Looking for a cute young adult book for Valentine’s Day? Author Lynn Painter has you covered. Released in paperback in November 2023, The Do-Over is a fun romantic comedy with a hefty dose of Groundhog Day and a dash of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off thrown in too.
Emilie Hornby is certainly flying high: she’s on track to be valedictorian, she’s going to attend a prestigious academy in the summer, and she’s dating the smartest guy in school. But when Valentine’s Day rolls around, not only does she total her car in the snow, she is disinvited to the summer program on a technicality and she catches her boyfriend cheating on her. Emilie wakes up the next morning, expecting a fresh start, to put it all behind her, only to discover that she has to relive the horrible day again. And again. And again.
As the time loop continues and she’s at her wits’ end trying to change things for the better, she decides to instead just have a Day Of No Consequences. As she and Nick, a distant, surly classmate, have an unforgettable skip day around their city, Emilie realizes that maybe she doesn’t have to do things just to please other people. She can loosen up a bit and do what makes her happy too. And maybe that boyfriend who checked all her boxes, who was perfect on paper, isn’t the right fit after all.
I didn’t think The Do-Over was quite as good as Painter’s Better than the Movies – this one had some plot holes and wasn’t as crisp in the writing – but nevertheless, it is very funny and entertaining. The romance is clean, and the book ends with a cheesy, adorable scene with Emilie and Nick and their friends.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of The Do-Over today!
Ken Rapp has 4 siblings, and he was born in St. Louis, MO. He grew up in Genevieve, MO, and he graduated from the University of Missouri in 1975 with a degree in physical education. He then moved to Enid and became the Aquatic Director at The Denny Price Family YMCA of Enid. In 1976, he met his wife, Sherry, at the YMCA, which is where they both worked. They went on to get married in 1978, and they had 4 children, Casey, Tyree, Natalie, and Cody. In 1966, he served as a day camp director, a sports director, and a fitness director. He quit in 1980 for the oil boom, and he worked as a land man for six years whilst also serving on the YMCA board. After the oil boom went bust, he applied to be the executive director of the YMCA, and he was hired in 1986.
During his time at the YMCA, the facility underwent a major renovation. In 2001, they added an addition to the aquatic complex, and they added new locker rooms. They also added a gymnasium and playground equipment. A new lobby, office complex, and expanded workout areas were added in 2008. As a result of his amazing work with the YMCA, Mayor Shewey declared December 11th, 2017, as “Ken Rapp Day.”
Since retirement, Ken has been an avid volunteer for Main Street Enid. You can find him downtown just about anytime a volunteer opportunity comes up. His impact on Enid is evident, and that’s exactly what makes Ken a local legend.
Because this February has both Valentine’s Day and a Leap Day, what better month to read a time-travelling romantic comedy? The Seven Year Slip is author Ashley Poston most recent release, from June 2023. Her prior book was a Good Morning America book club pick, and this one has been getting just as much attention as well.
Clementine is a book publicist in New York City and has recently moved in to the apartment left to her by her beloved aunt. Analea had always said the apartment was magical, but Clementine only fully believes it when a mysterious – and wildly handsome – man shows up in her living room and claims that it’s seven years earlier. Iwan and Clementine discover very quickly that they have great chemistry, but when Clementine returns to her apartment every day, she never knows if she will be entering it in the past, with Iwan, or in the here and now, alone. When present-day Iwan decides to publish a cookbook, his and Clementine’s paths cross again, and the timing just might finally be right for them.
The Seven Year Slip is a really cute love story, and the secondary characters are all so great they deserve a book of their own – not to mention all the mouth-watering descriptions of food throughout too. My one complaint with the book is the rather atrocious editing. The author, for example, uses the exact same phrase – “learning about the birthmark on his clavicle and the scars on his fingers that kissed one too many knives” – twice in the span of 2 pages. That’s not something you just happen to accidently write twice! That being said though, if you are a more forgiving reader than myself, just happy for an escape to a magical NYC apartment, you’ll certainly be just fine sitting back and enjoying.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of The Seven Year Slip today!
The ESPCA is currently seeking donations to add new kitty kennels to the intake room. If you would like to help with this special project that will be a lasting opportunity for the comfort and care of cats coming into the ESPCA, you can donate at enidspca.org. You can add a note that that’s where you’d like your donation to go. You can also take your donation by the ESPCA office or mail it to 1116 Overland Trail, Enid, Oklahoma 73703. Say hi to some of the kitties while you are there. They love visitors. The ESPCA kitty models pictured are Gus and Alias.
Rudy is a 1.5-year-old possible Springer/Lab mix. He was transferred to the ESPCA by a partner agency after his unhoused owner decided to surrender him. Rudy has been a wonderful kennel resident and hopes for a real forever home. He’s been very well-socialized, walks well on the lead, and doesn’t want to make a mess in his area. He can be pretty vocal to get your attention. See this handsome boy in the ESPCA kennels and submit your application at enidspca.org.
Can you believe little cutie Sweet Pea is still waiting for her forever home? Sweet Pea is a 3-year-old Boxer mix, and this is what her foster mom has to say about her:
“She has been doing so well! She has had the opportunity to meet so many people and dogs as I’ve been taking her all over with me. She hasn’t met a stranger yet! She is a bit shy at first, but as soon as she gets an ounce of attention, she is set! She’s been making friends with all sorts of dogs at the dog park, including some smaller ones through the fence! She has learned “sit” and is starting to learn “shake”. She is so gentle with snacks. Although she’ll sit and watch for a bit while I’m cooking, she usually will just put herself to bed and doesn’t whine. She’s barked maybe five times the whole time I’ve had her, usually excited ones when she sees another dog; other than that, she is so quiet!”
If you are interested in meeting or adopting Sweet Pea, you can submit an application at enidspca.org.
If you’d like to volunteer with the ESPCA animals, sign up at enidspca.org/volunteer and walk a dog or read to a kitty. There are lots of ways to help.
Hello sportsmen and sportswomen! Who loves to hunt waterfowl? While I seemingly can’t blow a duck/goose call for squat, I’ve determined my best avenue is to bring along a buddy who can. Luckily, I run around with a few fellas I truly believe were given a duck call as opposed to a pacifier as a baby. That’s a quick introduction to today’s topic, because my new friend was gracious enough to provide me with plenty of information, and I can assure you the information he shares will be worth more to you than my babble.
I was introduced to Josh by a mutual friend, and Josh and “FOWLCO” had a problem. What problem, you ask? They had several industrial freezers full to the brim with fully processed, shrink wrapped, individually labeled ducks and geese. The problem is it was early in the season and him and his crews were killing dozens and dozens of ducks/geese per day with nowhere to put them. I reckon I have a reputation of trying to help others from time to time and know a few people, so voila, I got the call. I met them at the FOWLCO headquarters and, needless to say, I was blown away. I knew who they were and where they were located, but WOW this place is top notch. Everything from the lodge, the Sitka clothing for sale, the rooms, bar area, 5-stand shooting area, etc. are absolutely top of the line. As soon as I saw the freezers and knew what I was working with, I made a few calls. You’ll be glad to hear that the ducks/geese are all now being distributed to non-profit organizations here in NW Oklahoma, free of charge. I can’t even imagine how many were in the freezer when I looked, (I took 80 but didn’t make even a dent in one freezer) but I can assure you there are lots of disadvantaged folks eating some mighty fine cuisine during hunting season. Anyway, on to the good stuff. Be sure to check out www.fowlcooutfitters.com!
As we approach February, I feel so much lighter now that we’re through the holidays and that first month of the new year. However, February isn’t a time for relaxation just yet. With February comes Valentine’s Day, and whether you’re single and dreading it or taken and eagerly anticipating it, its presence is definitely known. From the shelves of the stores to the romance that engulfs the month, love is definitely in the air. So, in the spirit of love, we chose to talk about how to “survive” love. Love is an absolutely beautiful experience that’s unique to each and every person, and that’s why what works for some won’t work for others. With that in mind, we interviewed three couples and a divorced couple to get their takes on how to “survive” love because it isn’t always romance and honeymoons – it’s also hard work. As you celebrate that special someone in your life this month, remember to be kind because this holiday can be harder on some than it is on others. And from us here at Enid Monthly, Happy Valentine’s Day!
As Valentine’s Day gets closer, love continues to fill the stores and air. This is the time of year where love is most evident, as couples hit the town for date night, and everyone is looking for that special something for that special someone. The shows and movies being advertised are all romantic and everyone is in spirit for the season. So, in the spirit of love, we chose to talk about it and everything it encompasses, not just the hearts and flowers.
Being in love is one of life’s biggest blessings. Getting to share your life with someone so special and getting to witness them grow into the person they were meant to be while loving them, pouring into them, and celebrating them along the way is truly a unique experience. Taking on life with a partner just seems to make everything a little bit better. However, what this holiday doesn’t highlight is the fact that love isn’t always pretty. It’s a beautiful experience that most of us will experience at least once in our life, but it can also be a very exhausting and draining experience from time to time.
No matter how long you’ve been with someone, at the end of the day, you’re two individual people with two separate sets of beliefs, values, morals, and opinions. Therefore, arguments, disagreements, or bad days are unfortunately inevitable. However, being in love is a choice, and every day you make the choice to love that person despite every hardship that comes along. True love takes patience, forgiveness, hard work, commitment, consideration, dedication, and communication.
In light of Valentine’s Day, we sat down with a few different couples from our community. We sat down with a new couple who, as of the day this hits the stands, have welcomed life into the world. And we also sat down with a divorced couple, a newly engaged couple, and a couple that’s been married for many years to see exactly how they’ve each “survived” love.
To begin with, we sat down with a couple who are now divorced to see where they stand on things as they reflect. Crystal Caddell and Corey Caddell were married and dated for 6 years, and they’ve now been divorced for 4 years. As co-parents, Crystal says they work well together because “We have a mutual respect for each other and a mutual love for our son.” Corey says, “Just because we didn’t work out as a couple doesn’t mean we can’t be great role models for Rowdy!” As a couple, Crystal stated that miscommunication was their biggest struggle, but she continues with, “Any couple, married or divorced, doesn’t always agree on how to do things with or for their children.” Disagreements and miscommunications are unfortunately bound to happen as each relationship does have at least 2 different people with 2 different mind sets in it.
According to Better Health Channel, “Good communication is an important part of all relationships and is an essential part of any healthy partnership. All relationships have ups and downs, but a healthy communication style can make it easier to deal with conflict and build a stronger and healthier partnership.” Communication truly can be what makes or breaks many relationships – listen to understand, not to respond.
As they both mentioned, they both learned that they didn’t work out as a couple, but they do work together phenomenally as co-parents for their son. As they reflect on their relationship, Crystal mentions, “Listening and valuing the other person’s opinion is one of the most important parts of a relationship,” and Corey states, “Communication and honesty are some of the most important parts.” Corey goes on to say, “It’s easy to look back and say, ‘what if’ – I choose to look at it as a learning lesson.” When it comes to advice for new couples, Corey continues with, “If there’s nothing wrong with it, don’t fix it.” And Crystal’s advice is, “Don’t go into the relationship expecting to change the other person. You have to accept them as they are or move on.” She continues with, “My advice is to date each other forever. I blame part of my failed relationships on getting stale and not focusing on the relationship. Keep it exciting and spend time and energy on each other.” Being in a relationship is a choice you make daily, so when you make that choice, choose to also pour into your partner, and, as Crystal said, “date each other forever.”
Gabbie Winters and K’von Menifee have been together for 10 months now, and, as of the day this comes out, they will have welcomed their own little bundle of joy into the world. Their relationship is still fresh and new! However, with a baby on the way, they had a lot to learn and overcome so early on. When it comes to what makes them work so well, Gabbie says it’s patience, and K’von says they balance each other out. “The way we think is what makes us work so well together. I’m more of a logical thinker, and she’s more of an emotional thinker, so we balance each other out.” On a similar note, when it comes to what makes them struggle or argue the most, Gabbie stated, “Miscommunication of our feelings, so my advice for other people would be to take the time to communicate your thoughts and emotions. If you aren’t open and honest, your partner can only really guess or assume what you’re feeling, which won’t get either of you anywhere.”
When it comes to what’s most important to them, K’von said “Most? That implies that there’s only one important part, but the list of what’s important is endless.” Together, they’ve both stressed the importance of taking time and building a friendship first. Building a foundation to build upon sets relationships up for better chances of success, so taking your time and really getting to know one another is just as important as any other aspect of the relationship. When it comes to advice for other couples, Gabbie says, “Make the most of every moment,” and K’von states, “No matter how mad you are, never turn down a hug, kiss, or an ‘I love you.’” Gabbie follows up with, “Conflict is normal, and it can be worked out most of the time. Just be patient and understanding of your partner.”
Gabbie and K’von highlight how important it is to be compassionate and considerate of your partner. After all, there are at least two people in a relationship, therefore each person’s feelings and opinions are just as important as the others, which is why it’s so important to be considerate. Everyone has different love languages and versions of love that fit them, so be sure to learn your partner’s, and be sure to be considerate of that.
Photos by Brittney Austin
This next couple is newly engaged, and we visited with them to see how they got to where they are and what they’d recommend for others. Morgan Redick and Chris Gerber got engaged on June 28, 2023, and their wedding is scheduled for June 8, 2024. They got together in May of 2021, so they’re coming up on 3 years strong.
When it comes to their relationship, Morgan says that they work well together because they have trust in each other and communicate. Chris says they’re understanding, and they balance their busy schedules, which includes spending time alone together. When it comes to the tougher days, their arguments or disagreements are similar to other couples, including insecurities, financial difficulties, and indecisiveness, which almost everyone can relate to. When it comes to working through those tougher days, they stated, “We work through those struggles by having honest and open conversations, and we allow space when it’s needed.” As for what’s most important to them in their relationship, they prioritize communication, loyalty, trust, support, and compassion to understand one another. As they continue their journey to becoming a married couple, their advice for new couples is, “Try to see each situation or difficult time through the other’s point of view,” says Chris, and Morgan states, “Continue to ‘date’ each other and make amazing memories together.”
Chris and Morgan’s journey as a married couple may only be just beginning, but the foundation they’ve built will help stabilize them for the journey ahead. Chris recommends that couples live together because you’ll learn a lot about each other, and that insight is important when considering spending the rest of your life with someone. Morgan’s grandma gave her a motto that she intends to live by for their marriage, and it’s, “What’s mine is mine, and what’s your is mine.” And Chris’s motto is, “Happy wife, happy life.” With their priorities and mottos aligning seamlessly, it’s not hard to see why they’re on their way to their happily ever after.
Last but not least, we sat down with a married couple to see exactly how they’ve “survived” love for the past 75 years. Delbert and Mary Foltz have been married for 75 beautiful years, and together they’ve raised 3 children, they’ve got to witness their 5 grandchildren grow up, and now they get to watch as their 12 great grandchildren grow. Their ‘secret ingredient’ is that they enjoy doing things together. Mary states, “Marry someone that likes what you like,” and Delbert says, “Opposites don’t attract.” Over time, they said they got used to each other because it doesn’t take long to adapt. In addition to raising children, they’ve built a home, went to school, transitioned in careers, moved to different locations, and traveled the world together.
They’re exactly what you picture – the cutest couple with the loveliest house full of memories and joy. As they answered each question, they often finished each other’s sentences, helped each other make their points, and still had a little fun with each other in between the questions and answers. In their opinion, the most important part of a relationship is loving each other. They enjoy spending time together, and they enjoy the same things. They have the same interests and passions, and that allows them to enjoy the life they built together. Another key to success that they mentioned is having 2 separate TVs. However, they still come together for the things they enjoy, like sports when their favorite teams are playing. As they talked about their life and every one of their favorite memories, they touched on all of the decorations and trinkets throughout their house. Each item had a story and an emotion behind it, and each item was important to both of them. Certain items were definitely more intended for just one of them, but the other still valued and appreciated it because it meant something to their partner. They were often together in many of the stories they recalled, and they shared friends, journeys, and memories. They’re truly life partners in every aspect of the term.
Mary and Delbert highlight the importance of learning about your partners’ love language and communicating with them through that language. For them, their love language is quality time. They enjoy tackling life’s obstacles and journeys together, and it was beyond evident that they take comfort in one another’s presence. And with 75 years under their belt, it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about what they’re saying. It’s important to keep in mind that quality time is their love language, and that may not be your partners, which is okay. That’s why it’s so important to learn your partner’s love language – each person and relationship is different from the next.
As we celebrate the holiday and give a little extra love to those around us, please remember that love takes hard work. Love is beautiful; it’s hearts, flowers, rainbows, and great times, but it’s also tough conversations, compromises, and patience. As you embrace the holiday, acknowledge each other’s hard work because loving one another does take work. Surviving love doesn’t mean love is something hard or daunting, it simply means it’s not always easy. So, in an effort to help you and your partner in the future, we wanted to share other couples’ methods, tips, and advice for how they’ve each survived love. Happy Valentine’s Day!
After a 2022-23 season that saw the Enid High School Plainsmen Basketball Team win 10 games for the first time since 2009-10, this year’s team is off to a similar start at 3-3 as of the writing of this article. According to second-year Head Coach Jonathan Reed, last year’s team fought through challenges to reach their 10-win goal for the year. “Last year we were a young team, and we were learning a new system and way to play since it was my first year as head coach,” said Reed. “We had to really fight to get them to change their mentality to one that they knew they could be competitive and win some of these games, or at least be competitive when in the past they might have gotten blown out.”
And win they did. Although losing in the first round of the playoffs, wasn’t really what they had in mind, the 11-win season they had at least met their lofty expectations. This year, they are aiming even higher – to win some games in the playoffs and make the State tournament. “We were really young last year, but this year, with a year under our belts and knowing expectations, we have a real shot to make the tournament,” said Reed. “This team is full of fighters, and we don’t back down. They are playing hard and have bought into the system. Even when we have been down by 10 or more points, we have found a way to fight back and get back into the game.”
When asked about the strengths of the team, Reed raved about their defensive toughness, and ability to force the other team into tough shots and creating turnovers but stressed the need for the team to get better at taking care of the ball, and shooting the ball more consistently from 3 point range.
“We have a lot of good players,” Reed said, “but a few really stand out. Jaryn Porter is a Senior guard, who does it all. He usually guards the best perimeter player; he can bring it up the floor when he needs to and can pass and shoot with the best of them. His ability to also run the offense has opened up opportunities for our other players as well, such as Junior Point Guard Jonathan Reed. Jonathan has been shooting great lately, and that’s because Jaryn has been able to get the ball to him in good places. Jonathan has a high basketball IQ, can control the tempo and can score at all three levels (post, midrange, 3P). And we all know Tre Davis is a great player too. As a 6-8 center, he led the state in blocked shots last year and is leading the state again this year. He is dominant down low and draws double teams which gives the other guys opportunities as well. I’m really happy he has been able to extend his game to the perimeter as well.”
Lastly, Reed has been really impressed with the atmosphere at the home games so far this year. “Until we had another school event at the same time, it has really been rocking. We hope to have that all year,” he said. While the season is still young, their goals are still in front of them, and they would love for you to come cheer them on!
With the start of a new year, I knew I wanted to read a book by an author I hadn’t read before. Mary Roach’s most well-known book is probably Stiff, but I figured the topic of cadavers might be a bit much for a family-friendly magazine. So instead, I picked up Packing for Mars, released back in 2010. In a way only she could do, Roach dives into a whole array of things that astronauts must deal with when traveling into space.
There’s first the matter of how astronauts even get chosen – and how the notion of the ideal candidate has changed over the decades. Fighter pilots used to be the norm, but now, in Japan for instance, one of the tests involves making origami cranes. Roach goes on to explore things like the breakaway phenomenon and weightlessness and motion sickness. She talks about how space suits have changed and how rover expeditions are first tested in a crater in Canada. And because no topic is off-limits for Roach, there are chapters on skin secretions and bone loss and vomiting, etc – she runs the whole gamut. Lastly, she explains the different food diets that have been attempted over the years, from compressed sandwiches to milkshakes and tube food. We’ve come a long way.
Roach is known as a funny author, and she certainly knows how to land a punchline. Sometimes it veers a little toward teenage-boy humor, but regardless, Packing for Mars is wildly informative. The lengths that Roach went to in her research, the level of detail, is incredible. The bookis certainly entertaining, and I can easily see why readers are drawn to Roach’s distinct style. This one was, at times, perhaps a smidge too bizarre for my taste, but I’m really happy to say I’ve read a Mary Roach book now.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Packing for Mars today!
Hey Y’all!! It’s 2024, can you believe it!! Anyways, welcome back to Teen Scene in ENID MONTHLY. Since I couldn’t get to it in December, I thought this month would be a great time to give out our 2023 Teen Scene Awards!! If you’re new here, every year I give out a few awards to me and my fellow teen’s favorites of the year for a few different categories. Let’s see who won!!
Best Singer/Songwriter
The winner of this category issssss…….. DRAKE!! Drake came out with his new album “For All The Dogs” later in the year, and everyone was RAVING about it at school. The first day it came out me and my friend listened to it ALL day, and it was so good. Now I know some of us could agree old Drake is way better, but we can also say we were all very excited about this album drop.
Best TV series
Winning this title 2 years in a row is The Summer I Turned Pretty. We all fell in LOVE with season 2 in July and August. I would go to school after a new episode came out and my friends would all talk about it. Even my coach!! TSITP has to be one of my all-time favorite series that I have ever seen. The new love interests, characters, and plot twists had us on our toes, and I cannot wait till season 3 this year!!
Best Food Trend
All of us who were on TikTok a lot this year probably have heard of “Girl Dinner”. This is where people post their “Girl Dinners” which typically consist of just ingredients like cheese and crackers or buttered noodles. I think the girl dinners deserve this award because everyone loved it, and I still hear it all the time.
Best Memories
To end these awards, I had to mention my favorite memories. I could list so many but to shorten it up, anytime I was with my best friends we made tons of memories. So, my advice for you all going into the new year is to make some new friends!!
Thank you for reading this month’s article. I hope you enjoyed it! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas on any upcoming articles, email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com. I hope the new year brings you lots of love and happiness so Happy New Year!! Bye for now <33
