Cabin Fever

The countdown for Christmas break begins not too long after the first day of the fall semester. Its just a rule. Being a good 10 hour drive from home, I anticipate my occasional trips east as patiently as these black cows outside my window have been awaiting their daily roll of hay for the past few weeks. That is, not very.

So anyway, now that I am here, everyone has been visited, Christmas is over, and the lull before New Years has set in, I am BORED. OUT. OF. MY. MIND.  I don't remember this town being SO quiet when I was in high school.  Hurricane Mills gives "quiet little, Southern town" a whole new meaning.

Being the only one in the house on the daily routine of a college student, I am the only one still in the mode of dragging out of bed around 9 (and believe me, that's early) and not hitting the hay until well after midnight.  As my dad says, I have my days and nights completely confused.

So here I sit, holiday nail polish chipping away, half made up with my hair just the way it dried after this morning's shower, wondering when things might pick up a little bit, and reflecting on the highlight of my day, a trip to Camden to pick up a half a ton of feed. Woo. Hoo.

Bored but optimistic,
JanLee

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

He's making a list, and checking it twice...

Today is December 22. That means in just two more days.....CHRISTMAS!  I am so excited and glad that things are really picking up around the Rowlett house in order for everything to be ready for the best day of the year.

Our family, as all do, has our own yearly traditions that the season just wouldn't be the same without.  We are avid Rook players and as Christmas gets closer and closer, we play more and more.  As of tonight, we are up to at least two games a night and can't wait for the big finale when the WHOLE Woods family is together on Christmas night. It gets interesting!  Another Christmas tradition is Christmas Eve dinner at our house.  My mom fixes supper for everybody so this year, we will eat and then exchange gifts.  This is something kind of new. Usually we open presents Christmas morning, but the effects of the flood are still looming and since my grandparents won't be back in their house for Christmas morning breakfast, we are opening gifts early this year for the sake of time.

Christmas morning, we will have a huge breakfast at home (usually hosted by my grandmother) and then move on to opening gifts from my mom's parents, Mimi and Gran-Gran.  Though their house isn't completely finished, and there is no way she could fix a meal there, we have decided to do whatever it takes to have Christmas in the same house that she has had it for 38 years. After breakfast here, we will go to their house where a decorated tree and table await.  We will open gifts and eventually have supper (premade and crock-pot warmed) of soups and sandwhiches.  Later, its movie time.  After the annual showing of the Santa Claus, and the mos intense Rook game of the year, it will be time to head back home where we can admire all the new stuff and, in my case, wish it wasn't all over. 

On the agenda for tomorrow...feed, clean, help with a little pre Christmas Eve cooking, wrap the last of the gifts, feed again, and get ready for the festivities to begin!!

Merry Christmas,
JanLee

No Room

Last night, driving home from the third Christmas party I had attended in four days, I was singing my little heart out with the radio and planning for how I was going to get the smell of Rotel out of my car. As you may know, there aren't too many songs that come across country radio that I don't know by heart, but I didn't recognize the first few notes of the tune that played as I turned the corner off of Western onto Lakeview. I turned it up (because "If I don't know it now I'm not getting out of this car 'til I do!") and goosebumps raced up my arms.

This song tells the Christmas story and talks about the true reason for the season in a way I have never heard in a country Christmas song.  After a beautiful summary of the Christmas story, the second verse compares Mary and Joseph being turned away at the inn because there was "No room," to people not remembering the reason we celebrate this holiday because there is "No room,"  in their hearts, lives, etc.

So here's what you need to do: go listen to the song (just google "No Room- Rhett Akins", sorry for the lack of link here). Then, have a very Merry Christmas and remember why Christmas is such a time for happiness and celebration.

Thinking Thankful Thoughts,
JanLee



 

Tuesday Ten

So its been a while, I know.  I have missed a Tuesday or two (or three). But this one is gonna be good enough to make up for all the ones I didn't do. Promise.

1. The Christmas Spirit.  I am so in it.  As I type this,  Michael Buble is serenading me "White Christmas" and I am falling in love with him. Right now.  I have always thought the best part of Christmas was in the days leading up to it.  Everybody is happy, its cold, and I am in Holiday Heaven.  Just call me Christmas Carol.
2. Cowboy Church.  This past Sunday,  Katie and I tried something new in the church worship department.  Its called Cowboy Church and to say its right up my alley would be an understatement. I absolutely loved it.  In Stillwater, Cowboy Church is held at the county fairgrounds in the sale arena.  There is just something about hearing God's word from a seat worn smooth by livestock buyers,  hearing hymns over a microphone normally used by an auctioneer, and watching a pastor give his sermon from the dirty shavings of a sale ring.
3. Dead Week.  I can't believe this semester is only days from being over. This week is "Dead Week" at OSU, meaning not a lot besides studying should be going on (but students are expected to attend class).  Next week is Finals and I will be home in a little over a week!
4. Movie Marathon.  Because it is Dead Week, and because Katie and I have decided not to participate in its true meaning (studying), we are using our spare time this week to reap the full benefits of being new Hastings card carrying customers, Half Price Movies!  We fully intend to watch movies (and lots of them) every night this week.  Playing tonight:  "Serendepity"
5. The Showbox.  I guess this is as good a time as any to put in a plug for Adam McCall's latest entrepreneurial advetures. He is now a licensed Sullivan's dealer so if you need show supplies let him know! Also, stay up to speed on latest deals by becoming a fan of The Showbox on Facebook.
6. Have I mentioned I can't wait for Christmas?

7.  Soup, Soup, and More Soup.  Katie and I came back from Thanksgiving with a car load of homemade soup along with the recipes and necessary ingredients to make our own. Needless to say, we are about souped out after two weeks of chili, taco soup, brunswick stew, and jambalaya. No more soup here, thanks.

8.  Special Sunday. If there has ever been a perfect day, it was Sunday. After church that morning, we came back and, without a thing in the world to do, lounged around, napped, and caught up on our t.v. watching for the week.  Later that night, we drove around town for TWO HOURS looking at Christmas lights, enjoying our heated seats, and sipping on Sonic treats.

9. Annabelle's Wish. The sweetest Christmas movie of all time and one of my most treasured childhood memories.



10.  Life is good when "paint toenails red" makes it to your to-do list.

Merry Frifmasth,

JanLee

*K. Lents requested she be given credit for the word "Frifmasth" and any joy it may bring to your life.

Blessings

I will be the first to admit it.  I am one LUCKY girl.  This past weekend, over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was able to spend some quality time at home with my family.  Here are a few Kodak moments my time in the Mill had to offer.

We just have too much fun. (so glad the photographer cut the lower halves of our bodies off!) :)

The main course of our BEAUTIFUL (and delicious) Thanksgiving meal.

Shoutout to Mimi and Gran-Gran. I have the best grandparents. <3

A little post-Thanksgiving project....Christmas Tree Time!!! Adam looks perplexed.

I hope your Thanksgiving was a wonderful and full of blessings as The Rowlett's!

Love to all,
JanLee

Louisville Laughs

This past weekend, Katie and I met up with our families in Louisville, KY for the North American. As expected, good times were had by all and I am happy to announce, the weekend was a TOTAL success, but more on that later in the week.  Throughout the weekend, as is usually goes when the Rowlett's are all together, we shared more good laughs than should be allowed. Here are a few that are safe to share with the rest of the world.

1. Ringside Retching:  Junior show day, Lawson woke up SICK. AS. A. DOG. Though the cause of his illness has yet to be determined, my guess is that lack of sleep, a very early morning, nerves, and a little too much O'Charley's Louisiana Sirloin may be to blame. Anyway, he seemed to improve as show time approached and at 8:00 a.m. he was ready to show, or so he thought. Just before entering the ring, he was doubled over, providing the poor audience up in the stands with more of a show than they bargained for. I was summoned back to the line-up area from my carefully selected photography position at the ring where the quick change commenced. Off with my jacket and his show harness and the swap was complete. Within seconds, I was ready to show! But just as suddenly as it hit him, the urge to purge left and Lawson was bound and determined to show. So with a face as green as those Louisville shavings, he got the job done and exited with a blue ribbon.
2. Elevator Escapades:  Rewind to Kansas City- one night, after a VERY long day, Adam, Hannah, Katie, and I ate supper at Outback. In the parking lot after we ate, in a state of exhaustion induced delerium, Adam danced a little jig, complete with river dancing-ish foot stomping and the occasional kick/foot slap. You really would have just had to be there for the full effect. In Louisville, under very similar circumstances (sleep wise) we three girls were waiting on the elevator for Adam and his tired, achy feet to climb aboard.  As he trudged through the lobby, we schemed our plan and the second that door closed, the dancing started. There we were, crowded on to a tiny elevator, dancing like fools, making enough noise to give reason for an eviction, and as soon as the ding sounded and we arrived at our destination, the idiots were normal girls again, just trying to make our way to 331 for a shower and bedtime. Trust me, it was funny.
3. Supreme Set:  After an extraordinary day in the junior Charolais show, Hannah had the once in a lifetime opportunity to show in Supreme Drive at the North American.  The event is quite formal and dressed up and after the excitement of the day, Hannah's hair was not quite up to standards for the expereince she was about to take part in. So that night, before Grand Drive, Katie and I took her back to the hotel and, while the heifer was in the chute getting the most intense fit job of her life, did some grooming on her showman as well. We washed, and we brushed and we pinned, and we teased, and we sprayed, and we patted, and we re-applied, and we dressed, and we adjusted, and finally, we were happy with the results.  I'll just say this, if those judges had talked the girl on the stick, we definitely would have gotten comments for such a well presented showman.

One Happy Girl,
JanLee

Tuesday Ten

Ten Random Thoughts in Honor of Tuesday

1)  The best weekend of the year is almost here!  By Friday night, I will be in Louisville, KY for the North American International Livestock Exposition with all the people I love the most.  For as long ago as I can remember, my family has made the trip to Louisville, whether we were exhibiting cattle or not, just to take in the experience of NAILE. Best things about the North American:  the smell, the trade show, Ehrler's ice cream, and show day!

2)  I am addicted to Pandora Radio.  I have to have it...all the time.  My favorite station right now: Neal McCoy. I go crazy over some 90's country.

3)  This year's Cattlewomen's shirts are TOO cute!  I went to pick up my Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen's shirt today and I love it! They are green with a picture of Doc Holiday on the back and say "I'm your Huckleberry"

4)  The twelve page term paper I spent 3 entire days on....IS DONE! And I don't ever want to speak of it again....so that's all.

5)  I got a job today! And I am excited about it! :)

6)  I enroll for the Spring Semester in two days!  And I cannot believe how fast the fall has flown by! And I also cannot believe that my undegraduate college career is about to be officially half way over. SCARY!

7)  Lawson turned FOURTEEN this week!  Talk about scary! I remember when he came home from the hospital in a blizzard (in the first week of November?! Global Warming??) I just can't believe a) how time flies, b) how old I sound right now. Happy Birthday, Lawson!

8)  I really want to see the movie "Secretariat".  All I have heard is rave reviews and I can't wait to see it for myself.

9)  George W. Bush is going to be on Oprah today.  And I really want to see what he has to say.  I missed the Matt Lauer interview but I know I can count on "Ofrah" to bring me up to speed.  Waiting on 4 o'clock! ( or 11...whichever one I can catch)

10)  I can't wait for Thanksgiving!  Aside from it being one of my favorite holidays anyway, I am really excited for a trip home.

Peace and Blessings,
JanLee

Ever You'll Find Us Loyal And True...

To Our Alma Mater, O-S-U!

I am definitely proud to be a Cowboy! (Especially since the Pokes have been ranked #1 in the Big 12 South after their victory over Baylor on Saturday!)  But going to school almost 700 miles away from my hometown sometimes makes it hard to share my love for "the brand" with my family and friends in Tennessee. Thanks to the good 'ole blog (which I am quickly falling in love with) I am now able to show them just what it is that keeps me coming back to Stillwater,USA!

First of all, the campus is BEAUTIFUL! It looks just the way "college" is meant to look. Though I don't get to see it as often as I would like, my favorite part is right in the heart of things where the Student Union and Edmon Lowe Library meet at Library Lawn.

Another thing I love about OSU is the tradition. We host the largest homecoming in the country and its a week full of traditions that this school has celebrated for generations. Orange fountains, Harvest Carnival, painted windows, and the list goes on....

And then there is my favorite thing....FRIENDS

Pistols Firing,
JanLee

Let the Blogging Begin

Those who know me best know that I am quite the blog reader.  I just love a good blog and actually keep up with several bloggers who always have funny stories or interesting things to say.  So I have decided to take the leap into the world of maybe-daily posts, comments, and page views in hopes that the things that make my life worth living will bring a laugh to someone else's lips too!

You'd just have to know my dad.  He is quite the comedian who always has a different way of looking at things and, as my mom likes to say, "Has a way with words."  So here it is, my inaugural blog, dedicated to...

Stuff My Dad Says

1. "I'm just hanging out like hair in a biscuit."
2. "Back when I was a kid of a boy"
3. "Just hump up and get it done."
4. "Your momma? Well she's crazy."
5. "Its time to get out there and get after it!"
6. The morning after one Pendleton too many he will get up and say "Where is that coon? Has anybody seen a coon around here?" If you dare ask what coon he is talking about he says, "The one that $#@+ in my mouth last night."(referring to the bad taste that last drink might have left on his tongue)
7. He calls my grandfather,and his namesake, whose name is Clifford, "Cliffad"
8. At the first complaint of Beau and Lawson over some task he has assigned them, he says, "Well go on back to the house and cut out your paper dolls."
9. "WE CANNOT HEAT THE WORLD!" ...anytime a door to the outside it left open
10. "Showing cattle costs a lot, but drug rehab costs more."

And the list goes on and on....

Love,

JanLee