Keepin' On

Well, here we are... The end of another school year and the beginning of the summer season.  I successfully finished another school year.  The successfully part has to wait.  Still no grades.  If things go accordingly, this time next year I will be "Laura Houser Oblinger, J.D." and have begun Bar prep.  In the meantime, I managed to become even busier.

I started another journal article.  So that should be fun.  I have temporarily moved away from Topeka and back to Mulvane. The roommates are thrilled.  Tyler not so much as he stayed in Topeka to hold down the fort and bring home the bacon.  But the move is only temporary; I am interning in Wichita.  The Wichita internship seems promising.  Mainly because I got to join a softball team.  They have been pretty impressed with my mad-whack skills.

The 'Cats won another Big 12 Championship.  For all you keeping track, that makes three.  In one year.  This time in baseball.  They are currently playing in the College World Series.  Let's go Bat Cats.

Tyler and I also celebrated our one year anniversary this weekend.  I reckon we'll try for one more year.  ;)  It really has been a great year.  We were finally in the same town for the first time in four and a half years, and we decided we could handle it.  To celebrate we tried Newport Grill at Bradley Fair.  Quite tasty.  Watched Fast & Furious 6 afterward.  Not so impressive.  At one point, I acknowledged the ridiculousness of it all... Out loud.  Whoops.

We have also been debating adding a member to our family.  A member of the furry, four-legged kind.  And, no, I am not describing a mutant child.  I am talking about a dog.  For a while we were going through "The Great Dog Debate, Part IV" in which Tyler advocated for a lab while I pushed for a Brittany.  But I think we are back in agreement on a German Shorthaired Pointer.  Gluttons for punishment.  Either way, we will wait until after I graduate and take the Bar.  So I'm sure you all will be waiting patiently for that news.

I really think I have thrown too much excitement at you in one post.  This week brings River Fest food and the continued marvel at how different the roommates' utensils are than mine.  (They just don't mold to the hand like mine do...)  Until next time!

Didja miss me?

So it has been a while. Therefore, I am just going to do a stream-of-consciousness type post. Just to get caught up. And they are in no particular order... Probably not chronological either.

• March Madness... is obviously over. But it has happened since my last post so it fits in here. Tyler and I traveled with our friend Blake to KC to watch K-State play in the first second round. Let's just say it was rough. But whatever. Co-champs in football and men's basketball? I guess that will have to make up for it. But Wichita State had quite the run so that at least made the rest of the tournament fun. So there's that.

• It would seem I get to attend my first Cubs game this summer at Wrigley field. Totally thrilled. Just need to make sure I have the time off.

• I am starting my next article for the Law Journal. (And by starting, I mean getting ready to pitch my topic.) This time it is called a "Note." (FYI, the last one was called a "Comment.") Pre-law school, a Note meant it would need to fit on a post-it... two at most. Nope... in law school we're talkin' 35-50 pages. Woof. But the topics are a little more "loose" than the last go around. I'm planning to pitch a "guns on university/college campus" topic as Plan A. Here's hoping for publication this time around!

• K-State football is gearing up. Tyler and I received our "complimentary" Purple/White Game tickets in the mail this past week. We will be official season ticket-holders for the upcoming season. We are both pretty thrilled. The first game of the season falls on Tyler's birthday this year so we will be having birthday cake and hopefully a Wildcat victory to top off the night!

• My 2014 graduation date has been set. I will be finishing my academic career (fingers crossed) next school year. And celebrating all that hard work on May 17. Save the date now ;) Unfortunately, graduation just means I get to celebrate by preparing for the Bar. Halfway celebrating, halfway freaking out then. Sounds like law school.

• But before graduation happens, I have to pass this semester... And the next one and the one after that. Finals this semester start in two weeks (crap...). Good news: I am done by April 30 (paper due on May 8). I'll take that.

• With finals ending, I am going to need to add to my reading list. Any suggestions? I don't even know what's hip these days.

• Also since my last post, spring break has happened (...I told you not to expect chronological order). This year I went to Breckenridge, CO with a group from school. Had a blast, but I decided I am most certainly a "summer Coloradian" (Coloradan?). Definitely want to take the ATVs back in the summer. Here's hoping next year's spring break is somewhere warm! (C'mon, guys, a cruise is where it's at!)

• In other news, I am currently watching The Masters. Maybe one day I will get to go in person. But rumor has it, it will set me back $3,000/person. Woof. Tyler better be making the big bucks some day.

• Spring is for sure a favorite season of mine. Really need to step up the thunderstorms, though. And cut down on the sneezing.

• I am super disappointed that Scandal won't have a new episode until April 25... three weeks after the last new one. If you are not into Scandal, you should be. Coming from the person who doesn't watch The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, Mad Men, Homeland... So take that for what's it worth.

• In about 2.5 months, I will be turning 25. Not quite sure how I am feeling about this. I'll get back to you.

• Then again, in about 1.5 months, Tyler and I will celebrate our 1 + 7 year anniversary. Feeling pretty stoked about that one.

• My middle brother Greg obtained his restricted license in March. He is now driving to and from school and track practice. In the Dodge Ram. Yikes.

• The youngest brother, Jeff, will try for his learner's permit in July. I am banking on him getting to drive the Honda CRV. Lucky dog.

• I am definitely getting old. 25 sounds terrible.

• Last week I attended my first Sporting KC game. Loved it. Who knew soccer could be so fun? Now I just need to learn the rules. Other than the "no hands" thing. I think I have that one down.

• People who follow me on Pinterest likely think I have an eating problem. I tend to only pin recipes. I'll really try to add some variety, Pinterest followers.

So that's pretty much what's up. Be back soon!

Things I Learned on the Cruise...

Alrighty, I'm back in Top City, and I didn't have anything better to do (taking down Christmas decorations, unpacking, and doing laundry are not important...)... So I thought I might as well share my musings from our cruise! Prepare yourself, though, these are tiny little nuggets of wisdom that may or may not change your life.

1. The City of Miami is my long lost home. As of yet, it has not replaced Portland as number one on my "future places to call home" list. But it is definitely up there. However, Tyler thinks I will have problems with the summer. Apparently I am not a pleasant person when I get sweaty? No idea what he is talking about...

2. I have a problem with carbs. A big problem. Let's just say I would never last on the Atkin's Diet.

3. The people may be speaking another language, but it is totally obvious when someone is getting their butt chewed. That's universal in any language.

4. Tervis cups are a lifesaver. Apparently comparing myself to a camel was inaccurate (thanks, Tyler)... So maybe a fish would be more accurate. Whatever it is, I love my water. And the little tiny baby cups will not cut it.

5. If I thought I walked funny on land, you ain't seen nothing 'til you watch me walk around a cruise ship on choppy water. I mean, I didn't even need to get drunk. I just always felt the effects. Heels were a particularly unique challenge.

6. Working on out on Deck 11 is a special kind of torture. Man. See number 5 regarding walking. And times that by two.

7. Bring more stretchy pants. So much food. And cutting back on it is out of the question. So I'll just pack more stretchy pants. Lots of elastic. And drawstrings.

8. If I lived in the Eastern time zone, I would not be able to watch late television shows live. They would always be DVRed. Who really stays awake until 11:00pm for that? I mean, I LOVE Scandal. But I would just have to wait until Friday to watch it. Nine 'o clock central is late enough.

9. Who even thought one-ply toilet paper should be manufactured? Honestly. Horrible idea.

10. I am ready to go back! Any time. So if you go, take me. Please.

Reasons to be Thankful

So Facebook has been flooded lately with daily thankful statuses. While I opted out, I have plenty to be thankful for. Since Thanksgiving is one week (and one-ish day) away, I thought this would be the perfect time for a thankful post!

1. Tyler Chase. I managed to find this guy seven - seven and a half on December 2 - years ago. I never imagined we would have made it this far, but I am glad we did. I always tease and act like he's a bother, but I often say that I don't know many people who could put up with half the things he does. He brings me back to earth. I'm thankful to have him in my life and the comic relief he provides.

2. My family. While I put them in "one" number, I have separate reasons for each. My mother has been my main motivator since I can remember. She may drive me nuts sometimes, but she truly is a great friend (as well as my mother). I am thankful to have her to count on when things are up and when things are down. My father and I have always had a unique relationship. Even though neither of us are all that "sentimental" or "expressive," he's always been there for me. He encourages my schoolwork and raised me to appreciate the finer things in life: Jeeps and 4-wheeling! My middle brother, Gregory, was a special "present." I waited 9 years to be a big sister, and I can't have asked for a better brother. We may not always see eye to eye, and he may be the lone "feeler" in a family of jokesters, but he has one of the biggest hearts and cares about me more than I deserve sometimes! I am so proud of everything he has accomplished and all the things he will be accomplishing as he prepares to complete his first year of high school... And eventually a degree ;) My youngest brother, Jeffrey, was not always appreciated by me. Actually, when I found out I would be a big sister again, I cried. And then when I found out it was another brother, I got mad. But God has reasons, and he probably knew I didn't need a sister. Instead, I got Jeffrey. Who is a little too much like me but has a great sense of humor and keeps us all on our toes. I look forward to all the excitement he provides my parents as he enters high school next year. I am lucky to have two amazing brothers who are finally getting old enough to be cool! :) I am truly thankful to have such an amazing family, and I miss being near them while I work on this degree!

3. Extended family. Somehow I hit the jackpot here too. My Nanny and Poppy have always been amazing; it is hard to not be around for Friday/Sunday night dinners and Nanny's cooking. I miss them so much, and I can't wait for Thanksgiving and apple pie! I know how proud they are of me, and I hope I can continue making them proud. I miss my Grandma and Grandpa Houser, too. Grandma had to be one of the most amazing women I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She cared about everyone. I miss playing Sorry and Memory with her! While I never was as close to my Grandpa, I truly admire his service to this country and his dedication to providing for his family. He served in WWII and experienced things that I hope to never experience... And I know I won't have to because of all the brave men and women just like him who sacrifice for this country every day.

4. My "new" family. I officially added a whole new family this summer... despite calling them "family" for a few years now. I am so blessed to have married a man with an amazing family who welcomed me. I know Tyler is such an amazing man because of how he was raised, and I will be forever thankful for that. And now I have the sisters I have always wanted... And a few brothers too! And nieces and nephews to spoil!

5. My education. Law school is often a pain in my behind, but when I complain, I remind myself there are (somewhere out there, I'm sure) people who would love to be in this position. I am blessed to have an opportunity to further my education and in such a challenging way. I can't imagine being anywhere else right now, and I am glad I ended up at Washburn.

6. My law school family. I have met some of the most AMAZING people in law school. It is crazy to think we can spend so much time together and still get along so well (little family problems aside!). I love being somewhere that I truly fit in, and it is awesome to know that I will forever have the relationships I have formed here.

7. My friends. I know I have some of the greatest friends a girl could ask for. So many of you reminded me of this when you joined Tyler and I this past June to celebrate our marriage. I always say that my family and friends are far more important than any stress or schoolwork I may have, and that is most definitely an understatement. A people person like myself could never survive without you all.

8. General health and good fortune. I never wondered where my next meal would come from or where I would sleep at night. Again, I have my parents and family to thank. Because of them, Tyler and I can take care of ourselves. I think it's one of the greatest testaments to a parent when their children can stand on their own and make it in this world. I have always been blessed with employment and am thankful for those skills. I know we'll always "get by."

9. My (former) students. I know I will never be able to tell them, but I learned SO MUCH in my year of teaching. Every day I tell people that I miss my students the most. They may not know it, but they made that year bearable. I learned patience and compassion and what it truly means to be a part of a "community" when I taught at Bishop Carroll. Maybe someday I'll return to teaching, but I don't think it will ever be the same as that first year!

10. Kansas State University. Yes, I had to have a non-sentimental one on here! I love my 'Cats. This year they have made it a little easier to love them, but I love what K-State stands for and the people there. I may not have always called it "home," but I have to thank Tyler for leading the way. I am an adoptive member of the K-State family and am VERY proud to be there. (Plus, it makes gameday so much easier in the Houser-Oblinger house!)

So there, my thankful post in one nice, neat list. Ha, as if I could put all that I am thankful for in one succinct list. As we all are, I am thankful for so many things-the sun rising, waking up in the morning, rainy days, and books-but I knew I needed to give credit to the most important things in my life.

Thanks, everyone! And enjoy the holidays!

Chili + Cinnamon Rolls

As the weather starts to cool off, I am putting soup on the weekly menu. Chili in the crockpot is one of my favorites. And if I have chili in the crockpot, I have cinnamon rolls in the oven. So, friends, how many of you are aware of the pure amazing-ness of the chili + cinnamon roll combo? I know the Mulvane grads are. Best lunch ever. If you were lucky, you would get the lunch lady that let you pick the biggest cinnamon roll with the best icing. Those were definitely the days. Because now I have to make my own. But I digress. Today I discovered not everyone has experienced this lunch. Shocked? Trust me, I most certainly was. And not only have people not eaten chili and cinnamon rolls at the same sitting, but they cannot believe why a person would want to do such a thing. This revelation prompted me to ponder how in the world this combination ever developed. So I did what anyone would do: Googled it and took an informal office poll...Because I just do not have anything better to do with my time...

My in-depth and hard-hitting research revealed that it's really a midwest thing. And I'm not talking Indiana midwest (or as one friend called it today, the mideast...HA). I am talking Kansas and Nebraska midwest. Maybe northwest Missouri, but do we really recognize Missouri? (Kidding. Kind of.) Everyone I talked to remember the "tradition" first popping up in school. I know that's where I first experienced it. The only variation I noticed was whether or not the cinnamon roll had icing. Ours always did. Obviously. BEST PART. The other similarity: no one seems to know where it started. Just that it was always served as school lunch.

For those of you foreign to this amazing duo: don't knock it till you try it. I cannot speak for everyone else, but you don't actually eat the two together. They are just included in the same meal. It's not like cornbread where you dip it in the chili. You just enjoy the cinnamon roll and the chili. Separately. But if you really wanted to, I am sure you could dip it.

One thing I know, I owe those visionary lunchladies of long ago a great big THANK YOU for giving me just another reason to eat cinnamon rolls as a "side."

Tomorrow night, chili and cinnamon rolls at the Oblinger house.

Kicking Off Fall

Bring on Fall! Like most, fall is a tie for favorite season. It means the return of college football and weather change and hoodies and soup and prime time television...And apple related dishes! So far, fall has been plenty full of K-State football. And this has been a great season to be a K-State fan. Instead of student tickets, Tyler and I are jumping seats each game... We have used his company tickets and some family tickets. Looks like we might have to fill in some gaps with GA tickets. The Wildcats have started the season 4-0 with the latest win over Oklahoma propelling the team to No. 7 in the AP polls. Hopefully the 'Cats keep it rolling! I think these pictures explain the season to now...

View before the opening game against Missouri State

Final Missouri State score

Final score against Miami

What happens when Tyler forgets sunscreen

Another fall favorite, season and series premiere, are in full swing this week. I have decided that I may have a problem...

List of fall shows

I mean, it's hard to choose just a couple. They are mindless entertainment. And having a DVR lends itself forces me to watch them. :) Definitely looking forward to a couple new ones this season - Revolution, Nashville, Mob Doctor - as well as my old favorites - Bones, Revenge, Amazing Race, The Good Wife, Modern Family, Scandal, Grey's Anatomy (among others). 

I am also working on finding decorations for the house. I am torn between two Target options:

 Owl Votives VS

Glitter Pumpkins

In the meantime, I plan to live fall to its fallest! We've already had one bonfire but no apple desserts to date. Ready for a pumpkin patch trip, too! This weekend, Tyler and I are headed home to watch Mulvane in their homecoming game against Rose Hill. Ye ole rivalry. Oddly excited!

So, until next time!

Catching Up!

And I'm back! Pardon my absence... I just find I either a) don't have anything cool to say or b) forget when I do something cool. So since it has been four or so months, I thought I would do a catch-up post!

1. At the end of last semester, I moved from my first apartment... To my first duplex. Or shall I say our first duplex? ...See #3! Either way, I might give a tour some other time.

2. I finished my second semester of law school... Four to go! Now I am entrusted to choosing my own classes and schedule. I feel so grown up and mature. Ha!

3. Tyler and I FINALLY got married! June 2, 2012 - exactly seven years after we started dating - we tied the knot. It feels good to be official. But now I feel like I have to start my counting over. (i.e., next June 2, instead of our "8 year anniversary," it will be our first anniversary) I think I'll just say, "Seven plus one" next year.

4.  I started a new job...And my first job in the legal field. I am a law clerk for the Kansas Highway Patrol. I have really enjoyed it. Plus, I can always use some extra spending money!

5. I met my nephew, Grady Mack, on July 4. He's our new little firecracker! And I am more than happy to share my favorite holiday! Here's a not-so-recent picture of he and I:

6.  My best friend, Rachel, also got hitched on August 11 to her longtime love. I was very honored to serve as one of her bridesmaids. I enjoyed returning the favor; Rachel helped me so much on my big day!

7. I made it to another Old Settler's celebration. My middle brother, Greg (aka Greggy!), is a freshman this year and is a member of the Mulvane High Drumline. We watched him in the parade with his monster bass drum. He has grown up so quickly...I often feel lucky to be able to say I remember the day he was born. One perk of being the oldest by nine years!

8. I started another semester of law school. I decided to go ahead and finish up the required classes with Evidence, Constitutional Law II, and Secured Transactions. I added Health Care Law & Policy for fun. Add my Law Journal obligations on top of that, and I stay busy enough. Tyler has been great with the crazy schedule!

9. I met my niece, Hadley Ann, on September 13. She is beautiful; I wish we lived close to both Hadley and Grady... Maybe someday! I am thrilled to watch the two newest "cousins" grow up together. Cousins are always the best! Sadly, I do not have a picture with Hadley yet. I plan to have one soon!

10. I read and read and read plenty of books this summer! I had plenty of favorites. James Patterson's Private Games was great. I am still waiting to read Emily Giffin's latest. Alex Kava released another installment in the Maggie O'Dell series, Fireproof. One of my favorites is from the "romantic comedy" genre. I picked it up on a whim at Target... There's Cake in My Future by Kim Gruenenfelder. The book followed three friends after a "cake pull." (Which I really need to do some day...) I enjoyed the shifting stories. Definitely recommend it! I also read Danielle Steel's Friends Forever. I was not impressed with the writing quality, but I really liked the story. It follows five best friends and their journey through life. ...Basically I should not get on the topic of books! Because I ramble.

Really, that is my summer in a nutshell. It seemed a lot busier than that... Either way, I think I am ready to keep up to date now! Here's a picture wrap-up to leave you with:

 Celebrating the Olympics with Budweiser and apple pie!

Our new kitchen table!

A nice summer treat - Tad's sno cone!