Do the Humpty Hump!

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is hump day!! Luckily for us government employees, we had a long weekend to begin with!

So, what have I been up to? Let's see....

Last Thursday we treated ourselves to a free Black Keys show at the LC. I won tickets at Comfest and decided to use them. I sort of enjoy their music. They're from Akron, so they're sorta like our hometown boys. We saw them at Lollapalooza, so it was cool to say we've seen them twice this year...We pregamed at Barley's, one of our favorite spots just beyond the Short North. Then it was more fun at House of Crave. Not really, I hate that place. Always have. Back when it was Fat Eddies or whatever it tried to be. Anyway, we meandered over to the show and planted ourselves in the very back edge of the grass, under the video camera guy. A lesbian couple was sitting in front of us and asked us to watch their belongings as they went to do whatever they were going to do. We agreed. 10 minutes later we had free beers! Yeah!

Friday we went to see Barack Obama at Genoa Park. It was seriously amazing. Huge crowds. We got relatively close, considering there were over 10,000 people there:

It is like he's looking right at us!!

That evening, we enjoyed an awesome Halloween Party at Cheri and Von's house. Since we were feeling political after the rally, Joe and I went with the theme...

Yup, that's right folks! Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin!

Saturday morning I became American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certified. I then went home and slept my hangover off....

Sunday we shopped at Easton. Then we saw Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. It was your cliche teen movie. It was okay, I guess. We had dinner at the Melting Pot. Not too bad. The best part is the dessert. The dinner portion actually made me pretty sick...not too keen on boiled meat.

I don't know what I did on Monday......

Tomorrow night I have my Poll Worker training. Woohoo! Friday we're traveling to Circleville for the Pumpkin Show. Yay!

Have a good week!

Back in Ohio and I need a break!!

I looked at my calendar yesterday when my mom asked when I wanted to visit Aunt Goldie in Corry, PA. I realized that I have not had a free weekend (i.e. was not traveling, hosting guests, or having class) since April 11. That's nearly 6 months! No wonder I've felt like my life has been a blur lately. This weekend is still not entirely free--we have to travel to Cincy for Sophia's baptism tomorrow. But, I am pleased to say that today it is 6:21PM and I still have not left the house! It feels great!

Our whirlwind tour of the South was so much fun. In Nashville, we were able to hang out with all of our NADE friends. I'm going to miss those guys once I leave the DDS. Hopefully I can make it down to the Covington convention next wear to visit with everyone. We didn't get to do much sightseeing since we were in meetings all day and catching up with friends all night.

On our way to Memphis, we stopped at the Loveless Cafe. THE BEST FOOD I'VE EVER HAD. PERIOD. It recently was made even more famous by Bobby Flay. If you are ever anywhere near Nashville, you MUST EAT THERE. They had the best biscuit I've ever tasted. A biscuit is a biscuit is a biscuit. Until you've eaten at the Loveless Cafe.

Our trip to Memphis was interesting...I saw cockroaches, rats, and hippies. I got to party at Wet Willie's. I toured the Gibson Guitar Factory, saw Graceland, and Sun Studios. I had the opportunity to say I've been in Arkansas and Mississippi. I got advice from a pimp. I ate BBQ at the world famous Rendezvous. I watched the ducks parade in The Peabody. And, I spent two nights on Beale St. I will probably never go back to Memphis, though. It's a sad little city. But, I'm glad that I visited.

On our final leg of the trip, we visited with Ashley and Josh. We got to see their house and then toured the Opryland Hotel and mall. MUST SEE destinations when you are in Nashville. We loved Nashville.

Last weekend, we traveled back to New Philadelphia/Dover for another cousin's wedding. We spent Saturday morning at the Sugarcreek Swiss Festival. Sugarcreek is an adorable little town that I never knew existed in Ohio. It's right on the outskirts of the largest Amish settlement in the world. It's little Switzerland themed. So cute! We bought so much swiss cheese and Joe got a Swiss cheese hat for sampling so much!

This week was spent recovering. I caught up on my doctor's appointments and am in the final stages of making sure all of my vaccines are up to date. I've gotten my most recent teatnus shot, Hep B, and Gardacil. I'm currently awaiting my MMR and Varicella (chicken pox) titers. Then, I should be good and protected against anything that will come my way in nursing. :)

I spent today in my own home. It was great! We cleaned up and it is looking awesome. Almost like we actually live here!! Tonight we head over to Mike and Christie's for some Buckeye football action.

Well, that's a brief recap...

'till next time........

P.S. My computer has been acting up lately and doesn't want to post pics....so check out my Flickr site to get all the pics from our travels.

Murfreesboro, Y'all!

Greetings from Murfreesboro, TX!

We left yesterday morning around 7:30 AM and enjoyed a breakfast break at the Sonic in Grove City. I totally love Sonic, especially on roadtrips. It turned out to be a total downpour throughout most of the Ohio and early Kentucky trip. We hit a really bad accident in downtown Cincinnati which delayed us. But, it wasn't like we were in a complete hurry. We stopped at a Kroger Fuel station in KY, just outside of Clermont. $3.99 a gallon! Crazy. We spoke with a truck driver who was on his way up from Texas and he said gas was cheaper in TN. After we bought gas, we heard on NPR that the KY Governor had just signed a bill banning gas stations from raising prices in anticipation of Ike. Go figure.

We got to the Jim Beam Distillery around noon. We enjoyed a short tour and a sampling of Knob Creek and Basil Hayden's. The buildings the bourbon is aged in smelled so delicious! Whiskey is one of my favorites, so it was a lot of fun to learn about the process and the history of Jim Beam. I hope sometime when we have more time, we can do the entire Bourbon trail. I think it'd be especially fun to stop at Maker's Mark. Below is a pic of Joe, Jim Beam, and I, sippin' whiskey.

After that, we headed south to Cave City. We were going to go to Dinosaur World, but decided against it. Instead, we took pictures outside the front:

We then stopped at Mammoth Cave to figure out if we should go there on the way home. The decision was no, because, Mammoth Cave is totally awesome and deserves a trip of it's own.

We headed to Murfreesboro for our last stop of the day. We were fortunate enough to hit the Nashville rush hour traffic. Lucky us hitting both AM and PM rush hours! Our hotel is really nice - it is a brand new Holiday Inn Express. I love their cinnamon rolls! We ate at this awesome restaurant called Toots. We had a pitcher of beer and two dinners for $21!! So cheap! We drove around town and visited the MTSU campus. George Clinton went there. It was pretty neat.

Joe came up with this idea that we take Obama Rama around on our trip, photographing him in various places. We just so happened to drive by the Murfreesboro Republican Headquarters, so we snapped a shot:

I was pretty disturbed this morning to hear about hurricane Ike. CNN was showing a shot of the Chase building in downtown Houston...all the windows were blown out. Almost 4 years ago, I was on the top of that building looking out among the city. I wish everyone in Texas the best of luck and a speedy recovery.

Well, we're off to Lynchburg to visit the Jack Daniel's Distillery.

More later

in the bar light, she looked alright

today was my last day of work for the next 6 business days!

I almost have my desk all caught up, which is good. If I keep it like this, it will be smooth sailing until my resignation in December.

Joe called off work today, so I drove alone. On break I ran to the library to grab the Neil Gaiman book I reserved on CD to listen on the trip and gassed up with my Kroger fuel discount. On lunch, I deposited my OADE check for the trip and headed to Jimmy John's for lunch. #12 on 7-grain baby! I'm a 7-grain convert. This was my second Jimmy John's this week...can you say F-F-F-F-F-F-atty?

After work I went to Sax for a car wash. I was well overdue and I want my car to sparkle as I cross the Mason-Dixon line.

I accompanied Joe on his errand run once I got home. We went to Staples to have the NADE award narratives copied and laminated. We had 30 minutes to spare, so we browsed. I found the best rear-view mirrow air freshener in the beauty store at the Lennox (of all places!):

A perfect, subtle way for me to show my support while I'm on the roadtrip. I love it!

I spent the evening packing and printing up directions to all of our destinations. We leave tomorrow at 6AM! Woohoo!

the end of an era.

R.I.P.

Yesterday, I said the goodbye to the end of the era. I officially retired my most recent pair of Chuck Taylors. The tears were getting ridiculous, and I wasn't confident in their ability to carry me through the roadtrip next week. So, I went on my new favorite website, Zappos.com and found a suitable, reasonably priced replacement.

I purchased the shoes on Friday. They promised free 4-5 day shipping. But, to my delight, they mailed my shoes early! I received them on Monday. Put them on. And the rest is history.

I'm sad to say goodbye to my old friends. They went with me everywhere. They were with me when I returned to Europe. They were there when I first touched ground in Seattle. They walked miles and miles with me throughout Columbus. They saw more concerts than I could count. They were with me in South Dakota, Minnesota, Chicago, California.... I couldn't even tell you where all they have been.

But, my new Chucks are guaranteed an adventure starting Friday. They'll be with me as I tour distilleries, enter Arkansas and Mississippi for the first time. Heck, they were with me as I finished my tour of Anatomy. They gave me luck as I earned the only A in my class on the final. They will host new adventures, and walk me all over new, uncharted lands!

time flies

So it's been a really long time since I've posted anything. I think it is mostly because this quarter has kicked my ass. It is unfortunate, because a lot has gone on. We moved, had lots of friends in town to visit, went out of town a bunch. Luckily, I have my Anatomy final tomorrow night and my lab practical on Tuesday. Then I'm done! This is the last quarter where I'm taking a huge courseload and working at the same time. Next quarter I only have Physiology, and then I'm off to nursing school!

On Friday we saw the Wombats at The Basement. I really hate that venue. The audio sucks and it takes the bands an hour to get it to sound halfway decent. The only thing it has going for it is $1 Natty Cans. Mmm! The opening band was really crappy. I don't even know what they were called. The Wombats were awesome, though. I started talking in a British accent after they came on, and like a dumbass, went to the merch table and ordered my t-shirt with the same accent. The nice, British merch vendor responded "Brilliant!" a la Orbit gum. It was great.

Joe's mom was in town on Saturday. I hung out, studying, while they went to see The Lion King. Then we went to the Ox Roast and followed up with beer and food at Old Bag.

Today, I've spent the day studing more. Perkins for brunch.

Joe and I are working the details for the trip to the South for the NADE conference. The conference is in Nashville, but you know me. I've planned many stops and not-so-side-trip side trips along the way. I'm hoping to document it on here as it goes on, but last year's huge NADE Conference roadtrip through the Midwest didn't receive much of my internet attention. I really want to get more into blogging, if not just for my own way of keeping up with what I've been up to. We'll see. Anyway, the tentative plan is this:

Friday: Jim Beam Distillery Tour
Dinosaur World
Picture break at Wigwam Village Inn #2, if we don't end up staying there on the way back...
Spend the night in Murfreesboro, TN

Saturday: Jack Daniels Distillery Tour
Joe presents the 2012 Conference bid with Laura and Kristen and I hope to get Charles and the rest of the delegates to watch the OSU vs. USC game in the hospitality suite or at a local bar

Sunday: The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's house)
Belmont Mansion (I don't know what it is exactly...)
Grand Ole Opry
President's Reception

Monday: Meetings all day
Evening "Brews Cruise" all over Nashville with our friends, touring breweries and tasting Nashville's finest beers

Tuesday: More meetings
I have no idea, hospitality suite? Hopefully a trip to the Flying Saucer, our favorite bar that doesn't exist in Ohio.

Wednesday: Meetings...that is why I get paid to go on this trip
Conference activity/Hospitality suite!

Thursday: Ditch the conference and head to Memphis!
Tour Gibson Guitar Factory
Party Hearty on Beale St.!

Friday: The moment I've been waiting for....trip to GRACELAND!

Saturday: Either stay an extra day in Memphis, or more likely head back to Cave City to check out Mammoth Cave

Sunday: Return to C-bus


I can't wait. I love our trips. Traveling is what I'm all about. I can't wait until I'm a nurse and do the travel nurse thing. My first stop will be Alaska. I've already got it planned!

Well, I guess it's back to the grind for now. Although there's pretty much no way I can fail Anatomy at this point, I don't want to bomb the final...

Hopefully I'll write more soon.

byebye

tired...week..almost...over......

I've been going to open anatomy lab the past couple of days. On Tuesday I ran into my friend Ellen from my Biochemistry class winter quarter. Yesterday, I randomly ran into Sharyn from work in lab I guess she is going into massage therapy and is taking anatomy as part of that. How random!

This weekend was Adam and Nicole's wedding. We had a great time. We got to town on Friday night and took my mom out to the Great Lakes Brewery. Yuck! I will never drink their beer or eat their food again. We ordered the flight. Everything tasted the same! Each beer was a derivative of another one. And the waitress convinced Joe to get the last Lake Erie Walleye dinner they had instead of crabcakes. Um...don't ever eat anything that comes out of Lake Erie. Duh. But he did and it was nasty.

The rehersal dinner was at the Rock Bottom Brewery in the Flats at the Powerhouse. It is a chain, but the beer was much much better. They were convinced I'm a vegetarian since I ordered the vegetarian meal at the wedding...so I got the vegetarian meal. But it was an awesome pesto pasta with sun dried tomatoes and pine nuts. Nicole got us girls Coach bags and jewelry for our gifts. Very nice. Put that with my Tiffany necklace from Alex's wedding, and damn! If I ever get married ya'll better believe I'm not spending anything like that. Well, it's not like I'd probably even have a bridal party though so I guess I'm safe.

Saturday I received cornrows as my hairstyle for the wedding. In my defense, I didn't have my glasses on, so I couldn't see. After I did see, however, my mom and Joe successfully encouraged me to have it fixed. It took 2 hours to put in the cornrows and 15 minutes to make it into a beautiful pouff-thingie. Go figure.

The wedding went smoothly. It was really beautiful but really hot. The church doesn't have air conditioning. We rode in a limo to the Zoo and Rainforest for photos. It was actually cooler in the Rainforest! The reception was at the Powerhouse at Windows on the River and was gorgeous. I had the vegetarian meal (see above ;)) and it was the best food I've had in a long time!
Sunday we ate at IHOP, my favorite, and then headed home so I could study.

So, we're not having luck with our fish. A couple weeks ago, Kenny started acting weird. He got all bloated. When we got back from Cleveland a couple weeks ago, Petsmart told us that he was probably constipated but there was ntohing we could do. I ended up euthanizing him. After that, Margaret would just stare at me from inside the tank. Lo and behold, on Monday night, I found him upside down in the bottom of the tank, despite chemically balanced water and no visible signs of disease. I guess he got lonely? Now all we have left are our Otto Cats. :(

On Monday, I took off early from work due to my pants splitting down the front, and then the elastic of my underwear ripping from the waist. I have no idea why. Just my luck, I guess. I then crammed for my nutrition exam and headed to campus to take it. It's my first online course. It's kind of weird. I like technology alright, but some things are just silly. I think online courses are up there in the silly category. Read a book and take a test and consider it college? Um, okay. After that I studied for my anatomy quiz and enjoyed the weather. Then I headed home to bed.
On Tuesday, My iPod stopped playing all of my purchases. Go figure. I went to open lab and then met up with Aunt Mary Ann and Uncle Mike who were in town. We showed them the new house and took them to Jimmy V's in Grandview for dinner. I had the gyro platter which was strange...it was a deconstructed gyro with fries. It wasn't awful though. We also had broiled calamari. It was okay. They have an awesome patio out back. I highly recommend it!

Afterwards, I took them to Jeni's for the quintessential Grandview Experience. Uncle Mike loved the Queen City Cayenne, which is my favorite as well.

On Wednesday, I headed straight to open lab. Then I took the practical, which I'm pretty sure I killed. Then I headed home to download the updated iTunes software and backup my library in the hopes it would fix my iPod. I had a beer, settled down for leftover gyro platter, and caught up on my soaps and The Mole. Joe had mandate night at Villa Nova, which I'm dying to try. Maybe one day...

This morning I woke up to find that iTunes wouldn't even load. Turns out the Quicktime software was corrupt. Great. On my way to work I noticed I got makeup all over the front of my shirt. Got to work in enough time to grab Starbucks and go through the day. I got my mom's birthday card off in the mail, so that is good. I also figured out what to get her for her birthday. We at lunch at La Fogata Grill at Crosswoods. It was okay, but no El Alcapulco. Now I'm home, enjoying my first night that I don't HAVE to do any work. I probably will though, so I can stay on top of things. Work+School+Life=Craziness!

so anatomy is the hardest class ever

Forget math. Forget chemistry. The hardest class you'll ever take? Anatomy. I've never had more information thrown at me at once than with this class. Add some cadaver work, and it is certainly the most interesting in both a personal and professional and school sort of way.

I used to (and still do) secretly dream of being a coroner. I don't have issues with death or dealing with gross stuff. I guess that's why I will also make a good nurse. But, in all of my imagining my future career of determining cause of death, I never thought about the first time I would ever touch someone else's bare, dead muscle. Or artery. Or nerve. Sure, we've all had those curious moments at the wake where you kinda poke around wondering that death feels like. It's weird. But now? It ain't nothing. I've had my hands in things I would have never imagined. It is strange, but I'm enjoying all the hard work I'm putting into it. I literally dedicate about 6 hours a night to schoolwork a week. I hope it all pays off with an acceptance letter to Mt Carmel real soon!!

hopelessly addicted

So, I am supposed to be studying for my anatomy midterm, but I've somehow managed to get myself addicted to last.fm. I cannot tear myself away. Basically, it results in me listening to lots of music instead of studying. (I cannot study with noise). So, tomorrow around 6PM be sure to send me good vibes about skin and tissues....and pray I can keep all the details straight.

I am pleased to say that I should be returning to work on Monday. I haven't been there since last Tuesday due to a bad case of gastroenteritis. Like an idiot, for dinner tonight I ate leftovers of one of the mystery meals that may have made me sick. So far so good...but you never know.

I'm looking forward to Nicole and Adam's wedding this weekend. The bridesmaid dress is pretty and one of my favorite colors, she booked us for hair-do's and mimosas, there's a limo, we're taking pictures at the Cleveland Zoo/Rainforest, and the reception venue is in the Flats (Downtown Cleveland). Joe and I were going to go down early and make a weekend of it by checking out the Warped Tour, but we decided against it. There's only one band I want to see there (Angels and Airwaves) and he's lost interest since we're kinda on a major concert roll right now. Plus, Lollapalooza is coming up at the beginning of August and I can only handle one all day concert in extreme temperatures with sweaty people every 10 years or so... ;)

Well, I better go try and study some more...

Roger Loves Me - Moshing, Personal Shout Outs, Cadavers, and the Stomach Flu in Cleveland

On Tuesday, Joe and I headed up to Cleveland to check out the Goldfinger/Less Than Jake show at the House of Blues. It was also an opportunity to pick up my bridesmaid dress for Nicole's wedding next weekend.



We decided to spend the night and chose to stay at the Hyatt Arcade, since it was right across the street from HOB. Let me tell you, it was one of the most awesome hotels we've ever stayed at. The lobby is the interior of the old Arcade, and it is awe inspiring to see the vaulted glass ceiling.



Anyway, we quickly checked in and then attempted to cross the street to grab some drinks and a bite to eat before the show. Unfortunately, there was a torrential downpour so we were soaked by the time we crossed the street. We settled on appetizers at the HOB, which I have to say were pretty yummy. We had calamari and quesadillas. My only complaint was the draft beer choices. Pitiful. Coors light, Bud Light, and Smithwicks. WTF?


We headed over to check out the show. The opening act were the Suburban Legends. They were hilarious - check them out. They had some choreography to go with their ska. Joe and I admired their ability to get the entire crowd to ska dance en masse. It's been years since I've seen that many bobbling ska heads.

Then came Goldfinger, who were incredible. We stayed in the pit for them. I haven't moshed like that years. I seriously saw my life flash before my eyes a couple of times and there was a point where I was convinced I was going to die in the pit. But I didn't. I didn't even spill my beer! or get beer spilled on me!

After Goldfinger, we decided to make like old people and grab some seats in the balcony. We had a prime view. However, once Less Than Jake came on, I got mad that I wasn't in the pit. Joe kept trying to calm me down, but I tend to be a beligerent drunk. They started off with "Johnny Quest Thinks We're Sellouts" and I kept pointing to our seats whenever they said "Sellouts." Joe told me to shut up. So, I opted instead to dance in my seat and rock out the best I could given my situation.

During their second song, Roger, the dreadlocked bassist, took notice of me. He flashed me the...uh...rock out devil horn thingie. I don't know what that's called and Joe isn't here to school me. Anyway, after the song finished the band started talking to the audience. "All you people on the floor," Chris says, "are awesome." "And all you people in the balcony are just sitting there with your colostomy bags" continues Roger, "except that girl right there!" and he points to me and the lights flash up on me. It was awesome. I got my own personal shout out from my favorite LTJ member. After that, I was on cloud 9. Eventually, I got Joe to go downstairs back to the pit. It was a good time. They played like 3 encores and all of my favorite songs. Best LTJ show to date, and I can't even tell you how many times I've seen them live.

The next morning we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel. An omlette with all the fixins. Then we called off work and drove back. One of our fish, Kenny, had been sick, so we traveled out to Petsmart to test the water and see what we could do for him. We finished up with dinner at Salvi's. I had spaghetti and meatballs as usual. It's the only thing I get in Italian restaurants. I figure it is the best basis for comparison.

I then head to Anatomy class. Today was our first lab practical and our first time working with the cadavers. For some reason, once I got to lab my stomach really started hurting. I also couldn't stop sneezing. I wondered in the back of my head if it was the preservative that was bothering me. Maybe I was allergic? But, I've taken biology before and never had a problem in the past with that all to infamous smell. But, as class progressed, I began feeling sicker and sicker.

After lab, we had lecture in a room downstairs. As I sat there, I felt worse and worse, like I was about to puke. I almost thought I'd have to get up and leave I felt so sick. Luckily, he ended lecture early.

I drove home like a bat out of hell. I didn't get there a moment sooner before the projectile vomit started.

And so I had food poisoning once again. Or stomach flu. or something.

Go figure. this happens everytime I go to Cleveland.

Party like a rockstar....

Every once in a while I get this overbearingly strong urge to follow musical pursuits and write lyrics and great bass lines. I envision myself playing my bass to a group of screaming fans in a city I don't know.

Then I stop and realize that the thought of being a touring muscian is more like a nightmare to me.

I can't stand repetition.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Beer Booth -isms = negative Comfest experience

Toilet Paper - a hot commodity at Comfest
Originally uploaded by icadrews

So I spent this weeked at Comfest, as usual. This was our last year having a place in Victorian Village (although moving to Grandview Heights doesn't make us too far away).

We arrived at the old place by noon-ish. By 12:30, the streets were parked up. Robin arrived a bit later, we enjoyed lunch at Northstar, then headed off to Comfest! Lots of people watching. Our NADE friend, Dean, currently from Oklahoma City, formerly of Austin, TX, was in town to experience the excitement of Comfest and Pride...luckily Pride will be a different week next year. Too much drama for one weekend!

Anyway, Robin and I were prepared with our travel toilet paper, bottles of water, and Comfest mugs. We chilled, enjoyed the weather, and enjoyed the people watching. It was so damn hot, though. I didn't drink much, to my dismay.

On Saturday, we tried Marshall's, a weird breakfast diner/bar mix for brunch. It's a block from our new house. It was pretty good. Robin went back to Cleveland and Joe and I recovered a bit until Alex and Mike arrived. Then it was back to Victorian Village, back to the old place (there was an ugly topless chick on the neighbor's porch.) Then we wondered back to Goodale to enjoy the festivities.

I signed in at 7 for what was supposed to be my 4 hour beertending shift. About 10 minutes into it, I had two separate men tell me that I can't pour beer. There is a secret trick to Comfest beer pouring that I quickly learned last year that these jerks were oblivious to (maybe due to being too busy drinking beer themselves than serving it). Comfest mugs that are transparent have really bad head when you pour. Opaque mugs do not have bad head. In addition, Labat Blue foams much more than the Columbus Pale Ale, or even Labat Lite. These dudes, whom I bet I could rival in my beer knowledge, were intent on flashing their manliness to me and telling me how I need to tilt the glass to pour (I was) and that I needed to use a nice rocking action.

A woman next to me, after the second one left, says to me, "They told me the same thing. I've been beertending for 12 years. Do they think I don't know how this works?" That made me feel a bit better. Girl power!

Then, before I know it, another guy starts harassing me for ID-ing people. Um, okay.

#1 rule of Comfest Beer Booth - don't serve underagers. We could lose our license.

#2 rule of Comfest, no free beer. Comfest beer sales are the biggest income for the festival. If they lost the booth, all that goes down the drain.

He wasn't just harassing me, though. He was harassing another chick as well. I'd never experienced so much concentrated sexism in my life - all at a festival that is supposed to embrace others for who they are and maintain the mellow!

What really set me off and led to me actually quitting my shift less than halfway into it?

When the same guy, complaining that I was IDing people, told me the following:

"You need to give free beer out. Why are you charging people? See, you need to give beer to the ones that look like they can't afford it and charge the ones that look like they can. Like that guy, see him? He has nice clothes. He can afford beer. Charge him."

I stopped and turned and walked away. I wish I had said, "oh, you mean I should be profiling people. Judging them. AT COMFEST?"

What an asshole.

Needless to say, I had enough and walked off. Screw my T-Shirt, screw my free beer, screw my beer tokens for next year. It was not worth ruining my Comfest experience to deal with those jerks. I probably should have reported them to the manager, but I was too furious.

Anyway, that just meant I had time to spend with my friends. Alex and Mike were in town for Saturday night. Luckily, we missed the torrential downpours and thunderstorming and mudthrowing.

The picture for this post is right after I stood in line for the port-o-potty for about 30 minutes to find out they were out of toilet paper. I'm not a drip dry girl. I had forgotten my travel TP at home. I was devastated. However, some random guy flew in, shoved TP in my hand, and said "need this?" and flew back away into the crowd.

What goes around comes around. That mere act of kindness made my pissy beertending experience anger go away.

This is what Comfest is all about!

Happy Comfest!

Happy Comfest!
Originally uploaded by icadrews

This weekend is Comfest!!! I'm so excited!

Although we moved out of Victorian Village last weekend, you'd better believe that we will be out in full force to celebrate the start of summer in Columbus.

On Friday, Robin is making her annual trek down. We're going to meet up with our usual group, under the tree....

On Saturday, Alex and Mike will be in town looking for a place to live before moving to Columbus. They'll join us for Comfest at night. I'll be working the Off-Ramp Beer Booth from 7-11, so stop by and visit!

Sunday will be spent recovering and spending leftover beer chips.

Happy Comfest!

Moving to the suburbs....

front room/dining room
Originally uploaded by icadrews

So, we finally found a place. A place that we are really going to live in (despite a false alarm a couple weeks ago). We're moving to Grandview Heights. We got our keys this morning and hauled over a load of basement crap. It is official!

I can't even begin to tell you how many places we ended up looking at. Nearly 20. We pretty much narrowed it down to Clintonville or Grandview. Ultimately, Grandview won out. Nicer properties for the money. The house we scored has brand new carpet, all new stainless steel appliances, and fresh paint. And it is in a neighborhood. With children. And adults. And no noisy, obnoxious neighbors! Woohoo! And, bonus is that it is close to Mt. Carmel College of Nursing...if I get in.

Speaking of which, I had my interview on Friday. It went rather well, I think. The rest is out of my hands. I'll find out if I get in by August 1st. The waiting part, I think, is the hardest part.

Today I took off of work. Partially because I have two exams tomorrow. Partially because we were getting the keys to the new house. Taking off work was not all fun and games, though. I ended up nearly giving myself a concussion and definitely straining my neck by decking my head on a board in the basement. My neck is killing me. I just hope it feels better by this weekend because...

I have my nurses aid clinicals!! I'm so excited. I drove past the facility I'll be working at today. It seems like a pretty nice place. If all goes well, I'm thinking of working there part time to earn some extra money until I start nursing school. Or while I'm in nursing school, if I don't get into my program.

That better not happen, though!

Haircut blunder

This week has been completely insane and an emotional roller coaster. In order to make myself feel better, I decided to treat myself to a color and cut, as I hadn't done so since before Alex's wedding in December.

Unfortunately, that was a really, really bad idea. After 3 hours, the stylist ended up messing it up pretty badly and I came home crying and crying. I didn't go to my usual hairdresser since I had called in that day. So, I was stuck with a girl fresh out of cosmetology school who admitted that doing hair wasn't her life's dream.

So, I spent the weekend with quite an interesting hairstyle. Fortunately, it was fixed this afternoon.

We spent the weekend enjoying life and the neighborhood. On Friday, we took a walk throughout the Short North and had dinner at Lemongrass. I love that place! We were seated right next to the piano, and he played interesting piano remixes of songs. We enjoyed our usual favorite, the dragon roll as well as some Mai-Tai's, froo-froo martinis, and an appetizer sampler. We then meandered over to MoJoe's and managed to become quite tipsy off of our usuals there.

As we were walking home, we came across a lesbian couple. One of the women looked like a femme version of Joe. Same weight. Same striped black and white button down. Same glasses. Same jeans. Same pineapple shaped head. Her partner was going "ew ew ew ew!" I'm not sure why, Joe obviously wore it hotter. It was rather amusing, though.

On Saturday, we enjoyed a bizarro brunch at Victorian's Midnight Cafe which included some free beers. We followed it up with a jaunt to Jeni's in the Short North. Joe detests Jeni's, but agreed to go on two conditions:

1. I pay

2. I pick an ice cream he'll actually like. If I fail, we never have to go there again.

Here's the thing about Jeni's for those of you who aren't familiar. Jeni's is unique, albeit trendy ice cream. They serve flavors such as "Candied Fennel," "Grapefrut Hibiscus," and "Wildberry Lavender", and normal sounding flavors with ingredient lists that make you wonder if you should eat it or smear it all over your body after a bath. Their most popular flavor is "Salty Caramel," which features sea salt. I particularly like a sundae combo that includes chocolate ice cream with caramel, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, peanuts, and whipped cream. Yum!

With that in mind, Joe gives me rules:

It must be creamy

No fruit

No salt

No spicy

I enter pretty much defeated. I think it is a prerequisite that all of Jeni's flavors has one of the aforementioned contraband. But, I test my luck. First I try Toasted Coconut Rum. Joe loves rum. It is good, but I'm not wowed. Next I try Sugardaddy's Brownie Cream Cheese. Joe loves brownies. Chocolate will help me win. I vote for it. I decide on some Maker's Mark Butter Pecan for myself. Two scoops and $7 (!!) later, Joe is satisfied. But he likes mine better. Go figure, despite his warning against salty.

Saturday evening, we travel though town trying to find apartments. We enjoy dinner at Cameron's.

Sunday, we think we find the place we've been looking for. We should be seeing it on Friday. Cross your fingers. It sounds perfect and it's in an ideal location in Clintonville.

Sunday night, our hillbilly neighbors host a party. It's loud and appears to involve 4 AM bowling. We have to sleep in the spare room in an attempt to smother out some of the noise.

Today I left work early to fix my hair. We have an appointment tonight to see another place. Then lot of studying, as the quarter is nearing an end and Joe starts another class at Franklin tomorrow. I have tons of projects, papers, and presentations coming up. Plus the stress of packing up and moving. And summer weddings. And trying to get into school.

Which reminds me, my interview at Mt. Carmel is Friday. Send me good vibes!

Also, today I was talking absentmindedly to my clerical when my boss's boss calls me on the phone. I just miss it. Next thing I know she's standing at my cube. "Come quick, there's a conference call you have to come to." Huh? Since when do I participate in conference calls? And why on such short notice?

So, I'm scuttled off to administration. I'm shoveled into the small conference room. In there are the directors of the agency, and a couple of other people from the office. I find out that myself and another woman won the Regional SSA Commissioner's Citation for our outstanding work at the DDS. We are being flown to Chicago to accept the award. For once in my life, I am actually taking a REAL business trip. On government money! Woohoo!!

Finding a new place to live

After nearly two years in our nice Victorian Village apartment we are sick of the landlord jacking up the rent every year while refusing to fix the heat (we don't have heat upstairs). So, we're moving out. This way, we'll save money while I'm in school full time next year and not have to deal with outrageous rent, lack of heat, and weirdo neighbors.

So, if you know any reasonably priced 2br apartments for rent in the downtown, short north, Vic Village, Harrison West, Italian Village, Clintonville, German Village, Schumacher Place, Merion Village, Discovery District, or Grandview areas, let me know!

Whew!

Tonight is a whirlwind tour of several places, but with the poor housing market, apartments are slim pickin's.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

cross your fingers

I finally completed my application for Mt. Carmel. It was mailed on Friday. I'm so nervous! I've done so much planning and mental preparation for this program. It has been my life for the past 5 months. I've had several near nervous breakdowns this quarter because I'm working full time and taking a full time courseload. But, all of this will be worth it once I get into the program.

The program I am referring to is a 13 month accelerated BSN program for people who already have a bachelor's degree. It will start January 2009 and end January 2010. It's very intensive. I have to quit my job and live off my savings. At the open house in February, they told us that you basically have to call all your friends and family and tell them you won't see them in a year. It sounds like a lot, but I've prepared so much for this. I'm determined and motivated. I am ready to be a nurse and I don't want to take the 2 1/2 years it will take to get only an ADN through CSCC. The MCCN program is a perfect fit for me. Just cross your fingers for me and hope I blow them away at the interview.

I've had to take tons of science courses as pre-reqs for the program. I've really been enjoying them. I am much more of a science minded person than I am business or theory related person. I need hands on work. I'm sick of staring at a computer all day!

oh i hope i hope i hope i get in!

Certified Healer

I am absolutely exhausted!

I spent the past weekend in a rigorous Pranic Healing course. I am now a certified Level I Pranic Healer.

Pranic Healing is an ancient Eastern science and art of healing that utilizes prana, also known as Chi, Ki, Ruah, among others. I took the course because I thought it would be something interesting to take as I complete my pre-requisites for my nursing program. I figured that it would be an opportunity to experience a different way of doing things. I enjoy yoga and I was raised in a family that encouraged mysticism and new age ideas, (which I have spent much of my adult life being skeptical of), but I thought that pranic healing might bring an element of spirituality that I was lacking. I was right.

About a week before my class I receive an email from my instructor. "Namaste," it begins. She goes on to say that we need to bring a spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol and wear comfortable clothing (not silk, as it blocks energy). This should be interesting, I thought.

When I walked into class on Friday night, I wasn't sure what to expect. There were only 11 people in my class. The instructor's son was filling buckets with water and salt. What the heck? She starts out explaining her background and how she came across this technique. She explains what it is. She then says "don't think I'm a crazy lady. I'll give you a demonstration. Be open to it."

She then proceeds to demo pranic healing on one of my classmates with a headache.

It was one of the weirdest things I had ever seen.

I remained skeptical. We practiced scanning the aura. Looking for air and earth prana. Absorbing solar prana. Cleansing, sweeping, energizing. Sometimes I felt nothing. But, more often, I would feel or experience something that truly weirded me out.

Day 2 came along and we expaned upon our practice. We did all sorts of things that I can't even begin to explain to you.

My homework for day 2 was to practice on someone. I experimented on Joe. He made fun of me for taking the class, but later seemed to feel a little bit of what I was doing. I don't know it he was trying to humor me or what, but he definately reacted to things that he didn't even know I was doing.

Day 3 came along and we tied it all together.

Pranic Healing is interesting. Before I went into it, I wasn't sure what to expect. When I first started it, I thought it was a load of crap. Now? I'm thinking there might be a little something there. My instructor hosts free clinics in the Columbus area every Monday from 6:30-9 at the United Methodist Church on North Broadway. If you want more info, ask me. I'm looking forward to practicing my technique there in the near future. I may just even go for my Level II certificate. Who knows?

The Duke Spirit! & BRMC Private Show!

The Duke Spirit!
Originally uploaded by icadrews

About 2 months ago, I decided that Black Rebel Motorcycle Club was my new favorite band. Oftentimes, I decide I love a band many years after they first come to the scene. I'm just delayed. Joe, in his love for up and coming bands and small, intimate rock shows, is teaching me how to discover new talent. He's really good at it. He has a good ear for what will be popular. And he knows music.

ANYWAY...

After listening to BRMC over and over on my iPod, I went to Pollstar to see if they were touring. What luck! They were coming to Cincinnati/Covington, KY for a show at a little rock club called The Mad Hatter. No shows in Columbus or Cleveland.

I convince Joe that a weekend rock trip is needed. He agrees.

I buy the tickets.

A day after I buy the tickets, I hear a promotion on CD101 - BRMC is holding a private show at Skully's at the end of April sponsored by Jack Daniels. Skully's is within walking distance to our house. Go figure.

About a month goes by and CD101 Day approaches. CD101 Day is a show at the LC that is only $5, put on by the local radio station. They showcase several local and up and coming bands. Our friend Matt had tickets he wasn't going to use, so he gave them to us.

In our research of the bands that were playing (The Whigs, Zox, The Switches, The Duke Spirit, and Von Iva, among others), Joe determines that The Duke Spirit will be the best band. He doesn't like Von Iva. I do, since they're kinda techno-y. I've since changed my mind after buying their album, though.

Anyway, we get to CD 101 day a bit late (we were hungover from the night before - The New Pornographers with Okkervil River - free tix I won from being a CSCC student). We were able to catch the end of The Duke Spirit. We were pretty bummed that we missed most of their set, as they sounded awesome.


A couple days later, I'm checking out things on the internet in preparation for our KY roadtrip. The Duke Spirit is opening for BRMC!! We couldn't have been happier.

In the weeks following this discovery and CD101 day, we try and try and try to win tix to the private BRMC show. No luck.

Fast foward to April 18th. I'm pretty neurotic and make sure we leave on time. We stop at Sonic for fuel and begin our voyage. We have an awesome hotel in a great location in Mainstrasse in Covington. Being the walkers that we are, we hike our way around town. We actually heard a "Where's Jim Bob?" and a "Is Johnny Boy home?" No joke.

We eat tons of potato pancakes and order a huge beer pitcher. So huge, we have to give it away to a thirsty group of preppy, pregaming boys.

Finally, we get to the venue and get in line. Joe snaps pictures and brags about how he thinks he saw someone from the band - a guy in a red shirt and black vest.

The Mad Hatter is a converted strip club. The stage is really low to the ground. It is also very smoky, since it is KY.

We head to the front of the stage. Primo view! I've never been that close to a major band.

The Duke Spirit are awesome! You really need to check them out. They're kinda a watery, smoky Bijork-y sound.

About 4 songs into the BRMC set, we decide that we're smoked out and peopled out, so we head to the back and sit on a vacant couch and watch The Duke Spirit play pool with their crew. Then we head outside for a breath of fresh air. Joe runs into the red shirted black vested guy again - Olly. Drummer for the Duke Spirit. Joe compliments him on a great show. Olly stops to talk to us. And talk. And talk. We tell him how we loved seeing them at the CD101 day show and we traveled down to this one. He thought it was great as he wasn't used to people traveling to see bands in the UK. We tell him about the private BRMC show that we can't win tix to.

"We don't have any friends in Columbus. We'll get you on the list."

He then introduces us to his tour manager, who explains how we can get on the list. Then, he takes his picture with us.

It was awesome! We have a new UK friend! In a talented band, nonetheless!

I don't even remember the rest of the BRMC show. I know it was good. I know they played a looong time. I know they played all of my favorite songs.

I don't remember getting home very much, but I did end up somehow with an extra, free, takeout box of chocolate chip pecan waffle house waffles. with syrup. and a stolen spoon in my new BRMC tote bag I bought at the show. apparently.

We spent the rest of the week visiting with Dustin and Heather.

Yesterday, I get an email from Jack Daniels. So does Joe. We've both won tickets for us and a guest to the BRMC show. But we have to show ID because we'll be on a list. (maybe 2 times now?) So, we're having problems trying to figure out how and if we can get our friends to the show.

And I have nursing aide class, which is mandatory because it is state governed, so we can't make it to see The Duke Spirit in the Big Room :( At least I can see the show though!!

The moral of the story is - BRMC is great. Drink Jack Daniels. And, above all...

listen to the Duke Spirit!

Tooth Model

Today started with a 3 at 6:30 (AM) on CD 101 with Muse, my favorite band. I was pretty happy--a good start to the day. I went to Microbio lecture and then headed off to work. My coworkers had hidden a boston cream pie at my desk. (Another coworker had brought it in to thank us for covering his desk and yesterday, someone in our unit ate all the cupcakes that were brought in for the unit. I never got one and complained, since I like to eat.) So, I got a nice big piece of pie. What a way to start the workday!

I had to go to the dentist today. Everytime I go, I freak out, because this is a fairly new dentist. I had gone to my previous dentist in Lakewood for 22 years. After I switched to one in Columbus, they found my first cavity. I've never felt like a failure so much as I did that day.

Today, however, the dentist informed me that I should be a tooth model. So, if you have any connections, let me know.

Before I left, the hygenist gave me a huge hug. Hygenists are the best. My last hygenist, who I went to for years and years, tried to get me to babysit her kids. I'd totally go into oral hygeine except that I have no desire to smell people's breath all day. Thank you to those who can handle it!

I Saw a Ghost Last Night

I should preface this with the following disclamer:

I've recently been watching A&E's Paranormal State. That show may or may not have affected
the following incident. I do want to point out, however, that I am highly critical of paranormal claims. I used to be interested as a child until I learned about science, which ultimately was the end of my paranormal beliefs.

Now, back to the story.

Friday morning, Joe discovered a leak in our bathroom ceiling when it was dripping water on his head. He called our landlord out to take a look at it.

Our landlord arrived that evening. He brought his freshly charged flashlight to have a better look at the situation. He turned his flashlight on and it immediately popped off. "But I just charged it!" he said. He smacked it around a bit, but no juice. Earlier that week we had watched an episode of Paranormal State in which they reported that spirits often "steal" the energy from electrical equipment in order to obtain energy to communicate. As the landlord messed around with the ceiling, I went downstairs to tell Joe of the incident. We laughed, after all, neither of us really give much cred to that show.

We spent the rest of the evening partying downtown and attending a concert. We did imbibe quite a bit of alcohol and sleep came very easily.

I was dreaming that I was sitting at the dining room table at my father's house. To my right was a man, probably in his early 40's. He had dark brown, scraggly, greasy hair. It was just longer than chin length. He had some beard growth in the shape of a goatee. In front of me was another person, unidentified. I believe it was a female, and her head was down, so I don't know who it was. There was a person to my left, too, but I didn't see him or her.

The guy with the dark hair had a flashlight in his hand, similar to the one our landlord has. He turned it on and flashed it in the face of the person across from me. "Do you have anything to say?" he asked. No response. He shone it in the face of the person to my left. "Do you have anything to say?" Nothing. Finally, he shone it in my face. "How about you?" he asked, "Do you have anything to say. You know, I really like how your new cell phone alarm sounds. It wakes you up nicely."

I wake up with a start. I look immediately to the door of the bedroom. I see a figure standing there, around 6 feet tall. It is a man...maybe about in his early to mid 20's. He has short hair. He is slouched, standing profile to me. I look away. Suddenly, my cell phone alarm goes off. I turn it off calmly. I look back toward the door. There is no one there. In my mind, I think, "If that was really a ghost, please don't do anything mean. I'll tolerate it if you are nice."

I had to go to the bathroom, but I couldn't get myself to get up. I was a bit freaked out, but not entirely scared. It certainly wasn't a frightening experience and I don't think, if it was a ghost, that he meant me harm. Just that he wanted to talk to someone and apparently the two other people he tried didn't respond...

Weird, huh?

So, this wouldn't be too bad except that Joe went to his parents' house tonight. So, I have a feeling I'll be sleeping with all the lights on tonight.

I knew Chemistry was worth it!

So, for those of you who are not aware, I am going back to school to pursue a nursing degree. I apply for the program this fall, and will begin in Fall 2009. In the meantime, I am working on pre-requisites and general ed courses for the program. The program I will most likely be doing is an Associate's Degree for those of us who already have Bachelor's degrees. It is a part time night/weekend program, which will be good because I can keep earning my $income$ and go to school. I'd prefer to do a BA to BSN program, but those are full time and I cannot fathom putting myself in debt with student loans just to switch jobs.

Anyway, I have to take Organic and Biochemistry as part of my pre-reqs. Those of you who knew me in college know that the reason I stopped the pre-med track was chemistry. Luckily, however, community college chemistry is not the same.

Last Wednesday, I had chem lab. Our experiment was on Alcohols: soluability in H20 and oxidation. Unfortunately, two of my favorite bands (Louis XIV and Hot Hot Heat) were in concert at the Newport, opening for the Editors (all their songs sound the same, so I didn't know why they were the headliners.) Anyway, Joe and Matt were going, but I had to pass because I can't miss chem lab. It is from 6 until 9:30. I'd miss the first two bands by the time I made it to campus.

I get to Chemistry and my super-awesome lab partners and I finish the experiment by 7:30. I can't believe my luck! I call Joe and Matt answers - the show is sold out. I am crushed. I walk to my car in defeat, and then decide - I WILL BE THERE. So, I hop in my car and I GOOG-411 the Newport. It keeps disconnecting. I try and try and finally get through. "Yes, we're sold out." There's hesitance in her voice though....

Scalpers!

So, I blaze my trail to the Newport. (My class is at the Worthington campus). I get to OSU, screech into one of the parking spots at South Campus Gateway and determine that $1 is worth a paying for parking if I don't end up with tix. Luckily, I had gotten $100 out of the ATM the night before. I stash $40 and some change in one pocket and the rest in the other. I decide that although the original tix were $15 plus service charges (I can't believe they were that cheap!) I will fork over a maximum of $40. I had no choice as I had all $20's. It's not like you can ask a scalper for change after negotiating him down.

I walk toward the Newport. "You selling tickets?" a scalper asks.
"No, I'm buying," I say.
"Oh...well...uh...wait over in the UDF and I'll have you one in 5 minutes."
"Sorry, I'll keep looking, thanks."
Damn, this needs to happen! There's a reason this all fell into place. I've gotta get a ticket!

So, I walk toward the entrance. There's another scalper negotiating with a guy. The guy says "let me go inside and get another $20 from her.."
He walks into the concert hall.

"Hi" I say to the scalper.
"Selling tickets?"
"No, buying."
He yells to his friend (the UDF guy) to see if he has tix. Obviously he does not.
"I have one but this concert is going for $100."
I laugh.
"$50?"
"$40."
"ok."
He gives me that poor other kid's ticket. He watches as I grab it and run inside.

I get inside just to hear my favorite Louis XIV song, "Finding out True Love is Blind." I buy a beer and meet up with the boys. They're on the second level, which is not always open but is my favorite place to watch a show in the Newport.

The show was awesome. HHH rearranged their songs so it was amusing. It was the 4th time I've seen them in concert and it was the best.

During the Editors show, the lead singer of Louis XIV walked past. I chased him, but was unable to catch up with him. On his way back, Matt and Joe grab him and I say hi and shook his hand, complimenting him on a job well done. I was so excited!

We even got free hotdogs when the concession stand gave up and left them out on the counter for people to take. Joe gave one to the "Help is on the way!" bum who hi-fived him and said "Oh, thank you my man! I really do appreciate it. I really do love these dogs!"

I then ran. Literally. Back to my car. Blasting the Brew all the way home.

I love the fates! And alcohol! woohoo!

My attempt at mobile blogging

So, I'm interested to see if this works-google claims that all you have to do to send pics and txts to your blog is to email the info you want to go@blogger.com and then enter a claim ticket number on your pc to link it to your blog. It seems a bit complicated to me but it's worth a try. If it worked, you'll be reading this.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Hate makes me sick

I stayed home from work today because Stephanie is coming to visit! I wanted to make sure that the house was clean and I could spend a good part of the day with her. Since I've been fooling around with my broken laptop for the past several days, I figured I'd take the time to deal with the HP Service people. I think that two fried hard drives in a week is a little more than coincidence, but whatever. I swear, I can't keep a laptop.

After I finished my call (and they told me they'll send me one more hard drive before they'll try to service the whole thing), I determined that it was time for breakfast. Yay for leftover homemade pecan waffles to make me happy again.

As I sat down to eat, I came across a TV show on HBO called Friends of God: A Roadtrip. I watched it, spellbound. I actually even cried a tear or two during certain parts because I was so disturbed. After the show was over, the first thing I wanted to do was pray...pray for the people the documentary highlighted.

Preaching bigotry and hate? Preaching politics? I was particularly disturbed by the last few scenes of a Battlecry concert with rock music and teenagers jumping up and down as scenes of war with the hint of crusade flashed across the arena.

Please don't tell me that it is wrong to want equality and allow for the basic civil rights of others but it isn't wrong to worship in a drive-thru church, go to Biblical Mini-Golf, and declare WAR against those without Christian values?

I'm sure Jesus, the King of Peace, would be proud.