Steeplechase 2010

Today is a very special (and long overdue) post about one of my favorite events of the year.

STEEPLECHASE in Nashville

It is the only annual event that Ryan and I host in our beloved city each year, and we love having all our closest friends in town for it! This year we got 2 spots in Centerfield and hosted about 20 people. Our spots were right across from our Nashville friends, so it was perfect (yes, we planned it that way)! Since the flood happened just the weekend prior I think we all had flashbacks from last years mud pit, but surprisingly the ground was dry and the weather couldn't have been better. I love everything about this day... from the friends, to the tents, to the crowds, to the horses, to the yummy food, to the beverages, to the fabulous outfits, to the funky hats... what more could you ask for on a sunny Saturday in May!?

And now a montage of pictures...

Stocking up for the weekend at Costco!

Jello shots galore

Our annual Friday night cookout - breaking out the jello shots a little early!

Steeplechase morning starts bright and early! Packed up, wristbands given, parking passes up, and on our way at 9am

Tailgate set up... ready to mingle!

representing the Peanuts

Blake and Kathryn

Liquored pineapples... has summer written all over it! And the lovely Miss Julie serving them!

Cornhole -- always a must!

Christian and Ryan

Jeff and Blake

And here comes the parade...

Lucky us... these are our neighbors

Roller blades and speedos... these guys were hilarious, entertaining, and obnoxious... to say the least

Lookin' good boys

Candice! My love!

Parker, Josh, and Ryan

Peacock and Drew

Meg and me

A beautiful day at the races!

Look who I found! Ashely from work!

Go horsey Go!

Nashville boys - Glen, Parker, Josh, and Ryan

Go! Go! Go!

Sittin' on my fencepost chewin' my bubblegum

My favorite Nashville ladies

SB and I voted Chesser 'Best Dressed' -- dressed to the nines in classic steeplechase attire!

Typical

Now a smiling one

Lovies - Natasha and Bev

Ryan and Cam

Petting the horses!

Happy girl!

Our friends :)

besties :)

love you!!

Meg, SB, me, and Megan

Aaron, Ryan, and Joe

Me and my brother (in-law)!

Brotherly love

HEY!

xoxo

My twindians!

Cam and SB -- come visit again soon!

End of the day -- such a blast!!!
This picture makes me laugh because you would think the white hat is me, but no. It's Chesser. We switched :).

Can't wait for next year already!!!!

Steeplechase 2010 - one more down in the books!

Walking in Memphis

I recently attended a work conference in Memphis, TN held by an organization called NCURA (National Council of University Research Administrators... no wonder they abbreviate it!). It was very well organized, and it was nice to have multiple seminars to choose from in each time slot. So it was 3 full days of meetings and luncheons for me, and at the stunning and historic Peabody Hotel might I add!

Where I work it so easy to get zoomed in on my daily tasks and goals, so it was nice to be reminded and learn more about the big picture of what I do, the field I'm in and the impact I make, not only to the medical center and our researchers, but to everyone that benefits from the research and findings they are able to make by using federal funds. AND I was so thankful to meet up with Cami during my visit! That Monday night she met me downtown for cocktails and dinner. Cami - I had a blast catching up with you and I hope to see you again very soon!

Driving in on a rainy night

The next morning I was ready to start the day!

I loved staying at this gorgeous hotel,...

and experiencing the famous duck march... a tradition that dates back to 1933! You see, the Peabody Hotel has ducks that hang out in the elaborate fountain in the lobby and each night they walk the red carpet into the elevator and go up to their "palace" on the rooftop. It is one of the "Must-Sees" in Memphis whether you are a guest at the hotel or not. To read more about this time-honored tradition click here. It's quite interesting!

Rolling out the red carpet

Getting the red carpet treatment

Cuties!

Heading to the elevator

A very tasty meal with Cami at the Majestic Grille!

My last morning in Memphis enjoying the views from the rooftop

My traveling solo shot :)

Clean Closet, Nashville episode

Wow, so much has happened in the last month! I'm going to play catch up in the next series of posts to get up to date.

First things first...

One weekend last month, I begged my sister to come to Nashville to help me clean out my closet before the big move. I have been keeping around so many clothes that rarely to never get worn (or maybe just in denial that some items are a bit out of style) but have not been able to give them up. I really didn't want to clutter up the new house by dragging around the mountains of clothes and shoes that I don't need/wear anymore. So I was thrilled when my sis said she'd come to my rescue -- and she even picked up Lauren in Huntsville on her way to join in the fun. And so began our very own version of Clean Closet... complete with flowers in the hair (Niecy style)!



It was so fun!! Although we disagreed about a few things :) I would have to say the whole day was a huge SUCCESS! I got rid of so much stuff and it felt so good! Thank you, Gwen and Lauren -- I could not have done it without you! Not to mention we ate pretty darn good that weekend! Thanks to Ryan, of course!

Nashville- Flood of 2010

By now I'm sure most of you have heard about the terrible flooding that happened in Nashville over the weekend. It's so surreal to see the pictures in emails, on the news and in the paper, as well as seeing some of the damage first hand. Ryan and I are so blessed to not have personal property effected by these storms. Just to recap... last weekend Nashville (and Middle Tennessee) had torrential downpours that flooded the area and lifted the Cumberland River 13 feet above flood stage, causing an estimated $1 billion in damage and killing more than 30 people. CRAZY. These downpours dumped more than 13 inches of rain in Nashville over two days. Basically we had about 3 months worth of rain come down on us in a mere 36 hours.

Please pray for Nashville, Middle Tennessee, and for everyone who has lost everything so unexpectedly - houses, business, vehicles and even their lives. Nashville is going to need it.

I'd like to give a shout out to my wonderful husband for volunteering his time today to help out victims of the flood. He signed up for a 6 hour shift through Hands on Nashville. http://www.hon.org/HomePage/index.php/home.html
If you're looking for a way to help out or make a donation this is a great resource that lets you know Nashville's current needs and volunteer opportunities. He chose to help in Bellevue which is one of the areas that was hit the hardest. Thank you Ryan for helping those in need and doing your part for our community. I'm so proud of you! I am also so proud of Nashville for coming together and working through this disaster together, as a community and as a team. Tennessee is known as the Volunteer state and that has been proven over and over to be an appropriate label. Nashville was, still is, and will forever be a great place to call home. We will rebuild and come back better than ever!

Now I'll let these pictures do the talking...