More Dates

I realized after last week's randoms that I forgot to mention some recent dates.

After my Dr's appt. last Tuesday, Dac and I went to McAlister's Deli. I love McAlister's but seeing as how we don't have one here (there is one in Stillwater so I was used to having one in town...sigh) I don't eat it that often. I ate there quite a bit when I lived and worked at Dillards in Wichita though. Anyway, don't get there a ton now but I'd been craving it so since it was my traumatic day, I got to pick. =) We both got spuds and sweet teas (to. die. for). I got the cheese spud with extra sour cream - but couldn't finish it. I think my stomach was just upset from nerves. After lunch we did some quick shopping at Old Navy (took back my recently purchased way too tight pants) and Target. It was nice just to have that time together - especially on a week day - where we could just talk and hang out.

Last week was just a total mess all together. Between that and several long days with night meetings, AND pictures, we were both beat and getting a little cranky. (Who me?!). SO - I decided kind of last minute on Friday to invite Dac out on a date. I knew we probably shouldn't take the time... I mean... we're so busy and behind on life right now... but I decided that's exactly why we should take the time. We ate supper at Biederman's, drove around looking at all the pretty trees, and stopped by College Hill for dessert. I actually got pictures this time! =)

Dac with his coffee (with half-n-half...haha... THE way to drink coffee) and cranberry scone.


Me with my skinny vanilla chai tea (best around). I'm wearing what is probably my new favorite sweater. =)

Mmm... spells and tastes just like fall.

And my spiced walnut bread.We had a great night before getting back to work and having a looooooooong day at a wedding the following day. I'm thankful we live in the same house now, instead of hours away like we were for about 4 years. I try to not take that for granted. Being able to go on a spontaneous is definitely something to be excited about! =)

Endweek Randoms

=) I'm not as grumpy today so I think it's an appropriate time to have a randoms post!

• "It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday"... you're welcome.
  

• Lately, Friday's at work have meant BREAKFAST! (Sound all the obnoxious bells, whistles, and lights circa Pee-Wee's Playhouse's secret word of the day) We've had pancakes, breakfast casserole, cinnamon pull apart bread (pure awesome), donuts, biscuits and gravy, etc... you get the idea. It makes work a little more bearable and it fills my hungry, breakfast-lovin' belly. =)

• Going back a bit - Sunday we photographed one of our favorite little guys for his 1-year pictures. Oh my he's so sweet and so adorable. We just love taking his picture. I think Dac and I would both steal him if it wasn't so frowned upon in our society. Ha! =) I kid, I kid... we're not creepers. No but really, he's CUTE.

• I had another Dr's appt. Tuesday. Again, this really should have it's own blog post. There's just too much info. for a "randoms" post. But basically I'll have surgery within the next couple months to hopefully improve some on-going pelvic pain problems. I had a real similar surgery 2-3 years ago and quite frankly, I'm not looking forward to having it again. Plus, there's my un-natural, excessive fear of blood clots. But I digress. With our wedding schedule it's going to be interesting trying to find just the right time to have it done but we'll get it figured out and everything will be great! Right? Right. Breathe Alisha.

• Let's see... what else.... OOOOHH... I participated in my photog friend Laura's "Fall Swap" again this year. I racked up and got some great stuff! My swap buddy was very good to me. First here's a picture of the stuff I sent her (note pads for lists... yep, I'm a list maker; Sharpie pens, pumpkin spice Yankee Car Jar; Autumn Vanilla body spray; Chocolate Donut hand sanitizer; Burts Bees original chapstick... fav; orange quick dry toenail polish; Mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups; a pumpkin bread recipe, and all of it was put in a fall mixing bowl. I also sent a Real Simple magazine... it just didn't make it in the picture).
  

• She sent me: fall decor, a lens cup, apple cake mix, a fall candle, Reeses peanut butter pumpkins, quick dry nail polish, lip gloss, fall car fresheners, and three flavors of chai tea. She must know me... I love these things!!! =) I was surprised to see how alike our tastes are. I've already painted my toenails, used the lip gloss, decorated, and of course ate the Reeses (hey, I shared with Dac at least) but I still have lots of goodies to enjoy this season. Can't wait to get my hands on that chai!! There's some yummy flavors!! Thanks Melinda!

Arkalalah: Days 3-4

I know it's Wednesday and I should be posting some midweek randoms - but I'm rather grumpy and stressed today - so I figured I'd better focus on fun stuff instead. Maybe I'll do a midweek randoms post another day this week. =)

Friday (Day 3 of Arkalalah) was a picture-less day... sorry. I just flat out forgot to take any pictures. I worked a half day then Dac and I ate at Subway and goofed off for a bit. Then, I met Terese and her friend Melissa downtown to watch the Kiddie Parade. Ok - to be completely honest here - I thought the kiddie parade pretty well sucked. I haven't gone in a couple years and I really only went this year to see Journey and the other kids I knew I wouldn't see all dressed up on Halloween. Well, I couldn't see any kids in the parade... it moved too fast, was a total cluster, and I wasn't able to get pictures of any of my favorite munchkins. =( So sad.

Val took me home after that and Dac and I walked back down town to eat supper. We each got a brisket sandwich and it was divine. =) Then, I went with Erica and Kayla to see Footloose. Good movie! =)

Saturday, I woke up at 4:45 a.m. to meet Cori so we could set out chairs. Then, I went back to bed until more like 9:45 haha. We met John and Anna in Winfield to take Ruby's 1-year pictures. Can't believe she's about one. Geez Louise.

She's a cute little thing. And so fun! =)



Then we headed down to the parade (and food!)
Watched Charli make a mad dash for the candy.
Good Daddy.

Good Daccy. =)
Cori and Terese. Our parade buddies.
So glad these guys have been able to join us for several years!!

After the parade (well, we left early) John and Anna tried to con Ruby into a nap. They were unsuccessful. While they did that, Dac and I went to Grandma Jo's for Chili. I didn't eat though b/c we had the late lunch.

Once we got back we went for round two of pictures before Ruby tired out on us. Then, we went to Braums!!

That evening, we were going to hit up my buddy Chris' Halloween shindig but, I kid you not, and I'm kinda ashamed to admit this on the interwebs... we fell asleep. =| Totally missed the party. Yep, really did that.

That pretty well wraps up Arkalalah: Totally 80's. =)

Arkalalah: Day 2

I already shared a few pics from the first day of Arkalalah on the Midweek Randoms post I did last week. For those of you who aren't from her and have no idea what the heck Arkalalah is - it's basically our home town's fall festival. It was started back in the depression as a way to boost morale and lift spirits. There's a carnival, lots of parades, band competitions, concerts, a Queen Alalalah, street games, and all the streets downtown are lined with food booths.

Now, for day two!

This just so happened to be Wii Night, which, like I've mentioned before includes very little Wii playing and lots more eating and hanging out with friends. So anyway, we ventured downtown with Val, Cori, Steve, and Charli for a night of "eat 'til you're sick". =)

Here's Cori at her first stop!

My first (and supposed to be last) stop. Oh yeah.


Dac with his bowl of chili.

Val patiently waiting on all of us to get our 15 things so she can move on to what she wants!

Charli goin' to town.



Like I mentioned, I went with the intention of JUST getting the loaded tater. Instead, I ate every last bite of that, then had part of Steve's onion blossom, part of Cori's potato twisty thing, and what was left of Steve's funnel cake. I totally blame Steve for the stomach ache I had at the end of the night. Totally. I also ate this and at least 1/4th of Dac's cheesecake-on-a-stick. Oy.


After we got drinks and took a break at Grinder Man, we took Charli to the carnival for a bit. It was fun watching her ride rides so I'm glad they let us join them!

Dac even accompanied her through this fun house. It was a sight. These two are such friends.

Cori got this on video but Charli got a little overwhelmed trying to get out of the fun house. Dac pushed her through all the while she's yelling "I don't know how". Pretty dang funny... but kind of sad too.

After the carnival, we trekked back through the food booths to get that last snack... Charli had won a prize at the carnival... a big blow up baseball bat (which she lovingly beat Steve with) and this pretty pretty princess crown. She was kind enough to let Steve wear it as we walked down Summit Street... she even serenaded him. "Daddy is a princess, Daddy is a princess..." all the way back. =) It was hysterical.
Pretty dang good Day 2 if I do say so myself! =) These guys are so much fun.

Midweek Randoms x 2

• So I didn't blog last week because I was on the road to a school PR conference in Kansas City. As much as I hate to be away during busy times, I always enjoy this conference. You see, I am the only person in the district who does what I do... everyone else does different stuff, thinks in a different way, etc... so it's nice for me to be surrounded with people who just get it. They're cool people so it was fun to hang out... and I got some great ideas.

• The other good part about the conference is that Cori rode along with me. She didn't have to work and she has family around KC so she and Charli just rode along and played during the day while I was at the conference. Then, when I got done, we met her family for dinner. Oh my word, they are so super sweet! We ate at Cheeseburger Paradise one night, Famous Dave's the next, and that second night we did a little shopping at The Legends. It was fun and I'm glad I had the company! =) PS - totally disappointed with myself that I didn't get pictures. Sigh.

• Speaking of Cori, I think I forgot to mention that she's PREGNANT! So excited for them. I know Charli is going to make a great big sister and I just can't wait to meet him/her. We love this family to pieces and I'm looking forward to having another little one to play with and spoil. =) Eeeek!

• Back-tracking a bit... the week before last was kind of a rough week... wasn't feeling so hot and we had a wedding that weekend so we missed out on date night that week. FAIL. BUT... the wedding was fun and pretty and we got to go on a couple "dates" this week to make up for it.

• Saturday we went to Wichita just for fun... just for us... no agenda. =) We ate at The Wichita Brewing Co. and had the Hopperoni Pizza, the Mac-n-Cheese Pizza, and the S'more Dessert Pizza. All of it was pretty tasty. Dac tried a couple new beers and I had the homemade rootbeer... also good. Then we took a leisurely trip to Target and Old Navy (where I got two pairs of pants that are waaaaay too small...ugh).

• Then followed everything up with a trip to The Donut Whole. We each ate a donut there and then took a box home with us. Like we needed that! Ha! On the way home we stopped at my parents' house and had a good visit. We don't get the chance to hang out with them much due to lots of busy schedules but it's always fun when we do. =) They shared the donuts with us!

• Sunday, I had a sister day with Val. We went to lunch together, caught up on lots of chatting, and went out to Austin's while he was working on a couple projects. We also made a happy hour run before I had to go home for a photo session. It was a fun one - our photog buddy Laura McPherson of Elephant Juice Photography and her family!! Always a blast!

• Tuesday, we went back to Wichita to photograph a sweet family and then we ate pumpkin pancakes at IHOP for date #2. =) It wasn't a real date per se, but it was nice to go in, sit down, and be together for a little bit.

• This week is OSU's homecoming. "America's Greatest Homecoming Celebration." That always gets me feeling a little nostalgic and makes me want to be in Stillwater big time. We (college buddies) were all going to try to go but we ended up not getting tickets... so maybe next year. Instead, we'll stick around for Arkalalah and a couple more photo sessions this weekend.

• Did I mention that week is Arkalalah!?!?! HOLLA! I hadn't seen Sky in several weeks so Dac and I took her downtown to eat. She also talked me into paying $5 for one ride on the Kamakaze. Sucker. Anyway, I had the usual Jeffy Pup and Pickle O's that I can't seem to live without. (I was Jeffy Pup in elementary school!) Dac got a Gyro. Sky got... wait for it... a slice of pizza. Ha! She's worse than I am.

It's hard to get cooler than this ya'll.

(I must have seen a squirrel... ha)
These two = trouble. AND they're always scheming up "Alisha pranks". Sigh. At least they have fun.
Dinner.

• Speaking of Sky... I love that kid. She's a total mess and it's that crazy teen time when she's not a kid but not an adult or full blown teenager either. Nuts. Makes me glad babies don't pop out as teenagers. Can you imagine?! Ugh. Anyway, she is just so much fun!!
  

• After I took Sky home, I went home for a bit then walked back downtown to see miss Charli ride on her school float in the night parade. The parade itself was sadly pitiful... but this face... totally worth it. =) She so sweetly invited me to her parade... how could I resist? Exactly... I couldn't. So I donned my ear muffs (don't hate... appreciate) and joined in the spirit! (Photo stolen from Cori's facebook page. Thanks Cori.)
  

• Like I said, it's Arkalalah, so I might actually have more pictures for once! =)
  

Midweek Randoms

• Here we are again! =) I hate to just talk about what I've done since last week - but since this is a scrapbook of sorts, I guess I kind of need to do that. I hope become a better blogger someday.

• This weekend was Dac's cousin Courtney's wedding. We took a half day on Friday to head up for that. It was fun and Courtney was simply gorgeous! We haven't even began editing those yet but when we do, I'll share them over on the photo blog and maybe even share a couple here too. Thanks to Val, there's at least one or two of us dancing. =) We RARELY go to a wedding where we get to dance so that was fun. On the way up, we rode with David and Terese and on the way back we rode with Val... and ate Quick Trip at 12:30 a.m. Mmm.

• Saturday, I went with Val and Terese to Wichita. I went to get stuff to make a birthday gift for Journey but, no surprise here, that didn't get done. Also, I've been on the lookout for the perfect comfy pants to replace the ones I lost. I mean seriously, how. hard. can. it. be. to. find. a. comfy pair of comfy pants!? I've bought two recently from Target that I've had to take back. I've pinned some from Old Navy that I think might be the golden ticket but we'll see. BUT - the trip wasn't a total loss because we ate at Olive Garden. I got this: it's basically fried lasagna (hello beautiful) laying on a bed of alfredo sauce and topped with marinara. Seriously yum.
  

• It has donned on me that maybe if I didn't eat so much (see above) I wouldn't be quite so addicted to comfy pants. There's some food for thought (haha) for ya.
  

• Sunday, we had a photo session with a 1-year old little Sophie Lou. If you follow the photo blog, you've met her here, and probably several other places too.
  

• After that, we met David, Terese, and Charli for pizza at Gambino's. David came here to help with the house afterwards while Charli, Terese, and I ran some errands, got a coke, and headed to Journey's party.
  

(Birthday Girl!)

• The party was adorable and the kids went on a fun treasure hunt. =) Mark and Kayla did such a great job.

• While I was there, I got to quickly catch up with Erika and her sweet girls.
  

• So far this week it's just been work, work, and more work. It has me mega-cranky. MEGA cranky. Thankfully there's Criminal Minds tonight. Whew.
  

• I did stop and get me some new work pants (FINALLY) and a cute sweater. Saw this on the way home.
  

Midweek Randoms

Again - sorry for the lack of pictures. I'll get better. Promise. At least temporarily. It's just been hectic. I know you can understand that!! We're all busy.

• Let's see. I realize I forgot to share our date night from two weeks ago. So we'll start with that. On Friday the 23rd, the same weekend we went to OKC, Dac and I ate at home (philly cheese steak sandwiches I believe) and then went to see Moneyball. It was really good. We went to the earlier movie and spent the evening with several members of the senior crowd. =) They laughed and talked through the whole thing so we spend lots of time just laughing them. Silly old people. =) The movie was great too though. I'm not a huge Brad Pitt fan but he did a good job as did the supporting actor and the story was a ''feel good'' one. After the movie we swung through McDonalds for a treat and headed home. We stayed up late finishing season three of 24 and decided that we needed to take a break before we started the next one because we just have so much photography stuff going on and Dac and David (FIL) are working hard on our bathroom/spare room project.

• Last Wednesday I got my hair cut. Finally. It's SO much better. I can actually fix it now. Hallelujer! I don't quite look like Jen Anniston but close. Real close. =)

• Thursday I had my doctor's appt. I'm being sent on to a specialist and really, this subject needs it's own post... so that might be for another day and another time. But my mom went with me and we had fun shopping, eating, shopping... eating. =)
  

• Last Friday, for date night, we went to Ponca. Dac needed to stop by Lowes and we decided to go there since I/we'd been in the Wichita area a lot lately. We ate ribs at Head Country, browsed Brace Books, Dac bought the long-coveted Buckyballs and really payed little attention to me the rest of the weekend... I kid, I kid. Then we went to Cherry Berry. We like treats, ok?! Geez.

• I went to breakfast the next morning with Kayla - she wanted to hear about my appointment and where better to chat than over a pancake and glass of chocolate milk (told you I'd celebrate soon!). We had a nice visit, I ran a couple errands in Winfield, then did some random stuff around the house before a family session.

• SUNDAY. Oh my. We slept in. Like really slept in. 'Til 9:00. That's rare people. We met Dac's mom for lunch at Gambinos, then got to work on photos and house stuff. I spent about 6-8 hours totally cleaning/organizing the kitchen from top to bottom. I pulled everything out, cleaned the inside of the cabinets, put that shelf gripper stuff down, put everything back in an organized fashion, prepared a big box of stuff to take to the Salvation Army, scrubbed the cabinets, WD-40'd the stainless steel appliances (oh my word... thank you pinterest.com for reviving my hope in stainless steel. Who knew!?!?), swept, mopped, yada, yada, yada. It's like a new room. Ok, so it doesn't look that much different but to me... it's brand new. =)

• While in Wichita for another dr's appointment yesterday, I picked up some new comfy pants. Guys, I love comfy pants. I love pajamas. I love soft fabrics that move when you do. Sigh. I want to be wearing comfy pants right now. Clearly this is exciting news. Val went with me. We ate like pigs, walked, and laughed a lot. Win.

• I am SO ready for some of our bigger house projects to be complete. I especially want our disgusting carpet out of the family room/hall. Ugh, it's awful. I keep dreaming of my re-finished wood floors (hopefully) with a giant super soft rug down in there. Glorious. Even if there's not hardwood under that whole area and/of if it's too far gone to refinish - I'd settle for new, clean, soft carpet. =) Again... more first world problems.

• I've been wanting to go to a pumpkin patch recently. I love Fall and everything that comes with it. The last time I went to a real pumpkin patch was right after we got married. Well - actually - it wasn't really much of a real pumpkin patch... it had pumpkins but was mostly a corn maze. But I digress. We went and had a blast. We didn't have much cash on us (plus we were pretty poor anyway) so we couldn't afford much in the way of a pumpkin. Dac, not wanting us to go away empty handed, picked out this little bitty perfect pumpkin and we named it Pumpkin Breath. =)

• Oops - just realized I never posted this yesterday!

• Since I forgot, it's worth mentioning that Steve Jobs has passed away. Co-creater of Apple, Founder of Pixar, visionary, icon, husband, father, friend. It's sad to see him go. Boo Pancreatic Cancer. Boo. I was reminded of this quote from another photo blog:
  

Photo Source