An empire state of mind.

I never in a million years thought I would find myself in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Let alone in Tulsa, Oklahoma for eight years.

But here I am and I couldn't be more grateful.

I've built a great life here: I have a rewarding career with wonderful students and fabulous co-workers, a small business, a creative outlet, amazing friends, a wonderful church and a host of lovely memories.

But.

I'm antsy.
And filled with something big that's dying to get out and explore the world beyond these safe walls.

So...I will teach for one more year in Tulsa.

Next summer, I will be moving to New York City to embark upon the adventure of a lifetime.  

My plan isn't a whole lot more intricate than that and for those of you who know this Type A kid, that's a big deal.

The details will come in time ;)

Some may call it a quarter-life crisis [that was a little generous--I'm totally not 25 anymore!], but I call it "Why the heck not?!"  

I'm still [sort of] young and the world is my oyster, which is simultaneously exciting and terrifying and bitter-sweet.

So.  I will treasure the time I have left here in Tulsa...and daydream & plan about the life to come in that magical place.

Painting nails and catching up.

It's the end of yet another snow day, which means that I have edited photos and painted toenails and Netflix-marathoned...and I still have time to blog!  You're welcome ;)

My friend, Jessica and I started an after school running club for twenty five 1st-5th graders.  We're doing a Couch to 5k and using interval training to prepare them for an off-campus race in May. They're sweet and [generally] enthusiastic and FAST.  It's nice to have my friend aaaaaand 25 adorable running buddies by my side as I get back in shape!

I auditioned for the musical OKLAHOMA at a local community theater [which I figure is kind of a "bucket list" item while I still live in Oklahoma] and got the part of Gertie Cummings, the flirtatious man-chaser from the next town over, known for her obnoxious laugh.  I'm not on stage very much, but I have some lines, a kiss aaaaaand a cat fight...so it's certainly not boring.  The show mounts on April 4th and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll all come together by opening night ;)

Another birthday has come and gone...and I'm yet another year older.  I guess that's kind of how birthdays tend to work!  I had a mellow afternoon with church, friends and some time to relax...and then I went out with a random and fabulous assortment of girlfriends in the evening.  The cheesecake was [as always] delicious and the company was lovely.  It's a little nerve-wracking to bring people together from all different areas of your life and hope that they get along, but apparently I had nothing to worry about with these ladies. Theater friends, college friends, McAuliffe & Boevers friends alike...got along famously and made me feel incredibly blessed.

As I look ahead on the next year, I am excited about moving in with my dear friend, Lauren this summer and about all kinds of other adventures on the horizon :)

Home for the Holidays. {travel}

When you live 1,930 miles away from your "home" and family, visits are few, far between and sweet.
From the moment I step off the plane onto that famous PDX airport carpet, something is different.
The air is cleaner, the greens are greener and my heart is happy.

I spend my days in Oregon watching millions of episodes of "What Not to Wear" that my mom DVRs throughout the year, seeing all my high school friends [and their ever-expanding brood of gorgeous children], making memories with my family and exploring the natural beauty of a very un-Oklahoma-like land.

Also, I occasionally make my parents smile for the camera.

Until next time, lovely place I once lived.

Much love.

[a sacred silence]

Even wrapped in scaffolding,  St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan is a thing of beauty.  The kind of sight that sucks your breath away for just a moment as you take in the vaulted ceilings, the targeted lighting and the detailed stained glass windows. 

We wander in to find sanctuary from the bustling streets of the city and stumble upon a golden, sacred silence.

People mill around, lighting candles to the saints and most likely sending up silent prayers for loved ones.  And suddenly, in the midst of the quiet, comes the startlingly rich sound of the organ.  Immediately following is the traditional recitations of prayers and hymns from the altar.  Voices rise from all over the church and seem to warm the air around us.

A slow chill runs up my spine and a lump forms in my throat, catching me completely off guard.  I am overwhelmed by the presence of God in this place, and simultaneously humbled to be surrounded by believers who worship in such a different way than I do.

In an environment that I formerly would've considered cold and without feeling, something new starts happening in my heart.

These pews are filled with people who understand what I have forgotten.  

I have come to think of God as Father and Friend, and while He is those things, He is so much more.  He is almighty, He is all powerful, He is the creator of the heavens and the earth.

I have become too familiar.  I have lost the sense of awe and wonder and reverence and respect that He so deserves from me.

…and so what began as an excursion into a beautiful building has left me speechless with gratitude, wonder and a new perspective.