Back in the Saddle

...again!

How nice to be back in the land of the living! I am telling you... it was a long week of sickness. Sinus infections and related mucus complications are proof of sin in the world.

Time at home was still delightful with Cam, Carol, Kristin and Chad. K and C joined us around 11:30p on Christmas Eve and stayed until after dinner on the 26th. My grandparents joined us for a couple days too. It is always magnif to get time with them.

Here are highlights you should know about:

1. Kristin darkened my hair and, thus, covered the grays. This is a good thing.
2. Dad got confused for Santa at Circuit City.
3. National Treasure is actually a decent watch for family movie night!
4. My company website is almost up and running!!
5. Kristin has surprising aim with Gummy Bears when she's hurling them at the bedroom door to wake me from a nap.
6. Chad got some arsome Pumas for Christmas!
7. I organized mom's closet!
8. Dad gave mom a gift... his beard got shaved off!
9. Mom got really excited!
10. Dad let me document the whole thing. just watch..



Sorry to disappoint... the only proof of the final product is in video form and that will follow shortly! You'll just have to wait!

Many more tidbits from the week await you, faithful readership!

night night.

sick

i'm the kind of sick where you feel too tired to do more than shower and eat.

Also, if i have to go from lying on a couch all day to lying in the bed all night, i may just go nuts.

Maybe i'll go on a joy ride in salisbury.... you never can tell.

so...

what did everyone get for Christmas?

Close Call

Today I thought i was saying "goodbye" to my grandma. Maybe i was. i don't know.

She did not die today but the reality is this- its not far away. She had tears in her eyes from the hip pain she feels, hasn't eaten in a couple days and still won't drink any water. (She's been against water for most of my life... she even found a doctor once that backed her opinion that it was, actually, bad for her. ha.) Things looked really grim earlier. My nurse mama could tell that it wasn't time yet. We have a little while left, she thinks. Nevertheless, it got me remembering and i couldn't hold back the tears.

We sat there taking turns holding her tiny hand and talking (at) her. She did very little responding... at least for mom and me. She would barely open her eyes, actually. As soon as she heard dad's (her son-in-law) voice, she lit up! This, ladies and gentlemen, actually made the tears start! It was a glimpse of the woman i have always known! my grandmother is the largest flirt this world has known! There's this sweet old man at the "hope house" with her- she loves him! She simply always has had at thing for the men. It stands to reason that, in her last days, she responds to men! It was, actually, a comfort to me! Does that sound so strange, or what?!

I am encouraged tonight. exhausted (and starting to get sick, i think...) but encouraged. I know that, soon enough, my sweet grandmother will be out of pain and in the presence of her Savior... but I already miss her.

Tomorrow will give relief to the heaviness in my heart, i think. Til then- i'm remembering.

Reunited and it Feels So Good

You already know by now that i have the best sister and brother in law this world has to offer. Its fair to say that... and not the least bit of an exaggeration.

Here's what you may not know:
i have really amazing old friends. New ones are fun and funny as well!

Tonight was spent with friends around a table busting at the seams with pork tenderloin, butternut squash risotto, fresh green beans, and rolls. Don't forget the fabulous red wine (thanks ,Andrew!) and brownies and ice cream, (thanks add!) We laughed. we remembered. We watched 'Once'. It was memorable. Not only because we, as total grown ups, sat around and told fart jokes... but because we just plain enjoyed one another. There's just something about that.

What if i begin doing acting? I was told this is a path i should pursue. I can't imagine, really. If acting means having a really loud and somewhat inconvenient laugh, then i'm the girl for the job. If it means being poised and able to memorize- i'm up a creek.

I will, per usual, keep you posted. duh.

I hope you are having a great "break"- whatever that looks like for you. Maybe it means you too will be in the home of Food Lion and Cheerwine, like me ,when i am in Salisury, NC with mama and pops!

I would like to leave you with this thought:
I am not sure how much wine i had this evening and i may be dehydrated in the morning. is that why you love me?

Merry Chrismahanakwanzaa to you and yours.

Happiest of Christmas' to you, friend.

I've just returned from a concert that lifted my spirits (that were drowned only by buckets and buckets of day-long rain... nothing major.) It was the (now) annual Neighborly Christmas with Drew and Ellie Holcomb. outstanding!

Let me start by saying that i love Christmas music. I still get excited when i hear "Baby Its Cold Outside"- it just makes me happy. Every year. Something in my heart stirs when I hear "Silent Night". Its right that my heart feel that way- it was made to. Only, this year, for some reason, I have not allowed myself to get all wound up by all the Christmas delights that i usually do. I haven't even realized until tonight. I needed this show and I LOVED it. It was a wonderful blend of old standards done with a jazzy flair paired with smooth worshipful ballads. I just can't say enough for the ridiculous talent found on that stage tonight. well done, friends. well done.

It helps that it was chilly and rainy all day- very cozy. It made me feel very ready to hunker down with Cam and Carol!

OH- i can hardly believe i didn't start with this!!! Thank you all for praying for my sweet Grandma! She had a great experience with the surgery- even wanted ice cream when it was done (do i favor my g'ma or what?!). She had a really mild procedure done to put in a pin- nothing as huge as anticipated. She also MIRACULOUSLY got to go home today- back to Hope House. No exaggeration, i hope the lovely people at Hope House get to travel to Heaven 1st class because they go out of their way to love the elderly well and with dignity. I love them for how they love her! She even gets to have PT there every week! it just worked out so well and we ALL know that's because the Father had it in mind. I'm so thankful!

I am headed to the dirty south in the morning! There promises to be excitement there for all of you to enjoy- i promise to deliver.

Merry!

crazy.

Have you been so tired that you became irrational and then cancelled plans for a Christmas dinner with friends because you can't collect the energy?

i did tonight.

thats all i have for you right now.

by the way- is it just me, or does everyone have a perfume this year? mariah, antonio, britney, diddy... how many can there be?

High and Low

I would like to let you know about something momentous.

I had a distinct high and low today.

Early this morning my precious grandma fell and broke her hip. She, miraculously, only needed a pin inserted into her brittle little hip instead of a total overhaul. Y'all- i can't even tell you how sad and scared this made me. She's my sweet grandma who, for the last decade, has been falling prey to a monster called dementia. My amazing parents have been there for every moment of chaos, rehabilitation, fits, and heartbreak. I am so honored to be their daughter. what lessons i have learned from them on how to love when it isn't easy. They will surely benefit from it one day, that's all i gotta say. There is good news- the surgery went well and mom and dad are taking turns keeping watch over my frail g-ma. Please pray for her recovery to go well- it looks promising.

The opposite side of the spectrum is that after a day of holding a really precious little infant baby girl, i went to meet my friend Leslie at Bosco's. She's coaching me on all things business and is making me quite savvy! So, while we were there, there was a beer on special that i was eager to try. it wasn't done brewing yet, so i got a ticket that put me in the running to tap the first keg of that brew. Well, friends, you now know a CELLARMAN! that's right! I won! i got to tap the keg and even won a free glass declaring my status as a member of the official cellarman club. I then got to sample the new brew. TELL me what could have made that a more memorable visit?

I'm a pretty big deal. if you want me to come tap your keg, call me.

New Look

Well, friends and family, I have made a significant change to my outward appearance!

kristin gave me bangs.

just look:


More about the Christmas Party and Kristin and Chad's visit later. For tonight, i am just too tired.

thank you and goodnight.

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia....

Hi. My name is Kelley Kirker and i officially feel like Marcia Brady. You know... when she's in love with her dentist.

So, i need to back up. Last night i babysat for two UH(for effect)dorable babies. (Sidebar: i can scarcely remember a time when i had more one -on -one bonding time with infants. not bad... just loud. but who doesn't love snuggling with chubby babies and still being able to watch, "the Real Housewives of Orange County" because they can't retain info yet?!) I digress... right, so i was watching babies and pulled a stunt that i was, at the time, impressed with. I managed to be lying down on the ground playing with them and, not a moment later, magically (while holding both) in one fell swoop, got to my feet. I managed to then rock both in my arms on a "glider" simultaneously. i mention this because if you were on the fence about whether or not you liked me and you were just waiting for a reason to be impressed and, therefore, approve of me- now you have it. As i left the home where i was babysitting, I felt a twinge of pain. nothing bad. just a reminder that i am not 19.

I woke this morning and, no exaggeration, could not stand up straight. leaning, like the Tower of Pisa, i started my day. This reminds me that i am, in fact, a Kirker. We are a people UNafraid of back pain. Just ask my shrinking father. (sorry to sell you out, dad. the story needed it. you're still 6' in my heart.)

Well, after helping a friend with a "mail-out", i made my way over to the Green Hills Chiropractic office. The fine people of this establishment made me feel as though i joined a sorority/fraternity today. Such a warm family feel. They all learned my name. That means a lot. Well, as i waited with all the other spinal impaired, i noticed a looker of a man. i thought to myself, now HE is handsome. Just then, i launch into the largest and least attractive yawn i have ever experienced. something came over me. i made the UGLY face. you know... when people try and hide it. utter deformity. As Murphy would have it- he looked over at that precise moment. strike one. McManly, as he will now be known, then disappeared into the distance as i looked around the corner, hoping he would look back and appreciate my new posed smile. I then head into my exam room so excited about some relief from the pain. After my new fave chiropractor, Dr. Barrett assessed me, she lets me know that Dr. so and so will be coming in to do some initial pin pointing of pain. As soon as i remove my outer layers of comfort, McManly comes through the door. of course. Sitting there less than half dressed with a meager gown to cover me, i turned PURPLE as he smiled and entered the room. strike two. actually strike two and a half. it was pretty bad. So... he looks me over, we have some friendly banter. (i joke when i am nervous. or sad. or happy. or awkward...) He leads me to the x-ray room where he asks about my weekend. i divulge that theres a fabulous party i am looking forward to. he asks for more information and i FREEZE up on inviting him. Now, you need to know, i carry invitations for just such a random invite opportunity. and i froze. After some treatment and massage (Heaven will have massage), i tell myself, "if he's in the office when i go to leave, i will invite him". i go pay. he's there. i freeze. I don't deserve to wear my headband (with mistletoe on it) tomorrow evening if i can't pull it together for ONE invitation. he made me so nervous! Later, Sarah June went back, in an act of heroism, to drop off invites for our new friends. she brought her 'A' game while i brought no game at all.

Alas- I am sitting (more comfortably) writing to you at 10:30pm on a Friday night because i have a legitimate school girl crush on McManly and i don't care who knows!!

Maybe he'll show up to the Christmas Party. That idea alone will have me awake for a while. I am a hopeless romantic after all. darn.

Something tells me that i, like Marcia, will be coming up with reasons to revisit my new favorite doctors office. Who's in?

Holiday Deliciousness vs. Me

I haven't done well at keeping you all updated on our family's "Biggest Loser" competish, now have I? Well, that's for good reason. Stealthy, poker faced, I -have-this-in-the-bag reasons.

At least that's what i hope. Let's evaluate, shall we?

Dad. He's my closest competition. Good news? he likes bad food just as much as me and has been eating it! Bad news? he thinks about weight loss and it just starts falling off like feathers on a molting bird.

mom. sweet mom is committed and consistent. she's just slow... my advantage.

Kris. Either she talks a really good game or she's not really giving it the "old college try". i must just intimidate her with my iron will.

chad. why is he even in this? oh yeah.. i made him. he had 3.5 pounds he had TO lose when we started. he's just being nice. like those "designated last finishers" in my triathlons. gotta love the people who are essentially competition kamikazes.

then there's me. I have been SO committed. i have passed up some of the most delicious treats our season has to offer. and dishes of candy. and pizza... mostly. and.... lots o' stuff. so, you would think i am shrinking like a flower? nah... my body hoards its fat reserves for the winter, i suppose. i will win this, though. i shall will it to be!

Just think how hard i will work to resist the following treats for our Christmas party:

- bacon wrapped (and Parmesan stuffed) dates. ooh la la. so amazing.
- cookies with snickers bars hidden inside
- bacon Swiss dip (i eat around the cheese... which leaves grease and bacon. yummie.)
- Hershey squares
- polish mistakes (which are basically meat and spices atop toast squares... out o' this world.)
- asparagus with wasabi dip
- pork loin
- pigs in blankets
- chocolate treats
- etc.

My mouth just started watering. great.

With the winning pot of money at stake, the only think i will savor shall be the sweet taste of victory!

new voices

i wish i could attach the song i have been listening to over and over. You will just have to go to itunes and download. her name is sara barellis. She's on the commercial thats running right now- she's singing her song, "lovesong"- for the company Rhapsody. nevertheless, her sweet jam is very catchy with a tad bit o' kitschy to it. just can't stop listening.

Speaking of, i am in need of some new suggestions for music. I have had a fall season saturated with the Weepies, Gillian Welch, an Feist. I need to toss it up. I've ventured to Chris Brown, but i need to head back the direction of those delicious folk tunes i love so dearly. Any suggestions?

plus, i need to "cleanse my pallet" after downloading the free michael bolton song off of itunes.

yes- its come to that.

ps. This season has not been full of Christmas parties like in years past. I am grateful for any and all opportunities to attend a little party these days! tonight i went to a fabulous Christmas party at a Pete's house. It was White Russian party (that drink will always make me think of a really fun trip my mom, sister and aunt took to NYC a few years back... they're a hit with mama). pretty awesome. i like going to parties and meeting people instead of seeing the same people at every party- this was very much the case. it was a fun night!

My Room's Facelift

What a cozy nest i have... THANKS to Mrs. Amanda Herring McGown.


She has, besides one of the best personalities on planet Earth, some wicked awesome decorating skills. Here... look:

Here are some before shots... boring.



NOW... here are some finished photos - more to follow, if you're nice. She just thinks so differently than me! i have no decorating skills and she thinks outside the box. so great!





Here's the good news: If you live in Nashville, she can work this magic for you too! Her info is as follows:

"Interiors by Amanda"
ahmcgown@comcast.net
615. 828. 9012

Gotta love friends with talent- its the best! My room would like to warmly welcome you to visit!

I Can't Get No...

Sometimes I feel like Mick Jagger.

Why is it that when I have the most, i am the least appreciative of it? Then... when I have not-so-much, i am even more quick to complain. One would probably be tempted to call me ungrateful or at the very least- unappreciative. It seems to grow in me during classic gift-giving holidays.

I have to tell you that I start my days hopeful- with the very best of intentions. Then, i inevitably find myself wishing (more these days) for something new or some situation to be different than it is. Why can't i just be content? Or, to use a less "churchy" word, happy.

Here's why: I sin. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, i can fool you no longer. I had you going 'til now- admit it. Besides that, i am restless. When you're as hyper and A.D.D. as i am, it becomes a force to be reckoned with. I simply like a lot of things. It does not line up with my environment of self-employment on the heels of joblessness and credit card debt, unfortunately. The problem I have with myself, this evening, is this- were my present situation different, would i behave differently? I think no. Reason being- there's always something newer, more fun, more exciting, more sexy, more... everything... and i am quick to be first in line asking for it.

I go to a great church that purposes to remind me of Scripture and the Gospel (the beauty of being saved from God's judgment because of Christ dying in my place) on a regular basis. Thats why i go there. Craig, my pastor, is very real and often is quick to point out his shortcomings. I appreciate it a lot. It reminds me it is ok to be honest with myself about my own. I'm tempted to think that, at this point, there's too much to fix in my restless, sinning heart... and too little time. Thank the Lord (literally) that its not the case.

Guess I'll hop off my soapbox of self-deprecation now. Just feels good to own up to the fact that I have character flaws and I'll never be satisfied. Me and Mick. Here's the only consolation:

"There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"... (rom 8:1)

Footage of the Weekend

I have officially overdosed on cuteness...



she asked that i just start the camera rolling and this is what happened:



what a weekend! i'm sad its over.

Edible Cuteness

to borrow a phrase from a fellow blogger (who i imagine i am friends with due to having been a faithful reader for two plus years), here are two "swirling vortex of cuteness"...

i defy you to find sweeter faces.... go ahead. try. to protect the identity of the precious, i shall not disclose names. unless i find a permission form and have their parents sign off and notarize. probably won't bother. so... we'll just call them adorable.


We had a packed schedule today consisting of the following:
- morning TV
- coke for breakfast (i stand by my position as a fun babysitter being to keep them alive... only.)
- lunch with leslie!
- field trip to TPAC with brownie troop
- trip to Kroger to pick up cookie dough and decorating treats
- watching "Full House" in a cozy bed while miss kelley rested her eyes... no talking.
- a visit from Claire while "watching" said loved and syndicated sitcom.
- baking cookies (decorating tomorrow)
- trip to Lauderdale to see SJ, Adrienne, Anna and Chelsea
- trip to Swoozies to attempt breaking costly gifts... and to make christmas lists
- dinner at California Pizza Kitchen (with Adrienne and Chelsea- such troopers!)
- Fred Claus at Greenhills Theater
- being carried to the car (ok... i did the carrying of the teeniest member of the crew)
- SLEEP for the weary.

Good thing the last words were,"lets wake up early so we can do some fun stuff tomorrow"...

right.

Playing mommy is the bee's knees!

home sweet blogspot

I know you're wondering where I sit when I write you. You probably agonize about the visualization. I like to keep you happy, so here is where:


It is my own little blogspot.

I am staying with two of the most precious girls on the planet this weekend, so i assure you there will be more later...

Nice Face

Facebook.... oh what a lover.

As i sit here watching "An Affair to Remember", i have my laptop open and i am in a state of technological bliss. If you are as A.D.D. as I am, you get that theres a need to do to two things at once in order to really enjoy either.

It brings me to wax eloquent about my extreme love for a little thing called "Facebook". Now, you need to know that i was slow showing up to the party. I wasn't an easy sell. I thought, "great- a college version of Myspace" (which is basically the world wide equivalent of a summer night on the strip on Myrtle Beach... trashy.) Oh, the joy once i finally discovered the benefits lurking on the walls of my very own facebook. Here's why:

For starters, I am nosy. I prefer "interested" but hey... i'll own up to the truth. I LOVE being privy to people's lives. Even better is not having to outright ask them in person. Its so great. Secondly, where else can you get an announcement (or make one!) every time you start dating someone? Its like Facebook is the modern day Pony Express.... delivering news and information with speed. Another reason i am obsessed is pictures. I love me a good snapshot. Mostly, i love knowing what people look like from day to day. Makes me feel connected somehow. who cares if they've never technically added me as a friend, but, because we have mutual friends, i can see his/her dearest pictures and friends? Basically, Facebook is legal stalking with flair.

I don't know what has come over me. I have long appreciated the benefits, but have not been this adoring yet. If Facebook were indeed a lover, i would be shameless about being ready to take our relationship to the next level and engage in hand holding (what? i'm old fashioned and basically need romance training wheels...so?) and strategic kisses under the ever-present mistletoe. I'd be tempted to make a t-shirt declaring my love... nothing says love like shirts made with care from my printer and a warm iron.

Friends, let this be my Christmas card to you all this year:

Facebook and I have never been happier. Hope you and yours take time to enjoy the true value of the season- Love, the Books (Kelley and Face)

Customer Service?

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I know we agreed to always keep the language of this blog "rated g". I would like to let you know that this blog will be the hardest I have ever worked to keep my word on that front. Luckily i have cooled down a bit, so perhaps it will not be as hard as i anticipated.

Today i experienced one of the most bizarre "customer service" experiences of my life. Friends, if ever you have the opportunity in this life to do any sort of business with "House of Brides" - think again. Today i called to inquire about a cryptic email that seemed to be spam, but hey... this is a wedding we're talking about- gotta be sure. Well, when i called i was hung up on. When i called back the lady literally picked up the receiver and hung up before i could say hello. Just when i thought the kindergarten behavior couldn't get more bizarre, i had a conversation with the lovely customer service representative that incited this blog. Let me just tell you, it was shocking. It ended with me not knowing if my dress will actually get sent or not. wow. i have to admit, i will NOT understand if it doesn't.

Just at the point i thought i could hit something, i had a thought. Its just a dress. I can hardly believe how riled up i got over something that isn't life shattering in the large scheme of things. Imagine how ridiculous i would be if i experienced an actual injustice. Just think- people are experiencing the most heinous crimes against them and i am angry about a dress. its not flattering, folks. can we still be friends?


so, in an effort to not be only Debbie Downer tonight, i will add this funny thought... Ondontophia is the fear of teeth.

I think i am going to make some biscotti tomorrow. What holiday treats are you making?

Holiday Merriment

This evening I went to a party where we watched, "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians".


good night.

Birds of a Feather

Kristin Leigh Kirker Rochester.

That's the name of my favorite human being. Sure... we shared a womb. sure... we had a secret language as bambinos. Sure... we wore clone clothing until we (ok I) was old enough to tear the matchy clothing from my body. [sidenote: i distinctly remember a family outing as a child in Columbia, SC where i was put into a conductor's over-all get up and was so incensed about it that i did whatever it would take to get out of it. from my carseat. i lost. it stayed on. But i remember it...mom, dad.... can i get an amen?] SURE, we have all that, but theres so much more!So, you already know she's my favorite but here are some things you may not know:

- we live by the saying, "uteros before bros"
- she boldly moved to Chicago alone to pursue a dream (sure, it was months after i moved to Nash to be near her.... details)
- she is a wildly talented hair stylist and i am the luckiest girl ever to have a hair-doin sister
- she would do absolutely anything for the ones she loves. anything.
- if you're sad- she cries. happy? laughs. she's so empathetic. makes life richer, i assure you.
- she can quote every word of White Christmas (with me).
- she buys such thoughtful gifts that you almost treasure the thought most! Just ask me about the brown ruffle jacket.
- she finishes a lot of statements like this, "it makes chad happy" and it isn't obnoxious. its is so lovely... she sure loves that man. with good reason.
- Her degree is in Business and she's very savvy.
- Her laugh... you just have to laugh right back when you hear it. i dare you not to.
- she is so infinitely cooler than me that there isn't room to list all the ways.

Bottom line: tonight i am sitting here at a Bongo Java, moments away from my monthly babysitting gig at City Church, and I am wishing my sister was with me. She makes everything fun. She's coming here in just days! She and Chad are braving Interstate 40 for our Christmas Party and i am SO excited. We share everything, so I thought you should know.

adieu.

Let it Linger...

Today, June and I experienced something that my high school self would have considered monumental. Actually, I have to admit the current version of me is quite amazed.

Ms. Dolores O'Riordan, of "Cranberries" fame, wowed these eager ears! Perhaps the best part was the intimate setting. I would like to take this opportunity to say I LOVE NASHVILLE!!!

She played every old tune i was just dying to hear. I posted the video i took of "Zombie" for your listening pleasure. Sometimes its like all i think about are your needs... specifically your listening needs.

I think i shall not calm down from this for quite a while. I imagine the high school version of me would be tempted to throw in the old Dave Matthews CD next to the Alanis Morrisette album and finish it off with the Cranberries and call it a night. I think i shall.. for good times sake.

What a Difference a Day Makes

I love how we tell each other everything. Isn't it fun?

Well, something happened yesterday that makes me pretty darn excited. While we tell each other everything (sometimes you're so chatty), i regret to say that it would be inappropriate for me to go into specifics. Let me tell you- its going to affect this girl's life a great deal!

As I work this booty off to get the organizing business off the ground, it is obviously necessary for me to have some additional steady income. Well, I think i have found said job in the form of a very realistic nanny pozish. Which include some really fun diversions- which i plan to disclose at a later time. I'm talking... insane!

In the same day, I got some very promising leads with regards to upcoming organizing opportunities and advertising on a local radio show.

I'm feeling very happy and a tad exhilarated! Here's hoping it all works out beautifully! Jehovah seems to be "jireh-ing" all over everything... for which I am exceedingly grateful!

signed,
Vague Velma

Go Dores!

Let's Go, Black and Gold! Tonight Sarah June and I ventured to Memorial Gym to catch the Vandy boys throw down against the University of South Alabama. (If you're wondering, that means they are USA and their colors are red, white, and blue... wow.)

Now, you need to know that June is a hard core basketball fan. She played growing up and just plain enjoys it! I.... didn't. play growing up, that is. I do enjoy the game... i just don't get all the rules. The evening was full of, "see the little clock behind the goal? that's the shot clock..." and the like. She's helpful, that June. Together we are very hardcore up in the nose bleeds! Just look...

Afterwards, we ran into Jimmy and Courtney. They're some of the most dedicated fans around. When i say dedicated, i mean i don't think Jimmy has missed a game in years. He comes from a long line of Vandy fans- its a heritage, really. He spent his college years acting as one of the team managers... You are impressed and i get that... it makes sense. He's that awesome. Here's to you, Jim Jim. Check out that V U symbol!


The Commodores finally won after double over time! It was really touch and go there for a while. We all know a "W" on the books is all that matters! (does that sound like i know what I'm talking about?)


So- before all of the Vandy excitement, i dropped by Provident to see old work pals. It was as lovely to see them as I had anticipated. We girls used to have a daily "meeting" where we giggled and solved the problems of the world over snackwells crackers and diet coke. Today was no exceptions. Except someones mom forgot snacks. So, we got to chatting and before i knew it, i was laughing from my toes. Per usual. Somehow we got to the fact that my recent co-workers are intense Harry Potter enthusiasts. I remembered them calling me a "muggle" at some point last year. Not knowing what it meant made it about as offensive as someone calling me a bad word in German. Today i got my explanation, though. This is Michelle's direct quote:
"A Muggle is a non-magical creature... you. me? no." I laughed a lot. Such fun catching up with those peeps.

All in all- I'd call that a good day. Today i also rediscovered "India.Arie"... that just graduated it to a great day!

Nickel for your thoughts...

This evening, I (Kelley Lynne Kirker) encountered the great "Nickel Creek" at the one and only Historic Ryman Auditorium. It is their farewell tour. A moment of silence please....

IT WAS FREAKING AWESOME!!!!

Sara, Chris, and Shawn brought it in a face-melting awesome way! They no less than covered "Toxic" by Britney. The number one stunner of the evening was their rendish of "I Want you Back" by the Jackson 5! I just love their energy and talent.

You know that I am constantly thinking about your needs- so, i threw caution to the wind and ignored the "no camera rule" to bring you this- a sub-par snapshot of the talented bunch. The bassist later took to clogging. I recommend catching them when they come to your town. I can't say that strongly enough without expletives, and you know i am a family friendly blogger. suffice it to say, you need to ask Santa for tickets if you've not already had your face melted with their charm and raw talent.

My favorite lyric of the evening was definitely when Chris sang, "Who will I bring to the Grammys and make out with when i win? If you're going to leave, set me up with one of your friends..." hilarious, that guy... by the way, if Chris Thile is ever within reach, I'll probably embarrass myself. just a warning.

Take my word when i say it was a fantastic evening!! Made possible, of course, by Scott and Becka Blackburn. Here's to you two and your generosity! Michelle, Becka, and I enjoyed the very impressive air-violin stylings of a lady, i like to think of as, named Rhonda. Rhonda sat in front of us and i almost watched her as much as i watched the Creek. Here we are - happy to be together!

After the excitement of running into a bunch of cool peeps in the foyer (which, i have oft wondered is actually pronounced FOY YAY or if i say it because i like the way it sounds), I headed to an equally renowned establishment... Roberts. Ole Roberts is a honky tonk that's always the right place to be. I hopped in to say hi to Jerrod, PY, and Forrester. Those fellas are nothing but a good time. PBRs were enjoyed. a dance was had. smiles were shared. What more could a girl ask for? Here are the famed gentlemen.

On that note, I shall leave you with a jolly "good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite". Until tomorrow, my public. night night.

Can't Win for Losing...

Poor B.

Is anyone else hopelessly devoted to "The Biggest Loser" airing on Tuesday evenings on NBC? Not to be confused with all the awesomely motivational archived episodes airing on higher cable channels, of course.

Well, this girl is a loyal Blue Team, Red Team, and now Black Team enthusiast. Only in America could we live sedentary lives, eat rubbish, and then roll over ten years later to discover we're obese. Only in that same America could we then capitalize on such a sad state by asking rotund people to bare their moobies (man boobies... keep up) and back fat week by week as we reward them for the care they should have always been taking of themselves. ALSO only in this America would we give them $25,000 and numerous prizes along the way. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Now, don't hear me knock it. I am just pointing out the (hopefully) obvious. To say i tune in each week puts it mildly. I think about the show when its not on. Its like Bob is whispering in my ear during that impossible sculpt class on Monday nights. I feel so motivated when the show comes to a close that i am more likely to want to exercise than snack... and thats saying a lot. That is, until this week. I mean... of course, when they showed the most recently axed player looking trim and dedicated at home, i got newly energized for my own family competition. The only problem is that it was Bryan who got sent home. He lets me call him B. Sweet, sweet B. I just couldn't be happy this time. In the past, the ones eliminated drove me nuts anyway. I think i actually said, "oh good... anyone but B" once or twice. There's a dedicated viewership at my house. Chelsea joins Anna, Adrienne, and me each week to sit down and soak in the wonderful treats the DVR has to deliver to us minus commercials. (God Bless technology, while He's at it!) Chelsea was first to open my eyes to the appeal of B. He flew under my radar at first. As she pointed out his utter lovability, i fell victim to his boyish charm. I am now wondering if its out of line for me to find a way to send him a card with a diet cherry coke with vanilla from Sonic.

Basically, i feel like a friend got kicked out of the club today and i want to kick back. Poor B.

You know who else i feel for? My sweet twin who spent the night snuggling with her toilet as a result of a stomach bug. She just sounded so darn pitiful on the phone today. Thank goodness Chad is still as perf as i believe him to be... he even called my nurse mom to make sure he was doing everything right to care for her. Have i mentioned i love him?? I love you, Kris, but don't go thinking this gives you the lead... i shall win this!

So, in long, i would like to raise a glass to the efforts of Bryan- you're the Biggest Loser in my book. Lose on, loser. Lose on.

now announcing...

Ladies and Gentlemen, i would like to announce the arrival of a very special member of my life.... MY NEW LAPTOP!!!! Thank you Dad and Mom for taking a chance on a girl's dream of owning and running her own business! You make all of this typing possible!


" Isn't she lovely.... Isn't she beautiful..." Thank you, Steve Wonder, for putting into words what my fingers are thinking! Theres SUCH a profound difference between the ease of this piece of technology and the rickety $50 disease ridden dinosaur i was getting frustrated with before. I am SO GRATEFUL!!

I can barely stand to be away from her. Before i tip toe into the realm of creepy, i will sign off. Just wanted to give the Parents one HUGE shout out for making this girl's dreams come true!!

thank you, and good night.

"Horses Horses Horses Horses"

Are you with me? Does everyone else take to singing like Meg Ryan in "Sleepless in Seattle" when they think of Christmas carols?

Before Thanksgiving of each year i find myself a tad annoyed with the premature arrival of all things Christmasy. Even to the point of going out of my way to avoid shopping for gifts (yeah... that's why), listening to the music, or eating the holiday yummies until the appointed time. We all know the appointed time is midnight the day after Thanksgiving, by the by.

Once the time has come to jump in head over heels into the seasonal bliss, I am like an elf whose come out of hibernation in time to live on a diet of hot cocoa and candy canes! I even sing carols in my sleep. I get so excited about seeing the lights on all the houses, enjoying the nip in the air, and above all practicing how to function well on three hours of sleep on Christmas day because i just KNOW i've heard Santa on the roof. You've never met another 28 year-old who gets more excited about handing out all the gifts on the big day. My family named me the elf. I have earned this title. I can't sleep. I get so excited about my stocking. SO excited. I can't be bothered to bathe and i am nearly always the one to wake up everyone in the house. I am basically possessed.

I reveal these facts to you, my faithful readers, to tell you that something momentous happened on Lauderdale Road tonight. WE. GOT. OUR. TREE! Its on.

It. Is. On.

We've even been known to load up on mistletoe each year. When i say "load up", i mean Sarah June somehow finds some wholesaler who lets her leave with enough for everyone in Nashville to find romance. It literally hangs from every surface. That sure seems promising... we'll see what excitement looms beneath those tiny bundles of hope.

As i finish this post, let me leave you with something incredibly exciting...

ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!!!! eeeeeeeeeeeee! "Lets hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling, ring-ting-tingling too...."

Lets Take it From the Top

Before i get ahead of myself, i figure i will offer a little re-cap of my current state of affairs. I know there are approximately 4.5 people who are concerned with the details, of course, but i feel like starting this blog out of no where seems out of whack. Though, there would be something funny about pretending that we (you and i) are in the middle of a conversation...

So, I will start by saying the reason i have wandered into this uncharted blog territory is for one person. Well, its probably more appropriate to say 1.5 persons. Mrs. Courtney "Coco" Strubel Armistead. She is great with child, thus, she counts as more than just one person. We've taken to nicknaming her unborn child Jasmine ever since we learned that something the size of a piece of rice had begun forming in her womb. Please note that no sex has been disclosed yet... it is simply the result of habit - calling her a her that is. Still, Jazzy is probably her more appropriate given name. Jazzy and i tend to grab lunch from time to time. Coco and i have what we know and love as a Daytime relationship. its a beautiful thing and i recommend it to anyone. Basically what you need to have your very own D.R. is to leave your full time/well paying/ benefit providing job. If you are me, you don't leave so much as they show you to the door and take back the electronic card that gave you entrance to the building with a firm handshake and a "God is in Control". If you're Coco, you simply leave the teaching job you are brilliant at in order to have a moment's peace with your new husband before getting knocked up. Well, she got a few days, anyway.

Coco. What fun we have. She is a dear dear friend and i am only mildly obsessed with her in the same way i am mildly obsessed with peanut M&Ms. In all seriousness, she loves the Lord and reminds me of His love for me on a daily basis. she has a way with reminding me of the truth that i need and love. so, i just needed to mention that in case no one else ever reads this blog... she'd know from whence it came.

I need to mention that i have the best friends a girl could hope for!! College girls who love me well and Nashville sissers/roomates who love me well! I just can't tell you how favored i feel because of these relationships! They teach teach teach me. you just don't know...

So, by now you've figured out i left/got left by Provident Label Group. It was and is a good thing now. It just stung a little in February/March when it all happened. I enjoy having stability and that single movement ushered me into the realm of having precious little be stable and constant in my world. My family, friends/roomates, and church have been my buoy on these harsh ocean waves.

I JUST don't know what people do without twin sisters!!! i pity you all, really.

Kristin got married in August... to the last living knight in shining armor. or is it armour. Nevertheless, y'all HAVE to know Chad. he's amazing. and that word doesn't cut it. i love him. you KNOW i love him if he's allowed to have Kristin. she. is. my. world. They are even more amazing married. i mean that so wholeheartedly. That wedding was obviously a large part of my year and life. It was thrilling to be doing "odd jobs" during this time to be able to dedicate two whole weeks to time in SC for this event. i just can't say enough how wonderful it was.

Another landmark on the road map of my year is weddings in, general! I have either attended or participated in 17 weddings, my friends. It takes alot to have any sort of fondness for this hallowed event after 5 much less 17. But it was every bit of 17 and i have to say... they were all great! Family and friends alike got married this year. I am a blessed gal... blessed but ready to see Wedding Fest 07 come to a close.

Lastly, but most definitely NOT least, I have started my own business! Organize Nashville is now in full swing! i even got an outstanding logo made by Addie Diller. love her- she's so good to me. So, i began the journey that has been in the works for years.. a job i feel keenly equipped for and extremely enthusiastic about! I am just so thrilled about helping people move through the junk in their homes that inhibits them from being efficient and peaceful. I love that i get to help people simplify. This is turning into much too long of a blog posting to go into any more detail. Suffice it to say that one year ago, i could never have dreamt big enough to imagine having a mostly flexible schedule, owning a business i love, feeling peaceful, and having a church that i absolutely LOVE. more on them later.

This is most definitely a Thanksgiving themed blog. so, thanks, Lord. you're amazingly good to me!

Paying the Piper

wow.

i'm really full... and now i must suffer the pain of being STUFFED.

not just "wow, i should stop eating now.... i'm satisfied" kind of full. I mean, "get me some elastic pants in two sizes bigger... and hurry" kind of full. Reason being, i- unlike most of the world- indulged in absolute excess these past few days. I know i am in good company in America, but we're the fat ones. If only it hadn't tasted so good going down, it would be easy to make those healthy choices! Bottom line, operation "Don't Feed the Kelley" commences immediately!

We have a competition going on in the Kirker/Rochester families. We've decided to do our own family version of The Biggest Loser. Whoever has the highest percentage of weight loss, between tomorrow morning (Saturday) and Christmas morning, WINS! not just bragging rights. MONEY! this poor girl is ready to make some dollas!

Those last two paragraphs were earned, mind you. There were some intensive eating sessions done here in lovely western NC/ Eastern TN. These folks could make anything taste good... its like everything is coated with fairy dust and unicorn feathers- magic. i literally felt like a snake today. you know- those snakes that swallow whole rhinos! i could feel the fried chicken going down sideways as my poor body did its best to break it all down.

In short- thank you, Pigeon Forge, especially for the nippy weather, deep fried treats and backdrop for some intense family togetherness! what memories were made.

Off to study vegetarian minimalist eating...

Pirates on the Dragon's Tail

For starters, i would like to address you, my public. It is for you that i begin this illustrious journey. It is for you that i chronicle my bizarre life. It is for YOU. So... here goes nothing.

Today i discovered something completely fascinating. It turns out that when one drives eastward from the great Music City, one will reach Knoxville. One could then make the decision to turn off in the direction of Robbinsville, NC for the sake of spending Thanksgiving with family. I am the fortunate beneficiary of some new family members. (Actually, this raises a question i have long had... if my sister accquires in-laws, do i have any sort of ownership of them also?) Nevertheless, Chad's (brother in law) extended family lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Mom, Dad and me got invited to join in on what promises to be a memorable holiday! It turns out that just shy of this cozy small town exists a national attraction. The Tail of the Dragon. Motorcyclists come from far and wide to enjoy this mountainous stretch of road. That is because within 11 miles exists 311 turns! We're talking sharp ones, y'all! Curves that sane people take at 20 mph. These bikers rage on this road at high speeds for the thrill of it all. People stand on the side of the road and take pictures! it is serious! You can imagine i was surprised to learn this while driving cluelessly through the autumn trees. I was also surprised to learn, upon arrival, that no women should drive this stretch of road alone! How was i to know there are PIRATES "in these parts". Alas, it seems there are people who will literally force you to the side of the road and steal your belongings! Shocking! My story, however, ends with not nearly so much excitement... it ends with a greasy calzone at Papa's Pizza and hugs from Mom and Dad. And later beef stew at Chad's granny's crib. so awesome.

Thats all for tonight. I'm tired and the pull out love seat is calling my name! Thank you, Microtel, and Goodnight.