Wordless Wednesday: Leap Day

I've Been a Busy Bee

I have been so busy with school work the last couple of weeks. I just haven't had as much time as I would like to write all my blogs. This is what I get for taking 3 English classes in a semester. Lots of reading and writing. I do love them especially my film class.

I took my first History test today, and I did not do well. I know it. UGH! Some of the questions were super easy, but then many of them were very obscure. The best part was the ones that contradicted themselves. Like what is NOT a way this happened and all the answers were wrong and then we got a all of the above were ways. HUH?! Everyone looked stressed and worried so we shall see. I am so screwed as I have to take four classes to graduate and I only took four. I can't add a new class as it's way too late, and I can't drop. I guess I'm going to have to really buckle down for this class. I know I haven't received my grade yet, but I already checked some of the ones I remembered and it's not looking that great.

On a happier note, I am totally acing all my English classes. That makes me very happy. I had to read the Great Gatsby and watch Jane Campion's The Piano. I will say I liked the Great Gatsby, but I was finding it a bit hard to keep up with the changes of the narrator. Some parts became a little confusing as to what was going on, but overall I do see many parallels of the Jazz period to our own. I guess each generation thinks the world is going to hell in a hand basket. The moral decay of society, the materialism, and extreme consumption. We always think some parts of the country are more tainted than others. I would like to read Tender is the Night soon.

I am taking a film class called Three Female Directors. This is a very interesting class as there aren't many female directors in Hollywood. I never knew about Dorothy Arzner was the first Hollywood female director to make sound movies. There were a few female directors who made silent movies, but Arzner directed both silent and sound movies. She was the only one at the time. Our other main discussion is about "the look". In other words, the theory is we as movie viewers watch the movie through a man's point of view. Since the majority of movies are made by men, then we view women through a man's perception. We as women do this not only in movies but all media including advertisements and print. I won't bore everyone with all the details, but we are watching movies that do seem to defy this theory especially in movies made by females.

The Piano is one where we do see the women as an object to be sold and traded in the Victorian age where women did not have rights. I found the way the story does unfold uses male nudity to make you, as a spectator, feel awkward watching. It is curious to me how as a society, we are mostly fine with seeing women naked, but not men. Even many men feel strange to see a man nude on screen. The more I watch Campion's movies, the more I see how complex the characters are as well as this way of turning that gaze back on the audience. I really connected to Holly Hunter's character and the acting was very well done. I loved the cinematography as well as the costumes. I can see why this movie won Best Original Screenplay.

I do want to write more posts about my film class including movie reviews. I also want to discuss more about the theories were learning in class. I haven't been able to do as much with all this school work. I am getting a couple of papers done this weekend which will help lighten my load a bit.

UPDATE: I just got back my history grade and I made a B! YAY! I will try harder for the next ones. I have three so I am determined to get an A. I won't lose sleep if I end up with a B for the semester. I think I can, I think I can. Now I can stop stressing about dropping it. Whew! That is a huge relief but I will just have to do more studying for this class. He likes to trick you. Maybe his next one won't be so hard.

Happy Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras was a lot of fun this year. We are the only state that gets Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) off as an actual holiday. I don't know how much of North Louisiana celebrates, but the kids get off 3 days. In some parishes a whole week! I know crazy. I didn't have classes today either! I only go to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I meant to do some homework this past weekend, but that didn't happen. I guess since it's the weekend before my birthday and Mardi Gras, that didn't happen. Oh well.

We have one parade that passes in front of our house on Monday nights (Lundi Gras) which is lots of fun. Poor hubby had to work and missed the whole parade. I was sad as it's the first time he's missed a parade since we've lived here of 15 years. We had the family over and we had a great time. Lots of good food plus the infamous king cake.

I wanted to take a picture of the aftermath of a parade. I did not wake up early enough as many of my neighbors already had their sides cleaned. I guess the town is too cheap to a hire a cleaning crew or even a street sweeper. We did clean our yard this afternoon. It wasn't too bad as we are pretty good about picking up right after the parade has passed. Everyone is so sweet to help us so it's not too bad the next day. Another carnival season came and went. My nieces really want us to go to the night parades with them in New Orleans. I did a New Orleans parade once, and I wasn't impressed. Too much shoving for me over some beads. I like my small town and very family orientated parades. I wanted to write a post on some of the history of Mardi Gras, but I've been so busy with school. I promise to write more about it soon.

THROW ME SOMETHING MISTER!

Clipix Helps You Organize Stuff

 

I love browsing the internet and find so many great websites, articles, and just stuff I find that I like. How do you keep all that stuff organized? Many of us have tons of bookmarks, but I get tired of trying to keep that all organized so it doesn't become overly cluttered. I might accidentally delete a bookmark. I am tired of this problem. I have found a great solution called clipix!

The video will better explain what the website does for you, but basically it allows you to clip things you like on the internet into clipboards. You drag the clip button into your toolbar, and you are set to clip items you like while surfing the internet. All your clipboards are completely customizable, and you can even keep them private or share with everyone such as Facebook, Twitter, and such. You can also comment on clips or reclip a clip to share. The website is free to use.

You can have as many clipboards as you want. I have a clipboard I created shown below of my wish list. I am always coming across something I like so now I can easily save it (or clip it).

 

I am also planning to have clipboards for comparison shopping, books, movies, recipes, gift lists, decorating, or anything I want. I am just amazed at the endless possibilities clipix offers me. Another great feature is the free iPhone app you can download. It allows you to take pictures of the items you like and your clipboards on the go. I have downloaded it and love this app. It works very well.

Visit clipix today and start organizing your stuff. So leave me a comment on what you will use clipix for.

Promoted Post

Wordless Wednesday: Mardi Gras Mambo

Yes carnival season is here! Next week is Fat Tuesday, but no I am not a parade person. I do have one parade that passes in front of my house on Lundi Gras (the Monday before Fat Tuesday). I walk out my house, catch some beads, and go back inside after it passes.

PunjabiGraphics.com | Mardi Gras | Forward this Picture

Season 3 of Swamp People Starts Tonight!

I am excited to watch the season premiere tonight. It is on tonight at 8PM CST on the History Channel. I love this show and find it quite entertaining.

I live in the same parish (county to everyone else) as Troy, but on the opposite end. I have been in those swamps before.

I embedded a clip of the commercial that aired on Super Bowl Sunday. I will say it won't be the same this season not hearing Troy yell at Elizabeth, "Choot 'em Liz! Choot 'em!". It still cracks me up.

I still do not get why the twin brothers, who do not hunt alligators, are on the show. It serves no purpose other than comedy relief I suppose. To me I think it's one more way to make fun of us Cajuns. That's just my humble opinion.

Enjoy the clip, and let me know if you will be watching tonight.

Take Advantage of the Sprint 4-Day Sale (2/5-2/8)

This post brought to you by Sprint. All opinions are 100% mine.

I think technology is great, but it can be hard to keep up when great new phones are coming out often. Sprint has solved this problem with their limited online sale. You can get the Nexus S™ 4G for FREE when you either open a new line of service or add to your account. This is the Nexus S™ 4G from Google which features Built-in Google apps, integrated Google Voice™ service, 4G speed and a superfast processor. Nexus S™ 4G @ FREE online only savings ($50 MIR converts to instant + $99.99 web only savings).

OR Sprint is offering another great deal on the HTC EVO™ 3D phone. You can get it for only $49.99 when you open a new line of service or add to your account.  HTC EVO™ 3D @ $49.99 online only savings ($50 MIR converts to instant + $50 web only savings). The HTC EVO™ 3D offers great features such as taking pictures and sharing them in 3D. This is a really cool feature and great for gadget lovers.

Sprint isn't done yet with the great offers. They will waive the activation fee for new lines of service and free shipping on sprint.com website. This offer is only good on their website. Hurry before the sale ends on 2/08/12.

 

Lessons I Have Learned

I went back to school to finish my Associate Degree in General Studies. I just wanted the quick degree to get back into the work force. My goal was to work as a teacher's aide. The degree would give a little more money plus I would be one of the few aides with an actual college degree. That degree would also give me job security.

I quickly realized, after a few weeks of classes, that I wanted more for myself. I was tired of constantly settling for second best, and I am worth investing in myself. I now want my Bachelor Degree and am even considering a Master's Degree. Being back in college has helped me to figure out my passions in life which are writing and business. I have always enjoyed business but not to work in a corporate setting. Instead I want to apply those skills to my blogs.

Some of the skills I have learned are:

• Writing- I am learning more about writing for my audience. Keep your writing concise yet effective.
• Speech- I have learned how to write and present an effective speech plus power point presentations.
• Dreamweaver- I am more confident in building and designing sites.
• Business Writing- This is currently helpful for writing memos, emails, and learning how to collaborate with a group.

I have realized there are more classes I wish to take to help further my knowledge. I want to learn more about marketing, advertising, photography, and public relations. I can accomplish my goal of diversifying my education with a General Studies degree. I will have at least 4 minors and possibly 5 when I graduate with my Bachelor's Degree.

I am already taking my blogs more seriously by writing better content. I want to do more writing for other sites and publications which I have mentioned. I now realize that my college degree will help me to accomplish my goals. I am already fulfilling a major goal of finishing my degree, but am taking it a step further by going for my four year. I just feel I am finally on the right path in my life. I can take all of my past experiences and use them to help shape me into a better person. I will no longer define myself by mistakes, but use those mistakes to shape myself into a success.

Stay Connected and Support Walgreens

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

Walgreens understands the cost of prescription medications are on the rise. They are offering a special discount on their annual membership with its Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens. A family membership is only $35 for the year, which includes spouse, dependents 22 and younger plus your pets. An individual plan is only $20 a year!

The savings plan includes many great benefits other than receiving discount prices on all your prescriptions. You will also receive savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications. Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers, and diabetic supplies. Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photo services.

I think it is great Walgreens is offering discounts on pet medications as these can be more expensive than your own medications. This savings plan is a great discount for people on a tight budget. I know I am always looking for more ways to cut expenses.

Support Walgreens and stay connected by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter. I also receive special emails from Walgreens with discounts and coupons. I also receive their weekly ad flyer, and it's sent to my email in advance so I can see the great deals before the sale starts.

Proof the Groundhog Was Wrong

Today Phil the Groundhog did indeed see his shadow which means six more weeks of winter. The pictures ,I just took outside in my backyard, show quite the contrary. I do realize I live in a sub-tropical climate (Zone 9), but we do get snow from time to time. It doesn't matter that I have only seen it about 4-5 times in my lifetime.

I posted a picture of my blooming azalea bushes last week so I thought I would take pictures of all the clover growing in my yard. I took pictures of where my garden plot is, but as you can see it's overgrown with clover at the moment. I have seen several honeybees in the last week buzzing around the clover. I was looking for a four leaf clover, but no luck. I have only found one so far in my life as a kid. I keep looking each year.












We had a very bad thunderstorm pass last year, and we had a huge boom. It really sounded like a bomb went off but it was lightening hitting my pecan tree. It killed off what was left of the tree which was here before the house was built in 1957. The tree is well over 100 years old according to my husband's grandfather. My husband knows a guy who is going to come over to cut it down for for us free of charge. He gets the wood for his firewood company to sell, and I get to save a few hundred dollars. It's a win win situation. I will be sad to the tree go, but better for it to be cut down then fall on my house during the next hurricane.















This very last picture is of my Japanese Plum tree. We planted it about 18 months ago, and it is already more than doubled in size. I need to add more fertilizer around it later this month.


I really want to plant more fruit trees, but dwarf size trees. I want to keep them under 15' feet tall. My plan is to have several fruit trees and bushes to keep me in fruit all year long. We are going to buy a couple of Satsuma trees this year. I would like 2 trees of the same variety so I can get double. What you are planting this spring? Any fruit trees or bushes?

January Entrecard Top Droppers

I normally do this just for my Thrifty Momma Ramblings blog, but I will start posting the top droppers each month for all three blogs from Entrecard. I want to thank everyone who drops all three of my blogs daily. Here are my top droppers for January.

Thrifty Momma Ramblings

Sparkle Cat

A New Concept for Life

Freda and Victor

Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife

Jasi Online Store

The Way I See It

Robbie's Corner

Da Dude's BBQ Thought

ShauniSpeaks