Sunday, November 30, 2008

Mother and Friend

I have a cool mom. She is one of my best friends, and I love spending time with her.

Growing up she gave me perm after perm (first one being when I was 3!!), let me play in her makeup (I still love doing that), and did Jane Fonda workout videos every morning (I even joined in sometimes for fun...weird to think of it as fun now but I was little).



I was a handful - either totally happy or totally not. I'm still kinda like that now, but a little bit more mature.



I remember fondly my friends and me sitting on my parents bed chatting with my mom. As a teen, I never really got that whole embarrassment about being with your mom. She was cool. She still is!

In high school, I would often remind my mother that she wasn't a teenager herself and that my friends weren't her age. It was a on-going joke between us. (Not in a creepy Maury Povich Show kind of way) She never completely believed me that she came across that way - as if my friends were her bff's too, but she totally did it all the time. Many might see this as weird, but you have to understand my mom. She is silly and fun and kind hearted. She rarely gets angry (stand back when she does), and always gives good advice. She is just an awesome person.

Well, freshman year of college, mom was helping me move into the dorms. I saw a girl I knew and said hello, chatting for a minute and then got on the elevator. While on our ride up, mom stated, "Oh, she seemed so nice. Is she our age?" (She said it dead serious too) I quickly looked at her with a smile and stated, "No, mom. She is MY age." We both cracked up.



She will always be young at heart, no matter what age her license says! Love you mom!!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Please make my dream come true...

Dear Mr. President (or whomever else can make this happen),

I have a suggestion...a little request that would make my holiday season complete...

Could you change Black Friday into a Federal Holiday??? PLEASSSEEE?? Either that or make Thanksgiving on a Friday? I'll even give up Columbus Day if it means I can have Friday off!

You see, I just feel like my time would be better spent shopping for some great bargains and actually stimulating the economy instead of sitting at my desk and waiting on a small handful of customers. People don't think about doing banking business that day anyway. I know there is that silly Federal law that won't allow banks to be closed 4 days in a row, but really, is that even necessary now a days? With all the technology advancements in the world today, people are still able to access their money. I know they can't make deposits, but that's just a minor detail really. Think of all the money that would be saved/spent if bank employees could have that day off....its mind boggling really.

So anyway, I'm sending you this letter with a hopeful heart that you will hear my plea and change the law.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Julie Nephew, banker extraordinaire

Friday, November 28, 2008

You met who?

So, yesterday while enjoying our Thanksgiving meal, my grandfather (Papa) tells us a story.

Now mind you, Papa has awesome stories, and I love hearing them. He even helped write a book called "Palace on the Prairie: The Marland Family Story" about the Marland Family and the Marland Mansion here in town. He's experienced a lot in his 92 years, but this was one story I wasn't expecting!



Last week, Papa went to Tulsa for a funeral. After it was over, he and a friend went to eat lunch and then came back to the church. As they pulled up, the family of the deceased were also returning from the grave site. A buddy of Papa's asked him to come meet a jester (at least that's what Papa HEARD) and thought he was referring to the Masonic Lodge. (which I don't completely understand, but everyone else at the table did...so I didn't question it). Well, come to find out, it had nothing to do with the lodge. Instead, he was meeting JESSICA SIMPSON!


Ya, the gal who is on my Ipod was shaking my Papa's hand calling him Mr. Northcutt. Come to find out Jessica's agent (or something like that) was also related to the deceased and Jessica was there for support. Funny thing is that Papa had no idea who he was meeting until after the fact when his buddy clued him in to his new friend's identity. Papa just smiled and said, "Well, she was a nice looking young lady."

Too bad there weren't any paparazzi to capture the story!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Turkey for you, Turkey for me...

Happy Thanksgiving!

So much to be thankful for - oh so much! My hubby, our kiddos, our families and friends. I thank God daily for you guys!

Today was a great day. We celebrated Thanksgiving with family at my mom's house. Although not everyone was in attendance, we still had a great meal with wonderful conversation. Our food spread consisted of all my favorites that I dream about throughout the year.



Mmm...turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing (or dressing depending on what you decide to call it), and cranberry salad (which I made). Topped off with coffee and pie. I'm definitely thankful for having ladies in my family who are good good cooks!

So, here are a couple pictures of the gang enjoying the meal.





Hope everyone else in cyberworld had a great Thanksgiving too!

Be sure to tune into tomorrow's blog where I'll be retelling a story that my grandfather told us today. Things like this only happen to him!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

My Signature Color

Just like Shelby from Steel Magnolia's, I have a signature color, but its definitely NOT pink. A few years ago, I stumbled onto the fact that whenever I wear this color, I always get compliments on how I look. People will ask, "Is that a new top?" or say, "What a pretty color." It took me a bit to catch on, but eventually realized the correlation between compliments and what color shirt I had on.

Lavender.



It never fails. I wear the color and the compliments will come. What's funny is that I think the color has a hint of gray in it, which is a horrid color on me, but for some reason, lavender looks awesome.

So, today I wear my color and may not be LOOKING for compliments, but have already received 3! It's going to be a good day.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The Hardest Part Is Saying Goodbye

There a lot of good TV shows out there. There are also a lot that have passed on into TV heaven and I fondly remember them in my thoughts and prayers...well...maybe not prayers.

Punky Brewster - she made it cool to be different

The Wonder Years - it broke my heart when they ended it with Kevin and Winnie not being together. I had wondered all those years...

Boy Meets World - Topanga. Any show with a name like Topanga has gotta be good!

Dawson's Creek - I miss all the Creek gang. When Joey was normal and only dreamed about marrying Tom Cruise but hadn't really done so yet.

Journeyman - His journey was cut short but at least I get to see him on Grey's now!

Jack & Jill - a show from the WB back in my college years....oh the memories...

Felicity - oh how I miss thee crazy curly hair and wishy/washy decisions

Friends - although it had a long run, I still miss the ol' coffee gang.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Don't judge. It was a good show!

Lost - oh wait, its still on - just takes the TV people forever to actually start a new season.

I'll probably think of more, but thats my list for now.

Monday, November 24, 2008

10 Things Most Readers Won't Get

Top 10 Inside Jokes...

1. 256 Baby!

2. Hello Puppy!!

3. That's ok Shelby, you'll catch up...

4. Panda, the Princess of Reveille

5. Happiness isn't happiness without a violin playing goat.

6. Just tell her its Smurfette, or George, or Your Mom, or Bambi, or etc...

7. Keep it Posssitivveee. (gotta sing it)

8. There's a whole bunch of bugs in there, gosh!

9. Can I show them my exercising skills?

10. Julie....I can't read..... (this one still makes me laugh)

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Things to do:

1. Laundry...I still need to wash Michael's work clothes (they are gross and get washed in a separate load). Also need to wash some black pants because they are the staple to my work attire.

2. Clean the bathroom. Its icky.

3. Wash the dogs. They are really icky.

4. Watch the claymation movie Rudolph and Frosty and Santa's Coming to Town. Oh, how I love them so! Michael says I can't watch them until after Thanksgiving, but we had thanksgiving with his family today. So, I think that should be good enough.

5. Put up Christmas Decorations. That will probably happen next weekend.

6. Finish Christmas shopping. I tried to get quite a bit done early, but I think Austin is the only person I've really finished.

7. Figure out this week's dinner menu. Tomorrow night will we have chicken and rice, spaghetti, or chicken strips? Hmmm....

8. Blog because my earlier one was too lame for words....I can check this one off as soon as I post this blog. Woo hoo!

9. Make Christmas cards. I took an evening to make cards with a friend, but ended up getting distracted rather easily and only finishe one card. Sadness, but still had fun hanging out!

10. Make a list of cool blog topics to last the rest of the month. Anyone got ideas? Please comment and leave them for me!!!

Writer's Block

I got nothin'....

Saturday, November 22, 2008

So what if the median age was 15?

I officially felt old last night...



Julie, Jamie and myself went to see Twilight the movie last night.



Although the 7 boys in the theatre were officially the minority, a close second was anyone over the age of 17, and we totally fell into that category. We got there early in order to ensure a good seat. So, my dinner consisted of a large popcorn with butter and large diet dr. pepper.



I was set!

After reading the Twilight series, I've been pumped to see the movie. I went into it knowing that it wouldn't be as good as the book. And, I was right. Overall, I enjoyed it, but it was terribly difficult not to compare it to the book throughout each scene. Something would happen in the movie that was a bit off. I kept noticing all the small inconsistancies. Most of the differences didn't matter much.

One big complaint is that I don't feel the relationship between Edward and Bella was developed enough. For those who hadn't read the book and were watching the movie, I just don't think they would be able to see the extent of their love for eachother.

Another thing that I missed was hearing Bella's thoughts. In the book, Bella's thoughts guide you through the story; it clues you into the depth of her selflessness and love for Edward. If they had just had her narrate a little here and there, I think it would have made a big difference.



Still, it was great to see the awesome book up on the big screen. I can't wait for the next one!!

Friday, November 21, 2008

What a weirdo I is!

Julie B tagged me, and I was struggling for a blog topic....so here we go!

7 Random/Weird Facts about mio!

1. Ice is of no importance to me. I can live without it. Warm beverages or cold one - makes no difference. I lived without an ice maker up until marrying my handy hubby and hating to fill ice trays so I just learned to deal without having a cold drink.

2. I love PB&J sandwiches with chips and salsa topped off with a glass of milk.

3. Towel issue - Don't use mine! Doesn't matter if it is dry when I come back to use it. Don't touch it. I won't go to yours either. Its a usage issue along with a territory issue. Mine is kept in one area and yours in another. My hubby has had to deal with the towel wrath but I think it really stems from my childhood when my brother would use my towel after football practice. GROSS!

4. Call it weird or a talent but I know at least part of almost every song on the radio....doesn't really even matter what station. Some songs I know and I have no earthly idea how I know them. I think this stems from high school when my BFF Jenny and I listened to songs over and over again in order to learn all the words....now I do it instinctively and am hardly aware of it.

5. I rub my feet together to relax. It also helps me fall asleep. Its a family thing too. My dad did it as well as my brother and nephew.

6. I have a "Need to File" file in my filing cabinet. Many of items have been in it for years.

7. I often mispronounce the word toilet. I never realized this until my dear hubby pointed it out. I often add an 'R' to it and end up with it sounding like 'torlit.' Normally when I try hard to pronounce it correctly is when I get it wrong. Michael always notices and always cracks up and my Okie pronunciation.

I'm tagging all my blogging friends!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Deep Thoughts with Julie

Life consists of a lot of commitments. People are committed to their jobs, their friends, their family. If married, they are hopefully committed to their spouse or if not married, maybe committed to a significant other. Others may even be obsessed with their commitment so much so that it overtakes their lives and ends up damaging other life commitments in the process.

The point is, our life is full of commitment. Its all around us and inevitable. The problem is that these days the most important things that take commitment are the ones people give up on so quickly.

I played the piano when I was younger. I hated practicing. I would've rather cleaned the bathroom, washed the dog (probably not in that order), or cleaned the entire house. Practicing was of no interest to me. Actually my first piano teacher even kicked me out of her class because of this fact. She said that I was waisting her time. Honestly, her statement pretty much devastated me. I felt totally dejected. But now that I have an adult perspective, she may have lacked tact and I definitely wouldn't send my own child to her, but she was right. I wasn't committed to playing the piano and was totally waisting her time.

Today in my office was a newly married couple. They came in to add wifey to hubster's account. As wifey started to fill out the paperwork, she kinda freaked out a bit saying, "I don't want to do this. I really don't want to do this." She repeated herself several times even mentioned the fact that she was freaking out and felt nauseous of the whole idea of her name being added to his account. In her eyes, a financial commitment was a bigger deal than a life commitment. As they walked out of my office and out the door without adding her name to hubster's account, I laughed. Actually, I cracked up and repeated the story several times to co-workers. I was shocked by her skewed outlook on marriage and finances. I don't know wifey's life story. I don't know what caused her to see financial issues in such peril. Maybe she had the same piano teacher who didn't like her lack of commitment. I don't know.

One thing I do know is that wifey got me thinking about commitment. What areas of our life do we put our whole heart into? What areas do we become lax in? And why is it that way? What caused us to find more importance in wealth, stuff, friends, and jobs and less importance in Christ and His call to a different kind of commitment. It's a daily struggle.

So today, I take up my cross, and I choose to follow Him. I choose for Christ to be my #1 commitment. I just pray that as tomorrow's struggles and commitments come to fruition, I can do it again...and again...and again.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Ugly Shirt Day

Today is Ugly Shirt Day. Every Wednesday is Ugly Shirt Day at church. Although it isn't an official spectacle of ugly shirt wearing, if you are a leader with Awana's, then you get an ugly shirt.

My ugly shirt is red with a black collar. Because I'm a rebel, I don't always wear it. Even though its the leader's official uniform for Awana's, some evenings are just a bit too rushed to get that ugly thing on, while other evenings, its just not clean. (oh, darn)

I enjoy helping with Awana's. If you don't know what the group is, just google it. Its a lot of fun to see these kids learn so many Bible verses and recite them without a problem. So cool. I started helping 3 years ago when Austin was in his first year of Sparks. So, I've had the "pleasure" of wearing this shirt for quite a while now.

I added flair to the ugly shirt, hoping it would jazz it up a bit. Although, I feel better with my pieces of flair, it still doesn't help in the ugliness factor. Whoever designed this shirt, did not have fashion in mind.

So tonight, I wear my ugly shirt...proudly...well...maybe not so proudly, but I'm wearing it at least.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

These are the days of our laptops..

Well, hubby and I went to the store last night to get my laptop. The cute little thing just looked So. Incredibly. Little.

We looked over the regular sized laptops and realized that for just a couple hundred dollars more (yes I know that's not chump change), we could get a larger one with more memory and more hard drive space. Basically, we didn't want to get home and regret having the baby laptop at home dreaming of the grown up one. Its not like a baby laptop is going to grown into a bigger one. (That's just silly). I kinda freaked out a bit on the inside (no I didn't have a panic attack in the store) (well, almost), but my awesome hubby reassured me that it was a great buy and totally "needed." I think it was a good choice too! I did almost drop kick the sales lady who wouldn't let up on selling me the extended warranty or some other component that is needed for a laptop. I refrained and told her (repeatedly) that we would need to think about it.




Here is my pretty new laptop. I'm calling her Jem. (because she is truly, truly, truly outrageous, the music contagious...whoops, sorry I got distracted by the Jem and the Holograms) I haven't taken the clear plastic cover off the top yet cuz I don't want to get fingerprints on it. I know it's a bit obsessive, but I want to take care of our new addition to the family!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Wi-Fi here I come!!

Over the past few months, I've really been wanting a laptop. Some people would say that they don't NEED one, but they really just WANT one. I'm not one of those people. I NEED one and here's why.

I scrapbook and love it to death. One of my prized scrap booking possessions is my lovely cricut.



If you don't know anything about it, google it. You will be amazed by its gloriousness.

I received the Cricut Design Studio for a present and haven't had the opportunity to use it yet. Basically, the Design Studio allows you to use multiple cartridges and connect letters and do lots of other stuff that I don't know about yet (since I haven't had the chance to play with the program). You plug the cricut into your computer and then just sit back and let the fun times begin. I don't have an area by my desktop to put my cricut and scrap booking stuff. So that's where the laptop comes into play! I can spread everything out on my dining room table with my laptop and cricut and all and just let my creativity go crazy.

So, today my dreams of laptop wonderfulness is coming true.


A friend at work showed me her new laptop, which mind you is small. The smallness factor is actually a plus to me. It will take up less space on the table of scrap booking funness. It has tons of memory and hard drive space plus has Wi-Fi connection which my Ponca City America town just made available to everyone for free. AND, AND, AND - the darn thing is only $350. I know thats a lot of money, BUT when I looked at Dell and priced everything, it would have cost me like over $1000! SWEETNESS!!!

I talked hubby into this being my Christmas present, and I just get it a bit early!

...a little over a month early isn't THAT bad. So yeah!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

You want me to cast off what?

Yesterday was such a fun day. Not only did I get to see old friends, but I also picked up a new skill. I'm so excited!! I can now check off from my creativity list - knitting! I'm not saying my skills are at a pro level, but I'm working on a scarf today.

April helped me pick out some yarn and knitting needles yesterday. Then, we all went out for lunch/dinner...I'm going to call it lunner for short. So, while waiting for our food, April helped me with the basics.





Yes, I was at a constant state of confusion throughout my lesson. I felt like a complete moron at first. I hook where? And cast on what? I kinda felt like I was learning to sail or fish instead of knit. But with a bit of teeth gritting and practice, I'm started to get the hang of it.

The girls said that my facial expressions were priceless.



At one point in time, I accidentally pulled off the whole scarfish thing from one of the needles and totally panicked. Ape explained that this happens sometimes and showed me what to do. I'm so glad she was there to coach me through the trauma!!

My first attempt at knitting wasn't the prettiest ever, but as you call tell from the picture below, I'm totally going to rock out a cool scarf soon! I can't wait to move onto hats, mittens, and blankets!!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Games, Babies, and Punch

Today I traveled to Glenpool, OK. It isn't a normal travel location for me, but today was special. Lisa, one of my college roomies, is having a baby, and April, another college roomie, had a baby shower for her in Glenpool.

So, I tend to give back stories and today is no different. Lisa and I met at the BSU our Freshman year. I'll never forget our first meeting when she came into my dorm room and proceeded to climb in my bed and make herself at dorm room home. That story in and of itself really sums up Lisa's personality. She is easy going, free spirited, and friendly. By our Sophomore year we were super good friends, and by our Junior year, it was a no brainer that we would be roomies. We ended up sharing an apt for 3 years!



In apt sharing year #2, we decided to get a third roomie and April was the perfect choice! I met April through the BSU as well. She was in Lisa and my Ministry Team (MT) during our Junior year. She is such a caring, sweet person but also completely ornery! (I couldn't find any pictures on hand of Ape and I together from the college years....so sad!!!)

The three of us had a ton of fun and have loads of stories...some of which will not be shared on here! haha.

So anyway, Glenpool. Don't know much about the small town, but I do know that April's house is very easy to find. (Which I really appreciate!) We played some silly baby games, ate some yummy food (mmm, poppy seed cake), and watched Lisa open her gifts.





Overall, it was a great day with some dear ol' friends.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Its not goodbye.

Today is kind of a sad day for me. 8 years ago today, my father passed away. He was a great dad and really taught me a lot.



In 2000, my family went through a lot. In one year, we lost 3 family members. Two of which were two weeks apart. Needless to say, it was difficult. Through it all though, I never wavered in my faith. God was my rock. I remember often thinking, "how can people get through this kind of pain without Jesus?" The void in my heart from losing my father at a pretty early age (he was only 51) was completely filled with the love of Christ and knowing that one day I would see my dad again.

At his funeral, I read this poem. I originally wrote it for a Christmas present the previous year. I felt so much comfort in knowing that he read this before his death.


Daddy

How could I manage without you?
You have been there for me time and time again -
Provider, encourager, strength.
Words cannot explain all that you have done for this family.
But not just the family - for me.
Words of wisdom I don't' always want to hear,
But almost always end up being right.
So much of you has been instilled in me -
My outlook on life, sense of humor, and prankish behavior.
But its not just the personality traits,
Your love for God and ability to continually
grow in him have touched me in more ways than
you will ever know.
Thank you Daddy for showing yourself to me.


Its not goodbye. Its just see you later.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Real men go to plays.

Plays, musicals, and concerts. Michael and I love them all.

We've seen several Ponca Playhouse productions over the years and a few Off-Broadway shows in the City (FYI - For those not from Oklahoma, the "City" means Oklahoma City). Its "our" thing, and we both get excited about any opportunity that comes our way to see a new show.

I read in the local paper about a new play that the Playhouse was presenting and had every intention of talking to Michael about going....but...with a crazy work week, I plum forgot. Well, thankfully my awesome mama called on Tuesday and asked if we would like to use her tickets since she and my step-dad (Vic) wouldn't be able to go. Michael didn't need much persuading, and we snatched those tickets up quick!

The play was Steel Magnolia's (like the movie), and I just knew it would be a treat to watch a play version of a movie that I truly enjoyed.



So, tonight was the night. We picked up our tickets,



found our seats, and enjoyed a sweet story about 6 ladies hanging out in a beauty shop. And I didn't mind once that we were missing Grey's tonight.

(we look exhausted in this pic but still had a great evening)



Too much fun!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

My List 1998

February 24 1998-March 31 1998 I made a list with my discipleship leader. This list was full of high expectations and lofty dreams. It was written by a girl, that at the time, wanted to feel completely independent and not have a relationship define her nor complete her.

My life was pretty easy in 1998.



Totally involved at the BSU and really learning a ton about myself and what kind of life I wanted to lead, I was a Sophomore at the University of Oklahoma (Go Sooners) studying business and living in the dorms for a second year with a great roomie. Although, at the time, life seemed kinda complicated, in reality, it sooo wasn't at all. At the time I was reading, "Lady In Waiting." This was the first time in my life that I truly understood what it meant to call Jesus my Bridegroom. For some reason, before reading this book, it was just a concept that was a bit weird for me.

From my journal on Jan 21, 1998

"When we fall in love, we give that person our heart. God wants no less! He deserves no less! The fullness of devotion comes from a walk with God in complete fellowship."

Some of that could be quoting the book - not sure - but I know some of it is my words too.

So back to my list. It's a list of qualities (along with verses to back it up) that I desired in a husband. Here it is...

1. Seeks God - is a Christian (Rom 8:5 & 9)
2. He loves his wife as he loves the church (Eph 5:1 & 25-28)
3. Spiritual leader (Eph 5:22-23)
4. Active in some type of ministry (Eph 4:1 & 2:10, Matt 28: 19-20)
5. Good Communicator (Prov 11:9, 20:5, 18:13, 21)
6. Respectful of myself & others (Heb 12:14-15, Eph 5:33)
7. Refuses to jump ahead of God's timing (Psalm 37:3-7)
8. Maintains proper relationships (Heb 12:14)
With family (Ex 20.12)
With other men (II Tim 2:2)
With other woman (Matt 5:28)
9. Has integrity and does not compromise (I Tim 5:21-22, 6:11, Titus 2:6-8)
Integrity characteristics - honest, trustworthy, obedient (to God), pure...
10. Self-controlled (I Thes 4:3-7, Gal 5:2-26, Titus 2:6-8)
11. Provider (Eph 5:28-30)
12. Sensitive spirit - to me and to others (Eph 4:29, II Cor 1:24, Gal 6:9-10)
Speaks my love language
Seeks to understand what makes me tick
13. Understands the importance of feelings and emotions (Col 3:12)
14. Humble enough to be a disciple (teachable) & able to disciple others (II Tim 2:2)
15. Family Man - raises children properly for God's glory (Prov 22:6)

And if this list wasn't long enough, I also had "Bonus items" that weren't really Biblical qualities - just things that I would like in a husband.

*Romantic
*Good sense of humor
*Musically inclined
*Stable family background
*Can be spontaneous (which I have such a hard time with!)
*Can talk with me easily but can also just be still and silent
*Respects my tender/sensitive sides
*Sense of direction
*Gives good back rubs

So, like I said before. This list was from a gal with just crazy high expectations that really seem unreasonable to want ALL of them. However, I knew when writing it that it wasn't something my future husband would be 100% in all areas. I just wanted to see growth or desire in them at least.

Michael and I started dating on April 30, 2004. We were engaged Feb 2005 and married Oct 15, 2005. Sometime between April 2004 and Feb 2005, I found "My List," and read it to Michael. He was a bit intimidated by the whole thing, but with tears in my eyes I explained to him how awesome this was!! I wrote this list, not knowing him, not knowing where my life would take me. I was just listening to God as He put desires in my heart and helped me write them down on paper. Michael fits in all my "categories." He may not be 100% in all of them, but I do know he desires to grow where God leads him and that's what's important.

A crazy, lofty dreams gal who really hadn't lived much life made a list and in turn got to see the hand of God leading her through years and years of life and learning.

I love you honey.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Goofy Us

Our family loves to take pictures....especially goofy ones...









Ya...the goofier, the better.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Will my feet fall off?

Boots. I have a fantastic pair of purply red boots. They are maroon in color but I just don't think that name does them justice in the description dept. So, instead they are purply red.


I've had these awesome boots for years but only worn them a handful of times. Purply red is a difficult color to match up with an ensemble. I honestly can't remember the last time these boots touched actual feet unless they were just scooted to the side of the closet to make room for other cute shoes...that is until today...

I started the day off wearing some black ballet slippers with black pants (always black pants) a maroon colored top and black cardigan. Well, its a icky fall day with drizzle rain and wind. When I got to work, the rain wasn't too bad and I made it into my warm office without a problem. BUT, by lunchtime the parking lot had puddles everywhere.

Come to find out, I'm really good at stepping in all of them. Especially big puddles that my pant cuffs somehow fling up so the rest of my pant leg gets wet too. Its an amazing talent really. One that is more innate then taught.

So after chillin' at home and eating some leftovers, I decided that my soggy feet needed a lift from the puddles and realized that today's outfit would work great with my purply red boots. YEAH! Well, not so much - I have never tried to "suck in" my feet before but that's exactly what it felt like when I crammed my feet into these lovely boots. These babies fit fine when I bought them....its not like my feet size fluctuates THAT much.

Do they make spanx for feet??

So, after a bit of prayer and sweat and groaning, my feet were in the stupid boots. Now came the hard part - zipping them up. Oh my goodness that was like trying to get a size 2 in a size 12. But again, by the grace of God my prayers were answered and those horrible boots zipped up. Unfortunately, this whole ordeal caused my tardiness at work.

So now, moving on 2 hours....my feet are numb...throbbing numb. See, you would think the fact that the horrendous boots did not want to be wrapped around my feet today would be enough to make me change shoes, but noooo. So if that's not reason enough then at least the fact that today is an extremely busy day at work where I am up and down constantly having to walk around the bank - you would THINK that might make me rethink my shoe attire choices. Again, nope! I'm still wearing those stupid things.

I'm learning though that as long as I keep my feet straight in front of me and don't wiggle my toes much then I'm good. Not too uncomfortable and just a slight numbing feeling.

So, my feet aren't going to fall off from lack circulation, right???

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Ya...its a cop out...sue me!

Welcome to the new 2008 edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun. I'm tagging all my blogger friends...so if you read this...ya gotta do it!

Have fun and be truthful!

1. What is your occupation right now?
Banker Extraordinaire, Parent to two fabulous kids, and Wife to a open hearted, loving hubby.

2. What color are your socks right now?
I'm so embarrassed. I'm not wearing socks! (probably TMI, I know!)

3. What are you listening to right now?
The washer running, the TV (which no one is watching right now...how wasteful), the movement of a walmart sack that Shelby is filling with who knows what, and Austin trying to get her attention.

4. What was the last thing that you ate?
A brownie...and yes, I just had ONE. Yeah me.

5. Can you drive a stick shift?
I can do the shifting part when someone yells, "Shift!"

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My momma

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yes, it was my Aunt Charlene...aka Annie Chuck or Char

8. How old are you today?
31 years 2 months and 1 day

9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Football. Preferably OU Football

10. What is your favorite drink?
Dt. Dr. Pepper, Raspberry Ice Tea (fountain variety), and Starbucks Vanilla Latte with Hazelnut.

11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
A few times in college but I leave it Au-naturel these days.

12.Favorite food?
Depends on my mood. Mexican sounds yummy right about now.

13. What is the last movie you watched?
Oceans 13. I would say it was an ok movie but the first was a ton better.

14. Favorite day of the year?
I have several. My anniversary is the one I chose to answer with today.

15. How do you vent anger?
Depends on with whom I am angry. If I'm angry with my hubby or close friends - I will tell them. Hubby should already know before I even say I'm angry. If I'm angry with a random person, then I'll still probably vent to my hubby or close friends.

16. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Probably my Barbies, My Little Ponies, and Strawberry Shortcake Dolls. I loved all the girly stuff

17. What is your favorite season?
Tie between Fall and Winter but both have drawbacks (all seasons do really).
With Fall, comes football season, pretty leaves as the trees change, and cool weather, BUT you also have to rake those lovely leaves and end up with tons of wind in Oklahoma.
As for Winter, I love the snow falling where it covers all the grass and the streets are wet but not slick. You get hot chocolate and fires and s'mores, BUT you get ice storms and black ice and sleet.
18. Cherries or Blueberries?
Cherries totally cherries.

19. Living arrangements?
With my hubby, 2 kids, and 2 dogs.

20. When was the last time you cried?
I think 2 nights ago but wasn't like a BIG cry.

21. What is on the floor of your closet?
Some shoes

22. What did you do last night?
Rocked out with the family and blogged about it.

23. What are you most afraid of?
Death of a loved one. Also kinda scared about business leaving Ponca.

24. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
cheese

25. Favorite dog breed?
Shi-tzus of course!

26. Favorite day of the week?
Saturday

27. How many states have you lived in?
One - ya kinda boring but I like Oklahoma

28. Diamonds or pearls?
diamonds baby! they are a girl's BFF

29. What is your favorite flower?
Stargazer Lily or Roses (without baby's breath - I hate baby's breath)

Ok peeps, get to surveying!!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

We make rockin' look easy

So far, this weekend has been a typical one at the Nephew House.

Last night Shelby had a friend spend the night, and they decided to make Guitar Hero into a true group effort.





Yes, three of them are playing the drums together. (silly,silly)

Tonight, it was all Michael and Austin. First Michael cooked dinner. Burritos...mmm, yummy goodness, and then ROCK TIME!

Austin began the rock show with a few slick guitar moves...



Then the boys rocked out together. (I knew that rocker wig would come in handy!)





I caught Shelby praying during their performance. I have a feeling her words included, "when will it end??"



Dont' worry. Shelby "Livin' On a Prayer" Nephew got her chance to play later, but the highlight of the evening was definitely watching Austin's dance moves.



He is such a nut.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Office Space



One of my favorite movies ever! Such classic office humor - the fax machine - the corporate downsizing - the territorial red stapler guy. I simply loves it! Oh, and the receptionist with the annoying voice - oh so wonderful!

My professional career began a little over 7 years ago when I began working for a bank. Its the longest job I've ever had. Its like I'm a real adult or something. The majority of those 7 years were in the Data Dept (operations area) where I had several "hats." Our workspace consisted of several desk areas in a large room that was locked to the outside employees (literally). In total, I worked with 5 other people in that space that we called the fishbowl. I had my own desk area, but no real personal office. So, about 1 1/2 years ago I changed depts. and moved to the New Accounts/ Customer Service area. With this move, I also got my first official office space ever in my life. It was a pretty monumental moment in my professional life.

I figured there must be others out there in the world who are just now acquiring their own first office spaces and have no idea how to handle it. When you have an office there are several things that are a must...

Music...gotta have the tunes!



Computer with lovely background pictures...



Phone, tape, and stapler (although mine isn't red - it is a Staples brand which is like the coolest stapler ever)



Calculator is a HUGE must when working at a bank along with daily calendar and loads of pens...



And correction tape...can't be a complete office without the correction tape.



When working with a wide variety of clientele, it is imperative to have lots of hand sanitizer...



...and drink plenty of water.



If at all possible, make sure to get an office with a window.



Its even better if that window comes with a view (well, all windows come with a view...but make it a GOOD view)



The best part about having an office is decorating it! So put a little personal touch on your space...





I love the picture Austin drew of me. He even put me in a bank shirt!



Hopefully this tutorial has helped the office space neophytes out there!! Good luck!