our labor day 2010

We spent this labor day the same way we spent it last year: at Saratoga Race Track for the closing day of the season.

We arrived before the second race and decided not to place any bets because it was a turf race, and we only like to bet races on the dirt. So we scanned our program for the third race.

I'm not an expert handicapper by any stretch of the imagination, but I keep up on the sport and what goes on during the meet. M is more of a stat studying handicapper who likes to chase the exotics.

I chose my horses for the third race because I knew their trainer is a former jockey who has had an outstanding record, and I put $1 to Win Place or Show on both of them, despite neither having favorable odds.

I went up to the fence to take photos, not even thinking of my bets until the horses ran past me.

Here they come!

THIS was my OMG moment....um....these are the two horses I picked...and they were running in first and second place as they approached the finish line! My heart jumped into my throat.

And that's how they finished. Number 4 came in first and was named Shahzadi, and he went off at 46 TO 1! The biggest long shot in the race, and I picked him! Number 10 placed and was named Above the Call. These two little ponies made my day!

We stayed for a few more races, and on the way back to the car I caught these beauties relaxing at the stables:

We could spend EVERY Labor Day here for the rest of our lives!

happy labor day!

This week...

...fell in love with puppies all over again.
...went to a going away party to see two awesome people off to the windy city.
...hung out poolside trying to pretend it was still summer as steam rose off the water because the air was so cold. STILL didn't go swimming!
...threw out a lot of crap I was saving in a closet at my parents' house that realized I didn't need to hold on to.
...watched M cook a batch of his famous gumbo
...took one of my besties out to sushi for her bday
...baked macarons in the following flavors: nutella, chocolate peanutbutter, and vanilla.
...won a copy of the new Jenny and Johnny album from my favorite local radio station WEXT!
...had dinner with M's family
...scanned a TON of old family photos while listening to the new Arcade Fire album. The music enhanced my sentimental feelings.

-- Post From My iPhone

suggestions

1. Shark Bite Asphalt Scoop

2. Custom Papercut Illustration

3. Deer

4. I Like Boring Things block print

5. Free Ride

6. Owl Peeper

letters

Dear Summer,

You are pretty much over, and I feel like I've spent the last three months waiting for it to officially feel like you had arrived. But that never happened. You were bright, sunny, and warm...but I just didn't get that summer feeling this year. Maybe I spent too much time inside working. Next year when you come back, I know we'll have a lot more fun. But I'm going to be honest, I'm very happily saying goodbye to you and welcoming the fall.

Dear LAMB Collection,

I spent years buying you, lusting after you, and then letting you sit in my closet untouched. I spend hours online drooling over other pieces I couldn't afford. But I put you all on eBay. At this point in my life, paying some bills is more important than knowing you are sitting in my closet. I'm sad to see you go, but I know you're all going to good homes.

Dear Future Puppy,

I met some pretty sweet pups recently, and it makes it that much harder to have to wait to bring you home. I don't know when or where we'll meet, but I know you will be loved. 

Dear Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer,

You're not in my local grocery store yet. Please hurry! I'm looking forward to savoring everything about this fall!

puppy love part 2

a couple of days ago we attended a going away party for our awesome friends Jeff and Jen who are on their way to the windy city!

the hosts of this part had two pugs, a one year old, and THIS little guy who I INSTANTLY fell for.

M kept calling him "a shmelbe" because that's the name of our other friends' awesome pug. But his real name was Terrance. And his pug-brother's name...Phillip! Yes, Terrance and Phillip! Awesomely cute.

I am officially puppy CRAZY and can't wait until we can get one of our own!