First, I have a thank you which is WAY overdue…

A HUGE thank you to Kimberly Olson.  Not only is Kim a dear friend, she is also owner of Olson Cleaning & Design. (yes, the accronym is “OCD,” and yes, it is very appropriate…just ask her)  When I first moved to Oklahoma City, she went way above and beyond the call as both a friend and professional cleaner when she agreed to facilitate the Kalamazoo side of my relocation.  While I was a thousand miles away in OKC, she let the movers into the Kzoo apartment, oversaw the packing process, and then had the unenviable task of cleaning the apartment after the movers were gone.  Words can’t tell you how awesome a job she did getting that place in shape so I could turn the keys back over to the landlord.  If you are in the SW Michigan area and need cleaning, organizing, or painting done in your home or office, she’s the ONLY person you should call.  Seriously.  Call her: 269.330.4681

Thank you, Kim.  You are an amazing individual.  And now, back to the blog…

Ok, it has been a while since my last post…again.  I really wanted to post a new video by now, but I ran into an unexpected problem: technology.

I wanted to have better video and audio quality, so I used a different camera; a better camera.  The problem with that is the camera is apparently better than my computer, because once I shot the video I wasn’t able to transfer it to my computer.  Once I figured out a way around that issue, my editing software wouldn’t recognize the “new” media type.  At least not without purchasing and downloading an upgrade, blah blah blah…

So, long story short (if that is possible at this point) I have a great video on my laptop just waiting to be edited, and shared with the masses.  Le sigh.

In the mean time, here’s a quick update:

1) it is hot.  Yes, I know it has been warm all over the US, even back in good ol’ Kalamazoo.  But as I type this, we have had 50 days of 100 degrees or higher since June 1.  (not all in a row, but even the non-100 days were in the mid to upper 90’s)  Now, anyone who knows me knows that I am not complaining about the heat because anyone who knows me knows how much I *despise* winter.  So, hand me my sunglasses and pass me a margarita, because I’m going to milk this for all it is worth.

2) Work.  Work is going well, and I think I’m finally finding my stride in OKC.  The hotel made budget last month, which is something it hasn’t done in quite some time.  I’m not taking all the credit mind you, but I *am* the Director of Sales after all, so I’d like to think I had a hand in making it happen.

3) Apartment.  I won’t go into detail since I was hoping to cover this via video.  Suffice to say there are still a substantial number of boxes in my living room at the moment.  Gotta work on that…soon.

4) Health.  All in all, I’m well.  However, I’ve noticed over the past couple months that I have a lot less energy than I’m used to.  Falling asleep earlier at night, and unable to get up in the morning.  I’d like to blame it on the heat, but I’m not certain that is the culprit.  I’m eating better and I’m even eating breakfast, which is unusual for me.  Sure, I go out to eat, but it’s never junk food (I don’t think I’ve had “fast food” since I left Michigan) and it’s almost never a chain restaurant when I do go out.  Most of the time I cook at home.  So, I’ve started taking a multi-vitamin in the hopes that will help with the lack of energy.  My health benefits just kicked in at work, so I plan to see a doctor soon.

5) Entertainment: I haven’t really gotten out to too many events yet, what with not having much energy which effects motivation.  The exceptions to this are the OKC Museum of Art, and Oklahoma City Red Hawks baseball.  There are LOTS of great places to eat, and I’m slowly making my way around to them.  And while I have a couple of favorites already, I really REALLY miss going to The Union and Wine Loft in Kalamazoo, and Reserve in Grand Rapids.  Over time I built up a raport with staff, managers, and owners at those venues, and I miss them all, as well as the familiar feeling of the surroundings.  Oh, and I also miss the awesome live jazz at The Union…I have yet to find ANYPLACE that comes close to that here.

6) Friends.  I really, really, really miss my Michigan friends.  Sure, I’ve met some people here, but it just hasn’t been the same.  They’ve all got their own things going on, and like everybody these days are busy with their own lives. 

It is estimated that 1.2 million people live in the greater Oklahoma City area.  You wouldn’t think it possible to feel this alone with that many people around, and yet here I am…

1 in 1.2 million.