Preakness 2013

     The Preakness Stakes is the second of the U.S. Triple Crown races (Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes are the others) and is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD (just a hop, skip, and a cartwheel away).  Of course, we decided that we couldn't pass up seeing this race when we lived so close, so PDub and I woke up early this past Saturday to board a completely full charter bus at 8:15am to head north.  We were loaded down with lawn chairs, blankets, food, and "pineapple orange juice" prepared for at least a 12-hour day.

     Being the woman that I am, I had to consult with several friends who had attended the race in years past to see what to wear.  The general consensus for this particular race was....anything goes.  Therefore, PDub dressed in his normal t-shirt, khaki shorts (cargo for extra storage), and tennis shoes while I wore my traveling hat, a cotton dress, and of course, my cowboy boots.  We saw a bit of everything though.

Suspenders and bow ties.

Ridiculous hats.

More hats.

Cut-off sleeves and A'merca bandanas

Even a fanny pack sighting.

     You can't go to a horse race with out betting, which we did.  In addition to the horse racing, there were two stages where bands performed, and of course, you can never forget about the food!

Betting.

More betting :)

Winning some cash!

Where we set-up shop...right next to the track along the fence (we were in the infield). 

Florida Georgia Line.

Some good-lookin' ladies.

Macklemore....hip-hop fans are crazy!

Fancy food in a fancy glass with a fancy flower...This Asian loves his fancy grub.

Evidently stealing toilet paper out of the port-a-potties is a requirement.

It rained...

But we were prepared....

And it didn't stop us....

From having fun.

Gearing up for the big race of the day.

"The Race"

Some extras....

We met the Biebs (cardboard form)! 

The guy in the middle must be a hip-hop fan (I spotted him second row at Macklemore and Pitbull).

Some of the group.

Thousands of port-a-potties in the background...We make anything look fabulous!

DCKickball and the Red Solo Cup Tutu

     From my previous blog, you are probably wondering why and how I have become a Red Solo Cup designer/engineer.  Yes, this will go onto my resume; future jobs, beware, for I have mad cup skills.  Now that I've shown you how full of myself I am (in a cup perspective), I will preface the reason for the cup creations.  PDub and I (Maya has extremely short legs and therefore does not play) have joined a kickball league, where every Tuesday we meet between dearest George's monument and the WWII memorial to kick a ball and run some bases.  Doesn't it take you back to grade school P.E.?  Only after this game, we head to a place called The Exchange, which is practically next door to the White House and I am still unsure as to why Barrack has not placed a noise complaint.  At The Exchange, we play flip cup and rehydrate from a rough game of kickball.

Our team on week 1 (PDub was in Wyoming).

PDub pitching...he could be the next Clemens of kickball.

     Back to the Red Solo Cups...This past week was spirit week where your team picks a theme and dresses the part.  Our team voted on (insert drum roll please) Red Solo Cups.  Hence, why I spent a day making items out of these cups (and I must be honest....DO NOT purchase the off brand...they practically rip with a mere touch).  Being the bitter person I can often be, I made my outfit into a tutu...why? Because tutus were my idea for a team theme, and the idea was shot down.  Anyway, those of us who wore their cups during play often paid the price with the high rates of cup casualties, but those who didn't got to wear them for our team photo.

Our team photo.

Please "Like" this photo on Facebook because it takes more than just someone saying dress-up to get us in Red Solo Cups.  We are up for a $300 bar tab coverage as a prize.  Follow the link below and just click "Like."

Like this photo....PLEASE!

He tried this later in the evening with his hands in the cup.  Needless to say, he wiped out at first base.

PDub in his armor and me in my tutu.

Flip cup...PDub sported some protection for this game.  You could punch him in the stomach, and he would feel nothing (not due to abs but Red Solo Cups).

Rockin' out my tutu and Red Solo Cup flower.

Gosh, it feels great to be writing again!

My Return

     Greetings readers.  JDub has returned, or shall I say, awoken from her deep slumber (hibernation....some animals do it), and she is ready to get back to her regular self (enough with third person).
     Yes, I have been neglecting you because my adventures have not stopped and I have yet to tell you about them.  Now that I have returned to my rightful place in front of the computer, keyboard at my fingertips, and window set to my blog, instead of some other web address which is a waste of time (Facebook, Pinterest, etc.), I am ready to share a few historical adventures.  I use the word "historical" because these events have already passed, but I must clarify that it is not ancient history...more like a month ago history.
     As you may (or may not) remember, I had accepted a job back in October.  Whew, it has been a long time!  Well, it just so happens that a month ago I quit that job.  Yes, QUIT!  And, it feels great!  Have you ever placed yourself in a position where you just aren't happy, day after day?  I was using the P!nk song "Blow Me (One More Kiss)" as my theme jig (everyone needs a theme jig).  Luckily that jig of singing "I've had a crap day!" changed.  Why?  Because it's my life and I said so!  (Hehehe!  So angry!)  Anyway, you are probably wondering what I have been up to with all my free time....

 Planning a trip to Europe.

 Making things out of Red Solo Cups.

 Taking naps with my cuddle bug.

Visiting my parents in Illinois (Maya proceeded to find every form of water...here in a flower pot...to jump into...three baths total).

Watching this movie....over and over again.

 Ironing PDub's shirts.

Reading book after book....after book....after book (you get the idea).

And cooking (here, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy with sweet tea...said with a southern draw).

I WILL have no regret in this life!  (On a side note, my writing is quite rusty!)