Shoeless was NOT going to stop me

You'd never know I was as old as my birth certificate says.

I don't feel that age.

I hang with younger kids.

I'm told I don't look that #.

And I've been carded at least 4 times over the summer. Whew hoo!

Thank you, Mom. That is one of many attributes and gifts you have given me and I so love you for it.

I had the honor of attending the Indians' game with 2 co-workers who realistically could be my daughters. But, I just have the best time whenever we go out.

I hope they have the same fun times.

Carrie and Caitlin are a hoot and we had just a crazy time.


Again, the folks in front of us totally eavesdropping on all of our conversations.



And they were enamored with the blond girls in my company. I am not blond. I'm ok with that fact! I kinda like my dark, Italian hair with my light blue eyes.

I must admit, I can not believe how I can still partake of the adult beverages.

After the game and great fireworks show put to music (where we screamed the lyrics at the top of our lungs), we met up with Bethany and her friends. Yet, more laughs and memory-making.


Now, in the midst of the fun and frivolity, my flip flop began giving way.


Those who wear flip flops regularly know what I am talking about. It starts feeling looser. You glance down and see that sure enough, it is getting looser and the spot between your toe is even giving way and may bust open at any moment.


You have to clench your foot and consciously lift your foot every time you take a step.


I could not have that happen.

The night was still young. I had at least 3 or 4 hours still ahead of me!

So, in fashion of my younger days --at college, or when we'd go to Browns' games at old Municipal Stadium, I yanked off the shoes and walked barefoot through the streets of Cleveland.

I did not care.

Threw caution to the wind and loved it actually.

From Progressive Field to Harry Buffalo.....through East 4th (which is AMAZING these days--love it!) down Euclid Avenue through Public Square....over to West 6th and the Warehouse District!


An amazing feat that my feet did not get sliced up or worse.


Each establishment we entered, I'd put on my shoes for a fleeting moment until we got in and then poof --slipped them off because with each step, the plastic support was loosening.


Quite a liberating feeling to dance on the dance floor at Dive Bar barefoot and play Foosball barefoot! Just like I was back at college roaming around campus at 2:00 a.m.


Into the Rooftop Bar. The shoes immediately came off as I was required to walk at least 36 steps to get to the rooftop, and once up there, up and down a few platforms.


No way Jose.


Once up there, what a beautiful sight of my fair city. The music blasting, pounding through your whole body, the drinks freely flowing, and a breeze that made it all worth it as you glance out at the city skyline.


Finally, the night had to come to some sort of conclusion.


I had been up since 5:00 a.m. My other friend actually had to go INTO work. She was a trooper drinking water all night.


We decided to head back together --walking.


Never once felt afraid or unsafe to navigate the streets of Cleveland in the wee hours of the morning --shoeless!


And once we left the Rooftop Bar, I was required to be shoeless for the rest of our trek as my flip flip busted into 2 pieces before our very eyes. Caitlin was nice enough to ask if I wanted to get a taxi.


Heck no, this was the perfect ending to our daylong adventure.


We walked back to our cars, having a wonderful conversation, I feeling as if I was a kid again.


And deep down inside, I think I still am!