My Community Service of Choice

Hi All,

This past Sunday, I participated in the first community service activity I have done in a very long time. I have been meaning to start doing regular community service work but have just now gotten around to starting it. This volunteer event was a Habitat for Humanity deconstruction project. There is a very nice house in Upper Arlington that is about to be torn down (probably to build a bigger and better house). The owner allowed Habitate for Humanity to come in and salvage doors, windowns, fixtures, cabinets, a furnace and whole truck load of very nice material from the house. This material will go the HFH Columbus ReStore (R), where it will be sold. The money made from sells at the ReStore (R) help to cover administrative cost associated with the services they provide the community. It is very interesting how it all works out.
It was very easy to get started as a volunteer. I just registered at their online volunteers hub and I was able to start signing up for volunteer opportunities immediately. Althought, there is an volunteers orientation they want you to complete as soon as you can. They have a variety of different ways you can help (deconstruction, contruction, retail, clerical work...and the list goes on). It is very convenient because you can sign up online, get email notification and reminders.
The deconstruction project I helped with was a great experience. I met some nice folks and learned how to salvage doors and windowns. I will definitly continue to volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity organzation.Maybe, I'll drag my boyfriend out to the next one :) If you are interested in volunteering, just visit their website to learn more and get started. Maybe, I'll see you at an event soon. www.habitatcolumbus.org/

Clash of the Titans 3: A review

This is an event that took place at Skully’s Dinner in Columbus, Ohio Wednesday, November 9^th 2011. This was the 3^rd event of its kind put together by Chief Execs Ent. I was a first time spectator at this showcase. I had never been to nor even heard of an experience like this. The premise of the event was to assemble a group of local producers-in-the-making and put them up against each other. The competition was judged by a combination of audience participation and a panel of experienced judges. The panel included “Bink”, who has produced for Jay-Z, Kanye and several other famous rappers. I’m guessing there were a few hundred folks at the event and they were all drawn in and hyped up by the competition, including myself and my girlfriend (Jazzmin). There were about a dozen individuals and groups moving their way through the brackets. I heard some very creative and interesting tracks that blew me away. I may not be a “hip-hop head” but I can appreciate a track that makes you want to move. I was thoroughly entertained and had a lot of fun at this event. This is definitely an event that will continue to gain popularity and influence in Ohio and maybe even nationally. I will not miss the next one.

Let's Start With Some Of My (Current) Favorite Things

Here is a short (but growing) list of some of my favorite spots in Columbus. I’ve included a description of my experiences at these places. These places all get 5 STARS!

Bar/Night Clubs

Lounge 62

953 East Johstown Rd (614)-245-8595 http://www.lounge62.com/

I visited this place for the first time this past Saturday for a Girl’s Night. I had a blast. There was a large crowd (but not too crowded). The crowd was mature (mostly 30’s -50’s) and friendly. So there is no need to worry about any craziness popping off. The bartenders were friendly, as well, and served up reasonably priced drinks. I am a dancer so I really appreciated the live DJ who was spinning good music all night. I had such a good time. I’d say it was worth the $10 cover. I will definitely be back to party!

Bars/Restaurants

Sushi Ting

2875 Olentangy River Rd (614)-261-8888

This is the place of my first sushi experience a few years back. It could not have happened at a better place. It was truly special. The atmosphere is quite, calm and minimal. The service is extremely friendly and helpful.  I consider myself a calamari connoisseur and their calamari tempura is pretty good. They have a variety of specialty rolls. My favorite is the White Dragon Roll. I love this roll so much, I have a hard time picking other items from the menu. The Habachi meals are good too. They serve a very tasty plum wine. It is a bit on the pricey side but it is definitely a worth-while treat.

Roosters

www.Roosterswings.com (All Locations)

So, I have a thing for Rooster’s. Unfortunately, I cannot remember my first Rooster’s experience, but I do know that I love them. They are my go-to place when I want to throw all my eating inhibitions out the window. They do offer healthy choices there, but that is not what I go for. I go for the potato wedges, fried and sauce drenched chicken tenders, and the margaritas. I think they have the best “bar food” in town. I have been consistently pleased by them. Sometimes, I dine in and sometimes I order a pick-me-up. It all depends on how I feel. Hmm…I haven’t had Rooster in a while, now that I think of it. It may be about that time J

Surly Girl Saloon

1126 N. High St (614)294-4900 www.surlygirlsaloon.com

Every time I visit this place is a humming with local folks. It is obviously a popular spot. The first time I dined there, I had the nachos with vegetarian chili and the blue berry lemonade cocktail. They were both SOOO GOOD. My favorite entre is the salmon. And those red velvet cupcakes are TO DIE FOR and they are HUGE. One year, I had half a dozen red velvet cupcakes in place of a birthday cake and it was PERFECT!

Sushi Rock

570 N. Hight St. (614)453-1585 http://www.sushirockohio.com/ 

First off, I love the atmosphere of this place. The interior is beautiful, upscale and sophistocated. I’ve only dined here on Wednesday nights. This is when they have their Tsunami Nights. Select sushi and rolls are half off with the purchase of any beverage. The calamari and battered shrimp appetizers there are mouth-watering-good! I have yet to check out their happy-hour or Sunday Fundays, but I’m sure I will soon.

I will be adding more to my favorite’s list shortly as well as a separate Sh*t List