Bless Yer Heart

K-Town in the news!

jennifwi — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:10:46 +0000

I think it’s pretty cool that the Gem Theatre in Kannapolis was recently featured on NBC Nightly News, as well as in other regional media outlets, for its “Recession Buster Wednesdays.” Admission is free on Wednesday nights, and the Gem’s concessions are reasonably priced. I remember my mom and dad taking me and my brother to see movies there, and a lot of locals worked there while in high school.

I think it’s ironic that this community landmark has received so much publicity, while the N.C. Research Campus seems to be languishing …

Non-profit newspapers?

jennifwi — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:03:27 +0000

I’m not really sure how I feel about this … but I think that newspapers should avoid political endorsements and just report the facts, please.

Tree Parlor

jennifwi — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:02:54 +0000

My sister-in-law, Katie, has finally launched her online business, Tree Parlor. She has collaborated with two friends on this venture. Check it out!

http://www.treeparlor.com/

Super sad day …

jennifwi — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:33:41 +0000

So remember I just wrote about my Aunt Mary, who died last Friday? Her sister, my Aunt Chris, died early Tuesday morning. She was 83. The family was still reeling from Aunt Mary’s death when Aunt Chris died. Now there’s only one remaining sibling. This sucks.

Aunt Chris reminded my mom of my grandma (she died in 1995) - both of them were such sweet and gentle women. But it makes me smile to think that all three of them are now together in heaven and having a fabulous reunion!

Glad I’m not in print journalism anymore …

jennifwi — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:27:17 +0000

… because the job market isn’t looking too good for them, either. A local daily newspaper, the Independent Tribune, recently announced that it will only be published three times a week beginning next month. This doesn’t surprise me for a couple reasons. First, print journalism (at least newspapers) is facing a downturn, mainly because folks read their news online for free. In fact, Denver and Seattle - both major American cities – no longer have printed newspapers. Other newspapers, such as those in San Francisco, are reducing their newsroom staff.

Second, I laugh at the idea of the Independent Tribune becoming “hyper-local.” I used to work at the Daily Independent, which covered Kannapolis, and was there when it merged with the Concord Tribune. There was always a struggle between balancing coverage of the two cities and two counties (Cabarrus and Rowan). Most Kannapolis residents believe the IT doesn’t cover much Kannapolis news anymore.

Sad day …

jennifwi — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:08:40 +0000

… So my Aunt Mary died last Friday. Technically, she was my great aunt – my dad’s mother’s oldest sister. She was 93. Not too shabby.

Funny how you don’t really know your family. I only know that she was born in the Tyro community (just south of Lexington, NC), she moved to Kannapolis to work in then what was Cannon Mills, and that she returned to Tyro after her retirement.

For the last several years, the Williams/Koontz/Swicegood side of the family would gather at this seafood restaurant near Thomasville (of all places) to celebrate her birthday. She had a sweet tooth, so everyone would bring candy and chocolate for her birthday gifts. I figure that if you’re in your 80s and 90s, you can eat whatever you darn well please!

Yes, so it’s been a while (again) …

jennifwi — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:01:54 +0000

… since I’ve posted anything on here. So what are my excuses this time? Well, about two weeks ago, I was promoted at my part-time job at CJ Banks to sales supervisor. The woman who previously held that position still works there as a sales associate – which isn’t in the least bit awkward. Anyway, I’m guaranteed at least 20 hours a week; I’ll get even more once the store manager, Colleen, goes on maternity leave.

I’m still working at my part-time job with Sensory Spectrum/Spectrum Discovery Center, a company that’s part of the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis. Unfortunately, our hours have been cut to three days a week (it was originally four) until we begin testing product(s) for actual clients. On the bright side, we recently completed our validation testing, which means we’re ready to begin testing these products – and that our pay increases.

I’ve also begun purchasing my own health insurance, which is expensive, but worth it. I highly recommend Coventry WellPath, which is very similar to Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Additional movie rental …

jennifwi — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:15:04 +0000

So last night I watched “Traitor” with Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce (damn). And if you can find a good action movie that’s less than two hours long, please let me know.

Anyway, I enjoyed this movie and recommend it. Go rent it today!

Once again …

jennifwi — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:09:58 +0000

… Fox has proven it has an edge over the other networks. I love “Fringe” anyway (sort of a modern-day “X-Files”), and now I’m eager to watch the premiere of “Dollhouse” tonight. Boy, do I have a booming social life …

Anyone else ‘Lost’?

jennifwi — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:35:41 +0000

I love the TV show “Lost” – the weirdness, the spookiness, the connections between and lives of the characters. But is it just me, or is the show becoming progressively weirder – especially the whole time travel business? I’m thankful that ABC is showing the previous week’s episode at 8 before airing the new episode at 9 …