Status

We all know I am an unashamed Facebook addict. Its how I keep up with half of the people I know. I love the photos, the ridiculous comments, the voyeurism, etc. My very favorite part, though, are the "status updates". I just plain love knowing what peeps are up to.

In that vein, I am feeling the need to give a status update of my own as we near the close of 2008.

I am a happy girl.

There, I said it. I'm happy!

I love Nashville for all her charms and warmth. I have community here with my co-workers, church fam, roomies and delightful friends! I have even had the opportunity to make a few really dear friends this year- you know... the real kind you call when you're "ugly crying" and don't have a grip on life. I love the way that this City continues to turn over new leaves... just enough to keep me excited without thrusting me out of a needed comfort zone. I love this place.

I have been making choices lately to improve. I know that is typically a January trend, but I sure love doing things out of order sometimes. Simple little things right along with larger life change things. It is empowering and a little eye-opening. I am in the middle of trying to figure out how to balance life now, while it is (essentially) as simple as it will ever be. I have experienced doing work and social well... but then health suffers. I have done health and work well... at the expense of social. You get the picture. I am now on the search for simplicity, excellence and happiness. I know its possible, so I'm asking the Lord to make it so. :)

I've had an awakening about needs lately. I know... you're thinking there's a mandatory amount of estrogen needed to read on, but bear with me. I have been trying to figure out what I *actually* need when I recognize one exists. Sometimes I'm thirsty when I think I'm hungry. Other times, I need to take a walk to de-stress... not necessarily a diet coke. ha. You see where I'm going here.

So, the surprising discovery for me was one that may shock you. I am an outgoing person. I tend to get energy from having people around. I also get energy from down/alone time too. I just tend to prefer having friends around. Mind you, I'll duck into the bathroom at a crowded party to re-group, but who doesn't? Anyone... anyone? That being said, it may surprise you that, in the middle of a friend mecca, I am lonely. Not the "I just want to have something to do on a Friday" kind of lonely. I have people everywhere! Its deeper than that. My mom will be all too thrilled to learn that this self-proclaimed happy girl with a single life may just be ready to *share* it. :) I am learning that, maybe...just maybe, 29 year old women are supposed to get a kiss more than once a year (ok...2 years). hahaha. I know I'm going to regret writing that, but hey- blogspot is for honesty. Kristin and Chad make marriage look really fun. So do a bunch o' my friends. Who knows... maybe it could happen for me. Not ready to *really* think about it yet, but I'm thinking about being open to it.... mom, is that good? ;) So, maybe I'll tip toe into the world of recognizing emotional as well as physical and spiritual needs. Bring it on, 2009!

Perhaps my status would read: Kelley is still finding herself at 29...and loving it!

Okay, I'm exhausted...anyone else having an awakening?

Stream of Consciousness

I'm sitting at my desk and here are the thoughts running through my mind:

- I wish i had made breakfast this morning
- ooooh, coke zero is just as good
- I need to clean off my glass desk
- I love when there's loud laughter at work
- I have a *really* busy day ahead of me
- I'm really heartbroken for my friend Jen who lost her mother...trying to think of something sweet to do. (Pray for her, please, friends)
- I'm not sick. I'm NOT sick.... i'm not siiiiiiiick! (trying to convince)
- Tonight is the work Christmas party!!
- I'm going to start saying thing are "boss"
- I can't wait to sit under the Christmas tree at home next week!
- I forgot to put on deodorant
- I love the new white board (or is it wipe?) we have at work
- I'm already looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday
- Do I need to buy my co-workers presents? nah...
- I'm not sick, i'm NOT sick.....
- I wanna hug my mama
- I'm. not. sick.
- I'm sick.

xoxox

Two exciting developments!

For starters... I got new bangs!


Secondly... ITS SNOWING!

Wonders never cease. :)

Thanksgiving on Laudy!

Ladies and Gents,

Here are the long-awaited Thanksgiving Day pics as Laudy (my home) played host to my (extended) family holiday gathering! I have a post "in the hopper" that will touch on more details and even blog-ular birthdays! In the meantime, feast (I couldn't resist) on these photos from a most wonderful day. (Alas... after much frustration with loading these babies, they are, I'm afraid, in no particular order.)

What fun was had and delicious treats enjoyed! The Kirker/Lowry Thanksgiving may need to become a tradish. I love my fam!

This just in...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZmDtV-t7KU

I know it never had a chance to last, but I would have liked to think that if Deanna was willing pass up Mr. Wonderful, it would have lasted... oh man.

Guess I'll have watch every second of this season to see who Jason ends up with... when it shoulda been me.

not nearly as pathetic as this sounds,
Kelley

Sushi, Shelves, sweet tunes and Goodness

WHAT A WEEKEND!!!

There is so much to tell you! I will say this: I am relieved to be at work. It is much more relaxing. :)

It was an exceptionally fun weekend, friends.

Highlights:
- Adrienne's 24th birthday sushi dinner at Virago and dancing at Silverados after. Cross cultural experience.
- Saturday breakfast with Julie, Devin and Terri (Tic was busy busy busy) who were in town for the Youth Specialties Conference!
- Organizing for Amelia and watching her loft go from chaos to very livable in a short 5 hour period. She actually took my advice about putting in a 16 ft by 8 ft. shelving unit in her living room. Its magical! :)
- "City Church in the Round" event being a smashing success!! So many talented musicians in our church. It was such a fun evening!
- Sunday pie making
- HUGE feast for Thanksgiving with friends... 40 of them. What a spread! It was delicious. The flag/tackle football game after was fun too. Too many photos to put up here, but they are on Facebook!
- Church
- Dinner/ Bluegrass with the Hildebrands! Germantown Cafe' after a feast... crazy. Good Good Times!

I'm exhausted... but with a smile on my face.

Its so cold in my office that...

Haiku

Tonight at my neighborhood group, we had an ice breaker. Duane had us all write a haiku about ourselves. Ladies and gents, I present mine:

Excessively pert
Loudest laughter in the room
clumsy ain't illegal.

Ok, so the last part is more of a mantra or, rather, a consolation... but it will work. :)

Inspiration From a Genius

So, as is usually my Monday habit (but moved to Tuesday as a result of laziness), I listened to my two favorite podcasts.

The first is "This American Life". It was an entire show devoted to people who live alone and, more specifically, some who die alone. While sad, it was also very interesting. TAL always delivers.

Next, I drank in the goodness of "The Moth." Now, you need to know that, in general, if T.A.L. is rated G, this is more PG13. It is just generally not overly-produced... or at all. It is people recorded telling stories live and on stage. This week was a bit of Garrison Keillor's speech at last year's "Mothball" held in NYC each November.

If you know my family at all, you know that both Garrison and his artistic child, "A Prairie Home Companion", are both very significant to the Kirkers. While we "enjoyed" the TV-free years, we listened to radio exclusively. "A Prairie Home Companion" was enjoyed by sitting on the living room floor with popcorn or some sort of dessert. Each week Kristin and I would dance around like little fairies as we enjoyed the twang of the bluegrass we'd hear. Right around the time the commercials came on, we would start to settle down...still laughing so Dad would think we got the subtle jokes, mind you. As soon as the story for the evening unfolded, my snoring would ensue. I rarely made it through an entire 2 hour episode. Even now, I am lucky to make it! ;) Bottom line- its more than entertainment... it is tradition. A delightful one. I can hear the music (or that familiar warm voice) and a smile forces its way to my lips. Heck, I even watched the movie, people.

Naturally, this morning, I was thrilled to hear Garrison's voice come across the airwaves, care of itunes. His words were profound to me this morning. He said the art of storytelling is one of a pursuit of intimacy with people... even strangers. He went on to say that intimacy, when you are young, is nice. When you get older...necessary. (I dare say necessary the whole journey long.) Nevertheless, he said, we pursue storytelling for the sake of attention, on some level. Ultimately intimacy. I cannot agree more. I find myself writing here (and even attempting the challenge of a book) for the sake of being known. While it is a universal fear... it is also a deep need.

Thanks, Garrison. You bring your A-game again.

A Day at Emma...

Friends... have I mentioned I work for the most amazing company??

I mean- it is ridiculous.

Today is our Chili Cook-Off followed up by a wine tasting! The wine tasting is at "Flyte" (ultra hipster/ fabulous upscale joint in town that is co-owned by a guy who works with us in Development.)

I am so excited! Photos to follow, naturally.

So, of course, it feels like a "Field Trip Day"... i cannot focus. I'm just a-twitter with excitement! I suppose it does not help that I got to Skype with Coco and James followed by my first two Video G-chats (Google, i love you.) OVERLOAD on Joy!

Hyper to the point of ridiculous,
Kelley

Book

What if there's an entire chapter about stories of me falling down?

Fall Update:

(Have I mentioned that I am in a loving and committed relationship with Fall? we're going steady.)

Today has just been "one of those days" in the BEST way possible!!

The air is full of Autumn, the day started with a huge breakfast with friends, I played with some of the cutest children ever, and I have sufficiently lazed around after cleaning my room! Toss in some chili and football, a looming cookout/bonfire and a girls' sleepover.. complete with a crimper and the game, "Mall Madness." You can't make this stuff up.

I am happy happy happy.

I'll need to go back and read this in February when its super cold and I'm miz. ;)

OH and....

GO GAMECOCKS!!!!

Say What You Need to Say...

That title fits for more than John Mayer's single. It wraps up the recent past for me for a variety of reasons! For starters, I had some friends recently tell me that I should write books. haha! I said to them, "The problem is that I write like I speak... who wants to read that?" So, friends, you are stuck with the interweb version of a conversation with me... as often as I will update it.

** sidenote: I'm realizing that unless I plan to begin every post with an apology, for not writing as often as I should, I need to just own up to the fact that work has me really really busy...AND computer averse at the end of a long day. Bottom line: I don't get a chance to write here more than about once or twice a week. Maybe that will change. maybe not- sorry friends! I do promise there will always be a ridiculous story, though. does that help? ;)

Ah, back to the actual interesting part. So in addition to a regular convo with me care of blogspot, here's an interesting run in that merits the title. A friend from long ago had the guts to "call" me on what he deemed some bad behavior. Now, if you have known me for any stretch of time, you know that I attended Bible College and that it was full of good and bad experiences. Because of said bad experiences, something in me immediately becomes defensive when someone offers constructive criticism. Its unfortunate but true. Now, you need to know that ultimately I felt like we were both right. He in his critique, me in my defense (if you will.) Moral? It was nice to have a somewhat "crunchy" conversation and have it not be devastating to this world-class people pleaser. Can I get an amen?! I think his heart was in the right place, so no harm done. If anything, beneficial, i might even say.


Over the weekend I attended something called the "Americana Folk Festival" on hill at the Montgomery Bell State Park. It was lovely! (In case you are wondering... YES! "Ernest Goes to Camp" was filmed there. Good eye.) So we all packed up our fall fares and headed to the park for a day of lovely music. It was a line up of seeming no-names with the exception of Sandra McCracken, Derek Webb, Jars of Clay, etc. The real stunners of the day, for me, were a passionate band called, "Old Ceremony"out of Chapel Hill. It was such a creative sound! Very circus-y in parts and mostly inventive instruments and a lovely sound! Handsome men too. that helps! Alas, we are all new best friends... duh. Yes, I did get to play the vibraphone. No, I did not remember any songs from 4 years of malleting away in high school. sad. It was so fun! All in all, it was a day filled with relaxation more than anything else. Amazing.

Today is the start of a new week. Sometimes it is difficult to get excited about a new work week but THIS work week is different... THIS work week I have INSURANCE!!!!! Go ahead, bones. I dare you to break. Teeth... you want filling? You may! Eye balls? you need some glasses... your wish is my command! It is a wonderful feeling, i tell you. Also wonderful is the fact that I get to re-join the YMCA today! holla!!!! Ten pounds, pack your bags! You're being evicted!

Have a good one, friends!

October Findings

So, I get it.

I need to post more.

The only thing is... there's no time. Sure I could write something as soon as i get home for the day, but who wants to do that after sitting at a computer for 10 hours?

So, you are stuck with the sentiments i have after my brain has gone to bed. ;)

Tonight that means i need to show you a few things...

like this:
In the name of (somewhat tasteless, sure...) current events, I was a Texan Mormon for a Halloween party. It was fun, albeit counter intuitive, to intentionally be so "unfortunate looking" (as Kristin would say.)

Also I would like to show you this:
The MOST precious Becca and Aaron Scoggin! They are officially hitched and adorable! Their wedding in Edisto Island was about the most lovely thing I have ever attended! Kristin and i both agreed it was the top 3 weddings we ever seen... ever. Amazing! The wedding... gorgeous and touching! The reception... outstanding!!! The plantation was the perfect backdrop for a lovely dance party and yummy food. complete with photo booth, of course. It was just... incredible! I even stayed at a beach house with Kristin, Chad, Emily and Justin! Great friends, great fun, great EVERYTHING! can you tell i had fun? I wish i could go every weekend.

I am in love.


IN LOVE WITH AUTUMN!!!

(calm down, mom. i'm sorry... that was tricky. keep your hopes up.)

This weekend is the "Americana Folk Festival" and i am so pumped! Sarah June is coming too!!!!

There's so much to share about the last few weeks, but it will have to come later, i think. I am too tired and i have been doing the work of three people lately. I am excited for my co-workers to be back from illness!!

I will leave you with this:
- hanson has one HECK of a Christmas album... just sayin.
- red wine = relaxation and i dig it.
- i LOVE when silly excitement is an appropriate response... !

ok, night night.

xoxox

Fridays at Emma...

Cheers!!

Things on tap for me include:

- organizing a basement
- carving a pumpkin
- a co-worker's wedding!
- halloween party
- eating eggs and turkey bacon
- dancing with navy men... maybe. haha. don't worry mom.
- general "first weekend home in a while" kinda stuff

Have a great weekend!

On my Mind...

1. I love SKYPE.
2. I love my parents.
3. I love dinner with friends that includes hamburger stew and "pumpkin love". yummm.
4. I love Fall.
5. I love sleep.

That is all for tonight. I'm so sleepy so that's all I've got tonight. More tomorrow!

xoxo

Inspiration

Katherine sent me this inspiring story:

http://consumerist.com/5059687/reader-pays-off-14330-in-20-months-with-our-tips

smacks of Dave Ramsey which i love!

Tackling the Beast,
Kelley

Whirlwind!

I don't even know where the last week has gone! Rather perplexing, actually.

That's right... perplexing.

I do know that I have been staying at work until at least 6:30p every night. I don't have to get there until 9, so its not too bad. My days at work are so packed that I feel like i surface in time for lunch and for bathroom breaks. Its SO much better than the opposite! I really do love it!

Ok, for our latest installment of "Random Kelley Tidbits" I give you the following:

- I had THE BEST TIME with Katherine, Heidi, and Julie in San Antonio! Well.. it was magical being with them anyway. San An was nothing like I anticipated. Great food and... the Alamo. Those girls make anything fun, so it was great. Nothing like old friends. Here we are!



- I paid $3.24/gallon for gas today... and thought it was so cheap they were GIVING it away! sad.
- I have discovered (a) the Kenny Loggins station and (b) the Motown station on Pandora. dangerous. Its like Kroger is always with me. Kind of like that creepy Verizon guy.
- I just packed WAY too much for the weekend trip that starts at noon Thursday. I have Becca's wedding on Saturday and A TON of friends will be at the beach together to celebrate. Pretty much incredible! Then there's coming home through Charlotte where I will be sharing some thoughts at my sweet Grandma's memorial service. It will be good... just a BIG swing of emotions in one weekend. If i were going to two more weddings, it would be a movie. i kid.
- I have woken up humming Phil Collins songs the past three mornings.
- My daddy got a new job! He's working with a ministry he's been on the board with for as long as I can remember: "Helping International Students." He'll be holding down the fort for them in Charlotte. Much growth to come with an institute, etc. He'll guest blog for me soon. Right pop? ;)
- This is the first time in 4 years that all 5 family members (yes, Chad gets counted) have been employed at the same time! That means one thing to this girl... we get to exchange CHRISTMAS GIFTS AGAIN! holler! ok... it means a few things. but that was the first to pop in my mind!
- I have been listening to Christmas music already.
- I am SO PUMPED about my Halloween costume! I'm gonna be a "sister wife" from Utah. Complete with awesome frumpy jumper and poof hairstyle. SO awesome. I'll even have baby dolls that get taken away. Hey... the tackier the better. that's what i always say.

Ok, I'm getting too worked up. I need to be winding down, but its hard. I come to life at night. Its 12:48a (my favorite time b/c each number doubles!) and all i can think is that i would like to look through my memory box and chew Big Red. Time to calm down. I think I will start to re-read "Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. That should do the trick.

Next time you hear from me will likely be from Edisto Island! holla!

Cheers, homies!

Overload

So, sometimes, when I neglect to blog, i experience something of a creative overload. I have so many little things I feel like I could expound on. None of them feels worthy of following up a tribute to my precious Grandmother, however. I guess I just have to bite the bullet and let them, right?

Here are things that have happened/occurred to me recently:

1. I WISH you could have seen my boyfriend get baptized on Sunday. He cried and cried as soon as he was taken from Courtney's arms. He is the cutest baby boy- y'all just don't know. I can't get enough.

2. Saturday, Lucie turned one year old! You may remember I used to babysit that little nugget. She's tied for cutest child on earth. :) It was SO fun to celebrate her!

3. Saturday evening I went to a going-away party for Brent. He's leaving for Mexico today to do work with a deaf ministry there. Its really exciting, but I'm sad he's going to be gone for at least the next year. A piece of trivia for you: A LARGE part of why I moved to Nashville is due to the fact I met Brent and some other dear friends in Mexico, LO these many 4+ years ago. so sweet.

4. this BLOG is so hysterical. I get lost in this site for... too... long. :)

5. I just got to "chat" with my dear friend Julia who is living in Tanzania. I love her SO much and can't believe she'll be home in two months. She will have been there for over a year. She's a nurse and has been doing AIDS education and just loving on the people there. I admire her so much. She's one of my oldest and dearest friends. hmmm. can't wait til Christmas when we're all together!

6. I am heading to San Antonio on Thursday evening to go enjoy a weekend with my GIRLS from college! We randomly picked S.A. as a city we'd like to visit, so here we are. I look forward to this weekend each year with such fervor! Its usually in the Fall, so i start getting excited in... oh.. April. :)
It promises to be a riot. holler!

Welp. Guess I'll go back to working. (Incidentally, this job is amazing!! I'm loving it so much! I'll find out this week if I have "made the cut" and get to stay! Its the end of the 30 day trial period on Wednesday. I'll keep you abreast of the situation, naturally.)

Cheers, homies!

For My Gramma...

Norma Jean Thompson, passed into the presence of her Savior Jesus on 30 September 2008 at age 87. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold G. Thompson, and is survived by three sisters, Frances Hatfield of Sun City Center, Florida, Mary Geisler of Venice FL, and Margaret Ehlers of Tampa Florida; her only child, Carol Kirker and husband Cameron of Salisbury NC; and twin granddaughters, Kristin Rochester of Columbia SC and husband Chad, and Kelley Kirker of Nashville TN.

Norma Jean was born third of eleven children to Glenn and Hazelle Hatchitt of Davenport IA. As a teenager she pursued a modeling career at Neiman Marcus in Dallas Texas, and later expressed her professional creative artistry through painting canvasses and murals. She also worked in the hospitality, real estate, and home care industries.

Mrs Thompson sang in many church choirs and over many decades lovingly tended countless infant children in church nurseries.

Norma Jean resided in Southern Florida much of her life, and moved to South Carolina in 1997 to be near her daughter and family. She relocated with them to Salisbury NC in 2004, and has resided at Hope House in Rockwell NC since April 2007.

Mrs Thompson trusted in Christ as Savior in her middle years, and attended church at StillWaters in Salisbury, the congregation her son-in-law served as church planter and pastor until early 2008.

A memorial service is planned for Sunday, 19 October 2008 beginning at 3:30 pm at the West Park Baptist Church, 715 Westpark Drive, Rockwell NC.

The Highs and Lows

REALLY busy work week that i love but has me exhausted... Check.
A handful of babies and wedding to celebrate... Check.
Weathering Gas Crisis 08... Check.
Weekend Bachelorette Party for Becca... Check.
My heart broken for Beth and family... Check.
Grandma seemingly approaching death... Check.

I'm feeling kind of all over the place today. That's why.

xoxo
k

Reunion

So... last night i had the most fun experience of "reuniting" with a friend from high school. Here's the thing- we haven't seen each other since then... eleven years ago.

Thank goodness for Facebook (if i had a penny for every time i said that... haha... just kidding.. kind of.) because that is how i learned of Michael's arrival to the Music City!

Here's what i absolutely love about catching up with old friends (which my sister pointed out that i have a propensity for): realizing the ways that I have changed and developed as a person and appreciating ways they have also. It was so nice to get together with Michael and get to talk about the real stuff of life and just enjoy each others company. it was just delightful!

So, here's to old friends, Bosco's (the friendly neighborhood microbrewery), and the world feeling small again.

sleepless in nashville

lately, i am having trouble winding down at night in enough time to get good sleep. Here's the problem... Once I make it past 9:30p or so (what? i get sleepy early!), i am up til 1am minimum. Its not intentional. Its just that once i get the second wind- i am UP and at 'em.

This would be so easily solved if i were willing to just go to bed at 9:30p. Unfortunately, i am not. I almost always have something to do; an issue to consider, laundry to do, people to spend time with, an award winning program on the tele to watch- things of this nature.

I am realizing, as i write this, that this is more of a rhetorical post. I'm not all that interested in "calming down" rememdies. i am more interested in telling you what a nut i am. I mean, seriously, i walk around tired during the day out of sleep deprivation but cannot get around to going to bed at a decent hour.

hmmmm.

being a night owl can be kind of lonely. but- at least i scoured the new "Real Simple" and am now something of a whiz at "streamlining my skin-care routine". standard girl stuff.

incidentally, the good ole fever blister is 90% gone (hallelujah) but i just have other nagging ailments like swollen glands and such. i wonder what in the world my body is warding off.

As i attempt to doze off, I will leave you with an "instant" organizing tip from R.S.:

purchase a shoe organizer for electronics/chargers. hang it over the door and label the compartments.

genius.

wait.... i just yawned. yay!

Girl Alert

I love feeling special.

Weekend Goodness

what a weekend!

On Friday, i had no idea what my weekend would look like. After the Family Dinner (at CCEN), i had high hopes for a night on the town with Meg. Alas, i was SO TIRED at 9pm that i took a swan dive into my bed! if that ain't the essence of 29, i don't know what is.

Before calling it a night, though, Neal tells me of an adventure waiting for me... my inaugural trip to see the University of Tennessee Volunteers play some good ole SEC football. (in case you're keeping up, that means that in three weekends, i have attended THREE SEC football games... for free!!) thrilling.

So, when i rolled out of bed at 6:30am, in order to get to Neal's by 7:30a, i discovered a problem.
This is what my face looked like:

NO, i have no clue why. except for, perhaps, the awesome zit living on my brow line. but... really?? So, throughout the day, the eye went down due mostly to the ice from brad, ibuprofen from neal, and laughter from chelsea. everyone played their role. UT dominated the University of Alabama at Birmingham. (go blazers...?) It was arguably 412 degrees in the sun on Saturday. I could only pity the poor frosh who undoubtedly got stuck wearing the felt dragon mascot uniform.

So, i wake up on Sunday to go running with Amy Marie and had swelling in both eyes. nothing terrible... just looked puffy. i do have to say, incidentally, that i had previously been anti-botox, but suddenly i lost a couple years when the "concentration lines" disappeared on my brow! not bad. i digress...

So, by the end of the day on Sunday, I had mostly deflated. only BIG bummer is the now present fever blister on my lip! oy vey! AND swollen glands under my chin. (i can just hear my old roomie julie giggling... i am THE MOST body aware person you'll meet. i mean... i notice blood vessels in my hands, a new freckle, and definitely any new pains. it is borderline silly.)

Whatever my body is trying to fight off is taking it out of me! As Jim Halpert, my ficticious dream husband, said best, "Lord, beer me strength."

Go to the Mattresses!

My friend Jenn sent me this event notice on Facebook today:


September 13th at 6pm there will be a massive pillow fight at Centennial Park (off West End).

Remember: a pillow fight is a common game mostly played by young children (but can also occur with teens and adults) in which they engage in mock physical conflict, utilizing pillows as weapons.

Since pillows are soft, injuries rarely occur. In this game, there is no winner. The game ends when all the players are tired or the players just decide to surrender. This game takes more skill than one would think. Trying to attack their opponent while trying to defend themselves from the crashing blows of the opponents pillow. Overall the game is just senseless fun and is not played for a prize but for its entertainment value.

Two suggestions: feather pillows & tribal face paint.
Teams are okay, or fend for yourself.

Either way, come to CENTENNIAL PARK!
Let's get wild and crazy!!

I LOVE NASHVILLE!!!!!

The Trumpet Child

Seriously...

if you haven't yet consumed all that is Over the Rhine's newest album, "The Trumpet Child"...

do. it.

now.

not tomorrow.

today.

you're welcome. ;)

Blue and Red States... the real divisions

a guy from work sent this around. click on it to enlarge- so funny. the word "pop" still makes me giggle when someone obviously means a "coke". he he!

sidenote: you would have cracked up had you heard my dad trying to order (in essence) a caffeine free, diet coke at every meal a couple weeks ago. in the name of avoiding branding, he'd say, "do you have a caffeine free diet cola?" EVERY time they'd say... "well... we have sprite". haha. well... it was funny to me, at least. not so much him...

Emma

Y'all... this job is already SO AMAZING!

There will be lots and lots of time to tell you details later once i am more settled, but wow. I have been so very welcomed and helped- it really is unique from any other work experience i have ever had.

Sure, this is the week where i feel useless; having to learn the ropes as opposed to actually contributing anything. Next week will start to usher in my participation and, hopefully, skillful assistance.

I didn't get the chance to go buy a new "first day of work outfit" like I'd hoped, but i'm sure i'll find some time for it this weekend. :) what with all the bday money and brand new gainful employment and all. what's that you say? i need to get out of debt first? oh yeah. well... TARGET it is with my new gift certif!

Check out Emma if you haven't already- they're (wait.. is it we're now?!) pretty doggone amazing. www.myemma.com

peace out. time for bed! Three blogs in a row! that's got to be some sort of a record!

BIRTHDAY Surprises and fun!

You just need to know that I have the best friends EVUH!

Let me walk you through my birthday weekend (the actual day being Sunday the 7th!)

Saturday morning i went to a baby shower for my dear friend Laurie who is expecting her first GIRL! She has a precious boy Nate already. Add in her hubby George and they are seriously the most precious family you've ever seen! Anyhow, got to go to her shower and it was lovely!

Next a few of us headed out to Columbia, TN where there was a surprise party for ADAM! he's the best and it was so fun to celebrate him at his parents place. We all had a blast. here's the group pic for the day!
Adrienne, Chelsea and Molly whisked me away after the party telling me only that i needed to be ready by 6pm. With extreme excitement, I readied myself. At 6pm, Adrienne and Chelsea arrive looking cute as buttons. Moments later SARAH JUNE busts through the door and is met with my tears! i was so excited and surprised that i cried! :) They put me in the car and bring me to the lovely Signature Nail Salon for pedis!

Next we go over to one of my favorite restaurants Calypso Cafe! We grab the food to-go and head over to Centennial Park where my friends are ALL assembled and ready to dance the night away with me! :) it was the sweetest surprise! Every summer there a big band in the park each Saturday to play the best music. they even give dance lessons. this was the last week, so the lessons didn't happen, but it was amazingly fun. At one point, i was pretending to Polka with Doug and laughing so hard that i couldn't breathe... or move. It was SUCH a fun night. It finished with drinks at Rumba where i enjoyed my first vanilla mojito- incredible!

Here are some pics from the evening:



As if that weren't enough, on the morning of my actual b-day, i was taken to brunch at my very favorite Nashville restaurant, Cafe Margot. Claire, Courtney, Leslie, Chancey and Anna joined me for some beyond tasty food and extra special birthday love. Look how fun:





I am one extremely thankful girl! Thanks, everyone, for the Birthday Love! Turning 29 was never SO MUCH FUN! :)

We are Family

Oh man... I had such a fun time seeing Kristin, Chad and Daddy! Fun times were had by all. There were movies ("The Dark Knight"... ask dad about the part i nearly jumped in his lap), good times (such as seeing old friends such as "The Don" and witnessing the USC Gamecock season opener), and great food (multiple Mexican meals.)

Here's a picture of all of us at dinner one night!
(amber, me, erica!)


(dad, kristin, chad!)

It was lovely to bring it down South to see my favorites. the only thing missing was MOM! alas... i shall see her in October. She was too busy dancing and living it up at her high school reunion!
Obviously I come by it honestly!

HOT OFF THE PRESS...

friends. bloggers. fellow sojourners,

I GOT IT!!!!!!

I was offered the job at my dream work place! Now that its offish (well... technically next Monday), i can tell you that yours truly will now be a "Design Coordinator" at Emma! For this and a BUNCH of other treats lately, i am most grateful! i mean... in the way that does not do that word justice.

Thank you, Heavenly Provider- i know this is your doing alone!

now, if i can just figure out what exceedingly cool outfit to wear for my first day... (thank goodness Kristin let me borrow a bunch o' great pieces. i LOVE twins!)

More on my weekend with Kristin, Chad and Daddy tomorrow. I'm busy basking!

hysterical laughter...

...comes flying out of my mouth with uncontrollable volume when i watch Conan O'Brien.

i can't help it!

my list of male (funny) celebrities i'd love to meet includes but is not limited to:
1. Conan O'Brien
2. Paul Rudd
3. John Corbett... don't judge me... he's not funny as much as he's just fabulous.
4. Cedric the Entertainer
5. John Mayer... surprised? he's legit funny!

I'm laughing out loud. by myself. weird?

Happiness and Phil Collins

Sometimes I feel like I'm doing something that suits me so well and I can't help but smile the whole time i am doing it. you know- those, "i don't want to be anywhere else, with anyone else, doing anything else right now" moments.

tonight was one of those moments. i think i just plain love having people over and feeding them. am i part Italian?!

so, i made dinner for a few friends. nothing fancy- just some chicken spaghetti (thanks for the recipe mama!), salad with a feta vinaigrette, garlic toast, with some rice krispie treats and brownies. (seriously, though... WHY do rice krispie treats equal bliss? its too simple a recipe to be so pleasing to my mouth. i always eat too many. Nevertheless, din din was fun and it made me just smile while i was making it all. it was as relaxing (mostly) as coloring all day or something. perhaps it was so because i drank in two full podcasts of my favorite radio show- "This American Life". There was one about going back into your childhood and how, for some, it is a lovely thing and for others- difficult. The favorite of the day, though, was the show dedicated entirely to break-ups. I, having never been through one (not really), can sit back and enjoy such a podcast. those who have survived heartbreaking loss of relationship probably wouldn't be able to enjoy it so much- not without conjuring feelings, i suppose. it was hysterical to listen to the girl contributor tell stories of her interactions with Phil Collins and his song, "Against All Odds". I think the reason i loved it so much is that i (not so secretly) adore ALL cheesy 90's love/break up ballads. i mean... love. Foreigner? yes please! Bonnie Raitt.. Holler! i just love it all. i sing along in Kroger when they play. Click HERE to find the archived show online. its just too good.

Well, in the morning, i am off to organize. actually, for most of the week. Dream Job (as i refer to them) has not gotten in touch with me yet. I've clocked about 6 hours of interview time with them at this point... kinda ready for a verdict. we shall see! in the meantime, i am gearing up for a week o' organizing and the weekend trip to see my sister and dad! woo hoo!!!

nighty night!

Life's Decisions

So..... maybe i sent my application in to the fine people at ABC. Maybe i wrote an essay, attached a photo, and did my best to convince them that I'd be Jason's true love.

maybe there's an open casting call in Vegas on tuesday...

Triple Lutz and other excitement!

Today was a fun one! Not only did I get to start the day by re-watching "Stranger than Fiction" (amazing.. you must see), but I also got to spend a few hours with Mary Landis and Sissy.... the MOST precious little girls.

We decided it would behoove us to take on the Centennial Sportsplex. We took it to the ice.
(qualifier: crappy picture care of my Motorola... on account of my busted canon. boo...)

That's right... we got our skate on and there were only minimal spills. Today, on the ice, was one of those days where i felt ALL of my (very nearly) 29 years. I skated alright, but lord knows i would have really hurt something had i actually fallen. Maybe what made me feel old was what happened an hour so later... when i was dancing with brent and my HIP popped loudly and hurt pretty considerably. what on earth?! I have to say, though, that skating with ML and S while holding hands, giggling, and having races also made me feel 12 years old! What a contradiction?!

Bottom line: Its rare to feel very old and very young in the same afternoon. really fun!

ALSO!!!!!

THIS just in! i don't have to tell you how excited this makes me... just wish i had the nerve to get myself on the show. ;) i'll have to settle for obsession and homemade t-shirts.

night night.

sleepy

i am tired from the sheer amount of the Olympics i have been watching.

I can't get enough!!

I am sucked into the 400 meter qualifiers right now. i just marvel at the human body and then instantly turn on my own asking, "why can't you do that?"

Did you just see that Sanya Richards upset? unbelievable. poor thing.

U.S.A!!! U.S.A!!! U.S.A!!!

what are you watching?

the interweb.

So... with the hopeful notion that the "amazing company i would give a toe to work for" will do a bit of research on me and then (hopefully) offer the job, i figured i would beat them to the google punch.

i googled myself.

first time in a few years, actually. the first time was really funny because the only person that surfaced was (MR!) Kelley V. Kirker. (incidentally, once i sent him a message but never heard anything back... sad.) He's from Texas and runs a company. None of me lurked within the searches. Ladies and Gents... that is NO LONGER the case!!

I am all over the place! My biz, my blog, my race results (eek!), my... life! whoa. I went from totally hidden to really accessible. is anyone else a tad freaked out by this?! sometimes i forget you all read this- thats how ridiculous i am, i s'pose.

so, lovely company, i hope you've googled me also... because that means that you're going to, perhaps, hire me! :)

in other news:
- on saturday, i enjoyed a full moon with dancing in the park. SOMEHOW it took me 4 years to find the most amazing Nashville event! there was a big band, lots of eager dancers, and nothing but fun! i loved it so much! next step... find a dance partner! thank goodness for Brian- who came out of no where to be my tango/swing partner!

- I got to enjoy a Titans pre season game against Oakland! Leslie and Anna snagged some free tix in the club level. yay! it was really fun and got me pumped for football season! We won!! Let's Go TITANS! (yes, i'm that girl who says "we" when referencing the TN team... even though i don't really follow them. c'mon... it was fun to text back and forth with pops during the game!)

- i've hit an all-time low with bad phone call returning. i really need/want to call Heidi, Emily, Becca and Nadia. yet.... i haven't. where does the time go? i don't know. sorry, friends. if you're reading this to find out if i am still alive... i am. just haven't called. still love me?

- i'm about to start reading, "Twilight". emmy- are you impressed?!?!?!

- I've become obsessed with "Intervention" on A&E. troubling, real, genuine. its truly captivating to me and i even dvr'ed it.

ok, goodnight friends! hope the next blog starts with "i got the job!" :)

Tales by Titles

There is really an exceptional amount of information to cover- lets face it. together. Usually, when this is the case, I am famous (Ok, just with kristin and chad) for a well-timed haiku. You should probably not get your hopes up for reading one right now. i tell you of my talents (ha!) so that you will understand my excitement for what is about to take place... rather than a haiku- a story of the last few weeks by way of story titles.

if you are still reading... i know you are a faithful.

shall we start? ahem....

Its time for the story of the broken computer accessory in the scary land of "Toshiba and the Service- Challenged Monster". This tale involves a monster who does nothing but finds time to spout banal and impotent phrases such as, "I'd be twice as upset as you, ma'am, if it were me" and the popular, "It will be there in 24 to 48 hours". (kind of like when you're on a hike and everyone passing you, heading downhill, tells you it is only 20 minutes further.) The service- challenged monster threatens to try the patience and blood pressure of innocent, warranty- clad commoners. Lord help ya if you are one of the commoners and expect to be protected in the land of Toshiba. NAY! the land of Toshiba is full of workers who kick puppies and tie knots in shoe laces... on purpose. In the inspirational tale, one commoner, named Nelley, manages to break free from wasted hours of deadly "conversation" with the workers and insists on freedom albeit through an AC adapter. It turns out, freedom is still freedom... no matter its vehicle.

Next, we visit the children's story entitled,"Mommy, can I Marry Michael Phelps?" What child (and by child, i mean 28 and 3/4 year olds) doesn't dream of marrying the delicious world record shattering, swimming phenom of an American golden child? In this tale, there are stories of Olympics victories and defeats. (Poor Shawn. Silver is still good...you're gold in my book.) There are many tears shed while details of awards ceremonies are shared and, most of all, there are squeals of joy as athletes meet and surpass their goals. God Bless America and GO USA! There is, obviously, an insert to the book including details of local celebrations across America... such as an "8.08.08" party (complete with a torch and man-Speedo) that took place in Nashville.

In the midst of record high heat, we find solace in the story entitled, "When Vacation Comes to You". The heroine of this story finds herself anchored to her lovely home all summer while others visit exotic locations like... Milwaukee. So, our heroine.. shelley, enjoys a timely visit by child hood friends! Sisters, Nicole and Ryan supply the convertible and fun excitement while Shelley provides the tours and "satanic lemonade" (care of bill and elizabeth, naturally.) A good time is had by all and Shelley dreams of next year where the sequel will be written, "You Ain't Really Livin til You're at a Honkey Tonk".

Finally, we happen upon the soon-to-be classic, "What Else Can Break?" A famous "last phrase" in its own rite, WECB is a novella. Small and humorous. it has to be. To start the tale, the main character, Telley, finds herself floating in a sea of broken amenities. For example, she attempts to use her computer-broken, oh well... she'll just continue getting ready for the day- straightener dies. fine. She'll finish taking pictures... nope. camera's broken. never mind, she'll call her sister... maybe next time. her phone charger bites the dust. hey, she's still got her music... until her Ipod croaks. As Telley starts to feel she has the opposite of the Midas Touch, she gains perspective. She's still considered a kabillionaire compared to a vast majority of the world and, perhaps, she should remember that. Telley lives happily ever after. (Especially after her computer works again!)

ok, nerdy story time is over.

I am awfully glad to be back in the land of blogging and look forward to sharing the er'ry day with you once again. Today's excitement includes a 2nd interview with a great company i'd be thrilled to work for. stay tuned!

peace.

Allow me to introduce myself...

PTL...

I'm back.

well, will be this afternoon.

I cannot wait to regale you with a few of my tales such as, "Toshiba and the Service Challenged Monster" along with, "Mommy, can I Marry Michael Phelps?", "When Vacation Comes to You", and everyone's favorite, "What Else Can Break?".

Grab a diet coke, sit back and relax. Meet me here tonight.

xoxo,
Kelley

ps. thanks for hanging in there.

pps. thanks, COCO, for the brand new stripe-tastic blog template! You're the best!

OH YEAH...

... forgot to mention this....

i find myself without a functional computer until Toshiba sends me a new AC adapter. my dysfunctional one has left me unable to use my totally functional computer. annoying, at best. that little adapter joins the ranks of my broken things: digital camera, ipod, hair straightener, ipod adapter, and phone charger. cool.

i'm told by Johnny (aka the most helpful customer service rep that toshiba has hired) that my spankin' new adapter will be here in 5 biz days. here's hoping i have a fully functional computer by Friday!

disclaimer: this blog was brought to you by the feeling "pity", the color "blue" and the word "Functional".

the first square

welp, friends....

the job got offered. but it wasn't quite right for a couple reasons. I was sure i needed to say, "thank you, but no thank you" but i couldn't quite bring myself to do it. My dear Debbie had gone to such trouble to connect me with her friend. i didn't want to just poo poo on such a kind gesture. well, i was put at ease when he said, "we have to rescend the offer after all". all in all, it was the right thing- just a funny way to end up back at square one.

thank you for the concern on my behalf. i don't have the same anxiety i had last week. don't know if thats foolish or just hopeful...

i hope its hopeful.

I am now on "mission: get hired by the 15th". if you know of anyone who can help with this mission.. please point them my direction. if it is in Nashville. i just can't give up this wonderful city yet. Thank you very much.

on a lighter, more fabulous note...

I got a hold of the email address for my beloved Jason Mesnick on people.com. thats right... i'm technically a stalker at this point. He (in case you've been under a rock) was the runner up on the most recent installment of ABC's "The Bachelorette". in a word, he is deeeeeelish. i'm basically obsessed with him (as evidenced by the earlier posts). I was obligated to send him a message including a picture of myself in the "Team Jason" shirt i made. :) he promptly replied with praises of the shirt and my organizing career. he said, "keep in touch". little does he know... i will. maybe every week. just until we're living happily ever after in kirkland, wa raising his adorable 3 year old ty. .... what?

i would like to finish by saying i am grateful for this outlet. thanks for listening, following up, etc. it really means a lot to me. sometimes, in order to write more honestly, i pretend none of you read this. it is extremely flattering that you do, thats all.

xoxo. (jason, those are for you)

light.

overwhelmed. 

i am totally overwhelmed by the love and support you all have provided me over the last few days. i really can't even express how meaningful it is to me for the way you have been praying, encouraging, and even feeding me! i am so grateful.

i have a glimmer of light on the job horizon!  i have an interview at 10 am in brentwood for a clerical pozish at a great non profit. i'll let you know how it goes!

i have had a lot of quiet over the  last two days and it has been just what the doctor ordered. i am starting to feel some warmth replace numbness. like my friend Beth just said to me, i can't wait to see what my thoughts are about this season a year from now...

really... thank you.

Time to Wake

again i have done it. i have made you wait a long time for another installment of the life and times of one kelley kirker. sorry. i have a good reason, but that's of no concern when it comes to the heartache of disappointing a faithful readership. but i shall share it nonetheless...

As some of us our Facebook (legal Internet voyeurism) friends, you may have noticed that i "said goodbye to a dream" last week. well, the truth is, it is a huge disappointment to me. I, owner and operator of Organize Nashville, must put it on the back burner for a time. It is a result of necessity. in our lovely economy, there is little room for what is considered a luxury, i suppose. that being said, yours truly has had little to no work for nearly a month now... that makes it hard to, say... buy things. like rent. so, for the sake of making an adult decision in favor of survival, i choose to hunt for a well-paying, not miserable job. sadly, it will likely have to be in the realm of secretarial (though my old boss Ben would be first to tell you this is probably not wise) but that is where all my experience lies.

If you are a praying person, would you consider praying for me? This is a time for faith in my life. a time to cling to Truth and be reminded and comforted by my God's love and provision for me... only, i am much too stressed and self-centered to see any of that right now. to be honest, this is a low point in the faith spectrum for me. just gotta be honest. fellow believers in Jesus- please pray for me. i need it and don't even know exactly what to ask you to pray for. hows that for clarity? but, thank you so much...

i had a cool experience at church last night. my church is SO FREAKING AMAZING. it is pure community. on the heels of a crazy upside down week (albeit by a pool while house sitting), i get myself to church where i listen to a sermon i can't remember much about. sure, i got some points about forgiveness and what it looks like to surrender your rights to reminding yourself of wrongs, etc. the reason i didn't catch all of it is because i was running scenarios in my mind- like a coach on the field. i was considering all possible options for how to make some specific ends meet this week. i get snapped out of it just as Craig quickly assigns a few people to pray with people in the back of the church during communion. well... he asked me. i get myself back there and feel totally humbled by the prospect of being a point person for someone who needs prayer. i mean... I NEED IT. bad. so, along side me is an old friend Ben g. (whom i actually met in Mexico four years ago...i digress). Ben asks me how I'm doing and, in classic Kelley form, i put on a happy face and say, "really good". right. really good. mmm hmm. Ben nods and then i realize... this is not the time for acting. i muster up a, "that's not true at all"... and he says, "me neither". Needless to say, we prayed for each other during that time. I'm not sure if anyone came up for be prayed for, but we sure prayed for one another and it was just a beautiful picture to me. of grace. two people who needed prayer the most, perhaps... so it was neat.

as i ramble, i guess my overwhelming thought this morning is "operation get work". no time for following a dream any longer. no time for the luxury of self employment. it is time to wake from that dream (at least for now) and get some pay! i also need to, maybe for the first time, figure out what it looks like to literally live on a few bucks this week and trust that I'm not forgotten.

Reason kamillion and four...

that i love Nashville:

the Michael Jackson cover band that played their little hearts out. in the rain. in a parking lot. to a crowd of 35 (including superfluous security).... did i mention IN the rain?

i love it, i love it, i love it!

true confessions...

my name is kelley and i am the worst telephone message returner.

the worst.

just so you know.

if your love language is a prompt return phone call, i will disappoint you. many times.

love,
me

"Three Foot Wild Card"

i don't want to talk about it.

my hopes are up.

opted for a final lily instead of a rose...

champagne...

upon hearing Deanna choose the other man...

downhearted. i'm going to call ABC everyday until i make it on the next "Bachelor" to win jason

She didn't know what was best for her. poor Jason said he has a "three foot wild card" (his son ty). i adore him. i need a drink...

True Love... at 8/7 central

There's no time to talk about all the details of the insanely fun holiday weekend.
There's no time to talk about the lovely fireworks, friends, food, and other alliterations.
There's no time to talk about floating down the Harpeth River with friends.
There's no time to talk about the amazing music i listened to all weekend.
There's no time to catch you up on all the things that have happened in the last two weeks or so.

why?

Because in only six hours, Ms. Deanna Pappas will make her much anticipated decision for true love!!!!

One heart cannot contain the excitement.

Will she choose boyish and playful Jesse who resides in his beloved "Breck" and pursues snowboarding without much of an eye for other aspirations beyond the fabulous "De"? Perhaps the magnificent Jason? mmmmmm.... Jason. Intelligent, caring, sensitive, fatherly, adventurous, romantic, and just plain yummy JASON?

I don't have to tell you how much i hope it is Jason, ladies and gentlemen.


I think Deanna gets it. i think she realizes her dreams of three kids by 30 (i mean... really? who wants that?! ok... maybe its just me. sorry mom.) as well as wanting a stable life with a loving husband can be BEST fulfilled through the delectable Jason.

My roomies and i are watching the show complete with wine and roses. We also plan to skype with June afterwards just for the wrap up.

My only concern is for next monday... when it does not come on. I've become so invested. i realize this is not the sort of thing to admit to people that i hope to impress, but i have to be congruent to the romantic i really am, my blog faithfuls.

In summation, i would like to add that if for some reason Deanna chooses Jesse and Jason is to find himself on the market and looking for someone to fill his little 'sleepless in seattle' life - i'm available and happy to rack up some southwest rapid reward miles, is all i'm sayin'.