The Germ - I'm Infectious

I've moved on...it's not you it's blogger...

2009-02-19T21:54:00.003-06:00

I've moved my blog to wordpress.

http://throughlalaslashes.wordpress.com

Blogger has been a wonderful starter venue for me but wordpress offers a bit more publishing capability. Blogging is a journey of its own. All of my blogger posts have been exported to the new blog so all you have to do is change your favorites! ;)

Thanks for reading!

Oye!

2009-02-19T15:54:00.002-06:00

Today has been challenging for no particular reason. I must have some kind of subconcious drama going on that is affecting my ability to pay attention.

Example #1
This morning I went into the office kitchen to get some coffee. The pot was low so I started to make a new one. I put the filter and the coffee in the holder. For our machine you have to insert the filter into this slide-y slot that holds it over the pot and press start. I just pressed start and then quickly realized that I missed a step and had to stand there holding the filter over the pot till the entire 10 cups of coffee brewed. Luckily there were no eyewitnesses.

THEN
Example #2
I open the cabinet to find MY coffee mug. Not there. Look everywhere. Start speculating about who would take it and not ask. Think about who's office I'll have to walk by and check on my way back to my office. So after about 15 minutes of being in the kitchen (including the brewing incident in Ex. #1) I choose another mug, make my coffee and return to my office. Sit down at my computer, sipping my coffee...my mug is RIGHT NEXT TO ME ON MY DESK.

Example #3
This afternoon I really wanted some hot chocolate. I held off until my 3:30pm snack time and went into the kitchen to make it. Made my coco, went in the fridge to get a cheese stick, went back to my office. Eat my cheese. Can't find my coco. It was in the fridge. Cold coco is not good.

So now it is only 4pm and I'm just waiting for something else to happen. Unfortunately I'm bored at work for the first time in my short career as a LandDiva. Maybe that has something to do with my mindlessness...

days of grace - ten

2009-02-18T16:12:00.002-06:00

1. almond brittle
2. a husband who makes breakfast
3. dreaming about being a dog owner
4. loving my job
5. making new friends

days of grace - nine

2009-02-17T21:16:00.000-06:00

1. new inspiration
2. Will & Grace re-runs
3. running - and loving it
4. Eclipse
5. making lists

Happy Birthday DAD!!!

2009-02-16T12:23:00.004-06:00

Apparently I've started something with these birthday posts. Making numbered lists to the amount of years my loved ones are celebrating. Today is my Dad's birthday. He is 51. I love you Dad, but my lunch break isn't long enough to list 51 reasons why you are wonderful. And besides, there are MANY more than 51!

So... in lieu of the numbered list I've compiled a list of 25 reasons why my dad is great on his birthday. 25 things because I'm 25 and it is kind of half of 51. So here we go...

My Dad, Mark, is wonderful on his birthday because he:

1. cooks a mean omelet!
2. enjoys cycling for hours and hours and miles and miles
3. has a great laugh
4. finally grew out his annual winter beard again even though it is grey. (I like the grey)
5. has been unconditionally supportive of everything I've tried, done, or talked about doing
6. is a geologist...he hearts rocks!
7. is married to my Yomama (she's pretty great!)
8. is a great listener
9. got back on skis after breaking his foot (YEA!)
10. is spiritual
11. plays the drums
12. loves to spend time with the family
13. gives good advice
14. is really goofy (it is apparently hereditary)
15. likes to help others
16. loves to learn
17. goes on campus tours with me
18. is a history nerd
19. is artistic
20. knows how to have a good time
21. knows how to relax
22. owns a hot tub
23. he taught me alot about how to be friends with men
24. was and still is my "standard" for men (Tim lives up to these standards!)
25. is my Dad!!!!!

Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you!

Photo by FrancyPants of Dad and YoMama in France last summer!

V-days of grace - eight

2009-02-14T09:55:00.006-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you're spending time with all the ones you love. Last night Sara and I celebrated our friendship with a romantic dinner date and the Oklahoma Ballet. It was a wonderful evening! And today is movies and makeup. Don't worry...Tim and I are celebrating v-day a week late. He has a deadline for school that he has been feverishly working on.

So here is the list:

1. Nona's Creme Brule

2. Awesome people watching at restaurants for v-day dinner

:Sara and I were practically witnessing a soap opera behind us at Nona's. In the hour we were there this couple went from lovey dovey, to discussing who would sleep with someone new first if they ever broke up, to the girl crying at the table, to her confessing that she has or had (we couldn't really tell through the crying) a brain tumor. It was intense. We didn't know we were getting a show with dinner and our bottle of wine!:

3. Celebrating the fact that girl friends are just as important if not more important than our "man" friends. These relationships deserve just as much effort and attention.

4. Finally being able to enjoy watching ballet again. After so many years of dancing and quitting when I kind of didn't want to but was burned out, it has been hard for me to go to the ballet. But now I view it as warm memories and an additional knowledge about the arts.

5. Perspective - it is a valuable thing.

#12 Perform a solo recital - CHECK!

2009-02-12T12:45:00.007-06:00

Last Sunday Feb. 8, I performed in my first solo recital. This is the first recital I've done that was totally organized by yours truly. It was a lot more work than I anticipated but SO worth it! It was scary, thrilling, energizing, emotional, and all broadcast via Skype to my Dad in Denver. (Hi Dad!)

The program was diverse and challenging. At one point in the performance I was thinking..."really? why did you choose to do such ridiculously hard songs. Geez, I think I might pass out if you don't sit down!" But I didn't pass out and I far exceeded the expectations I set for my self. Isn't that what it is all about anyway.

Here is what I sang:

Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion" from Messiah - Handel

"Alleluia" from Exultate Jubilate - Mozart

"Zueignung" - Strauss

"Rastlose Liebe" - Schubert

"Do Not Go My Love" - Hageman

"Silent Noon" - Vaughn Williams

"Laughing Song" from Die Fledermaus - Strauss

"Non Mi Dir" from Don Giovanni - Mozart

"Apres Un Reve" - Faure

"Beau Soir" - Debussy

"And This Is My Beloved" from Kismet - Wright & Forrest

"It's a Grand Night for Singing" from State Fair - Rogers & Hammerstein

It was not a perfect performance by any means but I can't remember the last time I enjoyed singing so much. For many of the audience members that have known me for a long time (my in laws, my boss, my sorority sisters) this was the first time they have heard me sing. It was such an honor to share my talent with them. I have an audio recording that I'm trying to figure out how to post but it is the recital as a whole..about 45 min. So I'm not sure that it will make it on to this post. We'll see. Here are some photos:

The before shot with a nervous smile.

Sallie, pianist extraordinaire and June, reception hostess extraordinaire

Rejoice Greatly!!

It's a grand night for singing!!

With m'ladies: Sara, Whitney, Mom, and Elise

YoMama: My Diva inspiration

My lovely Deltas! Amy, Marla, and Lauren

BFF! Mrs. Wopsle

Tim and Mom: I couldn't have done it with out your support!

I'm already scheming to do another recital in September. So stay tuned!

Daily Meditations

2009-02-11T12:32:00.004-06:00

Some people live closely guarded lives, fearful of encountering someone or something that might shatter their insecure spiritual foundation. This attitude, however, is not the fault of religion but of their own limited understanding. True Dharma leads in exactly the opposite direction. It enables one to integrate all the many diverse experiences of life into a meaningful and coherent whole, thereby banishing fear and insecurity completely.

-Lama Thubten Yeshe, "Wisdom Energy"

I am becoming more and more secure in my identity as a Buddhist. For the first time in my spiritual life I'm not afraid or insecure. I feel empowered by my spirituality. I'm working on being more open with this revelation. I'm still fearful of the judgment of others. There are some harsh views of difference here in the south. I want to believe that the ones I love and that love me aren't in that category. I'm working on it.

Tornado Tuesday

2009-02-10T19:02:00.004-06:00

Around 4:30ish this afternoon while still at work an uncharacteristically early in the season tornado touched down in Edmond. The actual touch down was about 8 miles north of my office. A little too close for comfort. Tornadoes scare the bee-jeezus out of me. Although I have never truly experienced one, the chances of being directly affected by on living in Central Oklahoma is higher than I would like. I try to ignore this fact. This is about the extent of weather that I witnessed. It didn't even rain that much.

From the Daily Oklahoman

When I got home I received a call from my Nanny in upstate New York. The conversation made my day:

Me: Hi Nanny what's going on?
Nanny (in stereotypical cliche NY accent): I just saw something on the news about Oklahoma! Do you know what it is?
pause
Me: Umm...we are having some tornadoes?
Nanny: Yeah, that's what I saw!

I love to guess what the news coverage is in New Paltz, NY. I'm pretty convinced that the majority of Americans that have not had the pleasure of visiting Oklahoma or knowing someone who is from or has lived here thinks that it's nothing but Boomer Sooner, trailer homes, and tornadoes. It seems like the tornado yesterday that hit Edmond was one of the few since the May 3, 1999 storm that has hit somewhere other than trailer homes. Tornadoes aren't a really positive thing to be known for Oklahoma...bad PR.

Anyway. We are fine. Everyone we know is fine. It just added some excitement to the afternoon.
Oklahoma should work on promoting it's AMAZING sunsets! Here is a pic I received at work taken by Michael Danielson at Lake Hefner. These kind of sunsets are more frequent than tornadoes. Enjoy!

days of grace - seven

2009-02-08T21:58:00.002-06:00

I had my solo recital this afternoon. It was wonderful and well received. A long post with pictures in on the way I promise, but now I'm tired and watching the boob tube with YoMama.
So here is the list for today:

1. Enjoying performing again

2. Extended friends and family

3. BCBG everything

4. A very helpful husband (Thank you Tim!)

5. Catching up with oldie but goodies friends at Delta Weddings (Congrats Whitters!)

Bon Anniversaire Monica! The Big 2-1

2009-02-06T12:57:00.005-06:00

Today my babyseester FrancyPants has been alive 21 years. Geez! So here is a post of 21 things about her that make her magnifique!

Monica the birthday girl is/has/can...

un: studying abroad in Frenchtoastland and I am proud/jealous

deux: really nice calf muscles

trois: a cute boyfriend

quatre: a good listener

cinq: adventurous

six: a knack for always having the same hair cut as me

sept: a really talented photographer

huit: legally drink with her own ID in the USA

neuf: make great ugly faces

dix: loving

onze: silly

douze: crazy beautiful

treize: stubborn

quatorze: good with money

quinze: a devoted friend

seize: a really good runner

dix-sept: an international ambassador of stuff

dix-huit: fashionably granola

dix-neft: a tree hugger (literally)

vingt: a little bitty tongue monster

vingt et un: GETTING OLD!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICA! Je t'aime beaucoup!

days of grace - six

2009-02-04T14:26:00.002-06:00

1. Pedicures with Elise

2. Fun trivia lists on Facebook

3. Smelling like dryer sheets in an effort to combat static cling

4. Adventurous fashion

5. My new Michael Kors skirt - Lovezit!

Eh...25 things about me

2009-02-03T13:12:00.005-06:00

Lately I've been less than inspired to write a real post. No thanks to the 'days of grace' easy cheesy list posts. So although I'm still suffering from writers block I will participate in one of those cut and paste make a list thingies that I keep getting tagged on from Facebook. Because you know I'll never pass up an opportunity to make a list...

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you.

1. Nothing grosses me out more than people clipping their nails in public. Tim and I were at Taco Bueno the other day and this old man was CLIPPING HIS NAILS AT THE TABLE. I thought I was going to vomit right there.

2. I really love pandas. If you ask me why I don't have a reason.

3. I would like to live on a dog ranch so I could sit on my front porch and say "see that one there, that's Belle - she's a golden retriever. And that one Puff - he's a Chinese Crested". Just like I do when I'm sitting on my couch watching dog shows on TV.

4. I have a sad addiction to silly juvenile drama/"Reality" shows like Gossip Girl, the NEW 90210, The Hills, The City, and America's Next Top Model.

5. I used to hate coffee, iced tea, and onions. Now I drink a cup of coffee a day, at least 2 glasses of iced tea and use onions in almost every recipe.

6. I love living with Tim, but I really miss my college roommates.

7. I think hugging should replace handshakes.

8. I wear heels everyday all the time. If I'm wearing flats it usually means I'm sick and don't feel good or I'm having a "fat day".

9. I'm so relieved and grateful that my sisters and I are all best friends now. For a couple of years I was losing hope that it would ever happen.

10. At any given time I have at least 10 lipsticks/glosses in my purse.

11. I'm glad that I got married at 22. I really love being married. Waiting a couple of years just to walk down the isle at 25 would have been a mistake. Do it when it feels right...age is a number.

12. I show love and affection through food. If I cook for you I love you.

13. Working out makes me feel powerful and sexy. I didn't used to work out and never really knew what these feeling felt like.

14. I play Magic-The Gathering...and I'm good.

15. I don't know what my "dream job" would be.

16. I don't really like to talk on the phone. My good friends know this about me. Sorry, I'll call you back eventually.

17. I do crossword puzzles for hours. I love them!

18. I want to live in a Pottery Barn store. When we finally get a house I would like to just pick rooms out of the catalog and transplant them to my house.

19. I think college, gas, health care, a cup of coffee, cereal, shampoo, milk, and tampons are way overpriced.

20. I think you can get a pretty good idea of a persons personality, self image, and character by the shoes that they wear.

21. There is a correct way to load a dishwasher.

22. I boycott T.V. shows like The Bachelor/Bachelorette, or any match making show for that matter, because I truly believe that they are creating bad Karma for the female gender.

23. I'm a firm believer the communication is the key to success for any kind of relationship.

24. If you want to buy me a perfect gift...buy me a cook book.

25. I rely on the information on Facebook as if it were a credible journalistic source. If it is on Facebook it is real. Facebook don't lie people!

OK, this list was a little harder to make than I thought it would be. But there you go. I challenge you to make a list too.

days of grace - five

2009-01-31T23:45:00.000-06:00

1. Muddy kitty prints on my windshield

2. 5 hours of shopping with Sara

3. Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona

4. Getting a hair cut

5. Feeling loved and appreciated by the people that you love and appreciate

days of grace - four

2009-01-28T13:19:00.002-06:00

1. "well i should probably go catch the metro cause there's going to be a strike soon and i don't want them to shut it down before i get there" - monica's excuse to get off facebook chat with me

2. reading in today's Dear Abby that 30 years ago when a woman first saw a thong in the lingerie department she thought it was a jock strap for transvestites.

3. Oklahoma City looking like Colorado - brilliant white and snow covered

4. Gym dates with Tim

5. Beating Halo 3 in one week

days of grace: three

2009-01-26T23:06:00.001-06:00

1. quality time with Tim playing video games

2. songs that make you smile and cry at the same time

3. feeling happy and terrified that 30 people have RSVP-ed to my recital

4. hot tea with honey

5. friends that tell you that you're not a failure if you stop reading a book half way through because you feel like you are banging your head against a brick wall with every page turn

***
I promise that I'm not going to use these days of grace lists as an excuse to not write "real" posts. Give me a couple of days for the novelty to wear off. OK?
***

Day 2 of 365 days of grace

2009-01-25T12:08:00.002-06:00

1. Skyping with Monica in France

2. clean clothes

3. Tim scrubbing the bath tub

4. Watching the Miss America pagent with friends for the 4th year in a row

5. the smell of freshly brewed coffee...mmmm snickernut!

365 Days of Grace - Day 1 of 365

2009-01-22T08:56:00.005-06:00

With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.
- Dalai Lama

So lately I've been feeling empowered. No particular reason really but I'm just "in a really good place right now". (*Sorry for the use of an annoying cliche phrase*) I was in cycle/circuit class on Wed night and had an epiphany of sorts. I just couldn't believe that I was enjoying being tortured for one solid hour by getting on and off a spin bike to lift weights. I couldn't believe that I am excited to study for the LSAT and go back to school, or that I couldn't wait to go to work the next day and close the lease negotiation that I was working on. It is just weird! I am so grateful for every day and every moment! (I know this is getting ridiculous...I promise I'm almost done...)

Along with my fitness schedule, my reading schedule, my singing schedule, my dates with Tim schedule and my TV watching schedule...I decided that although I enjoy running around with my iPhone filled with lists and schedules I want to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n and savor the flavor (to use another cliche) of my life. Live in the moment (last one I promise) if you will. But often when we start listing what we are grateful for it usually ends up being a monologue about how great we are individually...see paragraph above ;). This time will be different.

***
I stumbled upon some bloggers I read posting Day whatever of 365 Days of Grace and looked in to what it was. As you know I have an affinity for list making, so what better way to fulfill #32 and be a little more optimistic about life in general. I will strive to NOT make a list about myself. So join in or not... a little optimism and gracious perspective never hurt anyone...

1. Oscar nominations

2. Netflix on xBox to watch Oscar nominated movies

3. coffee and peanut butter power bars

4. productive department meetings

5. friends that you can be honest with

I bet he picked out his clothes the night before...

2009-01-20T16:21:00.002-06:00

So today the Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States. I've felt nervous for him all day. Listening to the coverage on NPR this morning didn't help. I felt like it was the first day of school. Did he lay out his clothes the night before? Did he wake up before his alarm went of and lay there and think about the day? Did he hold his schedule in his sweaty hands all day crossing off each event until he took the oath of office?
I just kept thinking about what it would have been like to be there in D.C. to witness such an event. Listening to the media countdown for the last couple of weeks and all of the MLK Jr. coverage yesterday really brought it home. Although this is an "historic inauguration", I don't remember ever being wrapped up in it like I was this year. That is probably because I've never cared enough or really participated in the process like I did for this election. I want Obama to prove all of the loud mouths wrong so I can walk tall in OKC. I want him to live up to the expectations that he has set for himself. I have faith that he can do it, but it still makes me nervous.

I do find the historical significance of this inauguration interesting. Think of all the different meaning it holds to the different generations. Many of the major players of the civil rights movement are in their late 70s early 80s...think of what this means for them, everything they have fought for and lived through. And in the opposite think of what it means to the people of that same vintage that were in opposition of equal rights.
Obama ran such a grass roots campaign, sweeping up the young vote in almost a cult like fashion. For many young voters this was the first time that they ever exercised their right to vote. And it really counted...it made a difference...it made history. I hope that the youth involvement and this outcome inspired this generation to stay involved and keep up with Obama's policy in the upcoming years. We do have the power to keep him honest on some of the promises that were made during his campaign. And we are the next generation of law makers. The college graduates of this decade will most likely include the next round of legislators for our children.
And then there are the children of 2009 who many of the upcoming policy changes and legislation will directly affect their lives as they grow up. Just like the children who were born and grew up during the years at the end of and after the Great Depression. They don't have a say, but we do and we have a responsibility to them and their future. Obama has made statements to this affect. He is directly responsible to his own daughters who fall into this category.

The times are a changin' people. I just hope that we are willing to embrace the change. The first day of school is always exciting and overwhelming. Maybe it would be a good idea for Obama to pick out his clothes for the next 100 days.

Amen!

2009-01-15T13:17:00.005-06:00

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99311912 ~listen to me!

I don't know if anyone heard this interview on NPR on Tuesday with Gene Robinson, the Episcopal bishop that will give the invocation at the opening events of Obama's inauguration on Sunday, but it had me talking to the radio and nodding my head in agreement. I'm sure there are alot of "angry" religious types out there reacting to this interview and Bishop Robinson's selection. But to them I channel Yomama and say ~ GET OVER YOURSELF!

All public prayers should address "the God of our many understandings". I'm glad that Obama & his team are setting this precedent early. I will certainly make an effort to hear the invocation on Sunday.

And now a reflection from Mr. Lama~

Now, there are many, many people in the world, but relatively few with whom we interact, and even fewer who cause us problems. So, when you come across such a chance for practicing patience and tolerance, you should treat it with gratitude. It is rare. Just as having unexpectedly found a treasure in your own house, you should be happy and grateful to your enemy for providing that precious opportunity.-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Restlessnesses

2009-01-13T12:31:00.004-06:00

So around this time of year, every year, no matter what is going on I always get a little restless. Like I'm just itching for some kind of change. I think it is a strange time of year to get this way. Most people feel bummed out in the winter and a bit restless in the spring or summer. Not me, winter time baby...LETS JUMP AROUND!! I really can't put my finger on it. I know that I'm really busy, I've got lots of stuff going on but I just feel like I always need to be moving. Like I have ants in my pants. Like I just drank a pot of coffee by myself. I've been having trouble sleeping but it hasn't made me tired. Some might suggest that I have anxiety...but I've had anxiety/panic attacks in the past and this is a more positive feeling. Not doomy and gloomy but more like skinny jeans and 75% off shoe sales.

Maybe someone laced my tea with speed or prozac...I really like the tapity tap tap sound of the keyboard...

It's on...for real this time.

2009-01-07T15:08:00.004-06:00

Today I sent out the Evite announcing the date of my solo vocal recital. I've already rescheduled it once so it was now or never. When I pressed SEND to all 91 people I thought I was going to throw up. For the first time my excitement turned into nervousness.

12 people have already accepted and it is still 5 weeks away.

Crap.

Meditation

2009-01-06T10:00:00.004-06:00

Happiness and suffering come from your own mind, not from outside. Your own mind is the cause of happiness; your own mind is the cause of suffering. To obtain happiness and pacify suffering, you have to work within your own mind.

-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "The Door To Satisfaction

This is an interesting thought isn't it? I truly believe it though. Most of the "problems" we face in life are a series of poor reactions or poor decisions that we have made. We do it to ourselves and we are the only ones who can change it.

I wish that I could wear a saying like this on a shirt and wear that shirt all the time! The delusion that so many people live in is baffling. Truly. Not that I'm claiming to be above it all or anything. I have my days. But when I spend a day in Woe is Me Town I often look back at it and feel sad that I wasted that time being mopey. Every day is a gift. Why waste it being sad or mad? For Realz!

That's all the deep thinking I have for the day.

On a side note: I finished New Moon last night. MMMM...SO GOOD! On to Persig. From Fictional Vampire romance to Buddhist Philosophy. I'll call it eclectic.

Lala What'cha Makin?

2009-01-02T10:44:00.005-06:00

Check out my new foodie blog... http://lalawhatchamakin.blogspot.com

inspired by yomama of course.

I think this is the start of #42...

2009 is here and so am I

2009-01-01T20:57:00.003-06:00

So 2 days ago I started a "looking back on 2008" post but it conflicted with one of my resolutions so the post was scrapped. This year it is all about now. Living in the moment. Being honest about everything and being a little more selfish about my time. One thing I will say about 2008 is that I learned that I am the most important thing to me. I changed my life by taking my health into my own hands and proving to myself that I can put me first and magically my relationships improved with out me giving too much of myself.

SO... I resolve not to change anything but to enjoy and experience all the changes that happen. To react responsibly to life and not dwell on the past or try to plan the future. As forward thinking as this all sounds it also kinds of freaks me out. It is going to be much harder than I make it sound. But I know that this new path I'm on is the right one and although I am young, now is the best time to start learning about myself and figuring out who I am with the help of wonderful company I keep. I feel confident that all of my relationships will only be strengthened by this resolution.

And in the spirit of living now, I also resolve to stop talking so much. I often talk and talk about my plans...MY PLANS...like that really exists. I get so excited about possibilities of lots of things but I feel like my mouth gets in my way. There is a difference between the law of attraction and the law of annoying. So just to keep all of you guessing I'm not going to yak and yak about things...it kind of gives away a lot of my great post material.

And finally, I resolve to love. I resolve to love unconditionally. Myself, my husband, my family members, my friends, my co-workers, everyone. Love is my religion now. It is the greatest gift of all.

Happy New Year!

Wrapped up with a bow!

2008-12-28T21:36:00.004-06:00

Well the holiday week is over. New Years is upon us. This Christmas was one of the best, I've never been so happy and fulfilled as I was to host my family for almost a week and also to get to spend some quality time with Tim's family. We got the joy of seeing his grandparents on Friday night for dinner and my belief in soul mates was once again reaffirmed. His grandparents have been married for 68 years and they still dote on each other and tell stories of how they fell in love. Their story is Notebook like, truly. Tim's grandmother pulled us aside and told us that she sees the same kind of connection in us that has helped her marriage last so long. That is a huge compliment coming from her.

**Not to mention that she is truly my fashion icon. She is in her nineties and showed up to the dinner party in a red cashmere sweater with a faux fur collar, black pencil skirt, red and silver fishnet pantyhose, and red suede 2 1/2 inch knee high boots. For realz. She always dresses like this. She says that everyday is a special event so why not look your best? I agree!!!**

What a wonderful example of truly living your life to the fullest. Tim is lucky to have such great role models in his life. All of our family on both sides are so wonderful and although we are still "young" we are realizing more and more that every opportunity we have to see our extended family is a blessing. I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and is looking forward to the New Year.

confession

2008-12-24T10:13:00.002-06:00

This weeks hosting duties have stressed me out a little more than I anticipated. My obsessive list making probably hasn't helped this problem, but it gave my mom something to make fun of me for... ;) The fact that I'm hosting people I love so much makes it much better and I get to show off my new awesomeness in the kitchen!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

I hope the rest of the week is relaxing!

Shopping Chapter 1

2008-12-22T14:24:00.004-06:00

So I seem to always end up blogging a couple of times a month about how much I LURV shopping. I love shopping for anything...underwear, groceries, lamp shades, the certain color of purple rugs for my bathroom...anything. I really think this post should be chapter 3 or 4 based on my previous shopping posts this year but I will start at the very beginning...a very good place to start.

When I go holiday shopping...as we all know - this is at lease my 3rd post about holiday shopping...and I can't help but always buy myself an item or five.

Gift certificate for friend from lingerie store...3 bras for me.
Earrings for sister at boutique...Yurman knock off ring for me.
Books from Amazon.com...3 books for me.
Cookbook from Tuesday Morning...I decided to keep it for myself.
Clothing for Mom at Dillard's...2 pairs of Antonio Melani knee high boots for me.

Are you seeing the trend? I even stooped so low as to buy some gifts for people that I will gain equal benefit from. I've spend at lease the same if not more money on myself this year as I have on gifts for others. Does this make me a bad person...No, I don't think so. I think it makes me appreciate myself and how good I look in my new bra underneath my shirt from Old Navy, wearing my new boots standing in my kitchen cooking dinner for all my peeps from my new cookbook.

Stand By Me

2008-12-18T08:58:00.001-06:00

This brought tears to my eyes...thanks Mom! Happy Birthday, I love you!

Holiday Shopping...how does it make you feel?

2008-12-17T12:43:00.004-06:00

This year I did 95% of my holiday shopping on the internet and because the experience was so WONDERFUL I will probably use this method from now on. I heart it so much because not only did I get to shop in the comfort of my office chair/couch at home, the anticipation of waiting for the packages to arrive so I can open them only to wrap them again in festive 90% recycled holiday paper for the recipient to open...made it that much more fun! I also got to avoid wasting my life away looking for a parking spot or milling through the zoo of people at the malls.

I don't really enjoy holiday shopping as much a regular shopping because I feel like I'm so rushed to make decisions then I have to wait in line for 5 hours to check out, the cashiers are all stressed out and then I have to lug around all the bags making me wish I had just been lame and given everyone Target gift cards. Shopping isn't the best part of holiday shopping; it's making lists that I get joy from. I love lists...I mean LOVE them. I probably wrote and edited my holiday gift list literally 10 times just because I could. This year I loved making the list of gifts for people and then printing out my receipt and tracking info so I could cross off things on my list. I love...I mean LOVE crossing things off my lists. The listing also helped me keep track of how much I was spending. I'm willing to bet that this year Tim and I spent the least amount of money on gifts in the three years we've been...or rather...I've been holiday shopping as a couple. Plus it was another list to make..duh.

Holiday shopping on the web makes me feel giddy...the perfect mix of laziness and obsessive listing.

why i love him...

2008-12-14T21:20:00.005-06:00

in efforts to "keep the spark alive" this romantic this exchange happened today:

Me: "Say something romantic..."

Tim: "I'll buy you new shoes."

This man is a genius!

I Win!

2008-12-12T15:49:00.004-06:00

This year Tim and I are sending out holiday cards. Partly because we are just so good looking that we want to afford all 60 of our friends and family the opportunity to let us stare at them from their fridge for at least the next couple of weeks and partly because every year when we get a number of card from people it make me feel like a lazy looser. But not this year! This year I decorated the apartment, took pictures in advance to make cards, went and purchased the holiday stamps, planned the Christmas week menu, made gifts form my co-workers AND did all of my holiday shopping on-line as of today. BooYea!

So when you get our card this year please remember to think about the fact that you should probably send one to us so you can join the cool kids club of overachieved holiday spirit.

Looking Back to Look Forward

2008-12-09T16:48:00.002-06:00

My parents moved from Fort Worth, TX to Denver a little more than a year ago and out of my "childhood from 6th grade through college" home. Over the Thanksgiving weekend I finally had to face this fact. I accompanied my parents and Elise to THE STORAGE UNIT to retrieve my childhood in 15 gallon Rubbermaid bins and a couple of beat up boxes. It was a very sobering experience. Ever since they were lovingly delivered to our apartment I've been avoiding them. Pushing and sliding them around the apartment but not opening them. Stacking and re-stacking. Finally the other evening I decided to pick the smallest of the bunch and open it. Grades 3-8 bombarded me with photos, birthday cards, programs from ballet recitals and Nutcracker performances, report cards, and my favorite so far...the employment contract (yes you are reading that correctly) that I signed to attend my Magnet elementary school - I was the Postmaster General first semester and the President of my class second semester - which included clauses such as doing my homework in an efficient manner, explanation of the monetary system we used, mall rules and the various positions in our class government. I also found lots of notes and pictures from friends that I am no longer in contact with except through Facebook which really doesn't count. It was very interesting to stir up those memories. This box led me to another of the same size that was stuffed with photos of those same years plus high school. I spent 2 hours looking and organizing photos. Some I disregarded with no feeling, others I had to stare at and recall how I was feeling or what was going on in my life at that frozen moment in time. I also found some love letters from old flames and by some I mean all of them. That's an entry for my journal only.
But looking through all of this stuff really got me thinking of my life right now. How different I am from the girl in those pictures. How that is not Me. I am the person writing this post but when I'm done writing I'll be a different person also. All of my experiences in those boxes contribute to my life experiences but they are not who I am. I am the present. Keeping this mindset is the only way I'll get through the 15 gallon bins.

Ave Maria

2008-12-05T15:23:00.004-06:00

So today I sang at a funeral for one of our Tri Delta alums who's husband of 59 years died this week after a 15 year battle with prostate cancer. It was such an honor to be called out of the blue to participate in this human/spiritual ritual. I knew of Mrs. Beverly Thompson but I have yet to really get to know her. From what I learned about her husband and her family today everyone that knew Jim Thompson was very blessed for the experience. Despite the sadness and grief that shrouded the energy of the sanctuary I kept noticing all the familiar Tri Delta Alumni faces of all vintages who came to support Beverly. I was called to sing partly because of that same affiliation. I feel very lucky to be included in the Tri Delta family in this way. Because that is what we really are - a family. The friendships that are forged during the collegiate years are a start but the real relationships in Tri Delta are maintained once we hit the real world and really NEED each other. With out my family living nearby these women of all ages have become the people I turn to and rely on for support. They show genuine interest in me and my life. They keep me accountable to my commitment to this group and make me feel like I'm a part of something bigger than myself. You may be reading this thinking...silly sorority girl...but this isn't just sorority stuff, this is life stuff. I've never really felt like a part of something until I graduated from college and really realized the significance of my pledge of lifelong loyalty to Tri Delta and all it's members before and after me. I take that very seriously. Those that do not put as much stock in that commitment are really missing out on something wonderful. So it isn't silly. I hope everyone has something that makes them feel this way. Something that makes them feel like they are loved and part of something. Greek or not, all you need is love.
So today I witness and participated in some Delta Love for the Thompson family and all the people who were impacted by Jim Thompson. Thank you for the honor of being a part of your family today. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Yes...not so hard yet..

2008-12-02T16:32:00.003-06:00

that's what she said... ;)

So far I've said yes to the annual Tri Delta Ornament Exchange party on Thursday, attending a block party downtown on Friday, running bandit in a 5K on Saturday, hosting a Big XII football get together Sat night, baking 3 dozen ginger cookies for my choir concert reception, and purchasing 2 poinsettias to decorate the stage at the concert.

No I do not intend to keep a running list of the things I say yes to...unless they are interesting or amusing...but just to make a point of what can happen in 2 days.

I think this month is going to be busy, but oh so fun. Hopefully all this yessing will make the month speed by so my family can get here sooner for the holidays.

NaBloPoMo - Day 30 - Till next year

2008-11-30T18:20:00.004-06:00

So today is the last day of National Blog Posting Month. I really can't believe November is over. Posting every day wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. I welcomed the challenge of trying to think of something to write about daily and found myself looking forward to taking the time to post. I went back through all my posts for the month and realized that I really enjoy this and I'm kind of funny...kind of. I got to revisit all the events of the month and love that I have a running commentary on what is going on in my life. Posting daily also taught me how to edit my posts...not everything is blog worthy. Writing posts made me want to journal about my personal experiences also. I've never really been a journaler but now I feel like I want to document things so I can look back and reflect on my life and my experiences and so maybe one day my kids can learn from my experiences and know a little bit more about their parents. I would have loved the opportunity to know what my mom was like when she was my age. I bet we are pretty similar. I would probably be best friends with her at age 25 just like I am now.

NaBoPoMo also helped me appreciate all the bloggers blogs that I read regularly who support their families with their writing. The camaraderie and connection that the Internet allows is such a wonderful gift and privilege. But it is strange at the same time. I feel like I KNOW some of these people that I read about daily. I always wonder if I'm ever going to run into Susan from Friday Playdate in the grocery store or at the mall. I would be that really awkward person that gets excited and creepily approaches her and thanks her for her daily humor about being a mother and living in Oklahoma. I'm so inspired by people and proud to be a part of this human family. I don't know who reads this other than my family but I enjoy the outlet it provides.

I'll be posting regularly from now on and next year I'll be participating again in NaBloPoMo. Now I just have to think of my Monthly Self Improvement for Dec.

NaBloPoMo - Day 29

2008-11-29T21:32:00.003-06:00

We had so much fun last night. Good friends, good drinks, great photos, embarrassing arm wrestling at 2:30am at Whataburger... but I'm too tired to be witty and creative. We just caravan-ed back up to OKC with my parents and Mon & Jon. We are all watching the OU/OSU game...too close for comfort. Boomer Sooner!

P.S. - I ran the 5K in 41.29min...not really that impressive but a personal best...and working hard.

NaBloPoMo - Day 28

2008-11-28T20:42:00.001-06:00

So Turkey Day was great. We had a lovely day with the in laws and the rents and the seesters. We ran the Turkey Trot with 10,000 other people, watched Texas beat the Aggies, we ate turkey, we walked on the golf course, we watched a number of movies. It was a wonderful, relaxing, stress free holiday with both sides of the family.

Tonight Tim and I are going to meet up with a number of my high school friends at Megan's mom's house then out to a bar. I'm excited to see who shows up. I'm hoping to see my GBFF from high school - Chuck. I haven't seen him in almost 5 years. But before we go flash back to R.L. Paschal high school I'm going to attend a party at Miz Carla's house. I recently found out that I'm the "featured guest" at this party. Meaning I'm expected to sing for the guests. I anticipated this happening but I didn't know that I was the "featured guest". Elise let me in on that fact about 30 min before the party. YoMama failed to inform me of that important fact.

But I think this is a example of ask and you shall receive. I always think, "I wish I had more performance opportunities" and they pop up with out me even knowing about them. So stay tuned.

NaBloPoMo - Day 27

2008-11-27T20:43:00.001-06:00

Happy Turkey Day!

NaBloPoMo - Day 26 - Thanks!

2008-11-26T15:38:00.004-06:00

Although Thanksgiving is tomorrow having family in town this week has had me thinking of the things I'm thankful for this year. So much has happened in the last year. I almost feel like it is New Years and I'm looking back. I still have one more month to make memories for 2008. But here is my annotated list of thankfulnesses. I'm going to get pacific here because thanking friends and family in a blanket statement is lame and doesn't waste enough time when writing posts at work at 3:30pm the day before Thanksgiving.

I'm thankful for...
1. Being an American - tomorrow is just Thursday ever where else in the world
2. Tim - he's the bestest husband I know and he puts up with my crazy. I'm thankful for the fact that we agree that communication is the most important thing in our relationship and that we can overcome anything if we keep that in mind.
3. Sara - with out her I wouldn't love my job as much or have been inspired to go to law school or have someone to give great suggestions to about anything and every thing
4. Amy - she is cute and funny...but really she needs no explanation because our love can not be explained...(*awkward pregnant pause*)
5. My parents - I'm so thankful for their love and support of every endeavor that I may decide to obsess about for what ever duration whether it be a second or years. I'm thankful for the love that they show each other and the openness they have about their relationship. No matter what dysfunctions they may think they have, their marriage is one that proves that love conquers all and give me an example to live up to.
6. My seesters, Elise and Monica. I miss them every single day. Although we didn't get along great growing up...now they are my best friends. Living in three different states really made me realize how much I need them. A compromise must be made about the livable distance at some point. I'm so excited for Elise to live in OK again so we can make some more memories together and I'm so excited for Monica to be living her dream of studying in another country in Jan. Although I will miss her terribly now that I've discovered the glory that is Skype I won't be so heartsick for her goofy face.
7. My health. A little over a year ago I was 20 lbs over weight with a bad knee. Tomorrow I will run in my first 5K. I'm so thankful and proud of myself for putting my health as a priority and I finally feel good. Getting healthy turned out to have many more than just physical benefits. The self confidence is almost overwhelming. Getting healthy has improved my physical appearance, my relationships, my career, and my spirituality.
And finally...
8. I'm thankful for being alive. It sounds silly, but really. Being alive, living in the moment, the world is such a wonderful place with wonderful people and I don't want to miss anything. I savor every moment good and bad. It makes me who I am.

Habe Dank.

NaBloPoMo - Say 25

2008-11-25T13:17:00.000-06:00

This evening I sang for my parents at a rehearsal for my recital that will take place Feb 8 at 2 pm at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, in case you were wondering. I sang and sung and singed my little heart out. It was such a wonderful experience. I was so proud and grateful at the same time. My mom cried, my dad shut his eyes, and I giggled with glee. I'm pretty sure my parents haven't heard me sing since I graduated from high school, eh...6 years ago. It was wonderful.

I was inspired by my genius mother to make my recital a fund raiser for the youth choir at the church. I do not attend this church but I'm giving back to the United Methodist Youth music because if it weren't for my friend Sarah Whitton whom I bonded with singing songs from the Little Mermaid on the tennis court freshman year in high school and then had she not invited me to join her amazing youth choir at a United Methodist Church...I would never have found my voice and would not be the fabulous hobby singer that I am. Thanks Sarah.

So come hear me sing. I'm pretty good if you ask me.

NaBloPoMo - Day 24

2008-11-24T16:56:00.000-06:00

Today is Monday. I generally don't have a problem with Mondays because I enjoy my job so much but to day just stunk...literally.

List of smells I had to deal with today:
1. Sunday night's black bean soup
2. sewage backed up in the office building making my office smell like poo
3. 2 hours of close contact meetings with Halitosis Geologist
4. something in my car...ever seen the movie Sweetest Thing?...
5. OCC hearings with Halitosis Geologist
6. someone in my office wearing terrible floral hand lotion...it smelled like a bouquet of lilies had thrown up all over her
7. paranoia...yes it has a smell. I forgot to wear deodorant.

That's all. Hopefully tomorrow will be less fragrant.

NaBloPoMo - Day 22 & 23

2008-11-23T15:22:00.000-06:00

I know, I know...I'm lumping days together again. I was doing so well for most of the month. At least I'm making it up and posting to account for the days instead of just skipping them and giving their existence no credit...

Day 22 we (the Sooners) beat the snot out of the over-Raided, Texas Tech Raiders...it was one of the most electrifying games I've ever attended. Sadly it was also the last home game that Tim and I will be able to attend as "students". This sad realizations didn't materialize till mid way through the 3rd quarter. The pouting only lasted seconds because then the Sooners scored AGAIN! OU 65, TX Tech 21...BOO-YEAH!

Day 23 was just another day that reaffirmed the direction that the Thompsinario choo-choo is chuggin in. My parental units are in town inhabiting the guest bed room and the couch after 9 pm. It is so wonderful to have them here but bittersweet too. I was so used to seeing them almost once a month if not every 6 weeks when they lived in TX. The last time Tim and I saw them before Saturday was July 4th weekend. TOO LONG. I'll let you know when the countdown to neighborship commences.
YoMama and I did do some culinary/pastry bonding and doubled a pumpkin strusal recipe that resulted in a bunt cake, a 9 inch round cake, a loaf, and 12 muffins. My real questions is, how big was the original cake supposed to be?

NaBloPoMo - Day 21 - TGIF!

2008-11-21T11:13:00.004-06:00

Click on the comic to read it in a size that human eyes can see
I wish I had a fish for everyday this week.

This one is good too...

Just some commentary on the state of business in general.

Even more relevant if you work in an office...

TGIF!

NaBloPoMo - Day 20 - Perezzies!

2008-11-20T11:43:00.002-06:00

So I have a small..er...uncontrollable obsession with celebrity gossip and the celebrity gangstar Perez Hilton. So just for giggles vote for the Perezzies!

If keeping up with celebrity juice isn't your main squeeze maybe I'll be inspired to post something of substance later in the day.


Hottest Hookup	Biggest Breakup
Chris Brown and Riha...	Hugh Hefner and the ...
Favorite Jonas	Breakout Star of the Year
Joe	Lady Gaga
Baddest Bad Girl	Biggest Scandal
Amy Winehouse	Raffaello Follieri's...
Best Dressed	Worst Dressed
Rihanna	Amy Winehouse
Hottest Hottie	Cutest Celebuspawn
Megan Fox	Suri Cruise
Most Improved	Worst Trainwreck
Nicole Richie	Amy Winehouse
Most DVR-worthy Series	Biggest Box Office Blowout
Gossip Girl	The Dark Knight
Celeb of the Year
Barack Obama

Who would you vote for?
Go to PerezHilton.com to vote!

NaBloPoMo - Day 18 & 19

2008-11-19T21:43:00.002-06:00

Oops...didn't write yesterday. But you know what I had a hell of a day so I'm pretty certain that I wouldn't have been able to create anything with the usual wit and intelligence for my loyal readers (Hi Dad!).

So today I've recovered from the depths of self pity and have a been pondering a life question...

Will Tim and I ever be ready to have kids?

I feel like everyone is having babies or if they are not they are talking about them or someone they know who is preggers or trying to get pregnant or are having a baby "with out trying"...really?...

When we got married (at 22 and 23) right after "Congratulations on your wedding" came "so when are you going to start a family?" Besides the fact that I think that question is rude to ask any new bride, not to mention one who is 22, I always stifled the urge to say "Nunya damn bidness!" and punch them in the face...so I would politely laugh and smile and add them to my hit list...

But I digress, I just wonder if we will ever be ready. When the subject comes up we say yeah...someday, after we are done with school, make a certain amount of money, live a certain place, own a house, have a certain number of years of our careers under our belts... I'm leaning toward before I'm 40. We can't just plan everything out or it will never be the right time to make a life long investment our human spawn.

You may be thinking..."Lauren, you are projecting...you obviously want to have a baby." You are wrong. I go through great lengths to NOT have a baby. I have a change of venue and 3 years of law school ahead of me not to mention the fab career that I've started and I'm "only" 25.

But none the less the question still lingers. I know when the time is right Tim and I will be ready even if we aren't.

NaBloPoMo - Day 17

2008-11-17T22:36:00.002-06:00

Such a busy and tiring day. It is so comforting to be able to come home to my bunny and my hunny. I'm starting the count down till family season. MoJo T-4 days, Mom & Dad T-5 days. I just saw Elise but it is T-13 days till she moves to Norman...I'm so excited!

NaBloPoMo - Day 16

2008-11-16T12:58:00.000-06:00

So yesterday I went to see the Oklahoma City University Opera Department perform La Rondine by Puccini. I went by myself at the last minute and I'm so glad I did because the show was sooooo good! The student vocalists were incredible! I had never seen this opera but I'm studying one of the arias from the first act. The show was even more enjoyable because this is the first time I've seen a show and not felt the grip of jealousy with every note. It was lovely to be able to just appreciate the talent of the students and the beauty of the story without a two hour internal monologue of bitterness all the while berating myself about not pursuing my vocal music degree. I sat through both of the intermissions with excitement and anticipation for my recital, getting to hear one of the students in the show sing as a soloist for Canterbury in Dec., and the opportunities that await me as a hobby singer. Clarity and direction are wonderful. It was refreshing to finally witness these new characteristics of mine. I kept thinking...isn't it going to be fun to be a singing attorney...

NaBloPoMo - Day 15

2008-11-15T17:59:00.003-06:00

Today I went to a luncheon celebrating Tri Delta Founders Day. My Fraternity is 120 years old this month and my chapter, Theta Gamma at OU, is 100 years old this month. It is so humbling and honoring to be a part of an organization with so much history. Almost 200,000 women are current collegiate or alumni of Tri Delta. I am part of a huge sisterhood. One of the largest in the history of Greek affiliations.

So happy birthday Delta Delta Delta!

NaBloPoMo - Day 14

2008-11-14T16:34:00.002-06:00

The clouds are rolling in and the temperature is dropping. Our furnace is fixed and I'm in the holiday shopping mood. Thank goodness it is getting cold tonight. It has been unseasonable warm the last couple of weeks and I need it to feel like winter outside not a confused spring day with the humidity of August but chilly mornings with lots of colorful leaves on the ground. I just love winter and the cold. It reminds me that I am a warm being and it forces me to savor every last ray of sunlight before it gets dark at 5:30pm. I feel a little more alive when there is a crisp chill in the air. I think that is why I love skiing so much. Aside from the joy of flying down a slope at admitably ludicrous speeds, I love being in the cold air and seeing my breath. I love the intimacy of peeling off layers of clothing to get into bed in just a nightie to snuggle up to my sweety and stay warm. Walking into a warm house from a cold outside has much less desperate urgency than being an uncomfortable sweaty mess in the summer and walking into the air conditioned mall only to require a cold beverage and 30 min to stop sweating before you can try on any clothing. I enjoy spring, but at soon as the first sweaty day hits I'm craving highs in the lower 40s. This is all just proof that I am a true Colorottin' through and through.
So bring it on Old Man Winter...show me what you got!

NaBloPoMo - Day 13 and #1 - Be faith filled

2008-11-13T10:51:00.002-06:00

Sakka asked the Buddha: "Do different religious teachers head for the same goal or practice the same disciplines or aspire to the same thing?"

"No, Sakka, they do not. And why? This world is made up of myriad different states of being, and people adhere to one or another of these states and become tenaciously possessive of them, saying, 'This alone is true, everything else is false.' It is like a territory that they believe is theirs. So all religious teachers do not teach the same goal or the same discipline, nor do they aspire to the same thing."But if you find truth in any religion or philosophy, then accept that truth without prejudice."-Digha Nikaya

From "The Pocket Buddha Reader," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Boston, http://www.shambhala.com/.

NaBloPoMo - Day 12 and some #32

2008-11-12T19:25:00.004-06:00

After a day filled with boredom, broken furnaces, meetings, hunger, and blisters on my heals I walked in the front door and Tim reminded me that he isn't deaf.

I cook 6 days a week. I use a lot of spices. When we moved into our new place this summer I established a spice shelf - one 8"x8" shelf in a cabinet and now I'm at 3 shelves of that size and some random spice jars in the pantry. I'm always looking for the Italian spices or something and I'm always complaining out loud "I can't find anything!...here is the Rosemary, and the Paprika, and the the Marjoram...where are the dang Italian spices?!?". Today I slugged into the front door at 5:30pm, after nixing the idea of attending my Wednesday night spin class, and went to deposit my lunch containers in the kitchen. I look around and see a beautiful shiny new stainless steel spice rack with refillable glass containers. I am dumbfounded...of course...where did this come from? Is it from the maintenance guy who came to spray for bugs today? Did I buy it during a black out retail therapy session? No, on his way to work Tim saw that Linens and Things is having a going out of business sale and went there at lunch and bought me a spice rack, for 30% off! I love this man and his secret listening skills. Either he loves me a lot and is showing appreciation of my cooking or he is tired of me whining about lost spices... I choose to believe the latter.

NaBloPoMo - Day 11 - Showing restraint...maybe

2008-11-11T11:19:00.004-06:00

How ironic that on the one week anniversary of electing THE MAN and on Veterans Day, a day of humble honor and remembrance, a co-worker of mine would send a chain email describing how "we", "(the more intelligent Christian conservative GOP members who voted for McCain)", should be praying for Obama and all those who are being "duped" by him and his "Narcissistic Personality Disorder". REALLY?! Why would someone send this to me? Did they see the HUGE Obama button that I proudly wore just a week ago. I'm trying to practice restraint in composing a snarky response back to my co-worker but I'm not sure how to go about it. I could just say "please don't include me on any chain emails in the future" or "I'm a liberal, Buddhist, Socialist Democrat who doesn't appreciate your blatant ignorance of appropriate professional dealing regarding respect to people with differing opinions from yours."

Although that is a gross exaggeration, if they can say shocking things so can I! Maybe I'll go with the first one...I think this situation calls for some Meatballs with out Borders...

NaBloPoMo - Day 10

2008-11-10T16:03:00.003-06:00

Thanks to No Electronics Sunday I finally completed the transformation of my wardrobe. I have lost 20 lbs since January of this year and as exciting as the journey has been the reality is most of my wardrobe is now 3 sizes too big. So I did a real What Not To Wear purge. I took everything out of my closet and tried stuff on. I ended up putting about 20 lbs of clothes, shoes, and purses in bags for donation and filled another big bag of designer clothes that are newer and in good shape to sell at a resale shop. I just couldn’t bring myself to donate Ann Taylor and Banana Republic stuff that is just a year old with only one season of wear. I’m going to try and get some things altered but I’m not sure if taking suit pants from a size 10 to a size 4/6 is doable. I also came to the realization that although my wardrobe is less than half of what it was all of the pieces I have to wear now, and the ones I saved for next summer, all fit me and are good quality pieces. I’m just going to have to get creative with accessories and be more adventurous with my pairings. I’ve got my spending under control lately and with the holiday season coming up and my saving for an iPhone, when I feel the need to shop I’ll be looking for fun jewelry and shoes…well shoes can get out of hand…ok just jewelry.

NaBloPoMo - Day 9

2008-11-09T10:00:00.001-06:00

This post was typed in advance because in the Thompsinario family Sundays are no electronics day. A couple of months ago Tim and I had a conversation about starting some family traditions of our own before our family grows. So every Sunday we sleep in, read books, play cards, do laundry...blah blah...but we hang out together. It feels like we are always running in opposite directions during the week. Sometimes we don't even manage to talk to eachother during the day untill we are both in bed at night. So building in quality time was a must. Now we look forward to No Electronics Sunday. So if I don't pick up my phone...I'll call you back.

NaBloPoMo - Day 8 - Truck Nutz

2008-11-08T17:12:00.006-06:00

So there is a trend..er..problem that many men have down here in the south...called Truck Nutz. Yes, you read that correctly...Truck Nutz. Metal casts of testicles that hang from the trailer hitch of big trucks. I'm not sure what these guys that display their Truck Nutz are trying to say...or portray. Well actually I could probably guess what they are trying to portray. But, really.

On the way to the gym this morning Tim and I were driving behind a black Dodge Ram with huge steel Truck Nutz and we started joking about how funny it would be to put Truck Nutz on a Geo or a Prius. They are just so ridiculous. This particular truck we were driving behind also had a HUGE cross sticker on the back window. So this man not only has huge steel Truck Nutz...this man loves Jesus.

Only in Oklahoma.

NaBloPoMo - Day 7

2008-11-07T21:15:00.002-06:00

So yesterday I hoped that today would bring me something to write about...

Today I went to an annual Oil & Gas Legal seminar. No big woop. Presentations were great...I want to be an attorney...the usual. Walking out of the seminar for the day, Sara and I were discussing the fact that since we met she started wearing heels because of me. I was so flattered that I inspired some one's love for stilettos that I promptly shoved my signature black Nine West 4 inch black stiletto pumps through the cuff of my NEW suit pants and tumbled down the stair case in the lobby of the Sheridan Hotel. Binder goes flying as does the contents of my purse and my other shoe. So when I finally stop tumbling 4...count them 4... people that had the pleasure of witnessing this acrobatic act helped me get my stuff together. Sara is standing over me holding my shoe that wasn't stuck in my pant cuff with a look of horror on her face all the while trying not to laugh. She thought I had passed out or something...but when she realized that I just don't have the skills to walk down a flight of stairs in public she commenced laughing for the entire walk back to the car. And the chocolate sprinkles on the whole fat whipped cream topping my caramel macchiato was as we were finally exiting the lobby of the hotel a very trucker looking guy yells HEY and holds up a sign that has 10 written on it. REALLY?! He had enough time during the clean up of my Tony worthy performance to find a pen and write 10 on a sheet of paper...

I would have to agree though...it was a perfect 10.

NaBloPoMo - Day 6

2008-11-06T22:09:00.004-06:00

I must admit...I almost didn't make a post today. But then I thought how lame it would be to not keep with this for even the first week. I used to be notorious for giving things a try for a few days or weeks but then not sticking with it. But this year I have indeed turned over a new leaf. I've kept a work out regimen, I've reached my weight loss and fitness goals, I've lapped my time for keeping the same job (2 years), and I finally have a 5 year plan (I know...haha..I have a plan). So, I know I can post for a month...even if the post is essentially about nothing significant like this one.

Tomorrow is Friday. I'm going to a legal seminar with my boss and Sara...it should be interesting. Hopefully I'll get some inspiration for tomorrow's post.

NaBloPoMo Day 5

2008-11-05T15:15:00.003-06:00

"No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path"
Buddha

So much has happened in the last 24 hours and I don't really want to talk about it. I'm tired of talking and listening to politics and what everyone thinks and accuses. It is over...or rather it has just begun. As proud as I am about the major decision that has been made I am sad and deeply offended by others. But I can only control my own actions, thoughts, and words. All I can do is rally the troops and provide love, support, and a non-judgemental ear for my loved ones. Because no matter what you believe, what you do, what "happens" to you I will not judge...I will only love.

All day today I have been praying for some guidance for my feelings. All I want to do is go work out. Get on the tread mill and turn into my thoughts and meditate. I have never wanted to do this in the past. I always wanted to talk it out and pass on my stress to others. I would get so worked up over things that I would get sick. But now I almost feel calmer in the face of these issues instead of anxious. It is amazing what a little enlightenment can do for a girl.

So here are some meditations from Buddha that have come to mind for the day:

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection"

"Three things can not be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth."

"There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills."

NaBloPoMo - Day 4, Daily Meditation

2008-11-04T09:23:00.000-06:00

Never give up

No matter what is going on

Never give up

Develop the heart

Too much energy in your country is spent

Developing the mind instead of the heart.

Be compassionate not just to your friends but to everyone

Be compassionate.

Work for peace in your heart and in the world.

Work for peace and I say again

Never give up.

No matter what is happening,

No matter what is going on around you,

Never give up.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Go Vote!

NaBloPoMo Day 3

2008-11-03T10:00:00.007-06:00

Election day is tomorrow. Go VOTE...for Obama...

Do your part to add to the crazy soap opera that is American Politics...

Click on the comic to make it bigger.

NaBloPoMo Day 2

2008-11-02T19:53:00.009-06:00

Halloween was great this year! No drama, no crutches like last year...only great costumes and good company. We drove down to fort worth to go to Drew's party at his new SWEET house. I made Tim and Drew's costumes...I think they turned out great...

So the costume party was definitely worth the drive! We had such a good time and I got a special surprise!

Miss Piggy and Lois Lane were reunited! I hadn't seen Megan in almost a year and a half. But as true friends do, we picked up right where we left off. I love this chick!

Saturday night Tim talked me into going to the Cutting Edge haunted house in Fort Worth on a double date with one of his frat bros and his wife. It was $80 for the both of us...not worth the money and not as scary as I remember haunted houses being. This one was supposed to be one of the best in the nation. I guess I've grown out of the fear...maybe I'll enjoy horror movies again too...and then again maybe not. It was a fun double date and a great weekend over all...OU won, Texas lost, excellent party, wonderfully warm weather. Another Halloween has come and gone. Time is moving so quickly...I'm trying to enjoy it one minute at a time.

Happy Halloween!

Self Improvement - November - NaBloPoMo

2008-11-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

NAtional BLOg POsting MOnth...I vow to post everyday in the month of November...

This is going to be difficult. I feel like I'm committing to give up something for Lent.

So here we are DAY 1 (well kind of):

I must admit I wrote this post in advance because I'll be in Fort Worth spending the weekend celebrating Halloween - That post is going to be Awesome!

So get ready for some excellent randomness to entertain you for one full month.

It was a weenish day at work

2008-10-30T16:45:00.003-05:00

Although Halloween is on a work day this year, we celebrated it today with a pumpkin decorating contest and lunch. Of course Sara and I dressed up festively and I decorated a pumpkin. Here are the highlights...

Me and my mummy pumpkin entry

We are always such a festive and thrifty couple... Shirts from Wal-mart and "boppers" from 7-11

Here are my other favorite entries

Diva of the Day AKA OMG My new BFF!

2008-10-28T18:00:00.000-05:00

So last night...Mon night...Sara and I drove our asses up to Tulsa and back to hang out with my new (fictional) BFF...Alanis Morissette aka GOD…no really, didn’t you see Dogma? We went to her concert at the Brady Theater in downtown Tulsa as a birthday present to ourselves. It...was...AWESOME! She is an absolute genius! If I had an alter ego, as every woman should, it would be based on her music and the awesome/spirituality that is Alanis.

Characteristics of my alter ego:
Rock star/singer/songwriter
Able to convincingly head bang on stage to my own songs
Be legendary enough to point a microphone out into an audience and hear my song sung back to me in perfect rhythm and pitch…with emotion
Beautifully unique inside and out
Super intelligence
Awareness of body, mind and spirit
Communicate effectively what I feel and want
Rockin body
Incredible shoe collection
Get paid to shop

The last two have nothing to do with Alanis, but I’m still serious about them.

Half of her set was standing concert style and the second half she brought it in and sat down and jammed! I love small venues because of the intimacy. We were in the balcony and were still close enough to take pretty good pictures.

And in closing…THIS CHIC ROX!

Field Trips Are Still Cool

2008-10-25T20:00:00.001-05:00

So every year my company goes on a field trip. One year we drove up and down I35 and looked at outcrops of rocks and talked about “the amazing geology right under our feet”. Last year we went and visited one of our rigs while it was drilling. This year we went to the Blue Canyon Wind Farm. The same wind farm that Mike Rowe visited on the Discovery Channel show, Dirty Jobs. I LOVE that show…

Here is a website if you’re interested: Horizon Wind Energy

Whenever Tim and I are driving back and forth from Texas we always see the huge blades being shipped up I35 and now I know where they are going. It was a really interesting learning experience…but it wasn’t windy the day we went. So they were moving really slow…but it was still awesome to stand next to one of the turbines. When we see the blades driving down the highway on the flatbed trucks I always wonder how big the entire contraption is. Well each blade is 150 ft long and there are 3 blades per turbine…so it is BIG!

All in all it was a lovely day out of the office. Happy weekend!

the best thing about...

2008-10-21T09:49:00.003-05:00

The best thing about being a singer is having the songs I'm learning stuck in my head. Some people might be annoyed by it, but I really enjoy it. At any given point in the day I could be humming Carmina Burana or one of the 10 songs I'm rehearsing for my recital or, thanks to Canterbury, Christmas music. I'm not enjoying having a Musicological Journey through the 12 Days of Christmas running through my head. But I must admit it is one of the most clever (cleverist?) Christmas songs I've ever heard.

Here are some samples of what I'm humming this week...

http://http://favtape.com/artist/the+journey+through/play/UNi_Varsity_Men%27s_Glee_Club/Musicological_Journey_through_the_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas

Carmina BURANA
Uploaded by riquitodenantes

Rene sings Beau Soir...although not my favorite version I think the slide show is funny.

Enjoy!

Friday...yesssss

2008-10-17T16:42:00.003-05:00

I’m so glad that its Friday. Every morning this week I’ve counted down the days till Friday. Wednesday I was laying in bed at 7:15am (30 min after I should have been up) and said out loud "2 more days till I get to sleep in". And the same scene happened Thursday and then this morning. I’m not sure why getting to sleep in on Saturday morning has been such a goal for me this week, it just has. I’m thinking about not doing anything this weekend. No football, no social events, no nothing. Just me and Tim and Spud…hanging out doing nothing. It sounds wonderful!
I would feel a little lame missing the football game because this week is homecoming…but I’m just not in the mood. I want a weekend off. So yeah.

On another note…congrats to MoJo for getting accepted into their study abroad programs for the spring! That is so exciting. I really hope I’ll get to visit, but we’ll see with all my stuff going on.

Have a great weekend!

Because ME told me to...

2008-10-15T13:08:00.002-05:00

Overcome your uncertainties and free yourself from dwelling on sorrow. If you delight in existence, you will become a guide to those who need you, revealing the path to many.
-Sutta Nipata

The phase of life that comes after undergrad is really hard. People deal with it in different ways. Some go straight into graduate programs, some get married, some bum around with non-career oriented jobs, some move back home, some start a career that they have wanted to do for their whole lives and it turns out to be nothing like they expected. No matter what, people in this age group are usually just a clueless about what they want to do as they were when they were choosing which college to go to when they were seniors in high school. I still think it is ridiculous that we are forced to choose a degree/career plan when we are a mere 19 or 20 years old. I find that a lot of people work or have made careers in field unrelated to their degrees. I chose to get a business degree because it was so broad…but that’s a problem too now isn’t it. I’m 25 and I still change my mind every month. Although now I’m down to the same one or two options instead of the idea that I can do anything I want. Why can’t someone just tell me what to do?!?!

And then yesterday someone did tell me what to do. That person was ME! I’ve decided that I will not be afraid and I will just go for it. I’m just going to pick one and go. I love my accidental job that I’m doing now. It is wonderful how it has all just happened with little to no effort on my part to control everything around me. I am so grateful that I am where I am because if I hadn’t ended up here, working with the people I’m working with, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to realize that I am much smarter and capable that I ever gave myself credit for. If I hadn’t taken these 2 ½ years to work I might have rushed into something that would have led me in circles. SO, big change ahead people! I’m sure you are wondering “what big change?! Tell me, tell me!” But Me told me something else yesterday, don’t tell anyone (except Tim) what the plan is. I tend to talk and talk and talk about what I want to do. Often leading to unrealistic expectations about my plans and doubt cast on me from others that think I’m just talking again. So I’m sorry I won’t be revealing anything just yet. Although I will be keeping track of my progress here so maybe in a couple of months you will be able to guess. And no we are not having a baby.

Thanks for all your love and support, all 3 of you that read this blog.

I couldn’t have stood up to myself with out you!

Admitting you have a problem is the first step...

2008-10-09T14:09:00.003-05:00

So when something isn't going my way or I'm just feeling a little down I shop. My mother calls it retail therapy. It has a nice ring to it...and it is WAY cheaper than actual therapy to deal with everyday problems. well sometimes it is cheaper. I personally think all therapy or any kind, well except physical therapy if you stick with it, really only brings up deeper issues that in the end keep you in therapy longer and then when your issues are worked out you think you need therapy to cope with the small stuff...this is just my opinion. It is true for retail therapy too.

Here is this weeks inner dialog that lead me to retail therapy:

I miss my family...I should ask for a raise...when should we move to Colorado?...should we move at all?...should I stay here if my company can match my offer in Colorado?...can we afford to finish decorating our apartment?...should I go back to school?...when should I go?...I really love these pants on me!...I can't believe I can fit into these pants...I wonder what else I can fit into...I should go try on dresses at OldNavy...I have no money...I really want a cat (baby)...I need a vacation...we can't afford a vacation...I just want to go to Colorado and see the rents...oooohhh look how good I look in this dress...it is a size SMALL!??!?!...I'll take three...

and here I am again. And of course retail therapy is not covered by heath insurance. Actually under my company's new policy real therapy isn't covered until you've paid out of pocket so either way it would be going on my credit card...or in my case my GAP card. UHHH!!!

But I did get three dresses, two bracelets, a pair of really cute black and gold hoop earrings, and two pairs of chunky heeled pumps - one in purple and the other in grey...I will get good use out of them right? Actually I will. I will probably be wearing them when I go back to therapy. Funny enough I'm wearing an outfit that I bought with mom in July on my last BIG therapy session at Ann Taylor...how ironical...

so true...

2008-10-04T22:22:00.000-05:00

No matter how bad a state of mind you may get into, if you keep strong and hold out, eventually the floating clouds must vanish and the withering wind must cease.
-Dogen

If only...

2008-10-03T08:54:00.003-05:00

Today it was 59 degrees when I walked out of my apartment to go to work. Standing outside my door trying to lock it i realized how stuffy the air in our apartment is. I started dreaming right then and there about what I would do today if I didn't have to go to work.

I would stay home with all the windows open wrapped up in my new comforter and read or sleep till lunch. Then I would make a wonderful black bean and chicken stew with organic/gluten free cornbread and eat till I was full. Then I would watch a couple of hours of DVR television, play with the bunny, then when it has warmed up to a delicious 85 degrees around 3pm I would drive to the lake and run until I could no longer move my legs. I would go home and take a long shower and await my wonderful husband's return from work.

And just as I was opening the door to greet Tim at the end of the day...I pulled into the parking lot at work. So here I am remembering the glorious day that I wish I were having...

Self Improvement - October - Enjoy fall

2008-10-01T16:56:00.005-05:00

The fall is my favorite time of year minus the spring like allergy attacks. I love the leaves turning and the cooler weather in the mornings that turn into cooler evenings. I love the sun going down earlier. There is so much to do in the fall that sometimes we really miss the beauty of it. I've been running outside on Tuesday afternoons at the lake and yesterday on my run I really felt renewed by the sun and the wind and not being on a treadmill. So until it gets cold outside I'm going to embrace the season that comes every year that I have yet to really appreciate.

(Photo by Heather of dooce.com)

Awesomness x 23 = Elise

2008-09-26T10:28:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Elise!!!
23 Reasons why my sister Elise is AWESOME for her 23rd birthday...

Elise is/has...
1. passionate about life
2. incredibly loyal
3. loves unconditionally
4. beautiful inside and out
5. loves animals
6. really great fashion sense
7. really good at makeup
8. really nice legs
9. intelligent
10. honest
11. a hard worker
12. a fast runner
13. the momma of a really cute puppy
14. one of my best friends
15. really good at rainbow eyes
16. funny
17. photogenic
18. patient (sometimes)
19. loving
20. silly
21. determined
22. Rox
23. THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!!!

I love you seester and hope you have a great birthday!

Great Success!

2008-09-20T11:44:00.003-05:00

I am a cook. I love to cook. I am not a baker...I burn cookies.

HOWEVER...I strive to be both. So on the weekends I will try baking.

This morning I made fruit coffee cake. IT WAS AWESOME!

In honor of Sooner Football

2008-09-20T11:04:00.007-05:00

Tim and I met at a party for OU football in Jan 2003.

We have been to every home football game together since. This is the last year one of us will be a student at OU and the last year we will probably be able to afford tickets for a while. This weekend is one of the two weekends of the season there is no game. So in honor of one of our first shared loves, two weeks ago at the OU/Cinncinati game we took some pictures and video...

Thinks we love about OU football...

1. Tailgaiting with friends
2. Seeing all the WT fans
3. The Boomer Sooner chant at the beginning of the game
4. Watching the cheerleaders and waiting for one of them to fall out of a stunt
5. Watching the sorority girls wear dresses and cowboy boots to stand in the
student section in 100 degree heat for 4 hours.
6. Corndogs
7. Winning
8. Watching drunk fans get WAY too into the game
9. Standing in the packed stadium with the the knowledge that 80,000+ people are
there for the same reason
10.Being together knowing that these kind of memories are ones that we will share
with our children and grandchildren

Tim standing next to our bench on campus behind the library. We had many heart to heart convos and sweet moments here in the 3 years we spent together on campus

We're #1!

It was Sooner love from the start!

Happy Birthday and #47

2008-09-17T10:54:00.000-05:00

So by birthday isn't until next Sunday but family gifts usually come in the mail early, so I really get to celebrate for about a week. My loverly Mother and Farther are pretty generous in the love and support department. This year they were also generous in the twentyfiveth birthday girft department.
I present #47 - Own a REAL designer purse! I didn't think this would happen so quickly! But I'm so thankful and grateful and excited. I know it is "just a purse" according to the husband. But still. I'm a big girl now and can handle the responsibility of wearing a quarter of my rent on my shoulder.

Thanks mom and dad! I love you!

The glory of funny women...

2008-09-16T10:42:00.003-05:00

I heart Tina Fey and Amy Poehler...

"They mis-underestimated me" - President George W. Bush

I hope we don't get the opportunity to mis-underestimate Sarah Palin.

#32 - Show gratitude daily

2008-09-11T08:50:00.001-05:00

Although #32 – Show gratitude daily – isn’t something to “accomplish” I am feeling very gratuitous lately. Not for any particular reason. Nothing fabulous or awful has happened. I am just happy. Satisfied really. Gratuitous. I have wonderful friends who put just as much effort as I do into maintaining a fulfilling and functional relationship. My friendship/marriage is the best it has ever been. I have a wonderful family who supports me what ever I decide to do. I love my job. I just feel great.

I think part of this “awakening” – if you will – has to do with the book “The Power of Now” that I recently finished as part of my August Self Improvement. I think about the message and lessons in this book daily. I feel like I FINALLY get it. It really helped me decipher my true feelings about faith, spirituality, religion, and controlling my mind in my every day life. It is both all about me and all about my relationship with others. Energy. I have control of the energy I project. I have control of the energy I choose to let into my life. The people I hang out with. I won’t judge people for their energy, but if it doesn’t fit into my field I’ll move on.
Forgiveness is key. Immediate forgiveness. Of self, of others, of situations that I do not control and of those I do control but didn’t think through very well.

I’m grateful for my mom for recommending this book. I’m grateful for Tim for putting up with all of the “lectures to myself” that he listens to. I’m grateful for my friends and family for loving me for who I am (even if I’m really really bad at calling people back). I love you all.

Thank you.

i heart birthdays!

2008-09-08T08:46:00.002-05:00

Today is Tim's 26th birthday.

This weekend we celebrated by eating shrimp, watching Borat "'Very nice!", going to the OU game, eating pizza, hanging out with friends and family, drinking beers from around the world, telling jokes, opening gifts, going to Luby's, playing card games, eating birthday morning pancakes. All in all a great celebratory weekend!

Happy birthday bub! I love you!

Save the drama for yo mama!

2008-09-03T08:51:00.003-05:00

"However, in flight school in Pensacola, he did drive a Corvette and date a girl who worked in a bar as an exotic dancer under the name of Marie, the Flame of Florida." -Fred Thompson speaking about John McCain at the RNC last night.

As hyped up about politics as I am, I'm also getting a little tired. All Labor Day weekend between refinishing furniture, beating Tim at cards, putting furniture together, and rewiring our entertainment system the topic of conversation always landed back on the politics of the moment. News of Sarah Palin's pregnant daughter. Did Cindy McCain meet Mother Teresa or not? Obama's mother was 17 when she had him. Drama Drama Drama!

But, just like the Olympics, big elections only come around every 4 years. And just like the Olympics, America has the opportunity to make history. Hopefully the persons elected to make that history won't repeat the "history" that we've made in the last 8 years.

September Self Improvement - Just do it

2008-09-01T16:52:00.001-05:00

Sept-08

Nine months ago I made a new years resolution to get in shape and get healthy by my 25th birthday (Sept 28). With 28 days left to meet that goal I don't have much farther to go. I've been busy this summer and will be spending the month refocusing on my self through meditation, excersize, and eating.

Stats: Since Jan 1, 2008 I've...lost 12 lbs, lowered my BMI from 25 to 19, dropped 2 pants sizes, refocused my spirit, learned to love working out, finished a 5K in 30 min, learned how to cook

It is going to be a great month, and I can't wait to turn 25!

Can I Get an AMEN?!?

2008-08-29T21:11:00.006-05:00

Some of the buttons sold on the 16th street mall in Denver

Text from Obama's DNC speech last night...all though I was not alive when JFK ran for office all the video and stories and things I've learned about him through out the years...Obama seems to resemble him for my generation.

"But what I will not do is suggest that the Senator takes his positions for political purposes. Because one of the things that we have to change in our politics is the idea that people cannot disagree without challenging each other's character and patriotism.

The times are too serious, the stakes are too high for this same partisan playbook. So let us agree that patriotism has no party. I love this country, and so do you, and so does John McCain. The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America - they have served the United States of America.

So I've got news for you, John McCain. We all put our country first.

America, our work will not be easy. The challenges we face require tough choices, and Democrats as well as Republicans will need to cast off the worn-out ideas and politics of the past. For part of what has been lost these past eight years can't just be measured by lost wages or bigger trade deficits. What has also been lost is our sense of common purpose - our sense of higher purpose. And that's what we have to restore.

We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This too is part of America's promise - the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort.

I know there are those who dismiss such beliefs as happy talk. They claim that our insistence on something larger, something firmer and more honest in our public life is just a Trojan Horse for higher taxes and the abandonment of traditional values. And that's to be expected. Because if you don't have any fresh ideas, then you use stale tactics to scare the voters. If you don't have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run from.

You make a big election about small things.

And you know what - it's worked before. Because it feeds into the cynicism we all have about government. When Washington doesn't work, all its promises seem empty. If your hopes have been dashed again and again, then it's best to stop hoping, and settle for what you already know.
I get it. I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office. I don't fit the typical pedigree, and I haven't spent my career in the halls of Washington.

But I stand before you tonight because all across America something is stirring. What the nay-sayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. It's been about you.
For eighteen long months, you have stood up, one by one, and said enough to the politics of the past. You understand that in this election, the greatest risk we can take is to try the same old politics with the same old players and expect a different result. You have shown what history teaches us - that at defining moments like this one, the change we need doesn't come from Washington. Change comes to Washington. Change happens because the American people demand it - because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time.

America, this is one of those moments."

I don't care what what people's politics are I just encourage them to be knowledgeable about both sides. I watched all the key note speeches from the DNC and I intend to watch all the key notes next week at the Republican Convention. The nomination of Sarah Palin is very interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing the match up of Palin vs Biden.

All I'm saying is educate yourself and make your vote mean something.

AWE...wait for it...SOME

2008-08-28T13:03:00.002-05:00

So I’ve always been intrigued by activities in which people claim to be professionals. Some of the Olympic sports like synchronized swimming and badminton or track cycling and trampoline don’t seem like people would pay someone to train for. Although in “sports” like these, especially synchronized swimming, there is a certain amount of training and time commitment involved.

How about non-sports? There are professional video gamers and professional eaters. And the best of all…Professional Air Guitar Champions. No, I did not make this up…
American Hot Lixx Hulahan won the 2008 World Air Guitar Championship in Finland. He looks like he is having a very choreographed seizure.

vacation recovery

2008-08-26T14:58:00.002-05:00

Vegas was awesome. Much more than I expected. I think going with my besties for my first Vegas experience made it that much better. We played hard and partied hard. Apparently too hard for me. I'm home sick. Strep Throat.

Do adults get Strep? I guess this one does. I remember getting this when I was in middle and high school but I don't remember it being this miserable. Uhhh!

When I'm feeling a little more up to it I'll make a longer post about the trip. I surprisingly didn't do most of the picture taking so I also have to wait for the girls to post their pics.

And now back to the couch for the afternoon programming...

3rd Annual Girly Trip

2008-08-21T13:50:00.006-05:00

Well I'm off to Vegas today for the 3rd Annual Girly Trip with Megan and Whit.

First time to Vegas. I am very excite as Borat would say!

We are staying here:

Seeing this show:

So far that's all I know. Megan is planning it and I know it is going to be an awesome weekend! Stay tuned for a post trip update.

50 Things in 5 Years - #25

2008-08-20T10:25:00.014-05:00

Last weekend I embarked on my first of 50 experiences to complete my list of things to do in 5 years. I attended the McAllister Oklahoma State Penitentiary 68th annual Prison Rodeo. Along with the usual rodeo events, the inmates participated in 3 rounds of the signature Prison Rodeo event Money the Hard Way and the Wild Horse Race.

-Money the Hard Way- Angry bull released into the ring with a $100 bill tied between his horns. If an inmate can retrieve the money they get to keep it...and GO!

Round 1: Inmates enter the rodeo arena. Some are wearing helmets and vests resembling a swat team. Mostly men but some of the female bareback competitors joined in. The bull enters the ring with the prize tied between his horns. One crazy, i mean, brave guy comes running toward the bull but at the last second changes his mind. TOO LATE BUDDY! The bull charges the guy (not wearing a helmet or vest) head butts him up in the air and slams him against the wall a couple of times then tramples him. The inmate doesn't move nor does he retrieve the money. All the other inmates are on the opposite side of the arena and have obviously decided that it isn't worth $100 bucks.

So the above pictured inmate medical crew escort trampled/body slammed by a bull guy to the medic room directly below our seats. His face was mangled and swollen on one side almost to the point he couldn't open his eye. His shirt was torn, he had busted lips, and he was covered in the rodeo dirt/horse poop from the ring. It makes me wonder if the inmates practice beating each other up in preparation of Money the Hard Way. I'm sure it happens.

Round 2: no one even gets close the the bull.

Round 3: The announcer upped the ante and had all $300 bucks tied to the bull. All the inmates in "the cage" watching the event went wild although they don't look like it in this picture.

This time two guys tried to tag team the bull. One guy got trampled and thrown in the air and the other guy got the money and the bull never touched him. He better be sharing that money!

-Wild Horse Race - a three man/woman team of inmates are given a wild horse on a rope. They must saddle the horse and ride it across the arena in less than 3 minutes to win. Hard to describe so here is a video. Watch through till the end to see the best part.

It was the most exciting event of the evening. There was a documentary film crew there for the second year in a row filming this gladiator event. I will be watching that film. It was a great event and people drove in from all over the place. The arena was almost full and the weather was beautiful. I am happy that I got to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary system in this way.

1 down 49 to go.

a great BFFaversary!

2008-08-17T23:00:00.004-05:00

I got to hang out at the Delta Shelta today and help with rush. It is SICK how much I enjoyed it. But aside from running errands, lining up rushees before the party, cleaning the rush room and catching up with alums and members, I got to hang out with Mrs. Wopsle. She still remains as my fav person in the world that I'm not related to. (I'm related to Tim...we're married, don't freak out!) I just can't get enough of her. We are indeed two peas. And this week of Rush is our 6 year bestfriendaversary. It is the longest serious relationship I've ever been in. And one of the most fulfilling and functional. I love you Amy.

Kemp & Germ forever!

Daily Meditation

2008-08-14T09:13:00.002-05:00

If we divide into two camps--even into violent and the nonviolent--and stand in one camp while attacking the other, the world will never have peace. We will always blame and condemn those we feel are responsible for wars and social injustice, without recognizing the degree of violence within ourselves. We must work on ourselves and also with those we condemn if we want to have a real impact.

-Ayya Khema, "Be An Island"

I blog…I’m a blogger…I am blogging…

This is my 4th attempt at maintaining a blog. But this time it is really different. I actually think about it all the time. When I am driving, walking, sitting, breathing, I am so much more aware of my surroundings because you never know when something interesting or hilarious might happen that you can write about. As silly as it sounds trying to really keep up with this blog has forced me to be aware, to be present. This is partly inspired by my new found spirituality and the book I’m reading. Being aware of myself and my surroundings at all times has cut down on my negative “stinky thinking” and calmed down that internal monologue that we all have. I feel like I’m really living my life. Enjoying it. The mind is such a powerful thing and just like all powerful things it needs some controls. Exercise and sleep and journaling have become my controls. I acknowledge what is happening or what I’m feeling and then let it go. Like a balloon into the sky. The real trick is getting the balloons off the chair they are tied to...geez these knots are small...

Back to normal

2008-08-13T14:38:00.002-05:00

HE'S BACK!! HE'S BACK!! My Grizzly Adams husband has returned from the wilderness. I'm so glad that he's home! I'm not quite as sure how I feel about the facial hair he brought home with him. I'll get over it. I'm just glad I have someone to feed!

HE'S HOME!!!

Proud to be an American

2008-08-12T10:35:00.000-05:00

Nothing makes me feel more patriotic than the Olympics. Not fireworks, 4th of July or voting for the president. I am so sad that I have an office job and can’t sit at home all day and watch all of the random events like synchronized swimming and badminton. So I’ll have to settle for the prime time events.
Last night I watch Michael Phelps set another world record and win his 3rd Gold in the Men's 200M Butterfly.

I also watched the men’s gymnastics team event in its entirety. Jonathan Horton, a fellow Sooner, helped the USA win bronze.

He was the most charismatic person on the team of all the first time Olympians. They rocked the house!! After the high bar element the stadium was chanting U-S-A in English. It was awesome to watch. I just wanted to hug all of them and get in line for the high fives after their performances.

The competition was fierce! After the 3rd rotation USA was in 1st but China came back with their strongest events being at the end of the evening. Japan was neck and neck with USA and beat them for the silver in the last rotation.

I LOVE THE OLYMPICS!!!!

Metal Count - USA on top of China by 1 medal

Daily Meditation

2008-08-07T15:09:00.000-05:00

Let your love flow outward through the universe, To its height, its depth, its broad extent, A limitless love, without hatred or enmity. Then as you stand or walk, Sit or lie down, As long as you are awake, Strive for this with a one-pointed mind; Your life will bring heaven to earth. - Sutta Nipata

Depen-dance

2008-08-07T13:35:00.003-05:00

So my husband my mom and dad and my sister M are all out of the country. Well T is in Alaska. I guess that's not "out of the country" but you know...

That many links to my life support chain are never again allowed to temporarily abandon me all at the same time.

I don't know if Spud is going to be able to handle much more of our bonding time sitting under the kitchen table...

Meditation

2008-08-05T12:47:00.005-05:00

Materialistic knowledge can only provide a type of happiness that is dependent upon physical conditions. It cannot provide happiness that springs from inner development. -His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Does that mean I shouldn't go rescue those fab peep toed platform slingbacks from Nine West?

I think if I rescue them it would kind of be like community service...that would lead to inner development. In that case...off to the mall I go!

::EDIT::
Went to the mall to buy these and they didn't have my size...of course. I'll just have to order them online. boo!
So I went to Victoria's Secret and bought undies instead.

if you're not hot at least you're funny...

2008-08-04T14:46:00.005-05:00

Last night I went to see Blue Mountain play at the Blue Door in OKC with S and L and some other friends. The opening act was so incredible it made me feel inadequate. The Blue Mountain was awesome too. The guitarist/lead singer was immensely talented. He LOVED to play. He loved it so much that he made satisfied/tortured sex faces when he was doing his guitar solos. The bassist/back up singer/guitarist's ex-wife was equally good at her craft even though the guitarist was way to into himself to let her have a solo. And then onto my favorite person in the band...the funny looking but also talented drummer. He had the BEST faces while playing and while not playing. But he was cute just because he played drums even though he wasn't "good looking".

Highlight of the night: When a comment was made between songs about the bassist and guitarist being more comfortable barefoot the drummer stood up and said "well then I'm going to take off my pants!"

Awesome.

Diva Of The Day

2008-08-02T14:26:00.004-05:00

I love to people watch. I am always in awe of the unmatched diversity of us humans. People watching forces me to stay in the moment so I can make sense of what I am observing. It makes me appreciate the artwork that is humankind. I strive not be be judgemental or catty in my people watching. I also try not to be obvious in my watching sessions but sometimes they just make me smile.

Today I was sitting in Pei Wei, The Asian Bistro, waiting for my take out and watching the people in line...

First walked in a really cute couple with an infant. father holding their PCK (pretty cute kid), hot model looking mom holding all the baby-crap-in-tow. it took them a while to order because they were debating with each other and the cashier whether 2oz of toe food was going to be a sufficient portion for their infant...

After the toe food baby couple was a group of 6 Asians all wearing a variety of sou veneer tee shirts from Disney land. It was awesome! They seemed perplexed with the menu but I enjoyed watching them point and discuss the huge wall sized menu in their Asianese. What to order at Pei Wei is a very important decision.

Then as I was about to listen to them order my Diva of the day walked in. I shall call her Urban Sparkle Granny Diva. She was a 5 foot nothing beauty of a grandmother aged woman. She had brown valour jumpsuit pants on, brown fitted T with gold and bronze rind stone and screen printed crown pattern (resembling the Juicy Couture crown logo but i will not give credit to the brand), AND a matching hat and purse with the same logo. She was fabulous!!! If I wasn't in gym rat mode I would have totally introduced my self and told her she was my Diva of the day and asked to take a pic with her so I could post it! I hope I will achieve and will strive my whole life to be that confident and stylish until the day I expire.

Diva of the day~ Urban Sparkle Granny in line to order at Pei Wei, The Asian Bistro

In Honor Of...

2008-08-01T23:00:00.004-05:00

I'm a planner. I love to plan, make lists, revise my lists, tell people of my plans at that very second in great detail even if I am 100% certain that I will be changing my plan in the next hour. I'm not known to be a spontaneous person. But I always like to have the option...

I randomly checked my yahoo email account for the first time since April today looking for a user name and password that I just couldn't remember or find anywhere. But in effort to determine if it was in this account I had to filter through all 200 messages (mostly junk) in my inbox.

Message 197 was an invitation to a surprise going away party for Erica Thomas, the exiting Creative Director of Cimarron Circuit Opera Company. CCOC was my saving grace my sophomore year in college when I changed my major from vocal music to business. I decided that it was divine comedy that the music department was NOTHING like what I was lead to believe when I auditioned for the school and maybe I wasn't suppose to be a singer. But I got up the courage to audition for Erica and then over the next 4 years I was in two opera choruses, helped with choreography, did a christmas show, and had the opportunity to perform with Erica in my first role as Little Red Riding Hood.

So I opened the email sent July 24 and found out the party was tonight in Norman. Tonight as in 7 hours from my reading it. So naturally I debated with myself whether I should rearrange my entire evening to attend this party. We decided to RSVP yes.

It was one of the best parties I've attended in a long time. When I arrived on time, I know - shocking!, I sat in the car debating whether or not to go in. I've got to stop debating my self. But I decided to get out of my car since I had already driven the 30 min to Norman. I sat with the 3 people that I knew in the room and decided to really attend this party. To experience it without acknowledging any thoughts that may enter my mind about the other things I should/could be doing.

I laughed, I cried, I got to witness the love and support that a creative family can have for one person. I was reminded that I am part of this creative family. The family at the opera company and the family of all musicians and singers in the world. It is a gift to be able to perform and entertain. It is a humbling gift. And it was wonderful to be able to celebrate a person who so unselfishly shared her gift of music through example.

Erica is leaving CCOC to pursue a new career in the Ministry of Faith. She was ordained in the Methodist church recently and all the people I met from her family and her church family were so thrilled that she is at the point in her life to pursue the talents that she has for the Spirit.

Saying yes to this party invigorated me and reaffirmed my path in the arts. Music and performance in many aspects is such a huge part of me. Every day I have music running through my head I am grateful. You never know what you will gain by saying yes.

the name

2008-07-31T17:20:00.000-05:00

although a name or a label shouldn't define people...with a nickname like Germ i can't help but run with it...