1. There are a freaking exorbitant amount of people from Oklahoma reading my blog.

You have no idea how much this mortifies me and drives home the fact that I totally need to move to a remote island, adopt a super cool “pen name,” and write freely where the odds of me bumping into someone at a coral reef is no where near as likely as bumping into someone at Ted’s. Do I really wanting my backyard knowing the wind blew my skirt up sky high right in front of my father in law? I’m thinking no.

2. I really dislike fake flowers.

That is all I will say about this subject.

3. I hate going to the grocery store by myself.

It’s like this whole “thing” with me. I mean, of course I’ll do it- I’m a freaking grown woman for crying out loud- but I would way rather Will go with me.

I’m such a weirdo. Perhaps we will discuss this oddity in another post. The shopping part- not the weirdness part.

4. I’m into trance music.

I think I might have told you guys that before, but it seems to surprise most people when they find that out about me.

What?

Is it strange that some proper Oklahoma suburban wife would listen to stuff like that (ha ha- the answer is a big overwhelming YES)?

5. I’m going to Chicago this weekend.

I guess this isn’t a “confession” per se, but I hadn’t told you guys yet so I thought it was time to share. P and I are going to have a super quick and AMAZING girl’s weekend full of the most fun we’ve had together since the cruise.

We are going to see Tiesto in concert!!!

(crickets chirping)

Okay- so I know that’s like dolphin squeak to most of you- but trust me, it’s like huge, huge, huge.

Tiesto is the modern father of trance. He truly epitomizes what trance music is today. Trust me- it’s a big deal. I can’t even put into words how much I’m looking forward to this trip and how amazing this concert will be.

I downloaded his newest album today to get me ready for my trip. I had listened to it last week and didn’t really like it, but today I decided that for the most part I really do. To humor me you should download Century ft. Calvin Harris, Fresh Fruit, and Who Wants to Be Alone ft. Nelly Furtado from his newest album, Kaleidoscope. They’re the ones I’m listening to the most right now. I think the Nelly Furtado song is way hot.

YAY for an amazing girl’s weekend!

I can’t wait to tell you guys all about it.

So that’s my big news/"confession."

Anything you need to get off your chest?

I <3 Chicago.

I already knew that because I've been there before, however this past weekend reaffirmed it once again.

I had the most amazing weekend with my mom and sister, and it's something I'll treasure for a long time to come. Especially since I have no idea when all three of us will be together again all as once.

I flew to Chicago Thursday night and was greeted by my parents and sister. We had a late dinner at Gino's Pizza- which was amazing. Nothing welcomes you to Chicago quite like a deep dish pizza blanketed in layers of cheese at 9:00 at night.

Friday morning my dad took off for a short trip with his brother for a guys weekend in Indianapolis, so it was just us girls left on our own to shop and have a wonderful time.

Saturday morning we started off at Panera Bread followed by shopping, shopping, and more shopping. I haven't been shopping in AGES. Will and I are on the Dave Ramsey plan and we've got that "gazelle intensity" to get out of debt and make sacrifices other places. Anyway, it was so.much.fun. to buy new clothes. My mom is the best. So we did that all day Saturday- followed by The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. It was a great day- and I was actually a tiny bit sore from all that walking. I don't think that's good! What does that say about my gym workout?! Perhaps I need to change up my routine?

Sunday was a lot of fun. My sister stayed the night in her apartment the night before so my mom and I got an early start on all the Labor Day sales followed by a trip to the Shed's Aquarium.

Along with the entire state of Illinois.

It was insane.

A zoo.

An insane zoo aquarium.

It was still fun. This was my second time to go. I went with my dad the first time so it's cool that I got to go with my mom this time. After Shed's my sister met up with us and we had some coffee and had a relaxing afternoon followed by-

The Blue Man Group that night!

It was such a fun show and I'm so glad we went. Guys, my mom was freaking cracking us up so much. I don't think I've heard her cackle or laugh so hard she cried as much as I did that night. It was classic and I simply can't do it justice in this blog post. The funniest part was at the end. There's this whole "thing" with strobe lights and loud music and toilet paper being pulled from holders all over the auditorium. My mom kept yelling at me and P to "Pull! Pull! Pull!" while she was laughing so hard tears were streaming down her face and while the strobes were going and the music was pumping. P just looked at me and yelled, "I feel like we're at a rave with our mom!" Too funny.

Anyway, that was lots of fun.

After the show we went for a late steak- which is where I caught the end of the OU game.

And saw all I really needed to see.

I called Will immediately after (who was down in Dallas to watch the loss) and told him that perhaps this was good. Perhaps it's good that we are disappointed at the start of the season instead of the end like always.

He didn't agree.

Yesterday was spent doing more shopping. This time for P's room. Groceries, stuff for school, etc. It was fun. I love her place and I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that she's all grown up and in this giant city living this adult life. It makes me look at myself and realize how old I've gotten as well and how surreal it seems. I still remember being in 5th grade and having her barf on my hair while we were visiting my grandparents in Iowa. Good times.

She's come a long way from those days. She's a woman in the city. Remember this post? Its sort of the same, only with her now. She’s back in America, all grown up, and experiencing this whole new life for the first time and I’m glad I get to be a small part of it.

So that was Sunday. Oh- and we also had a ridiculous amount of food. We at at the Five Guys burger joint, followed by dessert at the Ghiradelli place (um or however you spell it) and, well, I think the list goes on from there.

It was around the time I finished my dessert that afternoon that I started to feel a little bummed.

Which is what I promised Will I wouldn’t do. He knows me so well. He made me promise not to get bummed out early and to enjoy every minute of my time with my mom and sister until the end. So- I tried to do that.

P and I walked around and she took me to “The Bean” (not the official name, but the one I’m pretty sure most people know it by). It was a nice walk, perfect weather, and really nice. Definitely a walk I appreciated and will tuck away in my little pocket of memories I want to keep forever (whatever that means...).

We had a quiet night in and watched TV and just hung out, which was nice. It’s those little things of doing “nothing” that you can sometimes miss the most when you’re away from your family.

Today came early and it was sad to say goodbye. I hope we’re all able to see each other soon, and I hate that we’re all so far away now. I guess that’s normal though, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it, right?

So here I am, back in Oklahoma (um, which is a far cry from Chicago, right?). It’s been a typical evening, followed by a typical (thankfully short) week, followed by a typical weekend.

It was nice to step out of the mundaneness for a while. I’m thankful for my trip.

And I’m also thankful for the Chicago pizza which will be arriving to my door Wednesday afternoon.

I’m off to watch TV with Will.

Happy Labor Day!

A year ago today I was embarking on the most amazing trip ever. I must say, 5 August 2009 was far different different than 5 August 2008. Instead of boarding our amazing cruiseship and getting ready for what truly was one of the best three weeks of my life, I sat in my little cubicle reading the Federal Acquisition Regulation and trying to make heads and tails of our finance guy’s pricing sheet.

Good times.

I must admit, my heart hurt a little bit today when I got up. I know it sounds silly to be all reminiscent and bummed about the “anniversary” of my dream vacation, but I was.

I guess that’s got to be normal, right?

Please tell me that’s normal.

Okay- so we all agree that my feelings today were normal.

What is not normal is looking ahead to the next 20 days of my life thinking about how I’ll be all, “Oh on the 14th I was in Pompeii” or “On the 12th I was in Tunisia. Sigh...”

I think that borderlines as a little crazy. When I stop and think about it- that trip, last year, was the last time I took a vacation! Granted, it was three weeks (Yes, my boss is amazing. I had already had this trip planned before taking the job so she let me go.)- but it was a whole year ago! Craziness. I did take two days in January to go to Miami, but that’s more of a long weekend.

Anyway, perhaps I’m just bummed because I fully realize that the next time I’ll get to do something that spectacular is when you win the lottery and give me all your earnings we retire.

I guess I am being rational, right?

Oh, and so today I went back for old time’s sake (um, which bummed me out even more) and read about all the amazing adventures me and P went on. It’s sort of funny to look back and read these now because it was our chance to say goodbye to each other before she headed to school in Dubai for four years and Will and I settled down in Oklahoma.

Well, I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you that P is moving back to America! She’ll still be far away, but not an ocean away- and close enough for long girl weekends! I’m very pleased with this decision.

I tell you that because it’s funny how things work out. Last year i was just certain I’d never see my sister again, and here we are a year later and she’s going to be fairly close again. I guess that’s why we’re not meant to worry about things, right?

Enough rambling today. Here’s to the most amazing trip of my life, and some of the best memories I’ve ever made-

and here’s to planning something just as great in 2010, perhaps?

Um- only way way shorter. I’m pretty sure that three week vacation thing was a one time deal.

Good: I got up on time and made it to the airport really early.

Bad: I planned on using my extra time at the airport to do some work, only to find out the OKC airport charges for WiFi. I hate those guys.

Good: Leaving on time from OKC.

Bad: Not having enough time for lunch in Cincinnati and having to go straight to our gate.

Good: Getting a window seat on my stretch to D.C.

Bad: Having the ice sensor thing break on the right wing, which caused us to be an hour delayed.

Good: The cookies they gave out on our trip.

Bad: The fact that those cookies were the only thing I had eaten all.day.long.

Good: Getting to see a few landmarks as we flew into D.C.

Bad: Being here for work, not pleasure (it’s a super fast trip).

Good: Setting up my computer and catching up on emails- all in my comfy clothes.

Bad: Catching up on emails and having to squint due to the poor lighting.

Good: The giant fattening burger I had delivered to my room tonight. I <3 room service.

Bad: Um, I think I’m over per diem. I should probably look into that…

Good: Having time to post!

And let’s end on a happy note. I’m enjoying my trip out of the office. I’ve never been to D.C. (and I’m not sure if this even technically counts since it’s such a quick trip!) so the whole 10 minutes I’ve been here have been great! (ha ha)

Hope you are doing well! 

1. The weekend wasn’t as bad as anticipated.

2. Pictures are posted and I think they turned out pretty good. I think Will needs to wear a tux everyday.

3. I never became more aware of the fact that Will and I truly and seriously treat our dogs like real life children more than I did this weekend. I listened to all our family members with kids and the little common trigger phrases they said and thought to myself, “Wow… I say that too. To my dogs. I think Will and I need help.”

4. I actually thought about kids this weekend (as in maybe having them one day down the road) and sort of freaked out but sort of did not. Long story short- I saw a lot of couples this weekend with small kids that seemed miserable (not with their children, but with their spouse) and it freaked me out. At the same time I thought about how I also know a lot of people that seem even happier with their spouse. I guess some of that could have been because of the circumstance (um I’m pretty sure traveling and having to stay up late for a family dinner can make EVERYONE grumpy). What do you think?

5. I honestly wore more makeup than the bride this weekend and felt a little ridiculous. She’s very simple and I so should have remembered that. Eh- I don’t get to dress up much so I figured I might as well do it right.

6. The AC in our truck went out. Thankfully it went out on the way home and not on the way there. I’m certain Will and I would have ended up in marital counseling had it gone out before. Have I mentioned I turn into a raging psychopath when I get hot? Probably not.

7. I felt really old Sunday when I went to bed at around 8:30.

8. I like Will’s family- despite what I say on my website sometimes. I’m pretty lucky to have his family in my life. I could definitely have worse- and realized that this weekend.

9. I didn’t even get to dance with Will at the reception. :( Do you know the last time we danced was back in 2002 when we met in ballroom dancing class!? I thought I was getting a dancer, but um- notsomuch. The 3 or 4 times they had a slow song Will was helping to get the bride’s overnight bag into Dr. Vet’s car, or tagging the car, or something else. Will and I were going to dance to the last slow song they played, but Dr. Vet and Mrs. Dr. Vet snatched us up and we danced with them instead. Oh well. Hopefully someone else will get married soon?

10. I’m beyond behind on reading and commenting on your blogs. Therefore I’m turning off comments today until I catch up. Sorry I’m a sucky blog friend but I promise to catch up soon. 

“I should probably get a hepatitis shot,” I thought to myself as I carelessly used an unlined public toilet for the fourth time yesterday.

I’m generally more careful, however it had been a long day. A really long day. I woke at 3:30 morning in order to shower, get dressed (complete with high heels), compile and condense my crap (unsuccessfully) and leave the house by 4:45.

I had checked in, gotten through security, and found my gate all before 5:30. I was in the air by 6:00.

I consider that a fairly busy morning. And early. A really early morning too. But who cared- it was a day trip. No big deal.

We had a fairly slow paced morning with a jam packed afternoon. We arrived, enjoyed a cup of coffee to awaken our tired brains, and prepared for the day ahead.

The coffee worked- but only for so long.

At least it was just a day trip.

By the time my meeting started (at 2:00 that afternoon), I was sleepy. Not only that- but seriously, what was I thinking with wearing these high heels!? Thank God it was just a day trip- and almost over.

The meeting went well and was valuable- but by the time it was over I was ready to drive like Mark Martin all the way to the airport to be home to see Will-

And sleep-

And most of all, get out of these freaking heels.

We arrived at the airport, got through security- you know the normal stuff.

We found our gate and also found a mob crowded around the little check-in counter.

“Hmm- this doesn’t look normal…” I thought to myself.

Perhaps I had finally tempted fate long enough had actually contracted some strange hallucinatory disease from all my careless bathroom use during the day- and this was all just a mirage.

It wasn’t.

Damn.

You know- because the reality of a mob is so much worse than a communicable disease.

It appeared storms in Dallas had caused several delays and even cancelations. As we looked on the screen we noticed our flight to Dallas had been delayed two hours. Instead of our lovely 6:30 we were now pushed back past 8:30.

At this point you try to settle in and began the lion-like hunt for an available outlet for your laptop.

Think National Geographic channel- cheetahs chasing the little gazelles.

Thankfully this cheetah was quick enough to secure an outlet to check much needed email. Hunger inevitably kicked in, and I gave up my post to eat. When I had finished, my flight had been delayed almost another hour. With each delay a call was made to Will- who was going to pick me up and take me home.

Home to my own bed.

And no high heels.

Did I mention I had been in them for 15 hours in heels at that point?

Heels and an extra huge purse.

Heels and an extra huge purse and an extra huge laptop bag.

After all- IT WAS JUST A FREAKING DAY TRIP.

Finally- 9:15. Everything looked good. Our flight from Dallas to Oklahoma was going to be tight, but we had about 15 minutes to get off and run to our gate before the plane left. We felt confident we could do it- with my heels in my hand, of course.

We arrived in Dallas right on time- 15 minutes to spare.

Thankfully.

“Okay- so it’s no big deal. I’m only a few hours behind schedule. Willy will be waiting for me at 11:30 and we’ll go home and I’ll sleep in an extra hour- rest my feet- and go to work. This will be fine.”

Only we sat on the plane. And sat. And sat a little longer.

Just when I got to the point in which my left eye began to twitch uncontrollably, the captain informed us there was no gate ready for us and we were going to have to wait a little while.

…

So I sent a text to my colleague who had made the earlier Dallas flight and was already in the airport waiting for the Oklahoma flight. I wanted to see if she thought we would be able to make it, or if it was simply too late.

“You’ll make it,” she said.

Thankfully.

I figured with all the delays it would be okay.

“Just a little longer, Britt, and you’ll be out of your heels and in bed, fighting with the dogs for space.”

We finally got to the gate- I began getting into sprint mode. We got to the gate and waited. And waited. And waited.

My eye began to twitch again.

The captain informed us that although we were at our gate we had to wait on an attendant to open the doors-

Or some crap like that.

I didn’t care. It meant that the chances of my cramped calves getting out of these heels and into my own bed were getting slimmer each second that ticked away on that plane.

It meant I was going to spend the night either driving all the way home to Oklahoma or in some skuzzy hotel.

It meant this was no longer just a day trip.

I could only hope something was delaying the plane to Oklahoma so that we could make it in time.

But that would be normal and predictable- and why in the world would I want that, right?

So of course I missed my flight.

By the time we got off the plane we were met by another mob.

Another mob that had missed their flights too.

And must have been wearing heels for 15 hours too, because they were super grumpy.

I mean, sure I was tired, my back was seriously aching from all the stupid weight I had towed with me. My calves? Pretty much numb at that point. My feet were permanently shaped in triangles to mold to my stupid pointy heels.

Yet somehow I wasn’t in an awful mood.

Okay- I was.

I think I said “What the hell” or something like that- but I didn’t get too mad. I don’t think I even cussed- which I consider a success in this circumstance.

I know-I’m such a classy lady.

So we stood in line with the mob to see what to do next. The airline put us up in a hotel because of the delay.

So much for my little easy day trip.

“At least we get another day of per diem!” my colleague said enthusiastically.

“Really? ’At least we get another day of per diem!’” I said mockingly to myself. “HOW LOVELY! Because I’m SO excited about $30 when I’m going to need $30,000 to buy prosthetic calves after wearing these heels all day!”

Men seriously have no concept of what it’s like being a woman.

Seriously.

Anyway, we loaded up and began the trip to our hotel.

The whole way there I began to watch myself begin to panic internally.

It finally hit me.

I’m.spending.the.night.

In these clothes I’ve worn since like 4:00 this morning.

I had no toothbrush.

No mascara.

Gasp! No deodorant!

And let’s face it- I’m a sweater.

Please- please just swallow me into the ground now.

There’s something interesting that seems to happen to you once you realize that your simple little day trip is going to turn into an overnight stay. A stay in which you’ve carelessly not planned for.

(um-sidebar! Okay so I’ve flown a million times and have never ever experienced any issues. So why, WHY would a simple day trip cause me problems, I thought to myself, right!?)

Your whole mind begins to turn to mush.

Your frame of reference becomes totally distorted and you have no good solid compass between what’s socially acceptable and entirely ridiculous.

“Okay- so do I take off my make up, or leave it on?

What am I going to do about not having deodorant? This is going to be bad on so many levels.

Do I stay in my undies? Try to wash them? Go commando?

Do I saturate my shirt in perfume to freshen it up?”

Suddenly these really easy everyday hygiene decisions become little crises.

What do I do!? What is the proper etiquette? This shouldn’t be that hard. Why is this so hard!?

The truth is that it’s hard because you’re only planning for a day trip!

Why wasn’t I prepared? Sigh…

So we got to the hotel late. I have no idea when, but I know it was after 11:00 and I could barely walk. I got my room key, tried to do a little work- which turned out to be fruitless because I was totally spent-and went to bed.

I got up at 5:30 this morning, got fully dressed in my work attire (except for the shoes. I went barefoot and hoped for the best) and went down to the lobby to try to pillage for at the very least toothpaste.

Turns out a lot of idiots are like me and don’t plan ahead. I scored toothpaste, a toothbrush, and- and- deodorant!

Men’s deodorant.

Men’s deodorant without antiperspirant.

But hey- who cares- it’s better than nothing, right?

I opted to shower and wash my face. I took my make up off but I didn’t remove my mascara.

I got ready.

I looked like death.

I had lipstick.

I remember a friend saying that all you really needed on an extremely ugly and off day was lipstick. That would make it all better.

She is full of crap.

I had a greasy complimentary breakfast and was finally, finally on my way home.

I arrived home this morning at about 10:30. I went home, freshened up a little, changed clothes, PUT ON FLATS, and went to work.

I was swamped, but hey- the problems I faced at work today seemed like a piece of cake compared to the whole dilemma of proper 2nd day undie etiquette.

It feels incredible to be at home. I’m so ready to slip into my own sheets tonight.

I no longer believe in day trips, will always be prepared, and am officially retired from business travel. At least for a while anyway.

<3

I fly out of Oklahoma tomorrow morning before the sun comes up.

Why is it that even when you’re flying before the majority of normal people are even waking you have to be at the airport at least an hour early to check in?

I think that’s ridiculous.

So much so that I want to arrive a little later tomorrow- but Will won’t let me.

Because he’s boring and isn’t a risk taker like I am (ha ha).

I’ve never flown for “business” before.

Granted the entire human public probably has at least one, but for some reason I’ve been thinking about it like its something really fun and grown up.

You know- because waking up before God, applying your make-up in the car, and sitting next to all sorts of weirdos “on business” is LOADS of fun.

Ha.

Every time Will and I would fly in the mornings I would cringe at all the “business people” travelling around us. Obnoxiously talking extra loudly on the phone- informing the entire world of their latest win or new business prospect. Their gigantic laptop bags the size of a large marsupial. The way that none of them ever.use.mints…

Cringe.

Retired blogger Sarah is a frequent business traveler (and never violates any of the abovementioned annoyances, I’m sure) and I’ll never forget her trick for how to cope with a smelly nearby passenger- she puts nice smelling lotion under her nose and it fights the funk for the flight’s duration. It makes me laugh every time when I think about it (I’m not sure why), but it’s a very good and practical idea. One I would highly recommend. As someone who has used it many times myself I will say it works amazingly- unless you’re on a transatlantic journey. Then? Not so much. You’re pretty much on your own on that flight. Every stinky man for themselves.

Was flying ever fun to you? When I was little it was a big deal and so.much.fun. Now it’s the biggest frustration that keeps me from where I am and where I want to be.

It is right about here -> in which I would be extremely positive and try to think of fun and exciting ways to make flying bearable. But yeah- why tease ourselves? It’s just a day trip, so the nice thing is that I’ll be able to sleep in my own bed.

Instead of lamenting over getting up at 1:58- I’ll watch The Mentalist, try to enjoy my two hours of sleep, and anticipate my 8:00 Venti Skim Latte. On business.

Venti Skim Lattes.

Heart.

Tomorrow will be great, I know it.

And hey- if nothing else it will provide a plethora of blogable material.

That’s right, my friends. Today I’ll be crossing the Red River into Longhorn country.

It’s time for the (not so annual) annual BTS weekend!

I met Sarah while vacationing back home in 2006 and we had a really fun day full of lunch and facials!

Last year Sarah, Theresa, and I were united in Texas for a weekend of fun which included a Rodeo, shopping, and relaxing (and it was a that point I was certain I wasn’t chatting online with hairy sweaty fossils with Dorito crumbs stuck in between their neck fat).

This year is gearing up to be lots of the same- fun friends, fun memories, and fun plans.

To think we all met on the nest is always so crazy to me.

Here’s to another weekend of fun.

More to come.

<3

I’m pretty sure we lost from the second Will and I got on the airplane.

Although- it didn’t seem so at first.

We rode the same plan as Heisman quarterback Sam Bradford’s parents as well as Jeremy Beal’s parents.

Good sign, right?

We thought so.

We ended up getting delayed on our way there, which was a bit of an annoyance- yet we didn’t think it was the end of the world.

Ha.

We got to Miami late and had to wait almost an hour catch the Enterprise shuttle to get a rental car.

That whole slogan, “Pick Enterprise, We Pick You Up” is a HUGE lie. Apparently that holds true for all places except Miami.

We waited forever and finally caught the shuttle to enterprise.

When we got there we should have known there was going to be a problem. A mass of people, all clad in game gear, was standing outside waiting for a shuttle to take them to their hotels.

Hmm- that seems strange, right?

Will got in line and waited.

We waited, and waited, and waited.

Will finally got to the counter and the manager turned the lights off- all in attempts to say that Enterprise no longer had any cars- despite people making reservations for cars 3 weeks in advance- and that they were closing for the night.

Bad sign?

We thought so…

Yeah- Will wasn’t humored.

They offered to take us to our hotel and bring us back in the morning for a car.

Um- no.

They briefly mentioned trying to go to their sister company’s office to see if they would be able to honor our reservation.

Will and I decided to take a chance and walked over to the rental place. A tiny hole in the wall kiosk sort of place.

Nice.

Apparently a lot of Enterprise customers had the same idea. There was a line almost out the door all full of people hoping that this company didn’t give away all their cars just as Enterprise did.

We waited, and waited, and waited once again.

Will finally got to the counter.

The Oklahoma gods were looking out for us because we got the very.last.car.on.the.lot.

Everyone else was turned away.

Good sign?

We sure thought so.

We were the proud renters of a white Dodge minivan.

Oh yeah baby.

We loaded up and returned to the airport to pick up Ross and Rachel (we took different flights).

While we waited I made a video recapping the evening. As you will see- Will was not humored.

At all.

HA HA I look freaking hilarious in the freeze frame Flickr used. Nice.

We got Ross & Rachel, went to the hotel and called it a night- or late morning… whatever.

The next day we donned our Sooner gear and were ready to go to Miami!

We should have known we were destined to lose…

We got on the elevator and were on our way down (with a dozen other people, some OU fans, some Gator fans… fun times). As we arrived to the ground level, the elevator got stuck.

We couldn’t get the door open.

Bad sign?

We thought so.

This insane Gator fan started to panic and freak out. She began yelling and beating on the door. She started trying to pry it open yelling, “You don’t understand! I’ve got to get out of here! You don’t understand! HELP! HELP!”

We don’t understand that you’re psycho and need to calm the crap down in situations like this?

Yeah- we pretty much understood, lady.

All of a sudden we started to go up again.

Um- not a good sign.

We got to the 2nd floor and there was this huge jolt.

Yeah- I was thinking I was about to meet my Maker right there in a Miami elevator.

What a bad way to go.

We finally somehow got back to the ground level- with this woman going absolutely insane and really freaking us out. Ross and Will were trying to calm her down, but it wasn’t working.

The door finally opened and we tripped the lady on our way out.

Kidding.

But don’t think it didn’t cross my mind.

Bad sign?

We thought so…

The rest of the morning and afternoon was great. We went to Hard Rock for lunch, walked around, and took pictures. We went to South Beach and had fun there too. It was a really good afternoon.

Good sign?

We thought so…

We went back to the hotel to freshen up and get ready for the big game. We arrived at the stadium ready to claim our title. This game was ours for the taking.

Well- at least we thought so…

As soon as I entered the stadium I ran into a couple that used to teach me in Sunday school! Too crazy. They moved to Florida and got tickets to the game. I hadn’t seen them in years. What a small world.

I took that as a good sign.

While we were wandering the stadium we decided to get dinner.

As I was waiting in line I ran into my ex-boyfriend’s parents!

Random, right? I mean, I know a lot of people I knew were probably going to be at the game, but in a stadium that size I didn’t figure I’d run into one person- let alone a whole freaking family!

I hadn’t really talked to them since the breakup, so it was nice to catch up.

After my 2nd random encounter we had dinner and were on our way to our seats when…

I ran into not only my ex’s parents- but the whole entire family.

I was going to play it off like I didn’t see them (mainly because I’d seen my ex a few times since the breakup and he totally ignored me), but my ex actually called me over and we talked. He got to meet Will, and I met his wife.

It was sort of nice because things had ended badly. It was sort of like closure because we’re past all that now (I mean it was like 6 freaking years ago) and are both really happy in life.

So- I figured I ought to count that as a good sign.

We got to our seats and were ready for the big game.

Can we please glaze over this part?

Thanks.

I should have known it was going to be a bad game when the Gator girl in front of us flicked Will off.

Yeah- I probably should have taken that as a bad sign.

The game was slow the first half, and well- you know how the 2nd half ended.

We left the stadium bummed about the loss and decided a huge pile of fast food may dull the pain.

Well I thought that…

We drove around for literally an hour trying to find a place that was open.

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

Don’t drive-thrus in Florida stay open late!?!

Apparently not…

We finally found a Wendy’s that had a drive thru open late. At this point it was 1:15. “Yes!! It says the drive thru is open until 2!”

As we approached the drive thru we noticed that the drive thru was open until 2 on Fridays thru Saturdays.

It closed at 1:00 Mondays-Thursdays.

Talk about irony.

We couldn’t catch a break!

So- we just headed back to the hotel.

The next day was pretty much full of airport stuff- which is generally never fun.

We got in Friday night, and it was so nice to be home.

The doggies were very happy to see us, as you can imagine.

My house is a mess, but I’ve vowed not to clean it until tomorrow.

Sort of a mourning thing, perhaps?

All-in-all it was a really fun quick trip.

I know I painted a depressing picture with all the “bad signs,” but I was sort of kidding about all that.

Sort of.

We had a nice time. It was really fun to go with another couple too. It made the trip a lot more fun.

So, we didn’t win our eighth this week and that’s pretty unfortunate. I have no idea what this means for the next season, Bob, Sam, everything…

I just know I’m sort of glad the season is over and now my husband can focus on going thru footlockers with me (ha ha).

Hope you guys had a good weekend. boomer sooner <3

That’s right my lovelies, tomorrow we’ll be going for our 8th National Title.

I realize that my audience is probably not nearly as enamored by the whole idea of screaming until you’re hoarse for men in tight pants to collide into one another in hopes of “scoring,” but as this is such a big part of my married life- I have an obligatory role to post about this very subject.

It seems weird actually living in the states and being available to go to such a game. Before it was a whole big “thing” in which we’d plan a whole vacation around a holiday or a football game. This year we’re here and it’s just a hop, skip, and jump away.

Well- kind of…

It’s hard to believe that a whole year ago Will and I were in Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl.

Remember? Will got pink eye and we were forced to spend our first whole day in Phoenix at a very questionable AM-PM clinic.

Oh- and OU lost by the way.

I’m hoping Lady Luck will be with us this year. I mean- bad luck can only last so long, right?

Let’s hope so.

It’s one of those risks you take when you plan a trip like this- but you simply have to go because you never know when you’ll make it back. I mean, the last time we won a national championship I was a senior in high school (crazy!) It’s just one of those things where you take the risk and go do it and have no regrets.

Did I tell you guys that Ross and Rachel are going with us? I’m very excited. I mean- not only are we going to the Big Dance, but we’re doing with friends.

A getaway with friends!

I mean- we all know what implications that means when a couple goes away on a trip together, so I have to believe the same holds true for friends (um- minus the drooly makeout sessions of course). I think it means our friendship has gone from “hanging out once a month or so” to “I think these could be our new couple BFFs, Will.” Ha ha

Anyway- I know by now not to be all-

“BOOMER SOOMER! We’re going to KILL THE GATORS!”-

and all that crap- because I have all too often felt the sting of defeat in these big games.

Instead, I will simply wish the Sooners good luck in hopes that this year will be our year. A little Sooner Magic wouldn’t hurt either.

Heading to Miami…

Talk to you guys soon!