Good, fun, Ohio.

Really, I love Ohio. And I love Columbus. And I love being a Buckeye. We're fun people.

Buckeye Floridian

I found it. Ohio in Florida. And in a few days I'll be experiencing the real thing. OH!

Fantastic Trip to Ohio Placeholder

This is a blog to hold the place for a future blog (because I don't have the time to write right now) about my fantastic trip to Ohio. So until that blog (complete with pictures and all that razzle dazzle madness) takes place, please know that I had a most incredibly fantastic awesome amazing wonderful fabulous (and all related adjectives) trip to the great state of O-HI-O.

Stay tuned...

Back in Florida

I need to be witty and insightful. It's been a while since I've had one of those good posts, but right now I'm just going to be completely honest. I don't want to be here. I want to be where my heart is...Ohio. Florida friends are amazing and fabulous, but no one can replace my family. I realized how much I love spending time with my nieces and my parents and my sisters and how much I really do enjoy having everyone around. I wish I were just a couple of hours drive from them rather than a couple of hours flight. Sigh...

In the end, I'm confident that God's will is at work and that He has a plan for my life which includes me being in this place at this time. Back to work tomorrow. Lots to get done.

And really, there's lots to look forward to in the coming months. Many road trips and adventures.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas (I'll post more about my fantastic Ohio trip soon!).

"I know Ohio, like the back of my hand" - Over the Rhine

Quick update.  I spent the weekend in Ohio.  It was a last minute trip...I booked my ticket 6 days out.  It was much needed though.  I got to see my beautiful nieces that I haven't seen since April.  Spent some time with my sisters and of course my parents too.  It's not often that we're all able to be together, so it was nice spending time with them.  I also spent a bit of time with my grandparents as well.  Both of my grandpa's haven't been feeling well recently and the one has been in and out of the hospital/nursing homes quite a bit so I felt it was pretty important that I see him.  I was also able to spend a little bit of time with my cousin, Meghan, who is getting married in August and I have the privilege of being a bridesmaid in her wedding.  I haven't seen her since Christmas so it was fantastic to chat with her and catch up on wedding plans.  

And speaking of last minute trips...I'm apparently really good at those...b/c a roadtrip may be in the works for this weekend. :)

Okay, not that exciting of a post, but that's all I got for now.  A good book is calling my name...

The Library

I became a library connoisseur in college. It started with my universities library system. Being an institution in the state of Ohio (GO BUCKEYES) we were part of OhioLink--meaning, if our library didn't have a book I needed, I just looked it up on the OhioLink database and requested it from one of the many universities in the state of Ohio that had it. It was great. Since I attended a Catholic institution, our library had a fantastic array of theology and philosophy texts as well as some a pretty good assortment of psychology and science materials. But of course, I went to a small school so there were often times when I needed to request materials (both books and journal publications) from other institutions. Even better, for those times when I procrastinated far too long on a project, the convience of location came in handy. THE Ohio State University was just a few miles down the road so on a few occasions I visited their ENORMOUS library and got the books I needed easily.

My love with the library system grew even more when I discovered how great the Columbus Metropolitian Library was. The downtown/main location was a great place to find books and movies or just spend the afternoon wandering around. It's huge! But on those occasions when I wanted to read a book and didn't have the time to make it to the main branch, I could request the book and have it sent to the small branch just up the street from campus. I could pick up and drop off books there whenever I wanted. Fantastic.

Now moving to Florida and settling in, I decided a few weeks ago it was time to get reaquainted with the library. Today I was somewhat bored (with it raining and my current book already read) so I decided I needed to look up the next book in the series to read. Here comes the sad part. I'm sorry to say this Osceola County, but your library system is sad, sad, sad. It had the book I wanted but not very many copies. Annnd, it didn't have some of the other material I was looking for. I looked over at Orange County's website and it seems like they definitely have you beat, Osceola County. It's a good thing I can become a reciprocal library card owner for Orange County. I have a feeling I may be frequenting them more than my own county's library. I did, however, request 2 books from Osceola County for me to pick up at the local branch. Let's hope they come in soon. In any case, Osceola and Orange...you got nothin on Columbus. Looks like Ohio wins again.

Longest Vacation Recap Ever

For all of you (how many readers do I have now? 2?) who have anxiously been awaiting the day-by-day recap of my most fabulous vacation to Ohio. Indulge yourselves.

Wednesday, July 2

Katie picked me up from the Dayton airport and we began our trek back to the city I love--Columbus. It was a late night so we pretty much hit the hay when we got back to the 'Burg and the Koebel residence--but only after I met Sloopy, one of the coolest dogs ever. We became pals.

Thursday, July 3

We had every intention to hit up the water park on Thursday, but the cold rainy weather put a damper on that. Instead, we headed to the gym and then ventured on to Clintonville to the photography store. Then we met up with Katie's sister Amy and headed to my favorite restaurant in all of Columbus, Northstar Cafe. The Northstar is an organic restaurant in the Short North (and now Clintonville, too) area of downtown Columbus that gets all of its ingredients from local farms. They have a great variety of salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, and baked goods. I love the food and the atmosphere. After lunch, Katie and I headed over to Easton Town Center to do some shopping. I did some hardcore shopping and found some fabulous deals. I got a pair of shoes, a pair of navy blue pants, a pair of plaid shorts, a short navy blue jacket, a pink and purple sundress, and an umbrella all for only $100. Not too shabby if I do say so myself. Katie talked me into the navy blue jacket at Ann Taylor Loft and it was a definite good buy. I also met up with my dad at the mall and got my SLR camera from him. So excited to be taking pictures again.

After we wore ourselves out with shopping we headed back to Katie's house. I cleaned up and got ready to go out with Adam. Adam and I headed to Cap City Diner in Gahanna. It's a Cameron Mitchell restaurant and soooo delicious. We enjoyed dinner and caught up for a while before heading back to Easton to pick out my new Mac at the Apple store!!!! I haven't bought the Mac yet, but know exactly what I'm getting. Adam had superb advice and we also had a bit of time left to play with the iPhones. When we realized we were the last people left in the Apple store we headed out and realized we still had time to make it to the fireworks. We met up with Adam's parents at a golf course on the west side of Columbus and attempted to enjoy the fireworks although the smoke was hanging in the air and we couldn't really see them. But it was fun talking to Adam's parents and hanging out. Adam made fun of me most of the night because I had jeans and a jacket on and I was still cold.

After the fireworks we headed to ODU's campus so he could show me all the changes that are going on around campus. It's crazy what happens when you're gone for a year. I definitely miss the place!! Adam and I ran into Nicole and Chrissy and then we explored campus a bit more. It was almost like we were on rounds like our old RA days. Eventually, Adam took me back to Katie's house after a super fun night.

Friday, July 4--Happy Independence Day

It was still kind of chilly and rainy so we didn't go to the water park on Friday either. Katie and I headed to the gym again and afterwards I met up with my friend Phil for lunch. We headed to Phil's favorite Greek restaurant (not mine...I still argue that the Happy Greek is slightly better!), The Mad Greek. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and were finally able to catch up after not seeing eachother for 11 months!!! Ridiculous. I made it very clear that we shouldn't go that long in between seeing each other again. After lunch Phil took me to his new house and we played some indoor soccer in which I completely and totally dominated!! Our visit ended all too soon as I had to meet up with Katie to go to Juan's house. At Juan's we assisted in making a Jello Stapler (reference The Office). Mostly Katie and Juan did the making and I did a bit of picture taking and some sleeping on the couch. After Jello Stapler creation was completed Katie and I headed back to her house to relax. Later in the evening we got a game of Bourre going with Katie, Amy, Scott, Emily, Eric, and myself. Bourre is kind of a mix between poker and euchre. I won $20...some call it beginners luck. I call it skill. Ha.

Saturday, June 5

I got up bright and early and met up with Laura and Blacklick Woods Metropark. We used to run there a lot in college for cross country and so it was fun to go on a run again there together. We did a lot of catching up before I had to go back to Katies. Katies parents made us a fantastic 5th of July breakfast and then Katie and I hung out for a while before heading to Old Navy in search of flip flops with a detour at 1/2 Priced Books (I bought a photography book, Katie bought an Amish book). Saturday night we went to Katie's uncle's house for the annual Independence Day Party (a day late) complete with Ladder Golf , homemade Sangria (sooooo good), cookout, quality music (played on a record player...cannot beat that), and of course, Reynoldsburg fireworks--Q-U-A-L-I-T-Y.

Sunday, June 6

It was FINALLY warm enough and not raining!! We got up early and headed to Mass at St. Pious and then to Zoombezi Bay! We went into the Columbus Zoo first to check out the Aquariuam and Manatees before heading over to the water slides. The slides were pretty cool (minus the lazy river that you had to pay to rent tubes for. Lame). We even enjoyed our nice tropical drinks on the adults-only lazy river. Good times. After we were competely sun-soaked and waterlogged, we headed back to the 'Burg. I cleaned up quickly and my sister and her boyfriend picked me up so we could go to dinner at On The Border (yes, I ate out a lot...). After dinner we headed back downtown to Goodale Park so I could take pictures and show them around the Short North. After walking all over Victorian Village and the Short North, we headed back to the 'Burg and Kal and Jordan headed back to Lancaster. Katie, Scott, and I enjoyed watching some episodes of the Office and hanging out.

Monday, July 7

Katie and I hit up the gym for the last time during my visit. Then we went to German Village where Scott met up with us at The Old Mohawk. They are apparently known for their Turtle Soup, so yes, I ordered it. And ate turtle. Does that make me a bad person? After lunch Katie and I did a toooonnn of walking around German Village. I took pictures at Schiller Park and around German Village. We went to the Book Loft, the absolute cooooolest book store EVER. And then we drove around downtown a bit more before heading back to ODU to say hi to a few people. We saw Juan again and I stopped by the Alumni office to say hi to my friend Jen.

Back at the Koebel house we hung out for a bit and played a rousing game of Scrabble. (Don't mock us. It was intense!!). Then Adam picked me up again so we could hang out one more time before I had to return home. We never get to hang out enough so I was excited I got to see him twice while I was home. Adam and I went for ice cream at Graeters and sat talking for well over an hour. Then when the place was closing down Adam took me to see where he'll be working before heading back to Reynoldsburg. It was really hard saying bye to him. Adam and I spent a lot of time together in college both as friends and fellow RAs. We have some ridiculous stories from doing rounds together and some really crazy adventures too. I'm so lucky to have such a great friend and I was excited he promised he'd visit at least once before the end of the year.

Today

I got up at 4:00 A.M. after only about 3 1/2 hours of sleep to return back to Florida. It was a really great visit. I have amazing friends. It was hard saying goodbye to Katie this morning too. It made it much easier knowing that she'll be here to visit me in just a few weeks. But it was also hard not knowing when I'll get to see Phil next either. Like Adam, Phil's been a great friend for over 5 years now. We joke around that we don't even know how we're friends because we have absolutely nothing in common. But I wouldn't trade my friendships with Katie, Adam, Phil, Juan, Laura, and all of my other amazing friends for anything in the world. I wish I could have seen everyone while I was home, but the visit was much too short. Luckily, Liz will be here in a few weeks as well so I'll see her soon and I'm crossing my fingers that Molli will make it down here soon too. I feel very incredibly and amazingly blessed.

And now...it's back to work. The craziness never ends. True story. It really doesn't. So there's the recap. Major props if you made it all the way through!!

Feels like home...

So good to be home. Don't you worry. A detailed update shall follow soon. As for now...anxiously awaiting fireworks, fun, and Sangria tonight!! Life is good...especially in Ohio :)

It just never stops...

...my mind that is. So much constantly going on... Here are thoughts that are typically in constant rotation in my mind:

1. My current job. How can I improve the process on my project, better partnership with other areas, better the product, become more relevant to consumers, etc., etc., etc.

2. My future, careerwise. What can I do to improve skills? What skills do I still need to learn? Where do I want my career to go in the next year or two, in the next 5 years, in the next 10 years, etc., etc., etc.

3. Running. How do I make myself a better runner. What can I do to cut time, run longer, build strength, build endurance, etc. Is running something I really want to keep pursuing? Is my body really cut out to withstand the constant pounding on my knees, legs, and ankles? Should I take up a sport that's not as strenuous and demanding on my joints? (Do I sound old?)

4. Location, Ohio. I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss Ohio. I miss all that's familiar.

5. Location, Florida. I love the life that God's given me here. I love my friends and I love the incredible experiences I've had here. What fantastic memories I've already created and yet to create.

6. Photography. I'm so excited to be doing something I love again. I can't wait to get my camera in my hands and keep creating.

7. Relationships, past and future. I don't even know where to start thinking about this. It's so weird how past relationships continue to affect me to do this day. I suppose that's true about any past experience--it molds you into who you are today. It's strange because I hear of so many of my close friends getting engaged and married and yet, I feel so young. Certainly, there are days when I think "Gosh, why can't I just meet the man of my dream, fall in love, and get married tomorrow?" But then I realize that I'm a mere 23 years old. I don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life let alone who I want to be with the rest of my life. The responsibility of taking care of myself seems overwhelming some days--how the heck am I supposed to take care of a husband and possibly kids someday (that's a whooooole different story. The idea of kids scares the CRAP out of me. Never been one of those girls who longs for children and dreams of being a mom. I want a family of my own someday, but it does certainly scare me). Anyhow, I think I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to "settle down" (sidenote, I hate that term...I want my life to constantly be an adventure regardless of marital status--I'll never be ready to settle down--better just find a guy who can keep up!! :) ). I digress--I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to make room in my life for somebody, but just not sure if I'm there yet. Lots of evaluating to do. So as you can see, this one takes up a LOT of my time...and is likely at the center of a ot of my prayers.

8. Music. As the Jonas brothers would say "it's in my soul." (Don't judge me for quoting them...thanks). I wish I could communicate with people through songs. I wish I could just use lyrics and music to express the way I feel. Or maybe I should make this more general--art. I love the way art express emotions. Give me a day full of music and photography and you've just made me the happiest girl on earth. The emotion created between the two...love it.

9. Social Injustice. I know, heavy topic--likely one that will garner it's on post in upcoming days. But it's on my mind a lot. Why is there poverty? Why is there crime? Why is there abuse? Why are there homeless? Why are there orphans? How do we break the cycle? How do we help? What would Jesus do? What is our responsibilities as Christ followers? Where do you even begin to start? How do you make it seem less overwhelming so you can find a place to start? What makes me any more deserving of a nice home, a nice car, etc. than anyone else? Can we really blame this on a "luck of the draw"? Because I was born into a certain social class then I don't have to worry about others?--That's one question I know the answer to--absolutely not! Anyhow. You can see this weighs heavy on both my heart and mind...constantly.

10. Church, religion, theology. Am I where God wants me to be? Am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I honoring him in all I do? Waht can I do to further Christ's kingdom? How can I become more involved in the church with my already crazy schedule? Am I at the right church? Where are can my spiritual gifts best be utilized? Heck. What are my spiritual gifts? Why do we fight about religion? Why are countries and cultures torn apart over it? Is our world in a moral decline or becoming more aware of Christ's call and Christ's desire for us?

11. Politics. I hate them. I hate what they do to a nation. I hate how they pull us apart. I hate how they pit people against each other. I hate the put labels on things. I hate it all. Can't we just make wise decisions. Can't we just love people? Ugh...I just hate politics. I have no desire to vote, but I know I need to. But I hate it all...hate it.

12. Traveling/Adventure. I wish I could spend my life traveling and discovering the world. I feel like God's created the Earth for us to enjoy and I want to see every inch of his creation. I want to capture the memories with my camera...I want to see it all....someday, someday.

Okay, there's so much more, but as you can see, my mind never ever ever stops. Ridiculousness. But right now what's on my mind? OHIO...3 days until I peace out!

Midwest Way of Ease...

One week. I've been looking forward to this trip for quite some time. Life here in Florida is really really good right now, but there's no denying the fact that my heart is still in Ohio, particularly Columbus. I have just 5 days and already it seems like not enough...so much to do, so much to see, so many people to see!!!

Anyhow, Enjoy these O.A.R. lyrics. I love the Midwest way of ease and the rhythm that surrounds...

There's a road outside Columbus, Ohio.
Feels like I drove along for years.
this Midwest way of ease it surrounds us.
I can't deny the rhythm here.
And as I pull away from Riverside beside me,
That High Street never looked so good.

Surprise, Surprise, I traveled here.
Four hundred miles from where I'm known.
My friends are here.
A couple years I've spent, I found I have a second home.

Master of Goodbyes

I'm becoming a master at goodbyes. Since moving here a year and a half ago, I've had to say goodbye more times than I can count. I know that I'm not the only person that has to say goodbyes, but it just seems that I'm getting more than my fair share of goodbyes. I suppose that's what happens when you move 4 states away from home.

I'm very much looking forward to going Home (let's be honest...Ohio will always be home) in just 36 days, but I'm already fearing having to say goodbye and return to Florida. Five days may be a good chunk of time, but already it doesn't seem like enough. As I sit here writing this, I'm holding back tears thinking of how hard it'll be to say goodbye to my closest friends at the end of the 5 days. I'm sure that God brought me here for a reason, but I can't deny saying that it hurts to be so far away from the city that I love and the people that I love.

In any case, I can't wait for those 5 glorious days.

An Ohio Vacation!

It's official. Approval for time off work--check. Place to stay (aka Koebel's house)--check. Plane ticket--check. I'M GOING TO OHIO!!! I'm super, mega, totally, ultra, ridiculously STOKED. I'll be there for 5 days!! That's like, a long time!! And yes, I did buy a round trip ticket, so I will be coming back. Anyhow, I'll be in Columbus from July 2-July 8 (early morning), so let's start making plans!!

P.S.--I know, I know, I know. While most people go on exotic vacations to the Bahamas or the Beach or Hawaii, I choose to spend my vacation time in Ohio. My parents always told me I was special :)