All these things that I've done.

I need to write something. I need to write something. You all need to read something. C'mon, brain, don't fail me now.

So, I'm taking a break from gift card celebrating, facebook creeping, and people watching (hi, I'm a creeper) in E-town to present you with a jumbled, discombobulated list of things I've learned in my two weeks at home (it's the longest I've been home in about a year and a half).

I learned that I'm weirdly intimidated by some people in this town. Maybe that's the right word? Oh well. Fun fact: I believe I'm most "intimidated" by high school girls (have you ever been stared down by a 16-year-old wearing too much eyeliner and a bad attitude?). And there is no shortage of them crawling 'round these parts.

Other people that intimidate me are people that drive around with super scary window decals that threaten to jump right off the glass and gnaw off my right arm. Example:

Whoa! Even in photo form it makes me nervous. Don't get too close!

Another less tacky thing I've learned is that my brother makes a very good model for my new camera. 

But don't worry, Whitney here has no problem still making my older, more casual camera feel loved.

In case you were wondering or didn't notice, yes, they are both wearing Santa hats. I roll with cool people like that. 

I learned that if you put your mind to it (or just have some great natural talent), you too can be immortalized forever at Drummond School. i.e. Hannah:

They even laminated her name! 

I also learned that having Christmas at my actual home this year is the best thing that's ever happened to me (my waistline would disagree). Why? Leftovers. I mean really, imagine having a miniature Christmas feast for 3 meals a day going on four days straight. Yes, please.

Hmm... I learned that my crafting habit might be considered an addiction to some. And I hoard cardstock and fabric. You know, for a rainy day, or another blog post.

I learned that my brother gains a lot of ground when he runs. It's those lanky legs.

I learned that I say inappropriate things at too loud a volume. Another post for another time.

I learned that I can't spell "inappropriate" to save my life, so spell check does for me.

I learned that telling stories can get you two slaps on the wrist, or an angry email. Looks like a fun-filled future career I'm choosing, huh?

I learned that pinky swears and promise rings are still held in high regard.

Finally, I learned that Applebee's and Starbucks are wonderful places to blow off some steam with some old friends.

I warned you: disconnected and discombobulated. But hey, I owe you an amusing post doubling as an inadvertent life update. Plus admitting a problem is the first step.

I will leave you with this, dear friends. Now, I'm off to find some dinner before everything closes and they roll up the sidewalks.

Tis the Season.

Hi.... Remember me? That girl that used to have a blog and post weird stories and youtube videos all the time?

Well, I'm still here. Alive Surviving in the town of Enid, America.

I'll catch you up on several things as we go along, but for now, how about some holiday cheer?

My best friend Hannah and I (along with her sister Darcy and whoever else decides to tag along) have an annual Christmas tradition: Caroling.

Here we are two whole years ago preparing for caroling (I like to rhyme).

No, we aren't those people dressed up like elves that stand in your front yard and refuse to leave, no no no. We typically bake and make platefuls of yummy snacks, then we sneak attack surprise the same several people over the seasons. Mainly our old teachers.







Before you get weirded out, you have to understand that I graduated from a very rural school (what up graduating class of 26 people!), so I've known many of the teachers at my school my entire life...  

And several of those teachers are just too much fun to leave alone. Like Mrs. Hughes, my old Quiz Bowl coach... It's completely normal for her to have random students from years and years ago just drop by her house to hang out on occasion (I have to say Hannah and i do that all the time). 

Or our old science teacher... One time we showed up at his house singing and he slammed the door in our faces. Then opened it again and invited us in as long as we promised we would stop singing. This guy was "that teacher" in high school that refused to decorate his classroom until Hannah and I forced Christmas on him by breaking into sneaking into his room and turning it into a Christmas wonderland. We did it every holiday from then on, too (even arbor day).

This festive tradition is not only a good oppotunity to give back to the teachers that gave to us, but it's also a wonderful opportunity to come together, laugh, catch up.... and other things.

So, here's a glimpse at our Christmas tradition from this year. Cue the warm fuzzy feelings:

Even more warm fuzzies:

Well, maybe they weren't what you thought, but you've gotta admit they made you giggle a little. 

So with that, have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends that you like, and I will talk to you all later. :)

Friendship is a full-time job.

So, as you all can tell, I have failed my challenge miserably. I have missed writing everyday and hearing from you who are brave enough to comment. But let's be real, people, we all have things to do, places to go, and people to see, and we can't just sit in front of a computer screen all day long. (that's bad for your eyes).

But this weekend, the weekend before the apocalypse finals week officially begins, I was looking forward to just being lazy at home, catching up on laundry (which I hadn't done in about 3 weeks. I just wore the same two sweatshirts all week-- yikes), and cleaning my room which so desperately needed to be cleaned. But then my phone buzzed with a text message:

"I really need someone to talk to."

At first, I thought just a call or a message would suffice, but then the severity of my friend's situation became very real to me, so I postponed my room cleaning, invited them over and just listened (I still did laundry, but made sure that I wasn't being rude by doing so). We talked back and forth for some time, then my friend explained to me that they called me because this kind of thing was "a part of my job description."

I met my friend in a program in which I took on the role of a "mentor," and throughout the year(s) I have been that to this friend and others.

But I didn't give up my lazy Friday night alone because of any job, I did it because my friend needed me, and quite frankly, I like to feel needed. We all want to feel needed, and at some point or another, we all need as well.

The night ended with us sharing in champagne (courtesy of my roommates testing for the wedding) and watching the latest episode of Glee. (click here for the best duet ever).

Sometimes that's all you can do for a friend. I couldn't give my friend answers, I couldn't take their pain and sadness away, but I did clink my glass to theirs and we shared a smile as New Directions sang some campy Christmas cover.

I've already said this but it bears repeating-- Friendship is a full-time job. There are no sick days, vacation days, and you don't get paid overtime. But you do get paid with laughter and trust, and I'll toast to that every day of the week.

Cheers.

Awk-ward......

"It doesn't matter if you're home-schooled, from a public school or whatever, no one really has great social skills." 

My friend Steven inspired this post by saying that in our PW class last week. Of course, that's a little paraphrased, but you get the general idea.

Readers, this weekend I've realized just how socially awkward I am. Ugh. 

I'm pretty sure it's a dynamic combination of a million different things. 

For one, I'm all over the place with my thoughts. Fun fact? the human brain thinks at 400 words a minute and we speak at around 180 words a minute (but I'm sure with the Oklahoma drawl it's more like 130). So, usually my words don't line up with what I really want to say. Awkward.

Also, one of my favorite things to do is make other people laugh. So in order to do that, I have to say funny things, right? Generally. Usually I'm able to get laughs out of people, but every now and then I get ahead of myself and just start babbling, and rambling, and blah blah blah... No one laughs, but that's because it's not funny! I even know it's not funny, I just keep mindlessly pouring out words EVEN THOUGH I know no one is going to laugh... It's just like.... Word vomit. Reference: 

Awkward. 

Also, my attitude and personality is anchored almost too much on the people around me. For instance, if I'm in a room with people that are more reserved than me, I turn into the loudest and most outspoken in the room, and I usually make people laugh. Like camp, for example.  

 Not [really] awkward.

Other times (much like this weekend), I've been around people that are immediately louder and more in-your-face than I am. When in contact with people like this, something really strange happens: I try my best to maintain enthusiasm and my normal happy self, but the other person's energy sucks me dry like a dementor to my soul, and I end up being that quiet creeper in the corner. 

Really. Awkward. 

I can't figure out what exactly it is about the last one, but it's definitely the one that bothers me the most. Why do I freak out and get weird around people that are, in essence, a lot like me, maybe just more?

Why do I let them suck out all of my enthusiasm? I don't get it! Is it insecurity, intimidation, fear or inadequacy? Shyness, self-consciousness, lack of confidence? I don't know!

Is there just something wrong with me? 

Whatever it is, I'm really trying to find a way around it. Has this ever been you? Have you ever felt really awkward around people and you don't know why? What did you do about it? 

Did I ask enough questions?

The best part, part 2.

Remember this post?

Well... I just wanted to catch you guys up on recent youtube wonderfulness that I absolutely love.

For starters:



Oh, and this one. Shout out to the best friend and macbook effects!!



And finally, I waltzed to this song earlier today. I loved it when I bought the CD in sixth grade and I love it now... What up old school pop music in 3/4 time?!



Goodnight my people! :)

I'm makin' a list...(to the tune of the infamous carol)

In you're in my family, listen up...

If you aren't my family, please still read it, I know at least one of you can relate...

How many times (fellow poor college students) have you had a conversation such as this with a family member?

Grammy: "What do you want for Christmas, dearie?"

You: "I don't know Grammy, how about money?"

Grammy: "But, money isn't a very fun gift... It's just not personal. What else do you want?" 

You: ".... I don't know.... I really, money will be fine." 

Grammy: "Oh how silly. I'll just find you something nice myself." 

One week later.

Grammy: "Well, have you figured out what you want?" 

You (barely able to speak out of frustration): "Grandma, seriously money is the best thing for me right now.."

Grammy: "You are too stubborn. I guess I'll just get you coal." 

So, in response to conversations like the one above...... I have no words...  just this: 

I understand that money isn't the cutest or most personal holiday gift, but there are plenty of "insert money here" cards that are definitely cute enough to compensate for the impersonal green paper!

I mean... I'm in college... Money is great... Shoot, you help me pay my rent and you're my new favorite family member! 

So family, if you're reading this...  There will be no love lost if you forego stressful holiday shopping on my behalf. 

I promise I'm not a grinch-- I really have some holiday spirit (but that's another post for another day)!

Happy December, everybody.