Full moon, Friday night, relaxin' in the crib!

Before I get started, Minnesota pics promised by 11PM Sunday! I got my camera back and I'm procrastinating at this point.

So weird day. I woke up with a hang over...but I only had one beer last night. I think it was the champagne. I split a bottle with Erin, Sean, and Joshy. It was our Bells Angels Champagne Thursday ride, but it wasn't much of a ride because roomie and I got into it! We did get some riding in though. I think after all of the riding in Minneapolis, the riding around here just seems so blah. I think sometime this weekend I'm going to go seek out some trails. One of the girls on my team is racing Sunday in a cyclo-cross race...I think I'm going to go check it out. She told me I should join! Sounds fun, but I want to see what it's all about before I do.

So after I woke up, Erin came and picked me up, went to the bank, and went to BJ's for some lunch...I had the mini pizza and a house salad, and this time, it wasn't that bad! Then we went to Hobby Lobby where I got some new paint pens so I can work on these spoke cards some more. Once I get a few of them finished, I'll post pics. They're looking way more bad ass than the ones I've been doing.

Spent the majority of my day at the gallery. We prepped things for the arts market tomorrow, and put together rolls of blank paper for our gift wrapping fundraiser (want to make some gift wrap? let me know...it's for a good cause! If you're an artist and have some mad skills...I'll give you ten feet of white paper to unleash on!)

I also did a bunch of my homework at the gallery, but slacked off the closer it got to four. I was supposed to be writing a paper while I was there, but instead just gathered the info needed. Then we went to the liquor store to take Joshy his spoke card...BTW FIRST LAMINATED SPOKE CARD WAS GIVEN TODAY TO JOSHY! Let the spoke tagging begin! oh and Emily...I'm working on a special one for you! Cory and I collaborated on it! It will be laminated!

So then I went and rode my bike to the pool, didn't get in the water today because it's game day for the kids. I'm not a big fan of game day because I would rather be swimming than playing sharks and minnows, but I realize that this kind of stuff is essential for team building and self esteem building. We did the 123 SSC shout before practice was up. Felt good, I love being apart of Sooner Swim Club. I'm in love with coaching swimmers...I'm in love with aquatics.

So then I came home, wrote my paper (which was BOMB) and turned that bitch in! Oh...right before I got home, I almost got hit by a car on Boyd. Mind you, I was wearing a reflective jacked, had all of my LED lights on (two blinkies in the front, one blinky in the back) and this whore still didn't see me! I was pretty freaked out. I swear, one of these days I'm really going to get hit...and it's really going to suck. I've started wearing my helmet when I ride. I was inspired by Emily, and my friend Ben in Minneapolis who insisted on Cory wearing his extra helmet (thanks Benny...I mean it...we don't need any accidents especially ones that involve our loved ones).

So after I turned in the paper, I took a shower, cleaned the living room and dining room, and made some dinner. Left overs from last night. baked chicken with gravy, asparagus, and green leaf salad with organic tomato green onions and balsamic vinegar. mmmmm...Now I'm just kind of taking it easy. Cory's coming to Norman with some friends, and said he would call me when he got into town, but I'm not counting on it really. I mean, I am...I would love to see him...but I understand if he doesn't call. I have to wake up super early to be at the Arts Market tomorrow, then I have to meet with my group from class to work on our final project...I really don't want to meet with them tomorrow...

...but one thing I have to look forward to is a nice sushi dinner for my birthday! That's right, my boo is taking me out. We're going out to eat tomorrow night, although I would much rather him make me dinner and be all romantic and light candles and la dee da but we wont get into that...Sushi is good enough for me, and I know that it's going to be a very lovely evening/night/Sunday morning! I plan on getting all gussied up before dinner too...well, maybe a little gussied, I don't want to look too sorority!

So I was thinking tonight about DVD's. See I'm moving in with my parents, and I got rid of my TV, DVD player and a ton of DVD's...but I saved my VCR (on accident) and I was thinking about getting rid of it, but then I realized, no matter what, my absolute favorite movie in the entire world is Waiting To Exhale, and I only own it on VHS.

That's right, I love that movie. It's got everything! Drama, comedy, Love story...it's perfect, and I think I love it also because I've always wanted a close group of girl friends that I can run to when I have gossip or drama...I've always wanted that group of girls that will come over, drink wine with me, eat dinner, and gossip all night and wont hesitate to spend the night! I love that kind of stuff but I never get to do it. I mean, Erin and I do that stuff...and it's awesome...but I think it would be way more awesome if we had a couple of other girls to hang out with.

So I've been playing around with the pandora.com radio station, and I think I found my new favorite chill station. Erykah Badu radio...oh man, it's so awesome. I had it turned up and had a candle light dinner by myself...and it felt amazing. I might make a bloody mary and just take it easy and then go to bed. Or I might roam around my house! Or I might bust out these new paint pens and work on some new cards.

I wish I had my other paint pens though...Cory has all of my supplies at his house. I forgot to grab all of it on my way out the other morning. Well, I guess i'm going to find something to do before bed.

again, I promise I'll post the Minneapolis pics by sunday night!

well crap!

So I was going to upload the Minneapolis pics...but once again it will have to wait. I've seemed to missplace my camera. It might be at the gallery or in Erin's purse. I kind of hope Erin has it!

So I deleted my facebook. I'll be deleting the myspace after tomorrow night (that way anyone that needs to get in touch with me still has some time). I'm just kind of tired of being distracted by it. Plus, it's a lot of drama. If you delete someone then they get mad, if you change your relationship status, then someone's feelings get hurt, blah blah blah...It's just stupid. I would rather blog about my day then mystalk someone else!

Speaking of days, today was pretty good. I stayed at Cory's last night. He made me dinner after practice and I took a shower there (he has the BEST shower in the world...well..it atleast made my top 5 list of most awesome showers!) Then after that we both passed out. It was really cute because we were laying in bed and just talking, and he had his little handkerchief around his neck and his beanie on, super cute...not even kidding. Anyway, so he took off the hanky and passed out in his beanie. I'm telling you he makes my heart melt sometimes...just the little things!

I woke up today with him, but immediately fell back asleep and didn't wake up again untill 9:30...his bed is so comfy! So then I got up and got in my car and came home...I was almost late for class due to this damn train stopping, but I made it right in time.

Then I hung up a couple of flyers advertising my dog (btw, if anyone wants a beautiful loveable pitbull...please let me know...she's a great doggie!) The bulk of my day was spent at the gallery with Erin. It was funny because we were both on the computer so we decided that it was LAN party day! We ate pizza and salad and basically surfed the net. I did a lot of homework for my online class (which I HATE!)

Yeah, this online class...I think I'm having the worst experience with this class ever. For example, we're supposed to participate in the discussion board discussion...fair enough...no problem. However, she expects us to participate in 90% of the discussion...so if there are 1,000 posts...900 of them need to be your own! IMPOSSIBLE! If everyone is trying to post, then how the hell is everyone supposed to meet the 90% requirement? AND I hate the discussion board because it's never really a discussion at all! It's always one person saying something and the rest saying "I agree"...THAT'S NOT A DAMN DISCUSSION PEOPLE! Get with it! We are all upper div college students!

Enough of that. So then I went and coached swim practice. I got in the water with the kids. I used to hate getting in the water, but now I love it. I feel extremely accomplished when I get in and do the workout. And the parents love it too! I get a lot of compliments from parents because I get in with their kids and correct strokes. The only downside is, my skin is ichy dry every day now. I don't miss that aspect of competitive swimming.

So now all that's left for today is to cook dinner, and Bells Angels Bike Ride...I'm thinking chicken parmesian!

Oklahoma weather is tropical compared to MN!!!

So we got back from the trip at about midnight last night...incredible. Pics to follow (when I get home...I'm at the gallery right now).

We left Thursday around 7PM and drove ALL night long...I kept saying "boy I hope it snows!" Well, I learned my lesson...be careful of what you wish for because once we got about halfway through Iowa, it was like driving through a blizzard until we got to the outskirts of Minneapolis! I was freaking out! Cory kept saying "Pull over and let me drive" but I was so nervous that I could not even begin to think about pulling over! And semi trucks kept flying past us at record speeds and leaving us in trails of sludge and snow and all around scariness!

Once we got into Minneapolis at about 7AM, we unloaded all of our stuff (Cory brought SO MUCH stuff!!! it looked like he was moving in!) and we passed out! When we woke up we went to take my uncle to work, and then we went grocery shopping and hung out with my uncle's roomie Jordan. So Jordan is an interesting character! He's a cool dude, about 25ish and works for activision testing video games. We met his friend Adam who's father was the drummer for Prince during Purple Rain and all that great stuff.

So Jordan took us to this bar called the CC Club. Pretty cool little bar, I would call it a hole in the wall but compared to Oklahoma bars it was fairly large. We rode our bikes there. Then after that we rode over to the Independent (another awesome bar!) But Cory was exhausted so we didn't stay too long. Jordan met a girl there, but I don't think he got her number...He should have! She was cute!

So after the Independent we rode home, and on the way home we were running red lights and we got pulled over on our bikes! The cop loved me though because I had bright clothing on and lights on my bike! Jordan and Cory were wearing black coats and had no lights! Anyway we got off with a warning and we continued on the way home.

When we got back we hung out with Jordan a little longer until my Uncle got home and then we went to bed. The next day (which was Friday) we woke up, made breakfast and went on a 30 mile ride (yes...30 miles!) with my friend Ben to Minnihaha Falls! It was the most incredible ride I think I've ever been on! When we got to the Falls, Ben took us on a trail...we had to carry our bikes up and down some crazy stairs and some crazy spots, and mind you...my bike is not the lightest! But I powered through it anyway! So then we found a spot to leave our bikes and went on a hike! Oh it was so beautiful! Ben was showing us all of these spots on our hike where he does tricks on his mountain bike.

After the hike/ride, we hopped the light rail and went back to Lake Street, where we rode to this Somali part of Minneapolis for some Chai and a weird donut-esque food item. Apparantly New York and Minneapolis have competing Somali TV programming! We watched some Somali TV later on that day (Jig Jiga TV! not even kidding!) Bad ass music!

After the ride (which was cold and invigorating and incredible) we went back to the house, chilled for a while, and then went to my Uncles restaraunt Harry's for an incredible dinner! Cory had the Bistro Steak with macaroni and I had crap crusted Mahi Mahi with lobster sauce and mixed vegitables. mmmmm. Everything at my Uncles restaraunt is made from scratch too! No sysco or any of that crap! We also shared a bottle of QuPe, a Syrah. BTW, our meal was totally free and totally delish! Great chill atmosphere too...oh...and the patio had a Botero! I should have taken a photo! here's a little video about the restaraunt (I can even see my uncles friend Benji serving in it!)We then hung out at Harry's after it closed (my Uncle was the closing manager and is now the GM)....okay...apparantly I can't put the video on here....that sucks

Here's a link to their site http://www.harrysfood.com/

So after Harry's, we took Cory home and my uncle and I went out to the 19 bar. I haven't been there in years! And it was awesome because the bar tender remembered me. So we stayed for a couple of shots and a couple of beers and went back to the house where we hung out once again with Jordan! Super fun! We stayed up a little too late though (like...oh...I dunno...6AM!)

Saturday was pretty fun too, woke up, made breakfast, and Cory started on a mural in my Uncles house (we have to go back in December to get it finished! can't wait!) After that Cory and I decided it was time to explore and so we got all warm weather geared up, and hopped on our bikes and rode the Greenway. Did you know Minneapolis is ranked something like number 2 in the nation for bike riding? Oh it's just fantastic. So the Greenway is basically for bikes, skates, and walkers...basically a pedestrian area zone...No motorized vehicles what so ever! Here's a link to the Midtown Greenway site http://www.midtowngreenway.org/

So we rode the Greenway all the way to the Mississippi River (about 5 or 6 miles) and we took lots of pictures of graffiti on the way. Minneapolis isn't very graffiti friendly, but we found some pretty cool stuff. Cory also took pictures of this really cool bridge when you get closer to the river. By the time we got to the river, I was numb! my thighs were numb, my fingers were numb, my face was red! I was wearing gloves, jeans, a warm coat, a scarf, a hat, my helmut, and my scarf was even covering my face!!! It was probably the coldest day while we were there, so we turned around and went back to the house. It was cool because along the Greenway they have tiny stop signs, and we also found a cafe/bike shop! I loved riding the Greenway, it was a lot more chill than the Ben ride...But the Ben ride was my favorite ride!

So after that, we went home where we had a lazy evening...we were so tired. And basically crashed out fairly early.

Sunday was a nice day too! After we made breakfast, I went and rode the Greenway by myself, only this time I went to Lake Calhoun...I'm not quite sure on the mileage on that, but it was a good distance from Lake and 3rd Street. I took some pics of graffiti for Cory, and just kind of enjoyed my solo ride! After that, I went back to the house where Cory was painting. I was supposed to go practice with Minnesota Rollergirls, but I took a nap and didn't wake up until 6 (which was when practice started). There was also a few other things that factored into me not practicing like insurance confusion (I need to find out ahead of time when I visit a league about insurance, because we switched from USARS to something different) And I didn't think about it untill after I left a message for Frau Scientits. I was also exhausted from all of the riding we had been doing!

I think it worked out though because my Uncle said things were crazy downtown due to the Vikings game. Poor Uncle Mike, his first day as General Manager and he has to work a crazy game!

So then, I pretty much just crashed out that night...Cory stayed up painting the wall, and I passed out!

So Monday was our last full day in Minneapolis (so sad). My Uncle and I took the day to ourselves, we went and had lunch at Harry's (mmmm that place is so good). We had Corn Chowder and a steak sandwich (it was new on the menu I think...and I can't remember what it was to save my life...but I know it was delish!) We also went over to the McPhail music School http://www.macphail.org/index_flash.html where I met my Uncles friend. The McPhail building was really cool! I guess it's about 2 years old (?), I know my Uncle said it was fairly new, and it's a contemporary looking building...inside and out.

After that we went to a couple of stores, Bibelot and some other gift store...I was going to buy gifts for people but everything was so expensive and I just didn't have the money for it. We also hit up the Urban Outfitters because they have an Obama For Your Mama t-shirt...but I couldn't find one...I was going to get it for Erin because she has a Pope is Dope shirt! After that we went into this cool vintage store (Ragstock?) everything was SUPER CHEAP!! and everything was SUPER COOL!!!

So after shopping, we got home around 5ish, and it was already dark outside. It gets dark around 4PM there! We had reservations at Fogo De Chao for 8:30, so we hung out around the house. Cory baked cookies...and proceded to eat the entire plate of cookies! Along with a grilled cheese sandwich...and he tried to make pop corn but I stopped him! We kept telling him that Fogo was going to be extremely filling! His response was "I'm ready...I eat like a horse!"

So Jordan, Cory, Uncle Mike, and I drove to Fogo around 8, had a few cocktails while we waited for Robert. Then we sat down at our table...

...Now for those of you who have never heard of Fogo De Chao, let me tell you...INCREDIBLE! If you're a vegitarian, forget it! Don't go unless you're just wanted to spend a good 35 bucks on salad bar alone! Go to this site and read about Fogo for a second! http://www.fogodechao.com/locations/minneapolis.htm

Basically, each person has a disk next to their plate. One side is green, the other red. When you flip the disk to green, the Gauchos start bringing these giant scewers of meat to you and they shave some off onto your plate. Now the meat that they shave off onto your plate is a small portion, but don't be alarmed or confused, if you don't flip your disk back over to red, they will keep coming! You will get sick full! Jordan had his disk on green the whole time and was confused on why the gauchos kept coming over to him and bringing him more meat! It was pretty funny. They also have a gourmet salad bar with gourmet cheeses, smoked salmon, fresh crisp vegis...everything. But the meat is incredible. They roast the meat over an open fire...you can see it through the window. Here's a list of the meats that we had!beef ancho-prime part of rib eye

picanha- sirlion

filet mignon- with and without bacon

Alcatra- top sirloin, very tenter full of flavor

Fraldinha- bottom sirloin

Costela-beef ribs

Cordeiro- lamb

Costela De Porco- pork chops

Frango- chicken drumsticks and sausage

My favorite was the Alcatra....I got everything medium! mmmm....I love food!

After Fogo we went over to Nick and Eddies where Ben was working and had a few drinks. The owner got me a birthday drink. Nick and Eddies is a cool bar, played great music and Lori Barberos from Babes in Toyland apparantly works there (Not sure on that one...I will check). We met her there last time I was up there with Erin and my sister. Oh...Nick and Eddies has the best cookies too! and they have 278 speakers built into the walls for an awesome bad ass sound system (yes...Cory counted all of the speakers!) http://www.nickandeddie.com/

So after that, it was bed time. Ben came over to my Uncles after he got off work at the bar, we hung out for a little while, but I passed out on the couch while the guys stayed up and chatted. We woke up the next morning and packed up our stuff and began the 12 hour drive home...I was very sad to leave. I want to live there so bad. It just feels so right to me!

So like I said before, pics to follow...when I get around to uploading (hopefully tonight)

Erin just walked into the gallery so I'm going to stop blogging for now! I'm sure I will remember more as the day passes!

Girl...You'll be a woman...soon.

So been working on more spoke cards, the one to the right is "Scrote" appropriately written by Dan...He didn't think I would be able to make it look decent. But I did. Not my favorite but not the worst.

Cory made the Guilty Simpson one. I don't think I'm going to do anything to it...I like the way it is. I think he made this one Guilty Simpson because he just got the new album and has been extremely stoked about it!

Ostracod was made by yours truely...I try to make other people write the words, that's apart of the piece, but they made me write words...and I decided on Ostracod.

I am yer moms complete lack of surprise and Talk American are Tods...I might not mess with those either...I think I'll just lamenate them together!

Buddha was actually started a long time ago, and I just finished it today. I like the plain yellow and black with the checked boxes.

Next in line is "...You Mama" I've been listening to a lot of Wings, and was trying to think of something to write and just decided to write the first thing I heard...and it was "yooouuuu...mamaaaaaa" I'm trying out different handstyles too...I'm really digging this spoke card stuff ya know!

The last "Drink to my health" is another Wings song..."Drink to me...drink to my health..you know I can't drink anymoooooooooore"

All of these cards, and I've got about 30 more (possibly more...haven't counted) to finish before I leave Thursday for Minneapolis. We're tagging bikes...So all you Minnesotians, if you get a spoke card...don't throw it away, it came all the way from Oklahoma with love!

So class got canceled tomorrow, and I don't have to coach either, my only obligation tomorrow is to work at frikkin 5:30 AM!!! this is going to seriously suck. I don't like waking up that early. I don't mind waking up early but 5 is way too extreme.

Woke up at 7:30 this morning, I've been pretty emotional for the past few days. Lot's of stress over stupid things that I shouldn't stress about. So today, I got my ass up and Cory was like "what are you doing?"...and you know what I told him? "I'm getting my day started!" He told me later on that he was proud. And rightfully so! Because I was hysterical crying last night...I feel bad.

He expressed to me that he wants me to communicate with him, like if I'm feeling bad tell him what's wrong or tell him that I just need to deal with it in whatever way. Problem is, I don't really communicate my problems to anyone anymore. And it's been fine for this long. Not only that, I feel comfortable communicating with him, but sometimes I feel like a burden. I told him that...He said that if I were ever a burden he would tell me. I don't think I could handle someone telling me that.

So yeah, got my day started by making an awesome breakfast...hard boiled egg with apple, v8, and vanilla yogurt. Finished up some stuff for my online class, and moved some boxes of stuff that I don't want over to my parents house. I took a picture of my entertainment center because I'm trying to sell it...No point in owning one if I don't have a TV or DVD player (got rid of those too). I don't even watch TV. Then I started to get really down. I have to get rid of my dogs...which totally sucks. I cried for a long time today about it. After that, I worked on the spoke cards and then went to work.

Work helped out a lot. I've been getting in the water with the kids because I want to work out more! Swimming seems to make me feel accomplished. I think it has something to do with the water...maybe because water has a soothing calming effect. I don't know. But I did get a compliment today from a parent! She said I was doing a fantastic job and that she was really excited to see a coach get in with the kids. It turned my mood around.

Then after work my roomie and I rode to Dollar Tree so I could buy some cheese that I was going to use for dinner...but instead I'm eating crawfish ettoufe! Homemade by yours truely! mmmmmmm

We're going to turn my bike into a single gear...hopefully before I leave for Minneapolis. I'm pretty stoked about it. It's going to be lighter and way more fun to ride I think .

well kids, I better get to bed. have to wake up at ungodly hours of the morning to sit at a pool. atleast I like pools right?

Nothing good happens after 2AM

Erinween was a blast, and I have lots of photos, so we'll start with today. The order in which these photos are is not the correct order in which they need to be, and I'm too lazy to try and fix that!
This first photo is our 1990's boy band photo. Toki (the dog) got a feather stuck to his face and it looked like he had a mustache! Before this we ate breakfast (breakfast party party) and then we decided to take our drinks out to the porch. Take note of Josh's awesome outfit! Erin told him he looked like Luigi...We love you Josh.

This was a part of the flight of tasters we had with breakfast (which was FANTASTIC!) this was the last beer on the flight. mmmm...Oatmeal Stout. By the way, good beers with home made walnut waffles, bacon, kraut with sausage, eggs, and apples...Best breakfast ever! Don't forget the Mimosas! Right before the Oatmeal Stout (I accidentally put two pics of this in...and it wont let me delete one of them...so deal with it!) I don't care what anyone says, Abita makes great beers!

We were all a little iffy about this one, just didn't taste right. I think it was the fact it was made with pure cane sugar and had a heavy cane sugar after taste...didn't really work well with the breakfast.

This was a nice dark beer....I really liked this one and I'm not a fan of dark beers. I think it may be related to the fact that I'm also getting really into red wine! weird!

This was just tasty!

That was a great flight Josh! Thanks!
And here's Josh, Erin, and Dan at breakfast party party (notice the flight sitting in the window sill). Right before this we watched "Lady Cocoa"...it's a movie from the 70's and it came on a compilation disk that Erin got for her Birthday called Urban Action! Great stuff!

Okay, this is where things are mixed up. The following are Erinween pics. Cory pretty much turned the living room into a performance piece. It was pretty cool! This is his candy sculpture/tent...we had to sort the candy with him...

Josh got camera happy and was taking pictures of shoes. He did some cool lighting with this tiny flashlight.

And here's Erin with a Santa Beard!

Erin also has skillz!

We have a ton of these pictures! I love em! But I'm only posting this one because it's my favorite! The gold chains make it awesome! Great action shot! Love the fog...

This is a cool shot too! Cory looks CRAZY!

Here is Brians new tattoo. I love it!

Kevin in action...love the raybans!

Can you find Erin in this photo? Devons costume was hillarious!

So that's pretty much what I have...well I have more photos, but there are so many and I need to sort them. I had a blast! Great weekend!

I leave for Minneapolis on Thursday! cannot wait to ride bikes on the Greenway, can't wait to see my uncle...just can't wait...I need this trip so bad!

I was going to leave you with a bad ass video...but I'm having a hard time uploading it and I need to go...I'll try tomorrow. It's so funny!