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

Thanks for the Writing

If there’s one thing I love on the weekends, it’s spending some time in Greer Chicago. The staff alone is amazing. But add in the window displays, the inspirations hanging on the wall, the music currently moving their hips and repurposed items to hold cards and well, it’s hard not to find reasons to stick around in there.

Many of my mail recipients tell me the joy they get seeing an envelope that has actual handwriting on it. But the crazy part is, I have more fun picking cards and then rationalizing why Lisa needs the “Smile. Ryan Gosling Exists” card in that exact moment. (I think we all know where Mom and I will stop by this weekend)

And with the latest posts from The Wall Street Journal and Harvard Business Review, it doesn’t appear I’ll be stopping anytime soon. I find myself repeatedly looking through my card boxes and folders when I just need a little pick me up. I have a Valentine’s card that was too hilarious from Mom two years ago that continues to sit on my desk. I cannot imagine a world without handwritten notes and it seems there are a few others out there who will make sure we won’t.

 

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