Date Nights - July

As we prepared for our big move to Columbus, we split our date nights this month between the old and the new. It was nice to build in some fun while we were in Columbus looking for a place to live and doing a little networking. At the same time, it was great to be able to fit in a bucket list style date night in New York City.

In Columbus, we had a blast mini-golfing at Olentangy Mini-Golf. We played two courses and each won a round. Afterward, we had delicious Mexican food at El Acapulco. It was a fun way to spend some free time as we checking out our new city. I can definitely see us revisiting these two spots in the coming months.

In New York, our bucket list style date night included dinner at Sylvia's in Harlem before heading over to the Apollo Theater for Amateur Night. The food was amazing!! I definitely recommend it regardless of how long you have to wait. Fortunately, we were there at a good time and had just a short wait before chowing down on some tasty chicken. Apollo Amateur Night was quite the experience. I can't imagine getting up in front of a crowd of New Yorkers and performing - truly a vulnerable spot! We enjoyed all of the acts, but it is tradition there to boo acts off the stage so that happened a couple times. We actually felt bad for those performers. Honestly, no one really stood out head and shoulders above the rest. There were some pretty talented acts. All in all, I highly recommend this combo to anyone. It was a super fun night!

Do you have any bucket list places or activities you'd like to experience in your city?

Andrea :)

Improv at Magnet Theater - Level Two

After my stellar experience in Level One, I couldn't shake the idea of not continuing to pursue this super fun form of comedy. With our commitments in the spring and really not knowing our plans 100%, I didn't feel like I could take another eight week course. Fortunately, the Magnet offers week long intensives for Level Two.

I jumped on it. I requested it as a birthday gift and took the class at the end of July. I was hesitant about being in class for essentially six hours each day, but it was surprisingly refreshing. There wasn't a ton of additional learning that took place in Level Two so that helped to make it feel less overwhelming.

We did a lot of character building and working on playing in groups, but the basic concepts from Level One were simply continually reiterated. There was one person from my Level One class in Level Two, but otherwise it was a great group of new, fun faces! It was also great because we had lunch together each day and really got to know one another a little better during that time.

I didn't have as much of a crew at the show, but I was happy Chris was able to be there to support me. I really enjoyed playing with so many people in this group. I thought our show was so fun!

Andrea :)

Photo A Day - July

July held some significant milestones and fun times with my favorite birthday buddy back in Kentucky along with a pit stop in Columbus.

I became an official New Yorker just in time to pack up and move. Pretty ironic, but I am glad that I made it to that 10 year mark. It sure was a decade to remember. I am glad that I took the chance and didn't give up on myself or the city that never sleeps too soon!

We spent a few days in Columbus signing our new lease, exploring around town, and visiting with the birthday boy down in Lexington for a couple days. Lots of fun and excitement!

Packing took over my life when I wasn't enjoying my level two intensive improv class with Magnet Theater. Definitely a fun birthday week - complete with a trip to the LIC Flea Market.

Beautiful birthday flowers from Reba really brightened up the apartment. We had a date night at the Apollo for Amateur Night - definitely an interesting experience! In between packing up boxes, we saw Queen in Brooklyn and went to our all-time favorite hibachi spot.

Andrea :)