A German and a Chicagoan Explore Columbus

About a month ago, Matthias (our exchange student from high school/brother-from-another-mother), received word he would be moving to Columbus to work for JP Morgan. Ever since he set up camp there, he has been egging me to come out. Over Memorial Day weekend, I finally did.

I have never been to Columbus, or Ohio for that matter, and didn’t really have that high of expectations. I figured it would feel like a Kansas City. I was wrong. All the different neighborhoods, places within walking distance, and all the different type of activities…made it a place I never wanted to leave.

We kicked the weekend off with a distillery tour at Middle West Spirits (OYO). Here we learned about vodka and whiskey and had a few samples. We also noticed this cool bar next store that served up mead. I don’t think I’ve ever had mead before, so Brothers Drake Meadery served as a great learning experience. We tried various flavors and cocktails while learning Matt opts for the fruity drinks and I like ’em on the rocks.

One of my top places we visited, and I made sure to put on the tour schedule, was The Book Loft. I had seen this a few times on various “Best Bookstores” lists and “must-see” lists in Columbus. The fact it was in German Village was just an added bonus. The place is absurd. Over 3o rooms that wind and dead end throughout the building beckon you to continually search, even when you don’t know what you’re looking for. The outdoor courtyard, garden and fountain just made this a place I never wanted to leave.

As fate would have it, the Cardinals were also in the state of Ohio. Matt and I headed down to Cincinnati and caught the Reds/Cards game (Cards came out on top). Real kicker: it was Matt’s first baseball game.

Another favorite on the weekend was heading to Buckeye Lake. We wandered around the community for a bit and then headed to a biker bar (by recommendation of a local) called Papa Boo’s. It was amazing sitting by the Lake, drinking a beer and sitting across from a kid who was just supposed to “pass by,” but instead became another person in the family.

Needless to say, I’m looking forward to another reason to say yes to C-Bus weekend.

*Also, if I haven’t said enough, thanks Mum for bringing this kid into our lives.*

First game for both of us at Great American Ball Park

 

Finishing a Distillery Tour and Enjoying Mead

Play Ball

It’s here: Opening Day. The day that assures you summer will eventually come. That days of humidity and sweat are just around the corner. And I for one love it. Baseball games have been there during Sunday morning nap times and for father/daughter bonding moments. But I cannot lie, I love seeing baseball on the big screen. From Bull Durham and A League of Their Own to The Natural and Eight Men Out, I cannot get enough.

We’re heading to the Cubs/Brewers game next Tuesday. I’m sure it will be a bit chilly, but I just cannot wait to hear the crack of bats and cheers of the crowd. And that damn Cubs song. I may loathe the Cubs, but nothing compares to a game at Wrigley when they sing that song. And then in a few weeks, Tim and I will make our way down to The Cell for the White Sox/Red Sox series to celebrate him getting into a little place called Harvard.

Regardless if I’m watching professionals play or just throwing a ball around down at North Ave., baseball brings a simple joy. And if you need a reminder of that joy:

The Moving Talkie

I recently finished the book, The Film that Changed My Life by Robert Elder. It’s a collection of interviews that Elder has with many of today’s top directors as they tell the films that changed their way of thinking. Their way of making. And their way of editing.

It got me thinking too. While a ton of these movies I haven’t seen, I thought for sure I would pick a movie that was a classic as mine. I thought of movies I watched growing up and continue to watch today, but did any of them really move me the way these directors were moved?

And it was then that I realized the film that truly has stuck with me, shaped me and continues to amaze me.

That film: A League of Their Own. To my mom, high school and college friends, this probably comes as no surprise. It’s a movie that I quote frequently, a movie I’m always watching and a movie I’m constantly recommending.

In his book, Elder always asked “Where were you when you first saw the film?” and “What about this film stuck with you?” I’m not a director, but I have been editing a lot of video at work, so maybe I am…

Where were you when you first saw the film?

I cannot remember where I first saw this film. It came out in the Summer of 1992, which makes me think I probably saw it with either my mom or dad simply because it was girls playing baseball, and I was a girl, playing softball. But I can remember the day I unwrapped the VHS on my birthday a few years later and the joy I felt seeing Dottie Henson, Jimmy Dugan and All the Way Mae on the cover.

What about this film stuck with you?

Apart from being a gal who enjoyed baseball, I love the drama of this film. And how it encompasses pretty much everything: love, sports, girl power, sibling struggles, war, a singing number, a dancing number and 1940s dress.

But I think my love affair with the film began when I met a “real” All-American Girl, Pepper Paire. It was one of those sports conventions my dad took me to. And it was filled with trading cards everywhere and then I caught wind of this “girl” ball player there.

She signed a photo for me that has literally followed me wherever I am. Always hanging from the same spot in the room, right by the door.. from my bedroom, to college, to Phoenix and now, Chicago. It’s very faded, her writing, “To Hanna! My best friend! Best Wishes!” is barely even visible. I’m sure my 9 year-old-self loved that “best friend” sentiment.

In fact, my 26-year-old still does.

Is there a movie that’s shaped who you are? And one you just find yourself rewatching from time to time (despite being able to play the whole movie in your head)?

Game 6

I love jubilation and joy that just brings you to your feet and tears streaming down your face.

 

 

 

Let the Celebrations Begin!

Seeing as I enjoy sunshine, I’ve always thought I enjoyed the month of July. It’s hot, there’s baseball going on, BBQs smoking and of course, my blessed day of birth. But after this article on The Gloss, I’m thinking I was made for the month of November.

November is……

……National Novel Writing Month–Maybe I’ll take part in a few years, and then this will be more relevant to me.

……Movember–An ode to some great ‘stache wearers where “men” shave off their facial hair and raise money for men’s health awareness. Totally support it, but sadly, cannot participate seeing as I can’t grow a ‘stache (whew). Thankfully, TOMS has made it possible for lasses to participate this year.

…..National Peanut Butter Lovers Month–Oh hey, I’ve been a peanut butter lover since creation. And I know I have already expressed my passion for this staple. I mean, at work, they offer us staples in the kitchen. Crunchy and Smooth both make the list. Just sayin’…

…..Sweet Potatoes Awareness Month— I’m not sure why the Awareness is needed, but these suckers are tasty! The day Maggie showed me the power of microwaving a sweet potato and eating it was life changing. And sweet potato fries?! Be still my heart. I’d dip you in peanut butter, but I’m not big on mixing and matching.

…..National Pomegranate Month–I still recall the moment Mal pulled one of these foreign alien objects from her lunch box. I thought what in the hell is that. And then I saw her picking at it and I thought, why in the hell would anyone eat seed by seed? Then I tried it. And it was amazing. And I never looked back. POM juice is sick though. Opt for the real deal.

…..National Sleep Comfort Month–I didn’t need another reason to hit the snooze or go to bed at 10 o’clock, but I do!

36-Hour Man-cation

Every year, the Oakville boys come up to Chicago for Cubs/Cards games. And no girls are ever allowed (though a few manage to sneak in from time to time). This year, it was all man, except a few of the boys needed a place to crash…so I obliged and in turn received the coveted invite to the Man-cation event.

On Friday, once the boys decided to leave STL, they got here at like midnight I believe. It’s pouring rain, I’m exhausted, but in true man fashion, we head out to the pubs around my place. Which means we’re out until four. I tried not to nag (nothing worse than a woman nagging on man-cation), so I just casually fell asleep at the table. Thankfully, they took the hint.

The next morning we awake to……..Deutman cooking up some meat. I had my first ever, steak ‘n eggs. A slab of meat with some scrambled eggs. Manly. Finally we’re out the door and heading to Wrigley for the game and meeting up with a few more boys. I literally was in tears throughout the whole game just laughing. And I’m sure everyone around us sat there wondering what a little lass with pigtails was doing with 6 dudes. After the game, we ventured into Wrigley, met up with even more high school guys and ran into some other boys (more STL, Kansas). It was just so fantastic to turn around and see more friendly faces dressed in red.

Needless to say, I never once was in the company of a gal (until Jackie showed up) and I loved everything about it. I loved the fact there was always at least 2 guys looking around wondering where I was. There was always someone to talk to and someone to make you laugh until your sides split. There was always a dance partner to hit up the dance floor with. And most importantly, there was always someone ready to leave with me.

Most of these guys I have known since 7th grade, but some of them, I never really talked with during school. And I rarely see these boys when I head home. But when Erik & Company left the apartment on Sunday morning, I felt a little sad. Then I immediately scrolled through my contact lists and got in some serious chat time with all my gal pals.

We’ve come along way from our days at OJHS

Street Fest with Jeff & Co and wrestling masks

A friendly face from Q’s