Beautiful Moments

For more than 6 years, I have been a part of the KY Derby Festival Minimarathon.  It has become dare I say my favorite event of the month-long celebration in preparation for the Kentucky Derby.   Do I train? Sometimes.  Do I run it? Never.  I am one of the many avid walkers that strides the 13.1 mile course finishing well behind the winners of the 26.2 mile marathon.  

Prior to my first mini I had no idea what to expect, I was a freshman at Bellarmine University hailing from Northern Kentucky.  A quick invitation by my cousin to join her in the race sold me and there I was at 7 am being interviewed by WHAS prior to starting my first minimarathon.  

Every year I am inspired by the neighbors in the Iroquois Park area that blast "Eye of the Tiger" and the students at UofL that cheer as we stride towards the finish line.  Occasionally you spot the selfless acts of others assisting runners that have fallen or stopping to take a seat with someone who isn't able to power through.  Louisvillians generously offer oranges and peanut butter that they have prepared in their homes while runners graciously accept the gifts of complete strangers. These are the beautiful moments in our city. 

When tragedy struck at the Boston Marathon all I could think about is how this one act will blur all of the beautiful moments that happened yesterday for the runners of the Boston Marathon.  While there were plenty of selfless acts captured on video, photo, and personal memory, these will be memories of chaos and despair. Yet, in the moments of despair people opened their homes to runners continued to care for those in need and assisted in every way imaginable.

My friends are incredible people

Amazing.  That is exactly what my friends are and I am so lucky to have them be a part of my life.

My friend Lauren is beginning her third season with Ballet Arkansas.  The company released this video and I must say she is such a beautiful dancer.  I must brag for her, because she would never do so.



Lindsay is such an inspiration to us all. She recently donated her bone marrow to someone in need. You can read more about Lindsay's story here.

How lucky I am to be friends with these two gals!

Summer Reading

After wrapping up all 3 Hunger Games books, I thought I would dive into some required summer reading and some just for fun reading.

Here is my first round of books for the summer:

It's Been A While

It has definitely been awhile since I last wrote on here.  The winter has taken a toll on me and my family.  As a child I loved receiving the perfect attendance award.  Unfortunately, I would not receive that this year since I had to take 5 sick days!  I struggled through my mid-term examination in multivariate statistics (fun right?!), and lost my grandmother that night.  As winter has quickly changed to spring, I can only hope that things will look up for the rest of 2011!

Last week was spring break and even though I stayed here in Louisville, I greatly enjoyed my week.  The 3-day work week was relaxing and fun.

My friend Amber Rose and I were a part of this amazing flashmob! 







I celebrated the residency matching of one of my bffs who soon will be moving to Chapel Hill, NC!  Though I will miss her, I am beyond excited for her new adventure!  

Over the past few weeks I have watched my undergrad's basketball team on their road to the NCAA DII National Championship!  I am proud to announce that the Bellarmine Knights defeated the BYU - Hawaii Seasiders!  

Monday's Quote of the Week

You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your lover's arms can only come later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip.  
~Jonathan Carroll, "Outside the Dog Museum"

Here is my all-time favorite Superbowl commercial:

Monday's Quote of the Week

Those who can laugh without cause have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone stark raving mad. 

~Norm Papernick

Tuesday's Love on Wednesday

I always find myself lusting over prints and art.  The problem is I already have a lot of art that I need to frame and hang.  Therefore my goal for this long weekend is to frame at least 3 pieces of my growing collection.  

Here are a few of my favorite places to find art & prints:

1.  Etsy  - The ebay for the handmade items, or at least that is what I like to think of it as. My favorite stores on Etsy include: 1canoe2 , Janet Hill Studio, and Jane Mount.


2.  Local Museum Stores - My favorite include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the KY Derby Museum, and the Speed Art Museum.


3.  WHY Louisville - Need I say more, than go in this store and you will want everything.  Well, that might only be true if you are from Kentucky.


4.  Anastasia Mak - One of my favorite artist with very affordable art and prints.  I currently own 6 or 7 of her prints and I absolutely love them!


I may have to get this print!  

Kentucky Oaks 2011 via Derby Museum