Monday Night Football Week 5: Let Mini Camp Begin!

Yesterday, both Team Blonde and Team Brunette met at Force Sports Rocky River for our first practice.  It was great to finally meet my teammates and opponents.  Many of both the players and coaches have lost or are supporting loved ones battling Alzheimer's which reminded me of the real reason for participating in #BvBCLE.  While it is fun to go out and play a friendly football game, raising awareness about Alzheimer's is why we are all there.  After brief introductions and a review of the rules, the teams broke off and got down to work!  We did some throwing, catching, and blocking drills along with running some routes.  Team Brunette is already shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with if I do say so myself!  We have started working on plays and sharpening our skills for the big game on June 16!  After practice, blonde and brunette players and coaches headed next door to Rocky River Brewing Company for food, brews, and another opportunity to get to know each other better.  Oh yeah...someone also brought "blonde" and "brunette" cupcakes for after practice too...a touchdown in my opinion!

So how can you get tickets to the big game??  A $20.00 donation towards my personal fundraising goal of $250 will get you one ticket.  A $100 donation will get you 6 tickets to the game.

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

**Disclaimer: I was asked to blog about my experiences as a player for the inaugural Blondes vs. Brunettes Powderpuff Football game.  I am required to attend at least 4 practices and raise at least $250 for the Cleveland Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.  All opinions are 100% my own** 

Monday Night Football Week 4: Gear up, Get Psyched!!

I will admit, I could not resist the high school cheerleading flashback with the title...except I only cheered for basketball.  But anyways...I first want to thank everyone who came out the Battle of the Bombshells Happy Hour last week.  Between the raffle tickets and guest bar tending, $1,170 was raised and will be added to the volunteers' (including my own) fundraising efforts.  It was great to finally meet Charlene and Katie in real life and I always love an excuse to hang out with Julie (and finally meet her bf Todd), Nidhi, Kimberly, and Brad.  The next BvB Happy Hour will be May 10th at The Boneyard in Broadview Heights.  More on that in a future MNF post!

Loved this pic Julie...even though you are not in it :(

Over the weekend, I finally received my practice schedule.  As I have mentioned, I am required to attend at least 4 team practices.  I could not be more excited to start either!  I will admit, I don't think I have touched a football since the days of sorority powderpuff in college.  I hope I can still catch.  At least I know I can run!  If you are still on the fence about playing, here are the team practice schedules: 

Team Blonde: 

• April 29 10:30am-12:30pm -Force Fitness 21220 Center Ridge Rd  Rocky River, OH 44116
• May 6 10am-11am -Force Fitness Rocky River
• May 16 7pm-8pm -Force Fitness Rocky River
• May 20 10am-11am -Force Fitness Rocky River
• May 31 7pm-8pm -Force Fitness East location 
  
• June 2 9am-10pm  -Force Fitness East location 
  
• June 7th 6pm-7pm -Force Fitness East location 
  
• June 10th 11am-12pm -Force Fitness East location 

Team Brunette:

April 29 10:30am-12:30pm -Force Fitness 21220 Center Ridge Rd  Rocky River, OH 44116

May 6 11am-12pm -Force Fitness Rocky River

May 16 6pm-7pm -Force Fitness Rocky River

May 20 11am-12pm -Force Fitness Rocky River (a miss for me since it is MARATHON DAY!!)

May 31 6pm-7pm-Force Fitness East location 

June 2 9am-10pm and Car Wash 10am-2pm -Force Fitness East location 

June 7th 7pm-8pm -Force Fitness East location 

June 10th 10am-11am -Force Fitness East location 

FRIDAY is the final day to sign up and play!    Remember, Alzheimer's can develop in anyone at any point in life.  Currently, there are no permanent treatments or cures.  Raising awareness is one way to help fight against this horrible disease.  

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

Who's Ready to Rock...and Eat?!

I was very excited to receive an email this morning announcing one of my favorite events will once again be held this summer.  Chef Jam 2012 will taking over the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 10 beginning at 7 p.m.

downloaded from the email

A vibrant food scene and rock and roll are two things Cleveland is well known for.  This event brings them together for one delicious and rockin' Sunday night.  Chefs from at least 19 different restaurants will create a dish inspired by their favorite bands.  Some of my personal favorites from last year were Pier W's "Yellow Submarine" sandwich and Deagan's Kitchen's "Three Little Birds" which was their interpretation of a turducken.  I cannot wait to see what everyone comes up with this year.

Tickets go on sale Monday.  For $65, you can enjoy food from ABC the Tavern, B Spot, Bar Cento, Bluepoint Grill, Bonbon, Flying Fig, Greenhouse Tavern, Melt, Momocho, Moxie, Pier W, Prosperity Social Club, Pura Vida, Sasa, Spice, Tremont Taphouse, Umami, Washington Place and Zack Bruell Restaurants while enjoying great brews from Great Lakes.  Yes, this is all you can eat and drink, but remember to pace yourself.  Last year, I made the mistake of eating at more of a 5K pace instead of marathon pace.  Your ticket also includes admission to the Rock Hall and live entertainment.  Portions will also be donated to various educational programs sponsored by the Rock Hall as well as The Ohio City Farm.  This event has sold out in the past too.  So get ready to rock and eat!!

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

Monday Night Football Week 3: Happy Hour

Not quite sure if you are ready to gear up and play (or coach) on June 16th?  Looking for something to do on a Wednesday night?  Want to help #bvbCLE without stepping foot on a football field?  Stop by Around the Corner in Lakewood on Wednesday night from 6-8 for the Battle of the Bombshells Happy Hour!  This is the perfect opportunity to find out more information about the big game, sign up to play or coach, or just come out and have a few drinks to benefit the Cleveland Area Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.  Players, coaches, and committee members will be serving drinks, selling raffle tickets (stop by and say hi, this is where I will be!), and will answer any questions you may have.  ATC will be offering their usual happy hour specials including $5.50 pitchers and $1.00 off all drinks. After 7, it will be $2.00 domestics.   All tips and money raised from the raffle will benefit this new to Cleveland organization.  There may also be a small competition between Team Blonde and Team Brunette too!  Wear purple to support Team Brunette or blue to support Team Blonde!  Hope to see you there!

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

**Disclaimer:  I was asked to blog about my experience as a player in the inaugural BvBCLE powderpuff football game.  I will attend required practices and achieve my fundraising goal of $250. All opinions are 100% my own...such as Go Team Brunette!!**

       

Monday Night Football Week 2: What is Alzheimer's?

Imagine being surrounded by your family in your own home except you have no idea who these people are and where you are.  They keep calling out to you yet you cannot remember who they are or why they would know you.  You feel confused, lost, scared, and alone.  Suddenly, you become agitated and want these people gone.  Are they going to harm you?  Why do they keep trying to get your attention?  Where are you?  In an instant, you recall who you are, where you are, and who these people are that keep calling out to you.  Your family appears to be a mix of fearful, sad, relieved, and confused.  They want to help you but sadly, even their best efforts may not be enough.

That scenario is what I imagine a person suffering from Alzheimer’s struggles with as the disease slowly takes over their life.  Fortunately, I have never had a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s and I cannot fathom what their family and caregivers go through on a daily basis.  I am one of the lucky ones.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 5.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.  It has become the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only one in the top 10 causes of death that cannot be prevented or slowed down.  While it is more common in people over 60 with family history, Alzheimer’s can affect anyone. 

Participation in events such as Blondes vs. Brunettes is a fun way to raise awareness and money to help in the fight against Alzheimer’s.  While there are some treatments to make life for people with Alzheimer’s less difficult, there are no treatments to slow down the progression of the disease or prevent it.  Currently, advances are being made daily in Alzheimer’s research to better understand causes and discover better treatment methods.

from http://www.alz.org/research/overview.asp

There is still time to sign up to play, coach, or join a committee.  Also, stop by Around the Corner in Lakewood on April 18 from 6-8 for happy hour.  Finally, if you know someone with Alzheimer’s and need a little extra support, there is a 24/7 helpline: 1-800-272-3900.  Please pass this number on to anyone who may need it.

Until next time…follow your heart, fulfill your hunger.

**Disclaimer: I have been asked to blog about my experiences as a player for the Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Chapter's Blondes vs. Brunettes Powderpuff Football game on June 16.  I am required to attend practices and reach a fundraising goal.  All opinions are 100% my own**

Monday Night Football Week 1: What is #BvBCLE

Are you ready for some football??

Yes, I am well aware it is baseball season and I am about to get into the really high mileage portion of my Cleveland Marathon training, however I also have signed up to play in the Blondes vs. Brunettes powderpuff football game.  This event is being held by the Cleveland Area Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.  On June 16th, Team Blonde will be facing off against Team Brunette at Cleveland State to raise money and awareness for the fight against Alzheimer's.   Friend and fellow blogger Julie is also involved and has asked me to blog about my experiences as a player.  Each week, I will post something related to #BvBCLE on my "Monday Night Football" posts.  Some will be related to what is going on on the field, while others will introduce you to why I am playing and why Alzheimer's awareness is important.
 Last week, I attended the players and coaches draft event and there is still a need for both players (girls only) and especially coaches (guys or girls).  There is also a need for volunteers and committee members.  For more information, check out the BVB website, Facebook, and Twitter.  Also, stop by Around the Corner in Lakewood on April 18 from 6-8 for the next #BvBCLE happy hour.  I just may be behind the bar that night too. Let's get ready to gear up and tackle Alzheimer's!

From the BvB Facebook page

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

**Disclaimer: I have been asked to blog about my experiences as a player.  I am required to fulfill all responsibilities such as attending practices and fundraising.  All opinions are 100% my own.**