Flashback Friday: State Finals!

I remember it like it was yesterday....

State Finals. Nov. 9, 2002: in the fifth game (best 3 out of 5) the opposing team serves, we play it out back over the net, they set up for a kill, we block it --- out of bounds. Game over. Score 12-15, them. Moments like those will never be forgotten. But the memories leading up to then?....even more embedded in our hearts for a lifetime. 

My own story and memories began back in the year 2000. Six players, six friends. We first began playing volleyball together when we were 14 years old. Our coach? The one and only, Coach Purichia. We were a pleasant bunch, as you can clearly see. At that time, the game of volleyball was just beginning to settle into our hearts as one of the best sports ever played. 

As the years passed, our bond as players and as friends only grew stronger. We weren't just teammates during a seasonal fall sport. We were sisters through a program that taught us the values of working hard together, and accomplishing goals while motivating one another every step of the way.

I credit that to our coach. Anyone who has crossed paths with this incredible woman knows the meaning behind her title "Coach". To me, she will always be the idol of that particular title. We not only exceeded in our individual talents through the years, but she taught us values that we carry on in our everyday lives; respect, honor, pride, and encouragement. 

I'm grateful to have played for her, and enjoy witnessing the multiple lives she's touched years after our own. With the current season at a close, they have now found themselves drifting through the Sectionals, and Regionals. With those victories behind them, that means only one thing. They are heading back to the state finals!!! Why this year, among others, has more meaning to it than ever? It's the infamous date of our own state finals history, November 9th. With the experience and relative emotions, I know they are beaming with excitement. This volleyball program will always be one of the most cherished memories in my life. What an accomplishing moment for these girls. I'm just so overwhelmed with pride! BLUE PRIDE!!! I wish them the best of luck and hope they can take it all the way this year.

Good luck, Providence!!!!! 

Here's a little diddy only those few of us will appreciate. Throughout our season we had the never-disappointing tracks of Garth Brooks to boost our energy before every big game! How it came to be him, it just was. This song will always be a true staple of those memories. Listening to it now just brought chills down my spine.  

(( My Best Friend's Wedding )) Part 2: Bridal Showers

Today begins Part 2, of My Best Friend's Wedding extravaganza; and I'm excited to share these past bridal shower events. Yes, she is so special we've had to celebrate it more than once!! :)

Bridal Shower #1

First lets begin with the cake! Oh em gee! Not only are the wedding colors of Tiffany&Co blue, but the cake and bows - the bride's favorite - were spectacular.

Is that not gorgeous? 

I must admit, one of my favorite things when attending an event at this house, is the overflowing amount of food! Better believe there are left overs, and that this girl is almost always leaving with two or three containers. Thanks, Vickie!!!

Following the feast, Jess began opening her gifts! I borrowed this photo from her sister - thanks, Megan - because I knew it was one of her favorites.

 

...and as you may notice, I volunteered to make the bow bouquet. Not an ideal task for a perfectionist, but I made it work! Ha.

NOW for the introduction of ALL the bridesmaids:

From left to right: Katie B, Erika, Katie U, Noelle, the bride, myself, Hannah, Megan

Bridal Shower #2

This lovely event was taken place in Louisville, Ky at an old historical residence, hosted by the groom's mother and her four friends. It was gorgeous. I'm a real sucker for history, as well, so the tour of this renovated old cottage was remarkable.

Hello, the blushing bride...

 ...also the name of the beverage she's withholding, Blushing Bride recipe: 1 oz Peach Schnapps, 4 oz Champs, 1 oz Grenadine Syrup

Walking into the building, you notice a sweet little arrangement on the piano of the couple's wedding invitation. Really, that's too cute.

Next, we made our way into the dining area. The place settings were cleverly stylish; gold chevron place mat, a napkin tied with raffia, along with some marigolds. Lunch was a beautifully colored arrangement, and dessert was... well, look at it! Delectable . 

Now onto the entertainment! This was full of laughs and tears... tears from laughing, to be exact. The hosts decided on a game of "What The Bride thinks The Groom Said". It's not a new game, but it never gets old! These ladies, however, had the clever idea to record the groom ON VIDEO while answering said questions - face expressions, confusion, laughs, all in one! It was hysterical!

Like I said, lots of laughs... :)

After another game, and gift opening, it was time to depart from yet another entertaining event. Before leaving, of course we had to capture one last photo. 

These next few weeks are going to fly by, and before we know it the wedding will be here! It's quite unfathomable, I must admit. My best friend is about to be married. Wow! 

A little thing called... DERBY!

It's that time of the year again!! The one event in which our little ol' town of Louisville, Ky gets recognition beyond its own population; and where spotting a celebrity or two... or three, seems as common as it would be in LA. Along with the infamous 2km horse race, hats, and celebrity sightings, it is quite the spectacle.

For those unfamiliar with this annual tradition; formally known as, The Kentucky Derby, here are some highlights...

The event is proceeded by a week of local festivities! It's a bit of an overload, so I'll get to the main event, which falls on the first weekend of May - divided into two particular days:

Friday - Oaks

Saturday - Derby

Location, is none other than Churchill Downs.

Attire is usually semi-formal, but for the women, the most popular accessory is the HAT! ie: here and here.

Regardless of the attire, this weekend is most certainly known for its heart-pounding, beat the program on the rail race of its beautiful thoroughbreds; as it's also deemed "The Fastest Two Minutes In Sports". Attending the Derby should definitely be on the bucket list. It's an historical event unlike any other. 

As for this household, the Derby festivities kick off this evening at Ferdinand's Ball. Friday (Oaks day) will be spent in our fun/matching attire (and yes, hats) at the track, then we'll magically spin around - you know, like Cinderella - and change into our more formal attire for the Unbridled Eve Gala. With whatever bit of energy left to gather, we'll then be back at the track on Saturday, Derby day (yes, more hats). This will be one eventful weekend!!

With that said, this post may be running until after the festivities!

As much as I cringe at that thought - as I like to be on top of things - I'm not sure my laptop would be an acceptable fashion forward accessory. So, I apologize in advance!

Our attendance, and attire, will be shared immediately following the weekend. 

Fingers crossed we pick a winner this year!!!! Good luck to all!!!

Have a blessed and safe weekend. :)

photo credit: 1 2 3 4 5 6