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???

Little Buddy

I just adore my little niece and nephew. We always look forward to seeing them on our trips to Paducah and Ryan and I are always sad to say goodbye. It's a shame we can't see them more often but I don't see us moving to Paducah anytime soon. I had to post these two pictures of John Michael and I separately - he was coloring a picture for me when Ryan took these photographs.

Some Pictures From This Weekend

We got back earlier this evening from our trip to Paducah over the weekend (with a brief but enjoyable pit stop in Harrodsburg to have a belated birthday dinner with my folks and pick up Pearl). Here's just a few of the numerous pics from our weekend.....

My nephew John Michael's last T-ball game of the season:









After the game, we went to have dinner with Ryan's mom and step-dad, Sharon and Bobby. They have a great house out in the woods in southern Illinois. Here are some great pictures of John Michael and our niece, Olivia, fishing:

Another Year.....Another Birthday

Yep, my birthday is today - specifically, number 29. I have to admit, I haven't exactly been looking forward to this day. I'm one year from hopping into another decade and I can no longer say I am in my mid-20s. (Of course, I haven't been able to say with a straight face that I am in my mid-20s for a few years!!!). Not to sound like "Debbie Downer" from SNL, but really, most people would have to admit that after 21, most birthdays are not that momentous. There's 13 (when you finally become a teenager), 16 (let the fun of driving begin), 18 (you can smoke, vote and fight for our country), 20 (no longer a teenager) and then 21 (if you can survive the round of shots on your 21st!). After that, there is no significant event that seems to tie in with your age. It's just crazy to think I am 29 now - there's so much that has gone on over the past decade of my life but yet still so many things I had hoped to accomplish in my 20s before the big 3-0 and that means I have one short year to do so many things. I'll try not to get bogged down in the thought of what all I have left to do over the course of the next year and use this day to reflect on all of the wonderful things in my life - a fantastic husband, a loving family, a crazy but sweet dog who I absolutely adore, tons of wonderful friends and a promising career in a great new city we are so happy to call home. On top of all that, I'm going to spend a perfect, leisurely day off for my birthday, with plans to get a pedicure, check out my nephew's T-ball game and enjoy dinner with Ryan and our friends from Houston, Rick and Natalie. I can honestly say that I have been blessed with the riches of a thousand people ....... so on second thought, maybe turning 29 isn't such a bad thing after all! Happy Birthday to me!!!

Corinne Bailey Rae - Like A Star

I just stumbled upon Corinne Bailey Rae, even though I think her CD came out last year. I am in love with her music, especially this song. Her voice is absolutely phenomenal.

Lipstick Jungle

"These women aren't looking for Mr. Big, they are Mr. Big."

The tag line for the newest show inspired by a Candace Bushnell book, Lipsick Jungle, says it all. Three powerful women rule. Why, oh why, do we have to wait out ANOTHER NFL season until this show starts on Sundays at 10pm?!?! Hopefully this show will fill the void in good programming geared toward females that was left with the departure of Sex & The City.

Knocked Up

So we went to see "Knocked Up" with Michelle and Craig last night . . . I have to admit, I wasn't expecting too much from the movie but it ended up being very funny. Some parts were completely gross and I couldn't believe they made it into a movie, but this is the same guy who wrote and directed 40 Year Old Virgin so I probably should have seen it coming. People were rolling and crying they were laughing so hard - even the elderly (!!) couple sitting in front of us! While there were some slow moments, it's worth checking out.

Louisville Uncorked

We had a blast last Thursday at the Louisville Uncorked wine tasting for Sauvignon Blanc at the Mercantile Lofts - here's a picture of Joanna, Natasha, Amanda and I at the event!

Inspiring Story of a Woman Kicking Ass

I know, it's long, but completely worth it . . .

When Kathrine Switzer showed up to run the Boston Marathon in 1967, she wasn't there to make a political statement about a woman's right to compete in a men-only event. She was a 20- year-old Syracuse University junior who wanted to prove to herself and her coach she was capable of running 26.2 miles. But Switzer had taken steps no one woman had done before to run Boston. Unlike other women who had completed the world's oldest and most prestigious marathon, Switzer had been so brash as to officially enter the race. Switzer never told Boston Athletic Association officials she was a woman, but the race application didn't ask. In those days, the BAA assumed everyone entering its grueling event was a man. But on that cold day at the starting line in Hopkinton, Mass., Switzer's coach, Arnie Briggs, picked up her race number and she pinned it on her hooded sweatshirt. About three miles into the race, the press truck caught up to Switzer, who was running with Briggs and her burly boyfriend, Tom Miller. When the photographers noticed a woman in the race with an official number, the cameras started to click. And something clicked inside a BAA official, Jock Semple, who jumped off the truck and ran at Switzer in an attempt to tear off her number. ``Get the hell out of my race and give me that number!'' shouted Semple, one of the race's top competitors during the 1930s. Fortunately for Switzer, Semple only ripped a tiny corner of her number off. And when he tried again, Miller intervened, laying a shoulder block into Semple that sent the 64-year-old Scotsman sprawling to the pavement. Semple got back on the press truck. As the vehicle left to rejoin the lead pack, Semple shook his fist and yelled, ``You're in deep trouble!''

Dazed and frightened she would be pulled off the course at any moment, Switzer managed to finish between four and five hours. No one was quite sure of her time. She wore no watch and by the time she finished, all the officials had left. Ironically, Bobbie Gibb, a woman who ran the race without an official number, finished about an hour ahead of her. But it was Switzer who had made headlines the next day with dramatic photos of her encounter with Semple. Switzer entered the race proud to be a woman but with no agenda to promote women's running. Her experience ``radicalized'' her, changing her outlook on women in sports. ``The embarrassing thing for me now is that I sold women so short at the time,'' said Switzer, 55, who will be doing commentary for today's NBC broadcast of the New York City Marathon. ``I thought other women weren't interested in sports and I thought they didn't get it. It wasn't until after Jock tried to tackle me that I realized the reason other women weren't there is that they hadn't had the same opportunities that I'd had or the encouragement from their family, dad or coach.'' Eventually, Switzer did get it - and so did the BAA and Semple, who allowed women to officially enter the race in 1972. From 1970 to 1976, Switzer competed at Boston six times, finishing second in '75 in 2:51:37.

Pearl on a Road Trip

I just had to post some pictures of Pearl in the car after we picked her up from the kennel last weekend. She was so happy to see us and pretty excited, but she conked out pretty quickly and fell fast asleep as you can tell from the pictures. She was groomed while she was at the kennel so that should explain the cute bandanna around her neck (we promptly took it off when we got home, we are not the type of people who put any clothing on our dog!!). How cute is she?!?!

Canoe

On the night of Rachel's graduation in Atlanta, we went to celebrate at a fantastic restaurant called Canoe. This restaurant sits right on the Chattahoochee River and the view is incredible. The food was outstanding and the service was the best I've ever had. If you're in the ATL, I would highly recommend checking this place out! The website is www.canoeatl.com.

Rachel's Graduation Weekend

Here are some pictures of our great weekend at Emory University for Rachel's graduation from medical school.

Do you think we look alike? Since I've gone brunette, I keep hearing how identical we look. You be the judge.

Quite Possibly the Best Picture Ever!

I saw this picture of my sister, Rachel, for the first time yesterday and I have not stopped laughing yet. Rachel and her boyfriend, Jeff, made the trip up to KY for the Oaks last week. Despite ominous warnings of thunderstorms from the local weathermen, the weather was pretty good for the most part during the day. However, at around 6:00 or so, the heavens opened up and it absolutely poured. Fortunately for my group, we left the track early and had a wonderful view of the storm from our table next to the terrace at Ruth's Chris. Rachel and Jeff were not so lucky . . . just before the skies opened, Rachel, Jeff and their friends had started the 1 mile hike back to their car from Churchill Downs. This picture basically sums up Rachel's experience as she walks back to the car. Sorry, Rach, but I absolutely love this!!!! It's a classic. I especially love all of the people in the background in their rain ponchos and there is poor little Rachel, getting drenched in her little pink dress and pearls.

Dove Evolution

Check out this short video....

"Ugly Betty" Isn't So Ugly!!

There are not too many shows on TV that I make time to watch, but I have fallen for Ugly Betty this year. Yes, it's very campy and over the top, but the dialogue is hysterical. Even Ryan, who made fun of me at first for watching it, now watches it every week! Betty is played by an great actress named America Ferrara. Looking at the picture of "Betty" below, you can obviously tell how much they play up her "ugliness". With that being said, I still cannot get over how amazing she looks in real life, especially in this picture from Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People. What a difference!!

Oaks

Yes, I promise that is me, somewhere underneath the huge brim of that hat!! We had an absolute blast at the Oaks with Rick, Natalie, Andy and Amanda. Great weather, beautiful scenery, fun people watching, and great friends - you couldn't ask for a more perfect day. While I thoroughly enjoyed wearing the quintessential "big hat" for my first Oaks outing, I was definitely glad to put it away in storage at the end of the evening!

Heading to Atlanta

We are all headed to Atlanta this weekend to celebrate Rachel's graduation from medical school. After all of these years of hard work (with several more to come in Boston at Harvard), my sister will officially be Dr. Clark (I love the sound of that!!). Congratulations Rachel!!!

Paris Hilton, Loser of the Week

Seriously, get over yourself. You screwed up, and now you have to deal with the consequences of your actions. Not even your little rich girl privilege and money can get you out of this mess. Quit your whining and serve the time!