New Years Eve Eve.

Excuse me while I get repetitive, but tomorrow marks Jon and I's ONE year.  Not a measly 6 months, but an entire year.  All 365 days.  This is a really big deal people.  So big that I'm giving you a picture of the night sparks flew...

Not only am I giving you a picture I'll give you a story...

As I sat with two good friends, Hayley & Shauna at one of our regular locations on December 30, 2010 we began discussing New Year's Eve and the plans.  I remember Hayley was going off to Vegas, Shauna was in love and then me, who was single.  I told them about how so and so was bringing his brother and I even proclaimed my only escape was to indulge in some cocktails.  I was utterly unexcited about having to entertain the idea of a blind date.  New Year's Eve arrives, I of course arrive early to the restaurant with a couple of other friends and I couldn't get a dirty martini quick enough to soothe my nerves.  The rest of the table, along with Jon get there and we all united.  It wasn't love at first site but the night began a lot calmer than I had anticipated.  I'm not one to indulge in awkward converstaion or initiate a new subject and Jon really isn't either, with that being said, it is a tad strange that we became two chatter boxes across from eachother (see below).               

The story gets better so don't leave yet.  As dinner came to a close the server made note of who was on who's tab and of course, single April was on her own tab.  At some point between claiming my own meal and the server leaving our table, Jon found him and covered my dinner and dirty martinis.  Can you say brownie points?  Now comes some humor for the story...mind you, it's 12/31/10 and it is frigid outside and NYE outfits aren't known for their warmth; once we get outside the girls and myself take off to get in another venu while Jon stands behind let down because he just blew Christmas money on a girl who appears to have only wanted a meal.  Eat and Run?  Looked like it.  When our next plan of action resulted in a house party we were reunited, became a victorious beer pong team and when the clock ticked Midnight Jon asked me if I wanted a kiss...What a gentleman.  We went on about three more dates that weekend and here we are today...


Magical things can happen December 31st so go into it with an open mind, a fabulous outfit, lipstick and a cocktail.

Happy Eve of the Eve Eve-rybody.

Anyone making some profound resolutions?  I'm not.  Seems as though every one's resolutions turn into neverlutions and 365 days later they give it another shot.  I make my best life goals sporadically throughout the year, so I'll eat my black eyed peas and get my midnight kiss, but the resolution's going to have to meet up with me another time.

As luck would have it I am now in need of a New Year's Eve outfit.  You probably wouldn't know that back in July I ordered a fabulous top online with the plan to wear it December 31st.  Six months later I finally got around to trying it on and it's just not everything I hoped for.  Bahumbug.  Once I get to Tulsa tonight Jon and I will begin a mission to find me an outfit, he's thrilled.

First of all.

Here we are, the very last Wednesday of 2011.  I have been meaning to sit down and reflect on the past year.  I feel like I've had a lot of "firsts" this year.  My first year at my first big kid job, my first vehicle on my own, bought my first condo and I feel like I'm leaving something out?  Ohhh that's right, my first serious relationship and first long distance relationship at that.  I might as well be real honest and say my first time to fall in love and dare I say my last?  I know, I know...TMI.  But that's to be expected with my blogs.


I still want to shake my head at all the negative nancys who proclaimed all the massive obstacles I would have to conquer after college...where exactly are those obstacles again?  So far it's been smooth sailing. Shame on you.  I think with everything happening I'm being lead to believe it's all about timing.  Agreed?  Every little and large aspect of life revolves around the perfect timing ;  I am not one to get all spiritual on you, but I will admit I have zero control over all my "firsts" and my parents didn't have much control over them either although they may beg to differ.

Did you have any firsts this year?  I think every year has them, for me this one just stood out a lot more. 

Anyway, just some minor reflection for this cold Wednesday.

- April

Christmas Two-Thousand-Eleven

What a Christmas!

I always feel like I have an extended holiday with my mom's birthday the 21st and my brother's the 23rd.  This Christmas was an interesting one.  It started off with me getting some sort of food poisoning and making a trip to the ER.  I lost about 6 pounds through the ordeal so I guess that's a plus? 


As you probably know we split Christmas between Edmond at my parents and Tulsa at Jon's.  It was really fun and honestly I kind of liked getting to be one of the travelers on the road for Christmas.  The only downside was I had no appetite!  No appetite at Christmas?!  You don't even want to know my misery.  Luckily the photos don't show my agony...

The Christmas Soiree was a good time, see below...

Jordan, Leigh, Jon, myself, Lauren, Jordan & two Elliott's on the way

Two great gals, Leigh & Lauren



Josh, HP, myself & Jon

Jon & I have New Year's plans set in stone.  We will be attending a Masquerade Ball!  Jon is such a good sport.  Other than last year we both have never had a great New Year's Eve, so hopefully this one is comparable.  Speaking of last year, this NYE will mark our One Year Anniversary---ONE YEAR!!!  So with that being said, I'm going to pretend all the balloons, people, confetti & parties are in our honor...thanks everyone for the love and support. 

Ladies--what is your thought about rewearing an article of clothing you wore to last New Years?  I loved my mom's vintage petticoat so much that I'm considering wearing it again.  I personally see no problem with this, but I'm sure there are some opposing views--do share.

I hope you all had a wonderful 2011 and if not, you still have a few days to do something great with it.

- April

I wish you a Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Week!
What a busy, chaotic and fun December it has been so far.  I've been booked with photo shoots, had Christmas parties left and right and have some wonderful friends back in town. 


I have come to the realization I've grown out of the "going out" stage.  You know when you could just crumple tiredness like a piece of paper and toss it?  Well not anymore.  When the tired bug bites my defense is down.  In fact, I even enjoy naps now.  I think it was just a few blog posts ago that I claimed disliking those periodic rests throughout the day.  Times are a changin'.

Laura, Kristi & I at Southern Hills for our work's Christmas Party

Limo & Lights with Switzer & Friends

LaRue's Christmas Party

This is mine and Jon's first Christmas together and I keep getting asked, "Isn't this you and Jon's first Christmas, what are you getting him?!"  Did I miss something or am I supposed to buy an outrageous gift?  Should I have opted for the baby elephant for sale online?  Obviously the rest of you know something I don't.  Speaking of online shopping, that is where I did all of my Christmas shopping this year.  Didn't want to face the mall?  Absolutely not.  Besides, for all you crazies chasing good deals---did you know you can buy online and get free shipping and still apply discounts?  Getting sick to your stomach now aren't you?  Next time consult with me first, I'll lead you in the right direction.

My fabulous mom's birthday is today.  You probably wouldn't know it because I didn't post a status on facebook saying "Happy birthday mom, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, I can't believe how awesome you are...yada yada."  And you know why I didn't?  BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T HAVE A FACEBOOK.  Random vent session here we go.  People, your 3 year old son isn't on facebook, your husband isn't on facebook and your dog, well I've seen some pictures but no actual profile of him on facebook either.  What great reason could you possibly have to be giving a shout out to a person or animal who will never see it?  Yes, I know you have people commenting below about how sweet you are...but I'm onto you and your attention-wanting-games and you being sweet is the last thing to cross my mind.  I'm a little more pro-animal statuses if anything; at least we can all find humor in those.

I finally got a new phone and am a little disappointed with everyone's lack of urgency to play Words with Friends with me on a consistent basis.  Luckily you can all make that your New Year's Resolution. Chop chop.

Thursday is the Christmas Soiree at casa de April.  I honestly have nothing planned except a relaxing time to catch up with good friends.  And a couple of holiday punch recipes of course!



Aside from the chaos, gift buying, parties and facebook madness, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.  Safe travels to those of you hitting the road.

make it flurry, make it flurry, make it flurry.

Hace frio en Oklahoma!


So far our meteorologists have lacked in accuracy the past 3 days; I'm not discrediting their job;  I'm just saying I'm starting to wonder if maybe I should be a meteorologist?  We can't get a heads up when an earthquake is coming, we don't know if we're going to be snowed in and some days I'm under the impression I can go lay out by the pool only to find its actually 40 degrees.

I put two Christmas trees up this year and I've begun the preparation for the Christmas Soiree in a couple of weeks.  It's nice to have a space now that I can actually have people over and they can sit on more than my bed.  Between Christmas events, birthdays & photo shoots I am booked for December---Which is great because I love being busy during holidays.

I cannot believe its December.  This coming weekend Jon and I will be attending my work's Christmas party in Tulsa.  The best blog-safe word I can come up with for this event is "interesting."  I found an outfit to wear, but am not completely in love with it.  My search continues. 

Alright Okies. Happy December 5.

fa la la la la.

I haven't been to the gym in a few days and I ate way too much from Thursday - Sunday.  I wish I could solely blame Thanksgiving, but let's face it, that's not completely true.

On a happier note, I am needing/wanting ideas for "What to do at a Christmas Soiree"  I'm using the term Soiree in place of "Party"...I'm not into glasses being broken, champagne showers or shower curtains falling (ahem, Zip).  I'm not counting out beer pong so that should prove I'm not a fun hater.

My dad's neck surgery is currently underway, it began at 4:00 and will last approximately 2-3 hours.  To make himself feel better he bought a new car on Saturday.  I'm just kidding, that's not why.  He heals unusually quick and doesn't give pain the time of day so I'm certain all will be well.  He will only be at the hospital for one night thankfully; him and I both have the same thoughts about hospitals and none of them are good.

Thursday I will be taking photos and displaying former work at the City Arts Center at Fair Park.  My good friend Daniel has begun his own theatre company (www.theatrecollectiveokc.com) and asked me to attend their first event.  I don't know a lot about theatre, but I know the one person I would ask would be Daniel.  If anyone wants plans this Thursday, please come out.   50% of proceeds go to Winds House.

Happy Monday and last week of November everyone!

turkey week.

Happy Thanksgiving Week!  A holiday that only requires great food & great company.

The housewarming party was a success---I couldn't have been more pleased with the turn out and it's nice to have family & good friends in one place with food & wine.   The weather was unusually nice at 72 degrees.  Someone knew I wouldn't be a happy camper if it was too cold to enjoy the patio.  For some reason I forgot to take pictures during the party so this is about all I have to show for...

Delicious cookies ordered from The Cookie Princess (www.thecookieprincess.com).


Now onto a 3 day work week.  This will be Jon and I's first Thanksgiving together so we'll be splitting time between our families.  OKC & Tulsa---can't wait! 

How many of you are going to gear up for Black Friday?  I'm personally in no need of anything bad enough; especially when there are also Black Friday Sales online..keep that in mind friends.  You don't have to torture yourself or camp out in front of Best Buy in hopes you'll be the 50th customer to receive a special deal...you may end up with a special cold or special bad attitude.

I hope you all enjoy your week and have a memorable holiday.

Early Birds.

I've been asked a few times this week if it is too soon to decorate for Christmas?  My answer, absolutely not.  Department stores began advertising in October (poor Halloween got the boot);  so if you want to put a twinkle in your home and your heart a tad early, I say go for it. Especially you, Kat. Decorate your heart out.

Speaking of Christmas, I now have these tall 20 foot ceilings and thought, hey I think I'd like to buy a mega-large Christmas tree.  I headed to Garden Ridge, only to find my ideal tree (fake of course) is a mere $400.  I don't mind dropping the dough on a piece of furniture, but I can't quite bring myself to purchasing a tree for that amount.  Any thoughts?  With my ceilings being so tall I feel like I need to make sure the furniture and decorations are dinosaur size so it won't look cluttered, but if saving $400 means I'm a little cluttered this holiday season---so be it.  Live on inner Jew.

My two year anniversary of totaling my car was this past weekend.  I was a little more thankful last Thanksgiving and probably all the ones to come because of it.
 

Maybe "things happen for a reason" but I still haven't figured out the reason for that happening.  I'll take guesses though if anyone has a good one.  Maybe it was just superstition and bad luck teaming up on me, after all it was Friday the 13th.  I heard numerous times, "someone must have been looking out for you."  I have only lost my Grandpa Jack, Grandma Jean and my labradors Molly & Cindy...I think they should all be thanked. 

Happy week before Thanksgiving everyone & Happy Housewarming weekend---see you there!

pretentious.

Going the Distance.


Three of my close friends moved out of state, one to NYC, one to Mississippi and one to Austin.  We have maintained a relationship and we are on common grounds when it comes to communicating.  There's noticeably a joint effort on all ends.  Then of course there's my prince charming off in Broken Arrow, the distance hasn't effected our relationship.  My list goes on and on for how busy people in my life are, whether it be med school, law school, 8-5 jobs, etc.  But at the end of the day, most of us manage to keep in touch and touch base, for the most part.  These people I love dedicating time to.  Other's you just have to throw the towel in, not burn bridges by any means, but just hands in the air, let.them.go.  I am a very give and take person,  I like to give and I like to take.  I don't like to give and give and give; evidently, there are people who like to take & take.


I've actually discovered the older I get how one of my biggest pet peeves is a lack of effort on both ends.  Thankfully I'm at an age now where I don't have a lot to lose by turning power off on my end.  You can't expect to have electricity and never pay your bill.  Just like you can't expect to have a friend and not be a friend. 


I visited Heath & Brett last night and they have found a church home.  Which reminded me  I used to attend church regularly and participate in all that was available.  I haven't been in a very long time and I think the reason why is just from looking at others who go and seeing their lifestyle.  I constantly see verses on facebook and these profound words that would make one seem to be living quite the life.   Scripture can teach you a lot, but it won't take the action for you.


With all of this being said, I really am just looking forward to a relaxing weekend in Tulsa.  I hope to see a lot of you next weekend at the house warming.

grocery, no siree.

I was sitting at my desk thinking how I need to get some groceries then I just pictured myself dreadfully walking up and down aisles in the grocery store and I got a little depressed.  Then I thought how great it would be if grocery stores had drive-thrus.  I have a couple of plots for this:

1) You go to the grocery store and they have a touch screen menu (similar to red box) and you drive up, can stay seated in your climate controlled vehicle and select your groceries---basically, a very lazy check out process.  Then, you pull forward and your groceries are loaded for you.

2)  Basically all the same except instead of visiting the grocery store to place your order you can access the products online and make your selection; then drive to the grocery store, give your ticket number and they again will load your groceries for you.  This could also be utilized as an app and what not.

Why I think these are good ideas for both the store and the consumer---The store could essentially decrease the amount of registers, save more electricity and with our economy bringing out the crazies who like to rob even Girl Scout's, they would be eliminating some danger.  The consumer wouldn't be as associated with germs as they wander the store picking up and putting back items and there may be more peace in the world as people wouldn't be standing in lies, dodging strollers or being tempted to purchase weight gaining, calorie absorbed products as they pass by them.

The downside is advertisements and marketing tools would become less effective as displays in stores since people wouldn't be entering the property; this also means they could save money and direct it elsewhere, perhaps magazines, coupons, etc..

Sorry to all you grocery store lovers, I'm just not one who enjoys pushing a cart with a messed up wheel, dodging strollers or waiting in lines.  Call me crazy.

grammar gods.

I'm having one of those days where I feel like I want to do more with my life.  Maybe move up on the employment chain and accomplish something bigger and better.  I think the earthquake shook this idea into me or the following story.

Today I received an email about the correct way to use an apostrophe in the word "its"...of course I can't reply back anything catty so I made light of the situation.  Its things like that from people I don't know that just make me want to explore career options that create a little more of an intimidating structure so no one feels comfortable correcting my (which was actually my bosses) grammar.  Besides at the end of the day I'm worried about earthquakes and natural disasters; I don't have time to place apostrophes in correct places.  Someones got too much time on their hands. Speaking of time, if you have some extra and are struggling with grammar past the age of education check out this website: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/apostrophe

The past few days and weeks I've discussed difficult bosses with multiple friends.  All over the globe, not just locally.  I thought, you know, I'd be an easy boss to work for; then I got to thinking and realized that's a complete lie.  I would probably be one of the most difficult bosses to work for.  I'm too OCD to be a boss and I'm certain I'd make someone cry on accident.

Tonight I am attending Body Pump, a class to help pump my body.  I have enjoyed it in the past so I'll report back any new feelings I gain towards this chosen torture.

April

quakes are qucrap.

I did mentally note that my garden needed to be watered, so the rain is great and I'll take responsibility.  I did not however mention anything about needing an earthquake so someone else needs to step up and take the blame for that one.  I'm so confused about what to do when a quake hits, it's like my mind is collaborating everything I was taught in elementary--do I stop, drop and roll?  Hide in a bath tub? Call 911? All of the above?  I apparently choose none of the above as I look around as if expecting to see an earthquake mascot then I proceed to run around...literally.  Perhaps I'll get a dog so I can have a heads up that something is about to scare the you-know-what out of me.  I wish our meteorologists wouldn't act so nonchalant about the earth shaking every ones homes, after all we've all witnessed them in panic mode during tornadoes.  Why filter the extreme drama now? 


Pre third earthquake Abster & I attended our favorite spin class and it wasn't kidding around.  I really enjoyed our instructor--she's a great motivator & says stuff like "don't leave here wishing you would have pushed yourself harder."  So then I feel like I owe her and I both something and end up with a great work out. 

During the first and second earthquake, while I was in Tulsa my parents painted my kitchen and I couldn't be more pleased with the color---I still get amazed at how colors change the feel of rooms.  Speaking of my parents, keep my dad in your thoughts, he is about to have neck surgery---yuck!  He's not a fan of surgeries, not that anyone is, but he's avoided this one for years and years.  The surgeon is the same one who did his two back surgeries and he did a great job so that adds some comfort.  Tulsa was great though, love time with Jon and it's always nice to see his family.

Anyway, post third earthquake, I'm going to get a good night's rest while the thunderstorm provides some background noise and I hope everyone else can do the same.

Hugs & Quakes

April

Problems.Projects.Progress

TGIFB. (Heather Switzer..you get what I'm saying?)

What a week of projects and problems!  Problem of the week is my heater doesn't work.  Project of the week, painting my kitchen.  I maybe shouldn't use the word problem so adamantly because it's actually been kind of nice to have to bundle up and have a reason to use my covers.  But for the sake of being accepted in society the heater is being fixed.

Dad and I ended up priming my kitchen last night.  See below...

The primer is mixed with a little of my paint color--so don't be thrown off by the lavender, it won't be staying.  The red and gold needed to take a hike, it made me feel like I was at a fast food restuarant...McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Carl's Junior...you name it.

I need to stick to my word and report the progress of my journey to utilize my gym membership; the Hams and Hiney class was great.  It's actually a spin class with a fun name and I love spin.  Abby joined me in the class and I still can't make up my mind if we got in trouble for talking or not?  All I know is I follow rules at work for 8 hours so after 5:00 I deserve to go wild and get my chat on...besides, doesn't that burn more calories?  There were a total of 6 of us in the class, including the instructor.  These kinds of classes are my favorite, you can't duck out of working hard and it feels like you're really getting what you paid for.

I'll be dipping out of work a tad early today to head eastbound.  Jon here I come!  Don't get me wrong, I would much rather see him daily, but I get some sort of thrill out of the trip there. 

Today is a good friend's birthday...Shauna "Zippy" Runyon, so happy quarter of a century to her!

Journey

"I just want to tone up." "I just want to lose 15 pounds."  Well friends, I want to sign up for both.  I've had a YMCA membership over a year now and I've had periodic times where I'll go and stop, then repeat.  Around this time last year I was really dedicated to the gym and Weight Watchers and had successfully lost close to 15 lbs.  Then I got bit by the love bug and found delight in cuddling, pizza & calorie dates.  The love bug hasn't left, but neither has my gym membership and goal weight.  Starting today I'm going to get back on track and get back into a routine. 

I've noticed every time I get home from work there is a man in my neighborhood who appears to be in his late 70's who is always riding his bicycle around and never misses a day.  My mom, in her 50's, never misses a day at the gym either, so I really have no excuse at the age of 24 to be missing a golden oppurtunity.  Besides I don't pay a monthly membership fee for the fun of it.  If I would think of going to the gym as a high school practice then I should be good to go---I never, ever, ever missed practice, so I shouldn't miss a day at the gym either.  Correctomundo? 

Although Jon is convinced I'll find my passion for running one of these days, I'm here to tell you I don't think that will ever happen.  I will be participating in spin classes, toning classes, body pump classes & a new one I see on the menu called 'Hams & Hiney'.  I'm not much of a solo encourager, I will always go with my lamest excuse to leave the gym so a group class will be my key to victory.  I love cardio & sports, but to hop on a track and begin a little jog doesn't appeal to me, it actually makes my heart sink when thinking about it.  And no, I don't want to tone up body builder style, I just want the excess to take a hike and maybe have some definition in my arms...I don't think that's asking too much after some hard work.


I always seem to find my motivation right around the time of holidays & great meals.  Wish me luck & I'll keep you posted on my temptations & accomplishments.

April