Day Three: Tour of the City

On Monday evening, we’d had an interesting conversation with Eduardo, the bellhop at the hotel. He suggested taking a tour of the city via double-decker red bus. John and I are “city travelers” and like to normally try to be a local and explore the city on our own. But there was SO MUCH we wanted to see in San Francisco, and the bus system was a little difficult to figure out. So, we booked the tour….and it was worth every last penny and then some.

We saw City Hall, the Mission District, the Castro district (lots of rainbow flags there…we didn’t stop, but John was uncomfortable even driving through!), then headed up to Twin Peaks. This is the highest point in the city and offers 360-degree views of the Bay and beyond. It was gorgeous (albeit a little windy and freezing) and we got lots of great pictures.

Then we headed on to Golden Gate Park and spent some time in the Japanese Tea Garden. Then it was past the beach and the seal rocks and over the Golden Gate Bridge, where we stopped at Vista Points for major photo opportunity.

We passed the Palace of Fine Arts, and ended up in Fisherman’s Wharf where John and I spent the rest of the afternoon. We definitely wouldn’t have been able to do and see all we did on our own—so thanks, Eduardo!

Fisherman’s Wharf was very peaceful, despite all the tourists. We saw the sea lions lounging (and barking) on the Pier, shopped and ate chocolate, smelled all the street vendors with their fresh crab legs, shrimp and crabcakes. And then ate dinner at a fancy restaurant called Scoma’s right on the water. I learned something new: “cioppino” is a fisherman’s stew. It’s not a plate full of seafood variety fried up and served like Joe’ Crab Shack. It’s all together in a tomato-based stew. Important to know, especially when you pay $35 for it!

Anyway, it was tasty. Some Ben and Jerry’s for dessert and a cable car home….in bed asleep (once again) before 9:00.

Day Two: Alcatraz and Wharf

We got up early on Monday to grab some breakfast and maneuver our way to the piers for our trip to Alcatraz Island. This was the main thing John wanted to do, and it was a lot of fun. I mean, it’s a prison….how exciting can it be?

But it was interesting the way you took the tour and the views of the city. The prisoners must have gone crazy, being able to see San Francisco from the island—normal life so close, yet so far away. It was cool and breezy, glad I brought a coat!

After Alcatraz we headed to Boudin Bakery for some famous sourdough bread sandwiches, then headed to Ghiradelli Square where we indulged Ghiradelli chocolate brownie sundaes with Ghiradelli chocolate chips, topped with Ghiradelli hot fudge sauce. It was DELICIOUS. We also made our first chocolate purchase at the gift shop.

Then we did something really, really stupid. Having missed our chance to see Lombard Street by car, we decided to walk there. Up Hyde Street. At a 70-degree incline. About a mile, uphill, 70-degree incline. Immediately following a very chocolatey ice cream sundae. Very, very stupid. Very.

But the views, of course, were spectacular and it gave us a good feel for the city. And Lombard Street was beautiful—covered in my favorite flower, hydrangeas. We caught the cable car back to the hotel then found a great little restaurant for dinner nearby.

Once again—we were out before 10:00—our legs thankful for the rest!

What does brunch in wine country look like?

Day One, Otherwise known as Napa Valley

Our adventure began at 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning. At that time, we got up, finished packing, ate some breakfast, and headed out.

Both flights were on time (even early) and all luggage landed safe and sound. Rental car was ready (complete with a GPS) and we were off!

We arrived in Napa Valley a few hours later, but we could smell wine country long before we arrived at our first winery. The smell of grapes and wine is all over the place, it comes through your vents and rolled down windows as you drive. I’m not a wine buff (don’t even really like it) but it smelled great.

We stopped at a winery called V. Sattui, where we had a free wine tasting, found a couple of wines we could tolerate, and stared at the exotic deli items. Lots of fancy cheeses and sprouts and spreads.

We were STARVING at this point (it was about 2:00 California time, we’d been up since 2:30 Oklahoma time and only had a donut). So we elected to skip the deli and find some substantial food down the road.

Remember how excited I was to “have Sunday brunch in wine country”? Well, apparently everyone gets excited about that. The crowds were thick, restaurants were busy, and we were both starting pounding headaches from lack of food. But there was one restaurant that had no wait and a perfect view of vineyards: A&W/KFC. That’s right—we had A&W burgers and fries for lunch. Oh…and cheese curds. Can’t forget the cheese curds! It was delicious and set us up for the drive to the next winery.

We arrived at the beautiful tree-lined streets of Sterling Vineyards (are they vineyards or wineries? I don’t know and never figured out). They have a gondola ride up the mountain to their main building and we rode that up to the top for beautiful views. Autumn has hit Napa Valley and the different colors of the leaves were a perfect setting. We’d already bought our wine, so we enjoyed the views and then headed back into the city.

We checked into our darling hotel, the Pickwick, and then John wanted to drive down Lombard Street (“the crookedest street in the world”) but we failed to realize one important thing: it was Fleet Week and the Blue Angels were doing a show over the Bay. Which means we were driving 3 miles through over 100,000 people. It took us two hours to get through the masses…..2 hours for 3 miles and we didn’t even see Lombard Street. We took the car back, caught the train into downtown, ate dinner at the hotel restaurant and fell asleep.

Wow, you know it’s been a successful day when John was asleep before me at 9:00 pm!

I'm Leavin' on a Jet Plane

Well, BOOMER SOONER!! We beat Texas! It's the start of a great week....thanks Sooners!

I'm headed to bed. Getting up at 2:30 for our flight tomorrow. Wish us luck. By this time tomorrow, we'll be in Napa Valley!

I'll try to post pictures and updates while we're gone. Have a great week!

Hump Day

I very much hope to be sipping coffee in Golden Gate Park this time next week. And maybe exploring some funky hippie thrift shops in the Haight-Ashbury district, who knows.

John was asking me today what we're going to do in San Francisco. And other than Napa Valley on Sunday (partly because we want to rent a car only one day, and partly because it sounds so sophisticated to have Sunday brunch in wine country, and partly because having wine will be practically like having communion) and Alcatraz on Monday morning....I have no itinerary. Of course, I want to have an idea of what's close by and what would be best suited for visiting on the same day. But I don't want to feel tied to a schedule. Exciting and scary all at the same time.

In other news, I have a new addiction. I think I shared with you all when I discovered MySpace and how worried I was that it would take over my life. I was so overwhelmed, that I resisted turning to Facebook at the same time. But now....I have discovered Facebook. WHOA! There are so many more people on Facebook, and it's so much easier to find people. I'm having a lot of fun with it....maybe too much fun. If you're on Facebook, friend me. If you're not....join!

I know you're ALL anxious for me to share my TV schedule for the new season. I'm sure you're all waiting with bated breath on what new shows I've decided to invest in, which shows I'm abandoning, what does my DVR look like? I am holding out for a reason: I haven't had time to watch everything. Turns out the last couple of weeks I've decided to get a life and I'm gone most evenings. Since the DVR is in the living room and I have a very strict bedtime, I can't watch my shows late at night so they are delegated to the weekend.

Once I'm caught up and have a good 2-3 week feeling of investment in some of the new shows, I will certainly share with you my insights. If you want a preview, make sure and catch Big Shots, Dirty Sexy Money, and Private Practice. Looks like they may make it to a permanent place on the DVR!

Letter into the Future

I've seen this on several blogs lately, where the challenge is to write a letter to yourself as a teenager. So, I did my best to tell my high school self about what's to come, and what I wish she could understand. Enjoy!
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Dear High School Jessica,

As you're beginning high school, I know it seems overwhelming. Especially since you haven't quite mastered self-tanner cream, you're not sure how to kiss (or even flirt for that matter), and all your friends are across town at Memorial H.S. But I'm here to tell you--you're going to love it.

If you could fast forward through senior year, I could guarantee fun and games from here on out. But, just know that 12th grade is the exception to the rule. Start preparing now--it's a bumpy road. I'm happy to report you make it through with flying colors--and a lot of life lessons that will change who you are for the better. The reward for this heartbreak will be four years in college and you will love every stinkin' minute at OU.

I have some advice for you. You won't listen, as the school of experience is the best teacher. But, in case you could here is what I want you to know.

You won't end up alone. And even if you did, it would be better than wasting hours, tears, and energy over some of the boys you think matter. Don't get me wrong--there are some great guys you stumble across along the way. But, man, do you know how to find a couple of losers!

What I really want you to know is not how it ends up. Because the truth is your heart will break into pieces more than one time. And you'll meet THE guy long before you're smacked in the head with the realization he is THE guy. What I want you to know is how amazing you are all by yourself. I wish I could prove to you that you don't need a guy to make you special or worthy or even attractive. You have been smart and full of possibility since you were born--YOU make life what it is. It's so easy to get caught up in dating that you forget who you are and what you want. Please, please remember what you want and don't let anyone change that. Depend on yourself first--you're capable, I promise!

Every girl learns the hard way....but they all learn. I did, and while I have no regrets, if I could do it all over again I would treat myself much better. I'd believe in myself a lot more.

Friendships will come and go, and once again this will be a source of much heartache and frustration. And it's constantly changing--growing up doesn't do much in solidifying friends. However, you will have lots of great friends, and keep them close. And pay a little more attention to the loud, crass girl in your choir class--she will end up being the very best friend you've ever had.

I wish I could say that grades matter. In high school they matter only enough to get you into college. But in college? Grades just don't matter. Your sophomore year at OU, when your GPA drops to a number you didn't even know existed, don't worry. I can honestly say the fun you have is worth so much more than making a better grade in macroeconomics. Or French. In fact, change your foreign language classes to Spanish right now. It will be so good for your career. So, while it's probably bad advice, you know your limit--skip the classes you want and hang out with friends. Just know you'll have to work that much harder to pass later on!

A word on forgiveness. There will be a lot of opportunities to both give and receive forgiveness. It might be the hardest thing you ever have to do, and it's something you have to teach yourself. After you teach yourself the value of forgiveness, you will have to wake up every morning and choose to forgive. You will not always find it easy, and it may take a very long time to finally give in and forgive. But holding grudges and being angry is not worth it. It's just not. So, forgive those who need it. Especially those that love you, and even those who don't ask for it. Walking around as a ball of anger all the time does nothing for your health or your demeanor.

This will be much easier to realize once you have to ask for forgiveness (which you will). Second chances are better than first impressions--just ask your husband. And one other thing--forgiving yourself is harder than forgiving any one person. But prayer can help you through that.

A few random pieces of info to look forward to?

There will be a newfound interest in college football (I know it sounds crazy but just go with me). There will come a point in time where you'll fly all over the U.S. for work BY YOURSELF. And you'll step into a cab in L.A. one day and realize how strong and brave you really are. It's exhilarating, this moment of realization. It makes long hours in airports worth it.

Work really hard, but don't be afraid to step back and breathe every now and then. Take time to really enjoy a cup of coffee. Keep writing, even if it's just a journal. Save all your sweater coats and satin blouses because they come back into style! Go ahead and give up shorts--your legs are just too white to wear them.

And two final things: 10th grade when you think you should cut your bangs on your own, just don't do it. That, combined with a really horrible polyester shirt will make for a TERRIBLE yearbook picture and if you ever become famous that is the one they will print in People magazine. And eat everything you can now--your metabolism will never be this good again!

Enjoy the ride!

26-year-old Jessica

Losing Sucks

Losing sucks, it's true. But what have I learned from this experience?

1) Never watch football with Brooke and Derek again (Boise State was the last one we watched together before today)
2) Never run your mouth about beating Texas the week before the game
3) I can officially retire my lucky shirt and lucky underwear. Obviously no longer lucky

However, thankfully I am still a Sooner. It's still great to be a Sooner. I still love football. Just not today...

Boomer Sooner!

The worst form of revenge: erasing someone's Tivo

I have a new link, a new blogstalker-like-me that's finally blogging on her own, Aubrey. Aubrey and I go way back....we grew up together in youth group and her family has always been very special to our family.

Our friendship has grown in recent months since she and her husband, Josh, started attending our church. And she's a lot like me. Sigh...I tried to figure out how to make that sound like something good, and not something offensive. I just mean she is very open and fun and real and I appreciate being able to tell her anything!

Anyway--she started a blog. I'm getting close to having everyone I know start a blog. Blogfever is spreading like STD's on spring break. Or like wildfire, whatever you prefer.
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I am pretty stressed out because it is premiere week on TV and I've only been able to watch two things! My DVR is about to explode. But if "House" and "The Office" are any indication of the season to come, it's going to be great!
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9 days and counting to San Francisco!!
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John's going all political and thoughtful on his blog...check it out because it might be a while before he does it again!

Bladcoxerson, Bennifer, Brangelina

So the Bladcoxerson Weight Loss Challenge 2007 is in full swing. Brooke, Liz, and John are fierce competitor's. John lost AGAIN this week at Weight Watchers. And he keeps taking me to Long John Silver's for dinner because (believe it or not) their chicken planks and hush puppies are low in points. It was fun the first time....now I'm sick of it!

But this challenge was made while I was not present, so I don't know if I'm a competitor or not. I guess I'm along for the ride, because I am paying each week for Weigh Watchers and I gave up the fair this year. I think that entitles me to compete....I don't know.

In any case, I'm down an even 3 pounds in three weeks (3.81%), without even really trying. I don't know why I'm having a hard time adjusting to WW this time around. I know it works. I just really like French Fries.

Remember when I gave up potatoes this year? I went almost 4 months in my boycott against Idaho after the Fiesta Bowl (if you say "statue of liberty" to me I will punch you in the face). And it was so much easier than I thought! I need to find something to "give up". Like Lent in October.

I'm thinking either fried food (which would mean McNuggets) or maybe potatoes again. I can't keep a straight face at even entertaining the idea of giving up sugar or chocolate. My body literally could not survive. I need a passionate reason to give something up, though.

I'm going to think on it for a few days....and I guess if I'm not really allowed to compete, I can still win because I'll be healthier!

Name that Tater Tot Casserole!

I thought about letting it go. I shared my disdain with a few close friends and family. I even tried to let my friend Emily handle most of the public displays of annoyance. But I cannot let it go.

The Duggar's have 17 children, by choice. I am all about freedom of choice and lots of love to go around. More power to them. However...I don't know why I'm supposed to care. Why should I care? They CHOSE to have 17 children, so their grocery bills and laundry loads and vehicle purchases should not come as a surprise. Why is it so fascinating they spend $2,000 on groceries? There are 19 people in ONE house! It's like a giant Thanksgiving every day, of course it's going to be expensive!

And you know what the great thing about Thanksgiving is? It only comes once a year so it's special and exciting and there is lots of gluttony involved. If you had Thanksgiving every day, wouldn't it get old and boring? Wouldn't it lose some of the luster that makes it so special?

There is nothing wrong with handmade clothes, homeschooling, and family violin concerts. Millions upon millions do those things every day. We don't focus on the family with only two children that homeschool, do we?

I could let it go, I really could. But when Mama Duggar is in the hospital hours after giving birth to #17 and she says "we can't wait to have more" that is just too much. Your baby is HOURS old....enjoy her for a moment! Be thankful at that moment for her, stop planning on her replacement. Argh, it makes me so annoyed. Which, I KNOW, is going against everything I'm saying. I shouldn't care, yet I know their story blahblahblah. I shouldn't care about Paris Hilton (and I don't) but sometimes you can't help but knowing exactly what she ate for breakfast in prison when it's broadcast on the front of USA Today.

What has sent me over the edge? Perhaps it's the fact that the reputable, respected Discovery Health website now has an online game called "Name that Duggar". Match the Duggar picture with the right J-name and you win (get this) a Tater Tot Casserole! Get it wrong, and you lose a casserole.

I have never hated Tater Tots more in my life.

I don't hate the Duggar's. I just hate that everyone is out there celebrating their lifestyle like it's some sort of great accomplishment. Let's have a show and a game and a People magazine article and an obsession with the family down the street where both parents work and 2 kids go to public schools and dinner might consist of Sonic tater tots on the way to karate. Let's celebrate families, no matter how big or small, who are making it work. Just because the Duggar's have a compound on their hands doesn't make them any better or more successful at parenting than any one of my good friends out there.

Sigh....just annoyed.

Vacation and Football

I gotta tell you, I have a thing for running backs. Last year, I was a die-hard, self-professed kicker groupie. This year, I am still Garrett Hartley's girlfriend, but I realized our relationship may be distracting him from successful PAT attempts and FG attempts. So I'm backing off for the sake of the team until he's back to normal. In the meantime, there is something so appealing about 5'3 160-pound guys that can run really fast with 7 defenders on their back.

I wouldn't say I love all running backs, but I think even Reggie Bush is great and I have vowed NEVER to breathe a good word about USC players. It's almost like admitting out loud that Vince Young is a great quarterback, which I would NEVER do because (in case you didn't know) I hate Texas.

Anyway, I think the ultimate love of my OU football life (besides, of course, my original football boyfriend Josh Heupel--shout out, Cary) is Quentin Griffin. Anyone who can run 6 touchdowns in ONE GAME against Texas is my kind of man. Because, in case you didn't know, I hate Texas. And I love living in the past (2000, 63-14....the best football game I've ever been to).

Thinking about the great running backs we've had at OU in recent years (Griffin, Jones, Peterson, Patrick, Murray, etc.), I get chills all over and realize that maybe, just maybe, the real love of my life is Bob Stoops because he freaking rocks at recruiting.

I love being a Sooner. I love this time of year. And I stand strong on my stance that Texas sucks yesterday, today, tomorrow, next Saturday when we kick them all over the field, and beyond. For life, baby. For life.
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In case you hadn't seen John's blog (FINALLY....it's been his birthday for weeks it seems), we are going on vacation!!!! Thanks to my very antsy husband, a stressful but successful year at work, and the need to forget about certain things for a few moments he decided we needed to get away. Just us, with no real agenda, and treat ourselves.

We're going to San Francisco in less than 2 weeks. 12 days, to be exact. I can't wait to experience northern California in October. I know we want to drive through wine country, go to Alcatraz, Fisherman's Warf, Golden Gate Park. There are some museums and aquariums we want to go to, and of course the shopping. We want to eat sourdough bread and Ghirardelli chocolate and catch a cable car or two. I am desperate to go to a beach. Not to swim (good thing since people don't swim at Bay Area beaches) just to enjoy the ocean and feel the sand between my toes. I'm sure there will be cool breezes coming off the water and we'll take pictures in sweatshirts with our jeans rolled up and bare feet on the sand.

We're staying in a real hotel, not on someone's couch (or on pool mattresses on a hardwood floor in a New York studio apartment while some pregnant lady freezes me to death, Pam!). We're flying, not driving. We're eating out, not that it's different than any other day of the week. And we're enjoying time together. Not even sure if I will take my computer. Maybe to blog and download pictures in the evening....but no work. Just fun this time.

What could be better than beating Texas in the cotton bowl and leaving for vacation in a 24-hour period? I don't know, but only 12 days until I find out!

Results (and, yes, there was more than one condom joke)

The appointment went well today. Well, it wasn't the most fun I've ever had (actually QUITE painful this time) but the news coming out of it was good: no polyp.

So no surgery, no testing, no additional funds spent.

Still, one month of trying efforts lost. But I was expecting that, so I'm able to be a little more joyful than annoyed.

I think John is frustrated because it means we're back to square one. Still no real explanation of what's going on and why it's so difficult. Not that we wanted something surgical to be the problem! But for us, it's about knowing. The unknown is the enemy for us.

So I have yet one more month (a good 20+ days) to take wonderful advice like "don't worry" and "relax" while remembering to enjoy things like "traveling" and "sleeping in". Don't mean to sound bitter, just tired. Not the kind of tired that sleeping in and relaxing can fix....the kind of tired that only holding a screaming infant, watching John change diapers, and not sleeping for years can fix.

P.S.--I really am incredibly grateful and relieved that everything came out OK this time, I promise! It's really proof all your prayers are working--selfish to ask of you, but keep them coming. You pray for a fix, I'll pray for a better attitude...

P.P.S--We are humbled and beyond thankful for your prayers. That, and your encouragement is all that is getting us through. Don't mind the sarcasm. We are some of the lucky ones that we don't have to deal with this alone.

Protection

I have an appointment with the trusty fertility doctor tomorrow morning. John's going with me. Which means at some point during the appointment there will be an awkward joke about condoms.

Because if you know my husband, you know the overuse of the word uterus and a giant drawer of condoms is a deadly combination.

Wish us luck!

What's on YOUR iPod?

Despite what it may seem like, I was working on this post long before Pam posted her iPod list. I promise!

I'm taking it a step further. It's not just what's on my iPod....it's WHY it's on there. I couldn't list everything on there (over 2,500 songs and an entire season of CSI among other things). But I can tell you a few of the 48 songs on my "Current Favorites" list, and why they are on there. With music--it's about a catchphrase. It's usually one verse, one chorus, one theme that grabs me. Here are a few:

"No one else can speak the words on your lips
....live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten"
-Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield
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"We've got to hold on to what we got
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
We got each other and that's a lot"
-Livin' on a Prayer, Bon Jovi
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"If I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world?"
-Chasing Cars, Snow Patrol
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Every line in the song "Rockstar" by Nickelback. I would have to type the whole song out....it's hilarious! "I'll have the quesadillas"
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"Welcome to wherever you are--this is your life, you've made it this far.
Welcome, you gotta believe--that right here, right now you're exactly where you're supposed to be"
-Welcome to Wherever You Are, Bon Jovi
The whole song is good....especially for those of us lost and confused about our place in life!
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"Cause it's frightening to be swimming in this strange sea, but I'd rather be here than on land"
-Out of My League, Stephen Speaks
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"Hey there, Delilah, what's it like in New York City?
You're a thousand miles away, but, girl, tonight you look so pretty yes you do;
Times Square can't shine as bright as you"
-Hey There Delilah, Plain White Tees
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"You're the swimming pool on an August day, you're the perfect thing to say"
-Everything, Michael Buble
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"There are two roads to walk down and one road to choose"
-Thinking Over, Dana Glover
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"If I could escape and recreate a place that's my own world"
-Sweet Escape, Gwen Stefani
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"I wanna feel something sweeter than this sin
.....I've been everybody else, now I want to be something closer to myself"
-Closer to Myself, Kendall Payne
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"You're still the one that makes me laugh, still the one that's my better half"
-Still the One, Orleans
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"Watching all my dreams come true, lost in this moment with you"
-Lost in the Moment, Big and Rich
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"[I hope] you find God's grace in every mistake, and always give more than you take"
-My Wish, Rascal Flatts
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"So you wanna change the world--what are you waiting for?"
-What Are You Waiting For, Natalie Grant
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"We see everything that's going wrong with the world and those who lead it,
We just feel like we don't have the means to rise above and beat it"
-Waiting on the World to Change, John Mayer
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"When push comes to shove, you taste what you're made of;
You might bend 'til you break, cause it's all you can take;
On your knees you look up, decide you've had enough;
You get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off--then you stand"
-Stand, Rascal Flatts
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"I wanna be the hand that lifts your veil"
-Your Everything, Keith Urban
(I still think this is the romantic verse of any song I've ever heard--it's why I wore a veil over my face on my wedding day. So John could lift it.)
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"Every day I find another reason, every season we go through,
Every little thing you do--that's when I love you"
-That's When I Love You, Phil Vassar
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"I'm losing you and it's effortless"
-Over My Head, The Fray
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"Take all your big plans and break them, this is bound to be a while"
-Your Body is a Wonderland, John Mayer
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"I'm not sure why I called, I guess I really just wanted to talk to you"
-I'd Really Love to See You Tonight, England Dan and John Ford Coley
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"So when I make a big mistake, when I fall flat on my face, I know I'll be all right"
-Who I Am, Jessica Andrews
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"Myself and I--we've got some straightening out to do"
-Big Girls Don't Cry, Fergie
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"Another aero-plane, another sunny place--I'm lucky, I know.
But I wanna go Home"
-Home, Michael Buble
(my theme song, lately!)
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"There were hard times I know I survived, just because you stayed by my side"
-I Will Be There For You, Jessica Andrews

Anyway...there ya go. I'd recommend any and all, and more. I have a GREAT Current Faves list, and a GREAT workout list.

When I pick a song, I just like to think about WHY I picked it. What's on your iPod? Better yet....why is it on there?

Random Thoughts (because there's not enough interesting things to warrant their own post)

Well, like I said in the last post I've been sick this week. Do you know how limited you are without a voice? At the same time, it's kind of nice to sit back and listen and observe.

My voice is slowly coming back, my head is slooooowly unclogging. Just in time to work all weekend--yay!
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Speaking of, it's been 16 whole days since I was last at the OKC airport. I'm starting to miss my friends in security, especially the really nice older man that always tells me what a beautiful smile I have even at 4:30 in the morning. He doesn't even check my boarding pass anymore, he just knows me.

But no need to worry--I'm flying on Sunday afternoon AND next Sunday afternoon. I just can't get enough, really. Next Sunday I'm going somewhere I've never been: Atlanta.
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Last night I finally watched this HBO documentary that we recorded the other day called "Alive Day Memories". It's about 10 veterans of the Iraq war. Isn't it crazy that we have 22-year olds with purple hearts and veteran status?

Anyway, we taped it because the last guy in the film, John Jones, was a good friend of my John's in high school. Lots have happened since then, and they don't keep in contact like they used to. John Jones was on there after losing both his legs after an explosion in Iraq. We watched because of him....I cried because of all of them.

I mean, I cried and cried from the very beginning. I guess because Iraq doesn't feel like a real place to me, or seem like a real place. And even on the news they report on "3 fallen soldiers" or "a bomb in Iraq killed 5 troops today". And it's so....common. But when you're faced with real stories, real pictures, when you put a face to it....it's so real. It's not common at all. The people fighting over there, half of them are younger than my little sister.

It's a powerful show...I'd recommend watching it with a tissue and some time to pray afterwards.
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I cooked this week. That's a big deal--John does all the cooking. But I cooked. And not Hamburger Helper, either. I made these roasted garlic rosemary potatoes. There was even some EVOO mixed in. I've always wanted to cook with EVOO like Rachael Ray. I may not cook, but I watch a lot of cooking shows.

Anyway, they were really good and even John ate them!
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So proud of John, by the way, who lost FIVE pounds when he weighed in at WW this week! And that was after two birthday parties, cookie cake, Butterfinger cake, donuts....well, you saw the list last week. That is awesome.

I didn't go because I figured I would be weighed down by all the snot in my head. Good reason, I thought.
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A final thought for this entry....BOOMER SOONER!!!!!!!

Expired

I have a confession to make. I don't regularly check expiration dates on foods other than milk and beef. Why is this coming to light now?

Well, I'm at home disgustingly sick today. As my fever comes down, my stomach growls. So I wanted something pretty easy to make and I found frozen waffles. Normally the waffles would have been sitting there for MONTHS, but I just bought them the other day so that wasn't the problem. However, they tasted funny....and I realized the syrup wasn't quite right. Kind of thick and not the right consistency. Almost too sweet. Turns out there is an expiration date right on the top of the bottle, plain as day: 110805.

That's November 8th, 2005.

I can try to blame it on the feverish, head-cold fog I was in. But the truth is the bottle has been in our pantry with expiration date unnoticed for me to grab and eat at any time. What else is super-embarrassing? I'm thinking this bottle MAY have made two moves with us. That's twice I packed the bottle in a box, and unpacked it in a new pantry without noticing the date.

Geez...it's a wonder I'm still alive. Guess John and I should eat at home more, so we can notice these things!

And, no, I did not finish the waffles after that. Instead, I'll coat my sore throat with the pint of Ben and Jerry's John bought me last night!

Letter of Apology

Dear Liz,

I am really sorry I ran over your foot with my car this weekend.

I am even sorrier that it was before we had peach champagne at Charly's shower so I don't have any excuse.

Maybe next time you should get in the car faster.

Love,
Jess

Happy Birthday to John--the Big One!

John is 30 years old today. That is quite an accomplishment, worthy of celebration.

So to celebrate, I am eating! Lots and lots of food. Like steak and crouton salad (because, really, who eats lettuce with croutons, bacon, cheese, and eggs?) and Butterfinger cake and donuts and grilled cheese and french fries and there may or may not be a GIANT cookie cake I will work on tonight. Plus Shogun's Japanese Steakhouse for dinner, which means lots of meat.

That is part of the menu I've consumed since 7:30 last night. Remember, we are not counting Thursday and Friday on WW!

In all seriousness, it's John's birthday and I'm so proud of all he has accomplished in his 30 years. I can't imagine what's in store for the next 30 years! So, Happy Birthday Honey!

**On a slightly different topic, our office just received a box full of car air fresheners today that have jockstraps on them and when you open them they smell like, well, jockstraps. Worn, used, old, unwashed jockstraps. Our office smells HORRIBLE. I can't tell if the smell is just that of vomit or if someone actually did vomit.**

**By the way, it's a promotion for a new movie. Some of our clients in this office are movie studios and we get all kinds of crazy promotional items. Just wanted to clear that up, we didn't just randomly get a box of jockstrap air fresheners!**

Another Steve Jobs Collection

Thanks to Emily for getting me inspired to find the SNL Steve Jobs clips on YouTube. Watch the first 5 minutes....they are HILARIOUS!! The last five, not so funny...

Anyway...is YOUR iPod obsolete?

A Few of My Favorite Things

....These are a few of my favorite things:

--A clean house
--Starbuck's tall nonfat, no whip Mocha
--Reading new blogs (hint, hint blogger friends!)
--The sound of 85,000 people screaming "Boomer" and "Sooner" back and forth across Owen Field
--My iPod (I have over 2,500 songs on there, and I only listen to about 40 of them! But, hey, there are lots to choose from should I choose to do so)
--Anything relating to my iPod
--Book Club
--Curling up in bed with a magazine and a purring kitty
--Friday after work when People arrives in my mailbox
--When I find a new album or a new artist and fall in love with an offbeat song....then hear it become a hit a few months later. Makes me feel like I have great taste in music!
--Anything Britney Spears, trainwreck and all (hhhmmm...makes you doubt my great taste in music, huh?)
--When John picks me up at the airport
--Cracker Barrel biscuits
--Ruby red glass
--Frat Pack movies (Ferrel, Vaughn, Stiller, Wilson, Wilson)
--Apatow movies (Rogen, Rudd, Carrell)
--The phrase "that's bad @$$"
--Walking away from an important presentation at work knowing I nailed it
--That feeling about 20 minutes after you take an Excedrin when you realize your headache is gone
--Folding clean laundry
--Laughing until my sides hurt
--Bare Minerals makeup
--DVR
--College Football Saturdays
--Family cookouts
--Looking, but not buying, Coach purses
--Quoting movies and "The Office" with John
--My mom's dog, Simba
--Really, really good Iced Tea (Johnnie's comes to mind)
--Getting up early when I don't have anywhere to be
--Cheerios with 1/2 cup of milk and lots of honey on top
--70-degree, low humidity days when I can go walking without sweating
--Pajama pants
--My grandma's house
--When my grandma stands in the driveway as we're driving away and blows kisses until we're out of sight
--Making my grandpa laugh
--The first time I wear my black wool pea coat each winter
--Sweaters
--Fancy post-its
--Pillsbury Southern Style frozen biscuits (when they're not frozen)

And those are just a few of my current favorite things!

***Editor's Note: Just realized I mentioned biscuits TWICE in this entry. Weight Watchers is going to be hard!!***

Unplugged

After a crazy week on the road, I decided to do my best to take a 4-day weekend. I took last Friday as a vacation day, with the full intent of not being on the computer the entire weekend.

I have to say...I did pretty well. I know, I know....you're thinking "it's only Monday and you're posting which means you have to be on the computer". But it's not like that....I'm on John's computer, not mine. I DID open mine for about 20 minutes early Friday morning. But other than that it hasn't been on.

That was a big step for me, because I don't "unplug" very often. I have done little this weekend other than sleep and lounge and spend time with family and, oh yeah, my husband! The difference from every other weekend where I lounge and sleep is that I actually didn't think about work.
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In other news, it is EXPENSIVE to eat healthy. John and I are wading into Weight Watchers with a test run this week. Obviously it won't be full-fledged, as John turns 30 this weekend and we will be having several parties. But we're at least trying to get our life into order before going cold-turkey on extreme eating.

So I went to the grocery store yesterday and tried to buy low-fat, low-sodium, low-calorie, fresh produce kinds of things. Needless to say, for the first time in months we will be spending every cent of our monthly grocery fund this time around!
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Speaking of money....John and I have actually been thinking ahead and saving for Christmas this year! Part of it was the fact that our poor little Christmas tree didn't make it in the move (because John threw it away) and we needed a new tree. Plus, with all the added financial stress the past few months have thrown us, we figured we needed to save as much in advance as possible.

So we have a pretty good Christmas nest egg saved up, and on Friday we went Christmas tree shopping. Nothing like hearing "Frosty the Snowman" on August 31st! But alas, we found a great tree at Garden Ridge (which may or may not be set up in our back bedroom) and still have money leftover for presents. I'm pretty proud of us for planning ahead!
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I think that's all of my random news for now. We'll be back to a normal blogging week (as it is a normal, non-traveling week for me!) starting tomorrow!

Weighing In

So, John and I have been thinking back to the year 2005 and what a thin year that was for us. When we were happy to go swimming in bathing suits around other people, when I bought a pair of size 2 pants, when we could walk the mall without being out of breath. That was the year we went on Weight Watchers with the family and saw such drastic, noticeable, and quick results. I remember buying a very cute bikini at Target and spending every second I could in the pool at my mom's house.

And then....we stopped. Got busy, I guess. Lost the motivation. And we haven't been the same since.

There is no way, in any sense, I could be called overweight. But I am not healthy. I feel tired and squishy and I'm pretty sure that yesterday my thighs started rubbing together. I can't fit into my favorite clothes and even if I can they don't feel right.

We've been saying for so long "we've got to get back on Weight Watchers" and we finally agreed with Robin on a date. September 10th, which is the Monday after John's 30th birthday. It still seems very far away because I can almost hear my arteries clogging with every chicken finger I stick in my mouth. And today may have been a low point when I ate more than one french fry at the airport even though the smell of them (they were garlic onion fries) made me sick to my stomach and they tasted horrible. Anyway....we will start our lifestyle change on September 10th, and on September 11th we will mark the very sad day in U.S. history with a very sad day of our own: weigh-in. Our first WW meeting in probably a year. And I'm pretty sure both of us will be at the heaviest we've ever been and there may be some tears and frustrations and probably disbelief.

I'm not going to WW to lose a bunch of weight because I'm fat. And I don't think I should get as thin as I was before, because that wasn't necessarily healthy either. But I've got to feel better about myself, and I've got to feel good about my body. I feel more confident, better at work, more energized, more social when I am at a healthy weight with a fit body. And it's never easy since my diet is based on plain cheeseburgers and maybe some fried fish.

Then, today I saw this amazing, inspiring post by my very good friend Liz about her battle against obesity and her absolute dedication to not letting it win. And I cried a little. I am so, so, so proud of her and her work at Weight Watchers lately, and I know between Liz and Brooke and Pam and Robin and Derek and John I will have a great support to stick to Weight Watchers.

So check back with me in about 6 weeks, when I hope to be 10 pounds lighter and much happier. And if you see me or John, encourage us...maybe tell us we look like we've lost a little weight. That always makes a dieter feel good!

The...Two Seasons?

Well, now I sit in a sad little room in a sad little hotel right off the highway in Sacramento. The view is completely obstructed by trees and it sits almost underneath the highway so it's dark and noisy. And it feels awfully institutional, even with the flat screen plasma.

I'm in a Hilton Garden Inn, which is altogether pretty nice but it's no Four Season's. Gosh I feel stifled...I think this room may only be a couple hundred square feet. I'm SO used to 1,000 square feet. And it's hard to go to the bathroom without cable TV in there.

Just kidding! The Four Seasons was WONDERFUL, but I haven't had the best time on this trip. It's so sad that I get to stay at these places and go to such exciting locales and not do anything. I have decided that John and I will be taking our next vacation in San Francisco. Though I REALLY want to go to Malibu and celeb watch. I'm pretty sure I would see Matthew McConaughey shirtless, because he's in People every week without a shirt and it says it's in Malibu.

Anyway....I was really disappointed I didn't get to go to San Francisco a few weeks ago, so John and I will be going there for a trip sometime. Soon. Very soon. I need to get away from work, not just get away. Plus...I miss John!

Want to know what something very disappointing? The Four Seasons had HUGE bottles of complimentary bath stuff. Well, 2.5 ounces in each but it was great, quality stuff. And I didn't take any of them. Because they wouldn't fit in my stupid 1-quart ziploc bag to get through airport security. And I'm doing my best not to check bags anymore. So I left it all behind....with my memories, I suppose.

Hey, did I mention my room service breakfast this morning was $30 for a muffin and bowl of berries? No coffee, no juice, no eggs....just berries and bread. It was delicious!

Miss Teen USA - Questions (and Answers)

As my mother-in-law said, please don't tell me this girl wins!

A few photos

All from the cell phone, since I forgot to bring my camera...

Out of Place

Holy Crap. Just call me Angelina Jolie or something because I am living it up in high style.

Last Monday a colleague in California called me and asked if I could make a last-minute trip to L.A. this week to present at a meeting. And seeing as there was nothing holding me back (I'd left the week open in case there were doctor's trips planned) I said sure.

The meeting is at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village, CA. Because it was so last minute, they only had a few rooms left and none at the corporate rate everyone else had. So, I booked the cheapest room they had available, a Premier Room. It's expensive....you can look it up.

But, after I checked in and the room was FINALLY ready, I walked in and (I am not even exaggerating) I got lost. Got lost in my own guest room. Guys....there are TWO bathrooms in here. Two!! For little ol' me!

In addition, there are three closets, 3 hallways, 3 plasma screen TV's (including one in the bathroom), hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers, a remote control to open and close the drapes, a marble bathtub bigger than my whole master bathroom at home, and floor to ceiling windows in every room with views of the mountains. I'm telling you, it's out of control.

Turns out they upgraded me. How do I know? Because I was so lost in the room, I went back downstairs to make sure they didn't get me confused with another guest. I truly did not believe this was my room. They had upgraded me to a Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite (check out the floorplan). The ONLY other room that is bigger in this hotel is the Presidential Suite. My room is over 1,000 square feet. It is almost $1,000 per night, and I'm here for two nights.

WOW! Guess it was worth my time for a last-minute trip, even though it meant a week away from John. They even have slippers here!

Seriously, check out the floor plan. I'm signing off for now, so I can go watch TV while soaking in the marble bathtub. There's a phone in both bathrooms, right next to the toilet so if I call you tonight.....well, you know where I'll be!

FOOOOOOOOOTBALL!!!!!!! I love DEFENSE!

In my travels, I often prepare myself for questions people have about Oklahoma. Usually it's something about "have you ever seen a REAL tornado?" or "do you ever see Barry Switzer?" or "are you afraid of ALL the tornadoes?". This week everyone I meet is asking me if my house flooded, like all of OKC flooded or something.

Everyone makes fun of awkward weather conversation. You know, like how elevators are always filled with people talking about the heat or the cold or the wind or the rain. Every. Single. Time. The doors open and close with weather. But I seriously don't think it's just awkward small talk. When you're from Oklahoma, weather is a bonding issue. My husband and I have serious conversations about the weather. My dad and I have long conversations about thunderstorms. And who can forget crazy Nathan and Liz who know all the Weather Channel anchor's names?! Weather is not small talk....it's serious talk.

Tonight, after about the thirteenth person to ask me if my house was flooded (no, it's not, but we did get 6 inches of rain in half an hour on Saturday) finally someone asked me if I was a Sooner. Yes! Born and bred and when I die I will be Sooner dead! That's me....let's talk football.

Ok, so he asked me what I thought of Eddie Sutton as a coach, so I politely said I respected him and he has a great reputation and we would kill for him to coach our school, but he's at the rival school up the creek. Then the conversation turned to football, and Bob Stoops, and the quarterback, and Adrian Peterson, and how it would be awesome to play Ohio State (he was a Buckeye), and we talked stats and history, and I blew him away at all my Sooner knowledge. By the time the conversation was over I was flushed and my heart was pounding and I couldn't believe there are only 8 more days to kickoff!

AAAHHH!!! Sooner football is upon us! All my depression and stress at work and my excitement of this most glorious time of year had gotten away from me. It's time to sing the chant, sing Boomer Sooner, wear crimson and cream, get my touchdown arms toned up for action, secure the HD signal on ESPNU. It's time to read up on my players, recognize their numbers, scream for some broken legs (the other team, of course). It's time for DE-FENSE, DE-FENSE and BLOCK THAT KICK. It's time for TEXAS SUCKS and Miami sucks and Nebraska sucks and oh yeah TEXAS SUCKS! Guys....it's football time!

Check out the video....I could post a hundred more that have me FIRED UP!

Party Hard (2001 OU Season)

YOU KNOW YOU'RE FROM OKLAHOMA IF

1. You measure distance in minutes.
2. You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.
3. You use "fix" as a verb. Example: "I'm fixing to go to the store".
4. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit,vegetable, grain, insect or animal.
5. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.
6. You know what a "DAWG" is.
7. You carry jumper cables in your pickup...for your OWN pickup.
8. You only own four spices: salt, pepper, Tabasco and ketchup.
9. The local papers cover national and international news on one page but require 6 pages for local sports.
10. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.
11. You find 100 degrees Fahrenheit "a little warm".
12. You know all four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, still Summer and Christmas.
13. You know whether another okie is from, north or south as soon as they open their mouth.
14. Going to Wal-mart is a favorite past time known as "goin' Wal-martin"
15. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good pinto-bean weather.
16. A carbonated soft drink isn't a soda, cola or pop.
17. It's a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor. Example: "What kinda coke you want?" "Dr Pepper"
18. You know all 5 directions...north, south, east, west, and yonder
19. Fried catfish is the other white meat.

I knew I was an okie at #15....this should be the list I talk about when people ask about Oklahoma!

Chocolate

Thank you guys, again, for your comments and e-mails. I keep updating everyone because, well, people ask. I figure some of you are interested. And because it's all I think about. And, I'll be honest--I need your encouragement. You don't have to know what to say....it's nice just hearing people are thinking about us.

I have the absolute best sister in the world. This is a basket she brought me last night, with a card that would make any grown man cry. You'll notice the individually wrapped bags of candy. There are 60 there. One for every day over the next two months while I wait for a happy trip to the doctor. Because everyone needs a little chocolate each day, especially during hard times. I love you so much, Julia. You're the best. You're so thoughtful and sensitive...and you spent so much time just to make me feel better. Thank you!

Sadness (Yet another entry into my world of babies....or lack thereof)

Wow, I feel very.......deflated.....yes, that's a good word. Deflated. Other words to describe me today? Discouraged, disappointed, frustrated, angry, depressed. The D-words are really floating to the top right now.

I don't know what to say. After all the things that go wrong in the world, I'm afraid my infertility problems will come across as insignificant and even a little selfish. Who cares that I can't have a baby when people are dying and living in poverty?

But, then again, this is my world. And while I have been frustrated and impatient with this whole process I have yet to feel this emotion of SAD. I am sad today. Very sad and it's the worst feeling of all. Maybe it's because I allowed myself to believe that this month was going to be good. I allowed my "instincts" to run positive. So positive I even broke out the baby name book last night for the first time in a year. And I haven't been avoiding baby sections at stores. Maybe not seeking them out, but allowing myself to pass by without holding my breath and maybe even stopping for a peek at the pacifiers. I'm so afraid this is going to turn into jealous rage and sadness and I'll start avoiding baby showers or some insaneness like that. I hope this is just a passing feeling for today.

I have known I don't have control over my body for a long time. Over 4 years now I have been battling rheumatoid arthritis, and I have to say I often feel like I am losing. My joints ache, I'm stiff, the fatigue is uncontrollable and debilitating. The pain is exhausting.There is absolutely NOTHING I can do to control that, other than take the medications they prescribe. No control, no changes in lifestyle, nothing. It just runs its course.

Infertility has been similar to that experience, though it seems like much more is at stake. RA is just me, just my body. Infertility affects John, affects my family, affects my future. And, guys, there is NOTHING I can do. Nothing. Nothing can make time go faster. Nothing can make my body cooperate. Nothing can keep me from going out of my mind. I have been overwhelmingly hopeful and positive about the whole experience but today was a crushing blow.

The follicles from last month did not go away. They are gigantic and will probably take another 1-2 months to subside. To top that off, they found a polyp on my uterus which they had not been able to see before now. Polyp's in your uterus often act like an IUD (implanted birth control device). That could be a problem....my body thinks I have birth control in my system. Not even insemination or IVF could fix that. The polyp will likely have to be removed.....next month.

Yes, we are looking at another month before we can fix these things, and then another month after that before we can start trying again if everything is fixed. For those that are counting, that's TWO more months before we can even fathom getting pregnant which will bring the grand total to 22 months! Just shy of the two-year mark. We will not be having a party to celebrate that milestone, by the way.

So to celebrate all this news, I will stress myself out at work and fly on a few more planes. Pittsburgh this Thursday and Friday, Sacramento Sunday through Tuesday, Dallas next Thursday. At least I'll get through some good books and frequent flyer miles. And, hey, who knows? Since I won't be getting pregnant maybe I'll spice things up and drown myself in a few Mai-Tai's. I don't even like Mai-Tai's. But I bet they taste better than a dysfunctional uterus.

Just something I was thinking about...

Sometimes things just move you, shake your to the core, cause you to reevaluate, cause you to ache for someone you don't even know...


Not long ago, I talked about the amazing church group I found 8 years ago at the Alameda Church of Christ in Norman. How after graduation I moved back to Edmond, but my friendships did not fade. That, in fact, over the last year my friendships from that congregation have grown...and I've even made new ones. The love and support the women of this congregation show each other is nothing short of inspiring, and I feel blessed to have just a piece of that.


When I went to Alameda, I knew of Mark and Melinda Evans. They were supporters of the campus ministry there, and a dynamic couple that everyone knew of. I didn't get to know them more than just in passing, but how was I to know I missed a true opportunity? It was only a few short years later that Melinda's name began to come up in my conversations with my Norman friends. Melinda had been diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer.


The group at Alameda did more than just mention Melinda. There was an active prayer program. Active support while Melinda was in treatment. Hours of babysitting, tons of food, research by many members to understand the disease, countless conversation to keep spirits up, and so many other things that makes having a church family one of the greatest investments you can make. And then there was the group that began walking for Melinda. Walking at the Oklahoma City Race for the Cure, walking in Texas walks, walking around the neighborhood to get ready for the Races. That was something they could do--walk for awareness.


Melinda fought the cancer, and ironically it wasn't what killed her. She was 31 years old, and fought back to be a cancer survivor, a mother, a wife, a friend, a daughter. She died Friday after complications from a reconstructive surgery. I don't know the whole story, and I don't pretend to know Melinda very well. I don't pretend to think I will miss her like any other of her close friends will. I don't pretend to comprehend what her husband and three beautiful children will face.


But this I can say--find a church family. Make the investment. The love and hope that I have experienced through Melinda's battle has come from her friends. I'm inspired, and I feel like I know this woman because of their commitment to her. I am so sad, and I feel like I knew her. It's a testament to the legacy she's leaving behind with those she touched.

Pam, Jenny, Amy, Michelle, Cary have all written beautiful posts about Melinda. Each describes her a different way, and Amy's is particularly telling. You can also find out more about her battle and her beautiful family. Sometimes, it's important for us to pray for people we don't know...and I think everyone touched by Melinda Evans needs prayers right now.

And thank you to my church family in Edmond....because I know if I were to face these same challenges, I would have that same support.

Just something I was thinking about....

Walnut Creek

No San Francisco. I made it here at a decent hour, but it just didn't work out. On the bright side I had dinner in the exciting downtown Walnut Creek, California. This town reminds me of something out of "Father of the Bride". Lots of tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly streets.

And my meeting today ended early...yay. Get to sit in the hotel room all night. I could, theoretically, take the shuttle to downtown Walnut Creek and go shopping or browsing or eat. But I'm too lazy and I hate doing that stuff on my own. So instead I'll sit here and read blogs, work, and wait on room service (my usual--cheeseburger).

I do love this hotel. I'm staying at the Embassy Suites in Walnut Creek, and while it's not the fanciest hotel I've ever stayed in the people here are SO nice, and lots of cable channels.

I do have to get to bed early tonight since my cab is picking me up at 4:15 tomorrow morning. My flight (pleasepleaseplease) leaves at 6:00 a.m. Seriously, I'm not trying to jinx it...I really, really want it to leave on time and just get me home.

Remember a few weeks ago when I posted my List? Well tonight on a particularly funny episode of "King of Queens" they talked about that ONE person they were allowed. She said Mel Gibson, he said her nail girl. I thought that was funny!

Delayed Reaction

Guess what guys? I hadn't even received my boarding pass this morning in OKC before my flight was delayed! What a great way to start my day! I am an OPTIMIST, little gets me down so I have been smiling ear-to-ear all morning!! Notice the overuse of exclamation points?!!!

Then, I arrive in Denver (with still an hour to spare for a hopeful on-time departure) and guess what?

Come on, guess!!!

Oh, you know what's coming....

A SECOND DELAYED FLIGHT!!!!

I was worried after the Chicago trip that I might be losing my curse. No worries now!

I have a sinking feeling that my plans are ruined. I was coming in early today, so that I could go out with some colleagues into San Francisco tonight. You know, something FUN on a business trip instead of being stuck in a stuffy hotel room with a room service cheeseburger once again. At this rate, it will be evening before I arrive, and I won't even feel up to going out on the town.

But here I am.....smiling!!! I sure hope there won't be much SMILING to do on Friday. I hope my flights home are so on-time it makes me depressed and no smiling will occur.

Mud on the Tires

After all my thoughts yesterday, I finally had some redemption last night when I arranged for a good friend to get a call from the man of her dreams. You can read about her experience here (get ready for some major belly laughs) and it made me feel at least like a good friend!

I also love that this blog introduces me to new people, and strangely makes connections in the most personal way. Thanks, Shelly, for commenting! You gave me a lot of encouragement.
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I spent last night downloading some new songs on iTunes for my trip tomorrow. One of my favorite feel-good artists is Brad Paisley. He always has funny and heartwarming songs. One of my favorites is called "Mud on the Tires".

It reminds me of time with my dad when I was little. At one point in my life, he and my mom went in with some friends to lease a little piece of land and a pond (lake?) for someplace to escape to. We called it "the lease" (real original, I know). Because I was pretty young, details on it are fuzzy, but the memories aren't.

My dad has always been a pretty big outdoor buff. We did A LOT of camping with my Girl Scout troops, and my dad has always been an amateur meteorologist and amateur astronomer. Many a stormy Oklahoma day we spent on the roof looking for tornadoes, and many a clear night we spent in the front yard with a telescope.

Dad also used to take me fishing quite a bit. I remember I had a kid's fishing pole that was orange and white with Snoopy on the reel, and I remember collecting fishing lewers in my own tackle box. I always went for the pink and purple sparkly ones, and never wanted to actually use them!

When they got The Lease, it was the perfect excuse for fishing time. He'd load me up in the '79 yellow pickup (that later would serve as the bain of my existence when I drove it in high school) and we'd head out for some fishing time.

I don't remember if I lasted very long. I was probably more of a hassle than a good fishing partner. But I couldn't have been too bad because he kept taking me. And I don't remember him taking my sister as much so that tells me I was at least quieter than she was! I remember being "shushed" so the fish would bite, and I remember we ALWAYS threw them back in the water so they could go home to their families. I can still remember what the shore at The Lease looked like from the middle of the pond.

We'd often have cookouts with friends and got a chance to run around and explore the high grass and trees and get covered in mosquito bites. I'm sure my dad is very disappointed with me now, since I do everything I can to avoid the outdoors! But when I hear "Mud on the Tires" it makes me wish I still had that place to go and just get away from technology and stress and adulthood for a while. I think Brad Paisley wrote it with a girlfriend in mind....but for me it always reminds me of trips with my dad.


Mud on the Tires

Well I've got some big news, the bank finally came through
And I'm holding the keys to the brand new Chevrolet
Have you been outside? Sure it a nice night
How 'bout a little test drive, down by the lake

There's a place I know about, where the dirt road runs out
We can try out the four-wheel drive
Come on now what you say? I can hardly wait
To get a little mud on the tires.

'Cause it's a good night to be out there soakin' up the moonlight
Stake out a little piece of shoreline and I've for the perfect place in mind
It's in the middle of nowhere, only one way to get there
You gotta get a little mud on the tires

Moonlight on a duck blind, catfish on a trot line
Sun sets about nine, this time of year
Oh we can throw a blanket down, crickets singing in the background
And more stars than you can count on a night this clear

I tell ya what we need to do is grab a sleepin' bag or two
And build us a little campfire
And then with a little luck, we might just get stuck
Let's get a little mud on the tires

'Cause it's a good night to be out there soakin' up the moonlight
Stake out a little piece of shoreline and I've for the perfect place in mind
It's in the middle of nowhere, only one way to get there
You gotta get a little mud on the tires

Service

This morning I got up and turned to the "Today Show". I don't know why, since my weekday mornings are always filled with 2-3 episodes of "Saved By the Bell" and the first 15 minutes of "Dawson's Creek". But, I turned it over. Maybe because I feel completely out of the loop on world happenings.

Which I'm OK with, since there is nothing good going on in the world today.

What did I see on "Today"? Well, I saw a bit about the lost miners in Utah. Then I saw a bit about the rescue and recovery effort at the Minnesota bridge collapse. There was a piece on the soldiers in Iraq. And there were several other things that brought me to the conclusion that sometimes my life is so futile. My job is so futile. I mean, those miners in Utah risk their lives every single day to find energy sources for people they don't even know. Those rescuers risk their lives every day to save people or at least find answers for people they don't even know. And don't get me started on the military and the people who are sent overseas to fight in places like Iraq so that the hardest decision I have to make is which two shows to DVR on Thursdays when Scrubs, Grey's, and CSI are all on at the same time.

I've been stressing so much about work and doing a great job, and finding time for family and friends and rest and myself. But at the end of the day, my job doesn't affect anyone. I really do offer a great service to my clients and I help them get through rough times and help manage their image (because they are great people). But I'm not rescuing people from a muddy river, or hiking deep into a dark mountain for electricity, or seeking out terrorists in far-away cities. I just get overwhelmed with e-mail.

I don't know where all this is going. I just wonder why I didn't choose to follow a career path that helped people. Why I didn't become a teacher, or a nurse, or at least choose a PR career in the non-profit world. Why I gave up being on the board of an important local non-profit organization because of my lack of time. Why I feel little drive to volunteer anywhere. Why am I not service-led? Is that why sometimes I feel so busy, yet so bored at the same time? Because I'm only thinking of myself? Is that why I want to be a parent so bad? Because I want to lead somebody, I want my life to have meaning, because I want to leave a legacy?

Nah....it's mostly because I've always known I want to be a mom. I have a great role model for that, and my dream is to have the kind of relationship with my daughter (or son) that I have with her.

Totally other subject, though. I am feeling very strange today. Like maybe I need to suck it up and do something for someone other than myself. As rewarding as book club, and game night, and TV day, and sleep-in day, and shopping because I "deserve it" might seem, I find the most reward I get is when I'm surrounded with people. When I'm making a connection. When I'm helping friends through rough moments. When I'm doing things for people I don't even know because it will help their day go easier.

I need to stop stressing myself out over things that won't matter at the end of the day. My job matters, it really does. To me, my coworkers, my clients. And it matters to our family because it allows us to function in this lifestyle we've built. But I also need to remember that it's not all about me. And I don't have the kind of job that reminds me of that everyday, so I need to make sure and seek out opportunities to remind me.

I'm so boring, I am falling asleep writing this

Yes! I did post about limos and great meals Thursday night. And no, it wasn't a dream. Just took off some of the details. I'd write more, but we'll just say we had an awesome night just the two of us in a limo and at Boulevard Steakhouse. Want to know more? E-mail me....I'll explain!

In the meantime....hello blogging world! It's been a while since I posted anything of any interest. I feel like I've been having an out of body experience for the past few weeks. Maybe it has something to do with about a thousand things at work, several days of very early mornings, and a lot of car time. And it doesn't look like it's going to get any better. California next week, Pittsburgh the week after that.

I feel like all I do is complain about this awesome job I have. I really, really do love my job. I just think sometimes I have so much to do, and I add too much without delegating then I expect myself to do everything 120%. But it's impossible...and then I end up snapping at people who don't deserve to be snapped at. Like my boss....and my husband...and my best friend....and, well, everyone around me. It gets like this every August and September. It's just that time of year. I hope to be back to blogging with much more interesting and insightful thoughts soon.

Went to a wedding in Ada last night. It was one of my client's daughters, but she also interned for me and became a pretty good friend as well. It was a beautiful wedding, and lots of GREAT food. It made the long drive worth it.

Other than that, this weekend has been about getting some rest. Seems like that's all I want to do anymore is to lay around and sleep on the weekends. I know John is getting pretty tired of me. One of these days I'm going to be fun again!

Ok....I'm signing off for now. Sorry so boring, and I'll try to update more often this week. Hopefully I'll actually have some FUN in California this week, instead of just business so no promises you'll hear from me during that time. We'll see....

WHAT???!!!!

Seriously....snorting your dead relatives?

Two thumbs up

I fell in love with a movie today called "Little Miss Sunshine". If you haven't seen it, you should. It's funny, in a dysfunctional family kind of way. It's heartfelt. There were times you could have been sad, but I walked away feeling really refreshed. The end, where the little girl performs her talent routine in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant, was worth every single second of the movie.

It's really wonderful.

I also finally got around to watching "Capote" which was more wonderful that what I expected. Dark and dramatic, it was also compelling and I couldn't stop watching it. It was like a book you can't put down. I'm re-reading (for at least the tenth time) "To Kill a Mockingbird" for book club, so I'm into learning about Truman Capote and Harper Lee and that whole time period.

Luckily I watched "Little Miss Sunshine" after "Capote", otherwise I might have spent the day depressed!

On-time Arrival

It's amazing. My plane ticket said I would arrive back in Oklahoma City at 8:15 pm. And I did.

Even after delays on both flights (including one "maintenance issue") I still arrived on time. I wasn't quite sure what to do, being that it's the first time in months I've flown into OKC before midnight.

I had a GREAT trip to Chicago. The meetings were meetings, kind of boring. But this is the first time since I began my career that I felt comfortable while networking/mingling. I knew so many people that I never get to see both on company side and client side. I was a master schmoozer....you would all have been proud.

I'm "on vacation" today, even though I spent 3 hours on the phone for work this morning. Tonight we're having our class from church over for some Wii time. I'm so excited. Plus, we're babysitting Laura's little girl, Riley. I can't wait to have her here to kiss and squeeze all night!

Other than that, things are pretty mellow. And for those of you who read the Quad's website, they are here and pics are posted! Check out the blog of the Steece's, a really neat family.

Chic-AH-go

One of the things I hate the most about business travel is that often I fly in, head to the hotel, sit in meetings in the hotel, and fly back out. There's never any time to explore the cities I go to, and rarely anyone that would go with me anyway.

Tonight my boss and I headed to downtown Chicago to meet an acquaintance and have dinner in the Windy City. Sounds like fun, right? I was hopeful. But, we're staying at the O'Hare Hyatt, which is about 45-minute ride on the L (train) on a good night. For us it took over an hour to get there, and an hour and 15 minutes to get home. But, it was good to see an old friend and eat sweet potato fries so I guess it wasn't a total bust. But makes for a long night. Not to mention some of the crazies on the train. And, as we were getting off the L and heading back to the hotel, I ran into my OLD boss, the guy who hired me! So it was fun catching up.

Anyway, my trip to Chicago has been great so far, though a little overwhelming. There's about a thousand people I know and every time I turn around I'm schmoozing with someone else I've met twice and haven't seen in 3 years or something. I guess it's good that I have so many people to talk to, there will likely be no uncomfortable moments.

Tomorrow is a day of meetings from 8:30 until around 11 p.m. Heaven help me....