Derby

Two years ago I went to the Kentucky Derby for the first time.  I made a five dollar exacta box bet with Yep, I'll Have Another and 2 other horses, I can't even remember their names.  I had no idea what I was doing when the teller told me I owed her $30 for the bet.  What?!  I thought it was only $5.  Anyway, I paid because I was too embarrassed to ask what I did wrong.  I ended up winning $766.50. I've learned a lot about betting since then and this year I went to the Oaks AND Derby.

On Friday, first, I met Mr. Louisville's Italian BF!
Then it was off to the Oaks with Diva B and his fiance, Heather.
It was FREEZING but we had a good time.
Saturday, Mr. L and I were at it again and made it to the track before noon. We had a sweet set-up with a co-worker of his and some others in the Paddock and it was a perfect day!  Didn't win big like I did a few years ago but it was definitely more fun.

Derby fun had by all!  How about you?

At Derby!  I had quite a few of these guys.

Mr. Louisville, me and BF Casey before Oaks.

Mr. Louisville and I. OMG.  That stache...

Derby week

Derby in Louisville starts on Tuesday...

Tuesday - Winefest.

Tipsy!

Wednesday - Beerfest.

Thursday - Wing Ding.  Annual shindig with wings, beer and an ice luge!

Friday - Oaks & Mr. Louisville's birthday!  We scalped tickets so we'd have a seat and it was a gorgeous day.  We were next to some folks from New York that helped us drink the bourbon we snuck in.

Abbey came!

Bathroom selfie.

Saturday - Derby.

With Tracie and Pam.

All fun and games until you can't get an Uber home...

Sunday - Tired.  But still managed to make it back home and have dinner with me ladies!

Oaks and Derby 2016

Living in Louisville has its perks. Namely, Oaks and Derby!!

OAKS
We went to the track with friends on Friday for Oaks which used to be more of a local day but has gotten crowded over the years!  I was OBSESSED with my new dress that M bought me when we were in California recently.  We splurged on all you can eat and drink tickets which made the day so fun!  Lillies go down a lot easier if you're not paying $13 a pop!

Walking to Churchill!

Gorgeous day with friends.

LOVE my dress and my man :)

After a very long day we woke up super early on Saturday and made it to the track by 8:30am.  We were not messing around!!  We stayed in the Paddock all day with friends and it was perfect! And yes, this is the dress I wore to Oaks last year. Would you believe that I snuck in a whole bottle of wine under that dress?!  ;)

First Lily around 10am :)

Our little spot in the Paddock.

A storm blew through right before the KY Derby so M protected all our glassware!

Finally left the track around 8:30pm.  WHAT A DAY!

Until next year!!

31

I turned 31 recently.  So please enjoy a look back at my 30th year in 30 photos. ;)

Started my year off in California for some sun and family.

Off to JAMAICA for a fun couples trip.

Pool drinks in February!

Lots of time with little niece.

Denim sunnies and kentucky blue.

Haircut in gym clothes.

March Madness.

At the new house with Squirt!!  RIP :(

Work elevator selfie.

OAKS!

Derby week shenanigans.

DERBY!

Park Avenue minus Carlita.

Hmm...

Bro came to visit!!

Family.

Girl dinners!

Andi's wedding!!  <3

Alabama Shakes with a pregnant Abbey.

Work selfie in my office... see ya Hoxworth!

Nick Lachey at Lauren's 30th birthday.

I'm going to miss my BFF!

Visit from Mara and Marge in Louisville.

Britney in VEGAS!

More because I love her.

Family brunch.

Holiday happenings. 

NEW BFF ALERT!

Cats and Hillie.

Pre-birthday fun!

A look back at 2014

Happy New Year!  I spent the last day of the year having champagne in a new house in Louisville followed by sushi.

Looking forward to 2015... But first, time to wrap up the year.  Just like 2012 and 2013.

What did you do in 2014 that you'd never done before?
Rode a trolley in San Francisco, snorkeled in Mexico, fell in love with cheese curds in Milwaukee.

Did you keep your new year's resolutions and will you make any for next year?
For 2014, and I think I say this every year, I'd like to drink more water!
Per usual, I failed.  When will I drink more water?!

For 2015 I'd like to send more mail to friends and family.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
A few friends had babies but it seemed like everyone got married this year.

Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank goodness.

What countries did you visit?
Mexico!
I also went to Seattle, Portland, Milwaukee, Vegas, Asheville and San Francisco.

What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
A new job!

What dates from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
The Mexico trip in early January was pretty unforgettable.
Reds Opening Day because it is such a fun Cincinnati thing.
Derby weekend because I did the wing ding, oaks and derby tri-fecta!

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I accomplished a lot professionally this year.  I'm in a full on management roll and have quite a bit of responsibility.  Hopefully positioning myself for a career change in 2015.

What was your biggest failure?
Failing to get my finances in check.  That's a big goal of mine for 2015.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not at all.

What was the best thing you bought?
I'm going to cheat and say the best thing my boyfriend bought is a new (to us) house in Louisville.

Where did most of your money go?
Gas getting to Louisville and groceries.

What did you get really excited about?
Traveling.  New Christmas traditions.  Charlotte.  Serial.

What song will always remind you of 2014?
Fancy.

Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
Happier, about the same, richer from experiences!

What do you wish you'd done more of?
Read!  2014 was a book slump for me.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Go out to eat instead of cooking at home.  Except in Louisville because trying new restaurants there is the best!

How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas eve with my parents, Mr. Louisville and his sister.  And 5 dogs!
Christmas day dinner at Molly and Ryan's.

What was your favorite TV program?
I enjoyed Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle, Veep, Top Chef.

What were your favorite books of the year? 
Where'd You Go, Bernadette and State of Wonder.  I also re-read the Godfather this year and it remains one of my all time favorites.

What was your favorite music from this year?
Django, Django was new to me and I loved it!
Otherwise, CHROMEO all day everyday.

What were your favorite films of the year?
The Tom Cruise flick, Edge of Tomorrow was such a delight!
Birdman because I love Michael Keaton.
The One I Love surprised me.
Boyhood was one-of-a-kind.
Wild the movie was good.  Wild the book was great.

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 29 on January 26.  I'd just returned from a trip to Mexico and went to Rhinegeist with some friends!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I wish I that I could have seen Andi more than once this year.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?
Nordstrom and Madewell is where it's at.

What kept you sane?
Evening bike rides, living alone, talking it out with Leyla.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.
Never grow a wishbone where your back bone ought to be.