KSME

**I have been absent in the blog world recently. Not because I hate it, but because I am focusing on work, health, and most importantly, relationships with family and friends. I promise to do better, hopefully.**

Our 2nd wedding anniversary is fast approaching! The traditional gift for this occasion is cotton, who came up with these? Either way I am a lover of traditions, so I shall follow this one too. Tradition is what brings me to the topic of the blog post, changing my name, although I didn't follow this tradition blindly or without thought. It wasn't quite as easy as a 2nd Anniversary gift...
I have to tell you, I never really thought about not changing my name when I got married. Almost everyone I knew changed their name when I was younger and I thought that was just what you did, I probably assumed it was law or something. Just something that girls did. Growing up, I had a few friends that had different last names than a parent. Mostly the result of a divorce, a few were because the couple never married, and a few I really didn't know the reason and probably never thought much about it.
My parents were married in April of 1977. I will pause for a moment of great awe and wonderment of their more than 36 years of marriage. *gasp*

Now that you've picked your jaw up off the floor...I've never known my mother as anything other than her married name, obviously, since I didn't arrive more than 36 years ago. I always knew that her last name was my grandparents surname prior to marriage. I've seen the invitations sent out for their wedding and not only are they preciously perfect, but they clearly state her name...the name that she had for nearly 22 years. Her monogram didn't change and she gained a last name with 3 fewer letters, maybe she was excited about the shorter signature? Or the future of explaining that it isn't spelled like the planet, you need an additional 'R'. The most likely reason is that her mother changed her name and her sister had changed her name before that and so on, Tradition.

 

Historically speaking, marriage ensured a woman's survival, brawn was needed more to survive than brains. Men worked, women had children, lets cut a super long story short here and say that if a woman was married their name was changed to keep the family wealth safe and secure. Women that did not marry were usually forced to be a servant or a prostitute, but times have changed and you don't have to be a big strong man to earn money for the family. Many women are the primary bread winners or equal contributors. Being single past a certain age doesn't mean you have to adopt a multitude of cats and live in shame, and I am thankful for that progress. 

I know a number of ladies that have opted to not change their name or hyphenate, good for them, to each their own. I have no problem with whatever a lady, or gentleman for that matter, chooses to do upon marriage, civil union, etc. This only affects me when trying to properly address an envelope. I simply reference my dear friend Emily Post for the best way to address these lovely folks in my life and while they sometimes require more pen ink or an additional line to fit everything in, I'm happy to do my best to accommodate their choices and be respectful in the process.
That brings me to my choice...My soon-to-be husband and I went to the Tulsa County Court House to get our marriage licence just a couple of days before our big day. 

 

don't we look thrilled?!

We were accompanied by one of his groomsmen as we entered the out dated and slightly sterile looking building. There are no warm and fuzzies to be found in this specific court house, it's an odd place to start a marriage in my opinion, but a necessary evil. As we presented the documents and started the paperwork I felt my stomach drop. Was I really about to change the name I had carried for 30 years, 11 weeks, and 6 days? The name that my parents probably spent countless hours picking and choosing for their first child and only daughter?
I had weighed the different options in my head...

 

--Simply change my last name, keep the first and middle the same.
--Change my last name, make my maiden name my middle name.

--Hyphenate

--Change nothing at all

 

A few weeks before I had settled on dropping my given middle name and replacing it with my maiden name. I felt it was a good way to keep a part of my family's heritage with me and this way my name wouldn't be super long. It seemed simple, clean, and easy. I was set and prepared to make the change. Then I told my parents of my plan and realized that my mother and I share a middle name. A simple three letter name and I felt that this was my link to her, my last name was clearly the link to my father and I that I didn't want to lose either.

 

That's when I remembered one of my favorite episodes of Friends, when Phoebe and Paul Rudd (I can't remember his characters name) change their names, and realized that I could do whatever I wanted to do... I truly had the power. It was done, my choice had been made and I now am proud to say that I have 4 names, my monogram is messy, but my initials are quite amazing. KSME.

 

Each of my 'name's' has a special meaning to me and I honestly don't care what anyone thinks about it. My name is a beautiful equation of Myself (K)+ Mom (S)+ Dad (M) + (E) Husband, and when you look at it that way it's clear why I made this choice. On a daily basis I use my first name and my last name, myself + husband, but in the middle are the two people that made me everything that I was before I started my married life. They symbolize the hidden factors that make me...well, me. You don't see them on a daily basis, but they are there and are strong as ever.

 

So, there you have it.

Talk to you soon Blog world!

Superman

Hey Y'all!

So, I've been away from my little blog for a little more than two weeks. I'm glad to be back in action! Many things have happened since we last had a chat, so prepare yourself for the update.

August 10th
I got word from my cousin that my Grandpa was admitted to the local hospital. He was very sick, shaking and I was worried. When I hear things like this my heart drops and I just don't know what to do. I called my Mom and she promised to keep me in the loop...we learned that it was pancreatitis (Sophie Jean had it once too!) and he would be put on medicines to improve the situation. He will need to have his gall bladder removed once his current health improves.

August 11th
My Mama's Birthday!
My parents and brother headed to Kansas to visit Grandpa. They said he looked better and seemed to be on the road to recovery. Later that evening we learned that it was very possible that he suffered a stroke. It took about 3 minutes for the news to sink in, but once it did I knew that I wanted to go. I wanted to be there with him, but knew I needed to stay put until we really knew what was going on.

August 12th
With the confirmed stroke the best place for my Grandpa was going to be Wesley Hospital in Wichita, KS. They transported him midday with a large group of family following. I knew that all of those folks would be plenty of physical support and that the best thing I could do was pray, hard.

August 13th
Each day we learned a little more about his condition. We knew that the battle was going to be tough, but that he would win the war. They told us to prepare for him to be in a wheelchair for awhile, maybe forever. I just knew deep down that he wouldn't allow that to happen. He's too stubborn for that.

August 14th
At this point I knew that I wasn't going to be needed in Kansas, not that the help wouldn't have been welcomed. I am proud to say that I have the most amazing family. There has been someone by his side since all this started! Grandpa continued to improve and they told him he would be moving to a rehabilitation facility on Friday. He could plan on being there for 6 weeks.

August 15th
I finally got to talk to my Grandpa on the phone. His speech was a little slurry, but he sounded like he was in good spirits. They started him on medication to prevent another stroke and confirmed the plans to move him the following day. He also sat up in bed almost totally on his own! HUGE!

August 16th

Grandpa was moved to a rehabilitation facility, not too far from the hospital. He starts therapy, brushes his own teeth and stands up! This is when I knew he was going to exceed every expectation by leaps and bounds!

August 17th
I received a few updates that Grandpa was doing well. He was having some trouble sleeping, but seemed to be in good spirits and improving. I was cleaning the house when I got a text message that made my heart swell and tears stream straight down my face. HE WALKED!! They were small steps, but steps he took with is own strength! I think there was a collective Praise the Lord from Jersey to Florida, through Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Prayers answered.

August 18th - 20th

Grandpa continues to defy the odds, he improves faster than any of us could have imagined. A steady stream of friends and family make their way through his private room. He received support from so many, including a wonderful prayer blanket made by my cousin Kay and flowers from my family. He even made a thank you video for us! In the video we can all tell that his speech is much improved since the last time we talked.

August 21st
My birthday! Yes, I'm 32. Gosh - that's insane.
Birthday's are great aren't they?! People you haven't talked to in years post on your facebook wall. You get cards and text messages from your friends and family. Your Dad send you an email before dawn so he can be the first one to tell you once you wake up...and he barley beats out your Mama. Your husband makes a big deal about it for days on end with gifts and signs. All of the above are wonderful, priceless.

What I look forward to the most on my birthday is my Grandma singing happy birthday. I could be in the worst mood ever and the sound of her melodic voice will make me smile from ear to ear. I wasn't sure that she would call with everything going on, but she did and it was amazing.

Just an hour or so later my Aunt Kim called she wished me a happy birthday and then I heard my Grandpa's voice. 'Happy Birthday, Baby!" Oh my, was that a great sound...clear and with barley a hint of a slur. It was one of my favorite birthday presents!

August 22nd
So, here we are...12 days of emotion, fear, strength, and faith...

For those of you that don't know, my Grandpa isn't known by his given name of Charles. He's had a nickname since he was a child and a few years ago I realized that I had no idea why. When we asked him, he said that when he was very little his father and uncle would toss him around, play with him rough and it seemed that no matter what they did he wouldn't cry.

They started calling him Tuffy. He's earned his nickname over and over again throughout his life. I think that he, without question, has earned it again over the past 12 days.

Oh - and remember when they said he would be in the rehabilitation facility for 6 weeks? Well, how about September 10th - just a little more than THREE WEEKS! He'll be headed home and will only need a walker to get around.

This guy isn't just 'Tuff'...he's Superman.

Families Afloat

I apologize for the week long blog-break. The past week has been long and short, quick and slow all at the same time...strange how things work like that, huh?

When I have even just one day off of work I have to make sure things are in order, I don’t want to leave my co-workers with a mess to clean up. So, Wednesday and Thursday were rather stressful last week. On top of that I had to jam two days of my part-time job into one...Thursday was brutal.

The alarm clock forced me to wake up at 5:00am on Friday morning. I stumbled out of bed, mostly due to an aching Achilles Tendon, and managed to get ready for Mr. E to drive me to the airport in Newark. Lucky for us there was very little traffic and it was smooth sailing. I managed to purchase a breakfast sammich and coffee before boarding the tiny jet bound for Omaha. The flight was smooth and even though I had the pillow that still slightly smells like my parents house, ahhh...home, I wasn’t able to sleep a wink. Too much excitement! Remember when I told you how excited I was for the Dailey / Marrs Family Reunion?!

As we approached Nebraska I noticed a familiar quilt pattern of Midwestern farms, quite lovely. I was pleased with the small and friendly airport. I passed the awesome Omaha Steaks kiosk and retrieved my bag from the baggage claim, impressive quick service!

Mom was very excited to be in Omaha!

My parents arrived somewhat quickly with big hugs and smiles! I jumped in the front seat of the Caddy as we made our way South to Plattsmouth. We settled into The Fitzgerald Hotel on Main Street, grabbed some lunch, and napped. A wonderful afternoon, in my opinion, that led to a great evening of catching up with family at my cousins Kathy and Tim’s house on Beaver Lake. They were amazing hosts and the Gordon Family planned a fantastic reunion!

We made our way back to the airport around midnight to pick up brother. He hopped a flight from Tulsa to Denver to Omaha, seems normal to me, in order to meet up with us and the rest of the family.

Saturday was full of fun, catching up, and cardboard boats. Yes, you can successfully build a boat out of cardboard and a few more materials that will carry an adult in water, very well in fact! Just ask my team, the winners! If you need a tutorial on how this can be done let me know.

Marrs Clan Building our boat

Nate talking with our Great Aunt Alma

Our Captain ready to race!

Victory!

First Place!

Our Trophy!

Dad, Me and Mom

Brother and Me

I don't know that I could properly put into words how wonderful it is to have so many people in one group that love each other so much. Many of us keep up on Facebook and see each other just once a year, if we are lucky. We gather for the joy of reunions and weddings, comfort each other as we grow old and say goodbye to the ones we have lost. We live in many states ... Oklahoma to New Jersey, Kansas to Massachusetts, Nebraska to Washington, Arizona to Tennessee, Texas to California.  We welcome new members with open arms and watch as the little families within the larger one grow.

This was our 28th reunion and the group is larger than when we started back in 1985. My baby brother was actually a baby, my grandparents were young, and my parents weren't as old as I am now. No matter how much I complain about the little things or how much my heart hurts from the negatives of this crazy world, I know that there is family. This group and the family on my Mother's side has helped make me who I am and I am grateful.

I am counting the days until our reunion next year!

Until then ... all are welcome to visit me in the NJ / NYC area ... I have a spare bed with your name on it!

My Father, My Friend

1982 was his first Father's Day, that's 31 in total.

This year he is off fishing in the wilds of Manitoba, Canada and I'm not sure that I will get a phone call. They are far out of cell phone range, but I know that he is getting some much deserved rest and relaxation, probably drinking his far share of Tang too. That's a bit of an inside joke, I know he just chuckled a little.

He worked a lot when I was younger. Traveled to Utah, Egypt, Malaysia, and many other places for business and sacrificed many nights to 'moonlight' to provide for our family. I thank him for giving me a stay at home mom and everything I ever needed. He helped me study late into the night, made sure I knew how to change my own tire and oil when it was time to drive, and he gave me the courage to be me. 

I have him to thank for my slightly perfectionist ways, my very mathematical music talent, and my drive to never give up, if we start something we will finish it and we will succeed. He taught me how to pray and how to love God with my whole heart. From him I learned the value of a dollar and that compromising your values is never worth it.

Happy Father's Day to my running partner, my mechanic, my financial adviser, my friend. 

Me, Dad, Nate and Emma

 

Something I Am Looking Forward To / Blog Every Day in June #14

Dailey / Marrs Family Reunion 2013

Every year my paternal Granpa’s family has a reunion. I think we are pushing around 30ish years on this thing, kind of amazing really.

Personal Photo - Circa 2007

When I was little we made a few trips to Roman Nose State Park in Watonga, OK, not too far from where my Granpa spent his youth. For many years we had them at my grandparents house on Grand Lake, those hold some of my most treasured memories. We have many pictures too, I just don't have them here with my in Jersey.

Since my grandparents moved in the late 90’s we have been having the reunion at many different locations, we even made it back to Roman Nose a few years ago!

Personal Photo - Most of the family in 2007

 

 In 2011, I introduced my then soon-to-be husband to the clan on a ranch in Western Oklahoma. I don’t know what overwhelmed him more, the flat lands or the massive group!

It’s kind of crazy to me that when I join in this part of my family it’s mostly made up of cousins. My father was an only child, so I don’t have any 1^st cousins in this group, but only my Great Aunt Alma and Great Uncle Ward aren’t called Cuz by me.

So, on July 12^th I will be boarding a plane at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) bound for Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska! Once I land I will have a bit of a drive to get to Beaver Lake and I’m sure the return flight on Sunday will come way too quickly, but I am sure looking forward to seeing all these folks again!

I haven’t hugged some of them since the reunion in 2011, but many did attend my wedding in November of that year. 

Home / Blog Every Day in June #5

Home

When we were kids we would make frequent trips to visit my Grandparents. My paternal Grandparents had moved to the Grand Lake area before I was born, leaving my Father’s hometown of Neodesha, Kansas, and we called these trips to the lake. I loved that land, the house, the docks, the cabin, and the water. I still miss it.

My maternal Grandparents have lived in the same house since the 1950’s. My Mama was raised in that house and when we would jump in the car to make the 2 hour drive I would hear her say that she was ‘Going Home’.

Commenting on Home can be difficult for me, when I go home from work each day I pull into a slightly illegal driveway and climb stairs to a 3rd floor apartment. I have a family in New Jersey, I have my husband’s family too, but it’s still not 100% home. My Mama has lived in Oklahoma for more than 30 years and I don’t think it’s 100% home for her either.

I have had the privilege of traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains, near the border of Maryland and Pennsylvania, with my Grandma many times. I’ve held her hand has she walked the road that leads to the house where she was born and I’ve heard her say that the old house is her home. My Grandma Lou has lived in Kansas for well over 60 years and the house that she hasn’t stepped foot in since the 1930’s still feels like home to her.

The old saying goes, Home is where the heart is, and I believe this to be true. Don’t we all leave little pieces of our heart everywhere we go? Part of Home for me is on the residential street in East Tulsa, my parents house in Verdigris, the Condo on Boston, and our apartment in Jersey City. 

I guess all of these places are home, in one way or another. 

new favorite tshirt

Always on Tulsa Time

Grandma Lou's Church in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Jersey City and Midtown Manhattan

Jersey City

A Door from my Grandma Marge's home in Kansas

Downtown Tulsa

Verdigris.

 

Something Beautiful To Me / Blog Every Day in June #1

I didn't blog every day in May, but I was close. A for effort, I say. 

I happened upon this cute challenge for June...I think I'm going to like it, I hope you do too!

Day One - Something Beautiful To Me 

This one is easy...my family. Be it my small family...husband and puppy. My immediate family...small+parents,  brother, Miss Emma, and Mr. Randy (I cannot wait to meet him!).  My extended family...small+immediate+grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, etc.

I am a blessed blessed lady. I was raised by a strong and loving family and I am trying to build my own now, it can be difficult at times. It makes me realize how much hard work, love, and care went into this whole crazy group.

I love all of them, they make me mad from time to time, but I will always be there for them and vice versa. Love is strong. 

My Oklahoma

I was born in Oklahoma, I was raised in Oklahoma.

For 30 years - 12 weeks - 1 day I lived in Oklahoma.

And now, I live in New Jersey.


When people hear that I'm from Oklahoma they often ask questions...

How flat is it there? Not as flat as you'd think.
Where is that exactly? North of Texas, on the right side of the Red River.
Do you know all the words to the song Oklahoma!? Yes, every last one.

But the question that I receive the most is, have you ever seen a tornado?

The short answer is no, not head on like you think. I've never stood in a field, like Helen Hunt, to see one making it's way toward me with no where to run and hide. I do know how to spot a wall cloud, what a 'hook echo' looks like on the radar, that hail clouds are green, and if a tornado is actually coming your way you better take cover and pray like you've never prayed before. We regularly had tornado drills in school. I have sat in a bathtub with my family while waiting for a storm to pass. I know what a tornado siren sounds like and, unless it's a clear Wednesday at noon, I know the feeling in your stomach when you hear one.

You see, when you hear that siren go off you could find yourself in your 'safe spot' for hours with no event, that's the good kind. The alternative is the fate that you have just minutes until you're entire life changes. Everything you have could be lost and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it. I know this feeling well and I'm one of the lucky ones that has never had any tornado damage. But I have seen the damage that a tornado will cause.

When Hurricane Sandy was heading our way last fall I had the 'Tornado Siren' feeling for 4 days, straight. I'm sure my blood pressure was through the roof and I think my calorie intake tripled out of stress. I wanted to run, because I could and I knew this horrific thing was heading my way. You can't run out of fear every time, we were on high ground and the only true fear that we had was losing power, damage to our cars, and damage to our apartment. We only lost power and we were lucky.

I cannot begin to list the number of inquires that I have received from people I know in here in New Jersey in the past 30ish hours. I appreciate all those that checked in to make sure my family and my friends were not harmed during this horrible tornado. We are blessed.

The news that all of my loved ones are still here with us should not ease your worry or remove the sorrow that you feel for my home state. Too many were hurt and too many were lost. I have to applaud the people of New Jersey and New York, staying strong through Hurricane Sandy and still rebuilding from this destructive storm, it’s not over and it won’t be for a long time. Rebuilding takes time and heart, no matter the location.

I have driven the streets of Moore, eaten in their restaurants, and slept in the apartment that my friend Abby used to rent. I don’t know if it’s still standing. The number of times I have driven Interstate 35 through this area can’t be counted. These are my fellow Okies and they have lived through this before, they shouldn’t have to rebuild again.

Remember that Moore, like the Jersey Shore will not heal in the coming weeks, months, or even years. This wound will one day be a thick rough scar in the landscape of the heart of Oklahoma and it will be formed over the scar of May 3, 1999, and just miles from the scar of April 19, 1995’s bombing. The gash that the May 20^th tornado left is deep and just a day after the people of Shawnee, Prague, and Carney suffered the same unthinkable.

My Oklahoma is wounded and suffering, again. I have absolutely no doubt that they will rise to show that the Oklahoma Standard is alive and well. My heart is filled with pride when I hear reports that they are turning volunteers away because they have too many, and that clothing is no longer needed. Of course there are many things that can still be donated and I encourage you to do what you can to support these fellow Americans. 

I am proud to be an Okie. 

 

85 Years Young

Today is a very special one.

 85 years ago a little girl was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

After many years she married a crazy guy from Kansas.

Together they had 3 girls.

From those 3 girls they had 7 grand kids and 7 great grandkids. 

Anyone in her home is welcomed with open arms, a meal, and endless love.

Friends by the hundreds.

I am truly honored to call her my Grandma.

Words cannot express how much I admire and love this woman.
There is no one stronger or more steadfast. 

She is willing to dress like Elvis

She will give you bunny ears in a picture.

She will dress like Elvis - again

Happy Birthday Edythe Lucille Meyers Marshall! 

A Special Birthday Letter

Dear Grandma-

Happy Birthday and Happy Mother’s Day, I know that you loved that the two dates were often close enough to celebrate together. Today, you would have been 96 and I’m sure you wouldn’t have wanted a party, probably just breakfast with Dad, dinner with Mom, Nate, and Me, and an Ice Cream Sundae.

This may seem strange to most, but you would have liked your funeral. Lots of people that knew you, the music you wanted, and an honest depiction of your life, it was quite a life wasn’t it? You made a lot of a little and left a small, but strongly blessed family behind. Your son is the best father two kids could have ever wanted. He’s doing very well in this world; you must have raised him right and should be proud. I can just imagine the smile on your face.

I know that your questions about what happens after death have been answered, I’m sure it’s much more glorious than you could have dreamed and all of your countless worries here on earth are no more. You’re probably happier than could have ever been here.   

I miss your stories about growing up on a farm in Kansas with your parents and brothers. I miss your fried chicken and the gallon of Chocolate Chip Ice Cream that was always in your freezer. I miss long weekends at the lake, swimming off the dock, and pretending to wear our life jackets, well into our teens, so you wouldn’t worry. I miss your love. I didn’t always understand it, but I miss it and I probably always will.

Love you



Lottie Marjorie Cass Marrs
May 18, 1917 - August 13, 2009



 

Let The Countdown Begin!

It's official! 

The tickets have been purchased...

Plans have been made...

My family is visiting...

FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK in 104 Days! 


Of course, I will see them in July at the annual family reunion and that will be amazing, but I'm really looking forward to the extended week long visit...if you didn't pick up on that already.

My Best Friend

She lives 1,323 miles away, if you're driving.

She is, just slightly, shorter than me. 

She can share shoes with me most of the time.

She taught me how to be a good person and showed me what kind of Mother I want to be someday.

She's my best friend. 

Love you bunches Mama! 

Our new matching charms

A Part of Me ...

Will always be on...

Short blog post today, but I still did it! Whoop! 

Also, this weekend I missed the Mother/Daughter Tea at my Grandma's church...it was a bit of a sad day for me. 

See the things I missed!! Love that lady

Mushrooms, Beef Burgers, and the Shirtless Guy

Monday felt like Sunday. 

We loaded up fairly early in the morning to make the 2ish hour drive from Verdigris, OK to Fredonia, KS ... not exactly the two biggest cities in the world, but two of my favorites.

I got to ride shotgun in the Caddy through Claremore, Oolagah, Nowata, and Coffeyville. Emma and Mom made themselves comfortable in the back and I were able to nap a little bit. We passed my Dad's hometown of Neodesha and made our way into my Mama's hometown of Fredonia, God Bless Southeast Kansas.

I hadn't seen their precious faces since I left there in late December and I missed them so much! Our visit began with lots of hugs and kisses. 

Dad and I showed off our Half Marathon medals and pictures, they questioned why anyone would want to run that many miles and for that long...but I think they were proud.

Grandma had to run some errands, so the ladies loaded up in the Caddy (I got to drive!) and headed to the local bank. Since my Grandma doesn't have an ATM card she wrote a check to 'Cash' and I put it in the tray. The teller looked a bit confused, I rolled down the window so she could say hi and we were on our way. No ID required! 

The next stop was ALCO and the Grocery Store. I swear that my Grandma knows everyone in this small town! Our last stop was the Tri-Mee for some Beef Burgers, very slow, but very delicious! 

While we were out the boys opted to make a trip to pick some wild mushrooms. When they got back we fried them up! YUM!

Raw Mushrooms

Fried Mushrooms!

 We played some games, played with Emma, and just talked. Oh and we took some awesome pictures! 

 

We can both roll our tongues!

I love my Grandma

We couldn't stop laughing!

Finally got an OK picture

Grandparents and Parents

Grandparents and ME!

Aunt Denny in her work scrubs :)

My Grandma is slightly crazy!

 

The visit wasn't nearly long enough, but I don't think any visit would ever be long enough. After a lot of tears and more hugs, we made the drive back to Oklahoma and my heart was heavy. A part of me will always be in that house, with those two amazingly crazy people. 

When we got back to Oklahoma we met brother at the house and headed to Taco Bueno, it's not classy, but when you live so far from one you have to get some while you can! 

I'm just trying to enjoy my soft taco....

And then I went to sleep for just a few hours...

After 9:00am

My last post was about the OKC Half Marathon...all of that information took place before 9am! Sunday wasn't even close to being over!

We headed back to the hotel to take a shower and pack up, oh and take a quick nap. After a quick steak lunch we were on our way from the 405 back to the 918. And I napped again...for most of the drive.

We stopped by my brother's house where my parents left their offspring for some quality time together. It was very nice to just sit and chat for a bit, actually catching up in person rather than on the phone!

A couple of hours later I headed off to see my massage therapist. One of the best decisions I made for the race was booking a post race appointment with this fantastic lady! My legs were barely sore the next day and it was so great to catch up with Darlene. She's easily one of the sweetest people I've ever had the joy of meeting and getting to know, I will be visiting again in November for sure!

After I made a stop by QT for a glorious 32 ounces of Diet Coke, which I rarely drink anymore, but I just had to get one! I made my way over to fabulous neighborhood in Broken Arrow to see the in progress Overton house! WOW! I feel like the foundation was just poured, but much progress has been made. The kitchen cabinets are in, tile and wood floors down, and walls painted...really impressed! Of course, the highlight was spending a few more precious moments with this family. Caden was fulled by sugary cake and ready to give me multiple tours of his room and his new play room, he is excited and super adorable! I can't wait to see the final moved in product later this year! Maybe we can see the finished product of the Conway house, just a few doors away!

Next came a relaxing evening with the parents, my favorite. We just ate dinner (Molly's Tamales! YUM!), talked, and watched TV...like I don't live 1,300 miles away and I wasn't leaving in 36 hours. Bliss.

Oh - I got an iPad! Shut up!

Is is just me or does my head look freaky big in comparison to my tiny right arm? Probably just me, I hate pictures sometimes.

#13165

4:45am
Wake Up Call

The alarm went off...way too early obviously. We all slowly got out of bed and began to prepare for the race. I pulled my hair back and put on my running gear, including brand new socks...more on that later. I was wearing bib #13165, Dad had #13166, and Brother Nate was sporting #11965. For this run the lowest number that you can wear is #169...the first #168 numbers are reserved for the victims.

We made our way toward the race area and managed to get parking spot less than a mile from the starting line. I think the warm up walk actually did us some good.

The starting area was PACKED and it was then that I realized we probably should have left the hotel earlier than we did. We missed the 171 seconds of silence (168 for OKC and 3 for Boston), but we did hear the National Anthem, very well done. We pushed our way through as many people as we could, but we still ended up in the 7:30 mile pace group. We do NOT run that fast!  

6:30am
Race Begins!

We crossed the starting line about 2 minutes after the gun went off. We were getting passed left and right, but we managed to go out with a decent and acceptable pace.  Did you know that when you run a race you’ll often run more than the actual race distance? Well, you do ... so, I will do a breakdown the race mile by mile, get ready!

1^st Mile – 10:11

Awesome pace, we felt really good. Right at the start you have to go uphill a little, but then you hit a sweet downhill section. We passed the Colcord and turned left to run by the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Making our way into the heart of Bricktown, all three of us were feelin good!

2^nd Mile – 10:03

WOW! I couldn’t believe we were able to do the 2^nd mile faster than the first! We didn’t go to fast right out of the gate, our legs were getting warmed up and our first big hill was in sight. We were on Reno (aka Johnny Bench Drive) and made a left on Mickey Mantle Drive, running past the ballpark where the Oklahoma City Redhawks play. Past Flaming Lips Alley, up and over the steep bridge and we were well on our way to the next mile stone!

3^rd Mile – 10:09

Just slightly slower than the last mile, but it did include a bit of a long hill. We had just passed our first water station, no stopping yet, and we could almost see the Capitol! Lincoln Boulevard was mostly flat and the three of us were still all together. We didn’t want to hold brother back too much so we sent him on his way to hopefully finish in less than 2 hours. We had made it to the Capitol and the streets were still crowded!

4^th mile – 9:44

This may have been the most boring mile of the race...not exactly the scenic route! Mostly small industrial buildings and nothing much else to look at, but did you see our time! Maybe we need to run a more boring route so we finish faster!

5^th mile – 9:44

Exactly the same as the last mile, not much to look at, but we were making our way to the nice laid back neighborhoods of OKC.

6^th mile – 9:55

A little slower than our previous mile, but I will take ANYTHING under 10:00! I’m still so impressed that we kept up this pace. I think Dad was sweating quite a bit and sincerely felt that he was sweating more than anyone else at the race! We were into the 1^st residential portion of the race and loving the downhill course.

7^th mile – 10:09

Back over 10:00 for this mile since it included some uphills, not too horrible, but they will slow you down. Most of this mile was in the Crown Heights section and included the infamous Gorilla Hill! Thanks for the Banana, perfect timing!

8^th mile – 9:58

Another mile that was mostly downhill, but this is also the mile that my feet really started to hurt. When getting dressed in the morning I was planning on wearing a pair of socks that I had worn a few times before. Instead I grabbed a brand new pair! OUCH! The bottoms of my feet started to burn and I just knew that I was going to have a blister!

9^th mile – 10:36

My feet really started to ache and we were in the long straight stretch...for some reason I find this part of the race to be brutal. It’s all on just a slight incline or completely flat, it’s long and it’s boring. The only cool part is that we start seeing more banners to remember those that were lost. Also, one of the water stops passes out sponges soaked in ice cold water, that was awesome. Thanks Devon!

10^th mile – 10:23

Slightly faster than our previous mile and I believe we walked a water station! Not too shabby! We were finally done with the long stretch and I think we were both starting to feel it in our knees and feet. But the finish line was so close!

11^th mile – 10:49

This mile wasn’t too bad, just a little slow. We made our way through the first section of Mesta Park and these people are AMAZING! So many supporters in this area ready to cheer everyone closer to the finish. This is mile 11 and 12 for the half marathoners and mile 24 and 25 for the full marathoners. The homes are so pretty and the streets are lined with shade trees, I’m a fan Mesta Park! I am not a fan of the new socks, probably the worse decision ever.

12^th mile – 10:17

This is where things start to go bad for me. My right calf really started to lock up and give me fits. My breathing was great, so was Dad’s. My quads, back and feet felt great! I think the only think hurting on Dad was his heel. My darn calf had to go and get in the way!

13^th mile – 10:54

I made it through the previous mile of the fairly well, but toward the beginning of this mile I had to stop and stretch for just a few seconds. I had to walk a hill as well, very disappointing. But once we started running we made sure our pace was good to make up for lost time. As we made our way back toward the Memorial and the finish line we tried to kick it up a little bit, and we did...only a little bit.

0.62 – 4:32

According to my GPS we actually ran 0.52 longer than the 13.1 miles...it’s not perfectly accurate so we are probably somewhere in the middle on this, either way, we logged our FASTEST Half Marathon time EVER! When we ran Wichita in October we crossed the finish line at 2:32:12 - our official time for OKC *drumroll* 2:18:54!!! That is an improvement of 1 minute and about 1 second per mile!

Finishers!!

Brother finished about 16 minutes before we did, but he didn't have his phone so he decided to nap by the car and this is how my parents found him.

I was able to stop by the medical tent at the end of the event and say a quick hello to a KD sister, Melissa! She was there with so many others to help anyone that needed medical attention. It was great to see a friendly face at the end of so many miles! Luckily, I wasn't too sweaty for a hug!

I was very impressed with my home state and this fantastic event! I really felt safe and welcomed. Well done OKC. Well done! #R2R - Run to Remember!

I have much more for Sunday, so to be continued...