Fun Filled Labor Day Weekend…

The long weekend began with the delightful Ms. M arriving from the D.C. area to explore the wonders of this city for a few days. Friday evening’s dinner set an interesting tone for the weekend. Ms. M had just begun to enjoy a cheese burger at Champps when suddenly she discovered the kitchen had not removed the paper from the cheese slice on the burger. She had a wonderful sense of humor about the situation and the manager offered the table free desserts. Yummy cheesecake was enjoyed by all and a cosmo by Ms. M.

Saturday the OSU football team kicked off their 2007-2008 season with a home opener against the Youngstown State Penguins. Ms. M and I enjoyed the entire game, our seats happen to be behind a couple of large pillars, but the crowd was excited, we were shaded from the sun, and the OSU boys brought us to victory, so all was well.

Saturday morning breakfast at Panara before the game...Ms. M, Ms. H, and me

Getting ready for the game to begin

I told you they were playing against the penquins

OSU takes the field for the first time on the new turf, notice the bright red end zone

Script Ohio-4 of them, it was alumni band day---there was one in each end zone and one on each side of the field--try to see through the pillars

OSU on offence, I can't get over how red the end zones are

Run Brutus run

I really was there, I wasn't photo shopped in---I promise

See, the final score...OSU 38-Youngstown 6--GO BUCKS!

Little to say...

Oddly, I have little to say today...so I'll let others speak.

A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done. --Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of US 1953-1961 (1890 - 1969)

Enjoy the long weekend!

The Fortune Says...

It's been an interesting few days, so I decided to inquire what my fortune would be today. Really, what?

My Fortune Cookie told me: On Thurday the 25th, you will attract a maniacal groupie. Get a cookie from Miss Fortune

Murphy…

The big move was the past weekend. Murphy’s little laws were hard at work. If it could go wrong... it did. Two trailers and two truck loads full, I finally made the big move. The morning began at 5am and by 12pm, I was ready to give up. I mean really if there was potential for a problem it happened, unbelievable! Everything from not being able to fit everything in one trip, therefore two round trips and several arm loads, to a bed that apparently is too large to make the turn to the upstairs in the new townhouse. I have now been told this is a chronic issue in these older townhouses and many have had to cut the boxes springs to get them to go up the stairs. There was no cutting on my part, but there was a lot of tight straps, pushing, pulling, cursing, and finally a bit of ceiling gone later, it made it up. Now, the interesting part will be the next move out of the townhouse and how to get it back down the stairs, but I’m not going to think about that too much right now. I have loads of bruises and sore muscles, little sleep, and poor diet to make me a bit grumpy and put off today, but I’m sure that as soon as I can see my the floor in at least one room of the house, I’ll feel a lot better.

Apparently a Camera was Present...

I was joking at the end of the post concerning my birthday about pictures, I didn't actually think any existed. However, this morning I received a lovely email from Ms. N and attached were a few moments captured on film from the Byrne's evening. I had no idea there was a camera and the photos of my inebriated self are not too pretty, but I will share for the sake of "keep'n it real". *big grin*

Ms. H, who I had not seen in 14-15 years, arrived in style. Very excited Ms. H was able to attend-she's upper fun.

Good grief Mr. J what in the world do you find so funny that is frightening me-well, the list is likely endless, please forget I asked and lets move on.

As the night drew on, I'm sure I had LOTS to say. Here it appears I'm attempting to make a very important point. I do remember repeating the phrase, "That's all I'm going to say", over and over again. I'm not sure why.

However, when you view the same picture in black and white I appear to be a philosopher and this picture could easily be see on a book jacket--I'm sure discussing the horrors of Chechnya. (of course channeling Bridget and the need to ooze intelligence)

However if one plays with photoshop too much-fun Irish Pub turns into French Disco-Tech.

Ms. A almost escapes the camera but Ms. N is not going to allow it! You go Ms. N. However, I notice Ms. N did not capture any photos of herself-clever, very clever.

Obviously as the evening progressed the natives became violent. Here another Ms. H (they are EVERYWHERE) is trying her best to KILL me and is enjoying every minute of it. Where are my peeps, my cronies, my mates?

By the end of the evening, I was Queen of the World or at least the table. Thank goodness now that I'm in my 30's I can handle my liquor (me and Ms. Jones).

Oh what will year 32 bring-I hope many, many more wonderful moments like these. If I can just get through the next week or so with this crazy move and a boy who suddenly has stopped calling (what the hell is up with that) and one that will not stop calling, but I'm not going to go there. I hope you enjoyed the photos, laughed with me-laughed at me, at least smiled a bit.

Happy FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!

Class of 2011…

Beloit College in Wisconsin produces a list yearly, identifying the “Mindset” of the incoming freshman class. They recently published the “Mindset List" for the Class of 2011. I just wanted to feel a little bit older after just celebrating a birthday. Most of the members of the incoming college freshman class this year were born in 1989. 1989!!! I was 14, a freshman in high school and these cats were just coming into the world. The Beloit list includes 70 items. I just pulled out a few for your enjoyment.

* What Berlin wall?

* Humvees, minus the artillery, have always been available to the public

* Nelson Mandela has always been free and a force in South Africa

* Pete Rose has never played baseball

* Fox has always been a major network

* They drove their parents crazy with the Beavis and Butt-head laugh

* Smoking has never been allowed in public spaces in France

* MTV has never featured music videos

* They never saw Johnny Carson live on television

* The World Wide Web has been an online tool since they were born

* Food packaging has always included nutritional labeling

So there ya go, the night the Berlin wall was chipped away at and the people were crying for their freedom is lost on these kids. Pete Rose was banned from baseball the year they were born, for them it’s--Pete who? WWW.whatever has always existed for them, wow! Now I did do the Beavis and Butt-head laugh also, so I guess I’m not THAT much older than they are. It’s simply interesting for me as a Student Affairs professional-and I do try to be professional at work-to sit day in and day out with these guys and think about these things.

Soaked to the bone….

Ok-so I woke up this morning to a lovely thunderstorm. This has happened a few times the past couple of weeks, at least this time it was almost time for me to actually get out of bed. I waited a few to see if the lightening was going to stop, when it didn’t I braved the shower anyway-I just simply can not wake up without a quality shower. The storm continued throughout my morning routine. I managed to get myself out to the car dry since the rain had stopped and had a fairly peaceful, yet slow drive into work. The rain had picked back up again, but it did not create too much of a problem. Just as I am arriving to campus another storm decides to go through, thunder, lightening, downpour. I get my car parked and think-ah it’s only a quick walk to my office, it will be fine, I do have my trusty umbrella. Well-the umbrella was practically a waste, at almost the exact time I start my brief walk the skies open up and even more rain pours down. So there I was sitting, shirt off (replaced by jacket left in office), socks off, toes cold, paper towels in shoes, pants soaked, hair damp, and wishing I could just crawl back in bed and start the morning over. I was sure it was a Monday and not Wednesday!

At lunch, I called a friend who lives close by and happened to be home today. She is a lovely person who allowed me to go over and dry my cloths. Thank goodness for friends and modern technology!

Posters, Posters, Posters...

I was asked to create a poster that would represent our departments majors. I feel like I have done a darn good job. *grin* Below is the finished product. They are framed and will be hanging in our lobby as soon as the moving crew comes to do the other changes in our office. Maybe my next career will be in graphic design. Please note the text shows a bit blurry on the jpeg, but not on the actual prints, tricky, very tricky.

Fun Filled Birthday Weekend…

The birthday celebrations began Friday, dinner with the marrieds. Ang, Ms. Rachel Ray herself, served up a lovely grilled chicken dish followed by a very rich brownie cake. Ah-the tummy was a tremendously happy camper. Although the guys beat us at movie trivia, we were very close behind, so it was not complete humiliation.

Saturday started early with a drive to Dayton for the bridal shower and picking up the orange, yes, I say orange bridesmaids dress to be worn at the end of September. The damn thing is too big so will need alternations, I guess this is karma getting back at me for complaining about the first dress choice so much. I will have pics of the orange dress likely from wedding pics. Having returned to the bride-to-be home again, we left Dayton dresses in tow. A quick hour or so in Pataskala and then off to Byrnes for birthday celebrations. A small group gathered in the corner booth at Byrnes and although, I continued to become more obnoxious as the night drew to early morning, everyone seemed to tolerate me and did not abandon ship.

Thanks to all who sent birthday wishes that could not attend the festivities and many thanks to those who braved the night at Byrnes.

(No pics sorry...I decided to save the innocent)

August 18th....Happy Birthday to ME!!!!

Ok, so my birthday is not until tomorrow, but I don't do Saturday posts, so I must tut my horn today! Happy Birthday to all the Leos out there!

How Irish are You?

You can find out the answer to this question by clicking on the link at the very bottom of the page. According to the little test you take, I'm very Irish, should be from Ireland even. Darn my sister for not having an Irish name, that would have put me up to 80%, I think. Oh well, getting prepped for birthday weekend.

Happy Thursday!

Can a Fred Win?

One a talk radio show this morning there was discussion on the fact that there has never been a presidential candidate named Fred. I didn’t know there was one running in 2008, so I did a bit of research this morning. It appears there is a potential republican candidate that indeed is named Fred. Fred Dalton Thompson, former Senator and current District Attorney on the popular NBC Law & Order, has not officially entered the rat race, but has apparently thrown his name out there. In my bit of research, I also discovered he has a birthday coming up this Sunday one day after mine.

Now, I have to say, nothing against Fred Dalton Thompson, but I’m not so sure I’m a fan of the name Fred. Ok, really, I can only think of one reference to a Fred and that was a box turtle I found in the field at my parents house when I was in high school or just out-can’t remember exactly. Anyway, Fred was your typical turtle, he eat fruit and bugs and mostly hung out in his little box. He was a friendly sort he would sit in your lap and let you pet the top of his little head and he would seem as content as Maggie in a paper sack. Anyway, one day I had Fred out and he was climbing up my arm as he had done multiple times in the past, however, something spooked him or he suddenly thought I was lunch because he bit down on my neck. Only he did not just bite, he attached, I tell you that Fred was not letting go for anything. I was walking around trying to stay calm with a turtle dangling from my neck. It hurt like a ****** ******! Finally, when it appeared that Fred was not going to let go on his own, my Dad had to pry Fred’s mouth open just enough to get him off me, it almost didn’t work and Fred almost lost his head, but he released and was put back in the box. I had a horrible bruise on my neck for a couple of weeks and I lost my affection for Fred. I do believe I released him back to the field. He had come from there and he could fend for himself again. I tried to give him a life of luxury and such; I didn’t see him finding fresh strawberries on his own too often is all I’m saying.

Anyway-based on this Fred factor, I just have to say, I’m not so sure Fred Dalton Thompson will have my vote, but then again I guess maybe not all Fred’s are alike.

Ah, Monday Again...

Weekend was filled with grinding feed, carry sacks, packing, and video games at Gameworks. Of course, the Gameworks time was much more enjoyable than the craziness at the mill and packing.

Monday started off late, so delayed arrival at the work place, but all is good with a short vending machine lunch.

Decisions were made for Saturday-the gathering spot will be Byrnes. If you need details, just let me know.

Happy Monday All!

Did you know?

The year I was born…

*The Godfather Part II won Best Picture

*Robert De Niro won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in The Godfather Part II

*Record of the Year was I Honestly Love You by Olivia Newton-John

*Song of Year was The Way We Were

*Miss America was Shirley Cothran from Texas-doesn’t Texas always win?

Just a bit more random trivia for you.

Have a TERIFFIC weekend kids!

More Birthday Trivia...

These actors will be celebrating their special day along with me.

*Robert Redford will be 70

*Patrick Swayze will be 55

*Denis Leary will be 50

*Edward Norton will be 38

*I will be 32.....YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No wonder I don't get carted any more, so sad.

Michelle had a nice guess at 1985, but alas no, this is not correct. Although I do believe we were born the same year-of course she looks fabulous-and I guess I just told her age. Opps.

Toothpicks…I need Toothpicks NOW!

The past 4 days have been a whirlwind and the coffee is not cutting it this morning, I’m going to need toothpicks to keep my eyes open. I will not bore you will all the details, I’ll just give the highlights.

1. Ohio brought August in with it’s typical charm-90 plus days all weekend long and I ,like a goof, decided to spend every waking minute in the heat!

2. The Dublin Irish Fest! I could go on and on, but I’ll just point to the pictures below. I did help make history as part of the Guinness World Record for the largest number of people doing the Irish Jig at the same time, 10,000 plus.

3. Buying furniture-the start of roots, I’m scared and am ready to return new nice furniture

4. Picking up new furniture-mishaps and mulitiple trips

5. The Ohio State Fair-pigs, hypnotist, tigers, apple dumplings, and miles of midway

6. Late nights, EARLY mornings

7. Sweat, sweat, gallons of ice tea, more sweat, tired toes, more sweat

8. HAPPY, HAPPY Camper!!!!!

Someone P L E A S E pass me more coffee and those Toothpicks!

10,000 plus do the jig to make history!

The Mickey Finns-love them, love THEM, and LOVE THEM!!!!!!!

Bag Pippers-what a lovely sound

The Prodigals

End of the Evening-Flogging Molly-and I didn't see any arrests

One HAPPY Irish Camper! Everyone loves an IRISH girl!

Birthdays…

I will be celebrating a birthday soon. I thought I would give you a bit of trivia about the year I was born and see if you can figure it out.

This year in history:

*a stamp cost $.10, but later changed to $.13 later in the year

*The Cincinnati Reds beat the Boston Red Sox 4-3 in the World Series

*Saturday Night Live (SNL) premiered on NBC

*VCR’s were developed in Japan by Sony –Betamax and VHS

Ok-this was a bad idea. This makes me sound much older than I really am, but according to the lovely internet these are true facts for the year I was born.

Have a GREAT weekend Kids! I'll see ya at the Irish Fest!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies…Recipe as Promised

1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup sugar
1 ¾ cup oats
1 egg-beaten
1 ½ cups flour
¾ cup shortening (or I used a healthy oil, Omega 3, it’s a combo of canola, oil, and sunflower)
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

Optional
1 cup nuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup chocolate chips (I added this to the recipe)

*Preheat oven to 400 degrees
*In mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
*Add and mix shortening (or oil), stir until crumbly
*Stir in egg, pumpkin, oats, and (raisins, nuts, chocolate chips)
*Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto an un-greased cookie sheet
*Bake 15 minutes or until done (I love when recipe say bake until done-well how do I know when done is if I have never made it before, well it did take the 15 minutes and they were firm to the touch.)

If you have an extra can of pumpkin in your cabinets and you are need to use it up, this is a nice easy, tasty recipe to help you out. Recipe courtesy of The Circleville Pumpkin Festival Recipe Book.

Yummy!

Wednesday...Reflection on Domestic Self

Monday evening I decided to be a bit domestic and make cookies. I'm moving at the end of the month and am doing my best to clean out the cabinets so I have less to move. The cookies were Pumpkin Oatmeal, not bad but I decided to add a twist on part of them and make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies. Chocolate is a wonderful addition to any cookie. Anyway-I will do my best to post the recipe later this week. Being domestic is not so bad as long as I'm cooking for someone else. I just don't see the point of going to a lot of trouble for one person.

Monday, Monday, so good to me

Monday mornin', it was all I hoped it would be...

I’m not going to sing, don’t stress, but I like this song and today seemed a good fit for it. Can you name that artist? If you guessed Hinder you would be mistaken, but if you guessed The Mamas& The Papas you would be correct. I had a fun filled weekend with some light packing and swimming. Monday has started off brightly and hope this is a sign for the rest of the week!

It's Friday...

I was startled from my slumber around 4am with the crack of thunder. The rain, thunder, and lightening continued until about 6:30 this morning. I'm a bit sleepy and felt a little sunshine needed to be brought to my life today, so I have a photo from the nature walk Wednesday. Enjoy.

Big Bugs take over Inniswoods...don't panic they are made of wood.

The Inniswoods Metro Park has a display of large bugs crafted out of all natural materials. Last night during an almost thunderstorm I braved the park and the large bugs.

The bugs will be at the park until Oct. 14

I'm about to be eaten by a gigantic spider!

Prying Mantis-well beyond my 5'2" self

This colony of ants is no laughing matter

I think I could take this grasshopper on!

Unexpected Wednesday Sighting…

Many times, I wonder, what should I blog about. I don’t lead a rock star life, so it makes for a stretch to find worthwhile items to include for all to read. Well today, I have an item. I don’t know if it is really blog worthy, but it struck me as a bit weird so that’s why I’m including it.

I work for a large university. My building is older and has not seen many renovations in the past few years. This being said the ladies rooms in the building leave much to be desired. I walk into the ladies room this morning and there is a sign on the circa 1980 chairs (that likely have not been cleaned since they were new) before you actually enter the facilities that states: If you sleep on these chairs please return them to their original formation. WHAT!!!!! Why is someone sleeping in the ladies room? There is a perfectly good student lounge just around the corner which is much cleaner. I mean, I’ve been in a couple of very posh bathrooms. Heck, I took photos of the bathroom in Caesar’s Palace in Vegas. However, this restroom is gross, why, why? I ask again why?

Jazz and Rib Fest 2007...

Columbus hosted the annual Jazz and Rib Fest this past weekend. My friend Des and I decided to take in this bit of culture Saturday evening. The night turned into what can only be described or at least how I am going to describe it as...a comedy of errors. The plan was for me to meet Des at 7pm then head down to the Fest. Well, I just made the 7pm meet. I had worked for my parents earlier in the day and late quitting time.

We parked in the City Center garage with a $3 event parking charge- petty fair I guess. We then walked down to the river and the fest. Des of course knows everyone and we stopped a couple of times to chat to her friends. We reviewed the evening’s offerings of music and decided on the Caribbean Jazz as our final destination.

We started our walk across the river to the correct stage and were directed by the mass of Columbus Police to go to the far bridge (Broad) to cross and reach the stage, a bit of a jaunt of such a beautiful night, we were off. We make it across the bridge to the stage and decide to get our fest of barbecue before the music began. We reviewed our options, decided Smoke Shake B.B.Q was our place--they did win 1st choice by the Hometown in 2005! We waited and waited and waited and waited in line. Just over an hour passes and we have just almost gotten to the front counter to order our much awaited barbecue, when it was announced they were out of all food but ribs. WHAT!!!! We had waited in line for over an hour and not barbecue as promised! Outrage! Neither of us actually like ribs we were disappointed, but decided to fest on the food with the shortest line, for at this point, we have mosted most of the jazz. We ended up in the chipped potatoes line, it may not look that great in the pic, but boy it was the bomb Saturday night. We made it to the music to fest on our chips and listen to some lovely jazz. The musicians were tremendous. The lead singer, well, I think she may have started to loose her voice. All in all we had a great time and next year I will plan to get in line for my barbecue earlier in the day.

Stage from across the river

Broad Street Brige

Barbecue Place

Cheese Chips

End of Evening-Aren't we the cutest!

Knitting...

Did you all know I'm now knitting, ok so I'm a novice but I'm trying. This is my first scarf. It went my sister for her birthday. I'm now working on my 2nd scarf. I'm not a particularly fast knitter.

Read a good book…

I highly recommend as a fun, light summer read “Manhunting” by Jennifer Crusie. This was the first book she ever wrote and although not perfect is a good Crusie read. This book does not require intense thought which is what makes it a great summer read. It is a nice romantic read that will satisfy any romance reader’s fancy. You can read more about Crusie at jennycrusie.com.

Bastille Day-come and gone

As the French were celebrating Bastille Day (July 14), the beginning of the French Revolution, I was spending the weekend working for my parents. The weekend was filled with sacking and loading feed at the mill and slopping hogs at the farm. I swear every high school junior should do that for a weekend, if they love it then they can be farmers, but if they don’t then it would be great motivation for them to go to college or learn a trade. I bet I could start a program with grant funding and everything, but I don't think I want to put that much thought into it.

Christmas in July...

This morning on the news, I heard the most brilliant marketing plan, yet ridiculous issue. One of the companies that makes one of the game boxes (X Box, I Box, one of these) is warning customers that they may be sold out before the holiday shopping season even begins. This is brilliant marketing, get those who know their kids are going to want this thing to buy it now and then miraculously have more on the shelves in December for those not quite on the ball.

Anyway, this made me think of Christmas in July.

(pic is from Gallery Hop, Dec. 2006)

Oh and did anyone notice it's Friday the 13th??

Summer in the Country...

Photos of creek below my parents house. The water is much lower now than when the photos were taken, Ohio needs some rain.

[Oh how I love having the digital camera to capture random items to post on blog.]

Weekend Trip to Ann Arbor...

Michigan will have a new resident for a year. My sister will be completing a one year internship in Ann Arbor to finish her graduate degree. I think she picked the hottest weekend of the year to move, but all boxes and possessions are securely in her new apartment.

I'm back-aren't you so excited!

Oh how much time has passed since my last post? The year has flown by and I feel again the need to document my miss-adventures. The end of March I took a new position at The Ohio State University. I am an academic advisor and LOVE it! I have a feeling it will be a long time before I make another career move. I’m very content in my little office with no window. Ok-so if I could I’d have a window, but I do have my own office again, so that’s terribly nice. :)

I will do my best to keep this up to date from here on out!

Thoughts from Maggie the cat!

“Ohio in May-Rain and 50 degrees! Who would guess. I’m so annoyed I can’t even chase the imaginary mice. Meowwwwww……..”

OSU Spring Game 2006---Scarlet 12-Gray 0

The sun was shining high in the sky and the boys on the field were having a practice with 60,000 plus fans watching. I think Gray decided to take the day off but Scarlet was all about it.

Good time had by all—with a bit of sunburn.

---That’s this week According to Alison

Santa's Sweets Shoppe

The college is having a door decorating contest for the holidays. My past few days have been spent painting, wrapping fake packages, and hanging candy canes from the ceiling. The Admissions office has been transformed into Santa's Sweets Shoppe. The judging will be on Thursday but I’m not sure when the winner will be announced. I have every intention for our office to win. To ensure the win, there will cookies and holiday treats for one day only on...Thursday. :)

(Sorry the picture is not very clear, my digital camera is pretty low quality, but was free. It’s the main door to our office.)

Gallery Hop & Closing of Borus

Saturday evening was the holiday gallery hop. Mr. Local Weather Man promised a Winter Wonderland of 2-4 inches of snow. Snow was not to be found, but a nice layer of ice was. Little hopping occurred simply due to the treacherous conditions of the sidewalks. After only a few galleries, we headed to Borus for the their last night. A lively crowd packed the small pub. A jazzish band entertained in the background, but mostly time was spent with good friends and good time friends. The closing of Borus feels kinda like the end of an era, as if I may be forced to grow up a bit.

Turkey Day Come and Gone

Thanksgiving was a very nice quiet event. Turkey was served and eaten and a nap soon followed. The day was finished with a lovely piece of pumpkin pie. The remainder of the weekend was spent working at my parent’s store. Two days working outside in the freezing cold weather and I remind myself why I went to college and why I love my job so.

On a sad note, Brian Borus the local pub in the Short North will be serving loyal customers for the last time this Saturday evening. The pub has been purchased and apparently a retail shop will be replacing it. Many fun filled evening have been spent at Borus just having a pint. If you are in the area, be sure to stop in Saturday night.

Pumpkin Fest

I haven’t written in awhile. Not too much has been happening. I did go last weekend to the ever exciting Circleville Pumpkin Festival. There were tremendously large pumpkins and tons of pumpkin food. I indulged in enough pumpkin food to make myself a bit ill. But with pumpkin burgers, pumpkin waffles, pumpkin dumplings, pumpkin bread, etc. I just couldn’t help myself. This weekend is the Halloween party. I’m excited and hope to have lots of fun stories from this. I wish all the best Halloween!

Same o Same

The last couple of weeks have not brought much of anything new. I've been working and going out as normal. Last weekend went to the Gallery Hop, unfortunately never made it to the Hop, but did have a few drinks and booty dancing.

Next few weeks will be filled with High School visits and College Fairs. Lots of travel, just wish it was international. :)

Have to make one comment on Alias. I can not believe the killed off Vaughn! The show is going to go downhill and all because Vaughn is gone! Ok, done, just not too happy about this turn of events.