Aprilicious is Delicious

It makes me sad

2011-06-18T11:42:00.001-05:00

when I reread some of my old posts and see a picture of a shirt I really like(d), but realize I don't know what happened to it, but if I knew its whereabouts I'd surely wear it out tonight.

Some Pictures Make Me Laugh

2011-05-12T12:55:00.000-05:00

Boston is for Lovers, I mean Runners

2011-04-22T10:56:00.006-05:00

Last Monday, I ran the 115th Boston Marathon. It's hard to describe the experience, but it was amazing. Maybe I was a bit more awestruck than others because I have never done any large competitions. There were 27,000 runners, and the largest road race I've been in had about 7,000. I surprised myself with my time of 3:33.06, which was about a 6.5 minute pr (personal record for those non-runners). I had no goal going into the run, my goal had been to get there (you have to qualify to get to Boston), so I've pleased with my results except, why couldn't I have ran 7 seconds faster and got 3:32?!

It was just an all around brilliant experience. The crowd of runners and the crowd of supporters really made it feel like something big and special was happening, and not at all like everyone is bat-sh** crazy for running 26.2 miles. This was my 3rd marathon, and the second half entailed me shocking myself every mile when I continued to see my splits under 8:30. I usually die a terrible death for a few miles in the second half and was waiting for what would be my black period of the run, but it never came. Not that those last miles were simple, but I just kept trudging along and not fading too badly. Maybe I kept rolling off my continued surprise of how well I was doing, but I like to contribute a lot of that success to the crowd. It really did amaze me how from start to finish there were people non-stop cheering. And I started about 30 minutes behind the first wave of runners, so they were out there for hours supporting the runners. I think their cheers kept the negative thoughts from entering and lingering during the run. I focused on staying positive and relaxed.

(crowd at athlete village)

They say the course is hilly, and it is undulated with rolling hills, but anyone who runs in Arkansas would not think Boston is hilly. The uphills were fine, including the one referred to as Heartbreak Hill. The downhills are what tore me up. My quads are still recovering. Everyone warns not to go out too fast at the first with all the downhills, but I like to give myself a big cushion the first half, so in the last 5 miles I can say, "it's ok, you can run 10 minute miles now and still break 4 hours" (which is always a goal when I do a marathon). Overall, I'd call Boston a good course and one to easily pr on.

As far as the rest of the trip, Boston is a great vacation destination, especially if you like history. It's where our Revolution was planned out and our country was formed. Plus, they have amazing Italian food in the North End, including cannoli's that put you in an euphoric food coma. Also, Sam Adams beer runneth over. So, as long as your love of history and food is bigger than your hate of rude Northeasterners, you should put it on your destination list.

bus lines to get to starting line in Hopkinton, the line was longer than fit in this picture

Faye by a canon on the U.S.S. Constitution - the oldest commissioned warship afloat, "Old Ironsides"

Paul Revere's grave, the Boston Marathon is also ran on Patriot's Day

The Declaration of Independence was read from this balcony

Boston has built a Freedom Trail through the city where you can walk to all the historical sites, you can also have guides dressed up like Revolutionaries give you a tour. I walked/hobbled along it the day after the marathon and stopped at one of the old taverns called the Green Dragon, where the Boston Tea Party was planned. I had a beer and bowl of clam chowder there with a guy dressed like Paul Revere. I think it was the most patriotic moment of my life.

The Virgin Islands are rad

2011-03-22T08:24:00.006-05:00

Justin's brother got married on Magen's Bay Beach in St. Thomas this month. I've never been to the Caribbean, but I'm now focusing all my energy on plotting a way to own a summer home there. It was absolutely beautiful. We stayed at a house, or complex rather, that was once owned by an ambassador. Which, if you have a group of 24 people, is cheaper than staying in hotels there. Plus, there are a lot of food/booze money saving opportunities since the place had 2 full kitchens to prepare meals in. If (when) I return to the Virgin Islands, I will stay on St. John or the British Virgin Islands though. They are less civilized (and not in a rude manner) and cleaner in my opinion (St. Thomas is one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world, some days getting in eight ships). One thing that surprised me was how hilly the islands actually are, (and all the free range chickens). And this translates into very winding, narrow roads, that make your heart stop at least twice in cab rides where you're certain you're about to have a head-on collision. You'll hear a lot of honking from the vehicles, but it's not NYC style mean spirited beeps. It's necessary "hey, I'm around the bend, don't hit me" warnings. I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking for the trip. Oh, and there were delicious mangoes, it was heavenly.

The bride and groom ran into the sea after their nuptials.

View from a hike we did on St. John, a very earned view as the hike was a steep mile up.

For those that know my fear of sharks, this is a very huge acheivement.

Iguana in a tree!

Dig our digs? This is a view from the upper veranda.

Oh, and we did a SEA LION SWIM!! It was more an expensive photo shoot with sea lions, but I loved it. This is Franco.

Panoramic view of Coki Beach.

We got an underwater digital camera (it was a Fuji and pretty inexpensive, and did a good job with the photos). This is my favorite fishy picture.

I'm not close to marriage b/c I'm not pregnant yet

2011-02-16T13:48:00.004-06:00

Because apparently us Johnsons have babies before getting hitched. My sister and brother both had an adorable little nugget and then got engaged/married.

Here's my little nugget Vincent and my little bug Veda:

Best Holiday Photo to Date

2011-01-14T10:38:00.002-06:00

We like to call this one "Sparkle Nip".

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (21 - 14 days late)

I think this is neat and you should do it regardless of your political opinions

2010-12-08T14:20:00.002-06:00

20th Annual Harvest Moon CHAMPIONS!

2010-11-22T10:37:00.002-06:00

Harvest Moon is a ridiculously fun ultimate tournament hosted by Fayetteville around Halloween every year. This year marked 20 years of players coming to our sleepy town and shaking things up. It brought in about 60 teams who all played in costume. This year, my team won the tournament. Our theme was Lady Gaga, which was fun in itself. We got great weather for it being November, and I can't even do the party justice in trying to describe it. I don't think any will top it until possibly next year's Harvest. Another highlight - dog costumes!!! If you wait until after Halloween, costumes at Target are 75% off for the pups.

Malcolm was quite happy to give this lovely princess a ride all day. And Banjo and Malcolm were delighted to be a hot dog and bee the previous night.

when logic sounds good in theory, but then isn't

2010-11-05T08:16:00.003-05:00

Say you attempt to open a bottle of wine and fail miserably. You break the cork up into all sorts of pieces and eventually have to shove what's left of it inside the bottle. Then you think, "well I can't re-cork this, so I should drink it all." That sounds reasonable enough. But no, you'd be wrong, and also you'd feel like you tried to drink an entire bottle of wine the next day.

(I swear I'm not a wino, despite this post and the gnat wine post.)

This is really awesome and really depressing

2010-11-01T14:33:00.003-05:00

Getting into the Boston Marathon is really awesome, the third column in this entries list is not so much...

Though I'm not 30 yet, this was the first time I saw it glaring at me in the face. I remember the time when I had to start checking the 25-29 box for my age; that was a sad moment too, but nothing like this.

I Drank Drunk Gnats

2010-10-19T10:03:00.003-05:00

We've had a swarm of gnats in the house the past couple days (probably because we left doors open and crumbs out). Last night, I discovered a bottle of wine that had been opened the previous night had not been closed. At first I was sad face, but then I was happy face when I tried it and it did not taste like vinegar. I proceeded to enjoy a couple glasses with dinner. While enjoying my third post dinner glass, I set it down briefly. When I picked it back up, I noticed a few gnats floating around in it. My reaction was, "OMG, look how many gnats flew into my wine in the brief time it was sitting on the table." Justin's reaction was, "Are you sure those gnats didn't fly into the wine bottle that had been sitting open on the counter all night?" I instantly knew he had to be right and my stomach dropped. I peaked into the bottle and saw that a few extra ingredients had indeed found their way into the wine. My excitement over it not turning to vinegar was quickly replaced again with sad face for being turned into gnat swimming pool and the thought of how many little protein pills I had just ingested.

But really, it isn't that bad except I just have an extra step now before I drink the rest of the wine: gnat fishin'!

I've been inspired...

2010-10-19T09:58:00.002-05:00

to start blogging again. It's a shame this didn't happen sooner because the past year has had some gems (I went to Italy for one).

A sign you need a new career path

2009-01-21T09:21:00.004-06:00

When poems like this about the industry you are in get forwarded around the office:

TRANSPORTATION POEM

Last night as I lay sleeping,
I died or so it seems.

Then I went to Heaven
But it was only in my dream.

But it seems St. Peter met me,
there at the Pearly Gate.

He said, "I must check your record,,
So stand right here and wait."

I see where you drank alcohol,
And swore quite often too.

Fact is you've done many things
That a good person shouldn't do.

We can't have people like you up here,
Your life was full of sin.

Then he read the last of my record,
Grasped my hand and said, "come in."

He took me to the big boss,
Said "Take him and treat him well."

He worked in transportation, Sir.
He's had his share of HELL

(So if I get fired today, maybe it won't too terrible afterall.)

Fun Times at Work

2009-01-16T10:27:00.002-06:00

Today, my right contact fell out on my way to work. I couldn't find it and can only see decently if I close my right eye. My co-worker noticed and made me an eye patch to wear, which actually helps. Arrggh. I'm a pirate.

Today, I had to go to the bathroom. When I did, I realize I put my panties on inside out (maybe this can be related to the lost contact). Arrggh. I'm an idiot.

There's more than one important birthday in December!

2008-12-20T15:36:00.005-06:00

I've made it a point to celebrate my birthday at least three times during my birthday week. It's the best way for me to come to terms with the fact my youth is leaving me fast.

Birthday 1: Trip to Kansas City

I went up to KC to visit some super awesome people who treated me like a princess and gave me the royal treatment for the night, starting by giving me Gerbera Daisies (my favorites!)

We went to a country bar where I rode a mechanical bull for the first time. Turns out there is one situation where wearing spandex isn't the best choice afterall. (It's when you don't want to be sliding around on a mechanical bull.) Needless to say my rodeo dreams are shattered.

The bull was followed up by dancing to 80s and early 90s music until 3 in the morning, which really is probably the best thing to do ever (especially when you have a gaggle of good looking mens to shake it with).

I highly recommend a trip to Kansas City. They take you to dinner, buy you cake and ice cream, and cook you breakfast the next day there. Thanks Val.

Birthday 2: Crunkfest in Fayetteville

We went out to Electro night at George's and I got some good dancing in yet again. BUT, I also got some good shots in, which is why you only see one picture below of Shenan, Laura, and I throwing out our Blue Steel faces. I didn't even make it until midnight. Shenan was able to pour a bunch of pepper flakes used on pizza in my mouth though before I left, so that was fun.

Birthday 3: Dinner with the fam at Sho Gun

We had a good time. The chef made a dead lobster act like a puppet and say "happy birthday" to me. It made me feel special. You know what else made me feel special? The food poisoning I got the next day.

It wasn't a good idea anyway

2008-12-04T14:10:00.001-06:00

When my last lease was up, my brother and I decided to be roommates. And it's actually worked out pretty well. You have no problem telling your sibling the roommate grievances that you sometimes hold back from friends. But last night, I woke up to the banchee wails of a lady coming from his bedroom. I tried to ignore it, but couldn't fall back asleep. I then hoped this would be a 5-7 minute rendevous, but alas it was not (I guess props to my bro - no! gross, gross, gross). I got up and turned off the hall light so he could see that I was awake and then silence his beast, but he did not. So, I yelled, "God damnit, Paul!" Pure silence, and I drifted back to sleep, my ears bleeding from hearing my kid brother knocking boots with the bar banchee.

A lesson in toasts

2008-11-25T16:50:00.004-06:00

Nick teaches us for what we should raise our glasses, and for what we should not.

SAVC = Saturday Afternoon Vest Club

2008-11-15T19:20:00.005-06:00

Requirements for joining are: 1. free Saturday afternoon, and 2. vest. Okay, there's a third, you have to want to party like we do. I'd tell you more about it, but it is all top secret official club information. You'll have to become a member to learn more.

Here's an incentive for membership; BJ's impression of a turtle.

I am weird and can't believe I'm posting this!

2008-10-24T13:48:00.003-05:00

BUT, i feel it is way too funny to keep this gem to myself. So, the following picture is the result of the following phone conversation:

BJ: Come hang out with me and JC

April: Ok, but I want to change first in case we go out

BJ: You should wear as little as possible

At first I thought about showing up in a hula skirt and bikini, but that would just be way too ridiculous. I went with this better option, an outfit I haven't worn since summer after freshman year of HIGHSCHOOL. Zoinks!

We then spent the rest of the night figuring out how to make the photo file smaller so it would fit perfectly on JC's roommate's desktop background, but Mac's are stupid. Right clicks rule!

Back to Milwaukee

2008-10-23T22:34:00.005-05:00

Our regionals were in Milwaukee. We got new jerseys. Green looks good on us (but seriously, what color wouldn't?)!

We actually played really well on Saturday and made it to the semi-finals, but then lost to the number one seed. I left the weekend feeling like Hayride is on the right track for becoming the team we are wanting to be (i.e. nationals attending). Warm fuzzies for everyone.

We won sectionals and homecoming!

2008-10-05T17:41:00.004-05:00

Last weekend, I went to Lawrence, KS, where Hayride won sectionals. This weekend, I went to Tulsa, where TU won its homecoming game against Rice.

Lawrence went well, but I left a good chunk of my knee skin on the fields.

The new stadium and campus entrance are really nice. I'm glad the current students are able to enjoy the $80,000 I gave to the school all those years ago (ok, I was on scholarship, but am still bitter).

I play dodgeball and get put in the paper

2008-09-29T15:07:00.002-05:00

The five rules of dodgeball:

Dodge
Duck
Dip
Dive
and
Dodge

http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Style/238813

Fun with animals

2008-09-18T06:25:00.005-05:00

Malcolm is available for hire should you be attacked by any killer vacuums.

Moth sacrificing to ensure a good harvest.

Mas ceremonias

2008-09-08T21:01:00.007-05:00

Over the past month, I went to two weddings. One of my team mates got hitched in front of the shark tank at the aquarium in Tulsa, and one of my cousins tied the knot in Griswold, IA. I was able to get over my fear of sharks, but developed a new fear of corn fields...

Sharks are scary and want to eat you:

Alligator riding:

Oh Hayride:

Clara had ACL surgery 3 days before the wedding, but she still walked down the aisle:

These turtles are stacked:

On to Iowa. My cousin and her family:

Children in formal attire is almost the cutest thing ever:

Here is Griswold, where my parents grew up. This is almost the entire town:

Like I said, the cutest thing ever!

My grandma and my brother. You might think you have the best grandma in the world, but you are wrong, it's mine.

Debit card shake up

2008-07-29T07:14:00.002-05:00

I couldn't find my debit card after going out Friday night. I went to Tulsa on Saturday for a Hayride scrimmage and Tulsa summer league tournament (my team won -woot!). On the way back, the car I'm in decided to get some Taco Bell. I ask my friend Justin if he will spot me since I have no access to my money. He does. Monday, eager to find out how much I spent on Friday night and where (mainly because I don't remember buying any drinks while out), I check my account online. There I find a charge for a Taco Bell in Tulsa. I call Justin to tell him to check his wallet for my debit card to see if I paid for the Taco Bell I got him to spot me. He did. The end.

I'm going to the Olympics vicariously

2008-06-23T09:44:00.002-05:00

I know a handful of people who have competed in the Olympics, but no one ever that close to me...until now. One of my bff's (proof of our friendship can be found here) is going to Beijing in the triathlon! Congrats Sarah! Read about how studly and awesome she is at http://www.sarahhaskins.com.

I'm a winner too though. Today when I put in my $0.40 for coffee, the machine started beeping and gave me my money back. The screen said, "winner," and I got a free cup of joe.

The best team photo ever

2008-06-18T11:47:00.003-05:00

My favorite part is Wax pouring beer on himself.

This past weekend, I went to a tournament in Versailles, OH, called Poultry Days. It is my favorite tournament to date thus far (surpassing Grub in Boulder and Trouble in Vegas). Two facts were quite reinforced while there:
1. I am still pretty bad out of shape
2. I need a breathalyzer on my cell phone

Also, Scott, Joel, and I made up the best version of roshambo on the way over: human, goat, beer (beer kills human, human eats goat, goat eats beer can) - remember your sound effects.

I don't feel like giving a big shake down of our results, but here's a brief summary. Overall, we did well; going 3-2 the first day and 1-1 the second. Out of the three games we lost, we should have definitely won one, maybe won another, and definitely lost the third. We didn't have the depth/numbers I think needed to be more competitive in a tournament like this, but we did have the booze needed to get Karl to run around in a chicken suit. I feel pretty victorious.

Pics from Memorial Day including a dancing midget's back

2008-06-07T09:33:00.020-05:00

I stole pics and video from a friends camera (sadly, I have been lazy about sending mine off for repair).

Here's the dancing midget from Milwaukee...and an even smaller midget next to him in a red shirt (j slash k Blake). I tried to dance with the short friend, but he was not having it. I guess he prefers to dance alone.

Here are two ex-roommates who just can't get their smiles coordinated:

The TU distance team minus a few key players circa 2002:

This is from the bachelor party. I wasn't there, but enjoy watching Justin learning a sad lesson about beer mugs while Tad makes a smart decision on beer stealing.

This is the picture that resulted from...

this:

Derek likes shots:

Haha, not really.

This is the aftermath...

2008-06-04T12:34:00.002-05:00

of a driver calling me on Monday to tell me his truck caught on fire while he was driving down the road (in case you don't know, I work in the transportation industry).

And the cause of the fire?

a MATTRESS!?!

Memorial Day means wedding time

2008-05-27T12:51:00.002-05:00

I am convinced that I will be forever spending the rest of my Memorial Day weekends attending weddings. But, that's okay because I love my friends and weddings are fun. This past weekend I was in Milwaukee where two of my former TU track teammates got hitched. And since I have not fixed my camera yet, there will be no pictures until I can steal them from my friends' facebooks once they post them.

Two important lessons were learned this weekend:

1. Guns save lives (this is according to the signage posted all over highway 55 in Illinois)

2. Open bars lead to my demise at weddings (this is according to the hour I spent passed out in the bathroom at the reception)

And though it was super magnificent to see all my friends from college who I always miss tremendously and we had a great time, the highlight of the trip goes to the dancing midget we saw when we went out in Milwaukee on Saturday night. I tried to dance with him, but he was not having it. Midgets must prefer to dance alone.

Finally, don't rent cars from Enterprise. When you request an economy car with unlimited miles, they give you a gas guzzler and try to charge you more than what Expedia quoted to you when you tell them you are driving to Wisconsin. A bunch of crooks I tell you!

Put the tally at two

2008-03-23T19:32:00.005-05:00

That tally of course being the stupid challenges I've accepted at work. The first was an attempt to drink a gallon of milk without throwing up in an hour, which is largely impossibe (though I've heard of a few people successfully accomplishing it). My attempt resulted in throwing up two-thirds of a gallon of milk after 35 minutes. It looked like cottage cheese. Ewwww, TMI?

The most recent adventure was to count the number of goose eggs in a nest for six dollars. Easy enough, right? I had been warned that this goose is mean and chases all passers by violently, but whatever, I can handle getting hissed at by a goose while it flaps its wings at me. However, this is not a goose, this is an evil demonic devil being. As I approached the nest, he was on the nearby pond, so I thought I was easily in the clear and he wasn't even paying attention to me. Wrong. As soon as I was within 50 feet of the nest, the demon beast jetted across the water and got close to me on the shore. But when got there, he pretended not to pay attention to me and proceeded to peck around at the ground, so I then proceeded on my quest. My mistake was losing eye contact with the animal because as soon as my back was turned to him, the demon beast summoned up his black magic to fly into the air and then dive bomb the back of my head. Luckily, my peripheral vision was able to see the beast in enough time to drop to the ground before he could pierce the back of my skull with his deathly demon beak. After falling, I took my shoes off, ran up to the nest, couldn't count the eggs because the demon beast's bride was atop it, and then returned to my desk to the applause and mostly laughter of at least 30 of my co-workers. Apparently, my dignity goes for $6.

And today, I got a new challenge presented to me. Have you ever heard of people trying to eat a tablespoon of cinammon at once? Apparently, it's difficult. I haven't decided if I'm going to accept, but if I do, I'll make sure to have a camera present because if I had one on me during the goose adventure, I'd for sure have one $10,000 on AFV.

Lakmé

2008-03-01T10:32:00.003-06:00

I went to go see this opera last night, and though I feel it was a failed attempt to recreate Romeo and Juliet in 19th century British occupied India, and Lakmé (spoiler alert) jumps the gun when she eats the poisonous flower, the music is quite beautiful. Here is some culture for all of you. I give you the famous Flower Duet.

And in other music news, here is a parody:

I like them black squirrels
I like them white squirrels
I like them Asian squirrels
I like them mixed race squirrels
I like them Spanish squirrels
I like them Italian squirrels
I like them French squirrels
And I like Scandinavian squirrels

I like them tall squirrels
I like them short squirrels
I like them brown hair squirrels
I like them blonde hair squirrels
I like them big squirrels
I like them skinny squirrels
I like them carrying a little bitty weight squirrels

I bet while reading this, you were thinking, "Oh look, April got all sophisticated and cultured on me, but wait, nope, there it is. That squirrel business. She's still just as immature and ridiculous as ever."

Calvin Harris likes me!

2008-02-26T20:34:00.012-06:00

I fit into at least four, if not more, of his categories:

I like them black girls
I like them white girls (1)
I like them Asian girls
I like them mixed race girls
I like them Spanish girls
I like them Italian girls
I like them French girls
And I like Scandinavian girls

I like them tall girls (2)
I like them short girls
I like them brown hair girls (3)
I like them blonde hair girls
I like them big girls
I like them skinny girls
I like them carrying a little bitty weight girls (4)

It's always sad when a hot song has only a mild video to match it, but yeah, Calvin Harris = hot tunes. Unfortunately, this relationship won't work out because as his song suggests, he isn't ready to settle down, which of course will only make me like him more because I fall the hardest for the following: a**holes, players, and guys who are unavailable emotionally, geographically, and/or sexually. It's better for this to end before it even starts and give it a few years when we're on the same page, or it will get ugly. Of course by then, I'll either have moved on or will stop liking him because he is now available. Yes, I already know our relationship is going to stay strictly musician and happy listener, sometimes dancer.

And here is the reason I cancelled my newspaper subscription, but I told the paper it was because I was moving. I didn't want to be pressured in adding to my recycle bin. If you receive a present from me in the upcoming year, expect it to be wrapped in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

Crunk juice is cheap

2008-02-23T12:32:00.005-06:00

Want your bar tab to be only $5? Go up to the bar tender and order 6 shots of "crunk juice". When he/she asks what "crunk juice" is, tell him/her that it's whatever he/she wants it to be. He/she will then pour you six shots of something delicious and a shot of tequila (in case one of your friends is diabetic and can't have sugar), and when you tab out, the bill you expect to be over $30 will only be $5. AND if there's a bowl of candy around, fill your purse full of it so you can pass it out to the bar goers next door.

There are holidays in February

2008-02-14T12:21:00.011-06:00

Unfortunately this February, unlike the past three, Kristy and I were unable to get together to make our infamous Valentine's Day cards. Not to worry, there are plenty of upcoming holidays we plan on helping you celebrate with paper, glitter, and glue in the near future, but for now I leave you with these celebratory wishes on Cupid's favorite day and Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite month (and I know there was a holiday on the 2nd celebrating a rodent, but I am boycotting that one because the rodent said there will be 6 more weeks of winter). Much love to you all in February!

You're the rookie, I'm MVP

2008-02-11T11:54:00.021-06:00

The beginning of this month marked the official end of my rookie year of playing ultimate. I went back to the same tournament that started me down this crazy quest of chasing plastic circles all over the country, Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge. Some of my Hayride teammates and I picked up with the Arkansas women's team, SoCo. Super fun girls. We did really well, losing in the semi-finals, and now I'm pumped for this upcoming club season. We got a little taste of club level of competition in Baton Rouge during our semi-finals, and I'm ready to start playing good teams again. (Why is Fall so far away?) I will say that, though last year I started the dancing on the bar at the party, I had a very poor showing the entire weekend when it came to the party. I'll admit it, I was lame. I slept on the ride down in the PARTY VAN, and only showed my face for one song at the party Saturday night before going to bed.

Day one was cake. We won all the games in our pool quite easily, though TSUnami probably could have given us a run for our money if they had played lines to win. It seemed like they were giving their new players more experience rather than keeping all their ringers in. The great thing about the first day was our field. It had about 3 big muddy puddles that provided an excellent venue for some laying out at the end of the day. The last point we played on Saturday became the "layout point". We put a line on who was still clean and the rule was that everyone had to layout before we could score, which was pretty funny because it caused girls to layout for discs that were not layoutable.

I'm also going to give some props to Callahan from day one. He made the most spectacular catch I've ever seen and probably will ever see. Yeah, that's a bold statement, but it was a bold catch. The disc was put in the corner of the end zone, and somehow it managed to get through two defenders who were layout criss-crossing through the air. And also somehow, Cally managed to dive into that mix, snatch the disc, and land in. When all three fell, there was a brief silence by the crowd in anticipation of what the heck just happened. I was expecting a major injury. But Cally popped up, disc in hand, catching the game ending point.

That night, we had crawfish, and they were deeeee-licious. Though Jeffy Bear was uncomfortable eating something with a face.

Then there was the party, and for the brief period I was there, it was great. And from the stories I heard the next morning, it was excellent. Except the part where my teammate fell into a fire and severely burnt her hand. I was awoke at 4 in the morning to an emergency trip to Wal-green's to tend to a marbled, singed hand. You see, some boys (mainly Karl) started playing in the fire, which inspired my (sober) teammate to jump across it. Problem was that pesky fire ring tripping her and causing her to brace herself on a piece of metal that had been holding burning fire for hours.

How to play in fire:

How not to play in fire:

I was a little disappointed in myself with day 2. I take back everything I said earlier about my throwing in Vegas. I think I found a mental issue (good thing it's my only one). My throws were awful. I will say I am pleased with my defense though. I even had my first layout d, which was exciting and came at a crucial point in the semis. Yes, I'll say what you're thinking, I'm a badass. Good thing I'm humble. Anyway, again, we won the first two games quite easily on day 2 to get us to the semi-finals. The fields we played on for those first two games were just pure mud, and smelly. Luckily, we got to move to less muddy fields for the semis, which turned out to be one of my favorite games I've played yet. We played Wisconsin Madison, and Hayride had seen a lot of that team as Madison Jazz at Heavyweights. That was a tough game there, so I knew our cake walk had ended. We lost 10-8 in the cap. We did so well with them because our defense was on fire (just like Amanda's hand). I was really proud of our girls, they brought the heat (I can't stop now with the fire puns, help!). It was obvious Wisconsin had played together a lot. Their offense was so much prettier and organized and just flowed, unlike ours. Our cuts were crowded and we never were able to find a flow, and those girls were good. They had only had 3 points scored on them by a team until us, so their defense was tough also. I am now 100% convinced the key to a successful team is playing together as much as possible. I guess that's pretty obvious though. The only thing that kept us in that game was how much we stepped up our defense. It was glorious, like my layout d!

On the way back home, we stopped at a random sports bar in Alexandria to watch part of the Superbowl. We were the white minority there, which was made even more obvious by singing along with Tom Petty during the half time show. The entire bar collectively laughed at the scene as the whities were Free Fallin'.

One more note, don't fall asleep in the Party Van. You might just wake up to an emergency hand burn, or you could wake up to find that your driver picked up HITCH HIKERS!! It's never a good situation to wake up to find a strange man and woman next to you. Luckily, they were only with us for about 60 miles. Oh yeah, and luckily, they didn't rob and/or murder us.

Decision '08

2008-02-08T08:08:00.001-06:00

What you've all been waiting for: what's April giving up for Lent? I decided to go with sodas, a.k.a. pop, soft drinks, and especially cokes around these parts. This should be a tough challenge, and hopefully it will be the beginning of the end of my love affair with Dr. Pepper. And I don't plan on being one of those people who say you can cheat on Sundays. (And no, I'm not Catholic, but I was raised Lutheran, and that's just a step down really.)

Don't say I never took you places

2008-01-30T20:41:00.001-06:00

So, I haven't been updating as much as I would like. What happened to the holidays? They rocked around the Christmas tree and then around midnight, and it was a good time. But this will be a good start to 2008:

It was to my horror that I realized I hadn't gone to Vegas once in 2007, so it was to my delight that an ultimate tournament brought me back. The tournament was good stuff. Honestly, I wish our level of play had been a bit higher, but we had low numbers, and did I mention we were in LAS VEGAS? When it comes down to winning a tournament that doesn't get you to nationals versus playing harder on the strip and not winning, the latter sounds like the true winner anyway. The team was a hodpodge of players, some of us had played together, most of us had not and it showed. It took awhile for us to find a flow (our very last game), so after our first game we decided to live up to the first half of our name, Liquor and Cleats, by drinking some gin swirls and doing keg stands. (To our credit, the one game we won out of our three on the first day was our last one, after the majority of our team had been liquoring. Perhaps, getting wasted is the key to our success...though I'm not sure saying one plays better while wasted is something to be proud of.)

Sheena made us sparkly dresses to play in, so I can add another tournament to my list of tournaments where I wore a dress/partial dress. I like to think of day one on the fields as just one, big, hot mess.

I was super pumped when we finished play on Saturday. I have a good friend who lives in Vegas who knows people who know people who own 1/3 of the nightclub Pure in Ceasar's. I had it arranged for our crew to get in VIP. It was going to be the mutt's nuts. Well don't get me started on that night. Turns out I got back to the house to discover I didn't have my purse, which means I had no money or identification. I went back to the fields and scoured them for it, but no luck. I didn't panic yet and was hoping it'd show up in the lost and found, and since I was going in with VIPs to the club, I wouldn't get carded, so no biggie, right? Wrong. Because my problem was that I was with frisbee folks, who when told, "meet me at the club at 10:30," think, "I'll show up at midnight." During our wait, the VIPs got bored, and decided not to go to the club anymore. So once my friends showed, they got them in, but didn't go in as well, which meant no go for me. I think the bouncer said something like, "I'll let you in, but I'll get fired for it, but you are so cute it's worth it." I replied, "No, I couldn't have that weighing down my conscience so I'll just go home." Well, maybe it wasn't quite like that, but I'll reiterate: April waiting for friends = not getting to club; if April had left friends, it would = sweet night at Pure. I know everyone did have a good time, and I was only partially bitter. I had a good night at the house anyway (wink, wink), so it's all gravy baby. Below is a picture of Kate and Champagne at the end of the night. You know they had a night well spent. You're welcome.

Day two on the fields was a bit ridiculous. Half of our team and half of the team we should have been playing at nine were MIA or passed out in vehicles. The other team had more people show up eventually, so we forfeited, 15 minutes too soon. Our crew rolled up to play, but we had already lost. We scrimmaged that team some and would have definitely beat them. The next team we should have played had to leave, so we didn't get to play them. We played our third game and won quite easily. I was again disappointed with the lack of actual ultimate playing, but I did notice that my throws have improved significantly, so that's positive. I think I gained some confidence in them, which has made a huge difference. After the fields, we went back to the house and got in the hot tub. Being in the hot tub inspired the brilliant idea of taking a bubble bath. And my brilliant idea was put into action because it just so happened one of the guys had strawberries and cream bubble bath (this really sealed the deal on my love for him). Now, here's where I have to question the sexuality of some of the guys staying with us in the house. Vikki and I got in the tub and only one guy came to join us. That guy is now proclaimed the king of the ballers. And that bath was plush, just like the rest of the house, which I don't think I've given proper homage to yet (it was baller, if you want to see pics of it, become friends with Matt Ellsworth on facebook).

The bubble bath was great, except for our jet issues. I think people were messing with us, but it may have been the SoCo and sprite. After bath time, Vik, Joel, Sean, and I went to the Bellagio (sigh) and went to the club, The Bank. It was really nice and we had a good time. The drinks were super expensive, but we were in Vegas. We tipped the bouncer $40 to let us cut line and we got in and didn't have to pay covers. We danced until our feet hurt and then headed back to the house. Sean and I thought it would be cute to match (not really).

Playing slots for free drinks before the club:

And then it was time to leave...or was it? Remember how I lost my id briefly? In that period I had called the airlines to let them know of my situation. My plan was to get my passport overnighted if it didn't show up, and then get the next flight I could. The airlines had me reserved for two potential spots, my original flight, and a flight leaving Tuesday morning. I was to call them 3 hours before my flight on Monday and let them know which one I needed. So, I called to find out I didn't have my reservation on Monday's flight and would be leaving on Tuesday morning, and oh yeah, I owed them $75 for the plane change. Whaaaa??? I tried to give them my debit card to pay for the flight, but it wouldn't go through; either because it hadn't reactivated from when I reported it lost, or the idiots at the airline wouldn't put in my billing address when I told them they had my dad's info in their system. So I called daddy (that's what I call him when I want something) and he paid the $75, tah-dah! I was spending another night in Vegas. I have a friend who lives there, so I had a place to stay. I spent most of the day watching my birthday partner (that means we have the same birthday) win (and then lose) at poker at the Wynn. But, I spent part of the day winning $250 playing black jack, woot! We ended the day eating a dank dinner at Spago, and yes, I got a second dose of the most amazing mashed potatoes ever.

So the moral of this story is: lose your id briefly in Vegas and you will get to eat delicious mashed potatoes with your cute birthday partner.

What puppies are good for

2007-12-10T19:47:00.001-06:00

1. A loyal friend

2. Unconditional love

3. Snuggling

4. Barking at strangers

5. Drinking out of your toilet on Sunday mornings and then jumping on your bed and throwing up on it

Music is my hot, hot s*x

2007-11-30T01:43:00.000-06:00

I've decided that saying "my pleasure" is way (and I totally mean valley girl "way") better than saying "you're welcome". "You're welcome" sounds so obligatory and ingenuine, but "my pleasure" just restores faith in mankind. It is much better and I'm pushing for the use of it. AND speaking of Christmas, the lights on the Square in Fayetteville are lit and you can take a ride on a camel around the block. What better way to celebrate the birth of our Savior, a ride on a hump around a block.

When it's awesome to have a roommate who knows what "the recovery position" is

2007-11-19T18:31:00.000-06:00

When you come crawling in your living room, pass out face down, and start vomitting but refuse to move. It's good to know your roommate knows how to place you in a position that will keep you from choking to death while the contents of your stomach are heaved onto the floor, you know, in case such a thing should ever happen and you need to know what that crunchy stuff in your hair is.

A maybe false promise and more bullet points

2007-10-31T21:49:00.001-05:00

So, I'm attempting to update my blog again, so I'll start by a brief update of the summer and fall. It can mostly be summed up by traveling to a bunch of ultimate frisbee tournaments, sometimes playing in odd outfits, getting a puppy, spending a week in Colorado, and then the normal shenanigans and rowdiness.

Let's begin.

Meet the new love of my life, Malcolm. He's the cutest most smartest pup out there. AND he'll cuddle without requiring you to put out first.

I played frisbee this fall with some sweet chicks on the inaugural year for the team Hayride. We ended up 4th at Regionals, and I feel big things for us in the future. I had a particularly great time at the Chicago Heavy Weights tournament where our team most definitely won the party (golf cart theft was involved) and our pool. I also got some free fleece pants because I am so cute. Sectionals was a good time too. A detour on the way led to a casino, which led to an extra $80 in my pocket. And all I'm saying about Regionals is that I slept in car in a hotel parking lot. Make assumptions, but they'd probably only be half right.

This is me playing frisbee in a fishnet dress. Turns out I will play in almost anything when my alcohol blood level exceeds a certain percent. That number is yet to be determined.

Ah, Hayride!

I got to spend a week in Aspen also with some of my most best friends in August. Colorado is the bomb dot com! Yeah, I said it. Unfortunately my camera is still broken and my most bestest friends ever did not do a good job sharing their pics.

And then there was Halloween, aka dress up like a slut and not be judged harshly.

I don't know why I feel the need to dance at elevation, but I sure do.

Then there was a frisbee tournament, where each team dressed up in costume. Our theme was Amish.

But there was a costume party at night and I was a sailor (questionable) and continued to play in the costume on Sunday. A girl's hair got caught in my anchors.

And of course, there had to be a recent "everyone wear a dress and then let's have a photo shoot" night.

This is the face I would make if I was in a bubblegum commercial:

Also, I am getting into my new job. I just got a raise and bonus! Woot! Though with the economy the way it is, my industry is very shaky, which has led to a lot of moving around in the company, so since April, I've had 3 new bosses. And I super hate the bathrooms at work because the automatic flushers on the toilets are super sensitive and I hate the fact that the toilet flushes at least three times before it should.

Okay, so no bullet points, but I put "maybe" in the title. I hope this is the beginning of the resurgence of this blog. Just a little less than I hope the writer strike ends!

Where did the month go?

2007-06-06T18:19:00.000-05:00

I feel like the dust might finally be settling and I've adjusted to my new environment here in the 'sas. It has been a non-stop social whirlwind since the move, the highlights being a friend's 30th birthday party (which was actually back in Tulsa) and surprise! two weddings. Unfortunately (or rather fortunately) my camera is not working so this will be solely a verbal post, and since my Internet time is now heavily limited and my ability to effectively portray these events is subpar, I will give those of you interested enough in my ongoings the highlights of this first month back in Fayetteville in chronological bulleted format:

Birthday party in Tulsa
Seeing new friends
Nice dinner
Dancing until 8 in the morning (I somehow managed to end up in men's underwear, a sports bra, and kimono)
Wedding number 1
Seeing good friends
Upholding bridesmaid duties and getting to become a pretty princess by getting my hair and nails all did
Upholding bridesmaid duties by diving and sliding across tables at reception
Swimming at apartment complex at 3 in the morning
Losing car and shoes and having to walk through downtown Tulsa barefoot looking like a homeless person in pajamas who just found a fancy bridesmaid dress in the dumpster
Wedding number 2
Seeing good friends
Penis antlers at a bachelorette party attracting enough guys to pay for all the drinks
Bonfire at Goshen
Drunkest wedding reception I've ever attended
Terrible rendition of Jessie's Girl I attempted to sing on stage at reception
Playing frisbee in high heels
All day couch and eat-a-thon
Sunday night drag show and dancing
Treehouse extravaganza
12 hour sleep on Monday night while all the dust fell to the floor

Ha! I DO make a difference.

2007-04-22T10:18:00.000-05:00

An email i got from one the kids I coached (by the way, I strongly recommend coaching if you ever get the opportunity, especially with moments like these):

hey april! i just wanted to say thank for all that you have done for me, you are awesome. you have no idea how much you mean to me, and how much you have affected my life. i am really going to miss you. i dont know what my life would be like without you and mr hudgens, you guys have taught me so much, not only on the track, but in life. you are hilaroius, and we make a great team =] i cannot even think of all the funny moments we have had together! ahh, i will miss you so much. i really enjoyed having you around, we had so much fun together. you have no idea how muc more special you have made my life, i always looked forward to seeing you at track, i knew that we would be cracking up the whole entire time =0 you are awesome, thanks a ton

A review of Tulsa

2007-04-11T15:53:00.000-05:00

So, I'm packing up and leaving Tulsa. Reality has most definitely NOT set in yet, and whenever I start to get sad or nostalgic about leaving, I just push the thoughts to the back of my mind to be dealt with later. No use crying over spilt milk?

Here, I share with you what I will miss the most about Tulsa (these are in no particular order, except the first one):

1. My amazing friends. Words truly can't describe it.
2. Coaching and all my track kids.
3. The rock and roll, halibut tacos, and strawberry shortcake from In the Raw.
4. Thursday night frisbee.
5. Big Mama margaritas from Senior Tequilas.
6. Riverside - I've ran over a thousand miles on that path.
7. The zoo.
8. Burger nights at McNellie's.
9. Karaoke on Thursday nights with Bubbles.
10. The jalapeno poppers at the VI on Harvard.
11. Brookside.
12. Cherry Street.
13. Downtown.
14. Thirsty Thursdays and firework nights at the Drillers.
15. Cain's Ballroom.
16. Woodward Park.
17. QT.
18. 18th and Boston.
19. The amazing mullet sightings.
20. Working at a place with completely unmonitored Internet.

Here is what I won't miss about this place:

1. The GD terrible drivers who don't know what an effing turning indicator, aka "blinker", is.

That's one way...

2007-04-10T11:37:00.000-05:00

...to get out of having to come up with about ten minutes worth of writing for what I'm going to call one of the weirdest shows on television. I really don't understand how Passions, a soap opera on NBC, is still on the air. It's baffling. The writing and acting is terrible, and the whole premise is just unbelievable. But, it did guest star the Scissor Sisters (who I am definitely digging on these days), which is an interesting marketing ploy on their end. That's one way to tap into a probably previously unconsidered target. I'd be curious to see if their sales increased slightly after this brilliant cameo...

Just like Jesus

2007-04-06T08:52:00.000-05:00

Last summer, to my horror, I was told that Village Inn was no longer carrying jalapeno poppers, and it shattered my tastebuds...and my soul. But, they have arisen! It's a late night eating miracle. I went to VI last night, or rather early this morning, and the first thing I noticed was their vamped up menus. The second and more important thing I noticed was the fine print. Under the appetizer section. They were there. It said "jalapeno poppers". I had to ask my friends to make sure it wasn't hopeful reading on my part, but it wasn't. I was overjoyed and all seemed right in the world. I couldn't really express to the group how major the historical event we were taking place in was: the return of the poppers. I ordered a basket, and just when I thought I couldn't be more happy, the order came. Poppers used to come with only five in a basket, but when I stared down at my long lost loves, there were 10 glorious nuggets of goodness awaiting my devouring. It truly was a Good Friday, except for the part where I scalded half the roof of my mouth off by being too impatient to wait for them to cool off.

(I'll probably gain five pounds within a month now too. Luckily/unluckily, no VI can make poppers as well as the one on Harvard in Tulsa, so I won't be around often enough to clog my arteries with popper cream cheese.)

I definitely won't miss the elevators

2007-04-03T13:09:00.000-05:00

If next time you see me and you think my calves are looking a little bigger, it's because the elevators haven't been working in my building and I have been climbing 12 flights of stairs in heels. Also, if next time you see me and I look a bit scratched up, it's because last night a dog and a cat decided to have a fight...on my face, while I was asleep.

Finally, mystery solved

2007-03-30T10:54:00.000-05:00

One of the many (yes, I said "many") great things about Tulsa is the ballet. I think it is superb, especially coming from a city Tulsa's size. So anyway, a couple years ago I went to my first Tulsa ballet performance and mid-pirouette I wondered if male ballerinas were called ballerinos. Everyone I've queried up until last night was not sure, and I've never been bothered to do any research into the matter either. So it was to my upmost delight that last night I met a member of the Tulsa ballet and was able to ask him if male ballerinas are called ballerinos. I am almost 100% positive that I semi-offended him and 100% positive that he thinks I am a moron, BUT, the answer to my question that has plagued me for almost three years is "no". Male ballerinas are simply called dancers. I also call them majorly hot, but unfortunately, I have to call most of them majorly gay as well.

Meet the new loves of my life

2007-03-28T08:57:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, I went to Little Rock to play in an ultimate frisbee tournament. It looks like I am picking up this sport (if I can ever learn how to throw the disc). I played with the newly formed Tulsa women club team. It has a lot of talent, so I'm uber, wicked, mad, hella excited to be playing with them. I will be able to learn quite a bit from those ladies, and I think once the team gets organized and starts playing together, we will be some hot competition. This weekend, however, we only had 7 girls and one got injured, so we were playing only 6 the entire time. For those who don't know, ultimate is played 7 on 7, which means we were one man down and had no subs. We went 3-1 the first day, and then lost our first game the second. I then picked up with the Tulsa guys and played one co-ed game, which we won. If anything, this weekend was a great workout. There was a party Saturday night, but it was lame and not even worth the mention it just received.

Some fine Tulsa frisbee folk:

Six lovely ladies on the line:

Me, trying to get Nick to sit on my hand. I have no shame:

I have also been dog sitting for a friend lately. This dog plays the adorable puppy role quite well, but he is really shy and skittish. He also likes to pace around in circles as if he will meet his doom if he stops.

Oh yeah, I am also moving back to Arkansas. I got a new job in an unexpected turn of events, but will start working there and then soon be going back to school to get my MBA. It's only a matter of time until I will be taking over the world, so now is the time for you to get in my good graces. I'm not the type to forget the little people.

Fur wraps are haute

2007-03-22T14:48:00.000-05:00

And so are these Australians. Lately, I've been into a lot of U.K. indie rock (The Kooks, Editors, Fratellis, Magic Numbers, Idlewild, Hard-Fi, Kaiser Chiefs, Futureheads, etc.), but I might be shifting gears. I give you Sneaky Sound System. This is by far NOT their best song, but it's the only video YouTube had, and it's still full of pretty people. But you should really go here, and listen to "Pictures" and "Tease Me". Those should make you want to dance around in fur wraps and panties.

Yay for Shamrock Antlers

2007-03-19T08:22:00.000-05:00

Here are my friends and me celebrating the fact there are no snakes in Ireland (because apparently St. Patrick drove them all out - way to go!). Slainte!

It was a really good weekend. A couple college friends came to visit and we went out to some Irish pubs in Tulsa, which were having large St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Though, I didn't quite understand why guys with bagpipes kept walking around playing (aren't bagpipes Scottish). Also, I want to apologize to the street vendor who I stole lasagna from. It was really delicious, and after eating it, I would not have minded paying you, but you shouldn't have provided me with terrible customer service.

Huh?

2007-03-14T12:36:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, we say really stupid things. Today, as I was walking back to my office from lunch, I overheard a girl say to her friend, "Do you know how many people would die to get that job?" And I immediately thought, "None. If you died, you wouldn't need a job." But then I thought, "Well, maybe she was talking about getting a job as a ghost or a rotting corpse, and she's not as stupid as she sounds afterall. Plus, who I am to assume I know what goes on after we die?" But just as my faith in human intelligence had become somewhat restored, the lady I was in the elevator with randomly says, "A bridge luncheon? Like I'd really like to spend my day doing that." Was this her way of making conversation? And where in the left of left fields did that gem come from?

The lift stopped at her floor before I got the chance to agree with her though. If you're going to play cards at a luncheon, you should be playing poker, not bridge, Texas Hold 'Em to be specific.

Holy No Sleep

2007-03-12T14:41:00.000-05:00

So this weekend was chalk full of fun and good times. Friday night was a "scantily clad" party. As more drinks were consumed, more clothing was removed. It was really hot, except for when it was cold.

The 2007 NCAA indoor track meet was also this weekend, and I always have an excellent time when I get to watch people running fast in circles. And then of course, big track meets = big after parties.

And here is Nick, really nailing it (in a non-porno way):

And here is what happens when you are running on very little sleep and waiting in a car outside your friend's apartment for him to come unlock his door because your other friend thinks she may have thrown away a ticket to a track meet in his trash can, and you need to dig through his trash. However, he is confused because he misunderstands the message and thinks you want to take his trash to Dickson Street. Holy no sleep.

The first step is admitting you have a problem

2007-03-09T11:15:00.000-06:00

I am not a girly girl. (I AM a princess, but I am not high maintenance.) I like getting dressed up, but I don't have to be. I really don't care what I look like or what I'm wearing. I rarely wear make up except on the weekends, and fixing my hair involves pulling it into a pony tail. But I have one terrible girly weakness that I'm not that proud of: shoes. And it is getting out of control, evidenced by today's online impulse purchases:

In my defense, however, a lot of these will be replacing old shoes that have worn out, and I can wear them for work. Yet, I can't explain why I felt the need to buy these this past weekend:

Edit: I just got back from getting my hair cut, and even though I've got a shoe problem, at least I'm not in denial. A red-headed guy came in while I was there to tan. And yes, he was the same shade when he came out as when he went in, but with perhaps a few more freckles (or angel kisses as one of my red-haired friends would call them). Just accept it honey, you were not meant to have a golden brown tint about you.

How Did I Miss This?

2007-03-06T15:38:00.000-06:00

There are two television shows I keep up with: Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives. And I drool all over myself when I watch them. Grey's has Justin Chambers (Alex) who I thought was the hottest gift God has given to television. Then, Desperate introduced Edie's bad boy nephew back in October, Austin, played by Josh Henderson. AND, he grew up in TULSA!! How did I miss this??!! He plays a highschooler on the show, but he is really only a year younger than me (though age has become partly a non-issue for me lately anyway - haha). So, he is probably bound to come back and visit Tulsa eventually, right? I knew we were meant to be and love at first sight did exist! (Plus, Justin Chambers is already married with five kids.) Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy some more bibs.

Rites of Passage

2007-03-04T20:52:00.000-06:00

The ultimate frisbee winter league ended this past weekend. There was an after party. I drank a frisbee full of beer as is tradition for new players. I then proceeded to puke up a frisbee full of beer. It is well documented. So, if you have 10 minutes and your stomach isn't too weak, here you go.

I never got the chicken pox

2007-03-01T08:56:00.000-06:00

It's true. I didn't. I can take a bath in poison ivy with no consequence. I inherited a strong immune system from my father. I haven't had the flu since I was 10. I run at least 5 times a week, and I don't mean just going out on easy little jogs. I run faster than most people race 5ks. And I don't smoke...anything. The point being, my lungs should be in good shape along with the rest of my health. So, can somebody please tell me how in the hell a tiny seedlike ball emitted from an effing flower can cause me to get so terribly sick that I end up with severe BRONCHITIS?!?!

An Update for Alove

2007-02-26T09:45:00.000-06:00

Hi Love,

This post is for you. I have not updated in a week because I have been sick. Then, I thought I was better until I tried to play ultimate yesterday and as soon as I started running hard, I was unable to breath, and could not really move for a good half hour. It was actually really scary for about 5 minutes and I thought I was going to need to go to the hospital. Boo. I did still manage to visit the island though this weekend and kept enough medicine in me to stay well enough to get into some fun hijinks. I miss you. I want you to come visit so we can be HFLs together and make obscene pictures with grilled cheese sandwiches and give them to MIMs, followed up by some crayon throwing at VI in protest to no longer serving poppers. We can also scream "good day" and run away from D-bags who try to dance with us at the clubs. You should come for St. Patrick's Day. Dille will be here, and we can call her flat together. And maybe Steve will drive us around and we can shout out numbers when he tries to make phone calls so he will curse at us. ;) Here is a picture to remind you of all the fun you have when you come play with your Tulsa ballers:

WAFG! Let the pandemonium begin!

MBL to my #1 HFL,

A Train

You can't just go out for A drink on Fat Tuesday

2007-02-21T09:45:00.000-06:00

Especially when you go to a New Orleans-themed restaurant that only goes all out once a year. It was a good Fat Tuesday from the get go. Almost immediately after walking into previously mentioned restaurant, a waitress came up and informed me that somebody had offered to buy my friend and me a drink. Score! It turned out to be an old friend from college and not some dreamy, hunky stranger who had fallen in love with me at first sight, but old friends are probably just as good as hot mystery men, if not better (unless the stranger owns an island). I knew at that point that the idea of going out for a drink had become just that, an idea.

We sat at a booth and were enjoying some calamari and the jazz band when the owner of the restaurant came up to us and told us that he'd give us free shots if we danced on the bar. Since, I'm usually willing to dance on bars for free (but only in classy situations - wouldn't want to be one of those girls), there was no decision to be made. We hopped up and danced while the bartender poured Southern Comfort down our throats and partly up our noses. That's when I noticed the establishment's employees were by far the most drunk people in the place. Our waiter proved this theory when the time came to pay our bill. We were only charged for two drinks and our calamari, but didn't think much of it since we had been given free booze all night. We gave the guy cash and close to a 100% tip. Ten minutes later he came back (with shots we didn't order) and asked us if we had paid yet. We reminded him that we had, in fact, just done so. He said he couldn't remember, but would trust us on it. Right after, the owner started dancing around on a booth swinging beads around and rubbing them all over his body. We decided then that it was time to go for fear of what kind of a mad house the place was about to turn into. This led us to dancing. There are quite a few places in Tulsa that play really hot tracks on every Tuesday night (not just the fat one), if you're willing to go out for a drink.

And, my boobs remained covered all night long.

I also spoke to "me mate" back in England yesterday. When I asked him if he was going to go out for Mardi Gras, he said, "you mean pancake day?" Wha....? Apparently in the United Kingdom, they party the day before Lent starts by eating pancakes. Now, you tell me which holiday is better:

Pancake Day

vs.

Mardi Gras

I've also decided to give up cookies for Lent, so don't offer me any. Depending on my mood, I might take them, crumble them up, and throw them in your face for tempting me so.

Well hello, Tibialis Anterior

2007-02-19T11:14:00.000-06:00

The tibialis anterior is the muscle on the front part of our lower legs, and the source of about 65% of the pain I am experiencing when I walk. But not to be completely outdone, the other 35% of my body is hurting a fair amount too. I played my first ultimate frisbee tournament this past weekend in Baton Rouge, and I feel like what I imagine someone who is sore from getting hit by a car might feel. My body is definitely used to running, but not the fast little sprints and cuts made in ultimate. And though I've been playing for a couple months now, I definitely wasn't used to playing four games in a row, which has most definitely led to the hinderance in my walking ability today. Yet, on a good note, I loved every second of the tournament. I picked up with a North Texas team, Envy, and we had a good time. The first day, we went 2 and 2, and then lost our first game the next day and were done. We might have been able to do better, but I don't think we could have had any more fun. The North Texas girls are a good group.

There was a party Saturday night which had a nice spread and an awesome blues band, who was a bit shocked to find people dancing to their music. They probably should move to Arkansas or Tulsa, where they'll be better appreciated.

Roasted pig:

I think Lizzie and I won overall. I'm not quite sure what we won, but we did:

Joel definitely did not win though. He got hit in the eye and the throat with a disc:

Hey! There's a lemur on your shoulder!

2007-02-16T12:05:00.000-06:00

I already got a Valentine, a pretty bouquet...thanks, Mom

2007-02-14T09:12:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day/Single Awareness Day!

For the third year now, Kristy and I have made valentines for our friends. This process involves us dressing up a bit ridiculously and taking silly pictures of ourselves to use in the cards, which are a coveted, hot commodity. (You know you've made it big time VIP when you get on our Valentine's Day card list.) So, here is Kristy and myself (and baby Addyson) wishing you a very happy Valentine's Day, or a very happy Single Awareness Day. I think there is cause to celebrate both. Ha.

Valentine, you are Beary special!

Dreaming of you always!

I can't BEAR to be without you!

I'd give my right leg to be your Valentine!

Ahahahaha...we crack ourselves up! Hope you all have a good day and don't eat too much chocolate.

Uh, yeah

2007-02-08T16:29:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, I'm completely baffled by the fact that I'm still single (in case you all didn't know, I'm a catch - haha), but then there are the other times when I'm not surprised at all. I give you fun times at Village Inn.

Pancake Shot:

Eye Trick:

And, I hadn't even been drinking (which is good because I probably would have stabbed myself in the eyeball with a fork if I had).

I Miss You Already/Shmu Cru is Expanding Nationally

2007-02-07T09:31:00.000-06:00

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."

"Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you."

If you know me well, you know that my friends are my world. And now, most of them are scattered across it. I've had to say goodbye to a multitude of very special and important people over the years, and though I've grown accustomed to it, it still doesn't hurt any less every time it happens, and it doesn't keep me from crying myself to sleep after I see you for what is going to be too long of a time. I know it's not "goodbye", and it is much easier to keep in touch with today's technology, but still, if I had my way, all my friends and family would live within a 2-4 hour car drive. (I don't care if I have free places to stay almost anywhere on the globe I want to visit.)

So, Gabby and Kayla, I say, "see you later," with tears in my eyes. Tears of sadness because I will miss you terribly, like a struggling single mother misses a second income (and I will have to find someone new to take care of Shmapril); tears of happiness because I know that this move is going to bring good things for you. I hope you have an inkling of how much you mean to me.

And to all my other friends that I don't get to see as much as I would like (everyday), you are always in my thoughts and more importantly, in my heart. I hope you have an inkling of how much you mean to me. I would have written an entry for you when we parted, but it happened too long ago. Love, love, love, mush, mush, cheeseball, love to you all.

"A circle's round
it has no end.
That's how long I want to be your friend!"

Something Kind of Funny From Last Night

2007-02-02T08:44:00.000-06:00

I went out dancing last night. It's one of my favorite things to do. While on the dance floor with two other lovely and rather hot ladies, a random guy walks by, puts a $20 in my friend's hand, and tells her to go buy us three drinks. You'd think he was trying to be suave and pick her up, but he didn't even stay long enough for us to thank him. I couldn't have even pointed him out to you after. It was a drive by twenty-ing, or something. We weren't, however, drinking, and even if we had been, it was ladies night, so we could get free beer anyway. So, how to spend $20 earned by shaking our money makers like somebody's 'bout to pay us? Go to Taco Bell and order $20.50 worth of food, but only eat about $10 worth.

Also, did you know that rap music is apparently black music? I was dancing to some dance or "techno" last night with a guy who stopped dancing with me and said, "I'm gonna wait 'til they start playing some black music and then I'm gonna come back and freak that ass." He pronounced "freak" James Brown style. I did not dance with him again. I only like white music (not really).

Today, my feet hurt, but it's a good hurt. Unlike the Scissor Sisters, I always feel like dancing.

Please Tell Me They're Kidding

2007-02-01T09:38:00.000-06:00

Last night, I watched the American Idol tryouts for the first time, and I just really hope these people aren't as disillusioned as they appear. I really hope Fox pays these people to walk in thinking they are the bee's knees and give the most ridiculous, awful performances, and then act shocked when they get cut down by the judges. I mean, seriously? SERIOUSLY?!?!?

One of my biggest fears about the latest generation is how much we overestimate ourselves and how vain we have become. It's called humility ladies and gentlemen, and it seems those who have it don't need it, and those who don't, need to go drown themselves in it. One guy last night walked into the judges' room and just walked around slowly removing articles of clothing and meowing, calling himself a panther, for a good few minutes before even breaking into a song that made me want to jab pencils in my ears. And it appeared he truly believed he was going to be the next Justin Timberlake. Come on, people. There are only a select few who can get away with meowing at others. I know I am God's gift to this earth, but I also know I wasn't placed here to sing (because I would do so in a heartbeat if I had the ability), nor do I expect others to realize it...

yet.

Meow. (Wink)

Also, I am convinced that Fox must pay or at least mis-encourage these people, because the auditions make for some hilarious television, even if it hurts the soul to watch. And I bet the show gets even better when it's narrowed down to the realistic people with talent.

Finally, though completely unrelated, congratulations to me. I have health insurance, effective today.

I still haven't learned from my mistakes

2007-01-30T08:34:00.000-06:00

Friday night:

Saturday night:

Also, this is the reaction my friends would make if they saw me fall down:

I was in Fayetteville (again) for a friend's birthday party and some ultimate frisbee playing. I managed to not play it cool once again in a couple situations I should have, and I also didn't play too well on the field. I'm sure drinking was involved. But whatever, I'm over it. Next time, I'll know better because I've surely learned from my experience.

And, one of the fastest ways to go from zero to rockin' at a party is to turn off the country music being played and throw on some bumpin' dance music. It helps when a hatch back full of the cool kids show up with the right mix of the right tunes and start to dominate the dance floor. One of the fastest ways to get everyone out of your house at four in the morning when you're ready for the party to be over is to start playing country music again.

And finally, if you are throwing a party in the NWA region and it is in need of some sprucing up, let me know. I have a couple numbers I can give you for the party doctors.

Forget McDreamy or McSteamy

2007-01-25T14:18:00.000-06:00

Introducing McTheWayHottestDoctorOnGrey'sAnatomy: Justin Chambers

New episode of Grey's tonight!

Sometimes you have to laugh, otherwise you'd just cry

2007-01-22T15:02:00.000-06:00

And that's all I'm saying about my past weekend.

Good Packing Boxes?

2007-01-19T15:01:00.000-06:00

If you work in a tall building with multiple floors and multiple offices, then you have experienced the odd and uncomfortable elevator culture that comes with working in such a building. Today, I had my weirdest moment yet. "Good packing boxes," the lady said to me as I stepped onto the elevator. I checked to make sure she wasn't on her mobile before replying, "uh huh(?)"

Also, last night, Kick It Boy got out of control.

And so did Kayla.

You wouldn't think it in Oklahoma, but I'm the majority

2007-01-17T08:49:00.000-06:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070116/ts_alt_afp/afplifestyleuswomen

Phew, this really takes the pressure off. I hope you read this Grandma.

Slick, Perhaps a Bit Dangerous/Crazy, Happy, Wet, Freezing, Happy, Infuriated, Happy, Asleep, Maybe Sick - In that order

2007-01-15T11:18:00.000-06:00

Oklahoma caught a couple waves of an ice storm this weekend. [SLICK] Not rain that froze, nor snow, but ice fell from the sky and glazed over any objects that remained motionless long enough. Some lost power, but Tulsa was lucky enough to escape the full force of the storm and the weather didn't stop me from traipsing around this weekend. (On a side note, it must have been skeezy guys hit on April weekend. Again, Friday night I was complimented by a yucky guy. He told me I was statuesque and insisted on buying me beer until he was kicked out of the bar. Gag.)

I have recently joined an ultimate frisbee league that plays every Sunday in Fayetteville. There are quite a bit of Tulsa players that drive over as well. Except yesterday. That would have only been me. The ice didn't stop me from going to play. [PERHAPS A BIT DANGEROUS/CRAZY] And I am sure glad I went. Our team, which had a very rocky (okay, terrible) start last weekend, won our first game. [HAPPY]

Then, it started raining. [WET] But I found it fun to slosh and slide around in the mud, and I didn't even care that I was mucking up my new cleats (and yes, they are pink). But then, the temperature dropped significantly, and fun turned to miserable, especially since our team has a lot of players, so we spend a lot of time on the sidelines, which was colder than running up and down a field. [FREEZING] But, we won our second game as well! [HAPPY]

I would like to take this moment now to wish that the West Siloam Springs Police Department spontaneously combusts. Talk about a small town that makes all their money off of two things: 1. A casino, and 2. Giving people ridiculous traffic tickets. Last night, West Siloam lost its electricity, and the traffic light in front of the casino was out...along with all the lights...making it pitch black. Normally, if I get pulled over for speeding, or breaking some other traffic law, I don't get angry. I accept that I got busted, and I'll take my punishment like a (wo)man. But out of the blue, as I passed the casino, the five o was right behind me. I had no idea why I was getting pulled over, and was shocked when I found out I had ran a stop sign. Important driving lesson of the day: If a traffic light is out, you should treat it like a stop sign. So, I did break the law. What p*sses me off is that no other car around me was stopping, so I got plucked out of all the law breakers, and the officer said there was a stop sign up there, which either was a complete lie or completely non-visible in the pitch black. I was so mad that the officer/pig/a-hole ought to be glad I don't carry a gun in my glove box. Yeah, I said it. [INFURIATED] My hatred had already started growing for the West Siloam Springs PD from a previous ticket they gave me for speeding when I was accelerating to get onto the highway, but apparently was still 10 feet away from the increased speed limit.

The rest of the drive home wasn't too bad, and the roads were actually clearer than when I drove to Fayetteville because finally, someone in Oklahoma was smart enough to think to plow them. Also, I had an awesome new cd to listen to given to me by a hot DJ. [HAPPY] I went straight to bed as soon as I got home, even though that meant missing Desperate. (I'll watch it online.) [ASLEEP]

And though, I don't regret driving to what turned out to be my most expensive day of playing ultimate frisbee, I may have caught pneumonia by spending four hours out in the freezing rain in my new, pink cleats. [MAYBE SICK]

Also, happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day everyone! Yet again, I wish I worked in a bank, or a school.

P.S. I would never really shoot a cop, or anyone for that matter, and do have respect for most officers.

I'm flattered and excited

2007-01-12T11:44:00.000-06:00

Why I'm Flattered:
Last night a guy told me I was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, and he was being sincere. It really shocked me. There has only been one other guy to ever say that to me. I was completely flattered; more flattered than I've been in awhile, especially since I wasn't dressed up. Now, the bad news. I didn't find him nor the other guy who has graciously paid me this compliment in the slight bit attractive, and neither of these guys seemed to be that much of upstanding citizens either. So hooray for me, yucky guys find me beautiful. Please read on to find out from whom I would like to hear such a compliment.

Why I'm Excited:
Two reasons. 1. Cameron and Justin broke up. There is a certain gift I wouldn't mind him giving me. 2. Beckham is coming to America. Soccer players are hot. End of story.

Why I'm Realistic:
I never expect to meet Justin Timberlake or David Beckham.

Why I'm So Witty:
My friend, Paul, to me concerning the fur on the hood of the hooded vest I was wearing: What kind of fur is that?

Me: Fox, but with an "au" instead of an "o".

Fun with caricatures and table napkins

2007-01-09T16:25:00.000-06:00

In a recent lunch with my sister, BJ, and JC (I have a lot of two or one letter named friends) we took a stab at drawing caricatures of each other. Hilarity ensued, but artistic talent did not. I would really almost be a perfectly well-rounded person if I was only more artistic. Super sad shmeow.

Last month, someone drew this likeness of JC. The portrait hangs proudly on his fridge.

It was only appropriate to end it this way

2007-01-09T08:34:00.000-06:00

I ended 2006 by going to my 6th wedding of the year in St. Louis. I was a bridesmaid (like always, tear) in one of my best friend's from college very lovely Catholic wedding. The bride was a team mate of mine at TU and is now one of the top women triathletes in the U.S. (and I know her). Like all the previous weddings of 2006, we had a great time.

We started on Thursday night by taking Sarah (the bride) out for a bachelorette night out. It was relatively tame as far as bachelorette parties go, because we were nice and didn't make her do anything embarassing. I have decided that from now on, I am wearing a veil when I go out. The reason? As soon as the bouncer at the club saw that we were a bachelorette party, he cut us in line, didn't charge us cover, got us a personal host who took us straight to the bar, gave us a free bottle of champagne, free drinks, and free shots throughout the rest of the night.

The club was a bit skeezy, but the DJ was playing good tracks and we had fun dancing and making fun of all the skanks. The club we were at encourages girls to dance on the bar. At one point in the night, the DJ called for the bachelorette party to come dance on the bar while he would get us more champagne. One girl, not with the party, jumped up with us to ride our free booze train. Can you tell who doesn't belong?

Then, there was the wedding. Everything went smoothly and looked gorgeous. I have definitely learned from my past bridesmaid mistakes, and was on my best behavior. I did dance on a table with the bride's father though, but how can you not when the DJ plays Footloose?

I used to get called Sarah a lot because of these two.

Limo busses are the way to go.

The couple. They are so athletic.

This girl and I had to walk about a mile and a half back to a car after the reception. = Not fun.
Here, you see the only chocolate to be found at the wedding.
BBH for life.

And then it was 2007. We actually had a low key night. The weather was cold and wet, so we all hung out in the hotel, played games, and then watched the fireworks at midnight. Right after the fireworks, I was challenged to a beer chugging contest by the father of the bride. I lost and had to do 20 boy push-ups, which are really hard to do with big hoop earrings that keep hitting the floor. And after chugging a beer.

Have you figured it out yet?

Guess who got a camera for Christmas??

2007-01-02T11:20:00.000-06:00

ME!! Hooray. So, I had an awesome Christmas in Fayetteville. It was definitely too short of a break, but they always are. I got to see a lot of people I really never expected to, so that was good (and bad, ha). One of those unexpected people was my AP Language and Composition teacher from 11th grade. She came by a party we were having (her daughter is our year) just to say a quick hello. I love it when my teachers I haven't seen in eight years walk into a party where I'm in a dog cage.

Luckily, she believed me when I told her I usually don't get inside dog cages.

We lost to the Utes, but had a good time anyway

2006-12-25T12:05:00.000-06:00

I went to the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Ft. Worth. Tulsa played the Utah Utes. I still don't know what a Ute is, but I do know we had fun!

Let the pandemonium begin!

The blonde headed kid sitting in front of us was cheering for Utah, but he had no connections to the team. We got in a fight when we tried to get him to cheer for TU. His mom took him home early because she caught him throwing popcorn at us (she didn't see my friend throw it first).

It was the Armed Forces bowl, so there was lots of patriotism going on.

I forgot how fun tailgating is.

Me, Ashley, and Crystal. WAFG! (we are fun girls)

I need a babysitter

2006-12-22T11:43:00.000-06:00

At one o'clock this morning:

April: Did you pull me over for making that U-turn just now?
Officer: No, I pulled you over for going 15 over the speed limit, license and registration please.

April hands officer small rectangular card and piece a paper.

Officer: This is not your insurance and this is your debit card. It's not going to do me any good.
April: Yeah, it doesn't do me any good either.
Officer: I recommend against drinking and driving.
April: Me too, that's why I'm the designated driver.

April hands officer driver's license, then goes home with NO tickets, heats up burrito and eats almost a third of it before discovering it is really moldy.

And scene.

Happy Birthday to Me

2006-12-18T09:13:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my 26th birthday, but I celebrated it like I was turning 19!! My friends in Fayetteville had a house party, where I did too much of two of my favorite things: drinking and dancing. I may have also kissed everyone in my sight, but it was my birthday so, so what. (That is where the 19 year old behavior comes in.) Then, I headed back to Tulsa where my friends cooked a fabulous meal for me. It was amazingly delicious and was topped off with the best birthday cake I've ever received.

Faye and me

A conversation at the party:
BJ to Faye: Hey, I'll make out with you if you want.
Faye to BJ: No, you're too nice to make out with.

A conversation the next morning:
BJ to April: Faye told me I was too nice to make out with last night. I need to lose this nice guy reputation. I'm going to start peeing on everyone, even down to the last few drops.

Dance, dance.

I blame the night on this man. He bought me booze.

Meet Bitter Beer Pony.

She was strawberry flavor, and extremely delicious.

I sure hope someone upstairs is enjoying this

2006-12-15T11:46:00.000-06:00

I have access to two cars: mine, and that of my Danish friend who leaves her car with me when she is in Denmark. This morning as I got ready to go to work, neither of them started. In other news, I got my computer back last night and it works. I'm afraid to fix my car though, because surely a catastrophe is lined up next.

I'm sure glad the weekend is here, and my birthday weekend at that. I need to go blow off some steam. I started to somewhat last night by hanging from the rafters at the Grey Snail. Yeah, that was me.

Edit: I just went to buy some lunch at a snack shop in my building and a guy in line asked me how I was doing, followed by, "because you don't look like you're doing that great". Thanks for telling me I look like ****, buddy.

I'll tell you what Brown can do for me...

2006-12-12T11:46:00.000-06:00

They can get their act together and then go drive all their UPS trucks off a cliff or straight into the ocean, along with all the competent folks at Best Buy. Let me explain. So, about a month ago some weird electrical ongoings on went in my house. One of the results (among a small fire) was that my computer stopped turning on. Boo. The good news is that it is still under full warranty. I dropped it off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at Best Buy so they could fix it. While I was there, I updated my address, but was also told they would give me a call when I could come pick it up (this is crucial later in this rant).

Yesterday, I still hadn't heard from the computer people, so I called for an update. I learn that my computer had to be sent away to be fixed. I also learn that it is fixed, and has been shipped and delivered by UPS. There are two problems here: 1. They never notified me, and 2. It was not delivered to ME! This is what happened:

Best Buy shipped it to the wrong address because I guess they just didn't believe me when I told them I had a new one. UPS realized I didn't live where Best Buy told them to send the computer. UPS decided the best way to find out where I live was to try and find out by themselves (both of these organizations have my phone number). They somehow found the address of the house I lived in three years ago. I ended the day with UPS having established that they had delivered my computer to my old house and someone had signed for it, and it was residing there with who I assumed to be computer thieves (because who takes a package that isn't theirs unless you are a thief!). UPS was going to track it down and get back to me in the morning.

This morning, when I hadn't heard back from UPS or Best Buy, I decided to call my old landlord to see if he could help. He gave me the phone numbers of the girls who I thought had my computer. I called them to discover that indeed UPS had tried to deliver my computer to them, but they sent it back. A few days later, UPS tried to give them the computer again, which they sent back again. I call UPS to inform them of their incompetencies, and discover that my computer is at their station awaiting my pick-up. Was anyone going to tell me they found it?

I plan on picking it up today, and then telling Brown they ought to go jump off a cliff. My guess is also that the computer isn't fixed, and I will have to return to Best Buy to tell them the same. Arrrgggghhh!! Though, I'm also tempted to tell Best Buy I never received my computer and they owe me $1,000 in store credit, which I will then use to do some Christmas shopping and buy a Wii. Too bad I could never do it. I need looser morals.

Another year older, but somehow more meaningful

2006-12-07T15:55:00.000-06:00

Isn't being in college the greatest? It's the right amount of freedom mixed with irresponsibility that no 18 year old should ever really be allowed to have because he or she will surely waste it on frivilous experiences that lead up to unrealistic expectations for his or her future.

Then, you graduate and you have to adjust from 12 hour week loads to 40. From car insurance being something that your parents gave you a piece a paper of to put in your glove box to yet another bill taking away from your going out fund. From short skirts with tall black boots being a hot outfit for a frat party to a trashy, classless ensemble that only 18 year olds can get away with wearing. So you spend the first year after graduation trying to keep on living a college lifestyle, but with more work hours and less sleep hours. Then you start to disconnect from those years, longing for them to return. No matter how hard you try, you can't stay up until 4 in the morning on a Tuesday night and make it into work at 8 on Wednesday morning on a regular basis. Grad school starts to sound really appetizing, not as the necessary step to further your career/education/life goals, but as your ticket to the lost days of a good time you deep down know you will never experience the same way again. You long for your friends who are now scattered across the globe, and you wonder if they miss it all as much as you do. If the time spent together was as important to them.

I was told you start to change a lot when you turn 25, but I just scoffed at the idea because don't we all change a lot every year, even if we don't want to. Living life forces change, experience brings change, we can not avoid it. But now, I understand what all those folks meant. The difference between me turning 23, 24, and 25 was little compared to the one in me turning 25 and 26.

The point of all this, is that this year, for the first year in my life (that I am aware of), I feel that I have truly grown as a person. I don't long to go back to days of irresponsibility. I look to my future, not my past. Grad school is now something I am considering seriously as a means to further myself professionally, not as a way to get two more years of play time. I am completely comfortable with myself and happy with who I have become. This does not mean that I'm settling where I am as a person (and I realize you might not like me, but that's okay (but most likely if that is the case, you are a *****)). I constantly want to grow, and have a long way to go, I'm sure. I feel like a major shift has occurred though, and most of my insecurities have vanished. It's like all of a sudden I've become semi-enlightened and gained a whole new perspective on life. (Please don't read this as me saying I've got it all figured out, because I am still quite a mess in many facets.)

And believe me, it has been a sometimes insane, sometimes embarassing, sometimes depressing, and often times confusing path that has led me here, but it's good to be where I am now: turning 26, ready to take my valuable experiences from the past decade and move forward into my future, hoping not to repeat too many of the mistakes. I really couldn't have said the same the past couple of years.

Now, all that being said (or written), it's time to go celebrate my year of growth by behaving like an immature idiot, which I have learned over my 26 years that I am quite good at doing. Woohoo, party!

The funny thing about this whole post is that I really think I can't relate my feelings to you unless you go through what I'm talking about yourself. Some of you might be able to understand me exactly, but I bet most of you are probably thinking that I need to stop smoking crack. But 26 year old April says, "I don't care what you think. This is me. Love me or leave me."

I am sad my camera is still broken

2006-12-04T11:54:00.000-06:00

Because otherwise I would have taken pictures of all the sweet winter weather that the sky ejaculated all over Tulsa this past weekend. 10 inches = no work for me last Friday.

The End of Thanksgiving Break

2006-11-27T10:11:00.000-06:00

I had an amazingly great time at home over Thanksgiving break. I returned to Tulsa last night, where I first went to meet the newest, cutest member of humanity, Addyson Renee White, and then went out to what was supposed to be just a bite to eat with three other friends.

Here is what was supposed to happen:
1. See baby.
2. Go eat, maybe have a few drinks.
3. Go to bed.

Here is what happened:
1. See baby.
2. Go eat, have a Big Mama margarita and four shots of Patron.
3. Ask the bartender to turn on the Latin music.
4. Latin dance with waiters.
5. Attempt to climb pole in restaurant and do flips on it.
6. Latin dance with waiters and convince them to stay open for two more hours.
7. Crawl across tables and booths.
8. Run to bathroom and regurgitate just eaten enchiladas.
9. Finish Big Mama.
10. Walk home.
11. Receive phone call to go meet friends at club for a birthday party.
12. Go to club.
13. Dance on stage.
14. Go to Taco Bell and deal with the stupidest human being ever to take an order for Nachos Bel Grande.
15. Head home and deal with drunk friend trying to get naked in back seat.
16. Arrive home and stop worrying about friend trying to get naked since cars are no longer honking at us and giving us thumbs up.
17. Go to sleep.

If you were paying attention, you will notice Big Mamas were consumed. Now, you've been warned twice.

Oops, I did it again

2006-11-18T11:54:00.000-06:00

I just don't know how it happened, but I didn't go to bed until 6:30 this morning because I was busy modeling male underwear in cowboy boots and a kimono while taking shots of vodka chased with apple slices wearing bright blue eye shadow that caused me to frighten myself when I looked in the mirror this morning and playing Loaded Questions (one of the funnest games EVER). We might be able to trace it back to about 9:30 last night, when my lips touched the straw that was swimming in a Big Mama sangria margarita from Senior Tequilas and proceeded to injest its contents. This is a warning for all of you thinking about consuming this tasty beverage. Handle with care.

My deceivingly good weekend

2006-11-13T08:29:00.000-06:00

Overall, the past weekend was really a lot of fun. I went out to birthday parties, had Big Mama sangria margaritas, got to see a good friend from out of town, went to a football game, went out dancing with good looking men, and even got to spend a lot of time outside. Then, I reviewed it more closely:

I fell down and my elbow hurts real bad
I got robbed Saturday night (S/He took my license, about $30 in cash, and my debit card)
I got a splinter
My computer broke from an electrical surge, and later an electrical fire started in my roommate's room
IHOP didn't have their stuffed french toast
TU lost the football game

Be careful while drinking mixed drinks with cranberry juice and wearing white:

Excuse us, we are taking a picture:

Let's try again, without the unhappy looking woman's head:

We love each other:

He is much more excited about this picture than he seems:

Attempted Latin dancing:

What I will dance to all night long, and what I will dance to non-stop forever

2006-11-08T10:05:00.000-06:00

1. I will dance to 80s music all night long, but

2. I will dance to 80s remixes non-stop forever.

And I don't care about whatever opinion you have formed of me because of this information and/or the choice of 80s remix used in this post.

Who knew?

2006-11-07T11:41:00.000-06:00

I run along Riverside a lot. Until last night, the wildest animal I had seen was a fox. But last night, as I was running, I noticed a really cute, small, white, fluffy dog running towards me. It was running in a manner where both its front feet stepped together in unison followed by a leap from its back feet; not like a normal dog, and more like a rabbit, but much cuter. Oh wait, it wasn't a dog, it was a SKUNK!! An all white skunk. I never knew albino skunks existed. I wonder if s/he had a social complex about it. I didn't stick around to find out, and may have set some world records in my escape. I just know that, like the past two times I've seen wild foxes on Riverside, this skunk spotting resulted in me losing my dinner about a mile later. I really need to chew up my spaghetti better. Last night was an almost full moon, and apparently the skunks come out during these nights to answer the calls of love. I was wearing black running tights with white stripes down the sides.

Arbon at the Marine Corps

2006-11-06T14:15:00.000-06:00

If you didn't know, this past weekend was the birthday for the Marines. This special day is celebrated across the nation with formal birthday parties. A friend of mine is in the Marine Corps and I went along to the party, which included the most ceremoniously cutting of a birthday cake I've ever seen. About six marines march a cake down an aisle laced with more Marines holding swords in the air. Then a couple Marines cut the cake using not a regular cake cutting knife, but a HUGE SWORD. My friend was involved with much of the ceremony, which left me to wander around the hotel (i.e. go straight to the bar). That's where I met a lady from Phoenix who sells Arbon products and is going to send me some of the latest in skin care products. Score!

Two observations from the evening:

1. The Marines have a really rich history full of tradition.

2. Marines have really big ears. (You could argue it's because they have their heads shaved, but I argue that people with big ears join the Marines.)

Edit: I just got my free Arbon and it is actually Arbonne.

So yeah, Halloween

2006-10-30T13:40:00.000-06:00

I went to Fayetteville this past weekend and roamed, or buzzed, around to a few different Halloween parties with my sister and a drunken sailor. We had a good time. I should have more fun pictures from my party the previous weekend, but the person who has them on her camera (my mom) just doesn't understand the importance of sending pictures ASAP so they can be posted all over the Internet immediately. Must be the generation gap coming into play. Ha. (I mean, come on, Mom, I've got a Myspace and Facebook account to upkeep here. I stopped messing with Friendster long ago though. Thank goodness!)

What do you do with a drunken sailor?

And NO, I wasn't going as the bee from the Blind Melon video. I was just a regular bee. Well, a queen bee maybe, but I'm that all the time, except for when I'm a princess; but then I'm just a princess and not associated with any insects (which is all the time except for when I'm in bee costume).

Cake Frosting Decor

2006-10-23T10:59:00.000-05:00

I think the sign of a good party should be measured by whether or not any feelings of affection towards a religious group are expressed in cake frosting on your bedroom door.

(My house mate is Jewish.)

I had a Halloween party this weekend. This picture does not come close to showing what an incredible mess my house has become. I suddenly sympathize with fraternity pledges who have to clean up after frat parties. Never thought that would happen. And when I say, "not on the furniture," I mean "not on the furniture."!!!

More to come...

McDonald's McMonopoly

2006-10-17T08:59:00.000-05:00

Now, I love McDonald's just as much as my fellow Americans who have not yet seen Supersize Me (it's on my Netflix list though). And I also get a tiny thrill from playing their Monopoly game, like last night when I won a small McFlurry. But I never realized how much some people like playing that game until I watched my friend order 8 medium Diet Cokes just for the game pieces last night. I followed suit and ordered 2 Dr. Peppers. We grabbed a bite at another restaurant, but drove to McDonald's to get our drinks just to play the game. This has to be one of the most successful promotions of all time. Also, if you ever want McDonald's employees to give you weird and puzzling looks, go up to them and order only 10 soft drinks and a large fries. It's like Monopoly mania up in this joint!

Suspicions confirmed

2006-10-09T14:40:00.000-05:00

A really fun thing to do is get overly dressed up and go to a club. Then there is absolutely no denying you are the best looking people in the place (not that there is ever any doubt). But seriously, it is a fun that brings a kind of release of inhibitions, but without a hangover in the morning, and you don't have to wait for a gala or another wedding to get out your formal duds.

Members of the fabulous shmu cru: Shmickalaus, ShmeeShmoo, Shmayla, Shmagabby, and Shmapril.

They work together, play together, pee together,

and did I say play together?

This is a result of my favorite picture taking game, but I can't remember what emotion was yelled out. I imagine it was something like, "Oh yeah, I rule."

If only you could see the part not in the picture that is being applauded.

This trend is coming to a city near you.

Sometimes, you just have to be those girls if no one else is stepping up to the plate.

Big fans + big hair = BIG FUN!

This is a top secret super hero power enabling move.

A: "Nick, I'm kind of tired of looking better than everyone else."
N: "Mmm huh, you got that right!"

Our little performer makes us proud.

I believe this is the reaction to finding dog poop on your sandwich, or something of that nature.

So, just let me know if you feel like getting dressed up and going out, and other than on Halloween. I have two other dresses I am dying to wear. Haha. I swear I am not superficial.

A grammar rule I disagree WITH

2006-10-05T08:55:00.000-05:00

I am currently studying for the GMAT. I've decided working full time is for suckers and school is where it's at. Plus, in order for me to get my claws even deeper into corporate America, I need a MBA, and I am a huge nerd and love school and being a student. Part of the test consists of sentence correction, which requires knowledge of the rules of grammar. I already feel like I have a pretty good grasp on them thanks to my high school AP Language and Composition teacher, even though I tend to break them frequently. One rule I break often is the one about not ending a sentence with a preposition. If ever I felt strongly about the rules of grammar, it would be here. I think most of my best stated sentences end with prepositions, and I refuse to change my grammar breaking ways. Can anyone plead this rule's case for me? I doubt any argument would be strong enough to sway my opinion. Now, I must get back to my studying and becoming even more nerdier. Next topic: The differences between lay and lie. What's up with that?

Don't ask, JUST DO

2006-10-03T15:38:00.000-05:00

Go buy The Killer's new album, Sam's Town.

It is amazing, arguably the best rockish album of 2006. And I don't care if you're one of those pretentious music snobs who refuses to like music because it is too mainstream, and you think you have a better taste in music than the general population because you only listen to indie, hipster approved tunes. Sam's Town is a really good album. And I do apologize for my simple use of adjectives to describe it.

Also, if you see him, please tell Brandon Flowers that I am willing to become a Mormon to be one of his wives.

Do I look like I GAF??

2006-10-03T15:10:00.000-05:00

If one more crazy meth addict who has obviously never been a collegiate tennis player decides to tell me half garbled stories I really can't understand, mainly because they are being told through a mouth with only two teeth, about his college days as a poor, black tennis player dating a rich, white sorority girl whose father disapproved, especially when she brought him along to high classs fencing tournaments, I am going to sock someone in the face and knock out the remaining two teeth. There are plenty other people in line at the post office to garble and bark at. I just want to buy my stamps in peace.

Kottabi Jenkins

2006-09-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

So I spent last weekend going to a wedding (surprise!) in Peoria, IL. As, the previous four I have been to this year, this one was also great fun. I went with three other girls. Two of them were bridesmaids. The other one and I were the guest book attendants, even though the guest book was not at the church. It was at the reception, and I didn't have to attend to it there.

We handed out programs,

but, our main responsibility was to keep children out of the ceremony. The bride and groom hired babysitters to watch children in the nursery, and of course they didn't mention it beforehand to the parents. My fellow attendant/bouncer became the evil child haters who had to stare down parents and tell them to put their kids in the nursery. Four babies got by us, but I wasn't about to try and make a mother separate from her infant if she didn't want to. I whinced when one of the babies started making noise during the vows. I didn't see it, but knew the bride's eyes were rolling.

We also had to pass out bubbles to guests as they left the church. The bubbles also provided us with minutes of entertainment.

The reception was a lot of fun, and I should know. It was the fifth one I've been to this year. (I was much better behaved than the last reception I attended.)

The bride is half Iranian, which made the reception an interesting mix of stereotypical white person wedding reception tunes (read, YMCA) intertwined with Iranian music. Turns out, I'm really good at Iranian dancing.

And then there were three (left unmarried or not engaged - two pictured below).

The riverfront in Peoria was a neat little area. The city was a lot bigger and nicer than I expected. Since we weren't bridesmaids, Crystal and I had all day Saturday to walk around and explore. We ended up on a search to get our nails done. We decided to go run to a place we had seen earlier when we drove to the rehearsal. After a slight detour, we found it. We got weird looks for stopping in the middle of a run to get nails done, but we didn't have a car and we didn't smell too bad.

And on a final note, the meatballs at the rehearsal dinner were the most delicious I've ever had. The bride revealed they were the main reason for choosing to have the dinner at that restaurant. They came with a bowl of pasta, but our table asked for a second bowl of just meatballs. (A good thing about having a pregnant friend is you don't feel bad for asking for seconds and being specific about it. You can just blame it on the prego.)

Actually, on another final note, one of the most awesome parts of the trip was that when we got gas to head home it was LESS THAN $2 A GALLON!!

I am so smart. S-M-R-T!

2006-09-28T11:57:00.000-05:00

There is a mentally handicapped person who works in my building doing various janitorial duties. Well today when he came to pick up our office's recyclables, he also had to point out that my fly was unzipped. It's a good thing I've talked to and walked by at least 30 professionals today. Awesome. Now if you can excuse me, I must go crawl in a hole.

I Have to Get the F out of Dodge (or Oklahoma)

2006-09-26T16:24:00.000-05:00

So lately I've had a HANKERING to listen country music. I drove to a wedding in Peoria, IL, this past weekend (pictures to come), and 25% of the music listened to in the car was country...and I had control of the radio. Help, help! I'm a fixin' to becomin' a countrified bumpkin. How did this happen? This is a cry for help.