Final Four Showdown

I live in Louisville which is comprised of 50% University of Louisville fans and 50% University of Kentucky fans... 100% loathing for the other side.  Thank goodness the Final Four game is on neutral territory in New Orleans because Bluegrass State is about to burst at the seams with this rivalry.

I'm from North Carolina so I KNOW college basketball.  I was taught from an early age to detest Dook with every fiber of my being.  The UK vs U of L rivalry does not have the same proximity or ferocity as UNC and Duke, but their fans are some of the most passionate in the States.  And when you're putting a National Championship on the line, "It's Armageddon, catered by KFC."

Just ask the Georgetown police who had to respond to a dispute between two dialysis patients that were up in arms (literally) and throwing bows over the argument of who would win in the Final Four match-up.  

This city is about to explode and I can't wait to watch!  Though U of L signs my paychecks and I have a family member at UK, I will be staying true to my roots and wearing  a Carolina t-shirt.  After all, if it weren't for that wrist, it would be us in New Orleans.

Resourcefulness

Checked off my bucket list: Perform at The Moth

It was such a rush.  I’m just mad that I lost.  But there was no way I could compete with the Rodney Dangerfield Kentuckian that confessed to an incestuous kiss with his Aunt Betty.  

My story was better. # RESOURCEFULNESS

Best Breakfast in Louisville

Inspired by Esquire's article on the Best Breakfasts in America and my recent dilemma of being starving (and lazy) on Saturday at brunch, I bring you the Best Breakfasts in Louisville... Because sometimes the breakfast of champions is better served with a side of champagne.

 

Lynn's Paradise Cafe in the Highlands is my absolute favorite.  Their quirky decor starts conversation but their food shuts you up!  Lynn's serves breakfast all day long-- a must have in your repertoire of eateries.

What to eat: Kenny's Kentucky Scramble, Lynn's Bourbon French Toast

Toast on Market has moved...down the street on Market.  Don't let the name fool you-- it's not as plain as it sounds.  You'll love the delicious take on the classics and their very hospitable service.  Go for the food, stay for the free wifi.

What to eat: anything but toast

Wild Eggs was the first place I ever ate in Louisville.  I stopped here to have breakfast with a friend before my job interview and filled up on a hearty breakfast of eggs and hash browns.  Voted the "best omelet in Louisville" by Louisville magazine in 2011, it's the best "foggy morning" place to eat because the classic grub is cheap and plentiful.  With multiple locations in St Matthews, Westport, and Landis Lakes, you're bound to roll out of bed close to one.

What to eat: eggs of course, but don't forget The King Would Eat These PB&chocolate pancakes, and cream cheese stuffed french toast topped with summer berries, 

Hillbilly Tea has less to offer coffee drinkers, but for the bean-challenged, it's a great little spot downtown.  The menu is certainly off the beaten path but the Southern decor will make you feel right at home.  The only thing it's missing is your mama.

What to eat: hillbilly nola

Wagner's Pharmacy on 4th Street is synonymous with Derby since this 90 year old coffee shop used to be a pit stop for horsemen until they spread the trough wide enough to fit in the out-of-townies looking to capture Derby lifestyle at its finest.
What to eat: ham and eggs, a side of tomatoes, and a glass of malted milk.

We made it to SPRING!  And Lulu is just as excited as me.

Bex's Bracketology

I'm not some sportscaster that spends my career crunching numbers and watching the every move of the nation's most elite college athletes.  Nor am I that girl that picks the winner of a game based on the prettiest jersey (but that IS how I bet on horses).  The method to my March Madness is somewhat more complicated... and vindictive.

South:
Wichita St would have been a David & Goliath story if it weren't for their inappropriately high ranking... but in the end I am cheering for Indiana because they have at least beaten UK once this season.
UNLV took Carolina out early in the season, but let's face it, they're not making it past the second round.
As much as I'd like to see Duke lose in the first round, I would more so love to see them get far enough to have their hopes and dreams crushed beneath them.
All in all, UK has been sick this season and they'll make it to the final four.

East:
I would LOVE for UNC Asheville to beat Syracuse, but the 108-0! record of #1 seeds playing #16 seeds goes against the statistics-- sorry bulldogs.
Vandy also had the gusto to beat UK, which to me means that they can pull out their big guns.  But in the end their size will not match Syracuse.
Cincy is a bunch of gangstas, but they're no match for FSU... they are THUGS.
In the gang fight that will be Syracuse- FSU, 'Cuse has the stats to prove that they'll come out on top.

West:
Since Louisville has proven their inconsistency time and again, and I love a good underdog, I've got Davidson pulling out the win against the Cardinals.
Murray State had almost perfect season (against a schedule of puny opponents) so I'll give them a trip to the second round, but they're no match for the Marquette program that has seen the tourney time and again.  If they'd pick up some legit games maybe they would have a chance of getting to the Sweet Sixteen.
*A typo on my bracket, I SHOULD have Virginia winning against Florida.  My bad click.  I ALWAYS put ACC teams through to the second round.  It's my little way of saying that our conference is better than yours.
And I think the size of Missouri has been underestimated this season, which is why I have them beating Michigan State.  Besides, Michigan State can't buy a championship.

Midwest:
Ahh, the golden bracket!  My personal FAVE!
I have Alabama winning their first round game simply because I would like to personally beat them.  I'm not a fan.  Obviously.
This is my upset bracket because I think that Michigan has been inconsistent enough that Ohio could really pull it out.  Their program has potential... just not enough potential to make it to the Sweet Sixteen.
NC State almost beat us, so I'll give them my automatic ACC first round by.
Belmont wins their first round game simply because I'm not impressed with Georgetown and think they could be last year's Louisville.
Kansas has been strong all year.  And they're STILL mad about losing Roy back to his home state. (C'mon, get over it already.  You didn't REALLY think he'd stay in KANSAS did you?!?!  There is no ocean, no mountains, NO pretty girls, no beach music, no sweet tea.  It was NO contest.)  But all in all, Carolina has the team dynamics to pull the W and make it to the final four.

Final Four:
UK-Missouri: UK, as much as I hate to admit it, they're good.
UNC- Syracuse: There may be blood and broken bones, but we have more heart.

Championship:
TIME FOR A REMATCH from the December 3 FLUKE in the 73-72 game.  I have learned to detest UK fans as much as any Cardinal fan and now I'm ready to meet them in New Orleans.  As Tyler Zeller graduates, it's time for Roy's Boys to put another championship ring on it.
**Also, forgive the typo of the final scores... You get the idea.

The Floorwalkers

My buddy told me that The Floorwalkers were on his top 10 Best Live Shows Ever list and I was a skeptic.  But these Columbus, OH bred boys brought a foot stomping show to Zazu's last night in St. Matthews.  Despite a somewhat reserved crowd of head bobbers, D. and I danced in front because we just couldn't stand still.  After the show, lead singer Jonathan Elliot came up to us to thank us for our enthusiasm. I was very thankful for my cowboy boots and swirly dress--perfect dancing attire!

Their talent is unmistakable with hints of folk, soul, and classic rock & roll that showcase their craftsmanship of composition and lyrics.  They'll be at SXSW later this month which speaks to the caliber of music they're creating.  I told Jonathan and lead guitarist Theo Perry (who gives the band their street cred with his picked out afro) that it's only a matter of time before they blow up.

Here's a couple of my favorites by The Floorwalkers:
I Need A Dollar- Aloe Blacc cover
Three Wishes

Like a good neighbor

On March 2 all of us were hunkered down in basements and bathtubs in anticipation of the frightening storms that were forecast to blow through Southern Indiana and Kentucky.  Thankfully the storms were kind to Louisville, but by the time I left my shift in the pediatric emergency room, we were already seeing the aftermath of the deadly tornadoes that struck Henryville, IN and countless other small towns.  

I rolled the windows down for a balmy 70 degree ride home.  There wasn't a scratch on the town.  But some of my co-workers weren't so lucky.  Just 30 minutes down the road, their homes had their roofs blown off and their windows busted out by the tornadoes.  And just when you think things can't get any worse... Two days later, it snowed.  The snow melted only to be replaced with days of rain.  The residents of Henryville were told to collect their possessions and get out of town because looters would be coming in the following days and it wasn't safe to stay.  One of my nurses had her son and husband in one town and her mother in another.  It's one thing to read about natural disasters on the news, but it's quite another when it's your neighbors and colleagues.

So when they started a drive to collect basic essentials for the victims I ransacked my house and came up with what I could.  If I hadn't used it since moving to Lou then someone else needed it more than I did.  Then I made a Target run and broke my budget on more must-haves: dog food, toothpaste, shampoo, deo, TP.  I won't miss a meal from spending too much and hopefully I'm in good company of people that have opened their hearts and their closets for their neighbors.  

Also, many many thanks to my parents who could not be physically present (although I'd love to clean out their house for charity!) but gave a very generous donation to Kosair Children's Hospital as we are the only regional pediatric level I trauma center.  

It will take a long time to recover from this disaster, but there's nothing like a crisis to bring a community together.

Click here for ways that Townies and Out-of-Townies can donate time, strength, and dollars to the relief efforts.

Onward and Upward

What are you doing with your life?  What do you want?  Where do you want to be?
Kel, my soul mate, gave me that gut check on December 17.  It had been a rough fall and it was not getting any easier.  I love my job, but why am I staying in Louisville?  If you're not happy with your life then make a change, she told me.  There are so many awesome things going on with our generation in this country-- you need to be a part of them!  It was that day that I decided that I needed to work on being happy... starting with moving on to a new chapter in my life.

Now, two months later, I have found some lost pieces of Becky-ness.  Likewise, I have landed a job in Washington D.C. that will start next summer!  Let me rephrase: I'M MOVING TO WASHINGTON D.C.!!!!!  Not only is this the opportunity to work in a bigger institution with my beloved Emergency Department patients, but I get to live in a vibrant young city with my best friends and be closer to my family.  Win-win-win!

Don't get me wrong, Louisville is a great place for couples or people that grew up there.  It's not so great for a single twenty-something girl with no community and an irregular work schedule.  Washington D.C. is a mecca for yo po's that are ambitious, smart, and fun.  I'll have my oldest friend and college besties at my fingertips and a community of friends that is ready to welcome me to town.

I am very thankful for my time in Lou because this was my catapult into the real world outside of my hometown bubble.  It takes courage and independence to branch out on your own-- something I had never done completely before.  Sure I'm an adventure fanatic, but it takes a different kind of gusto to spread your wings and leave the nest, not knowing whether you will fly or fall.  Lou has shown me that I can fly and that there's a big, wide, beautiful world out there that I want to see more of before settling down.  Though I'm certainly looking forward to being closer to the nest and my mama and papa bird.  I have not "checked out" of Lou yet and am still very invested in my time here.  I just found a Yo Po group through a friend of a friend and I'm hoping for an exciting spring filled with outdoor play, music, and Derby.

Rest assured, I'm not running from problems, but I am setting myself up for a successful career and fulfilling social/family life.  Hindsight is invaluable as it shows me how my journey through life, in its highs and lows, takes me from one step to another.  One phase could not be accomplished without the piece before it.  From sorrow breeds new life and happiness.  Most of all, it shows me that I am capable of making changes that will bring me a better tomorrow.