This (Oklahoma) City That I Love

I've lived in the Oklahoma City area for nearly a decade. It's no secret that I struggled for quite some time with allowing myself to love the area. Just when I'd begin to refer to OKC as "home" I'd compare it to my former hometown, and as most of you know, comparisons can be a slippery slope to discontentment.

Moving on - Somewhere in that ten years, and after I got over my stubbornness, I developed a love for OKC. I mean, how could I not?
I am guilty of overlooking OKC's greatness more often than I would like to admit, and I take for granted the fact that I live in such a blossoming hub of entrepreneurial and sports greatness.

There are far too many wonderful local eateries, shops, museums, etc... to list in this one post. Thankfully I have friends who love to explore as much as I do, so I've had the opportunity to visit several of these fine establishments. However, there are so, so many standard OKC standbys that I have never experienced.

Here's where I need your help. I've started compiling a list of local attractions I absolutely need to visit. No more putting it off. PS - if you want to join me in any of these explorations, by all means, please do!
Also, don't judge me too much by the lack of places I have visited. I'm trying!

1) Ice skating downtown (Luckily, 'tis the season!)
2) Big Truck Tacos (I know, I know. It's completely inexcusable that I haven't been here)
3) Mutt's Hot Dogs
4) Iguana's (Again, inexcusable)
5) Cheever's
6) The Wedge
7) Paseo Grill

So, basically it's inexcusable that I haven't been to any of those places, but I'm determined to try them. I will keep you posted on my progress. I'm sure you're thrilled about that!

OK, you guys. Let's hear those recommendations! Aaaand GO!

Highs / Lows

High: I've been house sitting a lot lately. This is always fun, because basically it means that I get to live vicariously through another family that has a bigger house than I do. It also helps if they have a pool.

Low: Since I pack as sparingly as possible when I house sit, I have basically been cycling through the same 2 necklaces, 2 pairs of earrings, and 5 dresses since July 6th. (Don't worry, I wash the dresses). However, I am looking forward to the end of August when I can move back home and start incorporating more into my wardrobe.

High: The Olympics took place. It was an exciting time that included, but was not limited to, the Fab Five's win, Team USA's gold in Basketball, Lochte's tweets, Missy Franklin's all-american-ness, and Mustafina's face. She will cut you.

Low: The Olympics ended. It's true. All good things must come to an end, I suppose. However, the silver lining in this is that in two years they will be back again. And they'll be in Russia!

High: It's SHARK WEEK. An entire week that is devoted to one of my favorite apex predators. Now we just need a saltwater crocodile week (hello, death roll), and a komodo dragon week. (I would also accept a Big Cat Week, which I think might already exist, and a Snake Week, even though I'd have to close my eyes a lot for that)

Low: I didn't go cage diving with Great Whites this year. Maybe next year.

A Few Weeks In Review

We've lucked out with some glorious rainy weather. It looks like we'll be heading back to the typical 100+ weather soon. Oh, joy!

Since the Thunder made it to the Finals (still can't get over that), the University I work for had Thunder Days where the employees could dress up in Thunder gear. My co-worker and I gabbed some Westbrook/Durant frames and some official (not really) NBA microphones, and had some fun at our office press conference. We're ridiculous.

My mom and visited my grandparents in MO over this past weekend. It's always a fun time that consists of thrift store shopping, homemade ice cream eating, farm exploring, and Christmas music listening (no matter what month it is). They live next to some Amish communities, so we got to see some oats stacked the old fashioned way.
We also got to pick blackberries from my Grandpa's farm. They were delicious.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Highs/Lows

High: The Thunder finished off the Lakers in game 5 of the semi-finals last night.

Western Conference Finals, here we come.

Low: Since the state of Oklahoma has not yet declared the NBA playoffs a state holiday, I'm extremely tired from staying up too late watching the games and the post-game reports.

Worth it?

Yes.

High: Sandal weather is upon us.

Low: I don't have any cute sandals.

High: Matt and Jo drove down from Lincoln last weekend to hang out and be awesome.

Low: They had to go back to Lincoln.

No visit from Jo is complete without a trip to Hideaway Pizza. We also made a stop at Irma's.

It's never let me down.

I usually visit the OKC bombing memorial when people come to visit. If you have not been, I recommend it. They've done a beautiful job.

And now for the photos:

(No, I was not at the Thunder game. Yes, that is a photo I pulled off the internet. Sorry that I'm lame like that)

My Boys

OK, I realize these boys aren't actually mine, but sometimes I like to pretend that they are. Basically, I just think they're the best. I mean, aren't they the cutest?

Look at their little faces.

But they also mean business.

One of the lines on my bucket list reads:

"Go to a party, and play Mario Kart with Durant, Harden, and Collison."

And if I happen to hang out with them more after that,

then so be it.

In fact, we'd all probably become super awesome friends and throw theme parties all the time.

I became an NBA fan very randomly when I was about 15 years old (more on that later).
I'm so glad that I finally live in a town with an NBA team.
And they're good!

So, in closing. Keep up the good work, boys.

We're rooting for you.

And we'll party after the finals. OK? OK.