What I love about Oklahoma

As almost all my friends know, I have an extreme love and loyalty to Oklahoma. Some people call it a fly-over state, but I see it as an up-and-coming area that has the perfect combination of hospitality, charm and determination.

That being said, I found one more reason to love Oklahoma this past week.

Find photo at the official facebook page

Did you know that Mike Morgan, Chief Meteorologist of Channel 4, has a severe weather tie that is BEDAZZLED? Amid the fear of the recent tornado outbreak here in the heartland, this was the only bright spot in an afternoon of destruction.

I'm not usually a Morgan-watcher (mostly because he reminds me of Uncle Albert on Bewitched). During the snowpocalypse I had a crush on Rick Mitchell of channel 5, but Mike Morgan is far more entertaining when the weather is more serious. There was a lot of yelling, especially when David Payne was trying to get his attention. Thanks to the tie and their crazy antics, the News 4 crew made a life-threatening situation a little more bearable.

So here's to you, Mike! I hope I don't have to see your tie for a while, but I will be watching you next time the occasion calls for it.

Cruisin' for a bruisin'

I just spent the past five days celebrating my birthday--well, and life, in general--on the Carnival Ecstasy and in Progresso and Cozumel. Honestly, cruising was a wonderful . And sometime between reading, imbibing (not too much, don't worry), dancing and flirting (a lot), I did find time to really think about my life. It wasn't planned, it just sort of happened. Which is ironic, because I've discovered my theme for my 23rd year: to live in the moment. But more on that in a minute.

I had what I am going to call my "profound thoughts". They may not actually be that profound, but I felt like they were extremely applicable to my life right now. And since you are SO interested, I am going to list them here.

1. From here on out, I am going to treat every birthday as a celebration. For some reason, after 21 birthdays feel like something to dread instead of something to celebrate. It's like, "Oh no, I'm 25 and I don't have a super established job or a husband yet. I'm behind." But it doesn't have to be that way, and I am determined that I am going to celebrate each passing birthday as a way to honor the past and a method of hoping for good things in the future. I am proud of where I am today--content, even--and I want to feel the same way when I am 35, or 48, or beyond. 
2. Speaking of measuring the passing time, I am tired of the seasons of my life being defined by the guy I like at the time. There is more to my life than that, obviously, but when I think back on my past, the emotions associated with guys are what float to the top. I don't really know how to change this about myself, but maybe it is time to start. Boys are great, but I think my life should be about more than that. At least for now.
3. Which brings me to my final point. The day before my birthday I decided I wanted to use the cruise to help me figure out the focus for my next year. As I was sitting on the deck one, day it came to me, as clear and certain as if someone actually said it. This year, my theme will be living in the moment. Not only does this mean that I will actively focus on worrying less, I will also build up contentment in my life. No more wishing for the future while ignoring the present. I know that I am the weirdo, type-A planner by nature, so a little more spontaneity in my life is needed for me to realize that I am NOT in control. And you know what? The world will go on turning when I don't have my fingers tightly grasping it.

birthday week

I know it isn't my birthday yet, but I can't help but feel like it has started early. When I went home this weekend, look what I found waiting for me!

I feel like a spoiled brat posting this, but my dad got me a pony horse for my birthday, and I couldn't be more excited. He got me a solid black filly, because about 7 years ago I mentioned that I would like to have one. He has a great memory! 

I'm also going to see Fleet Foxes in Dallas on Wednesday, we are wrapping up the Loveworks tutoring initiative for the school year this week, and then I am leaving on Saturday for a cruise to Mexico. 

Obviously, I am excited about this week! I love going on adventures, and having a vacation will be such a nice break. And then, a summer of working and finishing up some lingering projects around the house. I need to work on finishing my scrapbooks, making a T-shirt quilt (I have about 40 shirts that I never wear but don't want to donate), and reading a ton of books that I haven't finished. I think I'll miss the lazy days of summer but it might be fun to work, too. I'll choose to stay positive about it for now :)

What does this dream say about me?

Two nights ago I, predictably, dreamt of the Royal Wedding. Princes William and Harry were there, but in my dream, there was a third brother. Can you guess who it was?

Ron Weasley. Yes, that's right. I dreamt that Ron Weasley, Harry Potter's BFF, was actually Prince Ron, Prince Harry's younger brother. Hey, they both have red hair.

This isn't the first time that I have confused Harry Potter world with real world. In fact, I once confused a legendary OC professor's life story with that of Albus Dumbledore.

You can draw your own conclusions about the state of my subconscious.

Happy Sunday!

From the tombs of Westminster Abby, c.a. 1100 A.D.

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights and decided to change only my country.

 But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would them have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed my world.