kristina's got my recommendation. Fresh water and paint at your request, constructive critizsm if u so desire, and an immediate on the spot corrector when you totally screw it up. If you live in the area and are into the arts check her out:  www.KristinaWentzell.com. 

Now, what to do with this amazing piece??? Hmmmm... thats the hardest part of the evening.  Well that and my bar tab.  Again, all worth it :)

Locked up Abroad... Well not quite.

There's nothing quite like being escorted out of the terminal by the US Customs and Boarder Protection and led into the holding area for questioning. Truth is I kinda deserved it. 

You see, I found this beautiful hand painted piece of artwork for sale on the wall of a local pub.  When I inquired on the price of the item the bartender said It was $35 and she would send the artist right over.  I felt like this item was worth well more than $35 so I questioned why so cheap?  She explained that since it's been painted on a piece a drift wood I may have trouble getting it through security.  But she told me the piece had been "sprayed", to wrap it up in a towel and if I run into any trouble to have security call her directly, and she gave me her card. 

Well just when I was about to board the plane and just when I thought I was in the clear, I was being paged over the intercomn. As I approached the gate and saw the two officers searching the crowd for whomever "passanger Sharon Brooks" might be, I knew that I WAS NOT about to get upgraded, but that my $35 investment was a goner. 

He took me out back and started firing questions. Are u aware this item was in your possession? Where did you get this? How much did u pay for it?  Who's the artist? How did u get to the bar? What resort are you staying at?  And then he showed me my now destroyed piece of artwork. It was filled with gross centipede worm type things, and clearly an item that is NOT allowed to enter the US.  After a bit of a lecture and a scolding sesh he let us go (and by us, I mean I made my mom come with me for questioning). 

At least I got to enjoy it for a week and truth be told, no way in hell I'd want icky bugs creeping in some artwork hanging above my bed...  Oh well lesson learned!! And now our plane has been delayed because they can't get the luggage compartment to close.  Guess there are worse places to be stuck..

Photos below show my purchased piece of art.  1st phot:  it's the long one top right (not the fishes). 2nd photo:  after I had to have the maintaince guy saw it in half cuz it wouldn't fit in my luggage.

Down in the Islands

Freeport Bahamas, also known as Grand Bahama, is the largest of the over 200 islands that make up the Bahamas. And being the farthest north, I was a little skeptical of the weather and water temps, but why should I be? After all, anything would be better then where I was coming from. But much to my surprise it was downright HOT w/water temps of 75 degrees.  I have been swimming in the ocean for 7straight days and have now officially dove the 3 largest reefs on the planet (bucket list...check!).  I've explored and explored and explored some more. And as I'm wrapping up the final days of this vacation there are a few shout outs that I would like to mention; wayward Hayward, Old Blue and my girl Casandra.  

Casandra, the bartender/server here at the resort, was my first friend on the island. Well, she and Miss Haddie, but Miss Haddie was just being friendly in the hopes I would buy a timeshare.  But Cassandra was great. Not only did she keep me stocked up on chicken quesadillas and Sands beer, but we shared many a story and many a laugh. She is a beautiful strong woman, doing her best to survive and provide for her family... as is the case w most of the women I've met on the island.  

Then there's Hayward... a 3rd generational tour guide who also deserves an honorable mention. He scouted us out on the second day and subsequently became our personal taxi driver for the duration.  He carted us all over the island, pointing out sights, spouting out bits of history and fun facts, and took us off the beaten path to local hangouts so we could get a taste of real Bahamian life.  

But if my destination was w/in a few miles of the resort then to heck with Hayward.  I would call upon my trusty steed Old Blue to get the job done.  A rickety ole rusted out beach cruiser, Old Blue is one humdinger of a bike, and quite a challenge to ride. In fact a 2 mile ride on this fine piece of machinery seemed to equate to one of my 22 mile spin classes. But none the less, if u were up for the task she was always ready and waiting. Need a quick trip to the liquer store? Old Blue. Feel like exploring surrounding beaches or crashing neighboring resorts?  Old blue.  Want to take a ride into town to do a little shopping? Old blue.  Banging and clanging the whole way, switching gears on her own, and virtually no breaks to speak of, Old Blue proved herself through and through... gonna miss that old clunker. 

Gonna miss it all really. The warm weather, warm water.  The beautiful beaches, beautiful people.  It was another fantastic vacation and many more memories were made. A giant thank you to all who contributed to that.  Now it's back to the cold and snow, but hopefully for only a few more weeks.  Spring is right around the corner and soon enough the sun may even feel warm New England.  

Ps dive blog to come soon, waiting until I can download my underwater pics... Giant reef sharks, woot woot!