The Box

For me personally, one of the best things about moving is getting outside your comfort zone.  Thinking outside the box. Growing as a person. Looking back at the last two years, I am so thrilled to be in a different, better place both physically and mentally.

Labor Day weekend will be two years since I left Alabama and I really haven't looked back. I was so burnt out there. I was emotionally exhausted from all the game playing and back stabbing by people I trusted and thought of as true friends. I would do anything for anyone and that is probably my biggest flaw. And unfortunately my girls have inherited that trait. I don't something for someone hoping for something in return.  I do it because you're a friend and if I can help, I will.  Very simple.  Too often though, I started to feel used by some of the most disingenuous people I have ever met.  Horrible people who hid behind Christianity and fake Southern sweetness (you know the type... the ones who use "bless her heart" on a fairly regular basis).   In fact, I hardly ever ask for help (another flaw of mine).  So if I was broken and in need of help, it would have to be pretty bad for me to seek some type of assistance.  And being let down by a friend is the worst kind of betrayal there is.

Yup.  I was in a pretty bad place two years ago. However, I am so happy to be where I am now. stronger and a thousand times happier.  Hell.  The entire family is happier.  KJ will admit it was tough for her to leave Hoover. She was born there and that was the only home she knew.  However, she's learned so much about herself during this whole process. She is so incredibly mature and confident at such a young age. She's not afraid to push herself and think outside the box. And, hopefully, she's learned a few things from watching what I went through. I hope she and Taylor will continue to be strong, independent women and a good friend to all.  I know they will be disappointed by people they met but I hope it doesn't beat them down the way it did me.

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!

Fall into Fall ???

Sitting by the pool drinking my morning cup of tea and it is positively glorious!!  The temperature is way down, there's a beautiful breeze and you can actually smell the rain coming our way. I'd say the weather is starting to transition to Fall and I'm excited to see what Fall in Texas is all about!  I actually dreamt of Fall decorations last night (which I can explain!). Fall is my favorite time of year and Fall up North is gorgeous and Fall in Birmingham was always fun and fantastic. Coach loved putting his TV on the back deck, having a fire in the pit and watching some SEC football.

Last night Cosmo and I went to the Rangers vs Mariners game and had a great time!  He's  been to that stadium many times before (honestly, where hasn't he been) but it was my first Rangers game. One of his vendors dropped off the tickets and we had great seats 25 rows up off the 3rd baseline. The stadium is nice but I really think Camden Yards is my favorite place to see a baseball game. The O's are coming to town next weekend so maybe we'll catch part of that series.

We couldn't figure out why the Rangers mascot, which is a horse, was running around wearing a tartan kilt and a set of golf clubs. And then Jordan Speith threw the ceremonial pitch. 

On our way to the stadium last night we passed this great little nursery by our house. On the way there I noticed they had some Fall/Halloween decorations up but couldn't get a good look. On the way home it was dark and the decorations were lit up and looked super cute so that's why I think I dreamed of fall decor!!  I love the layout and look of this house and think my Fall things are going to look great in this house! 

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!!