In the end

I heard a song from my youth today with a beautiful line that sums up the end of the year...

"In the end I want to be standing at the beginning with you."

Welcome 2008!

2007 In-a-Glance

Remember when we were kids and you used to hear old people say "where has the time gone" and "the year flew by so fast". And you thought that only crazy old people said that. Remember?

After my freshman year in college I suddenly discovered what it meant when people said that. Because since that year, the time has flown by. 2007 has gone exceptionally fast in so many ways. We've had many ups and many downs. All in all we've made in through another year together and have lots of hope that 2008 will bring us the best new challenges.

The Anderson's 2007 In-a-Glance:

Got a new car...had three ice storms...sold our house...bought a new house...gave up potatoes for 4 months...John turned 30...attended Financial Peace University...saved money on our insurance...John got a promotion...I got a promotion...started and quit and started and quit Weight Watchers...went on a girl's trip to Dallas...read 17 books...bought a Wii...I turned 26...we celebrated 4 years of marriage...met lots of different doctors...my mom got engaged...started to train to walk a half marathon and then quit...began eating dinner at the our new kitchen table...went on a real, live vacation with our own hotel room...learned to like a couple of wines...led Bible Hour...hosted a baby shower...lost the best dog in the world...drank enough Starbucks to supply a small country...John played a lot of golf...spent time with the Bladcox group...lost power (and our minds) for 36 hours...loved being a Sooner...watched both my parents turn 50...watched my sister turn 21...won some money on slots (well, that was just me)...and so many other highs and lows to think of

Another way to measure the year, here are all the places I traveled in 2007:
-Hollywood
-Minneapolis
-Dallas (10 times)
-Norfolk (2 times)
-Richmond
-Atlanta (2 times)
-Charleston, WV (2 times)
-Sacramento
-Chicago
-LA
-Pittsburgh
-Rochester
-San Francisco

Thank you all for coming along for the ride and for listening to my whining and my sarcasm and my heartaches. And for celebrating and getting excited and sharing in our joy. Despite all the good times, I am ready to say Good Riddance 2007!

Happy New Year!

Hiatus

Even though I posted on Friday, I still feel like I've been away for a long time. I've actually been pretty distant from my computer this week. It sat on the floor of my bedroom and I didn't move it until tonight. If I checked e-mail, I had to lean down or sit on the floor to check. It made it pretty easy to stay away!

I finished up my 2007 vacation days starting on Friday, December 21st. Tomorrow I go back to work for the first time in over a week. I'm ready to have a reason to get up and do something during the day...but it has been an incredibly relaxing time for me. I always try to save several vacation days for this time of year. It's a time when I am home by myself during the days and can do whatever I want. I also have a new tradition of seeing movies by myself and I LOVE doing that!

My time off this past week has included (in no particular order):

-Seeing three movies in the theatre (P.S. I Love You, Charlie Wilson's War, The Great Debaters)
-I cleaned my closet out to make room for new clothes
-Spending Christmas Day with lots of family
-Shopping for last minute gifts
-Playing with my new camera and TomTom GPS system
-Hosting family dinner at our house for 10 people (don't worry, I ordered in)
-Watching many episodes of Full House
-And various other things
-Opening lots of presents
-Putting away all our Christmas decorations
-Spending time with my husband with very few fights (relaxation does that to you)
-Crying when my sister gave me the perfect gift: Celine Dion concert tickets (I don't care that it's cheesy....it was on my list of things to do before I die)
-Marveling at all the gift cards and then decided I'd rather lay in bed than go spend them
-Getting inseminated
-Sleeping...a LOT
-Meeting Friday Play Date in-person
-Opening up our guest bathroom to poor, waterless Blais family (be watching for a hilarious update on their very unhilarious situation)
-Getting through several episodes of "My So-Called Life"
-Loving my husband for his patience and understanding while I was trying to relax
-Eating the best dessert EVER, the White Chocolate Molten Cake at Chili's
-Eating lots of other deliciousness
-Cleaning
-Ignoring the phone and internet
-Loving being lazy for days in a row but realized staying at home is not for me!

Oh, and my mom got engaged on Christmas Eve! Very excited for her and Bill....she deserves every happiness.

So....that's the excitement! I'm still messing with the camera, but one of my resolutions in 2008 (I'll post them all tomorrow) is to take more pictures and try to post pictures every week.

That's where I've been....but I'm back to work tomorrow and back to being up-to-speed on all things blog-related.

Philosophy of an almost 7-year-old

It was several years ago that John and I realized how in-tune our nephew, Easton was. He has always been a very bright kid, really likes being part of adult conversation. Most of you know that sarcasm is the key to conversing with Andersons and Gayles, and Easton has been working very hard to master it. He is almost 12 now.

Mason will be 7 in February. And while I knew he was starting to clue in to our conversations, Christmas day he sat me down to have a serious conversation and now I know he is officially listening to everything we say.

Obviously our doctor's appointment messed with the timing for both families on Christmas Day. So it was a topic of conversation, and everyone wanted to know what we'd found out. After presents had been opened and everyone was settled in with pie, Mason approached me in the living room with a very serious look. What follows is our conversation to the best of my memory.

Mason: "So I hear you guys are trying to have a baby." (this is an exact quote....imagine what was racing through my head!)

Me: "Well, yes, we are. We hope we'll have a baby next year."

Mason: (thinking) "Why?"

Me: "Well, because we like babies. Wouldn't you like to have a cousin?"

Mason: "I already have a cousin. I forgot her name, but I have a cousin."

Me: "Oh yeah....so, you like cousins."

Mason: "Yeah. You know, I bet you won't have a baby. Want to know why?"

Me: "Why?"

Mason: "Because you're skinny. Only fat people have babies."

Me: "Well, sometimes skinny people can have babies. But they get kind of fat when the baby grows inside them."

Mason: "Well, I don't like being fat. That's why I don't eat chocolate. Chocolate makes you fat. That's why I only eat M&M's because it's just a little bit of chocolate."

Me: (thinking that makes good sense) "M&M's are good. But I don't think you have to worry about being fat. You're skinny."

Mason: "I know. It's because I only eat M&M's. If I were you I wouldn't have a baby. Stay skinny."

Me: "I'll think about that."

Mason: "I don't like babies. Want to know why?"

Me: "Why?"

Mason: "Because they are expensive. You have to buy them a lot of stuff. If I were you I'd save your money and spend it on yourself."

Me: "I'll take that into consideration."

Mason: "I'm going to go play now."

Me: "Ok."

I love that kid....

The Day After

One of my least favorite days in the year is the day after Christmas. It's incredibly depressing. You work and work in this spirit-filled frenzy for weeks, then you tear the wrapping off the presents and stuff yourself with turkey and watch the heck out of "A Christmas Story" and suddenly....it's over. Family goes home, people go back to work, and presents have to be organized and put away.

In the past, this day feels much like the hours after my wedding. One of John's favorite stories to tell....we were in the car and just barely out of Edmond on our way to Gainesville for our wedding night at a Bed and Breakfast. From Gainseville we would head to Galveston, TX and a cruise ship. Which is another disastrous story for another day. Anyway, we were barely out of Edmond before I had this wave of anxiety wash over me. Not like "oh, no, what have I done?". More like "I can't believe I've waited 22 years for this day and it's over and I'll never have another wedding again!". Unfortunately the wave hit me and forced tears and hysterics to ensue. And I was unable to communicate to John that I was happy to be married, just sad to see the day end.

We were just past Norman when he asked me if I wanted him to call the preacher and tell him not to send in the license and offered to take me back to my mom's.

But really, I was just upset the wedding dress was packed away, the guests were gone, and I didn't have any groom's cake. Later, we'd settled into the B&B and I was calmed down enough to go grab dinner at Applebee's and John asked me if I wanted to take my hair down before we ate. Which caused an entirely new set of tears because my hair, oh my beautiful hair, was the last piece of the wedding day!

After a good night's sleep I was much better to enjoy our disastrous honeymoon!

Anyway....the day after Christmas is a lot like that day. Now we have 365 days (Leap Year) until the next Christmas. My aunt and grandparents went home, and all our presents are piles in our bedroom that need to be sorted. Plus I went to see "P.S. I Love You" last night in the theatres (even though I was only halfway through the book) and that got me pretty emotional, too!

But this morning I didn't let myself get down and weepy. Nope...we had a doctor's appointment, which takes all the energy normally reserved for the Day After crash-and-burn and put it into making sure everything went right this morning. I'm actually pretty grateful for the distraction.

Yes, we did go to the doctor yesterday morning, the appointment lasted a total of 7 minutes and everything looked great. I woke up this morning, things still looking great and we did our second IUI. Now we wait for around 2 weeks for good news.

I already feel much less stressed and obsessive than I did the last time. It's nice because I'm able to talk about it--last time we tried keeping it from too many people because we'd hoped to provide our family with a Christmas surprise. This time....I'm laying it all out there and it's very therapeutic. Plus, I know what to expect this time and I won't be second-guessing every ache or tweak in my body for the next 14 days. My goal is to stay off all pregnancy and infertility websites for 14 days. We will see....

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! What did we get? Well, that post is coming soon complete with beautiful pictures from my AWESOME brand new digital camera (thanks Mom!). John and I are incredibly blessed....we got way more than we deserve. And I'm happy to show it off!

Coming soon....

Merry Christmas! Now, let me probe your cervix...

Merry Christmas Eve!

Since John and I put up our tree well over a month ago, we've been waiting for this night for a while. I agree with John that this year has lost a lot of it's luster. Perhaps because Target and Wal-Mart are already selling out of their Valentine's stock. Or maybe because I stressed myself out about presents. Maybe because we've had ice storms and animal deaths and large doctors bills to cover our first attempt at intrauterine insemination (IUI) with no positive results that's brought the holiday spirit to all-time lows.

But, hey, that's ok. Because there's nothing like spending Christmas morning with your doctor instead of your family, with a nice ultrasound wand and a spirited shot in the rear! That's right--we have an early morning ultrasound appointment on Christmas day. It's the first step into our second attempt at an IUI. They'll check to see if everything looks good, give me a shot, and if all is well we'll go back in on Wednesday for the procedure. Hopefully this is NOT our new Christmas tradition.

I could tell you a lot about the last attempt and the roller coaster we've been on since switching doctors in October. But it doesn't matter and I've actually been too busy to dwell on it. Suffice to say we know we're at the right place, and we just pray now that it works for us. Do I believe it will? Not really...my level of hope is pretty low. That doesn't mean it won't happen...but it seems at this point no amount of positive thinking or prayer works. I have my fingers crossed that I'll be proved wrong!
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On a more positive note--Christmas is in full bloom! My grandparents and aunt are in town, so it's been a busy few days running around with them and enjoying their company. Our day is jam packed tomorrow with lots of love and family and plenty of presents! It's been fun to do last minute shopping, actually!

I attended a mere 3 parties this year. But I had a fabulous party outfit that was an early present from my aunt, courtesy of the White House/Black Market.

We've taken several friends and family for a "Holiday Lights" tour around Edmond and OKC. Our favorite stops include a huge house fully Griswold-ed out in Edmond, down to the end of every single branch on every tree. It's beautiful! Our other favorite--a spirited house that has it's own radio signal and dances to Christmas music! I highly recommend that house in Mesta Park neighborhood of OKC.

Well, I'd better get to bed. Merry Christmas Eve! Despite my sarcastic tone, I am filled with the Christmas spirit and ready for some fun, relaxing, Santa-filled family time!

Oh to be 16 again...

Seriously? SHE can get pregnant?

Fear of Flying

Poor, poor Charly is very nervous about her first time on an airplane. And it's her honeymoon....you should not worry about air travel on your honeymoon! Although, to be honest Charly, holidays are a frustrating time to travel. I promise you'll have more trouble with the airports on the ground than the plane in the sky!

I started to leave Charly a comment with some suggestions and it got long. So I figured I would just post for all your enjoyment! I've been on more than 50 airplanes in 2007 (I was on 12 in a matter of four days a few months ago!), and I still don't like to fly.

However, I'm not having panic attacks or freaking out like I used to. Sometimes, I don't even really notice we're taking off anymore! As you fly more and more you start to get used to it.

Top 10 things I do and think to calm myself down:

1. Look for babies and small children on the plane. Some see this as an annoyance (crying and kicking). Not me...the more babies the better. Why? Because God wouldn't let a plane crash with a bunch of babies on it! (hey--it works for me).

2. I bring a book that I'm really involved in or excited to start reading. I start reading in the terminal and read right on through take-off. This may not work for you since it's your first flight, but it helps later.

3. If you experience turbulence, look around at the other people on the plane. If they're still sleeping or don't look up from their book, or don't seem phased...you're OK. Gage the feelings of your neighbors. It ALWAYS calms me down.

4. I've been on several flights where I was convinced I was about to crash to a fiery death. And it never happened. You have a better chance of being murdered than dying in a plane crash. Trust me...that thought helps.

5. The flight locations always determine my level of fear of terrorism. If you were flying from LA to NYC or vice versa, be worried. Otherwise....it should be ok. Really, who is going to terrorize Wichita?

6. Sit on the aisle. Some people think the window seat is best but it's not. If you are in a water crash or your plane catches fire on the tarmac, you have a faster chance of getting out the emergency exits if you sit on the aisle and don't have to climb over others. However, sitting on the aisle does increase your chances of a hijacker taking you hostage or killing you as an example. But for the greatest chance of survival....aisle is best.

7. Speaking of emergency exits, don't sit there. Yeah, extra leg room...great. But if you're in an emergency--it means you're the last one out! Your best bet is to sit behind the exit seats for the fastest way out.

8. Try to fly in mid-morning. Still avoid a lot of the delay problems, and at the same time your plane has already had it's first flight for the day. You cut down on mechanical problems if it's already flown. It didn't blow up on the way to you, did it? Chances are it won't blow up on the way to your destination.

9. If you've made it to cruising altitude, you're likely ok. If your plane is going to blow up it will blow up in the beginning. So, let your nerves go away after about 10 minutes in the air.

10. If all else fails--take a benadryl. You may be spent for the better part of the day, but you'll sleep right through takeoff if you take about 20-3o minutes before takeoff!!

Remember--this is my crazy, maniacal mind. It is not based in science or any sort of logic. I also say a prayer every time before takeoff that goes a little something like this:

"God, please be with the pilots of this plane and the air traffic controllers that guide us to safety. Please be with the flight attendants that keep us calm. Please be with the maintenance men who work on the plane and be with the plane itself. Please allow us to arrive safely at our destination, and if not please forgive me of my sins and take me to live with you. In Jesus Name, Amen."

Every time. And that silly little prayer gives me a lot of peace, believe it or not!

Charly--you'll be fine!!! Have an amazing honeymoon, don't let the flight fear get in the way of enjoying my favorite city in the world. Hopefully you'll leave a true Manhattanite at heart!

Better photos of Simba (Thanks, Julia, for sending!)

All Dogs Go To Heaven

I was in the middle of a long, self-pitying post yesterday when I received a horrible call from my sister. Not entirely unexpected, but horrible nonetheless.

When I was 13, my mom brought home a new puppy. I was at the peak of my Jonathan Taylor Thomas obsession, "The Lion King" was the newest, hottest kids movie. My girlfriends and I had memorized every line, and caught "Home Improvement" week after week for that sexy 13-year-old. So, fittingly the new puppy was named Simba, after the Lion King.

He was the best natured, most wonderful dog I'd ever met. As you all know, I'm a serious cat person. So loving a dog up close and personal (loving from a distance isn't that hard) was an adjustment but he made it very easy.

On Friday night, my mom called to say she was taking Simba to the emergency vet because he was very, very sick. She asked me and Julia to come up there, as it may be the end for this almost-13-year-old love of our life. So we trekked up there crying, and got the wonderful news that nothing showed up in his bloodwork and it was probably a virus. We took him home.

Julia spent the day yesterday at mom's with Simba, and when she went to take a shower that evening she came out and Simba was gone. Just like that. We expected he wouldn't be with us much longer, but we didn't expect him gone so soon.

It's hard to imagine now what he was like when he was a puppy and full of energy. 3 years ago he got Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and lost the use of one of his back legs. So his whole body got achier and less used as he went on. He was happiest curled up on his bed or mom's bed, with the TV on and all his family at home. He was loving and perky and sweet and full of kisses to the very end.

I will miss him so much, and Mom's house won't be the same. I ache for my mom and my sister, who have spent more time and put more love into him for the last several years. But, all dogs go to Heaven, right? He'll be there waiting....

I have the most wonderful husband, my mom has the best boyfriend. They both came over for a trio of blubbering girls and helped us bury our best friend. I'll find a better picture...for now, this is our baby.

Ice Storm Saga Day Three

Well, I'm at work today. There is power at the office, however there is no HEAT. In fact, the heat is "on" but blowing cold air. So I'm pretty sure it's colder here than at my house. But, we have internet and electricity so I guess I can't complain.

But I am. I'm going to complain because I'm FREEZING!

Last night was not too bad at all. In fact, I got the best night of sleep I've had in months. When I woke up this morning under all my thick covers with the cat curled up next to me, I was quite toasty. Which made it that much harder to get out of bed to come into work. But we have hot water, and I took a long steamy shower that warmed me right up.

I, like Emily, am a little depressed about all the spoiled food we'll have. I have a 16-pound turkey, a bag full of Blue and Gold Chicken Fingers, 2 pounds of brand new hamburger meat, a new jug of milk, butter, and more that are pretty much lost. And, do I have to throw out my jelly, ketchup, and other condiments? I wouldn't think those would go bad, but I don't know. I don't cook, remember?

I don't know if we'll stay at home tonight or not. We don't want to leave Faith (she's freezing, I can tell). So we might go stay at Liz and Nathan's since Faith has stayed there before and she would do ok in a separate, closed off room. My mom has power, but she has a dog so it would be hard to go over there. We'll see....maybe we'll just light candles and snuggle under blankets for another long cold night.

Question: our neighbors are not staying at their house right now, yet they have asked us to keep an eye on their house because they left their gas fireplace on to keep the house warm. Is it just me, or is it a fire hazard? John says no big deal...I think otherwise.

Also, is it ok to turn on your gas stove burners to warm up your kitchen, or are we once again looking at a fire hazard? John says no big deal...I think otherwise. Please respond...

Power Outage

Sorry no post...no power since 11am this morning. Apparently my neighborhood had this happen back in January when we didn't live there and they were without power for four days!!

Today the office was closed. So I didn't go into work, and then the power went out, so wireless went out and eventually my computer. So I wrapped all my Christmas presents today and caught up on People magazine. Literally nothing else to do...

So...I'm taking a quick, WARM break at some friend's house before we head home to sleep by the fireplace in our dark, sad house...

Christmas threw up in our house...plus delicious pumpkin bread I made from scratch!

Ice Storm 2007....volume 10 or 11

Faith and I are up early this Sunday morning, watching the weather. Ice Storm 2007 (it may be the 5th or 6th IS07 this year!) is shaping up to be slightly hazardous for most. We just had a thunderstorm by our house where it poured sleet and rain, which promptly froze to the roads.

We're staying in for today. Neither John nor I like to drive in rain, let alone freezing rain. And it keeps coming....who knows what it will be like in a few hours!

We had an awesome day yesterday. Gave us a glimpse into life with a 6-11 year old. We started the day by heading to Wal-Mart (I hate Wal-Mart) to see the Boy Scouts in action. Mason's cub scout troop was ringing the bell for Salvation Army. We, of course, made a donation because who can resist the faces of cub scouts and a little voice that says "Hi Aunt Jessica!". Ok...here's my lunch money for the whole week!!

Then we went to lunch with the cub scout, his family, and his fellow cub scout. We had about 2 hours downtime before heading to the YMCA to see Mason the cub scout turn into Mason the basketball phenom. He's definitely the best player on his team....made baskets left and right. Last year, Papa made a deal with Mason for $5 for every basket. The kid was making like $40 a game or more! This year, Papa said "he's a free agent" so we may just all have to chip in for a big present at the end of the season!

After that we went to see my sister's new apartment....her first time on her own and it looks like she's going to have a great place to live and a great roommate. Can't wait to see it unpacked and set up!

Finally, our night ended at Laser Quest for my friend, Cameron's, 9th birthday party. And, I have to tell you, I kick major butt at laser tag. Let's just say out of 32 players, I came in 5th, and then 3rd.

Yes....most of them were children. And, no, I took no mercy. Even on the little ones...it's a GAME. And I needed something I was good at besides Skee Ball. Don't challenge me to skee ball or laser tag, I will school you.

Also while we were there we noticed a man playing Dance, Dance Revolution in the lobby. He was really good and we thought maybe he practiced on his daughter's dance pad at home or something. But we soon realized....he didn't have a daughter. He wasn't at Laser Quest with a group or his children. He kept approaching girls in the 9-13-year-old range and asking them to play the game with him.

We began to call him Chester the Molester. We're pretty sure he was there scouting little girls. We saw him a little while later at Pizza Hut, by himself, playing Tetris on his phone. Chester had, in fact, been at Laser Quest for the entire evening BY HIMSELF. For hours....trust me when I tell you that no one in his late 30s should be hanging out at Laser Quest alone asking little girls to play DDR with him.

Anyway...busy day! I'm glad we got out and about yesterday so it doesn't feel so bad to stay in the house today! Hopefully the storm will die down in time for work and CHRISTMAS PARTIES I have all week! And, please, no ice next week when I'm traveling!

I'm never eating pizza again

Maybe it's the time of year, but it also apparently seems to be the time for stories of the strange and weird. Here are some of the stories I've been tuning into today...

Wii for Physical Therapy
Why are we not stronger?! Hey, Derek, here's your excuse for buying a Wii and writing it off as a business expense!

Christmas shopping gone terribly wrong
Man, I wish my Christmas shopping was done...malls will now be as scary as high schools

Back from the dead and charged with fraud
Why, oh why, do people not escape to countries with no extradition agreements? People who fake their own death are just stupid.

Couple of dirty pizzas....
Santa gets naughty talking about pizza
Leave Santa alone already!

Ew,ew,ew,ew,ew...
Emily....this might be something to consider!

And finally....we're in for a long weekend in Oklahoma. Buy your bottled water and matches while you can!

Warning...I'm emotional today

I often wonder what it's like to be a person who just doesn't care what others think.

I am so painfully not that way. I over analyze and take things personally and get hurt so easily, it can be crippling sometimes. E-mail and blogs have not made this any easier, as it's even harder when you can't see a person's expression or hear the tone in their voice.

But no, I spend most of my time obsessed with what others are thinking, and feeling weak.

In a way, I feel like it's good because I have a lot of empathy for others. I take their thoughts and feelings into account, I don't jump before I think. It's saved me several relationships. But I'm also not able to be honest about myself or my feelings or express when someone else has hurt me.

In response to my inability to communicate those difficult feelings, I often turn into myself and just avoid dealing with it. I'm a pushover. I steer clear of confrontation almost at all costs, which eats me up inside and drives my husband crazy (just as it drove my mom crazy for years, and my various close friends).

I don't stand up for myself, and I often let people convince me that a situation is my fault...even when it isn't. I'm not always an easy person to be around, I'll admit. But I think I'm genuinely a good person, a good friend, a good family member. I care, I'm easy to get along with, and I try to put others first.

The last 24 months have been just the latest in a series of self-discovery for me. Difficult situations will do that to you. I don't always know how to express how difficult things are for me, and fertility issues in particular can make you feel so incredibly selfish. It's literally the hardest thing I've ever gone through, month after month of waiting and researching and hoping and disappointment--all to no avail. I try to stay positive, I don't want people to feel sorry for me. Asking for prayers or help or a listening ear to talk about how I can't have a baby seems so, so, so petty to me....I truly think about all the other things in the world that are so much more important.

But to me, it's the most important thing. And I have to stop apologizing for feeling the way I feel, thinking the way I think, doing what I do.

And more than just in this particular situation. I have to stop apologizing for everything I feel or think or do. There has never, ever been a time where I've specifically, intentionally caused someone hurt or anguish. Never. I've caused a lot of hurt, but never intentionally. And I've spent so much time in prayer and meditation to understand the necessary relief that forgiveness can offer, and I've forgiven all that I can...even those that might not deserve it. The thoughts of anger and revenge don't haunt me or weigh me down like they used to.

It just feels like I'm at a point where I have to decide--do I care what people think or not? Am I going to sit here and continue to take it, sit here and continue to keep it all inside, sit here and continue to let people push me over, or am I going to confront my feelings and the people that cause them?

And I just don't know....it's so much easier to just cry about it.

Ah, good times from North High

First of all, I just have to say my favorite signature line: Boomer Sooner!!! Big 12 champs!! Fiesta Bowl, here we come...I feel good about the matchup and just hope it ends up better than last year.

In other thoughts.....

Last night we were talking with some friends about our first vehicles. It's interesting because when you're 16 and 17-years old, it's like a rite of passage to have an old clunker. An old station wagon that takes three turns in the ignition to work. Or the El Camino with a horn that only works when you turn left. You know....something outrageous.

Unfortunately, my life was surrounded by 16-year-olds with Lexus', BMW's and Corvettes. I'm not even kidding..."roughing it" was getting a 2-year-old Chevy instead of one of the many new imports. Yes, I went to the rich kid's school.

So, it was with a mix of emotions that I accepted the offer from my dad to drive his truck my senior year. On the one hand, I finally didn't have to rely on friends for rides (I'd given up the bus after a humiliating freshman year--NO ONE rides the bus. Kind of like NO ONE lives in the dorms their sophomore year, but that's another story). On the other hand, it was a 1979 yellow Toyota pickup with a white camper shell on the back that I'm not sure ever came off.

My favorite (?) traumatizing memory of that old truck was that every afternoon after school, I would have to get in the back of the truck and dig out all the Wendy's and Sonic bags from lunch when the seniors went out. They'd come back and throw their trash in the back of my yellow nightmare and I'd be stuck cleaning it up. It took all I had not to throw it on top of the brand new Explorer and Lexus I parked next to. But, I guess it gave me character and at least I had a ride.

In fact....my truck also led me to write an article for the school newspaper. And after recounting my first adventure driving the truck, I won first place in a state journalism competition. I used to be such a good writer...I'd love to share with you all of my stories, but here is the one you'd really enjoy. You could tell it was really written for a blog post in the future, even though blogs didn't exist yet!
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Parent Practices Car Tough Love
Should a Daughter Change a Tire--Even if She Cries?
By Jessica Pearson, North Staff Writer (1998)

My hair was tangled, my clothes dirty, and my face stained with mascara as each tear fell.

I'd never felt so alone. There was my dad, saying all he wanted to do was help me, so why wasn't he helping? I screamed at him and cried some more. He just looked at me and told me to keep trying.

There I was, standing in what felt like 158-degree weather, the sun beating down on me, trying to change the tire on the soon-to-be-mine truck.

For a year and a half I've been the proud owner of an Oklahoma State Drivers License, yet I've been "vehicularly" deprived. Now, my senior year, I had a job and the need for a car of my own.

Sounds easy, right? Well take it from a chronic spender; you can't buy a car without a lot of money. So, I was forced to ask my dad to borrow and care for his truck for a year.

This is no cruising, smooth truck though. We're talking a 1979 lemon-yellow Toyota pickup truck with a white camper on the back and rust spots to give it character. Not to mention its lack of air conditioning, heat, and push button radio, which furthers the charm. The worst part: it's standard transmission.

So I took a Saturday out of my social schedule and arranged for a driving lesson with my dad.

Though I'd been taught on an automatic, I figured, being a fast learner, I could pick up the art of shifting in no time. But my father wouldn't stop at just learning to drive the truck. I had to learn how to maintain and care for it as well. That includes changing a flat tire, checking the fluids and changing both the filter and oil.

So, that day, driving took us to some hole-in-the-wall town called Okarchee where he told me to pull over to the side of the road. We were going to change a tire.

Not bad, I thought; it's hot so I'll work harder, and we'll be on our way in no time.

Nope. Have you ever tried to change a tire? It's a complicated process of strength and endurance. Neither quality of which I possess. I'm a 5'4", 110-pound weakling who didn't even like dirt as a child. Watching me try to loosen a lugnut on the tire must have been comic.

I was kicking and screaming in frustration, jumping on the crowbar to knock the lugnut loose. The little lemon-yellow truck was rocking back and forth with every jump.

Well, finally I managed to pry the tire off. Then came removing the spare from its home beneath the truck. I put on yet another wrenching, crying, kicking, and screaming show.

Eventually I took the old tire off, put the new tire on, and I was done. It had been a long, hard, difficult job, but I had done it--sobbing my heart out the entire time.

I felt I had accomplished something. I had done sweaty, dirty work that I never thought of doing. I had always figured that if I ever had a flat tire, I could whip out a cell phone and call my dad, boyfriend, or some other guy to come and fix it for me.

But now I could do a co-called "man's" job.

My arms may have been sore, my eyes swollen from crying, and I might have been filthy, but I knew how to change a tire. And the worst afternoon of my life was over--at least until Dad gives me the next tough love lesson in maintaining an automobile.
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Now, I just whip out my cell phone and call my husband. Why else would I have gotten married?!

December 1st

On this first day of December, John and I ventured out to do some Christmas shopping. And it was busy and crowded and hot and busy and a took more than a little maneuvering to get through it....and I loved it.

Maybe because it was cold and rainy and felt like a December day. Maybe because I hadn't done much shopping at all. Maybe it was because it's FINALLY December and I don't feel so bad about focusing on Christmas. But I loved it and I could have gone to a million other places and been just fine.

We got a few decorations, but no gifts this time. We only have about 5 people left to buy for, so that's exciting.

AND, since it's the first day of December we got to open our advent calendars and eat chocolate!! It's my favorite part of early Christmas season....we've had true advent calendars from Germany since I was a little girl.

So, Merry December 1st. Settle in to ABC Family for a Christmas movie every night in their "25 Days of Christmas" celebration.

This Christmas will be a Christmas to Remember!!

Randomness

Today is a random day. There is a lot on my mind, but here are the most random thoughts...


My car has now been recalled TWICE. Maybe that means another free 100,000 mile warranty. I might be the luckiest car owner in the world.
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I really wish I had Hannah Montana tickets for this weekend at the Ford Center, just so I could say I had tickets to the Hannah Montana concert. And then make some little girl cry with joy after I generously sold them to her desperate mom for $350 each.
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Did anyone watch Grey's last Thursday? YES....I'm still talking about it because YES I'm still traumatized by the last scene. I literally had nightmares and I can't stop thinking about it. Finally Grey's gets good again!
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Don't tell Aubrey, but she's brilliant. Getting me to agree to teach Bible class on Wednesday nights with her is the only thing that will get me there. And last night was my first night and I loved it. 3-year-olds are the best age to teach.
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Guess what I will be receiving in 5-7 business days? Only the greatest television series in the history of television, "My So-Called Life". Now the complete series is on DVD and I am going to buy it for myself for Christmas. The 19 episodes of this gone-too-soon series spoke to me as a young teenager on the cusp of high school. And Jordan Catalano will always be my first love. After Zack Morris, of course.
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John asked me what I want for Christmas, and I can't think of any really great ideas. I asked for clothes, a digital camera, noise-canceling headphones, tennis shoes, and iTunes gift cards. But that was my list for family...I can't think of what I want from John! Any ideas??

This is the True Story...

Last night, a realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

I'm too old to be on "The Real World".

What?! How did this happen? How did I miss my chance? I had 6 years to audition and get picked to live in a house with 6 strangers.

I had 6 years of eligibility to find out what happens when people stop being nice and start getting real.

Now, I'm too old. Not only that, but I've been too old for almost 3 years!! I'll never be able to realize the dream, which means I'll never get to be on "The Real World-Road Rules Challenge".

I've missed one of life's great opportunities. Guess I'll have to go "be real" at my own house with my own mortgage and my own full-time, lifelong roommate. Whom I love and am entirely happy with, even though he doesn't cuss at me or call me a racist or has sex with me in a confessional like my "Real World" roommates would. I mean, I'm missing out on some major things....but I guess cozy nights at home in front of "The Office" with him makes up for it all!

Do you think I could at least get on "The Hills"?

Where did Turkey Day go?

Some quick glances into my Thanksgiving weekend:

I did not participate in the Black Friday morning madness. I did, however, hit the Battlefield Mall in Springfield that afternoon where I found quite a few deals. For myself. That someone else bought me for Christmas presents. I bask in my own awesomeness.
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Apparently, passengers in vehicles pulled over in Missouri are just as responsible for speeding offenses as the drivers are. John was pulled over on Thursday (yes Thanksgiving) night, about 500 feet from our exit directly into Springfield, which would have meant out of the 300-or-so miles we traveled John was pulled over 4 miles before we arrived.

Anyway...so the highway patrol officer comes up and tells John he clocked him going 77 in a 60. John fumbled around the lame excuse of "I don't live here" and then the officer referred to at least 4 signs within the previous two miles indicating a change in speed. THEN proceeds to ask my mom (in the backseat) and me (in the driver's seat) why we didn't pay attention and alert John to the change! I really thought for a moment all 3 of us were going to get tickets!

So, Merry Christmas to me....John will be contributing my Christmas present to paving Missouri roads.
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We decorated the house on Sunday after an early morning trip home. I even got ornaments on the tree, and that's not my favorite thing to do. The house looks beautiful, if I do say so myself. Still a few things to get to complete the new house look....but I like it. I especially love having a mantle this year!

We celebrated by watching "Christmas Vacation" with the commentary on and finally (FINALLY!) learned who the person on the cover of "People" magazine is when Chevy Chase is reading it in bed...you know, with all the sap on his fingers....if you're a "Vacation" fan, you'd understand the momentous revelation this really is.
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Thanks (or not) to Aubrey for introducing me to the new Hershey's Milk Chocolate Mint miniature bars. As if Reese's Trees and candy canes weren't enough this holiday I now have another candy to devour while watching Christmas movies every night for the next 29 days.

Also, John made Trash yesterday (party mix) and I can't help myself. This is why I don't keep bags of Double Stuff Oreo's in my house....because suddenly I look up and my plate is empty and my scale says "hello 8 pounds"!
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Speaking of weight....no more Weight Watchers for the rest of the year. Too much disappointment in myself. AND....I gave up my ban on pre-meal bread. Why didn't any of you tell me how stupid that was?!
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I finished my book club book. Ok, ok...never judge a book by it's cover. If you want a GREAT read you can't put down, a good ghost story, and something that makes you think....get "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield. I promise after the first couple of chapters it gets gooooooooood....
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Other than that, I slept, watched football (Go Sooners!), did not get on the computer, read magazines and books, and just enjoyed a stress-free holiday weekend. And ate turkey dinner at Steak and Ale. Not as bad as it sounds...

We Believe

At our house we believe in Santa Claus.

We believe in the magic of the Christmas season.

We believe in Hope this Christmas.

We pray the beginning of the Christmas season brings joy, hope, magic and happiness to your family!

Thankful from A-Z

Just a few of the things I'm thankful for today...

A- Aunt Linda
B- Book Club and Bare Minerals Makeup
C- Cable and Chocolate Chip Cookies
D- Dad and DVR
E- Education
F- Faith (both the religious kind and the cat)
G- Grandparents (all 4!)
H- Hope and Home
I- Internet for blogging and iPod
J- John
K- Kindness of my church family
L- Lots of love
M- Mom and Melissa
N- New friends
O- Old friends
P- Positive attitude
Q- Quarterback Sam Bradford
R- Restful weekends
S- Starbucks and Sister
T- Traveling (believe it or not)
U- University of Oklahoma Sooners
V- VPN connection so I can work from home
W- Work (I love my job)
X- X-Mas (ok, Christmas but what else starts with X?)
Y- Young Marrieds class at church
Z- Zen...or Zoom of my car....what other Z am I missing??
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We're off to Missouri for the weekend to visit family. It will probably be Sunday before we get back. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Way Back Wednesday

On Wednesdays one of our local radio stations plays "Way Back Wednesdays", where they play old music (mostly 80s, early 90s) for the afternoon and, I imagine, old people wax nostalgic about seeing Van Halen in concert or dressing like cone-bra Madonna for Halloween. Old people do that, you know?

Well, recently I tuned in for a brief moment to Way Back Wednesday just in time to hear "Lightning Crashes" by Live, followed by an array of Pearl Jam songs. What was my immediate thought?

"What happened to Way Back Wednesday? Is it a holiday or something? Because surely, SURELY Pearl Jam isn't playing right now. That's my music, and I'm not old!"

But, alas, it was Way Back Wednesday and Pearl Jam is like 15 years old or something and I'm now approaching a point in my life where 15 years ago I was a teenager. Not quite, but close.

Anyway, I say all of that for my next story, which doesn't have a lot to do with the previous story but it's how I get to the next thought.

That incident caused me to dig out the CD's piled up in books in a bag in the trunk of my car. Many of those CD's were transferred over to the new wave of easy listening, my trusty 30 GB iPod (which is already as outdated as my CD's). But there are still several that haven't made the transfer and I decided to break them out.

I went through a phase for a while where I was only into Christian music. Not that it's a bad thing, just interesting. I still like Christian music because it sounds so much like the Top 40 Rock I love these days. Anyway, I stumbled across my collection and was drawn to a Michael W. Smith CD called "Live the Life". 1998 was the release date, which would have put me in my junior/senior year of high school.

The entire album is incredible, just so you know. It's powerful in all the right ways and moving and leaves you feeling spiritual--even without the lyrics. I would say it's probably MWS's best work that I've heard. I've played it a hundred times since last Tuesday when I dug it out and it gets me every time.

If you get a chance, listen to the CD. From the first track you will be moved, a song called "Missing Person".

But the real gem of this album is Track 4, called "Unloved". I found a video on YouTube that has the song in it....I don't like the video that much, but I wanted you to be able to hear the song.

I'll be honest--I don't always dig deep to understand my relationship with God. God and I have a conversational relationship...rarely do I get on my knees and really consume myself in prayer. Mostly it's continuing a conversation I started in the shower or drive to work and we just catch up as I go through my day. I'm not saying it's right, but it's how we connect.

I've been feeling a lot of disappointment lately, even though there are few things to be disappointed about. And it's natural to get bitter and frustrated and hopeless. I don't think I'm the kind of kid God is exactly proud of these days (though it's not like I'm the black sheep of the family....just the bitter older child who thinks too much, probably). I've been angry and frustrated and it's amazing what being seriously hopeless will do to your attitude. So, when I listened to this song again for the first time about a week ago, I lost it. I don't know why it was so powerful and so moving....but it was. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

Do you ever stop and think about how powerful that is? I think I struggle with all the things so many of us struggle with: being cynical and pessimistic in the face of unrelenting blessings; sarcasm in the face of kindness; hopelessness in a world where technology and medicine and opportunity have provided answers for even the hardest of questions. And I boldly struggle with my faith and my actions right in front of God. But I can be as unwise, unsure, unreachable, unfaithful as anyone can possibly be...and I will never be unloved.

Anyway...I don't often stop and think about how powerful love is. How powerful true, unconditional, deep, understanding love is. This song made me think about that, and made me so truly thankful to experience that. To understand who God is and know that he's always there and ready to forgive me and bless me and hang out with me anytime I'm ready to be there. I don't always have the strength or the will to pray, to continually ask him for help (I've got a couple of friends covering for me when I can't do it), but it's awfully nice to know he's there. Always.

Unpaid Product Endorsement

This makes TWO posts on a day I didn't think I had anything to talk about. This is just for Emily, although I don't know why she'd need makeup because she's beautiful! ;) This is my post I wrote earlier today that I figured would be boring to everyone else! If you're a guy you can skip right on over this post!
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I've been wanting to tell you guys about Bare Minerals make-up. As many of you close to me know, I could go on and on (and on) about this amazing product. I could be a celebrity spokesperson for this make-up, it's that good.

Almost 2 years ago I changed up some of the ingredients in my daily medicinal cocktail, and with it my hormones went wacky. For the first time in my life I had an acne problem. Oh, sure, as a teenager there was an occasional zit (most often on prom night or before senior pictures or on a first date) but never anything resembling a problem.

I didn't know what to do....anything I tried to make it better ended up making it worse. Suddenly, beyond just an acne problem I was getting long-lasting acne scars. My skin was ugly, I was embarrassed, and it was painful. I'd been to a dermatologist, tried everything over the counter, under than counter, behind the counter, and stopped just short calling Michael Jackson to find out where he gets the masks for Blanket.

Now, I've been known to fall for a few infomercials in my time....most notably Windsor Pilates and the GT Express (neither of which I use today). I even fell for Proactiv in a moment of desperation. Proactiv actually made my skin worse and I felt like I'd suffered through a harsh chemical peel. I still use one of Proactiv's products, but I couldn't use it like P Diddy and Jennifer Love Hewitt wanted me to.

I didn't believe that the kind of coverage my awful skin needed could be found in a powder, yet I watched the early morning infomercials about Bare Minerals over and over. And finally, because I couldn't take it any more, I gave it a shot. I did my research online, consumer reports, testimonials from friends. And I headed to Sephora and purchased the Starter Kit, which came with everything I needed including the brushes.

People, I don't know what else to tell you except give it a shot. Whether you have good skin or bad skin....this stuff is amazing. Not only did it cover all my flaws, but after about 2 weeks of using it my face cleared up. I actually look forward to putting on makeup each day--it's one of my favorite parts of the day!

Another thing is that I'm not dying to get home to take it off. Just ask John--I used to skip out on evening activities just so I could wash my face and stay in to hide away. Now, it does not feel like I'm wearing makeup, and my acne problem has turned in to an occasional red spot that lasts about a day. The makeup is all-natural (read the ingredient list) and it sits on top of your face, instead of sinking into your pores. I don't know how it works, but it does.

You can read about Bare Minerals on their website, and you can go to Sephora to have them apply your makeup and help you figure out what you need. Or you can call me and I'll give you a demonstration like I did with my sister this weekend and then I will help you pick everything out! THAT is how excited I am about this stuff....I'd take you shopping and help you pick everything out and then squeal and get excited for you!

Sorry for the long speel....I just know I'm always looking for product recommendations and I want you to know this is something I truly believe in. Between Bare Minerals and Cetaphil face wash, for the first time in two years I love touching my face and seeing myself in the mirror. If you want to know more, just e-mail me!

I should be a motivational speaker

NaBloPoMo sucks. How do I know it sucks? Because it's at this point during the month that EVERYONE is tired of posting every day and trying to be creative every 24 hours and I can't even steal ideas or draw inspiration from any other blogs. So now I'm pouting.

I started to write a blog about my new favorite thing in the entire world, Bare Minerals makeup, but then I just knew that would be super boring. It wasn't boring to me because, much like the DVR, it's changed my life except this product actually makes me want to leave the house whereas the DVR makes me want to stay in (must...tape...every...episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8 to watch later).

Then I thought about writing about the new-old CD I rediscovered last week and how it's been making me ponder and blubber in my car to and from work for days and days. But, that's a more fitting entry for tomorrow because it relates to Way Back Wednesday (just wait and see).

Then I tried to write about some of the crazy stories I've heard on MSNBC. Like the mother of a teenage girl who set up a cruel MySpace joke that caused another teenage girl to hang herself in the closet. Or the lady in California who lost all three of her children in a horrendous car accident last year and is now pregnant with triplets.

And then when I couldn't piece anything together, I realized today was just not the day for fun and creative entries. Or even deep and depressing entries. So, this is what you get. I did do a little research today and found that writer's block is a serious issue, and can be traced to Britney Spears' Mickey Mouse Club debut in the 1990s...makes me feel better to know that it's not my fault.

Whirlwind

Don't you hate those bloggers who claim to be COMMITTED to NaBloPoMo and then forget to post every day? It's so annoying....who do those people think they are?

Sorry about my lack of posting for TWO DAYS! At least three people made some sort of comment about it to me over the weekend and those were just people I saw in person. Anyway...Thursday was quite a day, with all the traveling. That's a lie...there is free Wi-Fi in the Charleston airport (I know, right?!! I didn't even think they HAD Wi-Fi in the sticks! Let alone FREE...at the AIRPORT!). But I was working. And the President of the agency was with me. And it's very hard to think when surrounded by coal miner's daughters and their mullets. And their whining...lots of whining in West Virginia.

Friday I spent the day in Tulsa and didn't have a chance to log on. Ok, ok, ok....that's a lie, too. Because I got in late the night before, I worked from home in the morning and headed to T-town around noon. Then, I got home and had well over an hour before heading out for Christmas shopping and Centennial fireworks. Oklahoma celebrated 100 years of statehood. It's ok, I don't care either. Especially since I didn't get the day off like some people.

It was more than just Oklahoma's birthday...it was also the birthday of THREE (count them, THREE) babies of our friends. Edmond CofC is 3 babies bigger after Friday...must have been a full moon or something. We're excited to meet Joel and Madeline. We met Taylor Sunday morning! Joel is especially exciting to us as Neil and Mary have been our inspiration in the face of all our struggles...we're so excited for them!

So, anyway, Saturday John decides to take advantage of the BEAUTIFUL 75-degree, windless sunny Oklahoma afternoon and put up Christmas lights on the house. He started the morning with helping Nathan put his lights up (in true "I'll rub your back if you rub mine" fashion) and then they came over to our house. Later that night John and I drove around (our Griswold estate lighting up the neighborhood) and John grumbled something about our neighborhood sucking because no one has lights up.

What is your take on Christmas before Thanksgiving? We don't have any major plans this year, no major family dinners to look forward to....Thanksgiving will come and go as a delightful four-day weekend for us. So we're starting Christmas celebrations early, but I know MANY people are adamantly opposed to singing "Jingle Bells" before pumpkin pie is served.

I tried to explain to him that by this Friday lots of houses will have lights up and on. But with Christmas still being over a month away and not even through Thanksgiving yet....people aren't ready to turn their lights on.

And, HELLO, we're in a major energy crisis! Have we learned NOTHING from Al Gore?

Anyway....in addition to the surprise party and our last Children's Bible Hour until April, that was my excitement this weekend. I'm tired just thinking about it, but it was a good time. Rounding out my month of busy weekends is a trip to my grandparent's in Missouri for Thanksgiving. Then maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to sit down and catch up on WEEKS of TV.

I'll tell you this much....the only new show I've stuck with this season is Dirty Sexy Money. That, Grey's, House, and Brothers and Sisters are pretty much the only things I'm watching. Oh...and The Hills because who doesn't watch The Hills, seriously?

The Scourge Strikes Again

ESPN is reporting this morning: Bob Stoops has confirmed that Britney Spears was, in fact, responsible for last night's humiliating loss at Texas Tech.

Her partner-in-BCS-crime was obviously Tyrone Willingham, since Notre Dame beat Duke. He gave the Irish a rest so that OU could watch their title hopes blow away in the West Texas wind.

Surprise!

Party, party, party....a few weeks ago, my sister called and asked if we should throw Mom a surprise 50th Birthday Party! Sounded like fun to me. And even with invitations going out late, and a last-minute location change, and getting over hosting a Baby Shower and coordinating Bible Hour and traveling for work....we pulled it off and I thought it was a beautiful party.

She had a lot of old friends from Westwood, and long-time college friends, and old work friends. There were about 40 people there, and I think everyone had a good time. The best part--she was REALLY surprised! She had no idea!

Anyway, I actually have some cute pictures. I wish I had some with more of the guests that came. But in the meantime, here you go....Julia and I did a great job decorating, if I do say so myself!

I hope she had a fun time. We love you, Mom! Have a great day!

Out of Town

Well, I'm off to West Virginia, where I can't guarantee I'll have internet access....it's the sticks, you know?!

So this may be your only blog of the day....

Men are from Mars and believe really strange things...

This may be sensitive for some of my male readers. But I am here today to talk about a few myths guys believe about women. There are so many to choose from, but these seem to be the most blatant myths we need to dispel.

That's right...some of you men have been operating under the assumption that what you see in the movies is reality. Unfortunately, the time has come to break the news ever so gently. Brace yourself as your fantasies come crashing down.

1. Women are not hairless, and once we're married (or even in a committed relationship lasting through the winter) we don't shave anymore. In fact, in lieu of shaving we may buy static guard to cut down on the electricity generated between lined wool pants and hairy legs.

2. Women do not have pillow fights in our underwear at slumber parties. There is never a time where feathers start to fly as we hit each other and giggle, our hair doesn't bounce around our scantily-clad bodies. Usually slumber parties involve sweatpants (not shorts, see #1), ponytail holders, and lots of cookie dough. Maybe a movie where we cry. It's actually your worst nightmare.

3. Women are not automatically good cooks. Some of us hate cooking. Especially when they cook your favorite casserole that your mom used to make, then you tell them it's not as good as your mom's. Then we are not only bad cooks, but we hate to cook as well. Then you might get stuck making Hamburger Helper the rest of your life while your wife eats Ghirardelli squares in front of "Everybody Loves Raymond" on the couch. I'm just saying....

4. Women do enjoy a healthy religious discussion from time to time. We like to read the Bible and understand how it applies to our life. And, true, Eve may have eaten the apple first. But let's be honest--what does it say about the strength of a man that he followed right along? And, by the way, women don't think that joke is funny after the 892nd time you tell it.

I don't want to overwhelm you with these truths, so I'll stop for now. Take a breath, and remind yourself that in spite of all these things, women are still totally awesome.

***Editors Note: Not all of these items are myths that John believed. Obviously the cooking and religious ones....but he was not the one that brought up the slumber party myth. That was in conversations with several guy friends over the years.

It's NaBloPoMo....I'm trying to come up with daily material. I'm not mad at John, he doesn't objectify me or my friends, it's just funny observations about things guys have said over the years.***

Rhetorical Questions

My mind runs rampant, especially at work when I'm trying to get a thousand things done before traveling to the exciting metropolis of...wait for it...Charleston, West Virginia. Here are the deep, meaningful questions I've asked myself today.

Why is it ok for someone to "love" cooking, but since I like to clean I'm a "freak"? Or "obsessive-compulsive"? Why do you have to have a mental disorder to enjoy cleaning your baseboards and making your bed?

According to Wikipedia, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) increases your risk of hospitalization by 6-35%. Why is it ok for people to suffer from a fake disease like SAD (suicides are up during this time) but yet you must be nuts for vacuuming your couches regularly? (Incidentally, despite Wikipedia's suggestion that SAD is caused by lack of light, 1 in 5 psychiatrists attribute it to Britney Spears).

How can Sudafed that is "pseudoephedrine-free" and sold without giving your driver's license number really be as affective as the stuff filled with pseudoephedrine? I don't know about you, but I believe if the meth heads don't want it, it must not be very good. These people smoke drain cleaner....I imagine they know what decongestant works best.

If I order Cracker Barrel breakfast and the biscuits serve as 1/3 of the meal (listed on the menu) does it really count as pre-meal bread? AND, since I forgot to mention Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits in my ode to pre-meal bread, does that mean I can still eat them?

Would you consider it a problem if all I really want for dinner is spoonfuls of hot fudge straight out of the jar?

Why do I pay state income taxes when I don't even get the same days off as the state employees? These people have TWO days off this week for Veteran's Day and Statehood Day. Since I did not get those days off, apparently I don't have to celebrate Oklahoma OR Veterans.

And finally, why would anyone think that this guy doesn't deserve prison time?

That's it!

Short and Sweet Part 2

It's been a busy weekend. Very little time to blog.

Monday will be better!

Short and Sweet

Too tired to blog...but wanted to get something in on Saturday the 10th.

Poker wears you out. Especially when you kicked tail for the first 2 hours!!

The Scourge of Humanity

You may or may not know that I am a fan of college football. Of course, the Sooners are my favorite team, but I am also interested in all of college football. Yes, I am that crazy girl that actually watches the game instead of talking. When I go to games I wear my favorite lucky shirt (bought outside the stadium in 2001 for $5 and still going strong). I don't wear mini-skirts when I am standing in the student section; I don't apply any makeup before, during, or after the game; I don't fix my hair. And if you do any of that and come to an OU game I'm likely to throw up a little in my mouth and taunt you the rest of the game.

No...I don't think about myself, I think only about the game and the business on the field.

And while I can't name every play on the field, I do understand the game. I am also an expert on the BCS system, especially when it comes to points and who needs to lose so we can play in New Orleans for the National Title. I get it....and I L-O-V-E talking about it.

I read about it, I think about it, I watch games of teams I don't like....I heart college football. I wish I played college football.

I say all of that because each week I read this column on ESPN called the Forde Yard Dash. In there he talks about 40 different things relating to college football the previous week (his name is Pat Forde) and there is one thing he's doing this year that I think is hilarious.

Like most people, he is appalled at the way Notre Dame is playing this year. But what really gets him is that the Notre Dame nation is blaming their 1-8 team problems on Tyrone Willinghman, the coach from 3 years ago. "If Willinghman would have been a better recruiter..." and "These aren't Charlie's guys, these are Willingham's guys" and so on. It's ludicrous and Pat Forde knows it.

So....since Tyrone Willingham is responsible for the downfall of Notre Dame 3 years after he moved on to University of Washington, then his recruiting must be responsible for all the bad things that happen in the world. Like the wild fires in California, drought conditions across the country, Britney Spears' (1) mental crackup, Marie Osmond fainting on "Dancing with the Stars" and this week...he's responsible for the Hollywood writer's strike.

Every week it cracks me up to find out what Ty has caused this time. And it's made me dig really deep and try to come to some understanding of why bad things happen to me, and to the world. The only logical explanation is that Britney Spears (2) did it.

Since Willingham is the cause for the Hollywood writers strike this week, I can't blame that one on Brit (3). I do, however, have reports that she caused the death of one of the last two surviving Titanic passengers.

And, in case you're keeping count, that's 3 references to Britney Spears (4) in this post. Oops...make that four.

Starbucks Culture

I'm trying to contemplate the number of hours and money wasted at Starbucks lately. I'm preparing for another awesome trip this evening, which makes for a third trip to Starbucks this week alone.

I'm thinking lately it's been around 8 hours and $30 a week spent on Starbucks. I mean, it's no Britney Spears, but still it's a little outrageous.

And, all this Starbucks and friend bonding time has really kept me from spending any quality time with my DVR. But I guess the chats I'm having make up for that. What better reason to have a DVR than to give me a chance at having a real, live life?!

I'm also wondering how many blog posts will include Britney Spears in them...

Acceptance Speech

Tonight the Country Music Awards (CMA) are on. I've always liked country music, but I haven't really been listening to much more than sports radio lately. Still, some of my absolute favorite artists are on tonight: Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, the Eagles, and the list goes on.

I can't stop myself from watching! I could have used the evening to catch up Grey's from the last FOUR WEEKS but instead I'm watching the CMA's. I love awards shows, I really do. Two things I can't turn away from: awards shows and all-day marathons of America's Next Top Model. It's a vicious cycle.

Which begs the question of: have you practiced your acceptance speech? I've been practicing mine since I was old enough to know what an awards show is. They differ slightly depending on if I'm practicing for the Oscars or Emmys or Grammys. With Golden Globes you have to be a little more relaxed and have a little more fun. You know...it differs. But, of course, just like you I have practiced my acceptance speech.

Sample from my Oscars speech:

"Oh my gosh! I can't believe it, seriously, thank you! Oh, wow, I didn't even put together a speech because I never dreamed this could actually happen! And everyone knows if you practice a speech ahead of time you'll never get the award! I don't even know where to begin!

First of all, I'd like to thank the Academy. This is such an honor. I've always wanted to say that! Oh, wow, who next? I don't want to leave anyone out! I'd like to thank my amazing director, Steven Soderbergh for taking a chance on me. What an amazing experience for my very first movie--you're an amazing director and you made this movie an absolute adventure.

I want to thank my hilarious group of costars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac...and, well, all of the guys that worked on Ocean's 14 with me. You accepted me into your boys club and made every minute of work the most fun I've ever had. Thanks for making me one of the guys! And to Julia Roberts for becoming my new best friend.

Thanks to my manager, my agent, and all the people who work in movies to make other people look good.

Of course I want to thank my wonderful husband for moving out here to L.A. to pursue my dream of an Oscar and for not getting jealous every time I went to work with all those men! You're amazing and supportive and I love you. I want to thank my friends back home, who continue to encourage me and without who I would not be here today.

Thanks to my dad for instilling a love of the arts in me. Thanks to my sister for always listening. My whole family for getting me here after a life full of love and opportunity. Thanks to my mom for believing in me and being my biggest fan, even when John and I gave up lucrative careers in PR and insurance to move out here and go after a dream.

Thank you to God for setting this path for me. I'll try to repay you by never doing nude scenes. Ever.

Finally, I just have to say, because I'm here in Southern California....Boomer Sooner!"



Or something like that...

Losing my BUTT-er

At Weight Watchers tonight (I go for support and also so I can feel healthier and learn portion control--I know some of you wonder why I'm going) I found out I lost .4 pounds. Which is great (better than gaining or maintaining) but still kind of like "so what"??

Then, the lovely Liz and Pat at WW told me that .2 pounds is the same as a stick of butter. So...I actually lost two butter sticks worth of fat this past week!

When you think about it, that's pretty awesome! I have about 4.2 pounds to go to be at my goal, which is still a healthy 7 pounds heavier than the last time I quit WW.

Remember everyone--I go for support and because it helps me to feel motivated to have portion control and live a healthier life. Despite the small setback in my ban of pre-meal bread today, I'm back on track!

As for me and My house....we don't root for Texas

You thought I wasn't going to post in time, didn't you? Well I still have an hour to spare this beautiful November 5th...

I'll leave you with one short story and a "thrilling" video below.

John and his friend Andrew went to the OU/A&M game on Saturday night (don't get me started about how I was cleaning instead of tailgating). Anyway...he calls me long before the game starts and begins telling me about how Texas is giving him heartburn because they're about to lose the game at OSU.

Well, first of all they didn't lose. But my REAL concern was that John was rooting for Texas. Rooting. For. TEXAS. I do not care the reasoning behind this sudden change in position....no self-respecting OU fan EVER roots for Texas. Period.

Pam, back me up on this...

Anyway, I pointed out the error of this colossal mistake and I hope he learned his lesson. Yes, Texas winning makes us look that much better for beating them (and adds style points to the BCS). Yes, OSU is incredibly annoying this year (except for the Mike Gundy tirade which I thought was hilarious). Yes, it's two big rivals and you have to choose a battle. Yes, we already beat Texas and haven't beaten OSU this year. Yes, Matthew McConaughey is a hot Texas fan. I don't care. In THIS house we do not root for Texas.

Shout out to Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, fellow CofCer...guess I can't hate Texas but I can stand strong in not wanting them to win...

So, there is your story for the day. Crazy Sooner fan on the loose!

Thriller

John went to the game the other night, came home, and could hardly talk about anything else. Watch this video all the way through to see the Pride of Oklahoma really become the Pride! Thrilling...

Psychotic Tendencies?

Oh yeah!! I forgot to tell you about the celebrity babies.

A while back, Liz hosted a shower for Brooke and had this great game of match the celebrity baby with their parents! Knowing that Emily is as into celebrities and "People" as I am (her last blog entry was about Britney Spears and we all know how I feel about her), I figured it would be a fun game.

I'm not sure it went over very well...some people are just "too good" to know exactly what Suri Cruise looks like or what Brooke Shields' daughter's name is (Grier and Rowan) but I think Jen and Emily liked it anyway....

I sure felt like a psycho doing searches for these babies then having Kinko's print them! But, I guess it was better than another edition of Baby Bingo...

Wacky Weekend

What a weekend. As you might have gathered from many of my previous posts over the years, I prefer my weekends to have a lot of rest and relaxation. Or, in other words, naps and TV.

This weekend has been crazy! But it makes me realize that all rest and relaxation really does for me is make me feel crappy and depressed. I was so busy the past few days, and as the weekend comes to a close I feel refreshed and excited.

Saturday I had lots of errands to do my friend Emily's shower, which was being hosted at my house. Ok...so really, errands meant running to Kinko's for color copies of celebrity babies (more on that in a moment) and deep cleaning my house. I did not get around to pulling weeds and dusting the blinds but the house was pretty clean anyway. In the middle of that I was "forced" to meet with 3/5 of my book club (Samantha out sick and Charly....well, she lives far away now!) and we ended up spending several hours at my new favorite Starbucks. I would tell you where this new, quiet, not-busy Starbucks is but I'm afraid you will all start going there and make it not quiet and very busy. But let's just say it's near Cheeseburger in Paradise (great Mojitos, by the way!).

ANYWAY....we met there for a while where they helped me assemble lists of parents to the celebrity babies. And after all that, I had to watch OU kick A&M around the field (while trying not to be jealous of my husband who was there in person while I was cleaning our house). So, as you can see...quite a busy day.

And, in addition to NaBloPoMo November is also "Young Marrieds Children's Bible Hour" month. Which means I'm co-in charge of putting Children's Bible Hour together for the month of March. Doesn't sound like a big deal, right? It is...it's actually a lot of work! I finished my Saturday night putting the final touch on details for today's session.

Sunday we had Bible Hour, but it was also Donut Duty...which means John and I had to get up about 15 minutes before we usually get up (making us only 30 minutes late instead of 45) and pick up donuts for class. And it also meant John couldn't skip out on church because he was tired from the game. Then it was a lot of rushing around to get ready for Bible Hour, then scarfing down a sandwich to get home in time to decorate and assemble food before 25 people showed up for Emily's shower!

Now...it is all done and I only have evening Bible Hour and maybe a trip to Starbucks to go.

Ok, I know it wasn't the most exciting post....however you should realize you're getting 30 days in a row of blogging so not everything is going to be fun and interesting. Maybe I'll come up with something fun for tomorrow!

Let's Get Physical

Ok, so Aubrey posted a picture a while ago of herself with no makeup on and I thought that was really brave (not because she was scary without makeup, but because I would never have the guts to post a pic of myself without makeup!).

So...I hope you all take this photo in the right way and consider me brave to post this on my blog. It's really quite humiliating if I stop to think about it.

My company had a HUGE Halloween party this past week. And since there are around 30 offices across the U.S. we did live webstreaming fun times and they paid for our lunch. Then there was a costume contest between all the offices. If my officemates were not as equally humiliated with our costumes choices (lots of leotards and blue eye shadow) I would post the entire group photo.

Anyway....this was my contribution to the "Revenge of the 80s Aerobicizers" theme. We lost to a group of stupid french fries and ketchup in Atlanta but whatever....we were robbed.

Remember: not stupid, very brave...

**this post brought to you by MY computer**

I'm blogging

I'm blogging...on MY computer.

It's not an easy or pretty process...but I'm one step closer to back online!!

Thank goodness for the shift key....more to come!

NaBoblahblahblah

November is NaBloPoMo....or something like that. Basically it's a challenge to bloggers to blog every day in the month of November. Why they pick November is beyond me, seeing as at least one day of the month we're all locked in a food coma from all the eating.

Anyway...I didn't sign up or anything, but I'm still going to do my best to participate. I have several entries I'm working on (including a photo of my Halloween costume--80s aerobicizer) but for now I just have one thought I'll leave you with.

Lance and Ashley. What the H?!

Dear Diary

I don't know about you, but when I was little I kept diaries. A lot of the books I read for young girls were about diaries, and writing your thoughts down. The earliest journal I remember writing in was when I was 7.

And, guess what? I kept them. In fact, I have several boxes in the attic I call "Memory Boxes" with pictures and yearbooks and postcards and lots of other things from when I was younger. Included in that mess are all of my old journals.

I kept journals up through high school. I have been reading them, and they all make me smile. I don't know that I'll ever share those high school journals with too many people...but for your pure enjoyment I figured you'd all get a kick out of my childhood journals. I swear....I really wrote this stuff. Misspellings and all.
-------------------------------
These excerpts are from the "Ramona Quimby Diary", which I was given when I was 7 years old. It gave you ideas for what to write, and fill-in-the-blank entries.

"I have orangeshred colored hair and blue colored eyes and I weigh 48 pounds." (Eat a Snickers bar or something!)

"My favorite food is cheeseburgers." (couldn't see that one coming, could you?)

"This year I hope this wish comes true: my birthday is very excitinger then last year." (Wait until you're 26 and you hope for no more birthdays!)

"My little sister did not be very nice to me. I got mad at her. I tole my mom and she talked to my sister. I was happy that julia got in trubble. I forgived her. I played with her for awhile. then It was time for supper." (Supper fixes everything)

"I like to order my food myself. I feel so proud of myself. I wish I were a grownup. Then I could have children. It would be fun but I would miss being a kid. Because I could not play outside and I could no Go to school. I like school beacase I can lern more stuff. It is very fun. Math Is fun in borrowing. It is easer then carrying. I like It o.k. but I still hate math." (Still hate math)

"I love Robbie Stroble. He is very nice. I want to tell him but I am too emberest. I used to love garret hughs." (Getting around, even at age 7)

"For Valentines' day I got alot of letters. Garrettes was funny. It said a heart for my sweetheart. I could not believe it. Because he dose not like me too mutch. All the letters I got were nice. I wish I could send some thank-you notes out to evrybody. But I can't do all that work. It would be very hard to do. I could try but I do not want to." (Lifetime of laziness started here)

"The nickname I hate the most is Jessie" (I knew, even then)

"If I have children I'll name them Sarah and Tara." (cute)

"I like March 20th. It is my sisteres birthday. And I get early birthday presents. It is nice to get birthday presents when It is not your birthday. It wonderful when your birthday comes." (Happy birthday, Julia!)

"Sometimes I wish I was still little because: I would get mor attanchan."

"The secret I don't want anyone to know about: is my boyfriend Robbie Stroble." (score!! we hooked up not long after I mentioned my love for him!)

"The secret I don't want anyone to know about: L KDWH PB VLVWHU." (translation through Ramona's secret code is: I hate my sister)

"I wish these things would change in my family: Getting in fights, medison."
(guess the family was highly medicated??)

"I hate Courtney. Because she hates me. She never did like me. I am glad." (so THERE, Courtney!)

"In May, I most want to forget: screaming"

"These are foods I really hate: lasonua"

"These are my favorite foods: hot dogs, cheese burgers"

"I would like the try this food: I taste everything" (liar)

"I never even want to TRY this food: salad" (still don't)

"I'd love to have a meal where I could eat all the choclat cake and Ice cream I wanted." (when you grow up, you can!)

"I don't like to be teased about: I'm little and I have short hair."

"I'm happy school is over because: no more Mrs. Know it all's like mean girls." (Lindsay Lohan hates Mean Girls, too)

"The most embarrassing moment I ever had was: I have a hole bunch of embearrassing moments." (wait until high school!)

"I felt embarrassed recently when: Boys saw my panie's." (perverts)

"I am most worried about: somebody braking into our house." (still worry about that...what kind of TV was I watching back then?)

"Dear Diary. Today All I did was get in big, big, big, big, big, big trubble. It was an offial, Horrible, NO good, very bad day"

"Dear Diary, Worst day of my life. First I got a bad paper cut. Next I got in truble and almost got a check. Last I was playing chase and broke a window."

"Dear Diary, Today I past my alls test. Today was a great day. We won best row prize! Also I cheated on my alls." (funny how you didn't mention the cheating before passing the test)

"When I grow up I want to be a vetranairn an author Illistrater or a poet." (Nothing about being in PR)

"Today we don't have to go to school! It will be a pretty good day. I hope it will go pretty well. It probably will be a good day."
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There's so much more...but I will save it. If you have kids, encourage them to write a diary or journal! It is so much fun to look back on...