It's WHAT day?

As I've mentioned before, I LOVE long weekends. But seriously - how on Earth is it Thursday already?

There's so much that still needs to get done. Yikes!

And I found out recently that I'll be headed back up to Michigan on Friday to help with wedding stuff. My big brother is getting married and it's a bridesmaid's duties to try on pretty dresses in the planning phase.

Okay, so there's more to it than that, but on Saturday, that's essentially what I'll be doing.

But with the short notice and my pre-planned skydiving adventures this weekend it's going to be a busy couple days. Looks like the weather is going to cooperate so if all goes as planned I should be able to head up to Michigan, do some wedding stuff, have sushi with some friends and see their new puppy - we all know that's a priority - and head back down for Sunday morning jumping at Cleveland Parachute.

It'll likely be exhausting, but totally worth it!

What do y'all have planned for this weekend?

Cheers!

-A

p.s. If you're interested in keeping up with my skydiving adventures or just want to know more about the sport and what's going on in that community, come on over to SkydiveChick.com - or follow theskydivechick on Twitter (that's me!) and check it out.

More of the good stuff

It's Monday again, can you believe it? Where did the weekend go?

Oh, that's right. I spent mine in a car.

Given that Christmas was the last time I visited my parents in Michigan, I forgot how draining these quick trips can be. And this time was even quicker than usual.

Leaving on Saturday morning really puts a dent in the amount of quality time with the fam. But what can I say, yoga was calling my name and knowing that I've gotta be ready for beach wear in less than a week, I really couldn't deny this need.

After arriving home I had just enough time to chat with the 'rents before heading out again to get my hair did. Oh and in case you care I'm a blonde again...whew! I definitely feel more like myself.

And after my appointment I decided to do a little more cruise shopping - I was already in the mall, after all.

Speaking of spending, I really need to get my budget in order after this vacation. Know of any good financial advisers?

Anyhow, lucky for me by the time I got back, a vegetarian pizza from my favorite joint back home - Deluca's - was waiting for me on the table.

Well, there goes the yoga class....but it was definitely well worth it. Yumm...

But the heavy dough put me to bed early. And in an effort not to miss my Spartans beat down on USC yesterday evening, I left Michigan earlier than anticipated. Sorry Mom and Dad. I promise to come back soon!

But in the meantime, I thought it would be fun to make some additions to my list of The Good Stuff that I started earlier this month. Because, let's be honest here, there's lost of good stuff out there.

• Shirts straight out of the dryer. No matter how warm it is outside, donning a freshly dried hoodie always feels amazing. And it smells great too!
• Trips on the company dime. This stems from my recent week spent in NYC. I love visiting that city. But it's expensive. So traveling there for work is always welcome as I get to stay for free. Sure, I spend the majority of the time working, but those little moments of downtime make it all worth it.
• When a Barista learns your order. I love the Starbucks in my building. More than that, I love the fact that two of the Baristas know what I'm going to order. It definitely makes you feel like a valued customer.
• An unexpected March Madness upset. Even when I didn't call it in my bracket, this is great to see. Like Cleveland State beating out Wake on Friday. Or Siena almost beating Louisville. And we all remember George Mason's run to the Final Four 3 years ago. Gotta love a great underdog victory!
• Being a regular. Whether it's a bar, restaurant or even a store, being a regular somewhere has it's perks. You know there's always something you're going to like, you can bring friends and family to share in the experience and it never gets old, and sometimes even discounts are involved...just because they know you.
• Perfect hugs. Let's be honest here, I'm a hugger. Friends, family, even people I've just met. And nothing beats a good hug. You know what I'm talking about. You're with a significant other and you find that spot that's just so comfortable you never want to let go. Yeah...that's what I'm talking about.
• Natural blue. You know the color I mean - when you look up and say to yourself, "wow, the sky is really blue today." Or when you go on vacation and the water is this bright blue - almost turquoise - and yet when you walk in it's crystal clear. There's no color in the world like it.

Can you tell my brain has already checked out on vacation. Sorry y'all. I'm sure it's getting a little old. But there will be plenty of encounter stories when I get back. And of course, a Photography Friday with lots to share.

What'd y'all do this weekend? What are your additions to The Good Stuff?

Cheers!

-A

Friendly rivalry gone bad

As most of my friends and loyal readers know, I'm a big sports fan. And I'm especially passionate about my MSU Spartans as that's my alma mater.

You also may be aware that one of my qualms with living in this state has been the obnoxious OSU fans who assume, because I'm from the state of Michigan, I'm the devil.

Don't get me wrong, I love a good sports rivalry - taking jabs at my friends when we win, the occasional bet now and again, but for the most part, I'll befriend anyone, regardless of where their allegiances lie.

Well tonight, I ran into two of the most ignorant college supporters I've ever met. 

That's a big statement. Huge - given the fact I've run into my fair share of obnoxious sports fans throughout my Big 10 history.

As I was wandering the halls of my building, still in my Michigan State jersey (confident, even after our loss at the Capital One bowl today - hey, I'm no fair weather fan!) I ran into a girl in my building. 

She was quite lovely, actually. Mentioned that she too is from Michigan and she even offered her assistance with moving. Her friends on the other hand, frightened me a little - since we're being honest here.

The girl from Michigan is a U of M fan, which she mentioned in passing. The two others asserted themselves quickly, letting me know, in a most aggressive manner, that one was an Ohio State fan while the other pointed to her hooded sweatshirt with an embroidered Notre Dame logo and proceeded to pound on her chest with a tight fist.

"Notre Dame, yeah that's right!"

"Ohio State, here. Yeah! Just so you know how we roll." - followed by a nice little stare down.

Um, wow. Okay.

I'm sure I looked appalled and rather horrified. I was, and I'm not so great at hiding that on my face. The aggressors noticed, as they chuckled on their way down the hall, "did you see her face, ha!"

Clearly, I was by far the least dominant female in this situation (by about 40 pounds, at least).

If this hadn't have been the case, or even if there wouldn't have been three of them, I would have pointed out that they are friends with a U of M fan and there doesn't seem to be much of a problem. So what gives?

Aside from the time I got threatened by a Cavs fan in a bar bathroom during the 2007 playoffs- "If the Pistons win tonight I'm gonna be the first one to find you and kick your ass" - this was the most aggressive attack by fans of an opposing team.

C'mon people, we're all adults, let's grow up and get along in our friendly rivalries, shall we?

-A

p.s. On the positive side, I may have made a new friend in the building - if I can manage to separate her from the scary friends.

Necessary update

Hey Blogosphere,

Remember me?

Yeah, I know, I suck. I said I'd still be around then I dropped offline for a week. Yikes!

The holidays have this way of sucking me in and pulling me away from the normal routine. And I must say, it's been difficult to get back into the swing of things. Next week, after a break for the New Year's holiday and a big move to a new apartment, I'm sure it'll be just as difficult.

So here's the update on what's been keeping my time so occupied this last week.

-Two family Christmas parties. Light load, I lucked out this year!

-Completing Eclipse and starting into Breaking Dawn. Yep, still addicted.

-Getting to see Joe after his (extremely too long) absence while stationed in Iraq.

-Attending the MSU vs. Oakland basketball game at the Palace with my old college crew.

-Getting to see one of my favorites, Chris, who came in to visit from LA! You still reading, Chris?

-Planned a trip out to LA to visit the rest of the crew this summer.

-Played many a game of Mad Gab.

-Officially picked a dog breeder and mailed in my deposit.

-Met up with one of my bestests for coffee and to meet the SO.

-Discussed the art update with the BFF who's decided to use my photos as a staple throughout his house!

-A 5 hour drive to visit the 'rents, a 4 hour drive back to OH for one night, a 3 hour drive back up to the D and another 3 hour drive back the next day...whew!

On top of all that, I'm attempting to fight off the plague that seems to be circulating through the SOs family...fingers crossed.

One more day until New Year's festivities begin - anyone have any fun plans this year?

What did you do to celebrate the holidays?

Cheers!

-A

Another Football Post?

Yeah, I know, there are a few of you - or at least one of you - who have probably already quit reading because so many of my thoughts lately have revolved around football. What can I say, this time of the year gets me all nostalgic over my college days and tailgating with the 40,000 other undergrads at my alma mater.

Which is exactly what I got to do this weekend!

Party it up at the tennis courts, student style, with my girls from college and even some friends from high school.

(The crew, minus a few, at the tennis courts - a student tailgate hot spot)

Then I got to watch my Spartans kick some Fighting Irish booty in style, with one of the biggest MSU sports fans known to man, and one of my favorite people in the universe - my dad.

(Not bad seats, eh?)

Let me tell you, it was a fantastic weekend - as you can see.

And I get to do it all over again in two weeks when homecoming rolls around. I'll be home for four days to partake in more tailgating and joyous fall festivities including a trip to my home town cider mill and some much needed photography time - it's bound to be rather beautiful in Michigan that time of the year.

So tell me dear readers, what fall festivities have you enjoyed so far this year? What are you looking forward to most in the remaining months of 2008?

Personally, I'm getting excited for the holidays. But then again, not so excited for the snow and bitter winds. Again with the catch-22 - I'm full of them this week!

Cheers!

-A

Random Ramblings

After a long weekend spent back home in Michigan with the fam., I feel refreshed and ready to be back at the office. Either that says something about my job or my parents (just kidding mom and dad!).

Regardless, it was a very relaxing weekend. The weather was beautiful, though a little warm for my taste, especially this time of the year. But the cloudless sky provided the perfect backdrop for a couple photo shoots around small-town America.

(Editor's note: the picture above is from this weekend's shoot. I'm proud to say it's an -A original rather than a Google Image result from keynote "cornfield.")

Some great shots came out of the shoot around MSUs campus as well. Looks like I'll have plenty to share with y'all on this upcoming Photography Fridays. Or, if you just can't wait, go here.

In recent conversations with acquaintances it seems there's a trend of life listing going around. You know, like the Bucket List, only not quite so morbid or depressing. It's really got me thinking about the things I want to accomplish over the coming days, weeks, months, and years. Here's what I've got so far:

1. Go skydiving.
2. Learn the dance to "Time of my life" just like Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze do at the end of Dirty Dancing - and perform in public.


Is it sad that those are the only two items on my "must complete before I kick the bucket" list? What are some of your must dos - in the long or short term?

Some thank yous are in order:

Thanks to Alexa, at Cleveland's a Plum, for thinking of me on Blog Day. I love reading her blog every morning, hearing her tales from around the Cleve. - and I'm honored that she enjoys mine as well.

Thanks to my Dad for trying to teach me how to play golf on Monday. I'll get there some day, dad.

Thanks to Starbucks for providing me a much needed pick up this morning after spending half the night reading the latest paperback in my life.

And of course - thanks to my loyal readers!

Enough with the mushy stuff, it's time to get a move on with this short week. Here's to it being Tuesday when it only feels like Monday.

Cheers!

-A

Home from California

In a recent conversation with my mother about my upcoming trip home to visit the fam I found out that my uncle will be coming in this weekend from California. It's been about three years since I have seen him and well over a year since I last heard his voice over the phone, so this will be quite a treat.

My dad's brother and his wife moved out to California over 20 years ago where he took a new sales job and they've been out there ever since. My uncle, aunt, their five children, and now their children's children have always felt like long-lost family members to me. In my lifetime I've seen them less than 10 times, but every time we get together I realize how much I miss having them around. Though both of my parents are children of four, we have a relatively small family, and with half of my dad's side living thousands of miles away it makes for an interesting dynamic. (You didn't know you'd be getting my entire family history today, did you?)

Needless to say, I'm extremely excited to spend time with my uncle this weekend. On top of that, my family and I are headed to a local park to go kayaking and trail running. Follow all that by dinner with friends, a movie with the BFF and a friendly visit on the trip home and it makes for one hell of a weekend. And I'll be sure to meet some interesting people along the way.

Cheers!

-A

*Don't you just love the picture of my cute little family?

Home for the holidays

Technically, I went home for the holiday, the 4th of July holiday that is.

Going home is always a treat. Growing up in small town America, I couldn't wait to leave for the big city. And now, having lived in and experienced some of the biggest cities this country has to offer, I can't wait to go back home for a weekend of peace and relaxation (yes, Michigan is still my home as I consider myself still in transition). After a weekend away I often leave feeling rejuvenated from the slow pace of the country but ready to jump right back into city life. However, watching this extended weekend at home come to a close has left me with feelings of home-sickness and longing, the effects of which have been contemplation and inward reflection.

There are so many things I miss about living in rural Michigan, but here's a few that I hope will provide a glimpse into the world where I grew up:

1. The amount of stars that you can see on a clear night. It's incredible.
2. A quick 15 minute trip takes you to the heart of East Lansing and Michigan State University.
3. Michigan State University's campus.
4. A hockey obsessed state - Hockeytown in the D
5. Farms. Everywhere.
6. Seasons at their finest - I've never experienced a true autumn anywhere else
7. My family, of course
8. The friendly faces, smiles and random conversations of Midwesterners
9. Outdoor activities - us country folk play lots of outdoor games like Bocce Ball
10. The lakes
11. Appreciation for cars, especially the American-made classics
12. Men who actually do things with their hands - yes, people actually know how to fix their own car, lawn mower, dish washer...
13. The community - people stick together and support one another when it really matters
14. Strawberry farms, yum!
15. Adam

[Okay, so that last one is specific to me, but every time I go home and spend time with my BFF I come back to the city missing him a little more than before.]

So there you have it, my top 15 reasons, in no particular order, why I love my home state. Of course there are reasons beyond these, as well as reasons to dislike 'home' such as the economy and gas prices, but the pros definitely out weight the cons. Maybe I'm a sap. Or maybe I haven't taken the time to truly appreciate and embrace all that NE Ohio has to offer. Regardless, I miss my home and I heart Michigan. So please, no need to apologize when I tell you where I'm from. I'm quite proud of my roots and fully enjoy my mini vacations in a most tranquil of places.

What are some of the reasons that you miss home?

Cheers!

-A

Long lost gym buddies

Over the years I've been blessed to have people I connect with at my gym. Typically, I enjoy solitary workouts where I can go at my own pace and not have to feel like I'm competing with a workout partner. But having active friends around is an important thing for me, as it provides a little extra motivation to get to the gym after work every day. Wouldn't want them thinking I'm a slacker, now would I?

Back in college I hit the gym at 3:30 every day of the summer. Toward the end of each session my buddy Jackie would come strolling in and we'd chat while we stretched (post workout for me, pre-workout for Jacks). He was a great gym buddy. We talked about workouts, plans for the weekend, all that fun stuff. He was my guardian too. When skeezy men would come talk to me, Jackie was right there to step in and handle it (lucky for me, he was an intimidating man). As the days grew shorter and the sun set earlier in the day, Jackie would often walk me to my car for safety in the dark parking lot. We were gym buddies for 3 years, until I graduated and moved far, far away.

Luckily I soon found a new buddy at my gym in San Antonio. Tony was one of the salesmen at the gym who turned out to be a great friend in the end. He hooked me up with a free training session after I was laid up from running due to a stress fracture. Our conversations on my way in and out of the gym were often brief, but enough to keep me coming back. He even stuck by me after the incident...let me explain.

While I was living in SA, my boyfriend at the time came to visit. I hooked him up with a gym pass so he could work out with me during his stay. Jealousy ensued when he met Tony. During one conversation, he decided it was necessary to step between us, give me a kiss, look Tony in the eye, and walk away. He should have peed on me, that would have been just as effective in marking his territory.

When it was time to move up to Dallas, Tony even came over to help us move my couches out of my 3rd floor apartment. He's surely been missed.

Since San Antonio, I've been without a gym buddy; until recently that is. This past winter I was getting in the habit of working out a couple times a week with my neighbor, Shawn. We would ride to the gym together, work out separately, then catch up post workout to head back to our apartment. I didn't realize the value in this routine until it ended. After my recent move, and heading to the gym alone after work, I have been missing my post-workout chats. Last night I ran into Shawn at the gym and had a nice chat after my run. It's sad that we don't see as much of each other as we once did, but comforting to know that my gym buddy is still there for the post-workout conversation and a little subliminal motivation.

Cheers!

-A

A very Pistons birthday

In honor of my birthday that typically falls during NBA playoff time, my co-workers decided to go above and beyond with a special personalized cake this year.



The "Go Pistons" in the lower right-hand corner and the basketball cookie was the icing on the cake (pun intended). My guess is, this would not have happened if the series was Pistons vs. Cavs - it certainly didn't last year at this time!

What a wonderful surprise! Thanks to all for the special birthday wishes. Still to come, a blog on the top 24 encounters of the past 24 years.

Cheers!

-A

Group of Spartans

For the past year I have lived in a state where not only is it a sin to have grown up in Michigan - regardless of the fact that I dispise the Wolverines just as much as everyone else this side of Toledo - but finding like-minded Spartans is a needle-in-a-haystack venture. What's most surprising (to me at least) is that in my time in Dallas I met 2-3 times more MSU alumni than I have here in this neighboring state. It hasn't taken me long to realize why Michiganders tend to steer away from Ohio: "We don't give a damn about the whole state of Michigan, the whole state of Michigan..." Yeah, it's a real song, and Ohioans love to sing it. But that's a topic for another day "Why Ohio hates Michigan..." though I'm not sure I even know why.

One of the things I tend to find most annoying about graduates of other universities, specific to the Midwest, is the mentality of Ohio University graduates. Let me be cynical for a moment, then I'll get back on track. Promise. Ohio University alumni take great pride in having attended this school in small-town Ohio, as any dedicated alumni should. Where does it become annoying you ask? When that's all they talk about, all they think about, and when they get together in groups, all they reminisce about. For those of us who have to witness this, often daily, YUCK! It's right up there with the couples who decide to grope each other in public - only it's "Bobcats forever" with this crowd. On occasion, I've actually thrown up in my mouth a little when I've had to sit through Bobcat reunions, it's just gross.

Anyhow, to my surprise on Friday, the tables turned and I got to be one of these annoying alumni for the night (just ask my friends who had to witness it). After a lovely sushi dinner with a close friend, we went to a bar downtown to hear one of our favorite cover bands. When we walked in we were greeted by a group of guys who were there for a bachelor party. Free drinks were offered so we decided to chat them up for a while before the band started. They seemed nice enough and within a few minutes of typical get-to-know-you conversation, it came out that I was an MSU grad. Maddness ensued.

Everyone in the bachelor party was a Spartan. Most had graduated in early to mid 2000s, one was still a student. To my surprise, he was the one who intrigued me the most. Though only 21 and a finance senior in the business college, he was articulate and interesting to talk to (or maybe he was just more sober than the others).

Throughout the night this group of fellow Spartans got pretty rowdy - at one point they even started a "Go Green, Go White" chant; and yes, I joined in. Now, had this happened back in Michigan, or even in Texas, I would have refrained from joining this ridiculousness. But given the sheer annoyance of Ohio State and Ohio University alumni throughout the city, I decided it would be a good idea to get a little obnoxious myself - sort of a taste-of-your-own medicine effort I suppose. I'm not so sure that it worked, but regardless, I had a lot of fun with these visiting Spartans.

Thanks, guys, for brining a little MSU spirit to Ohio, and for reminding me how green my blood really is. Until next time...

Go Green!

-A