For the past three years, I’ve spent five days each summer in Las Vegas for work. I’ve never taken anyone with me, other than my coworkers. This year, though, I called my mom and invited her to join me; I’ve ALWAYS wanted to hang out with Mom in Vegas and this year, we made it happen.
Instead of flying in while I was busy with work, Mom elected to fly in on the last day of our tradeshow and we stayed an additional three nights. The beginning of our insanely fun girl weekend was fraught with complications, including no A/C in the airport, a super late flight, a lost cell phone, a hotel that forgot to hold our room, and an initial replacement room that looked like something from a horror movie, but we got the crap out of the way early on in the trip.
Sadly, even though we both took our cameras to Vegas and both have cameras on our phones, we neither one took a single picture. That’s a huge fail on our part, as documenting those memories would have been a fabulous idea.
We definitely made the most of our four days. We gambled up and down the Strip, visited Fremont twice, had fantastic balloon hats made at Margaritaville, spent way too much money in The Mirage at The Beatles stores, and slept very little. Oh, and we crammed in a bachelorette party and a wedding for one of my best friends, too.
I came home broke, but totally happy. I may not have won in the casino, but I definitely won in the mom department!
It seems like everyone these days talks about having a bucket list – you know, a list of things they want to do before they kick the proverbial bucket. I’ve never assembled a formal bucket list. Instead, I just know there are lots of things I want to do while I’ve still got time. I’ve done some of them, but nowhere nearly all; some have been amazing experiences and others haven’t been as fun. But this one? This one was a biggie. As I said, I’ve always wanted to do Vegas with my mom and it was more fun than I ever dreamed! And, yes, we’re already starting to plan our next trip. I can’t wait!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Second Place...
Remember those popular No Fear T-shirts from back in high school? You know, the ones that featured obnoxiously funny slogans? One of my favorites said, oh-so-snarkily, “Second place is the first loser.”
For years, I’ve quietly giggled over that saying, finding it meanly amusing – until today.
There’s no two ways about it – being second SUCKS.
For years, I’ve quietly giggled over that saying, finding it meanly amusing – until today.
There’s no two ways about it – being second SUCKS.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tornado Follow-Up
Here's the response that I finally received from the City of Midwest City late last week:
I am truly sorry for the problems you encountered on Tuesday. As you know Midwest City operates 3 public shelters and has a shelter manager designated for each location. The shelter at city hall was full that is why we had several people including yourself that were on the first floor and not in the shelter. Knowing that the Reed Center shelter was not full and knowing that citizens had adequate time to drive to that location before severe weather reached Midwest City I made the decision to send those not in the shelter to the Reed Center where it was confirmed that they were not full at that time. The City maintains its policy that only service animals are allowed in the shelter. Thanks!
Midwest City
Emergency Manager
I have yet to respond to him, but I seriously probably still will. I've been allowing myself a little time to cool down about being told that my life essentially didn't matter to this man. Don't get me wrong -- I'm super happy that we all were safe, but what happened was just flat unacceptable. And, honestly, I think this response is a watered-down, poor excuse of a response -- and one that I'm guessing this person was forced to make.
I am truly sorry for the problems you encountered on Tuesday. As you know Midwest City operates 3 public shelters and has a shelter manager designated for each location. The shelter at city hall was full that is why we had several people including yourself that were on the first floor and not in the shelter. Knowing that the Reed Center shelter was not full and knowing that citizens had adequate time to drive to that location before severe weather reached Midwest City I made the decision to send those not in the shelter to the Reed Center where it was confirmed that they were not full at that time. The City maintains its policy that only service animals are allowed in the shelter. Thanks!
Midwest City
Emergency Manager
I have yet to respond to him, but I seriously probably still will. I've been allowing myself a little time to cool down about being told that my life essentially didn't matter to this man. Don't get me wrong -- I'm super happy that we all were safe, but what happened was just flat unacceptable. And, honestly, I think this response is a watered-down, poor excuse of a response -- and one that I'm guessing this person was forced to make.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Shelter From the Storm...Or Not
The following is an email that I sent to all Midwest City, Oklahoma, City Commissioners, the Mayor, City Manager, and Assistant City Managers after I several of us were kicked out a storm shelter during last night's tornadoes, due to a lack of room. Thus far, I haven't received an answer. I'm hoping for a response soon. I'll keep you updated:
To Whom it May Concern:
For the past two and a half years, I’ve lived in Midwest City. When I moved here as a young professional, I did so against the advice of many friends who’ve lived in the greater Oklahoma City metro area for several years. Numerous people told me Midwest City was not safe, clean, or well-governed. I believed them to be wrong and have proven them wrong; I’ve enjoyed nearly everything about Midwest City…until last night.
Beginning Monday, central Oklahoma was warned about the possibility for dangerous weather. We were encouraged, even by the City of Midwest City’s official Twitter account, to have a plan in place, should dangerous weather occur. So, I set about developing my safety plan.
I learned that Midwest City provides three public shelters, so I called the City’s switchboard for more information. When I asked if I could bring my small, calm, vaccinated, dog in a crate, I was told, unequivocally, no – but more on that in a minute. I decided I’d leave my dog in the closet and seek shelter at City Hall, should the need arise.
With a plan firmly in place, once the sirens began to sound last night, I left my house and headed for City Hall, upset over leaving my pet, but reassured by the fact that I’d be safe. I got to City Hall and saw numerous people flocking in the door, many with pets. I joined the line and went inside. There was a major jam of people, so I couldn’t get down the stairs, but from my vantage point, I could see that people could easily make more room in the basement by crowding together. About 20 of us stood in the hallway upstairs, away from glass, figuring that was better than going back to our cars.
You can imagine my complete and total shock when we were told, even while Tinker’s sirens were sounding and meteorologists were warning people to take cover, that we had to leave! We were told, in no uncertain terms, by a City of Midwest City official employee (wearing an official polo-style shirt with, I believe, an Emergency Management logo) that we were not allowed to stay. When I questioned him, he told me he “didn’t care” where I went, but there wasn’t room for us at City Hall – when, quite obviously, the people downstairs could have moved closer and provided more room.
Luckily, I knew there was an additional shelter at the Reed Center, but, let me tell you, that’s not too much comfort when the sirens are sounding and you’re driving through pouring rain, all because someone “didn’t care”. Obviously, I, along with several other people, arrived at the Reed Center and was safe, but that doesn’t change the treatment that we received.
Are your Emergency Management employees truly that poorly prepared? Do they need to watch videos and review the stories of people from Joplin who were killed while in their vehicles? Or, to bring it even more closely to home, stories of those who died yesterday while driving down I-40 in the storm? Do they need to be taught that a vehicle is one of the most dangerous places a person can be during a tornado?
I would like to commend the staff at the Reed Center, as they were obviously well-prepared, kind, and caring. It was an orderly scene, with workers helping those with pets, children, the disabled, and the elderly. We were kept updated and everything ran very smoothly. When more people needed shelter, we were told to move closer to each other and make room for them. To the best of my knowledge, NO ONE was turned away. The Reed Center DEFINITELY needs to be used as an example for other tornado shelters.
Quite frankly, though, this entire situation has me re-evaluating my decision to live in Midwest City. Perhaps I’ll heed the advice of my friends and move to Oklahoma City or even Edmond, where they truly seem to care about the safety of their residents.
I hope you’ll take this email to heart and implement some much-needed training for your employees. There need to be policies and procedures implemented, including one for pets. Otherwise, I’m awfully afraid that there could be storm-related injuries or fatalities in the future, if this treatment and attitude continues.
Midwest City, I’m disappointed in you.
To Whom it May Concern:
For the past two and a half years, I’ve lived in Midwest City. When I moved here as a young professional, I did so against the advice of many friends who’ve lived in the greater Oklahoma City metro area for several years. Numerous people told me Midwest City was not safe, clean, or well-governed. I believed them to be wrong and have proven them wrong; I’ve enjoyed nearly everything about Midwest City…until last night.
Beginning Monday, central Oklahoma was warned about the possibility for dangerous weather. We were encouraged, even by the City of Midwest City’s official Twitter account, to have a plan in place, should dangerous weather occur. So, I set about developing my safety plan.
I learned that Midwest City provides three public shelters, so I called the City’s switchboard for more information. When I asked if I could bring my small, calm, vaccinated, dog in a crate, I was told, unequivocally, no – but more on that in a minute. I decided I’d leave my dog in the closet and seek shelter at City Hall, should the need arise.
With a plan firmly in place, once the sirens began to sound last night, I left my house and headed for City Hall, upset over leaving my pet, but reassured by the fact that I’d be safe. I got to City Hall and saw numerous people flocking in the door, many with pets. I joined the line and went inside. There was a major jam of people, so I couldn’t get down the stairs, but from my vantage point, I could see that people could easily make more room in the basement by crowding together. About 20 of us stood in the hallway upstairs, away from glass, figuring that was better than going back to our cars.
You can imagine my complete and total shock when we were told, even while Tinker’s sirens were sounding and meteorologists were warning people to take cover, that we had to leave! We were told, in no uncertain terms, by a City of Midwest City official employee (wearing an official polo-style shirt with, I believe, an Emergency Management logo) that we were not allowed to stay. When I questioned him, he told me he “didn’t care” where I went, but there wasn’t room for us at City Hall – when, quite obviously, the people downstairs could have moved closer and provided more room.
Luckily, I knew there was an additional shelter at the Reed Center, but, let me tell you, that’s not too much comfort when the sirens are sounding and you’re driving through pouring rain, all because someone “didn’t care”. Obviously, I, along with several other people, arrived at the Reed Center and was safe, but that doesn’t change the treatment that we received.
Are your Emergency Management employees truly that poorly prepared? Do they need to watch videos and review the stories of people from Joplin who were killed while in their vehicles? Or, to bring it even more closely to home, stories of those who died yesterday while driving down I-40 in the storm? Do they need to be taught that a vehicle is one of the most dangerous places a person can be during a tornado?
I would like to commend the staff at the Reed Center, as they were obviously well-prepared, kind, and caring. It was an orderly scene, with workers helping those with pets, children, the disabled, and the elderly. We were kept updated and everything ran very smoothly. When more people needed shelter, we were told to move closer to each other and make room for them. To the best of my knowledge, NO ONE was turned away. The Reed Center DEFINITELY needs to be used as an example for other tornado shelters.
Quite frankly, though, this entire situation has me re-evaluating my decision to live in Midwest City. Perhaps I’ll heed the advice of my friends and move to Oklahoma City or even Edmond, where they truly seem to care about the safety of their residents.
I hope you’ll take this email to heart and implement some much-needed training for your employees. There need to be policies and procedures implemented, including one for pets. Otherwise, I’m awfully afraid that there could be storm-related injuries or fatalities in the future, if this treatment and attitude continues.
Midwest City, I’m disappointed in you.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Soundtrack to My Life
I love music. Maybe it's because I believe that music is, essentially, lyrical poetry. And, obviously, I love poetry. My musical tastes are pretty eclectic, as they range from the Beatles to Eminem and Don Henley to The Fray and pretty much everything in between. So, I'm taking a challenge that I saw on another blog -- I'm putting my mp3 player on shuffle and explaining the first five songs that play. Why? Because I think it sounds interesting.
Song one -- Sundown, Gordon Lightfoot: Why is this song on here? I don't really have a specific reason, other than liking Gordon Lightfoot. When I was a kid, my mom listened to him, so I suppose it's partially because it takes me back to my childhood. Guess that explanation isn't too exciting!
Song two -- Dear Mr. President, Pink: Gotta admit, this is a pretty heavy song. I'm a huge Pink fan and also am extremely interested in politics. I'm a registered democrat and I'm NOT a George W. Bush fan, although I did vote for him the first time (I'm tremendously ashamed to admit that now, though). This song says so many things that I felt, especially towards the end of his term -- so very many things that I had difficulty putting into words.
Song three -- Without Me, Eminem: This is one of those songs that I just like for no real reason. It became popular when I lived in Pratt and one of my coworkers loved this song -- and if you knew him, you'd probably be surprised. It was the first Eminem song that I really liked.
Song four -- November Rain, Guns 'N Roses: Oh, Guns 'N Roses...takes me back to sixth grade, Teen Town dances, and sneaking into my sister's room when she wasn't home to borrow this tape. She loved GNR, my mom hated them, and I pretended to be indifferent, but I secretly liked them.
Song five -- Cat's in the Cradle, Harry Chapin: This song...this song has so ridiculously much meaning to me. It's not a secret that I have an essentially non-existent relationship with my father. Apparently, when I was a little girl and this version of the song was popular, it was one of my father's favorite songs. I always wanted to spend time with him and he never had time for me -- and my mom always cautioned him that the lyrics would come true. In a way, they have. Interesting.
So, that's pretty much it -- a portion of the soundtrack to my life! This was interesting for me -- maybe I'll do it again some day.
Song one -- Sundown, Gordon Lightfoot: Why is this song on here? I don't really have a specific reason, other than liking Gordon Lightfoot. When I was a kid, my mom listened to him, so I suppose it's partially because it takes me back to my childhood. Guess that explanation isn't too exciting!
Song two -- Dear Mr. President, Pink: Gotta admit, this is a pretty heavy song. I'm a huge Pink fan and also am extremely interested in politics. I'm a registered democrat and I'm NOT a George W. Bush fan, although I did vote for him the first time (I'm tremendously ashamed to admit that now, though). This song says so many things that I felt, especially towards the end of his term -- so very many things that I had difficulty putting into words.
Song three -- Without Me, Eminem: This is one of those songs that I just like for no real reason. It became popular when I lived in Pratt and one of my coworkers loved this song -- and if you knew him, you'd probably be surprised. It was the first Eminem song that I really liked.
Song four -- November Rain, Guns 'N Roses: Oh, Guns 'N Roses...takes me back to sixth grade, Teen Town dances, and sneaking into my sister's room when she wasn't home to borrow this tape. She loved GNR, my mom hated them, and I pretended to be indifferent, but I secretly liked them.
Song five -- Cat's in the Cradle, Harry Chapin: This song...this song has so ridiculously much meaning to me. It's not a secret that I have an essentially non-existent relationship with my father. Apparently, when I was a little girl and this version of the song was popular, it was one of my father's favorite songs. I always wanted to spend time with him and he never had time for me -- and my mom always cautioned him that the lyrics would come true. In a way, they have. Interesting.
So, that's pretty much it -- a portion of the soundtrack to my life! This was interesting for me -- maybe I'll do it again some day.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Slot Machines, Deer, and Bikes
One of my closest girl friends and I have established a recent tradition -- hitting Fire Lake Grand Casino one Wednesday night a month. I guess maybe you can't really call it a tradition yet, as we've only gone twice, but it's such crazy fun that we swear we're going each month.
The main reason we go on Wednesdays is because every Wednesday is Ladies' Night at Fire Lake. That means you get $10 in free match play on your Player's Club card and, if you have the handy-dandy little coupon that they send you each month, you get ANOTHER $10 in free match play.
The first time we went, we walked out after a couple of hours, both between $100-200 richer. The second time we went, I walked out $311 richer and Jenn was ahead, too. It definitely was a success!
On the way home, we had a deer play target practice with Jenn's car, but luckily, we all escaped unscathed (except the poor deer). It definitely shook us up, but it still didn't dampen our enthusiasm on going again.
After a ton of debate, I finally decided what to do with my second batch of winnings (the first went to pay doctor's bills and prescriptions, thanks to my third bout with bronchitis this year). Yes, I could use a new cell phone, but instead, I decided to buy a bike. You read right...a bike...and I don't mean a motorcycle.
I've wanted a new bike for several years and have plans to start riding to work and around town for simple errands. I looked at bikes at WalMart and Target, but nothing seemed very comfortable. So, I started doing research and finally decided I'd be better off spending a little more and getting a truly high-quality bike.
Poor Jase listened to me rant, rave, guess, and second guess myself for hours and also went shopping with me. After two weeks of shopping and countless hours of research, I finally narrowed it down to two bikes. Then, finally, last Saturday, I pulled the trigger and bought this:
It's a Trek 7100 -- a hybrid bike -- one designed for comfortable riding on streets, paved trails, and even some non-paved trails. I bought it from Al's Bicycles in Edmond (whom I HIGHLY recommend) and will get to pick it up this weekend. I'm so very excited!
The main reason we go on Wednesdays is because every Wednesday is Ladies' Night at Fire Lake. That means you get $10 in free match play on your Player's Club card and, if you have the handy-dandy little coupon that they send you each month, you get ANOTHER $10 in free match play.
The first time we went, we walked out after a couple of hours, both between $100-200 richer. The second time we went, I walked out $311 richer and Jenn was ahead, too. It definitely was a success!
On the way home, we had a deer play target practice with Jenn's car, but luckily, we all escaped unscathed (except the poor deer). It definitely shook us up, but it still didn't dampen our enthusiasm on going again.
After a ton of debate, I finally decided what to do with my second batch of winnings (the first went to pay doctor's bills and prescriptions, thanks to my third bout with bronchitis this year). Yes, I could use a new cell phone, but instead, I decided to buy a bike. You read right...a bike...and I don't mean a motorcycle.
I've wanted a new bike for several years and have plans to start riding to work and around town for simple errands. I looked at bikes at WalMart and Target, but nothing seemed very comfortable. So, I started doing research and finally decided I'd be better off spending a little more and getting a truly high-quality bike.
Poor Jase listened to me rant, rave, guess, and second guess myself for hours and also went shopping with me. After two weeks of shopping and countless hours of research, I finally narrowed it down to two bikes. Then, finally, last Saturday, I pulled the trigger and bought this:
It's a Trek 7100 -- a hybrid bike -- one designed for comfortable riding on streets, paved trails, and even some non-paved trails. I bought it from Al's Bicycles in Edmond (whom I HIGHLY recommend) and will get to pick it up this weekend. I'm so very excited!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
It's a Home, Not a House
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to be inside a very nice house -- notice, I didn't say home. It was decorated impeccably and there was neither a speck of dust nor an imperfection to be found. It was beautiful...but very, very cold.
I don't yet own a house (am happy renting for now), but I do take pride in my home. I love to decorate and think I actually have a knack for it...albeit in a different manner than a professional iterior designer. My home is decorated with items that are uniquely me -- vintage items from the 50s and 60s, a red pleather chair, "ugly" lamps, tons of photos, and other random items that I happen to love. It's by no means a showplace, but I love it.
When I think about my house and it's quirkiness, I sometimes wonder if I should grow up and decorate in a more staid manner...focus less on my unique items and more on what looks good to society. Then, I realize that it's me...my house is very definitively me. It's fun and interesting and unlike anything (or anyone) else. I love that my friends can walk into my home and be comfortable. I love that people don't need to worry if they get dust on the floor when they walk in. I love that I have a home, rather than just a house.
Sure, I could change my style and have a more beautiful (but safe and boring) house...but then, to me, I'm afraid that it wouldn't be a home. It just wouldn't be me.
So, for now, I'm keeping things as they are and enjoying my home. While I may not have the absolute nicest things of anyone, they're mine and I love them and they make my house my home. When you walk into my house, there's a good chance that you'll find an extra pair or two of shoes by the door and some dog hair on the couch -- but that's my normal...it's my home.
After all, one of the best compliments I ever received was from a friend who hadn't been to my house in several years. When he walked in, he told me, "Meg, your house always feels the same -- it's just so comfortable and truly feels like a home." Indeed!
I don't yet own a house (am happy renting for now), but I do take pride in my home. I love to decorate and think I actually have a knack for it...albeit in a different manner than a professional iterior designer. My home is decorated with items that are uniquely me -- vintage items from the 50s and 60s, a red pleather chair, "ugly" lamps, tons of photos, and other random items that I happen to love. It's by no means a showplace, but I love it.
When I think about my house and it's quirkiness, I sometimes wonder if I should grow up and decorate in a more staid manner...focus less on my unique items and more on what looks good to society. Then, I realize that it's me...my house is very definitively me. It's fun and interesting and unlike anything (or anyone) else. I love that my friends can walk into my home and be comfortable. I love that people don't need to worry if they get dust on the floor when they walk in. I love that I have a home, rather than just a house.
Sure, I could change my style and have a more beautiful (but safe and boring) house...but then, to me, I'm afraid that it wouldn't be a home. It just wouldn't be me.
So, for now, I'm keeping things as they are and enjoying my home. While I may not have the absolute nicest things of anyone, they're mine and I love them and they make my house my home. When you walk into my house, there's a good chance that you'll find an extra pair or two of shoes by the door and some dog hair on the couch -- but that's my normal...it's my home.
After all, one of the best compliments I ever received was from a friend who hadn't been to my house in several years. When he walked in, he told me, "Meg, your house always feels the same -- it's just so comfortable and truly feels like a home." Indeed!
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