Summer Camp Picture Slideshow

Brent, My Bubbly Brother

Ferrum College Summer Enrichment Camp: Coolest Camp EVER!

Enrichment Camp:

This previous week I went to an week long overnight camp. It was great! But my roommate wasn’t that great (she thought our room should be a chilly 60 degrees all the time!), yet I still had fun. Here are the classes I took, things I did, & things I saw.

First class: C.S.I. was my first class to start my day. We got to watch chunks of an episode from the series throughout the week. We made D.N.A. necklaces from spit & two other liquids that we added, but I can’t remember what they were called. After the cells rise to the top, you use a pipette to remove the cells to a smaller container. Once you add some string, you have your D.N.A. in bottle to wear as a necklace. We also made plaster prints (I did mine of my BFF’s foot!) but the next day the plaster was still wet so it didn’t work.

Second class: Living in the 1800’s was so cool! I made an S hook out of HOT iron we heated in the forge. We all got to make & eat johnnycakes (A.K.A. fried cornbread & apple butter), it was okay, definitely not my favorite.  We also got to drive oxen!  You say “Gee” and “Haw” to make them go to the right or left. We danced the Virginia reel & made scherenschnitte, pronounced like shear-n-snit.  I know what you’re thinking what the heck is scherenschnitte? Well it’s a fancy way to cut paper. It’s harder than it looks trust me! We got to feed & play with the animals too. But the hardest thing was learning to play the dulcimer. 

Lunch Time: food at camp was okay but there was always something on the table that was bad. For instance one day I found out my corn dog meat was green! So meals were small for me. But after you finished your food you could go to the library, the book store, or go to your room. As long as you get to your classes on time you could go or do pretty much anything. 

Third class:  Cooking 101 was fun, our teacher set it up like a show and would ask a few of us to come up and do something. The week was planned in order like five meals served during the day. Monday: appetizers, Tuesday: breakfast, Wednesday: lunch, Thursday: dinner, Friday: dessert.

Fourth class: Harry Potter class was boring. We watched two 1 hour, 45 minute slide shows about dragons & history of magic. The two ladies who taught it were saying very unchristian like things, so I honestly didn’t pay that much attention.  

After class activities:  Ferrum Idol is when our group came up with a song about camp, our song base was I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas. Skit Night is where we made a small play. Our skit was Ferrum Survivor, it was awesome, funny, & everyone liked it. 

The Dance: Everyone goes to the dance, but it’s your choice to go with someone. I got a date to the dance, but he asked me at the dance. There were about three slow songs my date and I only danced to one. It was super awesome to run around talk to my friends and do about anything.   

I can’t wait to go back next summer!

Chicken Circus Act

Check out this video my mom made of us with the chickens since the batteries were dead in my camera. My step dad, Shannon, and I caught a lot of night crawlers the other night. So today we fed them to the chickens. Then we turned it into a circus act for the chickens. If I spun the worm I was holding, their heads would turn and follow. If I stood and waited, they would jump about three feet in the air, grab the worm, and swallow it whole! 

Got to go we still have like 20 worms to feed them tonight.

Peace.

P.S. Please leave comments.  And here is a shout out to Sarah Ellis!

Bookworm: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I have just finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This book was strange and interesting, but still another great novel by J.K. Rowling. The search continues for the seven Horcruxes.  Will they all destroy Voldemort?  You’ll have to read it to get the facts.  

Harry, Ron, and Hermione are looking for the parts of Voldemort’s soul that he is hiding so he may live forever. Their lives are on the line for they never know when the Dark Lord is listening.   Like all the other Harry Potter books, the three of them work together to solve the mysteries they face.

You will be surprised that many of Harry’s friends and heroes are gone by the end of the book. Other unexpected things happen, and one of Beetle’s tales might just save their lives.  So if you like magic, drama, and suspense, then this is a great book for you.  

Since this is the longest book in the series, I recommend you set aside a few hours to read each day.  Just like many books, this one is slow to start, but you will quickly find yourself in a different dimension of magical creatures, witches, and wizards.

Peace   

How Was YOUR Day?

Thanks to my mom's friend for sharing this funny!

Are You Ready for the Coop Cam?

The hens are here! I’ve been so excited about them coming that I almost cried on the bus. Each hen has their own name and personality. Red and Sarah are my hens, Miss. Piggy is my mom’s, Nitrous and Jet are my brothers, and my stepdad just named his Darla for the girl on Little Rascals. The funny part is my aunt is scared of chickens. 

Red; she is the hen with a mohawk and she is a reddish color. She is what I like to call a chubby chick. Maybe that’s why she is also the one my cat keeps an eye on. She lays a lot of eggs already.

Sarah; she is the darkest bird of all.  You might think she was the leader of the bunch. I named Sarah after my friend, she is so sweet just like the chicken. 

Miss. Piggy; she is the fattest of them all.  If you stick your finger in her cage she pecks it immediately because she hopes it may be something to eat. She has a black feather on her back that’s how we know it’s her. 

Nitrous & Jet; they look very similar but Jet is a much brighter red. They are the sisters of suspicion because they’re Brent’s birds. They are the ones with the short beaks.

There will be more stories to come, and EGGS too!

Peace*  

Welcoming the Chickens

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Ideas for You

I was thinking about some things I should add to my site and was hoping you could help me with some ideas, or tell me if you like mine. Here is one I know I have to keep: it’s going to be called the coop cam. That’s coop, as in chicken coop. My mom and I are getting chickens and I thought it would be cool to keep you updated too. I’ll show you how to feed them, get eggs, and not get scratched, pecked, or attacked.

Another idea of mine is book blog. Its name means what it is. It’s going to be about books I’ve read, well more like summaries. Remember that most books I read are going to be chapter books that are different. So if you’re a big book worm check it out.

If you like gardening I’m also growing a garden. Possibly you all know a name you like for this blog, and if so please tell me because I’m clueless! Anyway this cam or blog, I’m not sure on that ether, but it’ll be about planting the plants, tilling, plowing, and other stuff. These were my ideas please give me your thoughts and opinions. I hope you will enjoy these topics. If you don’t like this stuff well please tell me your ideas.

P.S. I’m sad to say that the tadpoles are dead. 

Peace* 

Camping - Round 2, Second Verse, Same as the First

This weekend my family and I went camping. The first thing we did was to make a fire. Brent, my little brother, would get pinecones, pine needles that Brent calls ashes for some reason, and all kinds of sticks. The flames of orange and yellow grew and would blow ash and spark everywhere. Eventually the fire grew too big for mom to cook anything. So we had to wait a while until we could eat. 

My mom made bacon cheeseburgers, green beans, baked beans, and grilled corn. It was really fresh, and I wish I could have a meal like it every night. It tasted so good because it was cooked on the fire.  After we finished dinner, we all made yummy, and eewy gooey smores. I like mine charred, but everyone else likes them perfect. 

That night was calm and peaceful to my surprise. The worst part was I still had to sleep with my brother, but I would wake up to soft and hushed waves hitting the rocks. When I did wake up I wanted to go home and sleep in my bed.  

I also fished some too. I didn’t catch anything but I had fun trying. My stepdad caught two fish, but I’m not sure what they were though. I hope to go back soon. 

One of the best parts was that they had hot water, indoor plumbing, and electricity. So in the long run this trip was much better than the beach.

Peace*

Cape Lookout March 2010

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Beach Misery

My family and I went on a beach trip to catch fish, at Cape Lookout. I had planned for this to be a nice little quiet trip. Turns out it’s a whole different ball park. It was windy, cold, and sandy. The wind would move the sand and it would hit your legs like tiny meteors crashing from space. Adding a sunburn to that, your legs felt like they were on fire. Not to mention having to sleep in a half bed with my brother, with sand all over the bed just to make it worse.

My mom and I went to the lighthouse and its museum. These are some pictures of the trip to the lighthouse. It was really educational and my mom had a good time too. But, the sun, sand, and the whole no toilet thing ruined almost everything.

Even though there wasn’t much to do we did find some awesome shells: conches, clam, and many more. The view was also absolutely gorgeous when the orange, red, and yellow sunset would shine. The sand dunes were huge. Thank goodness for that, otherwise you wouldn’t have privacy when using them as a bathroom.

The downs of the trip were there were no showers, no toilets, and no electricity. If you wanted a half decent shower, you would have to drive several miles to get there, and guess what we did.  It was dark, and it smelt like crap, but a shower is still a shower and I’m still living, so it was safe. It was also hard because living without toilets was very complicated. So picture this: you are crossing your legs because you have to pee, you’re sticky from salt water, and you stink pretty badly, then you have to find a dune to use as a bathroom away from home. After you finish, your hands are sandy and there’s no toilet paper. I would rather use the outhouse at the cabin. And don’t even get me started on the spiders in there.


So in the end, it had its ups and downs. Yet my mom wants to go back in the summer. She wants to go back so we can go up in the lighthouse when it’s open to the public. I wish to see the view of the beach and the island from there. Hopefully next time we will be able to see some of the wild horses too.


Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to put indoor plumbing to a good use now. So bye.


Peace.

Did You Wake Up to Bad Hair Today?

Have you ever had a bad hair day? I’ve had so many I’ve lost count! But if you have, you should know they are horrible. In one of my pictures I was having a bad hair day. (The one of me holding my cat.) So at school, someone told me they saw it, and of course I had to explain I have curly hair, so that’s why I looked like a retard.  It’s not like it’s my fault, my hair has a mind of its own and normally it works with my moods.  On that day, the frizz bucket was playing the part really well because I was in crazy mode.    

No matter what kind of hair style you have, you will always have a bad hair day every once in a while.  My best friend has straight hair, and she has had a bad hair day too. So straight, curly, or indefinable frizz, you too can be the victim of a bad hair day.

The worst part is, bad hair days are usually a sign that it’s going to be a rough day. Last year, there was a time that my hair was really frizzy, frizzier than an afro that was picked to death.   So picture this, me and my afro were walking to class, minding our own business, when I overheard someone tell one of my closest secrets.  It totally blew my hair back.  LOL.  Then I got in trouble with my teacher, who has never had a good hair day, if you know what I mean.  And to top it all off, I fell on my butt while going up the stairs at the end of the day.  So that was my worst hair day.  

The best way to get over a messy head, is to have a good laugh.  Just when you think your hair has been the worst of all times, take a look at these pictures, and you’ll realize you’re not the only one who has had bad hair.  

Peace.

P.S. I’m going to update the tad cam later.

You Gotta Be You Too

At my school some people are popular, some are nerdy, some are preppy, weird, and some are normal.  Sometimes the people who are alike start cliques. Some of these groups of people are bad and talk about others, but some are good.  For example, if my friends and I all like soccer, then we may be part of a clique, and we may not even notice that we only hang out with each other.  But other people notice because they aren’t included in the group.  So because of the clique you’re missing out on soccer, and they are missing out on what you’re doing.  It can make you feel excluded, but they don’t usually mean to do it.

 All schools have cliques, and that’s not normally too bad, but some cliques can be hurtful.  When a group of people start to talk about others, say hurtful things, and start rumors, that’s when it gets worse.  I think of gossip like a rash, it spreads, and the more you irritate it, the worse it gets.  And how do you cure a rash?  Well, you just don’t scratch.  So, don’t repeat the rumor, even if it’s true, and it won’t get worse.  It's times like that, you have to go your own way.          

Most schools are divided into these types of groups: the popular, nerds, gross/weird, skaters, athletes, or you can just not fit into any group.  Being an independent person means you can do your own thing and don’t have to follow the crowd.  It means you can have your own style, opinion, and interests.  I feel like I’m one of those people, since my friends are all part of different cliques or they do their own thing also.  I just have to be me!      

You can be you, but I'm going to be me.

Peace.

Adopt a Pet and Make a Friend

I've always been crazy about animals, as far back as I can remember. There are 3 boxes full of stuffed animals in the attic that I've collected, I have over 30 webkinz, and we don't even need to talk about Littlest Pet Shop. It doesn't matter if it's pictures or videos, anything with an animal is my favorite thing in the world. Who doesn't love an animal? I mean, they're so cute, and can be so funny. Check out this crazy cat video my dad sent to me. LOL

How could somebody be mean to something so cute and innocent? It's not like they did anything wrong on purpose. I've seen so many stories about the poor things. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute. You're locked up in a cage or outgrowing a rope attached to your neck, bugs are crawling all over you, you're starving, and haven't had anything to drink. And the worst of all, you're lonely, and just want to be loved. If you want to save some animals, visit your local SPCA or Planned Pethood, and adopt a pet. Give it the best love and care you can. You can't erase the scars left behind, but you can try to heal them.


All of the pets I've had have been adopted, 3 cats and one dog. They've all been great buddies, and even better snugglers.


Muffin was the first to enter my life. She was a little mischievous, and didn't like me very much. I couldn't help it because I was only 3 years old then. We won't talk about how she would pee in my room. The cat never went anywhere else in the house, just my room, and especially my bed. Mom finally let our neighbor have her since they didn't have any kids.  Muffin was much happier with their family.


The only dog I've ever had is Clifford. He was the runt at the pet store, and the choices were very slim. It was either him, or some old dog that would probably only have lived for a few more weeks. When we brought him home, we expected a normal dog. Instead, we got a gassy, nightmare having, screen door ripping puppy who would keep you up all night long. The one good thing was that I knew his name as soon as I saw him. He was named Clifford, after my favorite tv show. He still lives with my dad, and he still has the same nightmares. We think he may have been treated bad as a puppy.

The crazy one!

Then my mom and I found Whiskers under my grandparent's porch. We came to visit them after kindergarten and we heard a kitten meowing like it was hurt or stuck. We tried to get it out, mom and my grandpa both tried, but she wouldn't come to them. Everyone else went back in the house, and I decided to try by myself. Well, I didn't really have to try too hard, she climbed right into my arms just like she knew me! I ran inside while holding her, and Nanny made me take her right back outside. Mom called Shannon, my step dad, to tell him what happened and to say I wanted to keep her. Of course the softie let me, all he asked was what I had named her. I looked at her ears and said she looked like she should be a Whiskers because of all the hair sprouting from them. So that's how she joined the family. Whiskers was the best cat ever, and I miss her very much. We don't know what happened to her because she left one day and didn't come home.

Me cuddling my baby.  :-)

It was a long time before any of us really wanted another cat, but we ended up getting another one last year. My grandparents found a cat at their house during the winter, and she had a litter of kittens. There was one that looked a lot like Whiskers, except that she had shorter hair. She was a lot wilder than Whiskers, so we named her Recess, like the fun outdoor time in school. Some unique things about her are: she loves to snuggle with Brent, catnip makes her crazy, and she loves car rides. She must really love us because she brings us mice almost daily. Did you know that was her way of showing her appreciation?

That's Recess, helping Mom paint.

So you see, having a pet is a big responsibility, but it's a great way to make a new friend. If you're scared of thunderstorms, grab a book, pillow, and blanket to snuggle up with your new buddy.


Peace.

Are You Constipated Yet?

Have you ever been embarrassed? So embarrassed that your face turned red?

Well I know my friend has. Here’s the story. One day when Jess and I were in the car with her mom and brother. In my family, we show that we like each other by joking around and playing, sometimes we do it to the point that we’re annoying. It’s all in fun. :-) This time, I was bugging Jess by hugging her. It must have really gotten to her because she asked her mom, “Hey, mom have you ever been constipated?” Everyone started laughing so hard. I almost choked. Lori said, “I think you mean claustrophobic.” Then Jess said, “Oh yeah that’s what I meant.” That was only the beginning.

We told my mom the story too. Now when Jess comes over we get in bed with my mom, crowd her and say, “Are you constipated yet?” It’s really funny when she finally gives up.

So now it’s a game we play. We always say “are you constipated yet?” I think I’ll hold that over her for the rest of her life.

Isn’t it easier to get over something embarrassing when you can laugh at it?

Peace.

The Great Creature Adventure

          As you should have read, I have recently gone on a hiking trip, and boy was it something else. My family and I had found some frog eggs, which you can see on my video blog.   You’ll be able to check back each week to see how much they’ve grown.  All the information we’ve found says it could be 9 days to 3 weeks before they start to change.  That’s if they survived my brother shaking them on the way home.

The eggs where we found them.

When we first got there the ground was like quick sand and there were thorn branches everywhere. If you turned around you would be hit in the face by a tree branch. Once we got on a deer trail near the water, it was much easier to walk.  While at the creek we found a crawfish. I thought it would be a good idea to see if it could snap a stick in half. It can’t, but I still got to hold it.

It wouldn't let go until we put it back in the water.

My keen eye site came in handy on this trip because I spotted a small red bug while we were walking.  I told my mom, so she took a picture, and immediately googled it when we got home. It was really a red velvet mite that you see here.  It was ketchup red, the same red as one of my stepdad’s shirts that I’m a little embarrassed by.  Too bad I don’t have a picture of the shirt so you can compare.  

My step dad may not have the best taste in clothes, but he’s an awesome rock skipper.  He’s been trying to teach me how to do it for at least 2 years.  The secret is to find special skipping rocks that are small and round.  Shannon (that’s my step dad) actually put some in a bag to take home with us.  He’s been skipping rocks for 30 years, so it’s no big deal to him anymore.    

            My friend found a bug also.  It turned out to be a hellgrammite.  Shannon knew what that was, because it’s great fishing bait. We found the hellgrammite under a rock while building a dam in the creek. It looked like a black centipede but with big black jaws.  I don’t think you would want it to bite you.

It was a great hike!

Peace.

Stay tuned...

Dear Reader,


Tomorrow you'll read about the hiking trip my family took over the weekend.  It was so much fun, and we saw so many crazy creatures, you won't want to miss out.

Meet Mr. Helgramite - YUCK!

We saw a helgramite, a crawfish, red velvet mite, and even got some frog eggs to bring home.  You can e-mail me at courtney@thecourtneyshow.com to ask questions or let me know what you want to hear more about.  


Make sure you bookmark or add www.thecourtneyshow.com to your favorites. 


Peace.

One of A Kind

Dear readers,

I’m writing to you about something that has just happened and I am sad to say my own friend did it. My friend has stolen my idea and copied my web site. If you are in school, I’m sure you have heard of plagiarism.  It’s really disappointing to have someone betray your trust. I hope you will never do this because sometimes it can hurt. I understand wanting to blog but why not use an original idea?

Peace.

My First Blog

This is my first blog for my new website. If you have ever blogged before you should know that it’s very hard work and requires a lot of dedication. A lot of people think they will write every day, and they don’t. I will not be able to write to you all of the time, but I will keep you updated. Just so you know, keeping you updated means every other day or so - not every day. Because, guess what, I’m a hard working achiever too.

I’ll be writing about my life and everything that happened that week. You’ll also have the privilege of watching some of my video blogs as well. I think I can make it so that you can email me and tell me what you did that week and ask or answer questions. I have decided that my first email from a fan will be put in one of my video blogs. As time goes on, some pictures of me and my friends will also be added.

I’m hoping this will be a good way to meet people from different places. If you are reading this blog please send me info about you and stuff like that. Please get your parents’ permission first. You know how crazy moms and dads can be! I’m so excited about having my own blog.

Peace.