Cheesecake

 I went on a date tonight. It was really enjoyable. I went out with a guy named Will that I work with at Chili's. He picked me up in his Dad's cherry red Shelby. I felt like a total rock star, which is always a good thing to experience on a first date, I think. It wasn't awkward like normal dates though and I owe that to his laid-back personality. The quiet moments weren't made into awkward pauses in conversation. They were comfortably quiet.
We hung out last night too, and I met his dog, Sammy, who was my competition for his attention. I didn't mind though. We watched a really interesting documentary on street artists and a cinematographer-turned-pop art-artist. It was cool and considerably more engaging than watching a movie in the theatre. 

This is a piece done by, Banksy, the street artist that
was featured in the documentary Will and I watched.

Banksy is a genius. Check him out.

Will is really easy-going and comfortable to hang out with. I'm really liking the fact that I have a bunch of new friends from working at Chili's. I would say "I could get used to this" but my count down is at 35 days right now. So, for the next 35 days, I wouldn't mind tonight happening again.


Much Love,
Kristen

He is Mine

I've just had a very interesting night, filled with lots of grimy, existential questions, a documentary about graffiti and pop art, and the gentle nocturne of Owasso during spring. 


Not everyone chooses to believe in God, have faith in the unseen, or invest in the idea of a loving God that sacrificed Himself for me. And, if they're happy with that decision, good for them. But that is not what I choose to believe, and there's no changing it. I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine. I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine. He is mine, and nothing can separate me from His love.


I am absolutely convinced that nothing- nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable- nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way Jesus our master has embraced us. 


-Romans 8:39 (The Message)


If this isn't true, then I don't know what else is.

Datee

I've noticed a dramatic decline in suitors in the last several months, which I owe to the facts that 1. I'm going into the AF, and 2. I don't really talk to guys in general (due to the internal desire to not get tied down emotionally). But, as of late, I'm just getting really bored with not hanging out with the cool guys that I know are out there. I mentioned this earlier to my sweet friend, Cyterica, and she suggested posting an ad for me on Facebook. I agreed to it and I am now tagged in an ad that is as follows:

WANTED: handsome young men with fun personality that would be interested in going on a date with the beautiful and lovely miss Kristen Coager. nothing serious, just a good time with good company. now accepting applications! sidenote: a just for fun date is not the equivalent to a one night stand, don't bother applying if that's your only interest.

I'm not used to being advertised in such a manner, but it's not so bad considering I got an offer in the first five minutes of it being posted. Ballin. It's just for fun and I'm sure it will be a great time. We're dressing up vintage-style (boys in bow ties and button-ups, ladies in classic cut dresses), probably getting dinner, going to downtown Tulsa for a photo shoot (me, Cyterica, and my date Andrew are all photography hobbyists), then to An Evening with Yann Martel to hear the author of Life of Pi speak at Booksmart. I am so incredibly excited. I'm re-reading Life of Pi right now, which is a total coincidence. And the man is a genius and has a beautiful heart and imagination. I can't wait to meet him. 

And if all the plans with boys fall through, I'm fine with that because I know Teri and I will have a wonderful time together no matter what.

On a different note, I just gave my number to a guy, which I haven't done in quite a long time. I was way smooth about it, or at least I tried to be. Either way, I am proud of myself for knowing that I've still got the guts to put myself out there. I almost thought I forgot how to flirt because it's been so long. But I didn't. Rest assured, readers... This lil mama still got game. 

Friday Chillday

Fake smiles are the same as real ones.

My bonsai tree is sad and shedding its leaves due to a lack of sunshine. I can relate, Mister Bonsai Tree. But if you fake smile for five minutes at the start of each day, your brain doesn't know the difference and it releases happy chemicals in your brain. Unfortunately, bonsai trees can't smile and trick their branches into thinking the sun is shining.

I had a dream that I kissed and cuddled with a guy from work. I kissed his neck and he shook his leg, like a doggy does when you scratch it behind the ear. It was cute. Then I got to work and the guy from my dream showed me pictures and videos of his puppies playing in the snow. I didn't even know he had dogs. I think eating Chili's gives me psychic abilities.

My two best friends from Stillwater are coming to visit me today! Sadly, I have to work this evening so I can't hang out with them. But seeing them will be wonderful anyway.

Since I've been so busy lately, I got off by a few days on my count down calendar. I have 39 days until Basic. Amazing.

Have a beautiful day. I know I will (despite the cold gloom that cries outside of my window for me to join in its misery).

Long Boat Pass

Today was a really great day. Jack watched Super Mario Bros. Super Show (circa 1989) on Netflix this morning and I dozed off cuz this sleepyhead's alarm didn't go off... which makes that the third day this week that my alarm has shut itself off. (I even triple checked it last night to make sure it would go off. And of course it didn't go off, so I threw on my pajama jeans, a t-shirt and a beanie, and stomped my way down the stairs.) My dreams followed the dialogue of the show, which made for some very interesting dreams.

After that, we painted pictures. He painted Star Wars ships in green, yellow and red. I painted the couch that I fell asleep on. I've never painted something with so little thought. But, after the dreams that I had, I decided to paint the couch as an ode to my slumber. And it was nice.
The painting isn't as clean as I normally paint, but I was just trying to paint it how I felt about it, not necessarily how it looked.

All I can say is I love my jobs. I love pretending to be a mommy, playing outside, then leaving around the time that I get bored everyday. I love playing Wii Sports Resort and getting beat by a four year old at every game (but not really). I love working with the public and getting paid to smile at people and ask them how they're doing. I love helping servers and the atmosphere of cooperation that most everyone exudes. I love making friends, sweeping, being busy and actually having something to do every day. Even though my job may be insignificant to others, I feel like loving people in the way that I do might make a difference. And if it does for just one person, then my work is not in vain.

I love my job but I am ready to continue growing and working hard in a different environment. I know the Air Force will be very challenging because it's a lot of structure for such a free-spirited dryad. But it will all pay off in the end. I look forward to the journey of growth and personal reform, and tradition and family that I am about to become a part of. It will be beautiful. I am so ready. It's so close I can almost feel the electricity of being screamed at non-stop. 42 Days.

Sidenote: I am currently in love with the band Tennis. Their songs are so lovely, and I've had the song Long Boat Pass stuck in my head all day. Listen to it. It will make you feel happy inside. The singer's voice reminds me of a girly version of Buddy Holly. So cute.

43 Days

I worked my first of three doubles in a four day span. And I'm already pooped. I played hard this morning, then hosted hard like I do. It was a super chill night, but the boredom gave me time to feel tired, and the fatigue has not left my body or eyes. I'm hoping to have an hour and fifteen minutes to wash and dry my uniform tomorrow. If not, well then I guess I'll go to work smelling like fajitas. But it doesn't matter because that smell doesn't leave the restaurant anyway.


I really need to read some "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" because I've been reading "The Five Love Languages" today and, written for a married reader, it is making me feel awfully single. And there's a storm front moving in tonight, which makes me want someone to sleep in and cuddle with, make coffee for and read books in silence with all day. And as wonderful of company as Jack Jack is, he's four, can't read, and doesn't grasp the concept of quiet.
I need contentment. And to remember how intentional these days are. The longing for companionship will never cease, but the sadness comes and goes as it pleases. That needs to stop. Help me, beautiful Jesus, to love everyone and every season of life that you've blessed me with. Help me see the beauty of purification in every tear of lonely sadness that I cry. I'm one day closer to you, Beloved. Don't let my heart forget that.

"Extravagantly"

I've written about how much I love this song many a time, but I just want to reiterate the beautiful message that it provides. Give all that you have to others, heart and soul, time and compassion. Love people bigger than you humanly can, and it will expand your heart and capacity to put others first. It is more fulfilling to give love than it is to receive it. If you're not sure what it means to love or how to do it, read this:

The Way of Love

 ¹ If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. ²If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. ^3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

   Love never gives up.
   Love cares more for others than for self.
   Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
   Love doesn't strut,
   Doesn't have a swelled head,
   Doesn't force itself on others,
   Isn't always "me first,"
   Doesn't fly off the handle,
   Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
   Doesn't revel when others grovel,
   Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
   Puts up with anything,
   Trusts God always,
   Always looks for the best,
   Never looks back,
   But keeps going to the end. ^8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
 ¹¹When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
 ¹²We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
 ¹³But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
(1 Corinthians 13 from The Message)




**Sidenote: If someone says they love you, but their actions don't line up with the above definition, it's time to re-evaluate your relationship. I write this because I want you to live well and understand that joy is attainable, despite the ups and downs of life. You deserve to find the peace that God provides in exchange for our acceptance that we're not in control of life. So breathe in the truth and let freedom renew you. Let the unpredictability of life pleasantly surprise you and bring you real love, not the store-bought kind.




From my heart to yours,
Kristen 

Just Gorgeous.

Life is only getting sweeter and sweeter. I had a wonderful Valentine's day. The sun was out so Jack Jack and I played King of the Snow Mountain, threw and kicked chunks of ice in the road, and enjoyed the sunshine with books and the Power Rangers (they came out to play with us). We watched some of Despicable Me and then I was on my way.

I went home, read some Harry Potter, and got all dolled up for an evening of running around like a mad woman for three and a half hours straight. As I was getting ready, I embraced Amy Winehouse hair and makeup.

Healthy Amy, not cracked out Amy.
She's so gorgeous when she's not on drugs.

Combined it with my hostess uniform which I felt savored highly of an American Apparel add. This one specifically. I have to wear a polo and khakis. Since I have a really short torso, pants with regular waist lines look high-waisted on me. I am all about embracing that trend from the 70's because I won't have to work hard to rock it. And I can proudly flaunt my naturally high waist! That is why I love fashion. Because it helps you embrace the physical characteristics about yourself that you cannot change (by playing them up) and express who you are on the inside.

After work, I rolled silverware to help the servers get out faster, then went to Applebee's with some new friends from work. I am so very thankful that they pressured me into hanging out. They're breaking me of the anti-social tendencies that I've apparently developed over the last several months. We drank water and talked until about 1:30 in the morning. It was very wonderful. I am so very thankful, as I always say, for the phenomenal people in my life, and everyday I realize how much more I am blessed with that I do not deserve. I didn't know what to expect when I moved back to Owasso, but the people I am closest to now are not who I would have expected. It's been such a beautiful surprise.

Today I've done nothing but bake cinnamon rolls, talk to my sister on the phone, clean my room, and chill out to Value Pac, Jimmy Eat World, and the Unforgettable music channel on XM Radio (which is all the classics from the 40 and 50's). Quite the conbination, eh? I walked to the bank in my tie-dyed heart dress that I bought from one of my hippie friends that I worked with at Hideaway, who is the tie-dye artist that does all their shirts. When it's warm and beautiful outside like it was today, it makes me miss late nights at Hideaway eating pizza and drinking beer behind the restaurant with all of my work friends. Those are the good times in college that I do actually miss. They're really open-minded people, so I was never judged for anything. It was really refreshing after growing up in the City of Character.

I am so glad I moved back though. It's been difficult but really fun even still. I am so excited about what the next few days will bring. Lots of change and risk, but it'll all be for the best!

Xoxo,
Kristen

Dog Problems

I just watched The Format's music video to their song Dog Problems which is totally adorable.

 And it inspired me to make some rings! I couldn't find tiny fedoras anywhere like the one in the video, but I'm going to use brown Lego fedoras! 

If you want me to make you one, let me know.


Love,
Kristen

Love is Like Pi

Love is like Pi- natural, irrational, and very important.


-Lisa Hoffman




Today has been a beautiful day. I had to work this morning, but it was a good shift. I love working in Owasso because I get to catch up with random people that I hardly ever see. I went to church this evening for the first time in weeks and it was wonderful. My life is going to be changing very soon for the better, and it was confirmed this evening. I can't say what just yet, but once it happens, you'll know.


Tonight we started an amazing video series on Marriage. It made me realize even more that I'm not ready for that kind of commitment. I started reading "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" yesterday, and I love it (despite Joshua Harris' out-dated terms, catch phrases and references to cassette tape players). What's ironic is I've had this book since I was 14. I've started it probably five times over the last seven years but I've never been truly committed to seeing it through to the end until now. I've learned my lesson the hard way with dating (which is how I have to learn most crucial lessons), so now I am more than willing to heed Mister Harris' advice on how dating is stupid. Because he's totally right. It's definitely not all that it's made out to be. (Da da tist).


 I am trying to change my approach toward the male species, and I think the only true way for me to do that is by aligning my heart and expectations of real love and marriage with the word of God. Life is always so unpredictable, and I'm still not ready to commit myself to someone else's problems because I'm trying to resolve my own. That way I can go into a courtship prepared (to the best of my ability) for whatever toils life will bring. The great thing about love though is I don't have to wait until marriage to love someone whole-heartedly and selflessly. I have been blessed with so many amazing people in my life that I cannot help but love them that way. I never realized how much I have to be thankful for until this season of solitude. But I am glad to have this experience because I know that I cannot take any relationship (family, platonic or otherwise) for granted. When I acknowledge all the wonderful things in my life that I did not earn, it brings on a contentment that cannot be put into words.


I am single as can be. But this is the first Valentine's Day that I am so thankful to be without a significant other. Because I know that it's this way for a reason. I hope that you have peace about the relationship situation you're in, whether you're married, dating or single. And if you're not, you're the only one that can change that. Seek wisdom. Open your eyes to see all the beauty around you. And find the peace that you need. It often comes in the quite moments. But if you look for it, you'll find it. I know it's true because I'm living it. 

Oh, Romance.

I am so excited about love right now. And I am only a by-stander who happens to be good friends with both people that are totally falling for each other. It's amazing what happens when two people who love and serve God first get on the same page about everything in life. I hope that one day I can be in a beautiful, inspiring love like this. But it's not about me right now. It's about my sister, Laina, and my brother, Tyler. I love you two. And I love you as one.

My Hermitage

I worked the Friday night dinner rush and my friend, Kyle, that I used to work with back in the day told me that I'm not as outgoing as I used to be. It made me really sad at first. But I just don't know how to be more silly and bubbly than I already am. I am perfectly comfortable with the quiet, warm love that I feel like I give people. So why should I change when I'm just being the me that I've become over the last seven months? I never knew what it felt like to really be alone, and be at peace with it until recently. And, now that I am, I don't feel the need to be excessively outgoing. I'm not trying to impress anyone, and I'm not trying to make bffls. Maybe that's what I've lost: the desire to make a connection with people. Maybe I've lost my genuine touch. Or maybe, just maybe, I've gained the genuine love for people that I never had before, but it comes quietly instead of over-bearing or silly.

I finished reading The Great Gatsby again this afternoon and one of the characters, George Wilson, is described as a tired man. He wakes up tired, and lives in a town that is described as a gray land of ashes. When you're surrounded by colorful, lively, passionate people you become just that. But, when you're surrounded by selfish, lifeless people that live for nothing but giving the cold shoulder and eating the same three vegetables everyday of their life (potatoes, corn, and sweet peas are the only ones in our pantry), you slowly become that too, even if it's what you hate. I never thought I could ever be this unsocial and still be alive. If this had happened to me at 16, I would have felt a sense of entitlement on a social life. But coming back to this town, after being gone for so long, it's as if my friends have forgotten that I live here. I see them about as regularly as when I lived in Stillwater, only I live two blocks away, not two hours away.

Because I'm leaving, it's easy to be reclusive instead of going out and making new friends. Because I'm counting down the days until the rest of my life starts, it's easier for me to not create any new attachments, when I know I'm just going to miss everyone that I love terribly. It's easier to create that absence from my closest relationships now than it is for me to act like it's not coming and then feel the full shock in my heart and body. I've chosen this absence from others' lives, this life of a hermit. It doesn't make me happy, but it's a way to get by without getting my heart broken or dealing with the disappointment of insatiable love. Because I'm leaving Owasso, and I'm not coming back.

I don't know what awaits me in the Air Force, but I pray it's a thousand times better than the life I live now. Because I never realized how much I need people and friendships. Just like the saying goes "You never miss it until it's gone." I don't hang out with people anymore. I went from living with my best friends in a dorm for nine months, to living in a two-bedroom house with 29 incredible lovely women of God for three months, to a five bedroom house with two other people (who alienate me from their universe). But I chose this. If I had a better option, I would take it in a heartbeat, but this is rent-and-utilities-free living. Sometimes I think I'd be a lot happier if I was homeless though. Maybe when it warms up, I'll move into the playground down the street. I always have wanted to sleep outside and under the stars...

But this, just as every other season in my life, is temporary. When this day ends, another begins, and so continues my life until the day Jesus calls me home. Until April 5th, I will continue making secret compartments in books (following this tutorial), I will continue painting trees and frowning girls, and I will continue taking my rolls of lomography film to Walmart, because CVS fails at life.

I may not know you, but please know that I mean it when I say I love you.

Sincerely,
Kristen

She

I'm going to work for only the second day this week. Being a broke as a joke is really getting old, so I am so glad that the snow is finally on it's way outta here! My nails have been gray for the last week and a half, but I'm really excited about working tonight, so I painted them yellow. I'm a little bummed that I'm missing the concert at Enerje tonight, but at least I'll be working and get paid hourly for it.

Things have been kinda rough lately, as the waiting game seems to be expanding exponentially, the closer April 5th gets. It's like in scary movies when the doorway at the end of the hall stretches farther away just when you so desperately want to reach for the door knob of escape. But God is faithful, and my life is a reflection of that. I have legs that can walk, a strong heart that lets me run, a brain that's good for thinkin', and a smile that can light up a room. But more importantly, I have a joy that extends far beyond any crap situation that life throws at me.
I am loved. I am beautiful. I am worth it.

Dying Alone is for Squares.

So yesterday was a crazy day but it was fantastic nonetheless. Owasso cancelled school, but Marie had to work, so I watched Jack and his older brother, Titus, who is normally at school when I'm with Jack. He's 7 years old but has the attitude of a 14 year old girl. Oh my stars. I've never had to put either of them in time out until yesterday. I think they're just sick of each other due to being couped up together from all the snow. I tolerated a lot of sass and feist all morning long, and it was really trying. And that is why I am not a mother. It is true that spending time with crazy kids is the best birth control there is.
After working with the boys, I went home and got ready for my first shift back at Chili's! I had so much fun. There's only a few people that have kept working there since I left back in May of 2009, but the people that have come along since are all awesome. And I saw some of my favorite Mexicans on the way in (Rafi and Daniel), so my next shifts are also promising because they're really fun to work with. It would be more fun if my brother and sister were still there, but life has taken them elsewhere and that's okay with me. I am just so thankful to be working there again. I really can't explain how much I love that restaurant; it's just everything I think a restaurant should be. Everyone follows the high standards set by the corporation. It's a beautiful thing.
As I was managing a wait and hosting by myself (which was way fun but kinda crazy), this young man came in with his parents. I'm really comfortable with myself so if I see someone that I think is incredibly attractive, I keep my cool and treat them like anyone else. But everything about this guy made me freak out inside. I think I obtained normalcy, but I was like screaming in agony at how gorgeous he was in my brain. He had blond hair that was neatly parted on the side, a gap in his front teeth (which I have a thing for), was wearing tan wool pants and a matching jacket, and had wonderful manners. I'm normally not into guys with blond hair but he was so freaking cute. I feel ridiculous for even writing this, but the world has to know about this. If you know a guy that meets this description that lives in Owasso, please let me know.
I'm not trying to be a scary single but I just want to know who he is. One of my friends came in to sit in her Mom's section, who happened to be waiting on this guy and his parents. I sat her directly across from him and told her that I thought he was way attractive. When they left, she told me that his older sister dated her older brother. She told me his last name but she doesn't know his first. I'm pretty sure I went to high school with him, but I don't ever remember meeting him (probably because Owasso is huge). I'm trying to accept the fact that I won't ever know him and that, even if I do meet him, it doesn't matter because I'm getting ready to leave for the next six years. I'm just a girl, what can I say. I get excited about the simple things. It's just reassuring to see that a guy that looks like the man of my dreams exists. Maybe I won't die alone after all...

Hostess with the Mostess

I went in to Chili's today and filled out rehire paperwork! And then I skipped over to Walmart and Target to get the elements necessary to make up my hosting uniform. I have never been more thrilled about going to work at a restaurant in my life! The fact that I know I'll be working under a fantastic management team is really awesome. As you've previously read, my experience with my last serving job (at Joe's Italian Grill) was quite the opposite of what I'm going to be dealing with on a daily basis. Not only is the managerial team excellent, but I'll be working side-by-side with people that I've known and been friends with for several years. One of my best friends, Laina works there still, so getting to see her and write her notes on receipt paper will be very nice!

I'm also really excited to be working with the public again. I love people so very much, and this season of solitude that I've been in for the last six months has been unlike any other time in my life. So I am very grateful to be going back to a positive, energetic environment again. The only downside is my hair will always smell like fajitas from now until the end of March. I know that working will make the time fly by, and I am so delighted that I get to enjoy my last few weeks working with a team that I am very confident in. I might not be blogging as much for the next several months, but I'll try to write as often as my schedule will allow.

I'm going to continue working with Jack Jack, so I'll always have pictures and such to post of our many adventures. I'm glad to have a fun and chill, playtime job and a fast-paced business job. I feel like the dynamics of the different environments will fit smashingly with my personality. Oh Lord, I am so blessed! I have wonderful friends who love me very much, a supportive family who is just awesome, two jobs to help meet my needs financially and mentally, and I'm surrounded by great people everywhere. If you're reading this, I am going to assume you are one of those awesome people in my life. I just want to say thank you.

Love,
K

Dress to Impress

I'm on a dress-making kick right now. I finished one last night, and now I'm starting another. I'm doing something different this time around though. I've been wanting to mix and match elements of different dress patterns, and that's what I'm doing with this dress! I'm really hoping it turns out awesome. If not, I'll just try again. And I'm using jersey knit, which is my favorite fabric to wear but, since I don't have a serger, I normally avoid working with it if possible. So this potential dream dress is going to be sky blue with a sweetheart top, empire waist, and short sleeves. The challenge with this dress, aside from the fabric itself, will be in how I'm going to get the sleeve (originally designed to be set-in) to sit in the front. I think I know how to remedy this, so cross your fingers and hope it turns out!

This is my "Jackie O" dress that I finished last night.

In the dress I'm working on right now, I'm keeping all the elements of this dress
EXCEPT I'm exchanging the bodice front for the one below.

I love sweetheart tops, so I really hope it turns out!

Wish me luck! As soon as it's done, I'll post pictures.

Love,
K

Sick-o-Snow: Day 4

Snowy path between my neighborhood and the high school.

It snowed like five more inches today, which puts the average of frozen precipitation for Owasso at 21 inches. I woke up this morning dreaming about making a faux fur capette. I haven't Started it yet, but I will finish it before I go to bed tonight.
This afternoon I showered, put on makeup, did my hair and put on my favorite shirt (The Almighty Norma Jean shirt that Michael left here at Christmas that I have adopted until further notice). I layered on pants: leggings under sweater-knit leggings under Pajama Jeans. I layered on jackets: 'boyfriend' cardigan from Mike and Abbie, ancient orange jacket from my high school boyfriend, a North Face jacket (that I borrowed from James two days before we broke up that I never gave back), and my teal marshmallow coat. [I feel like I should make some witty comment about men only being good for keeping warm, but even a hopeless-romantic-turned-cynic like me knows that is simply not true. I mean, half the time, I can't open jelly jars. Men are good at opening jars... and doors too.]

I was going to see Black Swan at 2:20 but decided against it at 2:27 when I was walking by Alcapulco Tanning Salon and decided to stop by. If you know me or have seen my picture, it is rather evident that I don't need to go tanning, for I am already dark-complected. But as of late, I've been feeling symptoms of SAD creeping on. I can't afford a light therapy box, but I decided to do my own sort of light therapy and give tanning a try. Let me tell you folks, it was a wonderful experience. I got some bronzing lotion and I can still smell the topics on my skin. I decided to go with a one month package, so I can still get some Vitamin D this frigid February. And I am really content with my decision. I won't go everyday because I don't want to dry up like a raisin. But I will go when spontaneously. It's a great excuse to get out of the house. And, seeing as we're expecting two more snow storms in the next few days, I'm definitely going to need an excuse to get out.

People are getting really antsy and desperate to get out of the house (I know I am). But I'm curious as to how many people are really willing to risk their lives just so school can open back up on Monday. I mean, the snow is not going to melt away anytime soon. And we're still expecting more. Should we just shut down our lives and wait it out? Or should we just pretend like there's not two feet of white death on the highways and 10 foot glaciers in our parking lots (that pedestrians can not climb over, might I add)? Should I call Chili's and see if they want me to trek across the Oklahoman tundra, tracking snow all around the restaurant while completing re-training and seating guests? Should I freeze my debit card in a block of ice until I start working again? Life is just a series of questions, answered in ways that we never thought possible. I suppose I will wait patiently for my answers.

After dropping by the Spring Break party (in my mind) and getting some (fake) sun, I walked to Seasons Express and hung out with some cute, giggly Asian girls. As I approached the door, some snow fell onto the sidewalk right in front of me. When I went inside, an avalanche of white sin fell right where I had just been standing. The girls screamed with laughter at how lucky I was to have missed it by a second. My sesame chicken was marvelous and the girls really entertaining to watch. One of them was flirting with a man that was about in his fifties, who came in for a To Go order with his wife. One of the girls commented after he left, saying "Hey, it's good for business." I pass no judgement.

I came downstairs to make some coffee right as Nonna was putting some frozen pizzas in the oven. We watched the French film "Amelie" and ate pizza together. It was a really interesting film. I would recommend it to people who can appreciate art. It was a nice way to spend the evening.

Now I am drinking Echinacea tea and trying to decide what else to do tonight. Shall I tuck in early, make a capette, or watch more episodes of Lost? Today is Friday and normally Francyne and I do something crafty together on Fridays, so I think I shall make my capette in honour of today's missed Fridate.

Cheers,
K

Blizzard: Day 3-- Cabin Fever

I am so tired of this snow. At first, I was thinking "This is crazy! It sounds like fun!" But now I just wish there was a way that I could magically wish it all away. I walked to CVS again to pick up two rolls of lomography prints. I called ahead to make sure they knew that I wanted all of the prints, blurry ones included. I spoke with the Photo Center person and she said she would reprint them. But when I picked up my 2 rolls of 24 exposure pictures, there were only 34 in the envelope, which means Emily, the photo center girl friggin lied. She didn't reprint anything, and I am sorely disappointed. Needless to say, I am never getting my lomography pictures printed there. Ever again.

I didn't eat before I left either, so when I made it there I was out of breath and shaky. And my boots were wet from yesterday, so today's adventure wasn't nearly as enjoyable as yesterday's. But I did find a way to beat the system and not have to walk in the snow for a long stretch of the way. There's a long white fence (the one from yesterday's picture) and I did a balancing act and walked on top of it the whole stretch. I felt so accomplished after I did so that I almost did a victory dance. But I refrained for fear of being penalized for excessive celebration.

While at CVS, I picked up some rubber cement and glue, which will help me complete two projects tonight. The first project is How to Hollow a Book, which requires glue. And the rubber cement is to make a collage. I can always find something artsy to occupy my time, but the only problem I'm facing now is a lack of canvas. I ran out before the storm, but didn't think it would be too big of a deal. But, as always, I was wrong. So I'm gonna have to get real creative with what I craft on. Wish me luck! I'll post pictures of what I accomplish later.

Xoxo,
K

Blizzard: Day 2

Instead of staying cooped up in the house today, I decided to go for a walk. I have two rolls of film that I decided to drop off at the CVS down the street. Given that the whole town is covered  in knee-high snow and five foot snow drifts, it wasn't just a stroll in the park. But I did the best I could at capturing the beauty of a paralyzed society.

These were taken at a park by my house. Normally the park bench has a place for you to hang your feet, but not this week.

I walked behind the church after stopping by CVS and found an Air Hockey table surrounded by ice.

As you can see from this crotch shot, the snow drifts behind the church were unforgiving. I had to dig my way out of this just so I could keep walking.

The duck pond is frozen over, save for the circumference around the fountain. All the Canadian geese had their little beaks tucked under their wings. I would feel bad for their misfortune, but I've been maliciously chased one too many times to pity them.

I doubled back around to the park again and chilled on my favorite swing for a while. Someone threw it over once so the chain is long enough to dangle your legs from without being in the snow. Good idea, stranger. In my CVS loot bag is new reading material (Nylon and Teen Vogue), three new nail colors for spring, some colorful head bands (to hold my greasy-grease hair back), and a card for my beloved sister, who celebrated her 26th birthday a few days ago! Happy birthday [again], Lo Lo! You're my favorite sister ever!

So, all in all, today was a great day. I'm gonna go trekking again tomorrow so I can pick up my pictures. I'm just glad I have a reason to get out of the house again! Oh snow, you are simply not wanted anymore. Please go away.

Blizzard: Day 1

My life in the arctic tundra consists of...


 17 inches of snow.

4 foot snow drifts.

Cupcakes. Red velvet, my favorite, in honor of February 1st!

And Lost: Season 1. 

I'm bummin' right now because the hottest character, Boone, just died. The loss is amplified by my lack of contact (and freedom to contact others) by the fact that I can't walk out my front door without being confronted by an eye-level snow drift. Granted, I'm short, but Oklahoma hasn't seen this much snowfall or had a blizzard in over 100 years. It's pretty incredible.


 My favorite part of the whole ordeal was definitely the thunder snow from last night. Lightning and snow, power and purity, complimented with the clanging gong of thunder for added emphasis... as if the contrast wasn't striking enough. Dark silence split open by blinding light. May love search me out and strike me like that. Undeniable, raw power, so I'll never be the same.