Monday, November 09, 2009

Grading, Writing, and Meeting the Relatives

Usually, my life is routine.  I don't think it's boring--it's just "settled."  I teach on campus two days a week, teach two online classes, grade papers, mow the grass, clean the house...

Every so often, I have a hectic week full of meetings, lunches, errands, and sundry things that take me out of my routine.  Those weeks wear me out, and I'm more than willing to go back to my routine.

This weekend was one of those hectic ones.  I had a Guy Fawkes bonfire on Friday night that broke up around 10:30pm; I had to clean up, wash dishes, and get the cats' food bowls filled for the weekend, because my mother and sister were coming to pick me up around 8am Saturday to go to my uncle's 70th birthday in a town called Montz, LA.

Here's a picture of the funny Guy I made to burn in effigy:

GF1 On Guy Fawkes Day, Nov. 5, in England, effigies of the Guy are burned all over England.  If you don't know about this holiday, Google it! 

We had fun, ate a bit, drank a bit, and talked a great deal.  I love spending my evenings with my friends.

On Saturday morning, I headed south with my mom and sister.  My sister drives a Tahoe, which is too big for me to maneuver, so she drove there and back, bless her heart, with my mother as the GPS system.  That was enough to convince my sister to buy a REAL GPS system for the next trip we take.

I took quite a few pictures, which I've posted on a Facebook Group Page for my family.  But here's one of my uncle and his kids:

ripskids And here's a picture of my godfather's daughter and her daughter:

Janey_Olivia I hadn't seen Janey since she was a baby, so I was glad to have a chance to see her as an adult and meet her three children.  I also had some pictures of her father that I emailed to her.  He died several years ago, and I miss him terribly.

I discovered that many of my cousins resemble my immediate family, which shouldn't be a shock, since we share some of the same genes.  But, sometimes, the resemblance is shocking.  Here's my brother Mike, on the left, next to my cousin Alan, on the right.  The resemblance in person is more striking than, perhaps, is evident in this picture:

Mike_Alan2 But even my sister, Mary, who wasn't there, noticed the resemblance.

I had a great weekend, which, of course, put me behind on my grading.  But, really, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.  I had a great weekend.

7 comments:

Christie said...

I have my routines too, and enjoy how comfortable they can be. It sounds like you had a great time with your family; I can't wait to visit with mine at Thanksgiving!

Kourtney said...

For some reason I’ve always loved the word effigy. I’m not sure why. It’s not like the likeness of a dead person is a particularly pleasant topic. I just like the word.

Anyway, last week I googled Guy Fawkes because he was the answer to a Jeopardy question. The question was about where the term “guy” comes from. I had no idea, so I immediately looked it up. While reading this post about the bonfire and the effigy, I had a major case of déjà vu.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your break, you deserve it! You return papers and grades MUCH faster than all of my other teachers, combined! (In one of my classes, I’m still waiting on an exam grade for an exam I took before Halloween.)

Be Well Ms. Smith,
Kourtney Washington

Jonathan said...

I have enjoyed this class this semester, and appreciate you getting back our assignments so quickly. I'm sure you will enjoy winter break as much as I am going to. Thanks!

dotsmom said...

This has been one of my two most favorite classes this semester!

I've enjoyed reading your blogs and your essays. And I haven't had to fuss, collectively, at this class! That's a relief!

K. Smith

Jennifer said...

I know what you mean about routines. Once you develop one, it's kind of hard to deter from it.

Every Sunday when I get out of church, I check my emails on my phone. The emails about our blog points and extra credit are always their like clockwork. I was shocked to not have those emails last Sunday. The first thing I thought was that something had to be wrong. I was glad to find out that you had been enjoying your family. I'm sure you needed that break.

Bulldaddy44 said...

Ms. Smith, I can see the resemblance between your brother and your cousin. Family is the most important. I have enjoyed your class more than any that I’ve had for quite awhile and wish you would consider an “Advanced Creative Writing,” course. I would be the first to sign-up. Take care and God bless you.

dotsmom said...

Ya'll are swell!