Sunday, June 26, 2011
Ok, now it's just getting ridiculous
Someday I'll be big.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Cruisin'
Jordan and I LOVED our vacation siiiiigh. It was wonderful and very much needed! Here it is in a nutshell:
We drove to New Orleans on Friday, May 13th and stayed the night at our friend’s house in Little Rock (thanks, Bob!!). In the morning, we headed the rest of the way to Louisiana. We had to drive through Mississippi for a while, so there’s ANOTHER state I can check off (been to 26 states now).
On our way to New Orleans, we stopped in Madisonville and visited my good friend Brittany and her cute little son! Brittany was one of my co-workers and close friends at college. She and I would sit at the front desk at work and talk about food a lot. She was also nice enough to listen to all the boy drama from my single days. It was so fun to catch up and see her.
Here’s her cute little boy. She is expecting another boy this summer and looks great!
After we left Madisonville we headed to Harvey, LA where we stayed at the ever so luxirous Travelodge. You know it’s a fancy motel when the door doesn’t close all the way. Yikes!
Luckily, the door locked so we headed out to the Big Easy. And I LOVED IT!!!! As soon as we parked our car, we saw an informal parade. It looked anyone could join, so marched along them on the sidewalk and took some pictures. This guy was enjoying himself…
I LOVED the architecture of French Quarters. It was so adorable. I felt as though I was walking in a city of dollhouses. I kept walking around saying, “Awww!” and “How CUTE!” New Orleans is definitely unique. There seems to be very very little chains and tons of one-of-a-kind stores. Also, there would be random houses in between stores in the city. So cool.
There were tons of street performers too. This guy behind me was holding that pose without blinking!
Several people suggested we hit up CafĂ© Dumont for their beignets. We were not sorry we listened to them. Droooool. One funny thing about New Orleans dining is you don’t wait to be seated- you seat yourself! We didn’t know this so we stood around like a bunch of buffoons while servers walked around us as though we didn’t exist. We saw other people sit down at a table so we copied them and sure enough, we got a waiter. It was same thing at dinner. (Is this normal, Brittany?)
There were tons of Psychics and Tarrot card readers….don’t you think with all these gifted citizens, someone would have seen Katrina coming? (too soon?)
The next day was Cruise day! We went to a branch in Harvey for church and headed to our port. It was so exciting to know that we were minutes away from our cruise that we booked six months ago! The moment we got on our boat we chucked our carry-ons in our rooms and headed to the buffet…and we never left.
The next day was our two year anniversary (augh!). We spent it relaxing at the pool and getting all dolled up for dinner. The waiters sang for us and gave us an anniversary cake. Very nice. (And you can’t tell, but we are seated with a view of the ocean. Very cool!)
The next day was Costa Maya day. We hopped off the boat and headed toward the exit of the port. One of the port workers/ travel “experts” asked us where we were going. We explained that we were going to Placer to see our friends. He warned us that it would cost us $50 to get there by taxi. Jordan explained that our friends who live in Placer told us the cab fare is $20 to Placer. The worker just said, “Well, maybe…make sure you act what you are doing or else it will cost more.” Ugh!! So frustrating. Luckily, Jordan could remember enough of his 10th grade Spanish to ask the nearest cab to go there in Spanish. Throughout the whole cab ride (which was about 20 minutes) neither one of us spoke in fear that we would look vulnerable. At the end- $20 for the ride! Aha! Us-1, Shady Mexican-0.
We were so lucky to go to Mayan Beach Gardens, which is owned and run by family friends from our home ward. Marcia took us on a snorkeling tour where we were able to see schools of fish, a ray, and a barracuda. Yikes!
After the snorkel trip, Marcia let us relax on her private beach. We were the only one out there, and it was magical! Her staff also gave us a tasty lunch that we ate right on the beach. I could get used to this.
Thank you, Bales! We loved it and we WILL come back!
The next day was our Roatan day. This day was much LESS magical. We thought we would be at a different port on the island that was close to a beach, so when we got to the port we were totally lost. The locals were pretty aggressive in trying to get you to use their businesses. We thought we could find the beach by walking so we walked by a populated street and passed lots of houses. They were cool but I was too terrified to take out my camera. We finally gave up and let a taxi driver rip us off and drive us to the beach. (Fun fact: In Honduras, taxi drivers have a method of getting business: 1. Honk, 2. Slow down to a crawling speed and follow pedestrians, continually telling them they need a ride 3. PULL ONTO THE SIDEWALK, blocking the pedestrians, get out the cab and stop the pedestrians…)
We ended up at a very populated beach where we were constantly asked if we wanted to have our hair braided. But the water was beautiful there, so that was nice.
After the beach, we headed back to the city and looked at some local shops. We bought some bracelets and a Fanta and said goodbye to Roatan.
Next day was Belize. Belize was simply beautiful. I would LOVE to return. We were told that Belize City is pretty dangerous so we decided to splurge and purchase an excursion. We went snorkeling (again!) and our tour boat took us to Banister Island. It was an amazing, peaceful private island. The water was warm and the island had a bunch of floaties for use to play on. The island also had free kayaks. I kept saying over and over, “I can’t believe we’re kayaking in BELIZE!” It was so much fun.
Another fun thing about Belize was the plentiful supply of cheap Coach bag knock offs. I treated myself to one…and it already broke. Oh, well. When you buy something that is 90% cheaper than the real deal, you can’t complain!
Our last port was in Cozumel, Mexico. We bought tickets to a national park called Chankanaab. We were able to snorkel (no, we weren't sick of it yet!), watch a sea lion show, and play on their beach. It was a great place because we felt safe and didn't have to travel far. I wold love to go there again!
Our last day of the cruise we spent eating, relaxing, and watching shows….then we ate..and ate. Sigh. I miss that food.
It was such as wonderful vacation and it was so hard to come back home and start work again. We definitely plan on cruising again. In fact, we have made a goal to go on a cruise at least once every five years. Anyone want to join us?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Yup, still look young...
Monday, May 9, 2011
Remember that time when I used to write in thisthing??
I also wanted to write ALL about my 25 birthday!....but our camera was dead and the only pictures we got were on Jordan's phone and we have yet to figure out a good way of getting them onto our computer. Waaa waaa.
So I will post about this....our trip is THIS WEEK!!!! We leave for New Orleans on Friday and we are thrilled. I think out of all the things that either one of us talk about, the cruise takes up about 70%. For me, the other 30% are Ke$ha songs (I've been on a very shameful Ke$ha kick lately. I permit you to judge me).
During our General Conference weekend last month, I created a paper chain to count down the days until our cruise. At the time, there were over 4o rings. Now we are down to threeeeee! Jordan is especially looking forward to this trip because this week is finals week for him. Today he did not have any school. When I left for work this morning, he was in the living room. When I returned from work, there was a note from our office on our door talking about the electricity poeple coming to the complex. I came inside to Jordan studying in the living room and asked him if he knew anything about the note, to which he replied, "No, I haven't left this spot since you went to work."
Here is another random update. I still look twelve, apparently. I am in Young Womens now. I like SO much more than nursery. Sigh. This past weekend I came to supervise our youth's dance festival practice. One teacher (14-15 year old boy) politely asked if I needed a partner to practice with, and another leader asked why I wasn't out there with the other youth dancing. Of all the days to forget my wedding ring.
Speaking of wedding ring, Jordo and I are almost to our 2 year anniversary! Time has flown by so quickly! We will celebrate our anniversary on our cruise. (DID I MENTION WE ARE GOING ON A CRUISE?????)
That's it for now. My next post will most likely be about our cruise......mmmmmmWE'RE GOING ON A CRUISE THIS WEEK!
ok, I'm done.
CRUISE!
now. done.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
24 no more
I can’t believe I am going to be 25. There’s no more claiming “early 20’s”. I will be shoved into official "mid-20's" tomorrow. Plus, I think I am expected to kick my maturity level up a notch. Twenty-five is the age where you have to act mature and stuff. Ew.
Honestly, I don’t really mind becoming one year older. I do understand that 25 REALLY isn’t THAT old. I get that. What bothers me the most about birthday is the finality of it all. Once I turn 25, there is no going back to 24. Was I emotionally attached to age 24? Not really. But I hate HATE hate finality. I like having one foot in the door. I’m this was with practically everything. That is why I am usually the last to order at restaurants, we had to investigate our couch and love seat at least 4 times before I actually could agree to buy it, and that is why I don’t like birthdays that much anymore.
But I do like the cake. And the cards. And the attention. So I guess it all equals out in the end.
Well, before 24 year old me joins the Hammer pants and the catchphrase “Waaaazzzzup?” in history, I wanted to send her off with a goodbye.
In remembrance of 24 year old me:
This is 24 year old me all bright eyed and ready to enter the world...
I walked a barefoot mile with Hanson (that's the oldest one. I forget his name but I know he isn't Taylor because Taylor is the middle one.)
I graduated with my Masters and ended student life FOREVER!!
I finally, FINALLY got to be in the same building as Conan Obrien
We went on a church history trip/St. Louis trip with my parents
I went Seattle for a week in the Spring
I visited Tuscon for a week in June
I bought my first sewing machine and slooooowly began to sew
I started my career (how fancy)
I went to Kansas City for the first time
I went on my first vacation with the in-laws to Branson
I had the time of my life in Boise for Thanksgiving
I spent my first Christmas away from home…and it actually was not nearly as traumatic as I thought it was going to be
Annnnd I went back to Seattle in March. (This was the age that I spent the least amount of time in the Northwest. How sad).
*picture unavailable*
It was fun to go through those pictures and watch my hair grow. So long, 24 year old me. It was fun.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
I FEEL SO ALIIIIIIVE!!!!
One of my absolute biggest pet peeves is when smokers carelessly toss their cigarette butts onto the street, sidewalk, ground etc. Every time I see it, I want to scream. Do they really think that the butt just magically disappears? It is totally lazy not to mention DANGEROUS! And it happens all the time in Tulsa. Ugh! Whenever I see someone do it, I always have the urge to say something about it. But I never do....
until today!
This evening when I was walking out of Wal-Mart I saw a guy walking toward the entry smoking a cig (such a sexy sight- oh, wait. No, it's nasty). Right as he approached to the automatic doors, he flicked his nastiness onto the ground. My insides yelled, "THAAAAAAT'S IIIIIT!"
So I turned to the guy and said, "Excuse me?" He turned around. I took a deep breath, pointed to his grody butt and assertively said, "This is NOT an ash tray. People do not want to see your cigarettes on the ground!" He looked pretty flushed and said, "Ok. Sorry" and quickly turned around. I walked swiftly to the car hoping that my knees didn't buckle.
Jordan was in the car waiting for me. I soon as I got inside I proudly told him what I did and he gave me my props. I had such a strong adrenalin rush from it that my legs would not stop shaking. I laughed about how pathetic I was for having such a strong physiological reaction to it, but I'm glad I did it!
So watch out, you lazy Tulsa smokers! I just might call you out on it! (unless you look mean and scary. Then I will proceed to murmur about you to my husband),
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
self diagnosed
You know moments when you think it is Thursday but it really only Wednesday? Or you think it is Tuesday but then realize you are still trapped in Monday? Isn't that horrible? You feel scammed or punished.
I suffer from Wrongdayitis all the time. It's the disease when you CONSTANTLY think it is the next day. Tuesday feels like Wednesday, and Wednesday feels like Thursday. I'm always a day behind what I think it is. It is very stressful. And annoying. Just once, ONCE, I would like to have one of those moments where I am like, "whoa, is today really already Wednesday?" instead of "Well, hello Wednesday. You're late. I was expecting you one day ago." Sigh.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
No coming back from this.
Note: This is not a story for the squeamish. If you have a heightened gag reflex, I invite you to promptly close this tab. Thanks.
The day started off fine and everything was "juuuuuust PEACHY!!" (Points for those who know what that is from. Melissa D., I'm looking in your direction.)
12:00 Went to Jordan's parents' house to wish his mom a happy birthday and give her flowers. Happily accepted an invitation to go out to eat lunch with them.
12:30 Went to Mr. Mambo's Catina. Stuff my face with guacamole and queso (sp?). When our fajitas came out, crammed one down my throat then immediately started to feel too full. Wasn't too concerned, as over-eating is my forte.
1:30 Drove home. Noticed my stomach was very unsettled and not happy. Tried to ignore it by watching Dracula: Dead and Loving It (I want those 90 minutes of my life BACK please, Leslie Nielsen). Had to run to the bathroom multiple times. Yuck. Had a few false alarm pukes which just turned out to be the lovely dry-heaves.
2:00 Decided that a good way to settle my stomach and warm up (at this point I had the chills big time) would be to run a bath.
2:10 Immersed myself in the bath. Started to have more severe stomach pains. Could tell that ralphing was soon going to commence, and was also fully aware that I was soaking wet in a bath tub.
2:10:05: Sat up and threw up. Like, alot. In my bath water. While I was in there. Ugh. And of course, being in the condition of health that I was I could not very well "spring up" out of the water. The only thing I could do was pull the plug and let it slowly disappear.
"My life is trash." (Anyone know what THAT is from?)
The rest of the day consisted of me literally crawling around the apartment (standing made me too light headed), Laying on the ground, puking some more (that time I made it to the toilet, hurray), and complaining about how cold I was.
Aside from my traumatic bathing experience, there were some nice moments in the evening. For example, Jordan babied me by stroking his fingers through my hair (my favorite), and watching Return to Me with me. He also went out and purchase swallowable pepto pills because I was too scared of puking again if I tried the liquid stuff.
So that was MY day....how was your own?
Monday, January 3, 2011
More Fun with Sleeping Jordan
All of a sudden, Jordan starts to whimper, "Help...help me. I need help." Then his whimper turns into a little frantic exclamations. "HELP! Get it! Get it!" I was completely confused and started to panic. I didn't know if he had trouble breathing, if he had a charlie horse, etc. So I kept nervously asking, "What? What is it?!," as I ripped the pillow away from him. In my moment of panic, I somehow saw the cotton filled pillow as a threat. Finally Jordan said,
"I....thought...I thought I had a....um....um....I thought I was holding a glass in my hand."
uh....whaaaat? "A glass?"
"Yeah, like a glass of water...or something..."
"Why did you sound so distressed?"
"Well, it isn't a glass...I can't think of the word."
Then he moved to our love seat and fell asleep again.
What just happened?
So there you have it. Jordan is 6'2'' and muscly, but if you give him a glass of water to hold he will cry like a baby. I would love, LOVE to get a sneak peak into his dreams. If the scariest thing in them is a threatening glass of water, I would feel pretty safe.
p.s. while I am on the subject of Jordan half-awake-half-dreaming speeches, here is a little stroll down memory lane from when we were very newly weds
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2010 in review
1) two more sweet nieces
2) my MSW graduation
3) visits to our family and various road trips
4) two months of NO SCHOOL AND NO WORK for me
5) a salaried paid (right term?) job
6) Jordan's PA school acceptance
7) all the fun in general
It was a fantastic year! I was a little sad to see it go...partially because I think 2011 or "twenty-eleven" sounds stupid. I don't really like the number 11. I know I'm weird. Deal with it.
My new years resolutions are to continue reading scriptures on a daily basis (we were able to do that in 2010! Woohoo!), to put more effort into my appearance (I usually sleep in until 20 minutes before I need to leave for work, and then I feel frumpy all day), and to try to be more social. I've been in Tulsa for a year and a half and I have a lot less friends than I thought I would have at this point. Time to actually do something about it! I also want to put more effort into talking to my friends from back home and college, so watch out- you'll hear from me!
I was going to make proof reading my blog entries before I publish them a resolution but that was one last year and I obviously did not accomplish it. I don't know why, but I hate hate hate going back and reading through my posts. So I have decided just to embrace the typos. Blah.
Happy New Year!!






