Derby in Review

In case you didn't know, horse racing is a big deal in Kentucky.

And despite the warnings about the chaos in the Infield, I dressed impeccably.  Nothing but class.

The Oaks almost didn't happen because of a torrential thunderstorm.

But NOTHING could spoil our fun.  

Derby at the Downs is the biggest event I have EVER seen.  Two hundred thousand spectators from the world around and I barely even saw a horse the entire day.

New2Lou ladies representing Louisville's finest twenty somethings.

And the men.

Stay around long enough and there's always a door that opens... Sometimes it's the door to the track and you get to stand on it.  Apparently Muhammad Ali was the last one to make it happen... Until ME.

And even if all your horses come in last...

At the Derby, we're all winners!

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Picture this: A gorgeous spring afternoon, not a cloud in the sky, dogwoods in bloom all around.  You're driving through rural Kentucky with the windows down while the sun kisses your cheeks.  What could be more perfect, right?  Try adding bourbon.

Another bucket list item came to fruition this weekend as I ventured out with my buddy to the Maker's Mark Distillery.  There are 6 distilleries near Louisville but we chose Maker's because it's the most delicious-- known for its smooth taste and sweetness instead of its bite.  Maker's is also the most well branded with its characteristic red wax top made famous by Mrs. Margie Samuels (the brains behind the man of the operation). The tour takes you through making the mash, distilling the bourbon, the print shop, warehouse storage, and finally to a tasting of Maker's and their specialty 46 bourbon.  You can even dip your own bottle of Maker's in their red wax!

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon, and not all bourbon is Kentucky bourbon.  Though 95% of the world's bourbon supply comes from the Bluegrass State because of its changing seasons and water sources that make it perfect for distilling the finest.

You can't live in Kentucky without learning about two things... One is horse racing, the other is bourbon.  Check out the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (it's $FREE!)and any of the distilleries in the area: Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, and Jim Beam.  

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

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.

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.