Music Bucket List

A few weeks ago, one of my favorite bloggers, Steph at Insert Classy Here, talked about scratching an item off her music bucket list. Suddenly, my imagination went wild with who I'd include on my own coveted list. Assuming that we can't resurrect anyone (hello, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, and Ray Charles) and I can't include artists that I've already seen but would love to see again (hello, Michael Buble, John Mayer, The Rolling Stones, Maroon 5, Drake, and M83), here is my ultimate music bucket list:

- Mumford & Sons (Completed on April 24, 2016 and again on March 25, 2019): This one is pretty self-explanatory. Although I haven't listened to their new CD, Wilder Mind, I was infatuated with their previous two albums. I love their folksy vibe and complicated lyrics and Marcus Mumford's voice makes me melt. They're absolutely one of my contemporary favorites and I imagine the experience of seeing them live would be incredible.

- Led Zeppelin: If I could take my mom to any concert imaginable, I would absolutely choose her all-time favorite band, Led Zeppelin. Thanks to her, they've become a staple on my iPod. However, the band hasn't toured since drummer John Bonham died in 1980 and lead singer Robert Plant reportedly turned down an $800 million offer to reunite for a tour last year. In other words, it's not looking good for me...

- Elton John: When I think of my childhood favorites, four names instantly come to mind - Elvis, Madonna, Prince, and Elton. For years, I've been a staunch defender of Sir Elton in the eternal Elton John vs. Billy Joel debate and it'd be a dream come true to see him play the piano in-person and sing along with all of his hit songs. He's setting up shop in Vegas again this October for a brief residency, so if anyone is feeling really generous with their wedding gifts...

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- Tom Petty: How about this for a statement?: If you don't want to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform live, then I question not only your taste in music, but also you as a living, breathing human being. I imagine this would be the perfect summer concert when enjoyed on a blanket on the lawn with a big group of friends. Let's make it happen.

- Madonna: *see Elton John explanation* Seriously though, Madonna still performs. At the age of 56, she's crazy active on stage, channels her 25-year-old self with her dance moves, and has some of the greatest pop songs ever written in her repertoire. She was probably my first girl crush and remains one of my favorites to this day. All hail the queen.

- Lady Gaga (Completed on November 5, 2017): It only seems fitting to follow Madonna with Lady Gaga...and I don't mean the super relaxed tour with Tony Bennett, either. Perhaps unsurprisingly (given my love for Lady M), I really like Lady Gaga and think she's a very gifted entertainer, piano player, and vocalist. I love to imagine the intricate set, costume changes, and theatrics that probably comprise her live show. Plus, you know the people-watching in the crowd would be comedic gold.

- Jay-Z: Frankly, I'm shocked I haven't seen him yet. He's my favorite rapper of all-time, bar none, and I actually think he's a genius. I would have given one of my kidneys to see him and Kanye in the Watch the Throne Tour (seriously, the setlist almost makes me cry), but none of the dates or locations worked out. I didn't want to attend the On the Run Tour, which actually made a stop in Cincinnati, because I didn't want to sit through an entire Beyonce show. Has my girl card officially been revoked?

- A major music festival: Again, I'm shocked I haven't done this yet. I know it'll happen eventually - I'm just biding my time until the perfect lineup is announced. I did attend the Dave Matthews Band Caravan in Chicago a few years ago, where I saw DMB (x3), Kid Cudi, Ray LaMontagne, G. Love, David Gray, and Amos Lee among others, but I don't consider that a major music festival. I want to go to one of the classic, annual ones (Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Coachella, etc.).

- Phantom of the Opera (Completed on May 10, 2016): I don't really think this counts, but when I think of live music experiences, I also consider musicals, symphonies, etc. Of all the incredible musicals I've seen over the years, The Phantom of the Opera has somehow eluded me...and it's about time I fix that. Aside from A Chorus Line, Phantom is probably my favorite musical ever, but I need to see it in-person to cement that. The beautiful music, the storyline, the heartache, ugh.

- Dave Matthews Band: Yeah, I'm cheating with this one, but I want to see Dave Matthews Band every single day for the rest of my life. I'll never get tired of the ever-changing setlist and I love guessing what I'll hear at every show. I'll keep seeing them live until they retire or die. Facts are facts.

I would also really love to see Sam Smith and Ellie Goulding, but didn't quite think they made the bucket list yet. Please tell me - who would be on your ultimate music bucket list?

Unanswered Questions

Everyone has questions that seemingly evade answer. Existential inquiries that cause them to doubt their place and role in the universe. Bothersome, insomnia-inducing questions that keep them up at night. Quandaries that boggle the mind and challenge their faith, world view, and perspective. Here are a few of mine:

- Do fish drink? If so, where do they pee?
- Do color blind people find eating Starbursts fun or frustrating?
- Have the characters in The Walking Dead not seen a zombie movie before?
- Why do waiters always suggest root beer as an alternative when they don't have Dr. Pepper?
- Is it possible to eat too much guacamole? If so, what is the threshold? 
- Do dentists hate going to the dentist, too?
- Why do I find Shia LaBeouf so attractive?
- Does anyone actually prefer vanilla frosties over chocolate?
- Is Donald Trump for real?
- Are we sure that Mick Jagger isn't actually Harry Styles' father?

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Holla at your girl if you can assist with any of these answers.

...except for #7. I just answered #7.

Summer Bucket List

In full disclosure, I've been avoiding seasonal bucket list posts ever since my epic failure on the Winter 2014 list. Somehow, over the span of three months, I failed to use a Groupon I already bought for snowtubing, didn't manage to make a snow angel (despite plenty of snowfall), and even neglected to watch The Polar Express. Unacceptable. I know.

So, I'm diving headfirst into my summer list in hopes of making up for my last one. I'm also going to keep it short and somewhat reasonable. Attainability is key on these things, right?

- Canoe on any body of water
- Check out the All-Star festivities in Cincinnati* - Complete!
- Eat dinner on the rooftop of the theater in Fountain Square
- Stargaze at Holcomb Observatory
- Watch a movie outside (drive-in, IMA's Summer Nights) - Complete!
- Take a road trip - Complete!
- Enjoy a fireworks display - Complete!
- Watch an MLB game, preferably at Wrigley Field - Complete!
- Eat at Mug 'n Bun Drive-In - Complete!
- Bake a pie from scratch

*We will be out of town for a wedding the weekend before the All-Star Game. Unfortunately, I think this means no FanFest for us and since we aren't millionaires, no game either. We'll also miss the free Ariana Grande show at Paul Brown Stadium. Murrrr...

There are really a million things I want to do, but time is precious. Other ideas include: King's Island trip, fly a kite, paddleboat on the canal, swim in the pool, eat something ridiculous at the Indiana State Fair, get bikes, pick fruit, make popsicles, taste-test at a new brewery, take Wheat to Montgomery Inn and/or the Newport Aquarium, and check out Garfield Park Conservatory.

What are you planning to do this summer?

Four Things on Friday

Four happy thoughts for this week
1. The Super Bowl is this weekend! - I don't like either team, but still...
2. A visit from Jenn and Paul (and Mattie!) this weekend!
3. Corn pudding from City Barbeque
4. Save the Dates from good friends

Four things I'd rather be doing right now
1. Eating at a Chinese buffet with my best friend
2. Reading Stranger than Fiction by Chuck Palahniuk
3. Cooking and/or preparing for our Super Bowl party
4. Watching this thug anteater over and over



Four songs on repeat
1. "Out of My League" - Fitz and the Tantrums
2. "No Love" - August Alsina ft. Nicki Minaj
3. "Shut Up and Dance" - Walk the Moon
4. "The Hanging Tree" - James Newton Howard ft. Jennifer Lawrence

Four movies that make me laugh
1. I Love You, Man
2. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
3. Ghostbusters
4. Wedding Crashers

Four ridiculous things that make me cry
1. Any kind of unexpected, synchronized, flash mob-type dancing, even this
2. Cute babies - When I see one, I start crying.
3. This commercial
4. "Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones

Four women I admire
1. My mom
2. Tina Fey
3. JK Rowling
4. Ellen DeGeneres

Four fun things to do in Indianapolis
1. Go duckpin bowling in Fountain Square
2. Explore 100 Acres Art Park at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
3. Paddleboat or walk down the Canal
4. Check out the boutiques and bars on Mass Ave

Four go-to snack foods
1. Cheese and caramel popcorn
2. Raisin Bran
3. Frozen grapes
4. Chips and guacamole

I'll be sucking up my pride and wearing a Bengals shirt during the Super Bowl. Since I'm not rooting for either team, I'll be indulging in snack food #4 while openly judging commercials and Katy Perry's performance. Hopefully we can avoid any and all plays on the word 'deflate' in headlines next Monday morning. I'm not counting on it, though. Have a great weekend, friends.

Four Things on Friday

Guys, is the weather for real right now?

After a mild December (and zero snow for Christmas - boo!), we've been thrust unwillingly into the Ice Age, complete with subzero temperatures and unfathomable wind chills. I actually worked from home once this week because I couldn't imagine the five-minute walk. The next day, I decided to suck it up and trudge my way there. Folks, it's the kind of cold where the snot freezes in your nose one minute after you step outside. It's the kind of cold where the wind hitting your face makes you feel like you have a headache...in your cheeks. It's the kind of cold where weather forecasts use phrases like 'Feels like -25.' Worst of all, it's the kind of cold that keeps me up at night worrying about the dozens of homeless people in this city that I see on a daily basis.

Needless to say, I've been cooped up for a week and it's starting to take a toll on me. I'm blogging on a Friday at 4:00 PM and no one will even read this. This calls for another fun quiz with hints of New Year's resolutions throughout. Here goes:

Four songs on repeat
1. "Sugar" by Maroon 5
2. "Night Changes" by One Direction - Yep. I love them.
3. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
4. "Gold" by Chet Faker

Four goals for 2015
1. Visit at least one new state - Arizona and/or Texas, I'm looking at you.
2. Plan and execute a successful wedding
3. Start writing or editing again - I don't mean the free kind.
4. Drink less soda - This will always be a goal until I actually accomplish it.

Four happy thoughts for this week
1. This killer (and easy!) potato soup crock pot recipe
2. Brown Sugar and Fig lotion from Bath & Body Works
3. Baby panda Bao Bao rolling down a snowy hill
4. Oh, just this little sized thing...and the free soda and Ferrero Rocher chocolates you get at Distinctive Diamonds

Four books to read in 2015
1. Yes, Please by Amy Poehler
2. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb
3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
4. Paper Towns by John Green

Four things I'm looking forward to this weekend
1. More unpacking - I never thought I'd look forward to unpacking
2. The Golden Globes on Sunday
3. Cuddling on the couch with hot chocolate
4. Packers vs. Cowboys - Go Pack, Go!

Four movies I want to see
1. The Theory of Everything - Eddie Redmayne is a revelation.
2. Into the Woods
3. The Imitation Game
4. Wild

Four different dates for 2015
1. Sky Zone indoor trampoline park
2. Paddleboat or kayak on the canal - Follow it up with Italian ice or s'mores at Fresco.
3. Kurt Vonnegut date - Read Bluebeard, go to Vonnegut Memorial Library, and eat at Bluebeard.
4. Complete a fun 5k together

Have a great weekend, everyone! Try to stay warm!

Friday Fun!

It's Friday. My brain is sufficiently fried. I'm hungry, sleepy, and ready to head back to Ohio for the weekend. I use the term 'ready' loosely because I haven't packed yet. In other words, the best I can offer you today is a fun, little quiz I found at BMJ. Narcissism at its best!

Four names people call me other than my real name:
1. Bibbles
2. Charles - Don't ask.
3. BJ
4. Britter

Four jobs I’ve had:
1. Database support for the Indiana Business Research Center
2. Beat writer for the Cincinnati Cyclones
3. Sports clerk at the Indianapolis Star
4. Communications intern at USA Football

Four books I’d recommend:
1. Harry Potter by JK Rowling - All day, every day.
2. Choke by Chuck Palahniuk
3. Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto by Chuck Klosterman
4. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

Four movies I’ve watched more than once:
1. The Sandlot
2. Jurassic Park
3. The Departed
4. Swingers

Four places I’ve lived:
1. Lebanon, Ohio - *swoon*
2. Oxford, Ohio - *double swoon* and the best college town in the US
3. Landen, Ohio
4. Indianapolis, Indiana

Four places I’ve visited:
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
2. Venice, Italy
3. London, England
4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Four places I’d rather be right now:
1. Greece with Wheat
2. Oxford with all of Derailed
3. San Francisco with Mommles
4. Snuggled on a couch with a book and hot chocolate

Four things I don’t eat:
1. Bananas - I die.
2. Shrimp or any kind of seafood
3. Coffee - Technically, I don't eat it, but yuck.
4. Eggs

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Raisin Bran
2. Asparagus
3. Chips and guacamole
4. Cookies 'n Cream ice cream

Four TV shows I watch:
1. The Walking Dead
2. Top Chef
3. The Voice, American Idol
4. Scandal

Four things I’m looking forward to next year:
1. Weddings galore - TJ and Tasha, Bryan and Ali, hopefully a couple others
2. Beauty and the Beast in Chicago
3. Visiting Jamie and Denny in Tucson - I better.
4. Warm weather walks and Italian ice on the canal

Four things I’m always saying:
1. “How about Chipotle?" - Sorry, Wheat.
2. “Are you okay?" - Sorry, everyone.
3. “WHO-DEY?!"
4. “I'm too tired."

Bundle up and have a fantastic pre-Christmas weekend, lovelies!

My Thoughts on the Treadmill

Thanks to a combination of laziness, Thanksgiving, and my antidepressant, I've gained 20 pounds...in three months. It's not easy to read or write that sentence.

Weight has always been my greatest struggle, the Roger Klotz to my Doug Funnie, the eternal enemy I'm destined to battle for the rest of my life. Over the years, I've begrudgingly accepted that fact. I've even used my inability to lose weight as a convenient excuse to be even lazier: I'll just walk one mile today because that's better than nothing, right? It's not like eating this red velvet cupcake is going to make a difference. I mean, I can't lose that much weight because I don't have the money to buy a new wardrobe. These are actual thoughts that have crossed and continue to cross my mind.

When I realized that I'd never be skinny (and that was sometime during second grade), I immediately got to work on other aspects of my personality. I read a ton, started piano lessons, and refined my sense of humor and quick wit. Surely being strong in these areas would compensate for the number on the scale and my inability to fit in small roller coasters!

It didn't take more than one elementary school bully and the lack of attention from guys in middle school to realize I was wrong. You mean, you aren't attracted to my ability to spell?! But I can explain the metaphors in The Great Gatsby (aka let you copy my homework)! Sure, I'm not a cheerleader, but I actually know the hand signals used by referees to indicate which penalty you just received!

And though my weight and the embarrassing scolding sessions from my pediatrician served as the source of many childhood tears, I gradually came to accept my lot in life.  My very large lot.

In fact, I've even sort of found ways to embrace my slightly-more-than-chubby figure. Sure, my thighs are huge, but look at that butt! I can pinch roughly seven inches around my waist, but my boobs sure do look awesome when properly hoisted. I'm fat, so I certainly don't need to spend any money on summer dresses, pencil skirts, or ten different colored bathing suits. I'm perfectly fine with my closet of graphic t-shirts, jeans, and cardigans, thank you very much.

But when I step on the scale at the doctor's office and it tells me I've put on 19 pounds in a shorter amount of time than it took for me to finish Insurgent (in my defense, that series is truly horrible), I know something has to change. It can't be healthy to gain almost one-seventh of my boyfriend in three months. Side note: This is how I've been gauging weight since fall of 2012.

I know I'm not going to lose 100 pounds, but I can certainly lose 20, right? So, I've made it my goal to go from whale-sized Brittany to the familiar porpoise-sized Brittany that I've come to know, love, and accept. How do I plan to accomplish this? Lots and lots of time on the treadmill.

That is a human being. The same species as me!

So, in honor of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last night (low self-esteem for the win!), I will now share with you the thoughts that crossed my mind while on the treadmill last night:

- There is only one other person in here, so it's probably okay if I pick my wedgie.

- What should I eat for dinner tonight?

- Is he seriously running at 9.5 speed? Treadmills go that fast? Get out of here with that Usain Bolt stuff.

- Okay, I've burned off exactly one can of Dr. Pepper.

- Oh, no. Are belts of treadmills slippery? Because I just spilled at least a mouthful of water on this one.

- One more mile and then you can sit on the couch and watch Ellen.

- As Usain Bolt moves onto the weight lifting portion of his workout Please don't drop the weights on the rack so loudly. My heart is already strained enough as it is.

- No, but seriously, what's for dinner?

Winter Bucket List

I'm pretty pumped because Wheat and I actually accomplished nine of the ten things on my fall bucket list. We didn't make it to Brown County, but I'll settle for a solid B+ on the season. I think the trick to our success was limiting the list to ten things, so I'm going to do that again with my second annual winter bucket list.

- Go snowtubing
- See a Christmas show, play, ballet, or musical
- Have a gift exchange with friends - Complete!
- Make snow angels
- Check out Veal's Ice Tree - Complete!
- Take a drive to admire the lights - Complete!
- Go to the Lebanon Christmas parade - Complete!
- Make a handmade gift - Complete!
- Watch The Polar Express
- Send out Christmas cards - Complete!

I know it's sad to be writing a WINTER bucket list in November, but I'm just keeping it real. This gives me more time to get things done and with three inches of snow on the ground already, I think it's safe to say that fall has left town early this year. Ugh.

What are you planning to do this winter?

Why YOU Should Start Rooting for the Bengals.

On Sunday, Wheat and I made a big move on the fall bucket list when we bundled up to cheer on my beloved Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Although our seats were in the upper level, we managed to nab cheap spots at center field. Our winter-like layering proved to be unnecessary, as the sun and our adrenaline kept us plenty warm throughout the game. Even more importantly, the Bengals beat the Jaguars (I know that's not saying much), 33-23, in AJ Green's first game since returning from a toe injury.

The Bengals' special teams unit blocked two punts, including one that resulted in a safety, so that made up for the weirdly close score in my book. Wheat even wore a Bengals hoodie, so this girl was brimming with hometown happiness. We closed the night with quality time with my parents, Gold Star - why can't I quit you? - and the new episode of The Walking Dead. Perfect Sunday if you ask me.

In anticipation of Cincinnati's Thursday night matchup against divisional rival the Cleveland Browns, I give you 10 Reasons Why YOU Should Root for the Bengals:

1. Our fight song. You know you love it.



2. Devon and Leah Still. They'll remind you that sports can always have a meaningful, positive impact beyond the field, court, or rink.

3. Ochocinco's antics of the past. I don't care what you say - I miss him. NSFW.



4. We've never won a Super Bowl and who doesn't love rooting for the underdog?

5. Domata Peko's awesome hair.

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6. The Freezer Bowl.

7. "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns 'n Roses.

8. The Ickey Shuffle...and the new Geico commercial featuring Mr. Woods.



9. Hu Dey Beer, produced in 1988 by Hudepohl Brewing Company. I have an unopened can in my room and this brave guy actually tried to drink one. Again, NSFW.



10. Because no one, absolutely no one, should wave the Terrible Towel. It's better suited for cleaning cleats. Just ask TJ Houshmandzadeh.

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Fall Bucket List

I'm sad to report that I only completed 16 of the 25 items on my Summer Bucket List. Poor form. We didn't canoe or tube down the river, eat at Montgomery Inn, visit the Newport Aquarium, tour Crown Hill Cemetery, or stargaze at Holcomb Observatory (in my defense, it was closed for an entire month). We didn't ride the Handlebar Indy pedal pub, get our picture taken at the LOVE sculpture, or eat dinner at the rooftop restaurant in Fountain Square. Somehow, I only attended one baseball game all summer and that is the summer fail that I'm most ashamed of.

However, rather than dwell on my summer shortcomings, I've decided to look ahead to my favorite season of the year. I bring you...my second annual Fall Bucket List. Sorry, Wheat.

- Visit a pumpkin patch and carve a pumpkin. - Complete!
- Watch a scary movie. - Complete!
- Drink apple cider. - Complete!
- Go to a football game. - Complete!
- Spend a day in Brown County.
- Bake something pumpkin. - Complete!
- Dress up for Halloween. - Complete!
- Tour Crown Hill Cemetery. - Complete!
- Make something in the crockpot. - Complete!
- Attend Lebanon's Apple Fest and eat an apple fritter. - Complete!

Some of these are repeats from last year, but I've also included a few new ones.

What are YOU doing in the next couple months to get fall festive?

Summer Bucket List

I'm a little embarrassed by the lack of progress I made on my May goals. I completed eight of the 12 things on my list. I didn't go to a baseball game, get my hair cut, make a crockpot dinner, or do 20 miles on the treadmill. Although I'm not usually one for excuses, I will say that my schedule has been absolutely insane this month (the Cyclones made it into the Kelly Cup Finals!) and our apartment's gym was closed for a couple weeks due to repairs. I have absolutely no excuse for not making a crockpot dinner.

So, as promised, I created a fun-only summer bucket list for the next few months. We'll see how many of these I actually accomplish.

1. Go to at least three baseball games. - 6/8

2. Canoe or tube down the Little Miami River.

3. Go to an outdoor concert. - Complete! and here and here.

4. Watch a fireworks display. - Complete!

5. Ride a roller coaster at King's Island. - Complete!

6. Watch a movie outside (drive-in, IMA's Summer Nights). - Complete!

7. Buy ice cream from an ice cream truck. - Complete!

8. Take Wheat to Montgomery Inn for dinner.

9. Go to the Newport Aquarium.

10. Swim in a pool, lake, ocean, etc. - Complete!

11. Visit a farmer's market and the City Market. - Complete! and here.

12. Take a road trip. - Complete! and here.

13. Explore Chicago with Wheat. - Complete!

14. Go camping and roast a marshmallow on a bonfire. - Complete!

15. Rent bikes downtown. - Complete!

16. Tour Crown Hill Cemetery.

17. Go to the Marion County or Indiana State fair. - Complete! and here.

18. Stargaze at Holcomb Observatory.

19. Lose at putt-putt golf. - Complete!

20. Pick some kind of fruit. - Complete!

21. Visit Sun King Brewery. - Complete!
22. See the orangutans at the Indianapolis Zoo. - Complete!
23. Ride the Handlebar Indy pedal pub.
24. Have a picnic and get a picture with the 'LOVE' sculpture at IMA.
25. Eat dinner on the rooftop of the theater in Fountain Square.

What do you want to do this summer? Did I miss anything major?

May Goals

Much to my dismay, I totally forgot to make a Spring Bucket List. But once I started thinking of things to put on it, I realized that summer is so much cooler and I should just make a huge, exciting Summer Bucket List next month. So, prepare yourselves for that.

Instead, I've created a list of things I'd like to do/accomplish in May. A lot of my favorite bloggers do these monthly checklists, so I figured I'd give it a go. At the end of the month, I'll recap and see what I actually did.

+ Do some spring cleaning around the apartment. - Complete!
+ Celebrate Cinco de Mayo somehow. - Complete!
+ Buy a new dress and/or bathing suit. - Complete!
+ Go to a baseball game.
+ Do 20 miles on the treadmill. Gotta start somewhere, right?
+ Attend the Indy 500 and/or events surrounding it. - Complete!
+ Make a crockpot dinner.
+ Finish The Wire. - Complete!
+ Finish The Night Circus and start Gone Girl. - Complete!
+ Try a new restaurant in Indianapolis or Cincinnati. - Complete!
+ Get my hair cut.
+ Clean out and vacuum my car. - Complete!

It's an exciting life I lead, folks.

Goals for 2014

I'm really not big on resolutions, as they make me feel awful when I inevitably quit them. I am, however, big on lists and self-improvement, so I think I'll make a short list of things I'd like to work on in 2014.

1. Soda. I'm not going to stop drinking soda altogether. I'm not sure I physically can (nor do I want to), but I am going to make a conscious effort to drink more water.

2. Work out. Again, I'm not going to set any concrete rules for myself, but I'd like to get some kind of physical activity in 3-5 times a week. Unfortunately, I don't belong to a gym in Ohio anymore, so I'm kind of suspending this goal until I get back to Indianapolis.

3. Land a full-time job. I would really love to find a gig in sports writing, but at this point, beggars can't be choosers. I'd like to just find something stable that helps me pay my portion of the rent and pay my student loans back.

4. Read. I haven't read nearly as much as I'd like to in recent years (I blame school), so I'm going to join an online book club to get me started. Any suggestions?

5. Cook. I don't mean I want to become an expert in the kitchen, but I would like to find some new recipes and cut down on eating out this year.

What are your resolutions or goals for the coming year?

Since we're talking about the New Year, here are some pictures from my New Year's Eve at TJ and Tasha's wonderful engagement party.

Injuries were suffered during an intense game of Spoons.

Candid love shot.

Incredible skinny arm pose from Eric.

That one time when a gingerbread house taught me a lesson...

I promise this blog won't always be used as a vehicle to list happy thoughts, recap weekends, and hold me accountable to bucket lists, but I do have some more winter progress to report.

Friday night, I watched the Pacers beat the Bobcats and improve their record to an NBA-best 20-3. Ridiculous.

Saturday, Wheat and I headed downtown for City Sidewalks, a Christmas festival held on Georgia Street. Unfortunately, it was cold and drizzling rain, so many of the vendors didn't show up and we didn't exactly feel like casually strolling through the booths. We did, however, enjoy looking at all the Christmas trees set up along the street and the live nativity outside of St. John's.

Wheat with the Pacers' tree. Me with the Colts' tree.

Spoiler alert: That's a fake baby Jesus.

In an effort to escape the cold, we had dinner at Johnny Rocket's and walked around the mall for a bit before leaving for Pan Am Plaza. Our original reason for attending the festival was the promise of free ice skating, but when we got there, there was over an hour-long wait and half the line was outside. Instead, much to Wheat's horror, we opted to get our picture taken with Santa himself. I'll post it here when it's online.

Sunday, before the Bengals' implosion game, we decided to build and decorate a gingerbread house. I had never done it before and I'm here to tell you - it is frustrating. Maybe I'm a perfectionist (okay, I'm definitely a perfectionist), maybe I have little patience (I definitely struggle with patience), but there was a distinct moment when trying to apply green fondant to the door that I contemplated smashing our little masterpiece and stuffing the roof in my mouth.

Such focus.

Luckily, I had Wheat there to talk me off the proverbial ledge (as usual) and coax me into putting icing icicles on the gutters instead. 20 minutes later, we had this to show for our hard work.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is supposed to be a snowman.

Hours later, as we sat on the couch watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas, I couldn't help admiring our sugary little domicile and thinking about how perfectly it mirrors our apartment and life together.

As was the case with our tiny gingerbread house from Target, our apartment has slowly developed from a combination of several things: my borderline-OCD perfectionism and Wheat's loving patience, my constant need to clean and his desire to have a place that feels comfortable, my meaningless meltdowns and his remarkable ability to soothe me while putting it all in perspective.

While staring at our little creation, I realized something. Over the last few months, the perfect combination of our imperfect personalities has created a place that just feels right to me. With my constant scrubbing and sweeping, I've been building a house, but Wheat, with his nightly dances, serenades, and kisses, has been creating a home...and as I held his hand and looked at my carefully piped icicles and his whimsical candy windowsills, I could clearly see both.

...I just wish our apartment had the same smell as the gingerbread house. I'm looking at you, smelly neighbors.

Mixed feelings football and Winter Bucket List.

Somehow, I survived the first big snowstorm of winter and the travesty of Saturday night's Big Ten Championship game this weekend. The game was here in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. I didn't have tickets (which in hindsight was probably a blessing), but we hosted a good friend from high school and his two college buddies for the night. I made some delicious Ohio State-themed cookies and Wheat tried to soothe me as I thrashed around during the game. I'll be considerably less interested in the national championship game now, but here's to next season, Buckeye nation.

In better news, the Bengals beat the Colts yesterday and, as a Cincinnati transplant in Indianapolis, I didn't exactly hide my excitement. WHO-DEY?! Also, due to bad weather, the Cyclones game was canceled on Friday, so I had an extra night at home with Wheat!

The view from our bedroom window. Not bad.

Wheat and I also made some small moves on the Winter Bucket List this weekend. Before the game on Saturday, we made snow cream (Click here for the recipe). He had never heard of it, so I was excited to share it with him! It tastes just like a vanilla Frosty with a slushier consistency. Delicious. The best news? We have a huge bowl of it left in our freezer.

Collecting only WHITE snow...

Yum. Do it.

I also sent out our Christmas cards...and by Christmas cards, I mean a Christmas-type card printed at home on card stock. It's the thought that counts, right? Mostly, I'm just excited to have a reason to send out Christmas cards this year. He melts my heart.

Want one? Send me your address.

Maybe next year I'll splurge on photo paper...

Winter Bucket List

I'm not usually one to brag, but I'm pretty proud of the progress I made on my Fall Bucket List. I actually accomplished ten of the 12 goals I set for the season (Click here for the list). I know that winter doesn't technically start until December 21st, but let's be real here. The high for tomorrow is 21º. The high. We also just got two inches of snow last night with more on the way. In my book, that means winter has arrived.

My backyard in 2012

So, in an effort to torture my compliant boyfriend to help me through the grueling winter months, I've decided to create a Winter Bucket List.

- Decorate Christmas cookies
- Build a snowman
- Build a gingerbread house
- Go sledding
- Drink hot chocolate with a candy cane
- See a Christmas play, musical, show, or ballet
- Watch It's a Wonderful Life
- Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Take pictures in the snow
- Take a drive to look at Christmas lights
- Have a gift exchange with friends
- Send out Christmas cards
- Go to an NHL game
- Make snow cream
- Bake cookies for others
- Kiss Wheat at midnight on New Year's Eve

Of course, I have no control over the requisite snowfall, so my fingers are crossed.

Do you have any winter traditions?
Did I leave anything off the list?
What must YOU do this season?

Fall Bucket List

As I've already mentioned, it's every single girl's my favorite time of year. The only thing I dislike about October is that it only has 31 days. Every year, I blink and it's over before I can accomplish all the things I want to do.

I'm not sure what it means that corn reminds me of home.

This year, in a desperate effort to achieve all my goals (and torture Wheat in the sweetest way possible), I've created a Fall Bucket List. Hopefully, it will hold me accountable and motivate me to fill lazy Sundays with something other than sleep and a Friday Night Lights marathon.

- Do a corn maze.
- Visit a pumpkin patch and carve a pumpkin.
- Drink apple cider and eat apple fritters. - Iron's Fruit Farm for the win!
- Go on a haunted trail or hayride.
- Dress up for Halloween.
- Eat pumpkin pie. - It comes as no personal surprise that this is the first thing I've done on this list. Whipped cream and french vanilla ice cream were included.
- Go to a football game. - Even better, Bengals won, 41-20!
- Bake something pumpkin (bread, muffins, cupcakes, etc.).
- Watch a scary movie. - Evil Dead.
- Sit around a campfire and roast a s'more.
- Hike outside with the leaves changing.
- Eat chili and cornbread.

Mommles in the most sincere pumpkin patch.

What are you doing this month to get FALL FESTIVE?

Crushing my Bucket List...

I did some serious work on my Summer Bucket List this weekend.

Friday, Jenn and I went to the Reds game against the Rockies. Despite coming into the game on a six-game win streak, the Reds lost, 6-3. I blame myself. As always, the game was a blast. There is nothing better than sitting in the nosebleeds, watching the game and the boats on the Ohio River.

It was also Fireworks Friday, so I got to cross another thing off my bucket list. Every Friday at home, the Rozzis put on an awesome firework display set to music following the game. The theme was 'American' music for Memorial Day and, like I said, there's nothing quite like watching fireworks illuminate the ballpark and the river. I love my city.


Sunday, I knocked another thing off my bucket list when I went to Taste of Cincinnati with Jenn, Morgan, Sib, and Shaska. Taste of Cincinnati is the longest-running (and one of the biggest) culinary arts festivals in the country. This year, forty local restaurants set up booths selling their best dishes - all for under $5. I had a pulled pork sandwich from City Barbeque and BBQ chicken macaroni & cheese from Keystone Bar & Grill. I also tried a deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich from Strasse Haus. If loving it was wrong, then I don't want to be right.

Despite the scorching 90º+ heat, we had a great time until we had to say goodbye to Morgan. She left on Monday for her training for Teach for America. She'll be in Phoenix for over a month and then she'll be teaching in Indianapolis. If all goes as planned, I'll be in Indianapolis in the fall, too. In the meantime, I'll miss her a ton, but I know she'll do great and I'm so excited for her!

Then, tonight was my favorite night of the year: Dave Matthews Band at Riverbend.

We missed most of the opening band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and couldn't find anyone in the lawn, so we hunkered down in some lawn chairs and enjoyed the majesty that is DAVE. The weather was perfect, the music was perfect. Here was the setlist:

Sweet
You Never Know
You Might Die Trying
Rhyme and Reason
Granny
Why I Am
#41
Seven
Mercy
Tripping Billies
A Whiter Shade of Pale (Procol Harum cover)
Gaucho
Jimi Thing - AMAZING
What Would You Say?
Time Bomb
Two Step
----
Squirm
All Along the Watchtower

So, as you can see, it was quite a weekend. At this rate, I'll finish my list next month.

Summer Bucket List.

Every summer at home, I find myself wondering what to do. I love my hometown, but it's not exactly a hot bed of activity. So, after seeing a couple on other blogs, I've decided to make my own Summer Bucket List. Here goes:

1. Go to at least 5 Reds games. (5/25, 6/13, 7/20, 7/21)
2. Tubing or canoeing on the Little Miami.
3. Go to an outdoor concert. (5/29 - Dave Matthews Band at Riverbend)
4. See an Omnimax movie at the Cincinnati Museum Center.
5. Lay out at Caesar's Creek.
6. Watch a fireworks display. (5/25, 7/7, 7/20)
7. Go fruit-picking.
8. Take a road trip.
9. Tie-dye a t-shirt.
10. Spend the day or night in Newport.
11. Visit a farmer's market.
12. Buy ice cream from an ice cream truck. (6/2 - Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bar, baby)
13. Go to a festival or fair. (5/27 - Taste of Cincinnati)
14. Have a picnic outside.
15. See a movie at the drive-in theater.
16. Play putt-putt golf.
17. Visit the National Museum of the US Air Force.
18. See The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Esquire Theater.
19. Tour the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield.
20. See a show at La Comedia Dinner Theater.
21. Get dinner at Montgomery Inn.
22. Make and eat a s'more. (7/11)
23. Visit Krohn Conservatory.
24. See a Columbus Crew game.
25. Slip and slide.

When I do something, I'll bold it and add the date. What do you want to do this summer?

99 Things

I've seen this list on a few blogs, so I thought I'd do it, too. I wanted to include pictures with more of these, but I'm too lazy to track them down and scan them. You bold the ones you've done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band - Played percussion in middle school band and my housemate Cara and I had a "band." ;)
4. Visited Hawaii

 5. Watched a meteor shower
 - Almost every summer.

 6. Given more than you can afford to charity


 7. Been to Disneyland - Only Disney World.


 8. Climbed a mountain


 9. Held a praying mantis


 10. Sang a solo
 - A few in choir.

 11. Bungee jumped


 12. Visited Paris
 - Fall of 2003.

 13. Watched a lightning storm


 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch


 15. Adopted a child


 16. Had food poisoning
 - That deserves its own blog post.

 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
 - No, I've only seen it. Another good reason to go back to NYC.

 18. Grown your own vegetables - No, but I have a blueberry plant.


 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - Too crowded. Overrated.


 20. Slept on an overnight train


 21. Had a pillow fight


 22. Hitch hiked

 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill


 24. Built a snow fort - How have I not done this?

 25. Held a lamb


 26. Gone skinny dipping


 27. Run a Marathon


 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
 - Too expensive. Reason to go back.

 29. Seen a total eclipse


 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset




31. Hit a home run


 32. Been on a cruise


 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person


 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - Not yet. Spain and Norway, anyone?


 35. Seen an Amish community


 36. Taught yourself a new language

 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied


 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
 - Summer of 2010. Held it up like a champ.



39. Gone rock climbing

 
 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
 - Summer of 2010. Drooled all over him.

 41. Sung karaoke
 - Only twice. "My Heart will Go On" and "Like a Virgin."

 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
 - Can't remember when.

 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant


 44. Visited Africa


 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight


 46. Been transported in an ambulance


 47. Had your portrait painted


 48. Gone deep sea fishing

 
 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person - Summer of 2010.
 Took a secret picture.

 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
 - Fall of 2003. Pretty scary up there.

 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
 - Both.

 52. Kissed in the rain


 53. Played in the mud


 54. Gone to a drive-in theater
 - I went with Jenn on Saturday! We saw The Avengers and 5-Year Engagement.

 55. Been in a movie

 
 56. Visited the Great Wall of China


 57. Started a business


 58. Taken a martial arts class


 59. Visited Russia
 - I want to more than anything.

 60. Served at a soup kitchen


 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies


 62. Gone whale watching
 - Twice. Once in Seattle (saw tons), once last year in San Diego (saw none).

 63. Got flowers for no reason


 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - I'm such a wuss.


 65. Gone sky diving


 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - On my bucket list.

 67. Bounced a check


 68. Flown in a helicopter
 - Never again.

 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy - The real question is, "Have I ever thrown a childhood toy away?"


 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial - Multiple times.

 


71. Eaten Caviar


 72. Pieced a quilt


 73. Stood in Times Square
 - Multiple times. Never gets old. Especially with Chipotle in hand.



74. Toured the Everglades


 75. Been fired from a job


 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London


 77. Broken a bone


 78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle


 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person


 80. Published a book - Had a poem published in a book. Does that count?


 81. Visited the Vatican
 - Summer of 2010.

 82. Bought a brand new car
 - Not with my own money.

 83. Walked in Jerusalem


 84. Had your picture in the newspaper

 85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve


 86. Visited the White House


 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating


 88. Had chickenpox


 89. Saved someone’s life


 90. Sat on a jury


 91. Met someone famous - Define 'met.'

 
 92. Joined a book club


 93. Got a tattoo


 94. Had a baby


 95. Seen the Alamo in person


 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
 - I've been there, but didn't swim in it.

 97. Been involved in a law suit


 98. Owned a cell phone - Against my 
will.

 99. Been stung by a bee - I don't remember it. I was a baby.

Do it.