Introducing the O-Team

To be honest I have lost track of how long I have been in Texas. Time flies when you are having fun. But I believe it is right around the five month mark. So I thought I would give you an update on how things are going. Just a few months ago, I was scared and nervous about coworkers, coordinating orientation and making friends.

I am so thankful that just five months later I can say I no longer have any of these fears. (Please don’t mistake that as; I don’t have any fears at allJ). Yesterday marked the end of the summer orientation season. And my coworkers and I are both happy to say I survived. This summer has been a great experience; each week brought a new learning experience both personally and professionally. Before this week’s orientation session I took a few minutes to thank the orientation team also known as the O-Team. I was not planning to do this in advance, but I quickly pulled together some thoughts I wanted to share with them. I stood up and looked around the room and said,

I would prefer to do this tomorrow after orientation, but we won’t have a meeting then so I will do it now. I have loved working with y’all and have had so much fun. Y’all don’t know, but when I was thinking about moving to Texas I was so nervous about not knowing anyone. I was not sure how you would like me or accept me. Oh goodness I’m going to start crying. Sorry (the tears were falling now)! But y’all have welcomed me and allowed me to be a part of the team. That means so much to me. I am so thankful for this summer and each one of you.

I added a few more lines about the upcoming orientation session. But as I ended I looked around the room and all these faces were filled with smiles. How could you not cry? Then I hear voices saying, “Did you hear her, she said y’all like 3 or more times”. Then the room filled with laugher as we all realized I had finally mastered the use of y’all. See one of the many lessons the O-team has been trying to teach me is the proper way to Texan talk. And this was the first time I unintentionally pulled it off.  It was a magical moment and an amazing summer with my Texas familyJ. Below are a few photos from this summer and the O-Team!

 

Lessons from the Past

Soon I will be hearing the tune, the birthday tune that is. I will be turning 30 at the end of this month. Wow, it does not seem like I should be 30 years old. LOL how did I get so old so quickly? But over those years I have learned a lot. As I look over my experiences in those years, I see I have learned many valuable lessons. Below are 30 lessons I have learned so far . . .

1.       I am fearfully and wonderfully made and loved by God.

2.       Jumping on a couch during your childhood, could lead to a cracked head.

3.       Do not chase pets into unknown territory, unless you want a permanent scar.

4.       Don’t wear pink underwear under your white t-ball pants.

5.       Despite what your mom says, never perm your bangs.

6.       Remember to always take time to spin, sing and blow bubbles.

7.       Be sure to always watch out for stop signs hiding behind trees.

8.       “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

9.       Honesty is always the best policy.

10.   Never give out your phone number to Duck Hunters while driving on Highway 36.

11.   Don’t ask people, “how does that make you feel” if you are not ready to answer the same question.

12.   Boots are perfect for all seasons.

13.   Say yes to life. Each experience can show you something new about yourself.

14.   Don’t own other people’s crazy. But own yours J

15.   Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

16.   If you are questioning whether a guy is asking you out, know he is asking you out.

17.   Don’t compare any aspect of yourself or your life to anyone else’s.

18.   How can anything be wrong with me? I’m God’s creation!

19.   A large amount of diet coke late at night leads to Crazy Kelly.

20.    Life can be hard, mean and unfair. But I’m going to make it.

21.   My parents may not always agree with me, but they will ALWAYS love me.

22.   You don’t have to have the same DNA to be family.

23.   Texas girls do have more fun. J

24.   I am beautiful in multiple ways and so are you!

25.   Smile and make it work.

26.   Friendship is not defined by the number of text or phone calls or even your zip code. But on shared memories, laughter and trust.

27.   Tomorrow always brings the opportunity to become the person you want to be.

28.   Despite how carefully you walk, sometimes you are going to tumble.

29.   Girls really do want to have fun!

30.   Time continues to go by faster and faster. Do all you can to live each day to its fullest.  

Cinderella Has Arrived

So Call Me Maybe Matt did not work out, but not to worry. There are other fish in the sea. Or so that is what everyone tells me. But I think that actually may be true in Texas. This leads us to our next topic, TEXAS MEN!

But first I have to give you a little backstory so you can truly appreciate the recent developments. As I reflect on my past in terms of relationships, I can sum it up like this; dated one guy; wanted to date a guy but he didn’t want to date me, and went on several bad dates. Just because I did not have an active dating life, did not mean that I didn’t want one. I have always wanted to date, have a boyfriend and someday find the man of my dreams. However, guys never paid me any attention and did not seem interested in dating me. I have male friends in my life but they never purposed anything more than friendship. So, not exactly enough material for a novel there right?

Well two months into Texas life I quickly discover something has changed. Texas men like me!!!!! Did you hear that – Texas men like me!!! So how did this happen? Why the sudden change? Have I changed or are Texas men really different? I have never had so much attention from males in my life. I have been hit on countless time at the grocery store, while pumping gas, in the cafeteria at the university, in the drive-thru and just walking down the sidewalk. I see guys checking me out and sometimes I wonder if I’m just imagining this. But then I look to my friend who is with me and the look on their face confirms what I’m asking. I have become the talk of small town Texas. It has been an interesting adventure as I go on dates with these guys. I'm really not sure how longg this is going to last or what is going to happen next. But i think Cinderella has finally arrived at the ball. Maybe just maybe i can find Prince Charming after all or a cowboy. :)

Call Me Maybe "Matt"

The first weeks in Texas went great. I quickly adjusted to my new apartment and the Texas way of driving. The 45 orientation leaders I work with welcomed me and make me feel at home as they visited me in my office. These same students are also the reason I now have five new nicknames. My coworkers also welcomed me and made me feel part of the team. Two ladies I work with have adopted me and made it their mission to find me a husband.

My second week at work they presented the first candidate. We were in the middle of a training session in which the candidate was the presenter. She looked over at me and said so what do you think about “Matt”. However, she said it loud enough for the whole room to hear. So my introverted nature kicked in and I started freaking out and replied as quickly as possible can we discuss this later. We talked about it a little more the next day and I agreed I would go on a date with him if he was interested. Well nothing was developing and apparently I still had lots of courage left from stepping out of my comfort zone and moving to Texas. Which can only lead to one thing, a BOLD Kelly. The next week I was sitting at my desk listening to Pandora and the song “Call Me Maybe” came on. Now, please understand this was before the song went viral and everyone from baseball teams to the President was singing it. So I emailed my coworker and said wouldn’t it be funny if I emailed Matt some of these song lyrics and gave him my phone number. Well turns out she loved the idea and went as far as to say I will pay you to do that. After lots of emails she had convinced me to send it. Please remember from above I’m an introvert and this is NOT something I would typically do. So this was a HUGE deal for me to push the SEND button and say to Matt . . .

Have you heard the newer song, “Call Me Maybe”? Well there are some lyrics I wanted to share with you . . .

“Hey, I just met you,
and this is crazy,
but here's my number,
so call me, maybe?”

XXX-XXX-XXXX J ha-ha

            Happy Wednesday,
            Kelly

Well as soon as I hit the send button my coworker’s phone was ringing and Matt was asking her what she has done. Lots of laughter filled her office. It was not until two days later that I received a text from Matt. We texted back and forth for two weeks. But turns out I’m not Matt’s type. I have my theories why that is, but they are just my theories.

If for some reason you have not watched the original music video for the song check it out. And be careful who you ask to call you maybe – they may not be your type. J

Give Texas A Shot

My journey to Texas began back in March when I accepted a new position working for a college in Texas. I was very nervous and excited at the same time. I like the idea of adventures and getting out of my comfort zone. However, actually accomplishing them takes a lot of prayer and time. But my confidence in my decision to move to Texas grew leaps and bounds with the smooth transition I experienced. I had a garage sale and ended up selling my house at it. Not something you typically hear about in this housing market. Saying goodbye to my coworkers and students I had built relationships with over the past four years was much more difficult than I expected. It was one of those moments in your life you won’t forget. I felt so much love, support and encouragement from so many people. I also cried a lot those last couple days in Missouri. Yes, I cry a lot. I consider that normal, while some consider that strange. This is your first opportunity to consider me crazy if you wish. J I said my goodbyes and packed up my Budget truck with the help from my wonderful family and said see you later to Missouri. As I was driving away from my house I did a flashback over the past years. I had accomplished a lot in four years. Bought my first house, bought my first car, completed my master’s degree, traveled to NYC and Los Angeles, ran a few 5ks, tried all kinds of new foods and made some amazing friends. I smiled and thought yes those were successful years.

Somewhere in the middle of Oklahoma I experience a major breakdown and asked my dad if it was too late to change my mind. He just smiled at me and said “YES” and I just started sobbing. That was not the answer I wanted to hear. I was extremely nervous and scared. Some people experience butterflies when they are nervous. I was experiencing buzzards. I knew this is what I needed to do. But I was scared my coworkers would not like me, that I was not cut out of orientation, and that I would not be able to make any friends.  The fears and droughts went on and on to cover every topic possible. That’s the hard part of stepping out of your comfort zone you are not assured of anything on the other side. All you know is that it will be an adventure, but I guess that is what makes reaching the other side extra special too. Stepping out and trusting God to provide for all your needs and give you peace in your decision. After that breakdown I put my smile back on and decided yes it’s too late, so let’s give Texas a shot.

And now a little more than three months later I am so glad I did. I’m so glad I decided to continue walking outside of my comfort zone trusting God to take care of everything. I have grown and experienced so many new adventures these days and weeks in Texas.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Neale Donald Walsch.

Put Your Boots On and Join Me

Shoot!!! I already have writers block and I just created this blog. LOL Yes, this is the perfect way to start my blog. I have considered starting a blog for the past three years; and well tonight I finally did it. With my recent move to Texas I found this to be the perfect opportunity to start blogging. Sooo put your boots on and hold on, here is my life. Be sure to laugh and cry along with me, I promise you there will be plenty of opportunities for both. J