Welcome, Welcome! The new season of NFL Football is upon us, and in mere minutes, I will have officially joined the world of Fantasy Football. Not by my own accord, by any means. The family does their own league and in order to cement my fate, participation is a must.
Our "Draft" came during the wee hours of electricity remaining before Hurricane Gustav made landfall...literally...12 hours before landfall I was sitting on the floor of my parent's house, using borrowed internet services, cursing the screen because someone picked Adrian Peterson (the fast one) before me. Although I am fairly well versed in the world of NCAA Football, I have no clue about this NFL Fantasy Football madness. I read somewhere that Fantasy Football cost employers $500 million dollars a week due to lost productivity time. With as convoluted as the system of team management is, that doesn't surprise me at all.
I must go now, and watch the only team that I care about, the only team that really even matters. Geaux Saints!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Deep in the heart of Podcasts
When my latest iPod bit the dust and found a new home in the trash, I quit subscribing to podcasts because I wasn't listening to them anymore. My replacement .mp3 player did not interface with iTunes and I was not yet completely iPhone savvy. Then my birthday rolls around and my sister gives me a case for my iPhone and the next week my traveling job puts me on the road with no cell charge and in a mild state of panic. A quick trip to the closest Apple Store puts me back in business with a charger and auxiliary cable for my iPhone, one of the perks of finally driving a vehicle with auxiliary input! Within minutes of returning home I was downloading podcasts, somewhere near 30 different topics, ranging from Catholic issues to television shows to entertainment news and food.
One of my old favorites has expanded their lineup and of the twelve podcasts they provide, the only two I do not subscribe to are Mighty Mommy and Traveling Avatar...for obvious reasons! :) These tips, around 5 minutes in length, give concise, practical tips on topics such as finance, dieting, and communication skills, and make my commute much more enjoyable. Priestly friends of mine have formed the catholic underground and their podcasts are just as informative as they are humorous, given my past with some of these guys. Of course the Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, and Project Runway podcasts must be included, else my entertainment savvy mind go into shock from lack of back story.
I'm still looking for a few new ones to add to my repertoire, so all recommendations are appreciated, but I just wanted to take a few minutes to share some of my favorites. I'm currently test running The Moth Podcast, a few from NPR, and one from Whole Foods that I'm really curious to hear. This is my way of geeking out, in my car, alone. Just don't tell anyone, ok?
One of my old favorites has expanded their lineup and of the twelve podcasts they provide, the only two I do not subscribe to are Mighty Mommy and Traveling Avatar...for obvious reasons! :) These tips, around 5 minutes in length, give concise, practical tips on topics such as finance, dieting, and communication skills, and make my commute much more enjoyable. Priestly friends of mine have formed the catholic underground and their podcasts are just as informative as they are humorous, given my past with some of these guys. Of course the Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, and Project Runway podcasts must be included, else my entertainment savvy mind go into shock from lack of back story.
I'm still looking for a few new ones to add to my repertoire, so all recommendations are appreciated, but I just wanted to take a few minutes to share some of my favorites. I'm currently test running The Moth Podcast, a few from NPR, and one from Whole Foods that I'm really curious to hear. This is my way of geeking out, in my car, alone. Just don't tell anyone, ok?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Winning brings out the worst in people
The Annual Alumni Softball Tournament was created as a fundraiser for the high school, a way for past grads to support their alma mater, catch up with old friends, and drink entirely too much beer. Great, in theory, but then winning gets in the way. Lifelong friends are reduced to raging competitors who stop at nothing in the name of rivalry, to put it mildly. Conceitedness takes reign and fun is abandoned. One team's shirt even boasted "You want the title? We've got it! The road to the Championship goes through us. 2007 Undefeated Champions" Rivalry got so strong that teams who lost games and were ineligible for the Championship stepped aside in their remaining games and paved the way for those eligible teams to breeze on through, as EVERYONE wanted the T-Shirt Bandits to be knocked back into place. All in good fun was gone.
I was on that team-the one who was deemed the golden child and the only hope to administer retribution. It was decided, in the spirit of competition, that the three girls who were able to practice together each week would play constantly, with the fourth girl position being rotated among the 6 girls in the dugout. I'm sorry, but if we're playing competitive ball and practice attendance is the criteria for playing time, then please give those of us who live out of town more than 5 hours notice of the practice schedule. That's a crock of bull that wasn't made known until the tournament started. What a rude awakening that was. And yet when it came down to the end-all-be-all game against the team that everyone wanted to beat, even the catcher's position was not up for rotation. And it was me who was chosen to fill that spot, oh praise be!
Fittingly, we failed. Who knows what those shirts will say next year.
I was on that team-the one who was deemed the golden child and the only hope to administer retribution. It was decided, in the spirit of competition, that the three girls who were able to practice together each week would play constantly, with the fourth girl position being rotated among the 6 girls in the dugout. I'm sorry, but if we're playing competitive ball and practice attendance is the criteria for playing time, then please give those of us who live out of town more than 5 hours notice of the practice schedule. That's a crock of bull that wasn't made known until the tournament started. What a rude awakening that was. And yet when it came down to the end-all-be-all game against the team that everyone wanted to beat, even the catcher's position was not up for rotation. And it was me who was chosen to fill that spot, oh praise be!
Fittingly, we failed. Who knows what those shirts will say next year.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Rome Wasn't Built in a Day
And it took nearly two years for me to gain 25 pounds, so they aren't going to come off that easily. In an effort to expedite the process, read: have someone hold me accountable, I have invested my pocketbook with a Personal Trainer. Let me just say that it was a sad, sad day. Speaking as a former gym worker...ok, gym maintenance worker...I had free access to one of the top 10 gyms in the nation, working out with people who competed--and tried to get me into that life! I could work out with the best of em, just don't put me up on that stage!
So what happen? HE happened, and I hate myself for letting him happen to me. What am I talking about? The bodybuilder that I dated, practically lived with, but couldn't love. We worked out together and in a span of just 4 months he had me from mush to nearly stage-ready! And then we broke up. Or rather, I returned home from a girl's trip to San Antonio and he met me at the door with "You need to pack up your shit and get out. I'm taking control of my life." So I avoided him at all costs, which meant avoiding the gym. Somehow avoiding the gym equates to "consume massive amounts of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese." And that's how, 20 months later, I go from 123lbs to 147lbs.
With this new job in New Orleans, I figured that I will need something to keep me occupied during the evenings. Figuring that I'll get all the ugly work done away from home, I joined a gym and hired a trainer. After two sessions, ugly doesn't even begin to describe it. I told him to push me. I told him to hurt me. He listened. I'm disappointed because I know what I could do two years ago, and I cannot any longer. He says he would have never pushed anyone else that hard, but he knows that I want it. I think he's sugar-coating it. I think it's really that bad.
Here's the down and dirty truth, scaled to the same ratio:
Trainer says that I'll be down 15-20lbs in 3 months if I follow his workout plan and diet. We'll see.
So what happen? HE happened, and I hate myself for letting him happen to me. What am I talking about? The bodybuilder that I dated, practically lived with, but couldn't love. We worked out together and in a span of just 4 months he had me from mush to nearly stage-ready! And then we broke up. Or rather, I returned home from a girl's trip to San Antonio and he met me at the door with "You need to pack up your shit and get out. I'm taking control of my life." So I avoided him at all costs, which meant avoiding the gym. Somehow avoiding the gym equates to "consume massive amounts of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese." And that's how, 20 months later, I go from 123lbs to 147lbs.
With this new job in New Orleans, I figured that I will need something to keep me occupied during the evenings. Figuring that I'll get all the ugly work done away from home, I joined a gym and hired a trainer. After two sessions, ugly doesn't even begin to describe it. I told him to push me. I told him to hurt me. He listened. I'm disappointed because I know what I could do two years ago, and I cannot any longer. He says he would have never pushed anyone else that hard, but he knows that I want it. I think he's sugar-coating it. I think it's really that bad.
Here's the down and dirty truth, scaled to the same ratio:
Trainer says that I'll be down 15-20lbs in 3 months if I follow his workout plan and diet. We'll see.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Enjoy the Silence
I realize that I've been quiet for a few weeks. How I wish I weren't. These last few weeks have been extremely trying. The passing of Baby Cate, and a few weeks later, Baby Cooper, family vacation to Toledo Bend, home for 2 days, Canada for 6, home for 12 hours, New Orleans for 2 days, home...birthday weekend. I don't even remember what I did for my birthday. There was another death, and while I barely knew her, her husband has been like a second father to me for my entire life...without the absences, and drinking, and smoking, and punishments when I misbehaved. He was the teddy bear that loved me and my sister unconditionally. So I went to the funeral. And last night when I got home...there was a fight about cardstock, CDs, and later, opening a wine bottle. Tensions were high and I just wanted to walk away from it. He did. Grabbed his phone and started walking home.
Conflict resolution has never been one of my strongest suits. Remember that I was engaged at 17 and took nearly 5 years of daily berating before he left me. Yep. I was willing to take more. During those years with him, I would curse and scream and kick and yell, but he never heard. I was...a bitch. I've made a very conscious effort to never become that person again because I didn't know who she was, my family didn't recognize her, and I didn't like her.
So last night when the curse words were flying, and wine openers were slamming on the counter top, I just left the room because I didn't want to subject myself to argument with his temper. Couple that with the earlier scene at the office supply store. I was trying to relay the information on the cardstock type paper that I needed, and then was subjected to a litany of my inadequacies in the graphics knowledge department because I was speaking completely generically about "a thicker weight paper". We left the store with no paper. Or cardstock.
He won't say it because that's him, but I have to wonder if his sudden temper swings have to do with a visitor in town. He's worried.
Conflict resolution has never been one of my strongest suits. Remember that I was engaged at 17 and took nearly 5 years of daily berating before he left me. Yep. I was willing to take more. During those years with him, I would curse and scream and kick and yell, but he never heard. I was...a bitch. I've made a very conscious effort to never become that person again because I didn't know who she was, my family didn't recognize her, and I didn't like her.
So last night when the curse words were flying, and wine openers were slamming on the counter top, I just left the room because I didn't want to subject myself to argument with his temper. Couple that with the earlier scene at the office supply store. I was trying to relay the information on the cardstock type paper that I needed, and then was subjected to a litany of my inadequacies in the graphics knowledge department because I was speaking completely generically about "a thicker weight paper". We left the store with no paper. Or cardstock.
He won't say it because that's him, but I have to wonder if his sudden temper swings have to do with a visitor in town. He's worried.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Catching on like Wildfire
They always say that a good thing grows quickly. No, that's not really how they say it, but I have yet to consume my prerequesite amount of coffee for the morning. What I mean to say is that when people find out about a worthy cause, a great sale, or a hip new band, they spread the word--telling all of their friends that this is something that they NEED TO KNOW.
Well, here's my YOU NEED TO KNOW for the day:
http://catecantrell.blogspot.com/
I know her Daddy. He was part of the group of youths from a church about 20 miles away that we would often see at regional events. I eventually began doing ministry with several people from that group. Like alot of things that you do when you are 15 and 16 years old, the fervor sometimes doesn't last. I will be the first to admit that I don't do as much with the church as I used to, and I miss it. But this guy...he and his family are the real deal. If only there were a few more like them in the world.
Point of the story: they need prayers. Lots and Lots of prayers.
Well, here's my YOU NEED TO KNOW for the day:
http://catecantrell.blogspot.com/
I know her Daddy. He was part of the group of youths from a church about 20 miles away that we would often see at regional events. I eventually began doing ministry with several people from that group. Like alot of things that you do when you are 15 and 16 years old, the fervor sometimes doesn't last. I will be the first to admit that I don't do as much with the church as I used to, and I miss it. But this guy...he and his family are the real deal. If only there were a few more like them in the world.
Point of the story: they need prayers. Lots and Lots of prayers.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Weight Gain waiting to Happen
1. Wash to pack
2. Need to pack
3. Buy here (specialty food and toiletries)
4. Buy there (all other food)
5. Menu and recipes
Yes, it's vacation time. 9 Days in Destin. We've got a revolving door condo for the week. Some of us are going up at the beginning of the week, some in the middle, and some coming for the second weekend. We were going with another group, but the master bedroom couple broke up and he canceled the second condo because he is bringing the "other woman" with him and doesn't want us around. Well, tough. We just got another condo. Now that puts the Executive Chef duties all on myself. Not that i'm not up for it...check out this menu:
Saturday 6.7.2008
Dinner
Baked Chicken served alongside Rice two ways
Assorted Vegetables
Sunday 6.8.2008
Lunch
Boiled Shrimp Salad
Dinner
Steak Quesadillas
Fresh Pico de Gallo, Fresh Guacamole
Monday 6.9.2008
Dinner
Choice of Grilled Steaks or Blackened Mahi Mahi
Basil Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Tuesday 6.10.2008
Lunch
Rice Cooker Jambalaya
A delightful blend of meats and vegetables in a tomato/stock base
Wednesday 6.11.2008
Lunch
Grilled Chicken served atop a bed of Spinach Salad
Dinner
Grilled Shrimp
Fresh Spinach Fettuccine topped with Fresh Basil Pesto
Side Salad
Thursday 6.12.2008
Lunch
Meatloaf with Assorted Vegetables
Friday 6.13.2008
Dinner
Grilled Steaks and Scallops
Dirty Rice
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Saturday 6.14.2008
Lunch
Pita Bread Pizzas
Various fixings to make your own custom pizza
ASSORTED BREAKFAST ITEMS
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Homemade Kolaches
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Homemade Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Sandwiches
ASSORTED DESSERT ITEMS
Inside Out Oreos
Crème Brule
Assorted Fresh Fruits
2. Need to pack
3. Buy here (specialty food and toiletries)
4. Buy there (all other food)
5. Menu and recipes
Yes, it's vacation time. 9 Days in Destin. We've got a revolving door condo for the week. Some of us are going up at the beginning of the week, some in the middle, and some coming for the second weekend. We were going with another group, but the master bedroom couple broke up and he canceled the second condo because he is bringing the "other woman" with him and doesn't want us around. Well, tough. We just got another condo. Now that puts the Executive Chef duties all on myself. Not that i'm not up for it...check out this menu:
Saturday 6.7.2008
Dinner
Baked Chicken served alongside Rice two ways
Assorted Vegetables
Sunday 6.8.2008
Lunch
Boiled Shrimp Salad
Dinner
Steak Quesadillas
Fresh Pico de Gallo, Fresh Guacamole
Monday 6.9.2008
Dinner
Choice of Grilled Steaks or Blackened Mahi Mahi
Basil Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Tuesday 6.10.2008
Lunch
Rice Cooker Jambalaya
A delightful blend of meats and vegetables in a tomato/stock base
Wednesday 6.11.2008
Lunch
Grilled Chicken served atop a bed of Spinach Salad
Dinner
Grilled Shrimp
Fresh Spinach Fettuccine topped with Fresh Basil Pesto
Side Salad
Thursday 6.12.2008
Lunch
Meatloaf with Assorted Vegetables
Friday 6.13.2008
Dinner
Grilled Steaks and Scallops
Dirty Rice
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Saturday 6.14.2008
Lunch
Pita Bread Pizzas
Various fixings to make your own custom pizza
ASSORTED BREAKFAST ITEMS
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Homemade Kolaches
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Homemade Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Sandwiches
ASSORTED DESSERT ITEMS
Inside Out Oreos
Crème Brule
Assorted Fresh Fruits
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
