Lake Buchanan, TX- April 8-11, 2008

After the intensity of the Final Four and CCU the month before, it was time to relax. Lake Buchanan is the 2nd largest of a chain of lakes in Texas. Mommy, Grace, and a friend of hers and I rented a cabin and spent a few days relaxing on its peaceful shores. Most of the time I just napped, enjoying the warm breeze and sound of its soft waves. While low-key, we did make it out on a boat one day along with a little wine tour.

National Championship Game- KU vs. Memphis- Rock Chalk Jayhawk, We are the Champions!- April 7, 2008

Winning our 3rd National Championship in basketball was awesome. I will always remember the shot and so will a million basketball fans across the nation. People in Kansas went crazy, and people in San Antonio were out of control. Jayhawks were spilled all along the river walk and the KU Bar, Rita's was just one giant party. Ali went with me in Zaynah's place and we screamed our heads off, completely defeated at 2 min and just as quickly resumed what was to be a week-long smile on my face.

Pre-Game Pep Rally, San Antonio- April 7, 2008

San Antonio was painted blue on National Championship game day. Both Memphis and KU fans were out and about, all wearing royal blue (although KU fans outnumbered Memphis fans 2:1) The pre-game pep rally was a raucous affair with the KU band, cheerleaders, and Big Jay coming on boats down the River Walk. Even the ESPN game day crew was there to capture the action. Just before the game, we headed to faithful Rita's, the faithful KU bar on the riverwalk.

Austin, TX - April 5-7, 2008

Austin is reputed to be one of the coolest cities in the US and I agree. If it weren't so hot, I'd seriously consider living there. For now, it's a fun place to visit especially since Zaynah is living there for the next 2 years while in b-school. We had some great food ranging from texas-sized french toast to yummy enchiladas with mango margaritas. We worked it off some too walking around the many rivers, parks, and lookouts Austin has to offer. Ending the night with salsa dancing overlooking one of the many Lakes.

The Final Four- Jayhawks in San Antonio- Regional Finals Game, April 5, 2008

My vacation worked out perfectly with my Jayhawks going all the way to the Final Four. 22 hours if you drive straight from Cincy, San Antonio was a great locale for celebrating. Before the national championship game, we stomped North Carolina in the regional finals game. Zaynah went to the game with me and we met up with Stin and Luis up there along with a bunch of other college friends.

Kansas City Here I Come!- April 1, 2008

It's crazy, I know, but for my 2nd vacay, I drove back home and on the way hit up Kansas City, my old stomping ground and hung out with ALo, Chun, and Amber. Of course, I didn't miss my favorite hot spots. Yum.