A Wicked Surprise

The only thing Dustin told me months ago, was to leave June 9th and 10th open. I knew we were going on a trip, I just didn't know where. So, loaded up with more country music than he could stand, we headed off on the mystery trip :)

The X at the end of the map was Dallas! I kind of have a weird thing about taking pictures of places we stay, so here is the mirror reflection of our room at the Anatole.

I don't really know...this seemed like fun at the time, and I was really excited. Thankfully, Dustin was sweet enough to humor me, even though he said posing with his hands on his cheeks was a "girl pose".

The reason we were in Dallas, was to see "Wicked"! I was soooooo pumped. Dustin knew I'd been dying to see it, but missed it when it came to OKC, so he bought us tickets, months in advance. I knew I married a keeper :) The icing on the cake was this was by far the BEST show I had ever seen, and the lead , hands down, has most incredible voice I have ever heard.

Favorite line: "It appears the artichoke is steamed..."

Eating at one of my faves, Chuys! I told Dustin I wanted a picture of him and the King.

Um...need I say more?

So happy.

A shout out to my hubby for a wonderful trip! You win the man of the year award for a) planning the trip b) managing to keep it a secret for months c) sharing my love of musicals d) encouraging and enduring trips to Ikea, Anthropologie, and listening to country music. Love!

The List of Leisure

For the first time since I was 16, I have a summer of pure, unadulterated FREEDOM!. No full time side job. No 10 surprise hours of online Spanish that I had to take in a month and a half, WHILE working full time (that's a story for another day). No wedding planning. While I'm glad I did all of that, I'm officially enjoying the wonderful (granted, low paid) life of a teacher. In honor of my lack of obligations, I thought I'd put in writing the Un-To- Do List I've been mulling over in my head for the last few months.

1. Become a Book Worm

The goal is at least two or three novels. Ok, so one of those might include a love story about teenage vampires, but hey, it still counts. After that, I will return to my first (literary) love: mysteries.

2. Learn to be a Thrifty Earlybird

My fellow music teacher and super awesome friend, Kimberly and I have long standing plans to get up at the break of day to find some great bargains at garage sales around town. Also on the list: local flea market with my mom.

3. Healthy, Shmealthy

I've traded in laying out and tanning beds for self tanners and sunscreen. I also want to add more healthy recipes

to my arsenal over the summer.

4. Sand, Repaint, and Restore

I've recently met my long lost twin, from whom I was separated at birth. She lives next door, and we happened to meet while we were both working in the yard a few months ago. Not only is she really fun and sweet, we also share freakishly similar interests. The plan this summer is to buy some garage sale furniture and give it a new life. I'm sooo excited.

5. Okie Noodling Fest, Anyone?

Maybe one of the small town festivals I'm most proud of attending. (There's even a documentary.) Noodling. Yes, men sticking their hands into holes in a lake, into a Catfish's mouth, and retrieving an enormous fish. Then, a great fish fry follows in celebration. There is blue grass music, and even an exhibition tank, in which Miss Okie Noodling Oklahoma does a demonstration dive and catch. All in Oklahoma's very own Pauls Valley. Check it out.

6. Go on Local Adventures

Design Sponge did this great Oklahoma City Guide, in which I think they covered every single cool thing to do and see in Oklahoma City. I've lived here my entire life, and haven't even accomplished half of the list. I hope to visit the Paseo District, go to RedPin Bowling Lounge, eat at Sushi Neko.....and the list goes on.

7. Perhaps Invest in an SLR

Dustin and I have both talked about getting an SLR camera to take on trips and use to take some higher quality pictures. Maybe if I get gutsy, I'll purchase one. I just found out about an Oklahoma-based website that offers great deals for everything under the sun. Check out quibids.com for details :)

8. Explore the Great Outdoors

Things I didn't feel I had time for during the year: Re-landscaping my yard, keeping plants alive, sitting on the

porch and watching a thunderstorm, and going to the lake. Another thing I've always wanted to do once I got

married, is rough it for a weekend and go camping and fishing with the hubs.

9. Do an In-Depth Bible Study

The mom and I are joining a Priscilla Shirer bible study this summer. This woman is where it's at.

10. Enjoy Comfort Food and Grandparents

I plan to visit my Grandma and Grandpa in the grand town of Duncan, Oklahoma. This trip always guarantees great stories and great food, causing me to return home at least 5 pounds heavier.

Hopefully, I'll check off each of these goals over the summer. But hey, if I don't, there will be no guilt here.

It's summer time after all. Enjoy!

-Jessica