Closing Time by Semisonic will always remind me of Murphy's on Stillwater's Strip. You know, it's the song the bar plays to signify it's time to start packing up and go home. For the ones who still ignore the hints to get out, the lights are turned off in the bar.
A college town bar is difficult to beat. I probably wouldn't even like bars if it wasn't for college. It's very unique to walk into a bar and be surrounded with people close in age as you and with similar backgrounds. The best part is bumping into friends, since it is a small town. My top three places to go are Stonewalls, Joe's, and Murphy's, each with it's own type of atmosphere and crowd. It's too bad it takes two days of quality hair washing to get the smoke smell out after a night at Stonewalls, though.
I am not a regular bar hopper. That's what made my experiences there so great. When I did go, it was with the right people and for the right occasions.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Thursday, January 19, 2006
One Reason I Love the U.S.
Restaurants in the U.S. have huge food portions and asking for a take home box is acceptable. I love that. No one likes to leave a restaurant hungry. Refills are free too. It's a different story in Europe. There's a line on the drinking glass where the server will pour to, stop, and never come back, so you better ration your drink. We definately have it nice here.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
California Adventures
I spoiled myself with an entire week in Southern California.
Day 1, Sunday:
My best friend (my Navy friend, like the military not the color) and her fiance picked me up from the airport. It was one of the most memorable arrivals. I was so happy to see her run down the escalator to give me a great, big hug. The rest of the day was spent hanging out and watching TV together, which is what we do best.
Day 2, Monday:
I met up with an old friend from TX, and we teamed up to discover San Diego. We went to the Old Town where we browsed around the little shops. The day got even better when we spent the evening watching the sunset at Coronado Beach.
Day 3, Tuesday:
My TX friend and I rocked the San Diego Zoo. I love koalas and pandas. I was lucky enough to see one of the koalas eating, since they usually sleep all day. That evening, I persisted to hassle my best friend's fiance (who grew up in Australia) to tell me personal stories about koalas. My Navy friend and I cooked dinner too (she made up the recipe), and it turned out great!
Day 4, Wednesday:
My Navy friend and I crossed the border to Tijuana, Mexico where we enjoyed 3 tacos for $1. I learned that a spritz of lemon on food does wonders to the flavors. I got to haggle for the first time too when I was buying my sis a shotglass. I got it for two bucks and a hug apparently. I probably had the most uncomfortable expression when I found out he wasn't kidding about the hug.
Day 1, Sunday:
My best friend (my Navy friend, like the military not the color) and her fiance picked me up from the airport. It was one of the most memorable arrivals. I was so happy to see her run down the escalator to give me a great, big hug. The rest of the day was spent hanging out and watching TV together, which is what we do best.
Day 2, Monday:
I met up with an old friend from TX, and we teamed up to discover San Diego. We went to the Old Town where we browsed around the little shops. The day got even better when we spent the evening watching the sunset at Coronado Beach.
Day 3, Tuesday:
My TX friend and I rocked the San Diego Zoo. I love koalas and pandas. I was lucky enough to see one of the koalas eating, since they usually sleep all day. That evening, I persisted to hassle my best friend's fiance (who grew up in Australia) to tell me personal stories about koalas. My Navy friend and I cooked dinner too (she made up the recipe), and it turned out great!
Day 4, Wednesday:
My Navy friend and I crossed the border to Tijuana, Mexico where we enjoyed 3 tacos for $1. I learned that a spritz of lemon on food does wonders to the flavors. I got to haggle for the first time too when I was buying my sis a shotglass. I got it for two bucks and a hug apparently. I probably had the most uncomfortable expression when I found out he wasn't kidding about the hug.
Day 5, Thursday:
My Navy friend's and her fiance's favorite radio station dj was going to be at Margarita Rocks, a dance club, that night. It was the first time I drank alcohol with my Navy friend. I have to admit, it was pretty cool to hang out with a bunch of sailors. 
Day 6, Friday:
This was the special day I was reunited with Hot Dog on a Stick. Cheese on a stick is delicious. Enough said.
Day 7, Saturday:
Los Angeles!... and somehow I brought rain with me. This changed plans a bit, but I had a great time shopping at the Grove and eating at the Farmer's Market.
Day 8, Sunday:
This was a BIG day. I got to see the famous Hollywood sign high in the mountains. I was told that the sign had fresh paint as a gift for its centennial celebration. It was supposed to be brighter paint than before. It looked clear to me! I also walked along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I learned that there are several categories a person can earn a spot on this sidewalk, which explains why some people had more than one star. I also noticed the blank spots on the sidewalk for upcoming celebrities...hmm... maybe if this engineering thing doesn't work out. Disneyland and California Adventures Theme Parks were last on our agenda. I somehow managed to walk out with HUGE Mickey hands/gloves and ears and began to wonder if deep down I wanted to be Mickey. Why did I get all this stuff? It was just so cute!
Day 9, Monday:
My Navy friend and I celebrated New Year's Eve just like the old days. It was a little late, but it didn't matter to us. We got so wasted on Sparking Grape Juice her fiance had to drive us around. Then it was back to the airport for me.
I'll sure miss this... 
But I'll miss this so much more...
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
A Dark Night for the Faint Heart
Confrontation is always difficult, but I had to know. I prepared for the shattering news as is my nature to brace myself for the worst, yet hoped to be proved wrong. I finally asked My Dawson if he was still interested. His answer was an earth-shattering no.
I have a BIG headache, but it's getting better. Tonight is improving by seeking out distractions. I just need time. Although I thought it would be so perfect, it wouldn't have because he's not the one for me regardless of how much I want to believe otherwise.
There's no turning back time. What's the point anyway? I'm happy with who I am today and I wouldn't be like this if the past was to change.
I have a BIG headache, but it's getting better. Tonight is improving by seeking out distractions. I just need time. Although I thought it would be so perfect, it wouldn't have because he's not the one for me regardless of how much I want to believe otherwise.
There's no turning back time. What's the point anyway? I'm happy with who I am today and I wouldn't be like this if the past was to change.
A New Year
So it's a New Year. Not only going from '05 to '06, but the Vietnamese New Year is coming up on Jan 29 as well. I thought this is a perfect time to rename my blog. Besides, Wilbert didn't want to leave his host. Who would, really?
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Preparing for the Move
My dad has played such a huge part in me getting my first real job. He drove me to my first interview with the company as I slept all the way there, since I was exhausted from schoolwork. Then, he just helped me find the apartment I'll be moving to in February. We searched for 2 and a half days looking at about 14 apartments. The winner is shown in the picture above. It's about 2-3 miles from any place I need to go, such as movie theaters, grocery stores, and of course, shopping. It's a one bedroom, one bath, but don't worry there's plenty of space for visitors... you know who you are.
When I drove by the apartment to choose the carport I wanted, I noticed that the carport next to mine had a license plate holder that said "alumni... oklahoma state university." I think this is going to work out...