The Madness Has Officially Commenced

Happy St. Patrick's Day, y'all!

The Louisville Cardinals & St. Patrick's Day: Two of my favorite things in this wide world, and the most important things about today, all wrapped up into one glorious article of clothing. I don't care how hot it gets today (the high is projected to be 79 degrees), I'm going to be wearing this sweatshirt, and wearing it with more pride than the Irish feel for their beloved patron saint, mind you. The Cards are scheduled to tip off at 9:40 p.m. and until then I will be soaking up all the Celtic celebration and NCAA Tournament action I can handle.

It's hard to imagine today's teams being able to top the magic we all witnessed yesterday. And by that I mean two 2-seeded teams losing to 15 seeds. Sorry, Duke and Missouri fans. But that. Was. Awesome! Thank you, Lehigh and Norfolk State for busting my bracket. No, I mean it. Who cares about the $5 I donated to my coworkers? It was worth every penny to experience the excitement that last night's games afforded. The Madness is officially upon us, people!

Speaking of madness, if you haven't seen the UPS commercial depicting the "logistics" it took for Grant Hill to pass the ball to Christian Laettner in the 1992 Duke victory over Kentucky, crawl out from the rock you've been living under and join the rest of us, please.

I'm sorry, UK fans-I know this moment is one that you would prefer to forget ever happened. I get it. Believe it or not, my 10 year-old self was cheering for your Wildcats in that East Region final game. I remember the shock that was written all over the faces of my family members watching along with me that night. It hurt. Real bad. I dislike Duke as much as you do, trust me.

But the backlash this commercial has caused the Big Blue Nation is laughable. I love to see people get fired up about things that, in the grand scheme of things, seriously do not matter. I haven't talked to anyone from UPS' marketing department or anything, but I'm pretty sure they did not intend to upset UK fans with their ad. Here's a little taste of the madness to which I eluded: 

UPS blog

Crazy Kentucky Fan

Thanks to Card Chronicle for bringing these to my attention. To my friends that are UK fans, please try not to take this commercial (or blog post) personally. There are bigger fish to fry in this world. For you, today that fish is Iowa State. Like you, I hope the Wildcats pull off the victory, too. Let's face it: my bracket needs all the help it can get.

Yes, I'm giggling right now.

I could say that WVU, UConn, and Notre Dame have shamed the Big East, but I won't 'cause I don't really care. Syracuse, you and Marquette can go ahead and lose too if you want. I tasted the sweetness of upsets last night, and I'm hungry for more today. Go Murray State! Go on, VCU! Get it, Colorado!

But most importantly, GO CARDS (men and women)!

Be safe and have fun today, friends! Let the madness continue.

I Told Ya So

I'm not gonna say, "I told ya so," but... Only 4 days ago I posted that March was the best month, and this epic week did nothing but prove me right.
Let's back it up to last Saturday when one Mr. Jimmy Buffet graced the state of Kentucky with his presence for the first time since 1990. I was among the lucky 17,000 Parrotheads to witness the 27-song set that lasted over two hours! 

I know what you're thinking, and the answer is yes, I did have good seats. Mr. Buffet said that he and the Coral Reefer Band loved their trip to Louisville so much, that they'd be back again next year! So if you weren't as fortunate as I was last Saturday, maybe you can catch the Fin Land tour in 2013.

Y'all are already familiar with my love for March Madness, and this week did much to strengthen that love. On Tuesday, the Big East conference kicked off in NYC. By Saturday, the 16 teams involved had dwindled to 2, one of those being my beloved Cardinals. At approximately 11:15 PM, tears of joy were streaming down my face as I watched those Cardinals celebrate their victory over Cincinnasty (no, that's not a typo) as the 2012 Big East Champions. 

To end a season that has been, in one word, frustrating, on a note like this, just further justifies my adoration for the mystique that is March Madness.


Just hours prior to watching this glorious moment, I was privileged enough to witness Bellarmine's first round victory over Lewis. It's hard to put into words just how proud I am to see Knights Hall so alive with spirit. 9 years ago (yikes, 9-really?) as a Bellarmine student, I never could have imagined cheering for this team as it tries to defend its Division II National Championship. 

Check out the monster dunk by Chris Dowe (at about the 1:05 mark) that was the exclamation point of the evening: http://www.wlky.com/video/30655089/detail.html
Tonight I will head back to Knights Hall for round 2. I have a fever, people. And the only cure is more basketball.


All I'm saying is, March is what it's all about. Do yourself a favor and be a part of it.

The Marvelous Madness That Has Always Been March

It's no secret that March is my favorite month of the year. Sure, I love December and all it's Christmas glory. And I'd be lying if I said that June and its summer break goodness doesn't bring me a complete feeling of euphoria every year. And we all know how I feel about August, also known as the 30-day celebration of my birth. But I'm sorry, December, June, and August-you're no March.


First and foremost, March is the much welcome sign that flippin' February is over. Hallelujah! 
And coming in at a close second, March is the month that my little sister, Jill (AKA Jillers, Willy Wonka, Jillian, Philly Cheesesteak, and Phyllis McNutt) came into this world.

Her birthday usually becomes a combo March Madness party, which brings me to the next reason that I heart March: Basketball. To say that I live for this sport is not an exaggeration. I make all my plans around UofL's schedule. I save a personal day every year just incase their first round game is before 3:00. I love filling out a "dream bracket" on which all the underdogs that I like advance and my Cardinals manage to meet & beat UK along the way to their Championship. 
My love for basketball isn't limited to Men's Division I. I love following the Lady Cards in their tourney journey. And getting to cheer my Bellarmine Knights onto the Division II National Championship last year was the cherry on top of an already spectacular sundae!

Next to the basketball ballyhoo, March is tops because it holds the holiday of my favorite saint. As far as this Irish girl is concerned, St. Patrick's Day is where it's at. I mean how can you not love a day full of shamrocks, spirits, and smiles?

March is also the time of year that groceries unleash the wonders that are the Cadbury Mini Eggs. Sorry, Halloween, but you and your candy corn have nothing on Easter candy. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

And as if I didn't have enough reasons to love this month already, March will now be known as the month that I learned my McNugget is a girl! I can't wait to meet her! Check out Kate's blog for an adorable video of the gender reveal party: http://www.southerndwellings.blogspot.com/

As I wrap up this blog post, the sun is shining through my windows-a happy reminder that Spring is right around the corner. Thank you, March! Best. Month. Ever.

Worst Question Ever

Recently I was asked (what I deem to be one of the worst questions in the world): Why are you still single?


Look, if I knew the answer to that, then I probably wouldn't still be single. 
Some people think I'm being too picky. Maybe I am. But I'm not going to settle for someone who doesn't make me completely happy.  I'm in the market for a particular model. What model is that? Well there's a question that I'm glad you asked.


For me, the perfect man:
-makes me laugh...All. The. Time.
-thinks family is numero uno
-likes that I speak Spanglish
-keeps his nose hairs trimmed...trust me, I know you have it. I do NOT need to see it! And speaking of hair...
-has just the right amount of hair-somewhere between an olympic swimmer and a yeti
-loves sports as much as I do, particularly those played by a certain team of Cardinals
-believes in God
-gets out on the dance floor, shamelessly
-cooks
-cleans
-likes playing board games
-doesn't smoke
-doesn't need to drink to have a good time
-thinks that my mom is awesome and that my dad is hilarious
-can hang with my siblings
-loves to travel
-appreciates how I talk and sing to myself
-plays an instrument (preferably the guitar or piano)
-doesn't feel threatened by my love for Justin Timberlake
-loves kids
-works hard
-values education
-loves to travel
-is trustworthy
-is my best friend


These are in no particular order. Some may be negotiable, but many are deal-breakers. I realize that I may never find someone who is "perfect" for me and that's okay-I have 30 years of proof that I will be better than fine.


So while I might not be able to answer the question, "Why are you still single?", obviously I can answer (and encourage) the question, "What do you look for in a man?" 
And I'd love to hear, "Have you met my friend, [insert potential man's name here]? I think he'd be perfect for you." 


You hear me, Cupid?

Flippin' February

So, yeah, it' s been a month since I've blogged. What can I say? It's that time again. There's a time every year when all I want to do is hibernate...and that time is called February. Between the unfavorable weather, lack of daylight, 5 million papers to grade, report cards to complete, conferences to hold, and the impending Singles Awareness Day, I just want to crawl under the covers until March.


But not this year. This year is different. 
Yes, the above-mentioned atrocities are still in play. But I don't even care. 'Cause this year, I am going...to be an aunt! 


So rather than hibernate, I'd like to just go ahead and fast forward to July 29th when my little McNugget is expected to arrive!


I could not be happier for Micah and Kate to become parents, for Mom and Dad to become grandparents, and for Jill and I to become aunts! I am already on the onesie hunt and am welcoming any advice from those of you who are already aunts or uncles.

At first I thought that it was a girl, but now I am leaning towards boy. It really doesn't matter to me though...I love him or her already! We will find out the first week of March for sure!

Check out Kate's blog for a precious video all about our little baby-on-the-way: http://www.southerndwellings.blogspot.com/ 
Be sure to laugh it up when you hear me feel the need to clarify whether Micah and Kate are welcoming a real baby or another dog.


Speaking of dogs, Kate says that this will be Pete after dealing with a new baby:

Micah, on the other hand, says that he and Pete had a talk, and he is ready and excited to be a big brother.

If there was one word I could use to describe this picture, it would definitely be 'ready'.

So yeah, this year instead of flippin' the bird to February, I'm flippin' for joy at the prospect of holding my new niece or nephew in my arms in the coming months.

Aunt Jackie has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

Farewell, Christmas!

So I finally took down the Christmas decorations today. Yes, I know it's January 14 and Christmas has been over for 3 weeks. This is how I roll. Every year I avoid this task as long as possible. Inevitably MLK weekend appears, and I am provided with the extra day I need to tackle this terrible chore.
It's time-consuming, exhausting, and depressing. Yes, I'm lazy, but ultimately I hate to see all of the sparkle leave my living room. 


I know you know what I mean. Just look at this tree in all it's glittery goodness:

That picture is way more happy to look at than this one:

And this scene is just plain dismal:

I wish I could just leave it up (at least my tree), but then I'd be that "crazy lady who has her Christmas stuff up all year". I might as well fill my condo with cats and call it a day. 
No, thank you.


It seriously took me all day to take everything down. I started at 11:00 a.m. and just finished putting it away at 10:00 p.m. Ridiculous. Okay, okay, I may have taken some breaks to watch basketball and eat...and check Facebook and Pinterest. But for real-what a beast. And what do I have to show for all of this hard work? A bare living room, that's what. I swear everything is echoing up in here now. The only bright spot is that my (nerd alert) storage closet got cleaned up and organized.


Stay with me here, people, 'cause I'm about to start talking to Christmas...


Dear Christmas, 
As always, my family and I had a great time with you! I am sad to see you go, but I look forward to your visit this upcoming December. I have some exciting things planned for you! I'm going to recycle all of this year's Christmas cards so that I can use them for gift tags.

I'm also going to make a scrapbook with all of the adorable photo Christmas cards of my fabulous friends and family (including the ones I've saved for like 7 years).

Christmas, with all of the preparations that I have to make, I know you will be here again before I know it! Take care and get some rest, you crazy holiday, you.
Love always,
Jackie

Getting MORE Out of the New Year

"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."
~T.S. Eliot


Time to give 2012's words a voice...


I hope that your new year is off to a great start! Mine has been a little rocky, mostly because my sleep schedule has been jacked up. I get so used to staying up late and sleeping in for the two glorious weeks that I'm off work, but then I always pay the price when my alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m. that first day back. I'm happy to report that this weekend has helped me recharge and I feel ready to tackle what twenty-twelve has in store.


I'm not one to usually make "resolutions" but I do like the opportunity to refresh that a new year grants. I do like to set goals-some daily, some weekly, and some yearly. This year, is all about doing MORE: more water, more exercise, more sleep, more home-cooked meals, more fruit, more volunteer work, and more fun (alright I already have a lot of fun but it doesn't hurt to aim for more).


Each day, my goal is to drink at least 8 cups of water. I like water, but I love Coke. I'm not saying I'm never going to drink a Coke again (that's crazy talk), but I know that my body needs more water than what I've been giving it lately. My aids in this quest will be my Brita pitcher and my insulated 17 oz. red polka dot cup that comes fully equipped with a red straw (it's the little things that make me happy).


My other daily goals include getting at least 7 hours of sleep and eating at least one more serving of fruit a day. I am a night person and I could stay up past midnight every day, but having to be at work by 7:30 a.m. just doesn't jive with that bedtime. Looks like it's gonna be "goodnight" by 10:30.
I'm love fruits, but I don't eat enough of them. Smoothies are going to be my new best friend. I gotta get me some antioxidants, y'all!


Each week, my goal is to work out at least every other day, or 4 times a week. I found this quote on Pinterest: "The most important weight-loss muscle is the brain. Change your mind, change your body." Amen!  I also came across this regimen on Pinterest and I'm loving the results (aka soreness): 

My other weekly goal is to eat home-cooked dinners at least 4 nights a week. Living alone, I have grown so accustomed to eating take out. Cooking for one sucks, 'cause I always end up throwing food away. And let's face it, picking something up is way easier than cooking. But my body and my bank account are both looking for some more home-cooked meals. I've been collecting yummy recipes on Pinterest and planning to make them on Sundays to have for the week. Here are the recipes I'm looking forward to making soon:
White Chicken Cheddar Pasta
Light Enchiladas
Pepperoni Rolls (I'm planning on using wheat bread and turkey pepperoni btw)

My goals for the year are to volunteer more and to feel better in my own skin. Last year I took part in a couple volunteer opportunities through my alma mater and I plan to do even more this year. Achieving each of the above-mentioned goals will help with the last one. Stay tuned for progress updates throughout the year. ;)
I know that there are going to be days and weeks where I may not reach my goals, but that won't be a reason to give up on them. I'm looking forward to what the year has to bring and I hope that 2012 is good to each of you!