The quiet life continues- which is a good thing for me. Went to dinner with friends Aaron & Ray at Don Pablos Friday night and had a wonderul Mango Margarita.. I do reccomend it. Saturday was a day of grocery shopping, errands, laundry, bill paying, etc.
The highlight of the weekend was wine bottling with my friend Helene and buddy Spencer. Helene had started a batch of wine (6 gallons or 30 bottles) back in the fall at a winery here in Columbus. Once the wine is ready you are able to host a wine bottling party at the winery. The three of us sanitized the bottles, filled them, corked them, and then made labels. During the process there was abundent wine sampling going one. It was great fun to be had by all.
I can't wait to tap into my bottle of Apricot Peach Chardonnay- yummy!
Afterwards Helene and I met buddy Laura at The Happy Greek in the Shorth North. The food was great- after Helene and I almost took out the hostess- ugh.
Laura stayed over Saturday night and we just lounged and read the paper with coffee before lunch and some shopping at Kohl's (great bargains- wohoo).
All else is quiet in Ohio- enjoy the pictures- OK this PC won't load the pictures.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
What a long week-
On Monday while eating breakfast I had the Today Show on TV and they were featuring a story on the most depressing day of the year, January 23rd. Some scientist somewhere had nothing else better to do than run some regression analysis and logarithm and figure out numerically that based on hours of sunlight and some other weird factors that last Monday was the most depressing day of the year. Great huh?? In conversations with co-workers, family members, & friends I have decided this must have been the most depressing week of the year. It has been the longest most drug out week of the year. Can it just freaking end????? PLEASE!!!!!!!
In any regards TGIF.
Last night I had a delightful evening- had dinner and a few drinks with an old Dispatch co-worker Ashley. She is such a wonderful person that for one reason or another I had just simply lost touch with. We discussed over martinis the fear of turning 30 (I just turned and she has about 18 months to go), being single, where do you meet a potential mate, why men are freaks of nature, and further more had a wonderful evening. It was so nice & I look forward to spending more time with her again soon.
Driving home- I thought of the many many people that have came and gone from my life. Co-workers, friends, acquaintances, etc-- and how for a short period of time our paths intersected (perhaps every day) and we truly enjoyed each other's company. The the paths of our lives took different turns and the bond was lost and communication ended. There were no hard feelings & if I ran into them today at the mall or grocery store I would run up to them and be eager to catch up. It just seems such a shame that we loose touch so quickly- I want to try to be more pro-active on keeping in touch with people that are important to me.
This weekend proves to be fun- good friend Laura is coming down for a visit. I think we will see a movie, have a drink or two, dinner on the town, and of course good conversation and coffee.
I do need to start looking for a new suit for my big trip to Los Angeles in March. I am thinking of a classic black suit. I am also looking at paint colors as I am going to repaint the first floor of my condo (hard to believe I have lived there almost 6 years - YIKES).
Whatever you do- have a safe and wonderful weekend.
In any regards TGIF.
Last night I had a delightful evening- had dinner and a few drinks with an old Dispatch co-worker Ashley. She is such a wonderful person that for one reason or another I had just simply lost touch with. We discussed over martinis the fear of turning 30 (I just turned and she has about 18 months to go), being single, where do you meet a potential mate, why men are freaks of nature, and further more had a wonderful evening. It was so nice & I look forward to spending more time with her again soon.
Driving home- I thought of the many many people that have came and gone from my life. Co-workers, friends, acquaintances, etc-- and how for a short period of time our paths intersected (perhaps every day) and we truly enjoyed each other's company. The the paths of our lives took different turns and the bond was lost and communication ended. There were no hard feelings & if I ran into them today at the mall or grocery store I would run up to them and be eager to catch up. It just seems such a shame that we loose touch so quickly- I want to try to be more pro-active on keeping in touch with people that are important to me.
This weekend proves to be fun- good friend Laura is coming down for a visit. I think we will see a movie, have a drink or two, dinner on the town, and of course good conversation and coffee.
I do need to start looking for a new suit for my big trip to Los Angeles in March. I am thinking of a classic black suit. I am also looking at paint colors as I am going to repaint the first floor of my condo (hard to believe I have lived there almost 6 years - YIKES).
Whatever you do- have a safe and wonderful weekend.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Uneventful = Peace & Quiet-
I admit it- I had a very boring weeked- but I loved every minute of it.
Friday evening consisted of an oil change for the jeep followed by a cardio workout at the gym and then in bed by 11:30pm. I made the parental pilgrimage to Hardin County on Saturday. The highlight was taking a spin in Dad's new 2006 Jeep - which by the way is a nice set of wheels. My nephew Devan has a cold - so was not quite his usual self - but he was really cute none the less. Saturday evening I drove home and had a wild Saturday evening (well I went to the grocery, folded laundry, and went to bed- is that considered wild???). Sunday was church, gym, studying for my insurance courses, dinner and a few drinks with my friend Ray and then Desperate Housewives. I am loving the wicked twist that the writers are doing with Brie's character and Betty Applewhite- AWESOME!!!
Even though I really did nothing exciting I am very happy.
I just want to live my life and escape all possible drama.
I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Friday evening consisted of an oil change for the jeep followed by a cardio workout at the gym and then in bed by 11:30pm. I made the parental pilgrimage to Hardin County on Saturday. The highlight was taking a spin in Dad's new 2006 Jeep - which by the way is a nice set of wheels. My nephew Devan has a cold - so was not quite his usual self - but he was really cute none the less. Saturday evening I drove home and had a wild Saturday evening (well I went to the grocery, folded laundry, and went to bed- is that considered wild???). Sunday was church, gym, studying for my insurance courses, dinner and a few drinks with my friend Ray and then Desperate Housewives. I am loving the wicked twist that the writers are doing with Brie's character and Betty Applewhite- AWESOME!!!
Even though I really did nothing exciting I am very happy.
I just want to live my life and escape all possible drama.
I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Observation on being connected-
Last night I stopped by Cup of Joe for a warm shot of caffine before heading to the church for a meeting. It also gave me about 30 minutes to study for my insurance course that I am taking. I was stopping by because I didn't have time to run home and then be at the church in time for the meeting and caffine was needed to stay awake.
While I was there I noticed something that I had seen many times before - but never really contemplated. The conclusion I came to is that everyone desires to be connected and fears being alone. The coffee shop was packed, mostly by singles set up at their lap top or with a book. The laptop surfers were generally instant messaging and the book readers were often interrupted by a cell phone call or a text message. It seems that we all were there wanting to be with someone - to not be alone & bond with others.
I contemplated this thought with my recent dating experiences of being told "I want a relationship" and "I will call you tomorrow" or "I'll see you soon." and once again I am struggling to make sense of why if we all desire to be friends, family, or even better someone we love.... than why do we build walls around ourselves???
OK - enough deep thoughts- back to work... unless my instant messager service or cell phone rings.
While I was there I noticed something that I had seen many times before - but never really contemplated. The conclusion I came to is that everyone desires to be connected and fears being alone. The coffee shop was packed, mostly by singles set up at their lap top or with a book. The laptop surfers were generally instant messaging and the book readers were often interrupted by a cell phone call or a text message. It seems that we all were there wanting to be with someone - to not be alone & bond with others.
I contemplated this thought with my recent dating experiences of being told "I want a relationship" and "I will call you tomorrow" or "I'll see you soon." and once again I am struggling to make sense of why if we all desire to be friends, family, or even better someone we love.... than why do we build walls around ourselves???
OK - enough deep thoughts- back to work... unless my instant messager service or cell phone rings.
Monday, January 16, 2006
All Quiet in Ohio-
A nice quiet weekend here in Ohio- ahh Thank God.
I did get to see Brokeback Mountain on Friday night. First of all the new Drexel Gateway theater- a very very nice place. We got leather reclining and rocking seats-- it made my butt happy!!!
The scenery in the movie was breathtaking- I loved the mountain and the rivers-- it was breathtaking! What captivated me the most was the strength of the love between the men. Their romance lasted 20 years and Jack committed to making drives back and forth between TX and WY -- that takes an incredible love and committment. Here I am not even able to get someone to return my phone calls or emails. When I stop and think about it- that is the type of love I want- the type of love that will drive accross the country, that will put the rest of the world on hold because I am an important part of their life, a love that will cause you to question everything that you ever knew, and love that will last a life.... ( Ok - enough sappiness for this posting).
Otherwise the weekend was uneventful- I met Laura and her Dad at Schmidt's Sausage Haus in German Village Saturday night. We had a great time- even though we were done with the German Buffet and stuffed with Sauerkraut before the oompah band got started (no kidding they have a live accordian player on weekends-- if you are in town I'll take you over).
I did get to see Brokeback Mountain on Friday night. First of all the new Drexel Gateway theater- a very very nice place. We got leather reclining and rocking seats-- it made my butt happy!!!
The scenery in the movie was breathtaking- I loved the mountain and the rivers-- it was breathtaking! What captivated me the most was the strength of the love between the men. Their romance lasted 20 years and Jack committed to making drives back and forth between TX and WY -- that takes an incredible love and committment. Here I am not even able to get someone to return my phone calls or emails. When I stop and think about it- that is the type of love I want- the type of love that will drive accross the country, that will put the rest of the world on hold because I am an important part of their life, a love that will cause you to question everything that you ever knew, and love that will last a life.... ( Ok - enough sappiness for this posting).
Otherwise the weekend was uneventful- I met Laura and her Dad at Schmidt's Sausage Haus in German Village Saturday night. We had a great time- even though we were done with the German Buffet and stuffed with Sauerkraut before the oompah band got started (no kidding they have a live accordian player on weekends-- if you are in town I'll take you over).
Friday, January 13, 2006
TGIF-
Another week has come and gone- Yikes!
I keep thinking that time will slow down- but it doesn't so I guess I should just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Things are really starting to fall in place for me career and money-wise. With the comission check I will receive Wednesday I will finally be in a really good position financially and extremely thankful for that. I have had some conversations with leaders & other influential folks at Nationwide and I truly feel that perhaps my time is coming near- that good things are just around the corner. I pray that things will be good in 2006.
I am going to see the movie Brokeback Mtn. tonite. I think it looks incredible and the hype about the movie is EVERYWHERE. Hopefully I will enjoy it as much as I think I will- my thoughts to follow on Monday.
Other than that it appears to be a pretty mellow weekend.
I am trying to loose a few holiday pounds and get fit for my big trip to LA in March. I have begun loading up on proteins and cutting down on the carbs. I have been eating eggs and turkey bacon in the AM - and don't feel as hungry early in the day-- so that is a good thing.
Have a great weekend.
I keep thinking that time will slow down- but it doesn't so I guess I should just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Things are really starting to fall in place for me career and money-wise. With the comission check I will receive Wednesday I will finally be in a really good position financially and extremely thankful for that. I have had some conversations with leaders & other influential folks at Nationwide and I truly feel that perhaps my time is coming near- that good things are just around the corner. I pray that things will be good in 2006.
I am going to see the movie Brokeback Mtn. tonite. I think it looks incredible and the hype about the movie is EVERYWHERE. Hopefully I will enjoy it as much as I think I will- my thoughts to follow on Monday.
Other than that it appears to be a pretty mellow weekend.
I am trying to loose a few holiday pounds and get fit for my big trip to LA in March. I have begun loading up on proteins and cutting down on the carbs. I have been eating eggs and turkey bacon in the AM - and don't feel as hungry early in the day-- so that is a good thing.
Have a great weekend.
TGIF-
Another week has come and gone- Yikes!
I keep thinking that time will slow down- but it doesn't so I guess I should just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Things are really starting to fall in place for me career and money-wise. With the comission check I will receive Wednesday I will finally be in a really good position financially and extremely thankful for that. I have had some conversations with leaders & other influential folks at Nationwide and I truly feel that perhaps my time is coming near- that good things are just around the corner. I pray that things will be good in 2006.
I am going to see the movie Brokeback Mtn. tonite. I think it looks incredible and the hype about the movie is EVERYWHERE. Hopefully I will enjoy it as much as I think I will- my thoughts to follow on Monday.
Other than that it appears to be a pretty mellow weekend.
I am trying to loose a few holiday pounds and get fit for my big trip to LA in March. I have begun loading up on proteins and cutting down on the carbs. I have been eating eggs and turkey bacon in the AM - and don't feel as hungry early in the day-- so that is a good thing.
Have a great weekend.
I keep thinking that time will slow down- but it doesn't so I guess I should just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Things are really starting to fall in place for me career and money-wise. With the comission check I will receive Wednesday I will finally be in a really good position financially and extremely thankful for that. I have had some conversations with leaders & other influential folks at Nationwide and I truly feel that perhaps my time is coming near- that good things are just around the corner. I pray that things will be good in 2006.
I am going to see the movie Brokeback Mtn. tonite. I think it looks incredible and the hype about the movie is EVERYWHERE. Hopefully I will enjoy it as much as I think I will- my thoughts to follow on Monday.
Other than that it appears to be a pretty mellow weekend.
I am trying to loose a few holiday pounds and get fit for my big trip to LA in March. I have begun loading up on proteins and cutting down on the carbs. I have been eating eggs and turkey bacon in the AM - and don't feel as hungry early in the day-- so that is a good thing.
Have a great weekend.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Thank you for being a friend(s)....
Big big thanks go out to all of you who have written, called, stopped by, commented on the Blog and supported me in any way since my last posting. I must first state I AM OK-- a little upset with the world sometimes- but OK none the less.
After posting the Blog on Friday I did have a great weekend. I hung out with some great friends and my eyes were once again opened to what a blessing true friends are. Big thanks go out to Ray, Helene, Gordon, and Alan for being there this weekend- you guys ROCK!
Ray and I were sharing a few beers on Friday night and having some conversation. I kind of had a revelation-- or was it just the beer making the connections in the brain.. anyways... I realized that I need to take the high road in situations. Be the true gentleman and try to stick to the proper rules of etiquette. This weekend I did that and made a few phone calls and sent some emails. Instead of hiding behind layers on insecurity and fear I spoke what was on mind - and conveyed what I was feeling... It felt great and I think it put the others at ease too. I intend to make this my New Year's Resolution for 2006- be the gentleman and be myself.
Another highlight of the weekend was viewing the movie The Family Stone- very touching. I enjoy movies where I laugh out loud and then tear up all within 25 minutes. I reccomend the film to anyone looking for quality entertainment.
Ok- back to work - Thanks for being awesome friends and blog buddies - much love to you all.
After posting the Blog on Friday I did have a great weekend. I hung out with some great friends and my eyes were once again opened to what a blessing true friends are. Big thanks go out to Ray, Helene, Gordon, and Alan for being there this weekend- you guys ROCK!
Ray and I were sharing a few beers on Friday night and having some conversation. I kind of had a revelation-- or was it just the beer making the connections in the brain.. anyways... I realized that I need to take the high road in situations. Be the true gentleman and try to stick to the proper rules of etiquette. This weekend I did that and made a few phone calls and sent some emails. Instead of hiding behind layers on insecurity and fear I spoke what was on mind - and conveyed what I was feeling... It felt great and I think it put the others at ease too. I intend to make this my New Year's Resolution for 2006- be the gentleman and be myself.
Another highlight of the weekend was viewing the movie The Family Stone- very touching. I enjoy movies where I laugh out loud and then tear up all within 25 minutes. I reccomend the film to anyone looking for quality entertainment.
Ok- back to work - Thanks for being awesome friends and blog buddies - much love to you all.
Friday, January 06, 2006
What's up with that?
This is a crazy world that we live in- this may sound like an obvious statement but after 30 laps around the sun (thanks for reminding me of that analogy Megan) I have 100% confirmed this.
I guess I am just frustrated with the world-- and my life. I am no where close to where I thought I would be at 30 years old. I do have so many wonderful blessings and friends that are too many to count- but I still feel like there is alot missing. Of course this could be due to the frame of thought that I entered into while listening to Kelly Clarkson at the gym last night- her song "Because of You" made me start to think about broken relationships and how they have affected me personally. While still on the tredmill and still listening to Kelly I further compounded that by thinking that so many people probably feel the same way that I do and have "crap" (love the terminology???) that they are still carrying on their shoulders from previous broken relationships- and when 2 people with equal amounts of "crap" get together- you have one ugly DISFUNCTIONAL mess. OK- so why on a Friday is Andrew rambling on about this?? Simply put I keep meeting the most disfunctional and screwed up people- it is like I am running a Betty Ford Clinic to heal men of disfunctionality--- and I have no training to do this and I simply am bad at helping them. Needlesss to say - please tell all your friends neighbors and common folk on the street that if they need professional help to look in the phone book for a shrink and to leave me alone.
I think I need a quiet weekend at home- just me and the dog- my couch and a warm blanket... perhaps a mug of cocoa. Lock the door and close up the clinic for crazy folks.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
I guess I am just frustrated with the world-- and my life. I am no where close to where I thought I would be at 30 years old. I do have so many wonderful blessings and friends that are too many to count- but I still feel like there is alot missing. Of course this could be due to the frame of thought that I entered into while listening to Kelly Clarkson at the gym last night- her song "Because of You" made me start to think about broken relationships and how they have affected me personally. While still on the tredmill and still listening to Kelly I further compounded that by thinking that so many people probably feel the same way that I do and have "crap" (love the terminology???) that they are still carrying on their shoulders from previous broken relationships- and when 2 people with equal amounts of "crap" get together- you have one ugly DISFUNCTIONAL mess. OK- so why on a Friday is Andrew rambling on about this?? Simply put I keep meeting the most disfunctional and screwed up people- it is like I am running a Betty Ford Clinic to heal men of disfunctionality--- and I have no training to do this and I simply am bad at helping them. Needlesss to say - please tell all your friends neighbors and common folk on the street that if they need professional help to look in the phone book for a shrink and to leave me alone.
I think I need a quiet weekend at home- just me and the dog- my couch and a warm blanket... perhaps a mug of cocoa. Lock the door and close up the clinic for crazy folks.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
New Year- New Adventures-
Welcome 2006!!!! Bring on the new adventures that will be sure to hit.
I apologize for my 2 week Blogging absence- my home PC is an antique and will not allow me to post on my blog or comment on other blogs. 2006 will see a new home PC for sure.
Highlights of the holiday season-
1) Christmas with my 2 year of nephew Devan (what a cutie).
2) Relaxation - and the parents hot tub (need I say more).
3) Turning 30-- yup I'm officially OLD.
4) Quality time with Ferguson --
5) The Producers (what a great movie).
6) Spending the day with my friend Wendy Stinebaugh and working together on our New Years Resolutions.
7) Having 11 days off from work!
I was ready to take down all the Christmas stuff and put 2005 to bed. While it was not a bad year- it just didn't turn out the way I planned. There were high points and low points. I thought I had fallen in love - only to be dumped. I celebrated a friends wedding and have since supported her during her chemotherapy treatments. So needless to say 2005 was a year of contrasts. I have really high hopes for 2006.
I look forward to making wonderful memories with friends and family in the coming year.
I apologize for my 2 week Blogging absence- my home PC is an antique and will not allow me to post on my blog or comment on other blogs. 2006 will see a new home PC for sure.
Highlights of the holiday season-
1) Christmas with my 2 year of nephew Devan (what a cutie).
2) Relaxation - and the parents hot tub (need I say more).
3) Turning 30-- yup I'm officially OLD.
4) Quality time with Ferguson --
5) The Producers (what a great movie).
6) Spending the day with my friend Wendy Stinebaugh and working together on our New Years Resolutions.
7) Having 11 days off from work!
I was ready to take down all the Christmas stuff and put 2005 to bed. While it was not a bad year- it just didn't turn out the way I planned. There were high points and low points. I thought I had fallen in love - only to be dumped. I celebrated a friends wedding and have since supported her during her chemotherapy treatments. So needless to say 2005 was a year of contrasts. I have really high hopes for 2006.
I look forward to making wonderful memories with friends and family in the coming year.
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