Random Ramblings

After a long weekend spent back home in Michigan with the fam., I feel refreshed and ready to be back at the office. Either that says something about my job or my parents (just kidding mom and dad!).

Regardless, it was a very relaxing weekend. The weather was beautiful, though a little warm for my taste, especially this time of the year. But the cloudless sky provided the perfect backdrop for a couple photo shoots around small-town America.

(Editor's note: the picture above is from this weekend's shoot. I'm proud to say it's an -A original rather than a Google Image result from keynote "cornfield.")

Some great shots came out of the shoot around MSUs campus as well. Looks like I'll have plenty to share with y'all on this upcoming Photography Fridays. Or, if you just can't wait, go here.

In recent conversations with acquaintances it seems there's a trend of life listing going around. You know, like the Bucket List, only not quite so morbid or depressing. It's really got me thinking about the things I want to accomplish over the coming days, weeks, months, and years. Here's what I've got so far:

1. Go skydiving.
2. Learn the dance to "Time of my life" just like Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze do at the end of Dirty Dancing - and perform in public.


Is it sad that those are the only two items on my "must complete before I kick the bucket" list? What are some of your must dos - in the long or short term?

Some thank yous are in order:

Thanks to Alexa, at Cleveland's a Plum, for thinking of me on Blog Day. I love reading her blog every morning, hearing her tales from around the Cleve. - and I'm honored that she enjoys mine as well.

Thanks to my Dad for trying to teach me how to play golf on Monday. I'll get there some day, dad.

Thanks to Starbucks for providing me a much needed pick up this morning after spending half the night reading the latest paperback in my life.

And of course - thanks to my loyal readers!

Enough with the mushy stuff, it's time to get a move on with this short week. Here's to it being Tuesday when it only feels like Monday.

Cheers!

-A

Home for the holidays

Technically, I went home for the holiday, the 4th of July holiday that is.

Going home is always a treat. Growing up in small town America, I couldn't wait to leave for the big city. And now, having lived in and experienced some of the biggest cities this country has to offer, I can't wait to go back home for a weekend of peace and relaxation (yes, Michigan is still my home as I consider myself still in transition). After a weekend away I often leave feeling rejuvenated from the slow pace of the country but ready to jump right back into city life. However, watching this extended weekend at home come to a close has left me with feelings of home-sickness and longing, the effects of which have been contemplation and inward reflection.

There are so many things I miss about living in rural Michigan, but here's a few that I hope will provide a glimpse into the world where I grew up:

1. The amount of stars that you can see on a clear night. It's incredible.
2. A quick 15 minute trip takes you to the heart of East Lansing and Michigan State University.
3. Michigan State University's campus.
4. A hockey obsessed state - Hockeytown in the D
5. Farms. Everywhere.
6. Seasons at their finest - I've never experienced a true autumn anywhere else
7. My family, of course
8. The friendly faces, smiles and random conversations of Midwesterners
9. Outdoor activities - us country folk play lots of outdoor games like Bocce Ball
10. The lakes
11. Appreciation for cars, especially the American-made classics
12. Men who actually do things with their hands - yes, people actually know how to fix their own car, lawn mower, dish washer...
13. The community - people stick together and support one another when it really matters
14. Strawberry farms, yum!
15. Adam

[Okay, so that last one is specific to me, but every time I go home and spend time with my BFF I come back to the city missing him a little more than before.]

So there you have it, my top 15 reasons, in no particular order, why I love my home state. Of course there are reasons beyond these, as well as reasons to dislike 'home' such as the economy and gas prices, but the pros definitely out weight the cons. Maybe I'm a sap. Or maybe I haven't taken the time to truly appreciate and embrace all that NE Ohio has to offer. Regardless, I miss my home and I heart Michigan. So please, no need to apologize when I tell you where I'm from. I'm quite proud of my roots and fully enjoy my mini vacations in a most tranquil of places.

What are some of the reasons that you miss home?

Cheers!

-A