Category Archives: things to do

A yearly tradition

A lot of people this year are talking about how they can’t wait for Fall. Normally, I’m one of those people. But this year I’ve enjoyed summer and I feel like it passed by way too fast. I don’t want to rush it away.

But.

There’s an event I look forward to every single year, and it really is that first breath of the upcoming Fall festivities. That event is the Wilson County Fair.

Wilson County Fair 2016

I’ve lost count of how many years we’ve made this trip to Lebanon, TN, to enjoy roasted corn, live music, a glimpse into the past, and lots of laughter with friends. (I know my husband and I have missed a couple years in the last 10 years, but I’m going to guess we’ve gone at least 6 of the last 10 years.) Every year as the dates get close, I scour my husband’s tour schedule… praying he’ll be home. I did a my happy dance when I realized he’d be home this year and we’d get to go together.

Night at the fair!

A photo posted by Denise (@niseag03) on

I can’t really remember when this trip became a “Fiddle Family Field Trip,” but I am so thankful it did. With the bar being long gone, getting to reconnect with those friendships regularly has become harder to do. But we can always rely on the Fair to bring us all together. Plus, its so fun to share fried goodies, rides on the ferris wheel, and games with one another. I think we all turn into kids for the night.

These people have a very special place in my heart.
These people have a very special place in my heart.

I almost left my camera at home last night. My husband convinced me to take it, knowing I have gotten some of my favorite photos ever at the Fair. I’d regret leaving it behind… and boy was he right. I mean… look at this!

Wilson County Fair 2016

Wilson County Fair 2016

Wilson County Fair 2016

But all of this being said. If you live in Middle Tennessee, or if you’re visiting during the fair… make the trip to the Wilson County Fair. If you’ve never gone, you’re missing out on one of the best things this area has to offer. Seriously. I’m already counting down the days until next year!

Wilson County Fair 2016

For all of my photos from the fair, visit this album on Flickr!

Wilson County Fair 2016

Five on Friday: Keeping organized

Today’s Five on Friday brought to you by the August NaBloPoMo prompt: What tools do you use to keep organized so things on your to-do list don’t slip through the cracks?

FoF-organized

1. A good old-fashioned written to do list. There’s just something about writing out a to do list that I love. It helps me really organize my day, and its so very satisfying to mark something off the list by hand. Besides, I can doodle in the corners when I’m on the phone or when I need to think!

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2. Post it notes! It never fails. I’m going to bed, and I realize there’s something I forgot to do. Usually I’m just too tired to do it right then. So what do I do? I write it on a Post-it note, and stick it to my computer monitor. The way our house is set up, I walk right by it every morning. So something needs to be done? Post it on the computer screen.

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3. A good calendar. I use a business calendar app on my cell phone to keep up with what needs to be done when. I love it, because I can pull my calendar, my husband’s calendar, and the calendars of various other things that I am a part of all into one place. Now I can’t promise I won’t miss something. But as long as it’s on my calendar, those chances are very slim.

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4. I text myself. It’s not unusual for me to send myself a text message to my email to remind myself to do something. For example, a friend may remind me that I forgot to print out something important that they need. I won’t remember when I get home to do take dare of it, so I send myself a text message to my email, so when I get home and check my email there’s a reminder! It works really well.

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5. Google keep. I know this doesn’t benefit iPhone users. But if you’re an Android user, and you’re not using Google Keep, it’s time to download it now. I love this app. It’s like having Post-it notes on the go. And the best part? It syncs with your Google account, so you can access the same notes on your desktop. It even transferred all my notes from my old cell phone to my new cell phone. I seriously don’t know what I do without it these days.

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NaBloPoMo August 2014