If this face doesn't make you smile...
Try this one....
Or maybe you need a good laugh...
Remember, tomorrow's Friday!!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
21 Questions For A Thursday
1. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?
Delilah, but it's always kind of touch and go.
2. WHAT KIND IS IT?
Pure evil
3. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
I know better than to think you can control falling in love. But I think that would be a very difficult thing to face.
4. FAVORITE QUOTE?
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put its pants on."
-Winston Churchill
5. FAVORITE PLACE?
Pretty fond of Gulf Shores. I would like to go back to Charleston, SC too.
6. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
Never been to Europe or anything like that. I have been to Puerto Rico, which is outside the continental US, but still a territory.
7. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Dessert and procrastinating as long as possible
8. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
John McCain said "Hi" to me in the basement of the Capitol Building. (Met Barack Obama on that trip too, when he was still just a senator). Met Heather Headley once at a food court in NYC when she was still headlining Aida.
9. FIRST JOB?
I was a babysitter, like every other midwestern teen. But I also worked as an assistant in my Aunt Beth's office during the summers in high school and then was her student worker in college.
10. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
Of course! A little sad that prank calls have gone the way of the rotary phone with Caller ID and the like.
11. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOULMATE?
I do. But I don't buy into the idea that it has to be a romantic equilavent of some kind. I think that there are people out there that fill different parts of your soul. One of those may be a significant other, but it could also just be someone who shares a passion or interest, someone you just click with and know your life wouldn't be the same without.
12. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
Nope. I did apparently have special shoes with braces when I was little, however. (Didn't know this until like two years ago though!)
13. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
My fabulous cooking skills! HA!! No, it would have to be my voice.
14. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
Yes, but my orthodontist had a substance abuse problem (seriously), so my teeth haven't stayed straight.
15. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
To become independently wealthy
16. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND THEIR NAMES?
Um, well. There are several issues with this line of thought. The first being that I would probably need a husband before I started popping out the kids. With that said, I do have a thing about names, and have always loved looking at baby books and online sites for that kind of thing. I mean, you are sticking your kid with this name forever, so you better choose wisely.
17. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My parents picked my name out of a bedside pan because they couldn't decide. Katherine is a family name, but I don't know that I was named after someone in particular. Jane is my youngest aunt's first name. (We almost share a birthday.) Apparently, I could have been Megan Elizabeth.
18. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE OPPOSITE SEX?
arrogance, without a doubt
19. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKE(D) ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Being allowed to pretty much do whatever I wanted my senior year, since I was a good kid with a light class load.
20. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
A John Frieda root lifting kind from WalMart! It smells so good!
21. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
My handwriting is not proper, nor is it always the same, but I love it!
Delilah, but it's always kind of touch and go.
2. WHAT KIND IS IT?
Pure evil
3. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
I know better than to think you can control falling in love. But I think that would be a very difficult thing to face.
4. FAVORITE QUOTE?
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put its pants on."
-Winston Churchill
5. FAVORITE PLACE?
Pretty fond of Gulf Shores. I would like to go back to Charleston, SC too.
6. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
Never been to Europe or anything like that. I have been to Puerto Rico, which is outside the continental US, but still a territory.
7. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Dessert and procrastinating as long as possible
8. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
John McCain said "Hi" to me in the basement of the Capitol Building. (Met Barack Obama on that trip too, when he was still just a senator). Met Heather Headley once at a food court in NYC when she was still headlining Aida.
9. FIRST JOB?
I was a babysitter, like every other midwestern teen. But I also worked as an assistant in my Aunt Beth's office during the summers in high school and then was her student worker in college.
10. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
Of course! A little sad that prank calls have gone the way of the rotary phone with Caller ID and the like.
11. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOULMATE?
I do. But I don't buy into the idea that it has to be a romantic equilavent of some kind. I think that there are people out there that fill different parts of your soul. One of those may be a significant other, but it could also just be someone who shares a passion or interest, someone you just click with and know your life wouldn't be the same without.
12. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
Nope. I did apparently have special shoes with braces when I was little, however. (Didn't know this until like two years ago though!)
13. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
My fabulous cooking skills! HA!! No, it would have to be my voice.
14. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
Yes, but my orthodontist had a substance abuse problem (seriously), so my teeth haven't stayed straight.
15. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
To become independently wealthy
16. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND THEIR NAMES?
Um, well. There are several issues with this line of thought. The first being that I would probably need a husband before I started popping out the kids. With that said, I do have a thing about names, and have always loved looking at baby books and online sites for that kind of thing. I mean, you are sticking your kid with this name forever, so you better choose wisely.
17. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My parents picked my name out of a bedside pan because they couldn't decide. Katherine is a family name, but I don't know that I was named after someone in particular. Jane is my youngest aunt's first name. (We almost share a birthday.) Apparently, I could have been Megan Elizabeth.
18. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE OPPOSITE SEX?
arrogance, without a doubt
19. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKE(D) ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Being allowed to pretty much do whatever I wanted my senior year, since I was a good kid with a light class load.
20. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
A John Frieda root lifting kind from WalMart! It smells so good!
21. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
My handwriting is not proper, nor is it always the same, but I love it!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Story of The Lost Peanut Butter (Or Why I Am Losing It!)
Last night, I was looking for the peanut butter. I couldn't find it anywhere, but I knew that I'd had it at breakfast. I checked cabinets (even the ones with dishes), the table, the stove. Where was the PB? I found it in the fridge with everything else I'd had out that morning. And I know some people actually do keep their peanut butter in the fridge (my grandma), but I'm not one of those people. And it's even more disturbing because I had been in the fridge several times and hadn't noticed it before my frantic search. Just goes to show I really am losing it! ( I blame the children!)
Things have been amping up around here. If you are a teacher, May always feels like a marathon run at sprint speed! (Can't tell it's track season either, can you?) I can't even begin to wrap my brain around the next few weeks, so I am just trying to knock things down one day at a time. (Though sometimes an hour at a time feels like a bit much.) In the next 24 school days I have three track meets, two awards banquets, two field trips, two graduations, an after-grad all-night party that I'm the chair for, oh, and I was called for federal jury duty and may have to serve over the next month in Benton. And somewhere in there I am still teaching and trying to have some semblance of a social life (Cinco de Mayo looks promising).
I've decided that I need a personal assistant or a housekeeper or some sort of combo. I feel like I can't get anything done these days. When I get home, I'm completely exhausted. I have school work to do, job work to do, my house is gross. I think it's a blessing that I just have to take care of myself right now, because I don't know how my friends with a husband and kids do it. To top it off, I've been having a huge case of the weird mood swings lately. Pretty sure it's just left over steroids, but for the last few days, I've been on the verge of tears. About anything. And if you know me, you know that is SO not me. I'm not a crier, unless of course, you start crying, because nobody cries alone in my presence! (Name that movie!)
That's about all. I have a few hundred things I need to get to work on...
Things have been amping up around here. If you are a teacher, May always feels like a marathon run at sprint speed! (Can't tell it's track season either, can you?) I can't even begin to wrap my brain around the next few weeks, so I am just trying to knock things down one day at a time. (Though sometimes an hour at a time feels like a bit much.) In the next 24 school days I have three track meets, two awards banquets, two field trips, two graduations, an after-grad all-night party that I'm the chair for, oh, and I was called for federal jury duty and may have to serve over the next month in Benton. And somewhere in there I am still teaching and trying to have some semblance of a social life (Cinco de Mayo looks promising).
I've decided that I need a personal assistant or a housekeeper or some sort of combo. I feel like I can't get anything done these days. When I get home, I'm completely exhausted. I have school work to do, job work to do, my house is gross. I think it's a blessing that I just have to take care of myself right now, because I don't know how my friends with a husband and kids do it. To top it off, I've been having a huge case of the weird mood swings lately. Pretty sure it's just left over steroids, but for the last few days, I've been on the verge of tears. About anything. And if you know me, you know that is SO not me. I'm not a crier, unless of course, you start crying, because nobody cries alone in my presence! (Name that movie!)
That's about all. I have a few hundred things I need to get to work on...
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Happy Tears!
I want to say that, first of all, I am better. Not 100%, but better, totally walking away from the corner of Death and Sickness. And second, I want to say that today I have been a big ball of emotions. I have been crying almost all afternoon, about absolutely nothing and about real wonderful things. For instance, I cried when they said the prayer over the NASCAR boys before the race today. And I cried during discussion at Bible study. And I cried during Beth's lesson. And I cried again after the lesson. I cried when God touched my heart about someone. And it's just been downhill from there. One big sobby mess. Maybe it's the steroids or maybe it's just being a girl, I wouldn't have it any other way. Lord, let my heart always be open to your sweetness.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Because My Spirit Is Willing, But My Lungs Are Weak...
1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
I have a scar on the inside of my right ankle that I got when I was seven. I was visiting my Aunt Goldie and Uncle Gordon in Colorado and cut it on the corner of the screen door. Even after 21 years, it's still there.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
In my living room, I have a black and white print called "French Doors" of the Eiffel Tower, another one of a building, a David Michael Photography print of daisies and in my office a watercolor of orange tulips.
3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
I snore (depending on my level of congestion), and when I was younger I talked and walked in my sleep.
4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
I'll listen to just about anything. I find that I don't listen to the radio all that much, because I would rather listen to whatever I have on my iTunes.
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
12:11 am
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
To stop coughing and go to sleep
7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
Being in college. Not the work part, but the whole being able to spend time with my friends pretty much whenever part. I miss having that kind of schedule, and I miss some of the people who I don't get to see anymore!
8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?
Probably my hard drive because that's where all my pictures are. Oh and of course, my Coach purse.
9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5' 4 1/4" (when you are short, fractions matter)
10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Sometimes, it depends on the space and who I am with
11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Not typically. But I don't like it either.
12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
Technically not a person, but God. His goodness made me cry happy tears!
13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?
Being alone in the world. (Which is not the same as being single in the world.)
14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Usually dark hair, when they have had any. I don't really have an eye color preference.
15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF BEING PROPOSED TO AT?
I used to have an answer to this question, but I have decided that the question is more important than the location. It's like the Academy Awards, I'd be thrilled just to be nominated!
16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
neither
17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
A ton of veggies! Especially mushrooms, peppers and onions
18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Honestly nothing sounds good. But my normal answer would probably involve potatoes. Or lasagna.
19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
Cobalt blue, but most things in my life have been hot pink recently.
20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
That is a definite no. But I know someone who has.
21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Probably my grandma's ring that grandpa brought her back from Panama. They were only married two weeks when he left and he was gone for two years. She gave it to me on my 16th birthday, and if I ever have a daughter, I will give it to her on her 16th birthday.
22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?
I'm of the opinion that I am a little old to have crushes on people in my real life, however, I do have several celebrity crushes
23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
Nope. I am surprisingly flexible though.
24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
My Champion track pants or my sleep pants from Target at the moment.
25. WHO IS YOUR FAV FEMALE/MALE CELEBRITY?
Male Celebrity: Dermot Mulroney or Jude Law
Female Celebrity: Sandra Bullock or Kate Winslet
I have a scar on the inside of my right ankle that I got when I was seven. I was visiting my Aunt Goldie and Uncle Gordon in Colorado and cut it on the corner of the screen door. Even after 21 years, it's still there.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
In my living room, I have a black and white print called "French Doors" of the Eiffel Tower, another one of a building, a David Michael Photography print of daisies and in my office a watercolor of orange tulips.
3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
I snore (depending on my level of congestion), and when I was younger I talked and walked in my sleep.
4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
I'll listen to just about anything. I find that I don't listen to the radio all that much, because I would rather listen to whatever I have on my iTunes.
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
12:11 am
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
To stop coughing and go to sleep
7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
Being in college. Not the work part, but the whole being able to spend time with my friends pretty much whenever part. I miss having that kind of schedule, and I miss some of the people who I don't get to see anymore!
8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?
Probably my hard drive because that's where all my pictures are. Oh and of course, my Coach purse.
9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5' 4 1/4" (when you are short, fractions matter)
10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Sometimes, it depends on the space and who I am with
11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Not typically. But I don't like it either.
12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
Technically not a person, but God. His goodness made me cry happy tears!
13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?
Being alone in the world. (Which is not the same as being single in the world.)
14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Usually dark hair, when they have had any. I don't really have an eye color preference.
15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF BEING PROPOSED TO AT?
I used to have an answer to this question, but I have decided that the question is more important than the location. It's like the Academy Awards, I'd be thrilled just to be nominated!
16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
neither
17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
A ton of veggies! Especially mushrooms, peppers and onions
18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Honestly nothing sounds good. But my normal answer would probably involve potatoes. Or lasagna.
19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
Cobalt blue, but most things in my life have been hot pink recently.
20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
That is a definite no. But I know someone who has.
21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Probably my grandma's ring that grandpa brought her back from Panama. They were only married two weeks when he left and he was gone for two years. She gave it to me on my 16th birthday, and if I ever have a daughter, I will give it to her on her 16th birthday.
22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?
I'm of the opinion that I am a little old to have crushes on people in my real life, however, I do have several celebrity crushes
23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
Nope. I am surprisingly flexible though.
24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
My Champion track pants or my sleep pants from Target at the moment.
25. WHO IS YOUR FAV FEMALE/MALE CELEBRITY?
Male Celebrity: Dermot Mulroney or Jude Law
Female Celebrity: Sandra Bullock or Kate Winslet
Thursday, April 22, 2010
In Case I Left You On The Edge of Your Seat...
I have bronchitis. And rest assured, it sucks. I have decided, however, not to wallow. I am choosing to be thankful that I was able to take the day off work to rest, that this isn't a permanent condition, and that I caught it before it got any worse. (I have a long history of avoiding that whole dr. thing until things have gotten out of control!) This may just be the steroids talking but, I am feeling better.
In other news, Sheena is making great progress on the studio. If you haven't yet, take a look. It won't be long before I am taking my seat as official gratis secretary at Versatile Vocalists. Also, it looks like my camera might get fixed faster than I anticipated. Poor PowerShot has a broken autofocus and that makes me sad. But the people at Canon seem to think it can be fixed. And speaking of photos, I'm going to try to share some from last weekend with you later. But right now, I am going to take a nice nap.
In other news, Sheena is making great progress on the studio. If you haven't yet, take a look. It won't be long before I am taking my seat as official gratis secretary at Versatile Vocalists. Also, it looks like my camera might get fixed faster than I anticipated. Poor PowerShot has a broken autofocus and that makes me sad. But the people at Canon seem to think it can be fixed. And speaking of photos, I'm going to try to share some from last weekend with you later. But right now, I am going to take a nice nap.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Because Apparently I'm a Human Petri Dish...
I'm sick. Again. And so I find myself taking half a day off work (again), to go to the clinic (again), because I feel something akin to an elephant sitting on my chest. And that is with the medication I took this morning. I have been sick so much this school year! I don't know if it's the kids, or my immune system or some combination of both, but I'm just over it! I thought exercising and all that stuff was supposed to help! I'm just more than sick and tired of being sick and tired!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
It's About Time!!
So you heard it here first, volumptuous is the new black. Christina Hendricks from Mad Men was chosen as Esquire's hottest woman. If you aren't familiar with her, she's stunning, charming, and not a stick figure. I hope that this becomes a real trend. Glamour magazine recently promised to use more models of all sizes in their fashion mag. Crystal Rehn, a model who chose to return her body to a healthy and gorgeous 12 instead of a starved 2, just recently published a book about this same topic based on her struggles. This is what girls need to see.
Now, I say this realizing that I am overweight and that is not healthy. But I think that it's time that society stopped pushing little girls to be unhealthy in either direction. Let's encourage health instead of size and see what happens. Because some people will always be a sample size, and that's beautiful. However, some people won't, and that can be beautiful, too. Just ask Ms. Hendricks and Esquire.
Now, I say this realizing that I am overweight and that is not healthy. But I think that it's time that society stopped pushing little girls to be unhealthy in either direction. Let's encourage health instead of size and see what happens. Because some people will always be a sample size, and that's beautiful. However, some people won't, and that can be beautiful, too. Just ask Ms. Hendricks and Esquire.
Monday, April 19, 2010
That Was Then, This Is Now
Yesterday was one of the best days I've had in a really long time. It was full of happiness, and good food, and worshipping God. I just felt like my soul had lifted right on up to heaven. But that, as they say, was yesterday.
Today, started out with me running late, then realizing that I had a flat tire. I dropped the car off at the shop (next door) and then had to figure how I was going to get to work. It's times like these that make it really suck to be alone. Thankfully, my friend and school secretary, Jerri, came and picked me up and took me to work. But the hits have just kept on coming. What I know is that this is the devil trying to defeat me. He's trying to steal my joy, but I won't let him. I'm trying my hardest to stay encouraged and to remember who wins the battle in the end!
In other news, while I was waiting for everything to get taken care of this morning, a cat came up and started loving on me. At first, I thought that my house cat had escaped and was outside with me, adding to all the fun. Didn't take me long to figure out that it was not Delilah, namely because this cat was a boy, but they looked almost exactly alike, right down to the super creepy, extra green eyes. He followed me back over to the shop, then back to my yard, and I think he would have gotten in Jerri's car with me and come to work if I had let him. But if he stays around, I will probably feed him, because he's already nicer than the spoiled, psycho brat I let live inside. He'll need a cool name though...
Been a long day already, but I am looking forward to some fun this evening too. More on that later...
Today, started out with me running late, then realizing that I had a flat tire. I dropped the car off at the shop (next door) and then had to figure how I was going to get to work. It's times like these that make it really suck to be alone. Thankfully, my friend and school secretary, Jerri, came and picked me up and took me to work. But the hits have just kept on coming. What I know is that this is the devil trying to defeat me. He's trying to steal my joy, but I won't let him. I'm trying my hardest to stay encouraged and to remember who wins the battle in the end!
In other news, while I was waiting for everything to get taken care of this morning, a cat came up and started loving on me. At first, I thought that my house cat had escaped and was outside with me, adding to all the fun. Didn't take me long to figure out that it was not Delilah, namely because this cat was a boy, but they looked almost exactly alike, right down to the super creepy, extra green eyes. He followed me back over to the shop, then back to my yard, and I think he would have gotten in Jerri's car with me and come to work if I had let him. But if he stays around, I will probably feed him, because he's already nicer than the spoiled, psycho brat I let live inside. He'll need a cool name though...
Been a long day already, but I am looking forward to some fun this evening too. More on that later...
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Sunrise, Sunrise
On the Friday we left for home, I decided to watch the sunrise. Amber said I was on my own for this one. So I went down to the beach about 6:00, and just hung out for a while. I love the beach in the early morning. It's completely different than it is later in the day. So it was just me and a few other early risers. Here are a few shots of that final vacation sunrise.
It made for the perfect ending. Well, an ending except for that 10 hour car ride home, where we totally GPS'd a Chic-Fil-A. (And Nashville, I have something special for you...)
And, even with that, I can't wait to go back.
Spring--When A Young Man's Heart Turns to Mischief
I don't talk about my job a whole lot for obvious reasons. But I want to take a minute to talk about spring time and junior high kids. It seems that as soon as the weather turns nice outside, I lose them. Not physically. They are all where they are supposed to be. I'm losing them in just about every other way. Now, this is not to say that I don't lose them during other times of the year (like during deer season or when something really exciting is happening out the window or in the hallway), but spring is especially miserable.
I think part of it is that I don't want to be here either. Not to say that I don't love my job, because I love it very much. It's just that it's nice outside and I really want to spend all day doing the things I love even more, like taking pictures.
*****WARNING: SIDE RANT******
By the way, just because you can operate a camera doesn't mean that you are a photographer. That's like saying because I understand how the human body works, I'm a doctor. I like to take pictures. People have commented on the quality of the pictures I take. And while I love this, you will notice that there is no shingle on my door advertising it. I have wonderful friends who are, in fact, amazing photographers. They have what I refer to as "the eye," that innate ability to see what others can't. The ones who can do this amaze me with their talent, and even when I am allowed to follow them around all day, I still can't match them. I'm a person who sometimes gets a nice shot, those people are photographers. Yet, these other people with cameras (I refuse to call them photographers), post their work and people "ooh and aah" over how great they are. I mean, I guess some of that is to be expected because who is going to tell someone "You have no discernable talent." (It's possible that some of those people are just being nice about my work!) But, I tend to think that Americans in general are losing their appreciation for true greatness, and settling for mediocrity. As technology becomes more available to us, we all assume that we too are artists. At some point, we are going to have to be honest with ourselves and realize there are those who are truly talented and those that just like pressing buttons.
*****The rant has ended. Go in peace.******
What was I saying? Oh, yeah distractions. I'm as bad as the next kid. But there's just a certain level of awful that comes with spring. The kids are rowdier. They all want to couple up or fight about who's coupling up or just create chaos and disorder. And it just makes 32 more days seem like a really long time. Can I hear an "Amen," teacher friends?
I think part of it is that I don't want to be here either. Not to say that I don't love my job, because I love it very much. It's just that it's nice outside and I really want to spend all day doing the things I love even more, like taking pictures.
*****WARNING: SIDE RANT******
By the way, just because you can operate a camera doesn't mean that you are a photographer. That's like saying because I understand how the human body works, I'm a doctor. I like to take pictures. People have commented on the quality of the pictures I take. And while I love this, you will notice that there is no shingle on my door advertising it. I have wonderful friends who are, in fact, amazing photographers. They have what I refer to as "the eye," that innate ability to see what others can't. The ones who can do this amaze me with their talent, and even when I am allowed to follow them around all day, I still can't match them. I'm a person who sometimes gets a nice shot, those people are photographers. Yet, these other people with cameras (I refuse to call them photographers), post their work and people "ooh and aah" over how great they are. I mean, I guess some of that is to be expected because who is going to tell someone "You have no discernable talent." (It's possible that some of those people are just being nice about my work!) But, I tend to think that Americans in general are losing their appreciation for true greatness, and settling for mediocrity. As technology becomes more available to us, we all assume that we too are artists. At some point, we are going to have to be honest with ourselves and realize there are those who are truly talented and those that just like pressing buttons.
*****The rant has ended. Go in peace.******
What was I saying? Oh, yeah distractions. I'm as bad as the next kid. But there's just a certain level of awful that comes with spring. The kids are rowdier. They all want to couple up or fight about who's coupling up or just create chaos and disorder. And it just makes 32 more days seem like a really long time. Can I hear an "Amen," teacher friends?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Coach Purse Thursday
By the time that we got up on Thursday, the Gulf of Mexico was angry. Good thing that we had already decided to go shopping! It was time to hit the local Tanger Outlet for all sorts of shopping goodness. While it rained, we went looking for some thing special. And we found it in the Coach store. Now, I should say that I have never spent a lot of money on purses, and it's possible that I didn't understand my friends who did (Sheena). But I am a changed woman! We found purses in the 50% off section, and had coupons for an additional 20% off that. Which means Amber and I paid nowhere near full price for these...(drumroll, please)...
Aren't they gorgeous?!?!
After we left, we decided to get something to eat in Mobile Bay. I was lucky enough to eat at Felix's when I was in Alabama in November, and it was so good yet again!
On the way home, we decided to go ahead and stop at a farmer's market. Burris' Market was awesome and I have the pictures to prove it! And that's not even mentioning what we had for dessert there! This apple dumpling was absolute heaven (and I promise the last food picture of the trip!)
This deserved an extra big picture!!
When we were done with all of our adventures, we went to the beach to watch the sunset and say goodbye to our vacation. Here were a few of my favorite shots...
Gorgeous, right? So the ocean saved its biggest surprise for the last night. As I was taking pictures, this guy popped up...
This is apparently some kind of ocean duck. He fascinated me and several little kids on the beach. I watched him surf and dive, and just when I thought he'd surely drowned, he popped back up again! And when I called my dad to ask him, he was all "Yeah, there are ducks in the ocean. What's the big deal?" How come no one ever mentioned this before?
Well, since we had a few things to pack before we left on Friday morning, we decided we had to have a luggage cart. So, this is us discreetly sneaking it into our room...the CIA should be calling us anyday...
One more sunrise and it's the end of my vacation. I promise.
Hi, I'm Katie, and I'm a TV addict...
The first of Glee's back 9 premiered last night. It brought me so much happiness! How could you not love an hour of singing that includes Idina Menzel!?! Really excited about her arc on the show, as well as where the storylines seem to be going in general. The "other" New Directions kids are getting to shine more, including "other Asian" Mike Chang's (Harry Shum, Jr.) superb dancing. If you haven't watched yet, I won't spoil it! But you need to hurry over to Hulu and check it out! You can also download the songs on iTunes, and no, this is not a paid endorsement. Just pure and unadulterated fan speak!
Speaking of television shows I love, have you met the Duggars? I have to admit that at first I thought they were a little odd. And while the chances of me wanting to have 19 children are just below the chances that I will be opening a tap-dance centered musical on Broadway, I admire people who are strong in their beliefs. They believe that God has called them to take as many children as He gives them, and they run a home centered on love and Christian values. There's no doubt there is love in that house and that they are raising children who will be responsible, skilled adults. Mostly, I think it's just nice to watch people on television who are Christians that aren't being mocked or ridiculed. I feel like TLC is very fair to them, and portrays them in a positive way, not like weirdos on the fringe of society. Plus, the kids are super funny and cute (especially Jackson and Johannah) and Cousin Amy keeps them from being too sheltered. It's good, wholesome fun.
From that to a discussion of shows that make me question society, which includes pretty much anything on the E! Network. Can anyone explain to me who those people on Pretty Wild are and what in the world they are doing with a TV show? And don't even get me started on the Kardashians. Really, let's just take a minute to look at reality TV in general., because seriously, what reality are most of these people living in? From The Bachelor to The Hills, it's just bad! (Looking at you, Heidi and Spencer!)
And I know that it's supposed to be good fun, and I get sucked in just as much as anyone else to these train wrecks. But, it's no wonder that the rest of the world is kicking our tails in academics. We are too concerned with whether Kim and Reggie are going to stay together (or not) to actually worry about important things. I love TV. I was raised in a home where TV was something we enjoyed and discussed and still is. (My parents are huge Glee fans as I have mentioned before, and in fact, my mom stopped by my room earlier to discuss last night's episode!) But, when being famous at any cost is what we aspire to as a society, what does that say about society? I had been thinking about getting satellite over the summer and still might, but I am really thinking about my lack of self-discipline and how maybe I just need to commit to turning the TV off more. I didn't really mean for this to be a second sermon, it's just where my head is at on these matters. I really want to fill my head (and my body, for that matter) with better stuff. Maybe a TV diet wouldn't be so bad. (Just as long as it's not on Glee night. Or Grey's Anatomy...)
Speaking of television shows I love, have you met the Duggars? I have to admit that at first I thought they were a little odd. And while the chances of me wanting to have 19 children are just below the chances that I will be opening a tap-dance centered musical on Broadway, I admire people who are strong in their beliefs. They believe that God has called them to take as many children as He gives them, and they run a home centered on love and Christian values. There's no doubt there is love in that house and that they are raising children who will be responsible, skilled adults. Mostly, I think it's just nice to watch people on television who are Christians that aren't being mocked or ridiculed. I feel like TLC is very fair to them, and portrays them in a positive way, not like weirdos on the fringe of society. Plus, the kids are super funny and cute (especially Jackson and Johannah) and Cousin Amy keeps them from being too sheltered. It's good, wholesome fun.
From that to a discussion of shows that make me question society, which includes pretty much anything on the E! Network. Can anyone explain to me who those people on Pretty Wild are and what in the world they are doing with a TV show? And don't even get me started on the Kardashians. Really, let's just take a minute to look at reality TV in general., because seriously, what reality are most of these people living in? From The Bachelor to The Hills, it's just bad! (Looking at you, Heidi and Spencer!)
And I know that it's supposed to be good fun, and I get sucked in just as much as anyone else to these train wrecks. But, it's no wonder that the rest of the world is kicking our tails in academics. We are too concerned with whether Kim and Reggie are going to stay together (or not) to actually worry about important things. I love TV. I was raised in a home where TV was something we enjoyed and discussed and still is. (My parents are huge Glee fans as I have mentioned before, and in fact, my mom stopped by my room earlier to discuss last night's episode!) But, when being famous at any cost is what we aspire to as a society, what does that say about society? I had been thinking about getting satellite over the summer and still might, but I am really thinking about my lack of self-discipline and how maybe I just need to commit to turning the TV off more. I didn't really mean for this to be a second sermon, it's just where my head is at on these matters. I really want to fill my head (and my body, for that matter) with better stuff. Maybe a TV diet wouldn't be so bad. (Just as long as it's not on Glee night. Or Grey's Anatomy...)
Aggravation (And I'm not talking about a board game!)
There is a marked difference between being asked to do something and being told to do something. Or even, not being told, but scheduled to do something without your knowledge. I am generally an agreeable person. If I can help you, I will be glad to. If I know enough in advance, I will even rearrange my schedule to accommodate. Just don't wait to the last minute and then pawn it off as someone else's mistake. It's not their job, it's yours! Do your job! This ends today's tirade.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Hangout Wednesday
While we were out and about, we started to get a little cranky, which only means one thing--time to get a snack! We found an old-fashioned soda fountain! I got a sundae that was basically Rocky Road bliss and Amber had an egg cream, which has everything to do with cream, but nothing to do with eggs. They were so yummy and just what we needed to have the strength to wander back to the beach!
After our day in town, we decided to go hang out on the beach. Amber realized that she had never built a sand castle, so armed with the proper tools (thanks, Target!), she set to work. However, what started out as a castle soon became the Colisseum...
...which somehow ended up as this guy! He was really big and pretty awesome if I do say so myself!
After the beach, we got showers and walked down the block to The Hangout. We had no idea how great this place was until we got there! It sits right off the beach and has a great restaurant, play area for kids and open air bar. The food was the best we had the whole trip!
These are fried dill pickles (or frickles, if you will). If you have never had them, or think that this is disgusting, you just don't know what you are missing! We are very picky, and these were SO good! Even better than our beloved Buckner's!
In her goal to experience all of the seafood, Amber had the fish tacos. (I had the chicken quesedillas because I don't eat seafood!) They were so good, but I figured you've already seen enough pictures of food for one post!
Oh, look who it is! You know how much I love David Hasselhoff!!
So, I have to admit that Amber and I are kind of music snobs. While we were eating, there was a band warming up, and we started trash talking them a little bit. After we finished eating, we wandered out to the open-air bar to listen. It wasn't long before we were eating our words. From the moment they started seriously playing, we were just more than just a little bit in love with The Cary Laine Band! Between Cary and Wes, they could sing just about any song they wanted and their orignal stuff was good too!
The front that was coming in made it chilly out, so we walked back to the hotel to get changed, get the car, and headed back to catch to the band's second set! Life doesn't get much better than this!
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