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