It's three hours Southwest of Wichita, and 15 minutes away from the Oklahoma border. Or an hour South of Dodge City, just far enough so that the smell doesn't reach us.
How big is Ashland?
Ashland is town of about 900-1000 people. The actual town part of Ashland measures approximately a mile square, and it is bordered by farm and ranch land for miles around.
What is so cool about Ashland?
The people in Ashland are great! If you wanted to connect to people in reality rather than using the internet or a phone (and don't worry, those are still available in Ashland), Ashland is a great place for that. Also, check out their Web Site for a little history. Ashland is known for its cattle and its great performance in high school sports and academics.
Where are you living?
I bought a house and I am so excited to work on making it my own! It's a lengthy process, but I'm loving every second of it. If I ever move away, I'll find a way to keep this house because I love it so much! Here's what it looks like from the front.
So what exactly is your job?
I am a high school English teacher. I love my subject area and my coworkers! I teach in a great school with great kids and I only have a four-day-work-week. That's right, you heard me! Three-day weekends! You know you're jealous. I would be.
What will you do for fun?
So far, hanging out in my classroom, which is not as nerdy as it sounds, night time bike rides, hiking around the bluffs, and cruising Main Street for new friends.
Why did you start this blog?
I began this blog a long time ago because I thought Oh, bloggers are cool! I want to be one! Then I realized it was actually kind of hard work, especially if you wanted to post daily, upload regular videos and pictures, and create an interesting and functional page. So I gave it up. Twice. Then when I found out I was moving to Ashland and away from everyone I've ever known, I decided to start my blog up again to keep people updated on my move and how life was going in Small Town, America. I'm now in Small Town, America, loving it, and keeping up with this blog. I'd say life is good right now.
You're a self-proclaimed movie addict?
Yes. I might need a 12-step program. Might.
So what are some of your favorites?
Such a broad question! I love movies like The Fountain and Babel for their artistry. I adore the quirkiness and strangeness of films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and I Heart Huckabees and find them hilarious. Things that explore history, Munich, or cultures, Whale Rider, or cultural issues, American History X. I will always love to laugh at Mean Girls, Little Miss Sunshine and Dr. Strangelove (wrap your head around that combo!) and I will always love crying to A Little Princess and Moulin Rouge. Movies that explore love will always get me, whether they be cynical and icy, Closer, wry and ironic, Little Children, romantic and restrained, The Painted Veil and Bright Star, or full of laughter and life, Love Actually. "Kids" movies are also things I love, especially The Iron Giant and Cloudy, With a Chance of Meatballs. Some films just sink into my heart, like The Namesake and Away We Go. And some will never, ever leave the closest circle of who I am: Star Wars!
So does this mean you're a nerd?
Duh.
Is there anything you can actually do with this nerdiness?
Well, hopefully I'll have a career in TV writing someday. While I love teaching and my students, the truth is that I love movies and TV more. I always have. Rather than waste away in front of a TV, why not become involved with creating the thing I love? Thankfully I'm still young, so if I crash and burn I won't have wasted too much of my life.
So what would be your dream show to work on?
Saturday Night Live, no question.
Who do you want to meet?
Well, here's a pictorial for you:
More questions to come as they get asked!
