You always know what time of year it is on Facebook. It's Christmas, Finals Week, Spring Break, and lately, Memorial Day Weekend. Everyone has a status update about where they are going to go for the first 3 day weekend of good weather. I think that's great. Everyone should have a mini-vacation. However, I hope that we're all remembering and taking time to reflect on the real reason why we're getting this 3 day weekend. It's a day to remember those men and women who died in military service. My grandpa, who served in the army and fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars. In 2001, he died on memorial day, partially due to the effect that Agent Orange exposure had on his body and the way he was able to handle medication. Every year, when memorial day comes along, I think about him and say a prayer. I miss him and appreciate him for his never failing love as well as his service. He was a true model of a Godly man. He practiced patience in a manner that I doubt I will ever master. It is likely that Joe (my little brother) will be the first male in my family to not serve in the military, and I have to say that makes me very happy. I believe it is courageous to be in the military, but if he enlisted I would constantly be filled with worry for him. I suppose I am selfish like that. But, knowing Joe and the man he is shaping to be (he is extremely like my Grandpa), if he was presented with something he believed in fighting for, he would step up too. I hope that everyone has a great weekend, I just also hope that we take a moment of silence to remember those who fell in service to our freedom.
A lot of times, some one will ask my major and I will say "Environmental Policy" and they will go one of two ways: 1) Oh wow, that's really neat. There's a lot of need for that these days. 2) So.... What...exactly....do you do with that? Then I respond... "Well, I would really like to be involved with legislation regarding environmental policies. Oklahoma is really behind when it comes to the environment so I would like to be involved with that. I'm also really into recycling so that could be great too. I could also do consulting for a firm to make sure that a company is within regulatory compliance". Then a lot of people say.... "So you're a tree hugger?" This has happened to me so many times that I just look at them and sigh. I almost just want to say "yes" and walk away. Who came up with this "Tree Hugger" business? AND why is there a stigma attached to the term "tree hugger" when someone says it? Is it a new insult? And what assumptions are you making about me when you use that term? Have you EVER seen me wear tie die? I always wear shoes. I wash my hair. I have never smoked pot... so what kind of hippie category are you putting me in?
Urban Dictionary.com defines "Tree Hugger" as: "An environmentalist or one who believes trees and all living things should not be cut down or harmed. Someone who works to protect the environment from destruction or pollution".
To be a little more credible- Webster defines Tree Hugger as: "Sometimes disparaging: Environmentalist; especially an advocate for the preservation of woodlands".
Lets look at this from a couple of different perspectives. First, based on the first definition, being that we are all residents of planet Earth, we may not all choose to follow a career path in the environmental field but we have something to gain from being a "tree hugger". Considering that we all enjoy the fruits of the earth such as oh... food, oxygen, water, aesthetics, and small issues as those, shouldn't we all be vested in the preservation of such fruits? Whether you like it or not, environmentalist or not, democrat, republican, if any of these things were taken from you even in the slightest percentage, you would start caring really quick. You care with out actively knowing you care. Of course you do. Your survival depends on it. So are we not, all in some way Tree Huggers?
Secondly, I touched on this earlier. Why does my being an environmentalist give anyone a reason to make assumptions about me? I chose my major becaues I appreciate the specific role that nature plays in our lives and I would like to do everything I can to sustain it. That doesn't necessarily mean I want to be at "one" with nature all the time. I don't camp. Not at all. It's not my thing. I tried it once and it rained on me all night. Then it monsooned when we had to take the tent down. It was July and I was freezing. It's not my thing. Jim Gaffigan says it best about camping. www.youtube.com/watch?=qle-vjHoQa4 . I also don't care too much for being dirty. I don't even get my hair wet when I swim about 99% of the time. But in 20 years if my kids say they want to go camping, I want there be a nature to send them and their father out into.
This is my career path and it's something that I am really passionate about. I feel like at the end of the day I have chosen something I can feel good about. It's something that will not only support me monetarily, but have a ripple effect on other people, people that I may never meet. That's a good feeling to me. Instead of assuming that I'm a crazy person who ties myself to trees, why wouldn't someone say "Thanks, I appreciate the work that you're doing". We all have our jobs that make everyone's lives run more smoothly. I am pretty against this war we are fighting, but everytime I see a man in uniform (usually at the airport) I want to shake their hand and say "I appreciate what you're doing and the sacrifice you are willing to make". I'm ashamed that I have never actually done that, because I think about it every time. Now I'm not the biggest fan of oil companies, but as long as I use the resources they provide, I need to appreciate the little man who makes sure that those resources are available to me. Speaking of oil companies, do you realize how much money environmental experts are going to make as a result of this oil spill? Let me tell you, a lot. Maybe next time someone asks me what I am going to do with my degree I'll just tell them I'm going to move to Louisiana because I'll have job security for a lonnnnnnnnnnnng time. I've worked really hard on my degree and now pursuing a second to help make this world a better place. I don't mind "tree hugger" but maybe more people need to think about what their saying when they say it. Just food for thought.
What a weekend! Matt came to visit this past weekend which will probably be his last visit to T-Town until August. He moves on Memorial Day. Friday night we went to the Drillers game which was actually a lot of fun! I recommend it! It's cheap, the weather is nice, and it's a great thing to do out side. We even won! Danielle brought Serenity and I swear she was the cutest baby there. I love that little girl!
On Saturday Matt and I went to Tulsa to spend the day. We never seem to get up early enough for the Farmer's market, which is a bummer... but one day! I think I am going to go to the one down town on my lunch break this week, which should be cool. Matt & I really like to go to the flea market at the expo center (we're old people, I know). I found this awesome booth where this lady makes ridiculously inexpensive jewelry. I bought some earrings for $5. She also custom makes jewelry so I have her making an OSU necklace for football season.. or just work, since I conveniently work for OSU. She's making it this week and it's only $5 too. I'll put up some pictures. Did I mention I dropped my phone in tea? Well now the screen has gone out so I am waiting for the replacement and thus more pictures. Anyway, back to the flea market. I really like the flea market because you can haggle with people and that's just fun. I get to use the skills I learned in my negotiations class. It's like a giant organized garage sale. My mom is really into old phones, like the rotary kind. I found one! This one looks a lot older than it is. It's wooden and has the phone hang up on the side and it has a rotary. The guy was asking $15 (which is really cheap because it works!) and I got him to sell it for me for $10. My mother is thrilled. She wont stop talking about it. Matt found a cool "old school" Pistol Pete stein for his dad, he got it for $6.
Then there's the plates. Matt and I walked up to a booth towards the end of our flea market journey and we saw some plates that were brown and blue with a rooster. I've already decided the theme for the kitchen/living room is going to be blue and brown in his (our future) house. He looked at the plates and said "yeah, those are cool" and moved over to pocket knives or something. For some reason I just kept looking at them and I just really liked them. It was 2 normal size plates and 1 smaller one. It said $2.00 so I asked the lady, is this price $2 for the whole set? (I was thinking at least $2 each piece). She said yeah, it's for the whole set, but that table is half price, so really it's $1. $1?!?!? How can we pass that up? Even if they break it wouldn't be a big deal. Now, for some reason, Matt and I are in love with these plates.
They're called Peppermint Roo. You can buy them on E-bay but that feels like cheating. I think we're mostly excited because now we have a lifetime of something to look for. Some how I doubt that we are going to find other pieces that are as inexpensive.
You should check out the flea market! It really is fun and admission is free. One thing I kind of regret passing up was a really nice punch bowl set for $20. You probably have a need for a punch bowl about 3+ times a year and I never have one when I need it! It was a really nice set. Maybe it will be there next time!
We finished the evening by going to see Robin Hood at the drive in. The drive in is cheaper than the normal theater, you can bring your own stuff, and it's a change of pace! If you're looking for picture quality instead of an experience, I would pass though. Robin Hood was good. I could wait for the rental though. It's not your typical "Robin Hood" story by any means, so it's kind of hard to keep up.
Sunday we went kayaking and took Joe. It was great to get some unconventional exercise and some sun! The water was pretty high so I don't know how much exercise we got, but the weather was great!
Tonight is the Biggest Loser finale! I'm going to go watch it with Meredith and Sliger. Daris is in the final four, but he needs votes because he's in the bottom two! He actually gained two pounds last week after running a marathon in 4 hours. I don't know how that happens. He may have an eating problem that needs to be addressed before he is set free at home. Maybe the show paid him to gain a few pounds to increase ratings. Now everyone has to go online to vote for him.. and lets face it, everyone loves Daris! I want him to win... if not him, then Mike, if not him then Ashley. We will see!!!!!
Something that I really am not great with is wedding etiquette. I think I am going to have to buy a book. More and more of my friends have been getting married these days (crazy time in my life! It was like yesterday and we were all still in high school!). It seems like with every wedding, I am a little puzzled by one issue or another.
First- gifts. Okay of course you should buy a gift. BUT- what if they invite you to their engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and wedding? Do you bring a gift for all of these occasions? Should you just set a budget from the beginning and try to work in gifts from each category? Sometimes I would rather buy someone a big gift instead of several small gifts, but then you don't want to be the girl at the bachelorette party who shows up empty handed. What if the person planning the bachelorette party has spent a lot of money on the whole thing but never consulted anyone about how much they could pitch in? I went to an amazing bachelorette party that was so much fun, and I put in money for the whole thing, bought my dinner, bought drinks, and brought a gift, but I felt like I didn't give enough to the cause. I never knew before the party how much was being spent. That was really awkward and no one made me feel bad, but I wasn't prepared for the whole thing to be soo expensive. Should I feel bad about that? Or is it kind of on the planner, and polite guests should just give what they can? Especially if they're not consulted prior to the event?
Secondly- attire. I really enjoy the opportunity to get dressed up for any event, lets just be honest. But weddings are kind of hard to pick out clothes. First- no matter what the theme (except for the Barn Dance Themed reception I went to- which was super cute) people probably shouldn't ever wear jeans to a wedding. One wedding I had this really cute dress that was black at the top and white at the bottom. Did that violate the "don't wear white to a wedding" rule? I wore the dress anyway, and I don't think anyone even thought anything of it, but I worried a little beforehand.
Thirdly- Guests. Okay, can you assume that you're allowed to bring a guest? Sometimes the invitation will be made out to multiple people like "Shanna and Guest" or it just says Shanna. I've always assumed that I could bring a guest. A lot of times Danielle is my plus-one at a wedding. Who wants to go alone? But what if they haven't budgeted for me to bring a guest??
Finally- Facebook wedding invitations. I don't think there is any way on this planet I would attend a wedding that I was invited to on facebook. I mean, technology is great and all, but this is out of control. This has happened to me twice. I don't even know where to begin with this concept but that's just crazy. If I don't merit a stamp, I'm probably not coming.
That's just a short list of all the things that come to my mind when preparing for a wedding. I really do love weddings, but to a degree they stress me out!
This weekend I went to Denver to visit my good friend Amanda and her husband Jake. They just had baby Claire about 4 weeks ago. She's precious and I took some pretty cute pictures of her w/ my new camera. Yay for the new camera. Goodbyeeeeeeeee disposable income for a while. Just kidding. Sorta.
Anyway, I flew to Denver. I hate flying. I really do. The plane doesn't bother me so much (unless I sit next to someone who is afraid of flying, because then they make me nauseous). I hate airports. I think they're extremely unorganized. They're also extremely invasive! No I don't want to take off my shoes! They're also inefficient. I don't see why I need to get to the airport 2 hours before my flight, which, I guess is why I never do. It was a good thing I got to the Denver airport pretty early though, holy cow my plane was like a mile away. Seriously! Then there's the people who apparently haven't even seen a plane before and they have 12 children and they're all over the place unorganized and almost ALWAYS in the way.
Every time I go somewhere, my mom likes me to pick up a magnet. I don't really get it but it makes her happy so I usually make it work. Well, this trip she's going to be a little disappointed because I went into 3 shops and couldn't find a decent magnet. I did however see every variation of a "Denver" t-shirt imaginable. I also saw tons of tourists with their newly purchased t-shirt from their recent destination. When I got to Tulsa they had t-shirts that said "Oklahoma, Where nothing tips like a cow". What? Is that the type of marketing we want people to receive when coming through our city? Anyway, that's not the point. The point is regarding these goofy t-shirts. What is it with people buying t-shirts for every possible occasion/destination? Are people even wearing t-shirts that often? Thanks to my sorority, I have like 50 t-shirts. You know what I wear t-shirts for? Sleep. Sleep and an occasional football game. Usually not even football games. Why do people feel like they need to buy all these crazy t-shirts? It's almost obsessive. Gotta get my t-shirt! It's the only way I can prove I was there! Ya know what's cooler than a t-shirt? A picture. Now I'm in the process of making a t-shirt quilt to give these things some utility, even though I've been working on it for over a year. I'm also extremely aprehensive about buying t-shirts because it's highly unlikely I will ever wear them, at least not more than once.
What also gets me is the guy who's going to the Caribbean. Him and that goofy straw beach hat. He begins wearing it as soon as he gets to the Tulsa airport to depart. Hawaiian shirt and all, crocs included. In December. I bet his wife is so proud.
Wal-mart and Airports really must be the absolute best places to people watch.
In honor of the birthday of one of my favorite residents, Brock, I thought I would write a little blog about a few adventures of being an RA at OSU.
It was my fifth year in college and I had just turned 22. I decided to sign up to be an RA (Resident Assistant) because I didn't want to spend a ton of money on living expenses. I wanted to pay my tuition, enjoy my last year, and move on. I really didn't take the whole thing that seriously because I had already established myself in college, had tons of friends, a boyfriend, and a job. This was really a monetary venture for me. I was assigned to one of the suites and fortunately had a 2 bedroom apartment to myself. Little did I know that I was going to be living in the middle of a crazy sandwich.
The night of the first "floor meeting" I tried to be "firm" and set down the ground rules. I knew inevitably some of these kids were going to break the rules. My hope was that if I seemed very serious that they would at least break fewer of them, or at least be smart enough to be quiet when they did break the rules. All in all, my kids were pretty good kids. At this first meeting, I sat next to a kid who looked like a member of the band "Weezer". This was Brock. I guess he was impressed that I knew who Weezer was, because we were good pals from then on. He had parents that made him very prepared for college. They had every type of baking utensil you could imagine, so I frequently borrowed their stuff.
Brock would always ask "What would happen if......" trying to test the limits one what they would get away with. I always replied with something along the lines of "You don't want to know. I will show you no mercy. It will be bad and I will be furious". In reality, I didn't really care as long as I didn't have to call an ambulance and fill out paperwork. So Brock and his friend Brian ( who is also a very sweet boy, and the much calmer of the two) lived to the right of me. Well they decided to become friends with the boys to the left of me, with whom I also shared a wall. This is when my life as an RA became ridiculous.
They were always asking if they could have a camp out in my room. I always said no because I would only imagine this huge fort they would build. One time after they got their Christmas presents, they came over to show me. They had these "machine gun" nerf guns and they all ganged up on me and relentlessly shot me with nerf darts.
Another time Brock came over and sprayed me with Febreez like it was a cute game. That was something he never got back. Little punk.
Dylan had this ridiculous paper to write for History. It didn't seem that ridiculous to me because I don't mind writing papers. I went to the library and we hung out in the lounge and I helped him work on it for a few hours. He paid me $60. I bought some make up. I still really love that make up. One of the best deals I have ever made.
One day when it was really bad weather and we were sure there was going to be a tornado, we all hung out in Brock and Brian's room. They showed me the video from Brian's cruise where he sang "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John. It was one of the funniest things I have ever seen and I still think of him in that crazy outfit every time I hear it.
One of the scariest days was when I got a call from my boss when I was in class and he asked me if I had seen Brock. I said not today. I immediately called all of his friends and they said his phone was off. Brock's parents had gotten a strange voice mail saying that Brock was hurt and they had called the school and were on their way to Stillwater. I called the hospital to make sure he hadn't hurt himself on his skateboard (yeah, he's one of those kids. Skinny jeans included). They didn't have him admitted. I found out his class schedule, left my class and then road my bike across campus to his class. It was some class about movies. So it was dark. I'm looking around this classroom like a fool during a movie, and there's Brock. On the front row (see, he's a good kid). I pulled him out of class. CALL YOUR MOM! Turns out it he was fine and it was some kids playing a prank. That day was crazy. His parents love me now. They give me credit for saving his life.. I think. I really just found him. All in a days work as an RA.
One thing I will never forget was after the first weekend that everyone went home at the beginning of the year, Brock and Brian came to my room and said they had a surprise. I was immediately nervous. They came to my door with one of those Betty Crocker microwave brownie desserts with a 23 candle for my birthday. They also gave me an etch-a-sketch. What thoughtful boys! That was the day they became my "kids". I also turned 22 that year.
The day that they checked out (also the day of my graduation) I was getting ready and they told me that they had a present for me. Once again, I was nervous. I came out into my kitchen to see a huge ice chest. I opened it and it was FULL of beer and liquor. They said I could even keep the ice chest. Thanks Guys. They couldn't end the year until they broke the rules. It worked out really well because I had beverages to offer my family when they got there for graduation.
After the year was over, I finally admitted that throughout the year I had broken just about ever rule that I had enforced through out the year. I don't think they were that surprised, but they did want to give me a hard time.
I miss my kids a lot. They're growing up so fast! I hope that they always write home and give me an update on their lives. They made my last year at OSU (in Stillwater) very special.
I am alllll alone at work. No clinicians, no faculty, just me. I'm the only person who has to be here. I resent that maybe a little, but at the end of the day I still get paid so I don't really care. I cannot stand silence. That's really not a problem when everyone is here. I almost crave silence when it's crazy around here.
Anyway, so I have discovered that I can watch/listen to/ignore LOST on hulu. The entire show. So, I've decided to give it a whirl. Well, you know why they call it LOST? Because if you don't pay attention to every little detail, you're LOST!!!!! I'm on like episode 6 and I'm already confused half the time. At least it clears out the silence.
Why isn't the fat guy getting smaller? I feel like an all fruit diet would be making a difference
Why does EVERYONE have so much baggage?
Entertainment weekly this week has each season broken down so you can be with the program. I suppose I'll wait until I complete a season so I don't ruin it for myself. The cover of entertainment weekly is like a "collectors item". Who on earth is collecting these things? If that person is you... well you can have my copy.
In further news, Daris on the biggest loser is in the final 4! He looks great! We're facebook friends. Me and his 3,465 other closest friends know him well. Maybe he'll answer some questions for me after the show is over. Like, did he get to pick his color? If so, did he pick it because he went to OSU? I'll let you know how that goes...
I had an absolutely wonderful weekend! Thursday night my mom and I made Matt's graduation cake (my mother is a cake decorator, I have zero skills). I had my idea of what I wanted the cake to look like, but actually producing what's in my head is a whole other story. I wanted to make an "Engineer Pistol Pete" and was hoping there was already such an animal out there on Google Images. Well there isn't. So I drew it myself. I asked my friend Josh, but he is a little busy doing things like illustrating books.. blabla... So here it is!
Now this thing is edible. If you look close is says "Conocophillips" on the hat because that is where Matt is going to work. For some reason it turned blueish. I guess Pete got cold in the fridge. Overall, I think it's pretty good because I do not draw at all and this is my little creation out of my head (I cheated a little and traced when I could).
I headed up to Stillwater Friday after work to shoot (take pictures of) the graduate school. That was fun, but I hadn't really picked up a camera in a YEAR so it was a little nerve wracking, but over all it went well. Those cameras provide a good work out after the 500th person goes across the stage. They're heavy! Then we went to Laura's birthday party for a little bit (how is it that there are no pictures of this? Ah.. ridiculous). Well anyway, she had the coolest decorations I have ever seen. It was a beach theme and there was a sno cone machine! Like, a really big one. That was a really good time.
Then the big day! Saturday, Matt graduated. It broke my heart a little. It was kind of like I graduated all over again, because this year I really got to spend a lot of time in Stillwater, but now that all of (most of) my friends have graduated I will not be visiting nearly as much. That's hard. Stillwater is the best place on Earth.
We went to lunch at the Smokey Pokey (Classy, I know! See, Matt's not a planner). We even got into Joe's after graduation which was nothing short of a miracle.
We took tons of pictures that turned out pretty well. He got some really cool gifts and I hope he takes me with him when he picks out all of the cool stuff for the house.
Way to go Matt! I am so proud of you!
Now it's back to work. Things are very quiet around here! I have a lot of great things to look forward to this summer.
Because of my generosity, today's blog will be a two parter. See what I did there? I made it seem like I so graciously bestow upon you my random thoughts. In reality, I am thrilled to death that anyoone reads this crazy thing.
Part 1: Calf Fry
Calf Fry has come to an end this year and it was GREAT. We didn't go see Cross Canadian Ragweed on Friday night because we were worn out. We also watched the Thunder game which was crazy. Well it was mostly crazy. I fell asleep for most of the second half, but I woke up when everyone was yelling in the last 30 seconds. I saw that as a win/win situation. Well except for the fact that they lost....
Saturday night was Wade Bowen and Miranda Lambert. First we went to my Little, Anna's, house (Paige and Megan's house too, just in case they read this) where they invited everyone over for pre calf fry festivities.
There is my little bitty, Anna. She's graduating this year! Oh it makes me sad and feel old. I suppose we all have to grow up some day. I got her the MOST random gift for graduation. Praise the Lord she knows me otherwise she would think I was strange. Obviously I can't tell you what it is.
Anyway, we headed to Calf Fry and I actually ate a Calf Fry!! It tasted like chewy chicken. If you dont' know what a calf fry is.... well look it up. I wouldn't feel like a lady telling you. I also took a picture with a camel, but that's on Matt's camera so maybe I can add that later.
I got a phone call from Lauren and she told me to RUN to the right side of the stage. So run I did. The whole time thinking "Thank You 5K!!!!!!!!!!!" Lo gave me my meet and greet pass to meet Miranda Lambert. Yay!!! I'm so glad she called me!
So here we are during our 20 seconds of time together. Part of the problem was that I forgot to actually think about the fact that I was meeting a celebrity... so I didn't think of anything to say. I walked in there and I had nothin. I started with "Hi!" Pause..... "Nice to meet you!" Okay... Well... "Lets take a picture!" " Okay, well looking forward to the show!"
Oh well, it was still fun.
Then I spent the rest of the night enjoying the concert, dancing, singing (probably too loud), talking with friends, and enjoying the show with my boy friend. It was such a great time and a wonderful way to end the school year. Sunday Matt and I just hung out all day and we got our first sno cone of the season!
Part 2: Green Me!
Spring/Summer is such a great time to get more in touch with nature. There are so many fun things to do! Farmer's markets are opening (which is really like a "green" fair and that's great!) and there are more fresh foods available. And my parents have been gardening which I think is cool because it's free.
This morning I just went out my back door and picked some spinach, romaine, and some other lettuce from my parents garden, shredded it up, and put on other toppings for a salad. It's delicious and I picked it myself! Yesterday I went and cut several of my mother's roses and put them in a vase at my work. My office smells wonderful! I'd show you a picture but a lot of the petals have fallen off. It's still nice, and it was free!
Today I'm going to run out side and enjoy the weather (as opposed the treadmill, which I hate). That's not really "green" I guess, but it conserves resources consumed by the treadmill. It's also good for my body to get out in the sun. My office doesn't even have windows. Before too long you're going to mistake me for a Cullen.
How old would you say this apple is? It looks pretty normal. It feels pretty normal when you pick it up. No discoloration. Looks pretty go...
About this blog
This blog is about nothing. It's the Seinfeld of blogs. I post about nutrition, the environment, politics, and what ever random thought I come up with. Enjoy!
I am pursuing my Ph.D. at Texas Tech University studying Environmental Policy! I got married in May, 2011 and love to share my adventures. I enjoy learning about other cultures and I am a sucker for all things "green"
Now this thing is edible. If you look close is says "
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