Dave Ramsey Would Be So Proud

IT IS OFFICIAL:

Drum roll, please.

I JUST PAID OFF MY CAR 13 MONTHS EARLY!!

Oh. My. Gosh. I don't even know what to do! Do I dance around? Sing a ditty? Go on a shopping spree?

Shoot fire. I wish I had a sparkler or something. I love sparklers.

Actually, now that my car is officially mine, I need four new tires and a maintenance check. But that's okay. Because now I am buying tires for MY car not Honda Financial Services. And that feels pretty darn terrific.

So to all of you out there who have had to deal with my homemade knick-knacks for Christmas and coupon clippings for dinners out, THANK YOU. I promise to come give you a ride in MY car sometime soon.

We Interrupt Your Previously Scheduled Programming...

...to tell you that the Seester has found a new television obsession:

The Vampire Diaries.

Good gravy.

At least they don't sparkle.

How To Spell C-O-P-I-N-G

I am back, my friends.

Thank you for your sweet words.

Saying good-bye is never easy. Thankfully, for my grandpa, I am merely saying "I will see you soon." And that is what makes this world livable.

There were 50 of us. We ranged in age from 69 to 9 months with three more in the oven. We found ourselves crying at the drop of a hat, laughing hysterically at the most random, ridiculous things, and reminiscing about a man who meant the world to each of us.

It was as perfect as it could be.

We also ate. A lot.

We played football; we watched football. Then we cried over how badly we lost at football.

But there was one activity that completely dominated and controlled the women in my family. It was like they were slaves to it, unable to free themselves from its power.

I am pretty sure it is an addiction.

It is weird.

It has the potential for violence and hostility.

It can often make you want to pull your hair out.

Or maybe even make you drown your sorrows in German chocolate cake. Or Doritos. Or both.

It is called...

Bananagrams.

And it HAS COMPLETELY TAKEN OVER THE LIVES OF THOSE I LOVE.

They need serious help.

They are making up words. Words that were never included in the English language for a reason. And that reason is because they are RIDICULOUS WORDS.

And I admit that I, too, have fallen prey to the powers of a banana-shaped bag full of letters that have the power to steal hours of your life and leave you feeling like you need to repeat the 4th grade.

You start spelling things in different languages.

You start making up proper nouns even though they are illegal.

You even start dreaming in crossword-like descriptions.

It is like your mind has been taken over by little bitty word nerds.

But at least I escaped.  I can't say the same for those poor, spelling-crazed maniacs that I call my family.

Your Ticket In Line

I have heard it said that all of those who believe in a Savior have a ticket to heaven. And our lives represent us waiting, living, struggling, laughing, working and more waiting in line for the day, the moment we get to cash in that ticket for our ride home.

We don't know when that day will be.

We don't know what that moment will be like.

But for those who go ahead of us in line...

 For those who get to cash in their ticket ahead of us and leave this world that was never meant to be full of suffering and pain...

For those whose task is complete and thus leave us still waiting and living...

I rejoice because my mind cannot comprehend what their eyes are seeing and what their ears are hearing.

But at the same time, I ache for us who are left behind.

And tonight...

I am aching.

I am aching for loss of presence, for the loss of touch, for that voice on the phone, that twinkle of the eye, that resilient spirit and that sense of humor, that constant person in my life that has meant more to me than words can say.

I ache to the very bottom of my heart.

And I don't want to ache. I don't want to be without these things in my life. I need them. And I am not sure how to take the next step without them.

Yet...

Somehow...

Under all the aching and sadness...

It is well with my soul.

And I have Him to thank for that.

Twisted Sister

Thank you Seester for your eloquent words of wisdom and comic relief.

I love you because you are my sister and friend.

I love you more because we have separate bathrooms.

Tap Dancing, Baking, and Little Psychology

(Written Monday evening, October 18)

Good evening, Frustrated Cowgirl Fans,

The Frustrated Cowgirl is currently recovering from a case of tuberculosis bronchitis and two twelve hour work days that have completely confused her sense of time (she keeps asking me if it is Tuesday.  It's not.), so I am guest blogging for her.  Currently, that involves sitting at an awkward angle, eating cookie dough, and half listening to "Hawaii Five-O."  But I digress.

Some of you have asked me what it is like living with the Frustrated Cowgirl.  Well, she's my seester, so I've lived with her for a long time. 

She's just as fun as she seems, and we are - and always have - gotten along pretty darn well.  But are we alike?

Um, not so much.

Sure, we both like good shoes, theater, Banana Republic, international something-or-other, OU football, and cookies, but we've discovered in the last year of being roomies that we are actually geared quite differently.

How so?

If you've ever taken the Myers-Briggs Typology Test, the FC ranks as an ENFJ (borderline F/T).  It means she a natural leader who loves people.  (Sounds like the FC, huh?)  It also means she likes tap-dancing and baking.

Well, not really, but she does.  And she's really good at both, as evidenced by the fact that in the last thirty minutes, she's made a batch of cookies and performed her three-year-old tap routine until a thrown shoe stopped the performance.  But trust me, it was spectacular.

And me?  Well, I fluctuate between an INTJ and an ISFP.  It's like my personality is hormonal.  But either way, it really means that alone time is my friend.  It's how I recharge.  I also like to spend my time watching "Chuck" and reading about counterterrorism strategy, but that just may be me.

So how do these two disparate personality types get along?

First, we each have our own rooms.  And bathrooms.  Things are much, much easier that way.

And we use thesauruses when we speak.  Let me give you an example:

"Claire keeps a messy creatively organized room."  "Sarah is a clean freak like Monica Gellar when it comes to the kitchen."


Stuff like that.  Communication is key.

Plus, it helps that we share DNA.  And blackmail material on each other.

But it really helps that we have different personality types.  That way, when one of us needs to be a drama queen the center of attention a little extra cheering up, the other one can help.

And if I'm the one needing that, then my roomie is a tap-dancing baker recovering from bronchitis.  That'll cheer anyone up.

The Seester

Horizontal and Mute

You guys are stupendous. Thanks for the spunk, the encouragement, the well wishes. You are the best friends an invalid could have!

Well, it's official: I have bronchitis. Darn it.

I am loaded up with enough pills and inhalers and syrups to cure half of China. Let's hope it works. For the next 36 hours, I plan on being as horizontal as possible with minimal talking, singing or hollering. And for those of you that know me, this may the HARDEST THING I HAVE EVER HAD TO DO.

So, while I try to regain my speaking capabilities without coughing up a lung, what will you be up to?

Are you going to go to a pumpkin patch?

Are you going to bake something extraordinarily delicious? If so, my address is...

Are you going to watch some college football?

Paint your house?

Run a marathon?

Ride a horse?

Fly a plane?

Please tell me because I GUARANTEE it will be more thrilling than what I am doing. Let me live vicariously through you this weekend. Please.

Thank you and happy Friday.

In Need of Spunk

Last night was one of those evenings where I had nothing on the agenda. I relished every single second, not only because I got to come home and immediately put on stretchy pants but especially because I am still not feeling so hot and I needed an evening to do nothing but lie down.

Of course, once I got home and saw dishes in the sink and a pile of laundry that needed to be folded, I realized my lying down was going to have to wait. It might be a common problem or maybe it is my own special brand of crazy, but I cannot relax until my house is in order. Do you struggle with this? Anyone?

No?

Awesome.

So of course laundry led to dishes which led to hanging up clothes which led to cooking supper which led to more dishes. Finally, around 7:00 I sat down for an evening of TV hilarity, which I relished and savored.

But something still wasn't quite right.

I just didn't have that peaceful, easy feeling.

So I did what any good girl would do:

I made cookies.

Yes I did.

And I ate cookie dough too. And I loved it.

And by the time Seinfeld re-runs were on, all was right with the world.

But now I am on my way to the doctor's office because I have not been able to run for 2 weeks (I am actually disappointed about this. SHOCKING!) and my energy level is a -9. I am also pretty sure that a ginormous hay bale has lodged itself in my chest and last time I checked, hay bales were not part of our anatomy. Plus, I have the craziest week of work EVER coming up and I have to be on my A-game.

At this point, however, I would settle for my C-game. With an extra dose of spunk. If you have any extra spunk, please send my way.

And I will send you cookies in return.

It Is Part of My DNA

Most Oklahomans live and breathe college football. And not just any college, I'm talking the pride of Oklahoma, the Crimson and Cream, the school that boasts the most national merit scholars in the entire Big 12: the University of Oklahoma.

It is a way of life, it is part of our DNA and it is what keeps us going when the wind barrels down the plains for days on end. Without OU football, half the population of Oklahoma would go insane and be locked away in padded rooms while they mumble "When I die I'll be Sooner dead" over and over again.

The other half would be forced to become Oklahoma State fans. And honestly, I am not sure which option is worse.

A lot of people ask me, "Sarah, what the heck is a 'Sooner?'" And I tell them that they were overly-ambitious wannabe land-owners who jumped the gun during the land runs of Oklahoma so they could stake out the best piece of land.  Think Far and Away, minus fake Irish accents.

In other words, "Sooners" were criminals. But they were resourceful criminals who knew how to make a mean brisket.

Naturally, OU has its share of enemies, namely the other teams in the Big 12. We also have a beef with Notre Dame, Florida, USC, Boise State, LSU...pretty much anyone who has beat us in the national championship game or has broken one of our winning streaks. However, nothing beats the rivalry we have with Texas. This match up is fueled by crazed fans, extreme talent and deep-fried foods that show up each year at the Texas State Fair.

Two weeks ago OU played Texas. Did you hear how it ended? No? Well, WE WON. We laid the smack down. Take that, Longhorns.

Don't I sound tough? I talk like I was actually on the field. Well I was, in spirit anyway.

When I was little, I went to quite a few games with my OU-obsessed brother, uncles, grandpa and cousins. And once, when we were walking on the field afterward, I ran smack-dab into Brian Bosworth, a.k.a. The Boz. That's right, you heard me. And let me tell you something, he was ginormous. He was like a walking refrigerator with a mullet. It was a definite highlight in my very young life.

Every week, my parents proudly wave their OU flag for all the world to see. This takes some guts, folks, because most people in Colorado have zero respect and/or tolerance for any football team outside of their own borders. Some years it is harder than others, especially when our record is less than stellar.

But this year, oh, this year my friends, we are undefeated. As of this moment right now, we have not yet lost a game. If my very superstitious grandpa were reading this, he would throw his computer out the window because this post may have very well jinxed the team for the rest of the season.

But I am not superstitious, I am merely proud of where my Sooners are this season. Come rain or shine, I'll stand by them. But it sure makes it fun when things are shiny.

Or something like that.

Just Like A Hamster

Last week I had the privilege of watching Noah. I have a car seat in my car to prove it. It does wonders for my dating life.

And after I picked him up one afternoon, his only request to me was "Sarah, I want a diet coke, an ice cream cone and lots of time to play at McDonald's."

Umm, I think that is doable. Besides, I figured I could drink his diet coke since he actually doesn't drink diet coke. And he would be contained as opposed to being uncontained, say like at a park or something where I would actually have to move and walk and skip and look for bugs.

Side note: I have been under the weather lately and the thought of endless outdoor foot races would have required MUCH more energy than I had.

So McDonald's it was.

However, little did I know that I would be asked to take my shoes off and climb through a maze of tunnels, tubes, miniature staircases and claustrophobic slides. Nor did I know that I would crawling on my hands and knees through germ-laden plexiglass that had unknown substances lurking in all the corners and smeared on all the hazy peep holes. Nor did I realize just how small those contraptions were and that they were in no way built for anyone over 5 feet tall or over 100 pounds. And I am, in fact, over both of those measurements.

And don't get me started on what it does to your knees. They will never be the same. Nor will my socks.

All in all, it was worth it, not only because I got to spend the afternoon with Noah, but also because I got to see the look of horror and awe on Noah's face when his aunt squeezed through a series of pipes that I am sure made her resemble some sort of processed meat, like a pepperoni or something. Or a hamster whose girth could use a few more minutes on the treadmill.

That kid owes me. Big time.

Top Ten: Things To Have On A Deserted Island

Happy Friday! I have loved your responses about your fave TV programs! Seriously, I need a few weekends to catch up on some of those.

Thanks for hanging in there with me this week. Not only do I have a severe case of  I-have-no-idea-what-to-write-about syndrome, but I have been fighting off the flu, a persistent migraine and the overall feeling of not wanting to get out of bed.

Well, the not wanting to get out of bed is totally normal for me, but the others I could definitely do without!

So, here is my completely random list of what I would take with me on a deserted island. Hopefully none of us will ever experience this, but if we do, there are few items I would prefer to have along with me. What are yours?

10. Chapstick. I need it here so I can only imagine how much I would need it there.

9. My pillow. Enough said.

8. A laptop with wireless internet. I am addicted to Hulu.

7. Peanut butter. It is the perfect food in every way. And I would prefer the Super Chunk.

6. A hoodie sweatshirt. You know, for when the hurricanes blow in.

5. Silverware. I know it sounds strange, but you can use the spoon for digging, the fork for combing your hair (Thank you, Ariel) and a knife for scavenging, cutting and dissecting. Plus, you won't have to eat with your hands all the time. I am all about being civilized whenever possible.

4. A lighter. I seriously doubt my ability to rub two sticks together.

3. A tarp. As much as I love a good rain shower, I love being dry even more.

2. A First-Aid kit. I broke my toe while DRIVING IN MY OWN CAR, I am thinking this will come in handy.

1. My camera. This way I can continue to blog and show you the beautiful scenery. I am sure you will all be searching for me, not resting until you find me. But I will be sure to send you clues along the way. However, if you see pictures of Jack and Sawyer pop up, feel free to take your time.

Top Ten: The Best TV Shows. Ever.

I have a serious case of blogger's block. I am sure you have noticed. So in honor of not being able to say anything intelligent, clever, witty or poignant, here is my list of the best TV shows. Ever.

In no particular order...

10. M*A*S*H. This show makes me think of late nights at my grandpa's house. He loves this show therefore I love this show. And there isn't a better theme song than this one.

9. 24. Oh Jack Bauer, I miss you so. I will never know how you could go all day and never have to use the bathroom nor will I ever know why you didn't carry a granola bar in your pocket. Somehow the world just seemed safer with you and CTU around.

8. Chuck. Obviously.

7. Duck Tales. When my brother and I were in elementary school, we would run home from the bus stop and my mom would be waiting with a bowl of popcorn. This show signified the end to a long day of coloring.

6. Seinfeld. I kind of wish I could dance like Elaine.

5. The Cosby Show. I kind of wish I could dance like Cliff.

4. The Office. This show makes me laugh more than any other. It is so incredibly awkward and ridiculous. And there is just something about Dwight's mustard-yellow shirts that keeps me coming back.

3. The Amazing Race. This is the only reality show I would ever do. The concept is brilliant and the frequent flyer miles would be out of this world.

2. McLeod's Daughters. This is an Australian show that aired in the U.S. for just a short while. My mom, sister and I would watch it every week. The only downer was that the last episode we saw had one of the main characters falling off of a cliff. I still don't know how the show ended. Darn it.

1. Friday Night Lights. I love this show for so many reasons: the football, small town America, Tim Riggins, the acting, the drama, Tim Riggins and Tim Riggins.

So, what are your favorites?

You Can't Take the Oklahoma Out of the Girl

Don't mind me, I am just basking in the glow of victory.

Boomer Sooner, peeps!

Recipe Round-Up: Easy Walnut Pesto

Happy October, my friends! I am wearing a scarf today, A SCARF. Can you believe it? I am sure I'll have to peel it off my by noon but there was a chill in the air this morning that could not be missed.

So, speaking of cooler weather, this week's recipe is all about creamy walnut pesto. My mom and I have had basil growing out of our ears these days so it was time to combine our efforts and ingredients and make a few batches. I know I will be so happy to pull some of this green ambrosia out of the freezer once the snow is falling and the wind chill does not get above -30.

Side Note: If that actually does happen, I'll probably need more than a little pesto to keep me going. I'll need hot chocolate, chicken noodle soup, dark chocolate chip pumpkin cookies and a complete season of Friday Night Lights. I could use a little Tim Riggins to keep me company. 

So, let's whip this up, shall we? It is so easy and delicious! I IMPLORE you to make a batch this weekend so you too can have this yummy goodness to add to your pasta, chicken or my favorite Pea and Pesto Spinach Salad.

First, you'll need some basil:

I LOVE the way basil smells. LOVE IT. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing after you make this.

So grab a bunch, give it a good wash, dry it off and measure out 2 cups.

Pack it in good and tight.

And throw it into a food processor.

Next up: Add 1/2 cup of walnuts. This recipe originally called for pine nuts but I was fresh out. Walnuts work wonderfully!

Side Note: I also tried this recipe with plain almonds and it was delish! So go ahead, get a little nutty.

Throw those into the food processor as well and pulse until well combined. You don't have to pulverize it because you will continue to grind it up as you add your other ingredients.

Now, grab three cloves of garlic. I heart garlic.

Slice them up and throw them in. And pulse until well combined.

Now measure out 1/2 cup of olive oil. I always use extra virgin olive oil because it has the absolute best flavor.

Pour in the olive oil while your food processor is running. It requires minimal coordination.

Finally, add 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese. It can be freshly grated or from a can. I actually love Parmesan cheese from a can. It's how I keep things real.

Throw it into the processor and pulse to combine.

And there you have it, folks: creamy and delicious Walnut Pesto. Add salt and pepper to taste. This only took 5 minutes to whip up!

For my freezing technique, I used a 1 Tablespoon measuring spoon and scooped it out onto a cookie sheet. I froze the pesto for a couple hours, removed from the cookie sheet and put them in a freezer baggie. This way I can grab one or two tablespoons at a time. Super simple, peeps!

So go ahead, grab that basil and get to work! Your tastebuds will thank you later.

Here's the recipe:
2 cups packed fresh basil (washed and dried)
1/2 cup walnuts (pine nuts, almonds)
3 garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste.

Directions:
In a food processor, combine basil and walnuts. Add sliced garlic and pulse until combined. Slowly add olive oil while food processor is running. Scrape down the sides of the food processor. Add Parmesan cheese and mix. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy, my friends! And feel free to invite me over when you serve this up. I promise I won't eat all of it.