spreading hope

Today, I want to tell you about one of my Kappa Delta pledge sisters and a recent Tulsa transplant. Amanda and I first met while auditioning and practing many late hours for "Freshman Follies" and from then on we have remained friends. We went our separate ways after school but those ways eventually found us both in Tulsa--for me it's back in Tulsa, as this is my hometown.

Recently, I found out that Amanda was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. She is 25 years young! And this just shows that breast cancer doesn't know age, race or even gender. It has no boundaries. Despite the scary diagnosis and all that comes with it, Amanda has held her head high and says, "I realize this is just another chapter in my life and I'm hoping to end it quickly!" Her spirit is awesome and inspiring.

Another Kappa Delta sister, Christina, formed a Race for the Cure team for the Tulsa race on September 17th. I participate in this event every year because I enjoy running and that this particular event is focused around and supports women’s health. However, this year I’m more emotionally involved. Those of us who live in or around Tulsa will be participating on race day, including Kappa Delta's, friends and family. If you are in Tulsa or will be visiting the area, feel free to join our team (Amanda's Team).

Now...I don't really like asking for money, but this is a good cause and hits close to home so I'm willing to do what it takes!

Collectively, we are asking for donations to not only support Amanda and our team's fundraising, but to help with this fight against breast cancer as a whole. To make a donation to me or our team, please click here.

We have also designed a t-shirt and tank top for race day fun and if you’d like to purchase one, you can click here. Each t-shirt or tank top purchased donates $5.00 to Amanda’s Team. We will deliver/ship them to you when they are printed. Whatever it takes to get them to you!

By making a donation to me or the team or by purchasing a t-shirt, you are supporting local breast cancer screening, treatment, education and outreach that will lead us to a world without breast cancer.

My personal goal is to raise at least $150.00 before race day, but donations are accepted until October 15th. Will you help me get there? Your donations are tax deductible, too!

Thanks and love to all of you!

P.S. If you want to pass this on to other friends and family that might be willing to help our fight, it would be greatly appreciated.

"grow old with me. the best is yet to be." -Robert Browning

Preface: I know that some of you have been kindly reminding me that I need to tell my story and post pictures of the special night. I apologize for the delay in my posting, but I have been in a true whirlwind of emotions, planning, traveling and everything in between. If I don't get this posted tonight, I might never get it done because I start my travels for work this week. So, here it goes.

As the holidays neared, Blake and I decided that we needed a date night, a night of dinner and whatever else we wanted to do...just the two of us. We love our families dearly, however, when the holidays approach, we go into family overload and don't get much time to enjoy one another. (As I write this, I realize I am, in a sense, "complaining" about something many people in this world don't have. Blake and I fully realize we are blessed to have our families, especially during the holidays. They surround us with love and we greatly appreciate them all the time.)

We planned the evening together about a week in advance. Our date night set for Wednesday, December 22, 2010. After I got off work, I went home and freshened up my face. Blake picked me up about 6:15 p.m. and he drove us to our dinner destination-Boulder Grill. We had been talking about this new restaurant since it came to Tulsa over the summer and hadn't yet been. Blake ordered a delicious pasta dish and I had an assortment of tapas. Blake tried a martini for the first time and liked it. (Another "first"...if you haven't noticed it's kind of a recurring theme.) Since we were going to be downtown, I had asked Blake if we could go ice skating at the BOK Center Winterfest...we have never been ice skating together either. We stood in a freezing cold line for about 15 minutes. Paid for rental skates. Tied them up. And carefully glided onto the ice. The ice was packed with people of all ages. Adults falling, kids zooming by and Blake retying his skates for better ankle support.

 

As we skated around the rink, we snapped some photos and then scooted off the rink carefully because the zamboni kept honking it's horn at us. So we put our shoes back on, turned in our skates and walked to the car.

 

As we drove out of downtown, we decided that we needed to grab a quick Christmas present for his grandpa. We purchased his gift, got back in the car and the fun began, but of course, I thought we were just headed home.

Blake immediately handed me a blindfold and explained that he wanted to take me to one of my Christmas presents, but didn't want me to know where we were going.

[Side note: I did think, "what if?", but quickly put my feet on the dash (putting me in a fetal like position) because I get naseous in the car if I can't see the road. Therefore, I stopped thinking "what if?"]

He drove around for about 25 minutes or so and we ended up in a parking lot with lots of land around it. I have never been to Jones Airport (the smaller airport in south Tulsa) so I had no clue where we were. As we walked into the building, Blake explained that my "stocking stuffer" was a Christmas light tour by helicopter. If you know me, you know I LOVE TO FLY! But tonight was different because I have never stepped foot in a helicopter before. We sat in the "terminal" for about 20 minutes. The kind lady led us out to the helicopter, put me in my seat and made sure I was all set to go. She repeated with Blake on the other side and we took off.

 

I was in complete awe. The night was perfectly clear, so the Christmas lights were shining bright. We pointed out friends houses, talked through voice-activated microphones and looked on for miles over Tulsa. As we crossed Rhema Church (known for their Christmas light display), I pointed out the ever-changing bridge and I could hear Blake starting to say stuff. Well, it wasn't stuff. I don't remember the exact words he used, but I understood the overall meaning. He did tell me that he loved me, couldn't imagine being in this moment with anyone else and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. I quickly teared up. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a little box and popped the question! I said yes about 7 times because I wanted to make sure my voice-activated microphone heard me. Then I moved my microphone so I could kiss my fiance. I don't remember the rest of the light tour because my new light was Blake's iPhone flashlight gleaming off my ring. (He did get a ring box that had a light built in, but removed a battery for fear of being "cheesy") I do remember being overlly excited. I don't remember breathing. Safely, we landed and exited the aircraft. I had the lady take a picture of us and I was too excited to tell my family and friends so we hurried back to the car.

The next 2-3 hours were spent on the phone, at my parents house and at Blake's house. He drove me home and I layed in bed, too excited to sleep because of my new accessory.

Blake and I have been dating four and a half years and to this day, I still have moments where I can't believe it. He is my best friend and I can't wait to start our own little family. For now, I will enjoy calling him "fiance" and planning our day.

We would really like to thank our family and close friends for their love and support during our entire relationship. We've had our ups and downs and we realize that life won't always be perfect, but we are in it for the "long haul" and love each other with all we've got!

holiday gift guide à la lindsay (part two)

As promised, this list is for those searching for the more traditional holiday gifts. Want something a little different? Go here. The list below is complete with items or categories that I typically pick out for my loved ones and friends. Hopefully, you'll find something here you need to check off another recipient on your holiday gift list. It's coming faster than you think, so get your shopping and shipping done early. Like, NOW!

For any young lady in your life, beauty gift sets are always a fail-safe, much appreciated option. The younger crowd will drool over the MAC holiday collections.  If you haven't already purchased this from your local MAC store, you might be out of luck. I know here in Tulsa, they sell out super fast! This year, the collection (sold at Dillard's) features a Juicy Couture like plaid and crest with vibrant colors for the eyes, lips, face and nails. Priced from $22.50 to $38.00, these sets are sure to please. Need something a little more sophisticated? Or don't want to choose a color for someones eyes? Check out Sephora. They offer a plethora of gift sets that are pefect for any young lady on your list.

Does a man in your life enjoy a nightcap every night now and then? Something straight, neat, and delicious. Why not pair your regular gift (his favorite liquor) with cool glass to sip from. They are designed by Normann Copenhagen and cost $42.00 for a pair. Is he more of a beer drinker? How about a six pack (or two) with this unique bottle opener. It's magnetic so you won't be dropping the bottle caps on the floor. It's only $20.00! 

The meals were cooked and devoured. The presents opened and scattered about the house. Santa has come and gone. The holidays are over. At least until we ring in the new year. After all the holiday festivities are over, I bet your mom, sister, aunt, whoever does a bulk of the holiday "work", would enjoy a pair of these slippers from Gap for only $19.99 (on sale)! They are adorable to keep her in style and comfy to keep her, well, comfortable. Let her put her feet up in style, even if she does doze off with her mouth open. You could also get her a cozy sweater or a scarf to bundle with, but I couldn't find just one that I liked. This post would be too long if I posted all the ones I fell in love with.

The avid gym-goer in your life is constantly told to check their heart rate. At least, I am. Especially in my regular spin classes. Instead of using the old fashioned finger-to-neck or -wrist method, wrap up this little heart rate monitor from Amazon.com. This easy to use monitor and strap will be the perfect gift to keep your gym-goer loved one in shape while mainting their heart rate. A little pricey ($167.12 on sale from $239.95), but the reviews for this monitor are fantastic. "Best bang for da buck", one says. Or if they have a heart rate monitor, what do their shoes look like? Time for a new pair? Have they taken up a new hobby, or exercise class? Maybe they would enjoy a yoga mat, spin shoes or weights to have a home for those times when the gym is just too far. 

The kindle is a perfect gift for the bookworm. It stores many books, magazines, newspapers and they are all accessible with the slide of a button. I, personally, own one and I'm still in love with it. It's perfect on the couch, before night-night time, on the road, and even at the gym. The newest 6-inch version is available at Amazon.com for $139 with wi-fi or $189 for 3G and wi-fi.

With only a couple weeks left until Christmas, I'd check your list (twice) and make sure you have everyone covered. Don't forget to stash away a couple extras for yourself or just in case! What are your great Christmas gift ideas this season? And what are your plans for New Years Eve?

holiday gift guide à la lindsay (part one)

As the holidays near, I thought I would share some unique, and not so unique, Christmas gift ideas I stumbled upon. You might want to grab some of these items as back-ups. You're bound to be on someone's nice list. And said someone is going to show up on your door step with a gift in hand. You'll start sweating and wondering what piece of decor, or bottle of stashed wine you're willing to part with so you can give them something in return. You could [tactfully] say, "I'm sorry. I didn't expect a gift from you, so I didn't get you anything." and then kindly make it up to them by purchasing something special for their next milestone, whatever that may be. Or you can be armed with a cheap, funny, or useful gift in your entry closet for said someone and put a smile on their face. It's the thought that counts, right? Then who cares if they don't like it. You made an effort. Give yourself a pat on the back. Now for those of us who are productive and would like something different than a pair of socks, knitted by granny, or the usual soap and lotion pack for our friends and loved ones, take a look at the list below. Ponder it. Purchase it. Wrap it. Give it. Watch them smile.

Remember Sock Monkey dolls from the "old" days? Just a precious, harmless toy loved by all the kids. One better, he now wraps wine for that special drunk loved one. For the wine-o in your family or a friend, grab their favorite bottle from your local grocer or liquor store and slip on a Sock Monkey from PatinaStores.com for only $10.95! Think your co-worker is a monkey, or better yet, your boss? Give it to 'em. It will be the most wanted gift at your office's Dirty Santa. Beats last year's Squirrel Underpants because wine is involved. You could also opt to use a favorite liquor instead of wine. Just a suggestion for those who like their stiff drinks.

The kiddos in your family are probably playing Angry Birds on your phone while you read this. I'll admit, this game is addicting and I'm an adult. (Well, at least my age says so. Others might say I'm childish sometimes but I think that's because I have fun!) And your kids will have fun playing with the new Angry Birds Plush Toys! They are only $14.99 and every bird and pig is available. If you haven't slinged these birds into buildings, TNT, and pigs yet, I suggest you do. Otherwise, you now think I'm crazy because you have no idea what I'm talking about. Purchase the iPhone app. Play it. You'll understand.
Disclaimer and fine print: I am not suggesting that children use these soft, plush to launch across your living room and destroy your home, but these birds are angry. Although I don't think they can do much damage, I wouldn't know because I don't own many expensive breakables or have kids, for that matter.

Calling all modern scrabble players and crossword-ers...or those giving gifts to old timey scrabble players crossword-ers. Let's bring those board game and pencial-using players into the 21st century by wrapping up some bananagrams and putting them under the tree with their name on it. Target carries Bananagrams for $14.99. This little banana bag filled with scrabble-like letters is also perfect for travel. Seeing that is compact, you can shove in your suitcase or carry-on. Give it as a gift. Take it on your Christmas trip with family for some added fun. Another perk: as you play, you'll learn new words to file in your personal vocab file. In other words, you'll be smarter!

Does the work-a-holic in your life have the luxury of a door, or better yet, a window? Chances are, no! They spend so much time at their office cubicle, why not help them spruce up the place? Bouquets in a can are the perfect gift for them. All they need to do is...more work. But it's simple--pop the top, add water and let it grow. With four flowers to choose from, Dahlias, geraniums, impatiens or pansies, at only $11 each, you can give these to your office mates and work-a-holics for Christmas. Flowers in a can are available at FredFlare.com. This site has other fun and funky gifts at budget friendly prices. If you're a Tulsa resident or visiting Tulsa before the holidays, I suggest you visit The Snow Goose for your fun and funky gifts.

Waffles again? DOH! I'm sure the donut-lover in your life would really appreciate this Sunbeam donut-maker. Found on Amazon for $29.99 (on sale from $39.99), this kitchen gadget will make 5 deletecable donuts in minutes. For the cabinet-space-challenged, it's designed to stand up right when stored. Receipe is simple. Combine 1.5 cups flour, .5 cups superfine sugar and 1.5 teaspoons baking powder. Make a whole in the middle of dry ingredients and whisk in .5 cups butter (melted, obviously), .75 cups milk and 1 egg (lightly beaten, not so obvious). The batter should be smooth. Pour into the maker's heated rings (it's suggested that you use a jug for this, but some mixing bowls have pour-ers on them, so do what make you happy). Close the lid. Wait about 6 minutes. Check it. Look golden brown? Remove them and repeat the pouring until all donuts are cooked. While the donuts are kind of hot, I would add your favorite toppings and enjoy! Yummy.

What about the TV-junkie in your life? Have they purchased a plethora of TV show series and movies from iTunes? Or are they a Netflix subscriber?  How about the photo lover, video watcher or music listener? Buy them the improved Apple TV and you can watch, display, and listen to just about anything streamed wirelessly from your iTunes account (no need for syncing to your iTunes Library). For only $99.00, you'll get instant movie rentals (starting at $2.99) from Apple, a la carte TV show rentals (only $0.99) and Netflix movie rentals (prices vary). You can also display photos from Flickr, videos from YouTube, and also your own photo and video libraries. Don't foget that you'll need a HDTV and a HDMI cable for this to work in your home. Oh and wireless internet for connection, duh! Sit back, grab the popcorn and enjoy the movies, or whatever else you choose to display from your friend's new Apple TV. Go ahead. Invite yourself over, you bought it for them!

If you're lucky enough to have a planner or list lover in your life, like myself, you must purchase these next few gifts for those special people. They are probably frantically searching for their new calendars and notebooks as you read this. Set them at ease this season. Give them the gift of organization they crave. The MomAgenda brand has come out with other products besides the agenda for, whatelse, moms. One of their popular products is the MyAgenda. It has a week-at-a-view format which is stress releiving for those who have a lot going on in their life, or lack their of. It also features a monthly view. These calendars are set up to coincide with school starting in August and going all the way until the next December. For example, right now you can buy the August 2010 through December 2011 for only $36.00. MomAgenda is also offering a 20% discount sitewide. So grab them while they are cheap. It comes in cool metallic colors so staying in style isn't a question. And for those who like personalization, you can have these embossed (with letters only).

Their newest product is the MyPlan specialized for those in school. Starting in August 2010 and moving through August 2011, the young ones can learn how to organize their lives effectively for only $19.94. Perfect for kids on the go and it comes in cool color combinations too. Personalization available here too, but in script or printed letters only.

The traditional choice here is the Moleskine that retails for $17.95. This soft-back product is perfect for lists or journal writing. I'm not much of a journal writer, but I love lists of any kind.

And please don't forget a new writing utensil from the best writing utensil company in the world. Sharpie has come out with a new pencil, a liquid pencil. There isn't a need to worry about breaking led or carrying your extra led case because it doesn't use led. Staples sells them in a 2-pack for only $5.29. So these might be more like a stocking stuffer, but either way, it will be appreciated greatly by organized, list-making freaks, like me.

Looking for more traditional items, like the newest sweaters, scarves, kitchen items and much more, check back soon. To be continued...

Utica Utopia

This part of the year is filled with holidays, family and friend gatherings, traditions and, well, shopping. I have to admit that the shopping is the most fun and most frustrating part of the season. Attempting to find something one wants/needs and isn't too expensive is always an adventure. However, this year I started early so as not to break the bank when it gets down to the wire. Yes, that's right. I made a budget and I have already planned out about 5 or 6 of my Christmas gifts this year. Others are still processing and in due time will find their way to my "secret" hiding place.

Common Thanksgiving traditions include, but aren't limited too, turkey, stuffing, jellied cranberry sauce, bread rolls and pie. Some families may throw back bottle (or two) of wine, break the wishbone, watch football and fall into deep tryptophan naps, however, Tulsa has yet another tradition for Thanksgiving night. We fill our bellies and scurry down to Utica Square for "Light's On". All the trees are embellished with over 700,000 twinkling lights and Santa is in town for caroling and the countdown. The 40-year "Light's On" tradition has been on my tradition list for over 10 years! Nothing beats walking around Utica with the lights on and a cup of coffee.

Utica Square is closer to my home and I don't know if that is dangerous or harmless. I guess we will find out this very busy shopping season. It's hard to pass up a walk-by of the ever-changing Miss Jackson's windows and, again, the cup of coffee and outdoor shopping.

Even with these attractive, tempting windows, I must always keep in mind, 'tis the season for giving and not buying for oneself's closet. I should probably go to therapy or something, but the only therapy I know of is "retail therapy" and that doesn't seem to be a long term fix for anything.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm getting extremely anxious for Christmas because that means friends and family gatherings, homemade Christmas Eve pizza and presents. Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season with family and friends. And may all your nights be filled with cheer (or cheers)!

turkey trot

While discussing holiday plans with a friend one day, we decided to look into any runs (races) that would be happening when she was in town for Thanksgiving. We landed on the Turkey Trot 5K starting at 9 a.m. on Black Friday. Seeing that I have proactively planned out many gifts in advance, I don't know that fighting the crowds on Black Friday in hopes of finding that perfectly cheap(er) gift for someone on my nice list is ideal. (Yes, I have a naughty list too and let's just hope you didn't land on it this year. Only time will tell.)

On top of this run/race being a distraction from the shopping, it helped worked off a couple hundred of the gazillion calories I consumed on Thanksgiving.

The Turkey Trot is also the kickoff for the BOK Center WinterFest which is a month long event that includes ice skating, concessions, a holiday mart and carnival rides. I have never attended the BOK Center WinterFest until now. I would like to return for some ice skating before the month is up.

Brooke and I would like to thank our wonderful moms for their support in our running efforts. They drove us there and stood out in the 30 degree weather from start to finish. They also attempted to catch some photos of us in action-- hard task to accomplish when we are flying by at lightening speeds!

Brooke and I both obtained awful side stiches while we were running. If you look closely, my fingers in digging into my side in attempt to subside pain as I cross the finish line. I blame the cold weather and, of course, quick feet. We both finished in under 30 minutes.

And we are done. Mom, thanks again for being there. You're the best! After the complaining of stiches and cold lungs, we walked to the car with our heads held high...we were proud!

We plan on doing this again next year (I think. Right, Brooke?) and we hope many more will join us. Thanks again Brooke for doing this with me!

One Woman and One Man

I never thought the weekend would come. I last posted about a couples shower Brooke, Amber and I hosted for our best friend, Ashley and her fiance Luke. This particular weekend was full of wedding activities for the big day...October 2, 2010.

I took a vacation day on Friday to spend time with the bridal party. We started the day off with a manicure and pedicure. The entire wedding party wasn't in attendance and it still took us about 3 hours to get all fixed up.

Cindy, Brooke and Ashley

Van making Ashley perfect for her special day!

After our beauty fix, we decided to eat lunch at Nibbles, a local cafe with delectible food. For the afternoon, we split up to get last minute errands run. We gathered at the church for rehearsal at 6:00 p.m. Ashley was calm and organized. Rehearsal lasted about an hour and it was off to Spaghetti Warehouse for dinner.

(While downtown one day, I had mentioned to Blake how we should go there to eat because it was very delicious and I hadn't been there since I was in middle school. So I was estatic when I received the rehearsal dinner inviation.)

Dinner was wonderful. I filled my belly with garlic butter, bread, salad, chicken, and a bite or two of Blake's 15-layer lasanga. It was just like I remembered. Great Italian food! Dinner and dessert was consumed, bridal party and groomsman gifts were handed out after. All the groomsmen and ushers received Magellan shirts in an array of colors. All the bridesmaids received these gorgeous boxes and inside them was a pair of earrings we were to wear to the ceremony. All the house party ladies received different necklaces.

Later that evening, we gathered at Ashley's parents house to spend the night with Ashley Stone one last time. We had to make a trip to Wal-Mart to help with some last minute honeymoon packing items - shampoo and conditioner, kleenex, etc. We stayed up until about 2 a.m., but we quickly realized we needed our beauty sleep. First appointment on Saturday was bridal brunch at 9 a.m. Lights out!

The Hunt is Over!

Back in February, my best friend, Ashley Stone, got engaged to the man of her dreams, Luke Emert! He took her to Colorado and proposed after an early morning hike in The Garden of the Gods. I remember hearing the news and shedding a couple tears of joy. Immediately, I started firing questions-“did he ask your parents?”, “how did he do it?”, “can you send a picture of your ring?”, “do you have photos of the engagement?, “have you set a date?”…more tears of pure joy! It was about 2 weeks later and we finally got together for Blake’s birthday (aka St. Patrick’s Day). I planned a dinner at In The Raw on the Hill. Blake and I pulled up just on time along with Ashley and Luke. I was ecstatic to she her in person for the first time since her engagement. That night, she asked me to be her bridesmaid! I started crying again. I’m guessing the emotions of a bride transferred to one of her bridesmaid. I’m a sucker, I guess. (Note: Regarding Ashley’s engagement/wedding, I have only cried two more times since the above mentioned times!)

Immediately, I start thinking of “what does a bridesmaid do besides stand next to her on her special day?” Other bridesmaids and I start talking about a shower for Ashley! Somehow we landed on throwing her a Wedding Storm, otherwise known as a Couples Shower. I started to call around for a reasonably priced venue (yes, the hosting bridesmaids have jobs, but we are still young and on a “college budget”). We couldn’t find anything to fit our party budget. We landed on a house. My house. Backyard.

Rewind: when I bought my house, the yard and garden areas were filled with silk flowers and a shabby looking detached garage. Let the backyard makeover begin. A garage before, during and after (I also got a new garage door, but didn’t take a picture):

Much work was done to the landscaping as well, including many beds weeded, new flowers planted, deck power washed and lawn manicured to perfection. The work wasn’t done just to look good for Ashley and Luke’s shower, but it did give me a deadline to complete the housework I had wanted to do since I bought the house in October 2009. So in a sense, thank you to Ashley and Luke for getting engaged and to Brooke and Amber letting me throw a party at my house. Another special thanks to Lucia, Tim and Blake for helping with the makeover.

The party was scheduled for August 28th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The other two bridesmaids throwing and helping with this shindig were Brooke Lunsford and Amber Webster. They had thrown a shower recently for another friend and even though they were out of town, they were the best help. Communication happened mostly over e-mail and the end result was fantastic! I really couldn’t have done this without Brooke and Amber. You two are truly amazing and so very helpful. I think we done good! Because I was busy hosting, I don’t have as many pictures as I would like, but what I do have is shared below (for those of you who couldn’t make it. I know you regret it)!

The party was filled with family, friends, food, drinks, and games involving personal questions and Ashley’s feeling 5 men’s legs and guessing which was Luke. Oh and by the way…she guessed wrong! I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our best friends engagement, wedding and life with the man she loves! Cheers to Ashley and Luke. I couldn’t be happier for you two and I now look forward to October 2, 2010!

 

Oh and the night before the shower, we visited the Caravan for a night of two-steppin’ and pool.