Lil' Bush

Ryan and I stumbled upon a great show on Comedy Central called "Lil' Bush". In case you haven't heard of it, the creators basically designed a show which depicts Bush and his cohorts...I mean cabinet, as children. The main cast is Lil' Bush, Lil' Condy, Lil' Rummy (oddly enough, voiced by Iggy Pop!) and Lil' Cheney. It's freaking hysterical. Now, you're probably assuming that I love this show because I am a huge liberal (which you're right, I love the jokes they make), but they also knock on the "Lil' Dems" - including Lil' Hilary, Lil' Obama, Lil' Al, Lil' Bill and even the Lil' Lewinsky twins. Worth checking out - I think it comes on Wednesday nights at 9 or 10pm.

Bourbon's Bistro

A group of us had dinner at Bourbon's Bistro on Frankfort Avenue on Saturday night. Ryan and I continue to be very pleasantly surprised by all of the fantastic restaurants in Louisville, particularly those located on Frankfort Ave. and Bardstown Road - this is probably one of our favorites by far. The prosciutto-wrapped, brie stuffed chicken breast with apples and risotto that I ordered was great, but if I did it again I would definitely go with the pork chop that Ryan ordered. It's a wonderful restaurant, with a huge bourbon selection (if that's your thing). We'll definitely make it there again.

Hairspray

I went to see this movie over the weekend and absolutely LOVED it! I don't think I am the only one, either - after the movie was done, people were clapping and whistling. I've never seen that happen at the movie theater.

Gus the Wonder Dog

Our friends, Andy and Amanda, got a Schnauzer puppy last weekend and named him Gus - he's a complete cutie. Today, they brought Gus over to the house to meet Pearl - keep in mind that Gus currently weighs about 7 pounds, Pearl about 70, and this was also his first interaction with a dog since arriving in KY. It was interesting, to say the least! Gus certainly wanted to play, but Pearl freaked him out a bit, she's just too big for him at this point. The best part was that it was not until Pearl laid down with Ryan holding onto her that Gus got a little bit brave and feisty - he kept barking at Pearl and she just stared back. The pictures tell it all.

Trite and True Cliches

While I was reading my Women's Health magazine, I stumbled upon the following list entitled "Trite and True: 20 cliches that say what they mean, and mean what they say". For the most part, these are pretty great.....

(1) Just be yourself.

(2) If "yourself" is not a morning person, wake up and drink the coffee. Everything else can f-ing wait.

(3) This too shall pass. Hangovers, heartache, blackheads, and bad hair cuts- time heals all. Except for a UTI. That misery-fest demands antibiotics, pronto.

(4) When in doubt, throw it out. Apply this first rule of fridge cleanup to anything you're not sure you need anymore - the little black dress that fits a much littler you, crushed tampons in your purse pockets, the hot-but-boring boyfriend.

(5) Life's a bitch. But aren't we all sometimes?

(6) Maybe she got promoted before you or looks better in skinny jeans. But maybe you have more friends and bigger boobs. So why compare? Another woman's success is not a measure of your failure.

(7) Separate the men from the boys. Hint: The men are the ones who make you pancakes and serve them to you in bed.

(8) Open your heart. The scary stuff that makes you vulnerable is the good stuff.

(9) If the shoes fits, buy it. When it comes to a sale in the footwear department, she who hesitates is lost.

(10) Make out like a bandit. Life is too short.

(11) You'll know it (the right job, man for you) when you see it...and who says you have to explain it to others who don't?

(12) A leopard can't change its spots. Nor can an ex-love unbreak your heart when you give him a second chance. Or a third. Or a fourth.

(13) Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

(14) Show me the money. More often than not, you have to ask for it. Subtlety doesn't pay the rent - or earn your boss's respect.

(15) Fake it till you make it. Hey, it worked for George W.

(16) Save the drama for your mama. Complaining, whining, making excuses - all unattractive and boring to anyone who's not you. Nobody said it would be easy.

(17) Just do it. Those lifetime goals don't just happen. It's all about the baby steps, baby.

(18) You are what you eat. Nature's reminder: asparagus pee.

(19) Everything in moderation. And when you forget that: Liquor before beer, you're in the clear.

(20) Love many, trust few, but always paddle your own canoe. Unless, of course, you're up a creek without a paddle. In which case, you're totally screwed.

Devil Wears Prada

I couldn't sleep last night - probably because Ryan and Pearl were both gone, leaving me alone in the house - so I watched the Devil Wears Prada again on HBO. I am thankful everyday I've never had to work for someone like Meryl Streep's character in the movie - it makes me shudder just to think about it. Then again, what I wouldn't give to have the wardrobe of Anne Hathaway's character....sigh.

100 Things About Me

I saw this on another blog and thought it was a great idea - it took me awhile to come up with 100, though!

1. I’m a lawyer, but I am the least argumentative or confrontational person you’ll ever meet.
2. I get embarrassed for characters on TV shows and movies, even though I know it’s fiction.
3. If I weren’t a lawyer, I would have my own clothing and/or home accessories boutique.
4. I have a wicked sense of humor.
5. My parents and my husband’s parents have the same names - Jon/John and Sharon.
6. I tell people I am originally from Harrodsburg but I’m not even from the “city” of Harrodsburg (and I use the word “city” loosely) - I’m from McAfee, a small area of Mercer County between Harrodsburg and Salvisa, Kentucky.
7. My first car was a dark gray 1992 Nissan Sentra - I loved that car.
8. When I was little and the digital scanners made their debut, I told my parents that I wanted to work at Wal-Mart when I was older and scan things all day. How happy they are I changed my mind and decided law school was a better bet!
9. I was a cheerleader for two years in high school.
10. I absolutely love to cook and learn new recipes.
11. I am a total klutz.
12. In spite of number 11, I have never broken a bone in my body (at least that I’m aware of).
13. I love living in Kentucky but have been diagnosed with an allergy to Kentucky bluegrass.
14. I didn’t have my own pet till I was 27.
15. I refuse to wear anything orange.
16. I’m addicted to Diet Coke but hate tea and coffee.
17. I actually enjoy running the vacuum cleaner (shhh, don’t tell Ryan).
18. Green is my favorite color, particularly kelly green.
19. My college degree is in Integrated Strategic Communications - a fancy term of art for advertising and public relations.
20. I also have a minor in Political Science.
21. I’m proud to be a “yellow dog” Democrat.
22. I’m a staunch feminist.
23. I worked for three restaurants while I was in college, one of which I worked at for only one day.
24. I never really learned how to drive a stick shift.
25. I would never go out and purchase a pack of cigarettes but I do enjoy an occasional cigarette while I’m having a few cocktails.
26. I do drink socially and my favorite drinks are white wine, vodka with anything, and mojitos.
27. I won a blue ribbon at the Kentucky State Fair.
28. In my youth, I knew how to sew (see #27).
29. I’m wonderful at remembering faces, absolutely terrible at remembering names.
30. My only trips outside of the United States have been to Canada (once), Mexico (three times) and Turks & Caicos (honeymoon).
31. If I could convince my husband to go with me, I would love to travel to Italy.
32. I never had to wear braces as a kid.
33. I love to make lists (obviously!) and to cross things off of those lists.
34. I’ve probably owned over a hundred tank tops in my lifetime in every color of the rainbow - my sorority sisters called me the “Tank Top queen”.
35. I’ve had several nicknames: Speed Racer, Clark, Sparky and Big Sexy (for the wrestler, not for any other reason).
36. I was the director of new members and the rush chair for my old sorority at UK, Delta Gamma.
37. I still get together with a close group of sorority sisters on a somewhat frequent basis and 3 of them were bridesmaids in my wedding.
38. I hate when I see dogs in designer outfits or dressed to look like humans.
39. In spite of #38, my lab, Pearl, is spoiled because we got her a Coach collar (in our defense, it is from the Coach outlet!).
40. My favorite flower of all time is the lily.
41. I used to be a pretty decent artist - I took art classes all through high school and had a private art instructor for a few summers when I was a kid.
42. I pierced my belly button at age 18 but took out the piercing when I was 21 - I still have the scar though!
43. I’m deathly afraid of motorcycles and have never ridden on one.
44. I’m also deathly fearful of mice.
45. My husband proposed to me on December 3, 2004 - we were married nine months later on September 17, 2005.
46. The most wonderful day of my life was when we were married and I will, on occasion, pop in our wedding DVD to relive that day.
47. I had an insatiable desire for reading when I was younger and I still love to read books when I can fit them into my schedule.
48. I am addicted to magazines and get in the mail US Weekly, In Style, Southern Living, Domino and Marie Claire.
49. I’m a makeup junkie.
50. I’ve done makeup for three weddings (including my own) and am getting ready to do makeup for another wedding in a week or so.
51. I’ve never been to Las Vegas.
52. I heart New York City.
53. I have a very difficult time accepting compliments.
54. I would love to take dance lessons but will probably never do it.
55. I have gotten out of four or five speeding tickets without crying or flirting shamelessly.
56. My mom made several identical dresses for my sister and I to wear when we were younger.
57. I was somewhat of a tomboy when I was little and I was the only little girl in my kindergarten class that wore jeans to our “graduation” ceremony (it was a hoe-down theme).
58. I have a really bad salty tooth and when we were younger and my mom would offer to take us through the drive thru for a ice cream treat, I’d always pick fries.
59. I have a really big problem with the consistency of certain foods and to this day I refuse to eat cottage cheese for said reason.
60. I lived on my own for 5 years and loved every minute of it.
61. I also enjoyed sharing a room with three girls for two years of college in the sorority house - there were 50 girls total in the house.
62. I do not understand how my husband does not like salads.
63. When I tried on my wedding dress for the first time, I broke down in tears.
64. I can watch a movie on rerun on TBS, TNT or USA over and over - my husband swears I’ve seen Father of the Bride a million times.
65. Speaking of Father of the Bride, I still cry every time I see it.
66. I sometimes make it into bed without washing the makeup off my face, even though I know it’s terrible for my complexion.
67. I believe I have the most eclectic assortment of music stored on any Ipod, hands down.
68. I have a scar on my knee from a scissors injury when I was 10 or so.
69. I also have an eyebrow scar, a la Vanilla Ice, from when I fell down the steps when I was little.
70. Despite the fact I was raised in the country, I hate almost all country music.
71. I never really had an opportunity to get to know my paternal grandfather but have been told he would love the fact I was a lawyer and that he would have made it to every one of my court appearances.
72. I’m obsessive about checking my Blackberry.
73. I have no idea what my true, natural hair color is - right now my stylist and I think it’s dark brown since that’s the color we matched my roots up with.
74. Speaking of hair, the only downfall to going brunette is that I can now see all of the gray hairs I’m starting to get.
75. I’m married to one of the funniest men alive.
76. I have a secret crush on John Travolta.
77. I love cuddling with our lab, Pearl.
78. I love that Pearl is ecstatically happy to see me when I come home, whether I’ve been gone for a week or only a few minutes.
79. I’m constantly debating in my head when will be the right time for us to have a baby.
80. I’m from the South, but I hate sweet tea.
81. There’s only 18 months age difference between me and my younger sister.
82. That younger sister is also one of my best friends and my closest confidante.
83. My parents have been married for 32 years and set a great example.
84. I always make time for reruns of Friends, Golden Girls and Designing Women on cable.
85. My favorite dessert is cheesecake.
86. I’m addicted to Pilates and love how healthy my body feels whenever I leave a class.
87. I’ve started, and stopped, training for a mini-marathon at least 3 times.
88. When I get stressed, I just want to hop in my car and drive - it does not matter where I drive to.
89. I am a staunch believer that this country is ready for a woman president.
90. I am also a staunch believer that tan fat looks better than pale fat.
91. I still remember the names of my first friends - Mary Elizabeth, Kate and Amy - but I have not seen any of them since I moved at the age of 5.
92. I still use as my comfort blanket the blanket my grandmother knitted for me before I was born.
93. When I was really little, I would suck my thumb and offer up my other thumb for my baby sister to suck on, too.
94. Since I’m from a country town, all of my friends assume I know a lot about farms and animals but I don’t know much more than they do.
95. I think Kentucky is one of the best places to live.
96. Then again, I also think Kentucky has more than its share of resident idiots.
97. I think there’s a town in Texas that is missing its own village idiot.
98. I can go months without seeing my friend Christa but then when we see each other again, we fall back into our old routine and laugh at the silliest things that no one else seems to find remotely funny.
99. I can go into Target to buy a tube of toothpaste and end up leaving the store with $100 of stuff.
100. I have the best friends and family a girl could possibly ask for.

Hairspray!!

Cannot wait to see this movie, which opens next weekend. I love the 80s version of the movie with Rickie Lake and Debi Harry from Blondie. It doesn't hurt that John Travolta is playing Edna Turnblad....I love that man!

Patio Envy

We bought the most beautiful, charming house back in December and I am in love with it.....except I'm having major outdoor living withdrawal this time of the year, even with Kentucky's stifling humidity. We do not have a patio/deck at our home and it's driving me crazy!! Ryan and I have finally decided to break down and pay for a patio for our side yard - originally I wanted stone pavers but that was going to be WAY too expensive and WAY too much work. We then decided on concrete - I had no idea of the things they could do with concrete! I'd love to have a patio with the concrete stamped in some decorative way to appear like bricks, but alas, that is out of our budget and we will have to settle for the exposed aggregate. Nonetheless, I thought I'd post a few of my original inspiration pics for the stamped patio....a girl can dream, can't she?

Searching for an Indestructible Dog Toy

If you've read any of my blog posts (or know me at all), you are aware that we own a 1 1/2 year old Lab named Pearl. Really, she's more than a pet, she's our pride and joy - she's so spoiled, she'll be in for a rude awakening when kids enter the picture!! At any rate, there are a few annoyances that we have with Pearl, and one is the fact that toys literally die in her presence. Her record, I think, for destroying a toy is 1 minute. It's not that she necessarily means to tear apart her toys but Labs are big-time chewers and can shred anything (my neighbor has one and his Lab chewed up the linoleum in his kitchen AND chewed through the air conditioning cords for his house!). So when I stumbled upon a website for Tuffie's Dog Toys in the Everyday with Rachel Ray magazine, I was intrigued. They actually test these things on tigers! If a tiger can't destroy it, I have to hope that it could remain intact for at least one day in the presence of my dog. I'm going to have to be sure to order one of these and see if they are everything they are cracked up to be.

Finally.....SATC Movie Is In The Works!!

Well, all I can say is it is about damn time!! I guess it's better late than never for the gals of Sex & The City - the movie has finally been confirmed. The only one up in the air so far is whether Chris Noth will come back to play Mr. Big, which can be a total deal breaker. Who wants to see the movie without a substantial appearance from Mr. Big???