1. Aaron Harrison is the man.
I mean, really? A Freshman. You're handed the ball with minimal seconds on the clock. One game means going to the Final Four. One means going to the National Championship. And you fire up and take the shot?
What a player.
I don't know if he has that much confidence in himself, if his brother encouraging him gave him the confidence, or if he just is too young to realize what a big deal this is to the people of Kentucky (which, is a whole other topic... and yes, I'm aware that I am a grown woman, and these are just kids, and it is just a game... except it really is a big deal to Kentuckians...)
And as that ball went through the air, in slow motion, it seemed, I held my breath. And exhaled with all of the Commonwealth as "The Underdog", the 8 seed, Kentucky, headed to the National Championship. You the man, Aaron. You are THE Man.
2. Bill Walton is a big deal, apparently.
I consider myself a fan of the game. I don't watch every game all year long, but I do tune into March Madness as if my life depended on me watching the games. I love reading quotes from old players and love reading historical accounts of basketball games. Tradition. Excellence. All of that plays a part in what the game is today.
But I didn't know who Bill Walton is. And I caught flack for it, because apparently he is one of the best players ever.
And apparently this is somewhat sacrilege to a basketball fan like Wallace, who had his day made when he spotted Walton in the crowd at the Final Four. He was rewarded for his star-struckness by a high five when he loudly proclaimed, "Bill Walton for President."
I now know that Walton played for Coach Wooden at UCLA. Wooden, I know of. You can't be a college basketball fan and not know of this legend.
But you can learn of new legends every day.
3. Uniformed Servicemen doesn't mean they are in uniform at that moment.
Ok, this is one of my dumb moments. I'm allowed them every now and then. And I will say that it was 5 in the morning and I am not good in the morning. I can barely put together sentences, much less process, and airport security had already about done me in when I was asked to take my laptop out of the carryon bag. Add that to the fact that I just might have left my license at the TSA checkpoint, and I was a hot mess. So when they announced that uniformed servicemen could go ahead and board, I promptly informed Wallace that "you're not in uniform." No way was I going to be sent back and called out on trying to board early...
Except that is just a phrase for men and women who are members of the military, not whether he was actually wearing the uniform. Score 1 for Wallace. But I did get to go ahead and board the plane early, so I guess I was a winner, too...
And this is a good time to note that I did win the Bracket Challenge this year, so I'm not completely inept.
4. Big Blue Nation is the best camaraderie on earth.
I mean, seriously. The best. Walk by them and you'll hear "Go Cats" or "Go Big Blue." Across from the stadium is a Walmart... and you can bet you saw Kentuckians there. I spent the evening next to a young girl from Transy, and at the end I thought nothing of grabbing her around the neck and jumping up and down like kids. There is nothing like hearing "Go Big Blue" in a facility that size in response to a dunk or a tied score or a steal. A sea of blue... and how blessed I am that I could be a part of it. I still have no words. (Although, obviously I do... because this is pretty lengthy already..)
5. If there is a hole in a five mile radius, I will find it and fall.
Yes, I will fall. And it won't be graceful. And that's all I'm going to say about that. I'm sure that Wallace will be more than happy to share the story with you if you are interested in the details.
6. In Texas, the right to bear arms is taken very seriously. So are the jumbo-trons.
This was proven by the demonstration across from the stadium, where protestors proudly displayed their semi-automatic rifles. And the jumbo-tron? Well, let's just say that I caught myself watching it more than the court, and have I mentioned that it is the size of a football field? Yes, a football field.
7. The record attendance for a NCAA Final Four game is 79,444. I know because I was one of those 79,444. And it just may have been the best day of my life. Except maybe when I had Caleb. Or when I got married... to the best husband ever, who I really never thought would actually get tickets.
Oh, ye of little faith. And to close, I'm saying Kami's pregame prayer, and apparently the prayer that touched God's ears just prior to Aaron shooting the two game winning shots.
God bless America, sweet tea, and the SEC. (And might I add, that there is only one team left in the SEC. And I don't really like sweet tea, so perhaps I could substitute Diet Coke.. which I am feasting on, since Texans apparently like Pepsi).
And all of Big Blue Nation says... Amen.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
What I Learned in March
1. 2.5 seconds is a lifetime, and a loss is never easy to swallow.
Following the 14th Region semi-final game between Breathitt and Perry Central, I was in shock. I may still be in shock, and it is almost two weeks later! I was tasting the win. I had retreated to a prayer corner next to the locker room, had done my talking with Jesus, and felt like all was right with the world. I could see it in Wallace's face, in the girls face.
Yes, it was only 2 points, but we were leading. And so little time on the clock.
But Kayla Rankin wasn't ready to let her Senior year come to an end. She jumped over our players, grabbed the ball with authority, lobbed it up at the basket...
So, we were going to overtime, right? Because I wasn't even really looking...
Except we didn't, because she got fouled. Or at least that was what the ref said... I'm still debating. I may or may not be a slightly sore loser.
So Kayla wins it, no time on the clock, by drilling her free throws... and I realize just how long 2 seconds can be. Congrats to my Ladycats on a great season, though!!!
2. March Madness just may be the best time of the year.
And it is much more fun with Wallace than not. This time last year, our bracket challenge was done long distance... but this year I'm enjoying every minute of it. My final four: Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, Arizona... with Florida and Michigan in the final game, Florida winning. His final four: Florida, Villanova, Michigan, and Creighton... with Florida and Michigan, Michigan winning.
He's still ahead in the bracket challenge, but since all of my teams are alive and all of his are not... I'm feeling pretty victorious.
And can I say that there is nothing like sitting all day and watching college hoops? Seeing Duke get beat... Seeing Kentucky finally live up to the preseason hype and beat an undefeated Wichita State... Cinderella teams like Dayton.. I love it!!!!
And how exciting it was last week to watch Kendall on TV?
Yep, nothing like March Madness...
3. Playing hooky is okay... and sometimes, necessary.
My spring break and Caleb's are never at the same time, and I may be slightly jealous that they have that to look forward to next week...
But little man stayed at home with me one day. We watched movies and talked. It was glorious. I love that kid.
4. Paying close attention to one's calendar when taking classes is essential.
I forgot an assignment in the midst of my shock following the semi-final win. Thankfully, Bowling Green is an hour behind us, so I had an extra hour to submit it, and got done just in the nick of time.
5. I could read all day, nearly every day of my life, if given the opportunity.
I dream of books.
6. Walking outside in the sunshine is preferable to the treadmill, even if Dance Moms is on DVR.
7. Grief is kind of like awakening from a sleep. This semester has been rough. I've struggled with losing Grandma, all of the snow and cold weather, overwhelmed with work and school and sometimes just life. And logically I've tried to talk myself out of feeling this way, rationalizing that I know where Grandma is and death is expected and it could be so much worse... but it's still a process. God is good, and He is faithful, and I know He is seeing me through. I'm still having to grope my way through some things, but faith is sometimes doing things just by feeling, anyway... and not my feelings, but by holding tight to the Hand of the One who will never lead me wrong.
Thank you, Jesus. You keep teaching me...
Following the 14th Region semi-final game between Breathitt and Perry Central, I was in shock. I may still be in shock, and it is almost two weeks later! I was tasting the win. I had retreated to a prayer corner next to the locker room, had done my talking with Jesus, and felt like all was right with the world. I could see it in Wallace's face, in the girls face.
Yes, it was only 2 points, but we were leading. And so little time on the clock.
But Kayla Rankin wasn't ready to let her Senior year come to an end. She jumped over our players, grabbed the ball with authority, lobbed it up at the basket...
So, we were going to overtime, right? Because I wasn't even really looking...
Except we didn't, because she got fouled. Or at least that was what the ref said... I'm still debating. I may or may not be a slightly sore loser.
So Kayla wins it, no time on the clock, by drilling her free throws... and I realize just how long 2 seconds can be. Congrats to my Ladycats on a great season, though!!!
2. March Madness just may be the best time of the year.
And it is much more fun with Wallace than not. This time last year, our bracket challenge was done long distance... but this year I'm enjoying every minute of it. My final four: Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, Arizona... with Florida and Michigan in the final game, Florida winning. His final four: Florida, Villanova, Michigan, and Creighton... with Florida and Michigan, Michigan winning.
He's still ahead in the bracket challenge, but since all of my teams are alive and all of his are not... I'm feeling pretty victorious.
And can I say that there is nothing like sitting all day and watching college hoops? Seeing Duke get beat... Seeing Kentucky finally live up to the preseason hype and beat an undefeated Wichita State... Cinderella teams like Dayton.. I love it!!!!
And how exciting it was last week to watch Kendall on TV?
Yep, nothing like March Madness...
3. Playing hooky is okay... and sometimes, necessary.
My spring break and Caleb's are never at the same time, and I may be slightly jealous that they have that to look forward to next week...
But little man stayed at home with me one day. We watched movies and talked. It was glorious. I love that kid.
4. Paying close attention to one's calendar when taking classes is essential.
I forgot an assignment in the midst of my shock following the semi-final win. Thankfully, Bowling Green is an hour behind us, so I had an extra hour to submit it, and got done just in the nick of time.
5. I could read all day, nearly every day of my life, if given the opportunity.
I dream of books.
6. Walking outside in the sunshine is preferable to the treadmill, even if Dance Moms is on DVR.
7. Grief is kind of like awakening from a sleep. This semester has been rough. I've struggled with losing Grandma, all of the snow and cold weather, overwhelmed with work and school and sometimes just life. And logically I've tried to talk myself out of feeling this way, rationalizing that I know where Grandma is and death is expected and it could be so much worse... but it's still a process. God is good, and He is faithful, and I know He is seeing me through. I'm still having to grope my way through some things, but faith is sometimes doing things just by feeling, anyway... and not my feelings, but by holding tight to the Hand of the One who will never lead me wrong.
Thank you, Jesus. You keep teaching me...
Monday, March 17, 2014
My Monday March Madness Musings- #ClimbingTheLadder
Almost 21 years ago, there were four Mamas pregnant in a church.
Three of those Mamas had their babies on October 8th.
One of those Mamas had their baby early, really early, on October 19th.
And in September, Brittany made five.
It was once said it takes a village to raise a child, and in Eastern Kentucky, we pretty much believe that....and we may just lay ownership to a bunch of kids.
As the older sibling of one of those October babies, I watched them grow up. They played softball and soccer and cheered and played basketball. They were angels and Mary in Christmas plays and then we blinked...
Those babies grew up and are now all lovely college students. Though they are as different as daylight is from dark, they have remained best friends. While they are attending three different colleges, they still stay in touch and love and support each other in their endeavors.
And this weekend, one of them is going dancing.
That smallest baby... born early... will be traveling to Texas to play in the NCAA tournament.
She started dribbling from a young age. She lived in her brother Nick's Bulls tee-shirts, and suffered through tea parties with Kami.
She showed her boy cousins how to play basketball, and labored through her Papaw Ern's boot camp.
Calm and cool on the ball court, she plays with a finesse that almost makes you forget she is out there... until she's fighting for a basket.
Her Mom's Word this year for her- Nikao- Greek for Overcomer.
That's just what she is.
Fighting back from not one but two ACL injuries. Rehab and pushing through...Battling stress fractures... just when it seemed like she was ready to play, something else would happen. Redshirting last year because of injury... So many prayers sent up for recovery and healing.
But what a difference a year makes. Sunbelt Freshman of the Year. Putting up with that microphone in her face and talking more than I can remember her ever talking. Helping her team pull off some close games and just about giving her Mom a heart attack.
Baylor is tough... everyone knows that... but Kendall loves a challenge. As we were watching the draw, Wallace said, "One thing I know about Kendall Marie. She's a winner." And as she was being interviewed after the selection, she told everyone what we already knew... she'll not back down from any competition.
When I was 16, Kendall's Dad Todd told me something that I will never forget. We were at a church pool party. It was the summertime and I was bored. There really weren't any other kids there my age and all I wanted to do was leave to go hang out with my friends. Being the melodramatic teenager that I was, I was complaining to my Dad about how "It just wasn't fair." Todd smiled his quiet smile and said, "These are the best days of your life. Don't wish them away. Live today like it's the best."
Kendall... that's what I'm saying to you. The best days of your life. You've earned them. Saturday, get out there and dance like there isn't anyone watching...even though you can bet there will be a whole bunch of your church family tuned in, and cheering you on. And I know that you don't like the spotlight, but just this week, let us all love on you a little more...
Because we are so stinkin' proud of you!
Go Lady Tops!!!!
Three of those Mamas had their babies on October 8th.
One of those Mamas had their baby early, really early, on October 19th.
And in September, Brittany made five.
It was once said it takes a village to raise a child, and in Eastern Kentucky, we pretty much believe that....and we may just lay ownership to a bunch of kids.
As the older sibling of one of those October babies, I watched them grow up. They played softball and soccer and cheered and played basketball. They were angels and Mary in Christmas plays and then we blinked...
Those babies grew up and are now all lovely college students. Though they are as different as daylight is from dark, they have remained best friends. While they are attending three different colleges, they still stay in touch and love and support each other in their endeavors.
And this weekend, one of them is going dancing.
That smallest baby... born early... will be traveling to Texas to play in the NCAA tournament.
She started dribbling from a young age. She lived in her brother Nick's Bulls tee-shirts, and suffered through tea parties with Kami.
She showed her boy cousins how to play basketball, and labored through her Papaw Ern's boot camp.
Calm and cool on the ball court, she plays with a finesse that almost makes you forget she is out there... until she's fighting for a basket.
Her Mom's Word this year for her- Nikao- Greek for Overcomer.
That's just what she is.
Fighting back from not one but two ACL injuries. Rehab and pushing through...Battling stress fractures... just when it seemed like she was ready to play, something else would happen. Redshirting last year because of injury... So many prayers sent up for recovery and healing.
But what a difference a year makes. Sunbelt Freshman of the Year. Putting up with that microphone in her face and talking more than I can remember her ever talking. Helping her team pull off some close games and just about giving her Mom a heart attack.
Baylor is tough... everyone knows that... but Kendall loves a challenge. As we were watching the draw, Wallace said, "One thing I know about Kendall Marie. She's a winner." And as she was being interviewed after the selection, she told everyone what we already knew... she'll not back down from any competition.
When I was 16, Kendall's Dad Todd told me something that I will never forget. We were at a church pool party. It was the summertime and I was bored. There really weren't any other kids there my age and all I wanted to do was leave to go hang out with my friends. Being the melodramatic teenager that I was, I was complaining to my Dad about how "It just wasn't fair." Todd smiled his quiet smile and said, "These are the best days of your life. Don't wish them away. Live today like it's the best."
Kendall... that's what I'm saying to you. The best days of your life. You've earned them. Saturday, get out there and dance like there isn't anyone watching...even though you can bet there will be a whole bunch of your church family tuned in, and cheering you on. And I know that you don't like the spotlight, but just this week, let us all love on you a little more...
Because we are so stinkin' proud of you!
Go Lady Tops!!!!
Sunday, March 16, 2014
What I'm Reading in March
The ice is pouring outside my window right now, and all I can think of is how I want my Spring break to be extended by another day so I can read just a little bit more... and, of course, work on homework that I put off all week long! And now that it is March madness, my reading will be balanced between watching hoops and checking my bracket...
Right now I'm reading several different books. I'm on Allegiant, the third of the Divergent series. The movie for Divergent comes out in a couple of weeks, and I wanted to read the series before the movie hit theatres. I read the first one in a day, and just finished up Insurgent last night. I'm loving it. Easy read, full of excitement, not what I usually like... but good stuff.
I'm reading Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury. I LOVE Karen Kingsbury. Her characters are always likeable, she weaves God's Word right into her stories, and she draws you in and keeps you there. This one is no different. If you've read any of her Baxter books, you need to read this one, celebrating the Dad's 70th birthday.
My drivethru read is A Farewell to Arms. A classic for sure... Ernest Hemingway. WWI. A nurse and a soldier. Doesn't get much better than that.
I'm also reading Liz Curtis Higgs Thorn in My Heart. To be honest, this one has been a slow one for me to get into. It's set in Scotland in the 1700s, and kind of resembles the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible so far, but it has some period language and has been a slow read... but I'm persevering because I know she is good and it will get better.
I try to read the books on my Kindle based on when I bought them. Many of them were free, so I get them and then just read when I have a chance. I'll not disclose how many books that I have on my Kindle, because it could possibly prove that I am a reading addict... but anyway, after finishing up Made to Crave I went to the next Christian non-fiction book on my Kindle, and it was Applause of Heaven. This book focuses on Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount, otherwise known as the Beatitudes. I also had a book by Angela Thomas on the Beatitudes, A Beautiful Offering, so I'm reading these two together. Applause of Heaven is by Max Lucado and is beautifully written. A Beautiful Offering invokes Thomas's real writing style and down to earth conversation. Both are good!
I'm finishing up Freedom From Performing, another Christian non-fiction book. It's set up in study form where there are six days worth of questions, so it has taken me a little longer to get through, because to be honest, some days I just don't read in it.
Once Upon a Prince is a love story I'm reading for one of the book clubs I am in on Facebook. A light read and so far pretty good... but I've kind of put this one aside to finish that Divergent series! Also am reading A Sound Among Trees. Set on an old Southern plantation, it is the story of the women of the plantation house... a newly married step Mom, her step grandmother in law, and a Union spy from the Civil War who may or may not haunt the house... not gotten that far to find out yet.
My to do list, besides articles on substance abuse?
Daughters for a Time (my free download of the month from Amazon... as a Prime member I can borrow one book a month for free... and have as long as I need to read it!) Lost Lake, another book selection from a book club. Ask Me Anything, Lord, a book club selection written by my friend Heather King. Broken Wings, the last book in the Second Chances series by Terri Blackstock. And so many more...
Happy Reading!
Right now I'm reading several different books. I'm on Allegiant, the third of the Divergent series. The movie for Divergent comes out in a couple of weeks, and I wanted to read the series before the movie hit theatres. I read the first one in a day, and just finished up Insurgent last night. I'm loving it. Easy read, full of excitement, not what I usually like... but good stuff.
I'm reading Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury. I LOVE Karen Kingsbury. Her characters are always likeable, she weaves God's Word right into her stories, and she draws you in and keeps you there. This one is no different. If you've read any of her Baxter books, you need to read this one, celebrating the Dad's 70th birthday.
My drivethru read is A Farewell to Arms. A classic for sure... Ernest Hemingway. WWI. A nurse and a soldier. Doesn't get much better than that.
I'm also reading Liz Curtis Higgs Thorn in My Heart. To be honest, this one has been a slow one for me to get into. It's set in Scotland in the 1700s, and kind of resembles the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible so far, but it has some period language and has been a slow read... but I'm persevering because I know she is good and it will get better.
I try to read the books on my Kindle based on when I bought them. Many of them were free, so I get them and then just read when I have a chance. I'll not disclose how many books that I have on my Kindle, because it could possibly prove that I am a reading addict... but anyway, after finishing up Made to Crave I went to the next Christian non-fiction book on my Kindle, and it was Applause of Heaven. This book focuses on Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount, otherwise known as the Beatitudes. I also had a book by Angela Thomas on the Beatitudes, A Beautiful Offering, so I'm reading these two together. Applause of Heaven is by Max Lucado and is beautifully written. A Beautiful Offering invokes Thomas's real writing style and down to earth conversation. Both are good!
I'm finishing up Freedom From Performing, another Christian non-fiction book. It's set up in study form where there are six days worth of questions, so it has taken me a little longer to get through, because to be honest, some days I just don't read in it.
Once Upon a Prince is a love story I'm reading for one of the book clubs I am in on Facebook. A light read and so far pretty good... but I've kind of put this one aside to finish that Divergent series! Also am reading A Sound Among Trees. Set on an old Southern plantation, it is the story of the women of the plantation house... a newly married step Mom, her step grandmother in law, and a Union spy from the Civil War who may or may not haunt the house... not gotten that far to find out yet.
My to do list, besides articles on substance abuse?
Daughters for a Time (my free download of the month from Amazon... as a Prime member I can borrow one book a month for free... and have as long as I need to read it!) Lost Lake, another book selection from a book club. Ask Me Anything, Lord, a book club selection written by my friend Heather King. Broken Wings, the last book in the Second Chances series by Terri Blackstock. And so many more...
Happy Reading!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Not a Morning Gal
So, I've been reading Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. I have been a Made to Crave drop out in the past. It's all about making lifestyle changes, which is really hard for a picky eater like me.
But for the past year, I've been a leader in the Proverbs 31 Online Bible studies group, and the first study they chose to do was Made to Crave. So, as a leader, I can't very well drop out, right?
And I've done pretty well. I've bought a Fitbit, which is slightly addicting. It's really helped my exercise, because I've stayed on the treadmill until the little bracelet on my arm buzzes to let me know I've done 10,000 steps in the day...except for the three days at the beginning of the week where I had my pity party.
I'm still eating junk... but I'm not eating as much. And I'm eating some apples along the way. Thinking before I grab the bag of chips as I stress over the paper I just don't know how to start.
Since we started on January 19th, I've lost 5 lbs. It's a start.
I'm not focusing on numbers, though... because I just want to feel better. Have more energy.
Yesterday I walked the first 20 minutes on the treadmill without even realizing it had gone by. It might have helped that my Kindle was there, or that the Cats were on, but I'd like to think that it's because I'm starting to develop the habit and get back into shape.
We'll see when my alarm goes off at 530 in the morning... yes, this girl is getting up in the morning to exercise. And I'm writing it here so I'll be accountable. Because I really am not a morning person... however, Wallace has a ballgame tomorrow night, and I have to work in Hazard all day tomorrow, so if I'm determined to get my exercise in, it's got to be in the morning.
Unless there is a snow day.
Which I will take as a sign that God is smiling down on my efforts =)
But for the past year, I've been a leader in the Proverbs 31 Online Bible studies group, and the first study they chose to do was Made to Crave. So, as a leader, I can't very well drop out, right?
And I've done pretty well. I've bought a Fitbit, which is slightly addicting. It's really helped my exercise, because I've stayed on the treadmill until the little bracelet on my arm buzzes to let me know I've done 10,000 steps in the day...except for the three days at the beginning of the week where I had my pity party.
I'm still eating junk... but I'm not eating as much. And I'm eating some apples along the way. Thinking before I grab the bag of chips as I stress over the paper I just don't know how to start.
Since we started on January 19th, I've lost 5 lbs. It's a start.
I'm not focusing on numbers, though... because I just want to feel better. Have more energy.
Yesterday I walked the first 20 minutes on the treadmill without even realizing it had gone by. It might have helped that my Kindle was there, or that the Cats were on, but I'd like to think that it's because I'm starting to develop the habit and get back into shape.
We'll see when my alarm goes off at 530 in the morning... yes, this girl is getting up in the morning to exercise. And I'm writing it here so I'll be accountable. Because I really am not a morning person... however, Wallace has a ballgame tomorrow night, and I have to work in Hazard all day tomorrow, so if I'm determined to get my exercise in, it's got to be in the morning.
Unless there is a snow day.
Which I will take as a sign that God is smiling down on my efforts =)
Saturday, February 8, 2014
What I'm Reading in February
So, first off how is it that it has been a week since I've wrote a blog when my goal was to write every day? I'll tell you how. I've been up to my eyeballs in lecture notes and ballgames, and the past couple of days been working on program evaluation and quality stuff... my eyes are literally crossing! (Well, I already had a lazy eye... but I bet it's worse!)
That being said, I'm still sneaking a few minutes here and there to read. I've found that if I put my Kindle on the largest font, I can lay it on the rest on the treadmill and get some reading time in while torturing myself. Got to be good for something, right?
So... in February, what I'm reading right now?
I'm still working through Grace by Max Lucado and Freedom from Performing... working on the questions a few every couple of days, which is why it is taking me so long. I'm also reading Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. It's helping me change me outlook on exercise and I'm cutting back on some of the not so good for you foods that I eat... although I did enjoy some delicious brown butter cookies last night. And Girl Scout cookies... but that's a post for another day. I'm enjoying Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph. Her writing style is so open, relatable, and honest... and she's making me think about appreciating Wallace and Caleb a little more.
Also on my Kindle, Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson. It's about a guy and a girl who meet when they are both victims of a convenience store robbery... she's got the hots for him, but he doesn't realize it... pretty good so far. (Made my walking much more enjoyable... that and the UK Wildcats!). And then there is Rain Song, about a girl whose mother died in Japan when she was young. It's set in North Carolina, and I'm really jealous thinking about how it is in the summer time there. Seems pretty good so far.
And then there's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I loved it the first time I read it, and love it now!
My drive-thru read is The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark. Haven't actually started it yet, but I love her.
To read list, besides quality and program evaluation, Fundamentals of Nursing and Pharmacology?
In Search of Lucy... can't remember what it's about, but I get one free book a month on my Kindle Loaning Library for Amazon Prime, and the cover looked good =)
Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers... a book selection from one of my online book clubs.
The Wife, The Maid, and The Mistress, another book selection.
Blind Trust, the 3rd book in that Terri Blackstock series I've been reading.
Divergent, because the movie comes out in March and I'd like to read it before watching the movie.
And then, some I've been looking forward to for a while, if I can ever fit them in... Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, The Fault in Our Stars, Mary Poppins She Wrote (the movie Saving Mr. Banks, which I'm dying to see, is based on it), Sycamore Row by John Grisham, Killing Jesus, which I've been told is spot on historically, The Longest Ride.... I could go on and on.
Now, I think I'll go read a little more on my Kindle, head to bed, and get up in the morning to finish writing a paper. =)
That being said, I'm still sneaking a few minutes here and there to read. I've found that if I put my Kindle on the largest font, I can lay it on the rest on the treadmill and get some reading time in while torturing myself. Got to be good for something, right?
So... in February, what I'm reading right now?
I'm still working through Grace by Max Lucado and Freedom from Performing... working on the questions a few every couple of days, which is why it is taking me so long. I'm also reading Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. It's helping me change me outlook on exercise and I'm cutting back on some of the not so good for you foods that I eat... although I did enjoy some delicious brown butter cookies last night. And Girl Scout cookies... but that's a post for another day. I'm enjoying Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph. Her writing style is so open, relatable, and honest... and she's making me think about appreciating Wallace and Caleb a little more.
Also on my Kindle, Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson. It's about a guy and a girl who meet when they are both victims of a convenience store robbery... she's got the hots for him, but he doesn't realize it... pretty good so far. (Made my walking much more enjoyable... that and the UK Wildcats!). And then there is Rain Song, about a girl whose mother died in Japan when she was young. It's set in North Carolina, and I'm really jealous thinking about how it is in the summer time there. Seems pretty good so far.
And then there's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I loved it the first time I read it, and love it now!
My drive-thru read is The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark. Haven't actually started it yet, but I love her.
To read list, besides quality and program evaluation, Fundamentals of Nursing and Pharmacology?
In Search of Lucy... can't remember what it's about, but I get one free book a month on my Kindle Loaning Library for Amazon Prime, and the cover looked good =)
Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers... a book selection from one of my online book clubs.
The Wife, The Maid, and The Mistress, another book selection.
Blind Trust, the 3rd book in that Terri Blackstock series I've been reading.
Divergent, because the movie comes out in March and I'd like to read it before watching the movie.
And then, some I've been looking forward to for a while, if I can ever fit them in... Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, The Fault in Our Stars, Mary Poppins She Wrote (the movie Saving Mr. Banks, which I'm dying to see, is based on it), Sycamore Row by John Grisham, Killing Jesus, which I've been told is spot on historically, The Longest Ride.... I could go on and on.
Now, I think I'll go read a little more on my Kindle, head to bed, and get up in the morning to finish writing a paper. =)
Friday, January 31, 2014
What I Learned in January
1. There are no TV shows quite as good as those you grow up with. I can sit and watch Full House for hours (let's face it... Uncle Jesse is just. that. cute.). I was saddened when Uncle Phil (James Avery) from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air passed away. I loved Fresh Prince. Who knew, though, that .Uncle Phil also played the voice of Shredder in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoons? While I was not a huge fan of TMNT, I had a cousin who was, and I think we were all familiar with the story line. That evil ninja nemesis of the turtles? Yep... the uncle in Bel Air. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20771289,00.html
2. Churches have steeples to make the buildings look more graceful. Also, they help draw the eye upward toward Heaven.
3. The BCS for college football has only been around for since 1998. The SEC won the first series, with Tennessee beating Florida State. Since then, the SEC has won over half of them: 9/15; 10/16 if Auburn wins. (Note: They didn't. In a spectacular ending to the BCS Championship series, Florida State beat Auburn. Bama fans everywhere are thankful.)
4. Who knew there was a holiday for nearly everything? http://www.studentbeans.com/worldweirdweb/a/odd+facts/what-crazy-national-day-falls-on-your-birthday3119.html
5. The development of House/Congress- the Virginia Plan called for representation based on size, meaning that states with larger populations would get more votes. The New Jersey Plan called for equal representation, regardless of population. The Conneticut plan (Or Great Compromise) developed the system we have now, a House of Representatives, where number is based on size, and the Senate, where each states have two representatives regardless of size. Then, there was the discussion for how slaves should count. The 3/5 Compromise- three fifths of the slave population counted toward numbers for population.
6. Grief is a funny thing. Sometimes it sneaks up on you and nearly paralyzes you... even as you consciously know it isn't realistic to be sad. A life well-lived is cause for celebration. I saw my Grandma once a week, if that... but I miss her everyday. Funny, huh?
7. Sometimes I love basketball. Sometimes I hate it. And sometimes being a coach's wife really isn't that fun. But sometimes, it is the best thing in the world.
2. Churches have steeples to make the buildings look more graceful. Also, they help draw the eye upward toward Heaven.
3. The BCS for college football has only been around for since 1998. The SEC won the first series, with Tennessee beating Florida State. Since then, the SEC has won over half of them: 9/15; 10/16 if Auburn wins. (Note: They didn't. In a spectacular ending to the BCS Championship series, Florida State beat Auburn. Bama fans everywhere are thankful.)
4. Who knew there was a holiday for nearly everything? http://www.studentbeans.com/worldweirdweb/a/odd+facts/what-crazy-national-day-falls-on-your-birthday3119.html
5. The development of House/Congress- the Virginia Plan called for representation based on size, meaning that states with larger populations would get more votes. The New Jersey Plan called for equal representation, regardless of population. The Conneticut plan (Or Great Compromise) developed the system we have now, a House of Representatives, where number is based on size, and the Senate, where each states have two representatives regardless of size. Then, there was the discussion for how slaves should count. The 3/5 Compromise- three fifths of the slave population counted toward numbers for population.
6. Grief is a funny thing. Sometimes it sneaks up on you and nearly paralyzes you... even as you consciously know it isn't realistic to be sad. A life well-lived is cause for celebration. I saw my Grandma once a week, if that... but I miss her everyday. Funny, huh?
7. Sometimes I love basketball. Sometimes I hate it. And sometimes being a coach's wife really isn't that fun. But sometimes, it is the best thing in the world.
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