Yes, Virginia, some speech tournaments go awry. I think they were using new software or something. The tournament ran late all day, and then there was an interminabe wait at the award ceremony. This was the first tourny where we officially arrived and departed in the dark. In a total reversal from the week before, I didn't have to judge at all ( Read more... )

Yesterday I earned my chops as a parent judge. I got up by 6:15 in order to get to EJHS in time for Critter to ride the bus to the tournament, then he got up late, so we drove straight to Henry Clay. I was given events to judge in all three rounds: Extemp, Duo interp, and Poetry. I barely had enough time to get a couple of muffin-sized quiches ( Read more... )

I'm taking a break from the confines of the closet, and thinking.

I mean taking a break from thinking, that is. Figuring out what to keep and what to toss is hard thinking for me.

I'm all the way caught up in reading my friends view through 12:52 this morning, with forays into LJ Idol directly to ascertain the next topic - The Giving of Thanks, ( Read more... )

The surprise party was a smashing success. I felt the whole bit about watching a movie at Knight and Ro's, and then coming over here for dinner was a bit contrived, but we had really succeeded in making Critter think that we'd be doing something on Sunday. So, he was oblivious to any silly comments that Sunny made ( Read more... )

There are now 18 wrapped presents on the coffee table. Two were wrapped and shipped by Mom. Still to be wrapped is the present that Tigger bought for Critter today -- he was still finishing up homework at 9:30; either he will wrap it in the morning, or likely he will spec out details for me to wrap it. Flar is bringing a present home from Dubai ( Read more... )

Oh so early in the morning. I did NOT follow the team vans, which left school at 5:30 this morning. I got to Boone County High School between 9 and 9:30. The first round was already fully in swing. The amazing breakfast repast was spread in the hospitality room, and there was quiet. Everywhere ( Read more... )

We've gotten the Tempur-pedic mattress, and it's difficult to resist. Last night, I sat in it to read LJ, and ended up crawling under the covers without meds, with Halloween dramatic makeup still on my face. I eventually woke up from a dream where I kept turning off the radio, only to hear another one playing ( Read more... )