Friends are chosen family, in whose presence we feel at home..

Derby Week. You would think that I wouldn't have to say much more than that, seeing that you don't have to explain to folks who actually live here in town (Louisville, obviously). Before moving here I had watched said event every year with my family on t.v. Pretty cool to watch, obviously. But it's one of those things that you had to leave your t.v. on all day just to wait for the "big event" that doesn't event start until 6pm.

But what they don't really show you on television is the infield. The infield is a beautiful little setting that I like to describe to people as a county fair minus the rides (and plus the mint juleps, I suppose). Anyways, for my second time going after living in this fine city, it was amazing. This year we took public transportation, all 15 or so of us, made friends on the bus, got off it right in front of Churchill Downs, paid our dues, and got to hang out with a bunch of other ridiculous people, all without seeing a horse all day..(I might have to admit I think I saw the top of ones head, pretty far away). And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other day. The highlights of the day are gonna be in a list, as is the emily way (in no particular order, except number 1)

1. Adam and Tyler coming all the way from PA and VA, to hang out w/ me and bet on some horses (and bond with all my friends here..seriously I have amazing family)
2. Sheriff. In all his forms.. ha..
3. Kyle wearing seer-suckers
4. Walking seriously from one end of Louisville to the other, with Wick's pizza waiting for us at the end..
5. "It's tradition! We did it last year!"
6. Having almost all of my Louisville friends in one place at one time, sitting & standing around shootin' the bull from 10am-11pm, makes me giddy
7. Feeling like a part of the KY
8. Seeing the Goo Goo Dolls, B-52's, Scott Miller, Mason Jennings, and Brett Dennen..all in four days
9. Realizing how much I miss riding public transportation. No, seriously!

And many, many more.. :) I'm thankful. It was a good week..