A Different Christmas

Christmas was different this year.  Not only was it the first time that I felt like I was "going home" for Christmas, it was the first one without my cousin, Drew.

Drew loved Christmas.  Drew still loved reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and he still threw reindeer food and his face still lit up when we talked about Santa.  He was the magic of Christmas.

As with any loss, you have to learn to adjust to your new life and carry that person's memory with you wherever you go.  It's still so hard and my heart still aches everyday.

We started a new Christmas tradition this year in Drew's memory.  Prior to Christmas my aunt and uncle brought a small Christmas tree to the cemetery.  On the day we all went to celebrate Christmas with Drew as a family, we each brought an ornament to decorate the tree.  We also brought balloons and wrote messages to Drew.  We stood around his grave and said prayers before letting our balloons go together.  I couldn't believe that when we got back in the car, "It Won't Be Christmas Without You" was playing on the radio.

My aunt and uncle plan to bring the Christmas tree to the back yard of their home, where Drew used to run and play.  They plan to plant it next to a tree my uncle planted the year Drew was diagnosed and hope to continue this tradition for years to come.

This Christmas we didn't take a picture of the "cousins" because it's still just too hard.  Baby steps.

America's Game!

Saturday may have been my favorite day that revolved around sports.  I've been to College Football Bowl games and Stanley Cup games and World Series games, but the Army/Navy Game was a whole different experience.  One I'm not able to adequately put into words.  

Every year I love watching the Army/Navy game with my dad.  He graduated from West Point and played football for the Black Knights for 2 years while he was a cadet.  I grew up singing the Army Fight Song and making trips to the beautiful Military Academy on the banks of the Hudson River.  The tradition of the Cadet Parade on Saturdays is one of my favorite in all of sports.

I flew in that morning and we headed straight to the game in Baltimore.  We got to the stadium just in time to see the March-On.  The March-On is the tradition of all midshipmen and cadets marching onto the field before going into the stands.  The precision and accuracy of the formation and timing is incredible, as you can imagine.

The pre-game festivities of the jumpers and flyovers was my favorite part.  The fact that the parachute jumpers are able to control their landing the way they do is mind boggling.  Then came the flyovers for both teams.  The Army helicopters were sooo low and quiet, I had to pick my jaw up off the ground after they flew by.  And the Navy jets were just the opposite-- high and loud.  It was just so cool to see.

The card stunt was also so much fun!  Everyone had cardboard at their seat and they instructed us when to hold it up and when to flip it over!  I never really knew exactly how those were executed, but it was definitely cool to be a part of.

Then the game started and I couldn't believe how fast it was going by.  There were very few penalties as both teams play with such discipline.  Both teams play dominantly running games, basically forcing the clock to stop for TV time outs.  Unfortunately Army couldn't hold onto their lead and lost to the Midshipmen for the 13th year in a row, meaning the cadets sang their alma mater first after the game.

I have a lot of respect for student-athletes.  Like in any situation you have some people who bring negative stereotypes to a group, but overall I respect them for their dedication to the sport and their school and education.  In fact, working with student-athletes is a passion of mine, one that I've chosen for my career!  But it's different when talking about the student-athletes at Army & Navy (and even Air Force).  Playing football is a hobby to the cadets and midshipmen.  Football comes second to serving our country and I respect them all immensely for that. And no matter the outcome of the game, they're all heroes!

The only thing that could have made the day better would have been to see the first Army victory in 13 years!  But until next time, GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY!!!! :)

The Bracelet On My Wrist

The other day as I was having a conversation with a new friend I saw her glancing at my bracelet a few times.  The bracelet that I've worn off and on for 7 years but hasn't left my wrist since September 30th.  The bracelet that sometimes can either bring me to tears or make me smile in an instant when I look down at it.    The bracelet that has a story much different than I ever thought.  The bracelet that's a bright royal blue and reads "Drew's Hope" in white letters.  I wanted her to ask me about it.  I wanted to tell her everything about what the bracelet on my wrist symbolizes.

Maybe it's because I miss him so much or because the new friends in my new life don't really know his story.  But I wanted to tell her and I didn't know how. I didn't know how to tell her that "Drew's Hope" is the name of the foundation my aunt and uncle created for my cousin.  That Drew's Hope has been a staple in my community back home- raising money and awareness for Batten Disease research.  That because of the money raised Drew was a part of innovative research for the disease and others throughout his life.  And mostly I didn't know how to tell her that we lost him just 2 months ago.

But as a whole the bracelet means so much more than that.  It symbolizes the hope for a cure.  The hope we had for a miracle.  The hope that Drew is an inspiration to others.  The hope that Drew was a part of research that will be innovative in changing medicine.  And really, to me, the bracelet reminds me to still have hope even though he's gone.  To be grounded in my faith, even when that's shaken to the core.  To find the good even when parts of your world are falling apart around you.  And to be eternally grateful for the time I had with him and the countless lessons he taught me.

Drew was an angel on earth and this bracelet symbolizes everything he stood for.

 

A Season in the Press Box

This has been a football season to remember.  I know it’s technically not over yet, but we’ve shut the lights at Sanford Stadium for the year.  I can’t put into words how fast these last 14 weeks have flown by or what they’ve meant to me.

Since first stepping foot on the beautiful campus of the University of Georgia in Athens last September, I knew this was a place I needed to be.  Fifteen months later, I’m living in that wonderful town and just wrapped up my first season as a Bulldog.  This was also the first time I’ve spent a season watching games from the press box. 

Every Saturday that the Dawgs were home in Athens, I was in the press box at Sanford Stadium.  Being a part of the communications/stat team this season has been unreal and not a day went by that I didn’t feel grateful or have “pinch me” moments. 

Saturdays in Athens are wonderfully hectic and exciting.  Distributing information/stats and making sure the press box was set for media personnel was the first thing we’d do.  With a credential around my neck, I would spend some time on the sideline with my co-workers during warm ups.  I would make my way back up to the press box in time for the team to make their dramatic entrance and the singing of the National Anthem.

I usually felt a string of butterflies as the teams were getting ready to kick off and the crowd was wild with anticipation.  The string of butterflies was often joined by giddy excitement and just like that the Dawgs were ready to tee it up Between the Hedges. 

The atmosphere at Sanford Stadium never ceased to amaze me.  I’ve never experienced anything like it.  It’s an experience not adequately described with words but with emotions that simply over take you- the passion, intensity, camaraderie and tradition that is Georgia.  If you’re a sports fan, it’ll change your soul. 

A part from being proud to be a Georgia Bulldog, I am extremely blessed to be learning from the best of the best here at Georgia.  I’m not only immersing myself in the culture of this wonderful town, but taking full advantage of every opportunity to enrich my career.  Athens is a special place and I can’t wait to see what else it has in store for me.  

Tips for a Lasting At Home Manicure

I'm the type of girl that always has to have her nails painted and I hate when they start chipping.  I also like to constantly change my color and call it a win for the day if my outfit matches my nails.  I don't have the time to redo my nails every few days when they start to chip so I've come up with a way to make my at home manicure last at least a week with no chips!  You're Welcome!

At the start of your manicure make sure your nails are clean and prepped for painting.  I usually start by  doing minimal filing- I like to keep the length as much as possible so I usually just make sure they're all the same with a clean shape. Then I soak my nails in soap water for a few minutes before I push back and cut my cuticles.  Clean nails/nail beds make it look like a professional manicure.  Next I wash my hands and get ready to paint them.

Once I've picked my color, which could take longer than I'd care to admit, I apply two even coats of the color and let them dry before applying the top coat.  The Top Coat.  This may be the most important part.  I have struggled with finding the perfect top coat, one that applies smoothly and isn't super sticky, if you know what I mean.  The top coat I've fallen in love with is the Sally Hansen, Complete Salon Manicure, 170, Clear'd For Takeoff!  Buy it.  You won't be disappointed.  As someone who doesn't really care for Sally Hansen polish, this is a good one.

Next I apply Julep Quick Dry Drops- which really do dry my nails incredibly quick.

BUT the real secret is what comes next.  About 2-3 days later I apply another top coat to really seal the deal.  This happens before my nails chip and makes sure they last a few more days.

The picture above was taken 5 days after I originally did my nails. After a weekend of football and tailgating my nails hadn't chipped and I added another coat to make sure they lasted a few more days!

Try this trick and let me know how it works for you!

I Believe In The Underdog

I believe in the underdog.  I've always believed in the underdog, because more times than not, that's the team I've been rooting for.  One of the things I love most about College Football and sports in general is that on any given day an underdog can rise above.  Growing up a Rutgers fan I've been used to losing the rivalry games and being overwhelmed with pride and excitement when my team overcame adversity to come out on top.  It's really a great feeling, but ​this weekend I was on the other side of that spectrum as a Georgia Bulldog fan.

I took the trip to Jacksonville with tons of confidence it would be 4 in a row against the Florida Gators.  It was incredibly cold and windy- totally unexpected weather conditions. The Bulldogs scored first, as to be expected.  Then the Gators scored on a fake field goal attempt and just like that the momentum and atmosphere at Everbank Field completely changed.  I won't bore you with all the gory details- Georgia lost to Florida, 38-20.

The loss left a gut-wrenching feeling within me.  All the hype and excitement for what the rest of the season may hold was suddenly tarnished, yet again.  After losing our best player to a suspension and winning 2 games against teams that had a better chance of beating us, I couldn't believe the way this one unfolded.  And even more than that, I can't believe how quickly I got used to winning.  Or how fast I expected wins.  Like I said, that feeling's new.  And to be quite honest, I'm not sure which one I like more.

It's always fun to win, but it may be more fun to be the underdog and pull the upset.

No wait, it's definitely more fun to win, always! 

There's still plenty of time left for the College Football season to take a few more unexpected turns and I'm very excited for the ride.  It's not over yet!

Fly High Drew

Drew Ferrandino

February 1, 2002- September 30, 2014 

For the past week or so I have been trying to find the words.  The words to say to Drew in the days after he passed.  The words to say to my dear cousin who just lost his brother.  The words to say to my aunt and uncle as they mourn the loss of their son.  The words to say to my mom as her heart breaks for her younger brother.  Or even the words to get me through this.  The thing is, there are no words.  My heart just hurts.

My heart hurts for my Aunt Katie.  Drew was her world.  Her days revolved around taking care of him.  She knew his needs and his comforts like no one else.

My heart hurts for my Uncle Tony.  He would have done anything for Drew.  He is a human encyclopedia (my aunt is too) about the disease and spoke at many conferences about finding a cure and what it's like to raise a child with special needs.

My heart hurts for Gavin.  He was the greatest big brother to Drew.  He included him in his baseball tournaments where Drew was an honorary mascot.  He was also so gentle, caring and loving to Drew.

And my heart hurts for us as a family.  What will life be like? Holidays? Birthdays? Trips? And all the other get-togethers?  How can we ever call it a "cousins" picture again, because we'll forever be missing one.

Though to most of us 12 is way too young, for Drew it was a full life.  We celebrated his 5th birthday a few days early because doctors told us he wouldn't make it until then.  Then he was given a life expectancy of 8-12 years.  With a number of scares, Drew lived a full seven and a half years after being diagnosed with Batten Disease.  He did live a beautiful life- full of love and memories.

Drew was an inspiration to all whose lives he touched.  From his first seizure to his diagnosis to his stem cell trial to his spinal surgery and every hospital visit in between, his strength never wavered.  Drew inspires all of us to defy the odds and keep smiling no matter what is thrown our way because that's what he did until his very last breath.

Though I'm sad for us, I'm happy for Drew.  I'm happy that he gets to run and play and jump and laugh and be a jokester- all things he loved to do before the disease took them away from him.  I'm glad he no longer has limitations.

My heart may hurt forever, but the comfort of knowing he's with Jesus and at peace takes the sting away just a little.  I'm grateful for the years we had with Drew and the countless lessons he taught me about strength, fight, courage, hope and faith.

The coming weeks and months are going to be hard, for all of us, but I know we'll get through it and live each day with Drew in our hearts.  His inspiration will live on forever.

For more information about Drew or to make a donation to help find a cure for Batten Disease please visit www.drewshope.com

  

Path to a Healthy Life

I dont like to call this a "weight loss journey" because my story is so much more than the pounds I've shed.  It's a new lifestyle that I've chosen.  One that I love and am so happy with.  I hope you'll be inspired by my story and join me on this path to a healthy life!
I've always struggled with my weight.  I've always been chunky- self conscious of my double chin, muffin top/love handles and thunder thighs (even though my legs are my favorite feature!).  I can honestly say that more times than not I was trying to suck it in- worried about the rolls or bulges that might form under clothing.

Obesity tends to run in my family and though I never considered myself to be obese, I refused to let that be an option for me.  During high school and college I didn't have enough self control or motivation to make a lifestyle change since binge drinking and late night pizza were a higher priority.  I looked at members of my family and knew I didn't want that to be me.  I was determined to take control because I knew I was the only one who could make the change and be proactive about my health for later in life.  Enter AdvoCare.

When I left Louisiana I was the heaviest I'd ever been- and I was probably the heaviest I'd been when I got there too.  I needed a change.  My life was finally heading in a direction I'd been wanting and working for since I was, like, 20.  I was following my dreams- for me.  Finding happiness- for me.  I know I needed to make a health change- for me too.  I had success and felt great with the 24 Day Challenge before but just wasn't in a good place in my life to make it a permanent change.

I knew now was a better time.  I ordered the products, meal prepped and started following the meal plan.  I started the challenge on the Monday after 4th of July.  I lost 7.5 lbs and 11 inches after the 10-day cleanse phase and felt GREAT!!!  I continued through the burn phase for the next 14 days and wound up losing a total of 14.5 lbs and 18 inches in 24 days!!!!

I was sooo excited, felt great, and loved the results I saw throughout the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge, which I completed at the beginning of August.  I was still not near my goal weight and was looking forward to more results.  I have continued on to the 72 Day Challenge and I'm currently down a total of 19 lbs and I'm sure a bunch more inches (I haven't measured).

I'm not going to lie, since finishing the 24 Day Challenge I have had a few "cheat meals".  But I love that this program is easy to get back on track with.  If I have a slip up, I don't lose too much sleep over it and just keep going as planned the next day!  It's a lifestyle change, not a diet.  I'm changing my lifestyle and I'm completely happy with having 1-2 cheats a week.  I don't feel deprived at all.

I've bought a few things that are 1-2 sizes smaller than usual (I'm sometimes between 2 sizes).  But don't plan to do too much shopping until I hit my goal!  The pants I have that usually give me a little muffin top are loose even after they've just been washed!

An added boost of motivation came last week when I realized a noticeable difference in my face... before and after pictures don't lie.  But this isn't an after picture, it's a progress picture! :)  (And let me tell you, it has taken a lot of convincing to post this picture on the internet!!! yikes!)

But seriously guys, I FEEL GREAT!!!  There's no other way to put it.  I'm exercising, eating right/healthy/delicious meals and seeing great results.  If you're intrigued by my story I'd love to help you feel as great as I do and find your way to a healthy lifestyle.  I can provide lots of information about AdvoCare and the 24 Day Challenge Program as well as a complete grocery list and meal plan (complete with day-to-day schedules) and even personal coaching!  :)

Join me on my path to a healthy life!

September Goals

Because I need to be held accountable for reaching these goals.  

1.  NO SPEND SEPTEMBER
I've been spending more money than I should on things for my apartment and just in general.  I need to take a step back.  If I want/need something- add it to the Christmas List.  Notice I said add, because yes, I've already started one!

2.  Blog at least twice a week.
Sometimes I don't know how you guys do it.  Between classes, work, and life-  I really want to show up here everyday and write about something I'm doing, loving or just anything really, but I usually struggle to find the time or the right words to say.  Enough excuses, I just need to do it.  I have a bunch of half written posts that need to be finished-- they're coming for ya!

3.  Lose another 5-10 pounds.
I can't wait to share the results I've already obtained in my Path to a Healthy Lifestyle (yes, that's what I'm calling it).  I've never felt better or been more motivated!  I'd love more people to join me!  More coming soon, promise!

4.  Read a book.
Not a book for school, but a book for leisure.  I have 3 that I've been dying to read and one that I've started and need to finish.  I hope to finish that one and maybe read another!

5.  Continue to Explore Athens.
I've been loving my new town and I want to see more of it.  I hope to continue to explore all things Athens throughout September too!

Do you have goals for the month?  Or for the rest of the year?

Dear College Football

I can't believe you're coming back to me SO SOON.  I've really missed you.  I've seen you a little bit lately with spring practices, media days, and camp, but you know that's not the same as actually having you here in full swing.  I may actually explode with excitement before we're reunited next Thursday, like seriously, I'm so excited to see you!

I'm not the only one though.  Stadiums have been renovated, fields are manicured to perfection, mascots have gotten their preseason makeovers, uniforms have been updated, cleaned and are hanging in the locker rooms just waiting for the blood, sweat and tears you'll bring.    

I know things are going to be different since I last saw you.  You got rid of the BCS and have moved on to bigger and better things with the Playoff.  I'm totally supportive of this and know we'll all try our best to embrace your change with open arms.  Sure, I'm going to miss seeing the polls week after week, but I can still quiz my mom on which schools are in which conference.  And we both know the day she stops saying Michigan State is in every conference will be a win for everyone involved.  Fingers crossed she gets that one down quickly.  There will be some people that are nay-sayers about the Playoff system, I'm sure they just need time.  I know these changes won't affect who you truly are though- full of pride, tradition, competition, and classic rivalries.  You really are the full package and this year you're gracing us with your presence for an extra 2ish weeks, so we thank you for that!

I know there are others like me, professing their love over and over, but we all have different obsessions and experiences with you.  That's what makes you so wonderful. You're so good to so many people in so many different ways.  We root for different teams, in different conferences, all thinking that we're right, but really you're the one that's right.  You give us something to discuss, to feel passion for, to share with ones we love and to take with us wherever we go.

I can't wait to see what you have in store for us- the hearts you'll break and the memories you'll make.

You'll always be my first love.  I'm sooo excited you're coming back to me in 6 short days! :)

xoxo

Linking up with Erin and Sarah today! 

Let's Talk Healthy Lifestyle!

As you know, this year has already been full of changes for me- from starting a new job and graduate school in Louisiana to now moving on to The University of Georgia.  I'm also making it a priority to live a healthy lifestyle.  I am embarking on a new journey with AdvoCare- a premier health and wellness company offering world-class energy, weight-loss, nutrition, and sports performance products along with a rewarding business opportunity". I did my first 24-Day Challenge last year and lost about 12 lbs and 18 inches in that time, but most importantly I felt more energized and over all healthy.  I was excited to continue on the path of a healthy life style.  I fell off the wagon a bit when I moved to Louisiana.  This time I'm determined to make it a permanent change and I want to share it with others.

If you're looking to lose weight, build lean muscle, enhance your energy or improve your over all health, let me talk to you about AdvoCare and the many avenues this wonderful company provides for a healthy life style.  There's something for everyone! I especially love Spark! and Rehydrate!- the perfect alternative to energy and sports drinks (great for kids too!).

My mom, sisters and I are currently doing the 24 Day Challenge, feeling great, and already seeing results- it's a great way to kick start the life change you always wanted.  The key to success is meal prep.  I'll provide you with a full menu, schedule and access to tons of recipes and support.

 

You can check out my site and browse through the products at>> https://www.advocare.com/130430745

Let's kick start the rest of your healthy life! 

And please feel free to send anyone my way who may be interested, I'm eager to help!!  :)

In True Blogger Fashion :: 4th of July Weekend

My 4th of July Weekend wound up being much better than I anticipated.  After going back and forth with friends about different plans and (non) commitments of celebrations for the 4th, I decided to go to the lake with my family for the weekend.  We went to Lake Wallenpaupak in the Poconos- it's a lake I grew up going to and haven't been to since my sister broke her arm there 2 years ago on the 4th of July.  We cruised around on the boat, tubed, waterskiied, boozed and watched the fireworks!!!  It was a great weekend!

And now for the recap in pictures::

We wanted to get a cute picture of us jumping off the boat into the sunset.. ya know, something that could make us instagram or pinterest famous, but this is what happened.... my sister slipped right off the boat while trying to jump!  #FAIL.

I hope you had a fun and festive 4th of July!! :)

That One Time I Played Soccer..

I have never been interested in soccer.  Maybe that's because I really don't know the game.  I know what a goal is (obviously) and that a penalty kick (PK) is when a penalty happens inside the box.  And that's about it.  I don't even really know what a penalty would consist of, to be honest, and I'm still clueless on the whole clock situation.

I played one season when I was 5 and it was painful- for both me and my parents.  I dreaded every game, always doing cartwheels on the field and excited for the after-game snack, but my parents made me finish out the season and I went to every game!  My parents always tell this story about me playing soccer:

One of our games must have been rained out because at the end of the season we had a "make-up" game.  Apparently I was sooo, overly excited for this "make-up" game and couldn't wait to get to the field- my parents had no idea why since I hated it all season.  The game was just like any other game, but when it was over I went over to my parents' blanket and said, "That was the worst make up game ever.  We didn't even get to play with any make up!"  My parents laughed hysterically and it's been a running joke in my family ever since.  

I started cheerleading that next season and never looked back.  It was the closest I could get to football, which had already become my favorite sport!  I continued to dread soccer even as I watched my sister play on her travel team for years...

But then four years ago when my summer job was watching 4 boys all day, everyday, we watched the World Cup, talked about the World Cup, played soccer every day in the yard and I didn't mind it.  And lately, I've been intrigued by soccer.  I've been interested in the World Cup and actually looked forward to it.  Though I barely know what's going on during a game.

I've also been following the evolvement of the new New York City Football Club team and wishing I was apart of it.  From the hiring of former Rutgers AD, Tim Pernetti, to the fan-voted logo and the signing of their first player, David Villa.  I've been immensely interested in the sport.  Who am I?

I wore my red, white, and blue and cheered the United States to victory last Monday night against Ghana and couldn't believe that last second score by Portugal in Sunday's game.  I'm excited to watch today's game, as the country I was raised in takes on the country I was born in! haha I'm totally rooting for the USA, I might start cheering for Germany if they make it further than us though!!

Anyone else have a new interest in soccer (or at least the World Cup), but still confused as to what's going on on the field?!

GO USA!! I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!  I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!! :)

Where I've Been

I know I've been really absent from blog-land in the past few months, not only here, but with reading other blogs as well, and I've really missed it.  I just felt uninspired about things to write about and what direction I wanted my blog to go.  Though I haven't figured it all out yet, I wanted to start writing again- whether it was sports, music, traveling or just stories to share.  I'm still thinking about re-branding- either coming up with a new name, which I have some ideas for, or incorporating this blog into my professional website, but ultimately decided to give this space a little face lift for the time being.

Last you heard, I was moving to Louisiana for graduate school.  That happened and I loveddd it.  I formed a great, close-knit group of friends, loved my job, and was thoroughly impressed that I wasn't completely living in the boonies.  But what I wanted was bigger than Monroe, Louisiana.  I had moved there sorta on a whim with the first opportunity I was given because I was soo hungry for a change.  I spent weeks weighing my options and seeing what would be best for me personally and professionally.  It wasn't easy.  But after my hot water heater busted while I was visiting home, I took it as a sign to GTFO. I packed up the things that survived (the hot water sat for days before anyone realized what happened, yuck!) and moved to Athens, Georgia.  I will be continuing my education at the University of Georgia and could not be more excited to be a part of Bulldog Nation, though I'm definitely going to miss the numerous drive-thru daiquiri places in Louisiana.

I hope you'll follow along as I explore the wonderful town of Athens, my passion for sports grows, and I navigate through my twenties trying to figure out who I am and make a name for myself'.

Preakness 2014

One of my family’s favorite things to do together is to go to horse races.  It’s one of the only sports we can all agree on and truly enjoy.  We love the atmosphere, the excitement, experiencing different racetracks, and of course winning a little bit of money- if we’re so lucky!

Last year my dad and I took the trip to Kentucky for my first Kentucky Derby experience and it was everything I wanted it to be, even with the rain. 

But this year all five of us took the short drive down to Baltimore for the Preakness Stakes to see Triple Crown hopeful, California Chrome, run up close. 

We arrived at Pimlico Race Track on Friday for Black Eyed Susan Day, similar to Oaks Day at the Derby, a day dedicated to the fillies.  My dad’s company was sponsoring events taking place that morning, and we got to reap all the benefits!  We had great seats in the grandstand and access to the Turfside Terrace located on the edge of the infield (not to be confused with the frat party atmosphere of the actual infield, where you can see virtually nothing)!!

I’ve been to a number of racetracks including Monmouth, Saratoga, Gulf Stream, Churchill Downs and Keeneland.  I was shocked at how Pimlico holds such a prestigious event, but is very run down.  The paddock area was especially disappointing.  But the Preakness itself definitely lives up to the hype!  It’s an iconic horserace with its traditional flowers and signature cocktails.   There are races all day leading up to the big event- on both the turf and the dirt. 

The Turfside Terrace was a wonderful area to spend the day with great views of the horses, great food and drinks, and exclusive betting windows.  We found a spot close to the fence and stayed there for most of the races.  We were exceptionally close to the races that ran on the turf.  You could feel the breeze and the rumble of the ground and the horses raced by. 

Before we knew it the trumpets were sounding for the race we’d been waiting for all day.  The contenders paraded down the track to the starting gate.  Once set in their post positions, the whistles blew, the gates flew open and they were off.  Running past us in the blink of an eye, around the turn and down the stretch before breaking for the final lengths to the finish.  The crowd was wild, yelling for their horses to win.  California Chrome surged ahead with Ride On Curlin’ finishing one and a half lengths behind.  It was a wonderful race. 

And now I can’t wait/I’m so nervous to watch California Chrome race in the final leg of the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes.  I love his story (the colt of a $8,000 mare bred with a $2,500 stallion to a one horse stable) and would love to see him achieve a Triple Crown win!!!  I’m supposed to be in NYC seeing Aladdin on Broadway with my family that day.  Any chance we can exchange our tickets and head to the Belmont?    #CHROMIE

I Moved to Louisiana

These past few weeks have been such a whirlwind.

Just before Thanksgiving I was offered a job in Marketing with the Athletic Department at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.  This offer was contingent on my acceptance into their graduate program.  Of course I was so happy about the job offer, but still so nervous about getting into grad school.  I obviously told my family everything but that was it.  My friends and extended family had no idea about the offer until I finally was accepted about 2 weeks before Christmas.  They knew I was applying to schools and looking for positions to work in College Athletics, but they (and I) didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

Quickly is a relative term.  I've been working with Athletic Development at Rutgers for a few years, and have volunteered at events such as the SEC Media Days and the Chick-Fil-A Bowl Kick-off Game in order to network, make connections and gain experience.

I say quickly because this particular position happened quickly.  I applied, was offered the job, applied to the graduate school and got accepted all within 4 weeks.  And then planned a move within the next 3 weeks mixed in the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Years.  It was a whirlwind of joyous Christmas celebrations and tearful "See You Later"s!

My wonderful family threw me a "Going Away Party" with all of my closest friends and family!  I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people love and support me as I follow my dreams (about 1,300 miles away)!

My mom, dad, and sisters drove down to Louisiana with me!  We took my car and a U-Haul on the 20-hour drive from Pennsylvania to Louisiana.  We left around 4 o'clock on Saturday (1/4) morning and drove until we stopped for lunch in East Tennessee.  We then continued to Chattanooga where we stopped at Rock City.  Rock City is a spot on Look Out Mountain where you can (apparently) see seven states from the one spot.  There's nothing to differentiate the states, so I guess we all just have to take their word for it.  It was pretty cool though, and the views were great.  (Of course I don't have any pics of this cause my mom took them on her camera..)

We then continued until we got to Birmingham, Alabama where we stopped in time to watch the Eagles lose to the Saints :(  We spent the night and got up to drive the last 5-6 hour leg in the morning before arriving in Louisiana and getting the key to my first apartment.

The next few days my family helped me move in and explore my new town of Monroe, Louisiana.  Being big Duck Dynasty fans, we of course went over to Duck Commander and even saw Willie pulling into the shop.  He ran into the shop really quick and we weren't able to get a picture, but we definitely saw him, which was pretty cool.  I'm finding some new and fun places to eat which is exciting.  And there's even a drive-thru daiquiri place right down the road from my apartment which is probably going to be dangerous!!!

I'm so excited to start classes and working today!  Once my apartment is more put together and I'm completely done unpacking I will post pictures.  :)

Does anyone have any suggestions for hiding wires without making wholes in the wall?