Dear Friday: Snow, Spring, Softball

The sun showed it's face!

Dear Friday, today I will take a picture for the newspaper of an event in which I grew up participating.  Very cool.

Dear Snow, I like you, but I'm hoping when I return from my mini-vaca that you will have melted.

Dear Springtime, please hurry up and arrive!  I want to wear sandals.

Dear Thursday, you were awesome.  I got to go to the Holy Week service, reminisce a little, go to Michael's game, and (the biggest surprise) watch Bath Co. play softball!  I loved getting to see all the students.

Dear Subbing, you are such an awesome job.  I am paid to do something I love--hang out with students and try to share some of my excitement of life and learning!

Dear Council Meetings, you gave me a doozy of a week.

Dear NC and SC, prepare for me to visit!  WooHoo!

Dear Duck Dynasty, you are so awesomely hilarious!  So quoteable, so funny, and so clean.

Dear Homes, I love having multiple of you.  I have many places to rest my head and many places where I am loved.

Dear Trey, I had fun with you the other night.  I like sharing "sibling moments" with you.

What Month Is It, Again?

March 24, 2013
Palm Sunday
The 4th day of Spring
.....
and it's snowing

It started just before one, and now, at one minute till six, we have about four inches of snow.
It's not falling anymore, though.

Initially, I was upset by the snow.  But, after a reminder from Daddy, I decided to just enjoy it--forgetting that date.  So, I shall make some hot chocolate in a few minutes, and maybe do some writing or reading.

I've folded some laundry, wasted time online, and froze my feet for a minute to take pictures.
(This morning at church, our speaker, Chip, made two subtle Duck Dynasty references.  I practiced self-control and didn't tweet about it till after church ended.)

Below are a couple of shots!  (Have I mentioned how beautiful my home is?)

How Do You Respond To That?

Today was pretty spectacular with only a few down moments.

Yesterday I didn't have a subbing job.
This morning, they called the house.
When Pastor Steve told me I was subbing for Ms. Hodge (he took the call and accepted for me), he said, "Since you're subbing for Ms. Hodge, you can learn to cook like Miss Kay."  Haha.  Hilarious.  Love Duck Dynasty references.

In no particular order, my highlights:
-Coining a new fashion phrase.  Jungle-chic.  Hold the phone while I call Vogue.  They will be all over this.  And, I have the founding model for them.
-Sitting with a group of my awesome students at lunch.  We laughed so much!
-Chase getting me lotion.  (He got me chocolate yesterday).
-Walking through the hallway and hearing "Miss Richardson" from behind me.  Tanner wanted to show me something.
-A student forgot my name.  What do they come up with?  "Miss Hot Teacher Lady."  I tried to not laugh...but how do you respond to that?
-Picking up Rebecca for school!  I love having company in the car.

And, just because, my attempt at brownies from a Pinterest recipe.
They didn't turn out so hot...

Dear Friday: It's Been a Good Week

Dear Friday, you've arrived and I get to be at the high school!  This makes me very happy.
Dear Week, you've been a roller coaster: a snow day, working on stuff for the paper, substitute teaching, and growing relationships.
Dear Jamison, I love our friendship, although, we should work on taking our own advice ;)
Dear Duck Dynasty, I love watching you.  Can't you come on more often?  I mean, who wants to watch Storage Wars, anyway?
Dear Students, you all are my favorites!  I am happiest subbing when I am at BCHS.
Dear Car, I'm taking you for an alignment...I must be growing up if I'm taking the car to the mechanic.
Dear Spring, Please arrive!  I don't want another snow storm.
Dear Weekend, here is to all the fun things I've yet to plan but hope to do!

It's Duck Night!

Do you find yourself more tired than usual on the nights you want to stay up later?
This dilemma keeps presenting itself to me on Wednesday nights.  AKA, Duck Dynasty night.

Tonight, I was unable to keep my eyes open just after nine.  I took a cat nap--the kind where you doze but don't quite sleep.  I was aware, but wanted to stay in sleep mode (even though I wasn't sleeping).

I woke up and watched the new episode of Duck Dynasty about ten minutes into the episode.  The second new episode was my favorite.  Poor Sadie had to go shopping with her dad AND Uncle Si, and all because Willie thought her dress was too short.  She is his little girl.  But, Uncle Si did a great job with his heart-to-heart conversation about her growing up.

Favorite quote of the night:

"I'm so dope, I'm illegal in 55 states." ~Uncle Si

P.S.  Did you know Uncle Si is married?  I have a feeling his wife deserves a medal!  Here is a great article sharing the family's perspective on the show.

Synonyms: Saturday, Pageants

As I prepare to cover my fourth pageant (yes, you heard correctly), I've been more excited.
There are things I would rather be doing than watching 20 girls walk across a stage, smile and look too hard at the judges, and not understand what too short means.

But, I'm thankful for a job, and I'm glad I am a pageant girl, so I can at least entertain myself critiquing outfits and trying to pick the winners.

Next week should come with normalcy.  I have several events to cover and at least one day subbing (hopefully more!).

This morning I awoke at 6:45, crawled out of the basement, and enjoyed a morning of movies with Lala.  We needed a day to lounge (not like we haven't had snow days all week).  But, today was Saturday.  It was nice to pop in a movie and not be at the mercy of a terrible television selection.  We enjoyed A Beautiful Mind...and I enjoyed most of The Dead Poets Society.  I need to finish it later (I have seen it before).

And, yes, I am keeping up my cute outfits for the pageants (sorry I am so terrible about posting them).

P.S. I was bummed when I realized I wouldn't be home tonight...just in case Duck Dynasty is on.  Oh, you didn't know I was a fan?  Mmm, more on that later.

Life, TV Moments, and That Darn Car

I thought the late nights, writing till the wee hours, ended with university.
Then, I took a job reporting for the newspaper.
Last night, after a particularly long meeting (2hr 1 min), I wrote till 2AM.
A couple of details and proofreading was all that remained for the morning.
I sat in my bed, too tired to get up, brush my teeth, and go back to bed.
Morning came quickly (waking up began at 6 and finished at 7:08).

With my article off to the newsroom, I scurried to get ready (in 35 minutes) to go see Elizabeth and the girls in Roanoke.  Oh my goodness.  Such a great time riding with Kae Lacy and Bella to ROA.  After they went to BSF, I drove see my cousins.  Isabelle and Amelie are so sweet, cuddly, precious, and complete characters!  Love them.  Dearly.  I'm thankful for even the shortest of visits with them.

Shocker of all shocks, I took a nap this afternoon.  Yep.  A rare occurrence in my life.

Do you remember that episode of Andy Griffith where the men all think women are the only sex that gossips?  Well, tonight I heard two men that were a prime example of how wrong Andy and the boys were.  Welcome to rural VA, where all the country stereotypes showcased on TV are REAL LIFE.

Recently cars have this radar called "Kirsten-is-coming-quick-turn-in-front-of-her-and-go-ten-miles-below-the-speed-limit."

Talk about a fast way to make me mad.  Cut in front of me and then drive like we're---oh wait, towns don't have 15mph speed limits.

Well, have a happy night!

Isabelle playing with her Dora dollhouse

Ami...ohmyword. The cuteness.

Being silly and cuddling under her princess blanket :)

Ami kissing her mommy < 3

Downton Abbey: Obstinancy and Recovery

It's fun to remember they are real people--heading into the Olympic Opening Ceremony!

The most recent episode of Downton Abbey was not as riveting as the last.  I was anticipating something awful happening.  But, it was more of a recovery episode after last week's shocker.

A few points of irritation:
-Lord Grantham needs to stop acting like an ostrich.
-Carson needs to understand that ostracizing someone based on their decisions does not promote harmony.
-Thomas needs to be kicked off the show or fired from the house.  I'm fine with either.

A few moments of joy:
-Bates is coming home!  I'm so glad they showed us on the preview for next week that he does in fact return.  I was worried they would kill him in prison.
-Mrs. Patmore kindly assisted Ethel.  Way to be the bigger person and extend kindness to promote success for a fellow human being.
-Lord and Lady Grantham hugging and crying at the end.  Painful as it was to watch, they need each other.
-Matthew and Lady Mary declaring their love...and that they must WORK at their marriage.  So touching.

Was anyone else peeved by the jabs at Catholicism and the lauding of Anglicanism?  That man has a VERY narrow view of Christianity.  God likes England.  The rest of the world is off to Hell in a hand basket.  What a sad perspective.

P.S. The Craig County coach, at the basketball game on Tuesday night, resembles Matthew.

Downton Abbey: They Killed Off Who?

The newest addition to the show.  I approve ;)

 It's been a couple of weeks since I analyzed a show I enjoy.

Let's talk Downton Abbey.

Did they really kill off Sybil???
I was in absolute shock.  I was expecting something to happen based on the way they set the stage.  But, I was NOT anticipating her to DIE in childbirth.

Lady Cora has every right to be upset.  In fact, I'm not sure how she is dealing.

I hate the way Thomas is semi-hitting on Jimmy (James).  It is awkward, and the poor guy doesn't know what to think. 

It was nice to see Thomas express emotion...other than spite.

I'm rather irritated with Lord Grantham, at the moment.  He is passive aggressive (a trait I find difficult to stand).

And, oh, I do hope that Bates is freed soon.  His cell mate is a beast (in the negative sense).

Downton, Better than Real Housewives

Image via The Telegraph

I hurried home from work last night to watch the next episode of Downton Abbey.

Once again, the only disappointment came when the episode was over.  Next week's episode looks like it is going to be a doozy!

Really, why do we need to watch housewives in random cities when we have Downton?  Classless versus Classy.  Is there even a competition?

Throughout the show, I find myself empathizing with the older Lady Grantham and Lady Mary.  I love the tradition that their estate represents.  Could they relax a bit?  Certainly.  However, they are trying to hold on to something beautiful.

I do wish the writers would allow Thomas to be gotten in trouble with Lord Grantham.  He (Thomas) is the most irritating, deceiving, and smug character.  I hate how he is never caught, despite all the nonsense he puts in Daisy's head, the trouble he gets people into, and his complete double-faced personality.

Shirley MacLaine is my favourite.  I love her and wish she would not go back to America.  Her character adds spice to the chemistry among the family that is great fun to watch.  Of course, now that Lady Edith is getting married, her return to America will probably be postponed.

Let's talk about Lady Edith for a moment.  Poor thing really is set on the back burner a bit.  But, she isn't my favourite character.  In fact, she is a bit dull.  Plus, I know you've seen the way she throws herself at Sir Strallan.  He is awfully old.  But, he seems to be the only option the writers decided to write into the script for her.

When the part is about to fall apart, MacLaine just goes right into planning mode.  LOVE IT!  She take charge, makes it all fabulous, and the night is a raging success!

Oh, did anyone else find it awkward and funny when Shirley MacLaine finished the song by practically serenading the older Lady Grantham?

The next episode should be great!  Till next week!

How to Handle Lunch Table Bullies by Shania

Last night The New Normal returned to the television after a short, holiday break.

Shania, the daughter of the surrogate mother, is easily one of my favorite characters.  She is a unique individual who doesn't bend to the norm, but she still wants what everyone wants, to be accepted.  Some girls at school were being rude and bullying her. 

Her grandmother tried to help by putting her in a "Nancy Reagan Red" suit, complete with pearls.  You guessed it, it didn't work. 

Next, the assistant taught her to wiggle her head, wag her finger, and knock them from their high horses by pointing out their flaws and declaring herself Queen Bee.  It worked.

Later, you see them all at Shania's house.  Shania is standing on the coffee table carrying on...until finally she declares there will be no Queen Bee.  The other girls are confused, which Shania follows up with the need for women to support each other (she then hands them books about her favorite feminists).  But, the best part is her saying they were going to burn all their barbies to break the idea of their bodies having to look a certain way and then "...dance intoxicated by the plastic fumes."  Seriously, I cracked up.

Anyway, I just needed to share that quote.

A Few Dates for Your Calendar

I've opened this page to write about three times today?  Or maybe more, if I include last night.
Nothing seems to stick.  Some things are better left to one's personal journal.

Well, a few things of note:
The Australian Open begins January 14!
Miss America is this Saturday at 9PM EST =)  (Party!)
Shows are starting to pick up the next part of their seasons (Yippee!)
And, our President will be reinstated at his inauguration on January 21, 2013!
Also, White Collar comes back January 22!!!

Speaking of 2013, anyone else forgetting to change from a 2 to a 3?
I may have written 2012 in my journal.
Imagine switching from the year 2999 to 3000.  Personally, I think it will be mind blowing.

So far this morning, I have successfully avoided that which I set out to do.
I must now go and do it.

Till next time!

The Return of Downton: Celebrate!

Found here

The third season of Downton Abbey premiered last night.  I've only been waiting since...June?  My gratification was delayed because of this little thing called work.  But, upon arriving home around midnight, I watched the first episode (and ate some Christmas chocolate)!

Initially, it was difficult getting back in the swing of things, but after twenty minutes or so, things went back to normal.  It was exciting, intriguing, and satisfying.  I appreciate the writers allowing us to see the wedding, rather than postponing till the next episode.  In fact, that is what I like about the way the show is written.  There is a level of completeness, even when many situations are still unresolved.  Like the end of season two.  Instead of making us anxiously wait SIX MONTHS for Matthew to propose, they rounded out the season with a most lovely proposal...in the snow...with stars, if my memory recalls correctly.  It was a dream.

A few of my favourite Downton people:
-Lady Grantham: Her wit and humor are fabulous.  I will always side with her (my apologies, Mrs. Crawley).
-Lady Mary: Her line at the wedding, "I should hate to be predictable."  She exudes class and adventure.  One of my goals.
-Lady Cora Crawley: Patience, wit, and totally in control...well, except over her money (poor thing).
-Shirley MacLaine as the American Grandmother:  Brilliant move.  She is fabulous!  "Now Mary, do tell me all of your wedding plans, and I'll see what I can do to improve them."

Least favourite Downton people:
-Thomas: Smug, irritating, and deceitful.
-Mrs. O'Brian: Sly, manipulative, and odd loyalties

In a few weeks I will be home on a Sunday night, which means, Mama and I must make tea and scones to enjoy episode three!

Do you love Downton, too?
I'm happy to say, I've hooked several people on to the show ;)

Just Another Day

Ever wonder what 75 lit candles look like?
Photo courtesy of Mike Jordan

It's been one of those days where nothing has gone according to plan.
Seriously, nothing.
I'm sitting, eating chocolate birthday cake with wax on top.
No, the wax is not part of today's self-planning.
It is left over from Grandaddy's 75th birthday party last night.
75 candles on his cake...all lit. 
It gave a halo effect...and quickly formed a lake of wax on top of the icing.

Now I sit.  Cake on a plate.  Milk in a cup.
My plan for the evening was to watch Numb3rs with Mama.
Instead, Women of the Church Christmas party, our car not starting, finding another car (big thanks to the Taylor's for the loan), and not watching Numb3rs (well, not yet).
It could have been far worse.  The car could have quit on me at work.  Can you see me now?  Oy, I don't know what I would do.

Tomorrow morning I head back to Lynchburg for work.
Then, more plans for the future--oh wait, that's all the time.

Happy December!  Merry Snow Days (here's to hoping, anyway)!

Friday's Letters: A Month Long Week

 
Dear Michael, Happy Birthday week!  You are now 17!  Wow...so grown up : )

Dear Friday, what a busy day you are.

Dear Week, you've been full, sad, fun, and you're not done.  I can hardly remember Monday.

Dear Self, you've got to get a move on. Pack, bake a pie, absentee vote, etc. etc. etc.

Dear Numb3rs, you are an addictive show.  I love the mathematical solutions (I"m not really a math person so it is awesome!).

Dear Mama, thanks for discovering the show!  I like watching it with you : )

Dear Harvest Festival, I have to bake a pie and pick an Old Testament character to dress up as.  But, it will be FUN!

Dear God, Thank You for providing, leading, and changing me plans.  It keeps me guessing.  Also, thank You for the beautiful autumn this year.  The colors are amazing.  I can't get over how beautiful everything is.  I am constantly in awe.

English Show Recommendation!

I was perusing Netflix yesterday for a new show to catch my interest.
Somehow, and I don't remember how, I stumbled upon Rosemary & Thyme.
Rosemary & Thyme is an English mystery program based around two women, one is a former detective and the other is interested in plants.  As a result of different circumstances, they team up and solve mysteries they happen upon while on the job...gardening.

If you are looking for humor, this is not it.
But, if you like a bit of suspense, the beauty of England, and an interesting storyline, give this show a shot!
I really enjoy a good English show now and again.  I see real life in this.  Ok, maybe not all the mysteries, but the houses, doors, pubs, etc. makes me miss it.

Happy Watching!

Source: Overstock