Monday, September 12, 2011

Preparing and waiting.....

In 15 days, Austin will be home.  It's kinda funny how I have prepared for Austin's trips home since he left.  I look around the house to make some progress on small projects and make plans to have the entire house clean including clean sheets, no dirty laundry, AND a clean pet.  I make every effort to guarantee no mundane distractions take away from our time together. 

Austin's birthday was a disappointment for me, even if it wasn't a disappointment for him. Even though it wasn't my birthday, I wanted to spend that special day with him.  But, we shall persevere. 

What was even worse was all this 9-11 anniversary coverage.  I watched a ton of the coverage and remembrance of the event over the weekend.  Austin's building is only a few blocks away from ground zero.  So, as I continued to inundate myself with scary emotional accounts of that day, I became increasingly concerned for Austin's safety today and in the future.  Austin is one of those guys that thinks things are not that big of a deal.  I heard a voicemail from someone's husband in tower 2 after the first plane hit tower 1.  He said he was ok, the plane just hit tower 1 and he would probably be at work and busy all day.  What a tragedy!  But, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!   If the building immediately adjacent to mine was hit by a plane, you betcha I'd be the first one sprinting out of that building and as far away as I could get.  What scares me is that Austin does not usually have my kind of reaction, he has that husband's reaction.

I know you can't live your life in fear and that you never know what is dangerous until it is.  But, that doesn't stop me from worrying.  I can't IMAGINE my life without Austin.  He may be 1,500 miles away, but he's still here.  And, I can't wait until he's HERE!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Update

Wow!  So, it's been a long time since I posted.  Austin was home in July and it's not going to be until Ed's wedding (October 1) that I see him again :( BOOOO!  It will be the longest we haven't seen each other.  But, we just take one day at a time and look forward to the time we will have together then.  Anyways....something has been weighing heavily on my heart lately. Church.

As some of you may know, Austin is not the most avid church-goer but I'm not either.  My church history has been sporadic at best.  But, I always feel better when I go.  Lately, I've been wanting to go by myself.  But you can't really do that.  Even if you go by yourself, you have to introduce yourself and get bombarded by some sort of welcoming crew.  I know, I know, church is supposed to be about fellowship.  But sometimes it's just about me and Him.  I know, I know, that time should be attained through my quiet time. But I do enjoy being in a big group to worship.  I just don't want anyone to talk to me.  HAHA!  It sounds weird to even type, but that's how I feel.

Anyway, I guess the stereo blasting worship session I have in my living room will have to do for now.

Friday, July 1, 2011

I love my family!

I was just thinking today how much I love my extended family.  We had really hard year with the deaths of my grandmother and aunt and have begun drifting apart without our big family get-togethers with my grandmother.  That's where facebook has really come in handy. I am friends with numerous cousins on facebook and get to keep up with their daily lives through their posts on facebook (I kind of literally stalk my facebook news feed to keep me entertained during the work day).  I probably know more about what's going on in their lives now than I ever did before.   

Monday, June 6, 2011

Summary

(BTW, can you tell I feel like writing today!?)

So, I've realized that my last few posts haven't been directly linked to the title of my blog, "My Life as a Kilgore".  They have been about the people who made me who I am today and showed me the wife I want to be.  I want to be a wife with all the passion, activity, and generosity of my dad and with the patience, understanding, and camaraderie of my mom.  Not that either one of them don't have ALL of these qualities, but those are the ones that stand out to me in my relationship with them.



Surprisingly, my brother has also shaped the kind of women I am today.  From the very first day I knew I was going to be a big sister, I was ecstatic.  After all, it was going to be like having a real live baby doll!! Right!?  Not exactly.   But, I did take the big sister roll very seriously.  I did, and still do, feel a strong drive to protect and advise him.  Now that he is all grown up, we are still very close and hope to be that way forever.




I also have been shaped by my friends.  I have some of the most amazing childhood friends that I am still close to today.  I think that kind of committed and deep friendship creates a certain stability and empowerment in my life.  I also have amazing friends from college, which is hard to believe was 6 years ago.  Those friendship seem to have given me confidence and passion.  Leaving home was very difficult for me, especially given the aforementioned great childhood friends.  But, continuing to build new great friendships only further expands my horizons and gives me great comfort.




And how can I forget my new family.  That is, after all, the biggest change of my life as a Kilgore.  They have been so accepting of me and I look forward to the additional support I will have in my life from them.


Kinda missed Mother's Day

Now that my last post turned into a Father's Day post, not that I intended it to when I sat down to write it, I think I want to do one about my mom.  I missed Mother's Day because I was in Cabo (and I will also miss Father's Day :( ).  But my mom always says not to worry about it because she knows we love her, which is so like her.  She doesn't sweat the small stuff.  Plus, she doesn't really like getting gifts.  I think she would prefer to get the joy out of finding a really great deal for most of the things she wants/needs.  This makes shopping for her both incredibly difficult and easy because I have know idea what to get her but know whatever it is she will be fine with it. 

She is the most long tempered person I know (if that's even a term, I think I've only heard people use the term short tempered).  She is a great advice giver and will talk through almost any problem with me.  But, even if you don't do what she thinks you should do, she calmly excepts it and moves on.  Therefore, she rarely gets fired up about anything which really lets you know when something is a big deal to her.  She also rarely gets angry at people.  Where I would go on and on about how stupid, rude, or annoying someone is, she just says those attributes will only hinder their happiness and to move on.  I've tried to learn this skill from her but that is a work in progress. 

She is incredibly thoughtful.  She begins her Christmas list in about February, taking notes here and there when you randomly say you like or want something.  Then, magically it is there on Christmas day.  Sometimes it seems like she read your mind because you don't even remember telling her what you wanted.  I have also tried to begin doing this, but once again, that is a work in progress.

I know like it seems like I'm going on and on about my mom, but I don't think she gets credit sometimes.  Most people who know me know that I am a daddy's girl and always will be.  But, I still have a very close amazing relationship with my mom. 


It's been a while...

Wow, can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted....OPPS.  I guess it's because nothing exciting has really been going on.  You know, the usual, yard work, car work, work work. 

This weekend, my dad and I replaced my catalytic converter and then I changed my oil.  Anytime I tell someone that I am doing something like this to my car, they are so amazed that I know how to do something other than put gas in my car.  But I tell, its really not that difficult.  To replace by catalytic converter literally consisted of removing and replacing 7 bolts under the car. And changing oil is even simpler.  I do realize that for most cars you need a jack and jack stands to do this and a few tools.  You also get a little dirty in the process.  But, if you have had a car that requires fully synthetic oil, you know that those $20 oil changes are not your reality.  So, I think it's worth it.

Plus, it means quality time with my dad.  With father's day coming up, I've been trying to think of a good gift. Everytime I ask my dad what he wants for his birthday, Christmas, or Father's Day, he can never come up with anything.  But it never fails that when we work on cars he comes up with something he really wants or could really use.   Plus, God only knows how much money he has saved me helping me with my car.  He may give me a hard time about it sometimes, but he is really one of the most generous people I know. 




Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Honeymoon/Chambers Wedding

After a night of working until 2:30am to finish up so I could detach, we finally got around to going on our honeymoon and it was AMAZING!  It was my first time to stay at an all-inclusive.  It's amazing how much you can/will eat and drink when it is always available and included (not free, as Austin pointed out many times). Our hotel was amazingly relaxing, especially since I didn't even have the option of checking my email in the foreign country.




We doubled up on the trip to see my beautiful friend, Joy Nicole Lazos (Chambers, NOW!), marry Christopher Paul Chambers. 





It was a gorgeous wedding with the ocean background and a great beach party afterward.  It was actually a nice addition to our honeymoon to hear others make the vows that we made only 1.5 months ago.  Also, it was great to spend some of our trip with some of our greatest friends. 


We also took advantage of a free 20-minute photo shoot that the hotel offered.  As many of you know, I love pictures and was so glad to get some really good ones of both of us (instead of the "hold it out in front of your face and look constipated" ones). 



We also went to a timeshare presentation.  Yes, we did.  We got suckered into it at the airport shortly after we arrived with the enticement of free gifts and discounts along with transportation to our hotel.  But I have to admit, it wasn't as bad as I thought.  In fact, I think it's something Austin and I will do once we get a little more settled and.....live in the same city.   In addition, we got to go on a sunset dinner cruise for free.  Austin had a great time dancing and I enjoyed the scenery.  Who wouldn't?!






Now, we wait.  We don't have another trip scheduled.  So, we need to figure that out and it is KILLING me.  Ever since Austin moved, I've at least had a "next time" to look forward to. But, this trip was enough to hold onto for a little while.

Monday, May 2, 2011

My A-Chi-O Girls!!

When I started looking at colleges, sororities never crossed my mind.  I wasn't really that type of girl.  But man, I became one!  I loved being in a sorority, especially Alpha Chi Omega!  Although I have some of the most amazing friends from growing up, my sorority sisters are so special.  We have such a special bond, both through experiencing college and our sorority.  It's become a lifelong journey for us. WE BELONG!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I hope my kids never do this....

As a response to one of my younger second-cousin's facebook video posts, one of her friends posted "FAGGOT" referring to the boy in the video, I guess.  I don't understand how this term is still an acceptable form of expression.  It seems like this type of verbal hatred was generally understood as cruel these days.  I'm not going to deny that I used to use the term "gay" to describe something that was lame when I was younger.  However, I have since realized that use of the word is offensive and "faggot" seems to take it to a whole new level.  Maybe I should cut the girl some slack, I mean I made the same mistake as her.  But, I hope to impress on my children the unacceptability of this form of hatred (or any type for that matter).

BTW, I resisted the urge to post my feelings too.  Should I have?....

Sunday, April 10, 2011

I love being married!

It may seem weird.  Even though I've dated Austin for 6 years and lived with him for 2 years, being married DOES feel different.  I was sort of worried that it wouldn't.  I mean, I've waited so long to be married that I wanted it to feel like I had finally reached that desire, AND IT DOES!  I feel a whole new sense of partnership.

However, there is the new issue of being in a long distance marriage for the time being.  IT SUCKS!  I've been researching online for coping mechanisms and have found a few but GEEZ, I want my husband with me.  I've been praying about our relationship a lot and know we can get through this and that our love is strong enough. 

I still look at my ring and get giddy.  I'M MARRIED!  I really do love it.

Friday, April 1, 2011

No matter the weather, the mail comes.....

So now that the wedding is over, I knew I would have some withdrawals from all the planning, decisions, and worrying.  But, I never realized how much I would miss the mail.  Everyday it was such a delight to see who had RSVPed, sent a card, or a gift!  Today, I got one crappy piece of mail about lawn care (maybe they noticed the disaster state that my lawn is in!).  How depressing!  Yesterday......no mail.  I wondered if the mailman had even come!  Hopefully, I will be able to get through this sadness, but if you care to help me out.....send me some mail :(  Even a postcard will do...

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

A Year

My paternal grandmother met our Father one year ago today.  It is almost unfathomable the year that I have had.  Not only did I lose my paternal grandmother, paternal aunt, and maternal grandmother, but I also got engaged and married.  This day a year ago marked the beginning of one of the saddest and happiest years of my life.

March 30, 2010 my grandmother, Hazel Ruth Harbour, passed away.  She lived one of the most amazing and inspiring lives I have ever known.  She gave life to 7 wonderful children, raised them in the most loving and responsible way, but most of all, taught to her children to love the Lord and demonstrated what a marriage is all about.  She is the first person I remember going to church with.  She was the woman I looked up to the most while growing up.  I just thought it was so cool that she was so active with church, friends, and family so late into her life and that is what I want for mine.  Unfortunately, she got a tumor on the right side of her face which had to be removed several years ago.  Her health steadily declined since then. 

It still amazes me how my loss of her still affects me to the extent that it does, but I think the wedding just amplified it.  I just wish she could have been there.  But, I had a lot of my family there, which was comforting, and I know she was watching over me.



Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Puppy!

So, I recently realized that I hadn't mentioned the other big part of the proposal....The Puppy!  I have wanted a dog since I graduated but didn't want to really have one in an apartment.  But, when I bought my house, it was probably at least a weekly desire.  In theory, it was my house so I could do what I wanted.  But, with me already very sure that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Austin, I really wanted at least his blessing to get a dog before I just did it.

So as part of the proposal planning, Austin went puppy searching ALL BY HIMSELF.  I figured he would at least consult with my dad, but he really wanted to do it himself.  In fact, other than a week or two before he proposed, NO ONE knew what he was up to.  After that.....is another post :)

He knew that I wanted and Australian Shepard since I told him all the time.  At one point I had tried to buy a Rottweiler, but my homeowner's insurance wouldn't cover me if I did (don't even get me on my soapbox about that!).  He found a liter and, partially because it was the only puppy left and partially because I don't think he realized how much harder a male dog is to handle, he picked out a male red tri.

The day before we got back from NYC, my dad went an picked up the puppy and kept him overnight.  My mom picked us up at the airport and my dad was at my house when we got there.  I was trying to unload the car and Austin was like "Just leave it, I'll get it all."  So we went in and I slowly saw the little kennel with a puppy in it.  I was sooooooo happy.






Soon we named him Baxter from one of our favorite movies, Anchorman.  Since then, he has wreaked havoc all through the house.  I eventually started taking him to daycare.   Not really for him to enjoy, but for him to be worn out so he was more manageable at home.  The strange part about it is that the daycare I have been taking him to is the same daycare I went to as a kid!!  The people daycare went out of business and was bought by a doggie daycare.  It's like going back in time when I go there though.  It's still so much the same!

Although the daycare helps, he is still a young dog.  Here is some of the havoc he has wreaked lately:



Saturday, March 26, 2011

Married Life

I officially introduced Austin as my husband on Tuesday.  It was almost difficult to physically say the word.  Not that I don't want to be married (anyone who knows me knows that is not the case), but the word is so foreign to me. This week, Austin worked from home and refereed to me as wife many times without hesitation on the phone.  WEIRD!

Anyway, Austin left this morning for a conference in Ft. Lauderdale.  I wish I could have gone too but work is just too crazy to have that distraction.  I was sad to not get to do something special for our one week anniversary.  It seems kinda silly but I thought it could be fun to celebrate in a more personal setting.  Not to worry though, Austin will be back next Wednesday!  And won't be leaving for NYC until April 9th! 

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Let the Showering Begin!

So, with us getting engaged on August 27, it left me with a decision to make regarding our wedding timeline.  I always said I didn't not want to have an incredibly long engagement.  I mean after 6 years, lets get this show on the road!  But, my good friends Shannon, Nikki, and Caro were getting married before the end of the year and my other good friends Nicole and Courtney were getting married in May and June of next year.  So, I had to decide to get married before Nicole in May (well before because I didn't want to impede on her day) or next fall (because there was no way this sweater bride was getting married in the Texas summer heat!).  So March it was, and during spring break to boot.

So, the quick process of planning a wedding in about 6 months was begun.  I made almost every decision at the last possible minute, especially the dress.  Those things are ridiculous!  Why in the world does it take so long to order something!

My bridesmaids quickly sprung into action and I had a lovely bridal shower in January:


And a really fun couples shower in February:


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

I GOT MARRIED (Well, first I got engaged)

So, I got married on Saturday.  Crazy!  I know!  My husband and I (that even feels weird to type) met at the Alpha Chi Omega Crush Party on October 1, 2004.  Nicole (My Sorority House Roommate) and Chris (Austin's Fraternity Big Brother) were dating at the time.  After a few pre and early party incidents, Nicole introduced us.  We danced the night away and had to be dragged off the dance floor at the end of the night.  The rest.....IS HISTORY!

After dating for about 6 years, it was going to be quite a feat to surprise me since I thought any moment could be the moment that Austin finally proposed.  Austin got an interview in New York City and we decided to make a trip out of it since I had never been to NYC.  Austin saw the perfect opportunity to surprise me.  I did not suspect a thing due to the last minute nature of the trip from the quickly scheduled interview.  Little did I know, Austin had already put the wheels in motion to propose the next weekend so he was fully prepared to move the date up and surprise me when I least expected it.

The second day of our trip, we switched hotels from the boring business hotel the interviewing company had paid for to a cute boutique hotel near times square.  After arriving at the hotel, Austin kept coming up with things to do (unpack, write thank-you notes to his interviewer, write several thank-you notes because he can't write in a straight line, scope out places to eat online because I was starving by now, go to the bathroom, etc.).  When the time was right, Austin finally let me leave the hotel room and we went for a walk around Times Square to see the sights and get something to eat.  When we got to the Hershey's store, Austin asked me to stop for a photo op.  I waited, and waited, and waited for Austin to take the picture.  But apparently the camera wouldn't work.  (Actually, the scrolling marque was malfunctioning and Austin was trying to wait for his message to come up.  All the while, I was getting really annoyed!).


After that didn't work, we decided to go look around the store.  Now, the Hershey's store is not as big as you would think.  In fact, I think the M&M's store across the street is about four times larger.  But, in that small store, Austin managed to lose me enough to talk to the manager to see what was going on with the message.  After stalling, and stalling, and stalling, and me getting really annoyed and hungry, Austin finally allowed us to leave the store.


As much as he thought it would irritate me, Austin asked me to try the photo op one more time.  This time, as Austin was taking the picture (actually taking a video), Austin told me to turn around.  The scrolling marque said "Haley, I like it.  Can I put a ring on it?"  In case you don't get the reference, it's from a Beyonce song that I have always given Austin a hard time about. 

When I turned back around, Austin got on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him!  I said YES!