odds and ends.

So, you guys know that I've been a little less than enthusiastic about sitting down and putting together a coherent blog post lately. Well, here's my attempt at telling you what's been goin' on with me.

• A little over two weeks ago was OU/Texas {has it really been that long??}. And, it was by far one of the more fun times I've had in Dallas the first weekend in October {or third, or second ... but you get the idea}. Not only did my Sooners pull out the win, but we got to see tons of people and enjoy a little down time -- a rarity on such a crazy weekend.

• In some bad news somewhat connected with OU/Texas, Gus is having eye issues. On Thursday morning {before we hit the road for Dallas} when John was set to take the dogs to the vet, he noticed that Gus' right eye was red and weeping. So, he took him to the vet immediately. We called later and they said he'd be just fine. John picked up the pugs on Monday morning, and Gus had some eye drops we had to give him and we scheduled another appointment for Friday. Cue Friday -- the vet didn't like what he saw, which really freaked me out. We made an appointment with a veterinary opthamalogist {yep, they exist} for Monday and were sent home with several more drops and a salve to keep his eye lubricated. On Monday we met with the opthamalogist and she didn't seem as concerned. She gave us ANOTHER drop and an antibiotic and we're going back to see her tomorrow. The worst part about it is that some of the drops really sting and it breaks my heart to see him all squinty. :(

• Last weekend we drove to Tulsa for a wedding. The groom was one of J's pledge brothers, and we got to see tons of people we haven't seen in years! It was a beautiful wedding. And, the couple was off to Maui for their honeymoon {where we went almost four years ago} and I couldn't be more jealous. The weather there is great this time of year {and really, is there a bad time of year?}.

J and some college buddies enjoying the glow accessories at the wedding!

• This weekend we had some friends come in town for the OU game against Iowa State. It was their first football game in Norman since before they had their little girl, and we're glad they chose to stay with us again. And, my parents made the trek to Norman again -- a long and very tedious drive, but I'm so glad I got to see them!

•Today is my Mom's birthday! Happy birthday Mom, I'm glad you were in town this weekend so we could do a little celebrating together!

My mom and nephew, Hunter. Thanksgiving '09

• And, last but certainly not least. I have a little news to share with my bloggy buddies: I'm pregnant. I was 11 weeks yesterday and have my second doctor's appointment this Thursday when we hope to hear our baby's heartbeat and maybe see the first glimpse of our newest family member! And, ps, if I haven't told you in person and you're having to find this out on the blog -- I'm so sorry! It's been so tough to keep the news in and I've been trying my best to tell everyone I can before doing any kind of announcement!

only the greatest football weekend of the year.

In just 24 hours, I'm hittin' the road for Dallas for what is usually one of the most fun weekends of the year. Yep, OU/texas!

Although Texas lost last week {what is their deal with UCLA??}, this game hasn't lost its luster. No matter what happens the week before or the week after, we Sooners know that the Longwhorns are going to play their best.

Now, somewhat less important than the game itself, is the clothes and the food.

If you've never been to the Texas State Fair, then you've never had a Fletcher's Corny Dog, or any of the amazing fried concoctions. Since the game is at 2:30 this year {thank you, football scheduling gods, for giving us a little extra time before the game}, we'll have plenty of time to hang out by Big Tex and sample just about anything our little hearts desire.

I got a dress at a boutique in Norman a couple weeks ago that I was saving for OU/texas. Although I don't have a pic of it, you can rest assured it's the perfect shade of crimson and it's, of course, cute. The big question is whether or not to jump on the bandwagon and wear boots with it? What do you think?

What are you doing this weekend?

i'm alllive!

I'm sure you guys have been not at all worried wondering where I disappeared to, huh?

I can assure you, I'm fine, just busy and not at all finding time in the evenings to blog. Sorry!

Last weekend we had tons of family in town for a big football game against Florida State {thankfully we looked tons better than our season opener}. My brother {in Denver}, his father in law, his brother in law, my parents, my other brother {in Austin}, my aunt and uncle and cousin were all in Norman for a mini reunion of sorts. Although they were pretty much all here from Thursday to Sunday, I still didn't feel like we had enough time together!

Not only did we have tons of family in town, we also had a couple of friends staying out our house for the game. Needless to say, we were torn in many different directions -- always stressful, but it was beyond nice to have everyone together for something other than a holiday.

Then, my brother {in Austin} and my dad came back up for the Air Force game this weekend {too bad we looked more like the team that played Utah State, than the one that showed up against Florida State...}.

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So, life has been super busy, but definitely good.

Hopefully I'll be back more frequently this week!

Hope you guys all had a fabulous weekend!

this weekend.

{I started this last night, but J hogged the computer before I could finish and post...}

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This is exactly what's been on my mind all weekend in regard to the coming week. But, in the spirit of the holiday weekend, I took full advantage and relaxed as much as I could.

Wow. From Friday night until this moment, I've been enjoying the long weekend.

I was lazy on Friday night while John took pictures at the high school football game. I woke up late on Saturday and lazed around until I needed to get ready for the first OU football game of the 2010 season {more on that later}. I don't think I left the house at all yesterday. And, today has been equally lazy -- I caught up on tv shows {Vampire Diaries from last season} and snoozed. I tried to be good and get some work done today, but the universe was not in my favor -- no internet at the office. So I came home and called it good.

Needless to say, I had a great, lazy weekend, and I was not excited about the start of another  {long and stressful} work week.

On the bright side: I have lots of family coming in on Thursday night for Saturday's game. And, everyone, if you have a spare second while saying your prayers, throw one in for the Sooners. No one wants an embarassing loss at home after an embarassing win at home.

Later lovelies! Enjoy your week!

week in review

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Wow, this week has been super busy.

• I finished up another issue of our magazine and took it to the press on Tuesday. Even with a few setbacks {ahem, someone completely flaking on us...}, we got it turned in and approved.

• We had a setback with Dish Network, but then got it all worked out and got our new tv set up in our bedroom. {One of my favorite things is to watch tv in bed. I know, it's not the best, but I love it.}

• I'm joining Junior League, and last night was my first JL activity. We did a scavenger hunt {I know...but it's really a good way to get to know people with minimal awkwardness} and then everyone had dinner together. I couldn't stay for dinner.

• I couldn't stay for dinner because the restaurant I did design work for was having a soft opening {that's what it's called right?} and I had to see everything in person! If you're in OKC, you have to go to the new Texadelphia in Lower Bricktown. If not to eat the food, at least to see all the cool stuff I did for the inside!

• Nothing is planned for tonight, but a couple friends of ours are having a birthday BBQ tomorrow. So fun!

Have a good weekend lovelies!

i. can't. wait.

The brother-in-law has taken to counting down the days until the official start of college football {which starts on a Thursday night}.

OU opens the season on Saturday, September 4 against Utah State. 32 days from today.

Who's excited?

Here's last year's video. Considering how injury-prone the Sooners were, let's hope they can find enough good snippets to put together a decent intro video for 2010!



Did you get goosebumps?? I did ...

auntie em and unkie john.

We had the best time in Denver with my brother, sister-in-law and niece and nephew. It's been awhile since we'd spent a lot of time with a toddler and a 4 year old, but wow, by the time we got back to Oklahoma, we were exhausted! Kudos to B & T for putting up with those two, because they are nonstop! But I can safely say, we loved every minute of it.

On Saturday we loaded up the car {4 adults and two carseats...} and headed to downtown Denver. We had breakfast at Sam's 3 and then after hearing requests for it all through the meal, we walked toward the mall area and rode a MallRide bus. We even made it to Hard Rock Cafe so J could get a Denver guitar pin to add to his {dorky} collection. After that we went to the historic and gorgeous Brown Palace. That hotel is out of a different era. It's so retro and classic. I'd love to stay there sometime.

After our downtown adventure we loaded back into the car {again, 4 adults and two carseats} and headed back south to B&Ts house. When we got back, we played with the kids some and then it was naptime! Ha...now I realize why every parent loves naptime so much. The quiet was welcome!

After nap, we went to the neighborhood park/pool where one of our nephew's friends was having a birthday party. The rain came and went and by the time we made it, we skipped the pool and played on the swings and ran around on the playground equipment. Hannah stayed on the swings 98% of the time we were there and she insisted that J push her on the swing. She wouldn't have it any other way.

We had dinner at B&Ts that night {kabobs, mac&cheese and artichokes} and then we just hung out and played with the kids. 

I know both J and I had a great time. I really wish that they all lived closer so we could see them way more often. But, I guess, for now, we'll have to really enjoy the times that we get to spend with them and make a better effort of going out to Denver to see them {and them coming to see us!}. 

But, honestly, they need to move closer. 

this weekend.

J and I are catching a plane to Denver to see my brother, sister in law and these two crazies. I can't wait!

What are you guys up to?

who has two thumbs and won a tv Saturday night?

I do!

At the banquet for the 2nd Annual Billy Khourie Memorial Golf Tournament there was a raffle for several big ticket items: an all expenses paid trip to Vegas, floor seats to a Thunder game and a signed basketball, an iPad. Oh, and a 40" Samsung TV.

With the thought that raffle tickets were only $15, J was going to buy 2 for the tv and one for the Vegas trip. Turns out the tickets were $30 a piece, but he'd already ordered up what he wanted, and since it was for charity, he couldn't really ask for his money back.

And, really, in the end, we won a bomb TV for the total cost of $75 {his brother gave us $15 for part of one of the tickets}. Not a bad deal, if you ask me.

Now our main issue is figuring out where to put it.

I'd say it's a good problem to have.

the last rodeo.

Contrary to popular belief {mine}, J loves baseball. And the Sooners.

So, when OU beat Virginia in the super regionals and made it to Omaha for the College World Series for the first time in 15 years, we had to go.

This was our conversation:

J: When's the College World series again?

E: I think it's this weekend. That's what I keep hearing.

J: Are you sure it's this weekend?

E: Well that's what they keep saying.

J: Look it up. Is it really this weekend?

E: Ugh! {looking, looking...} Yes, it starts this weekend.

J: I'm thinking about going.

E: With who?

J: YOU!

After that conversation and some mapquesting, it was a real possibility that we'd be packing up the car and hitting the road for Omaha.

Once we got the tickets and the hotel reservations, it was a done deal. Omaha or bust!

Saturday morning we were off. Our plan was to drive to Topeka and stay the night there and then drive in to Omaha for our 1pm game on Sunday. 

The drive to Topeka was easy and only about 4.5 hours, and even though we had a bit of directions mishap {the upside was getting to see downtown Topeka!}, it was relatively easy to get to and find our hotel. That even we hung out and then had dinner at On the Border. I know, I know...we should have gone somewhere local, but I've been having a bit of a fajita obsession and I had to get my fix. 

We went to bed early on Saturday night because we knew we'd have to hit the road around 7 or 7:30 for the 3 hour drive to Omaha. {We wanted to get there early to pick up our tickets and walk around}

Unfortunately it rained on us the whole way there {an omen for weather to come in Omaha}, but we made it just fine -- and brought the rain with us. 

By game time the rain had mostly stopped, but I guess there was lightening in the area, which means the game was delayed. Around 1:45 or so, they told us that they were going to wait until 3 to make a decision as to when they would start the game. So, to make the most of the delay, J and I left the stadium and wandered to a bar down the street, Starsky's.

It was packed, but we had a blast! We met several people who were native Omahans {is that even right?}. They go to the CWS every year and all of them expressed how sad they were that the NCAA and the city of Omaha were tearing down Rosenblatt and building a newer stadium down the street.

We stayed at Starky's for about 3 or 4 hours and some of our new friends bought us some beer! By around 4:45 or so we'd heard that our guys were warming up and that the first pitch would be thrown at 5:24 {so exact}.

The weather for the next two hours was pretty perfect. Sunny, cool and with a nice breeze. But, then around 7:30 the game was delayed again for more lightening in the area. This delay was not fun. We left the stadium and stood outside and people-watched and then walked around inside and then finally just went to some seats to sit down. The game started again at 9, with only about a third of the spectators. 

Even though we all had a mild heart attack in the last inning, the Sooners won and went home {tired and} victorious! Oh, and whatever lightening it was that caused the first two delays was nothing in comparison to the lightening show we had at the end of the game.

The countryside between central Emporia and Omaha is really pretty. Around Emporia are the flint hills. They span for miles and there are cows of different colors everywhere. And then on the way to Omaha from Topeka there are tons of old abandoned barns and hills and tons of creeks, and streams and rivers. So pretty. I have some pics of barns, but I'll save that for a post of its own.

mustaches, chest hair and 'fros, oh my.

Last Saturday I went to a bachelorette party for a sorority sister, Amy, in Dallas.

I went down on Friday night to stay with another friend, and can I tell you that traffic was awful? I was anticipating terrible Dallas traffic, but I didn't anticipate being in park on I35 in Denton for an hour. Yep, you read that right -- park, Denton and an hour. Not fun.

Anyway, when I made it to Dallas I had a great time. Libby and I had dinner at Hacienda and then chilled. On Saturday we ran some errands kind early -- her vet, Target, Nordstrom Rack and then lunch and then layed {laid?} out at her apartment pool. We were done with our errands pretty early and it reminded us of the time my friend Kelly and I had "lots of errands to do" freshman year of college. So we left the dorms at like 10 with the intention of doing our errands and then getting a cheesy gordita crunch from Taco Bell {our obsession at the time}. Well, we were at TB by 10:30. Hilarious!

Back to the bachelorette party.

We met at one of bride's friend's condos and drank and played games and then hit the bars. One of the games we played was such a great idea.

Four of the girls had come up with 8 or 9 questions about Amy and then they had a poster with numbers 1-33 on there that corresponded with a "costume." So, you chose a number and then a question was chosen at random. If you got it right, you could pass your costume on to someone else, if you got it wrong, you had to wear it. A great idea, really!

I got both of my questions wrong and ended up with a Pinocchio nose and a mustache.

Chi Os -- me minus my mustache. Amy is the one with the champagne bottle. Don't you love the chest hair??

Group picture taken with the timer -- my idea! ha...

At some point in the night I might have put my nose in my purse and traded my mustache for the 'fro.

thanks for letting me us your pics, Megan!

We had a great time going from bar to bar and then when it was time to go home, I knew we were staying at Amy's but I didn't know we'd be taking an hour-long cab ride up to Frisco with the slowest driver ever! It makes for a good story, though. 

Have you ever worn a mustache at a bachelorette party?

tell me are you a Christian child ...

Ma'am I aaam tonight!

Name that song.

Time's up ... Walking in Memphis. And, walking in Memphis is just what J and I might be doing later this summer.

Memphis has always been on our list of places we'd really like to visit and since it's much closer to Oklahoma than we thought {only a 4 or 5 hour drieve!} it might just happen this summer.

A couple of my friends have been several times and their must-sees are as follows:

Ducks at the Peabody Hotel

These ducks have it made -- they walk a red carpet everyday. 

Beale Street

Graceland

Chi Omega National Headquarters 

Those are the high points, and, really, for a weekend-long trip, that's probably all we'll be able to do. Well, that and eat. 

So, speaking of eating, what are some must-eat places? I hear that Gus' has the best fried chicken, but where else should we go? J loves BBQ, so no matter where we go, I'm sure he'll be in BBQ heaven. 

And, now, since I'm jonesin' for a little Marc Cohn, here's the video for Walkin' In Memphis.

8 days a week

It's been raining for the last four days, and according the the weathermen, there's really no end in sight.

You already know about the scary weather on Monday, so, I won't bore you with the weather we've been having, except to tell you that the last two nights we've had Lily in bed with us. She hates thunderstorms.

On Wednesday night, I hardly slept {thanks to that cute pug changing positions all night} from 4:30 on and last night we put Lily in the bed around the same time and she slept a lot more.

Ok, on to more fun things. Yesterday I got my hair cut. It had been months since I'd gone in, and even though I usually have much shorter hair, I decided to keep it a little longer for now. She only cut an inch off!

And, before my hair appointment, I did a little browsing. I've had the shopping bug lately, and I wanted to go by Forever21 to see if they had this cute top in the store so I wouldn't have to order it and pay for shipping. No such luck.

It's only $15. Maybe I'll order it anyway. 

Old Navy was also on my list of places. I've been needing some basics and I can usually count on ON to have what I want for cheap. 

Unfortunately, they didn't have a whole lot, but I did happen upon a cute grey distressed jean jacket that was on sale for $13 from $35! I'm wearing it today!

I still have the shopping bug, but I'm refraining for now. But, in an attempt to satisfy my need to buy things, I'm going to post a couple things that I've had my eye on.

Ruffle Floral dress from Pink Ice $35

Colette Necklace from Stella & Dot $138

Blooming Brilliance blouse from Anthropologie on sale for $159

If you've been reading for a while, you know that I'm lusting after more than just 3 things, but I'll spare you. 

For once, we don't have much going on this weekend, just a graduation party tomorrow evening. And, if this rain actually lets up, we might just doing a little work in the front yard.

Have a good weekend!!