The Okie College Girl

Next Wednesday I’ll be taking part in something that I will surely never forget.  I’ll be speaking to Deer Creek High School students.  Speaking about a topic that I’ve had experience in for the past 25, nearly 26 years.  A topic that is never far from my mind and one that I’m constantly reminded of each and every time I look into the mirror.

I’ve got quite the weekend to prepare myself for this event….photos to find, a speech to write and critique and of course a dozen run through’s of it.  Not quite sure what direction I’ll be going in with it, but I’m sure the words will flow when I sit down to type it out later.  I’m thrilled and honored to be able to stand in front 1,000 students and give my story and how our group could benefit from this HUGE fund-raiser they put on.

Cross your fingers y’all, we’re in the Top 3!

My oh my, I must really catch up on some blogging.  I’m going through photos on my hard drive and have realized there is a lot that hasn’t made it up….yet.  Blame that with keeping up with other portions of my blog and working on launching my design company.  There is a lot going on in my world at the moment, so please be patient as I start throwing all these posts together.

A few months ago I was invited to attend something special with the Mended Little Hearts chapter out of Oklahoma.  I’ve been apart of this group since I was born, which would mean a very long time.  The only event our group had when I was growing up was the annual Christmas party, complete with Santa Clause and presents!  I was never too old to sit on Santa’s lap and I continued this trend all the way up until a few years ago.  Now, the times have changed and the group has added many more activities to its list.  Now the group goes Bowling, to the local Zoo, and will literally think up any excuse to get together.   I’ve started to look forward to attending these events with MLH more than anything in the world.  It’s definitely a great feeling to share a common bond with a 6 or 7 year old and it’s hard to believe I have some of the same things in common as a child, but I love it and wouldn’t change how my life has turned out.

One very cool activity I was able to participate in was an OKC Thunder game.  Actually, my first Thunder game.  Let me just say it was amazing! Being able to ring in my first Thunder game from a Suite was one of the coolest things I’ve experienced with this group.  I had no idea what to expect, but was very touched to be invited as one of the two adults in our group and the oldest of the group as well.  The woman who organizes our activities loves to mention I’m the oldest too and I’ve grown to appreciate that.  I don’t mind being the oldest, to this group my age actually means something and isn’t just a number.

Back to the highlights of attending the game with the MLH group though.  I was told we’d be meeting Etan Thomas; a fellow heart patient.  Although, he had his surgery a few years ago and not as a child, it’s still heart warming to see someone give back to the community or say to other heart kids “I’ve been there, you can do this.”  What actually happened at our meet and greet greatly surpassed my expectations.  Not only did our group get to sit on the floor and watch the players warm up.  Yes, I spent some time gazing around the inside of the stadium thinking “Wow”  and taking photos of everything too.  Gabbi & I were talking about the game and taking photos of everything when Kevin Durant walked by.  Gabbi was speechless and I had no idea who he was, so I spoke up asking him if we could get his signature.  I thought, no big deal, he’s  just a NBA player.  Little did I know just what a big deal he actually is.  My cousins, uncle, Pops, and even Papaw were all speechless I met him.  Hello! I didn’t think it was that big of a deal, my thoughts on that have changed just a little over the past few months.

Meeting Kevin Durant was a surprise to all of us, our group was told later that Kevin had asked why we were there and decided to come over and say hi.  Yeah, I couldn’t believe it.  I had to call Pops and tell him the news on who I had met.  I think he was starting to think he had gone with me to the game after that.  Just as soon as I updated Twitter and Facebook the news went viral and everyone had to know how I got so lucky.  Me, lucky?  I am lucky, but for other reasons.  Reasons that don’t involve meeting celebrities or attending special events just like this one.

Like I said, Kevin Durant wasn’t the reason we were all invited to the game.  Turns out the OKC Thunder PR had set up something special for our group.  Everyone (well the kids at least) went wild when Etan came out.  I mean we had one kid flash Etan.  That was my favorite moment.  After that incident, the other moms wanted me to flash Etan.  Yeah, that just was not going to happen.  I didn’t want to get us all kicked out of the game, so I kept my shirt down and in place.  Etan Thomas was amazing.  Turns out we have more things in common than I thought.  To have something in common with a NBA player that doesn’t involve basketball is really something.  It was great taking photos with someone who is 6 ’10 because being 4 ’10 he really is a tower, I’m just lucky enough to get to prove how tall he really is.

After we met Etan our group was privileged enough to sit in the Suites at the Ford Center.  That in itself was a treat.  It was definitely a great way to experience the game and definitely gave me a great first experience to this Thunder game.  I honestly didn’t watch much of the game.  I was up and down, chasing my Mini-Me around, chatting with other moms and taking everything in from the game.  I didn’t get to meet Rumble the mascot, but I’m hopeful I’ll be able to accomplish that.  I did, however, meet two of the cheerleaders for the team.  The game alone was definitely one of the best experiences I have had in awhile, aside from Motorcycle Man, and I’m thrilled I got to experience it all with a great group of Mom’s and their awesome kiddos!

How is it that you get to the floor, you ask?  Take the elevators!  Our entire group of 20 and the Thunder PR team were all able to fit into one of those elevators.  Hard to believe isn’t it?  Well maybe not so much.  They were extremely large elevators, probably the biggest ones I’ve ever been in.

A side joke.  Gatorade.  Not only is this an addiction of mine, but Pepsi holds a very special place in my heart.  They go above and beyond their jobs to accomplish tasks and for that I’ll be forever grateful for them and what they have done for my family and I.

Just a little shock with what we’re experiencing.  Gabbi nor I had ever had these experiences growing up in this group, it definitely was something that we couldn’t believe what was happening.  I don’t think either one of us can still believe we’ve experienced with MLH.

I didn’t know it at the time, but here’s a shot of Kevin Durant.  I wish I would’ve watched a game or two on TV before I saw this one live, but I didn’t.  Instead I saw them play live first instead of on TV.  I must say you don’t get the full experience on TV, but I’ve grown to really love our Oklahoma team!

Gabbi in panic mode and I’m thinking “Who is this guy?”  Yeah, I bet that’s what everyone would want to hear.  This Okie has no idea who Kevin Durant is.  Well people, I do now!  I even met him.

I love this photo!!  Kevin Durant and Zach.  It was adorable how Zach was shaking his hand and telling him who he was – too cute!!

I handed dear ole’ Kevin my hat and this is what I got.  I was sort of leaving that space open for Etan, but oh well.    My cousins can freak out later over my newly acquired signature, oh wait, they already have.  It is now hanging off my mirror in my room, along with my other Thunder hat.  You know, the other one I needed because I can’t wear this one to games anymore.

This would be the flasher.  Not to worry ya’ll, there is a reason for this he isn’t just doing it randomly.  Caleb had a plan, but since the plan didn’t work, the new plan was to get me to flash him.  Yeah, I’m sure that would’ve went over well.

Etan Thomas.  I wasn’t nervous, I did have my “list” of questions to ask him going in my head though.  I had already done my research on him before I met him.  I was curious about his connection to us.

Turns out, he not only had one of the greatest connections to us, but an even bigger and greater one to me.  I’m not sure if he was flattered at all the questions I had for him or not, but once he realized why I was asking him, then he lightened up and answered them.  I think he thought it was pretty cool at the things we had in common too, it wasn’t just me.  At least that’s what I’d like to hope for.

View of the floor from our seats.  Oh yes, we were close.  So very very close to our seats.  Well at least it was a great experience for all of us to have.

You can’t go to a Thunder game and not get your face painted.  It just simply doesn’t work that way.  Luckily for us adults, we had an even bigger reason to get our faces painted.  We got to act like kids again, actually we both were able to be kids again.

Next Saturday I’m sure I’ll be making a fool of myself.  Why, you ask?  I’m going bowling – again.  This time I’m participating in the Mended Little Hearts Bowling Fundraiser.  I can’t wait.  I’m ready to dote on my heart kiddos.  I’ve missed them.  I’m sure there will be plenty of laughs directed at me for my bowling skills.  Hopefully, our lane will get to bowl with the gutters up because if not, I’m sure my score will be 0.  Oh yes, I’m just that good.  If they’d just change the rules of bowling I’m sure I could win.

I played last weekend – my first time since I was a kid.  I didn’t do so hot either.  Actually my score was a bit pathetic.  I didn’t even break into the 100′s.  Believe me, I tried.  I actually blame my ball.  First, I had no idea they come in finger sizes.  Really, had no idea.  Then, to complicate things even further, there are actual ball weights.  Again, this sport is complex.  I’d rather just play Wii Bowling or Golf or maybe even Laser Tag.  Now Laser Tag wouldn’t be a bad fundraiser.  I like that idea.

I think I’ll be ready when the fundraiser rolls around.  I know what to ask for and how to get there.  Plus, I’ve talked someone amazing into tagging along.  It’s sure to be a blast with everyone there and I can’t wait to see all of my little buddies.

I had a complete blast today with my newfound friends.  I met some amazing mom’s and their youngsters today at one of the ultra-fab events that the local Mended Little Hearts puts on every year.  I was able to hang out with some old friends and more importantly, I was able to act like a little kid again.  Anyone know a 25 year old college student who can get away with jumping in a moon bounce or playing playstation with a 7 year old?  I know where to find one if you don’t.

I’m glad I went to the party and I’m even happier that I was able to talk Gabbi into tagging along with me.  It never ceases to amaze me at the obstacles kids can overcome and come out on the other side just like a normal kid.  No one would’ve realized the hell some of these kids have been through just by seeing them all today, it’s truly amazing seeing all of this in person.

I can actually say I’ve known a particular CHD boy since he was knee high to a grasshopper or more importantly, since he was shorter than I was/am.  Yulp, that’s right, I actually knew someone shorter than I am.  I used to piggy back him all over this camp we went to growing up, but that was long before he was 6 inches taller than I am.  He now towers over me and always make sure I know this….he’s only 15, so I have to deal with these short comments for the rest of my life.

Dear ole’ Gabbi, my 15 year old buddy and I took a few photos, just because we were some of the oldest CHD Kids at the party.  My “little” buddy said it was like taking a picture as the AT&T Bars.  Tallest to shortest { Gabbi, “little Buddy” & Me}.  Thanks, Bud for that comment!  Remember you may need a ride somewhere in the next 10 months…

…..as for the highlight of the party….

I finally cashed in on all those piggy back rides I gave “little Buddy” as a kid.  It was short lived, but nonetheless – I cashed in.