Last night, I introduced Samantha to the classic coming-of-age film, 'Stand By Me'. She loved it, as she has come to love King's characterization across several novels now. Particularly, she enjoyed how the four boys were realized, calling out Jerry O'Connell's character as the 'goody two shoes' all the way. As I sat and thought about … Continue reading No Trespassing
Yesterday, I asked Samantha to marry me. We've been dating for ten months (as of this coming Friday, anyway) and I felt it was time. Never in my life have I felt more simpatico with someone. She supports me, comforts me, encourages me, challenges me, and makes me a better person every day. Not only … Continue reading The Proposal
After my whirlwind 48 hours in New Mexico, it was time to drive the car in an easterly direction back home. Typically, I like to take different roads when I'm driving BACK somewhere, but given the long distance and my compressed timeframe (I had to be back at work at 8:00 AM Tuesday!) I knew … Continue reading The Drive Home
After getting a good night's sleep, Sam and I were both ready to tackle Santa Fe. We woke extra early to ensure we'd have enough time to travel the hour north and enjoy the city without feeling rushed. We had breakfast at the hotel (served by the super kind owner) before we hit the road. … Continue reading The Land of Enchantment
Last week, some changes at work required me to make a change in my schedule from Mon-Fri to Tues-Sat for a little while. I made this decision mid-day Friday, and when I left work that day I was looking at a sudden three day weekend. I had planned to drive down to Okemah, OK on … Continue reading [You have gained one level in Wanderlust]
When I left the house this morning, I had a simple plan. Breakfast, a stop in south Tulsa, and a quick drive out to Porter for their annual Peach Festival. By the time I pulled back into the driveway this evening, I'd clocked nearly 175 miles. That's the way it goes when I take my camera … Continue reading Porter Peaches and Pictures
For the first time in a long time, I had no solid plans for the Fourth of July. Growing up, I always went to Pawhuska to spend the day at my grandparents' place in the country. I have many fond memories of fireworks, badminton, and playing grandma's Nintendo. Although I went out to Broken Arrow … Continue reading Celebrating Independence
This past weekend, I put another six hundred miles on the Mustang's odometer. I told a guy I work with today that I set out because it had "been a few weeks" and I was itching to take a trip. He laughed and remarked that was a completely foreign concept to him. It seems strange, … Continue reading Through Counties Unknown
One year ago today, a devastating EF5 tornado ripped through the central Oklahoma city of Moore. The tornado reached 1.3 miles wide, packing winds of 210 mph; it killed 24 people and injured over 350 others. A few days later, my employer asked for volunteers to man a Mobile Battery Center to help those affected … Continue reading Moore, Oklahoma – one year later
When I woke up yesterday morning, I had no plans. Maybe I'd go downtown to Mayfest and the Blue Dome Arts Festival. Maybe I'd call some friends and see if anyone wanted to hang out and game. Or, maybe, I'd go for a little drive. The more I thought about it, the more a drive … Continue reading The Driver’s Seat
Rhys' Pieces 