"CLEVELAND ROCKS!"
"The Drew Carey Show" was an American sitcom that aired on ABC from 1995 -2004. The show was set in Cleveland, Ohio, and revolved around the retail office and home life of "everyman" Drew Carey, a fictionalized version of the actor. Now, the theme song for "The Drew Carey Show" was particularly funny to watch, especially with Drew Carey going "b-a-n-a-n-a-s" in downtown Cleveland (watch on youtube). The lyrics were garbage, but I did like the cultish chant "Cleveland Rocks!" accompanied by erratic fist pumps in the air.
On Thursday, October 7, 2010, I received somewhat of an expected surprise! My twin brother, Adam, called me and said he was flying into Columbus so we could attend the Cleveland Browns vs. Atlanta Falcons NFL Football game. Needless to say, I was VERY EXCITED! Since I moved to Columbus to attend Ohio State University, this is my very first "visit" from my family!
My twin brother and I have a very close relationship. We are identical twins. He happens to be one-minute older than me...so I don't mind being considered the "baby" in the family. Throughout our whole lives, we have done everything together. We attended the same school, played the same sports, had the same friends, listened to the same music, went to war in Iraq together, shared the same car for 4 years, got in the same amount of trouble together, etc. I can honestly say it was fun having my twin brother growing up...and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything else in the world. I believe there is a special bond between twins...it's something I can't explain, but it does exist. He is my best friend and I am honored to consider him as my brother.
During my life, I have learned not to take the occasional visits/drop-ins from my family for granted. I remember my "rebellious...I got it all figured out and don't tell me what to do" years very well. All the times I would be embarrassed or "inconvenienced" by my parents dropping in to my dorm room to say, "Hi". I am sure at the time I was worried about them "cramping my style" or something ridiculous like that...oh, how shallow I use to be.
I am glad my twin brother got to see "my life" in Columbus, Ohio. I had a great time showing him around campus, taking him to the Buckeye Corner and loading him up with OSU gear for him and his family and even sampling some of the world-famous burgers at Thurman's. Even though the weekend went by fast, I was enjoyed every minute he was here. It was fun road tripping and getting out and about Ohio. My brother had never been to Cleveland before so it was a great opportunity to explore a different area besides Columbus.
All in all, I am thankful for my family visit. Even though I am in graduate school, there is nothing like having a little piece of home visit you every once in a while. As "The Drew Carey Show" put it, "Cleveland Rocks!".
For me, I think Cleveland rocks when you get to spend it with your family.