Way Back Wednesday!

I dont have a scanner here, but I DID find some hilarious old photos of me as a kid. I have no clue how old I was, but I took pictures of the pictures so the quality isn't the best... 

For those of you who may have thought I was prissy, you'd laugh if you saw half the pics I have (that need a scanner) of me covered in mud and loving.life. :)

And this goes to prove I was weird...even back then. I have a broom...or a stick...some pants that came off Lord knows what and a tee shirt thats obviously not mine...and a blanket (?) on my head. This is what happens when you're an only child looking for entertainment. *shrug*

"I'm just tossing your salad.."

Okay, so there was a girl in law school who was very sweet, very Southern and very cute...but she was not very common sensical. I really liked her, but I still laughed when I heard that someone had said something about "tossing salad" as a joke and she said "What's that mean?" I guess someone in the group explained "It means joking.. like 'Im just tossing your salad.'" From that point on, she said it all the time...student bar meetings...group events...out at bars. It was awesome. AWESOME. I dont know why I thought about that today other than someone talking about funny expressions at work....Anyway, I decided to share the inappropriate randomness....

And, let's all take a moment and mourn the passing of the giant, bug sunglasses. *sigh* They've made it through a lot, these cheap little magnificent eye coverings. They've shielded half my face from the sun's rays for over a year. Alas, after a few repairs, their time is done. I will be looking for more.


I've gone running at the gym TWICE this week. TWICE! And it's TUESDAY! Yeah yuh! I couldnt run w my stupid back but seem to be sprinting toward recovery...er..that was bad. Whatever, I'm running again.

Looking forward to getting out of town this weekend, but sad to be likely missing J Bug's shower. *sigh*

This blog was boring and took 2 minutes of your life you'll never get back. Sorry about that. Happy Tuesday!

Walkin in a winter..er...March wonderland?

Okay, soooo.. in photos...

The KS Capitol Building is really quite pretty. This is from the phone before Governor's bill signing...which I have to admit was prolly the coolest thing I've ever done with work. I got to stand up there with the governor (and the rest of the coalition who worked to pass the bill), she gave a conference, we took some pictures, and she gave us all pens (b/c that's the thing at bill signings). Anyway, I'll post a link to the news story if I find it. :) It was sleeting by the time I left, but I made it home okay without issue...

Friday night, went to sushi with Eric (Yum)! Relaxing end to a busy week. As we all know, by 9:30 am Saturday, the ground was blanketed... Can you believe it?! March! Sheesh!

Riverside.. on way to hair appt. Snow or no snow.. we cant have the world knowing I'm not a natural blonde. ha! Reason 6 billion why I'm glad to have my new car... 

Boston Avenue. Check out the lack of visibility in the pics. Cuhrazay!

Tree in front of Eric's.... pretty. :) It really was a pretty snow...bizarre, but pretty...

Had girlie dinner with B&S (if you watch GG, you'll enjoy that). Then, Lauren met up since she was in town! We sat at the bar at Sonoma for a couple hours and just talked n laughed. Good times. :) 

Today, Gracie finally got picked up from her vaca at mom's. She also got a bath. Please see her typical behavior when I pull out the blow dryer...hiding behind the toilet and not looking at me. Like "if I dont seeeee you, you wont blowdry me.." But, then lookie how cute she is all clean? Aw. :) 

 

Hope you had a great weekend! :)

Are.you.kidding?

Okay, so it creeps me out to blog about where I'm staying, etc. Now, I'm checking out so I'm blogging this crap.

Okay, so the conference room (blogged below) has REMAINED my room. I have the attached bedroom. I was told "No, we're overbooked. Sorry. Just shut the door to the conference room." Okay, fine. Whatever. For example's sake, conf room is 100 and my bedroom is 101. As in.. they have separate numbers and separate accesses from hallway.

Here's my question: What brain surgeon hotel worker didnt just shut off the conference room and give me a key to the bedroom part? I would have never been the wiser. But noooo.. from that point on, room service, my USA Today and my hotel bill was delivered to...the conference room. I have to walk through to grab it. SO.ANNOYING.

Aside from that, two mornings ago, I hear people trying to get in my bedroom. I open the door from the hallway and find two guys from the hotel "changing the locks" b/c the master broke. Okay.. so I'm freaked at this point. I was like "WHAT IS GOING ON?" But, I was running late. So, fine. Change the damn card reader/lock. Then, I get a knock on the door. Them again. "Hey, ma'am, can you let us in the conference room? We have a meeting in there in 10 minutes."

WHAT?! WHAT?! Do you REALIZE how dumb this is? *sigh*

I do it. I leave for my meetings. I come back. Shocker, but my card doesnt work in my door. So, I have to go back down. They make me ANOTHER key...which also doesnt work. I go BACK down...the girl comes up with me and her master doesnt work. To cut this short, I finally got a key, but I was angry. Patient, but angry.

The saga continued yesterday when my key-once again-didnt work.

The best part...haha...everyone acts like this is MY fault. "Why do you have that room?" I DONTFREAKINGKNOW! Then, they give a perplexed look and a "hmm..."

Okay.. so...I go next door to the conference room to get my bill this morning (ugh) and see....THEY CHARGED ME FOR THE CONFERENCE ROOM!!

Are.you.kidding.

Mind you, since I left the law firm, my nerves are at a much healthier level (flashbacks to losing my sh*t at random times...deserved...but still...I dont like it.) But, someone downstairs is about to get an earful. I would expect them to COMP something for the inconvenience not charge me MORE. And that is exactly what I'm going to say.

Anyway...you know what else is weird... how everyone, everywhere on tv is talking about Twitter. But they talk about it in that "I'm not really cool but I'm trying to be by talking about this more than I should" way. It's weird. This morning, Kathy Lee is talking about it. It's creeping me out. Hell, Twitter kinda creeps me out. (I know some of you love it. I just cant get into it).

And finally, pray for good weather on my drive home! I'm looking at the words "Blizzard warning" on my tv screen. Um. Nervous. Off to see history in the making...Topeka history that is! Hey, for those who don't know, Topeka is where Brown vs. Board was occured! :)

Looking forward to a nice, relaxing dinner tonight upon my return. :) Hopefully weather will allow that to happen!!!

This just in...

I blog a lot, huh? Espcially when I travel. I guess it's better than talking to the plant in my room. *shrug* Anyway, although this puts me here a day longer than I'd packed for, I just got notice I've been invited to the bill signing by the governor (the one I testified on)! All of us (like 10 of us) have been invited (on behalf of our companies). KINDA.FREAKING.COOL. Mind you, initially, I was not happy b/c I dont function well with unplanned changes regarding travel for some reason. But within about 5 minutes after I was able to re-plan, I was excited. I kinda wish I'd brought a nicer suit, though. I'm driving to the city to have dinner with a co worker tonight and plan to pick up a nicer blouse to pair under my suit to dress it up a little. Sheesh. hahahaha...

Oh, and you KNOW I'll post a pic! :)

I guess I wont be at the happy hr thing I set up... Arg. Eh well...have a beer for me!

And why did it get COLD again when I dont have a coat?!

...and LOST. HOLY MOLY! I have a meeting I'm getting ready for but am using Lost Diary as my reward when it's done! Agh! Ben?! I mean! Sayid! AGH!

WBW

Okay, til I actually get on my old computer, my way back wednesday posts arent that way back. I'm just going through my accessible photos and picking ones that make me smile.

1. Pat Green concert 06 immediately followed my first rodeo. Our little group had so much fun!(Who doesnt love Pat Green?) :) Rather than a winded paragraph, the reasons I posted and giggle to this day: Raven Symone. Creepy Old Men AND Raven Symone.

2. Homecoming 2006! Our now kinda small tailgate wasnt always small-and here's proof! I counted and to my knowledge: 5 people in that pic either have babies or have a baby on the way. WOW!

Hooray WBW!! :)

I got done with my meetings for today and decided to explore Topeka. You can see how well that went. At least Lost is on tonight...at least I think it is. Aw hell it better be! The hotel saga got crazier. Will have to post later.

DONT FORGET ABOUT THE YOUNG ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR TOMORROW!! :)

Just bring my room service to the conference room.

So, I may have taken a wrong turn and ended up 50 miles off course. *shrug* Oh, and I may have also left the office at 3:30 and town at 5. Sheez. Anyway, Eric helped me get back on track but likely wonders about my directional orientation (not that he didnt already). :) And really quickly...why dont signs say NORTH and SOUTH here? They say " HWY 214-Smithville and Pottersville" (I made those up but whatever). Am I supposed to just know that Smithsville is NORTH?! (I need to get more creative with my town names. I'll work on that). Thankfully I had my garmon..aka Eric via telephone on the computer.

I checked in, hurried up to my room, opened the door...and saw....

Yeah. What.the.crap? haha! I mean...I know I'm kind of a big deal, but I dont sleep on conference tables. ;) I went back down and explained the mistake, but um...yeah. There's more to this story, but I'm sleepy. And I now have a bed, not a conference table. hahaha...

Will try to find a good Way Back Wednesday post! If I'm in KANSAS and can do it without access to all my pics, YOU can do it too. :) Just had to post about the California king conference table or whatever first... hah!

Rain, rain go away...

I have a meeting this morning then leave for the metropolis of Topeka. Sense the excitement?

This is gonna be boring and random. Fair warning.

* GG was good last night. not great. but good.
* I have one random guy and one random girl asking to be my fb friends (and they're not friends with each other-I looked). Neither went to school with me. WHO ARE YOU? I'm not accepting you. Instead, I'll passive aggressively let you sit there in my requests list for a few days before I decline you.
* Say a prayer that it stops looking like something out of the Wizard of Oz (tornado scene) while I'm driving to Kansas. Hello.. Kansas.. tornado...It all sounds like a bad idea to me.
* I'm never saying I want a house on facebook again. I got too many messages to make me comfortable. Lordy. Jenny bug will help me if I decide to go for it and all those other people...well...they just wont help me. Hmph. I know I'M the one who updated my status, but I immediately recoiled like "Get outta my business." Even now, furrowed brows over it. *shrug* Whatev.
* I'm taking Twilight with me to Topeka. It may or may not get watched on the laptop.

I'm a little cranky. Might subside with a sonic drink on the road. Might.

Theories...

One more thing today. If I see one more of those "cash for gold" commercials, I might lose it. I mean.. the economy's bad, but...yeah. Lemme just put my gold in an envelope, send it to you and wait to see what you send me back! *fake, excited gasp* ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?! 

Two words: pawn.shop. or hell...even craigs.list. 

Theory: Those people are pirates. Or leprechauns. Or making grills for rappers. 

The worst one is the one that says they'll take gold from fillings. I mean-WHAT?!

Also, I've got a Whole Foods bag in my kitchen. Dedicated to one thing and one thing only. Gracie's hair. Oh, is that sick? Yeah? I know. I'll hide it when you come over. I honestly think my dog sheds more than anyone would believe and I'm going to prove it. I realize no one cares, but let me have my (admittedly creepy) project. 

(And yes, I went to Whole Foods...AND bought bananas. But, admittedly I inspected them first for creepy 8 legged killers from Honduras.)

Savory (Chef).

Friday, Eric and I headed to Savory Chef for a COOKING CLASS! I've always wanted to take one and didn't even know Tulsa offered some. Thankfully, Eric knew Tulsa does! Excellent v-day gift, me thinks.. :)

Our class featured salads-we manned the Prosciutto and Feta Flatbread with dressed Arugula pizza/salad. (We assumed we couldnt eff up prosciutto. We were right. )We made like 5 pizzas at our station. But uh, the crust was homemade...and no rolling pins. She recommended not throwing the dough into the air.. so of course when she stopped looking, we both tossed it lightly like 5 year olds not listening to their parents. Nice.

Our first two pizzas looked.. well..mine kinda looked like a paddle/bottle (or something less appropriate) and Eric's looked like a pacman ghost. Our second try was way better. And they all tasted good anyway. :)

Finished product! I'd go as far as to say ours was the best flatbread pizza ever made...or at least the best entree at the class. Subjective, I know I know, but you cant hide greatness. I mean.. just look at it!

Eric looking threatening with the hand towel. Me looking cheesy (typical). Our teacher is standing in the bkgnd in my pic. :)

Prolly one of my fav things I've done in Tulsa. :) Our teacher said she's a private chef one night per week to a local family. Um. Hello. I'll take a private chef. Just sayin.

Anyway, even though you cook things in stations with two people making each item, you get the recipes for everything at the end. Everyone sits down and eats together, too. Cute. Like it. Cumulatively, we all made: (1) steak salad with blue cheese and peaches (I know, right?! It was awesome-esp the homemade blue cheese), (2) spicy cornbread salad with grilled shrimp, (3) ours, (4), cherry balsamic spinach salad with lentils and feta, and (5) chocolate souffle! I dont know that I can cook everything alone yet..haha.. but I have the recipes if you're feeling adventurous. I will make that flatbread again. And a comical post will likely follow.

I totally want to take another class!

And I cant believe I forgot to blog about Lost since I watched it late. Hell. Well, here's the Lost Diary for last week. And my fav part:
9:24 -- Sawyer's plan is to slip Kate, Jack and Hurley in as new recruits on the sub. I want to be recruited for something.
9:30 -- So Faraday either is, or isn't, roaming around amongst the Dharma. Think he's gone batshit crazy? That's my vote.

I want a house...

....b/c....

1. I would be able to let my dog out in the morning instead of running into my neighbors/landlords/strangers fresh from sleeping in on the weekend...hair a hot mess, glasses on, sans bra, mismatched pj shorts and tank top...oh...and shoeless.

2. When my dog has.. ahem.. tummy issues, I wouldn't be having a conversation with my landlords about the pretty weather trying to distract them as she leaves fertilizer in the little garden. *uncomfortable cringe* 

3. Homeless people wouldn't leave their attire on my car. (Note: this happened to my neighbor, not me. And they're actually not a bother really at all...but that's weird.)

4. Numerous other reasons aside from having equity in something.. like being able to paint, garden, etc etc etc...

However. I realized it's not so bad to have an apt when I heard a noise, went and washed a sharp knife (yes I took the time to wash it for some reason), and inspected the closets, gripping it like a crazy person. Apt=smaller place to search when I go paranoid. *shrug*

Something I'm confident of... the new Twilight dvd I bought is just as good in my apt as it'd be in a house. Obsessed with fake vampires much? Yeah. That's me. :)

Hope you had a great weekend! More weekend posting to come, but blogger is being a beast with pics so I held off for now. 

Welcome to the world, Landen!

He's.so.adorable!!! And look at that full head of dark hair! haha! :)

Proud mama! Landen gets cold (hence the blankets). He makes the most adorable pissed off face. I wish people thought my pissy face was adorable. haha....

Cute fam :)

Changing his clothes for hospital pictures... :) Sarah loved the hospital picture lady..hahaha.. (or not.)

Landen's only a couple days old and already has women fawning all over him. haha.. :) Very first time I've been to the hospital for such a happy occasion and...very happy it was! :) Congratulations, Sarah and Andrew!!!!

Good News Friday :)

The bill I testified on PASSED! :)

I got the dept's paking spot of the month of April.. which means front row...even though my non-morning person ass gets here arooooound 8:45. :)

AND BEST NEWS EVER! Landen Matthew was born at 7:26 pm last night! 7lbs 11 oz! :) SO HAPPY! Congratulations Sarah and Andrew! I think Jenny and I are gonna give her some time to relax n stuff then play it by ear and maybe head up to visit tomorrow! :)

And... if I can truck through this speechwriting, I am gonna take some time off this afternoon! :)

Lotsa smileys in this blog. Well deserved.

TU- Beer, Basketball, and Babies!

Beer

What are you doing next Thursday? Did you go to TU? If your answers are "I dont know!" and "YES!" in that order, please mark your calendar to attend the young alum happy hour at Oscars! More details will follow on facebook (and on here), but I kinda set it up, so COME! (please) :) 

They wont make you sign up for anything (I made sure). 1/2 price well drinks (making them 3 bucks), tap beers (making them 1.50), domestics (1.50), house wine (chard) (I think it'll be 3.50ish), and likely appetizers (beer battered green beans and fried pickles anyone?! They're hands-down the best in Tulsa and I'm really not kidding here) Anyway, our young alum group is pathetic (Im referring to attendance)...even when there's food and alcohol involved...*sigh* I really hope we can get better. I think people are afraid to go b/c they dont wanna be suckered into anything...I understand. But, my opinion: if they try, just say no, drink your half price beer, and leave...but only after saying hi to people, maybe rekindle some networking, try out a new(er) restaurant/bar, etc... :)

More info to follow when it's formally announced.

Basketball

Annnnnnnnnnd WAY TO GO TU! We won tonight! WOO HOO! Went to the game with Eric and cheered us to victory!!! A woman sitting in front of Eric would thrust her arms backward and into the air when she cheered...to the point he thought she was going to hit him. It was awesome. haha!

Babies! (Well, babY....singular...whatever)

AND... I'm so excited b/c Sarah H (also a TU alum. duh.see how I'm making this all fit together?), is being induced...RIGHT.NOW. :) I cant wait to meet LANDEN! 

( I havent watched Lost yet b/c I'm SO.TIRED. and am saving it for tomorrow. So dont spoil anything in comments por favor). 

WBW (Way Back Wednesday) and St. Pats happenings

So, Stacia blogged about Way Back Wednesday (posting an image from "way back" and explaining) :) Unfortunately, I havent gotten all my "way back" photos off my old computer so we're going waaaaay back to...2005. haha.

So, it's been seen before, but it's a good one and I love it! Chi Os at Caitlyn's wedding in Kansas City-November 2005. :) We danced, we drank, we "like a prayer-ed" it, Alove and I semi fell down the stairs (typical for me, I suppose)... We had a great time! :) Love you, girls!

And a couple other WBW posts.. both from finals '05 (December). I was SO unmotivated my 3L year... haha...I think I was reading an outline for on my computer... I dunno. But, I do remember taking this pic b/c I was laughing at my procrastination... CDs..phones...photo album, quiktrip cups/sunflower seeds, candles (was I setting a mood?) And it looks like there's a camera dock on the floor. Nice.

*******************************************************************************

Then, some outlines for an exam... In law school, open book exams are.the.worst. cause everything's fair game, so OCD me tabbed books/outlines/anything that could help with color codes and words. Yeah, I know. It was also another way to feel productive when I didnt want to study. ha!

Thank gawd I'm done with all that...

So, participate! Post something today for WBW! It can even just be a story or a series of memories. :)

And some pics from last night...

How over half the people out last night likely saw us....haha..

Earlier in the night, hung at McNellies outside. :) Eric's socks are awesome, right?! (Say yes-I got them for him...haha)

I got to wear a blinky necklace, take some photos, stand under a crowded tent with others wearing green, hang with friends, and was home by 10pm with a happy meal. :) YAY St. PATS!

Happy St. Pats!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY from a creepy cartoon leprechaun! Any day that has a theme for attire is AWESOME in my book. I bought a green blinkie necklace and earrings. Yeah, I did. Whatever. And I plan to at least wear the earrings to work. I think I'll prolly meet up with Jenny bug and drink a beer for us both. :)

Today was a really.good.day. The weather was great, my review went well, Gossip Girl was on... a good day. :) And everyone at the office was a little goofy which always makes for fun. Did I tell you we named the fake crow from halloween Sheryl? As in Sheryl Crow? Yeah. We did. Wow. And we put a company bandana on her. We're easily entertained. 

Drink a green beer, say something with a fake Irish accent, and wear something green. Just dont be one of those lame people that "has on green underwear." First of all, that's sick. I dont want to know that about strangers (referring to when random people think it's cute to say that). Second, just dont do that. Happy St. Pats!!!!

Welcome to Mid March!

When on earth did it become mid march? Jeeeezzzzz!

So, I think it'll be a good week. *nervous face not wanting to jinx it* Starting the week with some positivity here...

Sat night, I went out with Carrie and Heather for a little girlie night. :) Low key and fun. I didnt feel super tired, but I somehow slept straight through til 1:45 pm today. Who.does.that?! Ever feel like you're just not quite yourself? I was totally there. I think I was just so sleepy and didnt know it after stress, travels, fun, more travels...

Exciting things about this week!

1. SARAH'S HAVING THE BABY!!!! I told her she needs to guest blog. I cant WAIT to meet the little guy! :) 

2. It's St. Pat's day! Somehow, somewhere, I will be ingesting a green beer. If you dont have a baby in the belly and would like to join (or even if you do and still want to join), feel free!! :)

3. Gossip Girl starts back tomorrow. (although I read the ep isnt that great). Lost is back on after a week off. And John and Kate starts back.

4. Twilight is released on dvd. I'm lamesauce. Whatever.

5. And, Eric will finish his closet (aka second bedroom). Remember our Ikea trip w all the boxes piled high in the suburban? Yeah. He's been puttin stuff together all weekend and it looks pretty kick ass. Gotta admit. (I stopped by to bring Braums. Dont be fooled by the pose with the drill. I'll post a pic when the room's done! I cant home-improve, so I live vicariously.)

6. My Vegas trip was the final kick to a free flight on SW, I think. 

7. Finally, I have my work review today (Monday) via phone. Let's hope it starts the week off well...*nervous face* If not, I have green beer Tuesday to make it better. 

What Happens In Vegas...

...is featured in my pictures. I went overboard per usual. Whatever. Conferences in Vegas deserves photo love.

People say everything's bigger in Texas; I say it's Vegas. They certainly do their best to make everyone feel like a high roller. I work too hard for my $$ to gamble it away, but I totally played a few slots for like 5 minutes. Then Lost. And was over it. To be honest, I'm not a huge Vegas person, but definitely not complaining about a good time had there during a conference and am very thankful I got to go! :) I mean...70 degrees, poolside, a break from some recent frustrations... *sigh* :) 

I arrived and gasped when I saw the tv in my bathroom (to the left of the sink). I'm easily impressed. Hi, my name is Jax and I watched Matt Lauer while getting ready in the morning. Anyway, I got there and we (window) shopped...ate...and dropped (sleeping by like 11 Vegas time)

Thursday, we conferenced it up and then went out a little. We look like we went out a LOT b/ we went quite a few places thanks to a friend's friend and his connections, but we didnt get "Vegas crazy" by any means. We had a blast and still made it to breakfast by 8am. :) 

We started at Tryst b/c we had some passes since we stayed in the Wynn. And uh, I may have felt 21 again when the bouncer came to the part of the line Michele and I were waiting...and pulled us out of line to take us inside (after confirming we were two girls-alone). It was totally dumb..I know I know, but I didnt resent the 14 dollar drink quite as much thanks to it. 
Our friend's friend met us at Tryst and took us to Ghost Bar, Playboy and Moon (he worked at the Palms) to overlook the city... And there's a portion of the floor that's totally glass...seeing allll the way to the sidewalk 40 floors down! See me standing on it (til some guy started stomping on it and scared me).

Note the toilet paper in my shoes at Moon. My heels-not the best idea. *shrug*

Playboy Club! It's more just a lotta gaming tables, but it.had.seats. Things about being 27 and not 21 anymore=Jax likes seats. I also made the nice bunny take a picture with us. She was thrilled. ha. Right. 


Friday, we checked out at noon after the conference, ate some lunch, shopped around, and hit the Wynn pool til the sun went behind Encore (big buildings everywhere-not great for bronzing oneself..hah) The pool is HUGE-it wraps around to the left in front and has another section behind where I took the pic.


What I wouldn't give for some more extended fun in the sun! But, I'm very thankful for last week. And I got some great info at the conference, too and plan to use. Workshops, conferences, etc, can really energize and this one came at a good time. I feel like the economy is such a downer b/c everyone is so stressed about everything. If you have a job, you're stressed about keeping it; if you dont, you're stressed about finding one. Crazy stuff. I found myself thinking "how are there so many people here GAMBLING?!" Then, I shut my brain off and enjoyed myself. :)