'That Couple'

I love eating local.  So, when my best friends were in town last weekend, I wanted to take them to a great local place called Skillet.  This place is phenomenal - they do a seasonal menu with everything being from 'farm to fork.'  In addition, the restaurant maybe has 10 tables total... it's cute, but a tight squeeze. So when my friends and I walk in (more like squeeze in) to put our names down, we had to wait almost an hour to get our table.  As we waited, we observed those already enjoying their meals...

Because of the limited space, you have the option of putting your name on the list and going to sit in your car and they can call you on the phone.  So, as we're waiting the man approaches the list and calls out a name... no one answers.  I'm sure everyone else was hoping what I was: this person is not in their car - they've already found another place to eat.  Yet, I do not see the man cross the name off the list - instead, he marks a table number. 

No less than 2 minutes later, a couple walks in.  As they walk in, they are directed to a table that has a booth on one side and two chairs on the other.  Where do they sit?  Next to one another in the booth.  They are 'that couple.'  My friends and I begin to judge.  I do have to say, I apologize if this is how you prefer to sit with your significant other, but honestly, it just seems awkward not only to me, but a good number of people.  They get all cozy in their booth and in a few minutes time, a cinnamon roll appears.  They split it and begin to feed it to each other.  This is breakfast people.  Not a dim lit romantic restaurant.

But maybe that's what this couple wants, to bring attention to their relationship.  I couldn't help but stare to see what they would do next.  Thankfully, a little while after the display began, my girlfriends and I sat at our booth... all next to each other.  That's right, we one up-ed the 'that couple.'

Standing Ovations

I love the theater.  I love everything about watching the performance, I love the wealth of emotion that floods over me when a singer hits a particular note, I love the energy that it gives me.  Some could say, I'm a theater junkie.  I performed in theater as a child and throughout high school and now at Ohio State, I am one of the advisors for the musical theater organization on campus.  I'm even planning on attending a play this weekend.

Let me get on topic... standing ovations.  So, this past weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend the Columbus Jazz Orchestra's Ode to Broadway.  It was a  lovely event that my department purchased tickets for our entire staff, including the 350 RAs on campus.  The performance was moving and a few times I did get the chills, I will admit.  Here's where the next part comes in... the finale.  I mean, some of the show was indeed phenomenal.  The rendition of "What I did for Love" from A Chorus Line was absolutely stunning, their rendition of West Side Story was inspiring.  Yet, the ending fell a bit flat.  So, when it was time to say goodbye - a good number of folks still gave a standing ovation.

Maybe this is a poor example to use because in some repect I do believe the show deserved a standing ovation.  But too often I attend a show, and there is always a standing ovation at the end.  I think we give it up too easily.  I think the performers need to earn it more.  How can they improve on their craft if we're always giving them a standing ovation?  Its like either it has to be completely awful or not.  If not, even if it's just OK - we stand up.  Quite possibly, it's in response to needing to grab ones jacket or stretch ones legs.  But I find this hard to believe.  All I ask is that we try our best to contemplate the giving of standing ovations - I see them as one of those special occurances that comes with a stellar performance.  Don't be easy, wait to give it up.

That's Such a Samantha Thing To Say...

I would say one of the greatest things a gal can have is a great group of girlfriends.  I would also like to add that I think I'm very fortunate to have some ladies near and dear to my heart and we are there for each other through think and thin.

Every time I think about the great friendships I have... I can't help but think about the ladies of Sex & The City - you know, Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha.  In college, my roommates and I used to sit around for hours watching marathons of the show, choosing which character fit which girl (according to them, I'm Charlotte).  I think by naming ourselves after characters helps us to feel more connected to the show and to one another.  I can imagine, just like the ladies in the show, being in my 30s meeting weekly with my gals over breakfast for our latest gossip. The women are fierce, fashion forward, and independent.  It may seem corny to say, but they empower me to live likewise.

I was fortunate enough to have my two best friends from college down to Columbus for the weekend, and let me tell you, when the three of us are together, it is nothing short of a good time.  We got to go out on the town, shop, and catch up on our latest gossip. And although we live hundreds of miles apart, it feels sometimes as if time has never passed.

And to make the weekend end the right way... how did we spend our Saturday night?  Eating junk food and watching Sex & The City.  I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Is it all a hype?

For the first time in a long time I find myself single on Valentine's Day.  And I'm OK with it.  Why?  Because my mom is my Valentine.  And so are all my closest friends.  

So although I sometimes think it to be nice to celebrate this day (as many of the people sitting around me are) with a significant other on a nice date, I'd like to argue that it's all just a hype.  I mean, I do like the idea of getting flowers or candy, but I can always get those for myself... As some of you know, I have an active sweet tooth and have to buy cookies and ice cream frequently to help that out.  And who doesn't love to buy flowers to spruce up your apartment?  I know that others refer to this day as 'single awareness day'... and sure, I guess I'm aware of this because I am taking the time to write this post... but I would prefer to think of today as like every other day where you get to remind your closest friends and family how much you truly care and love them.

It's Good to Be a Regular

I have been living in Columbus for about a year and a half and have really enjoyed my time thus far.  One aspect of city that I love are the neighborhoods - there are some great places to go and enjoy coffee, go out to eat, and go out on the town.

One of my favorite places to frequent is Stauf's Coffeehouse in Grandview.  This place has a great atmosphere and is always filled with a variety of people - friends, family members, neighbors, students, etc...  When I go to Stauf's, it's typically to do homework, and as a grad student who lives and works on campus, it serves a dual purpose as my escape.

I've been coming here a few times a week this school year (I'm here so much, one barista knows me by name and what I like to order) and have noticed the same people.  My favorite person is this older woman with shorter gray hair, always dressed in black with a black hat and glasses.  She sets up at her favorite table, diligently working on word puzzles.  When she needs a break, she walks around the shop, arranging furniture or collecting disposable cups.  She intrigues me.  I want to know more about her.  What brings her here every night, what makes her want to serve as the community member that keeps this place in order?  My goal is to continue to come to Stauf's and work my way toward conversing with this woman - finding out her life story.  I feel as though she has many life stories to offer from her youthful years...

In addition to making friends with the lady in black, I guess what I'm most excited about is I feel like I've become a regular, which is something I feel I've been wanting here - a sense of community.  Let me be a bit cliche here and say that it's like the theme song from the sitcom Cheers "you wanna go where everybody knows your name."

Snow Day Rituals

Growing up in West Michigan was amazing as I lived only half an hour from Lake Michigan.  Let me tell you - summers there were beautiful, but the winter months, cold and snowy.  I, however, am a winter baby and enjoy making snow angels, going skiing, and going ice skating.  So, winter doesn't scare me and I embrace it most when I can take advantage of the snow fall with a SNOW DAY.  As a student at a university, it seldom happens that the university actually closes its doors for the day... but I'm hoping that will change.

The Midwest has entered what many Americans have affectionately named the "Snowpocalypse of 2011."  So, as I once did as a child in hopes of a snow day, I am conducting my snow day ritual - wearing my pajamas inside out, hoping to spend tomorrow relaxing, reading a book (yes for fun!), and drinking hot cocoa.  Looks like Punxsutawney Phil's prediction may prove to be obsolete this year as this storm is making many of us believe there will be 6 more weeks of winter...