Paisley

Monday, April 16, 2012

Columbus - Our new home

Well there was my post about Lexington. And I'm still sad about it. BUT exciting things are too come in a couple short months/weeks. Do we want to learn about Columbus, Ohio now?!

Well obviously since I've never lived there before and been there maybe a total of 3-4 times (1 for shopping, 1 for fireworks, twice looking at houses) I can't really give you a ton of things like I did for Lexington but I can give you a bit AND the internet will help me out a lot too! :)
We can start with this though. Here is what our house looks like! Its in a super quaint town/area and I'm very excited about living here. Still waiting on a couple of loan things to go through and the fixing of a couple items noted in the inspection. Our lovely little house was built in 1940 and has a picket fence and a yard! :)
1. COSI - What is COSI? No, not the restaurant. Only the coolest field trip location for an elementary school student and everyone else too. We went to COSI once in elementary school and it was epic. It's a science museum, a VERY interactive science museum. I can't wait to take Michael there. SO FUN to get your hands on everything!

2. Ohio State University ?! - Yes, being a large UK fan does not make me happy to be moving to a city with a large powerhouse school. BUT it is pretty exciting to be living in a town that LOVES their football season. So maybe OSU football and UK everything else, especially basketball! I definitely think it will be fun to be involved with OSU, especially since we already understand how to be hardcore fans!

3. Easton & Shopping

4. More and more food - from what I hear they have more vegetarian and vegan options in Columbus. Not that I'm either but that definitely makes it sound like the restaurant scene is a tad bit more diverse than Lexington. However I will be missing my country southern cookin' of Lexington!
5. Running Trails! - The handful of times Michael and I have been to Columbus we have taken notice of the running/biking trails that seem to be everywhere and booming with people. Apparently the Olentangy trail is 13.75 miles long, starting in Worthington Hills and ending in downtown Columbus! Can't wait to give that a try!!
6. Arena District - This area was recently built and is pretty snazzy. My friend Drew also works in this area and there are areas to live. The Hockey team is housed in this area along with concert venues and the minor league baseball park. The area is pretty awesome and apparently used to be  the Ohio Penitentiary.

7. The North Market - Our friends Drew and Catherine took us to the North Market when we originally came to visit. This place is awesome and reminds me of a downsized version of Seattle's market. A year-round farmer's market/eatery sounds good to me! :)

8. the Olentangy River and the Scioto River - growing up down the road from the Ohio River I became used to being around rivers. Lexington doesn't have any major waterways going through. Columbus has 2! And they both have funny names!
9. Festivals - From what Michael and I have read there are some great festivals in Columbus. I have been to their red, white and boom 4th of July fireworks show and it's pretty impressive. Also something I'm looking forward to is the Ocktoberfest held in German Town (super cute area of Columbus!).
10. Professional Sports Teams - Professional sports teams in Hockey, Soccer and a minor league team. That's a tiny bit of a leg up when compared to Lexington, which has no professional teams, well, unless you count our UK basketball team :)
11. Concerts - Something that Lexington often lacks is a large amount of concert options. Columbus has venues of all sizes and attracts a lot of the musicians I enjoy! I will most definitely be attending more concerts in Columbus!
12. Columbus Zoo - Jack Hanna originally worked at this Zoo! And who doesn't love the zoo? ! i love animals obviously. In 2009 this zoo was named the #1 Zoo to visit!
13. Buckeyes Candy - the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter! Yes it's slightly embarrassing for OSU's mascot to be a nut, but I will fully support the candy version! :)
14. OH and the reason we are moving to Columbus --- Riverside Hospital! Where Michael will be working!



Annndddd that's all i've got for now. Do you have anything to add? I'm sure i'm missing out on major attractions/events/etc.

Fill me in, I want to know more!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

A tale of 2 Cities


So I thought it would be kinda fun to write 2 different posts about the 2 cities that are important to me right now in my life…

Lexington

And

Columbus.

I thought I would talk about some of the things I’ve loved, will love, haven’t enjoyed, etc. A good way to realize how good I’ve got it but to also help me realize how exciting our future will be.

I decided that I will start with the great city of Lexington, KY.

As I sit here trying to think of where to start, I slightly teared up. So much has happened for me in this city since I was first welcomed in in 2006 when I graduated from high school and came to high school.

Now let’s get this straight first. During my college search my dream college was the University of Miami (OHIO). I got in, however, the financial aid was not at the level that I needed it to be. Therefore I had to pick another more affordable school. I REALLY wasn’t all that interested in the University of Kentucky. Mainly because so many of my high schoolmates would be attending this university. But once my friend Bailey informed me that she enjoyed the campus of UK better than U of L , I had to check it out and before I knew it was packing up my room in in NKY and heading down to Lexington to start college.

I have fallen in love with this city. Not sure if its due the fact that I met my love here. Or if its because I got married here. Owned my first home here. Raised 2 super cute puppies here. Met a ton of my friends here. Or even the scenery (um, hello gorgeous!)

What I do know is that it has been perfect for me!

Lexington is moderately sized. Not large and overwhelming to me like a Chicago/St. Louis/NY type city but not as small as my hometown. And also not as urban as Louisville and Cincinnati. It’s the type of town where you can see people you know out and about all the time or not at all. AND I LOVE RUNNING INTO MY FRIENDS!

See a small town feel…


So now it’s time to start a list, because I like lists, being the task-oriented person that I am !

11.     The University of Kentucky – I spent 4 years earning my undergraduate degrees and 1 year obtaining my masters at this University and I loved my entire time spent here!

22.     My wedding – even though I am not originally from Lexington I knew I wanted to have our wedding in Lexington. It’s a gorgeous setting for love.

33.     Basketball – Can you say 8 National Titles? I knew NOTHING about basketball when I came to Lexington. Now I am fully entwined in basketball. This city breathes for basketball season. Everyone awakens with a full spirit when basketball starts back up. It is so much fun to be involved with such a well-respected and historic basketball program. This is something I will greatly miss, guess I better get used to football season being the important season in Columbus!

44.     CSF – I met almost all of my friends from college at the Christian Student Fellowship, some of these people have played very important roles in my life. For instance, Becca went to CSF before I met her, then I ended up living with her for 3 years and we are still super close. Then there is Vanna who I ended up being her matron of honor in her wedding and she being a bridesmaid in mine. Then there are the countless others, Andy, the Sams, Mike, Beau, LB, Drees, Ferg, etc. You all have played a crucial role in my life and a reason why I love Lexington!

55.     Adrielle – April 14th marks 2 years that Adrielle and I have been matched in our mentor/mentee relationship. And with our move comes the “official” end of our mentoring relationship. That doesn’t mean anything is over, but I have come to learn so much about this young woman, we have had all kinds over adventures together throughout Lexington from skating, movies, snacks, crafts, baking, dog walking, Wii, etc. I will always cherish the relationship we built in Lexington.

66.     Old homes – One thing I knew I would miss immediately when leaving Lexington were the old homes. I truly enjoy all the old homes in the Chevy Chase, Chinoe, Richmond Road area. Their character, the tall trees, the history, I always dreamed of living in one, and you never know we may end up back here :)
77.     Horse farms – After match day my family, michael’s family, Michael and I went out to dinner at a vineyard in the countryside of KY for dinner. On the way out to the restaurant I teared up. The scenery is gorgeous in Lexington. Lexington is surrounded by horse farms every way around. I love the green rolling hills, the fences, the horses doting the scenery, the beautiful blooming trees, the grand barns that resemble massive houses. It is definitely unlike any other areas I’ve ever seen. It is so peaceful.

88.     Southland Christian Church – A few weeks ago the Larson’s came to Southland with us for church. While walking out Jonathan said, “hey isn’t this your name on the wall here? “. I have been looking for that since it happened! Southland has a wall behind the baptismal that everyone signs when they are baptized. I was baptized at Southland on 11-11-07 and knowing that a piece of my history is there for everyone to see helps remind me that I’ve left my mark. Michael and I will greatly miss our church. The people. Jon Weece.



99.     Castle – There is a real castle on the outskirts of Lexington – how many cities do you know with a full blown castle that isn’t in Europe?!

110.  Legacy Trail – This trail is a great new addition to Lexington. About 17 miles out and back to the horse farm, the scenery of farmland, rolling hills, it’s fun for the whole family!
111.  Local Eateries – Some local eateries we have come to love include Merrick Inn, Ramsey’s, Billy’s Barbeque, Rincon Mexican, Cheapside, DeShas, Sals, Malones, Drakes. Who doesn’t love a good local restaurant?
112.  Weather (spring and fall are may favorite in the bluegrass) – EVERYTHING is in bloom here. It’s wonderful. Unless you have allergies, a lot of people get dragged down during this time of year since Lexington has some of the highest pollen counts in the US! The fall is also pretty awesome here too with all the foliage. I can’t complain :)
113.  The Gorge in close proximity – Michael and I have taken many a trip to the Gorge with the dogs, without the dogs, hiking, camping. I’m sad that it will be more than just an hour car ride away!

114.  Keeneland – Horse racing is one of the 4 things Kentucky is known for (Bluegrass, Basketball, Bourbon, and Horses). Although I’m not the gambling type Keeneland is a great place to dress up, meet up with friends and make a day of the races! And since I’m a creeper and love people watching so much this is definitely the place for it. From the preppy guys in their suits to the girls in their pretty dresses. It’s a fun place for everyone!

115.  Family – I didn’t mean to save this until last but this is definitely a great thing to have around. I can’t count how many times Michael’s family has been able to help us out with things since they are so close by. Watching our dogs, taking us out to dinner, letting us in the house when we are locked out, watching basketball games together, letting us crash their house for bible study parties, cookouts, etc. It is definitely an asset to have the Kasten’s in town and my family only an hour away and my brother an hour away in Louisville. Now the Kasten’s will be 3 hours and my family 2 hours. Although this is still manageable it won’t be as convenient. You think if I offer them a dog babysitting job that would be enough to convince everyone to move up to Columbus?

Well there you have it. My short list version of some of the things I love about Lexington.

I shall return one day Lexington, don't you worry!

What do you love about your “Hometown”?

What do you love about Lexington? 

Friday, April 6, 2012

Well take a look at that...

I cannot believe I have not written a blog post in over a MONTH!! That is crazy. But truly, my life has been crazy the past month, so I apologize for not writing, BUT tomorrow is the first Saturday that I don't have to work!! So I actually have time to sit down and write a blog. But oh where do I start?

So much has happened in the past month, like sooooo much. Ok, well a lot of it was working a ton. But there were also things like oh you know, Michael matching into a surgery residency program at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, OH. Oh you know, no biggie, we will just be moving very shortly. Hopefully into this totally awesome house that we have basically bought, inspection done, just need to finish up the financing. I really hope nothing happens to mess up getting this house because it is adorable! I am a super fan of old houses since I grew up in a 100 year old farm house, old houses have a special place in my heart. "Our" house was built in 1940 and you know what else it has?! A yard! Our dogs can finally roam free, I feel happiness for them :)

So what else besides a job for Michael, a new house for us in a completely new city? Well today I found out that my company will be able to keep me on with them in their large office in Columbus!! What great news! No job search for this girl! I was kind of getting worried that this might happen, but thankful the big man in the sky pulled through, purty awesome!

Oh yeah and about a week ago I turned 24. But that was kind of boring. Busy season birthday = lame. But at least my coworkers were pretty awesome about celebrating it with my in the good old eastern kentucky town of Hazard. 

What else what else? Oh the past 2 weeks i've been a pretty big slacker in the whole training for a half marathon thing that will be happening on April 28th. 10 mile run tomorrow should be interesting. I blame this lack of interest in running due to my job's busyness AND the WILDCATS WINNING THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP! If you were unaware UK won the big tournament and brought home our 8th national championship and our town went crazy! It has been 14 years since we won the last one, and for UK fans that is an eternity. So lets say there were grand celebrations throughout the city involving multiple couch sacrifices, a couple cars, lots of honking and people surfing on top of cars as they moved down the street, lots of cops, public drinking and drunkenness, and an overall since of happiness and togetherness. I loved being in the city to watch the game and celebrate with everyone, this is definitely one huge thing I will miss about Lexington. Luckily they won in our last year in Lexington, what a send off cats!

So that's my quick update for now. Thought i'd fill you in on what's going on. Hopefully I will be a little more regular with my blogging, but now that busy season has settled down it appears that I will be traveling to weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, stock the bar parties, bachelorette parties, family reunions, etc. on the weekends through the next few months. WHEW...I need a vacation!