PROTEIN!!! MUSCLE MILK!!!

You like the post title? Ha. I couldn't help myself.  When I think about protein, I immediately yell "MUSCLE MILK" in my head.  Is this post about muscle milk? Hell no. But is it another post regarding healthy living? Ummm, yes. Don't kill me.
I swear on my life that I do not obsess over my health and fitness.  Never have. Never will. I have wayyyy too many other things in my life to stress over.

We might look like we're being super healthy by hiking during our wine country vacation, but that picture does a truly poor job depicting how much booze and unhealthy food we consumed.  Tricky, huh?

However, I have to admit that after a vacation centered on wine, followed by Kevin's 29th Bday celebrations, and partying it up in Indy for DMB last weekend, my body was starting to rebel against me.  Like legitimately, I felt disgusting and just... well... sloppy


 I know its shocking, but a steady diet of alcohol, pizza, and taco bell does NOT do a body good.
Regardless of feeling completely foul health-wise, I still always discuss my weekend shennanigans w/ two lovely ladies, whom I probably talk to more than my mother, who happen to be the infamous Pink Lou Lou and The Bargain Blonde!

So after recapping last weekend's events,

(*side note* -which may or may not have included running into one of the hottest guys to ever graduate from my high school, and sharing multiple dances with him over a fab 80s band. Don't worry yall, Kevin was there the entire time, and I introduced them to each other like 10 times.  Okay, i might have been gushing over this guy while introducing him to my husband, but hey- wouldn't you if you ran into "the" senior guy that everyone coveted when you were in 7th grade??  Believe me, my 7th grade, 13 year-old self is still super pumped about that random occurrence.  Like jumping up and down ecstatic, even though I'm sure I made a complete idiot out of myself while mentioning to him that his senior picture was a HOT commodity amongst us 7th grade FC girls. Hilarious and embarrassing all at the same time, but oh well. )

Lindsey mentioned that she had been doing the Tone It Up nutrition plan, and she really liked it so far.  Seriously?  A nutrition plan that LINDSEY likes? hrm.  That pretty much sealed the deal for me, and I immediately made my pizza-loving husband join me on a semi-detox.
First things first, we went to the grocery to get healthier items.  I never really buy bad items, but I could definitely use more protein, fruit, and veggies in my life, as could Kev.
Sooo, this was the result of our grocery trip.

Note all of the fruit, almond milk, and apple cider vinegar

Veggies GALORE.

I'm not going to lie to you, I was super skeptical about half of the items on the nutrition plan, because I am kind of a picky eater.  And as I've mentioned to yall before, Kev eats like an 8 year old.  I was super unsure how this was going to go.
And honestly?  I've been extremely surprised by mine and Kev's reaction to the food.  When I say surprised, I really mean super happy and completely fulfilled by all of it.  I've had to modify some items because there are some things that I just simply won't eat (ie: tofu, quinoa, tuna, and pineapple to name a few...).  But we've both also tried a lot of items that we've really wound up loving, which are all awesome for you.

My two favorite surprises so far?

GARLIC SHRIMP!!!!! 

Holy amazingness

PROTEIN SHAKES!!!!

Amazingly fabulous and refreshing

I think I was the most skeptical about the protein shakes because I seriously conjure up images of the guys from Jersey Shore when I think about protein shakes.  Do I wanna look like Ronnie?  Umm, thats a hells no! But every nutrition plan on earth heavily emphasizes the need for protein in your diet.


Kevin and I have both lost weight while doing it, and to be honest, we were going to completely end it after this week.  However, both of us feel soooo much better while doing it, that we're going to continue on with it.  I've always tried to live by the 80/20 rule in regards to food, but I have seriously slacked on that in the past few months.  (And by 80/20 rule, I'm not talking in a business sense.  I'm talking about I try to eat healthy 80% of the time, and the other 20% of the time I splurge a little bit.) So I think we're going to keep after it during the week, but let ourselves have a little bit of fun on the weekends.  Like Kev and I could/would be able to give up wine or bourbon for a diet? Yeah. Right. Theres no way.

 Anywho, I highly recommend doing this little nutrition plan if you're feeling a little sloppy after all of the summer parties, weddings, and cookouts.  I also think its SUPER beneficial if you have someone that is doing it with you.  I've had an awesome support system with this guy at home,

This pretty lady, 

Annndddd my fav Texan :)

Alright guys, I hope this inspired you ALL to have one last binge weekend :)  I promise you if you try this & are able to keep it clean for a bit, you're body will seriously thank you.

Mmmkay, thats about it :) 

Do something that makes ya sweat....

I feel like I need to redeem myself since I've been so MIA.  Work, school, animals, weddings, wedding showers, and family events have taken over my my life.  So I decided that I would finally do a post dedicated to a question that I've repeatedly gotten via email, fb, & twitter since I've started this blog and kind of avoided.
Sooooo no more procrastination, Topic of Conversation today???

Sweatin' it out, the Caroline way

(And before I start- I feel as though I should preface this post by saying that I am in NO WAY a certified trainer or have any kind of formal education in the exercise department.  Everything that is in this post works for me, sooo take that for whats it worth :)  )

Let me just go ahead and let you in on my fitness secret....

I don't follow a workout routine.  At all.

Never have.

Never will.

Let me just say, my extreme ADHD alone probably prohibits me from following any type of rigorous workout schedule.  Actually, to be really honest, workout schedules in general kind of make me want to stab my eyeballs out.  And furthermore, I feel as though I would do the exact opposite of whatever a workout schedule would tell me to do.  Just like I do when I attempt to go on a diet.  Seriously- you all know how it is- the exact moment that you decide to cut something out of your everyday diet, you wind up craving it 10000 times more than ever before.  As a result, I just avoid boxing myself into any type of organized workout schedule.  Exercise always has & still continues to be a huge release for me.  And as a result, I just don't ever want to feel like exercising is an obligation that I dread doing.  As it is now, I still look forward to my workout almost every day.  

So now that I've reiterated the fact that I don't follow any exact workout schedule, I'll be honest about the fact that..... 

I DO workout 5-6 days a week.

Every week.

No exceptions.

Yall ready to come through the computer & hit me yet?  Hell, I would be if I was you.  I'm totally aware that I'm contradicting myself and probably sound like a crazy Jillian Michaels wannabe. Heres the skinny (hahahahahahaa, you get it???? Such a fun pun) : While I hate be held to an exact routine, I am an extremely regimented person.  If I don't some type of workout in on a daily basis, I feel like I've completely wasted my day.
Soooo as a general rule, I do whatever type of workout I'm in the mood for that particular day.  If its 30 minutes on the elliptical, then I do that.  If its beating Kevin at tennis (again) for an hour, then I do that.  If my body is in pain, I'll either skip a day or do pilates.

I once read somewhere an article where Matthew McConaughey stated,

  "You should do at least 1 thing per day that makes you sweat." 

Helloooo Hotness...

And obviously, who am I to disagree with that beautiful man?? :)  Regardless of what type of workout you do, I guarantee it'll help your bod & your mood. I highly recommend starting a calendar to document what you did as a workout each day.  That way it not only holds you accountable for actually doing something each day, but it also helps jog (haha, i did it again. I just feel super clever with all my fitness puns) your memory about your fav workouts.  There are SEVERAL awesome iphone apps for this too.  My personal fav is myfitnesspal, which records your food intake AND workouts.


 I'm pretty old school & just write down what I do on our calendar at home.  However, anytime I feel like I want to hit Kevin over the head with a hammer ...yell at Kevin for one of his boneheaded moves ..have a thorough conversation with my interesting husband, I tend to go for a run around the neighborhood.  Not only does it take out my frustration or aggression, but it also completely changes my mood for the better.

Since I don't have an internal GPS, I run with my iphone, which I have conveniently downloaded the Nike+GPS app on it.  I LOVE THIS APP. It tracks my run, keeps a running history for me, shuffles my itunes so that it pairs a good song based upon my speed, and has famous athletes giving you motivation while you're running.  I mean, lets be honest- When Tebow tells you to run faster, by GOD, you RUN FASTER.  
Now, how many miles do I tend to run per week?  This number varies from week to week.  Last week, I ran 16.2 miles.  The week before, I ran 22.  I never ever hold myself to completing a super high number of miles when I go out for a run or when I hit the treadmill because forcing yourself to stick to a strict schedule just takes all the fun out of something.  Do I always do at least 2 miles when I run?  Yep.
Do I generally do between 2.5 - 4 miles?  You bet ya.  But if I dont have the time or I'm not in the mood, then I'll get in at least 2 miles & move on to something else.

I'm well aware that I'm in the vast minority of people who actually enjoy running... soooo heres a quick rundown of my favorite AT home workouts:

(In no particular order...)

1. 30 Day Shred & Biggest Loser workouts w/ Jillian Michaels. 

Ohhh yes, I went there.  Do I think she's a crazy hooker? Yes.  Does she frighten me? Yes.  Do her workouts kick your butt in every way imaginable?  Yes, but they're all only around 20-25 minutes. Yall, anyone can do anything for 20-25 minutes.  Start at level 1 & work your way up. 

*Side Note*-I find it helps to yell at her & call her mean names- makes the workout much more entertaining :)

2. In-home walking w/ Leslie Sansone

I am embarassingly aware of how insanely lame this sounds/looks, etc.  And umm, I can't lie, it definitely is pretty mild compared to Jillian, but yall, listen... 

this woman is to walking like Lance Armstrong is to cycling.  She is the  walking Guru, and unlike Jillian, she is super nice in all of her videos.  (Yes, bishes, I said video(s).  That is plural.  I may or may not own a few of them.)  Leslie is kind of sneaky because she can make you work up a sweat by walking & doing weights, but she has this calm/hypnotizing way about her, so that her workouts kind of feel like you're working out with a nicer & more fitness-minded version of your mom. (Sorry Jan, we both know you get all competitive when we work out together. And people wonder where I get it from. hrm.) Anyway, like Jillian, you can find her DVDs just about anywhere.  

Since I know her moves pretty well, I usually just mute Leslie & watch something on demand on our computer.  Makes the workout go insanely fast.

3. Tone It Up Girls

If you haven't seen these girls in SELF Magazine, pinterest, or on a blog, immediately go to www.toneitup.com and check them out.  They have about a BAZILLION different work out videos on their website, youtube, and pinterest to choose from.  I adore their workouts because it essentially marries Jillian Michaels intensity with the calmness from Leslie's videos because they film all their videos at the beach.  talk about motivation. (Bhahaha- ps-don't you love how I talk about these trainers like they're my friends?   Hysterical.  Probably not normal, but funny nonetheless.)

Anywho, I have their beach babe DVD, which has SEVEN different workouts on it and you can also download the workouts to your computer as well.  In addition, they also have a great twitter account that directly connects you to their blog, which gives you daily workout ideas and/or assignments.  Obviously, I don't follow the daily assignments to a T, but its a great reference tool.  Seriously- check these girls out- you'll love them!

4. Pinterest & Youtube

I've gotta be completely honest with you all.  I have days where I'd sooner watch a Hannah Montana marathon than get a workout in.  Like I've said 90 times in this post, I get easily bored with my workouts, so sometimes I'm just tired of running, the gym, or those peppy broads I just mentioned.  In which case, I march my happy self to my computer & try to find SOME type of workout that peaks my interest.  

I highly recommend looking at the Pinterest Fitness Board to give you simple in-home workout ideas that require no machines or weights.  

If that doesn't strike your fancy, go to Youtube & search fitness videos, like 10 minute ab workout, 15 minute arm workout, etc.  I really like the 5-10 min workouts on youtube because they always get me going, even when I'm not in the mood to do anything.   

And honestly, that about sums up all my workout stuff for when I'm not at the gym.  I told you all- its not rocket science and it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it has always worked for me :)  

And when I'm not in the mood to do a darn thing, I try to keep this in the back of my head....

No truer words have ever been spoken.  

Thats about all I've got today :) Hope that answers your all's questions! If not, you know where to find me!

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.