Hey, guys!!

For those who hacve asked when I'm going to write again ... Well, here I go!! I'm going to tell you what I've been doing for the past week!

Last Sunday: Chris came down to visit me. I love it when he comes down here to see me. He's been working so hard with school and work so, he has very little time to come down here and see me but, somehow he manages to come down here and see me :)

Monday: I volunteered at the hospital. One of the volunteers I work with had emergency surgery and I was just walking out the door when my supervisor called me! Oh, I got Liam a Thomas the train track set for Christmas and he has enjoyed it so much. This is the picture of the track that Momma came up with for the current track. I'm getting him more for his birthday but, don't tell him!!! ;)

Tuesday: I helped Momma build the chicken tractors. Here are some pictures:

Wednesday, I went and volunteered again. I do this twice a week. I'm so glad to be going back to volunteering. :) Anyway, back to my week ..... Will helped build the chicken tractor

Thursday, we completed the below chicken tractor. The yellow chicks (meat chicks) are in here. The red and brown chicks (layers) will go in the other chicken tractor.

Friday: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach :) ~ I baked Chris's favorite cookie ... Oatmeal cookies of course. I kept it a surprise (well, I wanted to) but, sadly, I away gave one too many hints :( I'm just not good at keeping a secret :( 

 

Chris came down after work and he took me out on a date for Valentine's day :)

I love this picture of Chris and I. It looks like Chris has earrings!! LOL!!!

We went to El Dorado Steakhouse in Headland. We had to wait to get seated but, we did not mind. Once we got to the booth, we had to wait for them to take our order. Again, we did not mind. It was expected though since it was Valentine's day! He also bought me flowers, a (Pink) Duck Dynasty devotional and a balloon!

Saturday: Chris had free tickets (that his company gives their employees) to a baseball game in Troy and I was able to go up there with him. Northern Kentucky played Troy and Troy won!! Here are a few pictures

It was a good week off FB! It was much needed. I was able to help Momma with stuff. If I was a good manager of my time (I'm trying to change) and could control my FB activity then I probably would not ever get off but, I'm not and so I do. :)

I don't know what to write

There are so many things running through my head right now that I could write about but, I have to sort and decide which ones I want to write about. It's a very hard decision! If I write about one idea, people would get the wrong impression. However, I really want to write about it cause it makes me happy if even for the moment. This my blog and this is about my life! With that said, here I go!

I met a guy when I was volunteering at the hospital. We were in the Subway line together. We talked like strangers would do. "How are you?" and "How's work?" (I thought that he worked at the hospital.) He offered to buy me a drink at Subway and I told him that he did not have to do that but,he did anyway. I thanked him for it. We were in line to get a drink at the machine but, there were some people in front of us and when they left, he told me to go and I said thanks and have a nice day! Then I proceeded to sit down at a table and he sat down at my table!! At this point, I did not know what to think. I was sitting there drinking my Dr. Pepper and thinking "Why is this guy sitting here talking to me a lowly volunteer???" He then proceeded to ask me about what I do at the hospital and what I do in general. I thought that for sure when he heard that I was a volunteer that he would get up and leave but, he didn't!. I told him that I live on a farm with my parents (that did not scare him off) and I told him that I was a volunteer there at the hospital (and that still did not scare him off). So, if all that id not scare him off, I figured that I could be more relaxed and I was. He asked me what is my favorite restaurant and I figured that ti was a casual questions so, I answered Olive Garden. I LOVE their salad and bread sticks!  So, he said ok. Then we talked a little more and I decided that I wanted to go to a Mexican restaurant. So, he is taking me on a date on Monday (July 1) to the Mexican restaurant. :-).

We have since gone to the Mexican restaurant and I had a blast. We had fun just laughing and talking and hanging out. We were learning about each other. :) I think that there *might* be some potential there but, I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch. :)


About him: His name is Jonathan and he is working at the hospital this week because Flowers Hospital is implementing new software throughout the hospital. The best way I can describe the change is; Everyone is going to have electronic patient files instead of paper files. Jonathan is a computer engineer so, he goes around to hospitals all over the South. He will be leaving at the end of next week. He will be going to another hospital that needs him and he will be missed. He's a great friend to me and a great friend to have.


Oh, Jonathan is also one of my FB friends so, feel free to "stalk" him ;)

Marc

Marc and I are not in a relationship anymore! Its ok! Dont be sad!! Dont say that you are sorry for me!! I dont feel that way!! We are still good friends and I feel so blessed to have him as such.

I'm sure that it will hit me tomorrow but we (Marcc and I) came to this decision together!! Pray for me as I face everyone at church tomorrow night!!

Love y'all!!!

The Adventures of a Farmers Daughter

I really have nothing to write cause nothing very exciting is going on on the farm. I get up and it is a joy to feed my horse now. I don't know why unless my friend boy has me more interested in horses than before. Although, it could also be the fact that I have completely moved his (the horses ... not the friend boys ;p )eating trough and water trough to the bigger pasture (which is right outside my bedroom window) so that it is much easier for me to feed him. I mean, its not easier in the fact that it is outside my bedroom window but, that I moved it to a much more easier location for the horse to get to.

My GED classes are still going well. Sometimes I get discouraged and then my teacher says something to lift up my spirits.

Things between me and my friend boy are going really well. I hope that it continues to do so. If I haven't mentioned before .... I like the idea of courtship!!! I'm hoping we can hang out a lot this summer. I mean, when he is not working ...

I am bound and determined to not be like some people who forget about their friends that they have known for forever just because they have a friend boy (or boyfriend ... whatever the case may be). I hope I did not step on any toes by saying that and I hope that people are not offended.

I will hopefully get to hang out with some of my other friends this summer as well and maybe possibly go to the beach with them! WOOHOO!!!!!

I just felt like that I needed to write a blog post for some reason. I don't know why though ...

Oh, maybe I will get to do more traveling this year???? I don't know ... I guess that we will have to see!! ;)

Anyway, until next time I think of something to write... God Bless!!!

Courting

You know, I used to think that courtship was not all that it was cracked up to be. I guess because I really didn't know what it meant to "court" someone. Now that I am actually doing it, I think that it is great.

Over the years, I've heard both sides of the argument. I've had a friend that was not successful in his (first and only) courtship relationship that he just didn't do the courtship thing anymore. Then, my best friend did it and it was just perfect for her. Her and her husband are loving life and is soon going to be expecting a baby ... their first!!! :D

Courtship for me is perfect, I think. I'm loving the idea of being able to hang out with the guy and the guy hang out with me at each others house. A friend of mine told me one time that courtship is with the intent of marrying that person. If that is the case, then yes, I am courting and loving it!!!

My life is changing. I'm all of a sudden joining things (ok, one thing) that I had never thought of joining simply because I didn't want to go to the events all by myself. Now, I wont ever have to. His mom will always be able to go with me (when she is home).

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If this makes sense, Marc is the guy that I had been praying against. No, that does not sound right. Perhaps I had been praying for him to come but not realizing it.

**BACK STORY**

When my friends and I were little, they would always say that I would marry a farmer because I grew (and I am still growing) up on a farm. I'd always come back and say: "No, I ain't gonna marry no farmer!!" Now, I believe that my story has changed. I cant believe that I am actually courting a farmer!!!! I mean, really ..... Who woulda thunk it??? My friends, that's who!!!

**NOTE**

Marc is not a farmer as in he makes his living off the land but, he is a farmer none the less. He grows corn and peas and beans and such.

Courting Customs in America

Courting on the American Frontier

Country courting was different that city courting. For example, a young suitor who really admired a young lady might send her a note with friend called a "compliment". The note might had said something such as:


"Dear, Miss Kirkland (using myself as a example),
May I have the desirable pleasure of your countenance on this forthcoming Sunday afternoon?"
Truly yours, Marc Hall (using my boyfriends name as a example)"


The suitor would put the note in a decorated envelope and have a friend deliver it. The friend then had to wait for the day's response and deliver the response back. If the response was favorable, the young suitor would ask her to ride with him on his horse and carriage, (Question: How do you ride on a horse and carriage?) with proper chaperoning,of course. Often, she said no because she did not have proper attire for the evening.

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If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know

I am so happy!!!

I'm in a relationship with a guy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His name is Marc Hall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Art of Letter Writing ~ Courting Customs in America

Imagine a young couple, very much in love and living miles apart from each other. In the era before the invention of the telephone, the only means of communication was letter writing.

Letter writing was considered a form of courtship. It was a manner in which a suitor would try to secure the respect and consideration of the person whom he corresponded with.

The rules for letter writing included proper regard for composition and naturalness of expression.

LETTER WRITING RULES:

1. Write letters often

2 Wait for a response before dashing off another correspondence

3. Keep the particulars to a minimum

4. If you are 'familiar' with the corespondent, openly but properly express the feelings

5. Pay attention to whom the recollection of the heart be garnered


** While there were certain exceptions, correspondence was to be conducted only with the consent and approval of the parents **

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As a rule, the love was to be very guardedly written. Ladies, especially, were advised to be very careful to maintain their dignity when writing them.

No man, who was declared to be a gentlemen, would ever boast of his love conquests, among companions or reveal to others the correspondence between himself and a lady

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When February birds do mate, You wed nor dread your fate

Reflection

January: of this year (2010) I had the privilege of flying with my friends Kim and her sister Kris to Erie Pennsylvania to see a friend of ours: Kayla Hughes. Read about our trip here: Erie Trip and here: Erie Trip Part 2. It was a lot of fun.

February: Two weeks after I got back from Erie, it snowed in Alabama!!! That is a rare occurrence for us!!!!! Then about a week later my brother had a appointment with a doctor b/c he found a lump on his chest. Mom wanted to be out there with him for the results. Mom and I drove to Texas. Read about it here: Texas Adventure ~ Day 1 and 2. For those of you who do not want to click on the link: My brother has been diagnosed with CML = Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. Its the good type of cancer to have!!

March: Nothing exciting really happened .... Except my brothers WBC = white blood cell count went down considerably. You can read about it if you click here.

April: I got my first ever job (besides working for Daddy during harvest) working at a vet office as a receptionists. I sometimes got to hold the animals and occasionally watch them do a surgery I loved watching them do that!!!!!

May: Read here

June: Read here

July: Click here to read

August: I was reading a book on courtship in America. Its a very interesting read. Click here to read the introduction to the book

September: My brother brought home his fiance (now wife) to meet us!!! When I first saw Amy I loved her!!!!! I really loved her!!!!! I was so happy that she was going to Marry my brother!!!!!

October: I jack-knifed a peanut trailer!!!!! We had a wedding to attend!!!!! It was so beautiful!!!!! I'm so happy that I went!!!!!

November: We had a family Thanksgiving!!!!! It was a blast!!!!!

December: We had a great month until Mom and I got sick on Christmas Eve!!! We have been sick ever since!! It is true that there have been times when we felt great but then, we had a relapse So, I guess we will be sick on New Years Day!!! Isnt that a bad omen or something???

Anyway, I hope that you had a good time recapping (proper word usage) and reading about our year of trials and triumphs!!!!! Have a Happy New Year!!!!!!!

P.S. Here's hoping that Auburn Wins the BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!! GO TIGERS!!!!!

Courting Customs in America

Courting with Fans

To the young ladies and men of the 19th century, fanology was a secret and silent language that could be used to communicate without speaking. Fanology included an intricate alphabet. Sometimes a coded rendezvous time could be made by the number of sticks showing. Other symbols included are:

Covering your left ear to request that your secret be kept

Twirling the fan in your left hand to warn of being watched

Drawing the fan across the eyes by way of apology

A half opened fan to the lips is a way of giving permission to kiss

Courting Customs in America

Courtship in the 1830's to the 1880's

The evolving relationship between women and men for economic support gave way to a more divided relationship. Women were regarded as morally superior and were granted increasing authority concerning household duties and the raising of the family. Men remained the main authority outside the home, for example with the family's farm or business.

During this time period, courtship became very formal. Rings were now exchanged to represent engagement and parents were asked for permission to marry. This period formability also encompassed the beginning of the white bridal gown and veil, which symbolized purity.

Romantic love was the focus of the era and was viewed as the main requirement for marriage. "To Couple is a Custom" (The Bundling Book, 1774 and reprinted in 1836).

Courting Customs in America

***** BACHELOR TAX LEVIED *****

In the days of early America, the desire for marriage and children was so desirable that a tax was levied on bachelorhood

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~ Acquaintance Customs ~

Dances were a popular folk activity in early America. When unmarried young men and women attended these folk dances, they always carried 'conversation lozenges' on the person. Conversation lozenges were often heart-shaped sweet candies with tender messages of love written on them. The young lads presented them to the ladies they were attracted to. If a young lady did not return the lozenge, or if she gave the young gentlemen own of her self-designed lozenges, it was assumed that the pair was on the way to become a socially recognized couple.

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***** The heart as a symbol of love *****

Throughout romantic literature, the heart is regarded as the ultimate expression of love. "I give my heart to you." "I love you with all my heart." "My heart goes out to you."

Courting Customs in America

*Note*
This is a short one so, I am going to combine 2 things together. Just wanted to let my readers know!!!!!

***** Courting Customs *****

Parental involvement in courtship was expected because marriages was not merely an emotional relationship between individuals but also a property arrangement among families. A young man was expected to bring land or some other form of property to a marriage while a young woman was expected to bring a dowry worth about half as much.

***** The Courtship of Dancing *****

Dancing has always been a form of courtship in America. In colonists America, for example, each village had its own fiddler who seemed to always been available for barn dances. The festive dances were conducted on the hard wood floors with bits of straw scattered for effect.

Later, every civilized village had a dancing master who provided proper instruction in the art of dancing. Little boys and girls learned how to dance the minuet, to bow and to curtsey(sp).

Courting Customs in America

~ Manners and Morals of Bundling ~

In the community, there was definitely a dispute as to the manners and morals of bundling. The moral question always involved the female. "Was it right and proper for a woman to bundle with a man to whom she is not married?" The question, in reverse, was never asked of a man

In those days, a young gentlemen might have the right to bundle with his beloved, if he was given the chance, and yet, at the same time, declare it to be immoral for the girl to accept his companionship in the bed. And, most certainly, a young gentlemen had every right to be disturbed if he learned that his partner had previously bundled with another.

Puritan New Englanders did not regard love as a necessary precondition for marriage. Indeed, they associate romantic love with immaturity and impermanence.

True love, the puritans believed, would appear following marriage.

A proper marriage, in their view, was not based on love and affection, but on rational considerations of property, compatibility, and religious piety. Thus, it was acceptable for a young man to pursue "a goody lass with an abundance of money" so long as he could eventually love his wife-to-be.

The Art of Bundling in Early America

Getting to Know Thee

Bundling is an early American courtship custom, thought to have originated in Holland and the British Isles. It was extended to America, particularly to New England, and most widely practiced in the years prior to the Revolution of 1776

Bundling is the practice of engaged or courting couples, laying on a bed together, completely dressed or bundled, persuing their romance. The couple was usually separated by a bundling board, sack or bolster.

Bundling normally took place when a suitor visited his intended and needed to stay the night due to bad weather or to many miles to walk back.

Bundling is believed to have died out in the nineteenth century as bigger houses were being built and more beds were available but, the fascination with the custom continues to this day.

~ Bundling Quotes ~

"Quiet as a mouse we were after midnight. We just laid there and talked until then"

"As long as he minds his manners, bundling is permitted"

"Many happy marriages came from bundling"

"Many will giggle and laugh at the process"

Courting Customs in America ~ Second Dates

Increase and multiply was the cry of encouragement from the villagers in early America

Courtship customs and activities have changed much over the years. In days gone by, the ritual of courtship was very structured.

1. Introduction of the man and woman was considered proper and mandatory. After the first introduction was made, the mother of the household would request a 'call' from the man. This meant that, in the mothers presence, the man was to pay a visit. Parents would sometimes sit in a nearby room and listen to the couple's conversation

2. Second dates were expected more often that not.

3. Decorum was propriety and good taste in behavior was expected

Courting Customs in America

Courtship In The Colonial Times

American courtship began when the colonies were first being formed in the new land. The challenge of forming new towns, farming the land and learning survival skills were often more than the colonists could handle. These tasks required a greater amount of man power to meet the demands; the rituals of courtship were kept short and simple an order to facilitate quick and early marriages. Courtship was less parent-oriented and more a simple necessity of interdependence that depended on the financial status of the future husband and his ability to support a wife and a family.

The parents focused much less on the search for the perfect marital partner for their daughter and focused more on the wedding her in order to bear children and thus help support the enormous work load.

Many believed that love developed only after a marriage progressed and not before. In time, there was a movement towards marrying for love-a love that involved openness and sincerity in a future mate.

The seeking of a mate was not necessary because couples often knew each other from social activities, such as church or school. These settings gave the couple the necessary time and opportunity to get to know each other in a structured setting.

Courting Customs in America

I'm reading a book called "Courting Customs in America" and I as read, I am finding stuff that I want to remember so, I'm writing it in my blog. The following is the introduction to the book:

When the settlers first arrived on the shores off the new world, courting customs were simple and easy to follow. It would be later in American history that more complicated courting rituals would develop.

For many couples, courtship was devoted to disclosing personal faults and dissecting their reason for marriage. They considered romance and passion childish and unreliable motives for marriage and instead sought love that was more tender and rational.

Over time, the rituals of courtship changed and parental influence and involvement in the selection of their children's marriage partner visibly declined. Young women and Men were increasingly free to pick or reject a spouse with little parental interference. At the same time that courtship grew free, however, marriage became an increasingly difficult transition point, particularly for women, and more and more women elected not to marry at all.

Originally, laws were passed in this country that gave parents "the care and power ... for the disposing of their children in marriage." Through the changes in courtship customs and social attitudes, marriage became an option for women and not a necessity.

Through all of this, many colorful courtship customs developed. Many have since then become outdated or have simply "fallen out of custom." Still others survive to this very day ... For example: the offering of a ring from a man to a women to establish the beginning of the 'engagement' phase of their relationship.

The study of courtship customs always provide food for thought. What was courting like back then? How has it changed to this day in time?

I will write more as I read more of the book.