Seven Snippets: Bah Humbug, Sewing Machines, and Seismic Activity

— 1 —

I have nothing for my oldest child for Christmas. And by nothing, I don’t mean “I haven’t bought anything yet” – I mean “I have no idea what I’m going to get her.” I thought I had a slam dunk with a Vera Bradley messenger bag for school (her backpack is exacerbating the problems caused by the growth spurts this fall, so since we were going to be changing her bag I thought I’d get one that was cute instead of utilitarian). In fact, I sat her down at the computer with me to order it last night so I would know EXACTLY what pattern she wanted, when she mentioned that the school is issuing every student a new (identical, black) backpack in January.

And just like that, I’m now faced with having to request a midyear change to the 504 plan and also find a utilitarian (i.e., ugly) messenger bag.

Bah humbug. Feel free to make gift recommendations in the combox.

— 2 —

Have you seen the story about the man who survived underwater for two and a half days after the ship he was on sank? He was discovered by divers who were looking for bodies. It happened last May, but the video footage was just released.

— 3 —

Hmmm….let’s see… (or as Nathan would say, “Essseeee”) What else have I got for you? Nothing. We’ll move forward from here with Auburn-themed snippets, as I’m confident that most of you have seen The Play by now. If by some chance you haven’t, or you’ve only seen the CBS broadcast version, here you go:

— 4 —

First, we’ll go with the gal who decided to lip sync Rod Bramblett, longtime radio announcer for Auburn football, calling The Play. The best part? She’s not even an Auburn fan – she just got caught up in the moment.

— 5 —

In all of the hullabaloo about The Play, most people have forgotten (or never heard) about the Sewing Machine. The Sewing Machine Guy is now pseudo-famous, becoming part of an internet meme and receiving balloon appliances for his efforts on behalf of the team.

— 6 —

And of course we had the faux-earthquake… Auburn University doesn’t have a seismometer, but two seismometers in Alabama (both a considerable distance from Auburn, in opposite directions) recorded seismic activity that coincided with the game-winning touchdown.

— 7—

And, finally, because I’ve only got one more chance to keep you from leaving me forever, an Auburn-themed nugget that’s got nothing to do with football: the Auburn Creed.

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work. 

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully. 

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men. 

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities. 

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all. 

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all. 

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by “doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God.” 

And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it. (George Petrie, 1945)

Have a great weekend!

This post was inspired by and is linked to Conversion Diary‘s 7 Quick Takes.