Part 2 9/25/2015
Last night I had a strange dream about flying, that has me thinking about how nervous I actually am for this part of my trip. I had a dream where I forgot what time my flight back was, but I was going back to MI, not to PA, and for whatever reason I guess I was in PA because my mom and sister were there at the airport trying to sabotage my trip. Anyways, I didn't really have a clue where I was in the airport. And I actually saw a drawing of Charles Trippy on the gate I needed to take to get to my flight. Then when I got through, the stairs were absolutely vertical and I was too short to reach well. And when I woke up I was laying on both of my arms so the pain from those stairs was real pain. It took a lot to wake my hands up too haha. I've been up for over an hour and my shoulders still hurt.
But that's beside the point.
I think I'm getting sick of the song Wildest Dreams, too. It's nobody's fault, I just have heard it a LOT on YouTube lately and it's just always stuck in my head. Maybe it will go away for a little bit and grow on me again.
That's all I really have for today, I think. But it is only 10:30 am.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Road to 1989: Introduction, Part 1
Before I even introduce myself I want to point out that I've got the feeling I need to point out at least for my pride that I put this off until I ran out of lives on Candy Crush Soda Saga. That shouldn't be relevant to anybody aside from my pride, but it's important to me to point it out. As you can tell, it's a matter of stalling.
Introduction
Hello, all. My name is Kelley. I've always kind of described myself as somebody with a sort of allergy to Taylor Swift. It was primarily due to the period of time that I would go into some type of convulsion whenever I would hear her music, but there was a time before that where I just wasn't all that excited about her music. Would we use a word like "hate?" No, I don't think so, but we wouldn't use anything in the category of "fondness" either.
I like to tell stories of my cat when I think about "early" Taylor Swift. Well, I put that in quotations because we're not talking /Tim MaGraw/ era, but more like 2010-ish. Maybe? I don't really know. It was when /You Belong With Me/ was big. I would turn it off every time it came on the radio. Then there was one time I was in the tub and my cat came flying (running, you literalist) into the bathroom. Snarkingly, I go "What, is Taylor Swift on the radio?" so I went to investigate what his issue was, and sure enough, that song was on the radio. It caused pure entertainment. The other was when we made our big move to Pittsburgh. I had everything packed up and all I had left was taking him in the carrier into the truck so we could hit the road. Obviously cats are not fond of being in carriers, etc. So we're walking out the door and I start singing that song. For whatever reason he didn't make any noise when I sang that. And the funny part is I only knew like 2 lines in the whole song. Naturally, I got sick of this and the novelty wore off with Patrick (my cat) and it was a flurry of me trying to find a way for him to have some TS to listen to, of course to no avail because why would I have that kind of luck?
At that point it became kind of a running joke that Patrick had a crush on Taylor / loved her music / etc and so forth and what have you. Then came the convulsive era when my cousin made me a cd that was a plethora of various Taylor Swift songs. Now, even at this point I want to stress there wasn't necessarily a loathing process going on. The song /Mean/ practically defines my life and I can admit that, I think it was something about voice pitch that just hit a nerve physiologically with me. I don't know. I've had several bouts to deal with what is going on with me in that department (the TS dept, and also the now neurological dept as well) to decide if my problem is her, her songs, her voice, her song topics, her videos, etc. I literally went on an extensive research investigation. I even purchased the CD / RED/ as a prototype. I went on this rant once about how she is a creative genius with the exception of one single music video that rubbed me the wrong way. As it probably sounds, my results were inconclusive. There's something there, but my "struggle" if you want to call it that has always been a matter of how interesting is it, etc. Then there's the obvious argument of "who am I to judge" and what thought of mine holds water since I've never known her personally or met her or anything to that effect.
So I've kind of just put my feelings of either negative or positive on hold until I have any reasoning that holds water. I recently (sometime this year, not within the last week or two) had a chat with a cousin of mine looking for tickets to the 1989 world tour at the Georgia Dome in October. I volunteered to go along for several reasons but the top reasons did not include "I want to see TS in concert" ... ultimately started with "I want to go on vacation" "I have plenty of PTO" etc. Anyways, I got a little side tracked. The bottom line is we are going to see Taylor Swift in the 1989 World Tour stop at the Georgia Dome in ATL this October. I guess that's where this whole blog series comes into play. I've decided to log my experience leading up to the big event and probably some of the experience following. If anything, so I can decide if I will ever define myself as a "Swifty." ...just using that phrase makes me shiver a little bit, so we'll see what happens.
Part 1 9/23/15
At this point I've completed the following actions: Ticket for concert purchased, Plane ticket purchased, 1989 on iTunes purchased. I'm starting to get excited because a long vacation different from my annual vacations to Michigan feels like just what I need. I'm a bit nervous about the flight, the fees, and the best way to get to and from the airport (do I want to park at the airport or get a ride, do I want to have to depend on somebody else, etc.) Now that it's getting to be less than a month away, I'm starting to worry about what to pack, what to leave, do I board Patrick or let him stay home, what would be better to take vs. just buy there, and so on.
I've gotten myself acclimated to the music on the 1989 album. For the most part it's catchy, but my skeptical ear does have its issue. But I have decided that there's more to this whole trip than just the music. There's the theatrics, which I've always been very impressed with in music videos, and the 60 minutes documentary (episode? what would you call it?) said "Taylor isn't a part of Big Machine Records, Taylor Swift IS Big Machine Records" and I've yet to find any fault in that statement. She's a go-getter who sticks to her values and beliefs and (allegedly, I only say that because I haven't read up on it I just heard it from somebody else) fights for the little guy.
I'm also very motivated to get my cousin and I into "Loft 89" which I guess you actually get to meet Taylor and spend time with her or something. I'm going to kind of make this a goal I suppose which means I'll have to start exhausting my creativity for ideas to ...win?... this experience.
Last year was "Summer of Kelley" and today I'm going to claim that since today is the day of the equinox this year I'm going to celebrate "Autumn of Kelley." Overall, I'm optimistic. Part of me thinks that my conclusion will be that Taylor brings that out in people...but I'm not ready to admit that QUITE yet.
Introduction
Hello, all. My name is Kelley. I've always kind of described myself as somebody with a sort of allergy to Taylor Swift. It was primarily due to the period of time that I would go into some type of convulsion whenever I would hear her music, but there was a time before that where I just wasn't all that excited about her music. Would we use a word like "hate?" No, I don't think so, but we wouldn't use anything in the category of "fondness" either.
I like to tell stories of my cat when I think about "early" Taylor Swift. Well, I put that in quotations because we're not talking /Tim MaGraw/ era, but more like 2010-ish. Maybe? I don't really know. It was when /You Belong With Me/ was big. I would turn it off every time it came on the radio. Then there was one time I was in the tub and my cat came flying (running, you literalist) into the bathroom. Snarkingly, I go "What, is Taylor Swift on the radio?" so I went to investigate what his issue was, and sure enough, that song was on the radio. It caused pure entertainment. The other was when we made our big move to Pittsburgh. I had everything packed up and all I had left was taking him in the carrier into the truck so we could hit the road. Obviously cats are not fond of being in carriers, etc. So we're walking out the door and I start singing that song. For whatever reason he didn't make any noise when I sang that. And the funny part is I only knew like 2 lines in the whole song. Naturally, I got sick of this and the novelty wore off with Patrick (my cat) and it was a flurry of me trying to find a way for him to have some TS to listen to, of course to no avail because why would I have that kind of luck?
At that point it became kind of a running joke that Patrick had a crush on Taylor / loved her music / etc and so forth and what have you. Then came the convulsive era when my cousin made me a cd that was a plethora of various Taylor Swift songs. Now, even at this point I want to stress there wasn't necessarily a loathing process going on. The song /Mean/ practically defines my life and I can admit that, I think it was something about voice pitch that just hit a nerve physiologically with me. I don't know. I've had several bouts to deal with what is going on with me in that department (the TS dept, and also the now neurological dept as well) to decide if my problem is her, her songs, her voice, her song topics, her videos, etc. I literally went on an extensive research investigation. I even purchased the CD / RED/ as a prototype. I went on this rant once about how she is a creative genius with the exception of one single music video that rubbed me the wrong way. As it probably sounds, my results were inconclusive. There's something there, but my "struggle" if you want to call it that has always been a matter of how interesting is it, etc. Then there's the obvious argument of "who am I to judge" and what thought of mine holds water since I've never known her personally or met her or anything to that effect.
So I've kind of just put my feelings of either negative or positive on hold until I have any reasoning that holds water. I recently (sometime this year, not within the last week or two) had a chat with a cousin of mine looking for tickets to the 1989 world tour at the Georgia Dome in October. I volunteered to go along for several reasons but the top reasons did not include "I want to see TS in concert" ... ultimately started with "I want to go on vacation" "I have plenty of PTO" etc. Anyways, I got a little side tracked. The bottom line is we are going to see Taylor Swift in the 1989 World Tour stop at the Georgia Dome in ATL this October. I guess that's where this whole blog series comes into play. I've decided to log my experience leading up to the big event and probably some of the experience following. If anything, so I can decide if I will ever define myself as a "Swifty." ...just using that phrase makes me shiver a little bit, so we'll see what happens.
Part 1 9/23/15
At this point I've completed the following actions: Ticket for concert purchased, Plane ticket purchased, 1989 on iTunes purchased. I'm starting to get excited because a long vacation different from my annual vacations to Michigan feels like just what I need. I'm a bit nervous about the flight, the fees, and the best way to get to and from the airport (do I want to park at the airport or get a ride, do I want to have to depend on somebody else, etc.) Now that it's getting to be less than a month away, I'm starting to worry about what to pack, what to leave, do I board Patrick or let him stay home, what would be better to take vs. just buy there, and so on.
I've gotten myself acclimated to the music on the 1989 album. For the most part it's catchy, but my skeptical ear does have its issue. But I have decided that there's more to this whole trip than just the music. There's the theatrics, which I've always been very impressed with in music videos, and the 60 minutes documentary (episode? what would you call it?) said "Taylor isn't a part of Big Machine Records, Taylor Swift IS Big Machine Records" and I've yet to find any fault in that statement. She's a go-getter who sticks to her values and beliefs and (allegedly, I only say that because I haven't read up on it I just heard it from somebody else) fights for the little guy.
I'm also very motivated to get my cousin and I into "Loft 89" which I guess you actually get to meet Taylor and spend time with her or something. I'm going to kind of make this a goal I suppose which means I'll have to start exhausting my creativity for ideas to ...win?... this experience.
Last year was "Summer of Kelley" and today I'm going to claim that since today is the day of the equinox this year I'm going to celebrate "Autumn of Kelley." Overall, I'm optimistic. Part of me thinks that my conclusion will be that Taylor brings that out in people...but I'm not ready to admit that QUITE yet.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Spitballing: Extra Innings
Here we are, midnight or later, where you can pretty much get Taco Bell or Wendy's if you're out looking for fast food. ...or how about the concessions at yet another Pittsburgh Pirates extra inning / way into the night game? That's right folks, we're headed to the 14th inning! It's a tight race in the standings to close the gap on the first place St. Louis Cardinals. And I'm not upset at all. It's all about getting the most out of your ticket stub price if you're attending, right?
But, I got to thinking tonight (I know... "oh no, here we go..." Yeah, you're right, this is gonna be a fun stream of consciousness blog) about what would keep the seats filled throughout these late extra inning showdowns.
What if (I know this is a stretch...) MLB decided to adopt some of the overtime rules of other sports?
Take for instance the lesser of my favorite, the NFL rule. If you score a touchdown on your first touch after the kickoff play or including the kickoff play, you win, but if it is on the second play or you score a field goal the other team gets to try. ...but you can end in a tie. No, I would never encourage a baseball game to end in a tie, but if the rule were modified to "if you hit a home run with less than two outs the game is over, but if you score in any other fashion the other team has a chance to retaliate." I know, that would suck. but you'd have your lead-off hitters swinging to end the game. Not that they aren't already, but the incentive would be even higher, especially since it alleviates the home-field advantage in theory. Especially if a tie game were a threat. BUT I don't like the thought of a tie at all.
I am much more amused considering an NHL adaptation. Imagine a ballgame where after the bottom of the 9th goes into a tie, you drop your Center Fielder and Shortstop and two spots in the lineup that are not necessarily those two players. This would be much more relieving in the National League, as they wouldn't need to hit for the pitcher spot. But it would be interesting if the DH would be dropped in the American League version of this rule and only one position player. Then, in the next inning in the NL drop the entire outfield and two more spots, and the same in the AL, except they would still have their shortstop (or whatever, I'm just spitballing some serious fictitious what-ifs right now).
[PS: McCutchen has ended the game with a 2-run blast to center in the 14th inning #LetsGoBucs ].
An even more amusing turn in the extra innings would be, say, if there's an 11th inning, they go to a "Shoot Out" / "home run derby." Factor in this year's bizarre home run derby outline, the game could get way out of line in terms of seriousness but boy oh boy would it be entertaining. And like I said, for me a lot of the extra innings play is all about it making the ticket stub worth what you paid for it. Everybody likes getting more than they paid for. [Sidebar: I've been to four games this season. Three of them had rain delays and some even had extra innings on top of that. So worth the money for extra baseball / extra time at PNC Park. I tell everybody there isn't a bad seat in the house. Beautiful park.]
Anyways, I appreciate you letting me spitball here. I'm obviously sort of excited about the framework of my idea here, but by no means is it anything more than a plea from a baseball fan solely in terms of entertainment. Plus it's like some sort of sport fantasy type ordeal combining all three of my favorite sports. If I haven't made it clear, ultimately my thought process is solely based on fans getting at least their money's worth [...I don't care if I never get back...]. I love the game, and I am excited for the All-Star events, but even more excited to see if the Buccos can end the first half of the season closing that gap with the Cards.
Let's Go Bucs, Let's Go Tigers, Let's Go Baseball.
But, I got to thinking tonight (I know... "oh no, here we go..." Yeah, you're right, this is gonna be a fun stream of consciousness blog) about what would keep the seats filled throughout these late extra inning showdowns.
What if (I know this is a stretch...) MLB decided to adopt some of the overtime rules of other sports?
Take for instance the lesser of my favorite, the NFL rule. If you score a touchdown on your first touch after the kickoff play or including the kickoff play, you win, but if it is on the second play or you score a field goal the other team gets to try. ...but you can end in a tie. No, I would never encourage a baseball game to end in a tie, but if the rule were modified to "if you hit a home run with less than two outs the game is over, but if you score in any other fashion the other team has a chance to retaliate." I know, that would suck. but you'd have your lead-off hitters swinging to end the game. Not that they aren't already, but the incentive would be even higher, especially since it alleviates the home-field advantage in theory. Especially if a tie game were a threat. BUT I don't like the thought of a tie at all.
I am much more amused considering an NHL adaptation. Imagine a ballgame where after the bottom of the 9th goes into a tie, you drop your Center Fielder and Shortstop and two spots in the lineup that are not necessarily those two players. This would be much more relieving in the National League, as they wouldn't need to hit for the pitcher spot. But it would be interesting if the DH would be dropped in the American League version of this rule and only one position player. Then, in the next inning in the NL drop the entire outfield and two more spots, and the same in the AL, except they would still have their shortstop (or whatever, I'm just spitballing some serious fictitious what-ifs right now).
[PS: McCutchen has ended the game with a 2-run blast to center in the 14th inning #LetsGoBucs ].
An even more amusing turn in the extra innings would be, say, if there's an 11th inning, they go to a "Shoot Out" / "home run derby." Factor in this year's bizarre home run derby outline, the game could get way out of line in terms of seriousness but boy oh boy would it be entertaining. And like I said, for me a lot of the extra innings play is all about it making the ticket stub worth what you paid for it. Everybody likes getting more than they paid for. [Sidebar: I've been to four games this season. Three of them had rain delays and some even had extra innings on top of that. So worth the money for extra baseball / extra time at PNC Park. I tell everybody there isn't a bad seat in the house. Beautiful park.]
Anyways, I appreciate you letting me spitball here. I'm obviously sort of excited about the framework of my idea here, but by no means is it anything more than a plea from a baseball fan solely in terms of entertainment. Plus it's like some sort of sport fantasy type ordeal combining all three of my favorite sports. If I haven't made it clear, ultimately my thought process is solely based on fans getting at least their money's worth [...I don't care if I never get back...]. I love the game, and I am excited for the All-Star events, but even more excited to see if the Buccos can end the first half of the season closing that gap with the Cards.
Let's Go Bucs, Let's Go Tigers, Let's Go Baseball.
Monday, June 15, 2015
And There We Have It
Well, that's that.
The Chicago Blackhawks have done it. Stanley Cup Champions again. And it wasn't that they were a full offensive force to be reckoned with as was the case for much of their playoff run. They gritted it out, fought their battles, kept their composure to minimize power play opportunities for Tampa, and Corey Crawford played his most solid series of the playoffs.
With a fully charged offense containing Hossa, Saad, Teows, Keith, and many more, they also managed to produce solid defense. There were very few breakaway opportunities and even when the Bolts broke free, Crawford didn't bat an eye but maybe once. He didn't let in very many point blank shots, either. The memorable shots scored on Chicago in the past six games were tap ins, redirects, and the like.
That isn't to say that Tampa didn't try. There was plenty of defensive production and if it weren't for the complications Bishop had in game three, this could have been a completely different series.They also gritted it out and fought their battles but had a lot of problems staying out of the penalty box.
The Blackhawks hoist the Cup to We Are The Champions skating in front of their home crowd. I guess if you're gonna win, that's the place to do it. And I think that's been a downfall to the Bolts this playoff series. They just couldn't win the big home games until they really HAD to. And Game five wasn't a MUST WIN, and they didn't have the charge they needed to power through. They became a team of desperation, which always comes back to bite you eventually. Unfortunately, they came up just short.
But oh boy did they make this a nail biting hard to keep your eyes off series. Congratulations, Chicago on your victory, but also congrats to the Bolts for making this the most exciting two months of hockey for me. I only wish it could've gone seven just to absorb as much hockey as possible before the summer hockey drought. It still makes me so happy to see Scotty Bowman hoisting the Stanley Cup. Such a wonderful guy, with a lot of Stanley Cup hoists. He made it fun to root for Detroit for so many years.
And now, it's that time... Tomorrow everybody can shave their playoff beards and ask that question we'll all be yearning for over the next 86 days before training camp: Is It October Yet?
The Chicago Blackhawks have done it. Stanley Cup Champions again. And it wasn't that they were a full offensive force to be reckoned with as was the case for much of their playoff run. They gritted it out, fought their battles, kept their composure to minimize power play opportunities for Tampa, and Corey Crawford played his most solid series of the playoffs.
With a fully charged offense containing Hossa, Saad, Teows, Keith, and many more, they also managed to produce solid defense. There were very few breakaway opportunities and even when the Bolts broke free, Crawford didn't bat an eye but maybe once. He didn't let in very many point blank shots, either. The memorable shots scored on Chicago in the past six games were tap ins, redirects, and the like.
That isn't to say that Tampa didn't try. There was plenty of defensive production and if it weren't for the complications Bishop had in game three, this could have been a completely different series.They also gritted it out and fought their battles but had a lot of problems staying out of the penalty box.
The Blackhawks hoist the Cup to We Are The Champions skating in front of their home crowd. I guess if you're gonna win, that's the place to do it. And I think that's been a downfall to the Bolts this playoff series. They just couldn't win the big home games until they really HAD to. And Game five wasn't a MUST WIN, and they didn't have the charge they needed to power through. They became a team of desperation, which always comes back to bite you eventually. Unfortunately, they came up just short.
But oh boy did they make this a nail biting hard to keep your eyes off series. Congratulations, Chicago on your victory, but also congrats to the Bolts for making this the most exciting two months of hockey for me. I only wish it could've gone seven just to absorb as much hockey as possible before the summer hockey drought. It still makes me so happy to see Scotty Bowman hoisting the Stanley Cup. Such a wonderful guy, with a lot of Stanley Cup hoists. He made it fun to root for Detroit for so many years.
And now, it's that time... Tomorrow everybody can shave their playoff beards and ask that question we'll all be yearning for over the next 86 days before training camp: Is It October Yet?
Friday, May 1, 2015
Another Day, Another Dragon
Today marks Year 7. After six years, Charles Trippy hasn't gone a day without recording his life and putting it on YouTube for the world to see. He's just your average guy, I guess. He's about 18 feet tall, has a roar that can be heard from neighboring countries, and he breathes positive energy while soaring through the skies. Did I mention he's a dragon?
Don't believe me? Let's look at the facts. What does it take to be a dragon?
One might say the first requirement is to, well, be a reptile. Well, I can't say that he is, but having never met the guy personally I can't say with 100% certainty that he does not have hard scaly skin. Having SEEN him in person from a distance I can speculate he is not, however, green. Or that dark coal color type reptile, to be fair. OK, so I'm not starting off very well here, am I?
Another requirement is fierceness ...ferocity? Can take on anything or anyone. Fact: Haters gonna hate. Fact: CTFxC is for Haters. Fact: Hating that people would hate someone or something in essence makes one a "hater." Fact: Everyone is a hater of something. Fact: CTFxC is for everyone. Charles knew that from the beginning. Way before the CTFxC became even a portion of what it is today (nearly 1.5 million strong). But let's talk about his ability to be fierce. How many people would be able to take on brain cancer? How many people would be able to keep recording every day of their life after finding out they had an oligodendroglioma right frontal lobe, then film the entire surgery [uncensored video]? How many people would be on TOUR with a Warped Tour Performer and still record every single day? And, how many would go through the process of divorce...and still record every day? I say... that's something only a dragon could handle.
But that's the tough stuff. Maybe we should revisit the idea of him being a reptile... How thick of skin do you suppose he'd have to have to go through all that, plus introducing his new life, plus factoring in that he wasn't just dealing with his life but also the reaction to his life from all viewers, fans, "unfans," the haters, the people hating on the ones who weren't haters. There was a complete mess going on in the comment section of the videos. So, now I guess I can say with some cloudy certainty that Charles Trippy IS, in fact, a tough skinned reptile.
So let's talk about more dragon requirements:
Dragons are large. Well, call me biased but compared to barely pushing 5'2", Charles standing at 5'11" is huge.
Dragons fly. If there's one thing Charles has become a pro at, it's flying.
Though he may not breathe fire, he does breathe positive energy. He takes time to see his fans, the CTFxCers, wherever he goes. He wants his ....family.... That's right, he considers this group of 1.5 million people his family. He wants them to know that if you believe in yourself and don't let the haters get to you, you can be whatever you want. It will happen for you. Somewhere, Somehow the wheels are going to go in your direction.
So really, you can tell me all day long that no human could ever be a dragon (unless maybe you're Maleficent, but I see nothing "mal" about this particular man) but in a sense, he is exactly what he wanted to be growing up, which was a dragon.
So, Charles, if somewhere somehow you happen upon this particular blog, I just want to congratulate you on what you've accomplished. You're something to count on in a world that doesn't always make sense. You're a positive influence on the people around you and the people who watch you. Here's to making the lucky sevens bring you a jackpot year. See you tomorrow, as always. TOODLES!
Friday, April 24, 2015
Clean shaven
Unless you're Sidney Crosby (even if you are, really) and your team is a part of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, chances are you're sporting some noticeable facial hair at this stage in the game. Just over a week into the playoffs, it's becoming clear that not many people shy away from the traditional playoff beard. Nashville predator fans have been spotted with long fake beards. It's a wonderful tradition. Look at it generally: the most competitive part of the season and the combatants are all doing the same thing. It really is a beautiful thing.
It does become short lived for some, though. The Winnipeg Jets have been eliminated from the contest after losing four straight to the Anaheim Ducks. They have a great team, regardless of how it looks on paper during the playoffs. The Jets are a relatively new addition to the NHL, relocating from Atlanta a few years back (I have no sense of time. It could be three, it could be ten) and joining the Western Conference last season. If you're familiar with my hockey preferences, you know how seriously intense I look at a team changing conferences. Last year I anticipated the Detroit Red Wings to get buried and the Columbus Blue Jackets to soar in the Eastern Conference and was pleasantly surprised to see both teams joining the bearded folks come April. But Winnipeg also thrived in their new conference this season.
The Ducks are a rough team and I really only saw part of one game in this series, so it's hard for me to look at the Sweep as either a good try or a rough week. But from what I understand, the Jets fight hard. They didn't quiver in fear facing the number one seed in the West. I have my own issues with the Ducks, so I really hoped for an upset in this series, I'm sure Jets fans feel the same way but I hope that what they take away most from this experience is that for the first time in 19 years the Jets saw a light in April.
Tonight two other teams are fighting to keep their facial hair.
The Vancouver Canucks are struggling to stay afloat, down 3-1 in their series tonight. The game is currently 1-0 in favor of Calgary and Ryan Miller is getting a chance to prove himself. If Vancouver can pull it off, they'll have to get their first win of the series back in Calgary to bring the series to a decisive game 7 at home. Here's hoping the Sedin Bros won't be shaving quite yet. Make that score 1-1.
In Nashville, the Predators are sporting the yellow jerseys fighting for their playoff lives. They are up 3-1 in the third period at this moment and have seemed to finally come up with the code to crack Darling. Make that 4-1. With any luck, the chinny chin chins of the Preds will be protected for a trip back to Chicago to fight the wind, fight the polar vortex, and send this series to 7.
Tomorrow will be a decisive game for Sidney Crosby's creeper stache. The Penguins are down in their series 3-1 and have really shown some defensive struggles, given the injuries to the team. The offense really hasn't shown up either, and Fleury continues to struggle at home against the Rangers. Good news for Flower: they're one the road, which is the only place he's won a game in this series. With any luck, Sid will exploit is current playoff goal streak, Malkin will snap his skid, and Pittsburgh can chant "fear the beard" for at least one more night in game 6.
Tomorrow will also see about the wild card Ottawa Senators earning their first win in Montreal this series. Ottawa held off the trimmers for one more night at home last night. It's good to see they weren't ready to sweep away their facial hair for the summer. I love all of this Canadian competition this year. And, hey, Edmonton may not have made the playoffs but they did win the lottery. But you don't get a beard for that.
The Washington Capitals have turned their post season around, jumping to a 3-2 series lead against the New York Islanders. It's time to see if Tavares and the Isles can tame Ovechkin's beard run or if New York will only have one chance to be the hairiest team in the Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay has also prevented putting their hairs in serious danger. After being down 2-0 for a good portion of the game, Hockeytown soon became SloppyTown. Before regulation ended, the score was tied at 2, and the Bolts took the game in OT. That series is now tied at 2, heading to Tampa. The Lightning have home ice advantage. It would strongly behoove the beards in red to make game six the final game for the Bolts. The beach is no place for a beard, is it?
That leaves us with the Blues and Wild. This series is also tied after a flurry of offense for St. Louis last night. The question remains, though, which team will have the chin that runs wild, and which team will be blue? This looks like it could be a seven game series and an intense one, at that.
So, this is where I leave you tonight. My hopes for the second round facial hair. Clearly some are long shots but I ultimately just want to see those lovely beards stay around for as long as possible.
- Vancouver
- Nashville
- St. Louis
- Pittsburgh
- Detroit
- Ottawa
- New York Islanders
Ultimately, I love the game, I love the beards, and though I have my favorites, this year's playoffs look VERY exciting.
It does become short lived for some, though. The Winnipeg Jets have been eliminated from the contest after losing four straight to the Anaheim Ducks. They have a great team, regardless of how it looks on paper during the playoffs. The Jets are a relatively new addition to the NHL, relocating from Atlanta a few years back (I have no sense of time. It could be three, it could be ten) and joining the Western Conference last season. If you're familiar with my hockey preferences, you know how seriously intense I look at a team changing conferences. Last year I anticipated the Detroit Red Wings to get buried and the Columbus Blue Jackets to soar in the Eastern Conference and was pleasantly surprised to see both teams joining the bearded folks come April. But Winnipeg also thrived in their new conference this season.
The Ducks are a rough team and I really only saw part of one game in this series, so it's hard for me to look at the Sweep as either a good try or a rough week. But from what I understand, the Jets fight hard. They didn't quiver in fear facing the number one seed in the West. I have my own issues with the Ducks, so I really hoped for an upset in this series, I'm sure Jets fans feel the same way but I hope that what they take away most from this experience is that for the first time in 19 years the Jets saw a light in April.
Tonight two other teams are fighting to keep their facial hair.
The Vancouver Canucks are struggling to stay afloat, down 3-1 in their series tonight. The game is currently 1-0 in favor of Calgary and Ryan Miller is getting a chance to prove himself. If Vancouver can pull it off, they'll have to get their first win of the series back in Calgary to bring the series to a decisive game 7 at home. Here's hoping the Sedin Bros won't be shaving quite yet. Make that score 1-1.
In Nashville, the Predators are sporting the yellow jerseys fighting for their playoff lives. They are up 3-1 in the third period at this moment and have seemed to finally come up with the code to crack Darling. Make that 4-1. With any luck, the chinny chin chins of the Preds will be protected for a trip back to Chicago to fight the wind, fight the polar vortex, and send this series to 7.
Tomorrow will be a decisive game for Sidney Crosby's creeper stache. The Penguins are down in their series 3-1 and have really shown some defensive struggles, given the injuries to the team. The offense really hasn't shown up either, and Fleury continues to struggle at home against the Rangers. Good news for Flower: they're one the road, which is the only place he's won a game in this series. With any luck, Sid will exploit is current playoff goal streak, Malkin will snap his skid, and Pittsburgh can chant "fear the beard" for at least one more night in game 6.
Tomorrow will also see about the wild card Ottawa Senators earning their first win in Montreal this series. Ottawa held off the trimmers for one more night at home last night. It's good to see they weren't ready to sweep away their facial hair for the summer. I love all of this Canadian competition this year. And, hey, Edmonton may not have made the playoffs but they did win the lottery. But you don't get a beard for that.
The Washington Capitals have turned their post season around, jumping to a 3-2 series lead against the New York Islanders. It's time to see if Tavares and the Isles can tame Ovechkin's beard run or if New York will only have one chance to be the hairiest team in the Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay has also prevented putting their hairs in serious danger. After being down 2-0 for a good portion of the game, Hockeytown soon became SloppyTown. Before regulation ended, the score was tied at 2, and the Bolts took the game in OT. That series is now tied at 2, heading to Tampa. The Lightning have home ice advantage. It would strongly behoove the beards in red to make game six the final game for the Bolts. The beach is no place for a beard, is it?
That leaves us with the Blues and Wild. This series is also tied after a flurry of offense for St. Louis last night. The question remains, though, which team will have the chin that runs wild, and which team will be blue? This looks like it could be a seven game series and an intense one, at that.
So, this is where I leave you tonight. My hopes for the second round facial hair. Clearly some are long shots but I ultimately just want to see those lovely beards stay around for as long as possible.
- Vancouver
- Nashville
- St. Louis
- Pittsburgh
- Detroit
- Ottawa
- New York Islanders
Ultimately, I love the game, I love the beards, and though I have my favorites, this year's playoffs look VERY exciting.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Defeated
We've rolled into the start of the 2015 MLB season and things could not seem to be going much better. The Detroit Tigers have come roaring out of the gate and up until this afternoon in Pittsburgh were a whopping 6-0 to start things off. When these kind of things happen I become more nervous than excited I think. What I mean is, when you get to games 5 - 6 - 7 of an undefeated start the pressure isn't so much to keep it up because the likelihood of an undefeated season seems impossible, improbable, and unrealistic but "who's going to be the one to pitch the first loss?" In the opener, David Price threw a gem and it took three games for the Minnesota Twins to even put a run on the board. Game two was a beautiful start for Anibal Sanchez and an amazing day for the offense. The bottom of the lineup bringing in the RBIs and a HOT top of the lineup makes them a serious force to be reckoned with.
Naturally, life goes on and I've had a hard time keeping up with the last few games but I caught most of today's radio broadcast of the Pirates home opener vs. the Tigers. The Pirates, who have brought their record up to 3-4, scored very early in the game which put a damper on an otherwise stellar sounding start for Sanchez. The 9th inning was an exciting way to close the game out, though, after the offense seemed to be rather shut down. Cole had an amazing start, plenty of strikeouts doled out for both pitchers actually, Kinsler boldly started with a double, Miggy doubled him in, and JD Martinez made it a very interesting game before the first out of the 9th was even recorded but that didn't stop the Buccos from holding on for the victory, striking out Victor Martinez for the final out of the game.
But back to what I was musing about to start this off. I think the first loss is an important one - not to show any sort of weakness, or vulnerability, ultimately the only negative thing being that the other team scored more runs than the losing team - only to take the pressure off and stop the worry of "who's gonna be the choker?" I think the Pirates are looking (well, sounding. I won't have seen them play a regular season game until tomorrow when I go in person) like they're off to a great start, even if their record isn't reflecting that. They're scoring runs, their pitchers are strong, and they got Burnett back, which I could not be any more excited about, and it's still really early.
Ultimately, I'm very pleased with the starts for both teams, and amped to see them playing each other so early in the season, especially since I can go TO the game. So just because they've had losses doesn't mean anything at all. Just because you've been defeated doesn't mean you've been deflated, it just means you've found a standard to set yourself on path with. You don't have to think about superstition, ritual, or making sure you set a routine to keep unreasonable goals. Don't get me wrong, obviously winning is important, but without a team dynamic that can handle the unavoidable occasional defeat, you can't gel completely.
It's going to be a very exciting season, I think. And I can't wait to see where things go from here.
Naturally, life goes on and I've had a hard time keeping up with the last few games but I caught most of today's radio broadcast of the Pirates home opener vs. the Tigers. The Pirates, who have brought their record up to 3-4, scored very early in the game which put a damper on an otherwise stellar sounding start for Sanchez. The 9th inning was an exciting way to close the game out, though, after the offense seemed to be rather shut down. Cole had an amazing start, plenty of strikeouts doled out for both pitchers actually, Kinsler boldly started with a double, Miggy doubled him in, and JD Martinez made it a very interesting game before the first out of the 9th was even recorded but that didn't stop the Buccos from holding on for the victory, striking out Victor Martinez for the final out of the game.
But back to what I was musing about to start this off. I think the first loss is an important one - not to show any sort of weakness, or vulnerability, ultimately the only negative thing being that the other team scored more runs than the losing team - only to take the pressure off and stop the worry of "who's gonna be the choker?" I think the Pirates are looking (well, sounding. I won't have seen them play a regular season game until tomorrow when I go in person) like they're off to a great start, even if their record isn't reflecting that. They're scoring runs, their pitchers are strong, and they got Burnett back, which I could not be any more excited about, and it's still really early.
Ultimately, I'm very pleased with the starts for both teams, and amped to see them playing each other so early in the season, especially since I can go TO the game. So just because they've had losses doesn't mean anything at all. Just because you've been defeated doesn't mean you've been deflated, it just means you've found a standard to set yourself on path with. You don't have to think about superstition, ritual, or making sure you set a routine to keep unreasonable goals. Don't get me wrong, obviously winning is important, but without a team dynamic that can handle the unavoidable occasional defeat, you can't gel completely.
It's going to be a very exciting season, I think. And I can't wait to see where things go from here.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
And The Hockey Talk Prevails
Trade Deadline Day 2015 has come and gone. It didn't seem nearly as exciting for me this year. I didn't see any big names that make me say "Wow, they're going in the right/wrong direction!" I know Florida picked up Jagr recently. That's usually my "bum deal" thought. I don't know, I'm just not big on Jagr. He's like the Brett Favre of the NHL. Well, at least Favre knew when to let go and let football be a younger man's game. It's not like Jagr has been a part of a team that has WON the Cup since he's come back from retirement. Though, I was heartbroken for the rest of the Bruins when Chicago came back and took the Cup from them a couple years ago. THAT was rough going. I don't blame him, I'm not that kind of non-fan, and I'm not saying he absolutely sucks. He's a good player in his own right. He's just not my cup of tea.
Anyways, the Detroit Red Wings made a good move I think picking up Zidlicky. I've got a soft spot for the Devils organization and I've got respect for the Red Wings, who've overcome the conference switch last season and are still competing at playoff level hockey. I regret my decision to write them off before the season even started last year, and ate my words come playoff time. Though, I was more wrapped up in my prediction that the Columbus Blue Jackets would soar in the Eastern Conference, which they did, sort of. They really should've beaten the Penguins. I'll say that forever, I'm sure, but you can't change the past, and the Pens didn't play like a team that won the first round of the playoffs come round two. Here's hoping for something a little bit better this year.
The Blue Jackets made a good move keeping Atkinson, I know that. He and Foligno and Johanson... solid team. Too bad they got rid of Comeau in the off season. But he's in Pittsburgh now, so if I ever make it to a game, I'll be wishing I could show off a tiny flare of Blue Jacket Blood. And I'm not sure how the Horton / Clarkston trade will work out, but as long as they're both healthy for the rest of the season, I wish them both the best.
---
I realized today that I can listen to NHL games in my car. Any NHL game, I should say. When I left work I listened to the Sharks / Canadiens on my way home. That will come in handy come playoff neuroticism next month.
I'm looking forward to some good tough-it-out hockey for the next month as the playoffs are looming on the horizon. Now that my schedule gives me week days off, I have been soaking up as much NHL action as I can. And even soaking some up at work when the opportunity arises. All that's left for me is to actually check in with the standings. I've been pretty bad at keeping up on that. Here's hoping my teams excel. And maybe the Panthers will make it to the playoffs so I can see some NBC crappy coverage of the "Travelling Jagrs" like when he played for Philly, and Boston. Not so much when he played for New Jersey.
---
AND.... MLB Spring Training games really start tomorrow! I got pre-emptively excited for a game I couldn't watch today. Spring is Springing. And that means it's time to dig in my cleats and absorb as many sporting events as I can. If only I could find something to actually participate in a sport. Time to turn up the the initiative.
Anyways, the Detroit Red Wings made a good move I think picking up Zidlicky. I've got a soft spot for the Devils organization and I've got respect for the Red Wings, who've overcome the conference switch last season and are still competing at playoff level hockey. I regret my decision to write them off before the season even started last year, and ate my words come playoff time. Though, I was more wrapped up in my prediction that the Columbus Blue Jackets would soar in the Eastern Conference, which they did, sort of. They really should've beaten the Penguins. I'll say that forever, I'm sure, but you can't change the past, and the Pens didn't play like a team that won the first round of the playoffs come round two. Here's hoping for something a little bit better this year.
The Blue Jackets made a good move keeping Atkinson, I know that. He and Foligno and Johanson... solid team. Too bad they got rid of Comeau in the off season. But he's in Pittsburgh now, so if I ever make it to a game, I'll be wishing I could show off a tiny flare of Blue Jacket Blood. And I'm not sure how the Horton / Clarkston trade will work out, but as long as they're both healthy for the rest of the season, I wish them both the best.
---
I realized today that I can listen to NHL games in my car. Any NHL game, I should say. When I left work I listened to the Sharks / Canadiens on my way home. That will come in handy come playoff neuroticism next month.
I'm looking forward to some good tough-it-out hockey for the next month as the playoffs are looming on the horizon. Now that my schedule gives me week days off, I have been soaking up as much NHL action as I can. And even soaking some up at work when the opportunity arises. All that's left for me is to actually check in with the standings. I've been pretty bad at keeping up on that. Here's hoping my teams excel. And maybe the Panthers will make it to the playoffs so I can see some NBC crappy coverage of the "Travelling Jagrs" like when he played for Philly, and Boston. Not so much when he played for New Jersey.
---
AND.... MLB Spring Training games really start tomorrow! I got pre-emptively excited for a game I couldn't watch today. Spring is Springing. And that means it's time to dig in my cleats and absorb as many sporting events as I can. If only I could find something to actually participate in a sport. Time to turn up the the initiative.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
AGAIN WITH THE DRESS
Dresses are gold and white
Dresses are black and blue
Dresses aren't worth a fight
Dresses aren't worth a poo
Dresses are black and blue
Dresses aren't worth a fight
Dresses aren't worth a poo
Friday, February 27, 2015
More Randoms
-- Remember that time when everything was simple? Remember when thinking only took seconds and the decisions we made didn't need to be final? [...]
-- I've seen FRIENDS enough that the discrepancies are much more obvious now. Like Phoebe says her birthday is February 18th when she meets her brother, but it's right before Halloween in the episode where nobody shows up on time for her party. Ironically, that's when Frank Jr. says his birthday is. Or when in the first couple episodes the apartment numbers are 5 and 6 then switch to 19 and 20, but go back to 5 and 6 for a minute, then officially switch to 19 and 20.
-- The darkness clouds the road, but each mailbox is clearly visible. I haven't slept in weeks, or at least it feels that way. It doesn't really matter where we go, as long as we're not gone long, or coming back to where we started. The Texaco is still ablaze in the rear-view mirror. How could we have let things get this out of hand? What started off as a simple hobby has gotten so mixed up. Who would have guessed there would be so many of us with the same name? [...]
-- Do people still use matches to light cigars?
-- The view from down here. (up here? in there? out there? and any other possible way to view it)
-- St. Patrick's Day.
-- Wow, February is pretty much over.
-- If I had a million dollars I would buy you a gold and white dress or a black and blue dress (but not a real gold and white or black and blue dress, that's cruel)
-- I've seen FRIENDS enough that the discrepancies are much more obvious now. Like Phoebe says her birthday is February 18th when she meets her brother, but it's right before Halloween in the episode where nobody shows up on time for her party. Ironically, that's when Frank Jr. says his birthday is. Or when in the first couple episodes the apartment numbers are 5 and 6 then switch to 19 and 20, but go back to 5 and 6 for a minute, then officially switch to 19 and 20.
-- The darkness clouds the road, but each mailbox is clearly visible. I haven't slept in weeks, or at least it feels that way. It doesn't really matter where we go, as long as we're not gone long, or coming back to where we started. The Texaco is still ablaze in the rear-view mirror. How could we have let things get this out of hand? What started off as a simple hobby has gotten so mixed up. Who would have guessed there would be so many of us with the same name? [...]
-- Do people still use matches to light cigars?
-- The view from down here. (up here? in there? out there? and any other possible way to view it)
-- St. Patrick's Day.
-- Wow, February is pretty much over.
-- If I had a million dollars I would buy you a gold and white dress or a black and blue dress (but not a real gold and white or black and blue dress, that's cruel)
Cleaning Always Makes You Feel Dirty
They say for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, right? That's one of the basic laws of physics or something. So what? (Or So....what? I guess it's all about inflection isn't it?) I always feel like when I clean the dirt doesn't really go away, it just attaches itself to me. As such "I clean" would have the equal and opposite reaction of "Therefore I become dirty." Right? I guess the dirt has to go somewhere. And with that thought, it seems I'm going nowhere.
Not sure what kind of road block I've been experiencing lately, but things feel very much like a purgatory scenario. I'm not necessarily "in between jobs" but I feel like the transition isn't flowing very well. I'm not particularly sure what to do with time off, even if it's not a LOT of time off. And I'm not particularly sure what to do when I'm not off. It's like I'm expecting a learning curve but there is none, and the equal and opposite reaction there is I'm not learning anything.
I think I'm going to start a "writing prompt" challenge next week. Ironically, given my new schedule, I suspect that next week could mean any time between tomorrow and Monday or Tuesday. Maybe I should just say I think I'm going to start a writing prompt challenge soon. No commitments. That sounds more doable.
I think it's time to bring back the accountability chief.
My hockey teams have been playing out west this week. That's been exciting. Well, not as exciting as the fact that it's time to consider whether or not I'm going to re-subscribe to MLB.TV this year. Spring training is getting going, which means with the subscription I can watch Spring Training exhibition games. I wish more things were free. That would make them easier to consider.
It might also be easier to think about baseball when it's not minus-anything degrees outside.
Not sure what kind of road block I've been experiencing lately, but things feel very much like a purgatory scenario. I'm not necessarily "in between jobs" but I feel like the transition isn't flowing very well. I'm not particularly sure what to do with time off, even if it's not a LOT of time off. And I'm not particularly sure what to do when I'm not off. It's like I'm expecting a learning curve but there is none, and the equal and opposite reaction there is I'm not learning anything.
I think I'm going to start a "writing prompt" challenge next week. Ironically, given my new schedule, I suspect that next week could mean any time between tomorrow and Monday or Tuesday. Maybe I should just say I think I'm going to start a writing prompt challenge soon. No commitments. That sounds more doable.
I think it's time to bring back the accountability chief.
My hockey teams have been playing out west this week. That's been exciting. Well, not as exciting as the fact that it's time to consider whether or not I'm going to re-subscribe to MLB.TV this year. Spring training is getting going, which means with the subscription I can watch Spring Training exhibition games. I wish more things were free. That would make them easier to consider.
It might also be easier to think about baseball when it's not minus-anything degrees outside.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Wonderings
What makes for good reading? Vivid imagery, captivating action, the combination of the two? What makes something worth continuing past the initial sentence? Does the title reflect on how one will dive in?
Maybe it's because it's been so long since I've been to a work shopping group, or maybe it's because I just watched Jurassic Park and that movie really pumps the adrenaline for me, but I spend more time lately wondering about what gets me into thing things I read, watch, or listen to.
I guess it's hard to imagine Jurassic Park as a book. Imagery like that is something I wouldn't be able to picture with just the words. But I haven't read it as a book, so I don't know how the island is described. That's kind of the downfall of books going to movies too, isn't it? Take something like Chronicles of Narnia. I have yet to see any of the movies aside from the first one because I prefer my vision of Narnia and my vision of the Snow Queen to not be clouded with actors and actresses. Sort of like if I would have gotten into Harry Potter. Being inclined to watch movies with Alan Rickman, I would have never been able to read them the same knowing Snapes to be the sad robot from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. And I wouldn't be able to read LOTR without thinking of Radio Flyer every time I see the word Frodo (or Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy with the other guy).
So I tend to lean more towards a flow of action to keep me interested in something to read. I was absolutely Fascinated with the Chronicles of Narnia series. I feel like literature and film should be separate entities. It seems like literature would be a bigger money maker if people weren't set on "waiting for the movie version." I mean, books are still more expensive than movie tickets, right?
..and come on, apparently only four movies get featured at the Oscars.
24
24
The drinks we pour
at hour twenty-four
cost no more
at the Jersey Shore.
Signs on the door
say "feed the poor"
with coats they wore
left on the floor.
The crowd will roar
as number twenty-four
makes his average soar
and golfers yell, "Fore!"
Rhymes galore
for 24
but there's no more
this poem's a chore.
The drinks we pour
at hour twenty-four
cost no more
at the Jersey Shore.
Signs on the door
say "feed the poor"
with coats they wore
left on the floor.
The crowd will roar
as number twenty-four
makes his average soar
and golfers yell, "Fore!"
Rhymes galore
for 24
but there's no more
this poem's a chore.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Have a Coke and a Smile
Four friends gather together for a group project. Seniors and Freshmen working together on a presentation. Who would have ever imagined that 13 years later it would still be a memorable event? We may not see each other regularly, or at all, we may not communicate, keep in touch, or anything of the sort, but when it comes to the date February 23, 2002, we will never be out of touch.
We get together in the basement, play some pool, watch some veggie tales, and talk a little bit about our project. We jump in the Fangmobile and take a drive to Taco Bell, but we end up getting Little Caesar's Pizza. We trade drivers for the drive back, but that doesn't exactly work out in anybody's favor and it goes into the "we don't talk about that" folder. We have coke with our pizza and discuss the advertisements for coca cola and it appears as though we have been "drugged" by the caffeine.
There were bonds formed that day that I will never forget. And I can't go a February 23rd without drinking at least one coke. I haven't got a Little Caesar's around that I can find, but I generally try to find a Taco Bell. It didn't happen this year, but I did think about it.
I think about this day more than annually, and it's definitely an abridged version of a day that was DEFINITELY one of the highlights of my senior year in high school. I know that I made at least one strong friendship, and the two of us had a pretty interesting week to follow the 23rd. Our group celebrated March 23 at Big Boy with a band trip and created a tradition where we gifted somebody with the taco salad box and mementos relating to our time together. Funny story about that...it involves a tapioca pudding filled water balloon, a car, and some really mad zoo animals. I'll have to save that one for another time.
I really expected this to be a little longer, but the fact is that I did more reminiscing than writing. More thinking about things I don't regret regardless of how life happened. We're all stronger, smarter, and happier.
But all in all, even though the 23rd has technically passed, it's still the 23rd cause I haven't gone to bed yet. There's no pumpkins on this ride. And no fairy godmother. Just one memory of four friends who had no idea what was going to happen on that snowy Saturday. But with every great day, we always have to be prepared for the horse fallin' in the trailer at McDonald's...cause that always seems to sneak up on ya.
But you still get a happy meal, a coke, and a smile.
We get together in the basement, play some pool, watch some veggie tales, and talk a little bit about our project. We jump in the Fangmobile and take a drive to Taco Bell, but we end up getting Little Caesar's Pizza. We trade drivers for the drive back, but that doesn't exactly work out in anybody's favor and it goes into the "we don't talk about that" folder. We have coke with our pizza and discuss the advertisements for coca cola and it appears as though we have been "drugged" by the caffeine.
There were bonds formed that day that I will never forget. And I can't go a February 23rd without drinking at least one coke. I haven't got a Little Caesar's around that I can find, but I generally try to find a Taco Bell. It didn't happen this year, but I did think about it.
I think about this day more than annually, and it's definitely an abridged version of a day that was DEFINITELY one of the highlights of my senior year in high school. I know that I made at least one strong friendship, and the two of us had a pretty interesting week to follow the 23rd. Our group celebrated March 23 at Big Boy with a band trip and created a tradition where we gifted somebody with the taco salad box and mementos relating to our time together. Funny story about that...it involves a tapioca pudding filled water balloon, a car, and some really mad zoo animals. I'll have to save that one for another time.
I really expected this to be a little longer, but the fact is that I did more reminiscing than writing. More thinking about things I don't regret regardless of how life happened. We're all stronger, smarter, and happier.
But all in all, even though the 23rd has technically passed, it's still the 23rd cause I haven't gone to bed yet. There's no pumpkins on this ride. And no fairy godmother. Just one memory of four friends who had no idea what was going to happen on that snowy Saturday. But with every great day, we always have to be prepared for the horse fallin' in the trailer at McDonald's...cause that always seems to sneak up on ya.
But you still get a happy meal, a coke, and a smile.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
The Next Great Idea
Just taking a moment today to take down a few ideas for potential later things...
"Mop Wars"
"The Pond on My Stoop"
"Today I passed a parking lot that made me think I was passing a sale tent. Snow is a beautiful thing."
"I'm scared to sleep in my room because I don't want to let the warmth out."
"It's fun watching FRIENDS when you know what happens and you just wonder how far in advance the writers planned ahead."
"Bacon Wrapped String Cheese."
"Mop Wars"
"The Pond on My Stoop"
"Today I passed a parking lot that made me think I was passing a sale tent. Snow is a beautiful thing."
"I'm scared to sleep in my room because I don't want to let the warmth out."
"It's fun watching FRIENDS when you know what happens and you just wonder how far in advance the writers planned ahead."
"Bacon Wrapped String Cheese."
Friday, February 20, 2015
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Hockey
I've finally managed to get myself back into hockey mode as a result of my new schedule. I've still got good feelings about the Columbus Blue Jackets. I'm always going to love the Detroit Red Wings. I'm not particularly impressed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, nor have I really been interested in their games this season. That's not really by design though. Aside from dramatic barriers at work before my recent transfer, my days off weren't going to do me any good unless I went out to watch the game which has seemed financially unsound. But really, it's the Penguins. Then again, it's hockey...and I like hockey. With any luck I will be able to make it to a game again. Last season I hit up a pre-season game as part of my "grab Pittsburgh by the balls....or pucks..." campaign. It was short lived, but pretty fun. It was the year I completed the Pittsburgh "trifecta" so to speak.. Saw the Pirates, Pens, and Steelers in 2013.
Anyways, the game going on right now is what's provoking this post tonight. The Boston Bruins are looking like they need to hit the panic button. Tuukka Rask NEEDS some time off if he's gonna be the top dog there. The last two times I saw them play and start a backup, Rask has come into the game to try and put a cork in a leaky tank. He can't win the game for them though, the offense needs to give the defense something to fight for.
I was just saying the same thing to my cousin not that long ago regarding the Detroit football Lions. Currently (unless I missed the conclusion) the Lions are debating the contract signing for N. Suh. He'll forever be "the guy that stomped on that dude on Thanksgiving" but he's pretty good for keeping pressure on opposing QBs. He's not the whole team though. It's hard to say "build your team around ____" cause there's not really a right answer. It's easy to say build around your QB, but as we saw in Pittsburgh the past couple years you can surround your QB with the greatest receivers but if your Offensive Coordinator isn't calling the plays that accentuate your QB's talents everybody is on a different page and nobody is happy and nobody is scoring points. (Except Jason Hanson...who always kicks a field goal. He's by far the only retired football player other than Brett Favre that I can remember seeing the press conference for the retirement announcement.) Or you could say "Build your team around the Defense" and run the risk of losing a pretty talented TE or WR that can run some trick routes in a pinch because you put your extra dollars into somebody who steps on people when their temper flares up. I say just build a cohesive team. It's like an article I read about the Steelers at the end of their season. After all was said and done and the players were asked about the positives of the season the answer was a resounding "we all had a connection." They were cohesive. They may not have won it all, but they came out winners.
Wow, hello tangential football stuff. What am I trying to get at here? Anything? Yes, probably. ...Maybe. It's beginning to look a lot like hockey. And hockey season gets me all kinds of amp'd up once I get going. Off to the third period of the Bruins game here. But since I am a baseball fan and a Bruins fan, I will leave the Boston fans with the most famous line in sports movies (Angels in the Outfield):
"It could happen!"
Yes Penguins, I suppose, you too.
Anyways, the game going on right now is what's provoking this post tonight. The Boston Bruins are looking like they need to hit the panic button. Tuukka Rask NEEDS some time off if he's gonna be the top dog there. The last two times I saw them play and start a backup, Rask has come into the game to try and put a cork in a leaky tank. He can't win the game for them though, the offense needs to give the defense something to fight for.
I was just saying the same thing to my cousin not that long ago regarding the Detroit football Lions. Currently (unless I missed the conclusion) the Lions are debating the contract signing for N. Suh. He'll forever be "the guy that stomped on that dude on Thanksgiving" but he's pretty good for keeping pressure on opposing QBs. He's not the whole team though. It's hard to say "build your team around ____" cause there's not really a right answer. It's easy to say build around your QB, but as we saw in Pittsburgh the past couple years you can surround your QB with the greatest receivers but if your Offensive Coordinator isn't calling the plays that accentuate your QB's talents everybody is on a different page and nobody is happy and nobody is scoring points. (Except Jason Hanson...who always kicks a field goal. He's by far the only retired football player other than Brett Favre that I can remember seeing the press conference for the retirement announcement.) Or you could say "Build your team around the Defense" and run the risk of losing a pretty talented TE or WR that can run some trick routes in a pinch because you put your extra dollars into somebody who steps on people when their temper flares up. I say just build a cohesive team. It's like an article I read about the Steelers at the end of their season. After all was said and done and the players were asked about the positives of the season the answer was a resounding "we all had a connection." They were cohesive. They may not have won it all, but they came out winners.
Wow, hello tangential football stuff. What am I trying to get at here? Anything? Yes, probably. ...Maybe. It's beginning to look a lot like hockey. And hockey season gets me all kinds of amp'd up once I get going. Off to the third period of the Bruins game here. But since I am a baseball fan and a Bruins fan, I will leave the Boston fans with the most famous line in sports movies (Angels in the Outfield):
"It could happen!"
Yes Penguins, I suppose, you too.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Adios, Two and a Half Men
I wouldn't say there was a whole lot of quality TV in the show Two and A Half Men, but I will say watching it was a pretty amusing ride. I never really did stick with the show. Work schedules just never seemed to accommodate, plus other shows came and went on other networks. I started getting into the show mostly as a 6:30 / 7:30 time filler on Fox during the week when I was off.
I will admit that I didn't really buy into the whole second era of the show after Charlie Sheen left. I never really cared to delve into what the parameters were there, but it wasn't a show I was watching regularly when the new episodes came up. It was nothing against the people that stayed, or the people added to the show, it was just something about changing a dynamic of the show that pretty much set the tone.
Having said that, I wasn't overly impressed with the finale, but I wasn't disinterested either. It was exactly what people hoped for in a sense. I think deep down everybody won with the way it ended. I felt the closure I needed to, but then again I've seen maybe four episodes related to the past four years. I don't adjust well to change. You should know that about me by now.
The anger management bit was funny, the scenes from France were pretty funny, and the show was ultimately good for a laugh. And that's all I really wanted out of that show. So with a half disinterested solely based on my lack of involvement in the past four years, I wish the show adieu. Farewell, Two and a Half Men, it was a good run, and all runs eventually have a finish line.
I will admit that I didn't really buy into the whole second era of the show after Charlie Sheen left. I never really cared to delve into what the parameters were there, but it wasn't a show I was watching regularly when the new episodes came up. It was nothing against the people that stayed, or the people added to the show, it was just something about changing a dynamic of the show that pretty much set the tone.
Having said that, I wasn't overly impressed with the finale, but I wasn't disinterested either. It was exactly what people hoped for in a sense. I think deep down everybody won with the way it ended. I felt the closure I needed to, but then again I've seen maybe four episodes related to the past four years. I don't adjust well to change. You should know that about me by now.
The anger management bit was funny, the scenes from France were pretty funny, and the show was ultimately good for a laugh. And that's all I really wanted out of that show. So with a half disinterested solely based on my lack of involvement in the past four years, I wish the show adieu. Farewell, Two and a Half Men, it was a good run, and all runs eventually have a finish line.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Out Of The Ashes We Rise
Into the Darkness You shine,
out of the ashes we rise,
there's no one like You,
none like You.
- Our God, Chris Tomlin
Here we are again, another year, another attempt at daily blogging. With any luck, this project will help me grow versus a vain attempt at drawing attention to the things I write. I have no "schedule of events" for the project. As you know, routine and planning are not my best friends. We are acquaintances, for sure, but we're definitely not married. Plans change, lives change. "Nothing is static, Everything is evolving. Everything is falling apart" (Fight Club).
Change. There's definitely been a lot of that going on in my life. Over the past 30 days, I've gotten a new car, new job, new schedule, new co-workers, etc. Few things remained the same, but the ones that have are solid foundations in the way I live. I did at one point feel like everything was falling apart. I got some strange news just before the new year that set a LOT of things in motion. Near the end of January as things got bigger and crazier I got news that my car was going to need enough work to pass inspection that it only made sense to set it free and begin a life of car payments and being "chained to the bank" so to speak. Next thing I knew, an employment opportunity I couldn't pass up set itself in my path. Anyways, before I knew it I was throwing around the word "new" like I had made it up.
But that's kind of the theme here for Lent, too, isn't it? Creating newness, promoting change, all for the greater good. For God. It's customary (necessary?) that we give something up for Lent, but I've always kind of gone against the grain. So I'm taking something extra on for Lent... at least lately with this blog. But I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm ready to do this again. For me. For God. Not "because I have to," or "out of routine," or "because it's on the schedule."
Here's hoping my eyes stay on the path, open to change, always aware that there's a Plan for me wherever I am in whatever I'm doing.
out of the ashes we rise,
there's no one like You,
none like You.
- Our God, Chris Tomlin
Here we are again, another year, another attempt at daily blogging. With any luck, this project will help me grow versus a vain attempt at drawing attention to the things I write. I have no "schedule of events" for the project. As you know, routine and planning are not my best friends. We are acquaintances, for sure, but we're definitely not married. Plans change, lives change. "Nothing is static, Everything is evolving. Everything is falling apart" (Fight Club).
Change. There's definitely been a lot of that going on in my life. Over the past 30 days, I've gotten a new car, new job, new schedule, new co-workers, etc. Few things remained the same, but the ones that have are solid foundations in the way I live. I did at one point feel like everything was falling apart. I got some strange news just before the new year that set a LOT of things in motion. Near the end of January as things got bigger and crazier I got news that my car was going to need enough work to pass inspection that it only made sense to set it free and begin a life of car payments and being "chained to the bank" so to speak. Next thing I knew, an employment opportunity I couldn't pass up set itself in my path. Anyways, before I knew it I was throwing around the word "new" like I had made it up.
But that's kind of the theme here for Lent, too, isn't it? Creating newness, promoting change, all for the greater good. For God. It's customary (necessary?) that we give something up for Lent, but I've always kind of gone against the grain. So I'm taking something extra on for Lent... at least lately with this blog. But I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm ready to do this again. For me. For God. Not "because I have to," or "out of routine," or "because it's on the schedule."
Here's hoping my eyes stay on the path, open to change, always aware that there's a Plan for me wherever I am in whatever I'm doing.
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