Will I ever make it home?

I have been the shittiest blogger the last few weeks.  I have had a lot going on personally and professionally, just trying to work my way through it all each day.

I just heard this song on Pandora, I have not heard it in years but it sums up my thought process these days.

Enjoy!

Will I Ever Make it Home - Ingram Hill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8r7RGeuonM

I woke up from my sleep to the sound of that voice
From the words that I heard I had no choice
They told me I had to turn around
My assurance slowly faded down
And I wonder

Will I ever make it home
Will I ever leave the ground
Leave this place so far behind

The plans that I had were quickly destroyed
The problem was one I couldn't avoid
They welcomed me to stay overnight
I'm too tired to complain so i just might
And I wonder

Will I ever make it home
To the place I recognize
Far from here and where I've been
And all the places that I've been shown
Will I ever make it home
Can they keep me here for good
Where I hardly know a soul
And my fear keeps going on

My weariness keeps growing inside
My patience is starting to subside
And I hope I'll be there soon
It can't be long or I'll fall through

Will I ever make it home
Will I ever leave the ground
Leave this place so far behind
Till there is no turning back
Will I ever make it home
Get to where I wanna be
Find the ones who wait for me
To the place where I belong
Will I ever make it home

Tardy for the party ...

My last post was on 11/13 and today is 11/27.  I am sure that my readers are just dying to know what this Clust-Her has been up to, right?  I wish it were as exciting as it could be but the honest answer is .... I have been slammed at work, The Kidlet has had me running and my personal life has been positive yet kind of insane.

Cliffs Notes Version

*  Work is busy which is good.  Work is coming in fast and furious which is good.  Being in sales means that I enjoy being out and about, shaking hands and kissin' babies yet there are VERY boring administrative aspects of the job that are required.  YUCK!  I put these things off as long as possible until I had to get them done.
*  The Kidlet is finally done with cheer and volleyball for this season.  FINALLY is the key word.  We will continue with volleyball in the Spring but I'm not so sure that she and I are on Team Craig/Ariana (AKA GO SPARTANS).  More on this topic later.  This is my favorite video of the season, she obviously knows that I am filming.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywfydgcygpc
*  Lucy turned one human year old on October 31st.  Thank God she is cute!
*  I assisted in coordinating a lakefront wedding.  Yes, you read correctly ... me, the person that would rather attend an execution of a death row inmate rather than attend a wedding actually assisted in planning and executing (wink wink) a real-live-wedding.  Go figure.

 
*  Thanksgiving was amazing!  I stayed in town even though The Mother disapproved.  I was supposed to have The Kidet since Ex Hubs has her this year for Christmas but, I had no big plans so I agreed to her joining his family event.  I witnessed an official turkey injection which I now refer to as, Botox Turkey Style.  I ended up having two fantastic meals that day with fabulous people (and fried turkey).   My green bean casserole, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pies would have even impressed Paula Dean.  I also went fishing and shot a .45 handgun three times.  First shot missed but the second two hit the target.  I feel so powerful.

*  Buster, our Elf on the Shelf appeared on Sunday.  So far, he is keeping The Kidlet in line but it is only Tuesday.  This photo is from this morning.  The Kidlet responded with, "Mommy, Busters' butt is in my cereal bowl!  I'm not eating out of it now".
*  New Ugg boots because I will be sporting them for the second time today, I love them and they make me about 2 inches taller and, "I wish I was a little bit taller ya'll" ..... Malouf's, I love you too!

That's a brief update.  Prepping for Christmas begins and so will the shenanigans.
XOXO,
K

Will be returning soon ....

I'm dealing with a personal matter at this time.  I promise to return as soon as I can.
Thank you readers,
K

Halloween 2012 = Like it

What a beat down trying to come up with a kid appropriate Katy Perry costume for an 8 year old!  But, I did it and Halloween was a success.  Ex Hubs rocked the Elvis costume even though he did not take my advice and glue a toilet seat to the ass of his pants and carry a peanut butter/banana sandwich in one hand and an empty bottle of Vicodin in the other ;)

I'm back ....

I have lots to share, tomorrow.  I promise!

Remembering Pawpaw

William Harlan “Bill” Sparks, III was born on March 2, 1930, in Houston, Texas, to William Harlan Sparks, II and Dolores Goodman Sparks. Bill proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Mattie Florence Skillern on September 10, 1953. After retiring from the Houston Fire Department, he and Mattie moved to Weches, Texas.

Bill passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at the age of 82 years.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mattie Sparks; children, Linda Gage, Larry Cowart, and Carolyn Jones-Simmons and her husband Kyle; grandchildren, Brenda Gage, Kimberley Jones-Hill, Diana Gage, and Erik Gage and his wife Ashley; 5 great grandchildren; brother, Ray Lee Sparks; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; and a grandson, Kenneth Lee Jones.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2012, at the Katy Pentecostal Church, where funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Mark Cowen and Pastor Edward Fruge officiating. Interment in Weches, TX Cemetery.

Will be returning soon.

My grandfather passed away early this morning.  I'm taking a few days off to be with family.
Thank you,
Kim

Things on Thursday

Since I missed Tuesday.

LOVES:
-  Madonna concert is Sunday night (it has been a very long wait)!  We have a driver and will be staying the night at Hotel Zaza which is where Madge stayed last time she was in town ..... fingers crossed that we meet and become life long friends.

-  The Kidlet's cheer season is winding down, THANK GOD!  The football team sucks, they have not even scored one point all season.  The football parents suck harder than the kids, blech on them.
-  Have I mentioned how much I love this Fall weather?
-  Halloween is right around the corner and, "I like it".
-  Raisin' Cane's Chicken just opened near my crib and I must say that I am impressed.
-  Christmas Va-cay is officially booked, Lake Tahoe at The Ritz for 6 days?  I accept.

LOATHES
-  Handwriting a million thank you cards from events last week, when will email TYs suffice?
-  Folding laundry
-  Burlington Northern and their damn trains that stop on the tracks
-  Monster High Dolls
-  The woman that glued her daughters hands to the wall then beat her severely
-  Christmas commercials have already begun
-  Calendar mix ups/fix ups
-  Nosy people/Facebook stalkers and stupid people (aren't they usually all in the same?)
-  I cannot snowboard yet we are set to take 3 hours of lessons in Lake Tahoe.  I can barely walk on an even surface wearing tennis shoes.  How will I be able to snowboard?

"Let's forget about time and dance our lives away"
-  Madonna
 

One of the reasons (split into two parts) that I have been MIA

Last week, I co-hosted a very important event for work.  It was pricey and a time suck but totally worth it!

Crank your speakers.

Video 1:

http://animoto.com/play/RU39EbZbyaoNP0ZxlYfwSQ

Video 2:

http://animoto.com/play/3pgEfeQM27IPsGYmLkItdA

I'm not sure if anyone is even still reading this blog but if you are, I promise to "scoop" soon!  Very soon.

Sorry,

I've been crazy busy!  I promise to post this weekend.
TGIF

Political Satire VS. Political Throw Down

Do I find the SNL skits amusing?  Yes, I do. I have been known to laugh out loud and even tell a friend even though my retelling of most stories lose the humor.

President Obama, George Bush, Al Gore, Sarah Palin (I love Tina Fey), and on and on and on.

I think that it is all in good fun and for the record, several of the politicians that are mimicked in these skits have been on SNL themselves as they realize the ridiculousness of campaigning.  This is not like voting for a high school homecoming queen but the acrimonious behavior that takes place during "voting season" might have us believing that our nation is about to smack a fake mum, plastic tiara and a dozen of $12.99 roses in the arms of our next president.  This is what provides a good portion of comedy surrounding elections.

Social media.  I love it.  It has given everyone a voice.  You can be your own celebrity and spout your $ .02 about topics such as Pro Life/Pro Choice, healthcare/non existent healthcare, black/white, wrong/right ... or bitch about the wardrobe of each candidate, it is all good.  It is all good until someone that is super uptight responds on a wall post and then starts a war among your "friends".  DISCLAIMER:  This didn't happen to me, I tend to steer clear of these topics on social media.

In the last three weeks, I have seen at least 4 random political posts morph into a bloodbath on Facebook.  People are getting vicious.  Everyone, calm down.  Opinions are not new, we all have them and it is okay to not think alike but I have seen a few seemingly normal people turn lynch mob-esque over nothing.

CHILL OUT.

I will say that my absolute favorite tonight was this short and sweet conversation with my Kidlet.  I just posted on Facebook:

Watching part of the debate with The Kidlet laying in my lap (and thought she was asleep) ...

Kidlet: What did he just say?
Me: Who?
Kidlet: Obama
Me: Which part?
Kidlet: It sounded like he said "er"-one in America will have health coverage ..........
Me: He said "everyone"
Kidlet: It didn't sound like it, it sounded like "er"-one
Me: Not everyone enunciates like you dear. 

I wanted to respond with, "Maybe he is following the words of J- Kwon, "er"-body in the club gettin' tipsy" but bit my tongue. She is only 8 years old.

And when you just can't agree, Vote for Pedro!

Things on Tuesday

LOVES:

80's Glam needs a comeback.

*  Need inspiration?  www.lifewithoutlimbs.org is the best.
*  The Kidlet
*  Go Go's Concert at Hard Rock Tulsa was a smashin' good time and my totally 80's outfit killed!
*  Friends that have recently been going through some rough times are making a huge comeback.  HUGE!
*  Drugs are getting cheaper.  Prescription drugs.
*  Lucy is about to be a year old and she is a total fat ass but she is happy
*  Investigating doing an Angel Tree this holiday season with a group of friends.  It is time to give back.
*  Nanny is coming up to spend Homecoming 2012 with us.
*  Going on a Christmas getaway since the Kidlet is with her Daddy this year, destination unknown ;) ;) ;)  My vote?  Bora Bora!

LOATHES:
*  Pawpaw is not getting better and it sucks.
*  Being busy is an understatement these days.
*  Seeing more Christmas displays than Halloween decor is a tad bit much on Oct. 1st.
*  The Taylor Armstrong memoir is a waste of $11.99 for Kindle Edition.  "Why me?  Why me?  WHY? ...... " is the summary of the entire book.  You are welcome, I just saved you some money.

*  The Dallas Cowgirls
*  Struggles that some people in my life are dealing with in recent weeks.
*  Ramona Singer, Adele, Lindsay Lohan, Dr. Laura, Oprah, Lil Wayne  and Ashley Judd.

That's all the crap that I can spew for now.

This is tough ....

I received a shocking phone call a little over a month ago from my mother.  While she was visiting the previous week, she had been on the phone constantly battling doctors/appointments/transferring of records for my Pawpaw.  I was privy to many of these conversations and I knew that she was taking both Mawmaw and Pawpaw to the doctor when she returned home.  This is nothing new.  They are old.  Old people go to the doctor often.  But, this visit was not like those of the past.  My Pawpaw was told that he is dying.

This man is the strongest person that I know as he has overcome cancer on three different occasions.  He is extremely hard headed and does not complain about much.  He was told that the mass that was found the month prior was cancer on his liver and it was extremely aggressive.

In the last two weeks his health has taken a turn for the worst.  While I was in Austin for work my mother called to tell me that I should plan a trip to Houston to visit him as soon as possible.  Last weekend, I packed up The Kidlet and we went to visit Pawpaw.

When we arrived on Saturday, he was alert and happy to see us.  The Kidlet "performed" for him, we had dinner and enjoyed our time together.  On Sunday when we visited before leaving to drive back to DFW, he was lethargic, his color had gone from a jaundice yellow to a true yellow and he was not alert.  We told him that we loved him, hugged goodbye, he told me to be careful driving home and we left.

The next day, I was at a golf tournament when my cousin called.  I could tell by the tone in her voice that this was not good news.  I was right.  Pawpaw was in the ER and things didn't look good.  The nurses spoke of starting the process to get Hospice set up.  I was in tears.

He was in the hospital all of last week but released this past Friday.  He is a trooper and hanging in there to make sure that Mawmaw will be okay.  This man is strong.  He is a good man but he is very sick.

I know that I should be preparing for what is inevitable but I'm still hoping for a miracle.

I would have never thought that this would happen...

Even if a Magic Eight Ball told me repeatedly for each day in the course of a year.  I'm happy and astonished all at the same time.

Strange but true.  Details to follow (one day).

Cheers to the freakin' weekend.

Holy unexpected gesture Batman!

I love flowers.  Most people that know me IRL know this and I have had flowers sent to me on numerous occasions in the past but this caught me way off guard.  I heart them so much!

Things on Tuesday

LOVES:
-  Upcoming builder event at Texas Motor Speedway
-  The off the wall comments that The Kidlet spews:
    From Facebook yesterday...
    My fair skin, blonde haired Kidlet asked me this morning if she was going to have a Quinceañera. Good grief!!!
-  Cooler weather, bring it on Fall
-  Band of Horses new album, Mirage Rock is out today!
-  ACL Festival is next month
-  New fun blog that I stumbled upon, thehairpin.com
-  Jeep to Lexus SUV?  Yes, I am interested!
-  The Wounded Warrior Project
-  Cand*ce C*rroll getting her ass served to herself on a silver platter.  Karma is funny like that.
-  My health, my Kidlet, friends, family and believing

LOATHES:
-  My Pawpaw's cancer is getting worse and it is not looking good (even though the doctor said that he could have a few months left).  The Kidlet and I are likely skipping cheer and volleyball games this weekend so that we can visit him in Houston.
- Papparazzi.  Not my problem but I will say that I feel for Kate re: this story.  Leave her alone!
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/49063971/ns/today-today_news/#.UFgT47KPU1E
-  Slackers
-  The IRS
-  Hard water

Don't forget to laugh and have fun this Tuesday.

I'm back.

Picked up a new Longhorn T

Whew.  Last week was crazy!  I was in Austin for five days for work and while it was an absolute blast, it was an absolute energy drain.  I arrived back home yesterday around noon and took a monster of a nap.

My work related after hours event that I hosted with another company was a total success!  The black tie dinner on Friday was fantastic for networking and seeing old friends in the industry as well as meeting some new folks.  And as always, my "devil eyes" were present in almost every single photo taken :( :( :(

Horns and Tail Concealed

I love Austin, Texas.  I have since childhood but I appreciate the city and its vibe so much more as an adult.  I have my favorite places to visit (Home Slice Pizza, Amy's Ice Cream, The Belmont, The Driscoll, and on and on) but I also enjoy stumbling upon new hot spots for dinner, drinks, art and shopping.  This trip did not disappoint as I discovered The San Jose Hotel (but also bounced back and forth to the Marriott since it was so close to the trade show/events that I was in town to attend).  Jo's Coffee on S. Congress which was conveniently located across the parking lot from the SJ Hotel.  Six Lounge and the rooftop was great to relax after working.  Threadgill's Restaurant has the most delicious biscuits and cornbread ever!  Y&I Boutique, Seven on Congress and Blackmail were great for shopping but Goorin Bros Hat Shop was my favorite.

And a T for The Kidlet

Funky Fresh Shoes

Monkey Island Flatcap for Fall

Austin, you will hold a special place in my heart forever!

Keep it weird.

Cheertastic

The Kidlet had her first football game over the weekend.  While the football team could not even manage to score one touchdown, our cheerleaders rocked the house!  I'm one proud Cheer Mommy as is her daddy but he is the Volleyball Mom/Dad for the season.

Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

Kidlet and Kassi

Strike a Pose

Me, Kidlet and my daughter Kassi (for one night).

Really need a laugh this Monday?  Watch these clips:

3rdGradeTexansCheer uploaded a video 1 minute ago

0:33

Game #1

No views

Texans Cheer

3rdGradeTexansCheer uploaded a video 57 seconds ago

Game #1 Another Cheer

No views

Texans Cheer

Sucking up some baby love.

UGH!!!!  He is one chunky monkey with a killer toothless smile and an excellent faux-hawk.

Things on Tuesday (but on Wednesday)

LOVES:
-  One hour of bliss (AKA: One hour massage) yesterday
-  Business is going well
-  All action items done for trip to Austin next week for SBS 2012.
-  My little Texans cheerleader is ready to work it at the first football game this Saturday
-  My gal pal, Terri got an awesome job.  I am very proud of her.
-  FALL FASHION is coming!  Got my new In Style on Monday.
-  Mr. M is hitting the Three A's:  Around, Attentive and Addictive
-  Madonna launches Truth or Dare Footwear http://popdust.com/2012/07/26/madonnas-new-truth-dare-shoe-collection-is-pointy-black-studded-sexy/

LOATHES:
-  Cancer SUCKS it! More to come on this topic tomorrow.
-  The Kidlet falling at recess today while attempting an unsupervised cheer stunt
-  Political "splitting of the hairs"
-  Fibromyalgia
-  This news story made my blood boil, http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/05/travel/airline-down-syndrome/index.html?hpt=us_c2
-  Putting off my break up with a marketing client that I really like but just do not have the time to deal with at this time.

That's about it.  At this time.  Enjoy.  That is all folks!

The Importance of Appreciation

I recently read through my journals from the last few years which brings back a flood of emotions.  I have written in them sporadically since college not knowing how important that they would become in what I now call, "The Evolution of Me".

I am guilty of blogging about fluff topics and rarely post anything that is too deep.  As much as people think that I share on this blog or my previous blog, I only scratch the surface of what is going on in my head.  I keep very personal thoughts or feelings to myself only to be shared with paper and pen.  Revisiting old journal entries has me thinking a bit about why I kept some of this stuff to myself.  I think that writing things out often forces me to stay organized.  It doesn't matter if it is my daily To Do list or journal-ling on and off depending on what is happening IRL.

I have been told that I am guarded/closed off/apprehensive.  It is not that I cannot recognize why others would say that about me but I don't feel that I am this way at all.  Am I a hard nut to crack?  ABSOLUTELY but once I feel a connection regardless of it being professional, personal or romantic, I get "there" with people.

I will say that I am not exactly an open book.  I have never been someone that will lay it all out there to anyone that will listen.  I like to try and figure things out on my own first as I should as a functioning adult.  It is difficult for me to ask for help.  When people ask, "how are you"?  It is natural to respond with, "I am great".  This is normal not only because most people ask to be polite but you do not want to sound like a grouchy person if you actually tell the truth about how you are really doing.  I know that I am not alone in thinking this way.

I do think that I need to be more open with the important people in my life, I'm working on that.  After reading over these entries, I know that I was not alone and could have alleviated some of these stressful times in my life by leaning on others.  I have so many people in my life that have done such a fantastic job of being there for me in college, marriage, divorce, moving, dating, changing jobs, finances, etc.  I am quite fortunate to have had (still have) these people for support.  For that, I am extremely thankful and hopeful to grow these relationships further.

If I haven't told you lately, I appreciate YOU.

Intruding on the 3G

No T.O.T post today as my Kidlet has officially entered grade three.

Today was the first day of school and it has totally evolved from the day that I sent her for her very first day of Kindergarten.   As you can see in the pics below that she is definately growing like a weed, her favorite color has not altered and she is all about "first day fashion".

What has changed is how this Mommy reacts on this big day.

Kinder was the absolute worst!  I moved from Houston back to DFW two weeks prior to school starting.  I had already purchased her clothing, backpack, lunch box, hair bows, school supplies and such thinking that I was 100% prepared.  I was wrong.

True, I had all of her stuff ready for school but I was not mentally prepared for the day that my baby angel was actually going to start school.  I was okay that morning until we started taking pics and I immediately felt a wave of emotion.  I started to cry before we even stepped foot into the school.  If you know me IRL, you know that once the crying starts, it takes a bit before I can stop it.  That day was so important for her, such a milestone but I realized that she was growing up and there was not a dang thing that I could do to stop it.

First and Second grade were a breeze and today was like any other mid year drop off.  She is getting so big and mature.  It is still fun to see all of the kids excitement at seeing their friends from the previous year.

We have already started cheer practice (Go Texans!) and volleyball starts next week.  She has a dentist appointment next week to find out when we will be adding some silver to her smile with braces.  Knock on wood that we can keep her out of glasses or contacts as Mommy and Daddy are broke after purchasing  ALL school clothes at Justice, four pair of new shoes, essentials, jewelry, etc and paying for her extra curricular activities (all while keeping a roof over her head and food on the table).

Here are a few pics of my Baby Child entering school as an official 3rd grader.

I am so proud yet my heart is breaking.

Too cool for school, nah!

Brookie and Sai Sai = BFFs

So, you have a blog but that does not make you a fashion expert or interior designer!

What is up with all of the bloggers out there that have turned their once hip blogs that focused on various topics like single life, mommy-hood, activist, gossip-er, etc into "I wanna be/I think I am XYZ"?

One of the first blogs that I ever read on a consistent basis has made a turn from origination content to tips on home decor. What the frack is that about?  This blogger is clever.  Her posts would have me picking myself up off of the floor as I was in a constant state of laughter each visit.  I would forward her posts to friends which in turn would increase her fan base.

Currently, her blog consists of a series of photos of how "chic" her re-decorated home is {courtesy of her own design/non design skills}.  I would agree if I were down with cheap ass furniture and accessories from the Swedish, IKEA.  I am down with ABBA, Swiss Chocolate and the occasional Volvo but spending $59.99 on a frame for a sleigh bed made of particle board that comes in 109 pieces does not sound like an afternoon o' fun in assembly.

Palms up for people that have interests but stick to what you are good at and stop trying to cast such a wide net.  That's all I'm sayin'.

And sometimes you just need to say .....

THANK YOU.

You did me a monumental favor and I am obliged.

Things on Tuesday

-  New joint blog with my gal pal, Terri!  We are still getting it set up but stay tuned, this will be some "good readin" as T is the more serious/deep thinker and I like the funny stuff and cuss mostly. http://twomommasdrama.blogspot.com/
-  My kickin' new Michael Kors watch/bracelet/purse

 

-  Mom in town.  Mom brought fresh fish.  Mom fried it up in a pan.  Mom rulez.
-  Cowboy game with The Girls on Saturday
-  Madonna concert is getting closer
-  First official cheer practice = SUCCESS
-  School starts next Tuesday!!!!
-  James Maslow

-  School clothes shopping for The Kidlet is beatdown
-  I want new school clothes but without having to go to school
-  The work that I need to get done tonight due to procrastination :(
-  Paying for ticket that I received on my way to the lake is a bummer
-  Scheduling LASIK is making me nervous

Hilarious-ness

I know that everyone is getting bombarded with these eCards on Facebook but this one cracked me up.  Sorry, I just had to share.
Peace out,

Things on Tuesday

Wilona Woods THE original diva!!!

LOVES:
-  "You are getting on my nerves" is now, "Me nerves are rubbed raw".
-  School starts in two weeks
-  Nanny is coming up on Sunday to go school clothes shopping with The Kidlet
-  Nanny is coming up on Sunday to cook for The Kidlet and I for a few days
-  Planning a trip with BF to see The Go Go's at The Hard Rock Tulsa
-  Thinking about a trip to Las Vegas in October (but not to conflict with the 10/21 Madonna concert)
-  The Olympics are over!!!!
-  Finally done with financial BS, can I get a "Hallelujah"?  And not Jeff Buckley style.
-  Two new favorite brands of Sauvignon Blanc

LOATHES:
-  THE HEAT
-  People that are trying to hijack my builder event
-  Sh*t that my good friend is having to deal with regarding her ex hubs
-  My favorite baby-angel-niece is starting Kinder in two weeks and we will not be there to see her take this step
- The Kidlet wants to join 4H after the Fall Semester so that she can raise a pig.  I cannot say that I am opposed as I had a pig my junior year in high school for FFA.  We will revisit this topic in December after I have spoken with my grandfather; he was the one that hooked me up in 1991 with my sweet, Bac-O-Bit.  Damn, he tasted good!  Oink Oink.

Rolling out the red carpet and releasing the white doves ....