You know you're a muggle when...

every time you read a facebook status that states how jazzed someone is about HP and/or HP7, you think they are referring to some sort of computer update.

OOOHHHH, We're halfway there...

And yes, we are living on a prayer.

Today is Jordan's LAST day of didactics (aks classes). He takes his last finals today, has a week of training and then begin his clinical rotations. Clinical rotations happen at the 15 month mark of P.A. school meaning....Jordan is halfway done! How exciting. His next 15 months will be dang busy but pretty cool. Jordan will be rotating and observing different doctors in the various medical fields. His first stop: OB-GYN. Lucky duck.

At this time I am also *approximately* halfway done with my supervision and clinical hours that I need before obtaining my LCSW. This month marks my one year mark as a therapist for my company. Pretty crazy. It certainly has NOT gone by fast, but I am grateful to be here. I am not too far behind on my path toward my LCSW. I estimate that I will be done with my hours around September or October 2012 (of course now I just jinxed, I am sure of it).

Sister, Sister: Oklahoma edition

Two weeks ago, my sister Molly and her 6 month old daughter Saige came to Tulsa for a week. We. had. a. BLAST!!! I was so excited because we hardly ever get visitors (subtle hint to family members) and Molly was my first sibling to come to visit since we moved here (much less subtle hint). We had so much fun and the week went by insanely fast.

We managed to eat Josh's sno-cones (I picked peach cobbler. mmm), eat at Steak n' Shake, eat all you can eat ribs at the Rib Crib, and all you can eat ice cream at the Taste of Summer festival (Yes, it's true. Eating is the best part of Oklahoma.) Saige got to taste her first bite of ice cream and popsicle.

MMMM.....high fructose corn syrup....


We did more than just consume calories. We went to a Drillers game (our minor league baseball team) and watched them get creamed.

"In this heat it is important to stay hydrated" ~Dr. Baby


"Higher, Uncle Jordan. I still can't see the outfield!"


We visited the Philbrook Art museum and walked around the beautiful grounds


We went swimming in our apartment pool



We also went to the dog park, human park, and Hobby Lobby. Molly and I knocked out a bunch of crafts to the tune of 30 Rock episodes.

Saige seemed to love Oklahoma so much, she could hardly contain her excitement. Oh, did I type excitement. I meant PUKE! She was able to throw up on at least 4 different pairs of my pants. sigh.

Saige was a trooper, despite her bulimia flare ups. She soaked in the culture so much that by the end of the week, she was able to line dance better than ever! I tried to up load the video of it on here, but of course there was an error. I successfully uploaded it to facebook if you want to see it.


It was so much fun. We can't wait until the rest of the family decides they love us enough to come to.(just kidding..kinda)

"Yeeha! I love Tulsa!"

Ok, now it's just getting ridiculous

On Friday, we went to the art museum for the day. While purchasing tickets, the patron stated, "Ok, so you're under 18, right?"

Someday I'll be big.

Cruisin'

Hey! Remember how we went on a cruise…A MONTH AGO??? Ah, geez.

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 13^th 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 Café 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 10^th 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?

Yup, still look young...

In the last two days, I have had two parents that I work with at my therapy office refer to me as "sweetheart". I don't take offense to it, but I do think it's funny. Not to get all "puffed up", but I am a professional that they are seeking therapy services from; not a preteen who is trying to sell them girls scout cookies. Oh, well. Someday I'll be old.

Remember that time when I used to write in thisthing??

GAH! I HATE having my blog go stale. I have been trying to update it more, really! I even had an elaborate post for mother's day....except I started writing about my grandmas and then bawled like a baby. So I gave up on it. Waaa.

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.

24 no more

Another year, GONE! Waaaa.

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.

I FEEL SO ALIIIIIIVE!!!!

I am not a very assertive person. ESPECIALLY with strangers. When I see something that I think is rude or wrong, I tend to murmur to myself and then complain about it to Jordan. But actually confronting someone? No way. That's too scary. My mom is really good at it but not me. I always picture confrontations where I appear strong and in control and not terrified, but I never act on them.

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),

self diagnosed

You know those moments when you think it is Tuesday but it is really Wednesday? And then you get that warm fuzzy feeling as if you just received a prize? Isn't it wonderful?

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.