August slipped away into a moment in time

There's a Taylor Swift song called "August" that has a line that says "August slipped away into a moment in time." And it gets repeated on loop on social media when the month rolls around. And for the most part, August did slip away from us pretty quickly. This is always the case with summer months. The weather has actually cooled down recently and it has gotten all of Columbus in the mood for fall. (Although, to clarify, I still count September as mostly summer. And to prove my point, it's supposed to get back up into the mid 80s by the weekend. Gross).

August has a lot of significance for us. It's our wedding anniversary on August 3rd. (We celebrated six years this year). It's also the month we moved to Columbus. (Two years ago on August 19th). And, unexpectedly, this was also the month that Levent got a new job, which, ironically, also started on August 19. Big things. But on the whole it did feel quite ordinary as life often does.

Our Anniversary: This year, we were actually home for our anniversary. Turns out, when you have a summer anniversary there is a good chance you will be traveling or doing something with family during that window of time. That is especially true for the Miller family. Since there is a big break in the Japanese school schedule at the end of July/beginning of August, both Levent and I and then Blake and Brendan got married in this particular window so Chadwick and Tirzah could come to the States to celebrate with us. Thus, last year, during the window, we were all in Turkey, (which was very cool, but also our actual anniversary was a very exhausting day. Not ideal).

This year, as I said, we were home. We did two mini celebrations that weekend. The first being that Levent went to the Clintonville farmers market with me and we bought ourselves anniversary flowers (as well as Turkish pastries for breakfast). Then, on our actual anniversary, which was on a Sunday this year, we decided to go out for brunch. There is a Kurdish restaurant downtown, Silav Grill & Cafe that has something called a "Royal breakfast." It is the closest thing to a Turkish breakfast there is in the city. Lots of little dishes with yummy things like hummus, cheese, veggies, nuts, etc. And tea, of course. It was delicious and something I had been wanting us to do for awhile. It was a fun way to mark the occasion.

Our Columbus anniversary: The day before the 19th, I convinced Levent that we should go out to eat to celebrate. Not only were we celebrating two years in Columbus, (which feels like a trial and a triumph at the same time since it as not been easy), but we were also kind of celebrating my birthday. I was sick on my birthday this year and didn't get to go out to eat, which is my favorite thing to do. (We just got take out that day instead). So I had been waiting for the right time to go out to eat again, especially since a very cute and delicious pizzeria opened up a few blocks away from our house. After my sewing class, Levent and I met at Osteria for a Hugo Spritz (for me) and a delicious salami pizza with olives and hot honey (for us).

I don't know how many years I will keep up the tradition of marking the time when we moved to Columbus. But as long as it continues to feel significant, I think I will still want to celebrate. It is also a bit how I was brought up. My mom would make a "fancy" meal every October when we were kids to celebrate buying our house and moving to Eureka. It was so special as kids (even though it was literally just chicken cordon blue from the freezer section and instant chocolate pudding in fancy coups). I loved it. So it's in my heart to mark an occasion like this. 

Besides, moving to Columbus has not been a walk in the park. Both Levent and I have struggled with our mental health since moving here. My anxiety has been so bad in the city that on really rough days, I think maybe it was a mistake to leave Kansas, purely for the wide open spaces and endless places to park. (Also I continue to miss my friends). I have intense driving anxiety on highways now (which I am working through with a therapist) and it continues to be a very inconvenient phobia in a very car-centric, busy city. I still think it was the right choice for us to move here. Our Kansas chapter was ending and it was time for a change. I just maybe forgot a bit how hard change actually is. But we're doing it. 

And now Levent is working again, which is another change to adjust to. I really liked having him home all the time. Someone once asked me if it feels like it's still the pandemic because I still work remotely. And honestly, sometimes yes it does. Being home alone is not the best (especially since I don't really like my job anymore). Having Levent here with me was a bright moment in my dreaded workday. (I should acknowledge that my in-laws are around, but it's a big house and I don't see very much of them throughout the day) Plus, we currently only have one car, which he now takes to work. So now I am really stuck at home during the day. It's an adjustment. But we're getting used to it. Change is constant. Nothing is forever. Don't we know it. I am very glad to be by Levent's side as we navigate all of this together.

Other notable things about August:

1. I completed my sewing class! I made a small tote bag and a apron. I am very proud of them, although don't look too closely as my ends are a mess. I am hoping to take this class again sometime as well as a quilting class. It is a fun and important skill to have.

2. We "put up" corn and peaches. One morning, Wilbur, Shirley, Brendan, Levent and I got together and processed a bunch of corn to freeze for the winter. My portion was about 4 dozen ears of corn which equaled 10 1/2 containers. It is probably too much. But if I am intentional about it, I know I will use it up this winter and be grateful to have it.

Shirley, Brendan and I also got a box of PA peaches this year. I canned most of time. I have 10 quarts for the winter.

3. Rib fest!

4. Scout had very expensive dental surgery because apparently her teeth are trash. Ironically, in August of last year, she also had expensive surgery to remove bladder stones. Here's hopefully she doesn't have another surgery next August.

Here little shaved arms post-surgery kill me

5. My baby cousin Maddie came to visit! (Well mostly she came to visit my cousin Betha and Aunt and Uncle who live outside of Columbus. But one Saturday afternoon Maddie and Betha came into the city to hang out. I hadn't seen my cousin Maddie since 2011 when she was around 14 or so. So it was very fun to hang out with her and get to know her as an adult. We had coffee in German Village and then went to the book loft. Afterwards, we sat on my in-laws front porch and chatted. It was a lovely afternoon.

6. I stood in a crazy long time for an hour to try donuts from Rose Dough Donuts in Clintonville. I have no regrets. They are the best donuts I've had in Columbus so far!

7. I spent all our disposable income at the Farmer's markets. Of course. It's my default. (Just kidding of course. But I continue to love farmers markets and all the fresh and local goodies they have to offer). The main farmer's market journey of note was one Saturday, cousin Betha and I headed up to the Worthington Farmer's Market which is very large. We were on a mission to find the gluten-free bakery for Betha (which we did). I, of course, bought too much. It was also crazy hot; so, to end our journey, we both got Thai iced tea at Joya's. (Another restaurant I will happily stand in line for).

And just like that August slipped away into September.