New Adventure

For the past year now, I've slowly picked up a hobby. I even blogged about wanting to try it during my NaBloPoMo adventure in Nov 2008. Notice, I didn't participate in the "adventure" in 2009....ya...totally got me burnt out on blogging. I'm not sure I've ever fully recovered.

....Sadness, I know.

So, I'm embarking on a new adventure. My hobby for making cards and other creative paper projects could potentially turn into MORE. I took the plunge and am signing up to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator. Now, not only do I get to create fun projects, but I can host club events to show others how to make them too! With a full time job as Ms. Banker Extraordinaire, I'm not sure how big of an endeavor this will turn into, but I'm still excited.

My friend and craft buddy, Jamie, and I have started a new blog called Crafting Among Friends. There, you can find current projects and crafting ideas. Eventually, I hope to use it to show my Stampin' Up projects too.

So, I guess for now - just wish me luck - oh, and if you would like to have a paper crafting party, just let me know!!! :)

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!!

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)

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!!

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!!

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.

Arkalalah

Last year was my first taste of Arkalalah, and although I'm still not sure what it means definition wise, experience wise - it is full of fun times!

This year my co-horts consisted of Jamie (aka The Party Planner)



Julie B (aka Jasper - at least that's what Jamie likes to call her these days)



and Laurie (aka PW)



Basically, Arkalalah is an excuse to eat horribly calorie filled foods that are batter dipped and deep fried. I was, however, pleasantly surprised with my self control this year. Dinner consisted of a chicken gyro, which can be pronounced JEYE-ro OR Guy-ro depending on your upbringing. Laurie is from Arkansas, so whenever she pronounces anything, entertainment is always quick to follow. We actually had a lengthy conversation about how she over pronounces "Arkalalah." Basically, the 'h' is left off but she proudly draws out the entire thing (think Deck the Halls-Fa lah lah lah lah...) Anyway, may not be funny now, but it was hilarious last week.

We made several discoveries during our adventure as well...

Jamie and I realized that we can crack up at will. Honestly, I'm not 100% sure what was so funny...



We also learned that Laurie is a total ham. Well, we kinda already KNEW that, but she continued to show up with her hilarity throughout the evening...



Laurie found the biggest straw known to man...



Julie was thrilled with her ketchup discovery (fried foods NEED ketchup)...



Jamie learned that port-a-potties can be fun...



We all discovered that chocolate dipped Cheesecake on a stick is one of the best inventions ever. (although I'm not exactly sure what Laurie was doing here..it looks like she is contemplating throwing the remains of her cheesecake at Julie B, but it never happened)



Apparently, cheesecake on a stick can cause rotting of teeth! (I did mention that Laurie is a riot, right?)



Although I didn't get a picture of it, I discovered that $1 Hot Chocolate isn't always fancy with whipped cream on top. Sometimes you are just paying for the labor of stirring in the Swiss Miss packet. Crazy stuff.

Can't wait for next year's adventures!!

Thankfully I don't golf!

From the moment I was welcomed into this world, the Cherokee Strip Golf Tournament has always been a bit of an issue. Since it always conflicted with the tournament, I basically can't recall a birthday when my family celebrated it on the actual day. I have grown to accept this and now actually benefit from it!!

A post or two ago, I mentioned the fact that we are big OU Fans. For the past few years, Michael and I had the privilege of attending a game once or twice a year due to my generous brother's busy schedule. He has season tickets along with a parking pass and Sooner Club Tailgate pass. The Tailgate is always a huge highlight of our trip to Norman. Free food = Happy Nephew's!

Because my brother, Jeff, has a love for golf and plays in the Strip, he is never able to go to the OU game that week. Thankfully, we aren't avid golfers and are more than happy to go to the game in his place!

This year he asked if we wanted all four tickets which we replied, "uh....YES!" (Happy Birthday to ME!) I quickly called up my Sooner lovin' friend Jamie to see if she and her hubby Jackson wanted to join us. I wasn't sure Jackson would be up for an OU game since he roots for that other Oklahoma school. After rearranging their schedule a bit, Jamie called back and said they would love to go plus it was their 11 year Anniversary - so what a way to celebrate! Michael and I always have a ball at the games, and I knew Jamie would be super fun since she's never experienced Sooner Magic at a live game before. This was going to be soooo much fun!!!

So, Saturday rolls around and we get up kinda early (for a Saturday at least) and are on the road with Starbucks in hand by 9:30ish. On the drive there, Jamie gave me a hard time about all my OU paraphernalia but you gotta represent when rooting for the Sooners!

Once in Norman, we made our way down Lindsay St to the stadium. The parking pass is for a parking garage right next (literally) to the stadium. My generous brother, in all his adding babies to the world thing, forgot to add us to "the list." This worried me at first but the guard just waved us through....although then it meant the car went into the "bomb search" line. Ya, thanks brother Jeff. Anyway, we got into our amazing parking spot, and walked over to the Tailgate party for some yummy yummy food.

Jamie and Jackson are such a cute couple!

Next was the game. We found our seats and got ready for the game. I gave Jamie a bit of pointers on how the game works....well...not so much about the football part but about OU's traditions. I was so proud when I looked over during a kickoff and saw Jamie's finger proudly pointing toward the sky and hearing her yell, "OOOOOOOOUUUUU."

Ok, so maybe that isn't Jamie's hand - but you get the idea.

Best part was that my Sooners kicked Cincinnati's tail! Score Sooners - 52 Bearcats - 26.

We wrapped up our day of fun with yummy dinner at Abuelo's. Overall, a great way to celebrate an Anniversary and a Birthday!!