Florida Girl in Oklahoma

CLEANIN' OUT MY CLOSET

2012-02-17T00:32:00.000-05:00

I am a jerk.

I said I wanted to be more honest with myself and on this little blog o' mine, and so I am.

Lately, I am a jerk. And by jerk I mean words much worse than jerk. I just try not to cuss on here.

I get so angry, chock full of rage, and I really cannot tell you exactly why. It seems to be little things that annoy me into these extremes, but I know those little things...they really don't mean that much to me. Then I fight with my husband.

I say vicious and hateful things to him. Things that I do not mean and almost immediately regret, I realize this as the words are leaving my lips. And yet, I still say them. It is almost as though I cannot control it.

I am mortified by the things I have said to him lately. He does not deserve it. I do not deserve him. Through it all he still loves me. I yell "I hate you." and he yells back "well, I love you." I throw things, hit walls, and threaten to leave.

I have been pondering my empty uterus a lot lately. Also, my past in general. So many mistakes. So many bad decisions. No intervention. Abandonment.

The Hubs is amazing. And he deserves better.

No one will ever love me the way he does and I will never love anyone the way I love him.

He told me to be honest when I write and so I am.

My husband is radiant, and I don't deserve him. That is pure honesty. But I am selfish and I want him so I am not letting go. I can only try to do better. Figure out what my stinkin' problem is and deal with it.

So much baggage. And I don't carry it around. Nope. I shove mine into closets and attics, but then they get so full that I have to pick a bag up and carry it around for awhile.

Startin' tonight...I'm cleanin' out my closet.

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SOMETHING SEXY 'BOUT THE RAIN

2012-02-16T10:30:00.074-05:00

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Sunday night we got the first snow of 2012.

It wasn't a lot but it was glorious as snows are. I love the snow. The way it covers the ground and for awhile everything looks so clean. The world gets sort of a do-over for a minute.

Of course snow and I have a relatively new relationship. Our love affair has only been going on for the past few years since I moved to Oklahoma. Although I admit that I always coveted snow when I was still a Florida Girl in Florida.

Pondering my love of snow I started to think about my relationship with other weather. Mr. Sun, The Rain, Very Blustery Days, and Grey Cloudy Days threating The Rain but never coming to fruition.

I wondered which of these is my favorite. And how have they changed over the course of my (almost!) 31 years.

Mr. Sun and I were hot-n-heavy for much of my life. Although I would cheat on him everytime one of those Florida Summer afternoon thundershowers would hit. So long as there wasn't lightning I would be out in it. Barefoot on the wet grass; the big, heavy drops hitting the top of my head. I used to like to sit in the barn and listen to the fat raindrops hit the tin roof. I'd pet my horse or just daydream about life.

As I got older I didn't appreciate my time spent with The Rain. I neglected our relationship in favor of Mr. Sun. He was hot. He turned my skin brown as I rode my horse to the lake and took a dip. I loved hanging out with him on the beach, watching my freckles soak up his rays.

Very Blustery Days. Those have never been my favorite. The wind whipping up dirt and stuff that blows right into my overly sensitive eyes. Eye infections, corneal ulcers after getting cuts on my eyes. I blame Blustery Days. Now I live right smack in the middle of some big wind that swoops down the plains and blasts right across Oklahoma. In the summer it feels like someone has a hair dryer turned to high heat blowing right on you. In the winter it feels like an icey chill from a deep freeze. Plus wind and tornados or hurricanes. No thank you.

The Grey Cloudy Days, oh we are friends. No sun to hurt my eyes, the promise of an impending Rain. Summer rain that makes everything glisten and cools it down if only for a few moments. Winter rain that lasts all day, drip drip drip. I love The Rain and it's grey days. In Florida, it would sometimes rain while Mr. Sun shined bright. That rarely happens here.

I love all the weathers, except of course that pesky Blustery Day stuff. And I would never want to give up one for another. I need variety. It is afterall the spice of life. But if I had to choose a favorite. It would definitely be The Rain. There is just something sexy about it.

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[VIA]

Do you have a favorite weather?

Which one is it?

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ON TOP OF SPAGHETTI

2012-02-15T10:12:00.001-05:00

After posting in the lovely Maxabella Loves grateful post about comfort foods, I received emails from all of you asking for the recipe! (well not all, but quite a few!) I was flattered and shocked. But this spaghetti is really very good.

So I sat down to think about the recipe. The thing is that it probably changes everytime I cook it. I just sort of wing it, like with most things in the kitchen and I'm always ready for a bad reaction if I'm experimenting.

Also you can start with fresh tomatoes and cook them to make the sauce or you can cheat and use canned crushed tomatoes. I'm giving you guys the cheat version. If you really don't want to cheat at all, then you'd have to cook the tomatoes and crush them yourself. It's not really fun and although it tastes really good, it's not so much better that it's a necessity.

And here you guys go!

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

(depending on how much you want to make, I sometimes double this and freeze half)

2 - BIG cans of crushed tomatoes (not the 16 oz. but the big ones)

1 - 8 oz. can of tomato paste (the tube is actually better but I can't find it here!)

1- 16 oz. can of tomato sauce

Garlic salt

Italian seasoning

Bay leaves (whole is best and fresh, but dried will work)

Hamburger meat (I usually use at least 3 pounds)

spaghetti noodles (I use whole wheat ones)

fine bread crumbs (I use ones that say "Italian" on the label)

Instructions

Put all the tomato stuff into your crock pot on low. Add Garlic Salt and Italian Seasoning. Add a little or add a lot! It just depends on how you feel. Toss in a few bay leaves too.

For the meatballs.

Mush up hamburger meat with garlic salt, some of the bread crumb mix, and italian seasoning. Smoosh it up really good. Then roll it into balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 F for approximately 20 minutes. When they are done, just spoon them into your sauce. It's best if they cook all day in the sauce as well.

What is really awesome about this is that you can make the meatballs the night before and just toss it all together in the morning. Your family will think you spent a lot of time making a homemade meal but it's actually very simple and the sauce (meatballs included) freezes beautifully so you can have another meal with even less work!!!!

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HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

2012-02-14T09:18:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone.

I hope that wherever you are and whatever you are doing that you take a moment

and tell someone that you love how much they mean to you.

Maybe do it tomorrow too.

[VIA]

Dearest Husband:

Today I write you this public letter so that you and everyone else can see what you truly mean to me. I don't have money to buy you fancy gifts. I can only give you that which is free. I can offer you time to spend, love to cherish, a life full of laughter and love. I'm sure there will be tears, disappointment, and hurt as well. I can promise you the good and the bad. That I will always be here, no matter how rough the road gets. I will support you and love you every single day for the rest of my life. I will do little things to make you happy as much as I can. I will be goofy and make you smile. I will be there when you are upset to talk, to listen or just to sit in silence with you. I promise to always try to understand you and to accept you even when I don't. I promise to always be honest with you even when it's hard for me. I will let you into my life and my heart completely.

I want to make memories with you. Everyday life kinds of memories. Dinner as a family at the kitchen table. Sunday morning coffee in bed. Late night movies. Waking up early to watch the sunrise. A note to say hello and I love you. Special memories of family vacations. And weekend getaways. Watching our kids sporting events or dance recitals. Every memory that can be made, I want to make them all with you.

Through disappointment or triumph I believe in us. I believe in our life together, our love together. I know you will love me even when you hate me. I believe in you. I trust you completely and with an almost reckless abandon. I have never felt so safe or cherished before. And I thank you for that. I thank you for being you.

Love,

Me.

HOW DO I LOVE ME?

2012-02-13T12:32:00.002-05:00

The fabulous Glowless is hosting a really cool Valentine's Day linky. Write a post about something I love about myself. Where do I start?

I struggled for a long time to love myself. Even now there are times when I evaluate myself and come up with a long list of criticisms. They are mostly things that no one else would ever notice and yet I fixate on them. But mostly these days I love the person I am.

Sure I'm still a work in progress and anyone who says they aren't is full of it. And I think you know what it I mean. Just yesterday I was a total jerk to my husband. And I feel really terrible about it. But mostly I'm pretty cool.

For instance, I'm a good mom. Jakob doesn't always appreciate it, but I know that when he's older and has kids of his own he will be grateful that I was too into "his business" or that I pushed him beyond what he thought he could accomplish. I feel like I've struck a really good balance between pals and rule maker.

I'm funny. And goofy. I make The Hubs laugh. Sometimes at me rather than with me. But he's still laughing. Occasionally The Hubs and Jakob shake their heads at me and mutter something that sounds vaguely like "you're so weird". But still funny.

I have beautiful eyes and my hair isn't always terrible either. I could stand to lose a little weight, but for the most part I'm not hideous.

I have fun. I used to be self conscious which made me stuffy. I worried too much about what other people thought and that made me hold in my enthusiasm for things. Now you can be sure that when I go places that I'm excited about I don't hold back. I like goofy things. I'm sort of a nerd like that. But midnight movie premieres are fun and I'm not going to pretend that I am only going for my kid. Sometimes the most fun an adult can have is when they are acting like a child.

I'm also not afraid to stand up for what I believe in. But I do respect that others have a different opinion. I won't degrade you for disagreeing with me, but I also expect respect when I have a different idea. This is another improvement I've made from my past of being a doormat for so many people.

Join this linky.

It's a good one.

Just click one of those links in my first paragraph.

GRATEFUL FOR COMFORT IN A CROCKPOT

2012-02-12T00:03:00.000-05:00

This week the lovely Maxabella chose the topic of comfort food for the Grateful Linky.

I started to think of all the lovely foods in the world. I browsed through pictures of gorgeous cakes and darling little cupcake creations. I looked at fruit carvings and amazing configurations of all sorts of interesting food.

But none of these are comforting.

These are the foods I serve at dinners and parties to impress. Or when I'm feeling like wowing The Hubs with my culinary feats.

I thought more and more about what food I like to eat for comfort. And my conclusion is that it depends on what I'm comforting myself about.

[VIA]

When I am missing home, in particular my mom I always make spaghetti. Which of course means homemade sauce that simmers in the crockpot all day long. The smell of it filling up the house. Meatballs rolled into little balls soaking up the flavor of the sauce. Sometimes chicken parmesan or Italian sausage. It never fails to make me feel closer to home.

[via]

When the weather turns cold and there is snow or ice on the ground. When the cold wind blows from the North and frosts the windows I always turn to one of two dishes. Pot roast. Cooked all day long, sometimes for even longer in the crockpot with potatoes and carrots. The perfect seasonings mixing with the meat and vegetables. Simmering for hours and coming out steaming. The perfect thing to warm you up on a cold winter day.

My last go-to comfort food is chili. Again in the crockpot (I'm sensing a pattern here folks!). Sometimes spicy, sometimes not. Always the right proportion of meat to beans. No bean for Jakob. And for my sister. Chili is a food that is perfect when it's cold and it reminds me of home. Two birds with one pot of chili!

I guess since it's Winter here, and not the Wimpy Winter that we have been having, but real winter. It was 27 F today! Anyway, I guess since Jack Frost has come around to nip at my nose my thoughts for food has turned to hot, hearty bowls of food easily eaten with a spoon in any room of the house rather than a more formal "dinner".

I suspect that if this linky ran in my summer I would have a completely different list of comforting food.

This post is part of a linky.

Hosted by Maxabella Loves.

And also at Kidspot.

To join, you must write a Grateful post.

Head over to Maxabella's or Kidspot for complete details.

That sounds like a cheesy informercial line!

FRESH HORSES : FUNERAL SONG EDITION

2012-02-10T22:17:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Eden is hosting a fabulous linky over at her blog?

It's called Fresh Horses and every week she has a neat new thing to write and link up about. This week it's Funeral Songs. You can get to her blog by clicking any of those links. You can get to this specific week by the last two.

Much like my blog buddy Eden I have this fascination with death and dying. Some people might call it morbid, I like to call it natural curiosity. I have taken the class "Death in America" and then I took "Psychology of Grief". Both were suprememly interesting.

I have thought a lot about how I would plan my funeral. Particularly back when I was making a lot of really bad decisions.

In high school I was certain that Bone Thugs N' Harmony Crossroads would play at my funeral. Then after that song was played at a friends who died in a car crash funeral I changed my song to Beck's Where It's At, because...well obviously.

For awhile I got really sappy and thought about songs like Kenny Chesney's Who You'd Be Today, or Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel. Or pretty much anything by Sarah Maclaughlin.

I have pondered a lot of inappropriate songs. Highway to Hell. Knockin' on Heaven's Door. Stairway to Heaven. Another One Bites the Dust. All no doubt of great comfort.

It was really hard for me to choose just one song...but like Eden said I can probably squeeze in a few.

But in the end my song that I would pick on this day February 10, 1012 is this:

And yes I'm terrified. I'm not done living yet.

I think when you get to the point that death is not terrifying you are ready to die.

AND I COULD HEAR MY HEART BREAKING

2012-02-09T10:45:00.001-05:00

[VIA]

Yesterday I got an email from my son's school inviting us to a Parents Symposium next Monday at one of the high schools. The email went something like, "...in light of the recent tragedies..."

My mind boggled for a moment. I scanned through my thoughts and memories thinking of what I had heard of in school news that would be serious enough to be deemed a tragedy.

And nothing.

I could not think of a single thing. So I googled it. This article is one that I found.

Three teen suicides in my town. And one in a neighboring town.

I thought rapidly through the teens that age that I knew and then my mind struck on last months "Suicide Prevention Week" that my son went to at his school. He came home with a ton of information. That was the same time period of the suicides.

Four teenage boys dead in just a period of 14 days.

I cried as I walked to my car. Then I sat in my car as I sobbed for these boys, for their moms, dads, siblings, and friends. I tried to stop crying so that I could drive home.

I called my husband. And I sent my son a text. I knew he wouldn't get it yet, but I wanted to tell him I loved him. I want him to know he's not alone and that no matter how big a problem he has I want to know. I want to help. I might not always be able to, but I still want him to open up to me.

While writing this blog tonight and looking for a picture that would drive my point home I cried again. My eyes are wet now as I think about these boys. I wonder if they hid their pain, or worse if no one bothered to notice. I wonder if a teacher or friend could have made a difference if they had known what to look for.

My purpose of writing this is to raise awareness.

I cannot say it enough. Talk to your kids. Know their friends. Snoop through their stuff. If it will save their life then invading their privacy will be worth it.

Here are some links that are helpful.

www.teensuicide.us/articles3.html

www.yspp.org/

And as always the Suicide Prevention Hotline

In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255

In Australia

www.lifeline.org.au/

Some Frightening Statistics

Suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death for teenagers.

1 out of 10 teens will attempt suicide.

8 in 100,000 will succeed.

8 out of 10 that attempt seek help in some way prior to their attempt.

1 in 6 THINK about it.

Boys are 4 to 5 times more likely to succeed than girls, although girls are more likely to attempt.

statistics taken from http://www.teendepression.org/related/teen-suicide-statistics/

I don't have all the answers or even most of them. I just want people to do all that they can to help this problem. No number of teen suicides is acceptable.

Let's all work together to get that number down.

MOMENTS OF REFLECTION

2012-02-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

[VIA]

Oh Pinterest.

I am loving this site. Of course that should come as no surprise. Almost every girl loves this site. I only wish it had been around before my wedding and before 11 years of birthday parties. I have so many awesome ideas now. Of course my wedding was awesome anyway and the birthday parties have pretty much always been a success.

Pinterest is a wicked wicked thing though. I was looking for a pretty picture for this here post and I thought to myself "Rhonda, let's just pop over to Pinterest real quick and see if we can find something." 45 minutes later and I have found many photos of many things. Pinning and re-pinning and commenting and liking! Oh my!

Okay so on to my fascinating-ness.

This morning when I woke up I decided I would make sure that my boys had a real dinner when they got home. I went out to dinner last night with some friends and so they had to fend for themselves. Since it was school spirit night at this pizza place they ordered from there and I was told that the pizza was not so great. Anyhoo, I made spaghetti sauce and meatballs...which are all happily simmering in the crockpot. I feel so accomplished when I have dinner started before 9:00 a.m. But don't you?

I was recently reading through some of my old posts and thinking about how life has changed for me over the past few years. Many, many good changes have occurred and I realize how incredibly amazing my life has become.

Yes there are still things that I want. A house that we own instead of rent that I can decorate however my little heart desires and Pinterest inspires. A baby or 3. A lot more anniversaries with The Hubs (that's actually number 1). To graduate in December and get a teaching job right away (fingers crossed!).

I miss my family and a select few friends. But I'm really happy.

I've always felt like I was waiting for something, searching for something...like somehow life wasn't quite right. And for the first time I really feel like life is definitely right.

I still struggle occasionally. Mostly I struggle with being open about my past. It's hard to know how much to share and how that will affect the forging of friendships. Some people don't react very well to checkered pasts and shady situations. Sometimes I think it's best to keep up the happy, sunshiney exterior that is my life now and still other times I want to just be brutally honest about every sordid thing that has occurred in my life. All of it makes me the person I am, so why not blur the lines a little?

I think about Jakob and how different his childhood is from mine. It's better. But aren't we supposed to make it a little better with each generation? He has every door opened for him. Ivy league college? Go for it Son. Sports? Absolutely! Whatever his interest is, we make sure to let him know to go for it.

Reflection is a funny thing.

Sometimes when I look back nothing seems like it was that bad and mostly it wasn't, after a certain point in my life. Just that I was out of control. Spoiled. To the point of crazy.

Then other times I look back and I am filled with so many emotions and so much anger that it's difficult to not scream. I wonder how my life might have been different if someone had intervened at some point.

My life now is pretty close to perfection. Occasionally, I look around at my cute little house, with my precious husband, my son whom I adore, our pets that drive me batty but are oh so sweet and I think "how ridiculous is this!"

Ridiculous in such a giddy way that I cannot begin to express how thankful I am to everyone who makes this life of mine possible.

YET ANOTHER CAPTIVATING POST OF NOTHING

2012-02-06T14:40:00.000-05:00

My week has started off a little rocky. Last night there was a minor meltdown involving the throwing of a phone and some yelling.

Parenting is a tough gig. And I hear it gets harder before it gets easier. Le Sigh.

via*

My background check so that I can do Field Experience #2 for has not come back yet. Apparently my middle initial was entered wrong. They assure me that it will be done by the end of Monday or Tuesday. That works out wonderfully since I was supposed to be at Orientation at my mentor school today.

The ladies in the Education office at my university assure me that they will notify my school and I won't be known as "the girl who didn't show up for orientation".

One plus is that I get to miss my afternoon class. I already planned to miss it since I thought I'd be at my school so it's basically stuff I already feel comfortable with and I've already turned in my work book.

Minus is that my least favorite class is tonight and we have our first quiz.

Also you guys...how long can a person have a headache for? Mine has been on and off since not this past weekend but the one before. I guess I will just be thankful for the small spans of time in which my head is not aching.

And another thing (this post is fascinating!)...

Why is make-up so expensive?

Let me regale you with this story. I ran out of foundation. And so like one does I went to buy more.

Of course I cannot be the simple girl who just buys the same foundation again because I am convinced that a different make up will make me look better, fresher, poreless.

The make-up that I really wanted I didn't get.

I did get this new make-up which I believe makes me look a little orange, however only in certain light. It's also thick, like mousse and it comes with this little spackle to put it on.

Any suggestions on good foundation that will make me look fresh and poreless?

Any other suggestions on ridding myself of this really annoying so painful headache?

Like I said fascinating.

I've been watching the show New Girl with Zooey Deschanel (I might have mentioned that earlier?)

Soooo, every time I see Zooey I covet her awesome dark hair with baaannggs. Then I spend several hours in the mirror contemplating those bangs on me.

Do you contemplate new hair styles?

Isn't this captivating?

I could really use a coke. A big icey one. With some extra sparkiness. I always believe that the perfect fountain coke will certainly cure my headache and definitely help me decide on important matters like foundation and bangs.

Do you have any "miracle" cures?

Thanks for reading this far if you made it this far.

*photo via Pinterest and that link I included, please let me know if it belongs to you.

SAVE THE CUPCAKES

2012-02-05T12:56:00.000-05:00

Cupcakes To Go-Go

I am not a cake person.

I know.

Freakish right?

However, the folks at Cupcakes To Go-Go, well they make cupcakes that I adore.

So needless to say when some people were spotted saying "cake pops are the new cupcakes." I got a little worried. I finally find a form of cake that I like and then society wants to replace it with a form that I tried and did not like.

Okay so I only tried cake pops once and it was by force really. It was all really dry cake and a ton of fondant icing. If I wanted to eat a ball of fondant I would not pay $4 per pop for it. Now maybe there are delicious cake pops out there, I have only tried one so I am not the judge.

But cupcakes...you can do so many cute things with them. And they are delicious. Perfect serving sizes of cake and frosting.

Anyway, I'm imploring you blogging world! Use your powers for good and save the cupcake!

And if you live in the OKC metro area, check out Cupcakes To Go-Go.

They even have a delivery truck that travels around!

Located in Edmond on 2nd street just West of Santa Fe.

Cupcakes To Go-Go have in no way compensated me for this post.

But if they see it...my birthday is coming up and I would love some cupcakes!!

FRESH HORSES : HANDWRITING EDITION

2012-02-04T19:53:00.000-05:00

I love Eden's new linky Fresh Horses. This week she wants us all to share our handwriting. And so there is mine on hotel stationary since we're out of town this weekend.

Personally, I love hand written notes. I leave them for my husband in his lunch pail, his wallet, and just generally around. I leave them for Jakob on his bed, in his school binder, and just wherever.

I also write notes. And mail them. To my mom, my niece, my sister. I include fun things for my niece like smelly stickers and Hello Kitty stuff. I include Scentsy stuff to my mom and sister. I like to use pretty stationary and colorful envelopes.

I also keep a journal. In it I write things that I would never share with the world. I am brutally honest. I hope no one ever reads it.

I hope you join this linky too.

Just head over to Eden's blog and link up.

And read some of the other posts.

They're all fairly rad.

JUST TO SEE YOU SMILE

2012-02-03T11:06:00.000-05:00

[VIA]

For some reason this week has not been the best for me. I got a headache last Saturday while at the wrestling tournament and aside from small reprieves it has stuck with me.

I have woken up with a headache at least 3 days this week and this morning I woke up with what I have affectionately coined "the migraine hangover" which generally means for me that the persistent lingering headache I've been experiencing will be back. And it is. Already.

I am currently working on cleaning and packing for our weekend away at yet another wrestling tournament. Let me tell you...when my boys decide to do something they do it all the way. None of this halfway crap for them!

Today the ever lovely Maxabella is hosting her grateful linky which is one of my very favorite things in the entire blog-o-verse. And this week the topic is: Smiles.

So, even though I have had a hard week with this constant cluster headache I am still putting on a smile and going to encourage my son in his last wrestling tournament of the season. Seeing him smile when he's proud of himself or happy is really the only thing that matters. And so this week I am grateful for that.

For happy, proud smiles on father and son.

As always this post is part of the 52 Weeks of Grateful linky.

To join, click that link and check out the rules.

31 IN 31

2012-02-01T10:16:00.001-05:00

[VIA]

In honor of my up-coming birthday I have been contemplating the things I have learned over the span on my life.

I decided that since I'm turning 31 (I think if I keep saying it that I will eventually be okay with it...maybe, something.) that I will share with you 31 things that I have learned.

1. Appreciate the good in your life. Everyday.

2. Let go of the bad and the negative things. Deal with them and move on. It's okay to complain, just don't make it a habit.

3. Allow yourself to feel what you feel. Don't apologize for feeling that way.

4. Tell people you love them. But only if you really do love them.

5. Forgive. Especially yourself.

6. Take lots of pictures. You will be glad you did later.

7. Ask for help if you need it.

8. Things are rarely as bad as they seem. As Solomon said: "This too shall pass."

9. You might think you're not good enough, but you might surprise yourself if you try.

10. Marry your best friend.

11. You don't need as much money as you think. Other things are much, much more important.

12. Telling someone they are wrong never leads to anything positive. Even if they are wrong.

13. Stop texting or looking on your phone while you are with someone. It's rude. And sad.

14. Be honest. Especially with yourself.

15. Never judge a book or person by the cover. You might be surprised.

16. Treat everyone with kindness. It's the greatest gift we can give, is to give of ourselves.

17. Act like a kid. It's some of the greatest fun anyone can have.

18. Act while you are motivated, it comes and goes. Strike while the iron is hot.

19. Learn to cook. You'll be thankful that you did.

20. Let go of old friendships when they are no longer good for you. It's hard but necessary sometimes.

21. If your opinion isn't solicited don't give it and sometimes you would do well to not give it even when it is.

22. Don't gloat. No one likes a sore loser, but even worse is a bad winner.

23. Take your dog for walks. They love it and it's good for you.

24. Hug your kids. One day they will move out and you will miss them.

25. Sometimes people deserve a second chance, rarely do people warrant a third.

26. If someone you know gets a life threatening illness, go spend time with them before they die. It's pointless to come after and tell everyone how you wish you'd spent more time with them. Actually do this even with your healthy loved ones. Time spent with ones you cherish is never a waste.

27. No one should hit you. Ever. Or make you feel unsafe.

28. Learn to be okay with not knowing what happens next. It's part of the magic of life.

29. You can make really great friends on the internet, ones from all over the world and that's awesome. Don't be embarassed about it.

30. Life can be awesome, we just have to make it that way.

and finally....my lesson for this year.

31. Find the beauty in everything. Trust me, it's there. Just take a minute to find it.

PET PEEVES...AS IN PETS LITERALLY

2012-01-31T18:43:00.004-05:00

[VIA]

There are a few things in this world that I feel very strongly about. One is responsible pet ownership. Like children, pets are dependent upon us. They look to us for food, shelter, veterinary care, and kindness. I think everyone that wants a pet should have one....

If they promise to give it a home for life and not just until the cute wears off. I am not so naive to think that there is absolutely no circumstance in which finding a new home for your pet is a must. I just think those circumstances are not because you don't know how to properly train your pet and so they will not stop their negative behaviors.

I love our 3 dogs. I love them greatly. I take them for walks, play fetch with them. I pet them and tell them that I love them every single day.

I also get frustrated with them. When I come home and the garbage is strewn all around the kitchen that I just mopped...they especially like to do this on clean floors. I get mad when the dogs eat the kitten food for the eighty seventh time even though their bowls are full. When I catch Susie sleeping in Jakob's bed. Especially when they make a small hole in the fence into a large hole and escape.

But I made a promise to them. When I rescued the 2 black dogs (Cooper & Flowmar) I made a promise that I would take care of them for as long as they lived. When we rescued Susie we made her that same promise. So when they chew up things or tear a hole in our carpet I can't just decide that I'm not ready for a dog. That has to be decided before you bring your pet home.

I have several friends who should never be pet owners. One has gotten so many dogs I've lost count and inevitably all of them have ended up at the Animal Shelter. Most of them are probably dead now and not of natural causes. Oh and there was always a perfectly good reason for getting rid of them. "It barked all day." "It wouldn't get housebroken." "It chewed up shoes." On and on.

Well when you leave a dog locked up in the house or in a small pen or whatever all day with no attention at all, they might be barking because they are lonely. Maybe the dog wouldn't get housebroken because you didn't have any schedule and the poor little puppy really couldn't hold it while you slept in on Saturday morning. Maybe the dog chewed your shoes because a.) puppies and dogs like to chew things and you left your shoes in the floor or b.) because it was mad at you for never even giving it a sideways glance.

I'm not saying don't get a pet. I'm just saying to really think it through before you make that commitment. Because that's what it is. A commitment. One that can last over a decade.

And now here is Sarah McLaughlin to ruin our day.

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I TAUGHT HIM EVERYTHING HE KNOWS

2012-01-30T11:06:00.000-05:00

Jakob and The Hubs with J's first ever medal for wrestling.

Just to catch y'all up on what's been happening 'round these parts....

On Thursday night The Hubs surprised me with tickets to one of the local high schools musicals Once Upon A Mattress, (are you supposed to underline plays, quotations, what?) it was so much fun best time ever. The kids were really pretty talented and they did a really good job. We're actually lucky that the 3 high schools in our district have such fantastic arts programs because we get to see good plays on the cheap!

Then Friday came which is my day off so I lounged. Then I lounged a little more. I did a few chores. Very few.

Friday night we drove ten million miles so that J could weigh in for his big wrestling tournament. While I was waiting for them I started on the second Hunger Games book, Catching Fire. Boy, let me tell you. If you haven't read these yet, you probably should.

Of course Saturday was the wrestling tournament. For some reason I guess wrestling gets my blood pressure pumping and so I get fired up. Maybe because it's one of the only legal forms of fighting. Or being surrounded by all that testosterone and sweat. I don't know, but it was fun. J lost his first match, won his 2nd by forfeit.

But THEN. He pinned his opponent in both matches 3 and 4! His first ever pins! It was awesome. By time he wrestled the 5th guy I think he was tired though because he lost that one, although he held on and probably could have beaten him. We got 4th. I say we because I totally taught him everything he knows.

Because I was such a butthead on Saturday The Hubs rewarded me with lunch and shopping on Sunday. I got TWO striped tops! And new boots.

That was pretty much my weekend.

How was yours?

IT'S MY PARTY

2012-01-28T09:15:00.047-05:00

Our Family -- December 2009

As you all know...or should know, my birthday is one month from today. Don't worry if you haven't already picked out the perfect gift for me, I'm about to give you a detailed list of all my desires.

Okay not all my desires because well...I'm a lady.

I have planned a lovely ladies brunch for myself and invited forementioned lovelies. It should be a lot of fun. I may even do some trivia games! (Trivia about the fabulous birthday girl of course, so study up on your Rhonda-ology!)

So I can never seem to find just the right perfume for myself. I happened to like most things from A&F, however they have very unthoughtfully removed A&F from the mall closest to me and so I have searched for a scent that I like. Lately, I've just rotated between B&BW body sprays because they have a lot to choose from and I can alternate scents without breaking the bank. However, I have been dying to try Boyfriend by Kate Walsh. I love the story behind it and from the small whiff I got...I definitely like the perfume. (it's also available at Sephora, which is conveinently located in JCPenny in the mall!)

Next up and this is incredibly dorky of me, but I'd really like one of those ribbon organizer holder things. There are a ton of different ones out there, but I'm not really picky. Right now my ribbon is in a basket amid fabric scraps, bottle caps, crocheted flowers and a bunch of other odds and ends that I'd love to actually organize. Oh and one of those teeny little dressers that fit on a desk. I would like that too! (I'm trying to get my life organized and I'm fairly certain that 2012 could be the year!)

Any book by Jen Lancaster because I love her, except Pretty in Plaid because I already have that one. These are books I will read and re-read. And don't even say I have too many books because well...who can have too many books I ask you? (you know who you are!)

My infinity tattoo. Of course this means The Hubs get his too. cue: Awww how cute!

Chalkboard contact paper. And chalk to match. Also, Dearest Husband, please don't ask too many questions about how I plan to use this. Just know that I am obsessed with chalkboard paint and by extension chalkboard contact paper. I have great big plans, but I'm pretty sure you will get that "no freakin' way" look that you get when I sometimes have big plans.
A lunch box. One that is collapsable, and made of that material that you can just wash. My friend Michelle has one and I love it. Preferably in some girly colors.

A cover for my kitchen mixer. What is it about that thing that attracts the dust? Anyone else have that problem?

Curling Irons. There is a set of 3 that I would really like, 3 different sizes or the set that has curling irons and a flat iron. Target has them. :)

Calorie free peeps, cotton candy, marshmallow fluff, nutella, ice cream and reeses cups. What? It's my birthday, don't I deserve it?

Oh and gift cards/cash are always welcome. Even when it's not anywhere near my birthday! (Kohls, Target, AMC, and Old Navy please!)

Thanks in advance!

Toodles.

SO SMART. AND PRETTY TOO.

2012-01-27T12:44:00.001-05:00

[VIA]

The lovely Kellie at The Good, The Bad & The Unnecessary hosts a weekly linky in which we talk about Things We Know. It's really lovely because along with Maxabella Loves linky on what we are grateful for every week I just feel like a fountain of wisdom and serenity.

Every week I am both grateful and all-knowing.

I'm drunk with the power.

So here is my little list of what I realized I know this week, because I'm soooo smart. And pretty.

- My husband is rad. I mean I always knew this. I have cultivated excellent taste so of course I didn't marry a dud. But last night he surprised me with dinner and a play. So cool.

- I love rainy weather best. Sure Mr. Sun and I had a good run, but what we had is over. I mean I am sure that we will have the occasional fling but I really think that Rain and I. Rain and I have something special. I could go on and wax poetic about the relationship that Rain and I have, but I will spare you all.

- I feel like a fish out of water politically in Oklahoma.

- I love live theater. And it doesn't even have to be a Broadway show. Any live performance will do. Ballets, concerts, musicals, plays....I'll take it!!!

- Our dogs make me crazy, but I really love them.

- I'm actually really interested in history. But only when it's intertwined with literature or to help me prove that I'm right about something. So I guess not that interested....

- I am finally really happy with my career choice. I mean I realized it this week, that I really and truly want to be a teacher.

- I have not had a haircut in over six months and I desparately need one.

- I should be doing a plethora of other things but instead I'm faffing around on the computer.

What do you know?

Write a post and link up.

GRATEFUL : SERENDIPITY

2012-01-27T10:55:00.002-05:00

[VIA]

I have been rolling this word around in my head for awhile. The word itself is lovely. It brings up good feelings for me even though I was not entirely sure of the exact definition. I knew it was something like good luck or good fortunes.

I decided to finally discover this word that evokes such a happy response in me and I find that it means happenstance (is happenstance not just the scrumptious word?), good luck, and basically exactly what I thought it meant. Now I just have an exact definition, which for the nerd in me brings even more happy feelings.

I then stumbled across the picture above while googling this word candy. And I thought isn't that just the grooviest? "the art of making happy discoveries" I am in love with it.

That is what I am grateful for this week.

I am grateful for not only the happy discoveries, but the possibility of making a new happy discovery every single day.

This post is part of a linky hosted by Maxabella Loves.

If you would like to join, or read more grateful posts you should pop over.

It's a ton of fun.

WE ARE FAMILY.

2012-01-26T20:57:00.000-05:00

The Hubs & Me

A friend of mine recently started a blog, you can read it here. And she had the novel idea of actually introducing her family! So I'm totally stealing her idea. Although mine is 2.5 years late.

Better late than never I guess.

Anyway, everyone who has been reading any length of time will know the "characters" in my life that make appearances on this little blog o' mine.

First up. The Hubs. Pictured to your immediate left with yours truly. The Hubs is obviously my husband. He works at a warehouse with sports type stuffs. Oh and he does stuff with gun scopes. Sometimes I help him. Mostly I just go to work with him on occasion and pin stuff to virtual boards all day. He's a really great guy and I got super lucky when I met him. He loves Jakob and does so much stuff for him, even though sometimes the 2 of them bicker and drive me nuts. I'm really thankful that I met a man who loves my son just as much (more I suspect) as he loves me. We're technically still newlyweds. He supports my dreams, no matter how silly they are and he puts up with a lot of crazy. He also is always doing surprising little things to make me happy.

Next, Jakob. Sometimes referred to as The Kid, The Son, The Boy. I tried for awhile to come up with a nickname to protect his identity, but I really don't think he cares that much if I use his real name. Plus most of those nicknames suck. He is our only kid, he's 11 and in 6th grade. He plays football, wrestles, and is going to try out lacrosse this Spring. We did not like T-Ball. He hunts with The Hubs all the time. It used to be freaky for me to think of my sweet little boy carrying a gun and shooting things, but he's respectful about it and I know they are careful. Jakob is really a good kid. I mean sure we have the occasional moment where he thinks he knows more than us, and he's gotten into some scraps at school. But for the most part he's well behaved and he still likes to hang out with his parents more than anyone else so that is a big plus.

Now the fur kids.

Cooper. That's my dog. He's black. Half black lab, half golden retriever. He basically has golden retriever long hair but in black. He's a big love. All he ever wants to do is sit on someone's lap and be pet. Although he will fetch a tennis ball for you for as long as you will toss it. He's really a people pleaser. Not big on swimming this one, unless it's summer and warm. Even then he's more of a wader. I named him after Roy Cooper, the roper.

Flowmar. This is Jakob's dog. She is Cooper's full sister. She's sort of brindle...I dunno, she is mostly black but she has these goldey orange highlights. Her hair is long like Coopers, but unlike Cooper she loves to swim and isn't so keen on the fetching. She likes to get the ball and have you chase her. She's my favorite to take for walks though because she seems to love it the most and she is well behaved on the leash.

Susie. I've written several posts dedicated to this little monster. She is Jakob's dog too. He got her for Christmas last year. She was unwanted and we drove all over Oklahoma to meet the people and rescue her from being shot!! Since then we have learned that she is allergic to certain flea treatments and to something in generic dog food. We also learned that she will drag everything out all over the living room and pull the insoles out of your shoes, but not actually chew them up. Susie is our little trouble maker, the one who loves to escape. She also just retrieved her first duck so we are very proud right now. The one who has a very expensive leg. But we love her!

Then, there is Dutch. He's The Hubs' dog. But he didn't adjust way to suburban life after always having lived in the country so he lives with my MIL. We go visit him from time to time. Dutch is a marvelous fetcher! He doesn't hunt anymore after he broke his front leg while chasing a cat (car hit him). He's also really handy at getting stuff you dropped and not just food! We still love him even though he doesn't live with us anymore. I tell The Hubs to bring him home all the time but he won't.

Myrtle. Meanest cat that I ever did love. Myrtle is another rescue. She was so sweet when we got her. So teeny that she fit in the palm of one hand, now she's not quite big enough to register on the scale but she is big enough to cause some damage when she attacks you. And she does attack. Sometimes quite frequently. She is multi-colored. Black, white, orange. Calico. I hear they are bitchy which in her case is quite true. She loves to play outside, but she wants the door left open so she can run in when the wind blows. (the wind scares her.) But at night she will curl up on my lap while I watch t.v. and she sleeps next to my legs at night so I love her. I think The Hubs and Jakob are coming around to love her as well.

That is our immediate family.

Glad we've all met.

Next I guess I will "introduce" the "characters" in the extended family!

Stay tuned!

WHAT IS IMPORTANT?

2012-01-25T12:59:00.001-05:00

Obligatory Twilight Cast Photo via

The other night I was reading through some texts for class and some of the stories brought tears to my eyes. Kids that are failing every standardized test, kids that are going to school without eating breakfast because their parents can't afford to feed them. Kids who are runaways or throwaways. I started to feel hopeless about teaching.

How are you supposed to make a difference when there are such roadblocks?

How am I supposed to provide hope for these kids whose own parents don't care about them? Or the kids whose parents do care but are struggling so badly that they feel hopeless?

In this text book it said "Favorite Teachers Save Lives." -Chris Crutcher. That makes me feel the enormity of the career I am about to undertake. Am I up to it I wonder?

Then I started to get angry.

I got angry because there are so many issues and no one talks about them enough. Poverty is a huge issue, not just in America but worldwide. Children going to school hungry? And we don't talk about that...what is wrong with us?

I read fourteen blog posts about the stupid effin' Wiggles breaking up, and yet kids are still not eating? Children are still being abused? But yeah let's all just talk about the Kardashians. That's more important.

Seriously, the mind boggles.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

2012-01-24T12:12:00.003-05:00

[VIA]

The other day one of my favorite bloggers Natalie tweeted from Alt Summit that a blog name is really important. I'm paraphrasing, but basically a name is important. And your URL should match your blog name.

So, of course my little brain started doing cartwheels because my name is not catchy...it's long. Even I get tired saying it. Plus it's not something that can be sustained long term.

Yes I am a Florida Girl and always will be at heart. I adore my home state of beaches, palm trees, orange groves, and sunshine. And yes I am in Oklahoma. But I might (hopefully) not be in Oklahoma for the rest of my blogging life which could be the rest of my actual life...so blog title that I thought was so cute is not so cute now.

Then there is my "tag line", my bloggy motto. "wherever you go...there you are". I love that, but is it a blog name? Not really. It is however what shows up in peoples dashboard area...not FloridaGirlinOklahoma. There is that to contend with, but I do know that I want to keep that as my motto, if you click the link in this paragraph it will tell you why and what that even means to me.

I just think I should change it now while my blog is young-ish. I mean I only started in 2009 so we're still a toddler and I don't have boocoodles of followers so it would be relatively easy to change at this point. I mean I read recently that some bloggers are grossing $40K a month in advertising. Did you know that blogging could be that lucrative? I certainly did not dream that, but I just don't think my current blog title is going to gross me anything.

What do you think?

Is it okay to change a blog name mid-stream?

OH THE PLACES I'LL GO...ONE DAY

2012-01-23T11:48:00.112-05:00

[VIA]

I have a board on my Pinterest called "Oh the places you'll go". I really mean "oh the places I would love love love to go." Same difference right?

That's what I thought.

It's a board filled with beautiful pictures of beautiful places that fill me with wonderment.

I want to see places and experience them. Not just in the touristy way. I want to feel the nitty gritty of the city, traipse through rolling green hills, stand in the Holy Lands and revel at the events that took place there, hike through rainforests, see a Platypus in the wild.

I have decided to narrow my list for now to stay on my own continent, afterall there are so many things to see and do in my own country!

Top Ten List of Never Visited Places That I Want to Go (in the United States)

1. Aurora Borealis (pictured) affectionately known as The Northern Lights. I want to see them, so that means Alaska. I also want to see the salmon spawn up there. And sled dogs. I just want to see all of the wilderness in Alaska. The gorgeous coastline and unspoiled forests. I want to hear the song of the humpback whale in person.

2. Aztec Ruins. These are in New Mexico. The Anasazi civilizations started in the 11th Century. Eleventh! It is amazing that some of the original structures are still there. I also want to see the lava road that Jakob has mentioned a zillion times. Maybe do a little spelunking during our time in Carlsbad.

3. The Black Sand Beach in Hawaii. Also the green sand one and the red sand one. I am pretty sure that the red sand one is going to remind me of the shoreline of Oklahoma's lakes. I am debating on whether to let The Hubs witness that. He will start to think Oklahoma really does have beaches and he might actually compare them to Hawaii! Oh and a real luau, please. Complete with hula dancers, a huge pig with an apple in it's mouth and all that. Plus I want to hear people speak Pidgen.

4. San Diego. I love trolleys so I'm in on that. Although I suppose it is a touristy thing to do. Also I want to see all those seals. On the beach, on that dock. I want to feed them (if one is allowed) and I want to go to the zoo. So I guess in San Diego I'll be a total tourist.

5. Cadillac Ranch. I want to graffiti a Caddy. Plus it's iconic. And way cooler than the worlds largest ball of twine. Also while in Amarillo I want to stop by The Big Texan and have a steak. I think I can get my name on the wall.

6. Boston Harbor. There are tons of lighthouses which are so cool and plus I want to stand where John Smith, Paul Revere and all those guys who started our country stood. I want to stand there and imagine the harbor all full of tea! Then maybe a quick trip up to Nantucket, and of course we wouldn't leave out Salem.

7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. First, I want a real Philly cheesesteak. Then, I want to attempt to run those steps just like Rocky. I'm going to yell "tiiiimooothyyy" though because I'm in love with a Timothy and not an Adrianne. Then I want to visit Independence Hall. I'm going to stand in the same room (if the building is open) where the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution was signed. Imagine the significance of that. Of course, while we are in PA we'll run on down to Hershey. A town of chocolate. A place of dreams.

8. Portland. Really I want to move here, but it is seeming as though I will never convince The Hubs. Visiting might have to suffice. But really, Portland seems awesome. With a slogan like "Keep Portland Weird" I am thinking it is so totally my town. Plus Powell's City of Books. Largest New and Used Independent Bookstore IN THE WORLD! Plus of course we'd have to pop along the coast...and see the Goonies house. Oh and the Shakespeare Festival.

9. Forks, Washington. Obviously, nut that I am I want to go on a stinkin' Twilight tour. But I also want to visit the HOH rainforest, which is one of the last rainforests in America. I would also like to visit the Quileute Indian Reservation. I really want to hear them speak in their native language, which almost died out but they are trying to keep it alive. The language does not use n,m or nasal vowels!

10. Yellowstone. Nope I've never been. Although my secret dream is to go RV'ing every summer with my family. This is why I encourage The Hubs to become a teacher too. We could pack up every summer and see cool stuff. Like "Old Faithful". Of course while we are in Wyoming we'll visit family and maybe hit up Cheyenne Frontier Days. I can wear my Daddy of Email hoodie. Yes I thought my sweatshirt said email instead of 'em all.

Where do you want to go?

Any places you're dying to explore?

HOLES IN THE FLOOR OF HEAVEN

2012-01-22T11:21:00.001-05:00

[VIA]

Are you ever reminded of something so vividly that you have to stop for a moment to fully realize it? Has it ever happened from something so obscure that for a moment it caught you off guard as to what recollections were stirring up inside your head?

This happens to me all of the time.

The other day I was meandering around outside and I noticed that the sunlight was pouring down in streams through the clouds. The sky was that beautiful shade of blue, the color that I look for in paint swatches but that never seem to match. And again I was reminded of someone. My dearly departed Mamaw (maternal grandmother). Everytime the sky is that perfect shade or I see the sunlight streaming down like that I am reminded of her. The warmth of those rays of sunshine felt like the warmth of her love. Falling seamlessly from the Heavens and caressing me with their warmth. I smiled as I thought of her and blew a kiss towards those clouds.

Everytime I think of her when the brilliant blue sky reminds me or the sun is streaming in that perfect way I am reminded of the song "Holes in the Floor of Heaven". And I remember that even though she is not here, she is always watching over us all.

And caressing us with the warmth of her love, just like the sun.

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY.

2012-01-21T13:32:00.000-05:00

[VIA]

I hope everyone is having a beautiful day.

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

*Florida Girl in Oklahoma*

CLEANIN' OUT MY CLOSET

SOMETHING SEXY 'BOUT THE RAIN

ON TOP OF SPAGHETTI

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

HOW DO I LOVE ME?

GRATEFUL FOR COMFORT IN A CROCKPOT

FRESH HORSES : FUNERAL SONG EDITION

AND I COULD HEAR MY HEART BREAKING

MOMENTS OF REFLECTION

YET ANOTHER CAPTIVATING POST OF NOTHING

SAVE THE CUPCAKES

FRESH HORSES : HANDWRITING EDITION

JUST TO SEE YOU SMILE

31 IN 31

PET PEEVES...AS IN PETS LITERALLY

I TAUGHT HIM EVERYTHING HE KNOWS

IT'S MY PARTY

SO SMART. AND PRETTY TOO.

GRATEFUL : SERENDIPITY

WE ARE FAMILY.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT?

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

OH THE PLACES I'LL GO...ONE DAY

HOLES IN THE FLOOR OF HEAVEN

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY.

Florida Girl in Oklahoma