Well, it's almost time for my favorite season of the year - FOOTBALL season! I am looking forward to spending crisp fall Saturdays drinking beer and cheering on my favorite team, THE Ohio State Buckeyes.
I have been following numerous preseasons publications - most seem to have the Bucks ranked in the top 3. Personally, I think it is a three game season (all road games: at USC, at Wisconsin, at Illinois. I hope the Buckeyes can win their third consecutive outright Big Ten title and return to their third consecutive BCS Championship appearance. Hopefully third time's a charm all the way around.
Anybody want to go over/under with me on Beanie Wells's rushing yards this year? I'll bet anyone $10 who says it will be under 1,700.
Well, gotta go - Rivals, CFN, Sporting News, and others should all be posting their Buckeyes preview soon. Until then, Beanie Wells forever, Dirty Sanchez NEVER!
P.S. Carson Palmer is a pretty-boy bitch who is going to enjoy the Bengals 9999th losing season in a row!
P.P.S. For any of you who even REMOTELY know me, you'll know that something is up when you read this. Yes, as you can probably guess I forgot to log out of my blog and a dirty pirate named Brandon stealthy jumped in to write.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Memories
Last week, my aunt Brenda's battle with Alzheimer's ended. She was only 60 years old.
We will all miss her dearly--she was a kind, gentle and funny person. I'm glad her suffering is over, though, and will choose to remember the happy times rather than the sad.
Two of my favorite memories involve Brenda and my mom. One is of then sitting in Brenda's kitchen talking nonstop and laughing. They lived 3 1/2 hours away from us, so when mom and Brenda did get together they always seems to enjoy their time together even more. The other memory is of mom, Aunt Brenda, Aunt Gail and Grandma Jo shoved into the tiny kitchen of Grandma's house cooking for our biannual family get togethers. Being the pushy country women they are, they ALL had to be in the kitchen helping. I loved those family parties.
When my mom moved downt to Kentucky seven years ago, I think it was meant to be because Brenda began showing signs of illness around that time. She was able to be their to help her sister when she needed her most. I can only imagine how hard it was for mom to lose her big sister. I took the entire week off last week to spend with mom and my family down in Kentucky. Although the circumstances for being together were bad and sad, it was still nice to have everyone together.
Mom and I made matching wreaths for our front doors during the week, which I think turned out pretty nice:
My mom is very creative and crafty. Perhaps I get it from her?
WWWWWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGGGIIIIIIIIIINNNNNN!!!!!!!!!! (Brandon invasion--sorry about that)
Tuesday night we went to see Tom Petty and the HeartBreakers at Riverbend with Paula and Kirk. What an awesome concert! Although it's rough going to a concert on a weeknight, it was well worth it to see a rock legend!
Tomorrow night we've made a pact to finish the trim painting in the kitchen so we can be done with it once and for all. We also need to hang the new curtains and signs I bought. Here is a picture of the curtains and one of the signs:
We will all miss her dearly--she was a kind, gentle and funny person. I'm glad her suffering is over, though, and will choose to remember the happy times rather than the sad.
Two of my favorite memories involve Brenda and my mom. One is of then sitting in Brenda's kitchen talking nonstop and laughing. They lived 3 1/2 hours away from us, so when mom and Brenda did get together they always seems to enjoy their time together even more. The other memory is of mom, Aunt Brenda, Aunt Gail and Grandma Jo shoved into the tiny kitchen of Grandma's house cooking for our biannual family get togethers. Being the pushy country women they are, they ALL had to be in the kitchen helping. I loved those family parties.
When my mom moved downt to Kentucky seven years ago, I think it was meant to be because Brenda began showing signs of illness around that time. She was able to be their to help her sister when she needed her most. I can only imagine how hard it was for mom to lose her big sister. I took the entire week off last week to spend with mom and my family down in Kentucky. Although the circumstances for being together were bad and sad, it was still nice to have everyone together.
Mom and I made matching wreaths for our front doors during the week, which I think turned out pretty nice:
My mom is very creative and crafty. Perhaps I get it from her?
WWWWWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGGGIIIIIIIIIINNNNNN!!!!!!!!!! (Brandon invasion--sorry about that)
Tuesday night we went to see Tom Petty and the HeartBreakers at Riverbend with Paula and Kirk. What an awesome concert! Although it's rough going to a concert on a weeknight, it was well worth it to see a rock legend!
Tomorrow night we've made a pact to finish the trim painting in the kitchen so we can be done with it once and for all. We also need to hang the new curtains and signs I bought. Here is a picture of the curtains and one of the signs:
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sara's Wedding
This past weekend was spent celebrating my good friend Sara's marriage. Friday night, of course, was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Saturday our day started at 9 a.m. with a much needed (at least on my part!)manicure and pedicure. We then helped Sara finish setting up the reception hall and had a nice, leisurely afternoon of girl time that afternoon at her sister Gina's house.
We had pre-wedding photos taken at Ault Park, which is beautiful. The wedding went off without a hitch and now Sara Brausch is Sara Mason. Whoo hoo!
Sara wasn't a bridezilla at all. In fact, I'd classify her as a giddy bride. She was so happy all day that it was a bit infectious.
The reception was fun, and we saw a few old band mates from OU at the wedding. Brandon even line danced for the first time. I never though I'd see that day.
Here are a few pictures from the big day--these are from my digital camera. The others are on film.
Sara and I, pre-wedding waiting for the limo...
Sara, stuffed into the back of the limo on the way to Ault Park...
Sara's dad with her neice, Jolie...
Sara's beautiful flowers...
I love weddings. They always make me think about my own marriage and remember all the wonderful things about it. It also makes you think about what it means to married and the vows you take to always forgive and love unconditionally. It's good stuff.
We had pre-wedding photos taken at Ault Park, which is beautiful. The wedding went off without a hitch and now Sara Brausch is Sara Mason. Whoo hoo!
Sara wasn't a bridezilla at all. In fact, I'd classify her as a giddy bride. She was so happy all day that it was a bit infectious.
The reception was fun, and we saw a few old band mates from OU at the wedding. Brandon even line danced for the first time. I never though I'd see that day.
Here are a few pictures from the big day--these are from my digital camera. The others are on film.
Sara and I, pre-wedding waiting for the limo...
Sara, stuffed into the back of the limo on the way to Ault Park...
Sara's dad with her neice, Jolie...
Sara's beautiful flowers...
I love weddings. They always make me think about my own marriage and remember all the wonderful things about it. It also makes you think about what it means to married and the vows you take to always forgive and love unconditionally. It's good stuff.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
A Bad Start
I'm convinced a bad start to the day can sometimes be an indicator for the rest of day.
This morning it started when I didn't have enough milk for my cereal. I usually eat it at my desk first thing while I'm checking email. This morning, my raisin bran was mostly dry. YUM...or not.
I'm blogging right now, though, because I forgot my darn tennis shoes for spinning class. I HATE MISSING MY WORKOUTS! It's my stress relief and energy boost. Unfortunately, no one wheres the same shoes size as me so I had to skip. BOO! My dress shoes aren't really condusive to a walk. Instead, I'm stuck at my desk for lunch. Oh well!
Last night I was marveling on how different the kitchen looks, so I'm posting some before and after shots.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Obviously we still have a good deal of touchup and trim work to do, but we're taking a break.
This morning it started when I didn't have enough milk for my cereal. I usually eat it at my desk first thing while I'm checking email. This morning, my raisin bran was mostly dry. YUM...or not.
I'm blogging right now, though, because I forgot my darn tennis shoes for spinning class. I HATE MISSING MY WORKOUTS! It's my stress relief and energy boost. Unfortunately, no one wheres the same shoes size as me so I had to skip. BOO! My dress shoes aren't really condusive to a walk. Instead, I'm stuck at my desk for lunch. Oh well!
Last night I was marveling on how different the kitchen looks, so I'm posting some before and after shots.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Obviously we still have a good deal of touchup and trim work to do, but we're taking a break.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
I'm Voting Republican...NOT!
Now that Hillary is officially out of the race, I'm in full Barack Obama mode.
If you're not a die-hard democrat like me, watch this video--it might put things in perspective for you. Yes, it's extreme--but sometimes you have to be to get the point across.
If you're not a die-hard democrat like me, watch this video--it might put things in perspective for you. Yes, it's extreme--but sometimes you have to be to get the point across.
Monday, June 16, 2008
My New Musical Intrigue
In the past few years, I've really gotten into our local NPR stations--one of which (WNKU FM) plays a lot of great new and local artists. I've been hearing songs by one particular artist for a while but am just now finally investigating his music: Jack Johnson.
I realize I am a little late to the game on this one...
I love his music. His voice is appealing, but real; his music is simple, but catchy; and his lyrics are clever. He's also from Hawaii, so we all know he gets extra points for that!
If you've been living under a rock like me and aren't familiar with him check him out at http://www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/.
On a different note, we've had two busy weekends in a row, hence no blog posts.
Friday, June 6 was my friend Paula's 30th birthday party. It was technically a surprise party, but she knew something was up. We went to Valley Vineyards, a winery out in Morrow near where I grew up. They have a Friday night steak grill out buffet thing. Paula seemed very happy--in fact, I'd say she was glowing, but that could have been the facial she treated herself earlier that day.
Saturday we did some more cleaning on the kitchen...ugh...and then it was time to celebrate with Sara. We have a very fun tea party at Bonbonerie--complete very large, colorful hats--and then headed down to Newport on the Levee for the "Good Vibrations" show at Shadowbox Cabaret. After the show, we headed to Jefferson Hall for more drinks and dancing. Two little frat boys, who didn't look older than 19 kept hitting on us. It was very amusing.
I decided, however, that I have outgrown that bar scene. It was kind of sad. All these girls were dressed up in full hoochie wear, scouting the guys like lionesses. The guys meanwhile were in full Abercrombie gear, scouting the ladies like jackals. It was like being back at OU at the Junction...
This past weekend the Red Sox were in town to play the Reds. We didn't intend to go to the games originally because the Reds were making so hard--and expensive--to get tickets, but we had an opportunity to buy some tickets last minute, so we couldn't resist. This was the first time the teams had faced off since the 1975 World Series when the Reds won.
Friday night was great. The Harangatan (Aaron Harang) was on top of his game, pitching a lights-out game that we won 3-2. Saturday Bess and Kevin joined us for the game, which we unfortunately lost. A few key management decisions made the difference:
1) Griffey swung on a 3-1 count. What the heck?
2) B-Phil did something similar, ending a critical inning
3) Dusty Baker left the relief pitcher, Mike Lincoln, in for the 9th when he should have brough the big man, Francisco Cordero, in to close the deal.
Oh well. We lost, but we had a great dinner at Bangkok Bistro afterward with Bess and Kevin. Ginger felt a bit abandoned all weekend, I think, but I made it up to her the next day by taking her to the dog park in Waynesville. Dad and I had a nice afternoon just hanging out on Father's Day at the dog park then under the shade of Grandpa's big tree at our house in Waynesville.
The last two Sunday nights were spent busting my butt at the shelter. I have a new volunteer, but she's still a very slow cleaner (who really just wants to love all the cats vs. clean), so I end up doing a lot of her work for her. Next week, the nice gloves come off and the whip comes out! :)
Now it's to the grind at work.
Sara's wedding is this weekend--I'm so excited for her! Brandon and I bought her and Steve tickets to see Wayne Brady in Las Vegas.
I realize I am a little late to the game on this one...
I love his music. His voice is appealing, but real; his music is simple, but catchy; and his lyrics are clever. He's also from Hawaii, so we all know he gets extra points for that!
If you've been living under a rock like me and aren't familiar with him check him out at http://www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/.
On a different note, we've had two busy weekends in a row, hence no blog posts.
Friday, June 6 was my friend Paula's 30th birthday party. It was technically a surprise party, but she knew something was up. We went to Valley Vineyards, a winery out in Morrow near where I grew up. They have a Friday night steak grill out buffet thing. Paula seemed very happy--in fact, I'd say she was glowing, but that could have been the facial she treated herself earlier that day.
Saturday we did some more cleaning on the kitchen...ugh...and then it was time to celebrate with Sara. We have a very fun tea party at Bonbonerie--complete very large, colorful hats--and then headed down to Newport on the Levee for the "Good Vibrations" show at Shadowbox Cabaret. After the show, we headed to Jefferson Hall for more drinks and dancing. Two little frat boys, who didn't look older than 19 kept hitting on us. It was very amusing.
I decided, however, that I have outgrown that bar scene. It was kind of sad. All these girls were dressed up in full hoochie wear, scouting the guys like lionesses. The guys meanwhile were in full Abercrombie gear, scouting the ladies like jackals. It was like being back at OU at the Junction...
This past weekend the Red Sox were in town to play the Reds. We didn't intend to go to the games originally because the Reds were making so hard--and expensive--to get tickets, but we had an opportunity to buy some tickets last minute, so we couldn't resist. This was the first time the teams had faced off since the 1975 World Series when the Reds won.
Friday night was great. The Harangatan (Aaron Harang) was on top of his game, pitching a lights-out game that we won 3-2. Saturday Bess and Kevin joined us for the game, which we unfortunately lost. A few key management decisions made the difference:
1) Griffey swung on a 3-1 count. What the heck?
2) B-Phil did something similar, ending a critical inning
3) Dusty Baker left the relief pitcher, Mike Lincoln, in for the 9th when he should have brough the big man, Francisco Cordero, in to close the deal.
Oh well. We lost, but we had a great dinner at Bangkok Bistro afterward with Bess and Kevin. Ginger felt a bit abandoned all weekend, I think, but I made it up to her the next day by taking her to the dog park in Waynesville. Dad and I had a nice afternoon just hanging out on Father's Day at the dog park then under the shade of Grandpa's big tree at our house in Waynesville.
The last two Sunday nights were spent busting my butt at the shelter. I have a new volunteer, but she's still a very slow cleaner (who really just wants to love all the cats vs. clean), so I end up doing a lot of her work for her. Next week, the nice gloves come off and the whip comes out! :)
Now it's to the grind at work.
Sara's wedding is this weekend--I'm so excited for her! Brandon and I bought her and Steve tickets to see Wayne Brady in Las Vegas.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Kitchen and Weekend Update
This week is a bit crazy in the evenings, so I've decided to use my lunch break to update my blog.
First, the kitchen: except for some minor painting and hardware things, the kitchen should be complete by this evening. YEA! Our handyman is grouting the tile and installing the ceiling fan today. We'll need to seal the tile and grout later. Our countertop went in on Monday.
Here is a picture of the countertop, pre-faucet and floor installation:
This is what the floor looked like this morning (you can see the faucet in the distance):
Tonight I'm going for my final dress fitting for Sara's wedding. I can't believe the big day is almost here! We're having her shower and bachelorette party this weekend. It's also Paula's 30th birthday weekend and I have a cat volunteer meeting Saturday--busy busy!
First, the kitchen: except for some minor painting and hardware things, the kitchen should be complete by this evening. YEA! Our handyman is grouting the tile and installing the ceiling fan today. We'll need to seal the tile and grout later. Our countertop went in on Monday.
Here is a picture of the countertop, pre-faucet and floor installation:
This is what the floor looked like this morning (you can see the faucet in the distance):
We ran into a minor snag with the fancy ceiling fan remote we bought, but hopefully Rick and Brandon can sort that out this afternoon.
This weekend went Saturday having a nice visit with Dad in Waynesville. I made him a pot of turkey chili and we hung out at the dog park with Ginger and three of his dogs. (He also fixed our exhaust fan!) Afterward, Brandon and I went to the Caesar's Creek nature preserve for a hike. It was hot, so we indulged Ginger and let her get in the creek. She loved it!
That night we did some work around the house and watched Jay Bruce, our new phenomenal Reds outfielder, play some incredible baseball. We ate a very late dinner of mixed grill kebobs with the first margaritas of summer. Brandon is good cabana boy.
Sunday we slept in, then did some more house stuff and the plumber can to unhook all the plumbing in preparation for thecountertop. I had cat shelter duty, as usual, so it was a long night.
Last night Paula and I went to dinner then to see the long-awaited Sex and the City movie. It was bit predictable, but very enjoyable nonetheless. I see a bit of myself in both Charlotte and Miranda. Charlotte gets extra points, though, her maiden name is York, just like me!
Charlotte likes to have everything perfect and hold things up to fairytale perfection. Miranda is a bit neurotic, but exceptionally stubborn. These are all characteristics I hold...I suppose that is why women relate to these characters, though: in varying ways, they are reflections of us.
Tonight I'm going for my final dress fitting for Sara's wedding. I can't believe the big day is almost here! We're having her shower and bachelorette party this weekend. It's also Paula's 30th birthday weekend and I have a cat volunteer meeting Saturday--busy busy!
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