How 'Mommy' Can You Be at Work?

This headline caught my eye yesterday as I perused the MSN website: How 'Mommy' Can You Be at Work? The first thought I had was, how insulting and condescending! What an awful double standard! I cannot imagine coming across an article with the headline of How 'Daddy' Can You Be at Work?

Reading the article did not improve my initial reaction to the headline. The basic premise of the article highlights the balancing act facing the 31 million working moms* who are juggling the responsibilities of motherhood with the responsibilities of employment. The article cited a study that found co-workers believed working moms* were less dedicated employees. The journalist also talked to women who felt they had to hide the fact they were a mother in order to be respected at work.

Articles like this confirm my belief that there is still a capacious gender gap that permeates our society. It might not be popular, but it is true: women and men are treated differently, and nowhere is that more evident than in the workplace.

The article hypothesizes that the balancing act should disappear once Millennials take on management positions because "the generational shift will bring enormous changes to how, where and when we work. And that's only good news for working moms."

However, I am not as optimistic. I think there will always be a double standard between "working moms" and "working dads" due to the gender roles assigned by society wherein women are caretakers and men are providers.

What do you think? 


*I hate the term "working moms" but I used it because it was used in the article. I would prefer the cumbersome term "moms who are employed outside the home" because using the term "working moms" diminishes the endeavors of "moms who are not employed outside the home." Makes sense, right?

Friday Flashback

Five years ago, on May 17, 2006, a certain boy took a certain girl to Bahama Breeze for dinner.

After dinner, the boy suggested a walk around nearby Lake Hefner with the girl.

During the romantic walk, the boy reached into his pocket, took out a ring, and asked the girl to marry him.

The girl said yes.

Bossypants and Inside Job

Just like a child waiting for Christmas, I have been impatiently anxiously waiting for two items I reserved at the library eons ago. Imagine my delight when I got the email a few days ago that they were both ready!

Yes, I am a nerd.

First up, Inside Job (2010) is a critically acclaimed documentary about the worldwide financial meltdown that came to a head in 2008. The film includes interviews with major players in the economic, academic, and political arenas. Told in five parts, it takes viewers back several years to show how changes in certain regulations and financial practices led to increased risk-taking that eventually resulted in the financial crisis.

What makes Inside Job a great film is that it takes complex issues and presents them in a way that tells a compelling, and at times, outrageous story of corruption, greed, and incompetence. This movie will probably make you angry, and if it doesn't, it should. It is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in learning more about what led to our current economic climate as well as highlighting some of the conflicts of interest between the regulatory and commercial realms.

This film is very well done, and if my review is not convincing enough, Inside Job won Best Documentary (Feature) at this year's Academy Awards. Watch it!

A final selling point? It is narrated by Matt Damon

I rest my case.

Next up, Bossypants by the hilarious Tina Fey of 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live fame. At just under 300 pages, this book is a very quick read thanks to the entertaining humor of Tina Fey.

Just looking at the back cover, with its made up quotes praising the book, you know this is going to be good. And it is good. Bossypants is not an autobiography per se, it is more a compilation of stories about pivotal times in Tina's life including her first foray in community theater as a teen, her work in the improv comedy trenches at Second City in Chicago, and her successes in New York City on both Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.

My favorite part of the book was her recalling the auspicious luck of John McCain's pick of Sarah Palin as his Vice-Presidential running mate in the 2008 presidential election, and the surrounding notoriety it brought her. Pure comedy gold.

The remainder of the book contains funny anecdotes about magazine photoshoots, disgusting habits of male co-workers, and the burdens of being a mother, just to name a few. While humorous, the book is also revealing as Tina discusses her dilemmas about having another child (I guess we know how that turned out) and the ugly truth of sexism in television and the workplace. 


Bossypants is an enjoyable and entertaining read. I recommend it to anyone who needs a good laugh or who appreciates a strong, intelligent female.

Miscellaneous Monday Musings

One positive to warmer weather is the increased availability of fresh fruits and veggies. After spying this recipe for Lemon Blueberry pancakes, I added lemons and blueberries to my weekly grocery list as I knew the pancakes would make for a great Sunday brunch.

I was not disappointed. These pancakes are phenomenal! Personally, I felt the lemon juice and lemon peel were the showcase flavor of the pancakes. They completely overshadowed the blueberries. If you make these, don't even bother putting syrup on the pancakes because it will just inhibit the glorious lemon flavors. To me, these pancakes just taste like summer - make them sometime soon!

I had leftover blueberries I didn't want to go to waste, so I decided the make a recipe I bookmarked a few weeks ago from  Nicole over at Prevention RD for Low Fat Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins. I love Prevention RD because Nicole is a registered dietitian and she posts unique recipes that include a breakdown of the nutrition information.

The pictures I took with my phone obviously don't do these muffins any favors, but don't let that deter you from making them. I followed the recipe fairly close, but I added a too ripe banana I had lying around and a 1/4 cup of walnuts. These muffins re-heat great for a breakfast on the run and they are a nice guilt-free option for anyone who enjoys carbs.

I will leave you with a couple of cell phone pictures taken over the weekend. Have a great week!

 

50 Free Things to Do In Oklahoma

Summer is the perfect time for a vacation, but you don't have to travel far to get a change of scenery or see something unique.

A weekend away or a day trip exploring our state might just be the thing to recharge your batteries during the dog days of summer.

An added bonus? This list is wallet-friendly!

From the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department:

#1 - Oklahoma City National Memorial**

Travel to downtown Oklahoma City to see the site of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Wander through the grounds of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and reflect upon the outdoor Field of Empty Chairs, the massive bronze Gates of Time and the Survivor Tree, a testament to the city’s strength and perseverance. 

#2 - Historic Route 66

Oklahoma is home to the largest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the nation. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of this old highway, remember days past and discover quirky roadside stops along the way as you travel down the historic Mother Road.

#3 - Blue Whale & Totem Pole Park

The Blue Whale of Catoosa and Totem Pole Park of Foyil are wonderful outdoor attractions along the eastern stretch of Oklahoma’s Route 66. Pack a picnic lunch and take advantage of a great photo-op at these fun, out-of-the-ordinary Route 66 pit stops. 

#4 - Round Barn & POPS**

Uncover what central Route 66 has to offer by visiting the Round Barn of Arcadia. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this unusual piece of Oklahoma architecture is certainly unique. After the sun goes down, travel down the road to POPS to view its iconic, giant soda bottle illuminated with dazzling LED lights.

#5 - Martin Park Nature Center**

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Oklahoma’s central woodlands and take a calming outdoor break at Martin Park Nature Center. This free Oklahoma City oasis features a variety of winding nature trails, a beautiful creek that runs throughout the park, a bird-observation wall and an on-site nature museum. 

#6 - Gene Autry Museum

Celebrate the old “B” movie Western culture of the singing cowboy at the Gene Autry Museum. Learn about the famous Western movie star and toe-tap to the musical hits of the acclaimed singing legend, Gene Autry, in a town that's named itself after its favorite son.

#7 - Conoco Museum

With numerous computer touch screens, a 40-seat movie theater and a replica development laboratory, it’s a wonder the state-of-the-art Conoco Museum is free.  Take advantage of the free admission and learn about Oklahoma’s oil boom days at this high-tech museum located in Ponca City.

#8 - Will Rogers Memorial Museum

Visit this 12-gallery museum in Claremore dedicated to “America’s favorite son,” and learn about the legendary humorist, movie star and author. Spend an afternoon at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and catch a movie starring the legend, Will Rogers. 

#9 - Oklahoma State Capitol**

Take a free tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol and marvel at the building’s impressive Greco-Roman architecture as a tour guide leads you throughout the structure. Make sure to point your gaze upward to see the magnificent detail work on the inside of the capitol dome. 

#10 - Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion

See where Oklahoma’s governor resides and get a taste of Oklahoma elegance on a tour of the Governor’s Mansion.  Wander through beautiful gardens, view stately architecture and even catch a glimpse of an Oklahoma-shaped swimming pool.

#11 - Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Visit the Chickasaw National Recreation Area near Sulphur and enjoy a wealth of freshwater streams, flowing creeks with waterfalls and the park’s renowned mineral waters. Popular activities include swimming, boating, hiking and cycling.

#12 - Talimena National Scenic Byway*

Known for its magnificent and breathtaking fall foliage, the Talimena National Scenic Byway in southeastern Oklahoma rewards visitors with a winding tour of the area’s forested mountain vistas. While most popular in the fall, the Talimena Drive is beautiful anytime of year. 

#13 - Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge*

The breathtaking Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton is a haven for hikers, wildlife photographers and rock climbers. Free range buffalo, longhorn cattle and prairie dogs call the refuge’s 59,000+ acres home, so be sure to have your camera poised and ready.

#14 - Mount Scott

Drive to the top of Mount Scott in southwestern Oklahoma and be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the slowly undulating landscape below. Rock hop your way to the mountain’s edge and take advantage of the spectacular photographic opportunities found here.

#15 - Honor Heights Park

Nestled in the city of Muskogee, Honor Heights Park is at its most beautiful during the annual Azalea Festival, but can be enjoyed year round. With acres of blooming azaleas, roses and trees, Honor Heights Park is an amazingly beautiful way to spend an afternoon.   

#16 - Spiro Mounds 

Discover the fascinating history of prehistoric Native Americans at the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center in eastern Oklahoma. View the art and artifacts of this long-ago culture and take a tour of the 12 on-site burial and ceremonial mounds. 

#17 - Lake Eufaula

Make your way to Oklahoma’s largest lake to enjoy a variety of water recreation including fishing, swimming and more. Spend a day at the lake, take a refreshing dip in Lake Eufaula’s cool waters or hike on one of the surrounding nature trails.

#18 - Tulsa Gardens

Visit the Tulsa Garden Center for specialty gardens, statuary, fountains and a Victorian-style conservatory. While there, stop by the Linnaeus Teaching Gardens for access to a wide array of annuals and perennials via paved pathways, and don’t miss the Tulsa Municipal Rose Garden featuring over 200 varieties of roses in bloom.

#19 - Great Salt Plains**

Dig for unique hourglass-shaped selenite crystals on the stark and eerily beautiful salt flats of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet. This time-honored family tradition will have you digging below the surface of the flats for crystal treasure you can take with you.

#20 - Tallgrass Prairie Preserve**

Take a scenic drive through the largest protected tallgrass prairie in the U.S. at this large nature preserve near Pawhuska. Keep a look-out for the white-tailed deer, coyotes and buffalo herds that inhabit this stretch of untouched prairie.

#21 - Standing Bear Park

Take a two-mile leisurely walk through Standing Bear Park in Ponca City while learning about the six area American Indian tribes. Come face-to-face with the 22-ft statue of Ponca Chief Standing Bear, or enjoy a peaceful sitting area at the shaded memorial grove.

#22 - Mount Olivet Cemetery

For a truly unique experience, visit the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Hugo. View the elaborate burial stones of rodeo greats or make your way to Showmen’s Rest, a special section of the cemetery dedicated to circus performers who used to winter in Hugo.

#23 - Robbers Cave

Hike the wooded terrain of the San Bois Mountains to Robbers Cave, a former hideout for outlaws traveling through Oklahoma. Other activities in the area include rappelling, mountain biking and swimming in Lake Carlton.

#24 - Washita Battlefield

Find your way to the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site near Cheyenne for a healthy dose of American history. Take the 1.5 mile self-guided trail through the battlefield to witness the site of Lt. Col. Custer’s 1868 surprise attack on a southern Cheyenne village.

#25 - Twister Museum

Explore the town used in the famous blockbuster “Twister,” and visit the Twister Museum for movie props, memorabilia and behind-the-scenes videos. Make sure to take a photo of the famous Wakita water tower, featured prominently in the movie, on your drive into town. 

#26 - Pensacola Dam & Grand Lake

Take a tour of Pensacola Dam, the longest multi-arch dam in the world, and stick around for water recreation and ATVing in and around Grand Lake. With over 1,000 miles of shoreline, Grand Lake has become a top tourist attraction in Oklahoma.    

#27 - Beavers Bend Area*

Visit beautiful Beavers Bend State Park, take in the unique displays at the Forest Heritage Center, enjoy the crystal clear waters of Broken Bow Lake, or take advantage of the spectacular fishing opportunities along the Mountain Fork River in one of the most scenic areas of the state.

#28 - Arts Districts**

Peruse a multitude of art galleries and meet Oklahoma artisans during a monthly art event in one of the state’s acclaimed arts districts. Attend the First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District, the Circuit of Art in Norman or Live on the Plaza in Oklahoma City’s reemerging Plaza District.

#29 - Red Slough Wildlife Management Area 

View over 300 species of native birds while exploring marshes, wetlands, lakes and forest at Red Slough. Tucked inside the Ouachita National Forest, this area is one of the premier watchable wildlife destinations in the state.

#30 - Tulsa River Parks

Take the bicycle out of the garage and dust off that pair of rollerblades and head to Tulsa River Parks, located along the banks of the Arkansas River. With playgrounds, picnic areas and seasonal entertainment, Tulsa River Parks is a haven for outdoor recreation

#31 - Museum of the Red River

The Museum of the Red River is known for its reconstructed skeleton of a dinosaur, Acrocanthosaurus atokensis, excavated only 12 miles from the museum. This Idabel museum also features ethnographic art, American Indian artifacts and archaeological materials.

#32 - Historic Downtown Guthrie**

Travel to Guthrie’s renowned downtown area to view the largest Historic Preservation District in the nation. Transport yourself back to the Old West by viewing a Guthrie gunfight, held each Saturday on the streets of this impressive historic district. 

#33 - Sequoyah’s Cabin

Discover an important chapter in Cherokee history by visiting the 1829 log cabin of Sequoyah, the man who created the famous Cherokee syllabary. While there, view Cherokee exhibits and artifacts on display or enjoy the surrounding 10-acre park.

#34 - Sipokni West 

This replica Old West town has served as a movie set for multiple Western movie productions. Stop by this southern Oklahoma attraction and wander through the charming town of Sipokni West, complete with a sheriff’s office, general store, schoolhouse, trading post and more.

#35 - Heavener Runestone 

Join the ongoing historical debate as to whether Norse Vikings visited Oklahoma in the 11^th century at Heavener Runestone. View the alleged Viking inscription on the park’s rock wall and decide for yourself.

#36 - Art Deco Walking Tour

Take Tulsa’s walking tour and marvel at the city’s Art Deco giants that hearken back to the 1920s. View the work of internationally recognized architects as you stroll between these historic gems. 

#37 - Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park 

Put your courage to the test at the largest and most challenging skate park in the state. Bring your skateboards, in-line skates or BMX bikes for a rip-roaring good time as you fly across the park’s various elements.

#38 - Black Mesa 

Hike to the summit of Oklahoma’s highest peak at Black Mesa, located in the Oklahoma panhandle. While there, view authentic dinosaur tracks that are preserved in the creek beds.

#39 - Cavanal Hill

Instead of hiking to the highest peak, try hiking to the top of the “world’s highest hill.” Cavanal Hill in Poteau features breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and boasts a height of 1,999-ft.

#40 - JM Davis Arms & Historical Museum 

Travel to Claremore to visit this museum, jam-packed with over 50,000 items including firearms, swords, knives and more. The smallest commercially produced handgun is also located here.

#41 - Ataloa Lodge 

Immerse yourself in American Indian culture at the Ataloa Lodge Museum in Muskogee. This museum offers over 20,000 pieces of Indian art and ceremonial items, as well as a large Kachina Doll collection.

#42 - Express Clydesdales Ranch 

Get up close and personal with majestic, black Clydesdale horses at the Express Clydesdales Ranch in Yukon. Take a free tour of the working ranch and learn about the Western heritage of these magnificent purebred horses.

#43 - Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area 

Surrounded by the beautiful Wichita Mountains, LETRA offers incredible swimming opportunities and a free water slide during the summer months. 

#44 - Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum

This Western-themed museum, located in the city of Woodward, offers displays from a typical Frontier town including a bank, saloon, jail and newspaper office. While there, tour an 1870s cabin or see impressive murals by Western artisans. 

#45 - Braum’s Family Farm 

Take a free tour of the Braum’s Family Farm near Tuttle and hop aboard a cow-painted bus on your way to witness one of the largest dairy operations in the world. Receive a free sample of Braum’s ice cream and tour the processing plant.

#46 - Illinois River*

Travel up picturesque Highway 10 north of Tahlequah for stunning scenery and various entry points to the winding Illinois River. A local hot spot for float trips, the Illinois River will whisk you away on relaxing journey down the river.

#47 - Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area 

This area of undeveloped land in Tulsa offers exceptional opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Reach the wilderness area’s summit for a panoramic view of Tulsa or take a break and enjoy the heavily wooded surroundings.

#48 - Hackberry Flat & Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge 

Make your way to Hackberry Flat, a wetland habitat in southwestern Oklahoma, for bird watching and wildlife photography, or stop at the Sequoyah Refuge for a six-mile auto tour through wetlands and meadows.

#49 - Red Earth Museum

For prime examples of American Indian life, make a trip to the Red Earth Museum in Oklahoma City. View paintings, pottery and artifacts while learning about authentic American Indian culture.

#50 - State Parks 

Oklahoma offers 50 state parks to the public, each with its own unique attractions and recreational opportunities. Armed with a massive variety of outdoor fun and activities, Oklahoma’s state parks are one of the best values in Oklahoma. Visit the state parks page to find a state park perfect for you!

Planning to visit any of these? What unique Oklahoma attraction didn't make the list?

(I used a * to indicate the places I hope to visit soon and ** to indicate the places I have been.)

What is Wrong With People?

The big story at the end of the week was about a woman in California injecting her 8-year-old daughter with Botox for beauty pageants.

Um, excuse me?! Not only is this completely dangerous from a medical standpoint, but I cannot imagine the emotional scars this will have for the poor girl down the road. As if she didn't already have societal pressures to be thin and beautiful, she has her own mother giving her Botox and waxing her legs in the name of winning pageants and "improving" herself. Plus, now that the authorities have gotten involved and an investigation has begun, this could have serious ramifications affecting this family if child protective services gets involved.

The sad fact is that it seems these stories seem all too common. Maybe I watch too much TV? But it really feels like stories about people making shocking parenting decisions that are foolish or dangerous or criminal are at least a weekly occurrence.

One thing all of these stories back up is the idea that there should be some kind of test required before a person can become a parent. It only makes sense. We have to take a test to get a driver's license and we have to take several tests to get a diploma in high school and college. Doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, architects and other professionals all have to take tests before they can work in their respective fields.

But, in reality, the chances of requiring a test before a person can become a parent are slim to none.

Honestly, these stories about atrocious parenting reinforce something that I have thought for a long time - it doesn't take much to be a parent. Just watch MTV's 16 and Pregnant if you don't agree. (For the record, I have never actually watched that show, but I know the premise and I think it illustrates my belief and it's my blog so I can say what I want!) I am annoyed by people who want to act like just giving birth makes someone a wonderful, selfless, caring, sainted person.

Guess what? It doesn't.

Almost anyone can be a parent, but it takes more than just creating a life to be a great parent, a wonderful parent, a caring parent, a parent who raises well-behaved, smart, conscientious children!

Who knows what kind of parent I will be someday?

Hopefully, not the kind of parent who makes the ten-o-clock news!

Friday Flashback

In honor of graduation festivities, this week's Friday Flashback is a picture taken after my baby sister's high school graduation in 2005.

Miscellaneous Monday Musings

It's not even mid-May and I am already complaining about the hot weather. It's going to be a long summer. I wish I could go live somewhere with reasonable weather for the summer and come back to Oklahoma in September ready for the fall and cooler weather and college football season.

Maybe somewhere like Maine or Michigan or Minnesota or Montana.

Basically any of the M states.

Wait. Not Missouri and definitely not Mississippi. But any of the other M states would be acceptable.

Aside from the heat, I had a lovely weekend celebrating the mothers in my life. I am lucky to have both a wonderful mother and mother-in-law. Sometimes I shudder hearing the horror stories told by my friends and co-workers about their monsters-in-law. I certainly lucked out in that department.

On a different note, the hubs and I have discussed taking a road trip over the long Memorial Day weekend at the end of the month. We don't have any firm plans yet, but Austin has been thrown out as a potential destination.

What do you think? Is Austin a good choice or should we check out somewhere else? If we do hit up Austin, any suggestions on what to do and where to stay or eat?

Friday Flashback

In honor of Mother's Day, this week's Friday Flashback features me with my lovely mom circa 2002. Love you, Mom!

Isn't Social Media Amazing?

On Sunday night, I happened to be watching a cable news station airing a re-cap of the Royal Wedding. As it ended, I began to turn the television off, but they interrupted programming with "breaking news" to say the President was going to address the nation at 10:30 p.m. ET. I was intrigued. The talking heads didn't seem to know what President Obama was planning to discuss, perhaps something about Afghanistan, they speculated.

I don't know why, but my first instinct was to check Facebook to see if anyone was commenting about the impending speech there. A few posts alluded to the breaking news and one of my friends even expressed nervousness over what the President might have to say.

Next, I found myself viewing my Twitter feed. By this time, the news stations were reporting that the President's address had something to do with Osama Bin Laden. I started going back and forth between looking at posts and updates on Twitter and Facebook. As the news spread, speculation grew. Finally, President Obama was on television announcing to the world that the United States had killed Osama Bin Laden during a super-secret Navy SEAL mission.

Reactions to the big news were posted immediately in real-time as word spread. It was amazing to read through the very real and sometimes disturbingly honest responses posted on both Facebook and Twitter. There were sentiments of excitement, fear, awe, gratitude, praise, and criticism just to name a few. Some of the posts were upsetting or annoying to read, but they were all raw and open.

I wasn't sure what I was feeling about the breaking news story, so instead I posted a comment that summed up how I was feeling at that very moment reading all the comments on Facebook and Twitter: "Isn't social media amazing?"

It was remarkable for me to realize that I was more interested in reading the reactions of people I know than listening to the talking heads on the news stations. Does anyone else feel the same way?

What interesting times we live in.

P.S. On a related note, check out this wild story about a man who unknowingly live-tweeted the raid on Bin Laden's compound.

Miscellaneous Monday Musings

We had an unseasonably cold day today considering it is the first week of May. I didn't mind too much since it gave me an excuse to wear my favorite suit to work. It is a purple and black houndstooth suit jacket which I can wear with black suit pants or a silky skirt depending on my mood and the weather. It was nice to get one last wear out of it this year. See you next winter, favorite suit!

I have something exciting to share with you all, I bought my first pair of Toms shoes this past weekend! I know, I know, I am late to the game. My sister has been buying these shoes for years, but I have resisted joining the bandwagon even though it is for a good cause as I never thought their shoes meshed with my unique fashion taste. However, I am happy to say I am a Toms convert thanks to these beauties:

I first fell in love with them awhile back, but I couldn't buy them as I was on a spending freeze for Lent. I think they just LOOK like summer, and I wore them to the Festival of the Arts held in downtown OKC on Saturday and I think they are going to be my go-to shoe this summer. I can't wait!!

I would be remiss without giving a shout-out to my favorite newlyweds, Wills and Kate, *ahem* the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge.

They looked genuinely blissful on their highly anticipated and publicized wedding day and I wish them a long and loving marriage. I hope the media and the public will leave them alone to start their married life together in peace and quiet. This might actually happen, considering there was huge breaking news last night taking the world's spotlight off of their nuptials. The 24-hour news stations are off chasing the next big ratings bonanza.

Between these two major news stories, I am reminded of the amazing effects social media has on our daily lives, but I will save my thoughts for a post later this week.

May Day

Happy May Day! Are you planning to celebrate by dancing around the maypole?

Yeah, me neither.

[Insert obligatory comment about how quickly the year is flying by and how I cannot believe it is already May!]

I celebrated by waking up at a ridiculously early time this morning in order to run the OKC Memorial 5K.

 It was cold. It was raining. It was disorganized chaos.

But it was totally worth it. Although it sounds like a contradiction, the mood of the participants and the crowd was that of excitement and reverence. It felt like we were all part of something larger, with a common goal of remembering and honoring those who were affected by the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995.

A particularly poignant memory I have from the race this morning includes a group of several firefighters in their full gear, oxygen tanks and all, walking as a unit, stopped to wait for one member of their group to make a wardrobe adjustment. As I passed them, their cohesiveness intimated a brotherhood that I find evident whenever there is a natural disaster or crisis where their expertise is needed.

The 5K left me feeling motivated to set my sights on running the half-marathon in next year's race. Stay tuned to see if I can do it!