Oklahoma Love-About
A while back I started a feature that was intended to be somewhat regular, but then I FORGOT about it!! When Okiedoke published this, I was reminded of my own intentions and so I give you this excerpt from an interview with Gene Showalter, a novelist:

"Where are you from? I was born and raised in Oklahoma, the wonderful state responsible for Brad Pitt-- who is God's greatest visual gift to womankind, to my way of thinking. I love Oklahoma for its wide open spaces, the generous people, the sights and scents. It's home."

Six in the City
After a nice long game of dodgeball with my boys, I headed out in my mini-van to pick up some Sesame Chicken from the neighborhood chinese restaurant. When I arrived, I found a small young asian boy playing ball in the waiting area. His parents run the restaurant. I would guess he was about three years old and he had one of those bouncy balls that was about the size of a soccer ball. It took both hands to pick it up. He would bounce it then chase it. He couldn't have been cuter.

There was an older Asian man who helped him with the ball for a bit. He was probably in his 60s and he was wearing a security guard uniform. Nice man. He clearly enjoyed his few minutes with the boy. I thought he was the grandfather, but when his order was ready, he left alone.

As I waited there in my "jogging" pants (as if) and pony tail, in came a Harley man, decked out from head to toe in black leather, excepting his snakeskin cowboy boots. His wavy grey hair came well below his collar and his face was mostly hidden by his black leather hat. After placing his order, he flipped open his cell phone and called someone. His voice was soft and gentle and the person on the end of the line put a twinkle in his eye.

The door flew open and in pranced a young maiden with long black hair and dramatic eye makeup. She walked quickly to the counter, they handed her her food, and she walked out. The entire time she was talking on her cell phone.

The little boy's mother called out my order in broken English, then, in Chinese, warned her little boy to stay out of the kitchen area.

Another Meme.
I'm not sure why I do them. I think you're probably bored, but, I like to read memes others have done. I like to have a glimpse into the everyday lives of others. Someone who rides a train to work might find riding a train to work rather boring, but I've never ridden a train to work, so I think it is interesting. I've also never done farm chores before breakfast. I wonder what that is like? So, for all of you out there who are voyeurs like me, I give you the latest meme from Promptings:

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4...
”earned all 15 beads, he is eligible to receive his Tiger Cub”

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can and see what you touch. The snowflake/Sakura kaleidoscope Kayo gave me.

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV? Ellen

4. Without looking, guess what time it is? 10:50

5. Now look at the clock. What is the actual time? 11:04

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? Birds.

7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing? 30 minutes ago I took out some trash.

8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at? Blogs, of course!

9. What are you wearing? Pink plaid pajama bottoms and a pink T-shirt.

10. Did you dream last night? Yes. I dream every night, but I don't usually remember the dream until I lay down to sleep the next night.

11. When did you last laugh? A few minutes ago when Spencer paid a visit to my lap.

12. What is on the walls of the room you are in? Butter-yellow paint (okay, margarine-yellow), two Steinlein prints matted in red and framed in black, my diploma.

13. Seen anything weird lately? Daily. Here's one.

14. What can you see from the nearest window? My fig tree, a wood fence, a lamp post and the children's swing set/fort.

15. What is the last movie you saw? “Chronicles of Narnia”

16. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy? Solar water pumps

17. Tell me something about you that I don’t know. Right….

18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
I’m afraid whatever I might do would end up being a mistake, but it sounds nice to require everyone to pull to the side of the road when I’m driving.

19. Do you like to dance? Not so much. I’m too self-conscious.

20. George Bush? Yes.

21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? Beatucious Lulabelle

22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him? Hugo

23. Would you ever consider living abroad? No.

24. What do you want God to say to you when you reach the pearly gates? ”I’m so glad you’re here. I love you.”

Collecting: My Thoughts
I've never considered my self a "collector." If someone ever asks me what I collect, I say, "nothing."

Boy, was I wrong.

During my current "clean sweep" of my home, I've discovered that I am, indeed, a collector and, having made that realization, I'm not sure what to do about it! Here is a small list of things I collect:

blankets
buttons
bowls
snowflakes
postcards
frames
stationery
valentines
sea shells
rocks
pinecones
embroidered handkerchiefs
books
marbles
dust

I purchased a few clear jars with lids and filled them up with buttons, marbles, sea shells & rocks, and they are now nicely displayed on a shelf in the guest bedroom. We donated at least 200 books, so that collection is much smaller. The Valentines, postcards, bowls and handkerchiefs I must keep, but I'm not sure the best way (any ideas?). The pinecones will be used in our next fire (in the fireplace, that is). The dust...well, it just invites itself! The snowflakes are neatly stored for next December. That leaves the blankets and stationery. I'll be sorting through that stuff this weekend.

I think my tendency to collect is caused by a sentimental and frugal spirit. That spirit is at war with my minimalist spirit, but the sentimental has always trumped the minimalist. I can get lost in photographs of modern homes. Truth be told, I love them. I can't understand them, but I love them. If I had the money for two homes, I would have one very sparse home where I would spend most of my time and one old-fashioned home cluttered with trinkets and antiques where I would visit for a cup of tea and a walk down memory lane.

If I ever end up in an insane asylum, it will be due to the war between my two selves.

Celebrity Sightings, Part 2
Had lunch today at the Saturn Grill with my co-workers (and ex-co-worker). The Bachelorette guy came in for a t0-go order and waited for it next to our table. I think he is more handsome in person than on television (which suprised me!).

When Spencer Grows Up:
1) He'll have a 'Colden' Retriever (Colin said, "Not if you're living in THIS house!")
2) He will marry Alex
3) He will live in this house with all of us (including Colin's wife and children)
4) He will have two children (I tried to talk him into 4, but he won't budge)
5) His children will be named Elliott Post and Lamp Post.

The world is still
Covered in white
A gentle snow falls

There is a fire in the wood stove
Laundry is drying
Tummies are warmed by grilled cheese

Two boys playing in their pajamas
Mommy reads by the fire
The schedule is clear

Perfection.

I saw a billboard yesterday. Couldn't miss it, really. It was a picture of a woman's behind, nicely shaped and wearing red undies. The caption? "Happy New Rear."

Today's Tidbits

Spencer: "Do you know what I'm going to do when I grow up? I'm going to fly an RF-22 Raptor!"
Me: "Wow. That will be awesome."
Colin: "Well, I think Jesus has bigger plans for you."
Spencer: "Well, the Raptor goes two-hundred-fifty-fifty-hundred miles per hour. That's fast!"

Quinn terrorizes LA.

Heard Around
Spencer: "Mommy, can I stay up early tonight?"

Colin: "Mommy, you're the best mommy, even though sometimes it seems like you're the worst mommy."

Spencer (in his car seat holding the Valentines he made for his classmates): "Wow! Look at all of my beautiful Valentines."

Colin (2 hours after receiving his new Speedstacks): "Mommy, it was kind of more exciting when I got my Speedstacks than now."
Me: "Why? What's going on now?"
Colin: "Well, now I already have them."

Happy Valentines Day!!!!

You "click" with me! Be mine!
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A Valentine like you would be something to crow about!
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Ugh! My chief hope is for a sign that you'll be my Valentine!
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I'm on strike! 'Til you say you'll be my Valentine!
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You're the cream of the crop Valentine!
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Si! Si! I like you!
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I'm a fan of yours, my Valentine!
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"Feline" awful blue when I'm not with you -
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May I dance right into your heart my Valentine?
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Be my Valentine!
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Love, want to be my partner? Then be my Valentine!
(I think this girl is schizophrenic).
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Don't be stubborn as a mule - be my Valentine.
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My Valentine, I'd be as happy as could be...
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If you would just WARM UP - - to me!
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Starfish, by Colin
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Do you want to know something Valentine? I really care for you!
(The original care bear).
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(bet you didn't expect this one!)
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As a sweetie I'm heart to beat - Valentine
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You're all the 'MALE' I want Valentine!
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LOVE TO YOU. LOVE is the PASSWORD. BE MY VALENTINE.
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If you'll be my Valentine - I'll "STICK" to you!

Gee whiz, Valentine, I wish you'd "sprinkle" a little affection my way!

Will you be my valentine? Hope my wish isn't a WASHOUT!
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Valentine, I've Gone With the Wind OVER YOU
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Update Rwanda: First Steps.

Be mine BIB-I-DI-BOO- I shall be your Valentine, true!
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Yeah, I know I haven't posted anything of substance lately. I've been planning for a long time to change how I spend my days after the retreat was finished. I've made a resolution not to commit to anything new in 2006 (which has already been put to the test!) and spend more time on my home and family. I'm starting with my home. I've been moving around the house doing one small job at a time, trying to become a minimalist. Being a minimalist has always been a dream of mine, but my disposition is at odds with that. As you well know, I'm a bit sentimental. I LIKE having a scrapbook with old Valentines, my great grandmother's quilt, my grandmother's charm bracelet and letters my uncle sent from the Viet Nam war. It is difficult to throw away a photograph, even if I don't know the people in it!

I'm also kind of frugal. . . but just about some things. For instance, I save ribbons and gift bags and tissue paper. It is all nicely organized (each category has its own drawer in the guest room), but I'm quite sure I have more than I'll ever need! I also have coupons all over my desk. . . but I never have them with me when I need them, so I end up throwing them away anyway!

So, I'm trying to reform. James has agreed to remove items from the house ASAP when I pull them out to donate or throw away. Having them disappear immediately keeps me motivated and prevents second thoughts! I think he has taken 7 loads in the last three weeks. Today I made the biggest load yet! We've purged about 100 books and a whole buncha pillows, tablecloths and toys!!! WOO HOO!!!

I've been running my shredder as I clear out my file cabinets and filling my trash can with bits and pieces of life that have really just been getting in the way. I've been keeping up with my laundry and dishes and clearing off my desk. I've been wandering the halls of my school and church delivering books, toys and art supplies.

And, hence, I have not been blogging.

I'll be busy for a few more weeks. I'm not even half way done, after all!! But, I already feel like a new woman.

Spencer is a daredevil.
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'ear's hopin', Valentine! You'll be my "honey-bunny"!
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Hope U FALL for me, Valentine!
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You're the One I like Valentine!
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Hey, Valentine! Let's have a LOVE match!
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Valentine, I'm in a Stew...
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'Cause I'd like to go AROUND with YOU!
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Love, you can bet your last scent I'm your Valentine.
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Can't I pin you down to be my Valentine?
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Spencer

I like the way you wear your underwear backward.

I like your "Villainous Dance of Villainy.”

I like the way you keep your toys in a line.

I love your laugh.

I like the way you play with my hair.

I like the way you wipe away my tears.

I like your skip.

I love your hugs around my neck.

I like the way you laugh out loud.

I like the way cats sit on your lap.

I like the way you clean the walls.

I love to hear you sing.

I like the way you care for your friends.

I like your colorful art.

I like the way you love to work.

I love you all the way.

Valentine, you "score high" with me.
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Got a heart to "spare" for me, Valentine! (1954)
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Won'tcha be my Valentine? Hmmmm?
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I like sweet things, including you, Valentine!!!
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COLIN WON!!!! COLIN WON!!!!! Colin won 1st place in Bancfirst's Abraham Lincoln contest! He gets $250 and his teacher gets $250 for her classroom!!!! His drawing will be displayed at the state capitol. Can you tell I"m excited?

UPDATE: Colin's teacher is going to use the money to buy art supplies and books about Abraham Lincoln. Very cool.
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4x4

Four jobs I’ve had:
1. Deli/Catering in a Jewish deli (I sliced tongue!)

2. Special holiday French horn player for a Baptist church

3. Lobbyist for 3M

4. Store manager for Pappagallo shoes

Four places I’ve lived:
1. Bloomington, Indiana

2. Neenah, Wisconsin

3. Dallas, Texas

4. Newton, Iowa

Four vacations I’ve taken:
1. Skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado

2. Lounging in Destin, Florida

3. Riding in a car with my family to the west, including the Grand Canyon, 4 corners, Tempe, Phoenix, southern Colorado and every tourist trap along the way. I remember stopping at Indian reservations to buy beads and turquois they sold along the road in little tents.

4. Traveling all by myself in my little Honda from Oklahoma to Chicago and back.

Four vehicles I’ve owned:
1. 1968 tomato red Volkswagen Superbeetle

2. 1986 tan Honda Accord

3. 1995 red Honda Accord

4. 2002 red Honda Odyssey

Four restaurants I like:

1. Saturn Grill

2. Bahama Breeze

3. Casa Perico

4. Thai Basil

Tag Yourself!

Celebrity Sightings
Today I played at the Omniplex with the beautiful and talented Volleyball Star Danielle Bookout. Danielle was reared in beautiful Hereford, Texas. You probably remember just a few years back when you would thrill to the kills Danielle executed on behalf of the Sooners before her career-killing knee injury. Ah, yes, the glory days of Oklahoma volleyball.

Well, I'm happy to report Danielle is doing well. Happily married and the mother of two, she spends her days dreaming up crazy fundraisers and begging her friends to give her some publicity. Okay, well, that part is kinda sad....

1978

I've been thinking a lot about 1978 lately. It was a pivotal year in my life and some recent events have revealed to me how 1978 really changed me - some for the good and some for the bad. I'm working on the story, some of which I'll share here with you and some of which I'm writing only for my own catharsis. The details about what is important to me are clear, but I wonder if some of you might be willing to share your own memories from 1978 on your blog or in my comments. What music did you like? What were you wearing? Do you remember the name of that pink perfume - something like BabyLove? What did you do for fun and what kind of shoes did you like? Did you have a fro? What did you watch on TV? What was going on with you in 1978?

I LUV U. I'd like to be the ONE in your "FUTURE" (your so-called future).
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Dan Cupid waits to act as host and "serve you up" my heart "on toast."

(Check out that little tart in the short short skirt and heels. And what's with all the quotation marks? This valentine makes me cringe!)
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