Saturday, October 3, 2015

Hocking Hills


Upon arrival to a new state, I was eager to explore all Columbus had to offer; particularly the outdoors.  We managed to visit all Metro Parks and discovered an awesome place about 70 miles from our house.  An old friend from high school took his sons to this park and I remembered how beautiful it was, through his pictures.  That being said, my photos do this place no justice.  It was however a remarkable place to explore forever.  We went on the "Old Man's Cave" path.  It was definitely a busy trail so there were several others out exploring.  I can't wait to go back! My good friend rented a cabin on Hocking Hills Lake last winter, so I think I might just have to do that for a girls weekend.  It was such a great drive and everything was visually stunning, I was totally in my element :) 














Jake definitely is annoyed by photograph's at this age, so when I'm able to snap one even looking at me, is amazing :)

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Summer/Fall Catch-Up

So I suppose I should do a massive post to catch everyone up on what's been going on the last couple years.  I'm not going to do that, since I've spoken to my target audience relatively recently.  I forget that this blog is not only about Jake(solely), but also Kevin and me.  That being said, I'm not exactly sure where to start.  Let's see..,.Well we moved to Columbus, OH a little over a year and for the most part has been a wonderful change.  With a few hiccups along the way, we're happy to announce we are Buckeye's! I thoroughly enjoy living here and, of course, love exploring another new city.  This state really has several things to offer!  Jake did superbly well transitioning into an all day public school last year and if he continues to do so well, he will be eligible to enter the gifted programs in both Math and English.  I was able to volunteer quite a bit of time, both in the classroom and library(fave!), and met some good core friends.

While Jake was learning all about the school life, I was immersing myself into a wealth of knowledge as well.  I decided to become a Medical Coder.  What that means is, I document every patient encounter in an outpatient setting and translate that into a series of codes, which are in turn, reported to insurance or third-party entities.  In order to attain this, I had to take some prerequisites such as Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology.  I'm proud that I was able to complete those courses and did so well at them(totally have to brag about that 95% and 82%, respectively).

We had quite the Summer! My wonderful sis decided to have her matrimonial ceremonies over in Germany!  I was so honored to be there and experience the European culture!  She of course looked marvelous and her friends are just incredible people.  They definitely know how to throw a wedding and reception!  Both our families did a wonderful job officiating the lake ceremony!













The 'Sbarro' of Nuremberg

Riding over the Autobahn

Hangman's Bridge


Kevin's parents pulled into town and we were able to show them some things of Columbus, especially the fact that it likes to rain here!  Jake's 7th Birthday tried to happen, but was rained out  AND he got a stomach bug ON his big day :( After a quick visit to the Pediatrician, he was feeling good enough for ice cream cake later than evening, after presents of course. Thanks for being there Papa and Gramma(Zeus, too)!

Present Time!

Kick Boxer Jake!




At my fave : 'Pies and Pints'!

Jake was able to connect with Kev's parents and experience the RV life, while I was Germany.  The highlights included fishing, scatch, Yahtzee, and exploring what Michigan had to offer.  It was definitely an adjustment on both our ends to a) be childless and b) for him to be away from us and unlimited internet HAHA. Kev and I certainly missed our third wheel and were very happy to be reunited after a month long.  He was in good hands and made memories to last forever!

We had about a month before 2nd grade commenced and our friends sure did miss us! It seemed that every day we had an activity planned! I loved it(even if I had to pause my coding studies for a bit).  The second week of June I embarked on the full-fledged coding course.  It was obviously difficult to do with J around, but we were able to make it work.  For every 2 hours of video game or tablet time, required 30 minutes of reading, cleaning, or the Summer packet from his 1st grade teacher.  I really am the worst, aren't I? Regardless, we had our Summer schedule set and enjoyed Tae Kwon Do as an ongoing activity.
Skating with the kiddos

Needs a) walker b)  skate lessons



Would love a season pass here at Zoombeezie Bay!




Kevin is working at a restaurant in  downtown Columbus, now.  It is in an active area that is adjacent to a giant arena where the National Hockey team Columbus Blue Jacket's play.  That's a huge crowd gatherer when it is in season.  He of course has changed all the numbers(for the better) for the company and works too hard.  I honestly feel a shift in careers in his near future but we shall see.  There are lots of exciting things happening here and we're definitely ready for all of them to begin. Timing and motivation is key :)

In other news of things accomplished, Kevin bought an awesome 1981 Chevy Corvette in March and knew it needed work.  He has always been fascinated with cars and when he puts his mind to something, he is able to modify it to his liking.  Granted, he is not a certified mechanic.  However, there is YouTube and a Corvette Forum.  He learned several things from both those avenues.  I'm incredibly impressed with his dedication and completely admire his gusto for something to occupy his time "off the clock".  It sort of has inspired a whole new avenue in him and I think that is wonderful! The epic pic will follow in another post....(pending k's sending hhah)






Kevin and I also celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary! Glad to be doing life together(even if he hates pictures just as before).  We went to the best restaurant in the city Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse where we were wined and dined. I love having date night! We both do!  After we had a wonderful meal, we walked to a hookah bar, which was just for the experience.  It tasted fine, but I guess I didn't see the appeal of sitting again for hours sucking on a citrus flavored pipe. Oh well, bucket list......
We pretty :)


Beef Carpaccio

 Chocolate Mousse Torte


10 years <3


Last week, I am proud to announce that I completed my course in Medical Coding!  I registered for the Certification Exam and take it at the tail end of October.  I am soooo excited to have something on a resume and in a field I find interesting, to boot!  After I pass my cert, I'll be able to submit some resume's.  I have 2 offers to date that I'm actively seeking and can't wait to be gainfully employed!  There is a major shift in the coding world so I will always have something new to learn and while seeking employment, I 'get to' learn that whole new system.  I'm glad Kevin supports my endeavors and is happy to see our lives moving forward, beyond the adolescent years 'o Jake, together. I love our life!

Okay, well this is a long enough post for now to hold people over, I hope!



Friday, August 14, 2015

Yep....

I sound like a broken record, but I'm kind of interested in blogging again. Missing out on all the goings on of my valuable family members, scattered among US. I've also made it pretty private because the point is to share what we do with the people we want to share it with, not crazy stalkers :) I'll probably have to do a mammoth Summer post. TBA!  Muah!