Finally feeling back to normal after the Indy 500

This year marked the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.  To be honest, I am not a racing fan but I do love history and any excuse to have fun over a lot a couple adult beverages with friends.  The Indy 500 is the largest event held here in Indiana that attracts almost a half a million people to the West side of town.  I live only about 5 or so miles from the Speedway and had Neil Carr Van Services (317-414-6842) pick myself and my friend, Lindsey, up around 7:45am.  It took us 3.5 hours to get there but just in time for the opening ceremonies:  the National Anthem performed by Kelly Clarkson, Seal, David Foster; God Bless American sung by Florence Henderson; the fly over from the B12 Stealth Bomber (awesome!); the introductory laps;er and of course, Jim Nabors.  It was a very nostalgic moment that brought chills to myself and many of my friends.  The crowd chanted USA! USA! USA! and it was just such a special time to be at the track. 

I met up with my friend, Macy, who was in town from California, and her friends from Logansport.  When the drivers made their first official lap past Turn 3 (where we were stationed) they shook and sprayed their beers wildly in the air.  Lindsey and I stood from a far distance. 

Celebratory Beer Spraying to kick off the Race

Macy got soaked!

I decided to channel my inner derby girl with my attire but it paid off in the long run because at the end of the day, I wasn't fried and didn't have the annoying tan lines.

Me!

Lindsey, Steph, Macy and myself



Linds and I

 Here's a sample of the hilarious attire seen out in the infield.... 

Channeling the 80s

Mullet action!



Buns of Steel!

 I wish I had taken more pics because there were plenty of awesomely crazy looking people.  I met up with a few more friends before the end. 



Old buddy of mine, Jeremy!!

 

Hello, Leon!

I had a great time and can't wait to see what the rest of the summer brings!

First Friday: Carnival Night @ Wheeler Arts Center and the Shenanigans that followed

I am still trying to get used to the idea of taking pictures at all times so like a very bad blogger, I failed to take any pictures while attending First Friday at Wheeler Arts Center.  I also failed to write down artists' information including names.  Terrible.

The Wheeler Arts Center is such a cool place.  Not only is it aesthetically unique with high loft ceilings, exposed brick and industrial piping, it also houses an eclectic blend of tenants.  There is such a communal feeling and everyone is so warm and inviting.  The event was much more organized than the previous time I went.  Live DJs played music that could be heard throughout the building.  There were several open studios including my buddy Ben.  His unit was open to the public to introduce those who entered to indy Planet.  There were various mixed medias on display (and on sale) including lots of intriguing wall art, furniture , custom baby clothes designer even voodoo dolls.  To keep with the theme there were carnival style games, finger foods like popcorn and corn dogs.  One unit even offered fondue.  Just being there brings out your inner artist.  Hopefully people will post pics from the event and I will add them later.

After the event died down, we all decided to venture across the street to The Brass Ring (click here to read a previous post I wrote about how much I love that place).  We ordered a round of drinks and food.  I got the pork potstickers that I had been craving for months.  They steam them perfectly and serve a spicy ponzu sauce.  I also took a few bites of Ben and Kelly's Cajun Pizza.  Muh noshed on some enormous potato skins.  I enjoyed a extra dirty martini to wash down all the yummy goodness.



Kelly and Ben

Muh chowing down

I didn't want to call it a night so I went to Taps and Dolls, near Union Station, with Muh and John.  It was my first time there and it was pretty lively when we arrived.  DJ Topspeed was spinning.  He's an old schooler who I've enjoyed for over a decade.  We entertained ourselves on the dance floor while slamming a couple rounds of jager bombs (bad idea). 

DJ Top Speed (right)

Muh being Muh and John and some poor girl

I was totally exhausted by the time we left.  All and all, super successful night out with good peeps.  That's why I'm home in bed on a Saturday night

YouTube Fave: Twin boys having a conversation in gibberish!

This has probably been circulating the web for a little while but I'm going to post it anyways because it seriously made me GOL (giggle out loud)