Smoky Mountain Christmas

I got the inspiration for the title of this post from one of Dolly Parton's movies, Smoky Mountain Christmas, and since I was in the Smoky Mountains and this post is about Christmas, it just seemed to fit. Plus, it's a wonderful movie and one of my favorites. In fact, KrazyKat and I are about to watch it now. Here's a clip from the movie of Dolly singing the title track. Enjoy!!!

Over fall break, I went with my family to Gatlinburg, TN, and of course, they were already decorating for Christmas!!! I can't even begin to explain how happy and excited it makes me to see Christmas lights and decorations already on display. I just might have to move to east Tennessee so that I'm not the only one in the neighborhood decorating in October. 

Since we were staying in Gatlinburg, we of course went to Dollywood which is located in nearby Pigeon Forge. If you have never been to Dollywood, GO!!!! It's the best place EVER!!!! And GUESS WHAT?!? They were already decorating for Christmas at Dollywood too!! Now I know it's time to start decorating. If Dollywood can decorate in October, why can't I??? Just a little side not, I'm a Dollyholic. She's my absolute FAVORITE singer.

On Sunday night we went to this shopping center in Pigeon Forge called "The Christmas Place" which is ALL Christmas, ALL year. What more could a girl ask for?? Plus, Dolly filmed the first part of her 1990 "Home For Christmas" TV special there!!!! How cool is that?!? If you want to check out the video, here's the link. You can see the shops really well at time 2:56. Needless to say, this wasn't my first time visiting Christmas central, but I wasn't any less excited. I simply can't help but walk around the stores with this silly grin on my face. That's what Christmas does to me. Also, there's this almost life-size nativity in one of the stores, and it's incredibly beautiful. I always make it a point to go see it. I've collected nativities since I was a little girl, and it happens to be one of the prettiest I've ever seen. Here are some picture of "The Christmas Place" and a video that I took in one of  the Christmas shops just so that y'all can get a taste of what it's like. This video literally only shows a tenth of the store at most. This place is HUGE!!!

Fraulein Maria.......I mean Kat

When I returned to my dorm after my econ class today, I was sad to find that Katarina had already departed for her beloved Louisiana. A little side note.....we have been listening to Garth Brooks' "Calling Baton Rouge" for the past week, and I can't seem to get it out of my head. Although I had hoped to see Kat one last time before she left, my sadness was somewhat forgotten when I happened to glance at the mirror above our sink. Here's what I saw.

In case you can't read it, it says, "So long, farewell, alveitezain, (Kat's spelling for alveterzane) goodbye. Have an awesome fall break & have oodles & bunches of fun at Dollywood. <3 Katarina

P.S. Isn't it funny how "fall" and "break" are both detrimental verbs? Don't fall or break anything! Miss ya already"

Kat has been running around campus all day signing that song from "The Sound of Music." Kat thinks that she's Fraulein Maria, or at least she wishes she were. I have to say though, between the fact that Kat's Catholic, she seems to have a way with kids, especially her three year old sister Ella, and she loves to play the guitar and sing, she fits the role quite perfectly.

It has hardly been twelve hours since Kat left Clemson, but I have to admit, I already miss her. Thankfully I have a piece of Kat with me though. She gave me one of her bracelets for the weekend, and I gave her one of my necklaces. Krazy.....I know, but we can't help it. We love eachother!!!

I just checked my Facebook page and saw this post:

Annie misses you ♥
[and me too!]

Kat is the queen of leaving me surprise notes. She is literally the BEST roommate EVER!!!!!! Annie is her younger sister, and even though I haven't met her, I love her too!! I can't wait until she visits us at Clemson.

Cookie Break

I just went to cookie break (yes, we have cookie break here at Clemson University) and of course, as soon as I walk in the door to the dining hall I can hear Kat greeting her fellow Tigers. Kat just happens to know every single person on campus, and of course, everyone know KrazyKat. Between her unmistakable enthusiasm, her bright, friendly smile, and her neon yellow "Tri-Delt" hat, she's hard to miss. However, I did notice that her attire tonight did not consist of her lime green "Tri-Delt" fanny-pack, which is a fixture at cookie break. I can only assume that the reason for its absence is the fact that Kat was "studying" in the basement when her cookie craving kicked in. The "Tri-Delt" fanny-pack wasn't important enough to override her desire for some warm, delicious M&M cookies, a cup of cold milk, and the companionship of friends. But do not fear, I am sure that the fanny-pack will be back on display as soon as we return from fall break. 

Speaking of fall break, I'm not sure what I'm going to do for four days without Katarina. Today, Kat pointed out that this will be the longest time we've spent apart since move-in day. I'm sure going to miss that Krazy girl. Skype will have to suffice....at least for a few days. 

P.S.
Kevin says: I <3 Kat!!!!

KrazyKat

I'm Lauren (aka LJcoolJ, Kat's name for me), and I'm obsessed with Christmas. For me, the Christmas season begins in September and ends in March. In fact, I have already put Christmas signs up on our door!

KrazyKat (aka Katarina/K-Swizz) is my awesome roommate from Baton Rouge, LA. A few things about Kat: she's obsessed with peanut butter, she plays guitar and sings all day long, she talks in her sleep, and yes, she's a bit KRAZY.....but in a good way. To show you just how Krazy she is, here are some pictures from an impromptu photo shoot of Kat wearing her joverall dress:)

This blog is all about Christmas and Kat.....because I love Christmas, and I love Kat!!!!