| April 2026 Living OUTSTANDING Highlights & Reflections |
April 2026 Living OUTSTANDING Highlights & Reflections |
Welcome to the April edition of Living OUTSTANDING! April has been a full month — the kind that moves quickly, stretches your heart in a few different directions, and reminds you how much life can hold at once. There were sunny spring break moments on the beach, busy real estate days back home, meaningful community experiences, live performances, new discoveries, and a few bittersweet endings that made me want to slow time down just a little. In this issue, I’ll share a fresh and delicious Obsession from our trip to Mexico, along with Updates from a very active spring real estate market. A fun new Treasure is bringing a little joy to some relocating clients, while Sounds & Stage was packed with live performances that kept the month entertaining. On the Tech front, I’ve been loving an easy way to listen to more books, and I’m filled with Anticipation for the celebrations May will bring. This month also included valuable Networking through the Summit Senior Service Network, along with coffee shop Discoveries that gave me a few new places to try and enjoy. Inspiration came through a powerful Leadership Akron experience with the Victim Assistance Program, and my Notable reading list was unusually full thanks to vacation reading, audiobooks, and lots of time on the go. As always, I’ll close with Gratitude — this time for the volleyball years, the memories, the friendships, and the chance to watch my daughter grow through a sport we both love. As spring continues to unfold, I hope this edition encourages you to savor the moments while you’re in them — the exciting ones, the busy ones, and even the bittersweet ones. I’d love to hear — what made your April outstanding? <Note: You may need to click "view entire message" at the bottom to read the whole thing... Outstanding is a long word:)> |
Welcome to the April edition of Living OUTSTANDING! April has been a full month — the kind that moves quickly, stretches your heart in a few different directions, and reminds you how much life can hold at once. There were sunny spring break moments on the beach, busy real estate days back home, meaningful community experiences, live performances, new discoveries, and a few bittersweet endings that made me want to slow time down just a little. In this issue, I’ll share a fresh and delicious Obsession from our trip to Mexico, along with Updates from a very active spring real estate market. A fun new Treasure is bringing a little joy to some relocating clients, while Sounds & Stage was packed with live performances that kept the month entertaining. On the Tech front, I’ve been loving an easy way to listen to more books, and I’m filled with Anticipation for the celebrations May will bring. This month also included valuable Networking through the Summit Senior Service Network, along with coffee shop Discoveries that gave me a few new places to try and enjoy. Inspiration came through a powerful Leadership Akron experience with the Victim Assistance Program, and my Notable reading list was unusually full thanks to vacation reading, audiobooks, and lots of time on the go. As always, I’ll close with Gratitude — this time for the volleyball years, the memories, the friendships, and the chance to watch my daughter grow through a sport we both love. As spring continues to unfold, I hope this edition encourages you to savor the moments while you’re in them — the exciting ones, the busy ones, and even the bittersweet ones. I’d love to hear — what made your April outstanding? <Note: You may need to click "view entire message" at the bottom to read the whole thing... Outstanding is a long word:)> |
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OBSESSED:What I'm enthralled by |
OBSESSED:What I'm enthralled by |
Fresh Guacamole in Puerto Vallarta |
Fresh Guacamole in Puerto Vallarta |
I traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with my family for spring break, and we were completely obsessed with the guacamole. I’m pretty sure we ordered it every single day we were there. There's nothing like fresh made guac on the beach! |
I traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with my family for spring break, and we were completely obsessed with the guacamole. I’m pretty sure we ordered it every single day we were there. There's nothing like fresh made guac on the beach! |
UPDATES:What I'm working on |
UPDATES:What I'm working on |
Busy Spring Real Estate Market |
Busy Spring Real Estate Market |
It has been a busy month in real estate! While I was in Mexico, I had three buyers ask to see the same house in Fairlawn. Two of them ended up submitting offers. One of my buyers was ecstatic to get it, while the other buyers were understandably devastated to lose it. Because they really wanted to get into that neighborhood, we worked together to create a prospecting letter, and I hand-delivered it to each house to see if any other neighbors might be considering selling. We got a call from one of them, so fingers crossed it works out for them! I also had a listing hit the market in Fairlawn last week. We hosted a “first look” open house that was open to the public, and I also invited all the neighbors to stop by. It was a great excuse to get out the Ninja Slushi machine and make some lemonade slushies. I also had dips, chips, and homemade cookies. It was a huge success! The house received multiple offers and was under contract by the end of the weekend. |
It has been a busy month in real estate! While I was in Mexico, I had three buyers ask to see the same house in Fairlawn. Two of them ended up submitting offers. One of my buyers was ecstatic to get it, while the other buyers were understandably devastated to lose it. Because they really wanted to get into that neighborhood, we worked together to create a prospecting letter, and I hand-delivered it to each house to see if any other neighbors might be considering selling. We got a call from one of them, so fingers crossed it works out for them! I also had a listing hit the market in Fairlawn last week. We hosted a “first look” open house that was open to the public, and I also invited all the neighbors to stop by. It was a great excuse to get out the Ninja Slushi machine and make some lemonade slushies. I also had dips, chips, and homemade cookies. It was a huge success! The house received multiple offers and was under contract by the end of the weekend. |
TREASURES:Thing I'm loving |
TREASURES:Thing I'm loving |
I bought a BirdBuddy for clients who are relocating here from Arizona. They haven’t moved yet, so I installed it in their backyard so they can get a glimpse of Ohio and feel more connected to their new home before they even arrive. If you’re not familiar with BirdBuddy, it’s basically a bird feeder with a Ring doorbell. Every time a bird visits, it captures a video and sends it to you. It even identifies the bird species and allows you to name the birds. My clients signed up for the family plan, which allows me to see the footage too, and it has been so fun watching the birds (and squirrels) that visit every day. So many cardinals! I just might have to get one for myself. :) |
I bought a BirdBuddy for clients who are relocating here from Arizona. They haven’t moved yet, so I installed it in their backyard so they can get a glimpse of Ohio and feel more connected to their new home before they even arrive. If you’re not familiar with BirdBuddy, it’s basically a bird feeder with a Ring doorbell. Every time a bird visits, it captures a video and sends it to you. It even identifies the bird species and allows you to name the birds. My clients signed up for the family plan, which allows me to see the footage too, and it has been so fun watching the birds (and squirrels) that visit every day. So many cardinals! I just might have to get one for myself. :) |
SOUNDS & STAGE:What I'm watching or listening to |
SOUNDS & STAGE:What I'm watching or listening to |
Mary Poppins, STOMP & Luke Combs |
Mary Poppins, STOMP & Luke Combs |
This has been such a fun month for live performances! I had the pleasure of seeing Mary Poppins at the Cleveland Playhouse, and it was phenomenal. I also saw STOMP at E.J. Thomas Hall, which was so entertaining and creative. And to round it all out, I saw Luke Combs at Ohio Stadium — quite a show! There’s something so energizing about live performances, whether it’s musical theater, rhythm and movement, or a stadium full of people singing along together. |
This has been such a fun month for live performances! I had the pleasure of seeing Mary Poppins at the Cleveland Playhouse, and it was phenomenal. I also saw STOMP at E.J. Thomas Hall, which was so entertaining and creative. And to round it all out, I saw Luke Combs at Ohio Stadium — quite a show! There’s something so energizing about live performances, whether it’s musical theater, rhythm and movement, or a stadium full of people singing along together. |
TECH:What's making my life easier |
TECH:What's making my life easier |
I’ve been loving listening to audiobooks on the Libby app. If you haven’t used it, you can borrow audiobooks and e-books for free with your library card. It’s such a great way to pass the time while I’m walking, driving, cleaning the house, or doing all the little things that don’t require my full brain but do require my hands. I also usually listen at 1.9x speed, which probably sounds a little intense, but once you get used to it, normal speed feels painfully slow! It allows me to “read” so many more books than I ever could otherwise... especially during busy months like this one. |
I’ve been loving listening to audiobooks on the Libby app. If you haven’t used it, you can borrow audiobooks and e-books for free with your library card. It’s such a great way to pass the time while I’m walking, driving, cleaning the house, or doing all the little things that don’t require my full brain but do require my hands. I also usually listen at 1.9x speed, which probably sounds a little intense, but once you get used to it, normal speed feels painfully slow! It allows me to “read” so many more books than I ever could otherwise... especially during busy months like this one. |
ANTICIPATION:What I'm looking forward to |
ANTICIPATION:What I'm looking forward to |
A Month Full of Celebrations |
A Month Full of Celebrations |
I’m looking forward to lots of celebrating in May! Between my birthday, Mother’s Day, my older daughter’s high school graduation, and my younger daughter’s Mock Trial National competition, it’s going to be a full and emotional month. I already know it will probably fly by, so I’m hoping to soak it all in as much as possible — the milestones, the proud mom moments, and the time with family. |
I’m looking forward to lots of celebrating in May! Between my birthday, Mother’s Day, my older daughter’s high school graduation, and my younger daughter’s Mock Trial National competition, it’s going to be a full and emotional month. I already know it will probably fly by, so I’m hoping to soak it all in as much as possible — the milestones, the proud mom moments, and the time with family. |
NETWORKING:Who I've connected with |
NETWORKING:Who I've connected with |
This month, I really enjoyed the speed networking event with SSN (Summit Senior Service Network). I got to learn more about some people I already knew, and I also met several people with really interesting businesses and services. There is so much support available in our community that most people don’t even realize exists until they need it. I met people who provide medical house calls, mobile wound care, caregiver support, end-of-life care, and so much more. If you’re helping an older adult navigate the next stage of life, there are a lot of incredible resources out there. I'm happy to help connect you with some of them if needed. |
This month, I really enjoyed the speed networking event with SSN (Summit Senior Service Network). I got to learn more about some people I already knew, and I also met several people with really interesting businesses and services. There is so much support available in our community that most people don’t even realize exists until they need it. I met people who provide medical house calls, mobile wound care, caregiver support, end-of-life care, and so much more. If you’re helping an older adult navigate the next stage of life, there are a lot of incredible resources out there. I'm happy to help connect you with some of them if needed. |
DISCOVERIES:What I'm learning or discovering |
DISCOVERIES:What I'm learning or discovering |
I’ve enjoyed trying a few different coffee shops this month, including Undergrounds Café in Wooster, Altitude Social House in Fairlawn, and Porchlight Coffee in Akron. I’m also excited to try Morning Star Bakery & Café, the new coffee shop in Bath, later this week . I don't even drink coffee (hot chocolate is my go-to order), but there’s something fun about finding new local spots to meet with people. |
I’ve enjoyed trying a few different coffee shops this month, including Undergrounds Café in Wooster, Altitude Social House in Fairlawn, and Porchlight Coffee in Akron. I’m also excited to try Morning Star Bakery & Café, the new coffee shop in Bath, later this week . I don't even drink coffee (hot chocolate is my go-to order), but there’s something fun about finding new local spots to meet with people. |
INSPIRATIONS:What is inspiring me |
INSPIRATIONS:What is inspiring me |
Victim Assistance Program |
Victim Assistance Program |
I recently visited the Victim Assistance Program offices in Akron as part of my Leadership Akron experience, and I was truly blown away by the compassionate assistance they provide to victims in our community. The work they do is incredibly important, and I left with such a deep appreciation for their staff and the way they show up for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I’m looking forward to going back next week to do a craft project with their staff during lunch. Hopefully it gives them a little stress relief, a chance to step away for a bit, and a small reminder that the care they give to others matters so much. |
I recently visited the Victim Assistance Program offices in Akron as part of my Leadership Akron experience, and I was truly blown away by the compassionate assistance they provide to victims in our community. The work they do is incredibly important, and I left with such a deep appreciation for their staff and the way they show up for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I’m looking forward to going back next week to do a craft project with their staff during lunch. Hopefully it gives them a little stress relief, a chance to step away for a bit, and a small reminder that the care they give to others matters so much. |
Even though this was a really busy month, I somehow managed to read — and listen to — a lot of books. I always read a lot on vacation, usually about one book per day, but I also spent a lot of time in the car and walking this month, so audiobooks helped too. There were so many good ones that I couldn’t narrow it down to just one notable read, so here are a few favorites: Educated by Tara Westover — An incredible memoir about a girl who grew up in the mountains of Idaho without formal education and eventually earned degrees from Harvard and Cambridge. Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan — A beautifully written story about a boy accused of murdering his girlfriend, with a twist I absolutely did not see coming. His & Hers by Alice Feeney — MUCH better than the Netflix show! My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney — Another psychological thriller with so many twists and turns!! The Compass Within by Robert Glazer — A thoughtful story about the values that guide us both personally and professionally. It was a great month of reading — the kind that made me grateful for vacation time, library apps, and long walks. |
Even though this was a really busy month, I somehow managed to read — and listen to — a lot of books. I always read a lot on vacation, usually about one book per day, but I also spent a lot of time in the car and walking this month, so audiobooks helped too. There were so many good ones that I couldn’t narrow it down to just one notable read, so here are a few favorites: Educated by Tara Westover — An incredible memoir about a girl who grew up in the mountains of Idaho without formal education and eventually earned degrees from Harvard and Cambridge. Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan — A beautifully written story about a boy accused of murdering his girlfriend, with a twist I absolutely did not see coming. His & Hers by Alice Feeney — MUCH better than the Netflix show! My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney — Another psychological thriller with so many twists and turns!! The Compass Within by Robert Glazer — A thoughtful story about the values that guide us both personally and professionally. It was a great month of reading — the kind that made me grateful for vacation time, library apps, and long walks. |
GRATITUDE:What I'm grateful for |
GRATITUDE:What I'm grateful for |
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My “volleyball mom era” came to an end this month, and it was much harder than I expected. I coached Abby from 3rd through 8th grade in CYO, then watched her play three years of high school volleyball and six club seasons. That adds up to a lot of weekends away, long days in gyms, early mornings, team dinners, emotional matches, and proud mom moments — and I wouldn’t trade any of it. It has been incredibly special to share a sport I love with her and watch her grow into such a strong, determined, versatile player. This wasn’t exactly the senior club season she hoped for, but she stuck with it and played just about every position at some point — DS, right side, outside, setter, and finally middle hitter — all without complaining. I couldn’t be more proud. I’m also grateful for our volleyball family — the parents, teammates, coaches, and friends who became such a meaningful part of our lives over the years. I know I’m going to miss it terribly, but mostly I’m grateful: for the memories, the friendships, the lessons, and the gift of watching Abby do something she loved. |
My “volleyball mom era” came to an end this month, and it was much harder than I expected. I coached Abby from 3rd through 8th grade in CYO, then watched her play three years of high school volleyball and six club seasons. That adds up to a lot of weekends away, long days in gyms, early mornings, team dinners, emotional matches, and proud mom moments — and I wouldn’t trade any of it. It has been incredibly special to share a sport I love with her and watch her grow into such a strong, determined, versatile player. This wasn’t exactly the senior club season she hoped for, but she stuck with it and played just about every position at some point — DS, right side, outside, setter, and finally middle hitter — all without complaining. I couldn’t be more proud. I’m also grateful for our volleyball family — the parents, teammates, coaches, and friends who became such a meaningful part of our lives over the years. I know I’m going to miss it terribly, but mostly I’m grateful: for the memories, the friendships, the lessons, and the gift of watching Abby do something she loved. |
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| | Outstanding Ohio is brought to you by Erin Johnson, eXp Realtor |
Outstanding Ohio is brought to you by Erin Johnson, eXp Realtor |
Erin's mission is to be Ohio's most Resourceful Realtor by providing the resources to help people buy and sell houses and live their best lives in the outstanding state of Ohio. Erin specializes in assisting clients in Copley/Fairlawn/Bath and Summit County, but is willing and able to serve most of Northeast Ohio. If you live outside of this area, she can refer you to an experienced agent who can serve you.
If you are thinking about buying or selling and would like a free consultation or home valuation, call/text 330-227-4355 or email erin@outstandingohio.com. |
Erin's mission is to be Ohio's most Resourceful Realtor by providing the resources to help people buy and sell houses and live their best lives in the outstanding state of Ohio. Erin specializes in assisting clients in Copley/Fairlawn/Bath and Summit County, but is willing and able to serve most of Northeast Ohio. If you live outside of this area, she can refer you to an experienced agent who can serve you.
If you are thinking about buying or selling and would like a free consultation or home valuation, call/text 330-227-4355 or email erin@outstandingohio.com. |
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2857 Riviera Rd Suite 201- Fairlawn, OH 44333 |
2857 Riviera Rd Suite 201- Fairlawn, OH 44333 |
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