The landslide brought you down

Boy do I feel beat the f*ck up this morning after that election last night. For those of you that don't know, I came in last when it came to the people who actually went out to campaign and was even beat by someone who didn't go out at all. I don't even know if the person I beat went to the meeting or any of the block clubs or volunteered or even exists. So, for all intents and purposes...and all intensive purposes...I lost...and by a lot. I'm not bitter at all because the people who won last night were all strong candidates and I voted for all but 1 of them. They'll do a great job on the board and Tremont will continue to be the best neighborhood in the city.

As for me, I feel a little let down that I got so few votes. I went to most of the block club meetings and I thought my speeches were good on average. I had flyers and a huge sign. I talked to residents and business owners. The fact of the matter is that I definitely missed something or some group. I know for sure that somewhere along the line, I lost some votes from my own block club...Kinda like Gore losing Tennessee in 2000. Maybe I'll start saying I invented the internet and become first emperor of the moon (futurama reference). The other candidates from my block club were voted in and as impressive as it was, everyone from the beginning predicted it since we are the largest and most represented at the polls. 1 of our guys got the most votes overall and the others were easily re-elected. I'm sure I'll find out what really did me in somewhere down the line in a well disguised "piece of advise for next time". Until then I can only trust that everyone who didn't vote for me had a good reason not to. No harm, no foul. That's just politics.

I'm on the fence about taking this stellar defeat personally. Did the members of Tremont West send a message last night with their votes or lack there of...or was it just a superficial popularity contest and I was in the unfortunate position of being the new kid? Maybe my message just stunk and no one liked the whole "It's my calling" and "I love the city" rhetoric. Time will tell I guess. I'm not going to leave the neighborhood with the sad Incredible Hulk music in the background but you do get that feeling when you lose this bad. I mean look at it from my perspective. I want to help but if no one wants or needs me, then I just stand there with the whole "tree falling in the woods" deal. I'm not going to stop volunteering, helping out, or doing my part but I know I'm not going to live long enough to collect that Lifetime Achievement award which will only go to show that no one noticed what I did until they had to because I became too old to do it anymore. There's more to this story for me than that.

What next? Well I'm definitely going to take some time to lick my wounds and pick the pieces of my heart up off the floor. Oh and I'll keep writing this for the 30 or so people who read it. Unfortunately I have to be at our next block club meeting where I have the privilege of playing the role of wet blanket to the otherwise celebratory mood that will exist since we got 3 people elected/re-elected out of the 7 open seats. I'm definitely going to guest attend Metro North and Duck Island's block clubs since (from what they said anyways) they voted for me. I'm going to randomly go to others as my schedule permits. I'm also going to start attending some committee meetings as a guest. I may let next month's go since I'm probably going to be a little depressed by the whole new member proceedings that more than likely will be going on. It's tricky balancing your passion and feelings with your responsibilities and professionalism. A new lesson I guess.

Well that's the end of that. It really was a great experience even though the payoff wasn't what I hoped it would be. Next time perhaps. I have a feeling another door or 2 will present itself between now and then. We'll just have to see what happens. Don't let failure get you down urban explorers. The cities you love so much were built upon it because they were willing to put themselves out there and try.

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I did stuff but nothing too exciting...

I'm tired and alone this week. Prime time to sleep!...if I wasn't campaigning for a board spot, working 7 days a week, trying to get to the gym, volunteering, and having a yard sale. And I don't care if you're busier than I am. Not everything has to be about you. None of it is too ground breaking this week but I did fit in some fun time outside the house.

I helped cheer on the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon runners from out front of the South Side. Free morning alcoholic beverages and pastries were provided...and fruit. The runner line for the porta-johns that were on the corner was very long. That would suck to get all psyched up and train for running a marathon and then have to stand in a 30 person line because you didn't eat oatmeal mixed with peanut butter and concrete protein mix like you know you should have. I would assume you'd just pee yourself, if you were serious about winning. Knowing some long distance runner, I also assume that winning a marathon is like successfully killing a unicorn dragon with your bare hands and that just finishing is a victory worth celebrating. I'll soon get to an age where that stage of my midlife crisis will come and I will want to run marathons. Until then, bacon.

I sold a bunch of stuff at our neighborhood yard sale called Show Your Stuff. Made a smidge over $100. I certainly didn't see as many people as last year and my guess is because of the marathon and the road closures. Because of that, I had no leg to stand on in negotiating price. It's OK though since that stuff is now someone else's problem and I can again pull into our garage!

We had a baby squirrel in the house. He was climbing all over the screens like he was on crack during the day and then made his way in somehow while I was at a meeting. Gina trapped him in the bedroom and I was able to get him to run out the door through a barricaded path I made for him. You may have seen the Facebook video on Gina's wall. "Yeeaahhh!" Well as of last night...he (or another one) is back but trapped in the basement. Maintenance guy is on it and I love renting because I don't have to be. Oh and we have raccoons in the garage. I thought I left this rodent crap in the burbs?!?

Gina was on vacation most of this week so I went to the ATM, took out $150 in ones, and headed to the dirtiest, sluttiest, most despicable strip... nah. This was basically me the whole time while I wasn't making speeches or working from home for the weekend. I'm on the left, if you're confused. Ahh yes, peace and quiet. Not from Gina mind you but from life in general. It's been a hectic month and frankly I'm worn out.

I believe Gina will be on vacation #2 this coming weekend so I'll probably be doing more of the same. I'll definitely be heading over to the Tremont Greek Festival for all of my meals! So much lamb...and Ouzo! It's a great festival and is only 2 blocks away so let's all pray for better weather than the 45 degrees and grey that it is currently as I write this.

Oh...and this happened to my house. That banner is literally bigger than one of our couches! Thank you Gina for organizing all that and a huge shout out to Jakprints for making it and the flyers. I have the option to give one more speech to a block club that I've already presented to and then I'm done with the speeches. I still have a bunch of flyers to pass out so I'm going to continue to put them in businesses and pass them out to neighbors. Next Thursday is the day so keep your fingers crossed!

I've met many wonderful people while campaigning for this board seat but honestly, I don't think I've met (or known that I've met) anyone other than the other candidates and current board members who are members of Tremont West who can vote. With that being said, I have no idea how this whole thing is going to turn out??? I am however chasing a dream and this journey is going to be a pretty damn good consolation prize, if I lose. Big things are coming no matter what urban pioneers!

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Cheap Fun Time Alert!

Want a cheap night out that's sure to be fun??? Well I got one for ya. On June 5th at 7:10 pm the Indians are playing the Orioles and you can get $10 tickets in the upper bleachers. I believe that's standard when it's fireworks night. Sure you have to get out of your seats after the game and before the fireworks but if you've seen the crowds at Tribe games recently, you'll know that you should have no problem finding an open seat in an area where the fireworks can be easily viewed. (I mean com'on people! Get out to a ballgame!) Plus...they're fireworks and everyone loves those! OK, still sounds lame and not worth it? How about it's not only dollar soda night...wait for it... but it's dollar dog night too! That means you and a friend can get tickets, 6 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and watch fireworks for...

Total Convenience Fee for (2) Tickets:	$4.00
Price for (2) Tickets:	$20.00
Processing Fee:	$3.35
Price for (6) Hot Dogs:	$6.00
Price for (6) Sodas:	$6.00
============================	======
Total:	$39.35

"But Sam, what about Parking? Isn't that like $20?!?!" 

Yes, person in my head, it is -- BUT I'm going to help you out. Ready????

Option 1: Live here and walk to the game! It's just that easy.

Option 2: Take the Rapid to Tower City - $2.25 each way

Option 3: Park for Free -

1. Leave your house about an hour earlier than normal. You're going to want to take pictures and see the new areas in the Stadium. Plus the Indians crowd knows this trick so you have beat them to it!
2. From 77 N once you get close to Downtown, take exit 163 to East 14th St. Usually you'll take the right lane around to East 9th but go middle lane straight on to East 14th.
3. Follow East 14th Street through the light until it ends at East 9th Street Extension.
4. Turn Right on East 9th Street Extension.
5. Follow it by taking a sharp left.
6. Turn right onto Commercial Road. This will take you under the new I90 bridge where there are 2 free parking lots that are right across the street from Progressive Field!

Um, holy crap are you welcome! 

I'm not going to account for fuel because that's your cross to bare in life depending on what you drive. That being said, for under $40 you can spend a summer Friday night watching professional sports, eating processed food, drinking sugary soda, and watching explosions. 

1st off - 'Merica. 

Secondly - You and your guest get a whole bag full of awesomeness for the price of 1 mediocre ticket to any other sporting event in town!

Now what you go do after the fireworks are over (gamble at the Horseshoe) is up to you. I'm sure that since you made your way to the big city at least 1.6% of you will want to do something afterwards. For you I say, go out and enjoy urban adventurers!!!

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5/9/2015 - RiverSweep was last weekend and our neighborhood volunteered in record numbers to help clean up garbage on the streets. You'd be amazed how much crap gets thrown about or blown out of trash cans. The epic number of tires we pick up every year is just mind blowing. A company or 2 in this area that recycles tires into something like playground mulch or creates retread tires would make a pretty penny in my opinion. Anyways, the neighborhood got a good cleaning and never looked better. This is the kind of project that I love to be a part of. Take a few hours and really hit the streets to make our neighborhood a better place. I'm proud of everyone that participated and of where I live!

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If you're a Tremont West voting member, don't forget to:

#SaveAVoteforSam

on May 28th at 6 pm at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church here in beautiful Tremont for the Tremont West Board of Directors!

Here is my short statement for voters to consider:

"I’m your average citizen that loves Tremont and Cleveland. I’m not rich or famous. I have a regular job and rent an apartment. I believe Tremont is the best neighborhood in Cleveland and should be used as a template for success in other places. I want residents and visitors to always feel safe here. I want to see less litter and fewer pot holes. I want to send my future children to good schools. I want my money to stay in the community through thriving local businesses and worthwhile neighborhood improvements. I want art, color, festivals, 4-star food, full storefronts, feet on the sidewalks, and bikes on the road. I believe these are the same things the majority of residents in Tremont want…We don’t want the progress to stop or even slowdown in any way. I know I can properly represent the members of Tremont West and people of Tremont in my thoughts and decisions on this Board. Let’s continue to bring everyone up and keep this neighborhood the best in Cleveland."

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The Campaign Trail and Yoga

Thanks to Christine Rinto for turning my MSPaint kids drawing into a beautiful work of Art!

Well in these past few weeks I've gone to a bunch of block club meetings around Tremont...that's right 1) we're a huge neighborhood and 2) we citizens are well represented. We each get a minute or 2 to introduce ourselves and make our case on why you should vote for us. So far I've counted 10 people for 7 open seats on the board. There are one or 2 people running I'm told who just run to run and never get elected based on their beliefs not meshing well with the voting members. See how I did that. I said something without even saying something. Practicing my politicking.

There wasn't much time for adventuring this week because of all of the meeting so I took the time to stay at each of the block clubs and explore the inner workings of my neighborhood. My block club, "North of Literary", past the pop topics of the area, deals a lot with building and business variances since we are partially in a business district area and because our corner of the neighborhood is still very popular for gentrification based building and remodels. Basically what that means is that any business that opens shop or house that gets built/remodeled or other things like those has to follow the somewhat cumbersome and deeply intricate Cleveland building and zoning code. Our little step in that process as a block club is to hear about the project plans, hear about the variances that they need to make to the code in order to do what they want to do, and then to vote as a group to support the requests or to send them back to make any changes we'd like to see before we approve. Yup, we as regular old citizens get a choice in what gets done in our neighborhood. More past that, people have to actually listen to us. Democracy at its finest!

Different block clubs have different things they deal with more often than others and I got a chance to listen to those these past weeks. Some deal with a lot of crime and come up with ways that their area can be safer. Some deal with trash clean up, snow removal, and other things as they trying to help keep their area looking attractive for businesses or home buyers. You as a voter control things as small as getting a new trash can for a corner to something as big as a new development being planned for an abandoned lot. The clubs help organize volunteer efforts and participate in activities that benefit Tremont. They get the word out about other issue that are happening in the city and in other areas of our neighborhood. A lot of times city councilman will attend the meetings to make sure that the direct line of communication to the people stays open and that their needs are heard. These truly are the dirty little 1 hour meetings where things get done and are vital to the success of not only Tremont but to our city as a whole.

I've always said that when you sit silently and let things happen around you, you have no right to complain about them when they effect you. These meetings are your chance to stand up and be heard. This is your opportunity to represent not only yourself but people like you who may want the same thing but feel as if 1 voice doesn't matter. You never know if you're alone until you speak up and see who agrees. Your vote for a 3rd party candidate may not matter in a presidential election but your idea about trimming the tree branches around a stop sign to make it more visible can make a huge difference for the safety of the neighborhood you live in. Hell it pretty much makes you a hero.

I learned a great deal from the meetings I've attended. The Duck Island area is booming with new housing and business that will close the gap between Tremont and Ohio City. North of Metro is worried about crime and what the rehab of the old Aragon ballroom will do for street parking. Central Tremont is not happy about having garbage all over the place and are waiting for new trash cans that they lobbied the councilman for. The 2 South Tremont clubs got a small neighborhood grant and plan on purchasing dusk-to-dawn devices for the outdoor lights of area houses to increase safety in the neighborhood. Different areas with different needs but all with one goal...a better Tremont. This is why Tremont is an amazing place to live and why I want to be more a part of it!

With all of the speeches I've given so far I've had a fair chance to refine my slug line. Ready for it...

#SaveAVoteforSam

It comes from the fact that my name will be at the bottom of the alphabetical list of candidates. Not too shabby right. "Vote for all these great people but save a vote for Sam at the end." I think it's catchy...

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I always knew I'd like yoga. I just never got the chance to go or it was out ranked by other fun in my life at the time. Luckily for me I got a day off from campaigning and was planning on going to bed as soon as I got home from work. That is until Gina asked me to go to Practice & a Pint at Platform Beer Co. It's run by Balance and Brews in the upstairs area of Platform (among other beer location). Melissa was our instructor and I'm glad that she was for my 1st practice. She was detailed in her descriptions of what she wanted us to do and that is priceless to a newbie like me. She walked us through everything nice and slow and allowed the advanced people to continue on while I stayed in my beginner poses trying not to slip in my own sweat when I wasn't struggling to keep my balance. Speaking of sweat--holy crap did I ever! The cool down time after was the most relaxed I've been...ever I think. Gina said I fell asleep even though I felt her nudge me and thought it was just her being funny. I must snore meditate. I sure as hell snore sleep and snore wake up alone. Anyways, it was the hardest most relaxing thing I've ever done and truthfully the whole practice and culture fits my personality perfectly. I am sure to do it again as my schedule allows and will definitely attend another Balance and Brews practice. If you do the Yoga or are thinking about starting, register for one of their events. I felt calm, safe, and not once did I feel I was being judged and you will be sure to feel that way too. I just know it.

Oh and we got beer afterwards which also fits my personality. Plus we got to talk with Melissa's husband Sean who was a heck of a nice guy!

Some wonderful Cleveland public art and my cute little ballerina!

Namaste urban pioneers! Get out there and make positive change no matter how small.

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The Cleveland Botanical Gardens

Before I start this one, I'd be stupid not to point out that I've lived in Cleveland now for 365 days...you know, like the title of this blog. The past year has been wonderful and has really blown past everything I expected out of this little adventure. I'd like to thank everyone who's read any of my posts, Gina, and anyone who's came to visit us. I've rented my house in Lakewood again so we'll be doing another round of 365 days in Cleveland! This upcoming year has some real promise. I have a feeling we'll tie up all our loose ends before the season finale...and maybe we won't...stay tuned! Now on to the show:

4-26-15 - Well after talking about it for what seemed like forever, good old Gina got us a online coupon for half off admission to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens! Now we haven't spent much time in University Circle so far but that is changing this year. There's just too much to do over there to ignore it any longer...plus now it has a Happy Dog location in the old Euclid Tavern! A good hot dog place can entice me anywhere.

Once we parked we took a stroll around Wade Lagoon and everything was in bloom. It really is a beautiful park and when combined with Rockefeller Park and the cultural Gardens it kind of reminds me of Central Park in New York...except most of the north end is surrounded by dangerous gang controlled areas. Not by Case though! The Case area is pretty awesome with the 3 major hospitals, all but 1 of Cleveland's Museums, Case Western Reserve, Severance Hall...just so much good stuff packed into that area! I'd like to see some thick old looking stone high rises go up on either side of the park to give it kind of a Central Park West look and feel. There's a lot that needs to happen before that can however...

Next we headed over to the Botanical Gardens. This is truly a wonderful experience for everyone and if you have kids, this is a must do! From what we found they have 2 indoor greenhouse garden areas. One has a desert motif and the other a rain forest. They have a nice kids area, a cafe, lounge, and gift shop. I'm sure there's more but that's all we saw without looking on a map or asking for directions. There are birds, insects, lizards, along with plants and trees of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Most things are right out in the open so you are able to interact (to an extent...you can't ride the turtles) with your surrounding. There's very little glass separating you from everything there so you can take great pictures (like I did) and immerse yourself into it all. I think our favorite part were the butterflies in the rain forest area. They everywhere and there are so many different ones. They're like little fluttering bits of colorful magic...ya I said it, shut up. Once we were done with the indoor areas we made a quick stop at the gift shop and headed out...

Now when I say we headed out, I mean we headed out because we thought we saw everything. Then we walked around Wade Oval a bit and witnessed the biggest "uh duh" moment of our lives. There were gardens outside! No kidding right?!? I almost hesitated to tell you that. Then I thought I'd blame it on Gina but the truth is we had no idea what to expect until we saw it. Just rows and rows of spring flowers and green grass behind a beautifully decorative locked gate and fence. Needless to say we ran back in to find the way to get into this blooming Garden of Eden...and eventually we did.

There is way more to the outside gardens than you'd originally expect at first glance. They go on and on and wrap around and go over a bridge...It's a great little slice of nature here in the city. There's a large kid's section (not a section for large kids but the section is large) with a jungle gym and project stations and multiple landscaped gardens with different themes. My favorite was the Asian themed garden.

I really really liked this little adventure. The Botanical Gardens are very nice, clean, and well kept. There are tons of things to see and do here and with the 50% coupon, the price was right...not that it wouldn't have been right without the coupon but I'm cheap so it's like a second cherry on the sundae. I'd highly recommend it to anyone especially if you have kids and am proud to live in a city that has such a great place. Oh and don't forget to bring your camera!

After we were done with the gardens, I walked over to the Peter B. Lewis building on Case's campus to take some shots of this amazing piece of architecture. The bending metal front, the curving brick walls, the shadows from a distance that trick your mind... it really is Cleveland's weirdest and boldest building. Thank God for liberal colleges that take chances like this.

Once I was done taking some snapshots we headed to Happy Dog at the Euclid Tavern. They have 2 locations now people and I really can't find a valid excuse for you not to go! The place has got a great stage in the front of the building and the same pick-your-toppings menu. It couldn't be in a better strip of building being at the end of Uptown and there's a metered lot across the street just for there. We ate delicious dog and tots and watched the Cavs sweep the Celtics! New location but no change in quality. I love this place and love the food. 

As if this all wasn't enough -- we went home, took a nap, woke up, and went to see Langhorne Slim and the Law at the Beechland. I think I may have made Gina a believer in the awesomeness of Langhorne. He played an amazing set! He was fun and charismatic even though there were a few drunk a$$holes in the crowd that he had to shut down a couple of times. It's just embarrassing sometimes when people can't shut up and enjoy some damn fine music. Anyways, as always, Langhorne killed it and if you've never heard him, go check him out on any of your favorite music places to hear music in places.

...God what else...Oh I'm meeting with people and businesses and city councilmen and making speeches and campaigning for this Tremont West Board of Trustees seat! It's really moving along and next week will be filled with block club meetings to speak at. So far I haven't really seen any of the other candidates but 2. I'm told there are a lot and I'm sure I'll see them over the next couple of weeks but I seemed to have got a head start. Still more to come on this one...

Sometimes Urban Pioneers you have to be a tourist in your own city in order to truly see it as it was meant to be seen! Until next time my friends.

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