Count Down to BDay 2014

Every year I get to see a Birthday is a blessing,I embrace getting older. I believe it is a gift and a privilege. We don't all get the same amount of time and the next day is never promised. With that said, I choose to treat each Birthday as a holiday. The main day is the most important but I plan small celebrations or activities throughout the month. My birthday is October 30th and I will be thirty-three this year. This Thursday I am not certain what I will be doing but if I wake up that morning I will be grateful. If I am blessed to see the weekend, I will continue the celebration. For now, I want to share with you some of the things I have been up to this month as part of my celebration.


Hakuna Matata

I have wanted to see The Lion King on Broadway for as long as it has existed. People who'd seen it before me told me about the beautiful costumes and how I would really love and appreciate it because I am an artist and designer. When I heard it was coming to Columbus, I knew I had to go see it. I told my mom that I wanted tickets for my birthday and the rest is history. I saw the show two weeks ago with my nephew. I was overwhelmed by the presentation. It was so intense and visually stunning. It was far more than I anticipated even after the feedback I got from those who attended previously. I was overwhelmed by the colorful cast and the positive homage to the continent in which the story takes place, Africa. I also really appreciated how the production managed to use so much of the beautiful and historic Ohio Theatre. There were characters in the balconies and walking down the aisles. I am a fan!! I will see it again in the future.The production leaves Columbus November 9th. There are still tickets left for the Columbus presentations. If you can't make it before then, they return to Ohio next year on March 31, at the Aronoff Center for the Arts in Cincinnati. For the rest of the tour stops visit The Lion King website.

Breakfast With Nick

Saturday morning I spent 3.5 hours with Dr.Breakfast. Nick Dekker is a Columbus, Ohio blogger and author of both the blog and book titled 'Breakfast with Nick'. I have been following his blog for some time now and recently purchased his book after first checking it out at the library. So when I learned that Dr. Breakfast and Columbus Food Adventures were teaming up for a Breakfast Tour, I was elated. The first tour was October 18th and filled up faster than I could get signed up. CFA has a passport program that rewards loyal customers with a free tour after collecting four stamps from purchased tours.I got my passports mailed out in time to be the last participant on the second tour. By then, the kinks had been worked out and I am sure the pressure was greatly reduced for Nick. He was very informative and by far the friendliest guide I have had during a CFA tour. Obviously, they are all friendly, after all, this was my fifth tour.

I have done a tour at the end of October for the last three years. Last year I did two. I have done the German Village and Short North walking tours, the Dessert Tour and the Taco Truck tour but this was by far my favorite tour. There is something very special about getting a tour of great breakfast spots by Dr. Breakfast himself. I admit, I am a fan. The tour gives his readers the opportunity to actually break bread with the man himself. He is easy going and makes it very comfortable to ask questions. He comes across believable and trustworthy. His choices in stops were brilliant, offering variety and food selections that were rare and special. For the brunch lovers, we got to indulge in two small plates; a chicken and waffle along with a mini pancake with maple pulled pork. At the same spot we also got a small Bloody Mary that we whipped up ourselves from the Bloody Mary bar. Ethyl and Tank, the brunch spot was the only place I had not been. Some of the other stops included Buckeye Donuts where we got to sample various donuts and listened to owner Jimmy's stories of famous patrons such as music legend, The Ol'So Fabulous Prince. Other offerings from the five tour stops were a 'Buckeye Pancake', a pancake with chocolate and peanut butter, a gravy covered piece of work called a 'Gut Buster', a Latin dish with chorizo and tortillas and a  'Doughssant'. The Doughssant, also known to some as the Cronut has been offered through the Auddino family in Columbus/Hillard for twenty years. You can find the 'Doughssant' at Auddino's Bakery & Cafe. I left the tour feeling full but not uncomfortable. I had to follow the tour with a long walk through the Short North.

The Zombie Escape

Occasionally I come across an activity in the city that blows my mind. I was browsing Experience Columbus when I found Room Escape Adventures and the 'Trapped in a Room with a Zombie' show. Lately all we have heard from doctors is how we need to pay more attention to our brain. It has been suggested to maintain a healthy brain and memory that our brain needs exercise.  This show is definitely a good way to do that. You are locked in a room for an hour with a zombie chained to a piece of furniture. You are forced to think through riddles and look for clues all while the zombie is trying to get you. The chain is released a foot every five minutes, so the zombie is getting closer and closer to you as time goes on. Teamwork is very necessary whether you know the people you are working with or not. Of all the cities where this company operates the show which includes big cities like: Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta, only 32% of the groups participating have won. Luckily we were among that percentile, escaping with just under two minutes left of the hour. 

I found the show to be amusing and challenging. I was able to offer some assistance during the game but found myself stuck many times. At the end the host will answer any questions you have and give you a run down of the highlights of your game. He announces a MVP and the people who helped the game along. I was happy to hear my name in the credits even though I knew what I'd done. Everyone loves a pat on the back.  This was something unique and interesting to do. They have been doing this show since February of this year but if you are looking for something fun to do for Halloween, there are still tickets left. However, there is no rush, you can also schedule for a show up until December. Should you go, look for my group photo. If you beat the game, you are added to the 'Wall of Fame'.

image courtesy of savvycities.com

The older I get, the less I want things. I have come to value experiences more. This year I have made sure to do things that I have always wanted to do and expose myself to a plethora of new experiences. That is what this blog is supposed to be about. I hope that you have enjoyed my entries so far this year. I have been inspired by so many people in my life, I hope that I have projected that same inspiration onto you as well. 

I would love to know!
What do you do special for your birthday? 
Or
What are your birthday plans for your next birthday?

Until Next Time,
Be Blessed! Be Free!BE Adventurous!
Kris, 

The Cure To Boredom Fall/Winter 2014

Adventure To Do List Fall/Winter 2014

It's that time again!  It is time for a new adventure list for Fall/Winter. This past April I decided to do a seasonal adventure list for every six months.The list is my cure to boredom. The list is compiled of things I want to experience this season and as I cross something off  I will share it with you. I will share information about the experience, my photos and my revelations as I did last season. Here is my adventure list for Fall/Winter 2014. 

The Bridge to Beauty: A photo I took while hiking in Hocking Hills. 10/12/14

My 'Adventure To Do List' is in no particular order. 

1.  Go Snow Tubing

2.  Build a fabulous snow-woman (completed  3/1/15)

3.  Go on a Columbus Brew Adventures Tour
 (any one of them)

4.  Take a scenic train ride

5.  Visit the A Christmas Story House & Museum

6.  Take a nature walk at least once a month

7.  See the Lion King Broadway Musical
(completed 10/11/14)

8.  Check out three new restaurants from 'Eating Your Way Across Ohio'

9.  Learn the art of Upholstery

10. Get comfortable driving 

( I am almost 33 without a license!)

If you haven't created an adventure list before, start one today. See how many things you can experience this season. I have read in many sources including Forbes that when you write things down, you are more likely to do them. If money is an issue with your to do list, there are discounts all over the place through services like Groupon and Living Social that help make some of these things more feasible. So start your list and enjoy the season!

For my last list click here.

Share! What is on your list? I would love to know. Maybe you will inspire me to add more to my list.

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable! 
 Be adventurous!
Kris,

My Cure To Boredom List From the Rearview (Spring/Summer 2014)

Spring/Summer 2014

In The Rearview

In the beginning of the season I created an 'adventure to do list'. It is a way to get me to focus and plan things that will keep me from ever feeling like I am bored. It also holds me accountable for my own personal growth and happiness by planning intentional activities. It was something that I learned a while ago without realizing what it was exactly. I just recently read something about this in a blog my partner Christina did. Then I saw a documentary called 'Happy' that talked about intentional activities on WOSU TV. It made me proud to know I have been on the right track for some time now. The last thing I knew I would be doing was posting an update of what I actually got accomplished on my list. Again, accountability! So here goes a recap of  what I got to experience. I left the ones I did not accomplish in red and will update them in this post in the future. Seven out of ten is still pretty good.

1.  Go Canoeing (In spite of me not knowing how to swim.)

This was the first thing I knew I needed to do. For two years I have been saying I would go canoeing and before I knew it, it was winter and I'd missed my opportunity. So I made sure to include the activity on my list. It was also something that was a little scary to me and I believe in doing the things that scare you. I was a little nervous the Sunday I decided to go canoeing. I strapped on my life jacket and once I got in the canoe, I had a blast. I am not great at it, I ran into a few logs but at the end, I understood how to correct my mistakes and was steering the canoe. Check!

Me at Hocking Hills Adventures Canoe Livery

2.  Use my Picnic Basket 

I used my picnic basket once this season when I spent the day with my nephew at Slate Run Farm. I did not take any photos. I hope that I can use the basket at least once more before it gets cold and plenty more next summer.
 

3.  Go on the Short North Columbus Food Adventures Tour

My sister came on the dessert tour with me last year for my birthday and expressed interest in the Short North Tour. I decided to treat her to the Short North food tour in August for her birthday. The tour, which is generally on Saturdays was also offered Fridays this summer. We spent the Friday after her birthday restaurant hopping with the tour guide through the Short North which started at The North Market and ended at Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream. I love these tours because it gives you an opportunity to check out restaurants without investing a lot of money on a meal you may not enjoy; though I have never had that problem with the Short North or Columbus Food Adventures. Now that I have crossed this tour off my to do list, they just added two more tours I have to checkout, the Grandview Tour and the Breakfast Tour.

Columbus Food Adventures Short North Tour

4.  Take a ride on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler in Marietta

I will add it to my list next year.

5.  Visit downtown Yellow Springs
  
I'd visited Yellow Springs a few times to go to Young's Jersey Dairy and that was the only place I'd seen in the city. I decided I would make an effort to visit the downtown area after hearing so many good things about it. I enjoyed all of the public art and the little shops. There trees are decorated and you will see a few barefoot people if the weather is nice. The smell of frankincense and marijuana is also very prevalent through the streets. Well, at least it was the day I was there.

Colorful Yellow Springs

6.  See Beyoncé & Jay Z on their On the Run Tour  Cincinatti 6/28

Like many other people, I was at the baseball stadium in Cincinnati rocking to Bey and Jay on June 28th. My long time friend and I drove to Cincy for an overnight to have an epic experience. This was one of the best concerts I have seen and I would have gone to another city to see it again if I had the time. Loved it! Check!

Me at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati

7.  Take a nature walk at least once a month in Ohio's many parks

I wanted to make this a goal so that I would be more active. While I did not complete the goal, I did try very hard. I started strong in May with two nature walks. I did a nature walk in June, July and August. September I did nothing. I could have checked it off but I won't lie to myself. While I was on my best behavior, I took some photos I love. I will share them even if I did not satisfy the goal.

8.  Taste Durian (a fruit from Thailand)

9.  Check five restaurants off my 'Eating Your Way Across Ohio' book

I was really excited about this book when I got it. I love to travel and I love to eat. The book is a great way to do both. When I got the book, I'd already visited 7  restaurants featured. I checked out two restaurants over the winter. As spring started to approach, I made it my mission to check out five more before fall.  I did complete the goal and that brought me to two cities I'd never been to. The goal also brought me back to check out a few restaurants in cities I have frequented but not had the chance to dine until recently.  My favorite meals were at the Old Canal Smoke House and Dock's Beach House, so you will find them among the three food photos I posted.  Don't be surprised  to see this in my next couple lists in the future.

1. The Golden Jersey Inn (Yellow Springs)

2. The Warehouse Steak n' Stein (Coshocton) 

3. Old Canal Smoke House (Chillicothe)

4. Dock's Beach House (Port Clinton)

5. The Longaberger Homestead Restaurant (Frazeysburg)

Dock's Beach House

Old Canal Smoke House BBQ Meal, The Golden Jersey Inn & Mahi Mahi at the Dock's Beach House

The Warehouse Steak n' Stein

10. Go to a Columbus Clippers Game

Huntington Park has been opened a while now and every year since, I have been saying I will go to a game. Finally I made it there. It almost did not happen.  That day it seemed as if the clouds would open and drench us. My hair was frizzing up from the moisture in the air. It was date night , so we said what the heck. While standing in line we were given free tickets from two women who got them free from work. It was meant to be. I had a great time, great hotdog and the weather held up.  I look forward to going to more games next season.

Huntington Park Baseball Stadium

It is a new season so I am creating my list for Fall/Winter 2014-2015. The lists make a big difference in helping me do the things I really want to do. I doubt I would have done what I did this summer without my spring/summer list.  If there are things that you have been wanting to do for a while now, you should create your own list. It can be a seasonal list, monthly list or a list for the year.  Let me know what you think I should add to my winter list. I would also love to hear what you have on your list.

Until Next Time!

Be Blessed! Be Free! Be Adventurous!
Kris,