Anthony & Alisha's Oklahoma Onset

Kitty, could I get the time please?

2012-02-18T22:01:00.002-07:00

Today the bathroom clock fell off the wall and smashed to bits, so I had to get a new one.

Sharing a birthday with Chemotherapy

2012-02-14T19:49:00.013-07:00

Anthony turned 31 years old on Feb 1st. The day began at 3:00am (there isn't much regular sleep at this house anymore) with prizes, a treasure hunt, kitties, and snacks.

Erica came over for breakfast at 6:00, we made cheesy scrambled spinach and egg crepes, yummy!

Chemotherapy was scheduled at 8:00, which we were rather late for due to a car accident on the freeway ahead of us. When we finally got to the cancer center Anthony's blood was tested, after the white blood count fiasco last time we were a little worried... but all counts looked good and the treatment was administered normally.

Our nurse, Janna, was very kind and attentive. She gathered the director of volunteer services, all the volunteers, a few other nurses, and the patient liaison person as well as various other hospital staff, to sing Happy Birthday to Anthony and gave him a really yummy birthday cupcake. (I surprised him with the balloons. Did you know if they get cold overnight in the trunk of a car they fluff right back up in the warmth of a building?) Anthony carried those balloons around the building with him all day and got a free cookie down in the cafe because he was the "birthday boy."

Back at home my visiting teacher, Phyllis, brought over a delicious apple pie her husband made (Anthony likes birthday pie, not cake), and the Cruz and Taylor families popped over to bring prizes and snacks and ended up staying for pie and ice cream. It wasn't planned, but came together fairly well. By the end of the night Anthony was exhausted. Too bad he doesn't sleep well anymore, the poor guy was pooped.

The next day we headed back to the cancer center for a Neupogen shot to keep the white blood counts elevated for future chemo treatments.

That little baby is $7,000.

Thanks to everyone for the birthday cards, gifts, well wishes, prayers and fasting. We appreciate you in our lives, and are grateful for you on a daily basis.

Bad hair day

2012-01-28T20:37:00.004-07:00

Today Anthony's illness and everything connected to it became really real.

One of the side effects of Chemotherapy and the Neupogen injections is hair loss.

The hair was literally coming out by the handful, so Anthony decided to buzz it.

Why is it when you see something it seems more real?

He went from McDreamy to Mr. Clean in one day.

At lease he can rock the bald head.

Low White Blood Count

2012-01-25T19:38:00.004-07:00

Anthony went in for his second round of chemotherapy today as planned, feeling ready for the process. They started out, like they always will, doing a blood work up to make sure all counts were within a healthy range. One thing they check is White Blood Count (WBC) which "are cells of the immune system involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials," in other words this is what fights off infection and keeps us healthy. A "normal" white blood count is between 4.0 - 10.5 with 1.5 being a danger zone... Anthony's was 0.1 This means he has a 28% higher risk of contracting a life-threatening infection. In other words, if he has a hint of a fever we need to book it to the ER because his body can't fight ANYTHING off right now.

The nurse said a drop in WBC during chemotherapy is sadly normal, and told Anthony he could not have chemo until his WBC had risen. To aide this process he was given an injection of Neupogen, a white blood cell booster, and is now miserable. The main side effect he is feeling is a "stabbing pain in [his] spine," which makes it difficult for him to get comfortable. He has been in the chair, in the bed, on the floor, walking around, standing still... nothing helps. Maybe we'll try the car? Neupogen injections age given once per day for three days. On a Lymphoma internet forum Anthony found some guy who had to take 12 Vicodin to manage the pain. Our nurse suggested Tylenol.

However, next week after Chemo and every week thereafter, he will be getting a Neulasta injection. Neulasta is also a white blood cell booster that "helps reduce the risk of infection." Worth $7,000 per injection? You read that right. Seven more injections at $7K = $49 thousand dollars. My entire year's salary would cover 4 injectons. Luckily there's a financial application for the Neulasta which, if we're approved, will cover all but $50 per injection. Oddly enough, anti-nausea/infection fighting meds before chemo and the Neulasta injectons after are both more expensive than the chemo meds themselves. The financial advisors have been really helpful as far as getting us various financial applications for various medications.

Our current schedule is a Neupogen injection at 2:00P Thursday and 10:00A Friday, an appointment with the Oncologist at 10:20A on Friday, and try to have chemo again on Wednesday and if that works the Neulasta injection will be Thursday afternoon. We are blessed to live 22.6 miles from the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center.

2012 Resolutions - Alisha

2012-01-15T17:08:00.003-07:00

Andy's visit

2012-01-15T16:06:00.008-07:00

Anthony's older brother, Andy, came to visit us for a week so he could support Anthony while he was having his PowerPort installed and starting Chemotherapy. We enjoyed his visit immensely and are so very grateful for his support. Sorry again about the air mattress in the middle of the Living Room.

While he was here we went to the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, the Oklahoma City Temple, Anthony & Andy played Monopoly on the iPad while waiting for the PowerPort surgery, we played Settlers of Catan with the Cities and Knights expansion, and many naps were had. Winston & Hemingway were enthralled with a new person in our home and tried to figure out snoring. We also went horseback riding at Pres. Keys ranch, which is always an amazing experience.

Megan, who cares for the horses, had her dog Bo ride on one of the horses as well. Bo eventually got on the back of the horse and that fat little pony tried to buck that silly dog off. It was SO hilarious.

PowerPort & test results

2012-01-15T14:44:00.012-07:00

Recently Anthony had a bone marrow biopsy, Muga and PET scan, all previously explained here. Results; bone marrow biopsy was clean, Muga shows a perfectly working heart, and the PET scan showed the only conclusive cancerous cells are the ones in the mediastinum (the tumor originally in question). He also has an upper left lobe infection in the lungs, and some of the other lymph nodes had some potential growths, but that was inconclusive. So, they'll be treating the Hodgkin's Lymphoma as if the large mediastinal tumor were the only one.

On 1/6/12 Anthony had a PowerPort installed. The port itself is placed below the clavicle, and the catheter is drawn up the neck and inserted directly into the Jugular vein.

Triangle nubbs can be felt through the skin, needle inserted in center.

1/6/12

1/15/12

1/11/12 was the first Chemotherapy session. Two sessions equals a cycle and Anthony will have four cycles, so eight treatments total. He's on the ABVD regime, which is explained here along with possible side effects. Some side effects already experienced are nausea, fatigue, sore mouth, taste changes, numbness in hands, and discolored urine. Hair loss/changes are expected in the next few weeks. Because Anthony has such thick hair he may just have thinning and will not need to shave his head. We'll see what happens.

The nurse had Anthony chew on ice during the Adriamycin administration as this could lessen mouth sores or blisters.

We have an appointment with the Oncologist, Dr, Ikeguchi on 1/23 and the next Chemo session is 1/25. Along with all the negative side effects there have been some positives noted; Anthony's cough has 90% cleared up. Dr. Ikeguchi said that might happen.

2011 in Review

2011-12-31T10:16:00.008-07:00

JANUARY

Made new resolutions, which I was moderately successful at, vented about school and busy schedule, spent an awesome New Year with family, a sweet friend passed away. We took a road trip to Michigan for Anthony's grad school audition at Michigan State and saw bridges from "Bridges of Madison County," and we had a fun and creative Family Home Evening (FHE).

FEBRUARY

Anthony went on a LOT of trips to audition for grad schools, we road tripped to Oklahoma for his audition there. I saw my first oil pumps and historical markers from the Land Run. Anthony turned the big 3.0. I was freaking out when preparing for graduation, I complained about kappa delta, and was sick during a snow storm.

MARCH

I freaked out after almost touching a spider, and talked about books.

APRIL

Updated in photos about the bouncy ball drop, getting stuck in the rain, snow, ducks, falling asleep while doing homework, prepping for graduation and the Magic Flute. We also decided on OU for grad school, and went to Baby Animal Days. Anthony had a couple more performances, and we got ready for graduation. Anthony was in Magic Flute, and talked about recitals, work, and last day of undergraduate classes.

MAY

We graduated from USU, I talked about my wonderful mothers, we got ready to move to Oklahoma and shared a bit of information about the state, and Anthony made some changes to our blog and talked about our new life.

JUNE

We drove from UT to OK to start our new life, we toured the OU campus, experienced our first OK thunder storm, I shared information of my amazing fathers. Anthony gave an update of what we'd been doing throughout the month since we'd moved, we got through our first OK hail storm, and we went on a fun date.

JULY

I griped about our marriage before our 5th anniversary, I spouted off a TON of information regarding our lives and what we'd been up to, like struggling to find a job, cooking withough dishes or pots and pans, etc. I talked about one of my favorite breakfast foods - one-eyed monsters, we went to the Oklahoma City Zoo, I tried baking and ruined it, and I talked about Anxiety and taking a step back.

AUGUST

I turned 27, talked about getting a job and how school is going for Anthony, shared out foodie experiences thus far in the state, and talked about our first three months in OK, horse riding, animals we've seen, etc.

SEPTEMBER

We went to Texas for the first time, I shared remembrance of 9/11, an awesome friend made us Firefly hats, I talked about my struggle with depression, thought about the Lord's hand in all things, we went to the OK state fair, and I loved some Adele.

OCTOBER

We got a fish and two adorable kittens, I had fond memories about dancing with my mother when I was a child, we named our kittens and told everyone how awesome they are. We watched General Conference, Anthony performed in L'incoronazione di Poppea and began to have some breathing trouble, I had a cavity fixed, and talked about our cute kittens a LOT.

NOVEMBER

We lived through our first earthquake, after more breathing troubles we found out Anthony has a tumor in his chest and ended up meeting with a cardiothoracic surgeon and had a biopsy of the tumor. We shared photos of fun stuff from the state thus far, spent Thanksgiving with Erica and friends, visited family for the Mills Family Christmas Party, and showed a video of our awesome kittens.

DECEMBER

It was confirmed Anthony has Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and we talked about various tests dealing with cancer that he's done up to this point.

In the end, 2011 was kind to us. Highlights; we graduated with bachelors degrees and moved to Oklahoma and Anthony started his masters degree. We got cute kittens that keep Anthony company while he's home alone now that he has to take a semester off to do chemotherapy. Mostly, 2011 was kind to us because Anthony's cancer is one of the most treatable types.

I am so very grateful for a sweet husband who tries to be brave and take care of our family, I'm grateful I have a good job where i can make a difference, I'm grateful for our kittens and the entertainment and love they provide, I'm grateful Erica lives in this state so we're not completely alone. I'm grateful for the Mills and Eversole families and all they do for us. Mostly I'm grateful for a Savior who atoned for my sins, for the sweet promptings of the spirit, and for a healthy working body that enables me to give back.

In store for 2012; Anthony's chemotherapy and continued education, I'll try to get into grad school and find an OB/GYN to discuss infertility.

Bone marrow biopsy, PET scan, Muga

2011-12-31T10:13:00.004-07:00

Anthony was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma on 12/06/2011. There have been a LOT of scans and tests he has undergone up to this point, including a bone marrow biopsy, PET scan and Muga, all of which I will explain. If needles don't bother you, continue reading.

He had the bone marrow biopsy done on 12/20. A bone marrow biopsy removes a small amount of bone and a small amount of fluid and cells from inside the bone (marrow) to check if the cancer has spread to the marrow. The needle they used was GIGANTIC.

Three smaller numbing needles were used, think small needles like the dentist uses when you get a cavity, then an inch longer, then two inches longer.

Through this process Anthony was pretty brave. I should back up and tell you he was laying on his stomach and the area being poked and prodded was his back hip area.

Luckily Anthony couldn't see what was coming when they brought out the big guns.

The smaller needle was inside the larger needle to begin with. The oncologist, Dr. Ikeguchi, had a hard time getting the needle through Anthony's skin at first, after all there was just a tiny hole from the numbing needles. When she finally got the needle through the skin she passed through fat, muscle until she got to the bone and sucked out two big vials of bone marrow. Up to this point she had told Anthony he woud feel a little bit of pressure when it came to getting the marrow sample. However, when she actually got to this point Dr. Ikeguchi said "hold tight to your pillow." Apparently bone marrow is a bit sticky so she had to use quite a bit of force to get it out, which was "excruciating" for Anthony. Not in a normal painful way, but a "way deep in the bone" painful. The smaller needle was removed out of the larger needle, and Dr. Ikeguchi then used the little black handle at the top in a cork screw type fashion, which removed a small section of bone into the now hollow larger needle. The needles were removed and gauze and bandage were placed over the pencil lead size hole. I not only watched the WHOLE procedure with two other nurses who were observing for the first time as well, but Dr. Ikeguchi explained the whole process, showed me flecks of bone in the marrow, and I got to see the small core of bone as well. They said we should have results back within a week.

On 12/22 Anthony had a Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which is a type of nuclear medicine imaging, which is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and determine the severity or, or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancer. "Because nuclear medicine procedures are able to pinpoint molecular activity within the body, they offer the potential to identify disease in its earliest stages as well as a patient's immediate response to therapeutic interventions." In other words, when we get the results they'll be able to tell us what stage the cancer is, and will know the best route to go for treatment.

On 12/27 Anthony also had a Multi Gated Acquisition (Muga) scan, which evaluates the pumping function of the ventricles of the heart. During the rest a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected in the vain and a special camera detects the radiation released by the tracer to produce computer-generated movie images of the beating heart. In English that means it's "a highly accurate test used to determine the heart's pumping function." During chemotherapy Anthony will have a lot of these scans done. We should get the results in about a week.

I've got a subconjunctival hemorrhage from all the stress, attractive huh?

Biopsy results: Hodgkin's Lymphoma

2011-12-10T20:42:00.011-07:00

We've previously written about Anthony's ER visits and tumor here and here and here.

We had airfare for Utah for 11/30-12/4 for the Mills Family Christmas Party and figured we might as well see Dr. Bull (Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon at University of Utah) while we were there.

We left OKC, OK at 6:50am.

and flew into SLC, UT at 9:50am and the appointment was set for 11:00am. Anthony's parents picked us up from the airport and we headed to the medical center. Dr. Bull talked with Anthony for a while, and suggested he have a biopsy... which was weird because he's previously told us not to get a biopsy. Turns out, he just wanted the procedure done where there was more equipment and what not... and he didn't want anyone else to touch it. The nurses asked our availability for the following two days in an effort to schedule a biopsy and sent us to the lab for blood work while they figured out schedules.

At 12:45, waiting for Anthony's turn in the lab, the nurse told us they figured a biopsy day and time... 2:00 that same day. Tender mercy? Anthony was so nervous going into the biopsy, as it was a CT guided biopsy and he would be AWAKE while and gigantic needle was shoved into his chest.

The big needle was the size of 3 IV needles together, then a smaller needle was inserted into that needle and bits of the tumor were removed and sucked up the smaller needle. Luckily they had him pretty doped up and he didn't remember much of the procedure, other than the popping noises when parts of the biopsy were taken.

They didn't let me watch the procedure, but I was able to be with Anthony right when he got out.

That's iodine, not blood.

The phone rang as we were walking out and it was Dr. Neumayer, Dr. Bull's wife who works at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. She was calling to check on Anthony and talk with him about how he was feeling, how the procedure went and what not. Up in recovery Dr. Neumayer stopped by to see how Anthony was feeling. She also said that one of Anthony's scans during the procedure looked like the needle was going straight into his heart, as the tumor was positioned behind his heart where it was not seen. After Anthony's meds had worn off we left the hospital and awaited news. He was pretty loopy and didn't remember much of the hour in the recovery area.

We were at the hospital for nearly nine hours.

Anthony's parents were such troopers, they stayed in the hospital with us ALL day.

On 12/6 Dr. Bull called Anthony telling him the biopsy results were in. Anthony has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Of all the cancers to have, this is definitely the best one as it has one of the highest survival rates. Anthony will need to start chemotherapy and radiation soon, and we have decided to stay in Oklahoma as there is a cancer center in Oklahoma City, about 30 minutes away.

Anthony has good days and bad days. His cough picks up a lot in the evening and he has a hard time sleeping quite frequently and most often sleeps on one of the chairs in the living room as he can not lay flat much of the time.

I wish I knew what to do for him.

Another tender mercy, open enrollment to make changes to my insurance was 12/8. I was able to add Anthony, so now he has his not-so-great insurance through OU, and whatever coverage he gets through my insurance.

We're still waiting to hear back from some oncologists in OKC, and after finals this coming week Anthony is hoping to start Chemo...

Talented feline

2011-11-23T22:42:00.003-07:00

This is Hemingway. He's awesome. Winston also makes an appearance.

Here is what Hemingway and Winston are doing right this second. They're cute :)

This is Gingerbread Man. He likes the Sinclair dinosaur.

Random photos

2011-11-19T20:55:00.005-07:00

Medical update

2011-11-16T20:59:00.009-07:00

After visiting the ER for the second time in a week and getting the news Anthony has a tumor near his heart we called our parents, then Anthony called his old voice teacher, Cindy. Through the conversation it was discovered that Cindy's sister, Leigh, is a doctor at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Leigh's husband, David, is the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at University of Utah. Anthony saw Dr. Toal, a Cardiothoracic surgeon here in Norman who advised he have a biopsy, which was scheduled for Thursday 11/17. However, Anthony had sent his CT scans to Leigh & David who advised him not to have the biopsy. Instead, they suggested Anthony go to Huntsman after finals for a biopsy and surgery. This means Anthony can finish out the semester and would have recuperation time during the Christmas break.

Prayers & thoughts needed and appreciated

2011-11-12T21:22:00.004-07:00

As I've already told you, Anthony has been sick lately. He was diagnosed at the OU student health center on 10/29 with a sinus infection and Bronchitis. He took the full course of antibiotics and steroid but just wasn't getting better. I also told you we went to the ER on 11/6 because Anthony still couldn't breathe well and was just feeling miserable. He was diagnosed with Bacterial Pneumonia and, just as I surmised, we ended up back in the hospital tonight. Since they'd done an xray earlier in the week they decided to do a CT scan. Turns out he has whooping cough. The CT also showed an "11cm mass in the mediastinum, most likely a neoplasm such a Teratoma or Thymoma, less likely a Lymphoma." Can you imagine being the doctor to walk into an ER and tell the patient 'I know you're here for this cough and shortness of breath, but I'm 98% sure you have cancer. And the tumor is pressed up against your heart.'

Before the doctor gave us that news she had a consult with the Cardiothoracic surgeon who said we need to make an appointment to see him ASAP for a biopsy of the tumor. Anthony also got new antibiotics and steroid for the whooping cough.

Your thoughts and prayers and much appreciated. Also, our families and friends willing to participate have been invited to join in a Fast on Monday night/Tuesday morning throughout Tuesday. Thank you. We'll update as we get updates.

and the Earth shook

2011-11-07T19:24:00.006-07:00

It has been a very busy and eventful couple of weeks.

First off, Anthony has been really sick. I already posted a video of him wheezing and telling you about him being diagnosed with Bronchitis and a Sinus Infection. Well, the doctor at the student health center gave Anthony some antibiotics and a steroid and told him that if he got worse to go to the ER. Anthony sang at the Saturday evening session of Stake Conference and was feeling horribly and couldn't catch his breath so we spent our extra time change sleep-in hour in the ER. After a chest x-ray he got a new diagnosis - Bacterial Pneumonia. Yeah. So now he's on a different course of antibiotics and is supposed to go to the doctor if he isn't feeling better in three days. We're halfway through the second day, and I foresee us going back to the doctor.

After Stake Conf. on Sunday I was standing in the kitchen and Anthony was at his computer in the living room when something moved all weird like. I had no idea what was going on and Anthony & I just stared at one another for a second... then I realized the water in the fish bowl was sloshing around and our walls were swaying and creaking. I felt my first big earthquake. It was a 5.6 about 65 miles to the NW of us...pause, we're having another small one right this second. Also, there is a tornado warning for our area. Wanna come visit?

Work is going well. One of these days I'll actually explain what I do.

Hemingway and Winston are doing well. They went to the vet last week and Hemingway weighs 2.4 pounds and Winston weighs 1.8 pounds. That's almost a pound each in the last three weeks. Hemingway has started making these cute noises, and Winston purred for the third time today!

That's what going in our neck of the woods, how about you?

October rundown

2011-10-29T22:36:00.000-06:00

I love October because we get to watch General Conference!! It's really cool how people glean different things from each talk, hearing what pertains to things they need at that time. Pres. Monson is just to cute!! Did you know he was late to the Saturday morning session and that's why he spoke after a few other speakers, rather than at the beginning?

Anthony was in L'incoronazione di Poppea (The Coronation of Poppea) and was excellent, as usual.

The Oklahoman published an article which stated, "Anthony Eversole brought a powerful voice and stoic demeanor to Senecca, who speaks reason to power, then accepts the consequences, killing himself in a moving death scene over the protests of his followers."

Anthony gets Bronchitis around this time every year, plus lots of people in the cast were getting sick during the opera. Anthony was coughing and wheezing and we eventually went to the health center here on campus. Poor guy sounded awful, even after a nebulizer treatment of Albuterol. Turns out he has Bronchitis AND a sinus infection (pause music at the bottom of the page so you can hear the video).

I had to get a cavity filled and thought the numbing shots were hilarious.

Waiting for the dentist

Heading to work, right side is still a bit droopy. The dentist told me the filling was set, so I could eat and drink, but I might not want to because I might "dribble."

I've been trying to spend more time with Erica. We found awesome hats and Christmas!! I love that Erica lives close to me. This morning her ward did some service at an elderly couple's home. I made a sidewalk path thing.

Ok, enough about us, let's talk about Hemingway & Winston!

I crocheted that ball thing, pretty proud of myself.

They sleep is such strange places, but I love to cuddle with them!

This is what they do when they're hungry (if you haven't already, pause music at the bottom of the page so you can hear the video)

Who knew a toilet paper roll could be so fun?

An author and a statesman

2011-10-16T21:42:00.020-06:00

Thanks to everyone who gave name suggestions for the kittens. After two weeks of observing their personalities and mannerisms (and not wanting to get attached with names in case we had to give them away due to Anthony's allergies) we have finally named the little men.

The kittens were living in squalor and I've had a heck of a time litter box training them. They have been quarantined in the bathroom for 4 days, apparently that will help them grow accustomed to going in the litter box.

I had some inklings the kittens had worms so I took them to the veterinarian. They were weighed ( H is 1.5 lbs, W is 1 lb) and given their first set of shots. After a little testing it turned out they have roundworms, which the majority of kittens are born with, so they got a little medicine.

Anthony is SO good to let me keep the kittens even though he's pretty sneezy and his eyes get red and itchy when he holds the kittens. We had to go buy allergy meds & eyedrops that seem to be helping, but sometimes he's still pretty miserable. I'm grateful he loves me enough to try to manage his allergies so I can keep the kittens.

Back to the kittens, let me tell you an awesome thing about each one.
Winston is unique in the way he climbs off his platform, it's so dang cute.

Hemingway is unique because he is polydactyl, meaning he has extra toes. It looks like a little thumb, which cats don't ordinarily have. It doesn't hinder him at all, and the vet called him "mittens" all day because of it. Apparently Ernest Hemingway, (author of A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Old Man and the Sea) owned several polydactyl cats which is why they are often called Hemingway cats. Interesting huh?

Memories

2011-10-07T22:46:00.003-06:00

The other day I was shuffling my iPod and this song came up. I had a wonderful memory of, as a small child, dancing with my mother. She would hold me and spin around the room, I think she was doing actual dance steps now that I think about it. I just remember wheeling around and loving every second.

New additions

2011-10-01T23:34:00.008-06:00

After my hamsters sadly perished in this Oklahoma heat I needed something to love on. So we got a fish.

Meet our Crowntail Beta, Little Chunk.

However, a fish just wasn't fulfilling my need to . . . mother (for lack of a better word). So, today I talked my husband into getting kittens. Yes, you read that correctly. This dog lover and that allergic to cats man now have two adorable kittens. Itty bitty ones.

(No, I'm not pregnant, just chunky)

Tonight while Anthony was in the Priesthood Session of General Conference I ran some errands with my sister. I got home about two minutes before Anthony, and there were no kittens to be found. The door was locked, the bedroom & bathroom & patio doors were closed and there was no explanation of where two living breathing creatures could have gone. We scoured our entire apartment, took apart bedding, pulled out and looked under furniture, kitchen appliances, etc. No kittens. Anthony thought he heard some squeaking in the couch so it now has some large window cutouts in various areas of the back and sides. You also read that right. My allergic to cats husband literally ripped our couch apart trying to find lost kitties, to no avail. By this point I'm getting a little emotional and we decided to say a quick prayer.

Anthony decided to check under the ledges of the drawers and guess what he found under the bottom drawer?

The little stinkers found a gap we didn't even know existed and climbed right on in. If Anthony hadn't felt that gap and thought to pull the drawers out I don't think we would have found the naughty little fuzz balls.

See how they climbed in? The drawer was still out at this point because I found the following items jammed in the back, must have been falling out of drawers over time.
A ton of grocery bags, a washcloth, soup can label, alarm system agreement, and a ladle.

After a prayer of thanks our little storm clouds are now hiding/napping under the ripped up couch while I clean.

Now, if you're read this far you get to partake in a little fun!

We can't think of names for these cuties. Want to help?

We want to stay away from cutesy stuff like; Tiger, Cloudy, Fluffy and so on.

Please leave your name ideas in the comments and we'll let you know what we decide!

P.s. since Anthony is allergic to cats and we don't know how well my "you have a cat when you're allergic" method is going to work... so I have heavy-heartedly agreed to give them away if his allergies get bad. If that's not love on both of our parts I don't know what is.

Musical Impression

2011-09-29T21:40:00.003-06:00

We've all had that relationship... the one we thought would last... but didn't.

I fell in love with this song "Someone Like You" by Adele, who is AMAZING.

I went a little overboard and have included three videos of the same song.

The first video is Adele recording the song in her home and explaining the emotion behind the song. The second video is the official music video, The third one literally brought me to tears. Number one it's live, and there's just something about the guitar that moves me. Plus, she's so much more natural in her makeup and hair choices, and you can see the pain on her face. Just amazing.

(Scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause the currently playing music before you try watching the videos)

Oklahoma State Fair

2011-09-24T19:37:00.011-06:00

Anthony & I went to the Oklahoma State Fair today.

Let me being by saying I've never seen so much livestock at a fair in my entire life... and I'm from Utah... where we have lots of livestock.

They had all kinds of cows, Clydesdale horses and goats. I liked the goats the best. They paraded all these animals around like they do in dog shows. It was ca-ra-zy.

There was this little children's area called "The City of AGtropolis" where you could see goats and sheep in their natural habitat, kids can wear these Lady Gaga type shoes to "walk like a cow," see the progression of a caterpillar to a butterfly, and other neato things like that.

There was another area call the "Barnyard Birthing Center" which I thoroughly enjoyed! We saw calves, chicks, kids, and piglets!!! They were all SO cute!

We even watched a little chick try to break out of it's shell.

There were TONS of booths and shops. My favorite? The Storm Shelter Station. How can you have a fair w/o trying to sell some storm shelters? Anthony & I were joking that it would be a perfect area to be wandering if a tornado decided to make an appearance.

In all seriousness, it's freaky to know that these are actually necessary... I don't know where a storm shelter is near our home, and think we will have to heed the advice we've been given of getting in the bathtub and putting a mattress over us. Scary.

Anyway, back to the fair and the FOOD!

There were SO many food shops, probably a good 70% of the booths were food.

We ended up getting a little jug of Root Beer, cotton candy, a funnel fake, a turkey leg, and an Indian Taco.

For those Westerners (like the Utahan's I grew up with) Indian tacos are Navajo tacos. There are so many tribes around here they don't specify the name of the tacos, just call them India tacos. Interesting huh?

We did NOT eat this, but had to share the redneck-ness.

All in all we had a pretty good day :)

Matthew 25:40

2011-09-22T21:36:00.018-06:00

In the Spring of 2008 Anthony & I were busy making plans with a Utah State University professor to perform recitals in Guatemala and El Salvador that summer.

While I was planning to perform in the recitals music is not my passion as it is Anthony's, and I wanted to do something more, something that speaks to my heart. While Anthony memorized music and held recitals in preparation of our trip, I was busy gathering items for hygiene kits. Family, friends, classmates, church members and anyone else I could contact small scale donated money, stuffed animals and various other items.

I was able to put together 32 basic hygiene kits.

By May of 2008 we were performing in various areas, including the largest recital in the Teatro de Santa Ana in Santa Ana, El Salvador.

A few days after the concert we went to Panajachel to do some shopping and spend some time on Lake Atitlan and surrounding towns.

There is an LDS church in Panajachel, the smallest church I have ever seen, wherein we performed. Missionaries and branch members were sitting throughout the tiny room and after the introductions we began to sing.

We were in the middle of "Como os he amado (As I Have Loved You)" when a bunch of mismatched kids walked in and filtered throughout the room.

The spirit grew so warm and strong in the room as those little souls settled in. As the afternoon wore on it was related to us that the children were from an orphanage around the corner. My heart broke and rejoiced in one swift moment.

I had been carting around two HUGE suitcases filled with hygiene kits everywhere we went in hopes of figuring out where to take them. I had looked into various volunteer networks, but had chosen not to go through them, I wanted to do this on my own. I knew of a Branch President in the Highlands and was planning on asking if they needed the hygiene kits there.

My plans took a drastic turn when I saw those beautiful children.

I looked at Anthony and whispered "I'm going to give them everything we brought."

Long story short, that is exactly what I did. We walked with the kids to the orphanage, unloaded the suitcases on an outdoor table and lined the kids up to show them what we'd brought. Remember when I said we had 32 hygiene kits?

Guess how many kids there were in that orphanage?

31.

The Lord works in mysterious ways.

The ugly truth

2011-09-20T22:54:00.005-06:00

*This post is filled with personal information about myself, which I rarely share with anyone and feel quite uncomfortable sharing now. I've written and deleted similar posts multiple times and feel it is time to show myself I can make a change*

I'm learning to love myself.

This is something I've struggled with for the majority of my adolescent and adult life. Apparently I was also a sullen, antisocial child. You could say I've struggled with loving, or even liking myself my entire life.

I hear people make comments about feeling good in a new pair of jeans, or feeling sexy when doing their makeup differently, or feeling hot because they just had their hair done, or they're just one of those naturally beautiful people the rest of us want to hate.

I've never thought of myself as beautiful, let alone pretty. And sexy? Please, have you seen me?

Sometimes I hear people talk about depression and anxiety and think, "you have NO idea" because, I think, "how could they possibly struggle as badly as I do?"

I've been on a high over the past few weeks... and I'm awaiting the inevitable drop. It's hard to feel happy and begin to feel good about oneself when the next day could turn out to be the seemingly worst day ever, which leads into a few weeks of "I can't possibly go to work, I'm the worst employee ever, I don't even know why they hired me. I suck at everything," or "All those people are staring at me and laughing because I've got something on my face or my shirt, or my fly is open" or "I don't know why you even married me, I'm fat and ugly and there's just nothing good about me. I should leave so you can find someone who really makes you happy," or "I don't want to go out. Everyone will stare at me because all my pants are so tight and my fat hangs over the top because I'm such a fat slob. How can you even stand to be near me? I'm hideous. I'm useless. I'm worthless."

Yes, those are things I think and say to myself on a regular basis.

My husband is a trooper. I don't deserve him.

I've gotten pretty good about making up excuses to miss work when I'm too depressed to get out of bed. I'm pretty good at hiding my tears and trembling breathing at night while my husband falls asleep. I'm really good at plastering a fake smile on my face and acting like I manufacture rainbows and glitter. Nothing wrong here.

Then I go home, and I sit in my dark closet, and I fall to pieces. I cry so hard I can't breathe. The dark gloomy cloud descends and I sit in my sad spot for hours thinking the worst possible things about myself. If you have ever struggled with depression you know what I'm talking about. Suddenly these ugly, overpowering negative thoughts pop into your head and no matter how hard you fight, they're still there. Staring you in the face with a mirror that shows all your insecurities and flaws. Staring right in your face, daring you to stand up for yourself.

I tried Prozac quite a few years ago, but it didn't work. The thing about medication is that it can have one of three effects 1) it can help alleviate your depression, 2) it can make your depression worse, 3) it doesn't have any effect. This is why doctors set people on small dosages and often change medications in order to find what works for that person. Did you know that? You learn something new every day.

I'm taking Metformin now which will hopefully help regulate my out of whack hormones (different long story) which will hopefully help me feel more leveled out mentally and emotionally.

I wouldn't wish this life on anyone, but I wish you could live in my life for a few days to feel what I feel on days that I honestly think the world would be a better place without me in it.

I have an extremely hard time making friends partly due to my awkward personality, but mostly due to my thoughts of "I'm not good enough to be their friend. Who would want to be friends with me? I'm not a good friend. I'll just sit here in the back row and watch everyone else." I have very few friends. I tend to feel more comfortable one-on-one or in very small groups. I also tend to make friends who have "problems" so we spend most of our time talking about them. I tend to prefer this setup as I avoid talking about myself. I struggle with letting other people know I have faults and flaws and struggles, even though everyone has them.

I get very negative and withdrawn when I'm having depressive episodes. Well... I'm like that on a regular basis anyway. Maybe that whole "fake it till you make it" thing has stuck and I'm beginning to believe I can be a positive person? I feel like I've gotten a lot better about being nice to other people and giving more compliments than snide comments.

In short, I'm working on becoming a better person. I'm learning to cope with depressive episodes and have realized that keeping all these thoughts and feeling inside isn't helping anyone. I always encourage people to talk about their problems because they never know who may be struggling with the same things and learning how other people cope with the same things you struggle with is always beneficial. It's about time I take my own advice.

Feeling fly, as in Firefly

2011-09-13T21:33:00.006-06:00

In 2002 Firefly aired for one season on Fox. After the cancelation fans adamantly pursued a continuation and the movie Serenity was released in 2004.

I started watching the series last year and thought, "Seriously? A show about cowboys in space?"

By this point in time I was hooked on the ABC show Castle and had recently discovered Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog which stars Nathan Fillion, who also stars in Firefly, so I stuck around. Firefly also stars Alan Tudyk whom I loved in 28 Days and A Knights Tale so I stuck around even longer.

After a couple episodes I fell in love. Shortly thereafter I rented Serenity and I just couldn't get enough... so I got a little bit more.

Still don't get it? Watch the video.

Thanks to the AMAZING Kevin Nakatani for our "pretty cunning" Jayne hats. I can't wait for it to cool down so I can wear it all the time!!

I remember

2011-09-11T13:28:00.006-06:00

Ten years ago today I was on the bus to school. We had just transfered busses at the junction and the radio fuzz was fading into a listenable station. We heard a lot of commotion and confusion and knew there was some sort of accident but didn't grasp the fullness of the situation until we arrived at the high school where other students and teachers told us a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I remember vividly as I walked off the bus the cries of terror over the radio as another plane targeted the second tower.

I didn't know if classes were more or less cancelled that day, or if I just didn't go, but I remember spending the majority of the school day planted in a desk in front of the television in Mr. Kay's classroom with multiple other students watching the news, watching the reruns of the second plane colliding with the building, people jumping, buildings crumbling.

The thoughts of accident then finally terrorism.

Candlelight vigils were held in remembrance and sorrow.

I remember the next few days watching the news more than I had in my entire life. I collected newspaper clippings and articles and filed them away, knowing this was something I would share with my children one day.

I also remember the change in feeling over our great nation. The initial fear and sorrow turned to anger and revenge, then slowly ebbed away into sadness and pity for the people and families affected.

I remember the feelings of unity, service, love, protection, and patriotism that rose through the ashes and ruble stronger than I remember ever experiencing.

I didn't know anyone in the towers, but I did know a family friend who was going to NYU and had to evacuate her apartment with literally nothing but the clothes on her back.

There were many stories of the partners and children left behind. Rescue workers who bravely charged into impending death with little thought of themselves and their families. Their hearts set on saving those they could. I remember multiple books and a few movies depicting lives lost and found.

I taped newspaper photos on my bedroom walls, this in the center. The pure terror on the men's faces as a debris cloud descends upon them touched me to the core.

Other images like these began to surface as the hours and days drew on and America gathered together.

Osama bin Laden, founder of Al-Qaeda - the jihadist organization responsible for the attach on September 11, 2001- was captured and killed May 2, 2011. Nearly ten years after the initial attack America rejoiced. Candlelight vigils were again held in remembrance.

Our great nation will change, our memories will fade, I will forgive, but I will never forget.

The Lone Star State

2011-09-03T21:04:00.007-06:00

I FINALLY made it to Texas!!

Anthony & I haven't been to the temple in a while and decided before Saturday rehearsals are in full swing this is a perfect time to go. While the Oklahoma City Temple is about 45 minutes away from where we live in Norman, the nearest Distribution Center is three hours away in Dallas. Anthony & I needed some things from the Distribution Center so at 6:30 this morning we headed out.

We were lucky enough to watch the sun rise as we drove.

We also saw the "mountains" here in Oklahoma as we drove West.

We made it into Texas, a first for both of us!

First we went to the Distribution Center, which is handily located in the temple. However, they only had clothing and such so after getting a few things we headed down the street to a tiny little LDS bookstore to get a book I've been eying and little plastic holders for our recommends.

The Corner Market and Bakery was down the street & around the corner so we stopped there for lunch. The Paninis were phenomenal.

Even though we ended up in a Spanish session it was such a magnificent and beautiful afternoon. I love learning new things :)

Our first three months in the fiery depths

2011-08-30T21:06:00.001-06:00

I should start out by saying that Oklahoma isn't Hell, but by golly is it hot. It was up to 116* last week. And the humidity!! Lozzy day is it humid here! Today it was actually 96* and I was wishing I had a cardigan. I'm ruined I think.

Anyway, since we've been here in Oklahoma we've gotten to see some pretty cool things. We've made quite a few trips to OKC (Oklahoma City) and have seen the Stock Yards, Bricktown, and the OKC National Memorial. We also went to the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History here in Norman (I'll post about those later).

I also invited myself on a trail ride with Erica & her friend Megan. So very glad I did.

I learned to saddle a horse. Pretty cool stuff.

I got to ride Ellie, a regular sized horse while Erica & Megan rode these ponies. It was hilarious though... Their heads only reached my ribcage as we rode along.

Megan is such a stud, she rode bareback. Her fanny was so sweaty by the end of the ride.

Look at all that sweat where the saddle was. Sad!!

Thanks for the day Miss Ellie. I enjoyed your company.

Ok, now let's talk about "critters."

This Alligator Snapping Turtle was in the middle of he road the other day. My visiting teaching companion & I were on our way to a visit and I just had to pull over to get a photo. She, having been raised in TX/OK, warned me not to get too close... apparently these are mean little guys.

(I stole this one from the internet so you'd have a better idea of how blasted ugly/creepy/cool these guys are)

I saw my first Armadillo!! Too bad it was dead. That didn't stop me from pulling over (and totally blocking traffic I might add. Oklahoma doesn't believe in shoulders or turn lanes) and getting this shot. Apparently Armadillos are nocturnal so there's a much higher chance of seeing them out in the country at night.

I've not turned into one of those people who stop to ogle and take photos of cows, I promise. All these poor cows were sharing shade of this tree and I thought it was too beautiful not to share. It's really quite sad when there are literally 50 cows sharing shade like this.

This is Herbert. He lives under our door, but most recently he's been living in the weird space under the neighbor's door, there's more bugs over there. That guy must not have used half a gallon of Raid when he moved in.

A few random notes.

Oklahomans are WORSE THAN IDAHOANS when it comes to double parking.

Also, there's something about old cars and HUGE rims.

Interestingly this is not the only car I've seen like this.

I've discovered Flea Markets. This is my favorite so far, it's on SE 44th in OKC.

The first day I walked in I thought of my dad & dad-in-law. I think they'd both cry if they saw this place. It was SO cool!!!

The first time we went we spent over an hour wandering around but didn't get much of anything.

The second time there we found this gem for $20. Bobby, the little old fellow who sold it to me, had an accent as thick as molasses, I liked him.

We call this painting the SS Leonard, it hangs in our breakfast nook (wherein we do not have a table and therefore do not eat breakfast).

Last but not least, did you know I married a super hero?

Let's talk food

2011-08-30T20:28:00.010-06:00

I've already talked a little about food here in Oklahoma, but there's so much more I've discovered that I wanted to share. I can't decide where to start so I'll go in chronological order.

The Onion Barrel is across the street from the Flea market on SE 44th in OKC. There was a gas station in the parking lot and it looked pretty skeezy but we didn't have time to go anywhere else. This was my first encounter with fried okra, which I did not particularly enjoy but we got it for free (because we were new to the state, and didn't know what okra was, and the lady who owned the restaurant was super nice) so I ate it anyway. Best burger I'd had in OK up to that point, she ordered her meat fresh w/o steroids. The extra $ was well spent.

Next up is Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater, OK (where OSU is located). Before we moved to Oklahoma we had many people who had visited OK tell us we HAD to go to Eskimo Joe's, so one weekend we took the nearly two hour drive to Stillwater.

It's a HUGE building with an equally huge parking lot. The waiting area was PACKED and we waited for a table for two hours!! There was limited seating so people were just standing about wherever they could find a cubic foot to themselves. I'm not over-exaggerating at all. The little store they had there was packed as well.

When we finally got a table we ordered the "world famous" bacon cheese fries. I guess there was some food network show that showcased these fries, and some US President ate them as well.

All in all the meal was fantastic, and we got to take the cups home which was a total bonus. It wasn't until we got home and I was putting dishes away that I realized my white cup is glow-in-the-dark!! So cool!! Anthony thought I'd gone barking mad when I dragged him into the bathroom and shut all the lights out w/o telling him what was going on. I was a little excited.

The view on the way home was also delightful.

Next let's talk about Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt. You get your little dish and fill it with whatever kind of frozen yogurt you want (i.e. chocolate raspberry, wedding cake, pistachio, key lime pie, classic tart, english toffee). Next you head to a counter filled with all sorts of toppings (such as graham crackers, chocolate chips, strawberries, huckleberries, pineapple, sprinkles, mochi, coconut, and gummi bears). You load up on whatever you want, then have it weighed and pay based on weight. If you've ever been to Tummy Yummys or Spoon Me you kind of know what I'm talking about. SO yummy!!

A few restaurants around here serve this thing called a Monte Cristo. Anthony ordered it one time and was quite surprised when it was brought out. It looks like a delicious scone thing sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with raspberry jelly (which was divine) but in reality...

it's an ENTIRE fried sandwich!! Yeah, people fry everything they can get their hands on around here. I've seen fried corn on the cob on a menu. Can you imagine?

Speaking of fried foods, let's skip to Meers. There's this itty bitty town called Meers which was a gold mining town founded in 1901. A restaurant called Meers Store & Restaurant was built that same year. It is still in operation today.

After an hour drive we pulled up and, upon seeing this, I though "you've got to be kidding me." Kidding, my chauffeur was not.

See that? All the old shops are all standing. Not only standing, but have been merged together into one giant restaurant. It's the ORIGINAL BUILDING!!

This was the original outside wall before they added on the yellow/cream addition you can see in the wide shot photos.

The food was served on pie plates and the drinks in mason jars. A little gold mining era if you ask me... oh wait...

Back to the segue about fried food that I totally dropped about 6 paragraphs up...

We not only got the gigantic freshly made Meersburger (local raised and butchered Texas Longhorn beef), we also got the fried jalapeños, fried green beans, fried pickles, fried peaches, and fried green tomatoes. I told you they fry everything here.

While I was eating the fried green tomatoes I could help but think of the movie of the same name. I had a love/hate relationship with that movie but I want to watch it again now that I'm older and will understand it better.

Lets take a second and talk about the fried peaches. D.I.V.I.N.E. Seriously it was like . . . like . . . heaven in my mouth. Warm and gooey, but not mushy, with just the right amount of powered sugar sprinkled on top and some sort of heavenly sweet dipping sauce. Beats peach cobbler any day of the week, that includes Saturday and Sunday. Combined.

Speaking of peach cobbler, we ordered that too. With homemade ice cream. Jealous yet? Luckily there were 5 of us to eat all that jazz, and we had leftovers.

See that tiny cream colored building clear in the back? That's the newer addition to the restaurant. The cars were seriously parked this far away. It's that good.

Last but not least is BJ's. The pizza was some of the best we've had here and the parmesan crusted chicken was a dream!! My favorite part was the free Pizookie for my birthday. Anthony was promptly forgiven for not making me a cake (for the 5th year in a row. When will that boy learn the cake is the most important part??)

There's been some changes round these parts

2011-08-30T09:34:00.004-06:00

Figured it was about time for an update... That and Anthony has the car at the copy shop & I'm late for work and have already done everything I can think of to bide my time until he gets back.

ANTHONY: school is in session and my goodness is that boy happy. He really likes his classes thus far. Oh, he had his first voice lesson yesterday and his teacher, Bill, told him there are no major flaws they need to work on, just "polishing" things up. Hooray! Anthony accomplished his goal of fixing the big stuff while an undergrad.
He's been studying hard and learning his role for L'Incoronazione di Poppea (The Coronation of Poppea). He has a big death aria (aka he sings a song as he dies).

Anthony has also been invited to audition at the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico. The audition is next weekend in Albuquerque and he & I will drive with a soprano from OU and a Tenor from Oklahoma City University to the audition. Fun stuff. If anyone wants to meet in Albuquerque (such a funny looking word) we'll be there Sept. 10 & 11.

Today Anthony auditioned to song the National Anthem at one of the OU home games. His text to me when he was done with the audition said "It went well. A couple of mediocre low notes but my high F was money!" So, if he's selected to sing at one of the games you just might see/hear him on tv or something. I don't know.

Speaking of OU games, any first semester student (like Anthony) is not allowed to buy tickets outright and your name is put into a lottery to "win" the opportunity to buy tickets. Well, Anthony was selected in the lottery so he can buy one ticket for each home game. Want to know the best part? All I have to do is show up at some office in a few days to show them my smiling mug & marriage license and I get to buy a ticket too!! OU games here we come!! First game is this Saturday... we've been warned to stay off the roads or get stuck in hours, literally HOURS, of traffic.

ALISHA: did I ever tell you I got a job? I work for NorthCare as a CHBS (Comprehensive Home Based Services) worker. Families are referred for services by DHS Child Welfare. "CHBS services are intensive, in-home interventions designed to preserve, strengthen and restore the family. CHBS service goals include the prevention of further incidents of child abuse or neglect, and family reunification. Case managers (that's me) provide comprehensive services suited to each family's needs, including: child health care, parent-child bonding, home safety, budgeting assistance and problem solving, crisis management, parent-child visitation and family reunification."

In other words; if there are allegations of child abuse or neglect DHS goes into the home and completes the initial steps, then call us. We go in and teach the family what to do if their children are sick, teach discipline techniques, teach parents how to better interact with their children, help clean up homes to make them more safe for children and loads of other stuff. Cases are usually open about 6 months so hopefully by the end of that time the parents have learned some techniques to make the whole household better, and in most reunification cases (where the children were removed from the home and we're trying to get them back in) the kids do end up coming back home. Yay!!

I like my job thus far. My first day was August first and I've already got 6 cases. Average case load is 10-14 so I'm doing pretty well I guess. I like most everyone I work with, so that's good too... don't feel as awkward in the office as I have in some other places of employment.

What else... I'm getting my paperwork ready to submit to OU to see if I'm accepted for the Masters of Social work program. It's all due October 1st, so well see what happens.

Thats about all that is going on with us. Toodaloo.

I skipped a year

2011-08-24T20:17:00.002-06:00

Do you know what it's like to be 25 when you go to bed and 27 when you wake up? I do. Apparently that's what happens when you don't remember how old you are and just assume you're 25 when in reality you're 26.

So... 27. I feel ancient. My OLDER brother, Curtis, sent me a text that said "holy crap you are getting old" and to further rub it in my 15 year old niece, Lauren, told me my "wrinkle cream" is in the mail. Little does she know I was in the mirror fretting over my under eye wrinkles just last week. I'm getting more gray hairs as well. I used to say I'd gray naturally and wouldn't color my hair. That was until the other day I used this waterless shampoo that you spray on and leave for about two minutes then brush it out... I walked into the living room looking like I was 65 (the stuff is gray/white on the hair) and Anthony's horror filled expression about made me jump under the covers and never emerge, but I had to buck up and catch him as he practically fainted due to me old age appearance.

Ps. thanks to everyone that text, called & sent cards, it made my birthday that much more special :)

Pass the Xanax please

2011-07-30T00:03:00.003-06:00

Ever have those days where you're just freaking out? I am having one such day.

See, I have a tendency to skip the small steps in order to look at the big picture... I just need to remember to take "one step at a time" and realize that thinking a year or two in the future is just going to throw me into a self-induced panic and turn me into an anxious mess where I start yelling "I need to go to the doctor and get some Ativan or Xanax or some sort of anti-anxiety medication prescribed so I can stop freaking out!!" I will embarrassedly confess today was one such day. Just thinking of giving presentations & thesis work & 40 hour employment + 40 practicum hours threw me into a panic and practically gave me hives.

Albert Einstein once said, "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."

So, here's to hoping that my first day of work goes well, that I can make some difficult decisions and finish my application for OU, that I get all the info I need to submit my application information for the Masters of Social Work program, that I can make friends, that I can be less withdrawn . . .

Lemon Poppyseed - hold please

2011-07-22T23:00:00.007-06:00

I'm not creative, or super nice, or a baker but I'm trying to break out of my hermit crab lifestyle. The other day I was baking Lemon Poppyseed muffins to take to one of my visiting teaching sisters and was in the middle of a phone call and had the phone balanced between my shoulder and ear. I reached to grab a spoon to "fold in" the poppy seeds and . . .

I don't know if you can tell, but in the second photo my friend, Yvone, is calling me back after I dropped her call (literally and figuratively). I tried pushing the answer button and was yelling "Yvone!! Yvone, I'm trying to answer my phone but there's gunky muffin mix all over it and my stinking phone isn't recognizing I'm pushing the buttons!!" I threw the cover in the sink and grabbed some paper towels and began wiping all the gunk off. My phone was showing I had headphones in and wouldn't let me answer the phone and I finally discovered some of the poppyseeds had gotten stuck in the headphone port. I had to jam paper towels in all cracks, crevices and what not. It was still super sticky and I had to wash the phone like 4 times.

I was SO afraid my phone was going to have permanent problems but this far the only remaining problem is a faint lemon scent.

Oklahoma City Zoo

2011-07-18T10:19:00.001-06:00

On Saturday Anthony & I made the 35 minute drive to the OKC Zoo. It was 10:30am at a cool 91* with the sun shining and only a few white puffy clouds in the brilliant blue sky. What a glorious day to see nature in all its ~~caged in~~ glory!!

We meandered around for a while in the Aviary and saw Chilean Flamingos (Anthony served his mission in Chile and was very excited to see them).

Next we headed to the Noble Aquatic Center and saw seals, turtles, fish, anemones, etc. There is a lake out behind the NAC where people can rent swan paddle boats, we want to go another day and do that.

W/in the NAC there is a Sea Lion show and there was no way I was passing that up. I think it would be the coolest to be an animal trainer, don't you think so?

The video is about 8 minutes long showing Xander, Pearl, and Addy. Watch the whole thing, it's really cool :)

(Go to the bottom of the page and pause the music so you can hear the video)

After the show we tried a short cut and got lost in the Education/Children's Zoo. By this point it was about 12:30 and it had reached a blazing 99* We were getting a little grouchy and frustrated we couldn't find the exit back into the main zoo and had a rowdy little family of 7 butt in front of us at the drinking fountain. Not only did they jam their way in, but by the time the last meandering kids were blocking our way they weren't drinking the water... they were wetting cloths repeatedly and playing with blasted feathers in the water. Finally I ~~scolded~~ mustered up as much kindness as I could pull out of my cooking bones and asked them to share one of the two fountains if they were just going to play so I could refill my dang water bottles before all the ice melted.

We headed over to the Pachyderm area, one of my favorites, and saw all the rhinoceroses but somehow missed the Pigmy Hippo.

The Cat Forest was a bust because ALL the cats were in their dens trying to beat the heat. We didn't see a single thing. I don't blame them one bit, can you imagine running around with a winter coat on all the time?

The Great Apes were across the way so we stopped to watch them for a while. Bless the architects who put all the shaded areas next to the glass so we could actually see some activity even on blistering hot days.

You see the fellow in the bottom right corner of the photo? He didn't move the ENTIRE TIME the gorilla was sitting near the glass. I fought the urge to do one of those "we'll get our turn to look as soon as this man infront of us moves" clearly loud enough so the man could hear it and get the hint. I really hate it when people behind me say things like that so I refrained from doing it myself. I guess I could have just sidled up next to him, but that might have been a bit awkward.

After some ape action (literally. It was scandalous) we headed to my favorite part of the zoo

There are three elephants at the OKC Zoo. Chandra & Asha are sisters, and Malee (May-lee) is Asha's baby.

Malee was born in April to Asha & Sneezy (who lives in Tulsa). Can you imagine giving birth to a 304lb baby?

See how they're holding trunks? It was SO cute. Reminded me of that song in Dumbo, you know, the one that makes me cry every time I watch it.

By this point we had been at the zoo for 5 hours and had each drank about 6 bottle of water. Though our bellies were full and sloshing our mouths felt like we'd been eating sand so we decided to make like this guy

and headed to the car for some glorious A/C. However, I apparetly do not do well with heat. I already knew from walks, exercising, etc. that I get pretty red when I'm hot... but once we reached the car and I looked at myself in the mirror the lobster staring back at me was not pleased. Luckily I was smart enough to wear sunscreen and I no longer look like a tomato.

We'll be going back to the zoo in the fall/early winter to see the rest of the facility when it's a bit cooler.

One-eyed monsters

2011-07-14T07:11:00.005-06:00

My mother is a WONDERFUL cook. I'm sure everyone says that about their mom, but mine really is the best. If you ever tasted her fried chicken you'd mouth wateringly agree.

Anyway, Mom used to make this wonderful breakfast dish called One-eyed monsters.

*I got all these photos from the internet*

I like mine flipped over like this with both sides cooked but apparently some people (as shown two photos up) don't flip theirs.

Recognize the photos but not the name? Well, that is because it goes by MANY different names;

Pirate's eye
Bird's nest
O'Johnnies
One eyed monsters
One-eyed Joe
One-eyed Jack
Toad-in-the-hole
Egg-in-the-basket
Egg-in-the-middle
Egg-in-a-bonnet
Egg-in-a-bucket
Egg-in-a-frame
Egg-in-a-window
Egg-in-the-hole
Egg-in-a-nest
Egg in toast
Eggy toast
Hen-in-a-nest
Bird's nest egg
Knothole eggs
Moon over Miami
Hollywood egg
Chicky-in-a-nest
One-eyed goddess
Devil's eye
Egg-with-a-hat
Frog in a log
Moon egg
Rocky mountain toast
Chicken egg nest
Sunshine toast
Cowboy egg
Pop-eye
Pharaoh's eye
Gashouse egg
Soldier-in-a-boat

Anthony had never heard of them (which is interesting because his mother is a wonderful cook as well) but now asks for them quite frequently when he has a choice in breakfast (it is my favorite meal to cook so I usually make whatever I feel in the mood to make).

Thank you, Mom, for making something so yummy that my spouse likes and we can continue making in our house.

Recent accomplishments & events

2011-07-14T00:45:00.006-06:00

- Our 5 year anniversary was July 12th, go us!

- I am STILL looking for a social work job. Why is it that seemingly everyone is looking for a Masters of Social Work, or a GED/HS diploma, but not a bachelors of SW? I haven't let my pride down enough to apply for McDizzles or anything like that, but I have been applying for low end social service type jobs like I've had over the last few years.

- We FINALLY got pans, dishes & silverware!! We've been living for over a month with a wok, 4 tupperware containers and picnic type plastic plates, cups and silverware... that's it. The most extensive thing I've been able to cook is brocoli & cheese sauce and chicken Alfredo. It took about an hour and a half due to the process. Read: cook pasta and set aside, cook chicken and set aside, wash pan, boil brocoli and set aside, make Alfredo sauce and set aside. Mix pasta and Alfredo, add chicken and set aside, wash pan, make cheese sauce, serve. Yeah, that's how life is lived with ONE blinking pan. Sometimes I would get creative and bake the chicken using a makeshift aluminum foil pan (meaning I took a sheet of aluminum foil and tried to curl up the ends and fold them together so the chicken juice wouldn't leak all over the oven).

Anyway, my AWESOME brother-in-law & nephew are in Oklahoma for business and brought us our kitchen stuff!! I'm running it in the dishwasher now and can't wait to put it away tomorrow... I don't want the banging and clanging to wake Erica & Anthony up tonight. *Side note* last week my Relief Society pres. was getting rid of some plates & mixing spoons and gave them to us (bless her dear heart), but I'm so so so happy for mixing bowls, pots & pans, real silverware & cups, etc. Thanks again B & G, you can swim in my filthy pool and do your laundry any darn time you want!!

- We have $12 to live on until the next pay check (22nd).

- I showered today. It was much needed. Don't judge me. I still need to shave my legs.

- I cut Erica's hair and gave her bangs, looks pretty darn cute if I do say so myself.

- Anthony is deciding if he wants a hair cut. I love cutting his thick lush locks but almost always sheer a little too short and am never satisfied with the end result. I want our babies to have his hair. It's gorgeous.

- Speaking of hair, I AM GOING GRAY. I am not over-exaggerating one bit. I told Erica she had a few grays while I was cutting her hair, so she proceeded to count all the grays she could find in my hair (against my will I might add) and lets just say I needed more than two hands to keep track. I'm graying at my temples too. This may be the bathroom lighting (please oh please) but I really do think the time has come. I was always saying that "when I go gray I'm just going to let it grow au naturel. I earned those grays dang it, why not show them off!!" I think in the next few months I may be recanting that statement. Gray hairs at 26, what a blow to the gullet.

- I need a trim but have a hard time cutting my hair w/o lopping it all off.

- Saw the THIRD spider in my apartment.

- Anthony works for Integris Baptist Medical Center as a Cardon Healthcare rep. He helps uninsured people who come to the hospital get onto Medicaid. He's pretty great.

- Giant dead bugs on the patio, I love you Raid. "Kills bugs dead," yes sirre that is why you, big gallon jug, were the first thing I purchased when moving to OK.

- Went to the pool today and wondered why it was so revoltingly dirty. Didn't see the "Pool Closed" sign until AFTER my swim. Good of them to do some maintenance and cleaning, too bad I was too dense to read the sign on my way IN.

- Went to the Methodist church on Sunday to hear Anthony's solo. Wonderful service, got a lot out of it, so much so that I skipped our own ward (including sacrament). I will not be making this a habit... it would be too easy.

- Anthony is studying for his OU school of music entrance exams. It takes up a lot of his time. I don't like it one bit.

- Erica accidentally sat on my glasses and one of the earpieces snapped off while I tried bending it back in place. I have no idea where to get them fixed. I'm running out of contact solution and we can't afford to buy more so I'm just going around everywhere squinting. I am ridiculed by my spouse with his never ending "seriously, you can't see that?" Well listen here mister 20/20-vision-who-has-never-worn-glasses-other-than-for-a-fashion-statement-in-his-early-20's, sometimes squinting isn't enough and you just have to step closer. Be nice to me.

- I tried to get my jade ring off yesterday using vegetable oil (I got it in Guatemala and few years back when I was a bit thinner, and since gaining all this weight it has been stuck on for about 6 months or so). It didn't work. I haven't worn my diamond wedding ring in ages because of this. I'm starting to miss the sparkle.

- I'm totally doing better with not eating out, eating smaller portions, and going to the gym or pool on a semi regular basis. Wii fit still tells me I'm gaining weight. Grrr...

- Finally hung all the photos and what not on the walls.

- Anthony is learning his role as Seneca in L'incoronazione di Poppea which will be performed in the Fall. The character draws a suicide bath (literally sits in the tub full of water and cuts under knees & wrists and bleeds out). He has an aria during the suicide scene. I wonder what they'll have him wearing.

- My brother's wife had a gorgeous baby girl, making me an aunt for the 44th time :)

- My friend had a beautiful baby girl and called to tell me all about it when they took the baby back to the nursery. I love babies and birthing stories and all that good stuff. Want to know what I don't love? Breastfeeding. Uncover your ears and open your eyes for a second instead of hiding away from the taboo topic. It is just so awkward. Do I mind when other women breastfeed? Come on, I have 10 sisters/sisters-in-law and I've seen plenty more than I even thought possible... so it doesn't bother me. The concept of someday doing it myself... kinda grossed out. I know it's healthier for the baby, and a great bonding moment, but it's just... weird. I can't even think about it w/o all the extra . . . Moving on.

- Anthony has rehearsals for the Methodist church's choir every Wednesday. He gets home from work, eats the dinner I have so lovingly prepared for him, then leaves for rehearsal. I am grateful for those 30 minutes we get to spend together.

- After working two full time jobs, a part time practicum, and school I thought a little repreive from work would be nice. I honestly thought I'd have a few days to get settled then would hit the interviewing scene. Let me tell you, the confidence in my abilities has been faltering. There are only so many interviews a person can go on until they begin second guessing themselves. It's like that How I Met Your Mother episode when Marshall can't find a job... I digress. The point is, I came out here with all the confidence I could muster and have found my qualities really aren't all that impressive. I've had multiple interviews, and even had three interviews for one job and thought for sure I would have it (I had an interview with corporate and everything). . . and never heard back from them. I'm not moaning and groaning for the simple fact of wondering if I chose the right profession, I'm also wondering what the future holds for me? OU is the only school in the ENTIRE STATE of Oklahoma with a Masters of Social Work program. What if I don't get in? I'm skipping the baby steps and jumping right at the big picture with nothing to hold on to, I need to step back and focus on the baby step in front of me. I can do this. I am going to be an AMAZING social worker. I care about helping people, listening to their problems and helping find a solution. I love the look someone gets in their eyes when they realize they CAN do something, and I love being the one who helped them realize that. The world can be better than it is, and I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. (You like that little pep talk there? I practically have it memorized. I may as well use it as my mantra).

- I think that's about I've got for now. Until next time.

Imagine yourself in this situation before you judge me please

2011-07-11T22:20:00.005-06:00

Ever have those days where you go grocery shopping and have to pick and choose which items on your disgracefully short list you can actually afford to buy? That was Anthony & I tonight. As we walked around the store we bickered about what to purchase (I was voting for eggs for their multi-purposeness while Anthony was voting for lunch foods [i.e. bread, meat and cheese] so he wouldn't starve at work each day). In the end we walked out of the store with about 4 bags that will "hold us over" until the 22nd when Anthony gets paid again.

Why, you ask, am I telling you all this?

Well you see, tomorrow is our 5th anniversary. I don't care that we can't go on a date or do something "special" that we have to pay for.... (that's a blatant lie, but I'm trying to give myself a pep talk that doing something special on our anniversary is unnecessary in our financial circumstances.) What I do care about is that we've been bickering and fighting for about... 6 hours now and I'm tired of it... and I'm hoping that venting my frustrations here on the blog I can finally calm down enough to stop ignoring my husband and (hopefully) he'll stop ignoring me as well.

The problem is, when we get into big fights like this they seem to last for a few days. One of us finally grows a pair and apologizes, and when the other person isn't ready to return the apology the apologizing instigator gets upset all over again and the cycle continues to repeat itself. This usually ends up with me repeatedly screeching a very vulgar word that my mother would cry over while washing my mouth out with lye. After my rated R rant I usually cry like the dickens as I feel awful for not being able to control my temper and sad that the majority of what I just said has upset Anthony even more.

So, now that you're reading this and most likely judging the way in which I handle my anger, which I am also doing so please feel free, know that I can now look at the back of my husband's head w/o burning holes into it with my eyes. So, thank you for letting me vent.

Do I give a rat's behind that I just gave a little too much information into the inner workings of our marriage? Yes. Do I know that some people reading this are nodding their heads and saying "I hear you girl, the Fword is my 'mad word' too" . . . maybe.

The point is, money, or more specifically the lack of it, makes me stressed out and I know it makes Anthony stressed out as well. I know that no matter how much I yell and cry and swear and hide in my closet that Anthony still loves me. I know that even though I have been looking for a job for about a month now with no luck drives him crazy and we probably wouldn't be in this financial struggle if it wasn't for my lack of a job. I take major responsibility. Do I know he loves me anyway? Yes. Do I love him even though he is displeased? Absolutely.

Date Night

2011-06-24T22:37:00.014-06:00

When Anthony got home tonight we went on a three-man date!!

We had dinner at Texadelphia and all shared the friend pickles (they were really yummy, but I've decided I prefer fried zucchini). Anthony & Erica had paninis and I had the Texican, which was a Philly cheesesteak with spicy cheese sauce & jalapenos (which I picked off). The super cool thing is that you get to take the cups home with you when you get a drink. Since we don't have real dishes here that's what we'll use at home now :)

As mentioned before we don't have dishes here. They're all packed up at my parents house and ready to join us... so if you're going from UT to OK please feel free to bring our kitchen stuff. We've been living with a package of plastic silverware, cheapo plastic cups, bowls and plates, a wok with the bottom all burned so everything we cook sticks and burns, and two cooking spoons and a spatula that all have really weak necks that bend all around when we stir anything. After dinner we stopped by the Dollar General to see what they had in the pans, dishes and silverware department. While there we played shark & t-rex. Yeah, we're cool like that.

Next we went to Petco to look at all the animals. They had lots of geckos, snakes, turtles, fish, rodents, a few cats and . . . a tarantula. So disgusting. I didn't realize it was there and, thinking it was a snake cage, bent to get a closer look. I think my scream was heard throughout the entire store.

Next we headed to the bowling alley and met up with some of Erica's new friends. They only allowed 6 people per lane, but there were 7 of us so Anthony & I rotated turns. We ended up getting second place :) Mid game they turned on the black lights, wicked cool. We had a good time doing the Sprinkler and some MC Hammer dance moves after my strike and Anthony's spare.

Oh yeah, we're cool like that.

Next we went to Braum's for some yummy dessert. These are super cool stores cause they have the ice cream counter, hamburger counter AND a mini mart. These stores are all over around here and we were excited to finally give them a try.

I had NO idea what I wanted to get (Anthony got a peach sherbet freeze and Erica got a chocolate chip mint milk shake) and I stood there chatting with the employees about what I should get... finally Anthony & Larry (the employee) decided to get me a German Chocolate sundae. mmm-mmm-mmmmm!!

I don't know what I did, but we ended up getting our treats FREE!! I'm . . . just cool like that?

So, that was our date night.

One of these days I'll post the awesome photos from the museum we went to last week :)

Storm 6/14

2011-06-19T21:10:00.005-06:00

We've had more storms here in Norman, OK

Here are a few photos & a super awesome video showing the hail, wind, rain and lightning.

Enjoy.

Our New Home

2011-06-19T16:41:00.002-06:00

We're getting accustomed to our new home. I've been working for a week, singing with McFarlin for two weeks, and Alisha, Erica, and I had a BBQ the other day to get to know our neighbors and other OU music majors. It was really fun. It's been nice to have a weight/cardio room and a small pool just across the way from our apartment. We've been using them both a lot. We really like our ward so far and look forward to getting to know everyone better.

We miss our family this week with the passing of Aunt Julene. We've been sending up our prayers to all of the Campbell/Anderson clan in Utah. I know she's happier now and must be so joyful to be with Uncle Kay again.

We also have been praying for our good friends Travis and Nadia Stehmeier who lost their sweet baby Roy this week. Our thoughts are with them and we continue to pray for their comfort. Those of you that know Trav and Nadia, please do the same.

I sang an audition for a new vocal coach candidate at OU this week. He was very good and I hope he gets hired. He worked 'Hai gia vinta la causa' with me for about thirty minutes, and brought out a lot of dramatic nuances with which I had not previously been successful. I do hope he gets the job.

All for now.

My amazing fathers

2011-06-18T22:58:00.005-06:00

This is my father. Isn't he so suave? For as long as I can remember I've been a "daddy's girl," and, dare I say, I have my daddy wrapped around my little finger.

My dad is so loving, caring, and dependable. I can't recall every time I"ve called him to complain about an employer or employee, to ask what was wrong with my car, to ask how to fix something, etc. He seems to have an answer for everything. I even value the answer of "... here's your mother." I am very grateful my Father in Heaven gave me such a wonderful earthly father. I am SO blessed. I love you dad!!

This is my father-in-law. Dad Eversole is SO talented and giving. Go to him with a plan and he'd give you the shirt off his back if he thought it would help. Seriously, he's amazing. Love you Dad Eversole!

Thunderstorm 6/12

2011-06-15T22:10:00.004-06:00

On Sunday I experienced my first Oklahoma lightning/thunderstorm. At first I was watching it from my porch, but the storm moved a little out of view so I ran around the building to the tennis courts. That is until it began to rain. Now the rain drops here are very fat and thick and fast!!

Turn your volume up to hear the rain and thunder. The end (in my opinion) is the best part, so watch the whole thing.

OU campus Tour

2011-06-12T22:11:00.016-06:00

The other day we walked all around campus and snapped photos of various buildings, statues and greenery and figured me might as well share.

The white building across the street is Boyd House. "Boyd House is the official residence of The President and First Lady of The University of Oklahoma, currently David L. & Molly Shi Boren. It is not only a private home, but also a warm gathering place to host various groups and distinguished visitors in a more intimate setting. Sitting just across Boyd Street, it’s a gracious and friendly symbol of OU’s family atmosphere.

Built in 1906 by David Ross Boyd, first president of the University of Oklahoma, as his family’s home, it was later acquired by the University. Boyd House has undergone a series of remodels over the years, even doing a stint as university offices from 1969-1996, but was returned to its original purpose and beautifully enhanced with a major, privately-funded historic renovation and expansion in 1996."

Trash can

Catlett Music Center, where Anthony will be spending the majority of his time when school starts in the fall.

"Catlett Music Center is home to the University of Oklahoma School of Music, one of the oldest schools of music in the central United States. It encompasses the vocal and instrumental music majors and performing ensembles. Named for Stanley B. Catlett, the Catlett Music Center has won numerous architectural awards, housing a concert hall, recital hall, performance courtyards, expansive rehearsal suites, classrooms, studios & tech labs and fine arts library. Once inside the front door, you’ll find yourself in the grand entrance and Gothic Hall, which houses one of the largest and finest pipe organs in the southwestern United States."

Zarrow Hall. If I get admitted into the Masters of Social Work program next year this is where I will spend the majority of my time.

"A $1 million gift from the estate of University of Oklahoma alumna Ruth Irelan Knee, a distinguished pioneer in the field of psychiatric social work, will create an endowment to assist generations of OU social work students. OU also announced a $5 million commitment to Social Work from the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation of Tulsa. The Zarrow gift will be used to help build Anne and Henry Zarrow Hall, a much-needed new home for the School of Social Work.

'Truly it has been a remarkable year for the OU School of Social Work, which trains students in the noble mission of helping others,' said OU President David L. Boren. 'The $6 million in gifts from the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation and the Ruth Knee Estate will truly transform the opportunities we can offer our social work students.'"

The building was finished in May '11, you can see in the photos sod has not yet been placed.

Bizzell Memorial Library. Has a Harry Potter feel doesn't it?

Some serious OU pride around here

The Seed Sower. "The central figure of the university seal. Sowing the seeds of knolwdge, opportunity, history and tradition to bear fruit in the future. The face of The Seed Sower was rendered to resemble the first president of the University, David Ross Boyd, who took half of his first year’s salary and personally bought, planted, and even watered the very first trees on the then barren OU campus."

The Oklahoma Memorial Stadium... MASSIVE!

"There was a healthy, but sometimes unruly, competition between law students and engineering students at OU. Future engineers called the law building 'the law barn,' 'incubator of lawyers,' or 'nursery for barristers.' Law students adopted 'law barn.' Engineering students used a Civil War cannon to blow out windows of Monnet Hall (Law building) until university officials discovered the cannon’s hiding place and relegated the relic to a museum. Engineering students also targeted the owls decorating the end of Monnet Hall. The building had not been occupied long before the owls were painted 'engineering' green. Even though the law students were greatly outnumbered by the engineering students, future lawyers were innovative in their counterattacks. During the dark night before one St. Patrick’s Day, law students painted a portion of the law barn green, but placed drops of green paint on a trail that led campus police to bushes behind the engineering building where they found the empty paint can. As engineering students got in trouble, law students, in their silence, reveled in the outcome."

The building was completed in 1914 and the owls were painted soon thereafter.

Both, as shown below are still green.

McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, where Anthony has been hired to be a choral intern (bass section leader and soloist)

A cool house between campus and McFarlin

We made it to Oklahoma

2011-06-10T23:18:00.011-06:00

Tuesday we went to Gavin's graduation, then to Eva's to eat DELICIOUS food!! We spent that night and Thursday afternoon w/ Mom & Dad Eversole, saw Grandma Mills, and got the trailer hitch put on the car & picked up the Uhaul. Next Anthony had a job interview and scored big!! (that's right, he was hired in Utah to work at one of the hospitals in Oklahoma doing account rep stuff)

Yvone helped us pack up the trailer and car (it took like 7 hours, she's SUCH a great friend and I will miss her dearly!!) and we left Logan on Wednesday night, getting to mom & dad's super late. The next morning we packed Erica in her car and were off. Mom cried, love her.

We got into Rawlins around lunch time and stopped to see Grandma Kudrna, but alas she was not home. We wrote her a note and shoved it under her door (today, a week later, we got a "sorry I missed you" type card in the mail from her. She's so stinking cute, and I LOVE that she sends cards out for everything. I want to be more like that).

We got to that big Abe Lincoln statue near Laramie and Erica's car decided it needed a break... and overheated. Mind you, I had spent hours planning our drive and calculating how long we would need to drive before giving her great-grandma of a car a break. The plan was to stop every 5 hours for 1 hour. Stinking hill changed all that and Erica had to get a ride from a Highway Patrol officer to the next town for antifreeze and water.

Our adventure took a twist, but we saw something cool. Apparently it used to be "Buford, Population 2" but the poor fellow got divorced.

That night when switching drivers we happened upon a park with a gorilla statue.

Duke was in heaven.

The drive was pretty uneventful. One person drove each car and the third person slept in the backseat so there was always a semi-rested relief driver.

We got into Kansas and started seeing a lot of this... I suppose I'll have to get used to it.

There wasn't an explanation for this giant man next to the power line... but he was pretty cool out there in the middle of a field. (Upon closer inspection he is holding what looks like a chimney sweep thing, so I'm assuming he's a lightening rod. Neato)

TWO MILES outside Guthrie (that's about an hour from Norman) the car ran out of gas. Anthony waited on the side of the road while Erica & I drove two miles to get a gas can & gas, but had to backtrack 15 miles before there was a freeway exit for us to turn around on. I hope Mr. learns to watch the gas gauge a little more carefully.

We pulled into Norman Friday afternoon. The drive time would normally take about 19 hours. Pulling the Uhaul I planned 24 just to be safe. With Erica's clunker we made it in about 27.

We unpacked, but didn't get a ton done other than set up electronics and the bed... in the living room. We all three fit on the the bed if we lay the wrong way and have our feet on the couch.

A couple interesting things about Norman thus far;

Oh, and apparently Utahns like Freddy's custard.

The two cars on the left and the two cars on the right all have Utah plates.

Today we walked all around the OU campus and took loads of pictures. I'll get around to blogging about them at some point.

A New Life

2011-05-27T11:58:00.007-06:00

You may have noticed some changes to our blog. We decided to go with a new look and feel to the blog (mostly to appease Anthony's need to be creative) but also to commemorate the new beginnings that will be commencing in the upcoming week. The new blog title is 'Incipit vita nova' which in Latin means "Here begins new life". I thought it was appropriate. It comes from Dante Alighieri's 'La Vita Nuova'. It was Dante's first compilation. The introduction reads:

"In that part of the book of my memory before which little can be read, there is a heading, which says: 'Incipit vita nova: Here begins new life'. Under that heading I find written the words that it is my intention to copy into this little book: (blog) and if not all, at least their essence".

I haven't done much blogging up to this point, but I hope to start doing it more. There's something about writing down your thoughts. There's a latin phrase: "docendo disco, scribendo cogito" which means 'I learn by teaching, think by writing'. I believe that by writing thoughts down, people are better able to form opinions and solidify viewpoints.

Well... We leave for Oklahoma in less than a week and things are pretty crazy. We've boxed up the majority of the things that we can and are playing the waiting game. I'll probably get all the rest of our non-essentials packed this weekend while Alisha is at her parents' house for their annual work weekend (I have to work this weekend... my last two shifts at the Best Western). We'll be staying with Mom & Dad Eversole in Bountiful on Tuesday night, get the trailer hitched to the car on Wednesday morning, pack everything up, stay with Mom & Dad Mills on Wednesday night, and head out for Oklahoma in the wee hours of Thursday morning. It's a 19-hour drive and we are planning on driving in shifts and taking a few short stops to give Erica's clunker some breathing time. It will give us a chance to stop in Rawlins and see Grandma K, which will be nice.

I have a feeling that things are pretty low stress compared to what they'll be like when we arrive. First priority: get jobs. I have a couple of interviews set up, so we'll see what happens. I'm hoping to find a bilingual position somewhere. I have a feeling that language skills are harder to come by in Oklahoma than in Utah. We've also got to get new drivers licenses, new car registration, change addresses, get student IDs, and a myriad of other things of which Alisha probably has already made an itemized list. (I love how she makes lists... a woman after my own heart.)

I've been hired to be a choral intern (bass section leader and soloist) at the McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman. I'm really excited about the position. It pays pretty well, too. The director of choirs at the university is also the director of choirs at McFarlin, and they have a very strong music ministry. I'll be required to attend a once-a-week rehearsal and sing in one (sometimes two) worship services on Sundays. In the spring they're programming the Fauré Requiem which is chock full of stunning baritone solos. I'm very excited. Our ward in Norman starts earlier than the McFarlin services, so there usually wont be conflicts, which is also nice.

I have the summer to study for my graduate entrance examinations. They are on August 17th and consist of exams in musicology, music theory, and aural skills. Basically I have to regurgitate everything I learned during my five years of music coursework in about six hours of testing... not looking forward to it. I'm currently putting together a study guide... it's very detailed with diagrams and everything. Much like writing a textbook. I find that it helps me remember things if I've put together a document from numerous sources. Wish me luck.

I also have an opera role to learn this summer. The OU Opera Guild will be producing Monteverdi's 'Lincoronazione di Poppea' this fall. I'm singing the role of Seneca. It's a real basso profondo role... complete with an optional low D in the death scene. Those of you that know my voice know that I don't even have the semblance of a low D. I'm uncomfortable singing the low A on the staff for goodness sakes! I have been assured, however, that we'll make the necessary changes in the score so that I'm not forced to growl around in the basement. I'm excited for this opera. It's an early baroque opera with beautiful melodies and those stunning Monteverdi cadences. I get a death scene too... I love me a good death scene. (In the opera, Seneca is commanded to commit suicide because he outwardly opposes Emperor Nero's adulterous liaisons with his mistress Poppea, and his attempts to secure the crown for her. Seneca sings a brilliant aria along with a stunning chorus number before drawing a suicide bath.)

Claudio Monteverdi

The Death of Seneca, by Jacques-Louis David

The cool thing about OU is that even though many of you won't be able to attend concerts and operas because of distance, they have live streaming of School of Music events on their website. When we get close to a performance I'll be sure to send out a link.

The apartment we're moving into has a washer. dryer, and dishwasher!!! Wahoo! I'm pretty excited about that. I'm really, really excited about getting to know a new town, new people, and make new discoveries. For Alisha and I, it truly will be a 'vita nova'.

Norman, OK tidbits

2011-05-17T14:39:00.010-06:00

Seeins on how we're moving to Oklahoma here pretty quick I thought I'd share some facts with ya'll (I'm practicing my OK accent, how's it looking so far?)

Apparently there are LOADS of parks in Norman. Dog parks, skate parks, jogging trail parks, you name it, they've got it.

#70 on the "Top 100 Best Places to Live" list

There is an LDS ward and stake center right in Norman!!

Our ward is 1.5 miles from our apartment and the Oklahoma City temple (in Yukon) is 40 miles from our apartment.

I've heard from quite a few people who live/have lived in OK that the members there are SO strong!! I love that wherever you go the church is true :)

Anthony & I look forward to the challenge of living each day better than the last and standing up for what's right and as a beacon of the truth.

Lake Thunderbird is 14.8 miles from our apartment - and get this, the "Oklahoma Octopus" lives there. Curiosity piqued? You've GOT to read this article all about it (click here). There's a video too.

While this photo is beautifully composed I am a little concerned about the lake. Not only is there a supposed horse sized octopus swimming around (think Loch Ness monster, Oklahoma style), but the nickname for the lake is "Lake Dirtybird" . . . apparently it's really a reservoir, not a lake at all.

I'm also a little concerned about this:

Can you say "tornado alley."

On a more exhilarating note, apparently the thunder storms in OK are magnificent.

Oklahoma state fun facts: Oklahoma Land Race, National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, World's Largest Praying Hands, Totem Pole, Caulk tube, Pecan Pie (60 feet in diameter) and Peanut (3 feet), World Championship Cow Chip Throw, Pensacola Dam, Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge, Chisholm Trail Heritage Center (apparently has a life size statue of a cattle drive), Turner Falls (largest waterfall in OK that forms a natural swimming pool), Spiro Mounds (one of the four most important prehistoric Indian sites east of the Rocky Mountains), Belle Starr (one of the most famous women outlaws) is buried in OK. There are other tidbits such as; Garth Brooks was born in OK, the yield sign was invented in OK, first parking meter was used in OK, and such. Not quite as interesting to me. Click here for the full list or 50 OK fast facts.

Prepping for the big Oklahoma move

2011-05-17T08:25:00.004-06:00

Alrighty, much to tell, much to tell.

In the last 10 days we have:

1) Graduated with bachelors degrees from Utah State University

2) Finished our stint as House Directors at the Kappa Delta Sorority

3) Helped Mom & Dad with repairs to the Brigham City rental house

4) Blood results received (Alisha) and my liver, thyroid, cholesterol, etc, etc, etc, levels are practically perfect in every way. However, my insulin is 5.8 and my doctor would like to see down to 5.4... so I got another 4 month Rx of Metformin to see if that will help lower it at all. I posted last year about having Peripheral Insulin Resistance.

5) We both gave our two weeks notice at our perspective places of employment

6) Moved out of our apartment

7) Signed a lease to an apartment in Norman, OK

8) Transfered banks to a small credit union in Norman.

9) Trained the new practicum student at Alpine Hospice.

10) Woke up every day before 8am (those of you who know me [Alisha] know what a feat this is!!)

Moving to Norman in 14 days.

My wonderful mothers

2011-05-09T04:02:00.006-06:00

This is my mother. Isn't she beautiful? I had an awful time finding a photo of her without a child in her arms, or tools in her hands, or hugging someone, or alert.

It just goes to show how truly loving and hard working my mother is. Though we've gone through some hard patches she's the best mom I could ask for, a true daughter of God. I love you Mom.

This is my mother-in-law. Isn't she so classic? Mom Eversole is so giving and loving. She is one of the sweetest, gentlest women I have ever met, and is truly a woman to look up to. Love you Mom Eversole!

USU Graduation - 2011

2011-05-09T02:04:00.005-06:00

Spring Cleaning

2011-05-03T03:42:00.006-06:00

I missed National Spring Cleaning Week, apparently it was March 21 - 27.

Nonetheless, I'm doing my spring cleaning today and tomorrow, and I'm dragging Anthony into the mess (albeit against his will) with me.

I want to clean, not only because it's the time of year to freshen things up, but also because we have to move in the next few months and, while I've already gone through most of my things and donated some items there's still quite a bit to do. It's never too early to begin organizing to make packing a little bit easier, am I right?

Last day of classes

2011-04-29T23:45:00.005-06:00

Anthony just had his last recital at USU, performed in the Concerto Evening (after winning the Concerto Competition back in late 2010), and conducted the Mountain Crest choir concert one last time. Now ALL he has on his schedule is two grave shifts a week at the Best Western Weston Inn. Ahhh... feels nice to relax!!

I, on the other hand, am still at my practicum. No, not because I haven't worked up to my 480 hours (I actually have MANY extra hours), but because the position I have been working, Volunteer Coordinator, is unknown to everyone else. By that I mean that the last Social Worker who held the position no longer works at Alpine and when we went paperless I was the ONLY person to learn how to operate that portion of the system. In other words, I literally have an integral part of the company in my hands and they asked me to keep it running until the next practicum student comes along and I can train her on it. Sadly for me I need to find ANOTHER pay job (more on that in a minute) so I told them I could come in periodically to work on things, but I could not be there on the same hourly basis I am now since they wouldn't be paying me.

I'm also working 40+ hours at NES, and am trying to wrap up everything dealing with Kappa Delta. Check-outs are next week and we have to sell summer parking passes and who knows what all else...

Graduation is next Saturday!! Did you see our graduation announcements?? Anthony did a REALLY good job with them!!

We don't know when we're moving to Oklahoma yet. We do know we can afford it, ergo finding another job so we can save up money to move. If you would like to donate to the "Help Alisha & Anthony relocate their fannies and belongings to Oklahoma before August 16th when school starts" feel free. :D

My handsome husband all dressed up for Concerto Evening

I look like a chunk in this photo (I hate the gym but chunky peanut butter shots like this are seriously...almost...motivating enough to go work out. Bla, I wish I was one of those people who responded "running" or "going to the gym" when asked my hobbies) but the jacket is SO cute. Anthony saw it and, knowing that I LOVE houndstooth print snatched up it and presented it to me later that afternoon. Didn't hurt that it was 50% off too :) What a good husband, I'll remember this next time I'm hopping mad because he left the toilet seat up and I unknowingly sat down in the middle of the night with the lights off.

The Magic Flute, Papageno style

2011-04-26T01:20:00.011-06:00

USU Graduation Announcement

2011-04-25T02:46:00.002-06:00

2011-04-21T02:43:00.002-06:00

Final Performances

2011-04-18T15:52:00.001-06:00

I know it's late notice, but I wanted to inform everyone of my final two performances in Utah.
Tomorrow (Tuesday, 4/19) at 5:30 pm in the USU performance hall I'll be singing a short recital with a soprano. I'll be performing opera arias by Mozart, Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Korngold, and Puccini. I'd love to see anyone that feels like making last minute Tuesday night plans. I know its a school night, so I wont expect too much.

Heres a preview of one of the arias I'll be singing. This is one of my favorite baritones... Dmitri Hvorostovsky.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8zKkvGB7Rw&feature=feedwll

Next Wednesday (4/27) at 7:30 in the Kent Concert Hall is the USU Symphony Orchestra Concerto Evening. Every year the USU music department has a concerto competition department-wide (all students, all instruments) The winners get to perform with the orchestra at the year-end concerto evening concert. This will be my second time winning a spot to perform. This year I'm one of five students chosen to perform (and the only vocalist). I'll be singing 'Largo al factotum' from Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville'.

I know you all know it... you just probably don't know that you know it from the title. It's easily the hardest piece I've ever undertaken, so prayers in my behalf would be appreciated.

Simon Keenlyside... another of my favorites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOvgeLXYgG8

Baby Animal Days '11

2011-04-13T01:03:00.010-06:00

This year Anthony and I made it to Baby Animal Days at the American West Heritage Center. It had snowed a few days prior and there was a TON of mud, and all the animals had been taken inside, but we still had a lot of fun.

CHICKS

DUCKLINGS

LAMBS

CALVES

KIDS

PIGLETS

CUBS

From "Yellowstone Bear World"

Black bears, 2.5 months old

Brown bears, 3 months old

HATCHLINGS

BUNNIES

FOALS

DRAFT HORSES PULLED THE WAGONS THROUGH THE MUD

Oklahoma!

2011-04-12T16:39:00.014-06:00

Well, after finally receiving all the offers from all the schools where I auditioned, we sat down last night and made a final decision. We'll be moving to Norman, Oklahoma as I begin work on my master's of music in voice at the University of Oklahoma. It was a tough decision to make, but we ended up going to where the money is. I've been offered (and have now accepted) a VERY generous opera fellowship as well as some competition winnings. It should allow us to live quite comfortably for the next two years while Alisha works, possibly pursues her MSW, and while I work towards my masters and potentially a doctorate afterwards.

It was a huge blessing that we received and we are looking forward to this next stage of our lives.

We're not sure exactly when we'll be moving, but come fall Oklahoma will be our new home.

From Aggies to Sooners!

This is the Reynolds Performing Arts Center. A beautiful building which houses the venue for all the opera productions. It's a gorgeous facility. I sang here when I took 3rd place in their scholarship competition.

This is a view of Holmberg Hall. The venue within the Performing Arts Center above. This is a view from the stage. It's a stunning facility and had stunning acoustics for the voice.

Check out our audition trip here.

March in photos

2011-04-04T00:22:00.002-06:00

March was filled with...

I about peed my pants

2011-03-04T19:20:00.007-07:00

In my anxiety ridden prep for graduation I have been sorting and organizing EVERYTHING that belongs to me... and a little that belongs to Anthony (sssh, don't tell, he might not notice).

I had a few shirts and sweatshirts in my arms to donate and was looking for a big enough bag to put them in, because I knew there would be more when I got to the other closet. I couldn't find the bags anywhere so I went into Anthony's office to get the bag that was already full and ready to go to D.I. or Somebody's Attic to see if they were in there. I glanced through the mesh and didn't see the other bags... maybe I'm put them in first and they were at the bottom of the bag.

I turned the bag over in my hand and noticed a brown blob on the bottom. I didn't have my glasses on so leaned closer as to see what had stuck to the bottom. What greeted my eyes? A YUCKY SPIDER!! It was literally about 1/2 inch from my fingers. I flung the bag away as hard, fast and far as I could, dropping everything in my arms in the process, and ran away as fast as my chubby little legs could carry me.

Cowering two rooms over I thought "what if it's mad now and comes in here to get me while I'm sleeping, or not expecting it?" Yes, I know, this is a little overly-scared.

My solution? Duct tape. I put shoes on because, well, stepping on a spider unexpectedly would just be traumatic (after seeing spiders I imagine I'll see them anywere and everywhere) I got the duct tape and stretched it out it in the doorway, face up. Now if the disgusting thing decides to transfer rooms it'll get stuck!! He he!

Then I'll have the problem of removing the crumpled up thing... hopefully Anthony is home by then so he can take care of it.

I can't bring myself to google photos of spiders to show you the scariness of the situation, so you'll have to suffice with a photo of me, utterly afraid enough of the repulsive thing to pee my pants.

Lessons I have learned from this frightening experience:

1) NEVER clean w/o wearing my glasses/contacts

2) Vacuum more often

3) Keep bug spray in the house

4) I REFUSE to move anywhere with bug problems