Our Big Life Changes

I posted a little while ago about changes that were soon to come about in our lives. Now that we've told our respective employers, the secret is now out...Ryan and I both started new jobs within days of each other.

Ryan's is a chance to work in industry rather than consulting. It's also supposed to keep him home much more often, which I can't complain about. During conversations with some of his new coworkers, they told him they traveled very infrequently. Not sure how he ended up in Montreal on business this week, though!

My new job was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. My prior law firm split and one of the partners formed her own firm. She put together an amazing group of attorneys and I feel very lucky to work with them. I'm still practicing in family law, but I get to continue working with my mentor as well as a few of my old coworkers.

Life is good. Cheers!

New look for the Dining Room

Since we've been so busy party planning, I haven't had a chance to post any updates about my home decor. It's been nearly 2 months ago since I bought this new mirror. I think it's perfect for a dining room! You can also see my spring and summer table decor. :)

Indy 500 Version 2008

We went to the Indianapolis 500 for the 7th time (we missed the race in 2006 when Ben and Stacey got married). It was probably one of the most enjoyable races I've been to in several years. The weather could not have been nicer! It was the first year that I didn't sweat, freeze, get terribly sunburned and/or rained on for hours. It was a pleasantly breezy, warm but partly cloudy day. Despite our hangovers, the race was fun!

As has been our practice in recent years, we parked in a yard belonging to some fine citizens living in Speedway, Indiana. These fools were WASTED by the time we got to their yard (this was approximately 9:30 am on a Sunday, mind you). I tried my best to make friends with them so they would keep our vehicles safe during the day. Someone else gave them a few bottles of pretty decent champagne, so I shared our orange juice and introduced them to our favorite morning drink, mimosas!

Notice how Ryan's mimosa is different than the other one? Someone's hangover was so terrible that he had to combine his Alka Seltzer with his champagne and OJ! :)

Our beer of choice this year...a 30 cube of Keystone Light!


Anne-Marie and Andrew joined us for the Race. Aren't they cute? :)


Us!


Kara came to visit from her seats in Turn 3:

Nearing the end of the race, can you tell how tired we are?

The Weekend was a Success!

The weekend could not have been more fun and more exhausting! After all of the planning, the party was a huge success and we had a great time at the Race, too. We had a great turn out, but we have way too much alcohol left over (thanks to my over-purchasing). We did have just the right amount of food, though.

I was really pleased with the way that the decorations turned out. The wreath I made:


Race flags lining our front sidewalk:

The spread:

Our bartender Terrence working hard!

Our neighbors enjoying themselves:

Friends and Family:

The previously mentioned Purdue Cornhole set. So artistically modified by Natalie. She did a great job!



It was a great success...we'll do it again next year!

5 Things I Love Now.

1. Rimmel Viny Lip gloss in Cosmic. It's the perfect shade, the perfect price (less than $4) and not sticky at all. Everything a girl could want in a lipgloss!




2. Party planning. I'm having so much fun that in a perfect world, I might want it as my full time job.

3. Anything race-inspired. I love all of the black and white checkered flags and items. So perfect for Indy in the month of May.




4. Say by John Mayer. For whatever reason, I just cannot get enough of this song!

5. A bright white summer-weight quilt. I really want one, and I like this one from Overstock.com. They just seem so fresh and clean and everything goes with white!

Ready for the Weekend

I'm fired up for the weekend...our big party tomorrow, the 500 on Sunday and then relaxing on Monday. The weather will be perfect and our party is going to be a smash!

Ryan borrowed a cornhole set from one of his co-workers. Great idea. It will be a fun game, get people up and doing something, but there is just one problem. His coworker happens to be a Purdue grad. We went to Indiana. We're huge IU fans. I cannot handle this giant black and gold cornhole set. Thanks Clint, but I think we're gonna have to pass. As faithful Hoosiers, we simply cannot subject our guests to anything associated with Purdue.

My to-do list has gotten bigger since my last post and I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't get more done this week. Oh well, live and learn for next year!

Still to do:

-pick up a few remaining things at the grocery
-tidy the garage
-clean the bathrooms
-mop the floors
-bake cookies
-frost cupcakes
-vacuum
-get cash for Terrence
-set up the tables and tent
-make sure everything is getting cold
-pick up the keg
-buy tons of ice!
-have a fantastic time with our friends!

4 days

The party is 4 days away and so far, my prayers have been answered! It's going to be an absolutely beautiful day. 74 and sunny. Perfect.

The RSVPs keep coming in and the to-d0 list is dwindling. I did get slightly behind last night and it will be a struggle for me to get back on task tonight, but what other choice do I have? :)

On tonight's to-do list:

Sweep and mop bathroom floors
Trim and mow the grass (Ryan's task)
Sweep kitchen floor