It's time to fight back.

No one that knows me in "real life" would ever describe me as shy or one to dodge a hearty debate but I will say that I have been known to be a control freak.  Ha ha, chuckle, giggle if you must but most of the time I know that I can get the job done better if I just do it myself.  This has now put me in a bit of a hole with someone that is in my life and unfortunately, will always be in my life..... The Ex Hubs.

I will state that for the most part, he is a good guy, great father, etc.  I will say that there really isn't a lot for him to do because regarding our daughter, I do it ALL.  Shopping for clothing, school projects, PTA, volleyball events,  managing our calendar, doctor/dentist appointments, haircuts, play dates, birthday parties, sleepovers, blah, blah, blah.  To be fair, I don't mind doing a lot of these things until he pisses me off ... enter today.  I have reached a new level of being pissed off and I'm tired of it.  So, without further ado ......  Meet Bare Minimum Kim!

I will still do what needs to be done for my child on my weeks but BMK is now off duty on his weeks.  Now this will not be a smooth transition for him (I laugh as I type).  I am sure that finding a store that carries those damn calendars will be quite the chore as will actually researching when some of her activities take place but I am certain that he will figure it out, one day.

BMK will no longer send text alerts for upcoming events or purchase birthday presents for parties on his weekends.  God bless the kid that ends up being the first one that he has to buy for.  If The Kidlet needs a costume and it happens to fall on his week .... it is all you pal!  Need to know what size clothing/shoes she wears?  Don't call me because on my "off" weeks, I have no child therefore cannot help.

Whew, that felt good to get off my chest!  Now on to the other jerk offs in my life to start fighting back ;)
Party on ....

The most amazing letter from a father to his daughter ....

A new friend of mine just sent me this letter that he wrote for his daughter on her 6th birthday.  I was touched deeply by his words.  And, I cried.  This is something that I could not keep to myself.  I am officially WOW-ed!

6 years ago on this day of November 9th, at 11:08AM, YOU came into this world. YOU'll always be my favorite birthday gift. YOU are my best blessing. On this day, 6 years ago, YOU stole my heart and I'm so thankful because I know it's in loving hands. You're growing up and I can't halt that. All I can do is watch you gracefully grow into your own lil human being while arming you with necessary skills to survive this crazy world. I know you're only 6 but your level of competency is greater. You ARE an old soul and able to understand most of what I'm about to tell you. If you don't understand, Papa will explain and I'll introduce you to the Webster's Dictionary...on my iPhone. 
Respect everyone, BUT have self respect. Every day offers choices. Make the best ones for you. Just don't take 20 minutes in the grocery aisle deciding on what cereal you want. Papa doesn't buy the kind with prizes or cartoons on the box. Except HoneyNut Cheerios. 
Continue to mind your (P)ints and (Q)uarts. Be aware of your surroundings and the people in it. You're already a pretty good judge of character. Some say you are shy, but really, you're not ready for anyone new to enter your circle completely until you've ran a thorough check list. Sizing someone up is good thing. Take your time. You get that from me. You ARE a Scorpio. We're very gifted when it comes to tapping in to our intuition (dictionary). Always give someone a fair shake. Keep your heart open but keep your brain open as well. Both are BIG. Use them. Trust them. You'll have lots of friends in your life but I suspect only 1 will claim the title "BEST". Cherish them. Always be honest, trustworthy and loyal to yourself and others. "Amo Probos". BTW leave that Angel boy at school alone. He's not THAT funny!!! Rerun your checklist. Watch and listen. 
Be a leader, NEVER a follower. That doesn't mean to cut in line. In fact, it means to give up your place. Be an example. Listen to your teacher. But most importantly, listen to your Mama and Papa. And finally, listen to yourself. Speak your own truth. Staying up past 10PM on Saturday night is not your truth. Go to sleep. Leaders need rest. 
Learn to forgive yourself and others. Mean it and move on. But never forget. These are life lessons. They will teach you something. Own your decisions because you know whats best for you. Always trust your instincts. (gut…I mean belly). And honestly, Disney's "Hey Jessie" marathons on Netflix while Papa is cleaning house isn't what's best for you. That piece of white paper and crayons are. GO DRAW!!! or READ!!! Lose yourself in those mediums. 
What other people think of you is none of your business. Know your worth. You are worthy of anything and everyone but always be humble about it and NEVER shout it from the monkey bars. You don't need to. Arrogance only attracts hatred and envy. You'll be heard. Promise!!! 
Always be a lil lady. Elegance attracts respect and love. So does poise and composure. However…. whenever you want me to show you again and again how to throw that right hook, I would be honored. Then, be a lady that doesn't take shit from anyone. Sometimes you have to demand respect and show some tough love. Dems da breaks. 
Recognize and celebrate other peoples differences. Don't be afraid. Refer back to question #2. OK, so Angel is a little funny. Still…no kissing until you're 30. 
Always try to fill someones sand bucket up, never empty it. But if they empty yours, do not worry…they are only lightening your load. Thank them. Turn and walk away. Now go learn to fill that bucket up by yourself. Be happy in solitude. Close your eyes. Fall in love with yourself. And stay there. Leave the cat poop alone and go wash your hands! Ya dig? 
Be a kid. Play with your baby dolls. Be a monkey on the jungle gym. Build your own princess castle in the sandbox. Love everything pink and chase bubbles. Beat Papa at hop scotch…if you can. Draw flowers, unicorns and rainbows on everything. Point out all the dragons, horses and faces in the clouds to me. Collect bugs, colorful leaves, pecan shells and pine cones and all other pieces of natures jewelry that have fallen at your feet. Write the word "LOVE" on every rock you pick up and put it in your pocket. And put them in other peoples pockets too. You have plenty of time to grow up. Grow slow, my child. Your roots will become deeper and stronger with a trickle of water over a longer period of time than with a jet spray all at once. You will become a strong, creative, independent woman one day and BeLiebers will fear you. 
FINALLY, If I teach you anything in life, you will know THIS. The world owes you NOTHING, but you owe EVERYTHING to the world. Do not put your palm up. Face it down. Hard work and determination is worth its weight in gold. I will not hold the key to your independence. HOWEVER, I will show you how to make the key. 

I thought I knew what LOVE was, but I know now more than ever. YOU are a daily reminder. My heart is completely anchored to you. My one true devotion. On the day YOU were born, LOVE, went from being black and white and all the gray in between to millions of colors. YOU were a product of LOVE and YOU will be surrounded by/with LOVE, all the days of your life. YOU will learn to LOVE everyone no matter of SEXUALITY, RACE, RELIGION, AGE, POLITICAL ASSOCIATION or SOCIAL STRATIFICATION. This is MY promise, to YOU, my little honeybee, that no matter what life's wicked snares and toils come your way, LOVE will ALWAYS prevail. 

BE GOOD! and DO GOOD! 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! 
I LOVE YOU UNFATHOMABLY!!! 

Whomever you are, you better own it!

I swear the story below has a point, stick with me.

I vividly recall getting my first dose of hypocrisy in 9th grade.  I was always a year younger than my classmates and maybe a bit of a late bloomer.  I embraced high school and loved the environment, football games and of course the upperclassmen boys!  However, I had not been prepared for the upperclassmen girls that would be at home sharpening their claws and planning to attack me; the sweet, angel baby of a freshmen as I set my sights on their particular crush.  I was lucky to meet, "Stacy".  She was a Junior and we met during lunch.  I was thrilled to have her as a friend being that she was 16 and she had a car.  Due to our grade difference, we had no classes together but hung out after school and on the weekends often for roughly six months.  We talked about boys, make up, music, etc.  I had many other friends but I did spend a good bulk of my time with her and I was happy about my new friendship.

One day early that Spring during lunch (Stacy was absent),  a girl that I barely knew mentioned something to me that I had only told Stacy.  I must have looked shocked because she asked me to go to the restroom with her to talk.  She explained that Stacy had not only told her that particular secret, she had spilled a lot to a lot of other people and more importantly to my "crush".  Now, while I was young I was not a moron and knew about catty bitches but the reason why I was drawn to Stacy was because she was always talking about morals and "being the person that you truly are".  Her mother even had told me once that she had ended friendships because she didn't tolerate backstabbing or gossip.  Hmmmm ... I was obviously upset, I was 16 years old and just found out that my so-called "friend" is a hypocrite.  What's a girl to do?  I made a phone call that evening and asked her if this was true.  I could tell by the hesitation and her nervousness that it was but she maintained her innocence.  Nothing was solved that night but the next day, the girl from lunch brought me 3 notes that Stacy had written to her and 1 from another girl, all discussing me.  Stacy had very distinct handwriting so I made photocopies and set out to clear the air.

This crazy bitch got mad and Girl 1 and Girl 2 (attempting to divert my attention).  She was busted. She knew it.  I knew it but here is the girl that was so passionate about honesty and true friends was the one that was digging then twisting that bloody knife in my back.  LESSON LEARNED.  Her family moved to California that summer and I never saw her again but did tell her that I hoped that she had packed a double mirror so that she could check out both sides of her face before starting any new friendships in Cali.

Now, I was young and that kind of stuff happens all the time.  My point today is more about the double standard, in an adult world.

Love yourself and be accepting of others. Own your mistakes but also your successes.  Be emotionally available (this is something that I am working on every single day).  

Something has been missing in my heart, I want a true partner, I want love and I want someone that will Own It!