life lately.

Time has been flying by and life carrying on as usual. I've been staying very busy, but I don't want to bore you with the details. Instead, a couple pictures to show you my life as of lately.

Enjoying fall in the bluegrass, cheering on those CATS!

 

Celebrating the wedding of a beautiful couple {picture sans bride, unfortunately}...

so college.

Sometimes it's fun

to forget about life's stresses...

with friends you'll always remember.

We still know how to have fun...

even though were no longer in college.

a {few} days late**

Although this is several days late, I mean it just the same.

My dear friend, Simply MJ, had a birthday last Friday.

Meg is such a genuine, caring young lady. She truly has a heart of gold and would never wish bad things upon anyone. 

I'm so glad we all got to be together this weekend, and I hope she had a wonderful birthday weekend! Although we were celebrating a friend's wedding, I hope she knows we were all wishing her a good time as well! :)

I speak for the whole gang when I say "we love you Marge!"

HAPPY {Late} BIRTHDAY!

**Apparently, despite paying my hefty bill each month, TWC doesn't feel any need to guarantee internet service. I have been thinking about this birthday post for nearly a week, but have been unable to get on the internet {that I pay for} since last Wednesday. 

My roommate called to make an appointment for them to come fix it {for the fourth time since May} and they apparently made it for "anytime" on Thursday. Awesome. I don't have to work or anything. And even if I did, I'd rather spend my ENTIRE day waiting for someone to show up.

I believe we'll be looking for another service provider. Thanks for being mediocre.

happy birthday k-fulch

To my "little sister" {with much delta love},

 my reliable "date", 

my Halloween character,

my "Patsy Todd,"

dancin' fool, 

generous, caring, thoughtful friend.

May you have a wonderful 23rd birthday  

{WEEK!...because you deserve it}!

feels like home

 Although they do not all live close by, I am blessed with some truly wonderful friendships in my life.

I can't describe it, but I just feel "at home" when we're together.

I'm not sure how but you know what I'm thinking before I say it, and how to make me feel happier before I even tell you when something is wrong. 

Friendship Quotes

Anddd for good measure...this made me laugh:

Friendship Quotes 

It is also important to note that these quotes were made for myspace...explains a lot, huh? Does anyone even do myspace anymore? I think it's creepy.

hey sister, soul sister

 

found here.

I love laughs with good girlfriends.

I love that despite time apart, we can pick up where we left off. 

I love sharing stories, make-up, and beds.

I love 90s music and dancing.

I love offroading in Asfran's BMW, hearing KB's contagious laugh, Southern Charm's generosity, and Simply MJs "Booty-Do."

I know Monday is going to be exhausting, but I'd do it all over again! Nashville was good to us!

Packed House

Ok, off topic but I need to get something off my chest. What is Miley doing on Idol!? She is 17. She isn't even old enough to vote. And she is on here to give advice to each contestant? I like a little "Party in the USA" as much as the next girl, but I am a little shocked she is the "icon" they've brought on this week...shouldn't she earn some credibility first...maybe reach her 21st birthday...I'm just sayin'...

And now...speaking of Party in the USA...let's talk about this past weekend.

Three of my best friends {since high school ~ surprising how long ago that was, time flies!} came up to visit me. The apartment is definitely not made to house this many people, but I LOVE constantly being surrounded by friends. We made it work and had a blast {thank you girls, for being so flexible with your sleeping arrangements}!

 Notice the skinny jeans I'm wearing...what a good "investment" :)

On Friday night we went to dinner with Cincinnati friends and then out for a while. I never go out anymore, and it was so much fun to dance the night away like old times! Thank goodness we found a bar with rap music. I was worried the night was taking a turn for the worst when my friends explicitly stated they wanted to "twirk it" and we were listening to a live band play OAR songs on repeat. 

But, alas, we found a bar that offered rap music galore {as well as the occasional stripper pole ~ why are they so common in the bars in this town!?}

Ha! Look how uncomfortable I look in my cardigan. The cardigan collector strikes again. Note to self: Cardigans should not be worn in the bar. While attempting to get jiggy with it. And heaven forbid while hoping to have some sex appeal.

Saturday was spent relaxing, shopping, and celebrating a UK win. A gracious friend from HS and his wife invited us over for pizza and the game. What a great game and what a great couple. Thanks again for having all of us!

It is always bitter-sweet when my weekend guests leave. I am left feeling so lucky to have such amazing friends, yet so sad that I don't get to spend time with them more often. For this reason, I choose to believe the old saying that "distance makes the heart grow fonder."

Refuse to Lose

I have more to come about this unbelievable weekend that is coming to an end...but I believe it is important to first pay tribute to the CATS after an amazing game last night {Kansas - not so lucky - WOW!}. 

 

Image & Recap here from NCAA website

We had a high school reunion of sorts last night and I got to enjoy watching the UK Game with three of the largest fans {Mags, AJ, and B} in all of the Big Blue Nation. I know I'm not on their level and I don't claim to be, but they have opened my eyes to the following items.

I completely adore this year's team. If you haven't read this touching story about what a fun-loving group of boys this is, you must check it out.

The "Freshman Quartet" are the sweetest group of friends {and pretty good at playing ball ;) }. The close relationship between Bledsoe, Cousins and Wall tugs at my heartstrings. There is nothing like feeling so comfortable with each other and getting along together so well on and off the court. What a college experience. You must watch this video ~ I'm obsessed with their "swagger."

For me, the final heartthrob on the team is Mr. Krebs ~ UK Senior who doesn't get much play time, but whose positive attitude and lightheartedness are loved by all. His final 3 point shot {to blow Wake Forest out of the water by 30 points} brought happy tears to my eyes. He sounds very thankful to be a part of the tradition that is Kentucky Basketball, and he brings humor to the bench. Check out this hilarious impression of his teammates {you MUST wait until 1:04 of this clip ~ you'll die laughing. I did. About 12 times already}. Who knew this quiet student in my business classes had such humor!?

Don't even get me started on our coach. Cal is so eloquent with his words. Completely on top of his game. Love him.

 

Image from old Sports Illustrated article here.

GO CATS! Continue to Refuse to Lose!

Dixie Land Delight

The past several days, I spent a wonderful long weekend {SB oh10, if you will} in Gatlinburg with some of my best friends.  

{Thanks to Southern Charm for kindly opening her lake house for us!}

I came home with loads of outlet goodies (and therefore much less money), but nada one photo...double oops!

Our THREE day weekend can basically be summed up by:

Driving, driving, driving.

Eating, Eating, {and more} Eating.

Basketball {Win!}, Basketball {Win!}, Basketball {Win!}.

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping.

Girl talk, Gossip, Giggling.

And in true tourist fashion, we spent a night at the Dixie Stampede in Dollywood!

{Image from here.}

Yes, folks....we ate an entire 3 course meal with our paws while watching random farm animals run in circles. And it was very entertaining. 

Now back to the grind...Daylight savings sure makes for a difficult start to the work week! Shew I was tired today!

Tribute to my "Twin"

Today marks a very important day. 

For 23 years ago, a very special person was born...

She is very attractive ~ what a compliment that people continue to get us confused...

{So annoying...but you know I was obligated to mention the twin thing...}

Her silly and outgoing personality continues to make everyone around her smile ~ she is quite often the life of any party!

{Other pictures depicting her as "life of the party" could be considered blackmail...let's just say I have fond memories of walks home with gigantic boxes of MadMush, GoonBay, and Thursday nights galore}

Always up for an adventure...from Canada Formals to the Big Apple...I love that she is open to trying new & exciting things.

Her family is just as welcoming, entertaining, and kind as she is...

{The door to her home...and her aunt's, grandma's, etc...is always so graciously open}

As much fun as she is, she is just as smart. I greatly admire her ambition and amazing intuition.

 {...Also jealous of her expertise in Excel and her ability to find amazing deals on everything!}

Life just wouldn't be the same with out you...

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KARIMAC!!!

You deserve the best today and always!

To My Best Friend:

May you have a wonderful Birthday full of love, laughter, and fun {presents are good too}!

I wish we could be together, but I am thinking of you and wishing you a very happy day!!

In honor of YOU today, here are the top 23 reasons why I love you to pieces:

1. It feels like we've been friends forever - we just "get" each other.
2. You are such a considerate person.
3. You always maintain a positive outlook on life.
4. Your laugh is contagious.
5. Said laugh makes me feel hilarious at all times.
6. You are so generous and never jealous.
7. You are driven.
8. Between surprise notes and setting the coffee pot each night, you make the best roommate any girl could ask for.
9. After setting the coffee pot, you make better lattes than Starbucks {and you're kind enough to share your tricks with me}.
10. You are good at pretending to enjoy watching movies and Friends episodes for less than two minutes until I fall asleep with me. 
11. You understand and comply with my OCD habits. 
12. When on occasion these habits get in the way of me living a normal life, you quickly bring me back to reality.
13. You are a blast to vacation with ~ from the Florida Keys to cruises to taking on Chicago.
14. You are such a sneaky "spy" {hint: Florida}
15. We share a LOVE for pizza {any kind, although BBQ chicken would most likely be the top choice if we were given an option}. The more I think about it...we don't really discriminate against any type of food...
16. You are an understanding listener.
17. You are fun to go out with 
18. ...and to stay in with.
19. You are so smart and level-headed, and I have so much respect for you because of it.
20. You give the world's best compliments, when in fact you deserve the praise.
21. Your voice is beautiful ~ whether it be singing while getting ready or during recruitment, I envy that you can carry a tune.
22. I miss you so much {ready for you to move back home}, but when we are together we still have so much to talk about.
23. I love that you love me back ~ and your family welcomes me as their own.  

Happy, Happy Birthday Krista!!!! 

Come away with me...

The boss has been alluding to the work "we" are going to be doing again this weekend...and this is when I confirmed that I need a vacation!

Who's with me!? Let's start brainstorming!

We could...

• Go to the beach, but we'd have to go far south for it to be warm.
• Find a cozy cabin in Gatlinburg ~ it's cost effective and there's Dollywood!
• Go out to California and tour vineyards in Napa ~ sounds delightful! {ol' boy lived in California for a summer and said this was his favorite part about it...I'm not completely random and losing my mind}
• Visit Chicago and do some serious shopping!
• Hit up Vegas...gambling, shows, and all!

Anyone else have ideas?  I think it would be fun!! We're young and single and have money to spend, so let's enjoy ourselves =)

Happy New Year!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

-William Arthur Ward

Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday Dear AsFran, Happy Birthday TO YOU!!!

I hope you have a wonderful day and an even better evening! I'm so glad that I get to see you on your special day even though we are usually so many miles apart.

Love you, girlie! :)

Surprise!!!

Upon arriving at my friend's house on Saturday night, I was surprised by 6 of my best friends from college in town for the evening!

I could not have asked for a better birthday present! :)

We started out the night with dinner & wine at Mitchell's Fish Market, one of my favorite restaurants in town {where I felt extremely grown up...as we were all sipping wine and discussing our work lives}.

The food was delicious! "Best meal I've ever had"...as Kari some people would say. As this was a joint birthday celebration, we got THREE free desserts...7 Layer Carrot Cake {tdf}, Ice Cream Pie {also delish}, and a Java Lava Molten Chocolate Cake {my favorite dessert ever...}. Needless to say, this sweet tooth was in hog heaven.

Here's a picture of the Happy Birthday Girls:

The size of my smile could be directly related to the size of my dessert. I'm just sayin'...

The entire group at dinner:

Enjoying the city skyline:

I didn't stop laughing all night as we caught up on stories about our lives, reminisced about old ones, and made even more lasting memories.

We ended up at a very random bar full of very interesting people. Very entertaining to say the least! As my dad has always said, "It's not where you are, it's who you're with." No matter where I am with these friends, I have a wonderful time.

To my amazing friends ~ Thank you for the fabulous surprise! I only hope you had as much fun as I did! I miss you guys every day, and cherish the times when we are all together again. No matter where life takes us, when we are with each other it feels like no time has passed. I believe that is a sign of lasting friendship. I love you all!