One day, I'll be a good blogger.

Oy vey.

Life has officially caught up with me, folks...and if I'm being honest, it hasn't all been good. I'll spare you the unfortunate details - because some of it isn't mine to share - but I've had a rough go of it lately. One thing I will share is that we lost my amazing Nana on July 11th, less than seven months after my Grandmom passed away. Understandably, going from having three grandparents to one in such a short period of time has been pretty awful. Both sides of my family are still reeling from the loss(es) and it's been a struggle to grieve so far away from them.

But true to form, I've been doing my absolute best to distract myself from the sadness and stress that have recently been threatening to overtake my psyche. I have filled Wheat's "off-season" calendar to the brim with plans and activities, trips and concerts, and basically anything outside of our apartment. We recently returned from a long weekend in Washington D.C., which I'll recap in another post, and have a big trip to Spain coming up next month.

Rather than write detailed posts about our recent fun, I'll let Instagram do the heavy lifting. I'm too tired to do it all myself.

//We spent an awesome weekend in Oxford as a reunion with my best friends from college. We hung out by the pool, ate at some of our favorite college haunts, and danced at Brick Street like it was 2010. I'll take any opportunity I can to drool over that gorgeous campus.

//We celebrated the 4th of July twice - once in Ohio with family, friends, and fireworks and again in Indianapolis. It was the best of both worlds because we watched fireworks explode over our adopted city skyline and the canal, but also got to hang out with my favorite little human.

//So many concerts. If there is one thing I've brought to Wheat's life, it is undoubtedly the gift of live music. In the last couple months, we've seen Third Eye Blind with Silversun Pickups (with Jenn and Paul), New Kids on the Block with Boyz II Men and Paula Abdul, Goo Goo Dolls with Phillip Phillips, The Chainsmokers with Pretty Lights and DNCE at 400 Fest, and Dashboard Confessional with The All-American Rejects. Oh yeah, and we met Ludacris at Indiana Grand Casino.

//We went to our first NASCAR race, the Brickyard 400. After an extended rain delay, we decided to leave early, so we didn't actually see Kasey Kahne cross the bricks first. Pro tip from a complete amateur: Bring earplugs to your next NASCAR event.

//Wheat celebrated his 29th birthday at The Oceanaire Seafood Room, where my personal highlight was a flaming Baked Alaska. I also took him to the Beach Waterpark for the first time because although he absolutely hates roller coasters, this boy can get down with some water slides. We even lucked into a couple free tickets for the zipline that goes over the massive wave pool.

//We spent a weekend in Memphis to visit with Wheat's parents and grandparents. As always, it was wonderful to see them and frankly, I'm on board with Memphis barbecue whenever possible.

That's not an exhaustive list, of course. We've explored both the Marion County and Indiana State fairs, where we ate ALL the fried foods (including a deep-fried PB&J), watched pig races and dog frisbee shows, and rode a 35-foot-high ski lift across the length of the fairgrounds. We've gone hiking at Fort Harrison State Park, screamed at Game of Thrones, and rolled our eyes when Rachel chose Bryan on The Bachelorette. We went to a minor league baseball game, loved Dunkirk and Baby Driver, ate at a heavy metal-themed burger joint, and played trivia. Best of all, Elizabeth asked me to be a bridesmaid in her (and my brother's) wedding.

So yeah, I'm exhausted. Mentally and physically. The good news? Tomorrow is Friday.

You're winning, 2015.

Unsurprisingly, this first week of January has been an absolute whirlwind. Between the engagement announcement and the overwhelming flood of supportive phone calls, texts, and emails, we've been drowning in love. I'd liken this type of drowning to the way I'd feel if I suddenly found myself in a vat of guacamole. In other words, pretty darn happy and craving tortilla chips.

The over-the-moon happiness extended into New Year's Day when my beloved Buckeyes beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, 42-35. I told Wheat, a pure SEC elitist at heart, that Ohio State sealed the victory when he proposed to me...and he promptly called off the engagement. I'm kidding, of course, but he might actually consider it when he sees how I behave during the National Championship Game.

On Friday, the girls of Central Perk (minus Cara) had our fifth annual gift exchange, this year at Sarah's place in Dayton. As always, it was glorious to reunite with my lovely friends, eat delicious food, catch up on each others' lives, and trade presents. I ended up with a pretty calendar, a 'God Bless This Home' tea light set, a kitchen towel set printed with asparagus, salt and pepper shakers in the shape of asparagus, and a Chris Long figurine. The best news? I found out my housemate Lindsey also got engaged in December!

Saturday, Mommles made her way to Indianapolis for a visit. We walked down the foggy, frozen canal to try Burgerhaus for the first time and I must say - I regret nothing. I tried the Monaco, a burger with cheddar cheese, sauteed mushrooms and onions, avocado, arugula, and wine mayo on a pretzel bun, and the sweet potato fries. It tastes as good as it sounds. We split the parmesan artichoke dip and I single-handedly took down half of it. Oops. The atmosphere was great and I can't wait to go back in the spring.

On a whim, we decided to buy tickets for the Bengals vs. Colts playoff game at Lucas Oil the next day. In a few words, it was rough. The Bengals lost, 26-10, eliminating them in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. We still had a great time repping our Cincinnati gear in our new city. We walked to the game, ate hot dogs, watched a bald eagle fly across the stadium during the national anthem, and sang the Cincinnati fight song after our first and only touchdown of the game. Mike Nugent made a 57-yard field goal. I was surprised how many Bengals fans made the drive, but it was nice to leave in good company. See you next year, fellow masochists. Who-Dey?!

After the game, we hurried back to our apartment so Mommles and I could get to Mimosa and a Masterpiece on time. The studio, which is located on dreamy Mass Ave, was so warm and inviting, but Mommles still wanted some 'liquid courage' before we got to work. We strapped on our aprons, ordered drinks, and followed along stroke-by-stroke as our enthusiastic instructor taught us how to paint the Indianapolis skyline from the canal. Despite a couple minor panic attacks, two tired right arms, 20 paint-spattered fingers, and a stiff neck, our finished products weren't too shabby. It was a fun, laidback atmosphere with great music and lots of help when you needed it. I'll definitely be back, but the verdict is still out on whether or not I can force Wheat to accompany me.

Which one do you like better?

Let's just make it through the work week, so we can wake up on Saturday and pretend it's still holiday break. Sound good? Okay.

Roughing It for the Weekend

Despite the constant threat of rain, the bulk of Derailed ventured to Hueston Woods State Park this weekend for our first group camping adventure. Of course, the trip also served as the perfect excuse for us to spend time in our old stomping grounds, Oxford.

We spent most of Friday night catching up, setting up shop, and sitting around the bonfire. For the first time in ages, I had absolutely no cell service or access to a computer and it was just what I needed. Quality time with some of my best friends was an amazing source of comfort for my battered heart. The s'mores might have helped a little, too.

The next afternoon, we spent a little time around the site before venturing to Oxford for lunch. First, we stopped at the new, gorgeous Armstrong Student Center. We took pictures, scoped out the dining options and meditation room, and felt insanely proud of our alma mater.

Next, we made a pitstop at Upham Arch for some kissing pictures. Sorry I'm not sorry.

We had lunch at my favorite food spot in Oxford, Mac & Joe's. For once, I actually skipped the mac & cheese bites, but the chicken tacos made up for it. Also, Eric and CJ let me have one, so win-win.

After lunch, we went back to the campsite to relax for a bit. Wheat left to cover the last home regular-season game for the Fever and Paul showed up with their adorable dog, Mattie. Then, it started to rain. Although Eric got pretty creative with the placement of some umbrellas in the trees, CJ, TJ, Tasha, and I decided to escape the rain by checking out the lodge. With its indoor and outdoor pools, downstairs bar, arcade, and activities for guests, the lodge made us really second-guess our choice to camp this year.

While playing some games at the arcade, I got a call that my awesome parents had shown up at the site to surprise me. They met us at the lodge to get my mom out of the rain, but when it stopped, we all headed back to talk and hunt for acorns. It meant the world to me that they wanted to make the drive to see me for a couple hours and it did wonders for my heart to see them, however briefly.

For dinner, we went to Krishna for my first real Indian food experience. After Tasha graciously explained the menu to me, I ordered the chicken tikka masala and a side of naan. Amazing.

We spent a couple more hours uptown, split between the outdoor patio of Skipper's and the sticky floors of Brick Street. It was a rude awakening for us when we realized we were ready to head home before the DJ even arrived. Yikes.

The next morning was spent packing up wet camping gear, eating brunch at Patterson's, and hugging each other goodbye. Fortunately, I have plans in the near future to see them all again and I'm already counting down the minutes.

Before heading back to Indy, I wanted to show Wheat the lodge the basketball arcade game. We spent more money than I care to admit on the games, then went to the Nature Center to see the amazing animals and birds indigenous to the area, including a cougar, a rattlesnake, a couple owls, and a bald eagle. My favorite animal, however, was the box turtle we moved off the road on the way to the center.

I wish so much that weekends like this would last forever. Days of kiddie pools, the perfect combination of purple and yellow flowers, jaywalking on familiar brick streets. Nights of bonfire smoke, distant music, clear star constellations, and the kind of connection that you probably won't find again. Moments like these propel me forward, no matter how rough it gets, and remind me that more happiness is to come.

A wedding, mac & cheese bites, and some weird football.

Thanks to the Cyclones' recent schedule, I've spent the last week at home and it's been absolutely wonderful. Aside from spending time with my family, I also got to see one of dearest friends (and former college housemates) get married on Saturday. It was an afternoon wedding with a brunch reception and it was absolutely perfect. The decorations, the music, everything was so beautiful and so fitting for her. It was nice to see and catch up with most of my housemates again (they live all over the place now). Sarah looked absolutely gorgeous and I couldn't be happier for the newlyweds.

So very happy for them.

The original Central Perk crew minus Cara.

After the wedding, Wheat and I headed to Oxford so I could show him my beloved alma mater. We walked around on campus, scoped out the new buildings, and had dinner at Mac & Joe's. Mac & Cheese Bites - HOLLA! I wish more than anything that we could have gone to the Miami hockey game, but Wheat had to work an away game that night, so we headed home early.

Sunday, my parents surprised me with an early birthday present: Bengals vs. Browns tickets! So, Wheat and I headed down to Paul Brown Stadium, camera and ponchos in hand. Aside from the downpour in the third quarter, the game was perfect. Our seats were right on the 50-yard line and the Bengals won, 41-20. We also got to witness some of the most bizarre football I've ever seen, including a deflected punt, a blocked punt for a touchdown, a forced fumble (that resulted in a touchdown) by Vontaze Burfict, and the coolest kick/interception by James Harrison. We also saw wide receiver Mohamed Sanu throw a perfect pass to Giovani Bernard. Weirdest game ever.

Just a little rainy.

Hear that Bengal growlin'...

Can I get a Who-Dey?!

We also witnessed history because the 31 points the Bengals scored in the second quarter set a new franchise record for most points scored in a quarter. Woo!

Wheat decided to stay the night and drive home on Monday morning, so we ate dinner and watched The Walking Dead with my family - a perfect end to a wonderful weekend.

Man Meat Monday #10: Part 3

I had every intention of writing about the California part of my vacation today, but then fate intervened. Well, a combination of fate, Twitter, and my supreme stalking skills.

Last night was one of those rare nights when you wake up the next morning and think, "Really? That could not have actually happened."

Yesterday morning, the Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) tweeted that they were practicing and doing "team-building exercises" in Oxford, home of my alma mater Miami University. They also mentioned they had another practice at Goggin today. After not too much convincing, Jenn agreed to go with me (because when doesn't she want to be at Miami?).


Picture courtesy of the Columbus Blue Jackets

When we got there, we picked up CJ and headed straight to Brick Street - the place to be any day of the week in Oxford. Mondays at Brick Street happen to be karaoke night. Jenn went to dinner with a co-worker while CJ and I caught up. About an hour into our conversation, the Columbus Blue Jackets, in their entirety, walked in the front door and filed upstairs to SkyBox. I couldn't help but notice that Rick Nash was fulfilling my lumberjack fantasies by wearing a flannel button-up. After stuffing my tongue back in my mouth and wiping the drool off the table, CJ and I continued our conversation.

However, I kept a close watch on SkyBox. I couldn't see any of the players (they were sitting at the bar in the back), but I could see a bouncer at the top of the stairs. Over the course of an hour, I watched him systematically turn away almost every group of students who tried to enter SkyBox with the exception of three: One large group of guys and two small groups of stereotypical, pretty Miami girls.

After a bit, Jenn joined us at Brick Street. Being the amazing best friends they are, it didn't take long for Jenn and CJ to notice my anxiety. I was torn between my overwhelming desire to sprint upstairs and the absolute terror of being denied entry by the bouncer. After thinking about it for a minute, I realized that I will probably never be in the same bar with an entire NHL team ever again.

As one could only assume, the motivational speech from Miracle came to mind: "Great moments are born from great opportunity. That's what I have here tonight. That's what I've earned here tonight."

So, after a quick test-run by Jenn and CJ (did I mention how much I love them?), we ventured upstairs, right past the bouncer, like we belonged there. Mission accomplished. Once we reached our post, I scanned my surroundings and nearly passed out. SkyBox was full of the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Miami hockey team (currently ranked #1 by USA Today and USA Hockey Magazine). They were ALL there. Rick Nash was talking to Jeff Carter at the bar. RJ Umberger was talking to someone I don't know. Antoine Vermette was on his phone in the corner. Steve Mason was talking up a group of Miami girls. I was dead.

Jenn and CJ, on the other hand, could not have cared less. They behaved as normal - CJ dancing on tables and Jenn cat-calling and buying shots (which they toasted loudly to "Rick Nashty and Sexy Carter!").

I had my camera, but I was terrified to take pictures. I didn't want to get kicked out of a party that I wasn't really invited to...in front of an entire NHL team. However, at one point, a more than slightly inebriated Steve Mason ventured behind us to turn on a fan. It took him quite awhile to figure it out, so once he did, he gave us all high fives. So, I pounced on the opportunity and said something ultra cool and impressive: "Umm...are you Steve Mason?" He smiled, said yes, shook my hand, and asked my name. He asked CJ if she was a waitress at 45 East, then told her that it must have been her twin. Somehow, Jenn had the presence of mind to capture this on her phone, albeit blurry and dark.


One shot of Patrón, multiple beers, and seven borderline blackouts for me (this might be the only scenario in which the non-drinker is the one blacking out), we deemed it the appropriate time to leave. This may or may not have been because I spotted Rick Nash and Jeff Carter walking downstairs.

So, we made our way outside and sure enough, Rick, Jeff, and five other Blue Jackets were outside. Awkwardly, I handed Jenn my camera because I knew she'd ask for a picture. (She is what I strive to be.) With the confidence of Ryan Gosling strolling into a sorority house, Jenn walked straight up to Rick Nash, clad in his sexy flannel, and asked for a picture. He looked super awkward about it, but obliged.

Jeff Carter offered to take the picture. I looked straight at him and said, "No. I want you in the picture." The rest of the guys laughed (and I felt like a jerk for excluding them). Then, Mr. Carter, possibly in his attempt at humor, looked right at me with a straight face and said, "Oh, I don't play." Clearly, he had no idea who he was dealing with.

I wanted to say, "Yes, you do. You played for the Flyers, so for a few years, I hated you. Then, you got traded to the Blue Jackets and threw a fit." Instead, I went with, "Yes, you do. You're Jeff Carter." He kept a completely straight face, but the rest of the guys laughed. Hard. Unfortunately, he didn't get in the picture.

So, we awkwardly ambled over to the lumberjack of my dreams for a picture taken by Blue Jacket defenseman Aaron Johnson (who had a pretty nasty black eye). After taking the picture, he pretended to throw my camera, laughed hysterically, then asked, "You don't want a picture with big daddy?"


We made our way to the car with me trying to breathe normally and Jenn and CJ laughing and yelling players' names. As we drove away, the Blue Jackets' bus arrived to pick them up for the night.

Ultimately, I decided to forgo the practice at Goggin this morning. I figured nothing could top last night. Plus, I don't want Rick Nash filing a restraining order against me.

Overall, last night was simultaneously awesome and awkward. If it weren't for the encouragement of two of my best friends, I would be punching myself today. How in the world did I get so lucky?

So much green and pink.

This weekend was probably the closest I'll ever come to experiencing The Hangover.

I'm not entirely sure how to explain it. As the (usually) only sober one at gatherings, I'm left with the enjoyable task of vividly remembering and recounting intricate, and often embarrassing, details about my friends from the night before.

This weekend, however, was somewhat different. Instead of waking up with the thought, "I cannot wait to remind them," I woke up thinking, "Wait. Did that actually happen?"

On Wednesday, Jenn and I made our way to Oxford to ensure an early start to our first post-graduate Green Beer Day. For those of you who aren't familiar with GBD: Green Beer Day was a tradition started at Miami University in 1952. Since spring break always coincided with St. Patrick's Day, the students decided to celebrate the holiday on the Thursday before spring break. Over the years, it has become the biggest day of the year at Miami, with bars opening at 5:30 AM, restaurants selling green eggs and ham, numerous arrests and citations, students making and buying hilarious GBD shirts, and often, skipping class or showing up drunk...with green tongues.

Like all good Miami students, we (and CJ) woke up at 4:30 for green jell-o shots and green beer at Brick Street. We watched the sun rise from the dance floor and as the only three people dancing at 7:00 AM, we even got our picture posted on the Middletown Journal's website.

Around 9:00, we went for lunch at BW3's before hunting for George Clooney. Clooney is acting in and directing a new movie, The Ides of March, that shot in Oxford last week. The movie also stars Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, and my personal favorite - Max Minghella. On GBD, scenes were being shot in Hall Auditorium and, being the celebrity whore I am, we searched and searched...but to no avail. I did, however, find the trailers and a campaign bus used in the movie. Clooney is playing Mike Morris, a presidential candidate.

Sib and Morgan met us before Round #2. We went to 45 East and Mac & Joe's for some more green beer. We stopped at Brick Street and the Ying Yang Twins were doing a concert. Hilarious.

Picture taken from the Middletown Journal...because I was getting nowhere near that stage.

After a necessary nap, I woke up for Round #3 - dancing at Stadium.

Thanks to Morgan for the picture!

All in all, it was a successful Green Beer Day. Needless to say, I have absolutely no intentions of growing up and intend on celebrating again next year.

Friday, we had a huge celebration for Jenn's birthday. She rented out a two-floor penthouse suite at the Garfield Inn and Suites. It was incredible. As we waited for everyone to show up, we took pictures, listened to music, played Dance Central, and talked.

Yes, those are Snooki slippers and sunglasses. Yes, that cake does say, "Throw some glitter. Make it rain."

When everyone got there, we headed out to Bartini's for Grindfest 2011. Seriously, I have never been so sore in my life. Four hours, multiple drinks, 70 songs, three shattered glasses, a whip your hair-a-thon, and too many laughs later, we stumbled back to the hotel for food and some desperately-needed sleep. For the sake of everyone's pride and future occupations, I will not post any pictures. Let's just say we won more than Charlie Sheen. This was honestly the most fun I've had since college.

Saturday, everyone managed to wake up, eat breakfast, and leave before check-out time. That night, we went to Stefano's and Lakeside Inn in Middletown for dinner and to catch up with good friends. I may or may not have slept for 14 hours on Sunday.

I love that I can still go to Oxford and feel at home. I love that I can have the time of my life, sitting in a hotel room with my best friends. I love that we can dance for hours and never get bored. I love that we took over the dance floor and had no shame whatsoever. I love that it's possible to pull a muscle during "The Cupid Shuffle." I love that I can sit down and have a great conversation with people I haven't seen in months...but most of all, I absolutely love my amazing friends. Again, so lucky.

Bowl game recap.

Somehow, despite my borderline-debilitating Penguins' fanaticism, I made time to watch my two favorite collegiate football teams compete in their bowl games.

Want some great news? They BOTH won!

On Tuesday, my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Arkansas, 31-26, in quite the nail-biter. Despite the recent scandal surrounding some of our star players (including QB Terrelle Pryor), the boys prevailed in the Sugar Bowl....although, at times in the second half, it seemed they were trying their absolute hardest to give it away. O-H!

Tonight, my alma mater (Miami University) battled Middle Tennessee in the Godaddy.com bowl game in Mobile, Alabama. I felt incredibly proud to watch them win their game, 35-21, and become the only team in FBS football history to go from double-digit losses (1-11 last year) to double-digit wins (10-4 this year) in one year! Love and honor.

...and you thought there would be no hockey talk tonight?

Sid missed tonight's game with a mild concussion. Worse news? He will be out for at least another week. How does this make me feel?

So, in order to distract myself from his horrendous absence, I will focus on how beautiful he is.

Oh captain, my captain...