Marathoner. Home brewer. Dog lover. Runner. Foodie. Beer snob. Travel addict. These are the terms I would use to describe myself until about 8 months ago. After being told by a plus sign, doctor, blood test, ultrasound, and a tape measure around my wife’s stomach, I think I have to finally admit that father will be added to the list. After finally getting mentally ready for that, we found out it would be twins, and 6 months later I’m still coming to grips with that.

June 25 is fast approaching. Though National Catfish Day deserves plans of its own, you may want to put those plans on hold until next year, and spend the 25th in Ljubljana, Europe’s best kept secret instead. Ljubljana has the architecture of Spain, wine of Italy, politeness of Germany, and food of Greece while being affordable and still relatively uncrowded from tourists. This little gem of Slovenia deserves your time.

The South by Southwest of the Northeast. That’s how I once heard Propeller Festival, New Jersey’s first technology and media festival, described. The inaugural Propeller Festival took place this past Friday on Hoboken’s Pier A Park, a perfect setting for a beautiful day in the sun. With a few minor setbacks, the festival was a huge success and I can’t wait to see what they do next year. Here are some of my observations about the day and what I hope to see next year.

I love that spectators come out to cheer on runners in every race I’ve run. Some like New York are incredible in scale. How can 26.2 miles be covered in several people deep lines of cheering? Others like Belfast are memorable for the local support and willingness to help. However, I’m getting sick of the same signs at every race. The first time they were funny. The 8th time they get old.

They call it Hospital Hill for a reason. At mile 10 of the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon it rears up against the sky. With proper training, you won’t need the hospital that sits at the top, but it’s always good to have a plan b. Marine Corps drill sergeants yelling at you to run up it and conquer the pain help too. This is the Marine Corps historic half and only the tough survive.

There are times in one’s life when conditions are not as expected or less than perfect. In such times, it is often easy for one to give up or give in and bail. One may even throw one’s hands up in the air as if they just don’t care. Such is the tidal pull of life. However, sometimes, one reaches above the imperfection and attains greatness through adversity. Sometimes one takes that step toward immortality and becomes a hero.

Day Four - All Points West Today we hit all points west of where we’ve been so far, and essentially the remaining breweries (Well technically there are still about 95 others, but the big ones). We’re going to spend the day in the sun, by the surf, and even catch a famous sunset on the cliffs at the obviously named Sunset Cliffs. C’est apropos. Did I use that right? Let’s begin at Stone, the biggest name in San Diego craft brewing and the biggest brewery location as well.

If you have one goal in San Diego it should be to spend the maximum possible amount of time outside in the sun. I mean like no more than 15 minutes a day inside. That includes ordering at places, using restrooms, and sitting down. The weather here is a gift to you and you better not squander it. If you do, the polar vortex will find you and exact revenge. Life is too short to sit inside in San Diego.

Day Three - The Great Whyte North Day Three takes us about 20 minutes up north to the amazing concentration of craft breweries in the town of Miramar. I hope you saved some room yesterday. Hidden among the miles and miles of non-descript industrial park buildings are several amazing breweries. Next to the Pottery Barn warehouse and a distribution center for a pharmaceutical company might be the next Stone Brewing. Come along but do not tarry, for the way is treacherous, but I shall be your guide.

Day Two - South Park, North Park, and Kenny? Recharged yet from the sun and suds yesterday? Buckle up Bernie, you’re about to feel the bern today. If you thought yesterday was intense, you may want to stay in bed today. If not, you have earned a place on the continuation of this epic voyage through beer. Today we hit up South Park and North Park, a three mile or so stretch of beer heaven to the east of the huge Balboa Park, where the zoo is located.