The Best Restaurants in Oklahoma (Updated for 2026)
8 months ago
Birthday Eve
Tomorrow I turn 34. And I am not having a good time with it. Weird, I know. Why 34? Why not wait until next year to freak out?
First of all, it's the first bday in about 15 years that my twin brother and I will have not celebrated together. So that's kind of weird. And honestly? Not really anything I would have even thought of before, but now, because we're not together on our birthday, I am.
And of course, the rest of my family's not here and J has to work a double shift tomorrow and with no friends here that means I will spend the evening, after work, alone. Well, alone with the furbabies.
So...I am having a pity party, sort-of. My friends from a far have emailed and called or sent cards and my family has too, but honestly, this is a first for me. And frankly, I don't like it. So I am going to try to embrace it...book a massage for myself after work, eat sushi and take the dogs for a walk in the prettiest park in town. And I am going to try to get over this hump... 34...nearly 35, which had so many attachments to it when I was in my 20's.
It was my cut-off point for pursuiing an opera career (obviously I checked out early) and in a way, the cut-off for kids. As in, if I don't feel the "baby bug" by 35 I am not having kids. It's no surprise that I don't have "baby rabies" but now I feel, in a way, that time is running out. Or something. I cannot quite put my finger on it, but this is the first birthday, ever, that I have not looked forward to and I am not sure why. Probably ALL of the above, huh?
We have been here nearly 6 months and I am ready to make some friends. I see coworkers everyday, but none are really becoming friends that I would call and hang out with outside of work. Let alone call at 2 am during a crisis! The ones that I have most in common with are my parents age. Is that a problem? Maybe that's because the one's my age are all about their kids. As they should be. But I am not, ya know?
I am sure that time will provide more opportunities to get out and meet people and find my niche. I hope to volunteer around town and see where that leads. I never have a hard time making friends. But here, I am having a hard time meeting people, who could, potentially become my friends.
Oddly enough, I think that this has brought J and I closer. It's like us against the world, in a way. And I am grateful that we get along so well and genuinely enjoy spending time together. But I also know that, for his sake and mine, I need to get a few girlfriends here in town. Ones with whom I can go see chic flicks, gossip about the latest hollyweird dramas, spend hours shopping for shoes and buying nothing, lamenting over marriage stuff and family stuff and money stuff and career stuff. You know, sister-friends? All of mine are on the west coast. And I am here, in the midwest. Kind of poses a geographically undesirable issue. And since none of my leftcoast sister-friends want to move to the midwest, that means I've gotta meet some new girlies here. So, that's the plan. And maybe that means by this time next year, I will be looking forward to a fabulous 35th birthday party with all my new friends. Or packing it up and flying back to the west coast. Only time will tell.
First of all, it's the first bday in about 15 years that my twin brother and I will have not celebrated together. So that's kind of weird. And honestly? Not really anything I would have even thought of before, but now, because we're not together on our birthday, I am.
And of course, the rest of my family's not here and J has to work a double shift tomorrow and with no friends here that means I will spend the evening, after work, alone. Well, alone with the furbabies.
So...I am having a pity party, sort-of. My friends from a far have emailed and called or sent cards and my family has too, but honestly, this is a first for me. And frankly, I don't like it. So I am going to try to embrace it...book a massage for myself after work, eat sushi and take the dogs for a walk in the prettiest park in town. And I am going to try to get over this hump... 34...nearly 35, which had so many attachments to it when I was in my 20's.
It was my cut-off point for pursuiing an opera career (obviously I checked out early) and in a way, the cut-off for kids. As in, if I don't feel the "baby bug" by 35 I am not having kids. It's no surprise that I don't have "baby rabies" but now I feel, in a way, that time is running out. Or something. I cannot quite put my finger on it, but this is the first birthday, ever, that I have not looked forward to and I am not sure why. Probably ALL of the above, huh?
We have been here nearly 6 months and I am ready to make some friends. I see coworkers everyday, but none are really becoming friends that I would call and hang out with outside of work. Let alone call at 2 am during a crisis! The ones that I have most in common with are my parents age. Is that a problem? Maybe that's because the one's my age are all about their kids. As they should be. But I am not, ya know?
I am sure that time will provide more opportunities to get out and meet people and find my niche. I hope to volunteer around town and see where that leads. I never have a hard time making friends. But here, I am having a hard time meeting people, who could, potentially become my friends.
Oddly enough, I think that this has brought J and I closer. It's like us against the world, in a way. And I am grateful that we get along so well and genuinely enjoy spending time together. But I also know that, for his sake and mine, I need to get a few girlfriends here in town. Ones with whom I can go see chic flicks, gossip about the latest hollyweird dramas, spend hours shopping for shoes and buying nothing, lamenting over marriage stuff and family stuff and money stuff and career stuff. You know, sister-friends? All of mine are on the west coast. And I am here, in the midwest. Kind of poses a geographically undesirable issue. And since none of my leftcoast sister-friends want to move to the midwest, that means I've gotta meet some new girlies here. So, that's the plan. And maybe that means by this time next year, I will be looking forward to a fabulous 35th birthday party with all my new friends. Or packing it up and flying back to the west coast. Only time will tell.
Brrrr....
We hit 22 degrees overnight and we had a "high" of 44. Brrrr! It's c-c-cold! Unseasonably cold. But beautifully crisp and clear and we actually have sun. But it's bitterly cold and when the wind kicks up, downright bone chilling. I need to get some long-johns. Seriously, flannel sheets, down blankets, cotton blankets, a down comforter AND two warm blooded pups plus one hot man and I am still cold at night!
On the up side...gas is $1.62 today. We filled up for $20. Haven't been able to say that in YEARS. Guess the savings will offset our heating costs this winter, because if it's gonna be this cold, the heater is going to get some use.
On the up side...gas is $1.62 today. We filled up for $20. Haven't been able to say that in YEARS. Guess the savings will offset our heating costs this winter, because if it's gonna be this cold, the heater is going to get some use.
New Red Lamp
J had to work today so I ran errands and cleaned house. Fun Sunday, eh? Not too bad, I actually like to start the week with a clean home. And now I have a more well-lit home too. Since the time change we have been wanting a new lamp for the "great room" (read: living room + dining area in one space) and today I bought this:
Where'd I get it? Chez Target, of course! My favorite store...especially now since the one here has a full-fledged grocery store in it! So I got the lamp, protein powder for J, some veggies for dinner and laundry soap...all in one stop. Isn't that great? And now we have this fabulous red-shadded lamp in our living room. It looks great with our decor and best of all, we have a well-lit room. Mission accomplished.
Where'd I get it? Chez Target, of course! My favorite store...especially now since the one here has a full-fledged grocery store in it! So I got the lamp, protein powder for J, some veggies for dinner and laundry soap...all in one stop. Isn't that great? And now we have this fabulous red-shadded lamp in our living room. It looks great with our decor and best of all, we have a well-lit room. Mission accomplished.
Saturday Date
J and I both had today off! So we spent the morning at a leisurely pace, cleaned up some of the fallen leaves in our driveway/front yard and then headed out to Brookside to walk around and have a nosh.
We ended up at Keo Asian Restaurant which was awesome! We had ahi poke (yum, yum and thrilled we found a place in town that makes it!), fresh spring rolls, chicken skewers, steamed mussels, seasoned edamame, and tom ka (coconut curry soup with chicken)...it's total asian fusion and so yummy!
We also happened by a modern furnishings store and saw the coolest thing ever. And Eco friendly, ventless fireplace. So cool! It burned ethanol (denatured alcohol)...check it out! EcoSmartFire.com
You can get their uber modern designs or just buy the insert for a traditional fireplace. How cool is that? And they put out some heat! Pyromaniac J loved it.
We also perused a chi-chi grocery store with lots of yummy stuff including our favorite stinky cheeses as well as a specialty coffee/tea store that had our favorite jasmine pearl tea for $170/lb. OUCH! On the way home we stopped at I got a peppermint hot chocolate from Starbucks. Feels like the holidays! It's downright cold in the evenings here...right now, it's 45 degrees outside. I know it will get colder the closer we get to Winter Soltice...brr!
We ended up at Keo Asian Restaurant which was awesome! We had ahi poke (yum, yum and thrilled we found a place in town that makes it!), fresh spring rolls, chicken skewers, steamed mussels, seasoned edamame, and tom ka (coconut curry soup with chicken)...it's total asian fusion and so yummy!
We also happened by a modern furnishings store and saw the coolest thing ever. And Eco friendly, ventless fireplace. So cool! It burned ethanol (denatured alcohol)...check it out! EcoSmartFire.com
You can get their uber modern designs or just buy the insert for a traditional fireplace. How cool is that? And they put out some heat! Pyromaniac J loved it.
We also perused a chi-chi grocery store with lots of yummy stuff including our favorite stinky cheeses as well as a specialty coffee/tea store that had our favorite jasmine pearl tea for $170/lb. OUCH! On the way home we stopped at I got a peppermint hot chocolate from Starbucks. Feels like the holidays! It's downright cold in the evenings here...right now, it's 45 degrees outside. I know it will get colder the closer we get to Winter Soltice...brr!
I am tired and cold...
I cannot adjust to Tulsa time. I have been home 3 days and I am still off my clock! Doesn't help that we "fell back" while I was gone and Hawaii doesn't. So I went from a 5 hour difference to 4. And then home to early darkness. It's dark here between 5:30-6:00 pm! Last night I forced myself to bed at midnight and layed there listening to the dogs snore until I finally got up at 3:00 am, still wide awake. I finally returned to bed around 5:00 am knowing I'd be up again in 3 hours for work. I slipped into work at 9:00 am and dragged through the day fueled by unleaded coffee. I ducked out at 4:30 pm...since I am already nearing my 40 hour mark this week and it's only Wednesday!
It was chilly today too! Never got above 58 degrees! I wore a sweater and boots AND my wool pea coat! The sun finally broke through the clouds around 3:30 pm and warmed us up, just a tad. It's supposed to get down to freezing temps at night this week. Brrr! Loving the flannel sheets, thermal drapes and new rugs in our bedroom. Keeps things toasty. Well that and my man, two dogs and the cat. It's a full bed! I hope to fall fast asleep tonight...pleeeeaaaasssee! I know J will be pooped...it's another late night for him. Poor baby! When he has both gigs on one day it makes for an early morning (4:30 am) and a late night (10:00 pm). He's a trooper though and once this training period is over he'll only be doing it 2-3 times a week. Oh, have I mentioned that gas is now $1.75/gal.? That's awesome!
It was chilly today too! Never got above 58 degrees! I wore a sweater and boots AND my wool pea coat! The sun finally broke through the clouds around 3:30 pm and warmed us up, just a tad. It's supposed to get down to freezing temps at night this week. Brrr! Loving the flannel sheets, thermal drapes and new rugs in our bedroom. Keeps things toasty. Well that and my man, two dogs and the cat. It's a full bed! I hope to fall fast asleep tonight...pleeeeaaaasssee! I know J will be pooped...it's another late night for him. Poor baby! When he has both gigs on one day it makes for an early morning (4:30 am) and a late night (10:00 pm). He's a trooper though and once this training period is over he'll only be doing it 2-3 times a week. Oh, have I mentioned that gas is now $1.75/gal.? That's awesome!
I'm back from Hawaii...
12 hours later, I am finally home. Flying to Hawaii from Oklahoma is no joke. I now know how spoiled we were, being able to get to Hawaii in 6 hours from CA.
Anyway, it was a long, long 10 days in Hawaii. Thankfully I had a wonderful room at the Hilton Hawaiian Beach Resort and Spa in Waikiki. It was my refuge from the 16 hour work days. My feet will never be the same, I am sure of it. I had 1.5 days off, which I used exploring the island and hanging on the beach. I was also able to meet some of my internet friends from TheKnot.com's Hawaii Brides Board. These are the ladies I connected with when I was planning our wedding in Hawaii and we've just kept in touch via email, Facebook and The Knot over the past two years. I finally met them in person over some yummy local grinds (food) at the Side Street Inn:
From Left to Right: Evonne (MrsBabySalute), Lisa (LisaKeiko), Nicole (MrsNicole&Brian808), Me (Married2MrWright) and Sarah (MrsZiz)
Pinneapple growing at the Dole Plantation
Anyway, it was a long, long 10 days in Hawaii. Thankfully I had a wonderful room at the Hilton Hawaiian Beach Resort and Spa in Waikiki. It was my refuge from the 16 hour work days. My feet will never be the same, I am sure of it. I had 1.5 days off, which I used exploring the island and hanging on the beach. I was also able to meet some of my internet friends from TheKnot.com's Hawaii Brides Board. These are the ladies I connected with when I was planning our wedding in Hawaii and we've just kept in touch via email, Facebook and The Knot over the past two years. I finally met them in person over some yummy local grinds (food) at the Side Street Inn:
From Left to Right: Evonne (MrsBabySalute), Lisa (LisaKeiko), Nicole (MrsNicole&Brian808), Me (Married2MrWright) and Sarah (MrsZiz)That was the most fun I had all week. The food was delicious and the company was even better!
Let's see, I won't get into the nitty-gritty...the first part of the week was spent in Board Meetings and then an all day festival for girls aged 25 and under. The rest of the week, I was the backstage manager for the quartet and chorus contests. That was all well and good, except that I soon discovered that I am very allergic to the fire retardant chemical that was on the stage curtains and I broke out in a nasty rash all over my body. Good times. And then, in my exhaustion, I left my carry-on behind in the rental car along with my house/car keys, camera and eye glasses. Thankfully, my colleague found it and it will make it's way back to Tulsa later this week. I did have to take a cab home from the airport because J was at work when I arrived. Later, he took me back to the airport to get my car out of long term parking. WHEW!
To recap:
Average number of hours worked each day: 12
Average number of daily shoe changes to help my aching feet: 3
Number of hives on the parts of my body that came in contact with the stage curtains: hundreds
Number of tubes of Benadryl cream: 3
Number of bags left behind: 1
Missing a once-in-a-lifetime history-making election: PRICELESS.
I voted absentee, but I was basically in a convention vacuum and missed all of election day! I got text message updates from J and during my dinner break was able to see snippets of the McCain's concession speech. But that was about it. I tried to catch up on the action later that night, as much as possibe on CNN, but with an 8 hour difference between Hawaii and the East Coast, I feel like I missed the whole thing. That's pretty sad.
I wrote to our OK Senator and former Congressman, Tom Coburn, and requested tickets to the Obama-Biden Inauguration in Washington D.C. Hey! It never hurts to ask, right? Apparently, the only legitimate way to get tickets is from your state respresntative. I mentioned our being an interracial couple and that J is bi-racial. I also mentioned that I had sung with his opera singer daughter, Sarah Coburn, at the Metropolitan Opera competition back in 2001. Who knows, we might get the tix! He's a Republican anyway, so I am sure he'd be happy to give them away, right!?
More pics of my week in Waikiki to come, once I get my camera back. I never thought I'd be anxious to leave Hawaii, but I must say, it's good to be home.
UPDATE: Here are some pics from my 10 days in Honolulu:
On the balcony of my suite in the Rainbow Tower overlooking Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head in the distance
Sunrise
View of the main swimming pool and Ali'i Tower and their rooftop pool
Pinneapple growing at the Dole Plantation
