The Roommate

 So the next big news in our household is we have a new roommate!  Yes, KJ moved back home.  Or, I guess I should say, she moved to California.  She's been pursuing her Master's degree on line, decided it was time to get out of Oxford and actually found a teaching job that meets her naturalist lifestyle in Southern California.  She's had a couple of weeks of training outside of Malibu and on Catalina Island and has held classes in Yosemite and the Angeles National Forest.  She's loving life.  She's made friends, she's hiking almost every day, snorkeling at night off Catalina in the bioluminescence, camping, and having fun with the kids.  

The Stuff Dreams are Made Of

My sleep struggles are well documented.  And this week was awful.  My usually pitiful night-time routine was repeatedly disrupted and I suffered for it.

Last week I made a super quick 1-night trip to Birmingham to go to Fleetwood Mac concert with KJ.  Originally KJ, Dew and T-bone bought the tickets months and months ago with the intention of KJ driving in from Ox to spend the night with her sister in Birmingham.  Then, T-bone moved to Denver.  And KJ was bound and determined to go the BJCC solo.  And I really didn't want her to go to the concert by herself so I flew in Wednesday afternoon and flew back to Dallas Thursday. 

Fleetwood Mac was amazing and we had incredible floor seats.  There was no opening band, the group came out and played for over 2 hours and did a beautiful tribute to Tom Petty as one of their encores.  I'm not a huge Fleetwood Mac fan, more of a Stevie Nicks fan because, um, hello, it's Stevie Nicks and she's a goddess.  But Fleetwood Mac delivered one helluva show.  So by the time we got back to our hotel I was pretty wired and couldn't fall asleep.  And then I had a late flight back to DFW and didn't land until 9:30 PM and couldn't fall asleep when I got home.  I was soooo overtired. 

And then I had my very first MOD (Manager on Duty) weekend.  And I was a nervous wreck.  What if there's a guest emergency?  What if there's a problem with the building's mechanics (i.e., HVAC issues, pool filter, hot water heater, internet, etc?).  What if there are associate issues?  I worked myself into a tizzy.  I had to be at the hotel from 5 PM Friday to 12 noon on Sunday.  Cosmo had dinner with me Friday night but didn't stay at the hotel with me because he had been traveling all week and was suffering from a head cold.  He just wanted to be home in bed, not in another hotel room.  He was such a trooper and he accompanied me while I did my evening rounds that first night.  And then of course I couldn't fall asleep Friday night.  Because what if . . . .

So Saturday I checked in with all departments, did a few things in the Sales Office and had lunch.  I tried to take a nap in my room but just couldn't.  Because what if . . . .  Saturday night I feel asleep for a bit but didn't sleep long enough or fall into deep enough REM.  Because what if . . . .

By Sunday I was so freaking exhausted and it had really taken a toll on my psyche and my skin.  I had horrible bags under my eyes, I was terribly dehydrated and I looked like the damn crypt keeper. 

 



I was definitely on the struggle bus all week and last night I was able to finally give my skin some much needed attention.  Thank God I have a husband who understands my messed up sleep cycles because when I got home from work he had dinner ready and told me to go take a bath and try to relax.  Twist my arm.  You don't have to tell me twice. 

I've been hearing a lot about overnight face masks and at first I thought I wouldn't want anything too heavy on my face overnight that could clog pores. Burt's Bees has an "Hydrating Overnight Mask, Origin's has the "Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Swiss Glacier Water" (sounds fancy!), Korean beauty brand Glow Recipe has the "Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask," and I really want to try Fresh's "Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask." 

One day while roaming around Target,  I found "Wake Up Beautiful Super Hydration Sleepover Mask" by Pacifica.  I've seen this brand at Target many times as well as Whole Foods but didn't really know much about it.  I did a quick but all important in-store smell test and threw the tube in my cart.  I.  Love.  This.  Stuff.  It's just right.  Not too thick or sticky, not thin.  Absorbs quickly, smells heavenly and leaves my skin soft and refreshed in the morning.  I look and feel well rested. 

 

 



Another awesome Target find is the Pixi brand of SkinTreats.  I've been using the Glow Peel Pads once or twice a week for a couple of years now and love how refreshed my skin feels after. 

 

Last night I also used the Overnight Glow Serum before I used the Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful  Super Hydration Sleepover Mask and I feel like I pushed the re-set button on my skin.  In addition to sleeping great last night (thank you Dr. Teal's Soothe & Sleep Pure Epsom Salt Soak with Lavender!), I woke up to fabulous skin! 



This Little Piggy . . .

It's no secret I love my sweet little feet.  Those size 6 little cuties of mine have taken me to some amazing places and I love pampering my feet.  I get pedi's regularly, I put lotion on my feet every night and use a foot scrub every morning in the shower.

Last weekend we were sitting around the pool one afternoon talking about and comparing.  T has long feet with her second toe being a bit longer.  KJ has fat, flat feet.  Coach, for a man, has very, very nice feet.  My brother has fairly normal feet and I can't remember what Pony Boy's feet looked like.  My mom's feet are nice but my dad's feet are a hot mess because of his diabetes and eczema. 

They may not be the most attractive part of the body, but believe it or not, your feet  can actually say a lot about your personality.

 

There are even people who have made an entire career out it (they’re called “foot readers”, by the way).

 

Yep, just like getting your palm read, your feet – especially your toes – can tell a whole lot about who you are and where you’ve been.

“I can’t tell your future, but I can see your past and your present. There’s no escaping from it; your feet say a lot about you,” British foot reader Jane Sheehan told The Telegraph.

 

Your feet can also speak volumes about your health and general well-being.“When people are depressed, they put all their weight on the front of their feet when walking,” she added.  “So there will be darkened areas of skin on the toepads.”

 

And the colour of your feet can also be telling.

“Another test is to compare the colour of someone’s feet to the colour of the skin just above their ankle,” she said.

“If the feet are paler, it indicates exhaustion and weakened blood circulation. Yellowness is a sign of someone being rather fed-up. A callous on the ball of the foot, just under the little toe, indicates that the person is shouldering too much responsibility.”

Our feet even give us away when we feel humiliated.

Goodness. We feel so betrayed right now…

“Did you know that when you are embarrassed, the neck of your big toe blushes red?” added Sheehan.

Sheehan uses what’s called a “toe alphabet” to read people, and it’s pretty fascinating.

Generally speaking, there are four different foot shapes – the Roman Foot, the Square Foot, the Greek Foot and the Egyptian Foot – and each shape carries different personality traits.

Without stalling, let’s get to the good stuff, because we all want to know…

The Roman Foot

The Roman Foot is characterised by the first three toes, which are all roughly the same length, and then two smaller toes at the end.

People with a Roman Foot have a tendency to be balanced, and are also outgoing and sociable.

They also like travelling, and are open to new experiences and exploring new cultures.

People with a Roman Foot are also known for being great public speakers, so step up to the podium.

The Square Foot

If all of your toes are the exact same length, then you have a Square Foot – also known as a Peasant Foot (hey, we didn’t make it up – don’t blame us).

The good news though is that people with this type of foot are renowned for being reliable and practical.

They will weigh up all the options before making a decision, and are known for being good friends.

They’re also known for being extremely caring.

The Greek Foot

Also known as the Flame Foot, people with this type of foot have a second toe that extends beyond the big toe.

This is the most common foot type in Australia, with 43 percent of all Aussies having a Greek Foot, according to The Australian Women’s Weekly.

People with a Greek Foot tend to be active, athletic and creative, and are enthusiastic about new ideas and projects.

They are natural leaders, but can get stressed easily, and have a tendency to be impulsive.

The Egyptian Foot

The Egyptian Foot is balanced, with a big toe and then each toe after that getting smaller in chronological order.

People with an Egyptian Foot also tend to have long, thin feet, lending itself to the nickname of the Stretched Foot.

They value their privacy, and have a tendency to hide their emotions, which can sometimes bubble over into mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere.

People with an Egyptian Foot also tend to be very secretive, and have a need for their own space.

But, it's not all wrapped up in the foot shape. Just like people, every foot is different.

Here are what some of your toe quirks actually mean...

Wiggly Little Toe

If you can wiggle your little toe separately to the rest of your toes, you have a tendency to be restless, unconventional and in need of constant change.

You also like adventure and can be quite flirty.

By contrast, those who can't wiggle their little toes are considered loyal.

Little Toe On the Side

If your little toe sticks out at an angle or tucks under, you are considered rebellious and unconventional, with a need to have things done your way.

Small Little Toe

If your little toe is smaller than usual, you have a childlike personality, are playful, and also quite fun to be around.

Large Big Toe

If your big toe extends way ahead of the rest of your toes, you are creative and a sharp thinker.

Slanted Second Toe

If your second toe bends towards your big toe, you have a tendency to be sentimental and nostalgic.

Ice Ice Baby!!!

My kids definitely inherited my gypsy gene.  Seriously.  When we lived in Madrid there really was a band of gypsies that lived near our apartment building.  My parents used to tell me they think I was switched with one of those gypsy babies. 

T-bone had always told her sister that she would take her anywhere in the world she wanted for a graduation gift.  They had kicked around a bunch of different locales but I had final say in the matter because I was not crazy about my two chickadees traveling during the height of tourist season and being the target of terrorists.  Also, KJ didn't want to go anywhere tropical because she had been to Costa Rica, Nicarauga, Jamaica, the Caymens and Cozumel all in the same year.  #firstworldproblems  So, after much debate, my two knuckleheads decided they wanted to go to Iceland!  Yes, Iceland!!!  And I'm totally OK with it!  T found great flights and they leave two days after KJ's high school graduation.  Which is totally crazy. 

Also crazy is the fact that Coach and I are going to be empty nesters in a few short months!  We've been waiting a long, long time for this!!!  hahaha!!!  Very, very proud of KJ though.  She was accepted at every school she applied to (Alabama, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Mississippi State) but when it came down to it, she decided to take her talents to Ole Miss.  #hottytoddy  She already has a roommate and they've been busy planning their dorm room.  I'm happy for her.  I was actually hoping she would have gone to Arkansas or Oklahoma State because I want her to have her own college experience and not feel that she has to follow in T's footsteps.  But, at the end of the day, they are two very different people, with two very different goals and I know she'll do great where ever she is.

Thankful Season

No surprise that Thanksgiving is my fav, fav, fav holiday but man!  It goes by so fast!  T arrived very late Tuesday night as she drove from a meeting in Muscle Shoals.  I went into the office for a little bit Wednesday and am so glad my girls are old enough to want to take over the cooking responsibilities!  I received a huge bird from my hotel and our sweet realtor gave us an apple pie that was as big as a hubcap.  My friend LCM recently introduced T to splotchcocking and it cut cooking time in half.  T had also cooked a turkey using this method on Sunday for her B'ham Friendsgiving.  It's not a pretty presentation but it's delicious!

The girls did a fabulous job with their menu -- we had two different appetizers:  a prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and a baked brie with blackberry jam.  Besides the turkey and apple pie, they made green beans, stuffing from scratch, crock pot mashed potatoes, a mixed greens salad with feta, walnuts, cranberries and an apple cider vinegrette.  I really don't mind doing all the dishes if someone else cooks!

The previous weekend was spent w/ the Martins in Oxford.  As always, a super great time!  LCM hooked us up with the most perfect hotel rooms, Z, AG & KJ took care of the tent Friday night and now that KJ and Z are both 18, T and Pony Boy let them tag-along in Oxford.  Coach and Dean-o tormented our server at Old Venice and we did a little bar-hopping and ended up at the Round Table and spent some time at the fire pit at the hotel.  LCM is very creative and made an awesome banner for the tent and her table décor was perfect!  Of course we love walking around the Grove to sneak a peek at what everyone else is doing, too.  Game day started of kind of iffy weather-wise.  The rain didn't hit until 2 or 3 hours before kick-off and we hunkered down in the Grove.  And the rain brought much, much cooler temps and we were all kind of wet and cold and miserable because of the score.  LCM and the girls and I headed back to the hotel while the guys stuck it out at the game.  We had so much fun sitting in the hotel late night, BS-ing, laughing and finishing off our adult beverages and snacks. 

I've only gone Black Friday shopping once and I swore I'd never do it again.  I have been doing a lot of my Christmas shopping on-line and now those Amazon packages are piling up on the front porch.  KJ is at a weird place this year -- she had a bunch of dorm things on her Christmas list.  T and Pony Boy are going to Dublin for New Year's (yes, she has ants in her pants and gypsy in her blood) so her list consists of travel items and clothes.  And Coach continues to be an enigma.  He is the hardest person to buy for.  I mean, seriously.  What do you buy the man who has everything???? 

July

"Answer July—
Where is the Bee—
Where is the Blush—
Where is the Hay?

Ah, said July—
Where is the Seed—
Where is the Bud—
Where is the May—
Answer Thee—Me—"
-  Emily Dickinson, Answer July 

 

 

July is more than halfway over and it's been a wonderful month!  We got to see T-bone and the Dew twice (on their way out west and on their way back to Birmingham to pick-up KJ).  Coach and I had a very, very relaxing week while KJ  was gone.  Cruised around in her convertible a couple of times (drives her crazy when we send her Snapchats of us in her car!), hung out in the pool a lot, watched a couple of good movies, got a few things done in the house.  She had an awesome visit with her big sister and called me from the airport yesterday crying.  It was all good; happy tears.  She got to see some old friends, spent lots of time with T and they went to Sloss Fest with friends over the weekend.  She gets like me . . . I get overwhelmed with happiness and being incredibly blessed and cry for no apparent reason but it's really happy tears.  T was crying too when she took KJ to the airport and Coach said KJ was crying when she got off the plane.  She just really had a good visit with everyone. 

T and the Dew had an amazing trip out west.  T's pics are incredible.  They hiked, went on a hot air balloon ride at dawn, did the Grand Canyon again, camped and hiked some more.  They never sit still. 

 

It's been very, very hot the last couple of days ~ high 90's with the heat index putting us in the triple digits.  All I can say is, "thank God we have a pool!"  When we were moving here I told Coach I could not move to Texas without a pool.  We luv, luv, luv our pool.  We are in the pool almost every night and pretty much all weekend.  We just float, talk, relax, listen to music or watch TV (Coach bought a TV to attaché to one of the breezeway's post and it flips around so we can watch it from the pool or from the cozy corner of the patio.  Despite the heat, Coach is still playing men's league lax once a week.  Fortunately, it's late at night when the sun goes down (some games start at 9 PM) but it really doesn't make much of a difference when it's still in the low 90's. 

 

My job is winding down this week.  Because I haven't been here a year I don't qualify for the FLMA and the company is not legally obligated to hold my position while I'm recouperating from surgery.  I've had a couple of clients take me to lunch and my Front Desk and Housekeeping buddies are sad.  I've enjoyed this job very much.  I've learned a lot and met some wonderful people.  But, at this point, I'm just glad to be getting this over with.  I've suffered for so long and now I finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. 

 

 

Surprise!!!

Had such a wonderful Easter weekend!  All of my chicks were in the nest for the first time since Christmas!  And it was wonderful! 

T was originally supposed to be going to Savannah for Easter w/ friends but plans fell through so she hopped on a plane to Dallas instead!  Coach and I were both at work but KJ was home for the Good Friday holiday.  T called her around 9 AM and said, "come pick me up!  I'm at DFW!!"  Now, for anyone who knows KJ knows:  #1 the kid likes to sleep.  I'm shocked she even answered her phone at 9 AM on her day off from school.  #2 the kid hates to drive on the highway.  Seriously.  It scares the heck out of her and for her to drive to DFW and navigate her way around the arrivals/departures is pretty impressive.  So after KJ picked up T she called me at work and said, "Let's have lunch together."  My response was, "You know you'd have to drive on the interstate to get here, don't you???"  They had one of the girls at the Front Desk call me when they arrived and when I walked out to the Lobby, KJ was standing there and then T walked around the corner!  I was SHOCKED!!!!  Coach still didn't know at this point but KJ had asked him to meet for lunch, too.  I didn't go to lunch w/ them because I was so dang busy.  Unfortunately, she kind of spoiled the surprise for him because she texted him "we're here" at the restaurant and he knew something was up. 

The weather was gorgeous and we had such a nice weekend while T was here.  Friday Coach made a delicious shrimp scampi and we all just kind of chilled and caught up with T.  Saturday morning she & I went down to the Dallas Farmer's Market www.dallasfarmersmarket.org and sampled a bunch of goodies and bought a bunch of fun random things . . . macaroons, candles, cucumbers, hummus and pita chips, a cutting board (T is so proud of herself for "adulting"!).  We then drove over to Klyde Warren Park www.klydewarrenpark.org and had lunch from the food trucks.  T had the lobster grilled cheese and I had the most incredible shrimp tacos from Cousins Maine Lobster www.cousinsmainelobster.com (as seen on Shark Tank).  We parked at the Museum of Art www.dma.org and walked around for a bit.  We wanted to tour the Frida Kahlo exhibit but the line was super long. 

KJ had to work Saturday afternoon until closing so when she got home they all went to Top Golf and apparently T has missed her calling.  Coach said she had incredible form and was super accurate.  She said it must have been all those times she watched her friend Will practice at the range. 

 

Sunday we had Easter brunch at the Westin at the Galleria.  This is the 3rd year we've been there and we love that we have a new tradition in Dallas!  As always, we had a great time and I like that they change the menu up every year.  Except for the Peeps S'mores.  I hope they never change those!   http://www.thewestingalleriadallas.com/dallas-private-dining

 

 

After brunch we checked out our excursion choices for our cruise and booked a couple of fun trips that I think everyone will like!  In Cozumel, we're climbing some pyramids and then going swimming in an underground cenote (swimming hole).  I can't remember what the heck we're doing in the Caymans (snorkeling?  taking a catamaran?  sting rays?  dolphin encounter?  taking a catamaran to a snorkeling location where they keep the dolphins and sting rays???) but I do know in Jamaica we're going to climb Dunn's River Falls.  I wanted to just sit on the beach and drink Red Stripes but KJ didn't think that was a good idea. 

 

And then we took T to the airport and she headed back to B'ham and we all cried.  



Tulips and Bluebonnets

Last year KJ and I spent a wonderful day at the tulip farm cutting our own stems for a bouquet.  This year the tulips were peak during Spring Break and since I'm working and she was in San Antonio for break we kind of missed it.  However, I found out there's a bluebonnet field near my office so I might have to go check it out!  We teased KJ terribly when we were moving here that it's a right of passage to have your picture taken in a bluebonnet field.  She declined. 



Speaking of the office and work . . . holy hell!  (As my pappy used to say) "I am busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger!"  But seriously!  The phone DOES NOT STOP.  It's wonderful to sell two gorgeous, popular properties but sometimes I just want to shut my office door and put my head on my desk for a nappy.  I love having a career vs. a job and love what I do.  And I can't wait to spend my bonus. 


Lax season is kinda sorta but not really winding down.  Both Coach and KJ still have games but there is light at the end of the tunnel.  TCU has already had their end of year banquet and KJ's is at the beginning of May.  This time of year seems to go by in a blur --- all that end of year stuff gets smushed in.  She's got prom mid-May and leaves for Costa Rica the beginning of June. 


This past weekend was absolutely gorgeous!  One of the most beautiful weekends I can remember.  Both days were sunny, warm and bright blue skies.  Coach had a game @ SMU Saturday and afterward we went downtown for a little Mexican on the patio.  Sunday he had a game @ TCU but I didn't go.  I've been having a cleaning lady come on Sunday's (since I don't know her well enough to leave a key for her I prefer to be home). 


We've got our Easter brunch reservations made.  This will be our 3rd year in a row at this restaurant.  T and her sorority little are having a girls weekend is Savannah so it's just going to be the 3 Cos's. 


We've been getting the pool and the backyard ready and Coach is thinking about buying some wave runners so we can spend some time at the lake, too.  I don't care about the wave runners, I just want a paddleboard.  I'd probably have to stick it out my sunroof since I don't think a paddleboard would fit on my car.  I love, love, love to paddleboard and really need to try paddleboard yoga, too! 

Some Blog Lovin'

I've been AWOL for a couple of months now and today is the first day in a long time where I feel like I've had a bit of a respite.

After moving the fam out to Dallas and getting everyone settled, it was high time I got my butt back to work!  I am so excited about my new(ish) job as the Sales Manager for two hotels in the Plano area!  I started mid-December and so far so good!  OK.  I'll admit it.  There were a couple of days shortly after the training process where I thought I should just throw in the towel but I've hung in there.  I have a bit of a commute but it's not terrible (once some of the construction is finished, my drive will be fine).  I use the time in the mornings to mentally prepare for my day and in the evenings I decompress.  The best part of going back to work is KJ and Cosmo taking over the cooking! 

Lax is in full swing / full spring at the Casa de Cos.  Cosmo has had a couple of games under his belt this season and KJ's season is kind of just getting started.  She had a tournament @ A&M and a lot of practices so far.  She's also working a lot and has just completed her schedule for senior year.  She actually has enough credits to graduate in December but I don't see the need for her to graduate early. 

We've had some work done in the backyard this year and can't wait for consistent warm weather to enjoy it (today is almost 90 but tomorrow's high is supposed to be mid-60's)!  We had a new retaining wall installed, a new fence, sod laid in the little space by the pool (seriously, I could cut our backyard grass with a pair of scissors it's so small), new mulch in all the flower beds, a few trees and plants in the new retaining wall area and the trees in the front yard were cut back. 

We don't really have any spring break plans this year but we are all looking forward to our upcoming cruise to celebrate our big birthdays and our special anniversary.  We've had a lot of fun researching our trip and planning our excursions.  Oh!  And of course, KJ is incredibly excited about her trip to Costa Rica this summer!  She got a GoPro for Christmas so she could document her adventures!

T and Pony Boy are having some adventures of their own.  They celebrated the new year in DC and they've gone hiking/camping/kayaking several times.  They are having so much fun in Birmingham and are constantly on the go.  She somehow won a Super Bowl party sponsored by a local radio station so they held it at Frat Boy's house.  All the drinks were handled, all the food, one of those huge inflatable screens was put up in the backyard, the station played a custom playlist on the radio for an hour before kick-off and some guy came and played the guitar!  And this week she won a sales contest at work and won an Apple Watch! 

New Chapter

Someone recently suggested I change the name of my blog to "Keeping Up with the Cos's" because we've always got so much going on!  And things are about to get even crazier!

Coach started his position here in Dallas on April 1, 2015. I had been working at the Sheraton in Columbia but resigned mid-March so I would be available for house hunting trips in Dallas and be there for KJ during this big transition (which was essentially our second move in less than two years).  So, basically I've been a stay-at-home mom, a homemaker, a domestic Goddess, whatever you want to call me, for almost two years. T is independent and living an incredibly full life in Birmingham.  KJ is a junior in high school, driving and starts an after school job next week.  In approximately 18 months Coach and I will be empty nesters. And now I need to start making some changes. 

As much as I've loved being here for my family, getting everything settled in Dallas and being a lady of leisure, it's time for me to think about a career. Yup.  Forty-nine years old and I think I've finally found my dream job and something I would call a career, not just a job to fill time in between our moves.

I had been interviewing for a few months but nothing really seemed to fit. I love being in the hospitality industry and there are tons and tons of hotels and resorts in this area.  Unfortunately sales and catering positions don't come easily and I think my resume scared off potential employers. I obviously have the experience but there's always that chance we'll get transferred.

Before Halloween I started the interview process with a hospitality company and got a great offer on our drive to Nashville for Thanksgiving!!  To say I'm super duper excited is an understatement!  The two properties I will be selling are awesome and everyone I've met has been incredible!

So, pretty soon I'll be signing "Heigh Ho!  Heigh Ho!  It's off to work I go!!!"

"And all at once, Summer collapsed into Fall"

Saw that quote this morning and thought it most appropriate for today's blog post!  There's a definite change in the air and although Autumn takes a bit longer to reach Texas, you can tell it's on its way. The sun is still super strong but there's no humidity and there has been a nice breeze in the air the last couple of weeks. The change from Summer to Fall is subtle but tangible.

Football is in the air, too.  Friday we made the 30-minute trip to the Allen Eagles stadium for the Hoover game.  We have been incredibly impressed with all of the high schools we've been to since moving here and Allen did not disappoint.  Seriously folks.  Everything really is bigger in Texas. Every one of the high schools KJ has played lax or volleyball at has been state-of-the-art and Allen was by far the nicest facility we've ever seen. And, it wasn't just the beautiful football stadium, it was the people. The citizens of Allen were incredibly hospitable to the visiting team.  We went out to dinner before the game and had a guy stop at our table to welcome us and wish us luck (KJ and I were wearing plain black shirts but Coach was wearing a Hoover polo so he was more easily identifiable).  Of course we explained that we haven't lived in Hoover for over 3 years now but he was genuine and sincere when he said Allen was excited to play Hoover.  We parked our car next to some Eagles fans and they wished us luck as did the police on the Segway, the lady at the gate who took our tickets and the volunteer who was on hand to direct me to the ladies room during the lightening delay.  It was just easier to smile and say "yes, it was great, thank you" when repeatedly asked "how was y'all's drive in?" rather than explain we live in Texas now. Some guy even clapped Coach on the back and said "we sure are glad you're here and hope Everyone's been treatin' you well."

We've had such a wonderful summer filled with many blessings  ... a beautiful baby (great) niece was born into the family last weekend, our beautiful niece is getting married this weekend, and our nephew got engaged!  So incredible to watch the next generation growing up and carrying on.  We are all so so excited about the wedding this weekend!  We haven't really seen Coach's side of the family since his mom passed away January 2015. And, of course, I can't wait to see T and Johnny Frat Boy!!

KJ had a great first week of school.  I can NOT believe this kid is driving herself to school each morning. Each Friday from now until after Homecoming (basically the entire football season) is dress-up day. Last week was Hawaiian day, this week is Fisherman Friday, I know there's a nerd day in there somewhere, a twin day, a super hero day, a jersey day, etc.  She has finally decided on a career path and has joined a couple of clubs to reflect her choice and she's got a couple of scheduled college visits coming up. Yikes. And, of, course, she's counting down the days until her Costa Rica trip.

T-bone is loving her new job, her nice paychecks and her cute apartment. She loves her location and is always tickled when she runs into people in the darnedest places. She goes to yoga regularly, the farmer's market each week, catches a baseball game when she can and has dinner with friends.  When Frat Daddy comes into town they rent bikes and explore. She has a couple of girlfriends in T-town for grad school so she sees them regularly and a bunch of them recently met in Nashville for a friend's birthday.  She and Johnny Boy have also had a couple of weekends at the beach.  Yep. She's got it made. My friend LCM has always said, "T is a rock star and I wish I had her life." She is 100%  right. T has always done things her way and has always had a ball doing it.  She's a combination of Mary Tyler Moore, her friend Rhoda and Carrie Bradshaw all rolled into one. #CosLife

Sweet Sweet Summa Time

Everyone measures time differently . . . some measure by the seasons, some measure by school years, some people have great memories and can remember exact dates.  I am none of these people.  I can barely remember what I had for breakfast.  My memories are usually based on a couple of things -- where I was living at the time and who else was with me.

For example, the girls tease me all the time because I have an incredible memory for some things, others, not so much.  I can remember what little outfit the girls were wearing but can't remember exactly what grade they were in or exactly what year.  But I can remember if one of them was "in the stroller."

So here we are . . . our 2nd summer in Texas and KJ is about to start her JUNIOR year of high school.  How in the hell did that happen?  I mean seriously.  How in the hell did that happen?  She finally got her driver's license in June (after her cast came off) and her daddy took care of her and bought her a cute bright red convertible.  She's been baby sitting and house sitting a lot this summer and had fun volunteering at the Aquarium each week.  I think this is her "summer to remember."  That golden summer measured by days at the lake, driving around with the top down and hanging with friends at Six Flags.  Such a different place from where we were at this time last year.

We had just moved here, I was up to my eyeballs in boxes and we didn't know a soul.  She had just finished freshman year in Maryland, we road-tripped from Maryland to Dallas with the dog in tow, closed on the house, buzzed to the pageant, she went out west with my folks, came home for 1 night and went to volleyball camp, came home for 1 day and then had high school volleyball try-outs.  This summer we had T's graduation, moved her into her new apartment, had some family visit this summer and had some new friends to celebrate the 4th of July with!   We had summer lax 3 nights a week (when I say "we" I mean Coach and KJ), we did a couple of day trips and have enjoyed working on our tans and lazy days by the pool.

And now our baby is about to start her JUNIOR year of high school.  How in the hell did that happen??

Tacos(s) Tuesday

If we were a normal family, we'd have tacos for dinner tonight since it's Tuesday. But: a). we're not a normal family and b). lacrosse season is upon us in full force.

KJ was supposed to have a game tonight but it has poured all day and is quite windy and chilly.  Only been about 45 degrees today, which is a far cry from last Friday's high of 80.  Instead they are watching game film at the rec center. She had her first home game last Thursday and scored 3 goals. Unfortunately 1 was called back for a crease violation.  But, she did get the game ball. Her lax team is extremely sociable ... the girls have team dinners, they meet for lunch, they go out after games and they really look out for each other. What is even weirder is that the team is comprised of players from 2 rival high schools.  Huge rivals. If this was any other sport, they'd hate each other.

Coach loves being at TCU.  Great group of guys!  Two weekends ago they played at LSU and KJ (and her mechanical baby!) drove down with him on the team bus.  T and Pony Boy met them in Baton Rouge since she knew couldn't be in Hoover this past weekend for the 10th Anniversary.  He told me the other day he doesn't know if he could ever go back to coaching high school. Although he loves putting a stick in a kid's hand while they are young and making sure they learn the basics, he never enjoyed coaching the little little kids. Said it was like herding cats. And while he always loved his time at Hoover, the last couple of years were rough.  I think things changed a bit for him after T's class graduated. Those first couple teams were extra special because everything was new and they were so enthusiastic.  The kids (and parents!) got a little jaded as the years went on and suddenly everyone was an expert. People who (obviously) never even heard of lacrosse until their child picked up a stick were now suddenly questioning each call the refs made, questioning their kid's playing time, buying the most expensive equipment on the market and basically questioning why their kid wasn't getting a D1 scholarship.   In any event, the torch has been passed and the current coaches are doing a great job!  Coach loves the fact that 5 of his former Hoover kids and 1 of his BamaLax boys are coaching programs!

We had a great but very very quick weekend in Hoover. We got in late Friday night and by 10 am Saturday Coach was at the fields for a long, long day of lacrosse. KJ met up with a friend for breakfast and then joined us at the high school.  We had such a great day visiting and spent time with folks we hadn't seen since we rolled out of Hoover.  The girls made KJ feel extra special and came out of their way to see her while she was in town.  The alumni game was a ton of fun and we all went out for drinks afterward and closed down the bar. KJ spent the night with a friend and we picked her up Sunday morning and headed back home. Of course everyone asked her how she liked Texas and everyone was amazed at how well she's adjusted. Which makes my heart happy! 😏😏😏

Wait!!! I'm not ready yet!!!

I am so incredibly embarrassed to admit this but I am horribly horribly behind in Christmas this year.  The Fall seemed to have it me like a ton of bricks this year and I just haven't been able to recuperate and recover!!

First and foremost, our cruise was unbelievable.  We had the most amazing, relaxing trip. Our flight to Barcelona was great, boarding the ship was stress-free, our cabin was great, food was excellent and our excursions were awesome!  Mallorca was beautiful and we had a wonderful day walking around the city.  I loved Marseille and Florence and Rome are always magical (so glad Cosmo got to see the Sistine Chapel!).  We both really enjoyed Pompeii, too!

After the cruise we had our anniversary, Cosmo's b-day and KJ's 16th birthday in that order.  KJ actually had a volleyball game on her birthday but she celebrated a few nights earlier with some friends at a Mexican restaurant.  After her volleyball game, several of the girls on her team took her to Whataburger (she had never been and apparently it's a Texas thing).  She finally got her permit and had 3 straight weeks of drivers Ed classes and has also been doing her drive times with her instructor.  Little Miss Jet-setter flew to Baltimore in November and spent a couple of days with her friends from Damascus.  Volleyball season is officially over and we had a great end-of-year banquet at one of the local country clubs.  This weekend she's down in Fredericksburg celebrating a friend's birthday at their family cabin.  They drove down after school on Friday, went zip-lining Saturday and today they are shopping.  She'll come home Monday.

For Cosmo's b-day we somehow ended up at a Rangers play-off game vs. The Blue Jays. It was hot as hell that day and we tried to keep cool by using the rally towels as hats.  We looked like idiots.

Early November we met the Martin's outside of Memphis and went to the Ole Miss vs. Arkansas game. The weather was cold and dreary but we still managed to have a good time!  AG and KJ spent Friday night with T so they thought they were cool and Pony Boy and Z put up our tailgating tent in the pouring rain while the 4 of us hit Oxford.  The highlight of the weekend, according to KJ, was her selfie with Tim Tebow. 

Right before Thanksgiving, Coach had his first collegiate game of his coaching career.  I love the campus at TCU and the guys were really great.  The team has a lot of potential. 

We had a fun Thanksgiving with Cosmo's nephew and his family. Eva and Eli are incredibly well-behaved children and it is a joy to be with them.  Friday we took them to the Gaylord to see the ice sculptures and go sledding. KJ was a trooper and was the "DS" (designated sledder). 

T and Pony Boy got to our house late last Sunday night after dealing with a flat tire in Arkansas and brought their puppy Maria with them.  Other than farting really bad, she's a great dog and liked jumping in the pool.

Tuesday night Cosmo took them to a Dallas Stars hockey game (Dew's first NHL game) and they met up with friends after the game.  Friday Cosmo's buddy from college (also KJ's Godfather) flew in for the weekend. We had a great dinner and walked around the town of Grapevine (voted one of America's Top 10 Christmas towns). It was so beautiful!  The town itself is super cute anyway but at Christmas they go all out!  Every shop, every restaurant, every building has some type of display or lights.  The gazebo was all decked out, there was a life-size Nativity set, a light tunnel, an inflatable igloo, Mistletoe every where, etc.  Saturday the guys went to the Cowboys vs. Jets game (Go Jets!!!) and Bob flew out early this morning.  Pony Boy and Maria left Saturday morning and T and I did some Christmas shopping while the guys were at the game.

So, this is why I'm so behind this year!  Nothing is wrapped and I haven't sent out a single Christmas card.  I guess there's always next year!

weekends

The last two weekends have been absolutely wonderful!  Great weather (although yesterday was one of the hottest days we've had in a while) and we've tried to take full advantage of being out doors.

Last Sunday we were able to cross paddle boarding off our bucket list!  I absolutely loved it and told Coach I want a paddle board for Christmas. It was an incredible total body workout and a great family activity. Coach and I each fell off the board once but KJ never fell off at all.  We were together as a family but paddle boarded at our own pace.

Friday night KJ had a volleyball game in Dallas and Saturday she had a tournament in Arlington which was perfect because we were right by the stadium and made it to the Alabama vs. Wisconsin game with plenty of time for a little tailgating. Although we really wanted to go to the game, we were hesitant to buy tickets before she tried out for volleyball.  We knew there was a tournament the same day as the game and didn't want to spend big bucks on tickets only to be sitting at a tournament clear on the other side of town.  At the last minute a friend mentioned on FB he had four tickets so we jumped on the chance.

We had never been to a game at AT&T stadium and it did not disappoint.  What an incredible place to see a game!!  The stadium is phenomenal and there is not a bad seat in the house. We had such a good time at the game and of course KJ and Coach loved being among true Alabama fans. 

Today we slept in a little, Cosmo made French toast for breakfast, did a few things around the house and spent the rest of the day in the pool.  Last week the pool temp had cooled considerably and I thought maybe our pool days were numbered but today was absolutely perfect! 

one down ...

Week one of school is in the books. I think both girls had a good week.  KJ  said she wasn't nervous about the first day of school at all but already knowing some girls from volleyball helped tremendously!  She said the first day of school in Texas was no where near as nerve-wracking as her first day of school in Maryland even though her new school is 3x larger!  she it was much easier this time around since she kinda knew what to expect.

Volleyball is going great!  her team is playing well. The 6:30 am practices are killers and she has volleyball as her 1st period class from 8:15 to 9:30. Then they do conditioning for an hour after school.

T has a good schedule this semester... no classes Monday or Friday so she didn't have her first class until Tuesday. She's doing 2 nights a week this year for NewsWatch and she and Pony Boy hit the gym almost every day this summer and will continue to do so during the school year. They are so cute together and have such a wonderfully mature relationship based on respect for one another. They never fight and share the same warped sense of humor.  Pony Boy is a true Southern gentleman and takes very good care of her.

So, a great week was had by all!

I'm Still Here!!!

So it's been several weeks (months??) since I've blogged but I'm still alive and kicking!!  I don't think I've sat down since mid-June!!

The big move from Maryland to Texas went great!  Very smooth process overall (still can't find the damn toaster though!!) and I have to say everyone, particularly Trixie and Kendall, have transitioned incredibly well!

The months of June and July were basically a blur between having the house packed up, mine and KJ's road trip to Texas with a wonderful stop in Birmingham, the pageant, having aforementioned household goods delivered, T's 21st birthday, my parents and KJ returning from their big southwest road trip to volleyball camps, high school registration,  (successful) volleyball try-outs and the summer culminated with the big boss man, the Legend, the Guru getting inducted into the US Lacrosse Alabama/Mississippi chapter hall of fame.  Whew!!!

It's been hot here in Dallas but it really hasn't been awful. We've had a couple of 100+ degree days but the humidity is very low. Having the pool is great and I can't imagine living in Texas without a backyard pool!  We've done a couple of quick day trips since we've been here (visiting the TCU campus to see where Cosmo will be coaching and a fun day at the Ft. Worth stockyards) but honestly, we just have been super duper busy.

We luv, luv, luv being closer to T and she has come home twice and we also got to see her this past weekend in Birmingham.  Pony boy came with her to the HOF induction and if he can put up with our crazy Cos life, that boy can put up with anything!!  He's a trooper for sure!! 

i wish i drank coffee!!

So Cosmo has survived the great Texas floods of 2015 and our house is still standing. I thought for sure the pool would have over-flooded or one of the trees in the front of the house would have come crashing down but all is well. 

If I can get through the next couple of weeks it will be a flipping miracle. 
Coach flies in for one last weekend and KJ is having a big going-away party Saturday night.
The movers will be here to pack up on Tuesday and Wednesday and will load the truck on Thursday and we kept Friday open as an extra day if need be.  KJ's last official day of school is Monday, June 15. It's only a half day and all of her exams will have been complete by Friday, June 12 so the game plan is for us to be on the road on Sunday. I promised her we could stay the weekend so she could attend a friend's b'day party. 

Originally we were going to ship my car but because it would go on the car carrier with stops to pick up other cars on the way, there was the possibility I would be without a car for up to 3 weeks.  So, rather than try to get thru that last week car-less and fly to Dallas with the dog, KJ and I decided to take a little road trip and stop in B'ham for a few days to visit with friends. And then, the minute I arrive in Dallas, I have to drive to Vicksburg to check Miss Amory in with pageant officials because she's not 21 yet.  KJ and Coach will be in his fancy corporate apartment until the day competition starts. 

So, I'll be in Vicksburg for over a week and then drive back to Dallas on Sunday after the pageant crowning Saturday night.  We've scheduled the delivery of our household goods for Monday, June 29.  And then T-bone will arrive at the new house on Wednesday, July 1 just in time to celebrate her 21st b-day!!!  meanwhile, KJ will be somewhere out West with my parents.  we'll all be in Vicksburg together for the pageant but when it's over, my parents and KJ are going to road trip and hit San Antonio, the Grand Canyon, the Four Corners, etc and then bring her to Dallas. The day after she gets to Dallas she heads to SMU for volleyball camp for a few nights and then she'll start open gym at her new school. We've got an appointment with her guidance counselor to pick her schedule and the following week school starts. I mean, seriously!!!  Poor KJ!!  By the time she comes back from the pageant, her trip out West and volleyball camp, she will not have slept in her own bed for almost a month!!!

By the time we depart for our cruise in September, I will be exhausted and may just sleep my way through Europe!! 

Has it really been almost a month since I last blogged?  Wow?  Well, let's see . . . As usual, it's been a busy couple of weeks!  

KJ's lax season is winding down but volleyball is in full swing.  It feels like this travel volleyball season has gone on FOREVER.  We were supposed to participated in a tournament at the U of Delaware last weekend but at the last minute the team decided to do a tournament closer to home and the girls ended up winning it all.  KJ, like T, has had a difficult time juggling the two sports (T had to juggle dance team and lax in high school).  Actually, I shouldn't say that.  She's been very clear on what she needs to do to be a contributing member of each squad and has to make some tough decisions.  I think she's done a great job (especially maintaining her grades!  Honor Roll again baby!!!).  It's been her coaches who have had a harder time.  She's had to miss some lax for volleyball and vice versa.  The weekend they won the volleyball tournament she had to miss a lax game and her lax coach was a little upset with her.  On the flip side, she's had to miss volleyball for lax.  Fortunately, she's playing great on both both squads and has had two lax goals this season so far and numerous assists!  Big Daddy is SO proud!!!

Easter in Dallas was a ton of fun and we had such a great time at Six Flags with T-bone and Pony Boy!  Johnny Frat-Boy had never been on extreme roller coasters before and I think he had a thrilling time!  We had a wonderful brunch at the Westin and after T and Fratty headed back to Oxford, KJ, Cosmo and I spent the afternoon exploring downtown and did the tour at the Book Depository at Dealy Square.  Fascinating exhibit and the history nerd in me loved it!  We also walked around the campus SMU.  Monday, while Cosmo was at the office, KJ did some shopping at Grapevine Mills and had a fun lunch at the Rainforest Cafe and walked around the quaint town of Grapevine.  We fond the new Steel City Pops and chilled with some pops and had lunch at a great Mexican restaurant before KJ and I flew back to Baltimore.  Cosmo likes the Dallas branch and his apartment is very cool, kinda feels like an upscale New York loft -- HUGE bathroom, granite counters, chef's kitchen, etc.

Cosmo flew home this weekend and my parents were also here for a few days on their way back to PA from wintering in FL.  It was a nice, low-key weekend.  The weather was nice, but only in the low 60's w/ lots of sunshine,  We had Jimmie Cone for the first time this season on our way to dropping Cosmo off at the airport.

Gotta busy week coming up -- lots of landscaping going on and we're going to open the pool soon.  KJ has lax and volleyball this week and I've got to get my car registered in Maryland since my Alabama registration is about to expire.

Lax Life / Laxer for Life

Yay!  Yay!  Yay!!  KJ finally had an official high school lacrosse game!  They lost by 1 but considering our girls have only been on the field two or three times, I'd say it was a success!  The weather has been so horrible and has totally wrecked the fields so they've mostly been in the gym conditioning and working on stick stills.  Some of the new girls were unsure about the hash marks, marking-up, etc.  KJ is definitely one of, if not the most, aggressive player on the team (shocker!) and definitely has great stick skills.  She still has a lot to learn but she really did great yesterday.  She had a couple of shots on goal, didn't score, but still took the shot nevertheless.  She played a little attack, she played a little defense as well.  She likes attack better.

I love the girls' uniforms and naturally my child has to coordinate her cleats and shoelaces.  She said they looked like a bunch of highlighters running around out there.

Unfortunately, Coach Stone couldn't be at the first game due to a family scheduling conflict but she asked Champ to help on the sidelines.  He warmed up the goalie and helped the assistant coach run the lines and was very vocal from the sidelines (shocker!).  I know it was killing him to keep quiet for most of the game and defer to the assistant coach but he did point out (rather loudly) to the ref that he awarded the ball to the wrong team.  Ref acknowledged he made a mistake, gave the ball to us and game on.

Being a little sassy and giving a lot of attitude on the field.