Netflix

So maybe I didn't jump on the bandwagon right away, but I know am a proud subscriber of Netflix.  And to show my appreciation, I wanted to share this little story with you...

I'm sitting on my computer looking for something to instantly watch before I head to bed.  So, I'm browsing through the various categories and titles (I find this very helpful since there are so many to choose from) and I see there's a category titled "Like: Easy A."  Now, no judgment please, but the last movie I watched instantly was indeed Easy A.  I hadn't seen it in theaters and am a huge Penn Badgley fan, so I thought, "Why not?"  Although the movie was a bit predictable, it was quite enjoyable...

Anyway, to get back on track - I began to view the various movies and television shows that Netflix had suggested I would like because I chose to watch Easy A.  First of all, I think it's great they try to make suggestions.  Secondly, I am happy to announce one of the suggestions is seasons 1-2 of Laguna Beach.  Score.  Netflix #FTW.

Cedar Point - America's Playground

I'm a fan of roller coasters.  I'm a fan of carnival food.  I'm a fan of feeling like I've stepped back into the 90s.  Therefore, I'm a fan of Cedar Point.

Cedar Point is one of the nation's largest amusement parks with over 75 rides!  Located in Sandusky, OH it has served as a great place to escape to.  Yesterday, I was able to head up to the park with a friend and 50 other Ohio State Students.  It had been my first time in the park since I was in 8th grade and I was pumped to relive childhood memories.

And of course the roller coasters were phenomenal, so, I really focused in on my people watching skills.  I'd like to think I'm a skilled people watcher - noticing the fine details that really make the watch better than any reality TV show.  Being at Cedar Point really reminded me of the 90s - lots of fanny packs, jorts, cut off sleeved shirts, and epic facial hair.  There was even a girl dressed up as a zebra.  No joke - zebra tights, shirt, and a hat with pockets.  It looked something like this...

Only in America.

Hometown Pride

Yesterday, I was watching TV and all of a sudden, I hear a familiar voice speaking about a wonderful place... A place called Pure Michigan.  Being in Ohio, I can't help but get a little nostalgic every time I see a travel add for my home state.  These adds are narrated by Tim Allen, or as many Americans know him as Tim "the Tool-man" Taylor.  So not only is he the voice of Buzz Lightyear, but also the voice of some of the greatest advertisements on television.  

This morning, I got a phone call from my mother - mind you, I was a bit groggy (as it was a wake up phone call) and she was super excited on the other end.  She mentioned that she had just sent me an email about a video of Grand Rapids, a Lip Dub is what she called it. 

I open up the email to find a 10 minute video - a continuous shot of downtown with local celebrities and hometown heroes lip dubbing the famous song "American Pie." Side note: The American Pie movies are actually written based upon Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids (known as East Great Falls in the movies), so I found the title choice to be appropriate.

What I loved most about the video (and yes, there were moments when I got choked up) was seeing home (my high school's cheer-leading squad had a cameo - couldn't help but be geeked about that).  I love where I'm from, I think Grand Rapids is one of the best places to visit in Michigan, and I can't wait to go back in a few weeks time.

So, I wanted to share with you this video and to better explain to you why I have so much pride being a Michigander. Enjoy the glimpse of my city and get a taste of Pure Michigan.

The Drowsy Chaperone

One of my absolute favorite things about my experience at Ohio State is working with the musical theater/service student organization, Off the Lake.  And although I'm listed as an advisor, I barely do any work compared to the students who truly run the entire organization (student directors, stage managers, art directors, choreographers, actors, musicians, etc.).  The group itself is a student run, non-profit theater group.  And every year, they put on a Spring Musical to entertain the Ohio State and Columbus community - all you need to do is bring a non-perishable food item to get in!

This year, the Directors decided the show to be The Drowsy Chaperone - a musical within a comedy.  This show is witty, fun, and all around good time.  This past weekend marked the first 3 of 6 performances to the Columbus community - and they were absolutely fantastic! 

I was thinking about the show some more, and I think one reason I personally enjoy it (and don't get sick of watching it) is the honesty of the script.  Let me explain.... the show takes place in a man's apartment - he's feeling a bit blue and wants to play a record of his favorite musical, The Drowsy Chaperone.  Suddenly, we are transported to the 1920s as the show comes alive in his apartment.  At times, the show itself couldn't be more ridiculous - at one point the man points out the broad racial stereotypes depicted in the show and how in present day we just "banish those to Disney, let the children sort it out."  Yet, I appreciate the truth and honesty of that statement... And the fact that I can laugh about it along the way.  To give you a better understanding of how hilarious the show can be, here's a clip from the original Broadway cast (featuring Sutton Foster) at the Tony Awards: Show Off

So, if you're in the Columbus area and are looking for something to do next weekend, come see Off the Lake's production of The Drowsy Chaperone - May 19, 20, 21 at 8pm in Hitchcock Hall room 131.  I may be partial to musical theater, but trust me when I say, you'll be missing out by not attending.

Jean Jackets + Running = Attractive

Yesterday marked my 3rd half marathon race in the past year.  There's something about the goal setting piece that I really enjoy - I work really hard for 3 months to then run 13.1 miles.  Plus, the race is through my city - so along the way, I can see people I know and get to enjoy the neighborhoods.

This race was special because I was running with one of my best friends in honor of her mother.  So, the times when I was ready to give up,  I kept pushing through because I had committed to the race and to my  friend.

So, yesterday morning we geared up at about 7am at the start line.  Then, it dawned on me - 12,000 people running a race, I was bound to see some interesting and very American things.  So, in honor of America, I decided to just highlight some of my favorite moments from the race:

1. We were placed into corrals depending on our finish time - in our corral stood a man wearing an Ohio State hat, running shorts, and a JEAN JACKET.  Yes, this man decided to sport a light denim wash on race day.  It was a bit chilly, so maybe he took the jacket off after we started to warm up.  Or, maybe he wanted to look The Boss (aka Bruce Springsteen) for the entirety of the race.

2.  I saw a man running in green khaki cargo shorts.  Maybe not a dri-fit material, but it did have some great storage space for his ipod.

3.  I cannot continue on without acknowledging those who came out to support.  One of my favorites was a lady who stood on the corner of Lane and High (right at OSU's campus) and had a tambourine.  Love it.

4.  The barefoot ladies - I've seen it before and I know it's a trend, but there were 2 women who ran the entire race barefoot.  I know how my knees feel post-race, I can only imagine their pain.  My friend actually kept pace with them along the way and at about the mid-way point, all the runners were able to take some GU (an energy booster a lot of distance runners choose to use).  Apparently, it was so sticky, they had to step aside and pull GU wrappers off their feet.  That would convince me to not run barefoot ever again. 

5.  And last but certainly not least, Condom Man.  Yes, folks that right.  I said it.  As I ran through Short North, he was there cheering us along.  And yet again, he was in German Village a few miles later.  While we passed him in German Village, a few runners around me were asking, "what do you think he is?  A cone head?"  The other runner responded, "I think so, but I'm sure a majority of these runners don't even know who that is, they're too young."  Being one of those "young runner" I felt compelled to respond, "I do."  But then, continued to think... it's totally not a cone head...

So overall, great race, great sightseeing, and completed with a great friend.  It's these things that keep me looking forward to racing -yes, its partially the whole completion of the race, but it's also the experience of those 2 hours on the road.  You never know what you're going to see.

Summerfest and Lake Michigan, what more do I need?

Today, I can officially announce that I have accepted a job at Marquette University and upon graduating from The Ohio State University, will start a new epic adventure in the city of Milwaukee (after a brief stint in Greece).  I've been to Milwaukee a handful of times and remember in my childhood visiting WI after taking a ferry across Lake Michigan (which I think is my mom's favorite reason to come visit me once I move).

So, to get geared up about Marquette and Milwaukee, I thought I'd share some fun facts about the city!

• Milwaukee is the 22nd largest city in the US
• The typewriter was invented in Milwaukee in 1867 (who knew?)
• Milwaukee is home to Harley-Davidson - I better stock up on my biker gear!
• Milwaukee is home to Summerfest, the world's largest music festival (sun, fun, and music - count me in)
• The name Milwaukee comes from the Native American word "Milliocki" which means gathering place by water.
• The city resides on the Shores of Lake Michigan.  Although I grew up on the other side of the lake, it excites me to get back to the water!

So, to sum up, by this short list of fun facts (there are still many more), you can now understand why Milwaukee is a great American city.  I suggest you go check it out for yourself.

Giving My Mother Hope

This weekend marked an exciting event (as most of you already know): The Royal Wedding.  Yes, I was up at 5am with my family watching the fairytale wedding unfold.  Kate looked absolutely stunning in her gown, and it was a touching moment when William first saw her and you could read from his lips, "You look beautiful."

A few months back, when the engagement became official, you may remember I wrote a post about my fascination with the British Monarchy.  And with the princes only being a few years older than I, I grew up having school girl crushes on them (especially Harry).  So although many women were upset to see Wills go off the market, Harry is still 'single.'  Which, gives my mother hope.  

Let me explain... One of my favorite books of all time is Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.  To sum up: the story centers on the Bennett family - a mother, father, and 5 daughters.  Because women had no right to property, it was Mrs. Bennett's job to find suitable gentlemen and get her daughters married.  

I refer to my mother as Mrs. Bennett.  Now, my mother is not constantly setting me up with someone, but she'll share stories of how her waiter was cute, so she showed him my picture.  She is always on the hunt for me.  My sister also got a heavy dose of Mrs. Bennett, but now that she is in a relationship, the focus is on me.  Great.

I would say my mother's love for the royal family is stronger than mine, and she has been talking about the wedding non-stop.  My sister and I are heading to Greece in a little over a month and my mom made some comment - what if Harry is there?  Now, mind you, that is probably not going to happen, and proves she has a vivid imagination.  I replied that we're just commoners and it would be highly unlikely to see him, let a lone talk to him.  Her response, "So was Kate."  Oh goodness... this will never end.