AFI's 10 Top 10

So my friend, Katie, and I have decided that we're going to watch every movie on this year's AFI 10 Top 10 list - this means the 10 best (voted on by AFI) movies in 10 different genres... and for all you math majors, that's 100 movies total. I know we're a bit pathetic, but let's be honest folks - I live in Kentucky. :) I used to think that I had seen more movies than most since Shane & I are both huge cinema fans. When reviewing the list, however, it became clear that although I have seen a CRAP-load of movies, most of them wouldn't even come close to making this list. While I'm not terribly surprised by this fact, we received shocked responses from Shane and some other friends when listing off the movies I/we have yet to see. Here's just a snapshot of our list:

It's a Wonderful Life (I know... I'm terrible)
Finding Nemo
Snow White
Bambi
Caddyshack (which we actually checked off last night!)
Scarface
Good Fellas (which Katie has not seen)
Pulp Fiction
Shane (probably worth a look considering...)
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Roman Holiday
The Ten Commandments

Goodbyes...

So this past Friday was my boss' last day of work for the YMCA of Central Kentucky. Jan has accepted a position with YMCA of the USA - which is a huge opportunity for her! While I'm more than excited for this new phase in her life, it makes me sad to think that she won't be right next door, or stopping in to do her "happy dance" because of an email/phone call she just received, or simply getting hugs from her for no reason at all. Jan has certainly been more of a friend to me than a boss, though she's done a phenomenal job here at our Y. We had a farewell celebration for her last week and to hear everything that people had to say about Jan made me so thankful to have had this opportunity to work with her... even if only for a short while. Jan - I miss you already! The plus side to this story is that she doesn't have to relocate, so we'll still get to see her around Lexington. I'm grateful for all she's taught me and hope to maintain our friendship for many years to come.

On a much more difficult note, a friend of my cousin's passed away last Friday morning. Ryan Sweeney has battled Cystic Fibrosis for 27 years. He has struggled greatly over the past 2 months and on June 6 around 5:30 am, Ryan asked to be taken off the ventilators. He said he was tired of fighting and was ready to go home to the Lord. I can't imagine what it must be like to hold that decision in your hands, knowing what you're leaving behind. And yet... he knew exactly what he was entering into! His wife, Kristin, and twins, Lily & Wyatt, said goodbye to Ryan in a Celebration of Life service yesterday morning. He was truly an inspiration to all of us for how to live life to its fullest, how to be thankful in all circumstances, and how to love God and others unconditionally. While I only interacted with him a few times throughout his life, he has left a lasting legacy. If you have some time, read some of these stories from a family who has walked through the fire and have been upheld by the hand of God each step of the way. Kristin writes so eloquently and displays a strength that can only come from our Heavenly Father. She, Lily & Wyatt will certainly appreciate your prayers for the days and weeks to come. I can't imagine the loss that they are experiencing, but what hope they have in knowing that they will see him again!! Praise God for His gift of salvation and eternal life! He is worthy of ALL the glory!

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa

This place is AMAZING!!! We went there for a long Memorial Day weekend (Saturday through Wednesday) and met up with Corey & Danielle. It was a great few days and I have lots of pictures from Danielle (thank you!) since our camera is dumb and runs through batteries like there's no tomorrow. If you want to check out the Grove Park Inn website, click here. I highly suggest you go there if you ever have the opportunity. The resort is beautiful, there's a lot to do, and you're close to downtown Asheville and the Biltmore Mansion - all places we visited during our trip. On Tuesday we spent our time at the Spa... unbelievable. Check out those pictures if you get a chance! I'll leave you with just a couple to give you a preview of the albums. Enjoy :)

A Weekend to Remember

This past weekend we had the privilege of attending the wedding of Kurt Perkins & Lindsay McCoid - 2 friends whose lives (now joined) bring together so many different "worlds" if you will. We first met Lindsay at Houghton where she was living down the hall from my sister. Mis & Lin have been very close friends ever since - over 10 years! Kurt was introduced to us by our friends, Mike & Rachel, when he was living/working in Buffalo during his last year of chiropractic school. He also knew my brother-in-law from that time at school. Missy introduced Kurt & Lindsay during an annual New Year's weekend in Philly with a large group of friends. That entire crew was gathered again this past weekend for the celebration of their wedding - and what a party it was! :) The wedding was beautiful (despite the weather) and if you click here, you can view more pictures. Here's just one that I took from Rachel's website. Beautiful job, Rach!!

After the wedding we spent the rest of the weekend in New Jersey & Philly with the group of friends I mentioned before. It was great catching up with all of them - and meeting their beautiful kids! Shane also celebrated his 27th birthday on Saturday, May 17th so we had real Philly Cheesesteaks for lunch and then went out for dinner with everyone that evening. We had a blast during our visit, and even though the drive was long... it was worth every minute!