A Year in Review: Best of 2011

I sat at Meg's house last week recounting what a crazy year it has been.  There were lots of ups and downs, but we went through the year and realized that 2011 was pretty great.

First (and best) baby of the year: my niece Ellis Ann


















Best show: Girl Talk (Can't WAIT for 2012 and the most epic show of my entire life)
Best trip: Vail with my soul mate Kelly

Biggest accomplishment: Passing PNP boards
Best theme dressing: WAC 80's night

One of the coolest perks of being a townie: Private cocktail making class on Franklin
Hardest moment: Saying goodbye to Chapel Hill

Best bucket list moment: Popping out of a box.  "I have never been more surprised by anything in my entire life." ~Meg, opener of said box.

Best viral video: Bonjour girl
Best album: Adele's 21 (Got me through some hard times.  But what girl doesn't think that at least one song on that album was personally written for her.)
Best read: 11 Things to Know at 25-ish

Biggest FAIL: Gosh, I can't decide... Leaving my keys in North Carolina when I flew to KY, making a flight to NYC from the wrong departing airport, or wagering against UK fans for the Carolina game...

Bring it 2012, I'm ready.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing a wonderful holiday full of friends, family, and fond memories to everyone!  

Safe travels for those on the road and in the air.  

xoxo, Local Townie

An indelible mark

I don't feel better after hearing that Laurence Alvin Lovette Jr. will spend the rest of his life behind bars with no chance of parole, but I do feel like justice did all it could do. 

"I, in some way, feel like anything the court will say will do no better than their silence in preserving Eve's memory in this situation, but I think it should be said that this act has no place in our society.  The life that Ms. Carson led was too short, but I know that she continues to be an inspiration, not only for her family but for thousands in this community and across this country.  If there can be a marker at which it can be said that the family can turn a page and attempt to move forward in whatever way they can, I hope that today can be that day for them. I know that the days have been long and hard for many years. I hope that they can become a little brighter with the end of this trial," Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour said. 

I have this picture on my refrigerator in Louisville, Kentucky to remind me to keep pursuing my passions, and I'm doing it because that's what Eve would want.

Culture Shock

December 12 was the day I left Tanzania.  I remember looking out the window of the airplane and feeling a strange combination of pride, sorrow, and inspiration as I watched the world beneath me become a part of my past.  Pride that I had embarked on the greatest adventure yet-- all on my own-- and come out alive.  Sorrow that I was leaving a place that I had grown to love and appreciate in its own special way.  Inspiration for the way I wanted to live the life that I had in front of me.

It has been quite a year filled with lots of joy, but some sadness too.  I have embarked on a similar adventure, but this one has no end date when I know I'm going home.  I'm trying to make this my home.  Although I am not speaking Swahili, Kentucky can be just as much of a foreign land as I navigate my way through being a single twenty-something girl and learning how to be a grown up woman.

I could not have predicted the way the past year has gone.  I hope I get to say the same thing come next year. I've done a lot of soul searching recently and the task before me is clear.  So I'm harnessing the person that left for Tanzania not knowing where she was going to sleep that night, but who had faith that everything would turn out alright.  I have no idea what's coming, but I know it's going to turn out alright.

Cashing out

I lost a bet.  My very gracious gambling partner was a classy winner and he knows my trepidation toward my new life in Louisville so his stakes were easy: If I win, let's do classic Louisville.  Your treat.

We started off the night at The Historic Brown Hotel where we had the original Hot Brown, an Ale 81, and derby pie.  I may or may not have been a clean plater... And by that I mean that I obliterated that hot brown plate full of turkey, bacon, cheese, and bread.  So good.

Our evening took us further downtown to the Actors Theater for their 35th annual showing of A Christmas Carol which was FANTASTIC.  There was even a cirque du soleil portion of the show that was awesome.  The show is playing through Dec 23.  You can get tickets here.  

Stay tuned as I pay off the rest of this bet as there will certainly be ridiculous pictures and embarrassing moments to follow.

With the advent of many conversations taking place in my life regarding old friends in new relationships, weddings, engagements, and romance of the sorts, I thought it pertinent to put it all out there-- on my sleeve if you will-- and talk about what is on every twenty-something's mind... The opposite sex.

Follow these four articles for a modern-day approach to ladies, gents, and where "courtship" has been lost, only to be replaced with the Jersey Shore mentality.
Why I Only Date Southern Gentlemen
A Guide to Being A Southern Gentleman
The New Math on Campus
All the Single Ladies

Just a few other tips that cannot be ignored:

Ladies, take some Carolina advice and STAY CLASSY.  When your mom told you to go back in the house and PUT SOME CLOTHES ON, she was right (Thanks Mom!).  The whole less is more attitude does not apply to fabric.  Take some tips from Stacey & Clinton and accent your best assets, but do it in a way that leaves something to the imagination.

Gents, man up.  Stop creepin'.  Open a door.  Surprise her.  Let your actions speak louder than your words.  And when the time is right, let your words do the talking.  A little positive reinforcement goes a long way.

Court each other.  Girls this applies to you too.  The key to courtship: Patience.  Get to know one another as the story unravels.  Don't be in a rush to get to the next step.  If you're being anticipatory, it means that you're not basking in the moment that you're in.  Get to know one another in an open, honest, candid way.  Let your freak flags fly and be okay with letting each other be unabashedly yourselves.  You'll have fun, I promise.

Think lovingly, speak lovingly, act lovingly.  This is written on my computer to remind me every day.  The first one is the hardest because sometimes I just can't help but think the worst of Indiana drivers, or wonder why that girl is wearing Uggs with a miniskirt (see above re: Stay Classy).  Speaking lovingly is easy as a Southern girl.  All you have to do is finish any statement with "bless her heart" and it sounds sweet.  For instance, "That girl has a face like a horse, bless her heart."  See?  Seriously though, sometimes it's hard to put words out there because if you say them out loud then they must be true.  But where's the adventure if you aren't a little scared?  Lastly, act lovingly.  Be intentional with every move, every hug, every smile.  But avoid the ICK factor.  

Nervous?  Good.  It's your body's way of telling you to pay attention.  This is important dingbat.  Those butterflies in your stomach mean that you're supposed to look at that girl/boy and listen to what (s)he has to say.  Compose yourself.  Good, here we go... Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot.  

Put your GAME FACE on and stop PLAYING GAMES.  

xoxo,

becky

Battle of the Blues

All KY Hoops is reporting that a Kentucky-Duke/North Carolina exhibition game between current players will take place next Friday night at Rupp Arena. That’s the night before No. 1 North Carolina plays No. 2 UK at Rupp.

The exhibition is to be entitled “Battle of the Blues” and will include Brandon Knight, Josh Harrelson, Jodie Meeks, Rasheed Wallace, Raymond Felton, Ed Davis, Nolan Smith, Dahntay Jones, Corey Maggette, Kyrie Irving and Elton Brand. More players are to be announced next week.

Forget the gravy

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~JFK

Everybody's Hugging

I heard about this project from another local blogger where they take local musicians and have them perform their music in unconventional places.  Just roll the camera-- no re-do's.  In the car wash, on a farm, at karaoke night.  This one with Jonathan Glen Wood is my favorite because he's riding in the Party Truck through the Highlands.

The Year of Becky

Preface: If  you haven't seen the show Happy Endings, you really should.  This post references a sentiment from an earlier episode.

My 26th year is going to be the Year of Becky.  I'm not going to stop at 26 though, I might just continue until the day I get sucked up by a twister (yup, that's how I decided I'm going out of this world-- riding a tornado).  But it starts today.

The Year of Becky is all about living to the fullest, taking care of myself, and making sure that I'm making the most of these few years that God so generously gives us to look cute, be fabulous, and run a muck before gravity rears its ugly head and I have to become a productive member of society.

So here's my list of things to accomplish and make a priority in my 26th year:
-Use my passport
-Learn Spanish
-Floss
-Take really good care of my skin... before gravity kicks in
-Take an art class
-Volunteer my time
-Find a posse of friends
-Put myself out there and be emotionally available
-Throw a monster party
-Go to a raging concert (preferably Lady Gaga or the Avett Brothers)
-Slip n' slide
-Be on the infield at Derby
-Make people laugh and cry during my speeches at the weddings of my loved ones
-Look back on old memories and be able to laugh (in particular June 12, 2011)
-Take more pictures
-Love on my friends and family in many ways.

This list will be ever-expanding, so please feel free to make suggestions.  I hopeful and excited to see what this new year brings for me!
...But for now, it's a four hour layover in the Cleveland airport... so I'm having a Treat Yo'Self moment  and finding my way to the nail salon followed by the buy-one-get-one-free-bar.  Happy birthday to me!

A Year in Review: 25

25 has been an amazing year.  Sometimes when I think back about my years I am astonished at all I have accomplished in this short quarter century life. I did so much at 25 that some people don't accomplish in a lifetime.  It has inspired me and made me hungry for adventure, passion, and joy in my life.  Enjoy this pictorial review of my 25th year.

Turned 25 in Tanzania-- a day of waterfall hopping through small villages around Marangu, TZ.

Living in Moshi, Tanzania.  

Returned home to spend the next 3 months travelling, looking for jobs, and visiting friends all over the country.  I also welcomed this sweet little nugget into the world.  

Soaked up post-grad life and made the most of my time in Chapel Hill.

Graduated from Duke University

Quit my job in the PCICU at Duke when I found my DREAM job at U of L in the Peds ED.

Loved on my wonderful friends and had some cherished memories with the townies.

Moved to Louisville, KY

I couldn't pass up one last epic weekend in Chapel Thrill with the celebration of the 3rd annual Greatest Kickball Tournament Ever!

Building my life in Louisville has meant lots of hard work and persevering.  Luckily I landed some pretty awesome friends.  My climbing friends in particular are wonderful.  This is only the start of the adventures we'll have together.

I rescued the sweetest little puppy dog, Lulu.  Named her after my new town, and proceeded to whip her into shape with obedience as she whipped me into shape dragging me down the street on our runs.  She makes Louisville feel more like home.

Digging in with old friends and new in Kentucky.

 Not knowing what happens in the future is always one of the most exciting, inspirational, and endlessly frustrating aspects of life and I am so very excited about what the future holds for me.  It could be anything and I am open to the opportunity.

Dear birthday fairy

Now it is Nov. 12
Not to be hard but I need party.
xoxo
becky

Breeders' Cup

 An unexpected invite to a horse race and an even more unexpected Carolina blue sky made for a wonderful Friday afternoon when the Breeders' Cup came to Louisville's Churchill Downs.  I'm still quite new at the horse racing thing, but I'm getting the hang of it and will be ready for Keeneland in the spring.

Becky's rules of gambling:
Rule #1: If you're not okay with losing money, don't gamble.  Simple as that.
Rule #2: Get a program and sit with someone who knows what it means*.  Preferably a Kentucky boy who has been at the races his entire life.
*See Rule #3
Rule #3: Don't be a sucker for statistics.  In the 5 races we saw, only 1 of the favorites won.  Sometimes you're better off betting based on a pretty horse, good jockey colors (i.e. Carolina blue), or the size of the horse's booty (the bigger the better).
Rule #4: Know how to place your bet.  Name the dollar amount, type of bet, and horse.  Ex: Hiii!  I'd like to place a $2 exacta bet on 2, 4, and 9**.
**Make sure you name the right horses.  Otherwise you'll end up like me and think you won but realize you told the lady at the booth the wrong number.  Oops.
Rule #5: Cheer loudly-- it makes the horses run faster.  Not really, but it's very exciting so you can't help but cheer!

We finished up the night at O'Shea's, dining on fish n' chips and a beer sampler.  I highly suggest the Southern style breading (c'mon, would you really think I'd suggest anything else?) and the BBC's Bourbon stout.

I am currently taking reservations in my sweet little apartment for the 2012 Kentucky Derby.  I've already had 3 RSVPs and there is plenty more room.  

Shake it out

It's always darkest before the dawn...
It's hard to dance with the devil on your back
So shake it out

Thank you Florence for once again putting my life to music.  The last couple of weeks have been rough, with ups and downs that I could not control.  But a little time with family, old friends, and new friends helped me to shake it out and become re-energized about my life.  I'm taking control and moving forward.

Trader Joe's at home in Louisville

I've been eating the remnants of my fridge for a week in eager anticipation of the GRAND opening of Trader Joe's in St Matthews.  *Sigh, and it was everything I remembered and more.

Top 10 things to buy at Trader Joe's:
10. Mango apricot Greek yogurt
9. Edamame
8. Tomato soup
7. Frozen sweet potato fries
6. Chocolate center shortbread cookies
5. Salad dressing- I'm a fan of their Asian sesame
4. Whole bean coffee
3. produce- any and all because it's so fresh and most of it is organic
2. Almond champagne
1. Two buck Chuck (I giggled to myself at a sweet person who walked right past the SUPER GIANT display of Charles Shaw and asked the employee where the "$2 Chuck" was)

P.S.

I got the most wonderful letter today from one of my best friends.  A hand written letter really makes me feel closer to someone and I always save her letters because they are so uplifting, sincere, and we are always on the same page.
Her P.S. today made me smile so much because it was like a bucket list for the day.  Read on...

P.S. Things I hope for you today:
Peace in your heart. (I'm working on it)
A lick from your pup. (Plus she's sitting in my lap right now refusing to let me type)
A view of some stars. (It's a little bright and cloudy tonight, but it's a beautiful night.  I know because I was out enjoying it)
No traffic. (Thank goodness, with the bridge to Indiana closed it makes traffic insane in Louisville)
Good music. (The music was better last night when I had a dance party to Lady Gaga/Beyonce and sang along while my friend played The Avett Brothers on his banjo.  It was pretty late so I'll technically count it as today)
Smells of fall & leaves. (Which were perfect on my run with Lulu)
Open windows. (All the way down on the way home from work.)
Tea.  (No, coffee. Way more important).
An intriguing stare from a cute, mysterious boy. (Working on that too.)
And rest for your soul. (On my way to bed to rest my body at the same time)

Oh, and there were pirate tattoos in the letter as well.  Kelly, you're the best s.mate ever.

Grand Opening

Within one block of my house in Clifton there are many grand openings:

Comfy Cow Ice Creamery

Pie Kitchen Cafe

Quest Outdoors (re-opening)

Just down the street:

Trader Joe's (long awaited and coveted!)

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Adventures with P. Diddy

You want to know a secret Patty?

Sure.

Sometimes when I'm on car trips, I pretend like I'm still in Tanzania.

Really?  

Yea.  Is that weird.

I dunno.  Kinda

[clash bang scrape blow out scrreeech]

Oh [snap]

What was that?

Blow out.

Uh what are we supposed to do now.

You're not going to do anything.  I'm going to change it and you're going to sit here because we're on the side of the road and I don't want you to get hit by a semi.  Unless you want to go pee in the woods down there.

No, there might be bears.

I hate wild animals.

You're really fast.
I know.
That was a compliment.
Well that was my fourth.  Look, I need to stop and get another spare.  I'm not trying to have another blow out on this godforsaken highway and get stranded here.  This is the boonies.  And I've got precious cargo.  We'll stop up here, I know a place.
Aw, you think I'm precious cargo?
No, I've got my climbing gear in the back.
It smells like burning rubber.  Or maybe your air freshener.
Both.
...
Uh is this it?

Yea I think these guys have a tire that will fit.
This is Tanzania.  Except they have double wides instead of huts.
They're just good ol' boys.
They think you're a city slicker.
What do you think they think of you?
That I'm a priss.
You are.
NO I AM NOT!  Just because I can't change a tire or kill a bear with my bare hands does not make me a priss.
Ok.
Hey, you guys rock climbers?
Yea.
Well how do you get that rope up there?
This would be a one star trip if it weren't for the Rollings Stones playing out the side of that Dodge Neon.
I think that guy just pulled a knife on his friend.
We should go.
Yup.

Did you find your shoes?
Nope.
Oh, sorry.
Yea and some briar patch cut the [snot] out of my arm on the way down.  How was your nap?
Great.
...
I think we make a left to cut through the Gorge to Muir Valley.
Uh, that's a dead end.
This would totally be a one star trip if it weren't for such gorgeous weather.

 This was my first lead route.
What was the name again?
Mr. Bungle
I give it three stars.
Overall 3 star day.
Word.
Let's hit the road.  Margaritas or a giant Pacifico?

Rose-colored glasses

A year ago today, I boarded a plane headed for Tanzania.  I had no idea what I'd find.  I didn't even know where I was going to sleep when I got there.  That was the adventure I craved.

My time there was life-changing, because I've never lived in a world where everything was an adventure.  A trip to get groceries meant a mile walk, hanging onto the side of a dala dala (bus) for dear life while the pavement raced beneath me, bartering in Swahili with a local for pennies worth of delicious produce.  The children I worked with had diseases I had only ever read about in books.  But now I have seen rheumatic heart disease, rabies, and pediatric AIDS.

I had every target on my back: Single. White. Woman.  And yet I approached my life there confidently (and only sometimes with reckless abandon).  I have never lived so simply.  It's a true test of flexibility to forego all of the luxuries of Western culture.  And yet, I'd love to live without them again.

I miss the beauty of my surroundings: Kilimanjaro peeking out of the clouds, flowers blooming on every tree, the amazing fruits and vegetables that were picked straight from the trees, the feeling of Karibu and the sweet nature of all of the Tanzanians.

I miss Dana.  Happy friendiversary!!!!

I don't know if I'll ever make it back to Moshi, Tanzania, but that's okay because I live out the lessons I learned there every day in my life here.  Karibu, work hard, be present in your community, provide resources, care for the children like they were your own.

Happy BERTday!

Bert & I go way back, and I mean wayyyyy back.  So far back that our we share genes.  And I'm not talking denim.

Bert is my twin cousin
My brotha from anotha motha (love you Aunt Janet!)
A partner in life through my formative years
Someone with whom I can be open and honest and candid and silly all at the same time.

We are three weeks apart in age but it's obvious we're cut from the same cloth.

Bert is one of the most genuine (tied only with other members of our family), loyal. caring men I have ever known.  After all of the fun we had at Carolina, how could it get any better?  But it did, we spent every Wednesday morning of the next two years having breakfast together before school at Duke.  The subjects were varied: careers, life, basketball, dating, travels.  No matter the subject, Bert is present and invested.

You're the best guy friend I have and I am so thankful to have so many special memories with you.  Can't wait to see what's to come this year!  Thanks for being my older cousin and showing me that it's safe to turn another year older :)
Note: I am not worried about your fiance seeing these pictures-- she's got to know what she's getting into :)

So happy birthday sweet sweet cousin!  We'll celebrate this weekend and again at my birthday.  (You'll have to wait for Katherine to come down for your fantastic present!)  Can't wait for a big ol' birthday hug (not that you're old or anything)!!!!

Keeneland

Sundress? Check.

Sunglasses? Check.

Bourbon? Check.

Dollar bills? Check.

No, I did not go to Vegas.  I went to Keeneland for their fall series of horse races!  Whit and I loaded up on Saturday morning for an easy 1 hour drive down to Versailles, KY outside of Lexington.  Although a little apprehensive about being allergic to horses (it was not fun to realize that) and not knowing what to expect, we headed inside.  Here's how the day panned out:

1st race: bet $4, no win
2nd race: bet $6, won $12
3rd race: bet $4*, no cash win**
4th race: bet $3, no win

*some guy told me to place on a certain horse and I bet him that if that horse lost then he owed me
**a $6 beer

There's one more weekend at Keeneland this weekend before next spring.
October 29
FREE parking
$5 admission
Lowest bet- $2

...getting very excited for DERBY!  Local Townie is currently taking reservations for May 3-7.

A milestone day

His brown hair to my blond.
His brown eyes to my green.
His right hand to my left.
His shy, quiet nature to my... well... loud verbosity.

We're total opposites.  But we've got one thing in common: We're siblings.   That's a bond that has an unspoken, indescribable connection.  It's something that no one can take away.

Today is a very special day.  Today is my brother's 30th birthday.  He has conquered many milestones and his birthday is an exciting celebration of his achievements and the promise of his future.  I am so excited for his life and the trajectory that it's going.

So happy happy happy birthday big brother!  I hope your birthday brings you many smiles, fond memories of your past, hopeful wishes for your future, and a feeling that you are very loved-- because you are!  Happy birthday!

"Your home sounds wonderful.  Louisville is not trying to fill the shoes of Chapel Hill, because it never could.  We are just trying to be a new pair of shoes.  A pair that is shiny, and new, and makes you feel pretty when you wear them." ~a good friend

Fail blog

Friday 8:54 AM- Wake up

8:56 AM- Try to check in for my flight to NYC to see Sesh* because I forgot to check in last night

8:57 AM- Read that my flight to NYC today is DEPARTING FROM RALEIGH...er WHAT?!?!?!?! NO!!  HOW did this possibly happen?!  Then I curse google chrome.

9:10 AM- Call Sesh.  She screens.  I hate that.  But she's legit in a meeting.

9:11 AM- Call home.  Lecture from brother.  Hang up.

9:15 AM- Call Dad.  Sympathy.  Much appreciated.  Find out they're going to the mountains that afternoon.

11:02 AM- Finally talk to Sesh.  I have never been so disappointed.  I still owe you a trip to NYC for a big weekend, but another time.  Her thought: "Maybe this weekend just wasn't supposed to happen.  Maybe the plane was going to crash, or maybe something more was meant for us this weekend."  Profound and optimistic and kind.  

2:53 PM- After getting my life together after the catastrophe of a weekend, I salvage and call my brother.  I'll meet you in Asheville.  Don't tell Mom & Dad.

9:15 PM- The surprise was classic.  I thought my Dad was going to have a heart attack.  

Saturday-Sunday: Peak color season in Asheville.  Carolina blue skies.  Perfect temperature.  Just got home.  My brother really considered stealing my dog.  I don't blame him.  She's amazing.

*Sesh, in addition to being my BFF from home, is the most wonderfully understanding, supportive, and ever-present friend I could ask for.  She wasn't even mad at me, which made me feel like I had disappointed her that much more.

Mom reminded me that I was away from my family for the longest amount of time since I was born.  I think Seshie was right, something more was meant for me this weekend.

 Sweet home Carolina.

My ears are burning

Looked what popped up on my google reader:

Recent North Carolina transplants Becky and Whitney Draper find a spot to chill and chat.

Oh it's been broughten!

University of North Carolina vs University of Louisville

Chapel Hill, NC, Center of the Universe

12 P.M. EST

ESPN2

My brother and Dad will be at the game giving me a play-by-play since I couldn't be at home.

I even made a "friendly wager" predicting the win of the Tar Heels over the Cardinals.

“We know our O-line is one of the best in the country,” redshirt sophomore quarterback Bryn Renner said. “Every series the skill player who scores goes and thanks the O-line because we couldn’t do it without them.”