Packed and ready to go!

I can't believe it's almost been one year since Blake and I tied the knot. My how time flies when you're having fun. :) The year has been almost a blur and I hope the next year is the same! In celebration of the big 1 year we are going to Fort Walton Beach, Florida which is very close to Gulf Shores. We found a lovely beach resort there. Well, lastnight I got so excited and was in an organizing mood that I went ahead and packed. I know I know, WEIRDO but nothing like being prepared. :) And considering the week that Blake and I have ahead of us, it pays to get things done early. We've got a lot of extra things going on during the week and the more I can get done now the better. Work is still crazy for both of us so we are really looking forward to doing nothing. We leave Saturday, but not until after we attend my cousin's wedding. THANK GOD, it's an early wedding and we will be able to get out of here in a decent time. YAY!!! We will also be attending something called RiverFest in Gadsden, AL with Blake's family. It's the biggest event to go to every year in Gadsden. It's a 3 day event of music "down by the river" (LOL I couldn't help myself). Rednecks, booze, music and water....what a lovely cocktail!

Sweet Home Alabama

Awwwwww...to utter these words can only mean one thing. We are going to the state of Blake's birth...ALABAMA! Memorial Day weekend couldn't come soon enough as we are both being over-worked and in need of a break. I can't wait to get down there and just chillax. No worries....just lay out by the pool...hang out with family....grill out and do NOTHING....listen to the crickets chirping at night and enjoy the southern way of life. It's the good life and definitely a different pace from here in Louisville. After visiting Alabama multiple times over the years I can sincerely understand why Blake misses it and why it's so sentimental and relaxing for him to go back. Can't wait to see the in-laws Kim and Steve and of course good ol' Granny. God love her. We leave Friday after work...come on 5:00 o'clock!! Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend...be safe and have fun! And welcome back Mom an Dad from Orlando Florida!! I'm so very sorry that it was a wash out. :(

I'm freaking out!!!!!!

I'm allowed to have a moment of weakness and a meltdown right? Well, one is right around the corner. At my place of business we do a monthly live talk show with Wave 3 News called Louisville Listen's Live. It's hosted by Cindy Sullivan and it helps to showcase our business! I've actually been on there before performing various services that we offer and that's always been a piece of cake. BUT, tomorrow at 10:00 on Thursday, our esthetics side of the business will be showcased and Cindy will be interviewing me and I have to come up with some interesting stuff to say live on TV. UGH! I'm honestly freaking out and i'm sooooooooooooooooooooo nervous about it. It didn't hit me until lastnight, I've been cool as a cucumber about it but NOW, it's all going downhill. I've already got the nervous stomach and all that goes along with that. I hope I don't screw up and make myself and our business look completely stupid. If you can tune in, please do...or at least tell me you are so I can have your support. I need it! Can't wait for tomorrow to be over!

Random pics...

I think this will be last post about the Derby. But hell, at least this gave me something to talk about! Some random pics featured here...I'll run through them and explain....the first is of the muddy track that day on the backside (so wonderful that it didn't rain), the second is a pic of our "camp" on the backside. This is how we looked most of th day...studying the races and trying to place th perfect bet. The third pic is of me and Blake's Mom somewhere on the backside. We tried to get a kickass picture of the twin spires behind us but apparently that was too much to ask of the person who took this pic. I guess it's okay, just not what I pictured in my mind when we posed for it. The fourth pic is of the beautiful little fillie named Temple Street who won us $340!!! She is the horse that trainer Brad Cox has worked with. YAY! She was such a doll. The final pic is probably my favorite of the day. I look at it and can't help but giggle or smile. This horse kept shaking his head frantically up and down everytime we walked by. I swear to you, he wanted his picture taken so I got a great shot from the front of him doing his bobbing. TOO FUNNY!

Pictures of the actual race...

I have the coolest camera ever! THANKS so much to my loving husband for purchasing it for me several Christmas's ago. :) It has a setting on it which allows me to take a sequence of pics in just a few seconds. It's great for action shots and for sporting events. I decided to try it out for the Derby and I got some great moving pictures! I have about 20 frames in all of the actual running of the Derby but I only a uploaded what I could today. You could feel the thunder from their hooves as they rounded the first turn. I mean you could seriously feel in your core. What amazing athletes these animals are! We do take them for granted.

More pics and stories...

So here are some more behind scenes Derby Day pics that I wanted to share. :) The first is of the wonderful Brad Cox Racing Stables sign. What makes this so significant is this is the guy that got us in on the backside. Blake works with his brother-in-law and he was nice enough to drive us into the backside. A MILLION THANKS to Brad!!! ALSO, one of his horses, Temple Street (which he trained) ran in the Humana Distaff race that day. She was a longshot going off at 20-1 or 30-1, can't remember exactly, but we decided to bet that little girl across the board for sentimental reasons. She ended up coming in second and we won $340 for the bet we placed. WOOHOO!! THANKS again Brad! We ended up breaking even for the day so we were, to say the least, pleased with how things worked out. Brad is an up and coming trainer and owner and I'm sure there are nothing but great things to come for him. Also pictured is one of the many horses we saw that day in the stables, another of Bob Baffert the famous trainer and a pic of race horse getting his horseshoes put on. It was soooooo neat getting to watch that. And it was really nice that no one on the backside cared that we were standing around taking pictures and walking up to the horses. More stories and pics to come in the following days. Remember the name Brad Cox, he's gonna have a Derby horse one of these days! :)

Kentucky Derby 2009

I know, I know....everyone is probably tired of hearing about the Derby but I feel the need to share some pictures of our day at the downs for those who are out of town. Long story short, we had the time of our lives at our first Derby ever. Churchill Downs was still beautiful even though the days was gloomy (at least it didn't rain) but the temperature was perfect. We had the unique opportunity to go to the backside of the downs (this is where all the horse stables and barns are located and where all the trainers and owners hang out before the race) and let me tell you, it was unbelievable! We were up close and personal with all the horses and we were able to walk right up to them and pet them! It was so much fun and the best thing is....is that we broke even for the day! YAY! We had our own betting windows on the backside and we bet every single race. Studying the horses and then coming up with bets was a blast. Another great thing was how we were so close to the track for the races. You could literally feel the thunder from their hooves...it was exhilirating! For the Derby the owners and trainers walk right by us for their walk to the paddock to saddle up their horses and then when the race was over the jockeys ran by on their horses. I NEVER in a million years thought I would be able to witness Derby in this way. This is all I can post for now...I'll post more pics and stories in the days to come. Pictured above: Winner of the Kentucky Derby Mine That Bird with jockey Calvin Borel being interviewed after the race...then the famous twin spires, Blake and I at the betting windows and Bob Baffert walking his Derby horse Pioneer of the Nile. Enjoy!

And they're off!

Awww....Louisville at Derby time...the buzz is in the air and everyone feels a sense of pride. I'm so excited to say that Blake and I will be attending our first Kentucky Derby this year! We have a friend that will be able to get us into the backside of the track to enjoy the event. I've been told that the backside is where all the action happens, tons of horses, owners and trainers, and rubbing elbows with people in the industry...all while wearing a comfortable pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. Gotta love life! I figure this is a once in a lifetime shot at seeing the Derby up and close and personal so we better jump on it. I sincerely hope that the rain and thunderstorms will stay away but regardless, I'm going to enjoy it...mint juleps will help. :) Also, in other news, Blake's interview in Evansville, IN went extremely well but he didn't get the job. They decided to go with a local and that's all good. Blake and I were just a little dissapointed because it would have been a big move him and his career but there is a time and place for everything so we will just have to be patient. So Louisville, you will have to deal with us! Hope everyone has a wonderful Derby weekend and hope everyone picks the winning horse. LOVE YOU ALL!

Plethora, Lackadaisical.....

I love these words. They are two of my favorites and I try to use them on a regular basis. Example: Today was pretty lackadaisical until a plethora of evil spiders attacked me in my room at work. FUN! Now you try it...and share your favorite words with me. Love the way plethora just rolls off the tongue and how lackadaisical is a "pretty" word to describe something dull. ANWWHO, I felt the need to post something today since it's been a while and I know you guys are chomping at the bit (does that saying really mean you want something soon, now, your anxious, etc? How did that come to be? Horses don't chomp at the bit for that reason) to hear what's new in the McGowan household. WELL, a whole lotta nothin' right now. Just workin' our arses off and paying Uncle Sam...and the credit card....and the car payment....and the utilities....well, you get the picture. Just another day in paradise. Work is crazy for both of us now...Blake because it's close to Derby and everything has to be spotless and perfect in the stores for the impending visit from the President at Coca-Cola. Me...because all the rich arrogant people in Louisville have to get their botox, dermal fillers, chem peels etc. before Derby! Not to mention we are having a ladies night out Thursday night which is sure to be a complete catastrophe like the one we had last month keeping me at work until almost 10:00pm and then a ladies party happening this Saturday (originally my day off...just love my job). "Oh I just love Louisville this time of year." :) Gives me warm fuzzies and if I hear that one more time I may just kiss someone! LOL!

On a different note I love www.theonion.com. I laugh my ass off every time I read something on there. If you have some time to read some of articles please do, they are so entertaining...you may just pee on yourself. YES, they are that good! :)

Another 'nother note...I need to lose some weight. I'm the biggest I have ever been, new stretch marks are forming, none of my clothes fit (you should see my scrubs for work) and I'm on my way to beach again in June for our one year anniversary so I need to do something. Hence, the fat cat picture. Notice how his tiny little paw is tucked away under his gigantic belly and it looks like an enormous "outtie" bellybutton. Poor Kitty.

Later peeps! Oh yeah... and here's a shout out to Kim! Love ya and miss ya! I love you too Mom....just felt the need to tell you all that. :)

Same old Sh....

Man, not a thing to really blog about. Had a great weekend off entertaining the in-laws. Steve's 50th birthday was Saturday!!! YAY!!! Steve, we hope you enjoyed it. We already miss you guys so much! Then did the family thing on Easter Sunday and that's about it. FUN TIMES. The only thing to really mention at this point is that Blake may be applying for a promotion with Coke in Evansville, IN. If he does and he gets the job we'll be moving. It's truly bittersweet. I would simply be heartbroken to leave all of our family and friends here in Louisville but this woudl be an exciting adventure and great opportunity. I'll keep you guys posted. Hope you all are doing well. BIG HUGS!

Funny Animal Videos...

http://www.urlesque.com/2009/04/08/animals-who-perform-on-youtube-are-my-american-idols/


If you have an extra moment or two please check these videos out. They are super adorable and sure to make you laugh out loud. I love the dog with the piano...and the cute little puppy that sings. ENJOY! Everyone have a great weekend!

UGH, EWWW, BLAH and other words...

How my belly feels right now.

All of the above words (or sounds) are ample ways of describing how my stomach feels today. For some reason it has decided to turn against me and cause me much discomfort and turmoil. Nothing like a rumbling, bubbling belly to make you feel AWESOME! THANK GOD, we were light at work today...I was able to come home and visit my friend the toilet. We've been exceptionally close today. In other news, as I am sure my stomach and general digestive track issues don't necessarily entertain you, Blake has left for Evansville, IN due to work for the week. It will definitely be a change without him here but I'm thinking I will be able to get this mud hole cleaned up before the in-laws come into town. Blake's Dad and Stepmom will be arriving on Friday to spend the weekend with us and I must get this place clean before they step foot in the door. THANKS Mom and Dad for making me neurotic. LOVE YOU TOO! :) Can't wait for Kim and Steve to arrive. We always have a great time with them and I feel so blessed to have exceptionally wonderful in-laws. LOVE YOU GUYS TOO! I'm out for now......I've got some rumblies in tummy.

Cute Furry Animals

Okay one, two, three...everyone...AWWWWWWWWWW! This post is actually for me today but if anyone wants to use it of course feel free. ;) I don't mind sharing. I have to work this Saturday and instead of being a big sour baby about it I decided to look up cute animal pictures. They always make me smile and simply can't be in a bad mood when I look them. If you need some cheering up stop by and take a look! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

UGH!

For whatever reason I'm so uninspired to write today on this blog. I think I may have writer's block....or bloggers block. I guess this just lets me know how mundane and repetitive our lives are right now. Wake up...work....come home...eat...sleep and do that all over again. I simply can't think of anything to write about at the moment. I guess this could be a good thing since we don't have any drama going on at the moment. This could be a blessing! The biggest thing going on today is that it's my day off from work since I have to work yet another Saturday. :( Also, yesterday while getting my coffee cup from the cabinet I knocked the crap out of pinkie finger...so hard that I thought I had broken it. Don't asked...I don't know how the hell I actually did it! One of those freak accidents I guess. It immediately swelled and now it looks like a big fat worm with a gash of skin missing. It feels really hot and bruised, and of course it's my dominant hand and this is just going to make my job that much harder. Oh well...onward and upward. But seriously, that's the biggest story of our lives right now. Stayed tuned, hopefully I'll get some inspiration soon.

One of the oldest...

restaurants in Louisville is the Cottage Inn located on Eastern Parkway. It has been family owned and originally opened in 1929. It definitely has that "homey" feel going on...no doubt because it IS a house! You walk in, sit where you like and prepare your bellies for REAL down home cooking. Which is a little oxymorish (is that a word? LOL!) because it's now owned by a Bosnian family that immigrated here about 15 years ago. BUT, the food is AWESOME! They say they have the best fried chicken, and while I'm not a big fried bird fan I must say it was the best I had ever had. I'm telling you, this is how grandma used to cook and they have perfected it. They have a variety of entrees to choose from all of which where mouthwatering making it hard to choose when Blake and I visited on Saturday. They have many sides as well...all the regular country sides including their homemade mashed potatoes!!!! WOOHOO!!! And you all know how fond I am of smashed starches. :) The most amazing thing about this place is how cheap it is! Most entrees are around 9 to 10 bucks and the portions sizes are huge. You can't beat this place, especially if you are on a budget in this economy. Let's keep Louisville's little piece of history alive and be patrons of the Cottage Inn!!! Tell em' Dana sent ya. Yeah, you won't get anything for doing that but it would be fun!

New favorite thing to do....

If you've got extra time to spare go to my new favorite website www.faceinhole.com. Hours of fun will ensue! WOOHOO! You can pick from various layouts from celebrities, tv shows to costumes and add your adorable face and create some FUN FUN FUN! Here are some of the pics that I've created so far. You can even change the hue, contrast, brightness, etc. of your own picture to match the colors in the layout. HILARIOUS!

Why do people have to be so mean?

This is a rant so just stay with me and I'll be fine tomorrow. I just don't understand while people feel the need to be so mean sometimes. I know dealing with the public can be a very hard but it has been absolutely ridiculous at work lately. There is no reason that because you are so miserable that you have to try to bring me down to your level. I'm very blessed in the fact that I have super awesome clients that I love, but there is always one person every now and then that puts a kink in my happy chain. I'm here to tell you mean people : Arrogance, having a huge ego, flaunting your money, and acting like a queen bitch is not attractive. You ARE NOT special and are no better than the bum on the street begging for money. In fact you are a piece of dog poop on the bottom of that bum's shoe that has been rotting in the hot sun for a week. I despise you and I hope that you learn to be a happy person or you will die an early death....which now that I think about it wouldn't hurt my feelings that much. I guess I'm being mean (sinking down to their level) with this rant but I just had to get this out before I haul off and bitch slap (like in the picture) the next hoity toity (spelling?) rich bastard that walks through the door at work. It's not that hard to be pleasant, happy, smiley, sharing, joyful, etc. It's quite simple really and it's infectious. Enjoy your life! Awwwww.....I feel better already.

We got to meet Jules!

One of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen!!! 8lbs 11oz of pure cuteness with a head full of hair. Mom and Dad are doing great and Jules is as healthy as can be. When we got there she immediately opened her eyes and looked at us and of course made the cutest faces. Her Dad Jay told us that she had been asleep all day long until we got there. I FEEL SPECIAL. I say she knows us because we talked to her so much while Ashley was pregnant. :) Wishful thinking I'm sure. Blake went crazy with the camera and we have so many pictures of the little bundle of joy. Of course Blake made the comment on the way home to "not get any ideas". LOL!

Jules has arrived!!!

8 lbs. 11 oz and as cute as can be. This is the first and only picture I have of her since she was born too late and I couldn't visit. :( Her momma sent this over her phone. I can't wait to see her in person!!!! We're going tomorrow to the hospital and I'll have updates then! Congrats Jay and Ashley, she's gorgeous. :)

Baby Jules is on her way!

1. Sometime tomorrow little baby Jules will be here for all the world to see. Her Mom and Dad, Ashley and Jay are have been waiting with excited anticipation!! Ashley will be induced tomorrow and Jules will be here before we know it. I will update this blog with tons of pics of the new happy family. WOOHOO!! She's going to be beautiful.
   

State Park

I think this will be my last post about vacation. I'm running out of pics to share with you guys and there really isn't much more to tell you about. One thing I can share is our amazing trip the State Park which was right down the street from where we were staying. One of the closest things that we did visit! It was absolutely gorgeous!!! We visited the Bay side of the Cape in the State Park and saw many natural wonders including, calm seas, pelicans, hermit crabs in the biggest shells you have ever seen (weird seeing this huge shells just walking around), live clams, and other sea life. But the best part was our hike down a trail. We saw a bald eagle (no kidding, they do live close to the beach) and we were even warned about the bears!!! WHO KNEW!? It was a beautiful day and a lovely hike and I wasn't aware of how much flora grows at the beach. BEAUTIFUL! OH and since we are on the subject of flora and fauna...did I ever mention that we saw a 6 foot bull shark 2 days in a row at the beach?!?!? It came up so close one time that it almost got completely beached. It was really neat to see it but it was also really intense! Well I'm signing off on the vacation pics and stories, I hope you guys have enjoyed taking part in our wonderful week of rest and relaxation!