Banking on My Inner Morals

I am taking the ethics portion of the Bar (the MPRE) tomorrow morning in Louisville. I know, I know it IS shocking lawyers have to take an ethics exam.

I also don't think it is as easy as one would first assume--the answers tend to be varying in degrees (for example may versus must) and you must determine the best fit. I am just hoping I have a good inner moral compass tomorrow!

ModCloth Lusts...

Right now, I've come to the conclusion that home may be where the heart is, but spring break is where my mind is.


I am SO ready for vacation it isn't funny. We always find great deals at the outlets on vacation, so I decided to begin that vacay a little early by around online for perfect outfits at great prices that I can wear out or to the office. Here are some of my favorites--all from ModCloth.

There's Something About Dress           Count the Ways Dress

$64.99                                                        $79.99

Muralist Top                                     In the Limelight Dress

$59.99                                                     $79.99

Paper Bag Lunch Skirt                   This Time Tomorrow Dress

$24.99                                                 $54.99

The Singh Top                                  Twist and Style Sweater

$59.99                                                     $39.99

I now believe ModCloth has some of the cutest things. Anyone had any experience with their clothes--is the quality good? I have a few I want to order, but I hate the hassle of returns.

Good news girls--the weekend is almost here :)

Endometriosis Awareness Month

March is national Endometriosis Awareness Month. 5-10% women have endometriosis, so I think it's important to for women to discuss and be knowledgeable of this disease. Unfortunately, most women have never heard of the disease until they have fertility problems.

I honestly think that I may have a chance at being a mom one day because I was extremely proactive in finding a good doctor. I was initially diagnosed with polystic ovaries around 16. After switching doctors, I was finally diagnosed in July 2008 with stage II endometriosis. At that time I went ahead and had the endo, scar tissue, and 6 ovarian cysts removed.

I am more than happy discuss my symptoms and treatment, recommend my doctor, give any more information I have, or just generally listen with you are going through.

What is Endometriosis

The uterine lining is called the endometrium. This is the tissue thickens and then is sloughed off monthly. Endometriosis is a disease caused by this endometrium tissue growing outside of the uterus (i.e. in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and extreme cases stomach). This tissue continues to release blood in these areas, but the blood has no outlet and just builds up in the body. To protect itself, the body can then build up scar tissue in the affected organs. 

Although the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, it is not a STD or infectious in any way.  Endometriosis may be genetic. For example, my mother and aunt had fertility problems and my cousin recently was diagnosed with endometriosis as well.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

• severe cramping or pelvic pain 
• nausea, vomiting, constipation, and/or diarrhea during menstruation
• frequent/irregular, heavy, and/or long periods, especially with blood clots
• back pain
• pain during sex
• frequent ovarian cysts
• fatigue

It is important to note some women will have all, some, or none of these symptoms. The intensity of the symptoms are also not directly related to the stage of endometriosis. Thus, someone with Stage I (most minimal) may have severe symptoms and someone with stage IV (most severe) may have no symptoms.

Effects of Endometriosis

The most common effect of endometriosis, besides the severe pain, is infertility. Roughly half of women with endometriosis have fertility problems, with roughly 30-40% being infertile.  Those who do conceive have a 50% miscarriage rate and a higher rate of ectopic pregnancies. They believe there may be a link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The only way to officially diagnose endometriosis is through a surgical laparoscopy. There is no cure, but the disease can be regulated through hormone supplements, pain medication, birth control, and surgical removal.

For more information, please see the Endometriosis Research Center.

6 Months into My One Oh One

For those of you who don't know what the "One Oh One" project is all about, you can read more about it here. It is basically a self-challenge to accomplish 101 personal goals within 1001 days.  I am very much a checklist person, so this is an ultimate checklist to me.

I realize I need to keep myself accountable over time if I am going to do this, so there is a 6 month update on the list.  Here is the link to my original One Oh One post.

Lauren's 101 in 1001

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:

Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?

Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizng and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities. Learn more about the 101 Project here.

Start Date: October 2, 2009 End Date: June 29, 2012

Bold - In Midst of Attempting to Complete
Bold/italicized - Completed Item

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Get Artsy
001. Make and create a wedding album for our pictures.
002. Resurface/store the dining room chairs to a solid silk fabric.
003. Make window draperies.
004. Make a duvet cover/pillow shams for one of the beds.
005. Finish the needlepoint pillow.
006. Make a t-shirt quilt.

Get Healthy
007. Work out three times a week for a month. (0/12)
008. Run in a 5k with Cam.

009. Eat breakfast every morning for a month. (30/30)
010. Cut my sugar intake by at least half.
011. Stop drinking cokes.
012. Get back into yoga/pilates classes.
013. Enroll in a fitness class and go 3 times a week for a month. (0/12)

014. Pack a healthy lunch every day for school for at least a week. (5/5)

015. Eat fast food from a drive-thru no more than 10 times (2/10)
016. Get tested for allergies and get the shots.

Get Cultured 

017. Read 20 books off my "to-read" list. (5/20)

      -I've read: Reading Lolita in Tehran, Wicked, Tuesdays with Morrie, 1984, Animal Farm

018. Attend a concert. (Bruce Springsteen)

019. Watch 33 new movies (a movie a month). (7/33)

020. Visit a town that begins with each letter of the alphabet. (13/26)

      -A: Auburn Hills MI

      -C: Cincinnati OH, Chicago IL

      -D: Detroit MI

      -E: Estero FL

      -F: Frankfort KY

      -G: Goodland FL

      -I: Isle of Capri FL

      -L: Louisville KY, Lexington KY

      -M: Marco Island FL

      -N: Newport KY, Nashville TN, Naples FL, Nicholasville KY

      -P: Prospect KY

      -U: Union KY

      -V: Versailles KY

      -W: Windsor ON, Woodbury, TN
021. See a movie at the local drive-in.

022. Go wine tasting.
023. Buy a nice piece of art.

Get Deep
024. Identify 25 things I like about myself. (0/25)
025. Turn off the computer, cell phone, and TV for one day.

026. Go to church at least 2 times a month. (12/64)
027. Enjoy a fall day at Red River Gorge.
028. Write a bucket list.

028. Write a bucket list.

      -1. Visit all 50 states. 

      -2. Vist all 7 continents.

      -3. Take golf lessons together.

      -4. Build or remodel a home to be a dream home.

029. Maintain only "us" time with husband for at least an hour a week.
030. Complete the First Saturday Devotions.
031. Have just as loving and wonderful as a marriage as we did on our honeymoon.
032. Read the bible, cover to cover.

033. Stop swearing.

Get Domestic
034. Take a cooking class.
035. Make dinner at least 3 nights a week, two weeks in a row. (0/6)

036. Try 30 new recipes. (13/30)
037. Keep a houseplant alive.
038. Make Christmas cookies.

039. Decorate our houe for Christmas each year (1/3).

040. Carve a pumpkin for halloween each year with Cam. (1/3).
041. Bake 5 pies. (0/5)
042. Turn the formal living room into a study/office.

Get Organized
043. Keep car organized.
044. Buy birthday cards and greeting cards to have on-hand and send.

045. Officially change my name.

046. Organize and clean the pantry.
047. clean out drawers.

Get Rich
048. Put $5 in savings for each completed task and $10 for every uncompleted one.
049. Be able to pay back any student loans within 6 months of graduating.
050. Save at least $50 a month from my paychecks.
051. Resist spending money on something frivolous at least once a month and put it in savings instead. (4/33)

Get Generous
052. Donate old clothes from closets at least once a year (1/3).

      -ANG: I saved the clothes for you if you want them :)

053. Volunteer for a fundraiser or organization.

054. Say yes 10 times when I'd rather say no (3/10)
055. Put change in an expired meter.

056. Donate 101,000 grains of rice on freerice.com (25,500/101,000)

057. Give a 100% tip to a really good waitress.

058. Donate blood.

059. Participate in the Giving Tree every Christmas. (1/3)

Get Social

060. Mail out Christmas Cards. (1/3)

061. Make plans with a new friend.
062. Call one faraway friend a week for 6 weeks. (0/6)

063. Have a girl's night once every other month. (2/16)

064. Have a dinner date with my husband once a month. (1/33)

065. Have a double-date with friends once every other month. (4/16)

Get Stuff
066. Buy a Canon Rebel.
067. Invest a big piece of furniture for the house.

065. Buy a little black dress.

069. Buy 5 more suits for work. (0/5).

070. Buy 10 more tops for work. (6/10).
071. Buy season football tickets after graduation.
072. Get crystal lamps to replace the lamps in our bedroom.
073. Buy stock.

Get Adventurous
074. Go visit Erika and Klaus and Ryan and Shannon in Europe.
075. Take a girls only trip.
076. Take a completely impulsive, spur of the moment day trip with husband.
077. Go snowboarding with Cam.
078. Take golf lessons.
079. Go scuba diving (even better if I can finish my certification).
080. Take a vacation somewhere I've never been.


Get Habitual

081. Blog daily for a month. (3/30)

082. Pray with Cam every day for a month. (0/30)
083. Spend at 15 minutes a day outlining.
084. Read for class the day the assignment is assigned.

 
Get Professional 
085. Graduate from law school.
086. Pass the bar.
087. Get a job that I enjoy.
088. Maintain the partnership track.

Get Random
089. Write a letter to my future self.

090. Kiss in the rain.

091. Host a themed party.

092. Surprise my husband with a romantic dinner.

093. Take pictures in a photobooth.

094. Discover my favorite wine and beer (Chimay).

095. Get a facial.
096. Get a massage.
097. Try 10 new restaurants. (7/10)
098. Tell my husband I love him every day. (181/1001)
099. Take Ritz to a dog park at least once a month. (0/33)
100. Climb and tree and stay there for at least a half an hour.
101. Take my nieces/nephews to the zoo.

They are HERE....

Girl Scout cookies have arrived! We have a record low 7 boxes in our house, probably because Cam gave all sweets for Lent so I felt fat knowing every box I order is for me alone. I seriously have an apparently well known sugar addiction, and have yet to admit I have a problem. And I may or may not have already taken that down to 6 boxes remaining....


Also in our freezer: Thin Mint ice cream (heaven on earth). I don't think it can get any better in my book. 

It always brings up the age old debate in our household--What is the proper name for the cookies?
Me                                  Cam
Samoas             v.            Caramel DeLites

Tag-a-longs       v.             Peanut Butter Patties

Trefoils             v.             Shortbreads

Do-si-dos           v.            Peanut Butter Sandwiches

So what do ya'll call them and what's your favorite cookie? 

my favorite: samoas with thin mints as a close second. 

Cam's favorite: thin mints, hands down. 

Much sugary love, 

Lauren

Birthday Weekend and Girl's Get Together

Sorry for the double update, but it all is clearly too much for one posting. Apologies in advance.

C and pup both had birthdays the weekend. C turned halfway to old (or 25 in layman's terms) and pup is now 3.

My favorites playing dead in bed on their birthday.

His dad and stepmom, who live in TN, came in town to celebrate (likely just to celebrate C's birthday, but we won't tell pup that). C and I cleaned around the house before they came, including the dirtiest part of the house: our bengal cat. She literally often refuses to clean herself, and honestly would smell awful if she didn't get regular baths. I laugh that C, the biggest clean freak of a husband I could think of, would own the filthiest cat. Luckily, she likes water so it's not a big ordeal.

On Friday night, we cooked at the house. Everything turned out well--except of course what I made. Who knew that mashed potatoes take over an hour to heat up in the oven if they were in the fridge beforehand? Clearly not me because I served freezing cold mashed potatoes. But, lesson learned. Oh well. Everything else was really good.

Saturday morning I went to a great get together with the girls at Buddy's. It was great to see and catch up with the girls I already knew and fabulous to meet so many sweet ladies. We will all have get together again some time soon! After our meeting, I met up with C and his family at Drake's to eat lunch and catch the second half of a certain game that shall not be mentioned. At least Kansas lost as well, right?

After lunch, C's brother, who works in advertising for Rupp, took us to the holy grail of college basketball itself for a behind-the-scenes tour. As you are probably aware, C and I met at UK and bleed blue, so this was super neat to see all the different parts of arena without having 24,000 other crazy fans around.

Shot of Rupp as the floor was being laid and C and I on the floor.

C, doing the John Wall while "dunking" on the UK goals before they were put back onto the floor.

C in the doorway of the locker room. The giant wall-sized blood bag is my favorite advertisement in Rupp.

That night eight of us went to Euro Wine and Tapas Bar in Nicholasville for dinner. C has been talking about trying to for a month now so I figured his birthday was the perfect time.

I initially made reservations on Friday night without a problem,but then remembered that no one else could eat meat since its Lent and we are Catholic, so I called to switch the reservation to Saturday. I called almost every night they were supposedly open throughout the week and no one ever answered or returned the two voicemails I left. Sketch.

We made the drive to Nicholasville with fingers crossed and a backup restaurant in mind. Luckily, they were open and informed us that they just have policy of not answering their phone or checking their voicemail. We ordered almost every tapas on the menu and C and I really enjoyed the restaurant.

Everyone's dinner, including pup's, was lip-licking good.

This morning we had a fabulous breakfast at Doodles. None of us had been and it is nice to finally have good breakfast-style place in Lexington. I'll admit, I'm still partial to Wild Eggs in Louisville, but Doodles was a great find. Doodles is an eco-friendly and locally grown, which I really appreciate. 

C had a wonderful birthday. Not only did he get to spend it with his family, he received a set of 8 Wusthof steak knives, serving pieces of our silver, a statute of a jockey for our living room, a needlepoint flask, a bottle of Chimay, and much appreciated money.

I loved the card I got him since I am a democrat and he's more conservative (and grumpy about paying taxes):

Next best gift: a signed John Wall jersey from his brother that we will get framed.

But he loved the present he got himself the best: A CAR.

You read it right. He traded in his truck and bought himself a car. I love the car and have made him promise to keep it for at least 4 years. He's a serial car trader-inner (seriously, he's had 8 cars since he has been driving), so we will see how that works out. But so far we love it.

Much love,

Lauren

Spring Fever and Food

We were house-sitting for two different families while they were out of town this past week so we have been running all over the city checking on the houses. One is a gorgeous horse farm (actually where took our engagement pictures) and two of the mares just had foals. Seriously, does it get any more Kentucky than this?

Being around these racehorses just made me so excited for Keeneland in a month and for Spring in general. I have been rather bitter towards the idea of horses since I began an equine law class this semester because a thesis paper is looming over my head. These beautiful babies helped me to snap out of that quickly.

On our way home, we stopped by a bulk store and decided to try to buy groceries for the month rather than go every week. We managed to overflow the giant grocery cart and as we went to check out we started to panic--it seems like every item you throw in the car is at least 10 bucks. Luckily, we stayed under $200 even though we purchased pricier items like cleaning staples. Our fridge, freezer and pantry are literally overflowing. This is definitely what we plan on doing every month now and just getting a few things from the grocery store every week that don't make sense to buy in bulk (i doubt the two of us will use 2 gallons of mayonnaise any time soon).

Every bin is absolutely overflowing--it is wonderful to actually have food in the house! Hopefully in all this food I can actually find an inspiration to start cooking.

Much love,

Lauren