It's Good To Be Home...

Tonight I went to Gunter to see my parent's, sister, nieces and both of my grandmothers. It was nice. I'm much more appreciative of living here in Texas, near my family, after being in Kansas. Granted I was only there for two months, but it's more than I can describe being back.

Today, while at my parent's, my niece Emma had me "chase" her while she was riding a tricycle (it's WAY too small for her by the way, so not much "chasing" going on). Nevertheless, I obliged and followed her to the front of the house, along the sidewalk. She noticed some, I guess, etching(?) in the sidewalk and proceeded to point it out while reciting her ABC's. After she finished, I told her that what she was pointing at was something her mommy and I did when our parent's built that house when the cement was still "wet". I guess that was something I forgot about until Emma pointed it out. You can clearly see..."Kevin '90" in the sidewalk. Emma wondered why her name wasn't there, which is when I came to the realization that that house was built almost 20 years ago, before she ever became the light in her mother's eye...and my family's for that matter. I'm not sure she understood what I was saying, but seeing that part of the sidewalk kinda made me emotional. Suddenly I noticed the age of the place, the bricks don't look the same, the yard doesn't look the same...it looked older. I remember when that house, my "always" home, was built. I remember coming back from vacation that year to see it had been framed, playing hide n seek in it before it was finished out, being outside the garage when I heard Garth Brooks "Friends in Low Places" for the first time (it had just been released shortly before construction...yeah I know). However, I never saw this house as old, until today. I'm just grateful that another generation has the opportunity to see it as...home. I miss Gunter...yeah, I said it.

TWOC: Christmas Shopping

I must admit I'm not very good with the whole shopping thing. As a matter of fact, I'd rather have my fingers removed by a butter knife than go to the mall, but hey, when it comes to Christmas exceptions must be made. There's just something about buying for other people that makes it so much better, ESPECIALLY when I'm buying for those two beautiful girls. So tonight, while in Gunter at my parent's house, I was told that Emma was to go through the toy catalog (I believe it was Target) and tell me what she wants for Christmas. Well, I don't think I got a good grasp of what she really wants because she decided to point to, literally, every toy on every page and exclaim, "I want that...and that....and that....and that!" Needless to say, I would buy her everything in that catalog but, given I'm not some millionaire, it will be scaled down...just a bit.

Ok, getting back to Christmas shopping...only ONCE have I done my shopping last minute and the crowds were enough to ward me off from it for life. People are hysterical and ridiculous when it comes to shopping just before the holidays. However, those people also come across as sane individuals compared to those who do the whole "Black Friday" fiasco. Chaos reigns supreme on that particular date and I would rather be homeless than have to shop on that day. Having worked in retail, I've seen first hand how disgusting people can be. For me, I may have had a better grasp of the situation, I mean some of them were trying to get a good deal on the ONLY thing their child/niece/grandchild wanted that year. Who doesn't want to make a child's Christmas that much brighter? However, resorting to name calling, pushing/shoving, even fighting is uncalled for. To be honest, I'd rather buy everything online than have to deal with people in the stores. It's so much more cozy...imagine if you will, a nice hot cup of coffee (with holiday creamer), listening to Christmas music and buying gifts for the people you love online in the safe, comfortable location that is your home. It's nice. Trust me, do it...you'll thank me later lol.

I'm BAAAA-AAAACK!!!

That's right, I'm finally able to sit down and write a blog post lol. So, let me just tell you all that has occurred in the last week. For starters, everyone knows I moved back to Texas! I'm so happy to be home, it just feels like "home" here. Even the stupid traffic put a small smile on my face this past Monday lol. Now, don't get me wrong, Kansas was ok but let's face it, I only went there for one reason and, well, it wasn't Kansas LOL. Fortunately, the opportunity came up for me to come back and we felt it was the best decision. So Saturday I drove back to Plano, with Hero and Lucy in tow. It was probably the ONE thing I dreaded most. I mean, Hero isn't exactly easy to take in a car, he loves to stand in my lap and look out the window. Although he did really well, I only let him in my lap once per hour lol...spoiled, I know. So anyway, 5 1/2 hour drive done, I boarded them at the hospital and checked into my hotel.

The Hotel
Let me start by saying it was cheap, like super cheap. However, I will NEVER again stay at Homestead Suites in Plano. I knew given the price it would be an experience but hell, it was only for one night. I killed 5 bugs, I suppose housekeeping left the window open and that's how they got in? I'm gonna go with that one. They weren't roaches though, but still. I should have complained or something, perhaps got the room for free but whatever. I just went with it. Got up the next morning (did not sleep under the covers by the way lol) and got things underway to get moved in.

Creekside Homes at Legacy
We lived here for a couple years, so I was not only familiar with the staff but the complex as well. It is very close to my job and they're nice apartments. So that was all a bonus. I fortunately got my lease signed prior to the movers calling, so I had enough time to check out the apartment. Nice, hardwood floors in the kitchen and bathroom. It's not too big but it's a mansion compared to that hotel room. Movers came and went, it was nice to have all the old furniture back even though we got rid of A LOT of stuff, which is nice...means LESS to unpack! It had to wait though, afterall I started work the very next morning.

Back at Work
It was such a relief to be back somewhere familiar, working with people I know, for people I know and with clients I know. It's like I never left, it's comfortable. So, without a hitch, I was back into my routine and it felt good. Hero, however, is not back into the routine. He's had to go to work with me EVERYDAY this week because he can't seem to get used to staying home alone. I can literally hear him SCREAMING from the parking lot! It's frustrating but not unexpected.

New Delivery
Seam decided it was time to buy a washer and dryer, which I agreed with. Afterall, we had been renting them for the last several years, needless to say, with what we'd been paying, we could've ALREADY owned them lol. By the way, I'm well aware of the stupidity in renting them...it's ok. So he scheduled them to be delivered on Tuesday. Let's just say this, I NEVER realized just how complicated a washer and dryer can be to operate. They are front loaders with NUMEROUS cycles, options, buttons, sounds, etc, etc. Nice but I would've been just fine with the plain janes, that's ok though. In addition to the washer & dryer, he also got us a 54" plasma TV and Blu Ray player. So, expensive delivery but very nice. Just wish I wasn't the only one enjoying them at the moment but that will change soon.

So now, I'm back to blogging. I've missed several TWOC posts but hope to get back into it this week. I'm so HAPPY to be back...in more ways than one!

Moving back to Texas....

I realize some are wondering why I'm moving back, so I must say first and foremost, everything is okay in my relationship. I'm not moving back because something went awry. Honestly, I'm moving back because it makes sense, financially. After SIX years, there's more to this relationship than just being "together" and, yes, it is important but we both know that, succeeding as a couple is important as well. So this decision is what will make us work...together. Although, neither of us can wait until that time comes that we're TOGETHER again. Alright so, there is/was an opportunity for me to get my job back at the veterinary hospital in Plano. It was something that, when I left, I never even anticipated being able or wanting to get my job back there. However, given that the only job I can find here in Wichita is retail, meaning I couldn't even be able to pay my car payment with it, Seam and I decided it would be best to go back. Some ask..."why even leave in the first place?" Well, the answer is simply, we didn't know how long we'd be in Wichita and we didn't know WHERE in Texas we'd be relocated to. So, we now know that it will be January and we'll be living in the Plano area anyway, so why not go ahead, get my job back and get things under some sort of control. There was an opportunity to get my job back that didn't exist, originally, when I left. When I saw this opportunity, Seam and I discussed it and, a week later, the decision was made. I will be moving back to Texas, get my old job back and we are now established IN THE CITY WE'D END UP. Follow me? LOL! Sorry, I'm trying to make sense of all this to you but it's difficult because, again, everyone wonders why I left in the first place. However, I know you'd do the same given a similar situation, so if you have questions, please ask! That's, afterall, the only way to explain this whole ordeal!

My 30th Birthday...

Before our move to Kansas, I had intended on taking a nice vacation somewhere (ok, Disney) for about a week to celebrate my 30th. However, after having moved to Kansas and only receiving 2 1/2 days to celebrate, we did what we could and within decent driving distance. So Seam decided that it would be a great idea to go to Kansas City (wait for it...)to a casino (ulterior motive). That's right, a casino. I have no issues against gambling when I'm winning BUT when I'm losing, which is often the case, it's a bummer. I really didn't want to go to a casino for my birthday but I reluctantly agreed to this excursion. I was given the choice between two hotels, the Argosy and Ameristar. I chose the Argosy, the reason for which I will get to in a minute. We boarded Hero at a veterinary hospital here and left Sunday afternoon. The drive was strange, at first all I saw was nothing, barren fields with an occasional windmill. Eventually it started to shift because I began to notice the beauty of the plains, seriously the land itself is so empty, meaning no developments, no homes, no cattle, no nothing...just land and rolling hills. This is how it must've looked when Americans began expanding westward...that alone is almost surreal. We entered into an area called The Flint Hills, not a lot to see but the hills and trees are very picturesque. Eventually we made the 200 mile journey to Kansas City and safely arrived at the hotel.

At first glance, the hotel didn't seem that nice; however, upon entering, things quickly changed. It's a very beautiful hotel, the amenities are lovely. Yes, I said lovely. So getting to my reason for THIS hotel...the BATHROOM! Yes, I know, strange but true. Plus, we had a 42" plasma HDTV on the wall, beautiful furnishings, etc. Ok...the bathroom, well actually, just the shower LOL...a huge walk in shower made of marble with a glass door. It also included a mosaic on the side wall, however the most wonderful part...a rain shower head on the ceiling AND a regular shower head...it was similar to being under a waterfall. Yes, I was excited about a shower...go ahead, laugh! LOL! Ok, so the rest of the hotel is just awesome as well. This place has 4 restaurants and one coffee shop, once we arrived we ate at the traditional casino buffet. It was actually a little different than any other buffet I've ever been to, I say that because they also had freshly made sushi AND Pho...pronounce Fa, although I say it like Fuh lol, it's a Vietnamese soup and if you've never had it TRY it, although I typically like Pho ga, which is chicken. Anyway, so the meal was good and no I didn't have Pho but it was a nice surprise. Then after a quick nap, we gambled and I lost $160 that night...I just kept telling myself, it's my birthday LOL!

The next day, my birthday, we set out to eat lunch at one of the restaurants featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives...it was something I've always wanted to do, I know high aspirations. Mama's 39th Street Diner was our destination, we got there..."closed for maintenance"! Seriously?!?! So as we're headed to another restaurant from that show, Seam saw something on the iPhone about Arthur Bryant's BBQ, we opted to go there. I mean, afterall, I was told, when in Kansas City, "YOU. MUST. EAT. BARBECUE." So we did and it was delicious. Per a suggestion from Facebook, I ate a burnt ends open faced sandwich...AWESOME! After that we headed back to the hotel/casino. There was no cake or real celebration, just a night of alcohol and gambling. Of course, Seam doesn't drink so I was the one who drank 2 bottles of wine...yes TWO...hey, you only turn 30 once. Actually, had I been in TX and unable to vacation anywhere, I'd have drank much more except I'd be surrounded by friends and family. Ok, nevermind, even without alcohol I'd rather have been surrounded by friends and family than be at this casino. Sorry Seam. However, it was a nice little trip and very much appreciated!

On Tuesday, we got up, checked out of the hotel and headed back to Wichita. Along the way, we stopped at Perkin's. It's similar to IHOP, except they are also known for their pies. It was a nice ending. I know, not many would think eating at a place like that should be deemed a "nice ending" to a short vacation. However, let me explain. During my internship at Disney, we would often go to a Perkin's there, after work, to unwind and eat. I haven't been to a Perkin's since my internship ended in 2003, it brought back a lot of memories and made me miss THOSE people and THAT place even more. So, yes, it was nice.

So, here I am 30 years old, stuck in Wichita, KS for another 4 months. LOL, although, I must say, slowly but surely, I'm gaining a greater appreciation for the state of Kansas. I know, it's true.

TWOC: Christmas Memories

Christmas memories encompass many things. There are, literally, too many to choose from. However, I decided to share the ONE album that has been a part of EVERY Christmas since I can remember. Some of you may wonder, why this album? Well, let me just say it has touched and continues to touch so many emotions that it remains an integral part of mine and my family's holiday season.

The very first time I heard this album, I was very young. My parent's bought it (on cassette no less) because my Dad is a HUGE fan of Alabama. It was played. We got to the one song called, "Santa Claus (I Still Believe in You)." I remember my mom began bawling when it came to the one line..."Grandma and Grandpa, looking young and loving life cause they know their grandkids are gonna be alright." Mind you my mother had recently lost her grandfather....to be honest, I can't believe I remember that evening. However, that night resonates to this day. You ask any member of my immediate family about this album and they know, not only the words but the music as well. Seriously, ask my sister..."Who is Thistle Hair?" and she will promptly reply with, "The Christmas Bear"...almost without hesitation. This album seriously means a lot to me and my family. It's very true lol. It's a bit strange perhaps, but the same verse of the same song makes me just as teary-eyed as my mother after having also lost my grandfather, or more affectionately called Pappaw.

It's not just that one song though, it's all of them. I think I could, literally, sing ALL of them! You know they say certain sounds, smells, etc, can trigger a memory. It may be a little odd but this particular album is almost like looking through a scrapbook of memories when it's being played. It has definitely become a family tradition. I truly believe years from now, my family will continue to listen to this same Christmas album. I highly recommend it. Actually, I'm not even sure you can still buy it, I mean afterall it did come out in the late 80s...however, it's just not Christmas at our house without it!

For a little taste of it, listen to the following...TURN IT UP...it's a video from 1987, sorry I couldn't find any other way to post it. However, it's still great, just turn it up and listen closely lol!

The other album I listen to is Josh Groban's "Noel"....let me just say, "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" and "Little Drummer Boy" are my favorites, along with the usual "O Holy Night". I must recommend this album as well...it is so wonderful. Then again, it's one I sing to lol, so I hope it's as great to you as it is to me! Although living in a hotel this holiday season, I may just need to head out to my car to get the full effect LOL!

So I decided to post a little of "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" sung by Josh Groban, unfortunately all I could find is an old video from Regis & Kelly's show...sorry. So here it is...

Once again, confused? Look here!!!

Emma Lynn Brown...

is 4 years old today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA! Four years ago today, she came into our lives and stole my heart. My niece is such a precocious, lovable, sweet, vivacious little girl. I miss her and I hope she has an amazing birthday!