Scoozie and an OOTD

One of my most favorite parts about living in Chicago is the constant flow of visitors.  Its seems like every other week someone we know is in town for business, to see family, or just for a quick weekend getaway.  Matt and I always laugh that we had more visitors in our first two months of living in Chicago than we did during our four year stay in tiny Texas grad school land.  (We laugh, but its true.)  So last week when my friend and sorority sister Emily emailed me to let me know she'd be in town for a few days, I was thrilled!  There are few things I love more than seeing old friends and showing off our fabulous city, so the chance to combine the two is a definite win in my book!

We met for dinner and drinks at Scoozi, one of the oldest Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants in the city.  I'd heard pretty good things about it and had been wanting to try it for a while, so luckily Emily was trusting and up for trying something new.  And in shocking dinner news, Matt and I arrived early!  I didn't even know I was capable of such things :)

And you know what they say...the early bird gets the wine!  So wine we did :)  Scoozi's wine list was posted on the wall, and I was grateful for the variety in both type and price.  (Sometimes wining and dining in Chicago can get a bit insane pricewise. so its always refreshing when restaurants here have options.)

Emily (on the right) and her good friend Holly (who after 5 minutes I felt like I'd known for years.)  I love that they have been friends forever and though they live in different cities, they make it a point to travel together every so often.

Matt's birthday didn't technically start for a few more hours, but I couldn't resist the chance to surprise him with a birthday dessert.  Unfortunately our server didn't catch my stealth signals, so I pretty much spelled it out in front of Matt (and half the restaurant) that I wanted a candle in our dessert lol.

What could be better than happy-almost-birthday profiteroles?

After finishing up at Scoozi, we headed to Fountainhead for my friend Christie's going away party.  I am going to miss her so much its insane!  The past year in Chicago has been incredible, and Matt and I owe so much of that to Christie.  She has graciously showed us so much of the city, helping us transition from tourist Texans to almost-native Chicagoans.  Its been so fun this past year to relieve our elementary school days, having impromptu sleepovers, movie nights, and late night laugh sessions.  And though I wanted to cry myself into a puddle when I hugged her goodbye, I vowed not to be "that girl" bawling in a bar.
PS: Christie, I miss you already.  Are you ready for a reunion yet? :)

Excuse me for being a sorority cheeseball here, but there really is something special about the bond you share with your sorority sisters.  Time goes by, people change, but there's something comforting about coming back together long after rush skits, Kappa tshirts, and 700 College Bachelor/Bachelorette watch parties :)

And since Matt was with me (and we were actually early), I was able to get a quick OOTD picture...

Top: Ann Taylor
Blazer: Tahari
Jeans: Gap
Earrings: thrifted
Bracelet: Ann Taylor
Rings: vintage
Heels: Ann Taylor
Sunglasses: Gucci
Bag: Charles David
Scarf (on bag): Anthropologie

I hadn't originally intended to wear the blazer, but in true Chicago fashion, the temperature dropped about 20 degrees as we were leaving.  Typical.  Luckily though, Matt and I are getting away from the Chicago weather for a few days, as we are heading to Arizona tomorrow to see Matt's family and go to his cousin's wedding.  Hooray for sunshine, no humidity and the chance to wear open toed shoes!  Its the little things, right? :)

I Heart OU

Norman, Oklahoma is one of the most magical places on Earth.  Home to The University of Oklahoma, it is the place I fell in the love.  Not with a guy, but with everything that OU offers.  I met some of the most incredible people in the world at OU and was encouraged to be the person I've always dreamed of being.  Although Norman was just home to me while I was in college, I literally feel like it is the place I grew up and got to know the person that I am.  So when my little brother talked about going to school at OU, I was just thrilled.  Although I truly want him to make his own decision and do what is best for him, the thought of him falling in love with OU is too much excitement to handle.  So this weekend, my family packed up our bags and headed North on I-35 for a weekend full of Sooner spirit and OU love.

Anyone who knows my family could guess that our first stop after arriving in Norman on Thursday evening was Hideaway Pizza.  Nestled in the middle of campus corner, this pizza place was a consistent favorite for my parents when I was at OU, so much so that my dad would have me pick up a pizza before heading home to Dallas when I went home to visit.  Yes, that's right, it would sit in my car for two and half hours before my dad got it.  I told you they liked this place.

Next stop, the Library, one of my absolute favorite places in Norman to be on a weeknight.  This place is tiny, dark, and usually has a bit of an older crowd, but I spent more weeknights here in college than I probably should have, either with one of my best friends Kristin or my BFF coworker Robbie.  Never in a million years though did I think I would be there with my little brother!  Unfortunately for him, he had to order a coke straight up :)

The next morning, we took the official OU campus tour, and I tried my best to keep my enthusiasm quiet.  I want Ryan to make his own decision...

Look what we found on the tour!  This plaque in the union is for all the students in the past who have received the Regent's Award for Outstanding Junior.  I didn't even know this plaque existed and I was super excited to find it and point out my name.  (I think there is a fine line is living in the past and reminiscing about the past, and I like to think I'm on the reminiscing side of that line...)

Friday night we headed to the homecoming pep rally so Ryan could get a feel for what life is like as a student at OU.  We had VIP seats (thank you Quy)!

Me and Quy, the provider of our fabulous VIP seats.  Quy and I worked together at Recruitment Services while we were students at OU and were also on homecoming court together.  He is now working for OU as CAC's main man, and of course, doing an incredible job.  You know those people who you know you miss, but you forget how much until you see them?  Definitely applies here as I forgot just how much I adore this guy :)

Of course, the night wasn't complete without a trip to Rusty's (for those non-Sooners, frozen custard heaven.)  I realize I am posing in front of a penguin and I am ok with that.

Saturday is gameday, which is Norman, is the best day.  Here me, my dad, and my brother pose on the South Oval on the way to the festivities.

We meet up with my BFF Jacque, who I had been counting down the days to see.  Beyond excited to see her!

After lunch at OConnell's, Matt and I head to tailgate with Jack and her family.  This was Matt's first OU gameday experience, and I was SO excited to share my OU obsession with him.  Not sure how crazy he thought we all were, but he kept it cool :)

Of course, we had to make a trip to the Kappa house.  No words needed to explain this picture :)

We meet up with my dad and Ryan at the homecoming parade.  You'd think they'd never eaten before the way they were flagging down the candy throwers in the parade :)  PS: I think Ryan looks right at home in his crimson, don't you?

Love this pic and this guy :)

Heading into the game, I run into Angie, who works at Recruitment Services.  She made work way more fun than it probably should have been in college, and I heart her more than she knows!

In the stadium and ready to cheer on the Sooners!

BOOMER!

I think my brother is ridiculously cool.  Seriously.  Check out the glasses.  (And yes, I bought a pair and fully plan to rock them as a grown up!)

Me and my favorite guys :)

Hahahahha, this picture makes me ridiculously happy!  TOUCHDOWN!

Oh dear.  I think that looks like a pretty convinced potential Sooner :)

Last stop on the Norman trip...Classics.  Nothing beats a Diet Dr. Pepper with sour straws.  Don't knock it till you've tried it :)

Heading out the next morning, back to the real world, boooo.  But we had such a fabulous time; I could not have imagined a more fun filled weekend!  BOOMER SOONER!

Thankful Thursday: Jack-a-lack

This Thankful Thursday I want to send a huge long distance hug to one of the funniest people I've ever known.  She is hilarious, witty, loving, and is not afraid to laugh at herself.  She has brought so much joy into my life, and our quick catch ups and phone dates always make my day.  Jacque and I met as Kappas at OU, and our friendship has grown so much since then.  Even though we're far apart, we make a point to stay connected, stay honest, and most of all, stay laughing.  With Jacque, you can always expect a few things: laughter, crazy costumes, honesty and support.  This girl is awesome yall and today and always, I am so thankful for her.

So Long Kappa T-Shirts

When I was in high school, I remember being at the gym and seeing a woman a couple of rows in front of me working hard on the stairmaster.  Being that I was on treadmill and had nothing better to do (reason number 540 I hate treadmills), I got to reading the back of her t-shirt.  "Tri Delt Crush Party."  Oh cool, she's in a sorority, I thought to myself.  At that time I was preparing for recruitment at OU with nothing but sorority on the brain.  I took a closer look at her shirt.  Wait...does that say...it can't...it does...1994!  Tri Delt Crush Party 1994?!  Lady, it's 2002!  I shook my head, living the past lady, living.in.the.past.

Fast forward seven years to nowadays and I'm at the rec center for my 6:30 am cardio class.  I'm groggy, my eyes are half closed, but as I wait for the step instructor, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.  I zoom in on my t-shirt.  Wait...omg...it can't be...it is.  There in pink and brown letters my t-shirt reads "Kappa Pledge Class 2002."  Omg, no, seriously, has it really been that long?  I have been out of college for three years?!  Then I freeze, remembering the lady from the gym in high school.  OMG, I am that lady, the "Tri Delt Crush Party 1994" lady!  Soon the music is pumping and the tiny blonde cardio instructor is peppily stepping.  I follow along, distracted by my has-been Kappa shirt the rest of the work out.  As I head home, it hits me.  I don't want to be that person who looks like they're living the past, embracing the glory days.  (Note: while I LOVED college, I don't consider them my "glory days."  I hope that I never consider any time in my life as such.)  While I had stopped wearing the daily uniform of a Kappa t-shirt and jeans in college, I sighed, realizing its time to pack away the Kappa shirts for good.  It is time to find a real-person, grown up version of the t-shirt.

That weekend, after sorting through my collection of date party, function, homecoming, and rush shirts, keeping, folding, and storing my favorites, while getting rid of the rest, I began my hunt for the perfect grown up version of the t-shirt.  You know, the shirt you can wear on a lazy Saturday while running errands or the shirt you can wear if you're having a movie night with friends.  The criteria for this t-shirt are harsh.  It has to be somewhat fitted, but still loose enough to feel comfy.  It has to thin, but not too thin, and without question, must have a v-neck.  I thought my search would take a few months, but after just a week, I found a winner!  So thanks to The Gap, I have now replaced my Kappa t-shirts with the perfect grown up t-shirt.  But don't be confused, my OU spirit, old Kappa pictures and obsession with fleur-de-lis aren't going anywhere.  I don't need to grow up that much :)

 

Out with the old shirt...

...and in with the new.

Happy Birthday KAPPA!

Today, Kappa Kappa Gamma celebrates its 139th birthday!  This time 139 years ago, six women at Monmouth College pinned on their key badges and made history.  With over 136 chapters, Kappa has initiated over 230,000 members and continues to be a special part of college for so many women across the country.  A special shout out to the Beta Theta chapter, which was my home for four years at The University of Oklahoma.  It was there that I made some of my best college memories as well as some of my best friends in the entire world.  For old times sake, I've posted some of my favorite pictures from my Kappa days that weren't lost when my computer crashed last year.  So happy happy birthday Kappa!  I can't ever thank you enough for all you've done for me.