Zumba-The Adventure

I told you that I have been going to the YMCA regularly. Well I do body bump twice a week and I am looking for a good cardio  class at least two other days a week. Well I told you about how well water aerobics went in the cardio department (eek). I decided to take up Zumba even though it starts a little later in the day than I would prefer. I think most people know what Zumba is, but I'll describe to you what Zumba is through the eyes of Shanna. Zumba is an aerobic class where every one follows the instructor where she leads us through dances usually to latin music. The dances (to me) are a combination of latin (like salsa), hip hop, and stuff you used to see on Richard Simmons videos.

I've learned a few things in the classes.
1) My only redeeming quality is that I'm pretty good at the hip moving part. I'd like to thank my old room mate, Abbey, for taking me to the "hip hop" side of the Tumbleweed all those Thursday nights back in college. Now that I think about it, it's kind of ironic that an establishment named "The Tumbleweed" would even have a hip hop side. Either way, this girl can move her booty, shoulder lean, and walk it out.
2) Now that I've been to a few classes, it turns out that there actually is some rhyme and reason to the moves. I honestly thought she was making it up as she was going along and it was irritating me because I couldn't keep up. There are steps and they are always the same steps to the individual songs. You'll catch up if you come more than once. I did a couple years of dance back in middle school and I learned the counting system. Turns out this chick is actually applying the 1-2-3-4 system and if I pay attention, I'm a little more successful.
3) If you get lost, don't understand, or miss some steps, just move your hips and wave your arms frantically. You'll be close. At the end of the day, you're just trying to burn calories.

Sometimes Zumba makes me feel like someone is telling me to rub my head and pat my belly at the same time (go ahead, try it). But it's a good time and I'll keep going. Lauren is going to come to town this week and I am going to make her come with me. This might be video blog worthy.

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Engagement-iversary & Father's Day

Not only was yesterday Father's Day, it was also the 1 year anniversary of Matt's and my engagement. That year went by so fast! It was an awesome year though. I had so much fun and really savor every memory. I had a little bit of a hard time being away from my dad yesterday. It hit me kind of hard, even though I was actually away from him last year too. Actually, I think I may have flown back the evening of Father's day last year. I just miss him a lot. I am so blessed to have a dad like mine. He's always been my hero and I admire him so much. However, I did get to spend time with a close alternative. Matt's parents came to town this weekend and we had a really nice time. Roger is a fantastic father-in-law and I really couldn't ask for better.

Last weekend was my first entertaining opportunity as a wife (and yes that word is still really strange). I made cup cakes from scratch. First time!

These were Key Lime Cupcakes. I bought a book off Amazon, 500 cupcakes. What's that on top you say? Looks like meringue. That's because it IS meringue! Yep, a culinary masterpiece. I'll probably put together a blog post to show the steps. I'm a little slow in the blogging department lately though.

Friday night, I made fajitas for dinner for Matt's parents. I got the meat at the local farmer's market and I made all of the wonderful fixings including queso and guacamole. I even got to use the server that our photographer, Amy, got us as a wedding gift.

The next morning for breakfast, I made parfaits. Delicious AND healthy. Fruit, low fat yogurt, and Muesli. Makes you want to visit, right? Please do!!!

Saturday evening we went to a restaurant, Wall Street, where Matt and I ate the night we got engaged. We also had a bottle of the same wine. Oh the memories! Then we went to a local play called "Summer Mummers," which I won tickets to on the radio. It was a really great time! Although I could really do without the "Everything is Better in Texas" speeches. Ya know what Oklahoma has that West Texas doesn't? Occasional rain. Not here! West Texas aint bad, but it aint pretty. I'll take some pictures for ya.

Now we are getting life back to normal. I'm going on a cleaning binge and I love it. It's one of the greatest things about having our own house. We are totally in charge of the cleanliness of it. I think it's great because I LOVE a clean clean home. When I lived with my parents there were 4 people with 4 extremely busy schedules living in not a huge space and not being able to be in charge of how clean it was made me crazy. My parents aren't dirty or messy, but 4 people create a lot more dishes and laundry than just the 2 of us, and the fact that I'm not working right now helps tremendously.

So I'm a happy little human. More updates to come!

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Ejercicio de Agua

For a person who isn't working this summer, I sure stay busy! We decided to get a membership at the YMCA because Matt's work provides a discount and I want to stay active this summer-although some days I think unpacking really should count as a work out. Anyway, I've started doing Body Pump which really is an awesome class. You work all of the muscle groups or at least it feels that way. WARNING- After day 1 you probably wont be able to walk. If you're anything like me, anyway. It's embarrassing to be just walking along with your grocery cart and one of your legs gives out a little bit.
We'll I've gotten really ambitious and decided that I'm going to do Body Pump Monday/Wednesday, Water Aerobics Tuesday/Thursday, and Pilates on Fridays. Well I didn't make it to my first Water Aerobics class last Thursday because I wasn't feeling very well. All of my other classes have been great. This YMCA is really popular here and there's always an impressive mix of people in the classes. You gotta get there early 'cause they fill up quick!

Today was the day. To water aerobisize! (New word!). So I got up bright and early, put on my bathing suit, grabbed my towel and hopped out the door. I was running late so I head on down to the pool. There's a glass door/window to the pool and I look in. My heart stops. There's only 8 people in this class. I look around. Age closest to mine? At least 65 and it only gets worse from there. I turn around. I can't go to the old people class! I had an internal struggle. I've been doing so well about showing up to the gym. Can't quit now! You know how that goes, you start letting yourself make excuses and before long you're paying for a membership that you don't use. I could go to the actual gym, do the elliptical. I'm wearing a bathing suit! I turn around. I'm going for it. I signed in and climbed into the pool (being sure to hold the hand rail. Really??). Praise the LORD I wore a one piece. I would have just died if I was marching in there in a bikini while every other woman had an attached skirt on their bathing suit. I looked over and there was literally a cane hung up on one of the towel hooks. All I could think was, " I Would KILL for a camera right now!" We traveled all over the pool. I figured if you do anything for an hour you have to burn at least some calories. So I tried to be a good sport and make the most of it. I almost lost it when he told every one to stop and check their pulse. WHAT!?! We're barely moving!!! It also turns out that the class was taught bi-lingual. Just one more opportunity to practice my espanol!! I have an app on my phone that tells you the caloric benefit of different work out. It claims that 1 hour of water aerobics burns 225 calories. I don't know if that is the same rate for "Water Aerobics for the Elderly."

At the end the life guard asked me, "How was the age difference?" I looked at him and said "Distinct."

More great stories to come!

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Just Hitched

Okay it's finally time to post about the wedding and honeymoon. It's been crazy trying to move and unpack and get settled in and what not (still not even close-but I'm takin a break to update ya!).

The wedding:

You know, they say that your wedding day is the best day of your life. I always thought that was a cliche and I hate cliches so I really just thought it was going to be a good time. I was wrong. It really truly was the most incredible day of my life. Seeing all of our best friends and family looking divine, seeing my dad for the first time in my dress (I never let him see it until the day of either), and walking down that aisle to Matt are only 3 of about 100 memories that are forever imprinted on my heart. Getting married really is a magical experience. There's so much love centered in one place, all celebrating the commitment that we have chosen to make to each other.

I was so prepared for a major melt down, and to my surprise, there wasn't any! The day really was completely perfect. I guess if I could change one thing, I would have made the day longer. There were so many people there that I would have loved the opportunity to visit with longer. There were some people there that I didn't get to talk to at all, and that broke my heart! I am very excited that one of our bridesmaids had a video shot of the wedding as her gift to us and I can't wait to see it! I'm also VERY anxious about getting the pictures. But these things take time.

The Honeymoon:

Matt had the job of putting together the honeymoon. I have to say he did a really good job. We had to get up soooooo early to get to the airport. It's kind of funny because the Hard Rock upgraded our room to this crazy nice room (with 2 bathrooms!) and we stayed in it for all of 3 hours. We had to run through the airport in Atlanta (Home Alone style!) and then we were smooth sailing (or flying) to St. Lucia. I honestly knew next to nothing about St. Lucia. Between the wedding and my thesis, and moving, I just didn't have time to think about it. I knew that Matt had it handled. Oh my. What a delight. If you ever get the chance, you MUST go to St. Lucia. It's a small island. The water is completely clear and calm. The people are SO nice. I tried to negotiate a deal in the market. She said $13 and I said $7 and she said "Oh no darling" So cute.

We stayed at a Sandals whicth, to me, is the epitome of "touristy". I really hate touristy. I am the kind of traveler that likes to stay in hostels and meet the locals. Well that's not really ideal for your honeymoon, and Matt was in charge and that's not how the man rolls. Turns out, Sandals knows what they're doing. You could literally never leave the resort and have a good time. The food is excellent. The service is even better.

For some reason I can't post pictures so you'll have to check out Facebook. We stayed busy pretty much the entire time (we really have no concept of relaxation, we just trade events). We went to a small community called Soufriere where we went to a drive in volcano, saw a waterfall, and ate lunch at a local restaurant which overlooked the town. After lunch we went snorkeling where we of course brought our cheesy water camera. It takes like a week to have 35mm film developed though. It's like we're in the stone ages!

We did many of the events at the Sandals resort. We took a water bike (amazingly fun! Until your partner decides to take a break and all the sudden it gets a lot harder). We took out a Hobie Cat which is like a little sail boat. It was one of the most fun things that we did. I almost took Matt out with the sail though. We'll be telling that story for a while. We kayaked around the cove. Oh, and I gained 6 lbs. I don't know how either with all that activity. Oh... now I remember, it was all that good food I told you about. And maybe the drinks. They have their own beer called "Piton." I'll have to say it was pretty good.

We went down to the local market and bought Banana Ketchup which is supposed to be a local favorite. We haven't actually tried it. Maybe tonight. We also bargained for t-shirts and a painting. We learned about the currency which is the Eastern Carribean Dollar which is supposed to be 2.67 to $1.00.

We met a few people, but as we investigated it turned out that about 98% of people had the same story. They were newlyweds who got married on the 21st, so that started to get old. I was THRILLED that I wasn't one of the masses in the airport wearing the "Just Married" tank top. Like I said, I hate cliches.

All in all it was a completely wonderful experience. Our wedding and honeymoon were perfect. Does being married feel different? Not really. It's really nice to be in Midland and know that I don't have to go the the airport in a couple of days. I'm not going to miss the airports. I find myself approaching our relationship a little differently. We'll start to argue about something small and Matt will say "Do we really want this to be our first fight as a wedded couple?" And then I'll say "no..." I cared about our relationship a lot before, of course. Now I feel a sense of duty that it's at least 50% my responsibility to make sure that we're kind to each other, that he gets what he needs, that doing chores is an action of love, not sacrifice. Homeboy had a LOT of laundry when we got back. I did it with love. Especially because we agreed he would be laundry man in our marriage. When we got engaged, my friend Amanda who has been married for a couple of years gave me a great piece of marriage advice which I believe she got from her parents. She said that marriage is never 50/50. Sometimes you'll give 70 to his 30. But other times he'll be at 80 when you're at 20. That makes sense. This is a partnership, not a business transaction. We're a team. I'll give my 70, 80, ideally 110%.

I really like being married. I would totally have another wedding. Maybe in 5 years we'll renew our vows so it gives me something to plan, ha ha. I miss every one back home. We will probably head back to OK for the 4th. That will be a breathe of fresh air. Literally. It smells like oil here, it's dry, and I'm pretty sure I have a sinus infection.

Looking forward to posting soon! There's already so much happening!

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The Last Bouquet Toss

Quick! Someone get married today! I need to stand in line one last time and unapologetically try to take a girl out so I can take home the tiny bouquet! Any takers?
I just spent my last night as a single woman in my parent's home. Surreal. That's all I can say. I thought I'd throw in a little blog post because I couldn't sleep in and it'll be a while before I'll be posting again. I love ya, but the beaches of St. Lucia will be calling my name!
I'm still not nervous. I have learned that I'm not crazy about being asked questions. I am even less crazy about 12 follow up questions to the original not so necessary question. I'm trying to be a team player though. Family is starting to roll in and that's really nice. Matt got here yesterday and it was like a breathe of fresh air. He asks the most questions and that makes me a little crazy because he SHOULD know all of the answers being the groom and all, but regardless of his endless questions, I am glad he is here.
There's about a 1000 errands to run today. I need an assistant! Ha ha. We have to go get the flowers, the cupcakes for the rehearsal, drop off the cake for the wedding, pick up the chair covers................and that's all before noon. Yikes! I am really excited about the rehearsal dinner because I think it's going to be really fun. I'm also THRILLED that our wedding party will be there and I can run and jump up and down and speak loudly in a high pitched voice in the sorority girl way when I see them. In all fairness, half of the girls in our wedding were in my sorority, so really it's only appropriate.
I still have a little packing to do. Packing when you get married isn't the same as packing when you go to college. You have to take evvvvvvvvvvvvvvverything this time. Maybe my parents will allow for multiple trips? The poor PT can only take so much! And I am running out of time!
So that's that. I have nothing more to say on the wedding. If you want details you just gotta show up. I'll post LOTS of pictures upon my return. Wish us luck! Rather, congratulate us. We're meant to be. We're just making it official =)

Signing off,
Shanna
Single Lady

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I'm Not Stressed

For the last month, I get 2 questions by just about everyone:

1) Are you excited?
I've thought about saying "no" just to see their reaction. Of course I'm excited! I get to 1) Marry my best friend which ensures that we will no longer have to live this awful life of maintaining a relationship over the phone which is terrible because neither of us like to talk on the phone and I HATE HATE HATE airports so I wont be in them every 3 weeks, NOT TO MENTION I get to hang out with him every day and do fun stuff because we really are a fun couple who do things like random weekend trips, gardening (composting!), treat our dog as a human child, go to the drive-in, drink coronaritas, and the list goes on and on (much like this sentence!). 2) I get to wear, if I do say so myself, a very pretty dress 3) The majority of the people (we're talking like 90%!) closest to me including those that live far away and I don't get to see very often will be there, 4) Not only do I get to marry my best friend, wear the dress, and all of my friends will be there, We're having an AMAZING party afterwards!!! I just realized that I forgot to try to get Pistol Pete to come... anyone want a wedding job???? 5) Not only do I get to do all of the aforementioned things, I get to go on a trip immediately following all aforementioned things, on the beach, with Matt. YES I AM EXCITED, ARE YOU NUTS?!?!?!??!

2) Are you stressed?
Answer: No. Remember about a year ago when I wrote the blog I am a Planner ? Well because of my planning skills, my stress level is relatively low. I decided probably back in December that my last day at work would be May 5th so I would have May 6th off for graduation. Oh- never posted, but I graduated!! (And with Garth Brooks! And I took a picture with him! And I promise to blog about it whenever I get the picture from the Party Pix people!)
So I gave myself about 2 weeks before the wedding to work on wedding stuff, do last minute crafts, pay vendors, spend time with friends before the big move, and help my parents work on the house because they're crazy people who have invited our entire family over for the morning of the wedding. They're not stressed about it, so I guess I wont be either. I'm not involved! I'll be lucky if I get to show up for 20 minutes. The only thing that stresses me out is when I have to count on people that I'm not actually paying to do certain jobs. There's a few tasks that are going to require my wedding party and family to help out (such as chair covers, decorating, etc) and I kind of hate to burden people but I can't do it all myself. I also don't like being asked unnecessary questions. For that reason, I have already decided (planned!) that I am giving my phone to my bridesmaids and I'm not available for questions. I have some very bright, well educated bridesmaids and they can figure out the solution that day to whatever "issue" people are having. Leave me alone! I'll be meditating! Just kidding... but I am serious about the phone part.

The past few days have been kind of interesting. I have barely left my house since Sunday. I've just been planning away and yesterday I even decided to trim the hedges in my parents front yard. Getting those things level was more difficult than I had anticipated, but alas, so far so good. I'd show you pictures but the computer isn't cooperating. I almost had heart failure because there were some random vines growing so I just sawed them off too and after I had my hands and arms and legs all in it, it hit me. What if that was poison ivy?!?!? My mom got a terrible case of poison ivy last year and it seriously looked like she had been beaten. Her eyes were all swollen and it was just awful. All I could do was imagine myself looking like that on my wedding day. Before I made a mad dash to the emergency room, I jumped on Wikipedia and learned that poison ivy has 3 leaves, and what I had been tearing into had 5. Whew!

So in summary, yes I am excited. No, I am not really stressed. For the most part this is fun. I'll post again a few days before the wedding and let you know if my mind has changed.

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Be True to Your School

I love OSU. I really do. And it really has nothing to do with athletics (and sometimes that's a good thing). 90% of the best memories in my life are from my time at OSU. I like working here. I met most of my best friends here. It will always be a cherished memory. Well today is my last day at work, and tomorrow I'll walk across that stage and officially move from the chapter labeled OSU. I told you that I'm nostalgic, and I hate goodbyes. Luckily, I have a future husband with an OSU Football addiction so I can expect to make a visit to God's country often enough.

There's this guy here at OSU-Tulsa that really really loves OSU. My love for OSU sincerely fails in comparison to his.
Check out his office:

He said that his house used to be like this, but his wife decided that it was excessive. He wears orange shirts all the time, and I couldn't make this up if I wanted to.... he literally drinks orange soda every day. I think this man could give the kid who wears the pom pom skirt  and paints his body orange for game days a run for his money.

My next stop is Texas Tech. At least their mascot is similar! I think I'm going to have a great time there. But no matter what, I'll always be a true Cowgirl at heart. Orange Fridays anyone???

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