Midweek Randoms

• Seriously? How is it time for this again? This time of year always seems to fly by. Although, I think I say that during every time of the year.

• I had to stay home sick from work again last week. My pain was, I'm almost sure, the worst it's ever been. At this point as much as I dread it, I'm SO ready for the surgery. I just want to feel better. That same day I missed out on a trip to Wichita for Wii Night. =| NOT cool.

• Friday night Dac and I went on a date. I didn't take any pictures b/c still wasn't feeling the best. We went to Ponca, ate BBQ, went to Brace Books and Wal-Mart, stopped for a treat at the gas station then went home. Nothing special or out of the ordinary, but we had fun none-the-less. =)

• Saturday, Dac worked on photos and I worked on cleaning and doing laundry. Then, that afternoon/evening we photographed a friend of ours, Lynnette's wedding. She and Deryk had a beautiful wedding and it was fun to be a part of it! We got to see several people from high school so that was fun!

• Sunday, I woke up and started cleaning the house and doing more laundry. Then, we met David and Terese for lunch and visited with them for a while.

• Sunday happened to be the PanCan Purple Stride in Dallas - it's the 5k for Pancreatic Cancer. I've wanted to walk/run in one for years now and it's never worked out. This year, my cousin Courtney along with my aunt, one of Ryan's best friends, and several others formed a team "KABOOM" (one of Ryan's catch phrases) in memory of him. I hated that I couldn't be a part of it. I. Hated. It. But we had already scheduled a wedding Lynnette's wedding for that weekend. I donated and sported my purple Ryan shirt to show support. I thought a lot about him that day. I know we all were. (PS - if you're new around here, Ryan is my older cousin who died due to Pancreatic Cancer last year. You can read more about him and that situation here, here, here, and here.) Here's a scary picture of me wearing the shirt.

• I love my family and can't wait to spend time with some of them over Christmas! Eeek!

• As crazy and busy and hectic as this next month and a half will be, it's full of lots of excitement and good times too! Lots of friend and family time. Pretty excited about it. =)

• Anyway, Sunday night, David came over to help Dac with the house and Terese came too and brought Tater. Tater and Peety played outside (I wish I'd gotten a picture) and Terese and I chatted and went to Sonic. I got a chili cheese coney. Haven't had one in a long time. It was pretty good. Some of my college buddies and I would get those on OSU game days. =) Fun times.

• Everything else this week has basically been work and photography related. Although, I did get to hang out with Sky for a while last night. That was fun. We didn't have a whole lot of time together so we went and got a snack, listened to music, and created people on her Sims game. haha. It was a real educational and productive time together. =)

• Then, Kayla and I met for dinner to catch up. That was fun! Then we met Heather at Wally World (we have been soooo foodless at our house... yikes!) and then we all hung out, caught up, and watched Criminal Minds. It was fabulous.

Midweek Randoms

• I don't have much to say this time around.

• Dac and I spent Saturday down in Enid, Oklahoma photographing this adorable couple's wedding. Gorgeous no? Inside and out, people. Inside and out. Wow. It was an awesome ceremony.

• We ate a lot of McDonalds that day. We're certainly not proud of that, but it was kind of fun none-the-less. =)

• Sunday, we went to my Grandma and Grandpa's house for lunch. It's been a while since we'd been out there so it was a nice, welcome change. My Uncle John visiting was the special occasion - not that we really need a special occasion to stuff our faces full of Grandma's amazin' cookin'. Oh my. She even had peach pie. Listen, I know everyone says this, but fo realz, my Grandma's pies are literally THE. BEST. Hands down. I'd bet a fortune on it if I had it to bet. Peach just so happens to be my favorite. =) I was a happy girl that day.

• After lunch, Kayla and I went to Heather's bridal shower. While there, I laughed a lot, ate some delicious cake and chocolate covered strawberries, and hugged my friends I don't get to see nearly enough.

• I promise since Sunday I've been a much healthier eater. =) Speaking of which, I'm trying to cut back on pop again. Oy, I was out of control with it. I was doing real good until yesterday's Grinder man. I can't go to Grinder Man without a pop or cookie. Just. Can't. Do. It. I figure one (and a refill) in a whole week is a major improvement for me.

• Monday we were supposed to have Elizabeth's sister Kimberly's pictures. BUT it was raining cats and dogs (that's an expression people) and so we've rescheduled. I love rain. Love love love it but being a photographer has made me get a little less excited about it. That's kind of a bummer.

• So, instead of a photo session I did a half-hearted ab/leg/butt workout I found onPinterest, did some laundry, and felt the earth mooove under my feet. That's right folks, I felt my very first earthquake tremor. Kind of exciting and kind of disappointing too... you know, after all the hype they'd been getting all weekend. I'm glad I finally know what all the fuss is about. I'm sure many of you have seen these by now, but when I first saw them, I about peed my pants. Hilarious. Personally, I'm glad we've gone more than 30 seconds now without everyone posting facebook updates about the eeaaaaaaarthquake.

• Bahahahaha. Funny, I tell ya.

• Criminal Minds tonight. It's about tornaders. Hellerrr!

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! =)