My New (Blog) Home
My year of new things has come to an end. I plan to continue documenting new things (day/road trips, crafts, etc.). Continue to follow me here:
Thanks for reading this past year. Happy 2011!!!
Top 13 New Things of 2010
Several people suggested I make a top ten list to wrap up the year. So here it is, only I couldn’t narrow it down so it’s a top 13 list instead. In no special order, here are my favorites:
1. Argentina
2. Colorado
3. Rock climbing
4. Blanc Burgers & Bottles
5. Saigon 39
6. Ziplining
7. Painting a picture
8. Shooting range
9. Progressive dinner
10. KC Symphony
11. Murder mystery dinner
12. River Market
13. TP-ing Shane’s apartment
Picking my favorites seemed easy. Until skimming through all the pictures and realizing I forgot about some. So here are a few honorable mentions: BWW’s Flamin’ Challenge, MU game, laughter yoga, self-defense and tailgating.
Thank you to the friends who have experienced these new things with me. Thanks also to the readers who have followed along in my journey this year. I had a lot of fun intentionally trying new things. In fact, I don’t want to stop. So I’m not going to. I don’t have a set goal, but I will continue doing new things including road trips, crafts, etc. I plan to continuing documenting them, but it will not be on this blog. Mostly because the name wont be accurate and well…I have never liked the name so I’m ready to get rid of it. Be on the lookout for a new blog soon.
Happy New Year!
New Thing #60: Lelia’s Hair Museum
Today, the very last day of 2010, I met my goal of 60 new things. Scratch that…I went above my goal. I set off to do one new thing a week, but at the halfway mark had done thirty. Therefore, I decided to double that by the end of the year. And I did it!!!
Meg K. suggested the Hair Museum a couple of months back. Immediately I looked it up due to being both disgusted and intrigued. You may be wondering what the heck a hair museum entails. Well, quite simply, a display of artwork and jewelry made of hair. However, as Kassie, Meg and I learned today it’s not simply just artwork and jewelry, the history behind it all is actually really cool.
First of all, Leila’s Hair Museum is the ONLY hair museum in the world. There is a privately owned one somewhere in another country. Also, the Smithsonian has a collection it displays only about once every 100 years. If you live in Independence, you’ve probably seen this place without even being aware of it. It’s located on Noland Road near 23rd Street, across the street from KFC and a few doors down from QT. It’s a little old building with a not so fancy sign. The collection is owned by the lady who started the Independence School of Cosmetology.
This lady collects hair from famous people (Elvis, George Washington, JFK, Abraham Lincoln and Marilyn Monroe to name a few). She also owns 2+ rooms full of family artifacts, wreaths, jewelry, postcards, etc. made exclusively of hair. Our tour guide taught us some very interesting facts hair art. Before photos, hair was a way to remember family members. Women spent YEARS collecting their own hair and the hair of family members to create these beautiful, detailed masterpieces. Hair was used not only as a family “portrait”, but also to remember deceased children, used to create Valentines (yuck), added to postcards and so much more.
I could go into more detail, but you should really just go check it out yourself. It’s $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors and children. Have fun!
(Sadly we couldn’t take pics inside, so I borrowed some from a website and took what I could outside of the museum.)
New Thing #59: Town Topic Burger
Every single time I drive down Broadway I’m always intrigued by this little shady-looking burger joint. Especially after seeing the place jam packed during First Fridays. While driving home from a tour of the Boulevard Brewery recently, I commented on wanting to try it. Less than a week later my lovely friend, Kyndal, went with me to fulfill the desire. The first day of my break Kyndal, Kyla (her beautiful daughter) and I drove downtown for an early lunch.
The place is just as small on the inside as it looks from the outside. The restaurant consist of three counters. Two along the windows on each side of the door (one of which is standing room only). The other stretches diner-style from each end of the trailer-sized building. It has a very retro, traditional diner place. We sat at the counter watching the cooks and waitresses do their thing.
Kyla teased us by indulging in chocolate pie while we waited on our double cheeseburgers with tots. The verdict: very good. VERY. I expected greasy, not-so-great burgers. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The thin burgers were topped with sautéed onions and were simply delicious. Not only are the burgers incredible, the price is as well. I will absolutely be revisiting Town Topic in the future. I highly recommend you do too.
New Thing #58: The Kansas City Symphony
The weekend before Christmas I got to attend the Kansas City Symphony’s Christmas Festival. The symphony performed Christmas classics alongside the symphony choir, Allegro Children’s Choir and Rezound Handbell Ensemble. It was such a fantastic night. The music was incredible! They performed songs from Christmas movies and, of course, the classics. My two favorites- Carol of the Bells and the Polar Express songs. So powerful and beautiful! I feel the need to mention Santa made an appearance. As well as some radio dude who narrated Twas the Night Before Christmas, which was pretty cool.
I enjoyed watching the symphony play at the Lyric Theater. The theater is historic and simply beautiful. I’m looking forward to (hopefully) seeing next year’s Christmas Festival at the soon to be newly opened Kauffman Center for Performing Arts.
This first was a very nice evening. I was joined by good company who treated me to a nice dinner beforehand. We got to follow the show by driving through Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake. It was a very sweet and Christmas-y night!
New Thing #57: Progressive Dinner
A few weekends ago I got to participate in a fun LifeCo Womens’ Night Out. A group of 30-something women traveled to four different homes for a progressive dinner. At each house, we played games and had a blast getting to know each other better.
Our stops:
- We started with appetizers at Rachelle’s house. Rachelle and Mandy prepared lots of yummy finger food. While ladies arrived, Carrie taped a name to our back and we spent our time here guessing who we were and giving clues to each other. I was George Clooney.
- Next, we had salads at Casey’s house. She made three delicious salads. While eating we found out who had done the most unusual things. Jill and I tied! Unfortunately, our winning picture is MIA.
- We ate our entrée at Megan’s (and my) house. Megan made a seriously awesome pork, with some sort of spicy sauce and sweet potatoes.
- The night ended at Angela’s house in Buckner. Sarah and Carrie made several fabulous desserts. After coffee and sweets, the remaining women played a game.
It was a great night of good food, incredible conversations and new friendships. Thanks to our hosts and all the work they put into the night!
New Thing #56: Real Christmas Tree
A couple of weeks ago my roomie and I got a real Christmas tree. Megan grew up with them, but this was a new experience for me. We headed to the Fort Osage Christmas Tree Farm, drank hot chocolate and walked around looking for the perfect tree. It was slim pickings, but we found one. The guy helped us “cut” the tree down and get it ready to go. Everything about the night was perfect. Beautiful sunset, perfect non-coat wearing weather, good company and my first real tree!
New Thing #55: Shooting Range
For years I’ve wanted my friend Seth to take me to a shooting range. We first started talking about going way back in college. We were finally able to make arrangements during Thanksgiving break. Seth and I hit up Wal-Mart for some ammo and soda cans (my targets) before heading out to Concordia.
Seth brough his Glock Model 22C, .40 cal. (I’m sure I messed that up) for us to use. Despite the pouring rain and several untouched soda cans, shooting the gun was a BLAST! Not to brag or anything, but was told I’m a natural. This coming from a guy that sometimes trains new cops. I was very coachable, consistently hit the same spot and yeah…I basically just rock when it comes to shooting. (I may or may not remember his exact compliments/encouragements…it’s been a couple of weeks) But he did strongly encouraged me to take this up as a new hobby. I’m just THAT good. So basically, you better watch out.
New Thing #54: Plaza Lighting on Thanksgiving
One of my favorite places this time of year is the Plaza. However, I’ve deprived myself of getting to watch the lights switched on each Thanksgiving. I’ve managed to stay away mostly because I’m not a fan of large crowds and ridiculous parking. I’ve heard many stories about how bad those things can be this night, so I’ve always opted out of going. Fortunately, crowds and parking were relatively easy. We parked in a lot close (although it did take a ridiculously long time to get out of the garage afterward) and we were able to stand close to the stage.
It ended up being a fun night. Although the performances were cheesy (it felt like we were watching a Gap commercial), it was good. We walked around to get coffee pre-lighting. Then watched the KC Idols (some sort of competition) and Gap-inspired dancers do their cheesy stuff. Next, two Chiefs players and a cute little boy from the audience finally flipped the switch. And then the ceremony ended with fireworks (the BEST part).
Despite the cheesy performance and being stuck in the parking garage for way too long, it was a truly great experience. It was in good company and it was simply just really fun. The best part? It officially marks the start of Christmastime!!!
New Thing #53: White Castle
On our way home from ziplining a couple weeks ago, my friends and I stopped at a White Castle in Columbia. Somehow I’ve never been to one. After eating there, I know why. Not bad, just not amazing. They’re greasy little burgers. I actually really like sliders. I just wasn’t impressed. Despite that, it was still a fun visit and I’ll probably eat White Castle again in the future.
Venturesome 2010 