Let me be the first - Page 2

SplashMom · 05-09-2005, 01:54 PM

fireflyscout, we really enjoyed the visit to Shaker Village. I bought several items as gifts for friends who were kind enough to dog sit (a three-year-old Corgi and an 11-week-old yellow lab/golden retriever mix) while we were away.

I was amazed at that huge glass-blown vase in the lobby of Norton Center. D does love art, but she's more into the painting part of it, I think. She's currently working on an oil paint reproduction of Van Gogh's Blossoming Pear Tree. I can't wait til she's finished it ... I want to hang it in the living room.

fireflyscout · 05-17-2005, 06:08 AM

Just thought it was time to hang the virtual picture of "Dead Fred" here in the forum.

SplashMom · 05-17-2005, 08:04 AM

I certainly hope we, along with others, will continue to post here when there is something Centre-specific. D named Centre and Rhodes as her two schools on the PSAT/NMSQT letter she received. DH and I would be thrilled to see her at either of those schools.

doddsdad · 05-18-2005, 01:06 AM

I had an actual conversation with S last night about colleges! He willingly participated, and it sounded like he has actually been thinking about colleges! I'm trying not to get too excited, but I'm hoping he'll start to pay more attention and start leading the process, rather than being dragged along as a half-willing participant.

Sorry, but I had to share that. The Centre-related content was that he really does like Centre. He still has it number 2 on his list behind Kenyon, but he made the statement that even if he were accepted other places, and his choice was Centre, he couldn't imagine being disappointed by his choice. I didn't phrase that very well, but at this point, he believes he could be happy at Kenyon, Centre, and he's now moved Earlham up to third. He's also talking about some other schools too.

SplashMom · 05-18-2005, 11:01 AM

Glad to hear your son is excited about the college process, Doddsdad. My DD, who has been a very willing participant ... actually a catalyst during the process, is in college talk shutdown mode at this time. For the past two weeks or so, she said she just doesn't want to talk about it during this time ... too much going on with AP exams, SAT, projects, papers and upcoming finals. I know that when she returns from Girls State and Governor's School in mid July, she'll be ready to get back to it. I just don't want to add to her stress.

Doddsdad, I know we recently discussed the derby, so I thought I'd let you know I visited my parents in Louisville this past weekend. Although I attended high school (11th & 12th grade) next door to Churchill Downs, I had only been there for a couple of races and had never toured the place. We toured Churchill Downs this past weekend and watched a few races. I placed a bet across the board on a longshot. At one point, he was a strong second and was positioned to take first. Suddenly, he totally dropped to the rear of the field. You'd have thought with just six horses in the race, he would have at least placed or showed. Oh, well, that's what I get for betting a longshot. There is a gorgeous 4,000 piece glass sculpture of Churchill Downs that has been on display there since April. An Italian sculptor is the artist and it is just beautiful. He worked on it for nearly 5 years. It was very interesting. I decided it's best I know longer live in Louisville ... I would spend way too much time at the track!

khoadov · 05-20-2005, 02:16 AM

Hi. I will attend Centre in the Fall. My counselor says that decision is risky since I confirm my spot without visiting the college first. You reviews assure me that I have made the right choice. By the way, I am from DC and people here don't know much about schools in the South.

doddsdad · 05-20-2005, 05:37 AM

khoadov,
Congratulations on your acceptance and choice! I think you will be happy with Centre. I hope you understand that you are now an adopted student on the Centre board, so you will have to provide regular reports about your experiences and impressions! (Sheesh! And I wonder why my kids think I'm demanding )

doddsdad · 05-20-2005, 05:48 AM

Splashmom,
I agree that horse races are a lot of fun. I also agree that it is an activity that should be experienced in....extreme moderation. (I hope the KY horse racing industry doesn't read this!)

Curmudgeon will have to verify this for me because I haven't experienced it personally. I've heard somewhere that a goat-roping contest is where you want to go if you really want to have a good time!

Just checking if you're out there Curmudgeon!

SplashMom · 05-20-2005, 10:33 AM

Congratulations on your acceptance to Centre! I can't imagine that anyone would be unhappy there. We really enjoyed our visit to the campus and surrounding area. I believe you'll find the south to be lovely, inviting and hospitable.

Doddsdad is right ... we'll be expecting regular reports from you about your experiences at Centre. I hope you love it! GOOD LUCK!

SplashMom · 05-20-2005, 10:35 AM

I've heard of cow-tipping, but I've never heard of goat-roping. I lived in the country for 2-3 years, too. Okay, Curmudgeon, you must enlighten me.

fireflyscout · 05-20-2005, 10:14 PM

That's why a certain style of cowboy boots are called "goat ropers".

curmudgeon · 05-20-2005, 10:42 PM

Goat ropers are a well defined insular minority provided with special protection under the constitution of the Republic of Texas and unceremoniously dumped when we were made part of the New Nited States in about ...oh....1964. Nothing has made goat ropers more famous than the classic reference to them by Jerry Jeff Walker in the Texas anthem sung every Friday night after the ball game at pasture parties all over Texas, by rednecks and hippies alike- http://www.lyrics007.com/Walker%20Je...%20Lyrics.html. Now of course, if you are really from Texas you know Jerry Jeff stole the darn song from Ray Wylie Hubbard.

doddsdad · 05-21-2005, 03:11 AM

I'm not from Texas, so I guess that explains why I didn't know Jerry Jeff stole the song from Ray Wylie. Do I get any honorary points for knowing that Sammie Davis stole Mr. Bojangles from Jerry Jeff?

Edit: I might have that wrong, but I always thought Jerry Jeff had written the song. Maybe not....

Centremom08 · 05-31-2005, 09:32 AM

My daughter just finished her first year at Centre. I would be happy to answer any questions (if I can). She has been VERY happy there. Classes are very challenging but for the first time ever she feels like she fits in. HS was hard in that way--you know the drill--smart kids, a bit more mature than others, put in a "box". She has really come into her own this year! She feels very safe on campus. As far as study abroad, even the atheletes do an entire semester. She was initially recruited to play volleyball (but decided not to) and was told by the coach that they encourage a semester in the offseason or during Centre term.

I'm very glad to find a place to discuss this wonderful school.

Centremom08 · 05-31-2005, 11:46 AM

The greek life at Centre is big -- but for everyone -- not just members. My daughter did not join (and will not join for a variety of reasons) but has a large social circle including all the parties on Greek Row. The greek social scene is not nearly as large as the numbers make it seem. She enjoys friends from all the sororities and fraternities as the houses are not big enough for members (other than officers) to reside in. The biggest "social" events seem to take place during spring rush but otherwise you don't seem to see a big presence...everyone is generally welcome to participate in events (read: parties).