Tuesday Morning Lesson

I learned a lesson today:

Never, ever attempt to flat iron your hair right after you wake up in the morning. Your finger will not appreciate it.

:)

Everyone has their weaknesses...

Although I love winter weather, I am really not liking this (hopefully) last cold front that has swept Oklahoma. This always tends to happen when I do things like stimulate the economy. I was really looking forward to wearing my cute new spring clothes, but I am being forced to practice my patience. Normally overcast days are some of my happiest days, but not today.

This is mainly because I am being reminded of one of my biggest weaknesses: I beat myself up. No, I don't literally punch myself in the face, though I kind of feel like I should. But I like my face, so I won't. Today are the interviews for my major's scholarships. I am not really sure when the applications for it were- but I am pretty sure that they were part of my college's scholarship application. We had pretty much the last half of Fall semester to apply for them- due a week or two after finals. So, of course I was going to wait till then to fill it out. I wasn't even trying to procrastinate. I just figured I would have a better, clearer mind to fill out the application and make myself sound awesome.

During break, I work at the movie theater at home I have worked at for almost 5 years (yikes). At work one day, I made a to-do list: Laundry, Buy soap, Scholarship Application. The next day I got to work. I bought soap, and started my laundry. I was done, and I was happy. Oh, but wait-- isn't that missing something? Yep. I realized two days later when I found my list. The application was due midnight the night before. It is all online, and the application had closed. I was upset, but oh well- I will have other opportunities.

Unfortunately, I am pretty sure that I was wrong, and that was my opportunity. For the past few days, I keep hearing just how much the MIS dept is able to give away this year (a ton). Everyone in class has their suits on and are coming in late/leaving early, while I am sitting here in my t-shirt and just enough make up on to look like I am not a zombie. I say this humbly, but I am a shoe-in for these scholarships. They are pretty much the one non-need based scholarship I could ever apply for. Entirely merit. And here I am- a girl with a ton of merits.

A ton of merits and a bad case of Attention Deficit Disorder.

Stimulating the Economy

So this weekend is OU's Mom's Day weekend. I am the photographer for our Campus Activities Council, so I have been running about getting pictures of all the shenanigans and happenings on campus. Well, I was waiting on the camera last night and so I stayed in all night reading. I finished the Hunger Games and CRASHED. The book was so so good. I want to start on the second, but have two tests coming up and won't let myself.

Today we had a brunch at the house, in which I was an "orphan" with my friends Kaitlin and Colleen. We always tend to be orphans together on these weekends- it is fun. We wanted to get away, so we decided to go shopping. And boy did we shop. Well, at least me. I have been in a funky mood the past two days, but by the end of our shopping I was much happier. I even got a jacket for 97 cents! All in all, I didn't spend too much. It was leftover money from Spring Break though, and I found some really good things (including a 27 cent fake arm sleeve tattoo). After that, Kaitlin and I headed to Whataburger and then to the Talent Show so that I could take more pictures. I won a 25 gift certificate to a Campus Corner store, so that was really great! There was an asian "glowstick-er" (think rave) and two boys who played Disney songs on violin and piano. It was fabulous, and Kaitlin is in love with one of the boys. One girl sung a song about Starbucks and the latte boy, so then I wanted a Chai Latte more than anything. I think this was also thanks to the cold front we got in last night.

After Starbucks, we went to dinner at a small amazing Italian Restaurant with some friends. Followed up by Gelato. Now I am finishing off the night watching The Ugly Truth. I truly love this movie!

So, I think I helped the economy was have a good day today. It really should thank me.

:)

The Most Memorable Christmas Present

Setting: My hometown, Christmas.

Age: 7

It was Christmastime again- a time of happiness, glory, and my trademark red, velvet velour Holiday Dress. I wore that dress for years, thinking it was the fanciest thing around. When it was time to break out that dress again, I knew I would soon be eating delicious food, leaving out cookies for Santa (and carrots for the reindeer, of course), and opening presents.

When I was little, the exact presents I got weren't that important. Does anyone remember those old Sears catalogs they sent out around September? The ones with about 5 million pages of toys inside? That catalog was likely the most favorite magazine of my years, until I discovered the humor of my friend's Cosmos. Each year, I would go through each and every page of that catalog and make my Christmas list. It took me many years to realize that if I gave my mom Santa a 7 page long Christmas list, I probably wouldn't be opening any of the items on there come December 25th (even the Easy Bake Oven that made my number 1 slot for 4 years running).

As you can see, I didn't really care what present I would get- I just wanted presents. Presents in any shape or form were good, but I always knew that bigger meant better. Right? At 7 years old with only a few years experience under my belt, that was the rule I lived by.

Christmas morning rolled around, and the living room had been visited during the night- I was sure of it. There was a giant mound of presents, the stockings were stuffed, and some of the cookies/carrots eaten. We weren't really allowed into the room yet, but I noticed a very large box sitting center stage in front of the tree. This box was almost the size of my body. I walked towards it, and lo and behold my name was on it. Not only that- but the tag read:

To: Katy

From: Evan, Clark, and Blake

Was this real? Were my 3 older, horrible, mean brothers giving me a giant gift? This couldn't be! Maybe they did what everyone always told me they would do- they would grow up and come around, and be amazing older brothers. It was finally my chance. I was finally being appreciated. I was in the Heaven of all Christmas mornings.

Each year we traded off where we did Christmas first. Unfortunately, this year we were spending the morning at my Grandma's house down the street. I loved my Grandma and spent just about every day over there, but I could not stop thinking about that giant beacon of a present sitting underneath our Christmas Tree. Through lots of presents and a fantastic meal, I couldn't stop thinking about that giant present with my name on it. I was ecstatic when it was time to head back down the street to our house so that we could open our presents.

I remember it so perfectly. The sky had already turned dark, since we were in those short winter days. We had opened some smaller presents, and then it was finally my turn to open what I had been thinking about all day. The whole day I had fantasized about the possibilities, but never came up with a prediction on what it actually was. When I got to the box, I tried to move it a little when I noticed that it was really heavy. The best just got better, I thought. As I unwrapped the box, I could hardly contain my 7-year-old self. I opened the box, and I first saw wadded up newspaper, a common present-box stuffer in my family. I start taking out the newspaper, and realize that the newspaper goes much deeper than I expected. But there has to be a present- why else would the box be so heavy?

And then I saw it. Them. There were 3 bricks placed in the bottom of the box. It took me one second to realize that I had been scammed, yet again. Think of a giant hot air balloon that has a cannon shot through it- that was how I felt. Upon my discovery, I was told/received a note that said, "These are so that you can start building your house now- maybe you will have a shack to live in by the time you are old." They always had a running joke that I would be living in a box- a box they were so kind to give me and let me live in outside their mansions.

Fortunately, it looks like the tables have turned and I will be the one living in a "mansion." I found out from my father recently that he had seen the box and saw them acting sneakily. Apparently he threatened them because he knew they were plotting against me yet again.

We actually still have those bricks, laying in the closet of my old room. I think their may be a re-gifting occurring next Christmas.

;)

Why I love Oklahoma...

There is one thing that will never change about me- I am a true Okie at heart. I might travel the world and do some crazy activities (I watched Step-Brothers recently if you couldn't tell), but there is nothing that can ever compete with Oklahoma in my mind. While there are a million and one reasons that I love it, here is why I was inspired to write this post:

One day recently I had to go Kinko's (now Fed Ex but I refuse to call it so) to send something through Fed Ex. I haven't ever done this before and there are all sorts of envelopes and packing slips and what not. I picked the envelope out that fit my items, and then I narrowed down my options of sending forms to the one that looked like I might be able to use. I filled out what I knew, and the rest of the form was jibberish to me and I wasn't sure if it was one of those "official use only" areas. So, I attempt sealing the envelope and succeeded, then took my uncompleted things to the counter. The woman looked like she hated her job, and I had better know what I am doing. Oops. I told her, "I haven't used Fed Ex before so I don't know if I did it right." She then proceeds to half me a bunch of questions to finish filling out my form-- apparently it wasn't "official use only" and I fail. Half of her questions I didn't really know the answer to and just guessed. I probably grabbed the wrong form. Oops again.

I finally have everything completed and I want to pay. Then she walks away with my envelope to do secret official Fed Ex things, I suppose. Maybe she just had to answer a phone call. Who knows. To her, I could wait. I was just the stupid college kid in front of her who doesn't know how to use Fed Ex. As I am waiting, an old man enters the store. We exchange smiles, and then my woman is back and I pay. As I am leaving, the old man says, "It's unbelievable isn't it?" I say, "Huh?" thinking he is talking about the prices of mailing things or something. Then he says, "The weather." Now, this was in February when it should be 2 degrees outside. However, it was a gorgeous 65 degrees. Thanks Oklahoma! I say, "yeah- it is really great outside though! I love it!" He follows up in that cute old man silly humor voice, "This morning my wife made me put on this sweater, and now there is no need for it." He was wearing the stereotypical old-man sweater with the diamonds all across. We continued talking and he asked me all about what I am doing in school, and apparently his granddaughter goes to OU too. We chatted like we knew each other for a good 5 minutes before I left. He could have easily been one of the old men at my church who pass out the fliers as you walk in. However, we had never met before.

In Oklahoma, this kind of things happens all the time. Everyone here is very friendly for the most part. We hold doors behind us, we wave when cars let us pass, and we smile at complete strangers and ask them how they are. It is just our culture. Other places just aren't as friendly and kind. Sure, we have some jerks out there. But they definitely do not ruin it for the whole bunch.

And that is one of the many reasons I will always be an Okie.

:)

Spring has Sprung!

But unfortunately, Spring Break is over.

That is okay though- because while we were in Florida the weather turned amazing!!! Today is the perfect first day of spring. Even though my mother does what she always does and woke me up too early sort-of-on-accident, and I am still laying in bed with my curtains closed, I can feel that it is an amazing day outside! And you know it has to be a super amazing day if I am feeling it from my bed in a slightly dark room.

We got back to Norman really early in the morning yesterday(because we had to drive all through the night) and ate Whataburger breakfast. I LOVE WHATABURGER BREAKFAST. Roommate does too. She even had one of her most blog posts talking about her love for their Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits. I have actually never had them, but that is because I am super addicted to their normal sausage/egg biscuits and taquitos. Some day I will try it, because I know it must be blasphemy that I haven't. Basically though- if you have not had Whataburger breakfast, you really should go to Whatburger between 11pm and 11 am and get some PRONTO. And pay the extra 60 cents for the Simply Orange orange juice. It is delicious!

So, we are technically not allowed back into our house until 2- but we had nowhere to go and needed sleep. After sitting at Whataburger for way too long, we decided we would be okay to go crash in our beds because we would practically be invisible. We did, and then at 1 Mallori and I woke up and went to Jack in the Box (which was our other option for breakfast earlier). I really wanted some of their tacos, so I got that and then a breakfast bowl. I am telling you- I freaking love breakfast. I could eat it all day every day. Sometimes I do just that!

Then I napped a little before having to drive a little more to get back home. I have a doctor's appt. later today. I hated that I would have to drive more, but as soon as I got home I was very happy. There is just something about my home lately that I love. My mom had opened up all the doors and windows, and my house felt like spring. We get great spring weather in Norman, but it never flows through the house like that. After two hours of country music and feeling that "Home Sweet Home" feeling, I was super relaxed and happy. Later I got to go play with my brother's new puppy- and who doesn't love puppies??

Well anywho, there is just a little blurb for today!! I have come up with a few more stories to tell you guys, so keep a look out!

:)

p.s.- My grandbig is b.a.-- she ran in a Triathalon yesterday. I thought the 10k I ran was absolutely ridiculous, and I am super impressed and keep thinking about it! I love swimming and biking, so maybe someday (in the really long future) I might consider competing in one. But you should go read her blog because she is awesome!

Beach Bums

Well, I am finally free from the millions of tests I had last week! I feel like I had an actual finals week, not mid-terms. But, that means no work for Katy over spring break! We left on Friday a little after my last midterm. I was somehow still awake, so I decided to drive for the first 2 hours of the trip. Then it was to be crash time. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to sleep no matter what I tried, and enjoyed some good laughter and music for the first leg of the trip. I was finally able to sleep for a little bit, but then it was dinner time.

For dinner, we stopped at some Burger King. We quickly realized that we weren't in Oklahoma anymore. The workers accents were 10 times what ours were, and they had some issues getting my order in. But, that is just my luck anywhere that I order food. When we walked outside, roommate realized we weren't in the best part of town. We went to a gas station across the street, and there were a wide array of items- from car parts, to hair accessories and tall-tees, to questionably legal items. There was also a man walking around the store drinking a bottle of vodka. The man then continued to walk outside while passing 3 middle school aged children. It was all normal to them. We were all thrown off.

We kept on driving, and I finally fell asleep around 1 am with the help of country music. I woke up a little bit through the night, but was good until we stopped at an Ihop for breakfast at 6 Oklahoma time, 7 Georgia time. I had a lot of fun trying to figure out the state nicknames and making references to their state according to the nickname. I had the most fun with Arkansas being the "Natural State." We arrived in Tampa area with some time to spare, so we stopped and ate by the water. I had shrimp tacos- and they were amazing! I love fresh seafood! Oklahoma just can't get it as fresh as they can here.

The past few days have been great. Our house is AMAZING, and we are two houses down from the beach. It has been great to go outside as soon as I wake up and look for fun things on the beach. We have been cooking our food here to save money, but today Mallori and I walked down to a beach restaurant called Caddy's. We shared calamari, shrimp, and both had Seafood chowder. It was delicious- but the chowder was our fave. P.S.- I love clam chowder!! Panera only has it on Friday's now which makes me sad.

I was just trying to figure out what else we have done, and just overheard Mallori say, "Just doing nothing by being a beach bum." This pretty much sums up our time here-- but it has been perfect!!

A Very Un-Productive Monday

You know those nights that you go to sleep with the next day all planned out and you will be amazingly productive and feel like you will rule the world? Well, that night was Sunday for me. I have 4 midterms in 48 hours starting Wednesday at 11:30. Monday was to be dedicated to Exam number 4- Business Finance at 8 am Friday. My sleep Sunday night was wonderful, and my body was happy to rest from the post-10k soreness.

All of a sudden it was Friday of Spring Break. I was packing and relaxing with the few girls left at the Sorority house. I loved getting to hang out with girls I don't normally hang out with, and was loving planning what I would wear on the beach all the following week. My muscles were feeling really tight, so I stretched, realizing that my muscles were feeling about as flexible as a cinder block. I opened my eyes, and immediately realized I had been dreaming- and felt the most disappointment I have felt in a while. Sure, I have had some disappointing things happen lately- but this was different. I truly thought I was done with this hell week, and had only the beach and gas prices to worry about. Instead- I was to study for pretty much every minute of the next week, and I was furious.

I woke up and spent a couple hours catching up on blog-world which I have neglected in my busyness the past couple weeks. I spent another couple watching youtube videos. I kept telling myself: stop at 10:30 and start studying. And then it would be 11:30. And then it was lunch time. And then my friends got back from class. And then I had a group project. And then we had Formal Meal. And then I had to get gas and go to the bank. And then I craved sugar and Mallori and I went to Borders and then Sonic. And then people came to talk to me about boys and Chris Brown's beautiful dancing. And then it was bedtime.

So, you can see I truly had a great day in the studying world. Cough, cough. I kept trying to study, but just couldn't do it. I think the combination of my disappointment and that I was studying for the test I have the least pressure for was just not a recipe for success. Hopefully I can time-manage well for the rest of the week and get that studying done. I doubt I will sleep on Thursday night, but hey- that is what 22+ hour car rides are for!

:)

10k for Dummies.

Today was the day

to run in my first 10k.

It thinks it's funny.

Nice weather all week-

it interrupted last night.

Windchill: 17.

7 came early,

but I was ready to go.

If only I knew

What I'd have to do.

I wish it was a whirlwind,

instead of just wind.

We jogged to warm up,

and my body said, "nice run."

I said, "ha! Just wait."

My bruised rib was fine-

it only yelled a little.

My thighs yelled a lot.

I ran in slow mo

when I turned to the North wind.

Then, started to cry.

Only small tears, though,

for they dried really quickly.

Half way there- dying.

Then I saw a friend,

Who was going to campus.

We chatted- how nice.

I had to sprint more,

and so we said our goodbyes.

Then I was pumped up.

The wind was still bad,

But the end was in my sight.

If only my throat

would stop the hurting.

My legs were two Jell-o sticks.

But I had to sprint.

I ran my heart out,

and crossed- 1 hour, Fifteen.

A friend said, "Good job."

And I found free food.

I went inside to thaw out,

But it was too warm.

Back outside I went,

Because I'm crazy, you know.

I then heard a sound-

Whiny from my throat.

Yes, I was wheezing- 'Oh my!'

My body hates me.

I'm proud of myself

and am glad to have thawed out.

I napped- wonderf'ly.

I have now stuffed carbs

at a local Carino's.

Life is amazing.

:)

Oops!

So, apparently I forgot to finish blogging about my Costa Rica trip. I finished up!

Here are the last two entries:

Wednesday

Thursday and Friday

I would love it if you would check them out! Costa Rica was fabulous, and I love blogging about my travels!