Figuring Out The Plot

Girls from OSU Week #2: Blonde Oklahoma Girl

2012-01-30T06:00:00.002-07:00

To kick off our little series today, we have our Blonde Oklahoma Girl!!

Hey y'all...Lyndse over here at I was born a red dirt girl...also known on this little blog as Blonde Oklahoma Girl. My in REAL life best friend...who made me get a blog....wanted us girls to do a little post about this book that she so generously bought for us to read and then write about: The Girls from Ames.

I have to admit, I read about half of it and then started reading the Hunger Games...and everything was lost after that, because I can't get enough of that book. Sorry, Tiff.

The Girls from Ames is a great book from what little I did read. So instead of comparing our friendship to the ladies in the book and their friendship...I thought I would just talk about what our group...Cashmere Mafia or our recent dubbed named...Gossip Girls...means to me.
First off, we wouldn't even be a group of four if it wasn't for our angel in heaven who lead us all together. You know how everyone talks about how the people in your life are there for a reason? Well, I 100% believe it to be true. DonEtta, or Pink Boots, as she is referred to on this blog...is the sole reason us girls even know each other. See...Pink Boots was the glue that bined us...through one boy or another, the best college ever, a sorority, a cooking class, and a couple limies later..the four of us developed relationships and became the best of friends. Soul sisters. Not one of us is the same. We each bring something different to the relationship. If you ask me, that's what makes us awesome.

Honey, or College Roomie as she is called on this blog, and I didn't become real close until our last semester of college. We bonded with a shared love of the limies/soco and lime shots and over a certain TA in our cooking class. Remember?? Honey is the most kind-hearted, whitty...she always has great come back for anything, organized(seriously y'all...I am talking girl needs her own show to organize people's lives...starting with me), smart, sofisticated beyond her years, fashion-savvy person I know. She's the only person I know that chooses to live a whole year in China and loved every single second of it.
I, on the other hand, hated China that year she lived there. Honey and I went to Vegas literally a few days before we graduated college, to say it was the best time EVER would be a huge understatement. Honey is one of my dearest friends and I could not imagine a life without her.
Bestie...or Loud Oklahoma Girl...this girl is the peanut butter to my jelly, the peas to my carrots. Seriously...we really can't go anywhere, without someone asking the other person where so and so is. We first met back in the day as little ol' pledges in the Tri-delta sorority house. Pink Boots and LOKG were already friends and I met both of them through joining the sorority. Pink Boots became our "big" and LOKG and I became "twins" and 10 years or so later...here we are. Sisters in every form of the word. If you ever thought you were just destined to be friends with someone...this is the girl. It's funny because we led such parallel lives when we were younger. It's probably a good thing that God didn't introuce us until we were a little bit older...a little bit more mature, because trust me had we been friends when we were younger we would have drove our mothers insane. Speaking of which, because of us...our mom's are pretty good friends too...it's a circle of friendship...aww. My momma on the left and bestie's momma on the right...see don't we look like our beautiful momma's?
And last but not least my soul sister...Miss Football...or you know...that one who writes this blog, Tiff. If you were to put our likes and dislikes and our hobbies and etc. on a piece of paper, you would laugh and think there is no way these two girls have anything in common. I like Miss America, make-up, big hair and reality tv shows. Tiff likes football, sports related stuff, farm/ag, and she chooses do not have cable.

Despite all of that...somehow we manage to have a lot in common, because boy do we talk. A Lot. As in the majority of my emails through out the day are from her and text messages etc. It's not un-common for one of us to email the other when we haven't heard from them during the day to ask if they are alive...that's how much we communicate. About what exactly? Oh nothing...just your average every day world problems, like why are we still single and how can we solve the current economic state of our country...well, maybe not that last sentence but if someone was to ask us I am sure we could solve it.

In fact, after all these years of knowing each other...our likes have rubbed off on one another...my love for big hair and achieving the perfect "poof" has now taken over Tiff... And Tiff's knowledge of football and our equally love and adoration for our cowboys has crossed over and I now understand that the dang yellow line is NOT on the field. But it's more than just poof's and football and limies and cooking classes...us four girls have a friendship that I hope other girls can find. There is a sense of joy and comfort in knowing that no matter the circumstance...and believe me us girls have seen our fair share of circumstances...you will have always, always have someone or three somone's who will be there for you. We might not all live in the same city or country, for that matter, but we make a great effort to stay in touch.

Whether it be just a trip to our Alma Mater for a football game....

someone's birthday Girls weekend in California

to cheer on your friend achieving a goal she worked so hard for
a card in the mail just to say, "Hello"

or to join in on a family ski trip and feel so welcomed that you too feel like part of the family

I have had friends my whole life, good friends, friends that I thought I would stay in contact with forever...but that's not the case. I don't have to worry about that with these girls...because these girls have seen me at my worst, happiest, saddest and best days of my life...these are the girls I chose to have as my friends...or I shouldn't say I chose, because I know that to have friends like these...is a God thing...these ladies are special women who I can't wait to celebrate all of our weddings, big birthdays, babies, anniversaries and all those moments that come with growing up.

If I was to pick out three people to be by my side at all times...have no doubt...that they would be my lifeline.

Loves these girls to the moon and back.
XOXO

Girls From OSU Week #1: The Intro

2012-01-29T06:00:00.002-07:00

“Female friends show us a mirror of ourselves.” ~The Girls from Ames

Last summer, I read a great book called “The Girls From Ames” by Jeffrey Zaslow. The book is essentially about female friendships, and tells the story of them by looking at the 30 year friendship between a group of 10 girls who met while children in Ames, Iowa.

As you might have guessed if you’ve read this blog for a while, this made me think about my group of college girlfriends—College Roomie, Blonde Oklahoma Girl, Loud Oklahoma Girl, and myself.

I have several really great girl friends who I love to death and are each such an important part of my life, but there is only one “girl group” friendship in my life. It’s something special for a group of girls to have a friendship with each other in the way that we do. The Girls From Ames only confirmed this, and made me even more grateful for my own group of girls.

A couple of quotes in the book really struck me.

“When women are between the ages of twenty-five and forty, their friendships are most at risk, because those are the years women are often consumed with marrying, raising children, and establishing careers.”

“Being in each other’s company they feel like they are every age they ever were, because they see themselves through thousands of shared memories.”

“Only in adulthood have the girls come to recognize and appreciate the thousands of different destinies and decisions, going back generations in their families, that brought them together.”

“In saying ‘me,’ she meant, by extension, ‘them.’”

So…this week will be “Girls From Oklahoma State Week” on my blog. In anticipation of this, we all four read “The Girls From Ames” an have written a blog about our thoughts on our friendship, each other, the book, and female friendships in general. Stay tuned...

I'm a Godmother!

2012-01-27T06:00:00.002-07:00

"There is hope. There is a moment in all of our lives when this appreciation of the singular human is restored — the moment of holding a newborn baby. Here the full value of the human person floods us. Our natural inclination is not simply to give the baby his necessities, but to gaze in silent worship at the tiny fingernails, the nose barely more than a lump, the searching, seeking eyes." ~ Pathaos

You'll have to excuse my failure to blog yesterday and today. As you can see above, I've been a little busy. You'll get a full report on this event next week. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

What I'm Loving Wednesday #15

2012-01-25T06:00:00.001-07:00

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances." ~ Martha Washington

Happy Wednesday! Today I'm linking up with Jamie to share some things I'm loving!

1. This article by Archbishop Timothy Dolan. About Stan Musial. A professional baseball player whose life was described as boring--meaning that he was a superb athlete, a family man, a good Christian, and a good person. That he did not take steriods, have affairs, get in fights, or cause endless drama. As Archbishop Dolan puts it, "if that's boring, bottle it and sell it!"

2. Ryan Gosling's abs. Have y'all seen Crazy, Stupid Love? I always thought that RG was okay....I mean I'm more of a Ryan Reynolds fan, but whatever....and then I saw this movie and he DOES look photo shopped! And seeing a movie about how the good girl can be a "game changer" and the bad boy turns his life around and is the perfect boyfriend is so not something I need to get in my head! Dang Hollywood!

3. Work Attire. I'm also linking up with What I Wore Wednesday. If y'all knew me when I was a kid, you'd be shocked at this. I spent the majority of my teenage years in jeans and a t-shirt. Here are some examples.

But I really do sort of enjoy dressing up for work. Don't get me wrong--I would totally work in yoga pants in a hoodie if they'd let me, but since my boss frowns on that I've learned to adjust. I got a few cute things over Christmas....here are a few examples. (Excuse the picture in the mirror but it's the best I can do.)

4. Spin class. I know, I know. I'm like 5 years behind on this, but I just started last week and I LOVE it. It's a great workout. One of the teachers (the hardest one who literally made me feel like I might throw up right there on the bike) used a phrase in a class over the weekend that I totally loved. It was almost the end of class, we were all dying, and he said, "Don't feel tired. Feel strong. You're strong, not tired." Hello new exercise mantra!

5. My new reading nook. I hate moving furniture. I blame my mom, who does this like twice a month. When she starts, my whole family clears out of the house like it was on fire. But I did a little rearranging last week and created a little happy space for me--big chair, comfy blanket, cute footstool, and a little bookshelf for my reading. I've been pretty much living here lately!

6. If You Have To Cry, Go Outside. I just finished up this book by Kelly Cutrone--you know the mean boss on The Hills? Now, let me be clear I completely disagree with her religious views and I hate the use of the f-word all the time. But, beyond that, I loved the book. She's very much about listening to your inner voice and figuring out what your calling is and what you want for your life. Something I always need to hear! By the way, I'm trying to read at least a book a month this year, to keep track, check out my Goodreads page!

The Perfect Apartment

2012-01-24T06:00:00.002-07:00

"Life is messy. That's how we're made. So, you can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them." ~Grey's Anatomy

Last week as I was browsing blogs, I thought wanted to be the girl who lives in this apartment. Clean lines. White everywhere. No clutter. It's amazing.

But I'll never be that girl. The one who lives in that perfect apartment. I've got to have my shelves full of books and journals and notepads. Walls plastered with pictures of my friends and family and my favorite memories. An old, frayed hand made quilt from my friend's Grandma Leona. A fridge covered in wedding invitations, Christmas cards and baby announcments. Gifts from people who love me hanging on the walls. A sock monkey that reminds me of my Gran and a little bear given to me by Mr. Franklin.

My life is chaotic and messy. And FULL. And I wouldn't trade it for all the perfect apartments in all the big cities in the world.

*All photos via Breakfast at Toast and Rue Stoffer Photography

Meet the Cast Monday #40: Emily From Friends

2012-01-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

What? You thought that I'd seriously let Meet the Cast Monday end when 2011 finished up? No way! Today we're going to hear from one of my friends from across the pond...Emily From Friends.

Stick with me here--Emily From Friends dates my friend Nomad. Her name is not actually Emily, but when I met her I could not stop thinking about how much she reminded me of...you guessed it...Emily From Friends. After a couple of drinks, I told her as much, and a blog name was born. :) We've only gotten to hang out in person once---the weekend of the huge OSU Bedlam victory---but we had the best time! She is super funny and nice and has the kind of personality I wish I had--someone who is totally fun and up for anything, but quiet and understated about it. (I think I have the first half of that covered...the quiet and understated part is another story!)

Without further adieu...meet Emily From Friends!

Tell us how you met Nomad.
I first met Nomad in Canada, July 2011. I had quit my job the previous day and flown out to do a trek around some of Western Canada and the National Parks. There were two trek groups doing the same trip at the same time and Nomad was leading the other group. The groups hung out together a lot because we were staying in the same places and doing the same activities. One day my whole group wanted to go white water rafting but it wasn't really my cup of tea and I was keen to get hiking {doesn't a phrase like "keen to go hiking" make you wish you were British??} so I joined some of the people in Nomad's group who were going hiking in Yoho. Nomad dropped us off at one point and we were to hike to Emerald Lake, across the other side of the mountain where he would meet us and take us back to camp. We set off, four girls together and after a few hours one girl started to feel ill. She was struggling with the steep elevation and said she couldn't go on. We decided to all stick together and if she couldn't carry on with the hike we would have to go back to the beginning and contact Nomad to come and collect us from there.
We made our way back to the beginning of the trail to realize that we had no mobile phone service and therefore no way of contacting him. We walked to the nearest youth hostel, where the owner explained that he had no phone or internet, but offered to give us a ride to Emerald Lake, for a small fee. We all piled into the car, which then wouldn't start. We had to get out and walk back to the beginning of the trail. Dark was closing in and we were starting to wonder whether we would be spending the night by the side of the road in bear country. While two of the girls set off in search of a park ranger who might be able to get word to Emerald Lake, I flagged down a car and asked them to call the police in the next town and tell them our situation. A few hours later, word got back to Nomad and he came to pick us up. He said he had run around the lake twice trying to find us. It's funny in hindsight but at the time we were scared we would be stranded and soon be bear food!

It was the beginning of a great relationship and we have travelled a lot together since then. We always have a great time and I love his scruffy beard! It's hard being in a long-distance relationship and dating someone from the US has made me realize just how many differences there are between US and British culture. But for as many differences we have, we have many more things in common - the most obvious being travel - we are hoping to go to South America in autumn, which will be another great adventure!
What's the best advice you have ever been given?

I'm not sure it's the 'best', but the most practical advice I have ever been given - always walk to the cubicle furthest away when using a public bathroom!

What is the perception that Brits have of Americans?

Loud, annoying and a bit ignorant - not knowing much about the world outside of the US. Since travelling in the US i haven't met anyone who fits this stereotype! Americans are certainly more confident and outgoing, probably a few decibels louder(!) {Surely she's not referring to me and Loud Oklahoma Girl??} but also a lot more open, welcoming and friendly than the British. I've met some wonderful people in the USA.

Have you ever had an in person sighting of Prince William or Prince Harry?
I haven't seen Prince William or Harry but I have seen the Queen and her husband, Prince Phillip. Prince Philip used to be the Chancellor of the University where I worked, so I caught a glimpse of him and the Queen on one of their visits. My brother has seen Harry. {This is probably the type of deep, serious question that gets us Americans the rap for being somewhat ignorant...but whatev. I love me some royalty and a girl has to check for connections to the single Prince you know!}

Best part of the Bedlam Game? All of it! It was just awesome! {Great answer...see why I like this girl??} From my first experience of Tailgating with an awesome bunch of people, waving my orange foam finger, joining in the chants, to being lifted over the wall onto the field {Please note that apparently when a girl has a boyfriend, she gets lifted down and only jumps like three feet....us single girls bail off the entire wall and twist our ankles on the 10 feet down!} and watching the posts being torn down. And when one guy tore up the turf and ran around with it! It was all amazing! We have nothing like it in the UK, everyone in the stadium was united and there was so much dedication, anticipation and then celebration. The scale was also overwhelming - it was probably larger than most of our professional sporting events.

Where all have you traveled in Europe, and what was your favorite? Places travelled in Europe France, Germany, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Bulgaria, The Netherlands, Ireland, Malta, Scotland, Wales, Slovenia, Lithuania, Croatia, Portugal, Italy, Czech Republic, Turkey, Greece, Switzerland, Austria. {If you ask me, this is one thing we do wrong in the US--we don't travel abroad nearly enough!}

I don't know if I can pick just one! Everywhere in Europe is so different! Lisbon in Portugal was great with it's winding streets and custard tarts! I had some great fun (and great beer!) in the Netherlands; Llubljana, the capital of Slovenia is relaxing with some great gorges and caves in the surrounding area. The Swiss Alps and the Norwegian fjords are just beautiful. {I can't agree more on the Swiss Alps--I loved it there!}

What is something we should know about the UK? We drink (hot) tea by the gallon and cake will win you friends everywhere you go. {I don't like tea, but a country that loves cake? I'm in!}

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list? All travel related! Eat sushi in Japan, steak in Argentina and drink red wine in Chile, trek the Inca trail and meet some llamas in Peru. I'd like to visit South Africa again and also Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. A few non-travel related: Make jam! Learn spanish. Become a nutritionist. Live and work overseas. Learn to bake really well.

Family Farm Friday #67: Listen Here, Yahoo

2012-01-20T06:00:00.006-07:00

"God said I need somebody to get up before dawn and milk cows and work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper and then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board. So, God made a farmer!" ~ Paul Harvey, So God Made a Farmer

Okay, Yahoo news. You and I have a little bone to pick. Anyone read this article yesterday? It would be the one that deems a degree in Agriculture to be the #1 most useless degree in America. Um....really? I'll beg to differ.

Because this Agricultural Economics-Farm and Ranch Management major has a pretty kick ass job in a pretty kick ass law firm. And you know what else? This Agriculture major apparently learned enough while getting her "most useless" degree to wind up graduating first in her law school class. You know, ahead of all of those business, English, government, math, engineering---whatever else majors. And she had a job offer with one of the top 20 law firms in the country, which she turned down for a better offer (and closer proximity to her cows). Looks like the opposite of useless to me. And beyond that, Yahoo, do you realize that American Agriculture puts food on the tables of all of the other majors in the country? And we grow the products that put the suits on the backs of the finance majors and the costumes on the backs of the theater majors? So without our "useless" degrees, none of the other majors would even be able to exist.

I'm here to tell you, farmers and ranchers are some of the smartest, hardest working, most dedicated people I know. Period. How do I know? Because my family has been involved in agriculture for generations. We recently celebrated the 100 year anniversary of my great-grandparents' homestead. Looks like involvement in agriculture has been working for us for a century...

You learn these things growing up on a farm when you're out doing chores at 6:00 am before school and you spend your summer vacations working with show animals. Along with that hard work ethic, we learn to manage our money, to budget, and to balance a checkbook. I can think of a few non-agriculture majors in Washington, DC who might should have taken a lesson from a little FFA recordkeeping. We learn to care for animals and to put the needs of someone (or something) ahead of ourselves. We learn to be neighbors and to set an irrigation tube and to pick out bull semen. We learn to speak in public, the rules of pariliamentary procedure, to stand up for our opinion, and to dance a mean two step.

We take these lessons that we learned as kids and add to them when we go to college. The education I got in the Ag College at Oklahoma State was second to none in my opinion. Great professors, great courses, great experiences.

And so many of the concepts that we were taught are ones that can be applied in any field--like law for example--even if we don't end up working on a farm. My classmates have gone on to be lobbyists, lawyers, and doctors. To have careers in advertising, marketing, and public relations. They own their own businesses, they run banks and they are school administrators. They have become photographers, writers and broadcasters. And let's not forget the most important ones: farmers and ranchers.
For the life of me, I do not understand the media's need to bash on agriculture. Remember the last time I had to go off on this issue? I've said it before and I'll say it again--some people will never get it. We see the world differently.
As if feeding and clothing America is not enough, we now have to spend our time fighting the media? We'll get on that after the cows are fed, the ice is broke and the hay is hauled....meaning before most non-ag majors are out of bed.

Letters to Mr. Right: Letter #8

2012-01-19T06:00:00.004-07:00

"Oklahoma State is a special place. On game day we put 60,000 people in our stadium and the majority of them are second and third generation graduates, their sons, their grandsons, their great grandchildren have gone to school there." ~Coach Gundy

Dear Mr. Right,

I've fallen in love with a new song by Miranda Lambert, so I'll probably want to play it at our wedding. (Along with my all time favorite, Feet Don't Touch The Ground.) Particularly if you are from Oklahoma.

Or if I can convince you we need to move there. To live in a certain college town draped in orange. Where we can tailgate with our kids who will wear football jerseys and play in front of the tent every Saturday in the fall. And eat bbq at Brad's after church on Sunday. And go dancing at the Tumbleweed for date night. Maybe one day...

How long has it taken to me to find you?
Five hundred years, five hundred thousand miles.
It don't matter now.
Love's always always on time.
Meet me underneath the Oklahoma sky.

That Miranda Lambert knows what she's talking about. Ditto for Coach Gundy.

Waiting for that day,

A Little Reminder

2012-01-18T06:00:00.003-07:00

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." ~ C.S. Lewis

I was tired. And getting sick. My throat hurt, my head throbbed and I couldn't breathe out of my nose. I was reading oil and gas royalty contracts (aka the definition of boring). There was baby crying. Loudly. My seat was not comfortable. The guy behind me kept messing with his tray table and in doing so kept poking me in the back. My iPod battery had died.

And then, I looked out the window and saw them. The Rocky Mountains. Covered in snow. Not a person in sight. No houses. No highways. Quiet. Peaceful. Beautiful. If you've ever doubted that there is a God, take a look out of an airplane window between Albuquerque and Denver.
Sometimes, in the midst of the chaos that is our life, God sends us a little reminder that there is something bigger. Something that we can't begin to understand. That we are part of something great. And suddenly, all that other stuff seems completely insignificant.

*Photo via

Finding God

2012-01-17T06:00:00.003-07:00

"People see God every day, they just don't recognize him." ~Pearl Bailey

Growing up, my mom frequently said, "You can find God in a lot of different churches." I always liked that thought....and followed it. I'm just as comfortable praying a Hail Mary at a Rosary or the Our Father at a Catholic Mass as I am kneeling on a communion rail at a Methodist Church as I am singing and clapping my hands at a non-denominational church. I consider myself a bit of a church mutt.

In college, I remember at one point that I would go to a great Bible Study with a group of girls from an Assembly of God church on Tuesday night, then would go to a great class at the Catholic Church on Wednesday night, a small group for my non-denominational church on Thursday night, (the bar on Friday and Saturday night...might be another story), and then to work in the nursery and attend church at the non-denomination chruch on Sunday. The beauty of this was that honestly felt like I encountered God---and different facets of Him---in each place.

And even more than that, becuase of these different churches, I've been blessed with friendships with people of such diverse faiths, all of whom inspire me, and encourage me to grow in my own faith, albiet somewhat different than their own. In being witness to their faith, their actions, and their beliefs, I have grown in my own.

The Catholic friend who constantly prays Novenas and is always willing to talk through any moral or religious issue. And the Mormon friend who spent two years of his life on a mission teaching about the faith that he beleives, who now, along with his wife, teaches three year olds in their ward every Sunday. The friend who leads praise and worship and several women's Bible studies for an Assembly of God church. And, of course, the ladies of my small group who constantly pray for anyone and everyone who they can think of and emailed me making this statement about retirement, "I so believe that God's will at this time in my life is to spend time praying for needs I know about and it is my joy to do so." God put these people in my life--each one different, yet each such an important example.

And so, I think my mom only had it part right. You can find God in a lot of different churches. But more importantly, I think you can find God in a lot of different people. And for that--for them--I am grateful.

I Believe in Tim Tebow

2012-01-16T06:00:00.003-07:00

"I've come to believe in Tim Tebow for what he does off a football field, which is represent the best parts of us, the parts I want to be and so rarely am." ~ Rick Reilly

I realize this Tim Tebow character is becoming a frequent topic of my blog.

Does anyone know him? Have any sort of connection? Big, strong, football playing, Christian guy with blue eyes and a big heart.....I'm just saying, I think there could be a strong chance that he's Mr. Right. You know, supposing he's not actually dating Lindsay Vonn as the National Enquirer wants me to belive. (Please, say it ain't so!)

Anyhow, last week I stumbled on this article talking about believing in Tim Tebow. My favorite line was: "I've come to believe in Tim Tebow for what he does off a football field, which is represent the best parts of us, the parts I want to be and so rarely am."

Listen, I don't care whatsoever about your thoughts on Tim Tebow as a football player (shocking to hear me say I don't care about football, I know). I don't really care about your thoughts on how he choses to profess his faith. But I do care about the fact that he is a good person. He's using his fame and fortune to help others. He makes a difference in people's lives. That's something everyone should be able to appreciate.

And if you ask me, if you do that, I don't care how well you can throw a football. (Sidenote because you know I can't totally leave football out....clearly he throws one pretty dang well since he's won two national championships, a Heisman and made the playoffs with the Broncos).

And I love that he is the same whether it is after his biggest win or his biggest loss. What does he do? He goes and makes a difference in someone's life. He doesn't have to do this. He could go get live it up in some nightclub in Denver. He could go drive around in some fancy car with a bunch of cheerleaders. He could go read all about hismelf in the paper. None of thee things would be wrong for him to do.

Instead, he spends time making a difference. He puts someone else first. That's something I think we could all do a lot more of. Do I believe in Tim Tebow on the field? I do. Does he sometimes fail? Yes....you saw that on Saturday. But I believe in him even more off the field....where it matters.

Friday Confessions #2

2012-01-13T06:00:00.005-07:00

"There aren't enough days in the weekend." ~Rod Schmidt

Well today I'm in the great state of Oklahoma! Not for an OSU sporting event (crazy, I know!) but for work. So the blog today is going to be pretty short and not too earth shattering. Blame my job. Lucky for me, the lovely Leslie has a great Friday link up that I can partake in.

1. I am in a slight state of depression. It happens every year at this time. You know, when I realize that college football is over and I have to wait all the way until September for it to start again. Sigh. But I do plan to continue celebrating the Fiesta Bowl win until then!

2. I'm a grammar snob. There, I said it. I also think that it's important to have a husband to knows how to spell. Why, you ask? Click on Exhibit A. You hear that, Mr. Right? Pay attention! :)

3. I'm sick of traveling. GASP! I know, I know. The girl who runs all over the place from Oklahoma to San Francisco, from water skiing to Roma has had enough. I've been running around like crazy and I just want to have some time at home. With my own couch and my own bed and no suitcases.

4. I secretly hope some people fail at their New Year's resolutions. I'm sorry, I know I'm a bad person. But I hate going to the gym in January because all of the New Year's people are there and it makes things crowded makes me have to wait on certain machines. Perhaps my New Year's resolution should have been patience...

5. Depsite #3 above, I'm already making a list of travel destinations for 2012. Here are the possibilities....Chicago, Savannah, Seattle, Vegas, Dallas, Costa Rica, Stillwater, and Vegas (again). Should be exciting!! I mean, when you start the year out hanging out in the palm trees at an Arizona resort, you've got to keep it going!

6. I may never get caught up on all of the blogs I follow. My Google Reader says I've got like 500 unread blogs. I'm debating just marking "click all as read" and starting over again.

7. I think I'm addicted to Clementines. You know, the little oranges that you buy in like a 10 pound bag? They are SO good and have only 40 calories a piece, which means that I can eat a whole bunch of them before it kicks me over my daily limit on My Fitness Pal!

8. On the way to OK earlier this week, we flew through Denver. It's just not fair to make a livestock girl get on a plane to Denver during the Stock Show and make her get right back on a plane out of town. I was seriously contemplating quitting my job and making a run for The Hill! (Note to self and single girl friends: Lots of cute cowboys in the Denver airport during NWSS!)

9. Blind Dates?! I think that several people in my life may have made it their New Years resolution to take my disaster of a love life into their own hands. Stay tuned....

Throwback Thursday #60: Thanksgiving 2011

2012-01-12T06:00:00.003-07:00

“I always knew looking back on my tears would bring me laughter, but I never knew looking back on my laughter would make me cry.” ~Cat Stevens

Well I'm only a month and a half and two holidays later, but I'm finally getting around to blogging about Thanksgiving. As we do every year, we had my mom's entire family at our house for a huge Thanksgiving celebration. Think 30 loud, sorta crazy people all in one place eating enough food for 300. That's the mental picture you need.

The celebration started off with a little shooting practice. Why? Because we're totally redneck apparently. Last year we did a little shooting before most of the family arrived and, in doing so, apparently started a family tradition. No one discussed bringing guns or anything, but apparently everyone had packed one (more more) with them in the cars. We all piled out to the field behind the house and this was the scene. My favorite part was when a couple of neighbors drove by.....and just waived like everything was perfectly normal.

After shooting we all headed out for dinner. The restaurant has learned after several years of this to put us all in a back room for the sake of the other customers. The kids did the cracker challenge (they say it's impossible to eat 6 Saltines in 1 minute) and Baby Cousin was about 2 seconds from making history. Of course, I kept thinking I wasn't sure what we did if he made that history----who do you call in that situation?
The next day the wind was blowing literally 60 miles an hour and it was miserable. That means that all 30 of the crazy people were jammed in one house. Yea. We had to get creative.
We ended the day with a little game of baseball. Listen, folks, you don't have a family member who was drafted by the San Francisco Giants and not play some baseball. Mostly I played catcher. I mean, someone had to tell the pro what pitch to throw. I did, however, bat once. And get a hit. Off of a major league pitcher. (Ignore that it was with a padded bat and foam ball.) Thank you, thank you.
Family Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. Nothing like getting all of the family together in one place and stuffing our faces full of food. It doesn't get much better than that! And I'm particularly nostalgic about 2011's gathering. We had no idea at the time, but it would be the last one with us all together; the last one with Uncle David (he'd be the guy front and center). Something like that happens, and you appreciate family traditions and time spent together so much more.

What I'm Loving Wednesday #14

2012-01-11T06:00:00.001-07:00

"You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." ~Michael Jordan

Well folks, we've made it halfway through the week. Woo hoo!! I'm linking up with Jamie today for What I'm Loving Wednesday.

1. This song. It's called "19 and Crazy" by Bombshel. I came across it for the first time when Blonde Oklahoma Girl was playing dj on her iPod for our ski trip road trip. I bet I've listened to it 57 times today. Seriously. Love it. And to get in the spirit, I included a picture of myself circa 19. And a picture of myself circa now (and still crazy!) :)2. Your sweet emails and comments on yesterday's post about my Top 20 blogs of 2011! If you're a new follower (or think you might want to be) click here to check out my 20 best posts of last year.

3. Keeping a Food Journal. I know, I know. So cliche to do this to kick off the New Year. I use this website called My Fitness Pal. It's awesome--you can enter in the foods that you eat (they have literally everything!) and it keeps track of all sorts of nutritional info. I'm on day 5 of my healthy eating habits and I'm here to tell you, I feel so good!
3. Spinach. Crazy, right?? So when you write down everything you eat and see numbers right there on your computer screen, it's pretty good motivation to change up your diet habits! Anyway, I've come up with this amazing spinach salad that's so good and super easy. I just use about a cup and a half of raw baby spinach leaves, one clementine (those baby orange things), a fourth of a cup of chow mein noodles and a tablespoon of Kraft Light Asian dressing. Seriously guys, it's amazing. And this from the girl who firmly believes that chocolate chip cookies should be a food group, so you know I have good taste!

4. Pinterest. No no, don't get all excited. I have not come over to the dark side. I do, however, stalk several of my best friends who have....The Bride, Blonde Oklahoma Girl, College Roomie, Loud Oklahoma Girl.... Here are a couple of my favorite pins they've done lately.

5. My perpetual calendar. I have mentioned before that The Bride gives the best gifts. Remember the butterflies last year? Well this year she did not disappoint. She gave me a perpetual calendar! What is that? Glad you asked. How it works is that she made a notecard for every day of the year with the date stamped in the corner (i.e. Jan. 1, Jan. 2, etc). And she put them in a cute little basket and divided each month with some of her amazing photography shots. And now it's my job to write something down each day. It can be something fun I did, a great quote I read, something I'm thankful for, song lyrics...whatever. I'll do this every year, the idea being that in 10 years, I'll be able to look back at the last 10 years of my life and what I was doing each day. Seriously, what a great gift, right?! (Please act surprised if you get this gift from me sometime this year....)

6. Hating on the BCS National Championship. We all know that I think my Cowboys should have been there playing LSU. And I honestly believe that we could have won. There. I said it. I must say that as boring as the game was, people's facebook comments were anything but boring. Thank you, facebook friends for coming through. Here were a couple of my favorites:

This game is so boring I've actually switched to the Bachelor and enjoying it. At least now I'm watching some fighting, blocking and kicking.

How do you stop the LSU football team from going home? Put the 50 yard line in their front yard.

Jordan Jefferson is good. There are only 6 Big 12 quarterbacks better than he is.

Thanks again espn for this epic rematch...I'd rather get punched in the face than watch this kicking contest.

6. That Oklahoma State won the Fiesta Bowl....by scoring multiple touchdowns. Oh, wait. Did I already mention that this week? That's real football, folks. :)

Favorite Blogs of 2011

2012-01-10T06:00:00.004-07:00

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." ~Oprah

Well ladies and gents (the gents probably only being my Daddy and friend Flintstone), it's time once again for us to look back at the past year and try to come up with a list of the top 10 blogs. (If you want to see last year's...click here!) But we all know I suck at choosing things, so we're going to have a Top 20. Even narrowing it down to there was hard!

I'm excited about this because I've gotten several new followers lately (hello and welcome!!), so this is a good way for you to catch up on the good stuff you missed before you joined in on this little party train.

Although several of the people who I asked for input into this process thought that parts of the Meet the Cast Monday series and the Letters to Mr. Right series were some of the best blogs, I didn't include them on the list. To read any of thoese posts, just click on the links above.

With that, let's get down to business! Here are the Top 20 posts of 2011.

Ten Personal Commandments (January): My attempt at an assignment from the Happiness Project--I came up with 10 commandments to live by.

The Luckiest Man (February): My thoughts on the book by Johathan Eig about Lou Gehrig. Great book for a sports fan, and for anyone who has lost someone to ALS. This post got a comment from the author himself, which was pretty exciting!

The Rain Came (February): Sometimes, when you have faith, miracles happen. This is the story of Teacher Friend and her miracle, who has now arrived!
How Quickly We Forget (March): My thoughts on how I'm just like a wondering Isrealite in the Bible...too quickly forgetting God's promises and miracles.

Our Link (March): On the anniversary of our death, I explained the importance of Pink Boots, the friend who brought my group of girlfriends together in college.
Family Farm Friday #48: Please Report to the Golf Cart (April): My memories of the last sheep sale we had with Mr. Franklin before he passed away. Complete with him running into people on the golf cart.

Give the Kid a 42 (April): A look back to my childhood and how one act of kindness and encouragement may have changed my life.

Not the Way It's Supposed to Be (May): I try to avoid politics on this blog, but I couldn't help but comment on the death of Osama bin Laden and the reaction of people to that event.

I Saw God Today (June): Three stories. All different. All about seeing God in unexpected places. A child's simple faith. A crumbling church building. A woman singing praises despite hardships.

Family Far Friday #58: Dan and Jerry's (June): Childhood memories of my favorite crazy neighbors and an explaination of country neighborhoods creating families.

Girl's Weekend 2011 Crossing the Finish Line (August): Learning that I can accomplish goals that seem crazy and impossible, like running 13.1 miles. And living to tell about it.
The Little Blonde Headed Kid (August): Memories of an adorable kid whose life was taken far too soon.

Family Farm Friday #63: Wrong and Right (August): Realizing that in the worst sorrow, when we bury a 14 year old kid, we can see so much of what is right with the world...faith, love, community.

Family Farm Friday #64: So Much More (September): A look at how a person sees the land differently when it's her family's farm.

That Tuesday in September (September): How one day, 9/11, changed the world forever. And an appreciation for the things that it could not change.

We Are Orange (November): In the aftermath of the plane crash that killed 4 members of the OSU family, I reflected on what it means to be a Cowboy.

Letter to 16 Year Old Me (December): Things I wish I had known 12 years ago.
A Villa In Tuscany (December): A reminder that I'm not some spot along the way...I'm a destination. And a good one at that.

The Light (December): My thoughts on celebrating Christmas, in the light of a family tragedy.

One of the Good Ones (December): If you put a gun to my head, this would be my favorite blog of the year. Memories of my Uncle David that I've been told captured his personality and helped people in the grief process. I love the idea of my crazy ramblings having a purpose.

Now....I'd love to know which was YOUR favorite! One of the ones listed? One not listed? And what would you like to read more of in 2012?

Fiesta Bowl Champs!

2012-01-09T06:00:00.001-07:00

"Oklahoma State football has come a long, long way." ~Mike Gundy's Trophy Presentation Speech

Y'all are probably shocked that I waited a whole entire week to post this blog....my Cowboys are Fiesta Bowl Champs! And I was there to see it in person. Here's how it went down.

It was so much fun to meet up with some of my favorite boys in the world to watch the game: BFF, Cousin Swiss Mister, Mr. Animal House Boy, and Ski Trip John.

And I got to see lots of other friends there as well....The Twins, OSU Pres, and Miss Arizona.

We kicked off the fun with a little tailgating Oklahoma State style. That means lots of boots, beer, red dirt music, orange attire, and wine in a box.

There were also some awesome, creative signs. Here were three of my favorites....

Then we headed inside for the pre-game festivities. There were loads of famous people at the game. Thanks to our awesome seats, I got some great shots. Check it out.

Let me take a moment to trash talk the Stanford Band. At first, I think to myself, "Okay, this is just unorganized chaos...no uniforms, running around everywhere, making noise, stupid costumes. Very California." And then, between them talking trash about Oklahoma, our way of life, the fact that we raise animals, the people who would chose to live there AND then refusing to stop playing the fight song during our trophy presentation....I never thought I'd say this, but I hate a band more than OU's. BFF put it best when he said, "I swear, I'm so glad we beat them if for no other reason than I hate that damn band!"

And then, it was game time. I'm not going to give you a whole play by play (until the last 4 minutes), but I'll sum it up for you in two thoughts. (1) If I ever verbalized my thoughts that Andrew Luck was overrated, I take it back. That dude's the real deal. (2) Justin Blackmon is a man among boys. I swear, on that Monday I would have voted for him to be President, Miss America, the American Idol Winner, my future husband...whatever. He was unbelievable.

And now, for the play by play. We were down a touchdown with about 4 minutes to go. We get the ball. My boy Brandon Weeden drives us down and scores. Fast. With 2:35 seconds left. Everyone in America (including me) is thinking, we scored too fast and left too much time.

Stanford gets the ball. Drives down the field. For some reason I'll never understand (maybe because God is an OSU fan) instead of keeping the drive going, they waste about 15 seconds on a run to the middle of the field to set up a chip shot field goal with 3 seconds left. Things did not look good for the Pokes. I said to BFF, "Is there any chance we block this?" He said no way.

So Stanford kicks it. If you've been to a game before, you know you can't tell if it's good or not from the sides. But what you can see is the entire orange half of the end zone seats go absolutely crazy. That's right, ladies and gents, he missed. (Video here.) On the video, it happens in like a second. In real life, it felt like slow freaking motion!

For an idea of how the excitement level increased check this out. Exhibit A was in the 3rd Quarter. Exhibit B was right after the miss when I said we needed a "We didn't lose the game by some miracle!" photo.

And you know how it ends. In overtime we win the toss. Stanford's poor kicker misses again. And then we score a touchdown. By the walk on senior receiver. Everyone goes crazy and the team runs out on the field. We celebrate being the champions. And then they call it back. So we line up for a field goal. And hallelujah for our senior kicker, Quinn Sharp, we won the game and celebrated (again).

My favorite part of the night was when Coach Gundy dedicated the game to The Four. And he brought the widow of Coach Budke up on the stage, hugged her, and handed her the trophy. (Video here.) When we talk about the OSU family, those aren't just words. Those are actions, on a stage, at the Fiesta Bowl. So proud to be a Cowboy!

After the game we headed back to the hotel and hit up some college bar. We had deep discussions about life, watched Mr. Animal House head but a punching bag, discussed stealing a cop car (I convinced them to have a sandwich instead) and closed out the night with BFF yelling random colors out the window.

And then we nursed hangovers and slept until noon the next day. We can still hang with the college kids at night, but it's a different story in the morning!

I'm sad to see this year's football season come to an end. It's been a historic one for Oklahoma State--first Big 12 Championship, first BCS Bowl Appearance, and first BCS win. It's a great time to be a Cowboy! Go Pokes!

That Time I Said "Syphilis" In A Eulogy.

2012-01-06T06:00:00.001-07:00

"We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will." ~ Chuck Palahniuk

Intrigued? A snappy title is always a good way to start a semi-sad blog post.

As you might remember from last week, my Uncle David passed away. My aunt and cousins asked me to speak at the funeral. At first, I wasn't totally sure I could do it, but let's be honest, how do you say no to something so important? And that, is how I ended up giving a eulogy.

I'll admit that I did attempt to calm some nerves by making a deal with Cousin Kevin that involved a pre-funeral "business meeting" and two shot glasses. I can always count on him. Turned into a sort of bonding experience I don't think I'll ever forget.

My instruction for the eulogy was to make it as much fun as life was with Uncle David. Like I said at the funeral, that was not possible, but I did my best to make everyone laugh. I told stories about bar fights that landed him and Uncle Buddy under a pool table, and about him getting arrested for roping hippies, and about him punching out his college professor. Stories about great pranks played on each other by family members over the years. Stories about York pigs and York sisters and mowing down my grandma's favorite flower bush. I thought I was pretty clever.

How did the word "syphilis" get included you wonder? Good question. Aunt Midge wanted to include a story about each of the 8 grandchildren. She chose the stories and wrote them up for me. One involved my little cousin Baby Quarterback (who you read about here) when he was about 4 or 5 years old. His dad, Cousin Kevin, convinced Baby Quarterback that he had this amazing thing that only the toughest guys and best athletes have. And it was called.....syphilis. So Baby Quarterback called Uncle David all excited to tell him the great news. Uncle David's response? "Don't tell your grandma!" Classic.

If there's one thing that I took away from that funeral, it was that one person's life can impact so many others. The funeral was in a gym, becuase the churches in town were not big enough to hold the people. My ND Friend may have put it best when she said, "Who you are is better because of who he was." Countless people can say that about Uncle David. In the end, what more can you ask for?

And after the funeral, we fulfilled Uncle David's deathbed instruction---to have a party. The whole family--30 of us or so spent New Years Eve in a hunting lodge just hanging out, laughing and telling stories. It wasn't Times Square or the Vegas Strip or kissing Mr. Right at midnight....but it was exactly where I needed to be. I think it was the perfect tribute.
Aunt Elaine summed it up, when she said we did the whole thing, eulogy to post-funeral party, "Uncle David style." I think he'd be proud.

6th Annual Family Ski Trip

2012-01-05T06:00:00.001-07:00

"What if we ALL made this the year of no excuses? The year we throw all caution to the wind and GO FOR IT? The year we hold nothing back…not our feelings, our dreams, our talents, our plans, NOTHING?" ~The Single Woman

As we do ever year, we headed to Red River for our family ski trip. Remember trip #4 and #5? And by family, I don't just mean blood family (although many of us are), I mean ski trip family, which has taken on a new meaning.

Even though this year we were a smaller group and I had to cut it a day short, we still had a great time. We added two new faces this year, Cousin Whitney's boyfriend and one of my best friends, Blonde Oklahoma Girl. They've now been officially added to the family and are required to attend from now on.

Here's how the trip went down.

First off, Blonde Oklahoma Girl and I loaded up on bagels, candy, and red dirt music for our first road trip together! Pretty sure we sang, danced and solved all of the world's problems in those 4 hours.

(And yes, she looks like a supermodel in a self taken portrait, 3 hours into a road trip. If I didn't love her so much, I'd hate that girl.)

Once we arrived, we all headed to the Lift House bar for a few drinks and then to the slopes for some snow tubing. We had never done that before (snow tubing I mean...we're regulars at the ol' Lift House!), but it was a lot of fun! And after that, we headed for dinner at Timbers....hello green chile chicken alfredo!
That night ended with some chit chatting at the condo, and a facebook session among the dads, who we refer to as Los Viejos.

And then day two rolled around and it was time for some skiing. I've skiied a lot in my life, and I honestly think this might have been the best skiing I've ever done. Great weather, not too busy, lots of snow, I loved it!
And in honor of the new year, which I'm calling No Regrets 2012 (based partly on this blog), I decided it was time to finally ski this black diamond called "The Face." You'll see it behind Blonde Oklahoma Girl and me drinking above. Here's a photo montage of how that went down....

I start off slow saying, "I want to change my mind, I want to change my mind."
Eventually I get my legs under me and off I go.
And then, when I get to the bottom--where it's easy and the part of the trail that I've probably skied 100 times, Blonde Oklahoma Girl yells, "Way to go, Tiff!" I look up, go to put my arms up in the air in a victory move, and bust my butt....like a dork. Here I am saying, "What just happened??"

Hey, if you're going to fall, fall on a black diamond. No Regrets 2012!

I love this ski trip every year--great skiing, great people, lots of fun. Hard to beat it, but you can bet your bottom dollar that we'll try next December on trip #7!

Don't Worry....I'm Still Alive!

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

"At some point you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart." ~Caryn Leschen

I've been a terrible blogger lately. You know that I'm nothing if not a girl who loves a regular routine, and these last two weeks in blog land have been anything but. My life has been a bit of a whilrwind as of late, but don't worry....I'm back in the groove and have a lot to catch everyone up on! 2011 ended on a terrible note for me, but 2012 has kicked off with a bang.

However, it's currently 8:10 pm on Tuesday, and I cannot keep my eyes open any longer. Turns out I can't act like a college kid and bounce back anymore. But stay tuned for this week.

To make sure you're motivated to come back, here are a few snapshots of the adventures I've had of late. See you tomorrow! :)

What I've Learned This Year

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

"I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma." ~Eartha Kitt

I like to look back each year and think about what lessons I've learned. They say that if you stop learning, you stop living, so I figure keeping track of the lessons learned over the course of 365 days is a good idea. Here's my 2011 list.

1. I can't fix everything for people who I love. Sometimes, all I can do is be there. Whether it be on the phone at 2 in the morning or flying across the country to sit next to them on the front porch swing or getting together a document to bring some peace of mind. But maybe that--being there--is enough to make a difference. 2. The distance from the stands to the football field at Boone Pickens Stadium is farther than it looks. And when you land and twist an ankle, you figure out how to move really fast when there is a huge guy behind you jumping next!
3. I can do things I never though possible. Like running half marathons. What holds me back from doing great things is me. 4. Relationships are hard. All of them--be it a romantic relationship or a friendship. Sadly, I've seen people in my life whose relationships have failed this year. And that hurts my heart. You really have to work on these relationship things. To work on staying in touch and on going in the same direction and on making the relationship a priority. They don't tell you that kind of thing in the movies.

5. Reality tv stars are idiots. Now, should this be something I learned several years ago? Yea--obviously. But I feel like this year just drove this baby home. Really, Kim K.? 72 days? Pretty sure I could have stood on my head longer than that.

6. Red dirt music soothes the soul. When I have a bad day, I turn on some Stoney, Josh Abbott, Eli Young, Pat Green and things just look better.

7. If you're trying to live your life in a certain way, like one where people would call you a Christian, it's critical to surround yourself with people doing the same thing. I'm so grateful for my friends who have simlar values and who are there to support me, pray with me and hold me accountable when I get off track.

8. Apparently lots of women think that tights constitute pants. I do not. No offense to those of you who wear this fashion trend, but I'm out. I'll leave it at that.

9. Sometimes even when you train and prepare and plan (and download the perfect running mix for your half marathon), things go wrong (and your iPod battery is dead when you cross the start line). And when that happens, you have to just suck it up and make due with what you have (like stupid songs from karaoke in your head...for 2.5 hours!).

10. No matter where you are, or what you have, there is an opportunity to make a difference. To pray, to volunteer, to give....we can't all do the same things, but we can all do something.

Third Annual Bucket List Year In Review

2011-12-29T06:00:00.001-07:00

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss, but that it is too low and we reach it." ~ Michelangelo

This year, I'm happy to announce that I managed to accumulate 9 bucket list checkmarks. That means 9 butterflies have been put into the box....a bucket list record for this girl! Amazing what having a job and money to do things can do for a bucket list. :) If you're new (or just forgetful!) you can check out the review from 2009 and 2010.

And now...on with it. Here are this year's checkmarks!

White Water Rafting. (Original post here). This baby has been on my list for quite some time. After canoeing with BFF a few years ago, and based on my love for water sports, I knew that this would be a lot of fun. So when my law firm planned a retreat and mentioned white water rafting as an option, you better believe I spoke up and pushed for that (despite my total lack of power!) choice! The best part of the trip was getting to bring a date. Since Mr. Right's still hidden somewhere, I took my Dad. He told me once if he had a bucket list, white water rafting would be part of it. We had a great time and, as I would have expected, my Dad was a total hit with everyone.

Run the First Half of the San Francisco Marathon. (Original posts here and here). I really took up running in San Francisco. I dabbled some in college, but was much more of a elliptical kind of girl. But when I was living in San Francisco, I'd put on my shoes and take off to see the city. It was there in 2008 that I ran my first race--the Progressive Marathon portion of the SF Marathon. Ever since that day, I knew I wanted to do the half marathon there. Not only was it the city that inspired me to run, but the marathon course is unbelievably great and is the only race that actually lets you run on the surface of the roadway across the Golden Gate Bridge. If you're a runner---or if you think you want to be---put this race on your list!

Watch an away OSU football game. (Original post here). You may remember this checkmark from my trip with Cousin Kevin and two of his kiddos and BFF and his girlfriend to the OSU v. Texas A&M game in College Station. I have to tell you, I'm so glad this was the venue for my first away game--Kyle Field is just insane. I'm not sure I've ever been somewhere that was THAT loud! And, of course, the fact that we came back and one by 1....well that made it all the more awesome for me!

Go to Mass at the Washington National Cathedral. (Original post here.) I love the Washington National Cathedral. Love, love, love. The whole idea there is that it is a house of worship for all people. At the Mass I attended, there were people of every denomination, worshiping together. Methodists and Baptists and Catholics and Unitarians all knelt to pray and took communion together. If you ask me, this place understands something that a lot of others do not. It is overwhelmingly large and beautiful and reverent when you visit there anytime, but actually going to Mass is a whole different experience. Again, if you get the opportunity to, go!

Go on a Wine Tasting Weekend in Napa. (Original post here). I had been to Napa once before in 2008 when I was a summer associate in San Francisco. Ever since, I really wanted to go back with a group of friends. And I've got to tell you, as excited as I was and as much fun as I knew we'd have, I never could have imagined what a blast that day in July would turn out to be!
Own Something from Tiffany's. I'm not a person who finds happiness in things. Not that there's anything wrong with that--some people can buy nice things and be happy. If I buy something expensive, I just feel guilty and unhappy. But this year on my birthday, I decided it was time for me to own my own little blue box, and I ordered myself a necklace to celebrate my 28th birthday. And you know, it made me happy. :)

Go to Bedlam. (Original post here). I know, I know. Some of you think to yourselves, "Tiffany is a crazy OSU fan, how has she never been to Bedlam??" Easy--it was always the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is my mom's family reunion. In order not to get kicked out of the family, I was always there. But this year, the game was moved to the next weekend and you best believe I was there to watch my Cowboys totally dominate OU and win the game 44-10. Which led to the next checkmark.....

Rush the Field. I've got to be honest, this was a checkmark I was worried I might never get checked off. I mean, this is a college kid sort of activity and I didn't ever do it in college. But you best believe that when I got my chance, I was taking it. When the Loud Oklahoma Girl and I were making our plan to get to the field, the guys behind us said, "You girls go for it! We're too old--we're 28 now, but you kids have fun." Thank goodness I look young and feel even younger, because this 28 year old headed to the turf and loved every minute!

Attend a Steeplechase/Southern tailgate. (Original posts here.) Okay, this one may be mildly cheating. I have a rule on my bucket list that I don't add something after I've done it. Since I had never heard of a Steeplechase until Mr. and Mrs. Top Gun invited me to attend, it was not on the list. However, attending a southern tailgate was on the list, and becuase tailgating was the biggest part of the Steeplechase, I decided this counted. It was such a fun experience---the dresses, the horses, and of course the tailgate. If you ever get a chance to go, take it!

I've got to say, this is a pretty darn good list. Will I be able to top it in 2012? It'll be tough, but I'm planning on getting my first checkmark on January 2, so I'm starting off on the right foot! Stay tuned....

Word for 2011: Fleeting

2011-12-28T06:00:00.001-07:00

"Go for it now. The future is promised to no one." ~Wayne Dyer

Each year I try to choose one word that sums up the last 365 days. Last year, my word was "awestruck." After a lot of thought, I decided to go with "fleeting" for my 2011 word.

Sadly, I was reminded repeatedly this year that life is fleeting. I stood by friends and family as they buried fathers and brothers, grandfathers and sons. I mourned with thousands of other orange-clad fans in the aftermath of a plane crash that took members of the OSU basketball community, again. Whether you are a 15 year old blonde headed kid, a Division I basketball coach or an 80 year old grandfather....life can be gone in an instant. It's fleeting.

Even though I had already chosen this word a couple of weeks ago, losing my Uncle David this past week just affirmed the choice.
And yet, despite the sadness and pain that this idea of fleeting lives can cause, it is in light of this that I saw amazing things. That a church is so much more than a building. That a family is more than blood. That sometimes one hug from someone at the right time can just make things better. That unwaivering faith can produce miraculous results. That Jesus offers hope in the darkest night. In those moments....when we see that life is fleeting...we see, too, that life is good.

And this reminder that life has fleeting allowed me to focus on two important things.

It has made me determined to focus on making a difference in other people's lives. To pray for those for whom no one else does. To volunteer with an organization I believe in. To buy bed sheets and sweatsuits for someone to open on Christmas morning. To do what I can, when I can, with what I have. Even when that's something small, sometimes that makes a difference.

And I have found a renewed sense of urgancy to really live. To set goals that seem crazy....like running 13.1 miles. To take risks to check items off of a bucket list. To do as the saying goes and sing like no one is watching. To make new friends with strangers on a bus. To spend too much money on a fancy dress to wear in a pasture at a steeplechase. To do whatever it takes to experience life while we have the chance.

2011 reminded me that life is fleeting. And beautiful. And ours for the living. Cheers to doing so in 2012!

One of the Good Guys

2011-12-27T06:00:00.003-07:00

"To live in hearts you leave behind is not to die..."

My Uncle David was one of the good guys. The kind that I'm not convinced they make anymore.

A real cowboy, who used to rodeo with Chris LeDeux. Who could fix whatever, threaten to fight anyone, wasn't afraid of anything, and liked a cold Coors Light. A guy with a booming voice, a look that made you instantly sit up straighter and say, "Yes sir!" and who constantly threatened to the kids that he was "gonna kick your butt!"

And yet, the same guy who spent part of Thanksgiving dinner playing peekaboo with my two younger cousins and used to untangle my toy puppets. A man who would give you the shirt off his back if he thought for a second you needed it. He was one of the good guys.

I don't know if our family is like most others. Aunts and uncles here are not just people that we see once a year and who buy us crappy Christmas presents. In our family, they go to ball games and speech contests, graduations and weddings, and take you out to dinner anytime they are in town. Oh, and they buy really good presents. Aunts and uncles are part of our lives, and for that, I'm grateful.

My Uncle David was the kind of uncle every kid should have. The only guy I knew as a kid who was brave enough to curse in front of my mother. Curse word of choice: Dammit as a new first name. (For example, my Aunt would say something that made no sense and his response would be, "Dammit, Midge!" or my mom would be worried about something or lecturing someone and his response would be, "Dammit, Sue!")

He was the guy who everyone knew. At the State Fair, he would park himself at the corner of the pig show ring bleachers and never leave, because people who knew him just kept on coming by. He knew more about loco weed and winning a science fair than anyone you'll ever meet. He became quasi-famous (maybe infamous is more like it) after he was quoted in the paper for this gem: "Pigs can't read." We were so proud.

You could always spot my Uncle David in a crowd, because he'd wear the same thing, without fail. Boots, Wranglers, solid colored shirt, black hat. He might mix it up and add a tan vest if it was cold or take his hat off at the table. For 28 years, that's how I expected to see Uncle David.

Uncle David hated Olive Garden. But Aunt Midge and I loved it, so when they would be in town to take me out to eat, that was often the destination. He would moan and groan all the way through his shrimp alfredo. In fact, a couple of weeks ago he texted to check on me when I had a medical procedure done. I told him they had found a food allergy. His response, "Probably from that damn Olive Garden."

Speaking of texting---if you knew Uncle David, you might find it strange that he texted. He told me he didn't have a choice if he wanted to communicate with his grand kids. There was, however, a rule. When you wrote Uncle David, you used correct grammar and spelling if you wanted him to answer. Otherwise, you would not get a response, and would, instead, probably get the new first name described above.

And he loved to text me during Oklahoma State football games. I'm not sure if I've watched an OSU game in the last several years without a text from Uncle David. My favorite was the text I got the morning after Bedlam a few weeks ago. Here's the conversation:

Uncle David: "Okay, so what hospital are you in? I saw on tv that 13 people got taken to the hospital after getting trampled while rushing the field, and I knew right away you had to be one of them."

Me: "Ha! Well you are correct---I did rush the field---but you will be proud to know I only twisted my ankle and went to a bar and not a hospital."

Uncle David: "I'm so proud of you for not being a dumbass."

And you know, I'm happy I made him proud. :)

We lost Uncle David yesterday. A week after he was diagnosed with cancer. And Saturday, we will gather to say goodbye. I know that there will be tears, but I also know there better be one heck of a party. Because if there's not, I've got a feeling that there may be a booming voice from Heaven giving the rest of us that new first name.

The Light

2011-12-22T06:00:00.002-07:00

"Light of the world you stepped down into darkness..." ~Here I Am To Worship

There's never a good time to get that phone call. You know, the one that stops you dead in your tracks. The one that knocks the wind out of you. And changes your life. But if there's a time that's worse than others, it's probably Christmas.

That's when we got a call about an ALS diagnosis three years ago. And it felt a little like deja vu this year when we got a call about cancer. These are not the things that this Holy season is made of.

But you know, Christmas happens during the coldest time of the year. When the trees are dead and the sky is dreary. When there is no life, and no hope. And yet it is then--in the darkest time of the year--that we celebrate a light. The Light. We celebrate the gift of a Savior. A Light born into darkness. Hope of everlasting life amongst those who are the least deserving.

And so it is, that when we go through dark seasons in our life--when the phone call comes--that same Light that we celebrate on Christmas appears. And reminds us that there is hope. Even in the darkest night.

What I'm Loving Wednesday #13 (And Photos of the Week: Week 50)

2011-12-21T06:00:00.002-07:00

"He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree." ~ Charlotte Carpenter

Hey y'all! I thought that today we'd go with a Christmas-themed version of What I'm Loving Wednesday. Be sure to check out all of the loves over at Jamie's blog!

1. Photo Challenges for Week 50. I stuck with the Christmas theme for this week's photos.

Theme: Silver (Project 64)

You can see the other entries here.

Theme: Let There Be Light

I got this shot from the top of my Christmas tree. I'm also linking this shot up with Show Off Your Shot!

2. My favorite Christmas songs. Meghan had a giveaway on her blog this week where the entry requirement was to list your favorite Christmas songs. As always with me, I have two. :) My favorite "serious" Christmas song is "I Heard The Bells." You read about my love for this song last year. My favorite "fun" Christmas song is "Baby It's Cold Outside."

3. Being productive. I don't know if there is too much more exciting to a Type-A kind of girl like me than to check things off a list. :) This week I've managed to get all of my information for the year entered into Quickbooks (I was seriously 6 months behind as of December 1), get all of my Christmas cards out the door (think 100 of those babies), and have ever piece of clothing I own clean. That's a lot of laundry y'all!

4. Running at Christmastime. I know, I know.....this one is strange. Baby, it's cold outside! BUT...there are Christmas lights! In my neighborhood,they are everywhere and I swear knowing that around the next corner I'll get a big ol' dose of different Christmas lights keeps me going! And honestly, if you dress right, the cold isn't really an issue.

5. It's almost Christmas!! I'm headed back to the ranch for Christmas, which should equal a lot of tamales and posole, Christmas Eve church and baby lambs. And then will be another installment of the anual family ski trip (which Blonde Oklahoma Girl will be flying in for!). And I'll wrap up the festivities with a trip to a little event called the Fiesta Bowl to cheer on my Cowboys with three of my favorite guys!

6. Blogger Christmas Lists. I am so not a shopper, but I've loved reading everyone's Christmas lists on their blogs this year! Even came up with a few gift ideas from there myself. Can't share what I got people with you all since my friends and family read my blog, but I'll do a fun recap after the holidays. As for my gift requests this year?

This shirt

This scarf (courtesy my friend Crystal.Cattle's Turquois Thursday series!)

This kitchen gadget (it cuts up apples for you--we have one at work & I love it!)

Books. Always books. And not on some stupid electronic device. In my hand and on my shelf. My list includes:

And last, but not least, if I was (or my friends and friends were) rich, I'd be sporting a pair of these babies. Size 10. Or whatever that converts to in fancy European sizing. Sigh.

And to prove I'm not picky, I'd take these instead.

Simple, black pumps. Because I'm not high maintenence. If I were, I'd ask for these. Sigh.

A Villa in Tuscany

2011-12-20T06:00:00.002-07:00

“I'm not a stop along the way. I'm a destination.” ~Gossip Girl via The Single Woman

The Blonde Oklahoma Girl found this website that I'm now totally addicted to called "The Single Woman." No lie--I check her page like 3 times a day. It's ridiculous. Over the weekend, she posted the following blog entry. It's like she was writing right to me. Here are her thoughts:

Realize that you are not a rest area, a pit stop, a convenience station, a welcome center, or a 7/11 that’s open 24/7, just waiting for someone to grace you with their presence for a few minutes here & there until they’re ready to hop back on the highway to their REAL destination. YOU ARE THE DESTINATION! My beautiful, worthy friends…in case you’ve forgotten what you are worth somewhere along the way…allow me to remind you that you are NOT a layover, a resting place, a Plan B, an alternate route, or a detour. What you ARE is the beach house, the cabin by the lake, the villa in Tuscany, the high-rise condo, the ski chalet, the cruise ship, the Disney World resort, the honeymoon suite! And anyone who doesn’t treat you like the five-star destination that you are deserves to see your “No Vacancy” sign as you leave ‘em behind.

Um....guilty. If I'm being honest, I totally let people treat me this way sometimes. Notice I didn't say that people treat me this way (blame on them), but that I let them treat me this way (blame on me). I allow myself to be treated as a rest area--if you're tired and need someone that's always there to listen, make you feel better and let you rest before you get back on the road---I'm your girl. How stupid is that? Real stupid, Tiffany.

It's been going on for years. Want someone to help you with your homework? Call Tiffany. Want someone to dance with until someone better comes along? Take Tiffany. Need a ride home from the bar where you've been hitting on some other girl all night? Call Tiffany. Need to vent about your girlfriend, only to go back to said girlfriend after I make you feel better? Talk to Tiffany. Need someone to watch football with on Saturday afternoon and to help you pick out your shirt for a date with some other girl on Saturday night? Hang out with Tiffany.

So....new plan. No more letting myself be a rest stop. No more getting walked all over. No more settling for being "just Tiffany." Because I'm not a stop along the way. I'm a villa in Tuscany.

Meet the Cast Monday #39: Gran (Part 4)

2011-12-19T06:00:00.003-07:00

So today we'll wrap up a year of you all meeting the cast. You see in my blog title that my life has a superb cast. Over the last year you have met some of the cast members who mean the most to me. They are a part of me, so by getting to know them, you have been able to get to know me as well. To check out all of the interviews, click here.

If you ask me, I couldn't have picked a better way to wrap up this series. Had I somehow realized 9 1/2 years ago when I was asking these questions, I wouldn't always be able to walk next door and pick Gran's brain, I would have asked so many more things. Remember that, and don't take it for granted with the people in your life.

Okay, here we go. You guys have read about my Gran here and here and here. But I saved the best for last. If you knew Gran, you will read this and hear her come right through. I've been told several times that I remind people of her. I don't think I could get a better compliment. I think you'll see why.

What are some of the most important things you’ve learned in your life?
Oh, be honest. Well, when my husband died, I learned to cope. And I didn’t know that I’d be able to. And I’m very proud of myself for going ahead with keeping everything and raising the boys, and managing as well as I have. {Love being from a line of strong women. You've read about that before here.}

What was you say was your most significant accomplishment?
Well, I guess teaching for 30 years. I did teach, well I was home agent in Roswell, and that’s considered teaching, and that was a very good job in Chavez County and I liked it very much. Then I worked in a school lunch program, and then back in, well, when my husband was called into service during the Korean War, he was stationed in San Antonio, so I got a job teaching there, home economics, and if I hadn’t gotten that job, I wouldn’t have had the money to stay down there. So that was more experience. So then when I went back to work I taught in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades, and I liked that much better than teaching in high school and I just really liked the kids. They were respectful and pretty honest about doing their work. What’s one thing that you never got to do that you wish you could do now?
Well, I would have taken more trips. {Think the travel bug is genetic?} Now I have a little arthritis and I don’t feel that safe traveling too much, but I should have taken more when I was younger. One place I would have liked to have gone was Australia. I always wanted to go down there, it’s such a long ways, but I’ve read many books about Australia, I’ve always wanted to go there. I like their English brogue. {Dear Gran, if could help orchestrate me meeting a really cute boy with an English brogue, that would be awesome....just a thought.}
What is the one thing that you’re the most proud of?
Learning to manage on my own. I don’t have to anymore, but I did back after my husband died and I’m just proud of the fact that I got through that. {Think independence might be genetic too?}
What have been some of the happiest moments in your life?
Oh, one was when I graduated from college. That was a long four years. And then the end of World War II, I didn’t lose many people, lost some in my senior class, but none of my family anyway. And I kinda live through my grandkids. I have 4. Two in San Angelo and two living next door, so I keep up with all their business all I can, and enjoy their achievements and awards and I’m just living good through them. {It was great having her at our events. FFA banquents, speech contests, sheep shows, homecoming courts...she was always there cheering us on. In fact, once she almost got into a fight with another grandma who was talking trash. It was a proud moment.} What’s your philosophy for life, or what advice would you give somebody for living a good life?
Well I don’t know about philosophy. I just know you need to enjoy life because it goes by very fast, and you get a good feeling doing things for other people, and as some authors say, that’s a selfish reason for doing things, because it makes you feel good, but it goes both ways. And just enjoy yourself because I’ve really had a fine life and am still enjoying it today. {Amen.}

Friday Confessional #1

2011-12-16T06:00:00.004-07:00

"I can't believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary." ~Lou Holtz

Today I'm linking up with Mrs. Leslie over at Blonde Ambition for a new little project called Friday Confessional. It's fun to put things out there!

I don't understand why I have to turn off my iPod for a plane to land. I always observe things when I travel. And I want to be clear that I'm all for safety on airplanes. As a girl who is scared to fly, I'll do whatever you tell me to do. BUT....I don't understand how me turning off my iPod 20 minutes before we land, which of course allows me to get a total ear full of the screaming baby in the row behind me, somehow makes us able to land the plane. Don't get the correlation there. Plus, I'm sorry but do you really think that we can count on every person on that plane to turn their cell phones off when you tell them to? No. You can't. How do I know? Because the last two times I've flown, I've seen people on their phone to check baseball scores and bowl announcements. Did we crash? No. So why is it I can't listen to my iPod instead of the screaming baby?? (No offense to people with screaming babies---just an example.)

I can't handle cupcakes that look like other food. Okay, I'm sorry guys, but am I the only person in the world who can't stand this? I don't want a cupcake that looks like a hamburger or spaghetti or corn on the cob. I want a cupcake that looks like a freaking cupcake. If I wanted to eat something that looks like a hamburger, I'd get a....well....freakin' hamburger! I dn'ot know if I should blame this trend on that TLC show about the cupcake shop in Jersey or on Pinterest. Both seem to be perpetuating this.

I hate it when boys don't call. The Blonde Oklahoma Girl and I have spent many cell phone minutes (thank you, Friends and Family!) both ranting about this phenomena in our lives. Seriously, boys...pick up the phone. Stop being a pansy. Because I'm telling you, one of these days some guy is going to figure this out and you're going to be kicking yourself.I don't like shopping at Pier One. Gasp! I know, I know. Most people love Pier One. And I have been able to get some cute things there. But I hate shopping there. It's crowded and unorganized and I feel claustrophobic and in danger of dying in an avalanche because stuff is piled up to the darn celiing.

From now on, I will always root for Tim Tebow. I'm not a Florida Gator fan. Never have been. Nor am I a Denver Broncos fan. But I've become a Tim Tebow fan. You've read before about my thoughts on "Tebowing." But I've come across two more reasons to be a Tebow fan.

First off, did you guys know that a couple of years ago he met a young lady with cancer and invited her to be his date to a red carpet award ceremony? I love a boy with a big heart. You can read about it here.

Second, I like him becuase Mr. Franklin would like him. Mr. Franklin used to say that if he could chose between a kid with more talent and a kid who knew how to be a winner, he'd take the winner every time. That's Tim Tebow. So what if he has an ugly throw? So what if he's not the best athlete in the NFL? He's a winner, plain and simple. If it was good enough for Mr. Franklin, it's good enough for me.I may have an online shopping addiction. As y'all already know, I'm not a shopper. I'm not good at it and I don't enjoy it. My mom did not pass on those genes. But I've recently become sort of addicted to online shopping. I'd say that I did at least half of my Christmas shopping online and have bought several baby gifts in the last few months online. It got so bad I had to make a list (Confession in a confession---I'm a total list making-aholic. It's terrible!) to keep track of everything and be sure it arrived.

I'm becoming obsessed with letters to me posts. Seriously, these might be my favorite blogs to write. I've done one letter to my 20 year old self and one to my 16 year old self. I may have to just start doing every age in between! Has anyone else written letters to me? Because I'd love to read yours!

I bought myself something...in a little blue box...Remember my birthday back in November? Well, I bought myself a birthday present. My whole life, I've wanted to get a little blue box from Fifth Avenue. I got tired of waiting for some boy to give it to me, so I bought it for my darn self. That's right, folks, this girl is the proud owner of a necklace from Tiffany's! If you know me, you know I'm horribly cheap and not into brand name things....but this is an exception I was willing to make.

Dear Mr. Right: Letter #7

2011-12-15T06:00:00.003-07:00

"We're all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness - and call it love - true love." ~Robert Fulghum, True Love

Dear Mr. Right,

Let's talk weddings. Everyone else in my life seems to be.

You know those girls that have everything planned out and have kept a book since they were 7? You're not getting one of those when you get me. I could care less about most of that stuff. I just want you to wear square toed boots. And for there to be lots of dancing. To a live band that I may have already picked out.

And I'm planning on smearing cake all over your face. Because I think that's a tradition that should not go by the wayside. But there will be no bouquet tossing, because I've been the single girl having to stand out in the middle of the floor and be gawked at too many times.

It won't be too fancy, because I'm a believer in focusing more on the marriage than the wedding. Oh yea, and please do not spend too much money on a ring or I'll honestly be mad.

Seriously, I'm a catch.

Waiting for that day,

Me

What I'm Loving Wednesday #12

2011-12-14T06:00:00.001-07:00

Well today I thought I'd link up with Jamie for another edition of What I'm Loving Wednesday, but I realized that I hadn't done my photos of the week yet. So we're doing a combination of both today. We've got a lot to cover!

Today I'm Loving....

1. This guy's idea. During the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, he posted a facebook status that said, "I'd rather have a Proverbs 31 woman than a Victoria's Secret model." I think that it's so easy for us to get caught up in the world--in things like the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show--and to lose sight of what really matters. I appreciated the reminder. And he's from Baylor, which is Cousin Swiss Mister's alma mater. (Obviously Cousin Swiss Mister may have missed that day in class where he was supposed to learn this....)

2. Volunteering for Make-a-Wish. Last Saturday morning when I had to roll out of my nice warm comfy bed after getting in late from watching rock star friend JoSeth play at the bar, I was not loving my volunteer gig. But about 2 minutes into doing the wish granting interview for a 3 year old with a brain tumor who wants to meet Mickey Mouse, my whole attitude changed. I love being part of an organization that grants such amazing gifts to children who are so deserving. I hope that you'll take time to find a charity or an organization that you are passionate about and to give. Be it time, money, prayers, whatever you can do.

3. My Christmas tree! This weekend I had a free Saturday afternoon at home (shocking these days!), so I decided that it was prime Christmas tree time. For those of you who weren't around my blog 2 years ago, click here to read about why I put up my own tree and send out my own cards each year.
Each year I try and find oranments to commemorate some fun event (particularly travel related stuff) from the past year. I figure that will be pretty cool 20 years from now. This year's big addition is an OSU football helmet with the Bedlam score and date written on it.
I really wanted to find a half marathon ornament for this year, but haven't had any luck. Runners--any ideas?

4. Watching the Ironman World Championships. I tell you what, these athletes are just amazing. I just stumbled upon the World Championships on Saturday afternoon and had to watch. I cried at their stories of inspiration---80 year old men who kept going. A war veteran who lost both legs. The former 300 pound Biggest Loser contestant. The 78 year old woman who was the oldest finisher ever. The man who bet $1 million of food for hungry kids on the race with rapper 50 Cent. It was awesome. And it made me hungry, so I also ate a baked potato. Whatev.

5. Angel Trees. I really hate how commericalized Christmas has become. I think that our society has managed to get totally away from the whole point of the holiday. This year I participated in the one angel tree church and the one for nursing home patients at Wal-Mart. I just can't stand the though of someone not having a gift at Christmas. Blonde Oklahoma Girl wrote the sweetest post about being on the phone while I was frantically shopping for sweat suits, sheets and bathrobes for gifts! If you see an angel tree in your own community, I encourage you to participate. Giving gifts to those who cannot repay us....like that gift born in a manger.....that's what Christmas is all about.

6. Being Fiesta Bowl Bound! For those of you football fans out there, you know that my Cowboys are playing Stanford in this year's Fiesta Bowl.

Well BFF, Cousin Swiss Mister, Mr. Animal House and I all have tickets and we're headed to Arizona come January 2! I can't wait to watch the game with some of my favorite boys and cheer on the Pokes! Oh, and to rock out the new OSU shirt that I bought.....I don't want to ruin the surprise so you'll have to wait until I post pictures on January 3, but I'll just say that it's awesome. :)

Photos of the Week

Theme: Vanishing Points

I had to google this theme to figure out what it was talking about. Ha! It's defined as a photo involving parallel lines that are not parallel to the photo. Um....too much geometry for this girl. Thank goodness for google images--it's where you have a photo that one point in the distance the two lines look to merge together. I took this shot last month in Austin. It's one of my favorites.

Theme: Show Off Your Shot (And Then She Snapped)

I love Christmas tree decorations. I played with some lighting and really liked this shot. Check out all of the other entries here!

Theme: Mahogany (Project 64)

Funny enough, this picture is also from my trip to Austin. I thought that the longhorn on the right was pretty close to the Mahogany color for this week's theme. Check out the other entries at Project 64.

Called Christians

2011-12-13T06:00:00.003-07:00

"The point of your life is to point to Him." ~Francis Chan, Crazy Love

I just finished reading a really interesting book by Francis Chan called "Crazy Love." (Sidenote: To see all the books I've read, am reading or plan to read, check out my Good Reads page. And if you have your own, add me!)

It's all about evaluating whether you are actually living your life in response to the "crazy love" that God has shown you. My favorite part of the book came in the forward written by Chris Tomlin.

He quoted a simple passage from the Bible, Acts 11:26. "The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch." But the way he went on to explain this passage was really striking to me.

The first disciples were called Christians. They did not call themselves that. They did not come up with the name. Other people--outsiders--looking at them called them Christians. How did they do that? By looking at their lives. So, obviously, this begs the question...today, if people were to look at your life, would they know that you were a Christian? Um....wow.

The book goes on to ask the following series of questions.

Has your relationship with God actually changed the way you live?

Do you see evidence of God's kingdom in your life?

Are you choking that evidence out slowly by spending too much time, energy, money and thought on the things of this world?

Would your life look different if you suddenly stopped believing in God?

Jesus calls us to live our lives in a manner different from the world. And if we do it correctly, the difference should be obvious to non-believers. If I'm being honest with myself, I'm not sure that I'm succeeding at this. But fortunately, today is a new day. And I can try again. I can try to do better. I can try and live my life in a way that would make strangers call me a Christian.

I Know It's the 21st Century, But...

2011-12-12T06:00:00.001-07:00

"Dating is pressure and tension. What is a date, really, but a job interview that lasts all night?" ~Jerry Seinfeld

Okay, today I'm delving off into a topic that I know nothing about. But apparently being a single girl in my twenties in the year 2011 means that it's something that I've got to address all.the.time. Online dating.

Now, online dating is seriously something that I'd say comes up in my life on average once a week. At least. People are constantly asking me why I don't try it. I don't see anything wrong with it--when other people do it, I'm intrigued and I hope it works for them. But I think that this old fashioned, country girl just wants to believe that I'll meet my husband at a football game or a livestock show instead of online. I know it's the 21st century, but I don't care.

But somehow this topic has been everywhere lately. Maybe because it's the holidays? Seriously, in the last week, people have sent me a ton of different links to check out. My boss' wife (no lie!) had seen this website called Subway Crush on tv and thought it was funny. ND Friend stumbled across this website called How About We... and thought it was cute. (FYI, I did a search to see if anyone's date idea involved the word "cattle" or "livestock." Answer: No. Sigh.) The waiter at our work Christmas party (who was cute and who we harassed about his personal life the whole night) mentioned this thing for professional singles called It's Just Lunch. My head is spinning.

So I basically write all of this with no point....EXCEPT that I'm curious about everyone's opinion on this topic. Have you done it? Know people who have? Think that it's crazy insane? Because after reading this blog by someone I know in real life, I'm traumatized. (Read it for real. You'll laugh so hard you'll cry!) Seriously---comment below. I want to hear from you!
Oh, and if you happen to know a nice young man who you'd like to introduce me to, feel free. I'm not against blog dating suggestions. ;)

I'm Not Going Anywhere

2011-12-09T05:30:00.002-07:00

"You find no difficulty in trusting the Lord with the management of the universe and all the outward creation, and can your case be any more complex or difficult than these, that you need to be anxious or troubled about His management of it? " ~Hannah Whitall Smith

So a little while back I was having a conversation with a super nice, very intelligent father of one of my friends. We were talking about how eventually I would like to end up back home in a small town on the farm. When I said this, he looked at me sort of dumb-founded and said, "Well then you need to move. You should be living somewhere with country people like Amarillo or Lubbock or somwhere where you can meet someone that wants to live on a ranch." And he said it in this way that seemed very matter-of-fact, like this was the most obvious thing in the world, common sense really.

And I choked on my drink. I tried to laugh it off, but it really got to me....."Shoot," I thought, "Am I screwing up my life by living where I am? Have I made all these wrong decisions? Have I managed to get completely lost from the plan? There don't seem to be many single country guys around here, sure not that I'm meeting. Oh wow....maybe I need to move!"

And then I got really confused....because on the other hand, I really like my job. I'm doing well there, I'm learning a lot, and I feel like I'm in a good place. I like my house and my friends and having the financial ability to go and do pretty much what I want on the weekends. I don't want to leave that.

So at this piont I was thoroughly confused. And, in the midst of freaking out and wondering if I'm screwing up my whole life, I did what I always do. I said a prayer about it, and I picked up the phone and turned to some of my friends who calm me down the best. In this situation, those that got the call were BFF, ND Friend, and Georgia Boy. (I try to mix it up so that none of them have to deal with every freak out, lest they think I'm crazy!) And, like always, they knew just what to say to get me calmed down.
And I came to this conclusion.....I'm not going anywhere!

Here's the deal. There are so many things that have to work out in order to find the right person, that my attempt to control one of them (geographic location) is not going to be enough to line everything up. First off, there are country guys everywhere (just listen to Miranda...she knows!), so how would I enve know where to move to? What if I picked the wrong place? Would I move again? And again? And even if I move to a place where more country guys are going to be, that doesn't mean I'll meet the right guy or that the timing will be right or that he'll be single at this point....you get the idea. This just sounds horribly stressful.

And so, the bottom line is this: This is something I can't control. This is where the rubber meets the road in some ways when I talk about having faith. It's putting the phrase, "Let go and let God" into action. And I choose to believe that if I live my life doing my best to follow the plan that He has called me to, well then I'll meet Mr. Right whether he lives here or in Lubbock or in Georgia (hint, hint...southern accent!) or in freakin' Germany. It sure seems more refreshing to me to believe that God is in control of this and will line everything up than thinking that I've got to figure it all out.

And, in conclusion, I'd like to thank my lovely friends for talking me off the cliff. Again. And to announce that I'm chosing to trust. To have faith. And to wait. And that I'm not going anywhere!

Photos of the Week: Weeks 47 and 48

2011-12-08T05:30:00.001-07:00

Thanks everyone for your sweet comments on my Letter to Me post yesterday! I always love your feedback. :)

I'm so behind on my photo posts that it's not even funny. We're playing some major catch up today! Here are my shots for the past two weeks. As always, I love your comments and your thoughts on which photo is your favorite!

Theme: Black (Project 64)

I had a hard time with finding a black subject, but while we were working cows I snapped this shot of our dog, Dollar. I love the bright blue sky! Check out the other entries at Project 64!

Theme: Show Off Your Shot

You know that any time I make a trip to Stillwater, you'll be seeing pictures of campus. Remember this and this? Well this time is no different. I loved this shot of the library all decorated for Christmas. To see the other entries this week, click here!

Theme: Gathering

I haven't had a chance to blog about our Thanksgiving yet (it's coming next week, I promise!) but I thought that I'd use a photo from our family gathering for this theme. As redneck as it sounds, our whole family arrived and headed to the field behind our house for some target practice. Turns out, everyone totes guns around....shotguns, pistols, bb guns, you name it, we shot it. I liked this shot of the spent shells with the family in the background.

Theme: Decay

I saw this theme coming up and had no clue what I would actually shoot for it. Then when I was in Austin speaking at a conference (remember these pictures), I came across this old tree on the river bank and thought it was a pretty good fit.

Theme: Beyond Reach

I decided to use a picture from the Bedlam game for this one. When I was in school, our football team was good. Josh Fields, Rashaun Woods, Cotton Bowl kind of good. My senior year, we were bad. Didn't make a bowl kind of bad. It seemed like a Big XII Championship and a BCS Bowl Game (got robbed from playing in the National Championship...) was beyond reach. Well that all changed last Saturday night. Here is one of my favorite shots from the game.

Theme: Soft

This is another Thanksgiving picture of my Cousin The Olympian watching the aforementioned family shooting activities. She curled right up on the "soft" hay bales and watched all the chaos.

Letter to the 16 Year Old Me

2011-12-07T05:30:00.003-07:00

"When you go through life, so sure of where you’re headin', and you wind up lost and it's the best thing that could have happened..." ~Brad Paisley, Find Yourself

This week instead of writing to Mr. Right, I'm writing to myself. You guys have probably seen this done before. I wrote a letter to my 20 year old self a while back. I recently read a magazine article where famous people wrote back to their 16 year old selves and knew I wanted to play along.

Dear 16 Year Old Tiffany,

You might want to sit down for this first part. You're 28. You don't have kids. You're not married. Heck, you don't even have a boyfriend. That boy you think you love now...he marries someone else. Are you okay? Still breathing? Good. Because your life is better than you even know to imagine.

You will see the sun rise and set on the other side of the world. And from your apartment window overlooking San Francisco Bay. And from a table at Tavern On The Green in Central Park.

You'll watch the gold helmets run onto the field at Notre Dame, the crazy towel waiving at Kyle Field and cheer on your team at Boone Pickens Stadium (which doesn't exist yet.)

One day, you're going to love running. Seriously. And you'll finish a half marathon. Maybe you could stop slacking when running suicides in basketball practice.

You will wake up one day and realize that you've managed to accumulate a group of friends from all different chapters in your life. And they love you unconditionaly. And they make you a better person.

Oh, and those boys...the ones who keep sticking you in the "friend" or "sister" category? That'll still annoy you at 28, but you'll realize that their friendship is so important in your life that you wouldn't trade it for anything, even the "girlfriend" category.

You'll kneel to pray at St. Peter's Bascilica, next to the remains of St. Paul in Rome, at a Grotto in South Bend, in the Washington National Cathedral and in a quiet church in North Beach.

You'll sing karoke in a bar full of people. Snorkel in Mexico. Rush a football field. White water raft. Wear a fancy dress and hat at a steeplechase. See George Strait in concert. And tour the Swiss Alps.

Don't get me wrong, there will be bad times. You'll have to say goodbye far too soon to people who you love more than words can say. You'll have your heart broken. You'll total a vehicle. And wish time would stand still when change comes your way.

But through it all, you somehow find yourself. And you find the person who you want to be. And you manage to really live. That's a gift.

Enjoy the ride,
Tiffany at 28

Priceless (Bedlam 2011)

2011-12-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

"And to be able to celebrate with my teammates, my best friends, this is the real deal." ~OSU Quarterback and Big XII Champion Brandon Weeden

I'm not sure there are words to describe how awesome, exciting and wonderful the Bedlam football game was. I mean good friends, great football, Big XII Champs, and two bucket list checkmarks? Doesn't get better, folks.
You might remember from this post that it was my very first Bedlam game. Oklahoma State versus our biggest rival, Oklahoma. 60-some thousand people packed into the stadium. A sea of orange. Turns out, I'm good luck. When they interviewed Brandon Weeden after the game, he said that he had thought about how winning the game would feel and what the celebration would be like afterward and the reality was even better. I feel the same exact way!

Flights to Oklahoma = 15,000 Frequent Flyer Miles (complete with 3 hour delay in Denver)

Game Ticket = $200

Foam Finger = $10

(Which I had to get because of Nomad's girlfriend....here's how it went down. We will call her Emily from Friends because she's British. And I think she looks like her. Anyhow, when they picked me up at the airport she said she had to get a foam finger because that's what Americans do at football games. Nomad told her that only 5 year old Americans did that. I told him to shut up and that I wanted a foam finger too!)

BEDLAM.....

.....Pre-gaming at the Copper Penny (I had never been to the bar at 3:30 in the afternoon before. I did my best to make Mr. Animal House proud.)

....Screaming until my voice went hoarse and my whole body was sore (No like seriously, my hips and my abs are still sore today!)
.....Watching the two bands to come together to play Amazing Grace in rememberance of Coach Budke, Coach Serna and the Branstetters who died in a plane crash last month (Here's a video I took of part of it.)
.....seeing OU fans being driven to drink (Ha!)
.....Watching my Cowboys dominate OU to win our first Conference Championship (Final score: 44-10. Take that Kirk Herbstreit. You're not only ruining my love life, you're an idiot too!)
.....Rushing the field (This was a bucket list item I was more than excited to check off---yes, it was crazy and sort of scary and I do have a swollen ankle after the 9 foot jump to the field---but that battle scar is totally worth it! To see some awesome videos, click here and here. But please note that I am very sad that several people were seriously injured and hope that they all recover quickly!)
......Touching the goal post (I actually ran over intending to help pull it down, but my 28 year old maturity kicked in and I decided that looked too dangerous and that I might die. I know my mom is so proud that I've grown up. You MUST see the video Nomad took. He's the one saying, "This is so dangerous, this is so dangerous" and I'm the one saying, "Holy crap!" Also please notice the crazy guy at the end running around with the turf in his hand. Hilarious.)
......Doing a snow angel in the end zone (Why? I have no idea. Just seemed like a good idea at the time.)

.....BEING A COWBOY = PRICELESS!

It's Bedlam, Baby!

2011-12-02T06:00:00.004-07:00

“Yes, it’s definitely possible to make it all the way this year. Coach Monken always explains to us that we control our own destiny.” ~Tracy Moore, OSU Wide Receiver

Can I just say that I am excited. Like little kid on Christmas Eve excited. Fat kid in a candy store excited. Why you ask? Because It's Bedlam weekend....and I'm going to the game!

For those of you non-Oklahoma folk, Bedlam is the term for any sporting event at which my alma mater, Oklahoma State University, plays our biggest rival, OU. Saturday night is the football showdown of the year. We're currently ranked 3rd. OU is ranked 10th. The winner of this game is guaranteed a BCS bowl game, and if we win, we have a remote shot at the national championship.

Now, I've been to lots of football games. Here is a look back at a few of them in photos...

But for all these games, I've never been to Bedlam. For the last 10 years or so, it was always the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is our family reunion, so I couldn' miss. But glory day, this year that changed and I'll be checking this baby off my Bucket List. Do I care that it's supposed to be 28 degrees? And snowing/raining? Nope. I'm packing my ski clothes and I can still yell for the Cowboys in the cold.

So this weekend I will be in Oklahoma spending some quality time with Soulmate Friend, tailgating with The Governor, Loud Oklahoma Girl, and Nomad, and attending church with my Small Group Friends.

Oh yea, and screaming my little head off at a certain football game. I've already warned Nomad that when (not if...) we win, I will probably cry. And run over anyone in my path to rush that field. Ya hear that, little kids and lukewarm fans? Get out ma' way!

Peace, love and GO POKES!!

Letters to Mr. Right: Letter #9

2011-12-01T06:00:00.003-07:00

"Say not in grief: 'He is no more', but live in thankfulness that he was." ~Hebrew Proverb

Dear Mr. Right,

I think that the thing that makes me the most sad about you not being here yet is that you didn't get to meet some really great people.

You won't understand that when people say things like "Hogan's goat" or "Sweet Petunia" they are quoting Mr. Franklin. And you won't know what my cousins and brother mean when we talk about Faye's weenies. Likewise, the phrase "Aunt Jean candies" means nothing to you. You won't get to hear this one laugh that could make a whole room crack up for no reason at all. You won't get to meet First Valentine who got me a passing grade in home ec, and blame him for my inability to be domestic. You'll be confused when I drop everything if Paul Harvey comes on the radio and enjoy watching MASH episodes even when I can quote them line by line. Those are thanks to Gran, by the way. And to you, pink cowboy boots are just pink cowboy boots. rather than what found me my best friends.

But hopefully, if I'm doing anything right, you'll see parts of these people in me.

Beyond that, I guess you'll just have to learn as you go.

Waiting for that day,

Photo via

My Heart Will Choose To Say...

2011-11-30T06:00:00.002-07:00

"I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it's only a choice of attitude."

You know, sometimes life is just not that much fun. I know, I know....I write all the time about having a good attitude and living life to the fullest. And don't get me wrong, I'm totally a believer in those concepts. But even when you strive to live your life that way, sometimes it's just not that much fun.

Sometimes your job might really suck. Sometimes you just don't feel like getting out of your warm bed to go running, yet want to scream every time you step on a scale. Sometimes it feels like you're getting left behind while everyone else is figuring their lives out. Sometimes your dang football team loses a game they should have won in their sleep. And by "you" in this paragraph, I obviously mean "me."

That's pretty much how I've been feeling recently. And, as He usually does, God got my attention. Last weekend in church, we sang one of my favorite worship songs, Blessed Be Your Name.

I previously fell in love with the verse talking about praising God even when there is pain in the offering and when you're on a road marked with suffering after Mr. Franklin died. At that time, that was the words that I needed to hear. But last week, because the time was right for it, I heard a different part of the song.

"My heart will choose to say blessed be Your name." Choose. I liked this for two reasons.
First, because it says that it's okay--normal, maybe--for us to not automatically feel the way we ought to. We don't automatically have a grateful heart or see the glass half full. I struggle with this. For example, College Roomie and I were talking last week about "western world" problems---like when you're upset that you hit three red lights in a row or your house cleaning lady doesn't show up on time. I always feel guilty for being annoyed by this kind of thing because I know how good I have it. So I appreciate the reminder that our hearts are not always programmed to be as grateful as they should. Instead, it's a choice that we have to make. Knowing that takes some of the guilt away.

Second, I like that it's up to me to decide how I react to my situation. It's up to me to decide if in a rough patch, I will keep a good attitude, find the positive, and praise God for all of the blessings that I have and for whatever purpose he has for me in my current situation. I have control over this. It's similar to my prior realization about having an obligation to fight for joy.

And so after hearing this song in a different way than I had before, I was left to apply it to my life and I thought, "Well dang. I'm a disaster." I sure hadn't been thinking this way lately. I wasn't thinking about consciously chosing to be happy and optimistic and grateful. Instead I had been contemplating the name of my surfboard stand. God apparently thought I needed a reminder about the choice that I should be spending my time on. And so far, it's been working. Just as well. I hadn't come up with a killer name for my surf shop yet anyway.

Father Daughter Ski Trip

2011-11-29T06:00:00.001-07:00

"What do you first do when you learn to swim? You make mistakes, do you not? And what happens? You make other mistakes, and when you have made all the mistakes you possibly can without drowning - and some of them many times over - what do you find? That you can swim? Well - life is just the same as learning to swim! Do not be afraid of making mistakes, for there is no other way of learning how to live!" ~Alfred Adler

I headed back to my parents' the last weekend in August for one last lake trip this summer. You read abour our big Fourth of July trip previously. We were hoping to have a bunch of family be able to come in for the last trip, but in the end, it ended up just being my dad and my uncle, Cousin Whitney and I. We deemed it Father Daughter Ski Trip. Here are just a few snapshots of the day. The weather was perfect, the water was smooth, The Classic ran like a dream and it really could not have been a better day for skiing.

For those of you wondering, yes, my dad and my uncle are old. Yet they are still pretty much rockstars on skis. Snow and water, for that matter. Fingers crossed that's genetic!

We did have one little mishap involving men not using much common sense and running out of gas. For the record, I told them it was stupid from the get-go. Fortunately, as you recall from this blog, my Dad and I learned the art of paddling while white water rafting two weeks before, so he was able to paddle the vessel back to shore!
The day after......well that could have been a lot better. I was so sore I could hardly move. I seriously think I may have whiplash. Self imposed whiplash---way to go, Tiffany. Trying to learn to ski on one ski instead of two is a painful thing, turns out! And instead of realizing this and stopping, I decided to be stubborn and pig-headed and keep going. Seriously, there may have been permanent neck damage!

And so, with that, the ski boats are put up for the summer. And my neck has about 9 months to recover. But next year, be ready. We're going to get this one ski business down!

Homecoming 2011 (Part 3): Game Day in Stillwater!

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."

I'm going to do some catch up this week on posts that I just hadn't gotten around to, so excuse the random, unorganized nature of the next few days! You probably remember that I went to Homecoming at OSU (Part 1). Home of the whole Kyle the Medic drama (Part 2). Anyway, here we go with Part 3.

So my dear Soulmate Friend and her husband Tuba Player graciously let the Oklahoma Girls and me crash at their house on Friday night. We got to play with Little Linebacker all morning and then to top it off, Soulmate Friend whipped me up a birthday breakfast of french toast casserole with a candle to blow out and everything. She's the best.
Later that morning we headed to campus to meet up with one of my best friends from high school (and one of my favorite people in the world!) Chocolate Brown and his lovely wife. Chocolate Brown is going to law school in Oklahoma, so for their college graduation last May, I told them I'd take them to an OSU game. What better than homecoming? I was SO excited to see these two!

So we did a quick campus tour---the orange fountain, student union, Library Lawn, The Strip, you name it.
Then it was time for us to help with the tailgate patrol. Loud Oklahoma Girl's company sponsors this, so the five of us loaded up in a golf cart decorated like an Escalade to go cruise around the tailgates. It was pretty awesome.
And then, it was game time! There is nothing like over 75,000 OSU fans in a sea of orange screaming their heads off. I mean, it's just awesome! Here are some shots from the game (which we completely dominated by the way, much to the chagrin of Cousin Swiss Mister!)
So after the massacre was over (GO POKES!!), we said goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Chocolate Brown and they gave me flowers, candy and an OSU shirt for my birthday. Pretty sure those are three of my favorite thinbgs in the world! Then the Oklahoma Girls and I headed back to Tulsa where we rocked out our awesome Halloween costumes....check it.....
Rock paper scissors. And because Blonde Oklahoma Girl was in charge, that meant glitter everywhere! LOVED it!

I could not have had a better time on Homecoming weekend with my amazing friends. I love that friends from different periods in my life can all meet up and have a blast together. I have excellent taste if I do say so myself!

Blessed Beyond Belief

2011-11-24T05:30:00.001-07:00

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” W. T. Purkiser

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Take time to be thankful for the abundant blessings we have been given! And to eat a lot. And take a nap. :)

Letters to Mr. Right: Letter #8

2011-11-23T05:30:00.001-07:00

"Highways and broken hearts, late nights and old guitars, wondering where you are, you're so far away..." ~Eli Young Band

Dear Mr. Right,

Sometimes I wonder about the girls you're dating now.

I hope that they are good to you, and that you are good to them. But not too good, because I can't take that kind of pressure. I hope that they teach you to understand the difference between "fine" which means "okay" and "fine" which means "don't you dare even think about it." I hope that they aren't too domestic or crafty, or if they are, I hope you think that's annoying. I hope that at least one of them breaks your heart--so you know how that feels and you will be careful not to ever do it to me. I hope that you have this feeling that something is missing....something that you won't find in any of these other girls, but will appear when you find me.

Photo via

Oh yea, and I hope you break up with them really, really soon. No, that's not true. Well...maybe it's kinda (totally) true.

Waiting for that day,

Me

Hey, It's Okay #2 and Photos of the Week: Week 46

2011-11-22T06:00:00.002-07:00

"When the world doesn't make no sense and you're feeling just a little too tense, gotta loosen up your chains and dance!" ~Dixie Chicks

I'm just not feeling super philosophical today, so instead of anything important, we're doing confessions and photos. Here we go!

Photos of the Week

Theme: Orange (Project 64)

I realize that lately this blog has been all OSU all the time what with my reaction on Saturday to the announcment that there would be protesters at the memorial service for our coaches (by the way, one man prevented this....read the story here), and my thoughts yesterday on my love for OSU, but you had to know that when orange was the color of the week, there would be a football-related picture coming your way. I love this shot in black and white with just a splash of orange in the center. Check out the other entries at Project 64.

Theme: Giving Thanks (Quotography)

I've always loved this quote and thought it fit perfectly with this theme. Be sure to check out the other entries at My Perspective!

Theme: Music

I'm totally not a musical instrument person. Once, College Roomie and I called our dorm neighbor "Trumpet Boy" for months before learning that the horn he carried around was a saxaphone. Oops. But I love me a tuba, mostly becuase of SoulMate Friend's husband, Tuba Man, who I used to go watch play in the Stillwater Community Band. So when I saw the tubas playing at Homecoming Walkaround, I had to snap a shot.

Hey, it's okay....

(To see the other entries, visit Brunch with Amber. To see my prior "It's Okay" post, click here).

1) ...that I'm not doing this on Thursday. Tuesday, Thursday, potato, potaaato. It's my blog.

2) ....to seriously feel like this little picture was drawn about me. No lie, I had 4 (count them...FOUR) facebook friends get engaged last weekend. Three are younger than I am. Of course all of MY friends are beautiful and I'm happy for them, but seriously, some other people getting engaged make me feel just like the girl in the picture. Which leads me to my second wedding-related confession for the day.

3).....to watch Say Yes to the Dress and more often think "who is the world wants to marry a girl who acts like that" or "how is she engaged and on tv and I'm sitting on my couch in my sweats" rather than "what a lovely mermaid dress she is trying on." Whatev. And by whatev I mean "universe please don't curse me and never send Mr. Right!"

4) ....to at least once a week think about quitting my job, selling my house, and becoming a beach bum who makes money selling surfboards. (As you might remember from this blog, this really just means its time for a trip.) And it's okay to not know anything about said surfboards.

5)....to be a little offended that Cousin Swiss Mister is skipping out on family Thanksgiving on Saturday because he didn't have enough time even though he did have enough time to spend a romantic weekend in New York with some girl. Who graduated from OU. Salt.In.Wound. I already don't like her. Oh well, certainly not the first time! :)

6)....to have totally forgotten to post my blog all about game day at Homecoming. Particularly given that it was SUCH a fantastic day with fantastic people. Who are super beautiful/handsome and will make you jealous when you see the picutres. Never fear, I'll get that up on Friday!

7)....to secretly look for Kyle the Medic when they show the sideline at an OSU game. No sighting yet. He's probably off marrying his girlfriend. Please refer back to confession #2 for my thoughts on that. And to the photo below.

We Are Orange

2011-11-21T06:00:00.005-07:00

"Orange is Kurt Budke, Miranda Serna, Barry Sanders, Garth Brooks, Mike Gundy, Eddie Sutton...it's you and me." ~OSU Poem via Blonde Oklahoma Girl

Last week someone told me that anytime they heard anything about Oklahoma State University, she thought of me. I couldn't have been more proud. I love everything about OSU.

I love OSU when things are good. Like when our basketball team played in the Final Four. When I got to walk through the end zone in my cap and gown. Like last Thursday when our football team was 10-0 and we were applying for National Championship tickets. When it's a beautiful fall day on campus and the fountain is dyed orange.

And I love OSU when things are bad. When I can't fill in "OSU" on a March Madness bracket. When we had to pile into the Student Union basement for tornado warnings. When we lose our first game of the season and potentially the chance at a trip to New Orleans. And when tragic plane crashes take away members of the OSU family.
If you're a sports fan, you know that my Pokes were upset last Friday. We lost in double overtime to Iowa State, which may have ended our dream of playing in the National Championship. And it really sucked. And coming from a football fan like me, I know this is shocking, but I sure wish that had been the worst thing that happened last week.

You have probably also heard about the plane crash last Thursday in which OSU lost our women's basketball coach, Kurt Bundke, assistant coach (a New Mexico girl like me), Miranda Serna, and two pilots. They leave behind families, friends, kids, a basketball team, and an orange-clad family of thousands. Please keep these people in your prayers as they try and find some way to put their lives back together. I don't think anyone who heard the news could help but think back to that moment 10 years ago when another plane crash broke the hearts of the Pokes.
Then, we lost 10. Thursday night we lost 4. And Friday night we lost a football game. Sure puts things in perspective about the latter.

Yes, on Friday night those boys dreams were crushed. Along with those of everyone wearing orange. A Heisman was almost certainly lost. The chance of kissing the crystal National Championship trophy seemed to have slipped away. But they were able to walk off an airplane and sing the alma mater at the airport. And go home and hug their families. That's more important than the W any day.

If there is one thing I know about Oklahoma State in a tragedy, it's that we will never forget. We've said it and lived it for the last 10 years. In a field in Colorado. On a banner hanging from the rafters. At a statute outside Gallagher Iba Arena. In homecoming decorations marking the 10 year anniversary of the first crash. So today, I'm wearing orange. Because I love OSU. Win or lose. Happy or sad. Because I'm proud of the way we've pulled together in times of disappointment, in times of tragedy, and even in times of being targeted by terrible, crazy funeral protesters. Because I'm proud to be a Cowboy. Because we'll never forget. And because we are...Orange.

Proud To Be A Cowboy

2011-11-19T15:12:00.004-07:00

"Ever you'll find us, loyal and true, to our alma mater, O. S. U.!" ~Oklahoma State Alma Mater

I know that I don't usally blog on Saturdays. And I've got a full blog coming on Monday about what people are calling the worst day in OSU history. In the mean time, I just have to say this.

It has been announced that the Westboro Baptist Church, that group of people who routinely protest at funeral of fallen U.S. soldiers, will be in Stillwater on Monday morning, protesting the memorial service for Coach Budke and Coach Serna. Their rationale behind this is ridiculous and repulsive.

I believe in freedom of speech. But I also believe in respecting and honoring the dead and the grieving. And in a God who would never condone the actions of these people.

Finally, I believe in Oklahoma State. The students and community are already planning to come out in droves, in a sea of orange. In doing so, they will show their support for the coaches' families. They will show their love for OSU. And they will show that nothing....not plane crashes, not upset losses, and certainly not jackasses from this so-called church will be able to quiet our spirit. I've never been more proud to be a Cowboy.

Ask Little Cowboy #2: Relationship Advice

2011-11-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

"One of you should know how to write a check. Because, even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills." -- Ava, age 8 when asked about love

Happy Friday to ya! I know that you're excited for our new "Ask Little Cowboy" blog. In case you missed, it, Little Cowboy is my soon-to-be nephew. After his wildly popular Meet the Cast Monday blog, he came back by popular demand with his first Ask Little Cowboy Blog. We're back today with take 2.

If you have question for Little Cowboy....on any topic, he's ready for it all politics, religion, horses, nap time, you get it.....just leave a comment below!

And now...here's Little Cowboy and his relationship advice

How do people know when they’re in love? It means they like can't live without the other one and that's weird. {That is weird. Good call!}

Where should a girl look to find a boyfriend? Um in Fort Sumner cause that's where I found McKayla. {This is breaking news. You might remember last time that Little Cowboy was really upset because all of his "dang girlfriends" were getting married. Luckily, he has found a new girlfriend--a high school senior named McKayla from a town called Ft. Sumner.}

What happens when you kiss a girl? Your tongue falls off!!! (Unless it's your Moomoos {what he calls his mom} or your Mimi {his grandma}....) {I had to ask this because one of the first times I met him, Little Brother said, "Little Cowboy, what happens when you kiss a girl?" Little Cowboy said, "Tongue and ears" and went on to explain that Little Brother and PT taught him that if he kissed a girl, his tongue and ears would fall off.}

What do boys look for in a girlfriend? Food! {Ha! No wonder I'm single!}

When should people get married? When they're big enough to. And when they can but the boy has to get the girl a ring first. {Aunt Tiff will work on this.....I think that he's old enough to know that you have to have a job first. Like this little girl in my favorite video ever.}

Letters to Mr. Right: Letter #7

2011-11-17T05:30:00.004-07:00

Dear Mr. Right,

I really hope that you are a country boy. Or at the very least that you fall in love with the country when you fall in love with me.

Photo via Blonde Oklahoma Girl's pinterest.

That you appreciate dirt roads and open spaces. That you learn the importance of neighbors, who become like family. That you want to sit on the front porch or the back of a tailgate and watch the sunset. And that you'll love the smell of fresh cut hay. That you know how to count cows and set irrigation tubes. That you don't mind waiting to have the tree on Christmas morning until after chores are done. And that you'll enjoy talking about different rams and looking through bull semen catalogs. Because I think that you'll quickly realize...the country, the land, the animals, the stories....those are a really big part of me.

And hopefully they'll be a big part of you too.

Waiting for that day,

Me

Photos of the Week: Week 45

2011-11-16T05:30:00.002-07:00

Well since I didn't get my photos posted over the weekend, we're having Photos of the Week today. But for those of you who can't go a day without reading my rantings, you can check out a guest post I did last week on one of my favorite bloggers, Courtney at Vintch! Just click here. And trust me, add Courtney's blog to your list of ones to read every day...she's awesome! And now, on to photos.

Theme: Wind

I got this shot at home this weekend. It's a photo of one of our windmills through a cottonwood tree that's a perfect shade of bright yellow. And by the way, the wind was blowing like 50 miles an hour that day, causing a tree to blow over onto the road. No lie, we had to move it with the tractor.

Theme: Black and White Photo (Quotography)

This is one of my favorite black and white photos that I've taken. I shot this at the church with the miracle staircase, the Loretto Chapel. I found this quote and just loved it. Check out all the other entries at My Perspective!

Theme: Show Off Your Shot

I sort of fell in love with this picture. Last week I spoke at a water industry conference in Austin, Texas. It was at a beautiful resort (Lost Pine) and I took a little jog along the bank of the Colorado River at dusk. It was just a beautiful day and a beautiful location. Check out the other entries at "And Then She Snapped."

Theme: Purple Mountain Majesty (Project 64)

I jumped back a bit to find this picture. Remember the Steeplechase from last Spring? Well I had snapped this picture and figured that I could use it for a Project 64 color....and now I can! Such a bright shade of purple--I just love it! See the other entries at Project 64.

Theme: Clear as Glass

This is another shot that I took on the river in Austin. I just loved the reflection of the colored leaves on the water. No wind and the bright sun made for clear water!

Thoughts on the Penn State Scandal

2011-11-15T05:30:00.003-07:00

“Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things.” ~Joe Paterno

A couple people asked me if I would be blogging about the terrible situation going on with Penn State football. Originally, I said no. But y'all know I have a big mouth and lots of opinions. And I decided that because several of these issues are important to me, I would write this blog. I realize that this is a controversial topic and if you don't agree with me, that's fine. This is just my perspective on a terrible situation. But I think that you'll see it is a little bit of an interesting one, that includes understanding both sides of the issue.

First, innocent children who are victims of abuse break my heart. I watched a very dear friend go through this situation and because of that, I sympathize with any kids who are abused in any manner. Such a horrific situation for them to go through. My heart and my prayers go out to each of them and to their families.

Second, (here's where I fear I may get unpopular) I think it's very important for us to remember the principle upon which our justice system is based: Innocent until proven guilty. Sadly, I've had a close friend go trough being wrongly accused of a crime, and that situation was terrifying and eye opening and has made this a major soapbox of mine (as you've read about before.)

Inocent until proven guilty. In the chaos that occurred last week in State College and the swarm of media coverage surrounding it, I never heard this idea mentioned one time. And I have to tell you, this is one of my biggest fears about our justice system...the idea that a person can be convicted in public opinion before he ever sets foot in a courtroom. Don't misunderstand me--if he did these dispicable acts, and the prosecution proves that beyond a reasonable doubt, I firmly believe that he should pay for his crimes and serve his time. But I only get to that point after he has been proven guilty. I think this is a critically important, yet almost completely overlooked part of this story.

Third, I love Joe Paterno. I have had the following football guidelines for years: Unless they are playing each other, I never cheer against my OSU Cowboys, Notre Dame, any service academy (i.e. Army, Navy), and I never cheer against Joe Pa. Put another way, you are always for OSU, God, Country and Joe Pa.

I think that if you want to look at a man who gave himself to his players, a football program, and a university, he is Exhibit A. Should he have done more than report to his higher ups when the alleged abuse was reported to him? Yes. He admitted as much himself. And I think that the odds are that this situation will probably increase reporting of abuse, which is probably a silver lining in a cloud of darkness.

But I think that one mistake (as serious as it was) should not be allowed to ruin a legacy of such magnitude. It should not overshadow the countless lives changed, people inspired, and lessons taught. I think that we would do well to ask ourselves a question: "How would you like to be remembered by your worst moment?" I know I wouldn't. And I don't believe that Joe Pa deserves to. And I for one refuse to remember him that way and overlook the amazing legacy that he created at Penn State.

Finally, even in the midst of scandal, I still love college football. On Saturday, it brought people together. Students and fans wore blue ribbons to support child abuse victims. Signs professiong love and appreciation for Joe Pa were everywhere. Football served as a distraction for a community that was hurting. And before the game started, all of the players gathered at the 50 yard line for a moment of prayer. And when I say all of the players, I mean all of the players and coaches and staffs from both teams. Red and blue jerseys jumbled together, holding hands, asking for peace and comfort and healing. If you ask me, that's bigger than football, and that's the kind of thing that college football is really about.

Photos courtesy AP.

Meet the Cast Monday #38: Animal House Boys (Part II)

2011-11-14T05:30:00.001-07:00

And today we're here with Part II of meeting the Animal House Boys. If you missed Part 1, click here to learn about the AHBs in general and to meet Mr. AHB and Pig Farmer.

We'll kick things off today with Trailerpark Bryan. Unlike the other Animal House Boys, this is not a blog-only nickname. No sir, that's what I call him in real life. You see, we met Trailerpark Bryan when Pig Farmer and NM Animal House Boy lived at Donkey Farm.....a nasty old trailer in a trailerpark. Trailerpark Bryan was their neighbor. The name stuck and never went away. He's now a veterinarian and he's seriously one of the kindest, funniest, handiest people you'll ever meet. I didn't worry about fixing anything the whole time I was at OSU. I just called Trailerpark Bryan!
What is your favorite college memory? House parties. {Anyone sensing a theme here?}

What is your favorite memory involving me? Me and Pig Farmer riding in the back of the car going to the strip singing Johnny Cash. {Okay, our senior year those boys watched Walk The Line literally twice a day. No lie. And graduation weekend on the way to the Penny, they started singing the "I've got Arms, You've got Arms" duet to each other in the back seat of my car. It was awesome.}

Best advice you were ever given? Do it, you only live once! {Amen!}

Next up we have the Governor. He earned his name by saying all through college that he wanted to run for governor of Oklahoma. He now says he's over that and enjoys his lobbying job, but I'm still exepcting to visit him in the Governor's Mansion one day. He and his adorable wife were the first of the group to have a baby....Little Princess was born back in 2010.

What is your favorite college memory? Winning 2005 Livestock Judging College National Championship. {Not sure this has been mentioned yet, but all of them with the exception of Trailerpark Bryan were on the judging team that won--with a record setting score--Louisville.}

What is your favorite memory involving me? When you wrote our ag comm paper and how you and my wife and College Roomie had out house decorated when we got home from Louisville. {The ag comm paper...I should probably just plead the 5th and go on, but trust me, it's a great story.}

Best advice you were ever given? Don't burn any bridges and try not to make enemies. {Politician? I think so.}

What is one (or more) item(s)on your bucket list? Go to the Masters golf tournament.

And we'll wrap up the day with the NM Animal House Boy. He and I go way back to about the 8th grade where we were judging against each other in FFA. So he was the link that got me in with the rest of these crazies. He's one of my best friends in the world and I just can't say enough good things about him. He and his wife live in a town that is the definition of the middle of nowhere and just had a baby boy within the last month.

What is your favorite college memory?

I think it is a shame how many of my favorite college memories I do not remember! Some of the funnest times happened in that wonderful college hangout....IHOP. {You've read about this before on my blog.} What we would have done without that place I don't know (Probably sleep!). I remember going there with the Logan crew after Calf Fry when I announced to the entire restaurant on the microphone that Daryl Worley was at IHOP and then we built a tower out of the condiments. When I started talking on the microphone they sure got us a table fast. {He doesn't remember this exactly right. Actually, when he got on the microphone, they KICKED US OUT of the restaurant fast. We had to sneak back in and were never actually seated, we just stole a table that they just bussed and sat down before anyone saw us or asked questions.}

I also remember [two Animal House Boys who shall go un-named for obvious reasons] peeing on each others legs in the bathroom and being embarresed to tell everyone. Of course it started because one was just trying to pee in the drain because the urinals were being used. {I thought this was a code of secrecy, never tell kind of story, but hey, if he typed it, I'm leaving it! I did take the names out...you're welcome boys! This ended with them coming back out of the bathroom, acting strange, and some random guy walking out after then and both of the boys screaming, "You saw NOTHING!"}

I am glad Woody (security gaurd) never shot Mr. Animal House Boy...though I don't think he had a gun which is good because some college student (possiblly one of us) probably would have tryed to take it away to look at it. {I totally forgot about this....how have I not blogged about Woody! Toward the end of our senior year, IHOP got a security guard. I wonder why.... Anyway, he was probably 70 years old and I later learned his name was Wally, but we called him Woody. Mr. Animal House Boy always asked him how he got his shirts so stiff. It really is a miracle he didn't get shot.}

What is your favorite memory involving me? I really like the memory of you coming to pick us up on some tuesday night when Mr. Animal House Boy and I swore we were going to go have a few beers (early), play a little pool, go home early get some sleep, and go to class the next day. {Mind you, early meant 5:00 pm. And on a Tuesday.} Funny how that always resulted in a free ride home from Tiffany at 2 in the morning. I am glad you can drive well with your eyes covered from the backseat or with somone with a rug mark on his forehead is ready to kill someone! {Two stories here. First, NM Animal House Boy thought it was hilarious to sit in the back seat and cover my eyes and yell "Guess who!?!" while I was driving. Not once.....EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. Second, he got the rug burn on his forehead after a wrestling match with Mr. Animal House Boy. Mr. AHB tackled NM AHB and drove his head into the ground, leaving a huge rug burn. So NM Animal House Boy choked Mr. Animal House Boy until he passed out. They're still like best friends.}

Tell us one thing you did to throw the best house parties.

Unlike Mr. Animal House Boy our best parties were well planned...up to the point of Pig Farmer drawing a map on the chalk board in the animal science lab we were teaching to invite everyone to come. This makes me think of another college memory. I have no idea how a floor could get that dirty. Our Kitchen floor would literally have an inch of muck and mad on it the day after a house party. {This one is on Trailerpark Bryan who always thought he needed eggs at 2:00 in the morning.}

Give us a piece of relationship advice. Someone in a relationship always has the HAND. If neither person has the HAND that is the person to marry. {He preached this non-stop in college. I can't tell you how many relationships we had to analzye for hand.}

And now you guys have met five of my best friends and favorite people in the world. Thanks, boys, for making my life so much more fun!

Christmas Card Selection

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Okay folks….it’s that time of year again…..time to pick out my yearly Christmas card!

Just like last year, I’ll be going the Shutterfly route to find the perfect card.

In case you’re new to my blog in 2011, here is what my card turned out like last year:

I started looking through some of their holiday cards and their Christmas cards and I love so many of them, I’m not sure how I’m going to choose! I definitely want a card with lots of photo ops. I was fortunate to get to do lots of fun things this year, and I feel like my Christmas card is the perfect opportunity to create a fun little collection of my year. I save my card for each year and I think it will be a lot of fun in 20 years to look back on my collection.

None of you will be surprised to know that I always choose a card with at least 4 or more photos. I love pictures and it’s so hard to choose just one.

Lucky for me, I’ve got lots of great options! Here are a few of my favorites:

Counting Our Blessings

Pictures Everywhere

Highlights of 2011

Can't wait to start getting lots of cards in my mailbox.....feel free to add me to your list. :)

Family Farm Friday #66: So God Made A Farmer

2011-11-11T06:00:00.001-07:00

"If you take the cowboy out of society you are going to lose people with integrity and honor and heart and love for country. You're going to lose the best of America." CJ Hadley, Range Magazine

I tell y'all.....I loved Paul Harvey growing up. My Gran listened to him every single day at 11:50 in the morning on AM radio. And that man was full of great stories and wisdom every day. But I have come across what I'm convinced is his very best piece.

If you want to listen to it in Paul's voice (trust me, you do), just click here.

So God Made A Farmer

And on the 8th day God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker!" So, God made a farmer!
God said I need somebody to get up before dawn and milk cows and work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper and then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board. So, God made a farmer!
I need somebody with strong arms. Strong enough to rustle a calf, yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to call hogs, tame cantankerous machinery, come home hungry and have to wait for lunch until his wife is done feeding and visiting with the ladies and telling them to be sure to come back real soon...and mean it. So, God made a farmer! God said "I need somebody that can shape an ax handle, shoe a horse with a hunk of car tire make a harness out of hay wire, feed sacks and shoe scraps. And...who, at planting time and harvest season, will finish his forty hour week by Tuesday noon. Then, pain'n from "tractor back", put in another seventy two hours. So, God made a farmer!

God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds and yet stop on mid-field and race to help when he sees the first smoke from a neighbor's place. So, God made a farmer!
God said, "I need somebody strong enough to clear trees, heave bails and yet gentle enough to tame lambs and wean pigs and tend the pink combed pullets...and who will stop his mower for an hour to mend the broken leg of a meadow lark. So, God made a farmer!

It had to be somebody who'd plow deep and straight...and not cut corners. Somebody to seed and weed, feed and breed...and rake and disc and plow and plant and tie the fleece and strain the milk. Somebody to replenish the self feeder and then finish a hard days work with a five mile drive to church. So, God made a farmer!
Somebody who'd bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who'd laugh and then sigh...and then respond with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life "doing what dad does." So, God made a farmer!

I'm not sure truer words have ever been spoken. Sure makes me proud to be a farm kid.

Letters to Mr. Right: Letter #6

2011-11-10T06:00:00.006-07:00

"Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale." ~Author Unknown

Dear Mr. Right,

Just so you know, I'm not expecting some unrealistic, tv romance.

For example, I don't expect it to be like 8 Seconds where Kelly and Lane ride the horse together. I can ride my own horse, thank you. And I don't expect for you to have to save the damsel in distress like on the Wedding Planner. I can walk in heels without tripping on the street, thank you. Oh, and I'm not going to meet you online like on You've Got Mail. I don't believe in that, thank you. (My plea about Kyle the Medic notwithstanding...) And I won't make you leave your job coaching football at the best program in Texas to move back east with me (sorry, Tami Taylor, but I'm still upset over that one). I get the importance of football, thank you.

But if you could do a few little things for me, that would be great. Like give me your jacket when I get cold. And put your arm on the small of my back when we walk into a room. Know that my favorite flowers are tulips, and not roses. And treat my girl friends well--especially if any of them are still single by the time you show up. Bring me ice cream if I've had a bad day. Practice up on your shoulder massages. Wear square toed boots. Don't try to convince me that I'll like fish if I just try it. And ask me to dance any time you can.

I think if you manage to pull those things off, it'll be better than any Hollywood produced romance anyway, thank you.

Waiting for that day,

Me

WILW #11

2011-11-09T06:00:00.005-07:00

"Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." ~Lao Tzu

It's been a LONG time since I've linked up with Miss Jamie for WILW...so here we go!

I'm loving.....

Uno...The Blonde Oklahoma Girl got a great new blog design. I mean seriously, her blog looks excellent. Go check it out....just click here! And follow her. Because she's awesome.

Dos....Last week was All Soul's Day, a day of rememberance for those who have passed away. I absolutely love this clip from Father Barron (ND Friend's boss!) explaining why we pray for the dead. I love his explaination and the hope and belief that we can maintain our relationship and connection with those who have passed away. (Apparently I'm on a prayer kick this week...did you catch yesterday's post about praying and football?)

Tres....This chick below. Replace "World Series" with "BCS Bowl" and it could be me. And if my Cowboys keep on winning, that might literally be me come January! You know, except for the whole boy telling me he'll give me an engagement ring. Whatev. Fingers crossed and GO POKES!

Quatro...Terri Clark's new song called "The One." Favorite lines: "Just because I won't settle don't mean I won't settle down." and "If I can't feel the music when somebody holds me, how am I supposed to dance?"

Cinco....Our awesome Halloween costumes. Check it:

Get it? Rock, Paper, Scissors! And because the Blonde Oklahoma Girl was involved, they were covered in glitter. Love it!

Sies....Kevin Durant. I loved watching him play college basketball (even though he was slamming it home over my Cowboys!) at Texas and he now plays for the OKC Thunder in the NBA. In case you don't listen to sports radio, there's a lock out going on right now, so KD doesn't have a job and he is bored. He tweeted asking if anyone was playing flag football. Well an OSU student answered and the next thing you know, KD showed up to play in Stillwater. On the same fields where the Animal House Boys used to pay and College Roomie and I cheered them on. Click here to see the video of KD's game. Apparently my love for star athletes is a theme this week...remember yesterday's post?

Siete....This story. When Lindsay Vann was visiting his high school, a sophmore boy went up to her at lunch and asked her to homecoming. No biggie. Just an Olympic gold medalist and Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. And she said yes. Good lesson.....ask the dream girl to the dance. She might say yes.

Ocho....this guy. You want to talk about motivation----I feel like running a marathon myself after watching that video! We have the power to take steps, even small ones at first, to make ourselves happy. First steps can turn into finishing an Ironman. I love that!

Praying and Football

2011-11-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

"You may as soon find a living man that does not breath, as a living Christian that does not pray." ~Matthew Henry

Today I want to talk about two things that might not seem so related...praying and football.

First off, I'd like to start out with a great article about the "Prayer Ring" that happens before an OSU football game. The players take it upon themselves to form a circle, and to pray before every game. To thank God for the day, and the opportunity to play, and to ask for protection from injury. It's not mandatory. Coach Gundy thought only a few players took part. Turns out, the entire team gets in that circle every week and bows their heads. As if I needed another reason to be proud to wear orange? (Photo courtesy of OrangePower.com)

And second, let's talk about Tim Tebow, the former Florida Gator's quarterback and the current QB of the Denver Broncos. He is very religious, openly so, and consequently he takes a lot of heat for his faith. Most recently, after leading his team to a crazy amazing comeback, a photo was taken of Tebow bent down on one knee praying while the rest of his teammates were jumping around and celebrating. (Photo courtesy of Huffington Post)

Someone decided to coin the phrase "Tebowing" and people have started taking photographs of themselves mimicking Tim Tebow in prayer in random places...like walking across the street or in a busy restaurant or whatever.

While most people have just chuckled or decided to take a picture of their own,this whole craze made me think about myself. If I were on that field, after a huge comeback, who would I be? Am I Tim Tebow, or his teammates?

If I'm completely honest, I would be one of the teammates celebrating. Probably screaming like a crazy person and jumping on someone else's back. But you know what? I wish I was the person that Tim Tebow is. I wish that my first thought when something amazing happened in my life was to drop to my knees and thank God for it. Because that should be the first thing I do. Whether or not I literally drop to my knees or just silently say a prayer where I am, gratefulness towards Him should be my first reaction. I didn't really ever think about this until I saw the "Tebowing" picture.

I know that some people have taken this "Tebowing" thing as a way to mock Christians and prayer and God. And some people use it to mock Tim Tebow. But you know, for me, it sort of opened my eyes. It made me look at my own actions and my own thoughts, and realize that I could do better. That I want to do better. And it's made me decide that when something good happens, I'm going to make a conscious effort to first stop, pray, and be thankful. And then to start screaming like a wild person and jumping on someone's back.

You hear a lot of talk about negatives about star athletes. Drugs, partying, 72-day marriages. I wish you heard more talk about the good. About the prayer rings and the eye-opening lessons that kneeling in an end zone can provide. God uses us in ways we can never imagine. And for that, I am thankful.

Meet the Cast Monday #37: The Animal House Boys (Part 1)

2011-11-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

So in college, I had this group of the most fun guy friends in the world. I call them the Animal House boys. Have y'all seen that old movie "Animal House" before? If not, go find it. Right now. You'll thank me.

Anyway, my boys were the group that everyone knew. They were popular and fun and smart and cute and awesome.

And how they let me into the circle is still beyond me. They were (and still are) far too cool for a nerd like me. But they did, and I'm forever grateful because my most fun college memories involved them. Because there are so many of them, today you're going to meet 2 of the 5. I'll introduce the other three next week.

Meet The Animal House Boys!

Let's start out with my dear friend who I refer to as Mr. Animal House Boy.

This guy is one of the funniest people you'll ever meet. And he comes up with hilarious stuff out of nowhere--you have to be on your toes. You read previously about his amazing wedding to his beautiful wife. He's just one of the greatest guys you'll ever meet and he totally made college more fun for me!

What is your favorite college memory? The house party at Animal House was pretty awesome where Joel Ambrose played with his band in the living room. {No lie, these house parties were epic. Think like 300 people jammed into a house where a stage had been set up in the living room for live music. Did the cops show up? Yes. And once we all directed traffic to get all of the cars parked in the yard and not on the street, they went on their happy way. I love Stillwater!}

What is your favorite memory involving me? Several...Any time at the Penny. {You guys have heard lots about the Penny here and there on my blog.} Any time you had to pick NM Animal House Boy and I up from the Penny. And then the debriefing the next day at class about what actually happened the night before. {I was totally the mom...if I was not out with them at the bar, they knew they just had to call and I'd show up in my pjs to drive them home at any hour of the night. I was paid back with big hugs and being repeatedly told how much they loved me on the drive home!}

And not a favorite but memorable was when we were studying for our commodities class and you were trying real hard to tutor me, and I finally got frustrated and decided to drop the class and go to the bar. Ironically enough the next day after the test he curved the class and I would have been fine if I listened to you. {Before he went to the bar, he made dinner for the other 5 of us who stayed there studying. I still refer to that casserole as Mr. Animal House Boy's Mama's Casserole.}

Tell us one thing that you did to throw the best college house parties. The best ones weren't planned. Usually started with some of us sitting around drinking beer and just gathered people. However one of the best was when none of us were home and people just started showing up. Andy and I got home at 10:00 p.m. And there was already a truck with a keg parked in the driveway and about 2 dozen people. {Does this make anyone else miss college? This sort of thing hasn't happened to me since!}

Best advice you were ever given? That's a tough one. Seems like most of the time I thought the advice or profound it was really simple. For examples go with your gut or first instincts are typically right. Warren Buffett says no thumb sucking, (no procrastination) easier said than done but I try to live by that. By saying all this I may have thought of it. Take care of the big things and the small stuff will take care of itself.

Give us a piece of relationship advice. Go with your gut and don't settle because the relationship is comfortable. {Amen!}

What is one (or more) item(s)on your bucket list? To go to the Calgary Stampede with my dad. See the Grand Canyon. Take my wife to Australia. Win the Hereford Pen show or Horned Hereford bull show at Denver.

Second up, we have Pig Farmer.

He lives in Texas with his amazing wife and their new baby daughter. He continues pain in my rear even 5 years after we all lived happily together in Stillwater and responded with "I don't remember" to every question. But I have to admit, I still love him. You can't help it. Here are a few Pig Farmer stories.

1. He's Texas through at through. Probably a month after meeting him we went over to the boys' house and he said, "Everyone sit down. We're going to talk about how great Texas is." I laughed. He did not. He was dead serious. And so we did.

2. He's a huge Gary Allan fan. Once, after too much beer, he told everyone at a party that sometimes he pretends to be Gary Allan Driving down the road. I thought he meant by singing his songs. He clarified.....he does interviews with himself and pretends to answer like GA. Seriously.

3. One night when the boys lived in Donkey Farm (the pre-cursor to Animal House), NM Animal House Boy and Pig Farmer made us dinner. Afterwards, College Roomie and I said we'd do the dishes. We get started and ask Pig Farmer where the soap is. He says, "Eh don't worry you don't need soap. You can just use really hot water." Um.....no.

4. Once we were talking about parties back home. Pig Farmer says, "Yea, I miss those days. Everyone just hanging out and the priest tapping the keg." I have no idea. It's been a running joke with College Roomie and me ever sense that conversation.

Stay tuned next week for The Governor, Trailerpark Bryan, and NM Animal House Boy.

Photos of the Week: Week 44

2011-11-06T22:07:00.002-07:00

Well this week I'm approriately continuing my tribute to my alma mater, Oklahoma State University. After a nailbiter of a game on Saturday night, my Pokes moved to 9-0 and are now ranked NUMBER 2 in the nation! I could not be more excited and proud to be a Cowboy! Let's get to the pictures, shall we? As always, I love your comments!

Theme: Favorite October Photo (Quotography)

I snapped this picture of Library Lawn at the OSU campus during Homecoming Walkaround last weekend. The library is a frequently photographed part of campus, and during Homecoming week, the lights are turned orange (along with everything else in town!). I love the quote that I chose to go with it, and it's exactly how I feel! Check out the other shots at My Perspective.

Theme: Dandelion (Project 64)

You guys have already seen this shot used for an "autumn" theme, but I thought the leaf colors here were the perfect shade for dandelion. Brightly colored leaves are one of my favorite things about the fall. See the other entries at Project 64.

Show Off Your Shot

I snapped this picture at the game and I love it. You've got the sea of orange supporting our team in the background, the empty field with the OSU emblem shining bright, and on the sidelines is a photo of a team that could be....knock on wood....a contender for the National Championship. This is fall in Stillwater at its finest. See the other entries at "And Then She Snapped!"

Theme: Orange Goul

I didn't even know what this stupid theme meant. So, instead of orange goul, I went with "orange goal." I like it better anyway, don't you? I'll have more about the homecoming game and the game day festivities next week....so stay tuned! Oh, and if you happened to miss the love life drama that occurred last week and you want to catch up, click here. And then click here. Never a dull moment!

BREAKING NEWS!!

2011-11-04T08:41:00.004-06:00

"...You think you're on your way, and it's just a dead end road at the end of the day..." ~Gary Allan

If you have not read my first post of the day about the Missing Person Alert....click here now. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

The missing person has been found! By who you ask? My lovely friend Blonde Oklahoma Girl with her detective-like skills. Within two hours of the report being posted. (PS--good reminder that people can find out a lot about you on the internet, so be careful!)

Here's what we know:

1. He lives in Stillwater. (the happiest place on earth!)

2. He's a medic with the Stillwater Fire Department. (love it!)

3. He owns a racehorse farm with his family. (LOVE it!)

4. He flies helicopters. (How awesome is that?)

5. He has pictures of himself on the field with the players. (Really??)

6. He has a degree from OSU. (Amen!)

WHERE has this boy been my whole life??

Apparently dating some other girl. That's right....he's in a relationship. Sigh. Back to the drawing board.

Homecoming 2011 (Part 2): Missing Person Alert

2011-11-04T06:00:00.001-06:00

"I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing." ~Ronald Reagan, Inaugural Address, 1981

You read Part 1 of the homecoming recap last week. Welcome to Part 2.

So I'm going to have a whole blog about Game Day in Stillwater next week, but I wanted to limit this to one little part of game day today. The Walk. And a missing person. Intrigued?

"The Walk" is a little parade where the band, cheerleaders, Pistol Pete and the football team walks down the street from the hotel inside our Student Union to the stadium. The streets were lined with orange-clad fans waiting to get a glimpse of the Cowboys. I had never been to The Walk, so I was really excited. (To see a video of the Bedlam Walk last year, click here.)

Right before the team started walking our way, this random guy comes up and stands next to us. He saw me snapping photos and says, "Get your camera ready. I promise you that Weeden (our quarterback) and Blackmon (our star receiver) will stop here." I looked at him sort of skeptical apparently because he said, "No, really, I know them. I am tailgaiting with Weeden's wife and I'm a medic for the team." Turns out, his name is Kyle the Medic.

Now, I'm pretty guillible so I try to watch myself, but if this dude was serious, I was going to be ready. Turns out, he was. First up, Josh Cooper comes over and shakes his hand. Pretty soon, he says, "Here comes Brandon." And then it happened. Brandon Weeden stopped to chat with Kyle the Medic. And I touched his arm. No lie. The same arm that throws all of our touchdown passes.

Then came Justin Blackmon who hugged Kyle the Medic and said, "I love you man!"

Sidenote---I was all excited thinking I got a picture of Gundy. Turns out, this joker on the left here wasn't him. Fail!

Now, back to our missing person report. Here's what we know. His name is Kyle the Medic. He's a medic for the football team. And he was not wearing a wedding ring. AND....I made him take a picture with me and told him he'd be on my blog, so we have a photo!

In my totally unbiased opinion, I think we're really cute together (unless he has a wife, in which case I retract the previous sentence).

And now...here's where you come in. Have you seen this person? Do you know someone who might? Or know someone who might know someone who might?

He was last seen going back to a tailgate (apparently with Brandon Weeden's wife) wearing a black OSU shirt. Is he single? Interested in a blonde OSU-alum lawyer?

If his "Get your camera ready" thing was a pick up line, it worked, but he forgot to follow up and get my number or name or email.

Come on friends....my love life is in your hands. Do you know Kyle the Medic??

Letters to Mr. Right: Letter #5

2011-11-03T06:00:00.008-06:00

"The years teach much which the days never knew." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Mr. Right,

I'm not getting any younger here. In fact, I became a year older on Tuesday. But I think you'll be okay with that. Because there were a lot of things I did not know when I was younger.

I didn't know how to navigate public transportation in a big city. I had no idea how to keep track of my tax information in Quicken. I had never even dreamed that I would be able to run a half marathon. I made fun of people who had facebook. I did not realize that there is a big world out there that I really want to see. My rule used to be that unless someone was bleeding, I better not get a text message because it would cost me 15 cents. I only wore sports bras. Like seriously...with everything. And I didn't know yet that your heart and the way you treat people would be the most important thing about you to me.

So I'd like to think I'm getting better with age. But still hurry, because let's be honest. At some point, I'm going to hit a peak and start going the other direction.

Waiting for that day,

Homecoming 2011 (Part 1): Walkaround

2011-11-02T06:00:00.001-06:00

"Oklahoma State...a southerner's dream and a northerner's wish; the pride of Oklahoma; the ultimate college experience; Pistol Pete; The Possee; and a place that can get in your blood and stay forever..." ~OSU T-shirt

Well last Thursday after work I made a trek to Oklahoma for Homecoming at OSU. I've just got too much to say to put this all into one post...so we'll have a little mini-series. Today, we'll cover Day 1 of the Homecoming festivities.

In case y'all didn't know this, OSU has the biggest (and best) homecoming celebration. And this girl does her best to partake every year! Here are a few shots from homecomings past....

So Friday started out with Loud Oklahoma Girl and I hitting the gym with her personal trainer. I felt pretty good during the session, but I'm here to tell you, three days later my arms still feel like they might fall off! And after our workout and a little fixing up, we were off to the happiest place on earth....Stillwater, Oklahoma! In the car, the Blonde Oklahoma Girl decided that my hair needed some volume, so we had a little "poofing" session right there driving down the road. Love it.

Every single time I drive into Stillwater, my heart just automatically gets happier. I just can't get over what a great college experience I had there. I hope that all of you have a place that you feel this way about!

And when we arrived, we headed for the main attraction of the night: Walkaround. This is where all of the students, alums and community--I'm talking 80,000 people here y'all!-- go out and literally walk around the campus and sorority houses to check out the "house decs" which are basically these huge walls of pictures made out of chicken wire and tissue paper. Actually making the house decs is called pomping. Here is a great video about it featuring President Hargis and his wife Ann. Andh ere's a close up photo for ya.Every year I wonder how they will top the house decs from the year before, and they always do. This year's Homecoming theme was "Where Your Story Began." LOVE it! Favorite theme ever. Even bought a shirt becuase I loved it so much.

Anyway, back to Walkaround, here are some of my favorite shots.

I absolutely loved the references to The Ten, ten years later. We will never forget.

And after Walkaround, the girls and I headed for our old stomping grounds....my favorite bar in the world, The Copper Penny. Some things have changed (couches where the pool table used to be...it's not a freaking nursing home, it's a bar!), but some things stayed the same (cow manure on the floor and cattle photos on the wall). We enjoyed a little limee action, chatting with old friends, and watching Game 7 of the World Series.

And then, it happened. We did not shut the bar down. I know, I know....it's a disappointment. We made it until 11:30 (two of the three of us were ready to bail at about 9:45) and then decided that we were too old to keep going. We left it to the college kids. They seemed to have it under control. I guess this turning 28 thing caught up to me!

Stay tuned over the next few days for a recap of tailgating, the game, and a missing person report.

Me at 28

2011-11-01T06:00:00.004-06:00

"The man who views the world at fifty the same as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life." ~Muhammad Ali

Today, as I celebrate the 3rd anniversary of my 25th birthday (it just sounds better, doesn't it?), I've decided to reflect on me at 28. (Note: Stole this idea, and one of the quotes below, from Miss Meg.)

So who am I at 28?

Someone who is serious and driven, but has learned to let go and forget about what other people think.

I'm someone who has learned that even though other people contribute to my happiness, in the end--it's really up to me.

Someone who has recently started to feel more comfortable in her own skin.

A girl who has realized that even though she might be happy wearing a suit and fancy shoes in the big city, her heart will always belong to a small town.

The quotes that sum up my life right now?

"Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives i'm not living." ~ Jonathan Safran Foer

"Keep praying, but be thankful that God's answers are better than your prayers."

I'm a traveler who has been to 19 states and 5 countries, but knows that there is so much more left to see....and that seeing it will change who I am.

A person who has run a half-marathon....after almost failing PE my senior year for absolutely refusing to run track.

Someone who is slowly realizing that I may have outgrown my college days (gasp!).....I still say that I would go back in a heartbeat, but I wonder, now, if I actually mean it anymore.

A girl who still can't manage to get her sweet tooth under control for more than a week. Unless it's Lent, in which case I can last 40 days.

Current favorite songs: My Texas by Josh Abbott and Pat Green; Fast Cars, Slow Kisses by Aaron Watson; Good Luck and True Love by Reckless Kelly.

Someone who continues to realize on pretty much a daily basis that it's hard work becoming the person who you are meant to be, but in the end.....it's going to be so worth it.

Remembering Today

2011-10-31T06:00:00.002-06:00

"I want to believe that he was...blessed. And I do miss him. And I hope that he has left something, some little part of himself with me. That would be miracle enough, wouldn't it?" ~John Pielmeier, Agnes of God

I realized in looking back on posts from this day for the past couple of years that I've only briefly talked about two people who were really improtant in my life. For those of you who may not know, seven years ago today, one of Little Brother's best friends, who we'll call Rodeo Star, was killed in a car accident. The next day, one of my oldest friends, who we'll call Jeans, and his father were killed in another car accident. That was on my 21st birthday. So, needless to say, this time of year remains a little sad for me.

But today, I've decided that I'm going to tell you my favorite stories about Rodeo Star and Jeans. Because I know that both of them would rather a funny story be told than some depressing blog anyway.

Rodeo Star

If you ask anyone who knew Rodeo Star what they remember about them, I'd venture to bet you that 90% of people would respond the same way. "His laugh." It was this hilarious, unique, sort of ridiculous cackle that you couldn't help but join in once he got going. It's no question that his laugh was part of the legacy that Rodeo Star let behind when he passed away at the age of 17.

My favorite story about Rodeo Star involves that laugh, Mr. Franklin, and a classic butt chewing after a judging contest. Here's how it went down.

Our FFA chapter was at our first judging contest of the year in Hobbs. We did not have a particularly good day. (Mind you, it was like everyone else's 3rd contest and our first, plus we had lots of young guys on our teams...including the three amigos Little Brother, Rodeo Star, and Opie, all of whom were in the 8th grade).

Anyway, so after the results are posted, Mr. Franklin gathers all of us (or he thought all of us anyway) around the suburbans and starts his lecture about how we have to work harder and he's disappointed and this is unacceptable. It was classic Mr. Franklin. So good, in fact, that BFF's dad who was sitting next to the suburbans in a bus opened the window to listen. So here is Mr. Franklin in the middle of his speech, and all of a sudden.....you hear it. The laugh. Coming from across the parking lot.

I turned and looked in time to see Rodeo Star roping a dummy with some other kids. And then, I heard the second thing. Mr. Franlkin bellowing, "GGGAAARRRCCCIIIAAAA!" (Rodeo Star's last name.) And like that, the laugh came to a screaching hault, and that little kid bee-lined it across the parking lot faster than I had ever seen him move.

No lie, years later, ag teachers and kids that were there that day still talk about this little event. It wouldn't suprise me if those two don't talk about it now and laugh about that day on the other side.

Jeans

You know how you sometimes hear a person described as someone that never said anything mean about anyone? And you think to yourself, "Yea, okay I'm sure." Well, I am here to tell you, Jeans honestly never said a cross word about anyone to me. And we were friends for over 10 years. I think that I'd have to say he was the nicest person I knew. And he had this way about him of inspiring other people who he was around, just by being himself. That's a gift that too few people have if you ask me. When Jeans was killed in a horrific car accident, along with his father, at the age of 19, the world lost a great one.

My favorite Jeans story happened when we were maybe 15 years old and a bunch of us, including me, BFF and Jeans loaded up to go to livestock judging camp at K-State. I don't remember too much about the camp itself, but I do remember seeing fireflies for the first time and stealing silverware from the cafeteria for card games of spoons that got insanely heated. And I remember a prank call, that is the subject of my favorite Jeans memory.

Jeans' mom is the sweetest lady in the whole world. So why we decided to play a prank on her is not clear to me, but she fell for it and it was awesome. There we were, BFF, Jeans and me in the House High School excursion. BFF pretended to be the shriff in Hooker, Oklahoma calling to tell her that Jeans just got arrested. Then Jeans got on the phone pretending to cry and confess to shoplifting jerky because he had run out of money and was really hungry. So he begged her to come and bail him out and she was saying something about getting dressed when I couldn't take it anymore. I burst out laughing, ruined the joke, and made everyone in the car mad. But we laughed all the way home....and that's the way I like to remember my friend.

They say that a person never really dies so long as their memory lives on in those that they have left behind. I am a better person for having known and loved both of these boys. And today, I hope to leave a little piece of their memories with you, and maybe leave you better off as well.

Photos of the Week: Week 43

2011-10-30T23:19:00.005-06:00

Sorry this is so late...it was quite the weekend! Homecoming in Stillwater. I plan on telling you all about it on Wednesday, so stay tuned. And FINALLY, we have pictures (3 out of 4 anyway) that I actually did snap this week. Hope you enjoy---feel free to comment---you know I love your thoughts!

Theme: Show Off Your Shot

I love seeing these big ol' orange flags....mostly becuase it means we just scored! And we did plenty of that on Saturday against Cousin Swiss Mister's Baylor Bears! I thought this shot was fun becuase of how the sun was hitting the flags. To see the other entries, go to Show Off Your Shot!

Theme: Anything (Quotography)

I just loved this picture of these kiddos all decked out in their uniforms at "The Walk" before the game. I thought this quote about dreams fit perfectly with their wearing jerseys watching the current team parade down the street. To see the other entries, visit My Perspective!

Theme: Memories

Good timing to have this theme fall on Homecoming week. I had lots of ideas for this photo, but then I saw this quote on one of the house decs (be sure to check in on Wednesday to hear about these!) and I knew it was perfect. The quote says, "I found something in Sillwater that I didn't find anywhere else." Amen!

Theme: Turquoise (Project 64)

And this is the only photo that I didn't take this week. I snapped this over the summer in Santa Fe outside th St. Francis of Asassi Cathedral. And, because we're in New Mexico, you know there is turquoise jewelry involved. Go over to Project 64 to see the other entries!

Family Farm Friday #65: An Eared Cattle in Texas Lesson

2011-10-28T06:00:00.002-06:00

"Texas is a state of mind." ~John Steinbeck

This is a little bit of a hodge-podge Family Farm Friday....try to stick with me. I didn't have time to organize my thoughts as I spent the week writing a 20 page (single spaced) memo so that I could be out of the office today at OSU HOMECOMING! WOO HOO!

Anyway, last weekend, I attended the American Ag Law Association conference in Austin, Texas. There were about 150 or so attorneys in attendance, which I find to be really uplifting to know that there are so many people who are interested in and committed to representing agriculture. The conference had lots of great sessions including talking about negotiating oil leases or wind leases on your property, how to defend an animal cruelty action by HSUS or PETA, estate planning for agricultural families and how to best serve your clients. After a weekend of this, I was inspired and excited about the opportunities that I might be able to develop over the next year in my own practice!

And so after two days of pretty much non-stop legal talk, I loaded up in a car and headed to BFF's house in College Station. The drive from Austin to College Station is about an hour and a half through rural Texas. I can imagine that during a regular year, the drive is beautiful. It was pretty, but you could sure see how dry everything still is, and see areas that were part of the huge wildfires that struck a couple of months ago.

But I have to say, there is something about just getting out in the country and driving. Rolling hills, a cool fall breeze, farm houses, Red Dirt music on the radio.....it's good for the soul. I just enjoyed the "me time" and sort of decompressed. And then when "Carry On" by Pat Green came on the radio, I rolled down the windows and belted it out. Not a bad Saturday afternoon.

And, of course, I stopped along the way to snap a couple of pictures to talk about on the blog with y'all this Friday. For the past few weeks, we've talked about agriculture on the east coast and on the west coast, so today, we'll chat a little bit about agriculture in southern Texas. Specifically, let's chat about eared cattle.

I should back up---do y'all know there are different breeds of cattle? Sort of like dogs--german shephard, lab, poodle--there are cattle breeds too. You've probably heard some of them like Hereford or Angus. Well Brahman cattle (which some refer to as "eared cattle" for slang...you'll see why in a minute) are a breed that is especially suited for warm, humid climates. They come from India, and have more sweat glands than other breeds of cattle. They also (at least according to my college animal science professor) give off less internal body heat than other cattle breeds, which also makes them better suited for warm climates.

You can recognize Brahman cattle by the large hump on their back and their big, floppy ears. I pulled off to the side of the road and got these shots to share.

And that, folks, wraps up our three-part fall tour of agriculture across America. Hope you've enjoyed it!

Letters to Mr. Right: Letter #4

2011-10-27T06:00:00.006-06:00

"Fall is the artist." ~Takayuki Ikkaku

Dear Mr. Right,

I can't wait for you to be here in the fall. Not that I won't enjoy you other times of the year, but I think I'll like you most in the fall. Like I do everything else.

When we can go on runs in the cool, crisp air. And watch the trees change color. When we can sit on the patio and watch the hot air balloons overhead. You can my crazy family and tryto stuff your face to keep up with them at the dinner table at family Thanksgiving. And I'll take you to Homecoming at OSU and we'll hold hands hands in a sea of orange at Walkaround. Watching the junior shows at the State Fair and spending Saturdays curled up on the couch watching college football games all day.

And when you get here, I'll even spring for cable so we don't miss any of the excitement. Because that's love in my book.

Waiting for that (fall) day,

New Blog Segment: Ask Little Cowboy

2011-10-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

"There are only two things a child will share willingly - communicable diseases and his mother's age." ~Benjamin Spock

Well after the overwhelming response that he received for his Meet the Cast Monday blog, I'm proud to announce a new segment......Ask Little Cowboy.

Here's how it's going to work. You guys can submit questions (by commenting below) for the Little Cowboy. You can ask him about himself, his thoughts on life, politics, western wear, his girlfriends, for advice...whatever floats your boat. I will then get the questions to his Moomoos who will get the Little Cowboys answers. (I'll contact his people, if you will.)

Now how good this plan will go is up to y'all.....let's get some good questions! Oh, and heads up, he's really busy shooting bad guys, going to school, taking care of all his horses, and fitting in a daily nap, so there could be some delay in getting answers. Fair warning.

I decided to start us off with the following question: What are your thoughts on school uniforms? (I ask this because he just started at a school where uniforms are required and he was NOT happy about it one bit this summer. He's calmed down quite a bit now judging by his answer below).

Little Cowboy says: "My uniforms are baggy pants with a polo shirt. They are hot but I like them ok now because I know what they look like. I just can't dress like a cowboy and that makes me so mad! I can wear my boots but not my dang hat. I mean what the heck is up with that? All the boys dress the same but none of those others wear boots, just me. I don't like tennis shoes. I like the uniforms but I can ski on my pants 'cause they are so baggy." (Note from Moomoos: His pants are long enough that he can put the bottoms under the heel of his boots and slide around on the floor, this is what he calls skiing.)

So.....with that intro.....it's your turn to comment below.

Ask Little Cowboy!

Photos of the Week: Week 42

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

Before we get to the photos, I have to give you guys some exciting updates.

First, remember my blog oh, 9 months ago, about the miracle baby that Teacher Friend and her husband were expecting? Well I'm happy to announce that the baby is here! Miracle Baby was born on Sunday afternoon and....drumroll please....it's a GIRL. Everyone is doing great. I can't think of a better example of the fruits of faith than this baby. On days when you are tired and frustrated and feel forgotten or like your answers may never come....know that God is faithful. And sometimes, that means sending little miracles our way! Oh, and rest assured that Aunt Tiffany has already sent a tutu. Hot pink, no less. :)

Second, #3, baby! That's right---my Cowboys are now ranked third in the nation! GO POKES! I can't wait to cheer you on in person this weekend against Baylor! (P.S. --Justin Blackmon is a scary looking dude!)

Third, one of the calves that we raised is for sale in an online club calf sale (meaning that 4-H and FFA kiddos will buy him and show him at the fair....if you didn't read my blog about the benefits of that activity, please click here!). If you want to check him out for yourself, just click here and scroll down to #124.

Okay, and now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Theme: Texture (Quotography)

I actually took this picture a while back when I was home and forgot to download it onto my computer. I thought that the old wooden fence was perfect for "texture." I also loved the blue sky and big fluffy clouds. I thought this quote fit it pretty darn well. I blame my Gran for my love of old wooden fences...they were her favorite and when we were kids, she took lots of pictures of us climbing on this fence. See the other entries at My Perspective.

Theme: Gold (Project 64)

Okay.....I had to cheat a little big on this one. I tried to think of something gold to photograph this week, and when I was thinking about gold, I kept going back to the dome at Notre Dame. So back to the archives I went. I can't believe it's been almost a year since my amazing trip. I did a little fun editing and used this shot. I'm telling you guys, if you ever have a chance to visit the campus in South Bend...go. You won't regret it. To see the other gold photos, click here!

Theme: Show Off Your Shot

I took this picture the same day as the wooden fence one above and it, too, was lost on the camera. So even though I didn't shoot it this week, I did find it this week, so I figured it counted. Love the blue sky! To see the other entries, go to "And Then She Snapped" on Wednesday!

Theme: Foliage

No, sadly I wasn't back in Chicago last weekend. This baby is from the archives from last November too. I love this picture of "The Bean" which is really named Cloudgate (see the clouds reflecting?) in Millenium Park. Note the beautiful yellow leaves.

Meet the Cast Monday #36: BFF

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I'm introducing you to BFF. As you might gather from his name, this kid is my best friend in the world. We've been friends since we were 10 years old, then somehow ended up at college together. I can't say enough good about BFF---he's smart and funny and has literally been there for me through anything and everything over the past 18 (yea...18) years. He's game for anything, whether it be flying across the country to be my date for a weekend or getting us tickets to a football game or listening to my problems on the phone. And he just makes things in my life better. I think that's what being a best friend is all about. And he's got it down.

And with that.....Meet BFF.

What is your favorite memory with me?

Ok, favorite memory.... Tough question, I'm thinking it will probably be something along the lines of me turning 21... OR, that Easter gathering we had was cool too... {I love the fact that neither of these were anything crazy or expensive or exciting---both were just little gatherings at our college apartment. I think this is a prime example of the little things being the big things.}
Tell us what you're going to be a doctor of when you finally get out of college.

I'll have a Phd in Animal Science, my emphasis and research is geared towards production systems, immunology, and some genetics jargon to go with it. {He likes to say that he will be a doctor, but you will still need to call an ambulance in an emergency.}

You've spent time at both OSU and Texas A&M. Tell us why Stillwater is better.

Stillwater is Stillwater: SO.... I don't know what else needs to be said really. {FACT.}
What was your favorite part of the wine tasting weekend in San Francisco?

Two parts to this answer:

1: Explaining how buying a bull and selling his semen is a sound business decision to a crowd of wine drinking lawyers and "soon-to-be lawyers" from California... Yes, those people looked at me like I was the leader of some twisted beast loving cult.... Tiffany can explain more to you about how this conversation even got started in the first place... {Here we are in front of the fanciest hotel in Napa waiting for the bus. BFF is off to himself on the cell phone...shocking to no one that knows him in real life....and one of the attorneys asked what he was up to. I told them he was trying to buy a bull. It all snowballed from there and led to lots of marginally inappropriate conversations the rest of the weekend. But he ended up being the star of that trip....I think they wanted to hire HIM more than they wanted me!}

2: Negotiating a river in California via canoe... (not as easy as it looks on TV, Louis and Clark deserved more than their names in history books for their accomplishments... those freakin canoes are NOT designed for successful transportation.) {For that full story, click here.}

What is your favorite college memory?

College memory, I can honestly tell you that its an impossible task to rank memories of college... I'm actually still in college so probably going to continue adding to those details. I'll say that 3 snowdays + the weekend in Stillwater was a damn good time though...
You're really good at life advice....give us one general piece of important life advice.

Ah, another tough one... Ok, general important advice-- Life is a garden, just dig..... No No Not really---- those cliche's are dumb, and I still don't understand how digging and gardening reflects life at all....

I feel that alot of complication that is experienced could be a residual of un-stellar decision making, So-- for simplicity sake, just make good choices. {He says this all the time. Like this weekend when I got in the car to leave his house, he said "make good decisions" rather than "drive safe" or "be careful."}
OR

Know your limitations and play accordingly... (example I suck with my 3 iron and 4 iron SO... I either hit a 5 iron and take another stroke or give the 5wood a wack and see what happens.) {He's classic at these sports analogies. You might remember this prior blog about field position.}
What is one thing you have learned from past relationships?

Read the answer above. {I'm not sure if he's referring to the one about good decisions or about knowing his limitations.....Kidding, kidding!}

We've been friends for a long, long time. Why do you think that is?

Read the answer above, you're a good decision maker, (not as much on golfer :-) ) {Well isn't it cute that he brought that up. In college, BFF decided to teach me to golf. So we go to the driving range. Let me explain---I'm pretty athletic. I'm no Michael Jordan, but you give me a ball or a club and I can usually figure things out. Golf does not care about athletic ability. Also, please let me explain, that BFF is 6'3 and left handed and a boy. We had lots of harsh words including the following statements being screamed across the driving range: "BFF, there are these things called boobs that you don't have to deal with!" "Tiffany, you're swinging like a dang girl!" "BFF, I am a dang girl!" "I did not bring enough beer to teach you!"} Tell us one thing that you think girls do wrong in relationships.

Ahhh, well girls girls girls... Its been my observation that the female gender is like a bush of roses, they can be beautiful, delicate, and really enhance the state and well being of everything and everyone around them... but under the surface they are very dense, covered in thorns and other spiney-spiteful features, and are overwhelmingly complex. How does this translate into what girls do wrong in relationships??? It's like this, don't expect guys to always understand or like the "under the surface" part of you. When guys don't get it, don't fuss at him because YOU'RE COMPLEX... {He tells it like he sees it.....}

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?

I want to observe the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania before urban sprawl ends it.

Family Farm Friday #65: A Tobacco Lesson

2011-10-21T06:00:00.002-06:00

"Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness." ~ Letter from Thomas Jefferson to George Washington (1787)

As I promised last Friday after my discussion of experiencing agriculture on the west coast, today I've got a little post about agriculture on the east coast. Tobacco farms in Tennessee.

You might remember that at the beginning of September I headed to Tennessee to spent a few days with Cousin Swiss Mister and the family after the Southern Santa passed away. I hadn't been there for 24 hours before I got a text from Little Brother saying, "Take me a picture of a tobacco field." Apparently this loving agriculture thing is genetic.

My family lives about an hour from Nashville in the hills down a bunch of windey back roads surrounded by farmland and old barns. (No, I didn't get car sick, thanks to my magic car sickness pills!) It was the perfect place to check out farming. So here are a couple of shots of tobacco fields in Tennessee.
You can recognize a tobacco plant buy the big green leaves.

You guys may not know this, but those old barns that you see in the south? A lot of them are tobacco barns--meaning that they are (or were) used for curing tobacco. Once tobacco is harvested, the stems (with leaves still on them) are hung from poles inside the barn. The purpose here is to dry the tobacco leaves. As drying occurs, the leaves will change color from green to yellow and then to brown.
Some farmers use heat to help with the drying process, so lots of older tobacco barns will be stained black from the smoke from fires that helped with drying. When tobacco is fire cured, it takes between 3 days and 10 weeks, depending on the type. During this time hardwood fires are continuously smoldering in the barns. Chewing tobacco is usually fire cured.

Like I said last week, agriculture is such a diverse industry that I'm constantly amazed at the different crops, techniques and farmers involved. And I'm always up for learning a little something about life on a farm elsewhere (although, I'll admit, ours remains my favorite!)

Letters to Mr. Right: Letter #3

2011-10-20T06:00:00.003-06:00

“I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.” ~Thomas A. Edison

Dear Mr. Right,

I worry sometimes about how you're going to react to my guy friends.

Because I'm just going to tell you now that while I've been waiting on you to show up, they've really taken care of me.

They listen to my problems and always respond accordingly--by either letting me cry or telling me to stop being a girl. They send me flowers to celebrate the Day After Valentine's Day. They've danced with me at weddings so I would not be alone. They've shown up with Oreo ice cream and two spoons when the situation called for it. I've been inspired and encouraged and (only sometimes) annoyed to the point where I want to shake them. They've cooked me dinner on birthdays and bad days and on regular days. They've made me laugh until I've literally sprayed my drink all over everyone at the table, and at other times have held my hand and let me cry. They've told me to ignore people who were rude or stupid or just plain mean. And they assured me that you would come, and that when you did, they would probably not think you were good enough.

But you'll prove them wrong on that last point.

Waiting for that day,

Me

Are You The Person?

2011-10-19T06:00:00.003-06:00

I love it when I read things that really get me thinking. That happened recenty and I thought that I'd share. It all started when this blog asked the question: "Are you who the person you are looking for is looking for?" (Read it again and take it piece by piece if you're confused...I had to read it like 5 times.)

Well, that sort of stopped me dead in my tracks. I think that as single ladies, we focus a lot on finding Mr. Right and on the kind of person that he should be. You know....a good dancer, tall, broad shoulders, really funny, good with money, better with kids and animals and willing to propose surrounded by cows. (I realize your list may be slightly different...particularly if you're not a farm girl!)

But this question made me realize, "Holy cow...I need to be worrying about the kind of person that I should be too!" I barely even have time to fix my hair in the mornings or get my dishes washed at night....let's add another thing to the list!

Seriously though, it's not that I don't generally think about the kind of person that I am, but I had never thought about that in a relationship context. If I know the kind of person that I hope Mr. Right will be, am I the kind of person that he would be looking for?

I hope that Mr. Right is the kind of guy who looking for a girl who is kind and compassionate, who is loving and smart, who is responsible but fun. A girl who wants to know where she's going and what she is meant to do and focuses the difference she wants to make. And you know, sometimes (maybe a lot of the time) I don't fit into these categories. And maybe that's why Mr. Right hasn't appeared from the forest yet....because until I'm the person he's looking for and he's the person I'm looking for, it's not the right time for us to run into each other.

I know I say this a lot, but I really do believe that God uses this single time in our lives to make us into the right person for our spouse. But I think that we've got to work with Him here. We have to do our part. It's up to us to become the person that we're meant to be in order for this little puzzle to all fit together. And so I'm thankful for this time. Thankful to have the opportunity to figure out who it is that God is calling me to be--and thankful to know that once I do that, Mr. Right will be just around the corner and we ride off into the sunset and our future front porch swing.