Last Q&A Before the Big Day: The Answers

Well, as I expected, most of the questions I got were wedding/marriage related.  Here we go.

Besides getting to spend the rest of your life with TBFT, what part of your wedding are you most looking forward to? 

Getting to see everyone.  It's going to be a large wedding (400+) so it will basically be like all of our family and friends in one place for a huge reunion.  And I'm here to tell you, we know some really, really fun people!  I'm also super excited about the dance.  We're having a live band and if I know those 400+ people like I think I do, there will be lots of boot scootin' going on.

What's the best piece of advice you would give to people who are newly engaged trying to plan a wedding in under a year? 

My first piece of advice would be don't take a year to plan!  Ha!  We planned our wedding in 4 months.  Honestly, we've not really done anything for the last month besides wait and collect RSVPs.  I'm so, SO glad we are not going to sit around for another 8 months waiting for the big day.  I'll probably do a blog series on wedding planning and our wedding, but my big tip would be to make a huge list of everything you can think of that you need to do, and then put them in order of what needs to be done first.  We started off with the venue, the date, and the guest list.  Those are probably always the place to start.  From there, we just kept working down the list.

Besides TBFT, what are you most looking forward to when it comes to moving? 

(1) The lack of humidity.....College Station feels like living in a crock pot a lot of the year.

(2) No longer having to subsidize Southwest Airlines.  I swear we're going to be rich based just on the money we will save not traveling to see each other once or twice a month.
What will you miss most about singleness? What will you miss the least? 

I previously wrote a blog about the things I'll miss the most.  You can read those here. 

What will I miss the least? 

(1) People's really annoying, often hurtful, comments about my being single.  Seriously, there were times I wanted to just punch some people square in the face over that!  Well, you read about that here. 

(2) Being 9 hours away from The Boy from Texas.  When we started this, several people told me that distance would be hard.  Yea, yea, I had been single forever, I was pretty sure they were just babies.  Well, turns out, distance is hard.  I'm so glad we'll be living in the same zip code!

What scares you the most about marriage? 

Hm.....I don't know that I'm really scared of any part of it.  I think that TBFT an I are both quite realistic about relationships and marriage and know that it's not all puppies and rainbows, it's something you really have to work at. But in the end, it's a covenant with God that we will work at it, so that gives me a lot of peace of mind about things. 

Oh, wait, I'm also very nervous about how to blog about the wedding.  Do I go into a lot of detail?  Multiple posts?  One post?  How do I keep people interested?  What about my readers without ovaries (BFF and Cousin Kevin) who frequently complain about blogs not meeting their male interests?  It's very stressful.

How do you think being single in your 20s has prepared you for marriage? (and I guess, do you think it has prepared you for marriage?) 

Oh I absolutely think it prepared me for marriage.  Being single all through my twenties allowed me to figure out who I was.  And that person was certainly not the same at 21 as she was at 29.  Thank God for that.  Having those single years allowed me to try different things, meet new people, travel to 9 countries, apply for a dream summer job in San Francisco, experience buying two houses, grow in my faith.....I could go on for pages.  The bottom line here is that because I figured out who I am and what I want, I feel like I will be a better wife (and was better able to find the right husband). 

Budapest, Hungary - 2013

I also think that when you're older, you're able to dispel the whole fairy tale, happily ever after idea about marriage.  I'm well aware the relationships are hard.  I've seen great marriages--ones I would have bet the farm on making it--fail.  I think understanding that makes me more appreciative of the importance of the covenant we are making and more aware of the effort that will be required to keep it.

If you could do the single years over, what one thing would you do differently?

 I would have met The Boy from Texas a little sooner.  Not at 21, but you know, maybe 27 would have been okay. :) 

No, really, I would go on a study abroad trip during college.  Money was too tight, I needed to work, I was to busy...blah blah blah.  I wish I would have gone.

What honeymoon activity are you looking forward to the most? (PG rated please) :) 

We are both super excited about the honeymoon destination.  I can't wait to see Lake Louise and Lake Moraine.  The pictures are absolutely amazing!  The Boy from Texas is probably the most excited about getting massages at a spa in Banff.  The hostesses from one of our wedding showers gave us some cash to spend on our honeymoon and that was his big request.

Who is the better driver? TBFT OR You?

Well, I could try and lie and tell you what a great driver I am, but frankly, I'm not that good.  So he'd win this one.  Pretty easily.  In fact, he's better than me at most things.

If you have a kid anytime soon, can we call him TBFTT? (the boy from texas two)  

Well baby names have been quite the topic of discussion between the two of us for probably a year now.  I like to plan ahead.  We have middle names we like for boys and girls (I chose them so obviously they are good).  We never agree on first names.  Ha! 

About two weeks ago, after an OSU football game, I suggested that we could name our firstborn Tyreek, after our star running back, who played exceptionally well.  I'm giving away a major secret here, but TBFT's official name is Tyrel.  Tyrel, Tyreek, it sort of sounds alike.  Plus, he and I met going to an OSU football game for crying out loud.  The Boy from Texas said no.  Back to the drawing board.

OSU v. Savannah State - 2012 (Where we met)

(By the way....I'm working on a blog titled "The Boy from Texas Said No" where I keep a list of all of those answers I get in a year.  Stay tuned....it's funny!)

Last Q&A Before the Big Day!

Okay blog readers.....I'm going to do another Q&A session this week.  So comment below with your questions and I'll do my best to answer them.  They can be wedding related, life related, ag related, football related, or none of the above.  Whatever you want to know, ask away.

Answers To Your Questions

Thanks to those of you who submitted questions for me to answer in lieu of having to be creative and think up my own blog topics this week!  Here we go....


I see that you have been in quite a few weddings, do you have a go to gift for the couple, the shower and/or the bachelorette?

I have been in quite a few weddings.....I'm actually quite close to having a double digit number of bridesmaid dresses hanging in my closet.  I am not, however, a very good gift-giver.  Do you go with the registry?  Do you venture out?  I never really know.  But here is advice that several brides and BFF have told me.  I tend to believe them:  Give us money.  It's true, people would rather have money or a gift card a lot of the times than the third set of mixing bowls.  I use this example because more than once after his wedding, BFF called me screaming about all the mixing bowls in his house.  Weddings are expensive.  Honeymoons are expensive.  Life is expensive.  Yes, I know it's not etiquette and it's not personal, but I've never seen anyone complain about a little green in an envelope.

I was catching up on blogs and read the one about the green river.  How much green dye does it take to turn a river green?  And for that matter, how much orange dye does it take for the fountain at OSU on homecoming?

Excellent questions.  I have no idea.  I had never put together the fact that I love the orange fountain and the green river---apparently I like water being dyed!  I never watched the dyeing of the fountain at OSU, was that open to the public?  I did, however, watch the green river dying.  There comes along a speed boat all the way down the river and a little guy in said speed boat dumps out a crap ton (technical term) of dye all down the river.  Then he'll circle back and dump some more.  It really was something to see!

OSU fountain dyed orange for homecoming - 2008

Boat dumping dye in Chicago - 2012

When do you plan to see College Roomie again?  It's been toooo long already.
Amen.  Too long indeed.  I miss the days when I saw you every day in our happy little home on Duck Street in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  Complete with boys doing homework in the Judge's chair, gas leaks, organized dishes, BFF sleeping on Snuggles, and burned popcorn.  Okay.....well for sure I'll see you at Blonde Oklahoma Girl's wedding in August.  I'll be in NM several times this summer to go to the lake, so perhaps you and McCain can tear yourselves away from your bookstore dates and come to the lake with The Boy from Texas and me??  I'll drive the boat safely and you can wear floaties.

College Roomie and I - Our little apartment - 2006

With all of the traveling you've done, which place would you visit again in a heartbeat? And which has been your favorite place to travel to?

Oh, sister, I could write for days on just one of these questions!  I absolutely love to travel and have fallen in love with several places that I've been.  I also really struggle with wanting to go back to the same places instead of finding new, equally awesome places.  That said, I'm giving you a Top 5 list (It's actually kinda 7...) in no particular order.

1.  San Francisco.  It's no secret that I love this city.  The energy, the breeze off the bay, the food, the Golden Gate....I'm in love.  Plus I spent a life-changing summer there back in 2008, so it holds a special place in my heart.  I've taken a ton of people there from my girlfriends to my cowboy hat wearing, rancher of a father and they have all LOVED it.  It's a must.  Oh, and last thing, if you're a runner....the SF Marathon lets you run across the Golden Gate Bridge and back and Bay to Breakers is the most fun race ever!  Top stop:  Alcatraz tour.

Girls Weekend - San Francisco - 2011

2.  Costa Rica.  If you're up for some crazy adventure, book your trip right this minute.  I almost drown white water rafting (other than that scary part that day was awesome!), saw smoke spewing from a volcano, parasailed, soaked in a hot springs, ziplined and Tarzan swung through the jungle, swam under a waterfall.....seriously, it's an adrenaline junkie paradise down there.  It's also beautiful, I felt totally safe (save the whole drowning incident), and it's quite reasonably priced!  Oh, plus, after a few days analyzing our love lives in the sun both Blonde Oklahoma Girl and I ended up with boyfriends and dream jobs, so that's something to think about....  Top stop:  White water rafting near La Fortuna.

That's us, white water rafting - Costa Rica - 2012

3.  Switzerland.  I'm not sure if it was because it was my very first stop in Europe in my life, or if it really is as amazing as I remember it, but I fell in love with Switzerland the moment I stepped off of that plane.  It looks like a fairy tale.  Breathtaking views of the Alps, beautiful crystal clear water, houses that look like coocoo clocks.....it was heaven.  We spent most of our time along the north shore of Lake Geneva in some of the small villages.  I'd go back in a heartbeat.  Top stop:  Montreux.

Cully, Switzerland - 2009

4.  Notre Dame.  This one is applicable probably only to football fans, but if you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that I've got to include this.  I've been to three games at the University of Notre Dame and I'm telling you, it is an experience like none other.  The history, the tradition, the faith....it's amazing.  Game day is seriously a spectacle all its own.  From the Grotto to the steak sandwiches to the gold helmets running out of the dome, it's something that you will never understand until you see it in person.  Top stop:  Game day.

First ND Game - 2010

5. Rome.  Here's the thing about Rome...it's a bit more "big city" than I usually like.  But, there is just something about walking around ancient ruins and seeing things like the Coliseum or the Sistine Chapel that you've seen in books and on tv your whole life with your own eyes.  Plus there are amazingly beautiful Piazzas that you just stumble upon when you turn a corner.  In my mind, Rome is a must see, but maybe not somewhere I'd venture back to repeatedly.  Oh, but the lasagna?  For real.

Piazza del Popolo - Rome - 2009

6.  Poland or Vienna (stick with me here).   I realize that "Poland or Vienna" really doesn't narrow things down too much.  But I think that depending on your personality, you'll like one over the other.  Poland is beautiful, rural, and more quiet.  If you are a Pope John Paul II fanatic (like me) and enjoy small towns (like me), I predict you'll love Poland.  If, on the other hand, you are more into big cities and shopping and culture, you'll love Vienna.  Top stops:  Poland--Pope John Paul II Tour.  Vienna--St. Stephens Cathedral (it will seriously take your breath away!)

St. Stephens Cathedral - Vienna - 2013

We Haven't Done This In A While....

Let's do some Blog Q&A.  You ask the Qs, I'll give the As.  You have until Tuesday to come up with some good ones and comment below!

My Answers (Part II)

We're back today with Part II of my answers to your questions.  If you missed Part I, just click here.

As to New Mexico..

Besides family and friends (obvi answer), what do you miss most about your home state?  Dry heat.  And green chile. God Bless New Mexico!

When am I ever going to see you now that you are at College Station?  Well, you know that I can't miss the NM State Fair, so I'll be making an appearance.  And you are welcome to come to a football game here anytime!!

As to running...

I stupidly made the goal to "learn to love to run" so, from one fat girl at heart to another, how did you motivate yourself to start running (and running long stinkin' distance I might add)?  I appreciate you calling me a fat girl at heart.  Because I am.  Totally.  I'm trying hard not to be a fat girl in real life.  Ha!  Three major tips I would give you:  (1) Sign up for a race.  Seriously, when you are a type-A personality, knowing that you have something you have to be ready for, something you are working towards, some goal time you want to beat, that's what will get you through it.  (2)  Just keep running.  I know there are real runners who disagree with me, but for me the key is to just keep running.  If you have to slow down, fine.  But don't stop until you get your distance in.  The honest truth is that the first 2 miles are the worst part of any run.  Seriously.  I always want to stop during the first 2 miles.  So, I made a rule.  No stopping until I've gone at least 2.25.  At that point, I usually don't need to stop anymore because I'm used to it.  Your breathing will regulate, your legs kinda go numb, and you can just run.  That's the fun part, you just have to get there!  (3)  Get good shoes.  It's well worth it if you are going to do any distance running.  I had worn Nike for years, but then went into a running store where they watched me run and suggested Brooks.  I swear, it was like running on a cloud.  Total game changer.

As to my childhood...

As a kid, you grew up showing.  What is your favorite fair-related memory or story that keeps getting retold?    I love this question!  Showing was a huge part of my life, so it's hard for me to pick one moment or one story.  I think my favorite "in the ring" moment was winning our County Fair for the third year in a row.  Everyone thought I was going down since I had champion cross, but not champion black.  Getting to pull off the upset was awesome.  I remember coming out of the ring to hug my dad and Mr. Franklin and all of us being a little choked up.  (Second best was winning a class at State Fair with a lamb we raised my senior year, which was a goal I set for myself at 9 years old.)  As for out of the ring, my favorite part was just the people.  Everyone sitting around the showbox talking--adults, ag teachers, kids, little bitty kids, just everyone hanging out.  It really was like being part of a whole other family and I loved every minute of it.

What's the most important thing you learned being a Quay County Girl (note the caps - it's an honor)?  I loved growing up in Quay County and honestly can't think of a better place to raise kids.  For me, hands down the most important thing I learned was what it meant to be a neighbor.  Whether it was everyone being part of the volunteer fire department, or going to help someone cut hay when their swather broke down, or people bringing enchilada casseroles when someone died, or just stopping by for a visit on a Saturday afternoon, everyone cared about everyone else.  We were all part of each other's lives.  I have said it before, but it really did take more than a village to raise me, and the people in Quay County, from kids way younger than me to my grandparents friends who are way older than me and everyone in between, were a huge part of that.

As to life....

When you are my age (52), what's the thing you want to look back on with most pride?  Oh wow.....another good one.  I'd like to look back and see that I've made a difference to other people.  Whether it be a card or a kind word or something bigger.  I would want to look back and know that because of something I did, or because of who I am, someone else's life was better.

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment to date?  Oh geez, this is tough.  I'm not sure.  As far as like "something to hang on the wall" type accomplishment, I think I'd go with the law degree and finishing two half marathons.  Both of them were things that I doubted my ability to do--I was pretty sure my first semester that I'd totally lose my scholarship to law school and I never, never, never thought I could run a half marathon.  I think it's a good thing in life to prove to yourself that you are capable of more than you think.

What is a skill or talent that you wish you had?  Oh man, there are so many!  I wish I could sing.  Sew.  Cook.  Make cute, crafty things.  Speak Spanish.  Play the piano.  The list could go on and on.

What inspires you?  Lots of things I suppose, but I think most of all it's the people in my life.  My friends and family are seriously phenomenal people who do amazing things every day.  They are kind and compassionate and fun and adventurous and faithful....they inspire me.

My Answers (Part I)

Well you guys came through with a great set of questions for me to answer!  There were so many I'm splitting them into two posts.  Today, we'll talk about finding the right guy, traveling, my job and cooking.  Tomorrow it will be New Mexico, life, my childhood and running.

As to finding the right guy...

What was your worst date ever?  I have actually blogged about this before.  It was on Valentine's Day, no less.  Check it out here (it's Step 3).  In his defense, I'm not sure he thought it was a date date.  But still bad!

As you've gotten older, what quality has been added (if any) to your "must have" list for a spouse?  Oh, great question.  Hm....I think that the quality I have realized is more important than I probably thought it was 10 years ago is kindness.  I tend to be attracted to people who are funny and loud and outgoing and sometimes it takes me a while to realize that a person is actually not all that nice, even though they are a lot of fun.  I think that finding someone with a good heart and kind spirit is more important to me now than it ever was before.  Which is why I am so thankful I didn't end up married at 21!

What quality(s) have fallen off your list?   Okay, listen, one semester of college during finals, College Roomie and I wrote up a list of qualities my husband would have to have.  It was LITERALLY  7 pages long and we hung it on the wall.  I kick myself all the time for not saving that.  Anyway, there were a lot of funny things on there that I don't actually care about.  For example:  (1) Ability to beat me at 1 on 1; (2)  Knows how to ride a horse; (3) Never wears flip flops.  If a guy is a good person and loves me, I wouldn't care about these things (although I would still pray for athletic babies even if mom could beat dad at 1 on 1).

Have your priorities shifted any?  There is this video that I've thought about posting, but the language is pretty rough and you all know we have Bible Belt Moms who read this blog.  Anyway, I swear it changed the way that I look at relationships.  The basic point the guy makes is that every relationship has a "cost of admission."  So there is going to be something about your partner that is not ideal and that drives you freaking crazy.  When you realize that there is no perfect person for you, and that you love them despite the fact that he never puts the mayo away after making a sandwich and that's just the cost of admission to the relationship, you get it, and your relationship is better for it.  It was mind-blowing for me. I stopped worrying about finding "the one" and everything being perfect and it made all the difference.  If anyone wants the video, let me know and I'll email it to you.

Do you believe in love at first sight?  Nope.  Sure don't.  Particularly given that I think loving someone is so much more about things on the inside--their heart, their personality, their spirit--you can't see that at first sight.

Describe your perfect date (you know where I'm going with that one).  "That's a tough one, I'd have to say April 25.  It's not too hot, not too cold...."  Yes, dear College Roomie, I knew right where you were going with that one.  If I were picking the perfect calendar date, I'd probably pick something in late October--cool weather, football games, hoodies, cute scarves, green chile roasting.  Can't beat it.  If I were picking the perfect date date, I'd go with a pick up truck parked in a field looking at the stars.  And dancing.  And ice cream.  Because, seriously, every good date involves ice cream.

As to travelling...

Whats your next trip you want to take?  Well, you know it's football season coming up in 6 weeks (HALLELJUAH!!) so I was just looking at the schedule.  I'll be going to OSU games in Houston and Stillwater and maybe Austin or Lubbock, a Notre Dame game in Arlington, a Notre Dame game at Notre Dame and a Cubs game with Uncle Black Belt.  Plus, I'll throw in two more weddings, the NM State Fair, and a trip to Wisconsin for a work conference.  There's my fall!

Where would you suggest traveling in Europe to somebody who has not been?  Great question.  I think it depends on what you are looking for.  The most beautiful place I have ever been, hands down, is Switzerland--the tiny villages along Lake Geneva.  It's breathtaking, quiet, clean, very calm and low key.  Rome, however, is a place that's much more like a big city, but has things that you have seen in books your whole life--the Coliseum, the Pantheon, the ruins, St. Peter's Bascilica.  I also feel like everyone should go there.  Lastly, if you want something a little more Eastern or if you are a Pope John Paul II junkie, Poland is your place.  I fell in love with everything there--people, food, countryside.  It's amazing!

Switzerland - 2009

Rome - 2009

Poland - 2013

As to your job...

What do you like most about new job?  I love the chance to get to work on issues and learn law that I am really interested in.  I get to spend my day learning things that can help real people, which is awesome!  I'd also be lying if I didn't admit that I love the hours and my free weekends.

Least?  I miss the people I used to work with.  Not that the new people are not great (they are) but the people at my law firm are just amazing!  I also don't love all the university paperwork.

What is different than you thought?  So far it's been a bit slower than I thought, but I can tell that is changing, quickly!

If you weren't practicing law/working as a professor, what other career would you pursue?   Oh wow......good question!  I always say my dream job would be to run cows and sheep and write a book.  So I guess I'd try to be a writer.

As to cooking...

What recipe would you most like to master?   Um....anything?  No, seriously, I would like to have a good list of "every day" type recipes that I could whip up for dinner without having to put much thought into it.

Q&A #2

“It’s never too late or too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.” ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

So today I'm answering the rest of your questions for me as a result of my Q&A blog on Monday! If you missed part one of the series, click here. You guys really outdid yourselves on these questions! Enjoy!

About what things are you most selfish?

Ha....I could write a whole blog on that. I guess it would be my time. Being single and childless sort of lets me do whatever I want with my time, and I've gotten pretty used to that. I can go on trips whenever I want and really don't have to check in with anyone. I can eat when I want and sleep when I want and watch what I want on tv. As I said yesterday, there are some benefits to being single into my late 20's and this is definately one of them.

If you could choose to know everything about one topic, what area would you choose to be an expert?
Sports. I'd totally be a college football analyst for ESPN.

Do you think you would prefer a calm, loving, consistent marriage or one that was full of excitement, wild times and rocky patches?

Oh wow....y'all are serious with these questions! I would take option #1. I'd prefer the comfortable, calm relationship. I've never been much for drama and craziness, I'm much happier with comfortable. So I'd go with that. I've got some friends who are in relationships that are full of drama and bickering and fighting and I think it seems exhausting. I really want to hear other people's opinion on this though!!

What convinced you to become a lawyer?

I really wish I had a good answer to this question, but I've got nothing. I think it probably stemmed from being a pretty good test taker all my life and having no direction. Law school sort of works well for both of these things.

How long do you think the horrid OSU basketball coach will last before his contract is bought out?

Hopefully sooner rather than later. I am not a fan at all. Although I did hear that he bought like 400 tickets to the women's NIT championship game and gave them to students. So now I dislike him a little less, but just being a nice guy once doesn't make up for 3 years of being a crappy coach. Not making the tourney is not acceptable.

Do you believe in love at first sight? How long does it take to fall in love?

Nope, I don't. I just think that the good part of a relationship happens after all of the akward and confusing first sight stuff is out of the way. I think that the love comes in once everyone is over trying to be something that they are not and the awkwardness of the beginning is over and you're like sitting around in your sweats on the couch some random Tuesday night. I don't think there is a magic rule as for how long that takes, but I don't think it happens at first sight.

What is the most encouraging advice or comment anyone has given you about dating/singleness/etc?

Oh wow what a great question. I don't know that I have a great answer. Hm....one thing that I will never forget was several years back when one of my guy friends told me that whoever ended up marrying me was going to be a really lucky guy. I don't know why, but the way he said it like he really meant it was super sweet and I never forgot it.

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

Interesting question, one that I think could go lots of different ways. I think that I'd find a way to make a living doing something that I really, really love. It sucks that a lot of the time we have to have our jobs in order to have our hobbies and I wish that I could find a way to mesh those together. I'd also like chocolate chip cookies to have no calories.

Do you want to have a boy or girl first when you start having kids?

Boy. All the way. My dream is life is to raise college football players. No lie.

What is your most prized possession?

Hm....another tough one! I've got a plate that has an Irish blessing printed on it that used to hang in my Gran's kitchen that now hangs in mine that means a lot to me. I've got an old garden box that my dad made with his dad before he died that my dad gave to me for Christmas a couple of years ago that's pretty special. I've got a couple of notes from people who I loved that have passed away like First Valentine and Jeans and Mr. Franklin and those mean a lot to me now.

What is your favorite quote?

I can't pick one. I mean I love quotes in general. I have so many favorites! I think if I had to choose one, I'd choose "Keep praying, but be glad that God's answers are better than your prayers."

What is the coolest place you have been to & NOT Stillwater?

Oh, Pharmer Girl, you know me so well....I would have said Stillwater! Other than that....I loved Switzerland. We stayed with Cousin Swiss Mister in a tiny, quaint village in the shores of Lake Geneva with the Alps in the background. It was like heaven. The last night we were there I remember sitting outside at a little bistro in town eating Coupe Denmark while watching the sun set and thinking that I was not sure there was a more beautiful place in the world.

Why is it that you will not set foot back in Kansas?

This one came via Flintstone, who lives in Kansas. Here's the deal---I went to a year of junior college in Kansas, and honestly didn't love it. I'm glad I went because that's where I met Flintstone and Crazy Canadian and I've got no doubt that finding them was my purpose in being there. But the rest of the experience was not stellar. Nothing good happens to me in that state, particularly on the highway. I got my first speeding ticket and totalled a vehicle both in Kansas. I refuse to return.

How long do you have to date before getting engaged or married?

Hm.....I don't think there is some magical amount of time that applies. My parents only dated for like 9 months before they got married (I also think that they are crazy, but it's worked out for 30-some years....). I've had some friends who have dated for like 5 years before they get married (I also think I would have gotten pretty dang impatient!) I'm sure it depends on the people and the situations. I do think that it's important to take the time to figure out whether you are on the same page for the long term about what you want out of life and out of a marriage before putting a ring on it.

What do you do to kill time in an airport?

College Roomie is setting me up here. The answer when I am alone is that I read and people watch. It's facinating what you see in airports. The answer when I am with College Roomie is that we walk laps of the place and count how many of the guys we see that we would date. This usually ends up in a conversation that goes something like this:

Me: "Are you kidding me, he's such a dork!"

CR: "He's not a dork, he looks nice. The guy you just picked has probably been in prison."

Me: "At least we know we'll never fight over a guy huh?"

CR: "Oh wait, guy in the green shirt at 3:00."

Me: "I take it back, I'll fight you for him right now."

Q&A #1

"Never be afraid to sit awhile and think." ~Lorraine Hansberry

Holy cow...you guys are the best! Here I was with nothing to write about and I got over 25 questions in response to yesterday's blog! Nice work. We may have to do this more often. So....I'm dividing this up between two days so you aren't having to read a book-length blog post today. Here we go....

How do have the time/energy to write an awesome blog, run half marathons, sale sheep, interview Little Cowboy, travel? By the time I get into bed at night I am beat so I need some tips as to how to live this whole life thing to the fullest.

This question came from one of my friends who we'll call Mama Rock. Please understand that she has a job and a husband and three kids approximate ages 9, 1 and 2 months. Trust me, if there is one of us here that has mastered how to manage time and have energy to get things done, it's her! Not me!

I think that the biggest things for me would be multi-tasking and prioritizing my time. For example, I don't watch tv very much.....I just don't really enjoy it. So I have more time to blog because I am not spending it watching tv. Now some people would much rather watch tv then blog--so they would prioritize different than I do. However you do it, I think prioritizing is key.

If I do watch tv, I'm almost always checking emails or folding laundry or even writing blogs at the same time. "Oprah calls it, multi-tasking." (Name that movie??) One secret about the blogs is that I almost always write a week's worth over the weekend and just schedule them to post throughout the week.

As for the traveling, I've learned to sleep really, really well on airplanes! I'm always taking off on a Friday evening and not getting back until late Sunday evening from somewhere--which means that my restful weekend is shot unless I can catch some zzz on the flights!

If you could go back to college and major in something that you never had to turn into a career or make useful (but you could it you wanted to), what would you study? Where would you go?

I really like this one!! I think I would major in Spanish and Photography. I kick myself all the time for not taking more Spanish in college. There is no reason that I'm not completely fluent other than my own laziness. As for photography, I just love taking pictures and think that having a degree in photography would be amazing. I would go back to Oklahoma State (obviously!) and stay there until they kicked me out!! I would also have do a study abroad somewhere in Europe---I kick myself for not doing that when I had the chance in college!Have you ever wanted to escape from something? If so, when and where did you want to escape to?

For sure! When I have a bad day and get frustrated about my life as it is, I seriously have googled plane tickets to Europe and thought about just taking my savings and getting on a plane to see how long I could bum around before it ran out! If I was going to escape, I would totally do it in a travel related way! Fortunately for my checkbook, I usually calm down and decide that I have it pretty dang good and that I really don't want to run away and join the traveling circus!

What are you most fearful of? How does that fear keep you from doing things you would like to do?

Oh good one. I think that my answer has to be failing. As a total Type-A, overachiever, competative type person, I don't suspect this surprises anyone. I think that fearing failure is one of the worst fears to have because it can hold you back from doing things. I think that I really do constantly focus in my life on trying new things and being spontaneous and doing fun stuff in order to try and overcome this fear. Specifically, if I wasn't scared of failure, what would I do? Write a book. Do something with my law degree that really helped people. Tell people how I feel. Blow my savings on traveling (see above!). Oh yea, I'm also scared of snakes and I hate feet, but those didn't seem to be very deep answers. :)

What one skill do you wish you had learned but haven't yet?
I really wish I was fluent in Spanish, as mentioned above. I also really wish that I knew how to play tennis. It looks really fun!

Over the last five years how do you think you have changed for the worse? Better?

Shoot.....this is serious! I think (hope!) that mostly I have changed for the better. I think that I've learned to lighten up and go with the flow more. I think that I've learned that life is short and that it's important to focus on living it to the fullest--whether that means taking time off of work for vacations or getting on a plane to be there with your friends when they need you. I've also learned that I can do anything I set my mind to...I can I've learned that I am capable of living in a big city by myself and of navagating the subway system in a foreign country. I also think that I've somehow managed to become more comfortable in my own skin and with where I am in my life.

How have I changed for the worse? I've become less worried about staying within a budget and my spending habits, which I don't like. I also find it harder to stay in touch with friends, I guess because life is so busy, and I hate the idea that people have slipped out of my life.

Should we parasail or snorkel while in Costa Rica in over a month...or should we do both?
Listen you know my answer without asking me. I clearly vote we do both. If I had to pick, I'll be parasailing. I snorkled in Cozumel a few years ago and it was cool, but I am dying to parasail!

What is your greatest strength, and how is it sometimes detrimental? And on the flip side - what is your greatest weakness and how is it sometimes beneficial?

I think that my greatest strength is my loyalty. I'm seriously like fiercely loyal. You screw my friends or family over and I'm done, out, it's over. This has been detrimental because I end up with grudges, sometimes even after the other people have gotten over them. I'm not great at forgiving, which is something I definately need to work on!

I'm not even sure where to start on the greatest weakness.....I have a whole long list of those. One of the things that I hate about myself is not being a morning person. I mean at all. I'm grouchy and hit snooze as long as I can and I am so jealous of people who get up and watch the news and learn what's going on in the world and have coffee all before getting ready for work, when I'm the person who is like hopping into her shoes and finishing my hair in the car because I got up 17 minutes before I had to be out the door. It's frankly not beneficial. At all.

Do you think Weeden will be drafted and if so what round do you think he will be drafted? Blackman?

I do think Weeden gets drafted, and I'll say he goes by the third round. Listen, he's built like an NFL quarterback, he's older and more mature and you don't have to deal with the crazy, party animal 22 year old kid issues with him. He's an accurate passer when he can stay in the pocket, which seems to be what works well in the NFL. He's better out of the shot gun, which could pose a problem, but surely he can get used to that his first couple of years in the NFL.

I think Blackman goes 4th overall. He's unreal---he's so big and so strong and has great hands. He's not the fastest guy, but I read that he ran a pretty dang good 40 at the combine, so I think that he'll be fine.What is your favorite Mexican restaurant?

There is this tiny hole in the wall restaurant in Las Cruces called Nelly's. It's actually like a house with tables jammed in all of the rooms. It's only open for lunch on certain days of the week. No one speaks English (total sign of a good restaurant). Mr. Franklin used to sneak us out of State FFA Convention early so that we could get there and get a table before the other ag teachers showed up.

What is something on your Bucket List - that we don't know already?

Oh there are lots of things..... Seeing an Elvis Wedding. Seeing Aushwitz. Watching a baseball game at Fenway or Wrigley. Go to a drive in movie. Go to the Olympics. I could go on forever!

What is the best book you have read recently?

The Help. I'm totally not a fiction reader at all, so I really did not have this on my radar screen when everyone else in the world was all caught up in it. But I had heard so many good things that I bought it one day in an airport and could not put it down. It was amazing. I'm currently reading a book that I'm loving as well called Half-Broke Horses and it's about this girl growing up on West Texas/New Mexico during the 1900's. She reminds me a lot of my grandma so I'm loving that!

Describe your perfect date.

Well in typical Tiffany fashion, I'm all over the place on this one. I blame the Sweet Home Alabama disease. So this list is not something that I'd do on one date or even one kind of date, just all things that I think could be good: Dancing to the radio under the stars, eating a steak, going to a college football tailgate/game, the boy wearing great cologne (Polo Black or Tommy qualify, fyi) and square toed boots, curling up on the couch and watching a movie in your sweats, dancing at a country bar, going fishing, walking around North Beach (San Francisco) at night, showing up at the door with flowers, riding horses.....do we see now why I can't figure my life out? Anyone?

What is your favorite thing about your young single years?
Great question, Katy!! As annoying as these single years can be sometimes, I'm so grateful to have had them because they have given me the opportunity to figure out who I am. I look back to who I was, how I acted, and who I thought I wanted to end up with when I was 18 or 22 or even 25 and I just think, "What was I thinking!?!?" I've had time to learn what is important to me, and what is important in other people. I've also been able to be pretty selfish---spend my money on what I wanted, travel whenever I wanted to, sleep until noon if I felt like it, have Wheat Thins for dinner---all things that I would have missed out on without my single time! Don't get me wrong, it's hard sometimes and I get depressed and frustrated, but it's been something that I definately needed and am learning to appreciate.

We're Improvising....

"She's a real firecracker, you know? She's not someone you forget meeting.”

Well with the big sheep sale weekend, I had zero time to get any blogs written. On Saturday I spent over 14 hours at the barn.....not condusive to blogging, friends.

So, we're going to improvise today. Let's play Q&A! This means that you guys who read my blog get to ask me questions that I will answer tomorrow. Just leave a comment below (you can comment as anonymous if you don't have a google account) or email me your questions.

Question about growing up on a farm or in a small town? About traveling or running or books I'm reading? About Oklahoma State or San Francisco or my bucket list? Ask away!

This is my attempt at not getting emails from people when I don't blog (ahem....Haleigh and Kristin!) so I'll be expecting questions! :)