Babies and What They Do To Me!

My teaching partner, Audra (and her husband, Ike), had their sweet little baby girl today.  I've watched Audra's once tiny tummy grow since finding out that she was pregnant last August.  I've watched her tread gracefully through the unknown and relish in delight over the little wonders of pregnancy. 


I think I'm reliving my life through her and maybe, just maybe, that is what is moving me so much.


You see, much like Audra and Ike, Kerry and I began dating right out of high school and got married immediately following college.  Two years later, when we were both 25, I was having our first son, Kory.  Audra and Ike have followed pretty much this same path.  I think it is the similarities in our relationships that have made me feel as though I'm looking back in time. 


Audra went into the hospital for induction this morning at 7 a.m..  I cried on my way to work thinking of the way that her life would be changing and remembering the flood of love that I felt 13 years ago. 


While waiting for the call, I wore a bare spot in my classroom carpet and chewed my right thumbnail down to oblivion.  I also wore out the button on my iphone.  I might have jammed up the FB site a time or two as well due to the constant checking for status updates. 


I know that I shouldn't be using my phone in the classroom, and normally, I don't.  It's just today...today was a once in a lifetime event.  Besides, my kids were just as anxious as I was to hear all the details and to see sweet Kinley's gorgeous face.


At about 2:15, I got the text that told me precious Kinley had arrived, and that my partner was doing well.  


Even though it pained me, I refused to call or text her to get information or hear how beautiful I knew the baby was.  I know and remember well the overwhelming chaos and stimulation after deliver and understood that as a friend, it would be most helpful for me to make myself scarce for a while. 


Meanwhile, my thumb began to bleed, and I rubbed a blister on my left foot from pacing. 


Now, at 6:40, I finally get to hear Audra tell me all the details of her Journey into Motherhood.  I couldn't help but tear up (for the third time today) while listening to all the details that I already knew so well.  I could listen to that story everyday, because it's the excitement in the new mom's voice that makes it all worth hearing.  To hear the actual story of Kinley's birth, you must speak directly to her mother.  It is her story.  I'm just sharing the joy that I got from hearing it. 


While listening to the details, I heard sweet Kinley and her newborn cry.  I felt compelled to join her. 


What can I say?  I'm a mess today...


I love you Audra and Kinley.  You aren't half bad either, Ike.

P.S.  Sorry I cried on the phone AGAIN, Audra, when calling to get permission to post her picture.  I told you, I'm a mess today...no thanks to you.   

My own personal taboo: Tattoos

I admit it...If I did not teach, I would be COVERED with body art.  I absolutely LOVE it.  I know, it's still rather taboo on women, even in 2011.  Quite honestly, the stereotype associated with inked women is very often right on the money as well.  Despite all of these things, I very much still LOVE tattoos.

I'm sure my untarnished friends are wondering, "What exactly is it that you like?"

Where to start?

I love the uniqueness of a custom piece.  An artist took your thoughts and ideas and created something just for you, to wear on your body until you die.  That's pretty darn cool if you ask me.  Unless you are a purchaser of "flash," you aren't going to run into someone sporting the same back piece as you.

I love the commitment required to have ink.  This isn't like a pair of shoes, a pedicure, or even a short hair cut.  This is forever.  There's no going back.  You can't simply divorce a tattoo once you get bored with it.  Looking at the tattoos of others can tell you alot about what they value...forever.

I've been researching placement, flow, subject, symbolism, shops, and artists for about two years now.  I've visited shops both in person and online in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for several months.  I've reviewed countless artist's portfolios.  I chose an artist that I felt could best capture what was in my head.  After consulting with him and sharing pictures/ideas/and sketches, I finally have an appointment to view a custom outline next week.  It's taken two months to get in to simply look at the art. I'm hoping that it will be worth the wait. 



It's the ultimate accessory and when properly placed on your body, can really add style to an outfit or edge up your look.  Because I'm in a conservative profession, I've placed my ink in areas that are easily concealed during work hours.  However, when I want to express my style, I just show a little shoulder, and KAPOW, the world picks up on my vibe fairly quickly. 

 On women, tattoos can enhance and even exaggerate the beautiful curves of the female body.  I love the flow of a well placed and planned tattoo.  The image can be so very graceful and delicate. 

Strangely, I like actually having them done.  It gives me something that I like to think of as much like the runner's high.  That adrenaline from the sting of the gun is something that's simply indescribable.  It's somewhat empowering, in a way, because although you have selected the artist, approved the piece, and voluntarily sat in the chair, you are in no way in control of what is happening to your body.  You have to trust the artist behind the gun to follow through with your vision.  This vulnerability coupled with the rush of pleasurable pain is exhilarating.  

Finally, I rather enjoy the shock factor.  After people begin to think that they know me, I like to expose a little something that they never expected.  It's fun to see the reaction, and to watch their judgements melt away because of their actual knowledge of the person behind the ink.  It's a fun little game I like to play...just for kicks.

Those of you on the flip side of the coin are most likely disgusted by the thought and image...or maybe you just don't appreciate adornment the way that I do.  I've heard just about every reason why people, especially women, shouldn't be inked. 

 Some people think it's not feminine.  Who exactly defines feminine?  If you've read my previous blogs, you know the true extent of my femininity. 

Some people think it's "tacky."  Believe me, I've seen tackier things than tattoos.  Bless your heart. 

Tattoos aren't professional.  Well, that may be true at this point, but possibly in the near future, they will be so mainstream that no one even notices.  Until then, I'll keep mine under wraps.  Sometimes it's more fun that way...I'm pretty personal anyway. 

What if you get tired of it?  Well, then I guess I carry it with me anyway.  It is what it is.  I wouldn't have put it on my body, however, if it didn't at one point mean something fairly significant to me.  If that time has passed, I most likely could benefit from the reminder left behind anyway. 

What about when you are old and saggy?  Well, chances are I'll look pretty old and saggy even without the ink, so why not opt for a distraction or two, right?  Who wants to look at old saggy BORING skin anyway?

What would you do/say if your own son wanted tattoos?  I'd say to make certain that you do research, and are truly committed to the image that you choose and the artist that you select.  

 Each to their own.

Here's a little feast for your eyes: 

Art Collection 1

Art collection 2

Here's a little video on NYC tattooing that I found to be well made:  

http://vimeo.com/22126430



Also, if you are wanting to look at a great project, check out this idea:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chazzgold/the-tattooed-goddess-project-a-coffee-table-book

On being Southern...and arrogant. Bless our hearts.

Oh how I adore being Southern.  To be Texan, you have to understand that you just might be the butt of a joke or two, but you're the last one laughing.  Swagger...it's a Southern thing.  You just wouldn't understand.

One of my favorite things about Texas is the appearance of the bluebonnets.   Living in Texas rewards its citizens with about two weeks of breathtaking highway scenery during the month of April.  Unfortunately, the temperature rises quickly around these parts and wipes the little bits of blue beauty away just as quickly as they arrived.  Sadly, on my drive home from work, I noticed that the bluebonnets along I35W are already looking a bit stressed and tired.  I suppose it takes alot out of them to be so darn gorgeous for even a short period of time.

Thankfully, most Texas treats have longer shelf lives.  For instance, cowboy boots, although they've evolved over the years, are still around and even better than ever.  The western standby isn't just for western wear anymore.

Sure, you still see the boots on the ranch hands, but that's the minority now days.  This Texas favorite is now main stream funk...it's modern and it's hip and it goes with everything...including a fauxhawk.  I bet a New Yorker couldn't pull this off.  It's a Texas thing ya'll.

And while we're on the subject of Southern women, let me just say that we are a whole bunch of everything good rolled up into sweet, sultry, sexy packaging.  We are educated, strong, stubborn, sweet, and docile all at the same time. 


My image of a Southern woman is just what I am.  I take pride in a clean house and I forgive myself when it's not.  I like knowing that my man is taken care of morning, noon, and night, and if he's not, he better just fake it.  At the same time, I'm very much career minded and expect to be honored not only at home, but at the workplace.  I mop the kitchen three times a week and I wear heals doing it.  Yeah, that's right.  Be jealous.


Although I sure don't need for a man to open the door for me, I gladly accept when they do and silently acknowledge the good job their mama and daddy did in their raising.  When a man says "yes ma'am," I simply melt.  I suppose that's old fashioned, but I never claimed not to be.


  I believe that if your kids turn our right, you take the credit.  I sure hope mine end up making me proud.  Otherwise, I may have to put them in the ground a little early.


  I gladly wash the dishes after I've made the meals, and earned a days' wage, but if I feel like treating the family to a dinner out (compliments of the man of the house), then that's my choice. I'm proud of my boys.  I'm proud that they darn sure know that although their mama takes care of every little thing, I expect them to jump if I say jump.  

I'm as sweet as molasses as long as things suit me.  I'm meaner than an old wet hen if they don't. 


And if some dime store floosey even thinks about messing with my man, I'll take that tramp down in a sweet southern way and she'll be none the wiser.  Bless her heart.


 I can go to school full time, work 40+ hours a week, raise my children, keep my man happy, and look flawless doing it.  I'm a southern woman and I'm darn proud of it.  There's not much I can't do and better still, it will be done with Southern charm.


Texas women are icons.  They are trend setters.  They are the envy of the fashion world...For example, Big Texan Hair.


Unfortunately, Big Texas hair is also here to stay, although sightings are thankfully at an all time low.

The days of Dynasty may have passed, but Southern glamour is very much alive.

God Bless Texas

Texas is home to beautiful women.  It's just that simple.  We can't help it.  Bless your heart.

Besides the women, the flowers, and the boots, we have everything in between.  Texas is of course the largest of the continental states, but that goes without saying.  What most folks don't realize is that there's really not much reason to leave this great state.  We have pretty much everything for everybody.  If you don't believe us, just ask us. 

Padre Island- Home of the shrimpers and stomping grounds for the drunken and insane college coeds throughout the month of March.

Black gold

Home sweet home...Oh how I miss the island.

Palo Duro Canyon - West Texas

Beautiful Dallas Skyline

The Cowboys Jet

Coastguard

Home of the Free 72 ounce steak

Cadillac Ranch

Dallas Stars

The highways and Biways of a rockin' metro!

Deep Ellum baby

Sundance Square Fort Worth, TX

Historical Fort Worth Stockyards

Duh...the envy of the world.

Chillin patio style

East Texas landscapes

Carriage rides in the city

Mark Cuban's toys

Found roadside all along this great state 

Also found throughout this great state...yikes...beware the Rattle Snake

Another roadside feature, and don't you forget it!

Westlake Texas named the wealthiest per capita neighborhood in the nation.

Repeat of previous envy, but worth a second look.

Pretty proud of the boys.

Where else in the world will you find these two views within two miles of one another?

How many times have you followed a horse trailer all the way to your job?   Can you rock the boots with shorts?  Do you take allergy medication year round?  Have you ever been sitting at a stoplight and heard the low mooing of cattle outside your window? Can you say that you "don't have one bit of an accent ya'll" with a straight face?  Have you had a heatstroke on a 100 degree April day?  Have you seen snow fall only weeks prior?  How many times have you experienced a traffic jam caused by loose cattle? 

Welcome to Texas ya'll. 

Do you specify Dr. Pepper after ordering a coke?  Do you know the names of at least 15 Red Dirt Country bands?  Do you know the floor layout of Billy Bob's with your eyes closed?  Do you add sugar to your cornbread?  Do you put squash and onions in your fried taters?  If you have answered yes to at least 5 of the above questions, you just might be a Southerner.  If you haven't, don't worry.  We're the Friendly State.

Screw you, we're from Texas.  

(I hesitated to add this song because of it's offensive nature.  Therefore, if you think you can stomach a bit more arrogance, click on this link for some really abrasive and over the top in your face attitude.)

What I like about Texas

God Bless Texas