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?
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