A Girl and Her Shoes

"The fact is, sometimes it's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun." -Carrie Bradshaw

Hello, dear followers! Thank you ALL for the birthday wishes- it's been one of my favorite birthdays yet. I did a little shoe shopping this weekend, treated myself to a massage, got to hang out with my favorite (and only) mom, and today- I was relatively spoiled by my co-workers.

I only say relatively because my boss forbid me from taking the complimentary birthday tequila shot at Senor Tequilas. ;)

I love the quote from Sex & The City above. Sometimes it's hard not to have someone special in your life, especially on your "special day."

But I have to say... I feel overwhelmingly loved this year- maybe more so than ever! I am SO thankful for you, sweet readers. Yes, all 41 of you! I'm thankful for text messages and phone calls and good old fashioned birthday cards. I'm thankful for moms who make everything better and the anticipation of a family trip to the lake this weekend. I'm thankful for co-workers who spoil me (they really, really do) and people who are in my life, no matter what, for better or worse.

And, always, I'm thankful for a really kick-ass pair of heels. :)

Friday Crushes

Happy Friday! I'm happy to report the "Show and Tell with Peter Bedgood" pilot premiere was a huge success last night- thanks to everyone who showed their support! I'm wrapping up an intense week of auctions at Auction Network, and the premiere is over... so of course that means it's time to refocus on my house "wish list." :)

You all know I have been looking for the perfect "bar cart," so to speak. I want something elegant and classy where I can keep some of my prettier wine glasses, maybe a few bottles of wine.

Over on Hannah's blog, she has a "street merch" segment where she finds fixer-uppers on the streets of New York and makes them pretty. Here's her latest project, and I have decided this is exactly what I want for my bar cart:

Head over to her blog to check out the whole process of finding it and fixing it up.

And over at Okie Chic's blog, I am completely in love with this door basket. I am not a big "seasonal decorator" but I think this basket could work year round, with different kinds of flowers, etc. Plus, it has a bird on it. You know I'm in.

Check out Kim's blog for the details on how she put it together!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Show & Tell Premiere

Happy Rainy Thursday!

I'm happy to say that the pilot for the variety show I've been working on for months, "Show and Tell With Peter Bedgood" will premiere tonight here in Tulsa! We are SO proud of this show and all of the work and talent that has gone into it. If you can make it- come check it out! Bob's in Tulsa at 7pm. There will be two live bands, a bar... and of course, our pilot. :)

Here's a sneak peak...

Show and Tell With Peter Bedgood from Peter Bedgood on Vimeo.

Also, check out our shout-out on Tasha Does Tulsa's blog!

My Other Family

This week, I'm spending all of my time here:

Auction Network studios. And the hours are long, and the work is grueling. And sometimes, the frustrations are high.

Today, I had a thought. You know when you go on family vacation with all five family members? And you spend every waking moment together for a week? And on the last day you board the plane and you fly home and then all six of you pile in the car at the airport to head home?

And you all have a major meltdown because it seems like the longest car ride of your life?

Well after a week and a half- including Saturday AND Sunday- of auction broadcasts, my Auction Network "family" is in the plane on the way home. We're about to land and pile in the car and have major meltdowns.

We've spent waaaay too much time together.

But then I realize I just compared them to family.... and suddenly, I have more patience and love and I can make it one more day.

Just one more.

Well, maybe two.

Off The Map

Do you watch the show "Off The Map"? It's quickly become one of my new favorites. I like a good escape. It's set in the jungle, which is pretty much as far away from my world as you can get. A typical "day in the office" includes saving injured tourists from zip lines and amputating the leg of a trapped scuba diver.

And always ends with steamy flirtations between the doctors and locals and the ever-enchanting Cantina.

But these doctors are far, far away from their homes, their cell phones. They're unreachable by the outside world, with only each other to lean on. Well, each other and the attractive, mysterious man at the Cantina.

Sometimes the idea of being unreachable is so appealing. And I'm thinking about this topic a lot right now, since my cell phone is currently lost. Yes, lost. There's something very unnerving about being without your cell phone. No emails, no contacts. No Words With Friends or Angry Birds. And seeing as I'm incredibly Type-A and fairly organized, this just drives me mad.

I live a very "plugged-in" life, and I like it that way. I like being in the know of world events; I like my family and friends being able to reach me 24/7.

And as much as this torments me- because it does, it truly does- it's also kind of nice to be unreachable. Unavailable. "Off The Map," so to speak. I think I'll soak it in for a few hours, this forced silence. Enjoy being in my own version of the jungle for the day.

As long as I'm back to my one-click world tomorrow!

But if I find the Cantina, all bets are off.

An Early Birthday Wish For Myself

What an incredible Saturday! The weather is beautiful. I just took a walk along the river, and people were sprawled out on blankets all along the trail, kids running all around the park, discs flying on the frisbee golf course- just a great day to be outside in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

Sometimes you have to let a good blog post swirl around in your head for a while before it will come out on a paper- er, Blogspot. That's the case for today's post. And since I have no meetings beconing me, no auctions to broadcast, nothing imment on the agenda- the time has come. The words are ready.

I turn 27 in just over a week. And lately, I've had this overwhelming feeling that I'm behind. I just can't seem to shake it. Don't get me wrong- I'm so happy with my life, and I know- without a shadow of a doubt- that I'm where I'm supposed to be. That God has me in exactly the spot I'm supposed to be in.

But it's hard. It's hard seeing people around me in happy relationships that lead to engagement and marriage and not say, when is it my turn? My heart gets this little twinge when I find out someone is pregnant, and I wonder when that will be my reality.

But it's a Catch-22. I have a job I love, and now- more than ever- I have so many projects outside of work taking up my time- and truly fulfilling me. The variety show, the home improvement show I'm working on- two amazing projects that are my significant others these days, my "babies" so to speak.

I'm living out my passions in my career. Who gets to say that?!

And I'm planning some amazing trips this year. I moved into my house. I'm surrounded by friends and family and laughter and joy. I feel such a sense of accomplishment- that as a single woman, I am capable of fulfilling all of my dreams on my own.

But sometimes that little twinge pops up. And, with another birthday on the horizon, it seems like a tiny reminder of all of the things still yet to happen.

And I guess that's just it- they are yet to happen. I know all of my dreams- from career to carseats and adventure to engagement- will all happen.

So, this year, I choose not to look at what hasn't happened, but what is still to come. And what amazing experiences I'm living out right now, in the present.

No wishes when I'm blowing out the candles this year- just thankfulness for where I'm at right now, today. Lindsay at (almost) 27.

Single (and happy) gal, signing out.

Wine on a Wednesday

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope you are all having a fantastic week. This one has had it's highs and lows. I found myself wishing I enjoyed those snow days a bit more! I have a lot on my plate these days, but I keep reminding myself it's all projects I love, all things I love to do. And with people I love! That's the best part.

I took a short house-spending-hiatus the past few weeks just to let my bank account replenish... but now I'm back to dreaming about all of the wonderful things I need- ok, want.

First of all- do you read Cupcakes & Cashmere? One of my favorite fashion/food/decoration blogs out there. Emily was just featured in Apartment Therapy (see the whole thing here!) and I just fell in love with this old-looking liquor cart. I'm looking for a unique yet classy way to display my alcohol. I think she pulled it off well. I'd like to do something similar... without looking like an alcoholic. :)

How do you display your alcohol in your house? Locked in a cupboard? Out in the open for all to see?

Have a wonderful (and maybe wine-filled?!) Wednesday!

Pieces Of Me

There are three people on this planet who I literally can't live without. They are little pieces of me, extensions of me. They define who I am. When I'm lost or sad or unsure of my next step, I only have to look to these people who remember who I am.

I've known each of them their whole lives, and as the oldest, I'm the only one that can say that. I was there when each of them took their first step, said their first word.

And while the days of play school and pillow houses are over- our "childhood", so to speak- being an adult with these three people is turning out to be so much more fun.

Play school has turned into drinking beers together at the lake. And pillow houses have turned into late nights of Scrabble and Mario Kart.

But some things... like yearly Christmas break trips to Six Flags... always stay the same.

I'm lucky that my siblings are my best friends in the world.

I take credit for all of their good and wonderful traits.

And I take no credit for the weirdness you are about to see.

Changing Seasons

For the second Wednesday in a row, I'm sitting at my kitchen table, snowed in, enjoying blogs & coffee.

An instagram shot of my favorite print ever from Madeby Girl, hanging in my kitchen. Perfectly describes my morning!

Although in a dissapointing turn of events, my coffee supply is waaaaay low and the only option is decaf. Yikes.

I'm feeling a bit off this week. My days are all messed up. I constantly think it's Thursday. And a couple of times in the past few days, I've thought to myself "fall is just around the corner." When really, SPRING is just around the corner. Or, so I tell myself, although it's hard to believe when it's snowing. Again.

So, anyways- on this beautiful Thursday, with hints of fall lingering in the air, I write to tell you that I feel like my internal seasons are changing, too.

This month is a big one for me. It not only marks the 6 month anniversary of the "crash of 2010" but also my birthday! I feel on the cusp of a lot of change.

The events of 2010 that shaped the past six months of my life are starting to define me less. I'm not the Lindsay who had her heart broken by life.

I'm the Lindsay who prayed and grew and laughed and worked and moved into a new house. Those are the things that define me right now. Winter is over; it's time for Spring.

Or Fall. But only if it's Thursday. :)

Where the Green Grass Grows

Happy Sunday, friends! I hope everyone had a restful weekend. I had high hopes to try out a new church today (well, new to me) but it's in a neighboring city and the state of our roads is still... sketchy. Better, but sketchy.

I escaped cabin fever Friday night with a "progressive wine night" in my neighborhood, and yesterday made it out for a lunch meeting. Tonight, we're getting another inch or so of snow... and Tuesday, another winter storm! Unbelievable.

I must say, this has been a really great "break" for me. I feel like the past six months have been a whirlwind of projects, long work hours and holidays. So to have a few days to catch up on life has made a huge difference. I enjoy spending time on my own, having quiet time to let my head and heart catch up with each other a bit.

And, when I get really, really busy- I sometimes worry that I'm doing too many things halfway.

But I'm learning life comes in waves. Sometimes there's a lot on our plate, sometimes very little. The grass is always greener- we always want to be busier, or less busy. So, I'm just embracing every day. Whatever is on my plate, I will tackle to the best of my ability.

Lately, I just feel so blessed that my "busy" schedule consists of things I love. Projects I love, people I love. Enjoy the "break" days and enjoy the "busy" days- because sometimes the grass is greener right where you are standing.

One final thing- Ashley from The Sweet Southern Life tagged me in a fun little blog post. Five things you can't leave the house without. So, here are my five:

Starbucks (duh!), my new Coach over-the-shoulder, my iPad (and iPhone-but I was using it to take this picture!), my philosophy "Very Cherry Christmas" lip gloss, and my Vera Bradly lunch bag for my breakfast, lunch & afternoon snacks. :)

Here's to hoping you take time today to appreciate the green grass in your life! (If it's not covered by ice and snow, that is!)

Let It Go and Let It Snow!

What was supposed to be a 30% chance of a light dusting of snow has turned into a 100% chance of 4 to 6 more inches! "Snowklahoma" isn't losing it's nickname anytime soon. :)

Today, I made my way into the office for the first time in days... only to arrive, answer emails for a couple of hours, and be sent back home due to road closings! Ah, winter in Oklahoma. I'm not sure what the Ground Hog was talking about with Spring arriving soon and all of that....

Here are a few pictures from the last few days. Does anyone else love Instagram?! I am a big fan. All of my pictures lately are via the iPhone Instagram app. It lets you give the pictures a "treatment"- you know, faded, black and white, etc. I think the "Lomo-fi" app is the best for snow pictures. It really makes the white pop!

My clear driveway- quite a success. Although now it's under a couple of inches of snow... again. :)

My pretty street, looking towards Brookside.

When we were sent home from work, a few co-workers came over "until the storm let up." AKA... to let a few beers chill in the snow!

Yes, me & my faithful Oklahoma hoodie. In front of my snow-covered house!

I have a bit of cabin fever- and I feel like work is piling up faster than the snow outside- but I'm allowing myself to enjoy this time to just let it go and let it snow. I know in a few months- heck, maybe even a few weeks!- it will be Spring...

... and tornado season!

Have a wonderful Friday!

Pay It Forward

Today, something really terrific happened. And it's really changed my whole outlook of this day- no, this week. It could even be a defining moment of the year, people!

Let me back up. The past 3 days have been snomageddon. Everyone has been stuck inside- no school, no work. I've had a chance to catch up on literally every item on my to-do list. I updated my financial spreadsheet. I worked on a DIY project. I caught up on my DVR. I worked from home, and worked on various out-of-the-office projects.

But I've also had a few... trials. One being the Great Driveway Shovel-Out of 2011; the other being The Fumes That Wouldn't Go Away.

The driveway shovel-out... whew. That was definitely in the fine print of this whole home ownership business! I spent all day yesterday and part of this morning finishing the job. Only to learn more snow is on the way.

Deep breath.

And the fumes- my house started smelling a tiny bit like gas on Tuesday. So being the paranoid Type-A person I am, I had Oklahoma Natural Gas out to investigate. They found no leaks. (Remember? I celebrated with Bailey's snow ice cream.)

But the fumes... they lingered. They didn't go away. So I did my own investigation.

Good thing I read all of those Nancy Drew books as a little girl. I climbed my fence to my back yard, because a 3-foot snow drift was leaning against my back door. I sniffed around my heater unit and started chipping away at layers of ice. And wa-la! Gaseous fumes were released into the air. They were trapped by the ice and being pushed into my house!

Lindsay: 1. House: 0.

But then I remembered I didn't unlock the back door from the inside before I set out to clear the snow blocking my back door.

So I climbed the fence... again.

House: 1. Lindsay: 0.

Ah, finally. The driveway is cleared. The fumes have ceased. The back door can open from the inside. No more fence climbing.

And despite my aching muscles, a pain I can only compare to what I felt when I first learned to water ski- I am proud. I am strong. I survived the storm on my own. I took care of my house. I'm capable; heroes and husbands need not apply.

But then that thing happened I mentioned at the beginning of this post. That terrific thing that changed my day, my week, maybe even my year.

My neighbor, a stranger before today, came over and started voluntarily shoveling snow from my porch and sidewalk. And now I have a beautiful, clear walk way.

I almost cried. Because even though I know I'm strong and capable- it sure is nice to know someone- even a stranger- is looking out for you.

Pay it forward, people! You never know who needs a little boost.

Six Feet Under

Hello from the frozen tundra of Oklahoma! We broke a few records here in the Sooner state yesterday- the most snowfall from one storm (first record) in the month of February (second record!)

It was a lot like Christmas morning. I went to bed with the sound of "thundersnow" outside my window (yes, it's real!) and ice pelting my window pane. And in the morning, I woke up to snow, snow, snow!

Finally, halfway through the day it eased up. 14 inches was the final total, with snow drifts up to 5 or 6 feet!

This is a glimpse out my front door. I have a cute little patio and a couple of steps... none of which you can see thanks to the snow! Just a frozen tundra of white.

And here's my backyard. I have to say- I absolutely love seeing my house covered in snow! It's so peaceful and cozy. And makes me very thankful to have shelter during weather like this!

Yesterday was eventful in a stuck-in-the-house kind of way. My only visiters were guys from Oklahoma Natural Gas. There's a faint smell of gas in my house, so they trekked here through the snow to investigate for any leaks.

There are none, thank goodness!

So, to celebrate, I made Bailey's snow ice cream.

Oh yeah.

A la The Pioneer Woman, here's the cast of characters: 1 cup of milk; a half teaspoon of vanilla; a half cup of sugar; and 4 or 5 cups of fresh, clean, fluffy snow.


And because I'm a rebel... and stuck inside all day... with the faint smell of gas lingering in the air... I added a shot of Bailey's.

The finished product! Would you judge me if I told you I ate this whole bowl yesterday?

Not saying I did or anything.

Everyone stay safe out there! Make a bowl of Bailey's (or regular) snow ice cream. Drink an extra cup of coffee. At least, that's my plan for the day! Along with shoveling my driveway...