Girl's Night : Roller SK80s

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that I have been lucky enough to make some truly amazing friendships through blogging. I have a group of girls that I know consider dear friends, and when people as us how we met, we get to say... the internet!

(That conversation is less weird than it used to be, trust me.)

Anyway, this group of girls has a yearly tradition of attending a local party called Roller Sk80s. Which is exactly what it sounds like. A roller skate party dedicated to the great decade that also brought me into the world. (1985 thank you very much.) Usually this event takes place in February around that time my family comes to visit so I haven't been able to attend with my girls. Until....this year!!!!

The theme this year was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. When I told Boomer this involved an explanation that, NO, TMNT is not new. YES, I know all about them. We had to have a very similar conversation about Care Bears and My Little Pony.

A few of the girls wanted to dress up as the turtles, but I had purchased a fully sequined tunic months ago at the sample sale at work and I just HAD to wear it. (Sorry girls) I also couldn't find green leggings to save my life, so there is that.

I stopped over at my mother's for some 80s finery. An awesome belt, so fierce (read huge) earrings, and some advice on makeup. (Bold brows and lots of blush.)

Then it was time to party!

It was a truly epic night.

And even though I had more blush on than I've ever worn in my life...mom told me it still wasn't enough. Oh the 80s.

Moving : 27 Days and Counting

Yes, we are moving again.

In the almost 4 years I've been blogging...I will have moved...3 times.

Once just Boomer and I, then JJ moved in with us, then Boomer and I moved out on our own again. (Yes...my marriage clearly had some ups and downs.)

Now we are moving again. I should be a pro, but the last move was actually almost 2 years ago. 2 years of accumulating stuff. 2 years of routine.

Moving is stressful. First there is the actual decision to move. Which I agonized over for 2 years. Not EVEN kidding.I planned on our 1 bedroom townhouse being a temporary stop in the midst of the divorce. Then Boomer switched schools and my commute went to Hades.  My current commute takes me up to the northern suburb where Boomer attends school, then past my house again to the eastern suburb where I work.

That 42 minutes  quoted by Google? Lies. It takes an hour. Twice a day. So more than an entire workday each week. In my car. They increased my rent again this year, to a price that made it cheaper to just move.  Also....we've been living in a 1 bedroom townhouse for 2 years. We each have separate beds....but share a room. While it was good at first while Boomer was dealing with the split. Momma now absolutely needs her own room. With a door. That shuts. That also locks.

Now, once you decide to move...then you have to chose a new home. OMG. The amount of places I looked at. Then dragged my mother to look at. Then looked at again with Momm and Boomer. It was insane. The places I loved were inevitably expensive. Then the places I though were priced alright I didn't like. I finally picked a place though, that will cut down our commute and that I think we will be happy in.

I know...15 minutes doesn't seem like much, but it adds up, and I won't be fighting as much traffic anymore, so truly this is going to cut my commute almost in half.

Now comes the logistical nightmare part.

Packing. Choosing movers.

I hate to pack everything. Part of me wants to get started and pack ALL THE THINGS. This is not practical because I need things day to day. So I'm trying to weed out all the things that DON'T need to make this move with us...in lieu of packing.

Movers. I now have enough real furniture in my possession that I don't trust the u-haul and friends method of moving. My pretty brand new couch will be moved by licenced, insured movers dang it! Said movers are not cheap.

So that is where we are. A month from D-Day. Oh and moving day?

The day before Boomer's 9th birthday.

Pray Saints.

What I Did This Weekend: May 4, 2015

May the Fourth be With You!

Yes, I know, two weekend recaps back to back Whitney?

Look, I'm blogging more than once in a 6 month period so let's all be really happy about the little things.

Friday -

We were instructed to leave work early by the boss, and when the boss says leave early and the day is as beautiful as it was Friday, you listen.

I drove up to get Boomer from school, and she was super excited about her recent library acquisitions. She's very much my daughter and loves to read graphic novels. Don't ever call them comics; She will get offended. I also managed to snap this pic!

I love this because she even sits like me when she reads. I got a little caught up when we stopped to get gas.....I really wanted to read her new X-Men. So I did. Windows down for about 30 minutes. It was great.

We then headed to mom's because I needed a derby hat! Also....I'm in love with my mom's dog.

Saturday-

I woke up with the beginning of a migraine, but Boomer reeeeeeally wanted to go to a Derby themed birthday party some friends were throwing so I decided to power through. I also went with a completely different hat and outfit.

The party was so cute and fun, no detail was missed down to roses frozen in the ice cubes. There were ponies for the children to ride, Mint Juleps for the adults to drink, and fabulous hats and fashion. This family is known for their themed parties and this one certainly hit the mark!

Unfortunately by the time we were leaving to have Saturday dinner with my mom, my migraine was back in full force. I also made the stupid mistake of eating carrots. (I am allergic). So on the freeway on the way home my body just revolted. Mostly my stomach. It wasn't pretty. I made it my mom's house, and basically died in my old room. There was benadryl and migraine medicine involved....I remember some powerade, but mostly I rolled around moaning, asking Boomer to 'please Jesus turn off the lights'.

Sunday-

Ah, Sunday...the dawning of a new day. I was feeling better and it was Investiture Day for Boomer's church group so I had to pull it together! I ran home with Booms to get changed and presentable and headed to the church. I was SO proud of my girl who earned seven honors/awards along with the pin for her level. She was so proud of herself and I loved what her teacher had to say about her:

When you look at Boomer you think 'Oh, what a little lady!', but this girl is a leader! She will get the rest of her class to do what they need to do. She says, 'hey, let's get this done, let's do this and that!', and they all listen. She is so driven and full of passion!

That is exactly the kind of woman I'm trying to raise. Yes, we are ladies, because MY mother wouldn't have it any other way; but we are so much more that that!

After that we went back to mom's house for a little nap. Then I somehow convinced my family to head to the Spring Columbus Flea with me. I've been wanting to go for awhile and I was glad Mom and Boomer were down with being adventurous with me.

I had so much fun looking through all the cool antiques, and crafts/artisanal goods! I almost took a dresser home with me....but we are moving soon and I'm already storing a mattress in my mother's garage....I don't think I can convince her to store a dresser in there too. No matter how stunning, and perfectly mid century modern it was. Sigh. Anyway, this is what I picked up, a print for the new house and this super cute hair bow for Boomer! Boomer is her mother's daughter though...she fell in love with an antique camera...I'm going to talk to the vendor about finding one for her birthday!

After that we strolled around the campus area, went to Target to price bike's for Boomer's birthday, and headed to Johnny Rockets for chilli cheese fries and milk shakes! Then this song came on and I totally embarassed not only Boomer, but my mother as well. Backstreet for the WIN!!!


That was our weekend, how was yours? Did you guys do anything exciting?

 

What I Did This Weekend : April 29, 2015

Hey All...

I feel like it has been so long since I blogged, I get a pass for doing a weekend recap on Wednesday afternoon.

Glad we are all in agreement.

Let's start with last Friday. It was my bosses last day. She has been a mentor to me for over three years, so to say it was a little emotional is an understatement. Apparently it was a little more draining than I thought, because I went to my mother's house, laid down in my old bed, and when I came too it was 9:30 am the next morning.

Party Animal.

Saturday was a little more exciting. I got to get all dolled up, and go with my best friend to the Season Opener Party for Columbus Cars and Coffee. My close friend from high school created Columbus Cars and Coffee and throws this party every year. It was at the Franklin Park Conservatory and it was a blast. Beautiful exotic cars, body painted models, cigars, high end luxury watches....it was wild.

Excuse the grainy photography....the really nice pictures I stole from my friend Joe. 

If you follow me on instagram you probably saw a few more shots.

If you follow me on snapchat....I'm sorry.

The next day I was required to pull myself all the way together for the baby shower of a friend. All I can say is thank GAWD that shower didn't start until 3pm, because I was a little dead.

How precious is this cake? Her theme was woodlands!

Confession. I had a weird moment of baby fever while at the shower. A colleague at work recently had a baby, and brought him in. I got to hold the baby and watch him while dad went to a meeting....and I got achy ovaries for a second then too.

This was weird for a few reasons. 

A) I have been single now foreeeeeever. So there are no potential fathers in my life.

B) I have told anyone who will listen how much I don't think I'll ever be having another baby.

Anywho...that's what went on this weekend. I've really missed blogging...and I've wanted to get back to this space. I've dipped a toe in the water the past several weeks, reading and commenting on some of my favs around blog land. I just feel like blogging has changed so much these days. Gone are the days where we were reading about each other's lives and really getting to 'know' bloggers. Now it seems like everything is 'pin this' and how tos.  For awhile I didn't have anything to say, and now that I do feel like writing again...I wonder are there still people out there interested in the ramblings of a 29 year old single mom of one?

Hopefully there are, and I'll be doing my best to post at least 2-3 times a week.

#OHBloggers, Digfest, and Father's Day...Oh What a Weekend

I'm BAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK.

Guys. This weekend. It was truly one for the record books. I had so so so so so much fun!

First, my weekend started early, because we have half day Friday's during the summer at my company. So I took little miss to go see Maleficent! The movie was great! The visuals, the costumes, set design....loved it. Nice to be reminded that Angelina is in fact, an actor. Although....the part where she loses her wings was a little...date rapey...and heavy even for me, let alone for my 8 year old.

BOOMER'S EIGHT YOU GUYS!!!! When did that happen!

Saturday I attended the Ohio Blogger meet up organized by Shane and Holly that took place at Zauber Brewing Co, which I will definitely be stopping by again.  Seriously this C-Boss drink was amazing!

This #OHBloggers meet up was fantastic. I got to meet so many new people and finally meet some folks in real life. Like this girl.

I love love love Erin's blog. I also love love love her and her husbands Sallie and Perkins student loan payoff series. I have a stupid amount of loans as we have talked about HERE, so anyone who talks about that in a real way appeals to me. Turns out she is super fun and such a sweetie in person! (Not a huge surprise there.)

Morgan, Amanda,  Kathy and Moi

I met Amanda, the lovely lady behind Girl About Columbus, whose instagram it turns out, I stalk. A lot. She's awesome.  Rachel, the lady behind The Rachel Way informed me via twitter that I was her new girl crush, which I'm not gonna lie pretty much made my whole Saturday. I met so so many amazing ladies, I'll try to put together a comprehensive list of the Ohio ladies so you can check out their blogs too!

We transitioned to Digfest after. Digfest is a local festival that takes place in Grandview (another adorable Columbus neighborhood) where they have local beers, wines, and spirits along with food and live music. I'm really making an effort to get out there and experience more of all the wonderful things this city has to offer. Now that I've connected with all these amazing, tapped in bloggers I don't think I'll have a problem in that area!

Holly, Katya, Jacqueline, Shane and Amanda 

Sunday...I nursed my hangover, which after 25 are NO joke.

 Once I recovered I hopped over to my mother's roof for her semi annual gutter clean out. I have been doing it for years, because I actually like climbing up there and I'm cheap labor.

Then we took JJ to his 4th annual Bj's Brewhouse Father's Day/Birthday dinner.

He and Boomer seriously crack me up!

To sum it up, my weekend was fantastic. I feel re-energized and ready to jump back into this here blog...and just life in general. Guys the funk may FINALLY be over! Just in time to enjoy an awesome summer!

...And We Won't Stop....We Can't Stop

Hi All

I realized this morning, as I lay in bed after pressing snooze for the 8th time, that the next 7 days are going to be intense.

Saturday 12/14
 Company Christmas Party Extravaganza- we went last year, its pretty epic and Boomer LOVED it.
Sunday 12/15
 Cookie exchange and get together with local friends.
Monday 12/16
 Work and then teaching voice after work.
Tuesday 12/17
 Work and then alumni association meeting in the evening.
Wednesday 12/18
 Work and Blogger friends holiday meetup!
Thursday 12/19
 Work, and then department holiday dinner.
Friday 12/20
 No work, Boomer half day of school, and taking Momm to hospital for out patient procedure.

Whew!

Did I mention that I haven't bought a single Christmas present for anyone yet? Or that our tree isn't up? I'm sleepy just looking at that list of things going on. I'm also excited though. To see friends, to come up with ideas for the Alumni association, and also to have fun with Boomer. Its been a rough year for her, so I'm hoping the holidays have been and will be a bright spot of fun for her.

I'm going to do my best to prepare some sweet content over the weekend so you'll have some goodies to read. All bets are off the week of Christmas though.

Just because pictures are required...and I'm cold as hell.

Also its Friday, so we back it UPPPPP with Whitters!

So I have NEWS!!!!!!!

Hey All!

I've been sitting on this for a few days now.

I hate being one of those bloggers that hints at news, or a big life change, and then says 'but I'll fill you all in soon'. So I just blogged nothing. It was easier that way. I have a hard time keeping good news to myself and not everyone was in the office this week, and like I've said before I'm starting to notice more IRL people know about my little Katy Korner of the world. Ooooh Katy's Korner....that sounds like a future feature. Look at all that alliteration.

Oh right! My news!

Guys....

I GOT A PROMOTION!!!!!

Image Via

Eeep.

I've talked before about how much I really enjoy my job, and how blessed I feel to have it. Well on Wednesday of last week we had a big department meeting (that I was late to, thanks Boomer!), about some changes that would be coming. Head count ect. We were getting called into the big bosses office one by one, and when it was my turn I assumed I was just having all the big changes explained to me.

Nope.

I was offered a promotion. I still haven't entirely wrapped my head around it, but I'm so incredibly excited for the opportunity. I'm also very humbled by the fact that people above me have seen potential in me and want to help me reach it. Very very very excited!

Ok so weekend stuff to link with Sami. I actually left my house this weekend and did some fun stuff so let me tell you about it.

Saturday I actually got my butt out of bed and went to church.

Image Via

I figure He's hooked me up with this awesome new promotion. It would be rude not to head over and say thanks. I even managed to attend choir rehearsal Friday evening so I sang with the choir Saturday morning service too! (This is a big deal. Seriously. Ask my mom.)

After that I took Momm and Boomer out to lunch at Crackerbarrel. I'm not sure why, but we've been going there semi often lately, and its not like that dang place is close. Its in SUNBURY. (Which is about a half hour drive away.)

Sunday I went to the New Albany Classic. Its a yearly event here in Columbus, put on by Abigail Wexner. Yes, that Wexner. As in her hubs is Les Wexner and owns Limited Brands. The New Albany Classic benefits The Center for Family Healing and Safety. You can read all about their mission HERE. I think it says a lot about the Wexner family that they are so committed to philanthropy and this city. The Classic includes a Grand Prix horse show, which is pretty cool. The course here is on par with international competition courses. There are also rides and fun booths. Of course there is also a concert! This year Ariana Grande was one of the performers and Boomer LOVES her. So I took Boomer and one of her friends and we were not disappointed.

Yeah...that's the best I got :)

She's just as adorable and cute in person as you would imagine from the show. That girl can sing too!

There were a few other performers, but the girls lost interest after Ariana and just wanted to eat and go on the rides. So we did.

Never letting her get a license.

Then we got home and I wanted to pass out, but Boomer wanted to play with a neighborhood friend. (I'm not one of those moms that just lets the kids run wild.) Then Jj came over to spend some time with Boomer. Then finally, blessedly, at 930pm, I went to sleep. It was beautiful.

Happy Monday!!!!!!!!!

Weekend Birthday Shenans....

Hey look, I know Shenans isn't a word....but I use it a lot so sue me! (Linking up with Sami!)

I had a GREAT weekend. No really it was great. It started a little rough, because Boomer left me Wednesday night and I missed her something fierce, but other than that it was great.

So let's see....

Friday!

I left work and went to teach voice lessons. I've been doing that all summer and I LOVE it. Music and singing are such a huge part of my life, and now passing on my knowledge to another little diva is super rewarding.

After I left voice lessons I went to Target because I had convinced myself I needed a new outfit for the concert. (I did not need a new outfit.) I tried on a bunch of crazy stuff. Like an acid wash denim dress (NO), an xs denim floral print dress (HELL NO...Whit...you are not an xs anymore...face it.), and some wedge sneakers. (Once again this is not a trend for me.) In my defense I tried on the acid wash denim dress because its a concert with all 90s bands and I was going for nostalgia. But the I spotted it. The perfect shirt.

Yes. Ariel. Nuff Said. (Also this shirt was $12 so.....)

I'm also super proud of myself for leaving Target for under $15...like who am I?

Then it was time to get ready and rock out to the following bands : Fastball, Vertical Horizon, Gin Blossoms, Sugar Ray, and Smash Mouth. It was like the 90s and high school came together and gave me a huge hug.

I have a habit of posing for pics with my tongue out.....This lovely girl gifted my ticket for my bday!

This thing about going to concerts where they play tunes from high school is that you'll probably run into old classmates. Which is where this pic comes from. That guy up there? I've known him since 5th grade I think. We go waaaay back!

I think that's Smash Mouth on stage....

So in my opinion....Fastball, Vertical Horizon, Gin Blossoms, and Sugar Ray killed it!!!! Smash Mouth....erm...not so much.

There were a lot of lime-a-rita's at this concert. Also there was half a cigarette. (Hadn't had one for three years up to that point.) Drinking and smoking all while listening to Sugar Ray made me feel like a rebel. Like any minute my mom was going to pop up and ground me. So basically AWESOME.

After this is was a short walk to Arena District where a bunch of bars and clubs are...also I was tipsy enough to think glasses at night was cool.

 

 After some crazy dancing and goofing off my girls decided they were tired and started to head home. But THIS GIRL! No way was my night over. Just so happens my bestie text me and asked if I was out, so he headed downtown to meet me and hang.

There was beer.

I've decided I like it.

Thanks to the weather my hair was now too big for humans...ponytailed it like a pro

There was also some really great conversation had. I respect his advice so much, he's never been wrong about his guy advice. EVER. He's usually pretty spot on, with his life advice too. We shut the bar down and then headed our separate ways home.

Saturday was relatively quiet until my mom came over to hang. I love love love my mom. She lives right across the street from me and is such a huge part of my life. I refer to her as my best friend and she totally is. I then talked her into getting ice cream with me. Yum Yum. Anyone who has access to Graeters where they live should try their new summer flavor of watermelon sorbet. Its like a frozen icy jolly rancher. So basically heaven.

Sunday Mom and I hung out again and went on a walking tour of Historic Downtown Westerville. There is a lot of history down there that affects American history too. For example the Hanby House.

The people that lived here not only helped to found our local Otterbein University, but they were also active abolitionists, and worked on the underground railroad. Ben Hanby was actually a prolific song writer. One of his most famous tunes we still sing. (Up on the Housetop!)

Also Westerville was a hotbed for the Anti Saloon League. Westerville was actually still a dry city up until just a few years ago.

This clock was handmade in 1800

Otterbein's Tower Hall constructed in 1870

Pretty stained glass from Tower Hall

After the tour Mom and I had worked up quite and appetite so we hit Old Bag of Nails, a pub in Downtown Westerville.

We both chose fish n chips with latkes!

Then I had to hurry home because my angel baby was coming home early!!!

(Well early ended up being close to 1am....but its earlier than the originally scheduled TWO WEEKS)

Clearly she is happy to be back too!

Hope you all had a great weekend!!

 
PS If you made it through all that....you deserve a medal.