Brain Dump #5

“The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead.” ~Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Sorry to be doing another one of these posts....but I've been SO busy lately that I have not been able to sit down and get enough posts written for each week. But never fear....I think that the one for tomorrow and Thursday are both pretty good. So suffer through this one, and know that better days are around the corner. :)

1. Okay--first things first--I have big news, people. I mean REALLY big. No, I'm not getting a billboard. But, I did win photo of the week last week for Project 64 with my hot air balloon photo! Now they are doing a vote for photo of the month. I would appreciate it EVER so much if you would go over to Project 64 and vote for me. Please and thank you. :)

2. I went to Hobby Lobby this weekend and was annoyed that they already had Christmas stuff out. So I had this great idea to write a blog about how we shouldn't be wasting our days away wishing for Christmas in September, instead of enjoying today. Well that all went by the wayside when I saw this little fella:

That's right, guys. An OSU Christmas tree ornament in my town--which is not in Oklahoma. You know I bought it. I mean, that's fate. And then as I was walking out, I realized I bought into their ploy. Sigh. Tricky, tricky, Hob Lob. So I've changed my message: Don't waste your days away wishing for Christmas, but if you see an OSU ornament, buy it. :)

3. And speaking of wishing days away, I absolutely cannot wait until this weekend for my trip to College Station. I'm getting a bucket list checkmark with my first away football game, and I get to do it with two of my favorite guys in the world---BFF and Cousin Kevin. My poor mom is a little nervous about the amount of fun these two may be together. I'm going to do my best not to let them disappoint. We're starting off the day with some breakfast tailgaiting---burritos, mimosas, bloody marys--then the game--then a night out in College Station. Can. Not. Wait.

4. Last week I convinced my bosses to go out to the State Fair and participate in the Junior Livestock sale. For those of you who may not be familiar with the show program, the exhibitors (4-H and FFA members) who have winning animals get to sell them in the premium sale, where they bring like 5 times market value. The buyers pay this in order to support the kiddos and the programs. Showing was such an important part of my life growing up, that I really enjoy the chance to give back. I'm hoping to have a side-by-side photo to show you of me last week and me exactly 10 years to the day last week soon. So stay tuned for that one.

5. Y'all know I sort of have my heart set on finding a southern (or at least a country) guy. Well I am beyond in love with song by none other than Mr. Jason Aldean. It's called "Country Boy's World." Have a little listen. You'll like it too.

6. I was flipping through the channels last night and came across some new show where the girl is a waitress and was dating some loser boyfriend who was cheating on her. Didn't watch anymore, but one line was funny. Another girl was asking her what she saw in the loser anyway. She responded, "He had those muscles" and pointed to those ones on the sides of the abs---you know like right where the hip bones connect--and she said, "I don't know what they're called, but something about those muscles makes smart girls stupid." Ha! LOVED it! I could make a list of things that "makes smart girls stupid" can apply to!

7. Last week I got a sweet message from Cousin Swiss Mister, thanking me for a card and a little gift I sent to him. In his note, he said, "Thank you for being you." And you know, I think that's probably the best compliment that you can give a person. Because it is dependant on nothing---not on me having to do something or be something or try to act a certain way. Like just being myself is enough. And that's something that I needed to hear. He's a good one, that Cousin Swiss Mister.

8. I'll admit it. I am the most un-trendy person you know. It took me YEARS to get facebook. And even longer to embrace the Jackie-O glasses. So can someone please help a girl out and explain what the heck this "Bunco" craze is that I keep reading about?

Meet the Cast Monday #32: Gran (Part III)

Well here we go with Part III of my interview with my grandma. In case you're new to the blog, be sure to check out the first and second parts! And to learn how this interview (done in 2002, about 2 years before she passed away) came about, click here. Today you'll get to hear a little about her travels and get some cool insight on our family's farm!

What was your favorite trip that you’ve ever been on, I know you’ve traveled a lot? Let’s see. I’ve been to the Bahamas, Hawaii, Alaska, New York City. {This explains my travel bug I guess! Here she is meeting the ship captain on her cruise to Alaska....she looks quite intimidating, no?? That must be her, "Don't you crash this ship" face.}
And, I believe I liked going around New York City more than any of those other places. The girl I roomed with in college was a stewardess with American Airlines and she knew all about New York. When I visited her, she took me to all the places, and we went to a Broadway show, Guys and Dolls, gosh I don’t know what year that was, and Andy Rooney was it, dancing. {This explains where her obsession with Andy Rooney came from.....which she passed on to me.....I don't miss him on Sunday nights!} And we took one of those boat rides around the statue of Liberty, and that was very impressive. And I’d remembered that one of my brothers had told me as he was leaving New York City to go to Germany, he didn’t know if he’d ever see that Statue of Liberty again, he said a tear rolled down his face, Marshall, but he made it back. And I thought of that when I was in that cruise boat. Let’s see, what else did we do in New York. Oh, went to some famous churches that you’re supposed to see in New York.

When you were there, did you see the World Trade Center Towers?

I don’t believe those were there then, or at least, I went up on the Empire State Building, and at that time I think that was the highest building there. I forget what year this was.

You taught school for about 30 years, and you retired when I was about 3 years old. What was it like to retire and not have to go to town to work every day after 30 years?

Well, it’s not as easy as it sounds like. I was about lost for the first 6 months. I couldn’t get used to not leaving before 8:00. And then I’d take a nap every afternoon and I’d feel guilty because I knew my two sons were still having to work for a living, and that bothered me a good while.

I remember when you retired, you got yourself a present of sorts. Why don’t you tell us about that. Well, for 30 years I had been standing on that playground in a sand storm, doing noon duty. So, I was going to buy myself something nice when I decided to retire and, with my first check, I bought a 1 karat .12 diamond ring. {Not bad, huh? She used to wear this ring, her wedding ring, and a huge dinner ring she inherited from her cousin to the Conservation Office in town and tap her fingers on the counter, just so they thought she was a big, important farmer and they needed to pay attention. Ha!}

That made up for standing on the playground I guess?
Yes, it helped.

Even though you retired, you still had to work around here on the ranch that the family has and we have about 300 head of sheep, and I know that you are a big reason that we have the sheep. What did you like so much about sheep?
Well, you have a lamb crop and you have a wool crop also, but years ago when I was growing up, all the neighbors that had sheep had two crops a year. Wool was real good price, and lamb was real good price. But wool’s not that way anymore. But anyway, lambs we sell all during the summer which helps with the bills on the place. A load of lambs will bring oh, $2000 or $3000, and if you do that three or four times a summer, you’ve got some money to pay bills.

Why did you decide we wanted to raise Red Angus cattle? I know that was mostly your doing that we have that breed.
My brother sold out the Herefords and then he decided to go back to Red Angus, because they are easy calvers and they don’t get pink eye. And that was one of the things. So I bought a start from my brother, who got a start from somebody at, oh, up here at Clayton I think, I’m not sure. But anyway, I bought a few head from him and we just let it grow and I still like Red Angus better than any other because of the easy calving and the no pink eye to doctor. What events have happened that helped to shape your life? Well my husband died in 1950, no wait, I was married in 1950, he died in 1970 from a heart attack at 46 age, 46. And that changed my life around. One son was a senior getting ready to go to college, and the other one was maybe in junior high, and I thought I sure might have trouble with him, but I didn’t. {FYI...that younger one was my dad. Those of you that know him understand her concern! :)} And I had the responsibility of raising two boys, and keeping a job, and managing a farm and ranch. But I had a good neighbor, by the name of J.L. Hefner, who really helped with my sons, and just about told me every move to make on this place. I was advised by many people to just sell out and move to town, and I didn’t, and I’m very glad I did not. {You guys read about my family's farm every Friday. And I try each week to explain why it is such an important thing to all of us. But I don't think that there is a better explaination than the one Gran gave here. She, and my dad and uncle, worked hard and sacrificed and held on when everyone said they were crazy for not giving up. And it paid off....the farm she's talking about is the one I grew up on and we still have today.}

Photos of the Week: Week 37

Last week was completely insane with the State Fair going on---between shows and visiting with friends and family and going out to dinner and hitting up the rodeo and an Easton Corbin concert, I am exhausted. But I was able to get all of the pictures collected and posted on time today, so maybe things are getting back to normal around here. As always, I'd love to know which are your favorites!

Theme: Sunrise/Sunset (Quotography)

This is sort of hard to read, but it says "If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I Have worked with God." I absolutely love this thought. See the other entries at My Perspective.

As a sidenote, remember my red barn photo from Tennessee that I entered in the Quotography theme, "Anything." (If not, you can see it here.) Well, I was one of the top three photos...which meant I got to help select the winners for last weeks' theme, which was "reflection." To see the top winners for "Reflections" click here!

Themes: Photo You Are Proud of & Anything (LEM)

I snapped this photo in Tennessee and fell in love with it. This was right behind the red barn photo I mentioned above and I loved the green trees and vines and the sunshing was perfect and, of course, this farm girl loves any picture of a horse. So I'm entering this one in the "A Photo Challenge" for the theme "A photo that you're proud of" and in the LEM challenge this week, "Anything." Click on the links to see the other entries.

Theme: Sepia (Project 64)

Anytime there is a color close to brown, my mind goes straight to finding a horse to photograph. Luckily for me, I had tickets to the State Fair rodeo on Thursday night. I got this picture of Sydni Blanchard (a hometown cowgirl!) in the barrel racing. To see the other sepia photos, go to Project 64.

Theme: View from a Window or Door

You guys know how much I love the Washington National Cathedral. I got this shot when I was back visiting my friend Mrs. Top Gun in DC in May and love it. It's also appropriate this week, because I would like to ask for your prayers for my dear friends Mr. and Mrs. Top Gun. Without going into details, I just want to say that they are two of the best people I know and they are going through a very difficult situation right now and I know that your prayers are appreciated.

Theme: Show Off Your Shot

As you can tell, this shot is also from the rodeo last week. I thought it was a great shot to chose for "Show Off Your Shot" after all of the patriotism shown during the anniversary of September 11 last week. Horses and the American flag....hard to beat that! To see the other entries, visit And Then She Snapped on Wednesday.

Quick Check-In

"You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need." ~Vernon Howard

So yesterday I did not have a blog posted first thing in the morning. Miss Canada texted me to see if I was okay, because she thought something might have happened to me. After this, I decided that skipping a day on the ol' blog without warning was a bad idea. But this will be short--it's late and I'm tired and I have a million things to do. Don't worry (Mom and Loud Oklahoma Girl!), Family Farm Friday will return next week. And I'll make it good to make up for the lack of posts the last two weeks.

Last night I went with McCain and College Roomie to the rodeo and Easton Corbin concert at the State Fair. I'm here to tell you, that Easton Corbin is a beautiful man. His voice, however, was not so beautiful. I think he might have had a cold. I offered to go on his tour bus and make him some hot tea, but apparently that was not necessary. Whatev.

Tomorrow I'm headed back out to the fair for the Junior Livestock Sale. This is where the winning animals are sold and all the money goes to the kiddos who have worked so hard all year. I'm excited to be participating as a buyer after having been an exhibitor for so many years.

Here is a picture from exactly 10 years ago today, when I sold my lamb, Lester. You'll recognize Little Brother, and the little tyke there is the Little Blonde Headed Kid who you read about a couple weeks back. We all miss you, Colten, and this week you were all over those fair grounds! If you were still here, I'd take you for ice cream today just like I did in 2001.

In other news, apparently the enitre fairgrounds has been on a mission to set me up with a particular guy, who I do not know. No lie, I was not there 30 minutes today and I already had 4 people come tell me that they had talked to this guy (we'll call him Fair Guy for now) about me. I'm picturing this poor, unsuspecting boy cornered by all of these men, women and children (literally) telling him about their friend Tiffany. I'm flattered that they all care so much---and a bit concerned that this poor dude may think I'm crazy, desparate, or a combination of both. But stay tuned to see if anything comes of this little adventure.

And lastly, because it's Friday and all good OSU Cowboy fans show off their orange today, I just wanted to say GO POKES!

Never Again...

"If I had my life to live over, I would perhaps have more actual troubles but I'd have fewer imaginary ones." ~Don Herold


....will I be using Web MD. That thing is the devil, y'all! Here's how it went down.

For years, I've had these horrible cramps in my calf/feet muscles at night. I mean wake you up almost in tears, make you really sore the next day kind of cramps. I always thought it was from not having enough potassium.

Well, last week I got a bunch of blood work results back and happen to know my potassium is normal. And last Wednesday, I ate a banana. Yet on Wednesday night, one of these stupid cramps happened.


So, being that law school trained me well, I decided to research this. I type my symptoms into Web MD and....BAM!

I learned that I am probably a dying diabetic with Parkinson's and hyperthyroidism. Oh yea, and I'm pregnant. OM double G. (Just FYI....NOT the case on ANY of these options!)


Was that supposed to make me feel better, or send me hunting for a bridge to jump off of? We are through, Web MD. Never again!

Photos of the Week: Week 36

So I'm failing on getting these blogs posted on the weekends. This week, I blame the State Fair. There is nothing in the world like getting to spend a week with your "show family" and watch junior livestock shows. I swear, I don't know what I'd do without my fair fix! So better late than never, here are my photos for the week! Sorry for the lack of variety....but when I find something I like, I keep with it.

Theme: Fair

I snapped this shot during the New Mexico Bred Steer show. This show is only for cattle that were bred and born in New Mexico. The champion won the belt buckle and banner you see here. It was a great show this year---and for the first time, we had a steer showing. He ended up 2nd place behind the Reserve Grand Champion, so we were really cited.

Theme: Reflections (Quotography)

I read this quote last week and although I'm not totally sure it fits with "reflections" I loved it so much I'm using it anyway becuase I think it's close. On Saturday morning I woke up to the sound of a hot air balloon outside my window and ran out to catch this shot. I thought it went well with the quote. Check out the other entries at My Perspective.

Theme: Show Off Your Shot

This picture was also from the NM Bred Steer show, jut a different angle and with the ribbons instead of the banners. I realize that a lot of people go to a fair and never watch a junior livestock show, but for me, this is what the fair is all about. 4-H and FFA are such great programs, and I do not think there is any part of them better than showing as far as the lessons that kids learn from them. I'm so grateful to have been a part of it myself and enjoy the chance to give back now by helping out at the State Fair with shows like this. To see all of the other shots entered, check out And Then She Snapped!

Theme: Blue Violet (Project 64)

I was so excited on Saturday morning to see that the hot air balloon that woke me up had the perfect color in it for this weeks' challenge! See the other entires here.

That Tuesday In September

"These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat; but they have failed. Our nation is strong." ~President Bush, September 14, 2001

(NOTE: I realize this is two days late, but for me, remembering 9/11 will always be on Sheep Show Tuesday, which is today.)

You read all the time about days that changed the world. Pearl Harbor. The JFK Assassination. Pope John Paul II's visit to Poland. The fall of the Berlin Wall. But that Tuesday in September 2001 was the first of these days that I experienced in my lifetime.

I grew up in a world that didn't really know of terrorism. A time when the twin towers were just buildings. When no one took their shoes off at the airport. Before people knew the name Osama bin Laden. Back then, times were simpler. Children--no, people--more innocent.

Then came that Tuesday in September. At first, my mom telling us at the sheep pens at the State Fair that a plane hit the World Trade Center seemed like a horrible accident. The thought of "terrorism" never crossed my mind. It wouldn't have, because it was not some common event. I'm honestly not even sure I had ever heard of a terrorist attack before that day.



But then, there was a second plane. And the second tower. And in an instant, that Tuesday in September changed the world.

It stripped us of our innocence. The sights from that day---the planes crashing, the people jumping to their deaths from the buildings, the family members frantically searching for their loved ones, the smoke billowing from Manhattan, from the Pentagon, and from the field in Pennsylavnia after a group of heros laid down their own lives to save others---were so painful, so disturbing, many are no longer permitted to be played on television. But for those of us who watched that Tuesday in September, those images are forever burned into our memories.



And now, terrorism is something known by all. It is probably on the evening news daily. Some people are scared to fly. Some are scared to travel overseas. Many fear an eventual World War III. And that change is why the tragedy of that Tuesday in September 2001 continues on. That Tuesday in September changed us all.






And for the families and friends of the 3,000 plus people killed that day, the 10 year anniversary must be unbearable. I did not personally know anyone killed in the attacks. So it is easy for me to say that 3,000 people were killed, without realizing the personal toll that statement has for people. But when I think that each one of those people were someone's parent, or sibling, or child, or friend.....each one of them was a life that was special and unique and important.....well that changes things. Each one of these people left a hole in the lives of those who loved them. A hole that cannot be filled. If you want to hear a heartbreaking example of how a child who lost her father has changed in the last ten years, click here. And to hear the story of a family done by one of my friends about a family who lost their brother, a farmer who was piloting Flight 11 that Tuesday in September, click here.


That Tuesday in September changed the world, but it did not change everything. It did not change strength, the courage, the compassion and the resiliancy that exists in America and her citizens. It did not change the way our nation comes together--to mourn, to pray, to help, to give money and time and blood, to honor, to remember, to sacrifice and to somehow move on. And now, 10 years later, I can only hope that these qualities of our nation--those best displayed in the aftermath of such an unimaginable tragedy--will always remain. May no Tuesday in September ever change these things.

Meet the Cast Monday #31: Guest Starring Word Up Bro

Okay, this is my first ever Meet the Cast Monday featuring a guest star! But, if you read the blogs regarding our wine tasting and karaoke adventures in California a month or so ago, you know why Word Up Bro deserves his own Meet the Cast Monday. He got his blog nickname because he told us that he really liked watching Heidi and Spencer and enjoyed Spencer's favorite phrase, "Word Up, Bro."

You guys are learning about him along with me here.....but what I can tell you is that this guy is an absolute riot and So.Much.Fun. I could not be happier that our paths randomly crossed and that for a short period, he guest starred in the plot. I only hope he will continue to make more appearances in the years to come!

Meet Word Up Bro!

We met on your first trip to the U.S. Tell us where all you went, your favorite part, your least favorite part?
I BEG YOUR PARDON!!! It was not MY first trip to the USA, it was The Swan's however.... I have been like totally 7 or 8 times.... though first time to the west coast i admit..!... So we started in the "concrete jungle where dreams are made of" never have truer words been spoken!! .... Then flew to SF, then Los Gatos, then Carmel, Montery, Big Sur, San Louis Osbispo, Malibu Vegas, Palm Springs, and finally LA baby! As much as I wanna say wine tour for best bit, I feel it is a loaded question.... so I have to say Vegas Baby.... because I just pure love the hedonism of it all!! The worst bit was definitely doing the laundry in the Tenerloin SF. I mean A...i have never done my own laundry...B I never knew what a laundrymat was (we have our own washing machines). C.... The smell of the poor people was awful (and I know that is awful to say), but to give them there due, they do seem to take good care of fluffing and folding their own clothes. {On the wine tour, they were reeling from this experience---if you've ever been to the Tenderloin, you understand. I mean, laundromats are bad enough, but this would be like the worst possible location!} Tell the story of how we met and about our day wine tasting from your perspectives.Sooooo My friend The Swan and I go on this wine tour to Napa from San Francisco.... we were boozed the night before, so we were feeling a wee bit delicate... {How much do I love the way that Scottish people tal? Wee bit delicate. I'm going to start using this phrase!} anyway dam the bus that picked us up at our hotel about 2 hours earlier than required...... so we sat down like naughty boys near the back of the bus... and had both checked out the other tour guests.... who all looked like something from a day release programme from a category C prison.... Except one group that caught our eye.... "the Gossip Girls" ... so called named as Blonde Oklahoma Girl was telling a story as we walked past which included words such as "like totally, and oh my gosh".... {LOVE this!} anyway after that point it all becomes a bit fuzzy... not because i had drank then, but because of how much i had afterwards.... it was something about either I asked BOKG or she asked me to take a photograph... blah blah blah...and the friendship was born!
What is it like living in Dubai?
Living in Dubai is Glamourous and Oppressive, Rich and Poor, Hot and less hot, Dusty and less dusty, Hectic and chilled, Fun and boring, moralistic and hypocritical, Expensive and Cheap,.... I could go on... its just full of ridiculous contrasts.... but hey ... I pay no tax...so what do i care!!!

Why do Australians hate kangaroos? {I learned about this fact on the wine tour and was in shock! We asked a lot of questions about this issue.}
Kangas is for The Swan to answer... but i think i know one of the reasons...being his mum keeps crashing into them.... and that can be dangerous...coz they are heavy beasts and tend to defecate when they die… which can be rather unpleasant if their arses are through the windscreen of one’s Ford Escort!!! {You can see the sense of humor that drew us right to these guys, no?}

And now for a special treat, we have a guest appearance in the guest star blog from The Swan to give us his Australian perspective!To all outward appearences, it would appear that Australians like kangaroos. On the official symbol of Australia - the Coat of Arms, a Kangaroo stands opposite an Emu, both supporting the sheild. They owe this recognition to the fact that they are both native Australian Fauna, and it is often claimed that both these animals were chosen as neither can walk backwards.....progress and all that. The Kangaroo is therefore an iconic symbol of Australia. Personally, and I may speak for others, I do not like them at all. The are large, powerful animals that run wild at night time, often bounding across major roads and highways that run through the bush. It is so scary driving at night time wondering if at any moment a Kangroo will bound out and smash into your car, causing chaos. Its happened to me, its happened to my parents and when you drive around the streets and see dead Kangaroos lying on the side of the road, you know its happened to lots of others too. The thing is, if you do hit one, you want to make sure it doesnt come through your windscreen (like it did to my parents), and you want to make sure it is dead, else it will scratch your face off with its paws. These are some of the reasons Australians may not like Kangaroos

Favorite songs? {Had to ask because let me just tell y'all, this guy is killer at karaoke!}
Fav songs... I live for the moment, so although i have many from over the years... I will refer to my IPOD for the 25 most played and take my pick.... All the Lovers - Kylie Minogue,,,Empire State of Mind Part 2 - Alica Keys and Jay Z, With every heartbeat - Robin, Happiness - Alex Jordan, Price Tag - Jessie J, Hello - Marin Slovieg Feat Drangonette, Hold it agaist me - Britney Spears, Judas - Gaga, Just cant get enough - Black eyed peas, I want all of you tonight - Neyo + Pitbull Favorite childhood memories?
Watching Splash and Back to the Future over and over with my wee sister. Getting my Dog Trixie who lived for 18 years, and my cat Topsy who lived for 21 years! BMX bikes and skate boards in the summer, and just going off for miles care free before pedophiles seemed to exist! Sledging down the hills, and snowball fights in the winter, when there was Snow in Scotland before Global fricking Warming ruined it all!! I’d like to say opening presents on Christmas morning, but that was often overshadowed by my friends in the street getting better pressies... ... I hated Santa for that!

What's your take on the Lochness monster?
The Loch Ness Monster is great, because the local tourism industry in the area thrives from silly American tourists coming to see if they can catch a glimpse of it....... and they spend all their hard earned dollar in the gift shop on worthless crap like monster fridge magnets and beer coasters and teapots etc... {Classic. But now I really do want a Lochness monster teapot....}
You have traveled a lot--what is your favorite place that you've been and why?My fav place outside the UK is New York… I really love the vibe there, the architecture, the shows, the people, the history, the hustle bustle, Central Park, Sex and the City, Friends (so 10 years ago) {You watch your mouth, mister!}, Bacteria filled Hot Dogs, Yellow Cabs, Gypsy Cabs, Dollar Cab, Holler Back.

My fav place in the UK is Cornwall, it is just lush and beautiful and quaint, and has an amazing tranquil feel about it, and one of the most stunning coastlines in the world.

What is something you know about life you did not know when you were 18?We learn from mistakes, we learn from pain, we learn from solidarity, we learn from experimentation, we learn from taking measured risks, we learn from good experiences, we learn from bad experiences we learn from listening to others, we learn from being selective and careful with what we listen to. {So true!}
Tell us what you're most excited about for your next American adventure to the Bible Belt.
I am going to search for Vampires, just like in Tru Blood. {Seriously? None of the Bible Belt dwelling girls he knows even watch Tru Blood. We were planning on taking him two stepping, out for a big steak, and to a college football game. He'll like that better, no doubt!}
What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?I think most of my bucket list items are a bit rude for nice bible belt blog! {Love it!} I could say the standard “swim with dolphins” but I have done that now, and let me tell you… it was good… but soooo glad it wasn’t my dying wish… it just aint all it is cracked up to be.

I am going to have to be boring… I wish to have dinner with my favorite pop star, the gorgeous pint sized pop diva from down under: Ms Kylie Minogue. {Safe to say that's a new answer to this question that I ask every week!}

Should Have Been A Cowboy!

"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?" ~Vince Lombardi

I had big ideas for the blog today....a Family Farm Friday from a different perspective or a blog about the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. But I had no time to write them last night due to a very important football game! So stay tuned for those blogs next week (and if you're not into college football, you can stop reading now because I'll bore you to death). Today, I'm linking up with Nicole for Football Fridays!

Today, let's talk about my Cowboys! 37-14 over Arizona. Check out first half highlights here.

Things looked good in Stillwater last night!

Justin Blackmon is a man among boys. Seriously--that play that we do where we fade it to the corner of the end zone (remind anyone of Josh Fields to Raushaun Woods circa my sophmore year??) is my favorite thing to see. And the spin move he put on the AZ defense at the 50 yard line? Awesome.
I don't care of freaking Mark Mays made fun of him being 106 years old and playing with college kids (I freaking hate that guy anyways!), any QB that throws for almost 400 yards and completes 42 of 53 passes is awesome in my book. Heisman material? Well my boy Lou Holtz said he thought so! And way to step up for Joseph Randle who has Kendall Hunter's big shoes to fill. 2 TDs was a darn good start! And please, don't overlook this one.....I thoroughly enjoy seeing any member of the Stoops family pitching a fit on the sidelines. You're turn will come in December, Big Game Bob!
And lastly, can I just say how much I freaking love this time of year? I got off the plane from Tennessee on Monday and it was like fall had arrived while I was gone. Cool weather and college football make me a happy girl. Last night I rocked my black yoga pants and an orange hoodie to Brett-Brett and Miss Texas' house for some chicken fajitas while we watched the game. Yes, folks....I'm living the dream!

Until next Saturday when it's time for us to put it on Tulsa......GO POKES!!

Throwback Thursday #58: Southern Santa

"God gave us memories that we might have roses in December." ~J.M. Barrie

As you guys know, last week I went to Tennessee for several days because Cousin Swiss Mister's dad passed away. His dad was named Rooster, but to me, he'll forever be Santa.

When I was a kid, Santa called my house every Christmas Eve. He would ask what I wanted for Christmas, ask what kind of snacks he would be getting that night, and tell me I had to go to bed early so he could come. Santa had this big, deep, booming voice, and a southern accent. In my little mind, the North Pole was like a cold version of Georgia or Alabama or Tennessee, becuase Santa was Southern.

Only later in life did I learn that for all those years, that southern Santa voice belonged to Rooster. When I was visiting Cousin Swiss Mister in Europe, we skyped with his dad one day. I told him afterwards that I really enjoyed it, because it seriously did feel like I was talking to Santa again.

It's funny the memories that surface when someone dies. People don't usually remember someone's job, or their bank accounts, or their fancy cars. They remember the things that matter. And sometimes, well maybe a lot of times, little things end up being big things in these situations. A phone call from Santa was a little thing then, but it seems bigger now. So take the time for the little things in your life now....the things that matter.....because some day, those will be the way that you live on.