Well, that National Championship game was a humdinger, wasn’t it? We’re disappointed that Auburn didn’t win, but FSU made a great comeback, and it’s always fun when a big game lives up to the billing. However, this will be the first time in four years that stores in Alabama won’t be COVERED UP with National Championship merchandise, and I’m really not sure how I’ll react the next time I walk in Academy or Books A Million and discover that the commemorative National Champs rainwear is no longer available – not to mention the car tags, dry erase boards, window socks, visors, pens, and magnets.
Now I guess we can all turn our full attention to college basketball season. Personally, I’m a little fixated on the upcoming college baseball season (the Bulldogs are ranked #2 in the preseason polls), but there’s also football signing day coming up, so I reckon the good news is that all of us college sports fans should be able to find plenty of diversions to suit us.
And remember back in September when I said that I was going to distance myself from college football season because I needed to work on my book? Well, I did really well with that – until the middle of November when State played Arkansas and won in overtime. Ever since then I’ve pretty much EMBRACED THE CRAZY. It was a pretty good run of sensible, though.
All righty. The aforementioned topics.
Harry Connick, Jr. on American Idol
I am so excited about the fact that Harry Connick, Jr. is going to be on American Idol. Even if he wasn’t a great musician in his own right, I would still want him to be a judge because he’s a south Louisiana boy and south Louisiana boys = STRAIGHT SHOOTERS. Plus, he’s always been a great AI mentor in terms of telling contestants to SIMMER ON DOWN WITH THE OVERSINGING and HEY, FIND THE MELODY. However, you could put all that stuff aside – and the first ten seconds of this promo would totally win me over.
I cannot wait.
the importance of a good black t-shirt
Last week I told Melanie that I know a good pair of jeans and a good pair of boots are key wardrobe items. But I’m not sure that there’s anything I enjoy finding more than a good black t-shirt. I got a great one a couple of months ago (I can’t find it online or I’d link to it), and I’m trying to figure out how to make it last forever because it’s THE BEST ONE. It’s a little shorter than tunic length but longer than a regular t-shirt, and I can layer it under ANYTHING. It is a delight and a joy. As one would expect a t-shirt to be.
The Bachelor
I have recorded it, but I have not yet watched it. I am a wee bit scared because I wanted so much to like Desiree’s season of The Bachelorette – only not even I could withstand that much cheese. Given that, I’m a little afeared of this whole Juan Pablo extravaganza. Don’t get me wrong – I’m going to give it a shot – but I may have to watch with one eye closed. Nonetheless, it is currently my highest TV priority.
That may be the most pitiful sentence I’ve ever written. But alas, it is true.
Downton Abbey (SPOILERS AHEAD)
I was so happy to see everybody. But it STRESSED ME OUT – mainly because after last season’s unfortunate Matthew-related events, I am afraid for the welfare of each character at every turn. When Mr. Carson said good-bye to his old friend at the train, for instance, my first thought was, THAT TRAIN IS ABOUT TO CATCH ON FIRE. So you could say that I’m skittish.
All in all, though, I loved the episode. And I think there are some very interesting developments for Mary and Edith on the horizon. I’m not at all sure about Edith’s latest fella, though – I can’t decide if he really likes her or if he just likes her money. I also don’t like all this conflict between the new lady’s maid (who is trouble), Barrow, and Anna. Furthermore, Anna is good as gold, so it doesn’t make sense to me that Cora would believe Barrow when he tries to paint Anna as a troublemaker.
I just had to remind myself that these people are not in fact real.
Chillow
I do not have a Chillow. In fact, I was not even aware of the Chillow’s existence until I saw a commercial for it over the Christmas holidays. So I mainly wanted to ask and see if any of y’all have tried it, because at first glance it looks like it might be the answer to my temperature-related sleeping issues, especially in the summertime.
And since you chill it with water, I’m guessing you could refrigerate some water and then fill it up with super cold water? Granted, that might result in a mild case of freezer burn on your neck or face, but when I think about how BURNING UP HOT I get in the summers, I think it might be refreshing to have a pillow that’s so cold that it’s mildly uncomfortable.
Bible reading plan
Our church has started a Bible reading plan this year, and it’s actually going to stretch out over two years instead of one. Since the size of each day’s readings is a little smaller than a one-year plan, I feel like I’m retaining more of what I’m reading; I can already tell that I’m going to love the pace of it. Here’s more info (and a PDF of the schedule) if you’re interested.
What the 16 degree weather has taught me
I always think that I might enjoy experiencing a “real” winter, especially since all I’ve ever known are the mild winters that we get in the South. But yesterday morning it was 16 degrees. And this morning it was 8 degrees. And now I think that real winter and I probably wouldn’t get along very well. Mainly because THAT WIND, MY WORD, IT CUTS LIKE A KNIFE. Hats off to all you real winter pros.I am forever an amateur, I’m afraid.
Happy Wednesday, y’all!
One of these days, I’d love to meet you! The last line about Downton made me belly laugh.
This West Virginia girl can hope that you’ll be up my way some time.
Stay warm!
You never let me Down speaking on timely thoughts!! Even the chillow! How neat is that! :)
I surely need a good black t shirt for real! Wish you could share where you found one.
Oh and btw I beat the Baptists here for the famous apple pie mentioned in your book and it was very good!
Keep thinking those good thoughts!!
We were in your neck of the woods after Christmas {ended up in Tupelo, MS but drove through B’ham on the way} and couldn’t help but think of you. It’s funny how I do that with all my southern bloggers now – I think of all you guys as we pass through! So fun! :-)
Real winter is sorely overrated and I have had an overdose here in Michigan. I’m ready for some blazing summer sun!
i love your thoughts on Downton Abbey. I felt like the season opener was fairly uneventful, and any conflicts that arose were almost immediately resolved, something I’d forgotten this series actually knew how to do.
I was very edgy through the Downton episode also, and I definitely think it’s time for Barrow to get his comeuppance once again!!
Here in Wheaton, IL, we have had 3 days of -8 to -15 degrees with -45 degree wind chill. Even my dog won’t go outside! It is dangerously cold, and schools & several businesses were closed both yesterday & today.
Please share where you bought your black tee—such a great wardrobe staple.
My excitement for AI and particularly Harry Connick Jr. is nigh unacceptable for a grown woman, but there it is, and I’m so glad you are right here … there….with me! May I just offer you my favorite Harry Connick Jr song, which I apologize is a Christmas song, but is THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS song and you should bookmark it for next year? I’d link it all up in here, but can’t find good version. Google or Spotify “I Pray on Christmas”, and I DARE you to stand still even in January! :)
Oh, I sound like a complete wackadoodle. I’m normal, just a big ol’ American Idol fan. And Boomama fan!
Well, I hate it when people are happy that one team one mainly because it means the other team lost, but I found myself in that situation while watching the national championship game. I am a Southern Miss girl, so every time the tv commentators mentioned Ellis Johnson, I have to admit there was a little bit of inner seething. I mean, I don’t like to think of myself as someone who harbors bitterness toward a person about college sports, but apparently I am. So I guess that’s my new year’s resolution… Get over the whole Ellis Johnson/ Southern Miss debacle. You know, along with eating healthy, losing baby weight x4, and being an excellent wife and mother. This year is going to be so easy!
Arg! WON. I’m sure it was my phone’s fault, haha.
Is NO ONE going to mention the absence of Mrs. O’Brien???? I was shocked. I will miss her bangs.
So glad Mrs. O’Brien is gone and so wish she had taken Barrow with her. I was not a bit surprised to find her sneaking out during the night. I was so glad Cora heard Nanny talking to baby Sybil. I was horrified when she started saying those nasty things to that precious baby girl.
When Nanny turned around and said those things to baby Sybil – it was scary! Her personality changed – like an evil twin. Good riddance to Nanny!
A couple of years ago I began my “read the whole Bible in a year” plan. I could not stand the thought of meeting my Lord one day and telling Him how much I love Him, and yet not having bothered to ever read His ENTIRE book to us. Of course, I fell behind and I am currently in the middle of Proverbs. Anyway, as I was fretting about not keeping up, or missing a day here or there, my BFF said to me, “Do you plan on being in His word for the rest of your life?” And I said, “Why yes, yes I do!!” What I found then was that it felt okay to be reading slower, or to miss the occasional day (although even that is happening less and less because of the desire growing stronger). Because it’s part of my life plan to make it all the way through and then start over, FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. Funny how a great Christian friend helps with perspective. Love you, BooMama!!!!
I love this perspective!
I had a Chillow and loved it. But I was worried about not getting all the water out of it when I wasn’t using it over the winter. So I just put it in the freezer for a few weeks. You are not supposed to do that! And it smelled like the freezer –ick! Now that I’m older and need to be cooled off even in the winter, I’ve found that a trip to the cold downstairs in the middle of the night for a cold gel pack from the freezer for my back keeps me cool the rest of the night. Hope that helps!
Thank you for addressing the Chillow issue. I am interested in getting one for my husband who has an internal body temperature of about 287 degrees. Here’s my hold-up though – he sleeps on his stomach, and I am not sure if the Chillow would feel like hard plastic on his face since the Chillow is, in fact, made of plastic. Do you have any special insight into this matter?
Actually it doesn’t feel like hard plastic — I’ve slept with one for years and I always put in in the fridge (not the freezer!) before inserting it on top of my pillow (inside the pillowcase). It doesn’t stay cool the entire night, however, but it’s not designed that way. There are specific instructions as to how to fill it with water (water is warm when you first fill it) and you can re-fill as needed. They last for quite a awhile if taken care of properly. I also have a smaller “travel” size that’s handier to stick in the suitcase.
Oh my. I hate to be Debbie Downer but I had a Chillow. I did not have a good night’s sleep with it. Not one so it made a hasty retreat back to BB&B. Of course mine came from there so I could use my 20% off coupon. You know they are so good about taking things back and I always have a stack of their coupons.. I love the fact that they take the expired ones. Back to the night issue, I went back to my trusty 16 ounce-ish bottle of frozen water, otherwise known as bottle of ice but it is frozen solid. I put it in a clean sock and stick it under my neck. When I turn over in bed, I move it to the other side of my neck. I have been known to use more than one at a time and in the hot, hot weather it does melt. If I am too uncomfortable I get up and go to the freezer for a replacement. I am glad you other girls enjoy yours though. I truly am.
Minnesota’s governor cancelled school on Monday because the expected HIGH was -15. Factor in wind chills and we hit somewhere in the neighborhood of -30 to -50. When it hits 8 or 16 we rejoice in the warmth! :)
Here in Michigan we just hit 16 for our high today, and it feels balmy. We have 18 inches of snow in the yard, and I was OVER THE WINTER EXPERIENCE AS OF MONDAY AT NOON.
Also, my children’s winter break has been extended for three days because of the weather.
Pray for my sanity.
We just bought a gel cool, memory foam mattress and with our “cash back” on the purchase were “given” 2 cool gel memory foam pillows. Can I just tell you BOTH have changed my life?!?! The pillow is a wee bit pricey but you don’t have to fill it, freeze it or any other nonsense and it stays cool ALL NIGHT LONG! So, take my word and run out to get one, you will be so glad you did.
Hi Rebecca,
Can you tell us what brand mattress you purchased and the brand of the pillows you received? I tried to Google ‘cool gel memory foam pillow’ and there were a ton o choices, but no way to tell which is which.
Thanks,
Sandy
Our church also has a Bible reading plan. I signed up last year and though I didn’t finish I got farther than I would have if I didn’t have a goal. I read all of the Old Testament…except Chronicles. I’m sure Chronicles has a purpose because God included it. So this year I’m starting with Chronicles and then going straight to the NT. All that said, I signed up to read it in a year and wound up taking two, but if I hadn’t signed up I wouldn’t have done it at all. You can’t win if you don’t play…except that’s about gambling.
If you enjoy reading fiction, may I recommend the Chronicles of the Kings series by Lynn Austin? The author is very well researched on the time period and helped me understand the historical context of Chronicles. I came to love 1 and 2 Chronicles as I began to grasp the gravity of the accounts and saw them as real stories of God moving in amazing ways in the lives of His people.
I hope they are blessing to you as well!
Now if someone can help me figure out how to embrace the prophets I’d appreciate it :).
Thank you for this suggestion. I love a good fictional account to help me get a grasp on some of the harder books. It seems to give the events a context that I can then read the WORD and make better sense of it. Of course, the WORD always trumps the fictional accounts.
Here in Minnesota it is -22 degrees. That is minus 22 as in below zero. All of December was like this except for one day and I stood outside in the sunshine on that day while my car was being serviced. Otherwise, it’s been a really long winter so far and very cold. If it never gets above zero, it’s very hard to get out of the house. So I have a bad case of cabin fever. On the bright side it’s expected to get to 20 above on Thursday and maybe 28 on Friday. Which may or may not bring more snow. I have not been able to get warm even though I wear 3 layers every day. And I bought a new down coat for church (I drive 25 miles) because I spent one whole day with church, programs and a college concert with my best friend and it took me 2 hours to thaw out when I got home.
I too, was a little afraid to watch all of Downton Abbey. I am leery of it being so sad this year that I can’t stand it and it seems to be going that way. Hopefully I am wrong. But the death of Sybil and then Matthew almost ruined it for me. Barrows is hateful and I don’t like that. I guess it makes for interesting watching but not for me. So I will be watching with one eye closed for that program also! Its surprising to me that meanness and sadness have permeated the show, because that’s not why I watch tv. I hope it perks up a bit. I don’t want to come away feeling worse then I did when I started watching.
On another note, I finished Melanie’s book first and then I won yours and finished that. I so enjoyed both of them, so congrats to you both for writing something that’s uplifting and sincere.
Hugs from brrrrrrrrrr Minnesota,
Marie
Oh, pretty please would you share where you found the black T? I have been looking madly – I like the longer length as well, and have had no luck.
Is Mrs. O’Brien gone for good or temporarily? The new maid makes me so nervous – she is possibly even more evil than Thomas, and if either one of them gets Anna sacked I’m going to swear off the series.
I have enjoyed Harry as a mentor on AI….and let me just say, the commercials out for AI are downright darling…..it looks like the three judges like each other and are having fun….what a concept!!!!…….last year about did me in on AI but after seeing the commercials, I’m going to give it another try!!!…….Downton made me nervous also…..Barrow needs to be gone…can’t stand him….and that sneaky girl to get back to Downton…..what a shame those two are…..poor Anna……and please tell us where you got your black t….we all are on the lookout for a good one!!!
Ditto the black T love…pls…I need a new one. I have a gray one from leTarjey that is fab but of course it didn’t come in black or I missed it and yes I do have approx 900 black T’s but seriously I wear one like daily so what’s one more?
Sick of winter. It’s like almost in the double digits here in IA today, all the way to 9 above and we are thinking “it’s not too bad!” Supposed to be 30ish this w/e but it might snow.
Only 75 days till Spring. I cannot wait to complain about being too hot.
The Chillow……it’s a yes from me! My kids may or may not have been known to fight over who gets to use it if I am not using it.
My 9 year old has a chillow and I have one, too. The directions actually tell you to fill it with warm water, which I thought was odd.
You can refrigerate it, but I haven’t. Tonight will be out first night using it. It should be interesting :)
Does that mean you won’t be scheduling any book signings in Idaho in the winter??? We live at 4,000 feet elevation in Idaho and learn to walk sideways on snow drifts. We become mountain goats in the winter. Enjoy your warm southern climate for me.
I, too, am a hot natured woman….I have a t shirt (not black – sadly) that says “ahm ’bout to burn up!”…so I wanted to tell you about a recent little find that has finally brought me back into the land of the non-sweating. It is an all natural supplement called iCool. It is hormone free and it stops hot flashes and night sweats in their slimy little tracks. I can only find it at the WalMart…at the end of the vitamin aisle. But girl…it is like a miracle! While I have not tried the Chillow (although the name alone makes me want to! )..,I can highly recommend the iCool to anyone who experiences power surges like me.
I felt that way last night when I was watching the Call the Midwife Holiday Special. (If you haven’t watched Call the Midwife, please do, it’s delightful and on PBS.) There was an unexploded bomb, and I sat there on the edge of my seat just WAITING for it to go off.
As much as you’d never want to experience a Wisconsin winter, I would NEVER want to experience a Mississippi summer. No thank you very much.
I had a Chillow a few years ago because I tend to flip my pillow over approximately 1712 times every night. i hate to tell you this, but I was a little disappointed. It did stay fairly cool, but still required flipping a few times in the night, which meant taking it out of the pillowcase, turning it over, and putting it back in. I guess some people don’t put it inside the pillowcase, but I didn’t like the feel of it on my face. PLUS, the darn thing is pretty heavy – not surprising since water weighs about 8 pounds per gallon. Sorry, but that’s my take on it.
I can’t speak for the Chillow. Never have heard of one or seen one. But, I do know that Sams has a cool gel memory foam pillow I almost bought myself for Christmas, but decided I’d already bought myself enough stuff. Anyway, I’ve hardly thought of it since it’s now so cold, but I might need to go back and get one since I know that warmer temperatures will return! I’m sure when warmer weather gets here Sam’s will no longer have the pillow. Isn’t that how that always goes? Anyway, I had to let you know that my dad’s wife has a terrible time with being hot during her sleep. So, he found a fan that you put under the sheet at the foot of the bed that blows cool air on you all night. I have no idea where he found it–he gets every catalog known to man. But, she’s in love with it! You might try looking for that!
I’m sure you don’t remember me, but we were at State the same time. I don’t know if we ever officially met, but I knew who you were from my mutual Chi O friends. I lived next door at the ZTA house. Anyway, Hail State!
My husband (who happens to be THE cowbell guy that makes most of the bells) had a Chillow about 10 years ago. He liked it somewhat, but got rid of it because it kept bunching up in the night and lost its “cool” while he slept. Then I discovered the bed fan at Brookstone. THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED. It will be the best $100 you ever spend. It fits around the foot of your bed and blows cool air between the fitted and flat sheet. The hubby and I are addicted. We run it all year–even in winter. Yes, it was running the other night when it was 9 degrees. My chemo treatments are sending me into “the change” at an early age. In fact, maybe I need to buy another bed fan so I can have my own and not have to share. Here is the link if you are interested. http://www.brookstone.com/bed-fan-with-wireless-remote Happy cooling!!
I got a chillow for a gift. I have bad hot flashes. The way I cope is a frozen pack under my pillow. When a hot flash hits in the middle of the night. I just put the frozen pack on my neck or flip my pillow over. I can continue to sleep. I was not impressed with the chillow. I like my way better and much cheaper. The directions on my chillow said to fill with water but not to freeze or refrigerate. My sister gave the chillow to me cause she was always finding my thrawed frozed pack under her pillow after my visits! Ha!!