Attending a medical conference proved to be one of the most amazing and eye opening experiences I’ve gone through.  Getting to have fun with fellow MD’s and DO’s….who wouldn’t want to partake in that adventure?

Most importantly though, I met some pretty amazing friends, from all over the country actually.  I still keep in contact with about 90% of my group from this summer, which is astounding because this conference was nearly 7 years ago.

I’m pretty sure the camera found me just about wherever I was.  Thank goodness for digital back then.

On the way to the Mall of America via public transit.  Major fun in the twin cities y’all.  Had a blast meeting and making new friends.

On a “night off” from workshops and lectures, a huge group of us decided to go on the town.  At the time it was a bar called the Wild Onion.  Crazy, huh?

…still the Wild Onion.  Let’s just say I had a blast and had nothing to drink that night.  I think I was a newly minted 21 year old, too.  Pure Craziness.

Last group shot with the girls that evening, we all had fun getting to know each other during our trip.

Found a pair of goggles on our boat that night, so in true Erin fashion I had to put them on.  Talk about goofy all while having fun with my friends. : )

Getting ready to dock, head to the hotel and head out to the bar.  Last night in MN, you’ve gotta do it up big, right?!

Another partial group shot.  We took so many of these that week, seriously was one of the best times in my life being Pre-Med, but I made an even better decision career wise and can’t wait to see what journey it takes me on.

Our hotel was somewhere in the background.  We stayed at one of the fanciest hotels I had ever stayed in and we all had a blast.  Pretty sure I called home just so I could say I was staying in a Trump Hotel.

Our conference director.  He set up all the yet to be in med school applicants and directed my group on which lectures to sit in on and who to rub elbows with.

What our lovely paddle boat looked like sort of.    How many of y’all can say you’ve traveled a portion of the Great Mississippi?  I have.

Relaxing on the boat and taking in the scenery.  I had never been that far north, so this was a completely different experience especially since it was my first ever plane trip.  Talk about an exciting time in my life.

Me & Ash.  We’re still just as close as we were here.  We’ve moved.  Traveled across the US.  But always kept in contact (thank you Facebook!!) through the years.

St. Paul in the background and us looking completely silly.  I sure miss those days…

Now you can’t leave a medical conference without going to the Mall of America at least once while you’re “in town”, that would just be horrible.  If I remember correctly, I made at least half a dozen trips and even left my digital camera in a dressing room (that I later recovered thank goodness).

First…I decided it would be best to try something new with my hair.  Twas a windy night in Oklahoma, why not play around with the wind and do something sexy with my hair this time around?  Yeahhhhh….didn’t think you’d buy into that, but it was worth a shot!

Only in Oklahoma can you ring in the New Year and watch Bull Riding at the same time.  I had a blast doing something different, although, I wasn’t a fan of dancing on that packed dance floor.  There’s no telling how many times I twirled into everyone on the dance floor.

A better shot of the bull pens without all the glitzy lights going.  Yes, I was inside a club with a bull pen.

Taking time out from dancing to catch our breath and DRINK.  You have no idea how dehydrated you can get when you’re out on the dance floor with everyone else having fun.  Funny thing is, I love that you can’t tell just how lovely I actually look.  You see, when the ball dropped the place got just a tad bit wild.  As in, beer was shook & spewed as well as our champagne.  Oh yes y’all.  We’re talking about an Oklahoma girl who rarely drinks being covered in alcohol from head to toe.  Talk about a hot mess.  I’m just thankful that y’all can’t see how sticky or how matted down my hair really is.  Good thing is….I took a shower, even if it was at 3am…

What happens after a night of drinking water?  You stop at IHOP because you’re starving.  That’s what!  No pancakes for me, though.  …although waking up the next morning wasn’t fun at all.

I’ve learned both versions of Copperhead Road, but the country bar I go to typically does this version, the Texas version.  I haven’t had the chance to go in a little over a month, but I’m hoping with my break from school I can get out on the dance floor and have a little fun before heading back to class on January 3rd.

It’s been a chicken broth and liquid diet kinda day.  It’s not that my throat is sore.  It’s that my entire body aches.  I’m freezing, but not running a fever.  I guess I just want my Momma to come take care of me, but then again all I want to do is sleep too.  Not too sure what to make of this crummy day yet.  Hopefully it’ll turn around and I’ll be a new person tomorrow!

One of my really great friends loves to tag along and come dancin’.  Actually, y’all have her to blame for my new addiction.  If it wasn’t for her, I’d be sitting at home every Thursday night.  Love going to Graham’s…actually it’s somewhat of a Family Tradition.  But, that’s a blog post for another day….ha!

In the car and ready to go.  I couldn’t decide which picture I liked better, so I took two.

Gorgeous.  I love my dark hair.  Crazy hair cut.  Perfectly done makeup.  Funky Red Necklace.  And BRIGHT Red Lips.  Oh yes…I’m ready to cut loose.

Not driving yet….we were still parked in my garage and taking our sweet time getting TO Graham’s this evening.

Look who has SPUNK.  Not sure Graham’s was ready for me, but I was sure ready for it.

Before we headed out, I of course had to take a few *ahem* hundred pics to send a few friends since it had been ages since I had been out on a date.  Something cute and casual…I love these shirts and have several.  I’ll definitely be breaking them out this winter as they’re comfy, thin and see through.

Skinny me!  Dark hair.  Long sleeves.  Jeans.  Boots.  Fall can’t get much better than that…actually life can’t get much better than this.

Sound checking everything…making sure everything is perfect for the concert.  To say I was a little on edge and overly excited was a tad bit of an understatement.  Ha!

Lights go down and the stage is being set up.  Wasn’t really happy with where I was at…I’m 4 ’10 everyone, I can’t see over everyone.  You’ll see just where I wound up later on.  I’m quite confident it’ll blow you away as to how close I got to see both boys who played that night.

I was a little more than excited.  :)  Thankfully, Roomie didn’t go as I’m sure she would’ve been embarrassed by my hoopin’ and hollarin’ all night long.  I’m not a wild girl by any means, but I do like to have fun sans alcohol.  I’m very grateful for the friends that like country music just as much as I do.  If I didn’t, well I wouldn’t be going to any concerts — ever.

Bobbie Sue & Trevs.  They know how to put up with my little left of center goofy side and do well at poking fun of me too.  Pretty sure they had just as much fun at the concert as I did.  Love you guys!

We picked up a stray on the way to the concert.  Trevs works on the way to the concert and because we had a little bit of a drive and ate before the concert meant that we had to leave a little early —- we had to have good seats you know.

After I Googled and came up with something fun, I made an appointment and we went to town.

Wonder what color I’ll choose this time?  It feels like having braces all over again — except we’re talking about my hair here and not that annoying bands they stick on your teeth in crazy colors.

Any ideas?  I proclaimed I was getting a yellow mow-hawk….that didn’t happen.  Maybe next time, there’s always next time…

Trevs & BSR.  Love them.  We’ve definitely had some great times so far and I’m looking forward to all the more trouble we can get ourselves into.  It’s great to have friends that you can act like a total dork around.  Love you guys!

About to head out for a great night of dancing.  It’s going to be quite the night of fun that’s for damn sure.  Can’t wait to see what all we can get ourselves into.  Greatness is surely ahead of us!

Up in Flames.  It did the trick of cutting glass.  Who knew this could be so much fun, yet so dangerous?  I really do like danger and the possibility of creating something great.

See….it didn’t work.  Great ideas come to mind in times such as these.  Just glad I had some kerosene on hand and lucky for me it came to the rescue!

Turns out a lighter and some string didn’t really work.  I added kerosene for an extra added kick.  That did the trick and in an instant I have an enormous flame.  This pyro junkie was overjoyed at the magic she created in her sink.

Aren’t those some good lookin’ legs?  I’m sorta partial to them too, even if they do have a bruise or two….

I love relaxing in my hammock in the early mornings or late evenings.  I’ve been beating the Oklahoma heat by doing this and when I’m out in the hottest parts of the Okie Day, I can typically be found in the pool.  According to our OK Meteorologists here in the state Oklahoma is closing in on being the hottest summer in our state’s history.  Quite impressive and very very abnormal.  I just hope our state will get relief soon, Lord knows we need a break and LOTS of rain!

Evidence shows.  I’d rather crawl than use my crutches any day of the week.  Who cares if I had to revert back to being a year old.  Who cares if I scuffed up my knees badly.  Who cares if it took forever for me to get somewhere that summer.  Just who the heck cares, as long as I didn’t have to use those God awful crutches I could deal with anything.  Dang, I hated those things!

I may have gotten made fun of a teeny tiny bit.  But, I didn’t care, I was more concerned with the blisters and skin that had rubbed off under my arms.  Let’s just say I was more interested in saving my skin, after all, I’ve had it for 20+ years of my life and it kind of means something to me.

Some odd months later, still on crutches.  It was like my entire Senior year of high school was built upon me using crutches 24/7.  Thankfully those days and by that I mean high school too, are over.  Where has time gone?

Speaking in front of Oklahoma Business Professionals of American Fall Conference.  What a blast that adventure in my life was.  Even if I did have to be on crutches over half of it.  What an accomplishment that was, it still doesn’t seem real that it ever happened.

At least I mastered a few moves on those crutches.  Like being able to put my hands behind my back.  Yep, I’m full of tricks & all sorts of quirky knowings!

….and balancing on one foot and clapping along with my fellow officers….seriously dude, I can say I’ve done that!   Can you?

I definitely wasn’t the tallest of the bunch, now was I?  Heh.  It’s okay, you can be jealous all you want, I certainly would be if I were you!

Eating out as a group.  Had restaurants mastered too….actually, come to think of it, I believe I’ve mastered just about everything to crutches….minus stairs …but that leaves us for a whole ‘nother blogging adventure.  One that I feel just doesn’t need to be opened at the moment.

Supplies

Oversized T-shirt sporting team insigne or graphic image

Erasable fabric marker or chalk

Yard stick

Fabric scissors

Thread (match T-shirt color)

Straight pins

1-Yard 1/2″ elastic

1-Yard 1/4″ elastic

1-Yard bias tape (regular width)

Large safety pin

Bust line measurement 

Lay T-shirt flat

Removing sleeves, collar, and trimming sides:

First, cut off sleeves on the inside seam line. Lay shirt flat on surface, use yardstick to draw horizontal line across shirt, just below collar. Cut along line from one end to the other to remove top portion of bodice. Next use yardstick and draw a straight, tapered line from top corners down to bottom corners, respectively, and cut. Next, turn inside-out and sew side seams with a 1/2″ seam allowance. 

Measuring empire wasteline:

Lay T-shirt flat with side seams in center. Starting from the top, measure 7 inches down at two separate points and mark horizontal line for the empire waste line–– this is where the elastic casing goes under the bust. Note, if you’re small busted you can shorten this measurement to 6 inches, and if you’re large chested increase to 8 inches.

Also, I like to taper the back panel down by approximately two inches and cut off this excess fabric. It looks less bulky in the back. This isn’t necessary, but will give a better fit. 

Time to sew

Creating top casing:

Fold and pin top of fabric edge at 5/8″ and sew along border, allowing room for 1/2″ elastic. Remember, keep an opening for elastic!

Creating empire casing with bias tape:

Using your earlier guidelines, sew the bias tape around the inside, tacking both the top and bottom bias seams and allowing room for the 1/4″ elastic. Note: I like to use casing at the waste because it is easier to evenly distribute the elastic and it is much softer against the skin. Also, remember to leave an opening in the casing to feed elastic through.

Adding elastic:

Finally, with safety pin on one end, thread the elastic through both top casing (1/2″), and the wasteline casing (1/4″). Sew elastic ends together, respectively. Turn right-side out, and your strapless gameday dress is ready for the cat walk! Don’t forget those diva sunglasses!

T-Shirt in YOUR Size

Erasable fabric marker or chalk

Yard stick

Fabric scissors

Thread (match T-shirt color)

Straight pins

1-Yard of 1/2″ ribbon, your color choice, or, go up to 1″ width but use a softer satin ribbon

Large safety pin 

Lay T-shirt flat

Remove sleeves & collar.

Cut off sleeves and collar just past seams so you are left with the bodice of shirt.

Fold bodice in half length-wise and lay flat.

Draw pattern and cut

With your marker, draw pattern on the bodice (see picture). If T-shirt has a graphic image, keep in mind where you want it placed as you begin your alterations.

Neckline: enlarge neckline

From inside of shoulder seam, measure 1-1/2″ and mark A. From A, draw line to midpoint of folded neckline (curve slightly).

Armhole: reduce size

Measure 2″ up from bottom of armhole and mark B. From B, draw line up to A (curve slightly).

Side seam: taper

Again, from B, draw tapered line down to outside bottom hem line.

Cutting: keeping T-shirt folded, use your pattern lines as a guide and cut. 

Sewing Time

Turn inside-out and sew side seams with 1/2″ allowance (Tip: do quick reverse at beginning and end to keep stitch from coming unravelled).

Finish underarms by folding edge 1/4″ and stitching. (Tip: I usually sew with a small zigzag to give stretch).

Turn neck edge under 1/2″ (1/2″ to 1″ depending on your ribbon size) and sew the casing. Use safety pin on one end of ribbon, feed through casing, front and back. Draw-in slightly to gather neckline. Tie bow.

Turn right-side out to view your new drawstring tank.

Embellish with your own personal style! Eg.g., instead of ribbon, use: sequin trim, metallic cording, beaded strand – anything you can fasten or tie at the neck … make it yours!

So, we’ve all figured out I’m quite the fisherwoman, right?  I’ve been known to out fish my dad and various friends, but this puppy would definitely help me into putting those silly boys and their fishing stories to shame.  I mean what girl doesn’t want to do that?

…HELLO friend.  Now THIS is the Christmas present I’ve always dreamed of.  Please, Santa?  It’s only 3 grand, which isn’t all that much when you think about it.  I mean you could purchase a running car of some type with the price of this slick fish finder.  I think I’ll save this for my Christmas list until I’m racking in the big bucks.

Red.  It’s a wonderful color.  It’s the color for heart survivors.  It’s the color for my OU Sooners.  It’s even one of my favorite colors.  I’m more a pink color lover, but red is in the same group, so it’s all good.  Dang, this Nitro boat is almost entirely too pretty to even take to the lake, but I still love it.

Would you look at all of those PRETTY buttons just dying for me to push?  They look push worthy and all of that lovely chrome…mmmmm….it’s just SO cute!

Just enough for 3.  Who could ever need any more room than that?  It’s not like I’m taking out the entire OU football team and I’m not the typical college girl who must have a beer in her hand at all times.  3 is enough for me.

Da-Dum…Da-Dum…Da-Dum-Da-Dum-Da-Dum

Given this nice sized fish was 17 1/2 inches and not a keeper by any Okie standards, I’m still on the lookout to land that 20 incher that one can only dream about.  Cross your fingers, I’m sure I’ll get a keeper Saugeye one day.

P.S.  We’re going Crappie fishing this weekend &

I CAN’T WAIT!

I haven’t seen these on anyone yet, which makes me feel just as happy as a clam.  Looking forward to all the wear I’m going to get out of these puppies.  Just have to find someone to take me dancin’ in em’.

Trolling for fishies.  Never knew I could be this talented, did you?  Fishing is complete second nature to me, mostly cause I’ve been going fishing with Daddy-O since I was a wee kidlet.

Headin’ home.  Actually, hanging out at the dock and waiting on the truck to be backed into the water.  Wasn’t too happy about going home, but there’s always a fishin’ trip tomorrow!

My BFF came out to watch the races.  It was great seeing here & I had a blast catching up.  We cheered & cheered & cheered.  Although, that cheering involved yelling — but hey whatever it takes to be heard, right?

Guthrie was ablaze.  Blame that on dry Okie Land and no rain.  I watched it get out of hand a little too fast & was thankful it was far away from me.

Meanwhile, instead of hanging out in a dusty arena, I rested my voice and my lungs and took a nap in the truck bed.  Lucky me?!  It was much too hard for my liking, but I made do.