Back to Reality....

And I'm back from a much much needed vacation in my beloved vacay spot in Hilton Head Island, SC. If you haven't been, I highly recommend going.  Like tomorrow.  Its beautiful.  Its clean.  Its calm.  There's fabulous outlet shopping.  Oh yeah, and there's a beach there too :)

HHI

Since returning, I've been plotting of ways for Kevin & I to have the ability to permanently move down there, but ummm.. all my business ideas are centered around wine or cupcakes.  The thought of me attempting to open and successfully run a wine or cupcake business is hysterical.  Heaven knows I'd wind up bankrupt in about a month because I'd drink/eat my whole inventory before I could even sell it.  Or I would find it necessary to frequently close down to see the daily shipments that came into the White House Black Market & Saks Off Fifth outlets.

Obviously my priorities are really in check these days

Hello Tanger Outlets. 

  Anywho, like I've said before- I'm kind of OCD about my routine and actually happy to be back home.  I can deviate from my normal schedule for a few days, but then I kind of get anxious to return home.  How on earth I ever thought I could study abroad in college is beyond me.  Ptsch, I can barely make it 5 days without almost having a meltdown because my life is lacking structure.  Plus, I was dying to get back to these two.  

I know this is probably an animal hoarder comment, but I legitimately worried about Missy (the Tornado Dog) the entire time we were at the beach.  Although she was boarded with Hudson at a fabulous boarding facility, I was convinced that she probably thought we had left her there permanently.  Yes, I am aware that dogs don't have the best concept of time.  And that their brains are the size of a peach (Thanks, dad for that reminder), but you can't help but worry they'll hate you or not remember you when you pick them up.
However, all my worries were cast aside when we picked them up and my dogs made the biggest scene in the history of dog boarding when they saw us.  You would have thought Kevin & I had been on an 8 month African Safari with the way they acted.  Literally- both dogs were barking & jumping as though I just given them free reign on some jars of peanut butter or let loose in Petsmart.  While it was kind of flattering to see that they missed us so much, it was also mildly embarrassing because the employees & other pet owners looked at them (and us) like they were they anti-christ.  Never a good look.  Actually, you should probably just run when you see that expression given to you by someone because it strongly suggests that they think you're a moron incapable of doing anything.   Regardless, I'm gonna choose to think that the dogs' insane reaction clearly indicates the love our animals have for us. Orrrr maybe it means that we smelled like bacon when we got out of the car from a 9 hr van ride, but whatev.

So, yes, I am back to my every day reality.  And that also means, I've been catching up on my reality shows.  We all know I am a sucker for reality tv.  Like, the trashier the better.
**Side note: Kevin tries to act like he's appalled by these shows, but he watches almost every single one with me.  You stay manly, Kev. **)


So, a few quick comments....

Real Housewives of Orange County- I want to give Briana a huge hug for defying ole Vicki & eloping in Vegas.  If Vicki was my momma, I wouldve run away to Vegas to get married too.

  Also, why was Ryan (Tamra's son) have more hair than he ever has before?  How is that possible?  Or that he couldn't afford furniture last episode, but he bought a new tux in this episode? Ohhh the housewives and their financial priorities. Lastly, Brooks just flat creeps me the hell out. From Donn to Brooks? I feel like Donn is probably super fun to hang out with, and I think he's probably even more fun now that  hes escaped Vicki.  You go on w/ your bad self, Donn.

Real Housewives of New Jersey-  I'm getting super tired of the whole Guidice/Gorga family turmoil.  Caroline & family are boring the absolutely bejesus out of me this season too.  I really wish they'd focus more on either Rich Wakile's crazy comments

or the out-lawish antics of Ashlee.  When is that crazy girl gonna be back home?  I feel like that show is kind of coming off the tracks these days.

The Bachelorette- Okay yall, since I have been getting my MBA on Monday nights for the past 2 years, I haven't seen any of the last 4-5 bachelor or bachelorette shows.  Since I did watch Brad Womack's initial season like 6 years ago, I did try to keep up with who he picked.  So after watching the bachelorette premiere tonight, here are my initial thoughts...
1) Emily looks/acts/talks like she is highly medicated.  She just comes across as being super wooden.

2) I would say 96% of those guys are complete toolbags that I would never even consider talking to when I was single.  Seriously though-Where do they find these guys?  No guy I know acts like that or is that desperate to get married.  And i live in the South where people get married at age 18.
3) How is this show even still on?  Havent only 2 couples married after like a bazillion seasons?  I mean, I feel like match.com would laugh at the bachelor/bachelorette's face about their overall success rate, which wouldn't give me much hope if i was single.
4) I kind of think Arie is super hot.  Maybe its because I'm familiar w/ his family & the whole Indy car thing, but I have a sneaking suspicion he will go very far, if not win it all.

5) My conspiracy theory is that Emily & Chris Harrison will wind up together now that he is divorcing.  He's made numerous comments to the media about being uber protective of Emily, which has made me wonder if they've had a side thing going this whole time?  Maybe thats why they were so persistent that she be the next Bachelorette?     Stranger things have happened.  I'm just saying.

Okay guys- that about does it for me.  Chat soon.
   

Missy Moo, the Tornado Dog.

I preface this post by reminding you all that Kevin and I should be prohibited from even coming within a 1 mile radius of Petsmart during adoption days.  We are the definition of bleeding hearts, and those sneaky shelter volunteers see us coming from a mile away (Hints why we wound up with Lucy, Stella, and Hudson.  Breyer was actually premeditated, believe it or not.)  Keep that in mind as you read this post..... and also... please don't call Animal Hoarders on Kevin Gray just yet.

Almost 2 months ago, Tornados ripped through Eastern Kentucky, leaving two towns in my work territory absolutely devastated.  In the week following the tornados, I was unable to even go to Eastern Kentucky, so I had no idea how the damage affected my customers or if they were even alive.  Finally, FEMA had cleared out of Salyersville, Kentucky, so I was able to make it there 1.5 weeks after the tornados ripped through.  I thought I had mentally prepared myself for what the town was going to look like, as I had been paying close attention to the news casts every night.

I could not have been more wrong.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I witnessed when I got there.  

This was about 2 miles away from Salyersville.  As a point of reference, those hills used to be covered in trees and other greenery.

And this was the first sight I was met with when I finally got into town.

My heart was absolutely broken when I realized the gravity of the situation, and how horrific the damage was to the city of Salyersville, Kentucky.  

Now, I took video of my experience as well because pictures didn't show everything I wanted people to see to better understand the situation they were dealing with.  However, I start crying midway through the video, which leaves anyone watching it forced to deal with trying to translate my hysteria. I didn't want to do that to yall, but if you get a chance to donate to the Red Cross or United Way of Eastern Kentucky- please do it.  They still need all the help they can get.  It will be years before these towns fully recover from this.  

So, Kevin & I continued to talk about what we could do to help with the tornado relief efforts.  We had already donated to the Red Cross, but it still didn't seem like quite enough.  Then, my phone rings one day while I'm at work....

Me: Hello?

Kevin: Honey, I know how we can help with the tornado relief.

Me: Ohhh! Thats great!! What are you thinking?

Kevin: Well.  You know all the Animal shelters in Morgan & Magoffin County are now non-existent.  And as a result, a ton of the dogs are being sent to other shelters.  Like Estill County.  You KNOW, Estill County is beyond over crowded and they can only keep the dogs ONE day before they are put down.

Me (Being my bleeding heart self): No.. I didn't know that? Oh my god.  Okay, well, should we make a big donation there?  

Kevin: NO, CAROLINE (In the most annoyed voice ever).  I think we should work with a rescue league and (wait for it)... FOSTER MISPLACED TORNADO DOGS. (Yes- read: Dogs. S. As in plural)

Me: Ummmm.... I'm sorry, what did you say?

Kevin: Ohh yeah- we'd be great at it!! And I've already been working with a Rescue League & we've already been approved anyways.

Me: Ummm.... I'm sorry? I think I'm hallucinating.  You want to do what? Seriously? I think you've lost your damn mind.

Kevin: What are you talking about?  This will be great!  This is how I'm giving Alms during Lent, Carol! 

Me: Seriously?  Is this my life?  

A lot of people have the misconception that I am the head-strong one in my marriage.  Lemme tell ya, when Kevin Gray gets something in his head that he is going to do something, homeboy is going to do it, come hell or high water.  

Knowing this about him, I wasn't entirely surprised to come home from Easter in Louisville (which he um, conveniently skipped out on because he was "sick?") to find this little angel in my back yard.  

Meet Missy Moo, the Tornado Dog

So, again, was I surprised?  No.  Was I thrilled to see a new dog at our house?  Ummmm, No. And actually, I'm convinced that Kevin googled "How to calm your wife down so she doesn't kill you for doing something utterly ridiculous" before I got home because I was greeted with red wine and flowers as soon as I walked in the door.  That kid knows how to work me.  Maybe Petsmart gave him some pointers, no? :)

So, that was 3 weeks ago, and I think its safe to say that Missy Moo, the tornado dog has been formally adopted.  She is basically the best dog ever.  We are both pretty much completely enamored with her.  I mean- good lord- how could we not be?  She came to us crate trained, house broken, and has learned quite a few tricks already.  Its like a miracle dog.  

However- Let me stress that there will be NO more dog fostering at the Grays because you get attached & it inevitably leads to scenes like these.....

I gotta give her props- she is the best snuggler ever.

And if you don't believe me, just ask Hudson...

At this point, I firmly believe that Hudson would cut me if we gave Missy back or let anyone else adopt her.  

She is his BFF.  

For life.

The only downside to their newfound friendship is that I think Missy has further fed his ego & he now firmly believes that he is a huge dog.  Its basically like Missy gives him the muscle to back up his insane persona.  

What a pair.  

So, anyway, if you havent called Animal hoarders yet, rest assured that my A-type personality has made me even more psychotic about cleaning my house & ensuring that our humble-abode smells nothing like a Feeders Supply.  Now, lets just pray that no more natural disasters occur because I'm mildly terrified that Kevin will try to adopt something really weird, like a lama or ostrich, the next go round.  hahahaha.

Anyway- thats about it does it for me.  Have a fab Tuesday! 

How to spot when you've become an official "adult"

Unfortunately there has been a plethora of events lately that has made me realize that I am knee deep into adulthood.  I guess I've been in denial since I graduated from college that I could be considered a "real" adult.  But all signs point otherwise. Boo. Hiss. This makes for an unhappy Caroline.

1. Get excited to find that your husband has called the carpet people to come clean.

Carpet looks brand new, right?  Sooo exciting!  Wait.. no. Not at all actually.

2. Wait the word husband is a pretty solid indicator you're not in college anymore. Over two years in & most days I still don't feel old enough to be married.

3. Two words. Mortgage payment. One of our good family friends always used to tell me "When you pay the mortgage, you only then allowed to curse freely & do whatever else you want. Until then... Tough luck" Ummm for the record, this is not nearly as cool as I once thought it would be.
4. Your fridge looks like this. Dont get me wrong- im more than excited for all these upcoming events but i remember when the only events on the calendar was a drink off between us Chi Os & Pi Phi. Actually- to be honest- I don't remember what our college fridge door looks like bc I only used it to house adult beverages. Now I scrutinize fridges based upon their actual features. Hm

5. Your friends fb statuses & twitter updates revolve around a never-ending weekend countdown &
Their disdain for the workweek.
Ie: Monday- I hate you. Or Why do weekends go so muh faster than the weeks
Or the ever popular- "oh Friday- i thought I'd never see you again."
Coughcough-I've been known to use one or both of these from time to time.
6. All plans are premeditated including vacays. Peace out random weekend trips. Kev has progressively gotten worse about this since we've been together. If we have a free weekend, The kid still likes to have all his weekend plans laid out by like Tuesday. And if we're going on a trip- forget about it. He is off the map bat shi* crazy about planning. Combine him w/ his buddy Hack & you will 110% have everything you could possibly need (including a new anxiety disorder) for any scheduled trip.
7. Someone makes you feel old when wearing a sorority t-shirt. Example a: Interaction at Target w/ college boy. Him looking at my t-shirt"hey! That shirt is great. How'd u get it?" umm, they gave it to me when I rushed? Duh. "dang- that's crazy. I was only like 11  years old in 2003." Shoot. Me. Now. Way to go, Ego killer.

8. Day drinking rarely goes into night drinking anymore. And if it does, you are lights out by 9pm. Or the drunkest person in a public area, which might not bode well for your professional career.  
9. You take a field trip with your husband (theres that word again. Might as well be a 39 year old. woof) to go survey the damage that the college kids left after celebrating UK's Final Four win over UofL.  And proceed to be mildly envious of those who did get to witness the mass arson display.  (Or that they were still celebrating at 11am the next morning?)

Shots, anyone? At 11am?  On a Sunday?

10.  Your phone is filled with pictures like this of you and your husband.  

Or of your pets....

Hudson & Missy Lou (She's a story for another time. and it is a doozie)

Or better yet, you even have a few snap shot of your parents???? 

Although I'm pretty sure the last pic cinched my adulthood status forrrrr sure, I can't help but be impressed by my mad photography skills.  Or umm, instagram's photography skills?  details!

And if that list hasn't solidified my adult status, lets discuss the fact that we are scheduled to attend Kevin's 10 Year High School Reunion. Like Romy & Michele style.  They seemed ancient when I first saw that movie.  Now my husband (ohhh theres that word again) is old enough to have one.  So incredibly surreal :)

Anywho, now that I've come to terms that I am a certifiable adult, I'm off to do something super adult-like... like plant flowers.  Or cook dinner.  I'm pretty cool, what can I say?  Ha!

Thats it for now!

Proud Member of the Big Blue Nation

 Annnndddd I'm back! And still alive. No, I haven't been hiding under a rock.  And no, I'm not preggo (Because about I had about 90000 questions after my last post.)

So, what have I been doing???

Cheering on my Wildcats, duh!

UK basketball is kind of like a religion in Kentucky.  Actually, scratch that.  It basically is our religion in Kentucky.  We are incredibly serious & overly superstitious about it, so that is why I couldn't tell yall my #6 fixation a few weeks ago.

See, as soon as the NCAA Tournament brackets were released my super-fan of a husband got online & made hotel reservations and got tickets for us to go watch the Cats in Atlanta for the Sweet 16 & Elite 8 games.  Kevin's crazy fanisms have clearly been projected onto me because I decided if I blogged about it ahead of time, it might jinx us.  I know Kentucky was the #1 seed & have been a big deal all season, but I wasn't about to count my chickens before they hatched....and God knows Kevin would have never let me live it down if we had lost & I had talked about our trip before we went.  

SOOOOO..... Obviously we won our first 2 games & we did head down to the ATL.  And had one hell of a good time. I took a ridiculous amount of pictures, and I think they do a preeeetttyyyy good job accurately describing our tip, so I'll just let them do the majority of the talking.

Like any great fan, I packed only team colors.  Even Kevin found this commitment to be impressive, which says a lot :)

Once we got to Atlanta, we got ready in a hurry & went straight down to the Georgia Dome.  Kevin wanted to have some time to get himself "mentally prepared"for the IU game.  Like he was coaching.  Ha.  

Anywho, I was ridiculously excited about this IU game because I grew up in Southern Indiana...aka Hoosier/Cardinal land, and I was ALWAYS taunted for being a UK Fan.  I literally loathe Indiana.  With every fiber of my being, actually.  So when we lost to IU in December, it absolutely broke my heart.  And i also wasn't sure if I would ever hear the end of it from my IU friends.  

Luckily, T. Jones & the rest of my boys came to PLAY that night.

Seats at the game

Court Shot!!!!! Such an intense game!

What does that say?  I can't read it?  Does it say we won?  Of course it does!!!!!!!! Loo Loo Loosiers.  Okay, I promise thats the end of me being an obnoxious UK Fan. (Although I must say- the IU fans in Atlanta were some of the mouthiest fans I've ever encountered.) 

Soooo then we had an entire day to kill and umm get mentally prepared to play Baylor.  So after reviewing game tape- Just kidding- (cough- Kevin really did watch the game highlights while I was at the gym. Normal, yes?), we cabbed it to Mid-Town & took in some of the Atlanta sights.

Spent all afternoon listening to a great live band & doing beer tastings at Sweetwater Brewery.  So. Much. Fun.

Maggie, Court, & myself waiting in line at the brewery.

Our crazy UK loving men.

You know I'm in celebration mode when a) I am even drinking beer and b) I am drinking a dark beer.

This. Never. Ever. Ever. Happens. Momentous Occasion.

Soo, after the brewery we traveled onto Buckhead, & had numerous more cocktails and dinner.  

(**Side Note: AND Can I just say how incredibly disappointed I was that I did not see Nene, Sheree, Kim, or Kandi?  Major Letdown.  The only person we did see was the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback? Booooooo. **)

So, in typical Caroline fashion, my phone died.  And it pretty much stayed dead until after we won against Baylor the next night.

At this time, most normal people would have just gone back to the hotel & regrouped. But nooope.  The four remaining soldiers, aka the Grays & the Hacks, decided it was a great idea to keep the celebration party going.  Fun, yes.  Smart, absolutely not.  

Our strategy was that we would bar hop, and every person got to pick 1 bar of choice to visit.

This starts out low key.

But quickly escalates....

And leads to absolutely awesome decisions. 

Ummm... Not.

Heres the best/worst thing about this-- people looovvee Kentucky fans.

This results in numerous free shots and drinks.  

Which results in a miserable drive home the next day.

Regardless of how miserable the drive home was, I wouldn't trade the memories from that trip for anything.  Especially the memories from the Cats victories :) 

Ummm.... Kevin may or may not have told me (after a few celebratory beverages) that it was 

his favorite trip of all time.

And yes, that includes our Honeymoon.  

Sigh. 

Ohh the life of being married to a super fan.

So just in case you are on the fence about who to cheer for during tomorrow night's CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, just ask yourself ONE question, 

"What would Lucy do?"

Duh. She's like a mini Wildcat herself.
Obviously, she's cheering for our boys to bring home our 8th Title.


And you should too.


Go Big Blue.

The Five Fixations getting me to Friday

Be warned- I'm just gonna go ahead and rant for a quick minute.  (At least we know it'll be G-rated, due to my Lent commitments. Sigh.)
Why on earth do Spring Breaks just evaporate into thin air as soon as you enter into adulthood?  That makes zero sense to me.  I mean, people with full time jobs deserve a legitimate spring break way more than students do.  What do they need a break from anyways?  Going out on Thursday nights?  Formals?

Pic from College Spring Break- Senior Year.  

Reference the above picture & my point is proven with flying colors.  My undergrad stress level clearly warranted a well-deserved trip to the beach.  Not. I want to punch myself in the teeth in that pic.  Anddddd take my drink & give it to adult, present day Caroline.
Not that I'm bitter or anything, right?

Anyway, since Kevin is having to hide our credit cards & block travel websites so I don't book ourselves a nice little vacay to Fiji, I'm having to dream up things to distract me from hitching a ride to Florida get me excited for our weekends.  At home.  Let me emphasize the AT HOME portion of that sentence.  Boo. Hiss. Soooo.... heres what I'm pretty pumped about this week.

1. GCB

Best new show on television.  If you are from the South, were a diva in high school, love designer anything, or are just a Kristin Chenoweth fan- this show is for you.  Is it a little bit over the top? Yes. Is it ridiculously entertaining?  Absolutely.  Its. A. Must. Watch.  

Lemme know what yall think.

2. My new Snake Skin Heels From Target

Ladies: Run, do not walk, to Target & pick up a pair of these bad boys.  These Mossimo Pearce heels are absolutely adorable.  The heels are at that perfect height of being taller than a church lady's clogs but shorter than a prostitutes platforms.  They are insanely comfortable- and ADDED BONUS- only $30. AMAZING.

3. My simple new pasta recipe

Since I've mentioned a time or 2 that my husband has the taste palate of a 10 year old, I am constantly searching cookbooks & websites for new recipes.  Sometimes I strike out, but good lord- I hit a home run with this recipe.  The ingredients you see in the above picture (onion, spaghetti sauce, penne pasta, ground beef, mozzarella, and Philadelphia cooking cream cheese) are the only items you need for this dish.  Suuuupppperrrr easy! And supppppperrrr quick to fix. I know yall like all those words :)

Quick Recipe rundown:

Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 lb ground beef, 1 package of Philadelphia Italian Herb cooking cream cheese, spaghetti sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese- divided, penne pasta

Instructions: Brown meat & onion together.  Drain.  Add in jar of spaghetti sauce.  Add in cream cheese.  Stir in 3/4 cup of mozzarella.  Add in cooked noodles.  Put mixture in 13x9 pan, add remaining cheese on top.  Bake at 350 for 25 mins.  And you have yourself a WINNER!   Beyond delish.

4. My New Office Chair

There are definitely perks of your husband's family owning an office furniture company.  However, I would have to say that finding a lime green chair to put in my office probably trumps them all.  The chair is beyond loud to look at, but it gets me pretty pumped up to do work.  And lets face it- working in a lime green, ergonomic office chair is pretty awesome.  

5. St. Patricks Day

Bet yall didn't know who loves St. Patrick's day more than anyone?!?!? (And no, it's actually not me. Although I'm never going to complain about a holiday that celebrates drinking & wearing my favorite color.)

Thats right- Big P (aka my Daddy) himself LIVES for St. Patrick's day.  Probably because his real, god-given name actually is Patrick.  Similar to his birthday & father's day, he genuinely expects to be treated like a king..ahem- SAINT on this day.  Its pretty hysterical, so we typically just go along with it.  I mean- lets get real with ourselves- If you had your very own holiday, I'd insist that everyone celebrated my greatness too.  I've already sent him a card (and no, dad- it doesn't have any money or gift cards in it. Sorry for the disappointment.), and we will definitely drink one in his honor this Saturday night.

6. TBA......... :)

All I'll say is that I'm not going to blog or tweet about this 6th item until I know it is a sure thing.  Just know that I'm beyond excited & I can't wait to tell yall all about it.  

Mmmmmkay- thats about it for now!  Have a fabulous Wednesday!!

You gave up what for lent?!?

I'm just gonna go ahead & assume most of you know that Lent started a few Wednesdays ago. You know Ash Wednesday is the day that Lent begins, yes? So when you saw people with something on their forehead, they didn't all coincidentally forget to shower.. No, they had ashes on their foreheads from mass to signal & remind us that we all sin-& dont rven try to get all high & mighty on me saying you dont sin bc i know you do. So these ashes are also supposed to remind people that we need consistent conversion/reminders of our baptisms, & (THIS IS THE KICKER) we need to work on ourselves on the days leading to Easter. (How's that for Religion 101, Dad?)
In turn, that's why you always hear people asking,"So, whatd you give up for Lent?"

Talk about the million dollar question. What on earth do I need to work on? God knows I'm pretty stellar, as is. Just kidding. Seriously, I'm completely joking. It's more like- I have an extremely difficult time pinning down just 1 thing to give up bc there are so many things I need to work on.
So on the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, I was stressing in a big way bc I still wasn't about what I was giving up.
Finally, I had some inspiration.. Or err, maybe a revelation.

True Life Thursday: My mouth could give any sailor a good run for their money. 

Kev, along with my patents, are always yelling at me to watch my language. I swear I suffer from a mild case of Tourette's.


 **(Side note: I've to tried to convince my mom that I should probably have a Tourettes diagnosis, but since she's a medical professional, she promises it's just a bad habit. She's prob right. But she also once drugged me with a Tylenol PM an hour before a science fair presentation bc she she forgot she had combined 2 bottles for a trip.-so shes lost any major credibility with me. Looking back, I prob got the sympathy vote from the judges for being the only kid who has to present their project while being roofied by their mom. Not to brag, but I actually did win an all-state award for my project that year. Hmmm.... Maybe Jan was onto something. Tricky.)**

So, I am obviously giving up my profound overuse of profanity this year for Lent.
And y'all, it is one of the most difficult things I've ever done. Basically, I feel like I'm talking in code to a class of 4 year olds in every conversation bc I can't express myself as ummm aggressively  passionately as I would like. 

Yall would be absolutely stunned at how much profanity you probably use in every day conversation.  It is UNREAL.  As a direct result of cleaning up my language, I now notice & hang onto every single curse word a person uses when they are talking to me.  You know when people are on a diet & they compulsively stare at the french fries on someone else's plate?  Its kind of like that.  Basically, by not doing something, it makes you hyper aware of the people who are doing it.  

I use the french fry reference because that is exactly what Kev decided to give up for Lent.  Bless his heart.  Have I mentioned how much I looooveeee French Fries?  They are definitely one of my top 3 food weaknesses, and I refuse to give them up.  Not because I can't do it, but more for the reason that not eating french fries won't help me better myself.  

Sooo.. Kevin.  Whenever I order french fries, he honestly looks/acts like a person who has been away at fat camp for the past 4 months & i'm dangling a twinkie in front of his face. 

Please tell me yall remember this movie? Such a classic. The Blob? Amazing.

It's pretty sad. Butttt, both of our sacrifices will both help us in the long run become better people.  For me, my filtered language will ensure the fact that I will now never be considered for a role on the Maury Povich Show or Cops, which is a win for everyone.  Before hand, it was looking like I could be a shoe-in because I sounded oddly similar to those featured on such programs. 

 **Side note: Obviously its not a favorable comparison, but such a comparison does kind of make me feel like a total BA.  See what I did there?  I've even cleaned up my blogging.**

As for Kev, his no french-fry diet will decrease the chances of him ever being considered for my 600 pound life or Biggest Loser.  Not that he was headed there for anything, but less fried foods will obviously make the kid healthier.  Now.... if we could just get his addiction to Pizza under control.  Wish in one hand, right?  

So just remember to be throwing me some positive reenforcement during this no-cursing endeavor because I have a feeling this sacrifice is going to get about 2000% harder as we roll into the NCAA Tournament this week.  Ohhhh, you can't read that?

 It just says.... The Cats got the NUMBER ONE OVERALL SEED FOR THE WHOLE TOURNAMENT. No biggie.  However, I've said it before & I'll say it again, when a UK game is on at our house, our neighbors probably confuse our profane ref bashing

Not your Momma's Anniversary post

First, lets discuss something huge... Who's impressed that I've written not one, but TWO posts in one week?  Oh- just me?  Standard.

Second, guess what is today?!?!?!? (Hopefully yall all guessed right, due to the obvious title of this post)

MINE AND KEVIN'S SECOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!

Don't worry.... I'm not going to go soft on yall.  This post will not chronicle every detail of my wedding day from sun up to sun down.  I wasn't one of those brides. 

Actually, for as girlie & high maintenance as I can be, I wasn't your typical bride, at all.  In fact, the only thing I got Bridezilla about was having Bourbon at our reception.  Obviously, its a staple.  Scratch that.  In Kentucky, Bourbon at a reception is a necessity.

However, there is one piece of advice I would give any bride about serving bourbon.

Don't let your new husband drink more than 3, wait... more than 2, wait, no.. ANY at your reception. 

It will lead to disaster.

Mark.

My.

Words.

Let me back up just a bit....
I need to say one huge perk about my wedding day- It was pretty much flawless.  The day went by extremely smooth.  No big hiccups or drama, thank goodness.  No crazy weather either, which is an absolute gift from God in Kentucky in the month of February.  I legitimately thought that between my parents, my soon-to-be In-laws, and my girlfriends that we had made it through the entire Wedding Day & Wedding reception unscathed. And I was right...... Until it was time to for us to leave the reception.

Let me back up a bit more... As stated previously, Bourbon is a staple at Wedding Receptions in Kentucky.  So, of course, we had a signature Bourbon drink at our reception.  Let me introduce you to a Bourbon Street. 

Bourbon Street Ingredients
- 1 Shot (or 2 :) of Makers Mark (or Favorite Bourbon)
- Ginger Ale
-Orange Bitters Flavoring
-Orange Slice

We came across this cocktail when we were in Vegas, and we all fell in love with it out there.

Feeling frisky after discovering the Bourbon Streets in Vegas. So fun.

Once we got back, we knew it was the most perfect cocktail for our wedding.  And believe you me- they were a hit.  When made correctly, these bad boys can be dangerously good.  Let me re-emphasize- DANGEROUSLY good.  

Dangerously good meaning, my Grandmother-little 93 year old, 4'10" Hazel- had at least 4 of them at the reception.  People that didn't even like Bourbon were drinking them like they were going out of style.

So good that the caterer ran out of Makers Mark Bourbon & had to run out in order to buy more.... Who does that happen to? Only at Kevin & Caroline's wedding.  Again. Standard.

If you've had a big wedding, you'll understand that Kevin & I floated around the reception, greeting all our guests like we were running for office.  **Side Note- Brides: I highly recommend assigned seating for your guests.  It allows you to know exactly where everyone is seated & easily locate friends & family.**
Kev & I decided to divide & conquer so we could see everyone we invited, and still have time to enjoy our reception.  One major downfall in that is that I still feel like I didn't see Kevin very much during our reception, resulting in me having NO clue how many bourbons that boy had taken down.  Note that little detail.  Let me also say this: I'm not judging at all- Lord knows I was boozing it up too.  I definitely took part & enjoyed every aspect of our wedding, including the Bourbon Streets.  My view on Weddings is this:  If you spend months or years planning your wedding, you should get to partake in every single aspect.

Now, here is where we had our hiccup.... 

When it came time to leave the reception, my Dad & I both realized that we completely forget to arrange for transportation for Kevin & I to get home.  Major Fail.  Ooops. **Side note: Yes, we stayed at our own home on our wedding night.  I love my bed & our home, so why not?**  So, as I was having a slight panic attack, my best guy friend, since age 18 (Also an Usher in our Wedding), volunteered that he & his new girlfriend (now Fiancee!) would take us wherever we wanted to go.

Nevermind the fact that he drives a big, red Ford Pick-up Truck OR that he was actually volunteering his girlfriend to drive who wasn't familiar with Lexington.  No Big deal.  Soooooo, we began the treck to our house & we had been driving 10 or so minutes, and Kevin goes, "PULL OVER.  SERIOUSLY!" Obviously, Rachel obliged, but before she was able to successfully pull over, my new Husband lost his cookies alllllllllllll over the side of Ryan's Truck.  I was stunned because Kevin has maybe gotten sick a grand total of 4 times in our whole relationship.
Needless to say, the Bourbon Streets got the best of ole Kevin- especially when his nerves didn't allow him to eat much all day.  When we finally got to our house, Ryan & Rachel had to first help me get Kevin upstairs.  Then, as they were getting ready to leave, it hit me like a ton of bricks that I was going to have to sleep in my Wedding Dress if they didn't help get me out of it... As evidenced by the picture below, my dress seriously had a bazillion buttons going down the back.

Luckily, Rachel was a trooper & helped me get out of my dress.  The best part?  I had known her for all of 24 hours at that point & she was the one, not Kevin, to get me out of my Wedding Dress.

 110% Not Normal. But hysterical.

Ryan & Rachel... aka my Saviors :)

I can't lie- that night I just kept thinking... "Is this really happening?  Seriously? Who does this happen to? "  The next morning, an extremely remorseful Kevin woke me up with, "I'm so sorry.  I love you. Do you hate me?  I'm so sorry.... How much trouble am I in?"

LISTEN UP LADIES-  The one fabulous aspect of having your new husband do something clownie on your Wedding Day/Night is that you get to remind them of it forever & ever & ever & ever!  I'd even venture to say its a blessing in disguise, even though it doesn't feel that way at the time :)  Besides that- 

It makes for one hell of a story.

Obviously, that one incident wasn't an indicator of how our marriage was going to go because we are still rock solid 2 years later :)  And to commemorate our Anniversary, Kev & I put together a nice little Vlog for yall regarding key learnings from the past 2 years. Enjoy!

Thats it for now! Have a Great Monday! xoxo