I can explain everything!

Lately, I've been doing lots of fun things, in Ohio and otherwise, and admittedly have slacked off completely from this blog! Anyway, I was asked to guest post on a friend's blog (that isn't open to the public) so I've copied that post here. I bring you:

Childhood dreams fulfilled, aka something fun I did in Chicago because I bought the tickets before the Cleveland date was added:

I’ll admit, I’ve had a pretty exciting life up to now. I’ve lived abroad, and traveled pretty extensively, graduated college, worked about every type of job imaginable, gotten married… but something has always been missing. Until Saturday, that is.

In 1991, a certain, special band was embarking on their European tour. Alas, my mother decided a loud, crazy concert, two hours away was not the place for a couple of seven and nine-year-olds. Seventeen, yes, SEVENTEEN years later, my sister and I were finally able to realize our childhood dreams, and attend….

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A NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK CONCERT!!!!!!

I know what you are thinking.

And trust me, as someone who readily admits to having attended concerts by Nick Lachey, Jessica Simpson and Hanson, I don’t care. It was an AMAZING show. My hearing will never be the same; my vocal cords are still strained; and I still can’t believe I spent $8 for a beer. It was all worth it though, especially when Jordan ripped his shirt off to serenade me with “Baby I Believe in You”.

Sister: AMY! He has his shirt off!! Why aren't you taking pictures??
Amy: ::drool:: er... OHH!! OK!!!

I am also happy to report, that while the “Kids” are rapidly approaching 40 (except Joey, who is 36 – totally within an acceptable age range) they are still hot, and can still sing. Their new songs are catchy, and they played all the classics (albeit, in some cases, at a lower octave). Their comeback felt like old friends coming together, not a bunch of washed up old men who need to do one last tour to pay for their blood pressure medication (which was how it felt when I saw Vanilla Ice perform a free show at the Great Inland Seafood Festival in Newport, KY in 2005. I wish I were kidding.)

Joey even broke out the original smiley face jacket.

Hangin' Tough - no knee replacements here!

The concert was everything I hoped it would be, and it was the best feeling to forget about being an adult and all the fun grown-up problems of the world for a few hours. Plus, admit it. You were a fan too!

Economy-schmonomy... we're going to see New Kids on the Block!

#15. Beer and Baseball.

If there was ever any doubt in anyone's mind that I was a true American, the fact that my idea of a perfect day is a cold beer at the ballpark should put that idea to rest. I am even so patriotic that I leave my pseudo-vegetarianism at home to partake in the deliciousness of stadium hotdogs. (I know, I know...)
So far this season, I've attended a Toledo Mudhens game, and three Indians games. I hope to make it to a Reds game as well this summer, to complete the trifecta. And to see if those macho chauvanists Mr. Red and Mr. Red Legs will let Miss Red win the freakin' race, EVER!! (Here is Mr. Ketchup kicking Onion and Mustard's asses in the hotdog race at Cleveland. I refuse to call it Progressive Field. Seriously? Gahh!)
GO TRIBE!!! Hopefully your offense shows up tonight, and the umps learn how to properly call a home run!!!!

#14. Shopping in Hyde Park Square

There are lots of cute boutiques and restaurants in Hyde Park Square. Two of my favorite shops are Knickers of Hyde Park and Originalities. Knickers is well, a lingerie shop. The owner is the sweetest person in the whole world, and super helpful. In addition to the undies, bras and nighties, Knickers sells cards, books, and fun gifts for pampering, brides and moms to be. They wrap gifts SO beautifully, you'll feel bad opening them!

Originalities features works by local artists. Definately check out the drawings of local Cincinnati churches, parks and hang outs.

INFO: Hyde Park Square, Erie Ave. and Edwards Rd., Cincinnati. http://hydeparksquare.org

#13. Busken Bakery

Show me a person who doesn't like Busken cookies, and I'll show you a communist. Seriously. Who can resist smiley faces, or hearts/jack o'lanterns/christmas trees depending on the season?

INFO: Madison Rd. & Edwards Rd. Cincinnati, OH and other area locations. Open 24 Hours! (513) 871-2114. http://www.busken.com/

#12. Zip's Cafe

Zip's Cafe in the Mt. Lookout neighborhood of Cincinnati is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Sure, it's just a hole in the wall burger joint, but these burgers have been known to be the downfall of many a vegetarian. In operation since 1926, Zip's consistently wins awards for the best burgers in the city. I once lived three doors up from Zip's, and it's amazing I didn't gain 87 million pounds. I have many happy memories of walking outside at night, and being greeted by the delicious aroma of onion rings. MMmmm!!

The menu is simple, but that's all part of the charm. On a recent visit to Zip's, I enjoyed a Zip Burger with cheese and pickles, and chili cheese fries. They also have black bean burgers, if you insist on remaining a vegetarian, awesome fish sandwiches, chili and macaroni and cheese. There is always a soup and dessert of the day.

There are several booths lining the walls, and long tables where you can dine in close quarters with Cincinnati's finest. The back room (and by room, I mean closet) has bar seating. Sitting back there guarantees you close access to all the beers on tap, but you won't get to see the train that runs around the ceiling ledge in the main part of the restaurant.

Zip's is packed every night for dinner, usually with a line out the door. It's worth the short wait to get a seat, and the staff is always friendly. Just make sure you watch out for your kids. According to a sign inside, "Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy".

INFO: 1036 Delta Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45208. 513-871-9876. www.zipscafe.com

#11. Bridge Walking

When I started this blog, the orginal goal was to go out and experience all the fun things, new to me or otherwise, so I could write fresh blogs. Great idea I had to start this in the winter, right? Anyway, just for fun, today I bring you a fun thing from last summer, that was unfortunately a one-time event - walking the new 280 bridge in downtown Toledo.

I have this friend, J, who is amazing for several reasons, including her love of doing semi-nerdy things such as going to bridge dedication events. I had been excited about the bridge opening for a couple of weeks. The City powers that be were planning a fun run across the bridge, a dedication ceremony, and then the rest of the day, they would allow pedestrians to walk across it, before opening it to the first vehicles that evening. It sounded fun to me, but I feared my not so nerdy friends would think I had really lost it this time. Luckily, I received a phone call early in the morning, the day of the bridge spectacular. Normally, such a phone call on a Saturday morning would not be a welcome occurance, HOWEVER, it turned out to be J, asking me to not make fun of her, and would I be at all interested in attending said bridge festivities. Well OF COURSE I would!!!

We headed downtown, and found the special shuttle buses that would take us up on the bridge, let us off to walk across it, and then collect us at the other end to return us to the parking area. It was a beautiful day, and J and I (and some of her family who came as well) took tons of pictures, and relished in The Most Exciting Day in Toledo, 2007.

#10. The Jewel of Toledo

I have had good and bad experiences with Indian food, but I am pleased to tell you the Jewel was one of the good ones. There are only two Indian places in Toledo, which makes me miss Cincinnati, where there are decent Indian places all over the city. I could not wait for my appetizer, Aloo Tiki:

Now, if you're not familiar with Indian food, you'll find that a lot of it looks like green mush (usually saag (spinach)), orange mush (could be anything from masala to curry) or hot pink (tandoori chicken). I usually frequent the Indian buffets, which are sometimes labeled, sometimes not, and it usually doesn't matter anyway, since I am really bad at remembering the names of things.

Back to my appetizer - it was basically a samosa (potatoes and veggies), only less fried, covered in a spicy green sauce, and served over crispy wonton-ish strips, covered in yogurt and strawberry (maybe?) sauce. It sounds odd, but it was DELICIOUS!! Two of my dining partners ordered the aloo tiki, and one had the samosa appetizer.

On to the main course!! I usually get chicken tikka masala, which is kind of pathetic, since it's not really that authentic (it was invented in London, apparently), but I don't care, because it is damn tasty!!!! Also, half the time, I could say screw the chicken, and I'd just eat the sauce and rice for hours and hours (another reason I'm a fan of the buffet!) The Jewel serves the entrees in individual metal bowls, resting on candle holders, so the deliciousness is kept warm while you eat your first helping.

Next time I am going to be smart like my dining buddies, and order a glass of fresh mango juice. It was fabulous!! The Jewel's naan bread was also the best naan I've ever had. It was warm, buttery and soft - the perfect addition to my dinner.

I promise you, Indian food is fabulous!! At least try it once, for me. And take me with you, if you're around here!!

INFO: 6711 Airport Hwy Holland, OH 43528. 419-865-9500. http://jeweloftoledo.com