The past few weeks have brought on some unexpected changes, a sense of calm almost serenity.
Over Memorial weekend I went with Jocelyn to DFW. While there we took Ayla and Matt (my baby brother) to Six Flags over Texas.
For those of you reading who do have siblings and were fortunate to grow up with them in your life, please consider your selves lucky. To see my brother is a rare treat, and this time in TX is the longest I have spent with him in 15 years. We were together 14 consecutive hours! The time we spent together was just so fun. When we took Matt home I had the chance to sit and talk with Susan (Matt's mom and my first step mom). At the age I am now I can see just how much having Susan in my life made me the person I am today.
I have never wanted to force a relationship with me on Matt. Ultimately I have just wanted him to be happy. We share such a demented and complicated father that I am grateful Matt only has a single memory of him. All along I have wanted to prevent Matt from having the same tumultuous childhood I had.
Next week my baby brother will turn 16. I hope our relationship will grow stronger over time. I hope he can understand why I have kept my distance.
Since seeing Matt and Susan I feel more certain of the path I have made for myself. I feel more assured of where we (Grant and I) are going. Grant will be going back to school in the fall, and we will be just fine.
My last bout as a roller derby ref was last night. It was time, I have no regrets. I was informed that I am not needed at the rink over the summer. This is opening me up for more time with my Grandma, for which I am grateful. This gives me more time for Grant, My friends, and My family. More over this is giving Grant a chance to finish his education, and me the time to assist in any way I can. At last I feel like I can return to being me.
Tulsa State Fair attendance dips 7 percent
By STAFF REPORTS
10/8/2007 3:17 PM
Preliminary numbers show the 11-day event, which ended Sunday, drew 987,057; last year, the fair drew 1,055,948. The 2007 attendance figure was the second best in the last five years.
While some people had spoken of boycotting the fair this year because of the closing of Bell's Amusement Park, Expo Square President and CEO Rick Bjorklund said a couple of days of bad weather hurt the fair's overall attendance.
Attendance was up 6 percent after the first five days, but storms on Tuesday and Sunday kept the crowds away, Bjorklund said.
Gate sales decreased 7 percent while food and beverage concessions also decreased 4 percent.
Mega Ride Pass sales were down 17 percent and Midway coupon sales declined 29 percent.
Bjorklund said it was possible the departure from the fairgrounds of Bell's Amusement Park played a role in the drop in Mega Ride pass sales, but said he did not believe it had an effect on attendance.
The Disney on Ice show "Princess Wishes" sold out and the Junior Livestock Auction raised a record $510,000, according to preliminary numbers provided by Expo Square.
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Is it bad that I find this so deliciously entertaining? Myself and many friends are boycotting anything led at expo sguare after the poor treatment Bells received.
You can find my recounts on this in the following places:
As you will find the Tulsa State Fair used to mean the world to me. Nothing better summed up what Oklahoma meant to me then this one celebration. When the Expo Square Board forced Bells out it crushed that feeling, it made me ill. I want them to see just what they have done.
A friend sent me this and I am passing it on.
Tulsa State Fair
Ok, those of you that know Me, know that I have some minor political aspirations. I dabbled in it when the Bell's fiasco first broke out...but now is the time to get serious. I'm sure some of you are as appalled as I am about Bell's being gone. They've been a staple in Tulsa for over 50 years, and the Tulsa State Fair is just not gonna be the same without their presence. So I decided to do something about it.
Below is the link to the petition I've created stating my decision to no longer support the Fair, and the reasons why. There are some very serious allegations on this petition, but to the best of my knowledge, i believe them to be complete and accurate. I ask 3 things of anyone reading this right now. The first is to read the petition IN IT'S ENTIRETY. The second, is to sign it, and follow through. Show the fact that you miss Bell's and everything that it stood for, and that you're not going to support the illegal actions of Tulsa County by not going to the Fair. Finally, the third thing I ask of you is to pass this on to someone. Anyone. EVERYONE. For the administration of Tulsa County to take this seriously, we need the SUPPORT of Tulsa County, and everyone in it. So whether you live in Tulsa, Jenks, Sapulpa, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Bixby, Sand Springs, Owasso, Collinsville, Glenpool, or Mannford...your voice counts. You ARE Tulsa County. Even if you're not a part of these communities, you may have been to the Fair...share your voice. Show your support for this petition.
Thank you in advance,
Adrian Rolle
http://www.petitiononline.com/TSF2007
At the moment I am dealing with two kinds of heartbreak, one is the loss of history, innocence, and familiarity. The second is more bitter sweet.
As a kid growing up in Green Country some things are universal to each of our lives. I do not know one kid who had never been to Bells. Bells was on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds (better known as EXPO Square) property and paid rent. Notice I say 'was'. Last fall the EXPO square authorities chose to not renew Bells lease that has been in effect since 1951. Today I stumbled across a news article in the Tulsa World. The Zingo is being taken down. As kids we would ride this over and over till 9PM when the law stated that it must close. My first ride on an amusement park ride was the Lady Bugs at Bells. I just cannot believe that they are gone. On the site there is a place for the information on the Grand Reopening in a new location. If I can find a way I want to be there.
The forced removal of Bell's breaks my heart. For me and I am sure others, Bells was one of the last reminders of childhood innocence. I remember vividly the anticipation that I would have knowing a trip to Bells was approaching, from the Lady Bug's, Canoe's, and motorcycles to the time where I would ride the Chilli Pepper plunge to cool off on a hot July Oklahoma night and then ride the Super Round Up hoping to dry off before mom would let us in the car. Bob, Robbie, Jason.... my heart goes out to each of you. I only wish I were closer to help you at this time. Thank you so much for my fondest childhood memories.
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The second as I mentioned is bitter sweet. We always knew Norfolk would not be our 'forever home'. The time has come for us to move on. The Navy is sending us to Denver. Denver holds alot of promise for us and our future. Both of us can complete our schooling. Oklahoma is a short drive away and there are tons of things we have always wanted to do at our finger tips.
I *think* I have settled on a course of study--- x-ray tech. And a school too.
But I am just not ready to leave! When we left Pensacola I was thrilled to get on with it. I am exited to get to Denver don't get me wrong! It is simply this is the first time in my adult life that I feel like I belong. I have my urban family, and my derby family. I am just not ready to move mentally!
At the moment we do not have move date. Some time between July and Sept. The lack of time frame is the hard part. I have delayed mentioning it in blogs because I was not ready to tell all my urban and derby families. I think I may actually cry when I leave. For those of you who do read this ... and you know who you are. I will miss you more than I can say. If you don't come visit me in Colorado I will drag my ass back to VA and beat the living hell out of you. Thank you so much for believing in me.
I got these pics from a friend and had to share!
Alison: How was it?
Me: Pretty Much Jello.
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