Good Morning America!

Quick update. First, I would like to say I am alive. I made it here in one piece. The 12 hour flight was a killer but Tylenol PM pulled me through. God Bless Tylenol PM! Remind me to spend them a quick thank you note when I get back.

I’m on Day #2 of SCT #6. It’s early in the morning here. Fine, it’s 9am. But I woke up at 8. I’m still on America time, and more than likely won’t get on Japanese time until the day I go back home. I guess that’s what you get when you travel international for a short period of time.

Anyway, it’s been quite the adventure. Yesterday I spent most of the day walking up one street. Today, I plan to walk the other direction. When you don’t remember a single word of Japanese, and don’t know the area very well; it’s best to stay close to where you are staying. I hate that I don’t remember Japanese. I spent a month in Japan when I was in college. I guess this time, I assumed when I stepped foot off the plane all the Japanese would come back to me. It was a stupid assumption; because I didn’t know Japanese when I was here the first time. Ask my friend Hub. Everyone laughed at me because I sounded like a redneck trying to speak Japanese. As you can imagine, the Japanese people couldn’t understand what I was trying to say to them. I guess it was funny. But, I probably should have looked over my Japanese language book before I came over here. It would have been something useful to do on the 12-hour flight. Currently, when people start speaking Japanese at me I get this deer in the headlights look. I believe they quickly realize I’m a stupid American that doesn’t know anything about the language. Yea, I’m being one of those Americans.

But besides that minor detail I’m doing great. Yesterday I went shopping at my favorite Japanese store- UniQlo. I bought socks. The first night I was here I was so out of it, and my friends mentioned UniQlo being close, which made me quickly perked up. I only had to hear directions once before I had it memorized how to get to UniQlo. I'm proud to report I was the first customer at UniQlo. They open at 11 and I was there at 10:30 waiting for the doors to open. Good socks are hard to find!

Last night two of my friends and I went to eat dinner with my host family. My host family took care of me for over a month when I was here in college. They were a great host family. They spoke English and my host mom was an amazing cook. Last night she cooked dinner for us and I was able to see pictures and hear stories of my host sisters. It was a great night!

So there you have it…day 1 of this fab trip. But I’m afraid this post must come to an end because I need a shower. I’m totally loving the Japanese showers and toilets. My friend has a heated toilet seat. SOMEONE, please explain to me why we don’t have those in America?

One down, one to go

Blogger World, you are in for another treat; a post from layover land. I have been blessed with a 6 hour layover, yes 6 hour layover. Really, does it get any better than a 6 hour layover? I’m currently, parked in a nice restaurant here in layover land. I have found myself a cozy booth here at Wolfgang Punk’s restaurant. I swear any minute Wolfgang himself is going to pop out from the back and whip me up an amazing meal!
I’m about fours hours into SCT #6 and have already had many random thoughts. So without farther ado here is OK Chick’s Travel Thoughts….

Wow that’s my pilot! WOW that’s my copilot. Where are these guys hiding? Mental Note: Must meet a cute pilot someday.

Delayed 15 minutes. YES! I guess that means that my layover will now be 5 hours and 45 minutes. I can with work five hours.

Must.Get.Nonfat Chai.Now! Random coffee house you aren’t Strabucks but you are close enough.

Another one. Are all pilots cute? Maybe I should make a career move to become a pilot? Oh he even likes coffee. I guess everyone likes coffee, but he likes the random coffee house too. We already have common ground.

Why does she look so pretty? What is it with women who can travel beautiful? You can’t even tell she’s been on a flight. Her hair, makeup, and clothes look perfect. What is her secret? I don’t travel pretty. I look like death after I get off a flight. Well not really death because I look like death after I run. I guess you could classify the look as close to death. When I land in Japan I will look like death. I’m sorry I cannot travel for 24 hours and come out looking hot. Sorry, I don’t roll like that.

Food dilemma. I’m hungry but I don’t want to eat something now. Do I eat a small snack right now or do I just cave and eat lunch? Solution… Open the beef jerky I brought for my friends. Sorry guys..I’m hungry.

So no one talks anymore. I’ve been watching people walk by the restaurant and everyone has their nose in their phone or computer. Ummm kind of like me.

I guess that’s all the thoughts I’ve had. I thought there was more, but for some reason they have escaped my mind. It’s probably because I’m pretty beat! Flights are hard on the old body.

Friday Fun Facts & Weekend Update

Alright, I realize I’ve been a bad blogger this past week-I’m sorry. However, I have a pretty valid excuse. I mean, I’m going to Japan tomorrow. Last week’s schedule was pretty hectic. But now I’m done packing and thought I’d post something for all my lovely readers. Folks, you are in for a treat. First, you are getting a Sunday post, which never happens here at This is my world. Second, I’m just going to combine Friday Fun Facts and Weekend Update. SO really you are getting two posts in one. Hopefully, this can hold you over.

Friday Fun Fact
We had some big celebrations this past week. Did you guys realize that Oct. 19-24 was National Businesswomen’s Week? Yeah, me neither! As a businesswoman it would have been nice to know this information. If I would have known, I would have been celebrating ALL week. I might have sent myself flowers, eaten a brownie or two, bought a new outfit, or gone out to eat. I suppose there’s always next week.
Also, this past week iPod Day was observed. Thursday, was iPod day. Again, I was pretty bummed I wasn’t aware of this observation. I love Little Shuffle, and I would have loved celebrating iPod Day with him. Actually, I did celebrate with Little Shuffle, I went running Thursday.

Weekend Update
I guess my weekend is pretty much over. I can’t think of anything that will happen from now until tonight, so I feel pretty safe posting Weekend Update. Also, it was another low key weekend, which is fine since I have a busy week ahead of me. SOOO let’s jump into Weekend Update….

Friday
My wonderful friend Holly came over for dinner. I was excited that Holly was ok with just coming over for dinner instead of going to the Greek Festival, like we had planned. But we had a nice peaceful dinner in the comfort of my house.

Saturday
I started the packing process. Actually, I’m a pretty fast packer. I know some people hate packing and drag it out, but I can pack for a trip in thirty minutes. I feel it’s due to my frequent trips to Arkansas. Saturday was full of buying last minute things for Japan, packing, and watching football. I became unproductive at the end of the OSU/TX game. It was a good game! After the football game was over it was off to a Halloween party. My friend Stacey throws great Halloween parties. The party involved food and a movie, two of my favorite things. We watched the movie The Lost Boys. I had never seen the movie. It was ok. I wouldn’t rush out to buy it, but I did sit through the whole thing.

Sunday
This morning at church the kiddos received two new memory verses. I was pretty excited that everyone was able to memorize the first verse this morning. I promised the kids if they had both verses down when I got back, a Japanese souvenir would be handed out. I’m thinking chopsticks. Actually, I’m thinking chopsticks for everyone. I think chopsticks are cool.
Well that's about all that has happened today.

Blogger World, if you would excuse me my dishwasher needs to be unloaded. I know it's not glamorous, but you know...it has to be done.

When I grow up I wanna see the world...

As I posted a few weeks ago; SCT #6 is already being planned. What I failed to mentioned is SCT #6 is taking place next week. Blogger World, next week I’m off to Japan! That’s right Japan. The land of…well I don’t know what it is the land of, but I know I’ll be there for one whole week. I’m very excited about this trip. It will be full of seeing old friends, shopping at H&M, eating great food, experiencing a different culture, and receiving another stamp in my passport. I’m very excited about shopping at H&M. I’ve been saving my money for the H&M shopping excursion. Who cares that my 401K is going down the drain, I’m going shopping!

Yesterday I researched things to do in Tokyo. I plan to spend a couple days in Tokyo. I believe I have come up with a killer list of unusual sights to see. One of the things on my list is Tsukiji, which is a huge wholesale fish market. A few months ago Sister #1 and I watched a special on 60 Minutes about the way Japanese buy Tuna, not the sandwich the actual fish. Part of the special was filmed at Tsukiji. This place houses some of the largest, most expensive Tunas. I feel I need to see these great fish with my own eyes, and smell them with my own nose.

Next on my list is Tokyo Dome. It’s where Yomiuri Giants play baseball. I’m not making this up; their team is really called the Giants. I would love to see a game, but if that is not possible then I’d just like to snap a picture of the dome. I just looked on their schedule, and if I’m reading this right they have a game the weekend I am there. However, the schedule was in Japanese, and my Japanese is a bit rusty. For all I know, they were selling tickets to a concert. But something is going on the weekend I am there.

The third thing on my list is a walking tour through the high fashion district of Tokyo. I’m thinking this is where H&M comes into play. MSN estimates the walking tour should take four hours. I’m thinking I run the walking tour, since I’m in training for a half marathon, and then spend two hours shopping at H&M. Again this is me thinking, but I believe my friends will veto this plan. I guess it’s worth a try; it would be great for me since I need one long run while I’m in Japan. I'll throw this idea out when I see my friends.

I’m predicted this will be a great trip. I’m stocked up on books, magazines, and Tylenol PM. Hey, the flight is 14 hours I need to sleep.

Letters from Ok Chick

Beloved News Media,

SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! I have had it up to my eyeballs with your whining, opinions, and worthless thoughts! Please, before I stab my right eye out, just- stop- talking! I do not need to be told how to spend my money. I realize the stock market is going down. However, some of us are smart enough to know that you buy when it’s low and sell when it’s high. Also, I get that you are for Obama, but not everyone is for Obama. Please be a doll and stop telling me that “The American People” did not side with McCain two minutes after a debate. How do you know what “The American People” are even thinking…THE DEBATE JUST ENDED!!!!!

XOXO,
Ok Chick

To my fellow neighbors:

What’s up with the fake flowers in flower beds? You do realize it is middle of October? So it’s very unrealistic that your Gerber Daisies are still in full bloom. Yesterday I ran around the neighborhood and counted 4-5 house that were working the fake flower look. I guess I should be praising you for such a genius idea; beautiful flowers and no hard work. My only suggestion is let’s try to keep the fake flowers in season.

Thanks,
Ok Chick

Dear Mama Spears,

STOP! Please stop while you are ahead. It was one thing for you to release your book as daughter #1 was going through an awful, awful time in her life. And it was another, when daughter #2 came out that she was pregnant at age sixteen. But, I draw the line at you releasing a movie about your life. We don’t care! Also, Julia Roberts called and she doesn’t want to play you in the movie.

Sincerely,
Ok Chick


Starbucks,

I just discovered your sugar free syrups. WOW! Where have these been hiding all my life? Thank- you for developing products for us health freaks.

Thanks again!
Ok Chick


Mr. Maher,

Dude, I pity you when judgment day comes. Your new movie might get some laughs, but I don’t think the Big Man Upstairs is laughing.

Best of Luck,
Ok Chick

Ramblings...

No Weekend Update this week. I have decided I will not do another Weekend Update until I have an exciting weekend. You can only spruce up weekend events like sitting at home Friday and Saturday nights for so long. Blogger World I’m going to be honest, after awhile you run out creative ways to describe sitting on the couch. But I promise, soon and very soon I will have an exciting weekend. I can’t give you an exact date, but surely something will come along. I’m not a complete social outcast. I did have one highlight from this past weekend I would like to share. I went to dinner with my friend Holly and Julie. Now see, I can’t make that one event into an entire post, hence why I’m nixing Weekend Update for awhile. So with all that said, I’ve decided today seems like a Ramblings.

Running Update- I’m still trucking along with my ½ Marathon training. Sunday BEFORE church I ran 6 miles. I would like it noted that I got up at 6:15 to go run. I was very proud of myself; not for getting up early but for running 6 miles. It took me forever to run six miles but I did it! Of course, all day Monday I was starving. I know, you would think Sunday I would eat everything in sight. Nope, not my body. I think it’s on some type of delayed reaction.

Tonight is the first preseason basketball game for The Thunder. Who is The Thunder you ask? Well, The Thunder is OKC’s new NBA team. You might remember them as the Super Sonics. The game is a pretty big deal to the media, but not a huge deal to normal people because it’s a preseason game. I will not be attending the game for a couple reasons. First of all, I have bible study tonight. It’s my first meeting with this group so I should probably be there. Second of all and this is the most important, I don’t have tickets. When OKC was babysitting the Hornets I was able to go to many games. But this year all my basketball partners, people that received free tickets all the time and invited me, have significant others. Needless to say, I have been dumped for their significant others.

Last night I tried two new healthy recipes. I made Chicken Pot Pie and Chilly Chocolate Cheesecakes Nuggets. OH MY GOODNESS! The Chilly Chocolate Cheesecakes Nuggets were A-MAZING! My buddy TC pointed out the recipe from our cookbook. She thought it might be something I would like, and boy was she right! I highly recommend this to anyone! TC and I found the recipe in our cool Hungry Girl cookbook. If you don’t have a Hungry Girl cookbook, then I strongly feel that you should go get one.

It’s fall here in OKC. The high for today is only supposed to be in the high 60s. It’s perfect fall weather if you ask me. However, in my office it’s -2. My office is always cold. I try to prepare for the coldness every morning and this morning I thought I had done well. For instance, I am wearing pants, boots, socks, and two shirts. But that isn’t enough. I had to put on my big green sweater that doesn’t go with my red shirt, to help me stay warm. Yes, I currently look like a Christmas tree. I know this because 5 people have stopped by my office to tell me! You know, I’m not a C.E.O, or a C.F.O, or even a C.O.O but dang it- if they would turn down the air they might be able to pay us more money! I’m thinking if I bust out my gloves and scarf they might get the idea. I’m not being dramatic, it’s really cold.

Sadly, this Ramblings must come to an end. I hear my turkey sandwich calling my name!

Friday Fun Fact

Today's Friday Fun Fact is about football. Guys go ahead and rejoice. Tomorrow is huge football game for any OU fan. It's OU/TX game. Basically, this means if you are a football hater you can run any errand without fighting a crowd. If you are a football lover this means you will be completely worthless from the hours of 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday. Seriously, people schedule their weddings around this weekend. I kid you not! Anyway, gere's the history of OU/TX....

The Red River Shootout, also known since 2005 as the Red River Rivalry, is a common name for the annual college football game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners. The series is considered one of the greatest rivalries in American sports. The name is derived from the Red River that forms part of the boundary between the U.S. states of Texas and Oklahoma. The game originated in 1900, while Oklahoma was still a United States territory and the Oklahoma campus was still in Oklahoma Territory.

Sadly, I have never experienced the coolness of an OU/TX football game. I hear it's loads of fun. My dad has been many times, but he won't take any of his daughters. I think it's because the tickets are well over $100 a piece. The game is held at the Cotton Bowl during the TX State Fair. Doesn't that sound like fun? They combine two of my favorite things...state fair and football. This game is on my list of things to do before I die. It's up there with marriage.

Starbucks Wisdom

Starbucks has brought back The Way I See It. I'm so excited. Here is today's The Way I See It...

I used to feel so alone in the city. All those gazillions of people and then me, on the outside. Because how do you meet a new person? I was very stumped by this for many years. And then I realized, you just say, "Hi." They may ignore you. Or you may marry them. And that possibility is worth that one word.
Augusten Burroughts
Authory of Running with Scissors

Blogger World, today I plan to say "Hi" to someone I don't know. I'll let you know if they ignore me or marry me. I thought today's The Way I See It was pretty solid advice. It's pretty basic, but sometimes we forget that the first step to meeting someone is saying...hello.

Weekend Update

Tuesday. In the Greek world, Tuesday (the day of the week of the Fall of Constantinople) is considered an unlucky day. The same is true in the Spanish-speaking world, where a proverb runs: "On Tuesday, neither get married nor begin a journey."
I know what you are thinking. You are thinking where does she get this crap? I will answer your question. I get “this crap” from Wikipedia. So Tuesday might be an unlucky day for the Greek world and the Spanish world, but here on This is my world…it’s my day for Weekend Update.

Friday
I experimented with a Hawaiian Chicken Dish. I combined chicken, pineapple, soy sauce, onions, and green peppers in the crock-pot. I let everything cook for about four hours. My plan was to serve this made-up Hawaiian Chicken Dish over some steamed wheat rice. I assumed this creation would turn out magical. It ended up being not so magical. I don’t know what happen. Doesn’t that sound like a great meal to you? Sister #1 and I agreed it wasn’t so great. See, not all my meals turn out impressive. I’m just keeping it real folks!

Saturday
Well, Saturday was a busy day. First, I went downtown to run Race for the Cure. My friend Stephanie, Jessica, my dad, and I ran the race together. Well the four of us and 12,000 other people. As always, it was fun and great to raise awareness for cancer. My goal was to run the 5K race in 29 minutes. I ended up running it in 31:24. Again, keeping it real.
After I finished running I rushed home to take a shower and get ready for event #2, a baby shower. Sister #1 and I attended a baby shower for our friend Casie. The shower was held in a barn. It’s true. But, this was the biggest, nicest barn I have ever seen in my entire life. The family that hosted the shower for Casie actually lives in the barn. I mean, they don’t live in the stables or anything they live upstairs. SO nice!
When the baby shower was over I went home rushing to get ready for event #3, Healthy Living Expo. This was a fun event. I worked the Jazzercise both and ate lots of healthy food. I’m sure I was a sight…sitting at the Jazzercise table eating mounds of food. HA! I just imagined myself. Yeah, anyway while working the Healthy Living Expo I did meet two famous people. I would tell you their name, but I don’t remember their name. I swear they were famous! It was a couple from the TV show Biggest Loser. Anyway, they were the key speakers, so I got to meet them. Nice couple just can’t remember their name.

Sunday
Once again, I helped 11 boys and 4 girls learn their memory verse. We’ve been working on this one for a few weeks. It’s tough. However, I think we conquered it this week. Well, the girls have it down and half of the boys have it memorized. The rest of my day was spent decorating for Halloween. I love Halloween!

Friday Fun Facts

Blogger World, HAPPY FRIDAY! Once again it’s time for my Friday Fun Facts. You know, Friday Fun Facts is quickly becoming my favorite post. Well, second favorite post because Ramblings is still my favorite post to write. I think you’re going to enjoy today’s Friday Fun Facts. See I realize that Friday’s are sometimes long days at work. You’re excited for the weekend and can’t concentrate long enough to type up your TPS Report. Therefore, I (Ok Chick) am going to share some of my favorite pass the time at work websites. Enjoy, and if you don’t at least you killed some time at work….

A few months ago I discovered Working Girl. They work in a big city and write about their daily work life in big city. No, not Oklahoma City but a real “big” city like Chicago; places with public transportation.

This site probably won’t interest you unless you live right here in Oklahoma. The site is hilarious. Three guys have become famous for making fun of our news media. They also make fun of our new NBA Team, restaurants, colleges, state fair, and the city of Tulsa.

My hero. I love this man. Actually, I’m looking to marry someone just like him. If you know of ANYONE that fits this description please let me know.

My second hero. Anyone that can bounce back from her divorce with Lance Armstrong is my hero. When I went to Austin I secretly hoped to meet her. Not only is she a great writer, she’s always a great runner. I haven’t seen her run, but I get the feeling she’d kick my butt at any race.

I always get hungry when I view this site. I try to look at it right after lunch, when I’m not so hungry. I mean, I stay hungry pretty much all day but usually after lunch it’s not bad. But don’t say I didn’t warn you…it’s not my fault if you scarf down a bag of Peanut M&Ms after viewing this site. PS- She has a great recipe for Peanut Butter Dip. I made it last night...so good.

I’m sorry to say but I must wrap this post up. Hopefully, you have enjoyed your Friday Fun Facts.

SCT #5 Recap

My favorite part about being single is all the fun trips I get to take with my friends. Yes, I realize that when you tie the knot of holy matrimony you are able to take trips with your friends too. However, I’m not married, hence why I’m single, so I have no idea how that whole thing works. But I do know about being single and taking trips.

Several years ago I decided, instead of sulking about being single I should embrace my singleness. Five years ago, I came up with SCT, Single Crazy Trips. Actually, I didn’t come up with the name, my CA friend DJ offered the name. I liked it, so it’s stuck.
SCT is….every year I reward myself for making it through another year of singleness with a trip. In the past my SCT have allowed me to… go skiing in Utah, lay out in Hawaii, cheered USA on at the Winter Olympics, and get lost in Times Square.
This past year was my 5 year anniversary of SCT. I thought about doing one big huge trip, but because of school I opted for five small trips, in honor of SCT # 5. Blogger World, I’d like to recap SCT #5….

1. Dallas, TX- One year ago, a few friends and I jumped the Oklahoma boarder to head to Dallas. It was a fun weekend of shopping, state fairs, Lion King, and more shopping. It was a great weekend trip.
2. Fayetteville, AR- During the peak of football season the Fam and I headed to see our beloved Hogs beat Baylor. Yes, we went a Baylor game. The tickets were easier to find and cheaper. We had to get five tickets. By the way, this was when my parents sat in awesome seats and sent their daughters up to Hog Heaven. Oh and Hog Heaven is a nice way of saying we sat in the nose bleed section!
3. Portland, OR- This is how the Portland trip came about.
Sister #1- I need a vacation.
Me- Me too.
Sister #1- Want to go somewhere?
Me- Sure.
Sister #1- Here are plan tickets/hotel for less than $300.
Me- Where?
Sister #1- Portland
Me- Works for me, book it.
Sister #1- Ok, we are going to Portland.
There you have it. Sister #1 and I decided, booked, and planned our Portland trip in less than 30 minutes. God bless the Internet. Portland was another great weekend trip. We ate great food, shopped like crazy at Niketown, and saw our wonderful friend Tabs.
4. Ft. Lauderdale, FL- Ahh the beach. This too was another relaxing weekend trip. I believe we were only in FL for 24 hours, but who cares I got a rockin’ tan that lasted for months! The Cousin, Sister #1, and I spent one full day laying out and reading. It was wonderful. The three of us decided the trip must be a yearly thing!
5. Austin, TX- This trip was another TX weekend. I’m sure you all remember my Austin trip. The one where I hung out with Matthew and Lance? Right, I won’t bore you with the details of rubbing shoulders with the famous. This trip was a fun weekend with my dad which included a great 6 mile race.

SCT #5 was a huge hit. I was able to take five weekend trips with many cool people. Today starts the beginning of SCT #6 season. Yea, I don’t know why I decided to start the season in Oct? SOOO where is SCT #6 going to take me? I’m happy to report it’s already being planned. SCT #6 is going to be HUGE. Huge I tell you!