Yesterday I was talking with someone at the USO about where I was from. When I told them Oklahoma they said this, "Oklahoma? Is there even anything in that state?" They were mostly trying to give me a hard time, but it kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I'm a fiercely loyal Oklahoman and I don't take it well when people act like our state is barren of any sort of entertainment or culture.
So here are a few things about the great state of Oklahoma.
Ever heard of a little company called ConocoPhillips? They started in my hometown.
Did you know the only skyscraper that Frank Lloyd Wright designed also resides in my hometown?
It's called Price Tower
Ever heard of Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Troy Aikman, Kristen Chenowith, Vince Gill, Toby Keith or Carrie Underwood? All from Oklahoma.
And how about Ree Drummond of the infamous Pioneer Woman website? She lives in Oklahoma and her husband just happens to run one of the biggest ranches in Oklahoma, if not in the country.
What other state has its own musical?
Oklahoma has beautiful scenery. We have the prairies to the west, tons of lakes, the hills and forests in the southeast and watefalls in the Turner Falls areas.
We don't just do steaks and BBQ in our state either. There are many wonderful restaurants in the smaller towns like Bartlesville and McAlester and there are tons of options in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
A local favorite in my town is Murphy's Steak House, home of the infamous hot hamburger. Basically it's a hamburger, on bread, smothered with fries and gravy. I don't personally like gravy so I don't eat it, but rumor has it that Murphy's is going to be featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
If you've never made it to Oklahoma, then you must! We are a great state with tons of things to offer. A ton of history, some faboulous museums and some excellent food!
Dang...I should be an Oklahoma spokeswoman! Too bad this gig is not a paying one.
As much as I love Italy, there are times I really miss Oklahoma. Sean and I have decided we want to settle around Tulsa one of these days. Until then, it's wherever the military takes us!
