A very BIG thank you to all of you! You gave me some FANTASTIC IDEAS for vacation options – and I’m working on securing something with a travel agent before the week is over!  I’ll keep you updated! 

Saturday morning – I woke up early to get my 10 mile run in, because I knew we had a long day head of us.  With the marathon being out of town – I want to make sure I have a good, portable breakfast – so this time – I tested out a new “pre-run” breakfast:

PB&J pita pocket with some fresh fruit

This was really good, and really fueled me well for the run.  The run itself – was fantastic.  I felt like a well-oiled, fine-tuned machine! Such a nice change after struggling through all 3 runs during the week. 

After showering and cleaning up the house – I made a quick lunch – Boca Burger, Spicy Crab Salad, and pickle chips:

Really random combination, but it definitely hit the spot! 

Then, it was off to my little brother’s graduation!  My baby brother Timmy (affectionately called Timmy Tip Toes) graduated from Fire Academy – but the ceremony was INSIDE so I wasn’t able to get a single good picture! 

After the ceremony – we went to Southside in Tremont to celebrate!   (I’m seriously in love with Tremont these days)

I started with a Sauvignon Blanc:

and the Hummus Platter:

This was so fresh and amazing!  I ate a ton of it – so when it came time to order our meals – I just ordered the “House Salad”:

Which ended up being a really decent size!   And OH-MY-GOD – I have to tell you about the dressing.  It was SPICY CAESAR!  I honestly can’t even begin to explain how amazing it was.  I could have eaten the dressing by itself – as soup.  Just thinking about it right now is making my mouth water!  MMMMM! 

Here’s my brother, the graduate – my Dad – and my Uncle Dan, a retired Fire Captain. 

Congratulations again Timmy – Mike and I are so incredibly proud of you! 

Here’s the GDW half of the table:  

(Mike shaved his head!) 

After dinner – we headed back to our house, had a few drinks – and then went out on the town with the man of the hour.  Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures, so that’s about all I’ve got for ya!! (Paparazzi Pappa did! – but he doesn’t send me the pictures in a timely fashion!  That’s right Dad!  I said it!)