Good Life

About a year and two months ago, I went with the Vacation Club of Greater Oklahoma to Las Vegas for a 4th of July getaway. Chet, Lindsey, Malori and I headed west to enjoy some pool time, eating, and just getting away from Tulsa. But the real reason we went was to see One Republic in concert at the Mandalay Bay. Honestly, at the time, I couldn't name a song they sang. I was going for the company. Chet gave me a CD a few months before we went so I could hear and learn some of their songs. The only one I managed to get through was one I actually knew- "Too Late to Compromise", or "Apoligize". So....I didn't really know what to expect other than a great time with friends. We didn't even really go to gamble, although I budgeted (for you Malori) 75 dollars in which I played roulette with. I lost the money, and I think Malori's eyes about fell out of her sockets at the pace that I did lose said money. But other than that, it was strictly a leisurly trip. On Saturday night, we headed over to Mandalay Bay, and told the taxi driver how big of fans the other 3 were. We got settled on the artificial beach....and when they started playing, it felt like a combination of Dave Matthews and Maroon Five combined. The band was incredibly talented. One song that they sang stuck out to me- "Good Life". Now, remember, this was July of 2010. When we got back to Tulsa, I kept the CD Chet let me borrow for several more months, and I kept playing that song over and over. I kind felt like it was mine, and few others knew or heard of it other than the die-hard One Republic fans. Ironically, about 6 months later in March, I stopped by Choctaw Casino (just to use the bathroom and get a free DP). I went out to their pool area and they have these big comfy chairs you can sit and relax in. It was a gorgeous 70 degrees, and as I was sitting there with my eyes closed enjoying the nice break from being in the car, "Good Life" came on. It turns out they released it as a single, and became one of I Tunes most downloaded songs, and its played all the time on the radio now. Almost too much. I'm kind of being selfish, as it was my song before the rest of the world had to discover it. However, the lyrics and music....I can't put my finger on it, but it lures you in. I dedicate this as Jeff's 2011 song. I've had some great times being 30, as well as disappointments. There are some areas of my life I feel are stalled out. In other areas I have grown. Sometimes I feel closer in my relationship with Chirst, while other times I feel like I'm still a child in my faith in areas. I've made some new, dear friends in 2011 in whichI am so thankful. Some friendships have changed dramatically, despite my efforts to hold them together. Others I might have let go without intention. There are days I feel I do very well at my job, and other days, I'm frustrated that I am not moving up faster. However, I need to remember that its going to be a good life. I don't know if One Republics' members are believers, but I'm certain God has my life in control, and with that, I can rest assured He will be with me on the journey.

What a Thursday!

Last Thursday, I met my Uncle Scott at Shades of Brown for a coffee around 5:30 after work. It was nice to catch up with him and see how things were going, and to enjoy a grasshopper. I have two great aunts and uncles. Being by Scott and Vicky has been such a blessing, as they invite me over to eat, go to their lakehouse, etc. Its nice having that family connection so close when the rest of my family is in Texas. Anyway, after grasshoppers, I headed south for Blake's birthday at Los Cabos on the Jenks Riverwalk. When I arrived, I noticed an entorage sitting next to our two tables. It turns out Marie Osmond was sitting behind us. She looked like she had some work done but she definetely had lost some weight. I ended up sitting back-to-back with her, and I laughed to myself, since I have had my share of celebrity run-ins lately. It was so random to see her there, but she had a show at the casino the next night. After dinner, Chet, Linds, Natalie and I headed over to Yolatti by the riverwalk. At 9:30, we drove over for some bowling. It had been about 4 years since I had last bowled, and it could not have been more fun. For some reason, I had the best scores in my life. I bowled a 124 the first round, then a 143, then a 150 on my final round. My friends were giving me a hard time because of my "windup" and follow-through but it obviously worked well. It was such a blast hanging out with them and just having a good time. I took Chet back to his car after bowling, and several girls had tagged it with random messages. Ok, headed to bed, as I am going to Little Rock tomorrow for the day....goodnight!