Category: Ohio

Ohio

Swearing In Ceremony

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Okay, where do I begin today? Alright we’ll start with my alarm. I set it for 6:45am and to say I was awake before that is an understatement. I was up at 6:30 ready to go!

I hopped up out of my bed and got started on my make up. Today I wanted a more natural look with a hint of sparkle. I grabbed my knee length black dress that I wear to court, put it on, sprayed my perfume on and then I was on my way to Aromas. (In case you aren’t from Cincinnati this is my go to local coffee shop. It’s right up the street from my parents. It’s kinda been my place since they opened back when I was in high school.) I was able to get my friend Kandace to do my hair for the event.

I arrived over at her house with our coffee and she sat me down for the curling to begin. I don’t know how she does it but I sat there for thirty minutes and she turned my hair from a hot mess to a model!

After spending a little time with her and helping me pick a lipstick color (a really deep red!) I hit the road. I met Bridget at my house and she had Starbucks! Together we put the finishing touches on my outfit, we grabbed my clutch for the day and the heels. After that we loaded up the car.

Bridget, Mom, Dad, Nick and I loaded up in Dad’s Mazda (yes I know, I got the back seat middle hump) and we took a nice long ride to Columbus. Some parts were smooth and some parts had Bridget and I clinging together!

Once we arrived in Columbus we started searching for parking. Thankfully we were able to park right behind the theater. We walked about two blocks and were safely inside the heated building! (Trust me this is huge. It was maybe 24 degrees outside if I’m being generous and I’m dressed for court not Alaska!) We got to the building about ten minutes before the doors opened and just waited. After that the doors opened and a sea of people flooded into the building! The family went upstairs and I was told to go down and find my seat. I ran to the bathroom to do one last make up check with Bridget. When we were finished we walked back up and met Grant, John and Sherree for hugs, good luck and good byes.

I was sitting in row P seat 121. I found my seat then waited patiently; before you knew it, court was in session and the opening remarks began. It honestly just flew by before we were at the motion for admission where we were being called up. I walked up those stairs with my head held high then handed the judge my name card and walked to where I received my certificate ,shook hands with another judge who told me she loved my shoes and I was back down the stairs with my official lawyer certificate in hand.

Then boom; closing remarks! Court was over just as fast as it began. I went out towards the door and began to wait for my group to meet me.

Once I had everyone with me I walked over to the Supreme Court building in my sparkling shoes! Once we were in the court house I signed up for the Ohio Bar Association, got a cool new shirt and the took a picture in front of the Supreme Court bench!

After we took a picture we enjoyed a few refreshments. After this Nick ran to get the car for us so we could head over to enjoy dinner. We had reservations at the boat house; a nice restaurant in Columbus that over looked the river. It was really pretty. The food was good but the company was fantastic. We had a champagne toast and everything. It was everything a celebratory dinner should be!

After dinner we were back in the Mazda where Nick and Dad are squabbling like old ladies. I’ve lost count on the burns at this point. Quite honestly I think they both have lost while Bridget, Mom and I are just laughing. Ill let you know if we actually make it home in one piece.

P.S. We did make it and I might’ve jumped for joy to be outta the car!

Ohio

Hair Extensions Anyone?

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Today, man, was just one of those days I woke up and it was still an hour before I needed to get up. This meant, hello, extra long hot shower!

After my shower I did my make up and got ready to go meet Kandace at Sally’s for hair supplies. (Okay fine. I had to grab coffee before I actually met her but hey I got her coffee too!)

When we got to Sally’s she had totally preshopped without me. When I walked in she led me over to exactly where we needed to go. Then walked right up to the checkout where the cashier already had the items she wanted. (Right, how amazing is she that she already knows it all!)

After Sally’s we headed over to the salon where we set to work! She diligently braided multiple sections of my hair to be able to sew in the extensions. Some parts might’ve been slightly painful (it probably wasn’t but I have a sensitive head.) As she was sewing them in I think at the end of the time every single person in the salon watched the process and complimented her skills and how well I looked.

Once Kandace was finished sewing it was time to style. I actually got really lucky and another stylist Todd was in the salon between appointments. (Todd cracks me up he is amazing!) So I was fortunate enough to get Kandace and Todd both with styling suggestions! Between the two of them it was an absolute blast and I couldn’t have had more fun!

After we were all done, sadly (okay, not sadly. I looked amazing) it was all over. My hair was perfect. I looked amazing! Kandace took a few pics and then I was off onto a shopping date with my mom! (If you wanna hear more about that look for the next blog post!)

Michigan · Ohio

Go Irish?

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Okay before we begin this story remember I’m a hockey girl and I didn’t really tour colleges in Indiana. I’ve never been to Notre Dame before last weekend!

Grant’s Grandma Marty (if this is your first time reading about her stop now and read my post from earlier!) had an appointment she needed to go to on Saturday Morning. Instead of sleeping in Grant and I grabbed Dex and hit the road.

We wound up at the university (okay fine in all honesty we went to Starbucks first but it’s not relevant). Grant and I parked in a subdivision to avoid the fifty dollar fees. (I’m a parking goddess and was able to snag a spot!)

The boys and I explored the campus and just got to see the amazing architecture. We were able to just walk around and see all the golden leaves.

We walked all over the campus from the student center to the center of the quad it was like reliving college days all over again! Plus this time we had Dex with us to enjoy college.

The weather won out though! Once it went from rain or sleet to snow we hustled back to the car. (We would’ve made it all the way except we got a little distracted by urban outfitters. They had this cool shirt that had Jimmy Neutron on it. Hello throw back to childhood. After we thawed out and Dex got all the pets he could ever ask for we actually headed to the car.)

Once we reached our car we headed to grab some lunch and return to Grandma Thomas’ House where we would thaw out for a little and then head out to Lake Michigan. (If you wanna hear about that adventure stay turned a blog post is on its way!)

Michigan · Ohio · Uncategorized

Visiting Grandma Thomas!

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Okay, before we start the actual post I just wanna say how thankful I am for my besties for constantly watching my house as I’m traveling nonstop! I couldn’t do it without you guys.

This weekend we packed up the civic and headed over to South Bend, Indiana to visit Grant’s Grandma Marty. She lives a few hours from our house and we decided to make the trip for the weekend.

Marty is one of those women who was a pioneer in her time and blazed trails for women like me to follow. She worked full time, has an engineering degree and an MBA. Plus she had five kids. (I’m not gonna lie. I’m overwhelmed just imagining it.) She’s an incredible woman and I’m honestly lucky to know her.

When Grant and I first arrived we met up with Marty and Grant’s Uncle. We got settled into her house and then the four of us went out for Mexican. We split a pitcher of margaritas and Marty might’ve egged Grant and I on to keep drinking up! After dinner we went back and hung around the house just having an easy night. We might’ve all crashed around 10pm… I blame that on it was a Friday.

The sun is shining and it was Saturday morning! (We might’ve cheated and set an alarm to make sure we didn’t sleep in too much.) Grant, Marty and I had bagels and eggs for breakfast. Then Marty had an appointment and so Grant and I took Dex and headed over to Notre Dame for a little exploration. (That is a full blog post on its on so be on the lookout for that!)

After we got home from Notre Dame we hung out with Marty who suggested we go check out Lake Michigan over in New Baltimore. (There is a full post for this too!)

After Lake Michigan we went back to the house. We all were feeling a little exhausted and watched the end of the Notre Dame game. (Brian Kelly got lucky if you ask me…) Then we had dinner! Marty made (we helped like good small children) spinach and cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Grant cooked the vegetable and I made the salad. It was really good!

Despite utter exhaustion we all gathered in to watch a movie or two… We started with a Morgan Freeman classic; Along Came a Spider, which actually had me guessing at plot twists. Then a quick check on the IU game to make sure IU was winning. Then Marty for the win recommended a Netflix movie Highwaymen about Bonnie and Clyde. It was after midnight when it ended and all of us stayed up to see the end!

We did get a break though with daylight savings when we woke up this morning it didn’t feel as early as it really was! Grant and I took Dex for a quick walk before we headed over to breakfast!

We had breakfast at the Pancake House and it was really good. Everyone loved their food. Marty and I might’ve fought over who gets to pay and I’m happy to announce I won!

After breakfast we went to Costco and omg it was like Black Friday at the mall! The place was packed! We grabbed everything Marty needed and partook in a few yummy samples. On the way home, as if she could read my mind, she said, “oh there is Starbucks. Does anyone want to stop?” Let’s stop! We got coffee! She fought Grant for the bill this time and he didn’t win… (We’ll keep his training continuing; he’ll get there next time.)

Unfortunately after we got back to her house it was time to unload groceries then pack up to hit the road. We took one last selfie, gave lots of hugs and said goodbye.

Onto the drive home!

Ohio · Uncategorized

Shopping With Mom

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

For all of those who know me or follow my blog know how much I love shopping. There is nothing better than when you walk into a store and find that perfect piece that just makes an outfit. It’s like heaven. You walk in, you find the one, then it’s gift wrapped in tissue paper for you; it’s basically a present to yourself. Is there anything better than that? (If your answer is anything other than of course not I don’t get it….)

Well, on the opposite end of the spectrum is my Mama Bear. She HATES shopping. Since her heart surgery she has lost weight and her clothes have become too big. (I know right? Way to go Mom. I’m super proud of her. She had heart surgery and turned a bad situation into a positive.)

She and I have been slowly looking at clothes that’ll work best for her. She wants something that will look amazing on her which I completely get. On the weekends I am home ( presumably because after the pAssing of the Bar Exam and her birthday she was in a great space ready to do this.) She l and I went to the outlets to look at more clothes for her. (She needs an outfit for my swearing in ceremony.)

We went into The Loft and found these cute quarter length sleeve dresses that are tighten on top and flow out on the bottom. Mom agreed to try them on and like a light shined from the heavens it fit her perfectly, she liked it and the best part it was 60% off! (Can I get a hell yeah?) It’s a really cute black dress (we also got a wine colored dress with flowers too). Then we found this amazing black and grey vest that really worked with her dress. It dresses it up and makes the outfit look spectacular. (I love that this dress can be dressed up or down its perfect for fall and winter!)

I must admit my anti shopping Mom really stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with her shopping experience. Plus we were able to go into Lindt and get coffees with a chocolate truffle in them! (She has mint, whereas I had salted caramel.) It was a really productive and fun trip!

Michigan · Ohio · Uncategorized

I fought the bar and I won!!

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

So I need to make a confession. Over the summer I took a really big risk. I signed up for the Ohio Bar Exam. I was very fortunate that my coworkers, family and a very select few friends knew and supported me. I signed up in the winter time; then I picked a bar study course (Barbri huge shout out!)

We made it one of my goals at work to study for the bar and to prepare; they were behind me every step of the way.

Then around mid June the anxiety kicked in. I confided in Mom and Grant that I was really struggling with the amount of studying and working. We all agreed that it was time to put my two weeks in. I told my boss and while she wished there were other options she was still my mentor and supported me. We decided that after the bar, when I was functional enough, I had a home to come back too.

I traded my 8:30-5 corporate job for an even more challenging job. A full time studier! I was really really fortunate and my law school found out through Barbri that I was planning to retake and they offered me guidance and a customized study plan. I met with my Criminal Law professor and she helped me decide a plan of attack (around 100 multiple choice questions, then four essays a day.) It was tough and grueling but I knew if I put the work in then it would pay off. I also met with our career guidance counsel, Shari, who couldn’t have been a better accountability partner. She had me bring in my score every week and go over where I was struggling and excelling. She even was there for me with the anxiety ridden text messages to remind me to stick to the plan and if I did that I had a good chance.

I woke up everyday at 8am, got dressed, packed my lunch and went over to campus to study. I watched lectures from 9-1; then lunch. Next it was multiple choice time for about 45 questions and then you guessed it, essay time! After essay time my amazing fiancé, Grant, usually had dinner for us so I could come home or leave my home office to eat dinner, watch an hour or so of TV and have puppy cuddles. Then it was back to the multiple choice with a review session of what I’ve missed since the start. He took care of the house, worked full time and provided as much support as I needed. I couldn’t have done it without him.

Suddenly it was time; the weekend before the bar. I am hunkered down in the library in Cincinnati putting in last minute reviews. When Sunday night came we did a big dinner out (I was allowed to study on the way there but it had to go in the trunk on the way home mom insisted. For those of you who don’t know my mom, well she is a force I still don’t wanna question.) Once we got home I watched tv then headed to bed.

Monday before the bar I did a little self pampering, I had one of my best friends and hair stylist (she really should just be called a hair goddess) squeeze me in for a de-stress session. Did I say that I meant hair transformation (lol!). Then mom and I loaded up her car and we were off to Columbus. We got to our hotel early evening and mom was already scoping out getting me out to keep me from stressing (she’s really great that way). We walked and walked then decided on this cute little Mexican street food restaurant. The tacos were amazing, the margaritas were to celebrate for! Then we walked some more before settling into the hotel for the evening.

It’s Tuesday Morning and it’s time to wake up for the bar. Mmy alarm goes off with it’s “Perfect Day” by Hoku. It’s kinda my theme song when I need good luck. (Yes it’s the opening song in Legally Blonde. I’ve already warned you it really is my movie.) Mom and I grab breakfast then walk over to the convention center. I said good bye to mom, my Apple Watch and my phone, but it was worth it! After two multistage performance tests it was time to grab lunch, see mama bear and breathe. I felt like it was going well so far then back in for six essays. I left feeling exhausted but still good. I had a mini panic attack when I couldn’t get my answers submitted online but that passed quickly when I got it submitted in the lobby. Then mom and I did pedicures and hit Melt up! When we finally got back to the hotel we were understandably exhausted.

Okay Wednesday is here. It’s time for 200 multiple choice questions overall. I did one hundred in the morning, had lunch with my mom, then back in for another hundred questions. After I walked out I just felt dead and exhausted. Thankfully I didn’t need to upload essay answers tonight. The good news when I was too exhausted to want to do anything I got really lucky that mom had plans for us. We went and did candle making! My candle turned out smelling like a freshly baked bakery. Then we grabbed burgers and vegan shakes. Once back in the hotel we watched the Lake House and went to bed.

Okay last day six more essays then freedom! I picked up all my bags (thankfully mom loaded up the car while I was in the bar.) We walked over to the convention center I got all my exam stuff ready and boom we’re off. I wrote all my essays then time was called. I packed my bag, walked back to the hotel, submitted my essays, got in the car and drove away!

Fast forward to today and I’m hyperventilating as I see my name on the list! Its official I’m going to get sworn in and I’ll be an attorney. Hello I’m Monica Carson attorney at law.

Ohio · Uncategorized

Blink 2019!

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Have you checked out BLINK yet? If not you need to go tonight Cincinnati People! I went last night with friends (new and old) and it was terrific!

The night started off in the garage under Washington Park in OTR. Grant and I lucked out and got a spot right by the stairs. When we got out of our car we went up into the festivities!

Above the garage was an inflatable maze that was filled with lights and adventure. Grant and I grabbed white claws (okay full disclosure we both made duck faces while drinking our Claws) and sat to people watch while waiting for Bridget and Neil to meet us. Once we were all there we walked around OTR.

On our first stop we saw the displays on Music Hall and Memorial Hall. It was absolutely breathtaking watching the scenes change like watching a movie in real life.

We also got to enjoy this tunnel with lights and it honestly felt like walking underwater. I loved how I felt like a real life mermaid!

Then we hit the Court House which was made to look as magical as I know it is but allowed everyone else to see the magic. The lights were spectacular and the colors were liberating!

I think overall though my favorite was the Cincinatus mural. They made it into a living breathing mural with a sunrise and everything. Then they had all the torches come to light and fire burning illuminating the mural. I couldn’t have loved watching it more if I tried. (Truthfully all four of us really enjoyed this one. We were mesmerized watching our beloved mural come to life.)

There were also glow in the dark teeter totters! Like real life built for adults and everything teeter totters! We didn’t get to ride on them but my inner small child was in love!!!!! (Pretty sure Neil made fun of Bridget and I for our obsession, silly boy, don’t get in the way of our childhood obsessions!)

The Barter Boat also made an appearance and I’d never head of this before but after last night I might be a life long follower! The objective is to go and trade something you have with a story for something someone else has traded from another location or you could get a post card from another city or state. It was beyond interesting and such a cool idea. It made me wish I’d brought something to barter.

Overall I couldn’t recommend this enough to anyone: people with kids, or without. It’s even dog friendly. It’s very busy tho so if you take a Puppers make sure they do well with crowds. It was really fun to go on a double date with Bridget and Neil getting to explore Blink together!

Ohio · Uncategorized

Date Night With A View

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

I’m not even sure where to begin! Last night Mom and Dad offered to watch Dex so Grant and I could go out to dinner for Cincinnati Restaurant Week.

We looked at all the options and decided to actually go to Cabana on the River to enjoy their last weekend open instead. Grant and I got there expecting a serious wait but we managed to luck out. There were two tables ahead of us. By the time we finished taking a few selfies down by the river my phone got the text saying it’s time to be seated!

We sat down at a nice table outside where we could see the river. They did have a limited menu but they had my bbq chicken pretzel sandwich and Grant’s burger. Plus they had margaritas! The food was delightful and I really enjoyed my chicken. Plus the service there is amazing. The waitress was checking in frequently and grabbing refills. She was terrific!

The two of us were able to just sit down and have a date night. (I know it may seem silly since we live together but we don’t really get a lot of nice date nights where we both get dressed up to go out for dinner and truly enjoy the other’s company.)

After Cabana we decided to go grab an ice cream. When I’m home I love to hit the Little Goodie Shoppe. It’s been my family’s local ice cream joint my entire life. They also were closing for the season which does leave a limited menu. Grant and I decided to just go full date style and spilt a banana split! (I know I know, does it get any more typical lol. I don’t think so but we had fun.)

So Cincinnati has a huge Ferris Wheel downtown right now. I’m not entirely sure how long it will be there and I love Ferris Wheels so, we’ve been trying to find a time to go down and ride it. Last night we were still debating when we decided, to hell with it, why not; let’s go. So we take off towards downtown. We manage to snag a spot in the parking garage almost across the street from it!

Then we walked up and grabbed tickets. It probably took about twenty minutes waiting in line and it was our turn! We got to share the seat just the two of us and we were off to fly higher (well almost; it was really high) than the Cincinnati skyline! I did get to steal a kiss at the top of the Ferris Wheel.

When it was time to get out we also decided to be like a tourist and bought the memorabilia photo. It’s silly and I rarely buy them but I wanted to this time to really enjoy getting to be a tourist in our hometown.

From there our exhausting date night was coming to an end as we rode home. (There might’ve been a train horn on the ride home that did scare the life out of both of us but that’s a story for another day.) I’m glad we got to go out and enjoy home.

Ohio · Uncategorized

Headphones and Waiting Rooms

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

So today I’m waiting around in a hospital waiting room for my Mom. (Yes I’m aware of the repetitiveness of that statement waiting in a waiting room.) She is having a cardiac ablation procedure done. (For those of us that don’t speak doctor they are burning parts of her heart to make sure it beats like it’s supposed too.) Her Doctor seemed optimistic that this is going to be the time it’ll fix it.

While this isn’t an abnormal procedure they still put her under and use a breathing tube. I’m pretty calm for the most part considering it’s my Mama Bear but, I know she would want me to be brave and strong so that’s exactly what I’m doing. (Hello kicking waiting room ass and taking names.)

One of the first times I realized my Mom’s heart wasn’t like the rest of us was a cool fall day back in elementary school it was a later soccer practice, I had just gotten out of the goal from practice and, my neighbor picked me up. I thought it was weird but hey it’s my neighbor (also one of my best friends Moms so it wasn’t too weird.) When we got back to their house they told me mom was in the hospital that her heart is beating too fast. I think at the time I was probably just really confused my Mom seemed healthy she still does to be honest. They put her on medicine and childhood Monica didn’t think much else about it.

They have been managing it for a long time and this is her second attempt at this procedure but back in December she had to have one of her heart valves replaced and they did a small procedure alongside it to get her stubborn ticker to just beat normally.

Well, for the most part it’s behaving but here we are today and I am honestly positive that this is it that this time we’re going to beat the stubborn heart into behaving as it is supposed to. If not by the doctors then my own stubbornness is going to go head to head (Monica v Mon’s Heart) and her heart is going to have to behave because I said so. (Mama didn’t raise no sissy girl that heart is going to behave if I have to talk to it myself!)

I’m happy to wait here all day if it means that Mom’s heart will beat in rhythm and be the best possible version of itself it can be.

I’ll post an update on insta later today to let everyone know how Mom’s doing.

Michigan · Ohio · Pupper!

Dexter James Aka Bruiser

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Welcome to My World

Whoever said Diamonds are a girls best friend never had a dog!

This is it! My first post! So for my first post I am going to introduce one of the leading men in my life. This is Dexter James Carson Dex for short. He is a Cheagle. In typical legally blonde fashion I had to have the perfect best friend to live my perfect days! I actually got Dex from a family run pet shop in Cincy our Hometown. I was running errands with my friend Bridget when we went into the pet store to pick up bird food for her birds. There were the cutest puppies in the front of the store. (Back Story at the time I was getting a puppy for graduating college before moving to Michigan to start my law school career. I had decided I wanted a Pug named Pugsly and was set to meet breeders to pick out my perfect puppy!)

However, when we saw the puppies we had to play with them. There were two boys and a girl. I bent down to pick one up and next thing you know he is licking my nose. The rest is history. I fell in love head over heels with the puppy in the window. (We like to call it love at first lick.) I was back in the store the next morning okay fine in all honesty I was standing outside the store ten minutes before they opened with Mom and Bridget to guarantee we got a pup named Dex.

He was all of five pounds when I first met him whereas now he is a solid 20 pound puppers. He can still fit in my purse but he has evolved in his tastes and prefers to ride in style in his doggy stroller. If you see us out and about feel free to come say hi I’m pretty sure he thinks he is a person anyway.

Alright enough for today but that is the story of how this Elle met her Bruiser!