Fun Monday Sportage

Thank you for your patience with my Fun Monday posting delay! Heather is our hostess, and she wanted to know what sports teams we are rabid for! Of course, it doesn't take much to guess that I am a RABID FOOTBALL fan. Besides, I designed the floor plan of our living area so that the kitchen would be in direct line with where I put the Samsung Plasma HDTV (official television of the NFL). That way, Roger will be able to eat home-cooked meals between September and the Super Bowl. For once.

Teams? Well, I grew up in Texas - and many Sundays my father and I would travel to the Astrodome to watch Earl Campbell and the Houston Oilers play football. I love football. I am insane about football. And even though Roger jokes that it's kinda strange that a "manly" sport has all these terms such as "wide receiver," "tight end," and those celebratory pats on the behind...I am inclined to see football as an intensely physical battle - one that tests the athleticism of man in ways no other sport can! Players flip in the air, land hard on the ground, twist, turn, get pummelled - can you remember the last time you fell and hit the ground? Hurt for days, didn't it? Imagine doing it over and over, for a few hours. While big heavy guys land on you.
My current favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not a fan of Tony Romo. In fact, during most games, I curse him at least once. But since Arkansas does not have an official professional team (don't get me started on the Arkansas Razorbacks), the Cowboys are the next best option. And since running back Felix Jones (pictured) is so HOT right now - well, all the more reason to cheer them on!

I still love Peyton Manning and the Colts - and I enjoyed watching little brother Eli win last year's Super Bowl. I still carry the torch for my alma mater, the Texas Aggies (don't get me started on them, either). However, there is one team I will always hate - the Pittsburgh Steelers. They used to always beat the Houston Oilers when I was a kid, and I just can't forgive and forget.

I love all sports, but football is my thing. One of my friends commented that when the season starts, she knows she won't be able to communicate with me properly until February. Oh, and another reason this post was late? I was busy watching the Cowboys play the Packers last night, and just couldn't tear myself away!

Now go check out the other participants!

Fun Monday - and Five Words

The Nekked Lizard Clan is hosting this week's Fun Monday, which means we had to come up with five photos, and five words to describe each one. You will be happy to know that I totally followed the rules!

Dawg Tired on the Couch.
Always Ready for Some Football.
Snowman Hydrant Needs a Face.
Birds No Read So Good.
Baby Girl is Growing Up.Go visit the Lizards, and all the participants!

It's Fun Monday List Time!

***SCROLL DOWN FOR LATE ADDITIONS!!!***
It's Fun Monday! I'm adjusting my Hostess Crown after watching the Super Bowl...but I'm ready for Monday! Here was the assignment this week:

Have you heard of The Bucket List? Well, that's what I want from you! Make a list of things you want to do before you die. It must be at least five items - and you can make it as long as you desire. Photos are optional. And let's hear about some of the wackiest, most bizarre to-do's on your Bucket List!

I actually got this idea from The Offspring. She compiled a list and shared it with me. Some answers shocked me, while others made a mom proud. Her list follows, with MY comments in yellow.

1. Understand the meaning of life, and find out who I am. (Uh, you're MY kid, Sweetie - nothin' you can do about that.)
2. Get married.
3. Make history somehow - at least become famous. (Hopefully not for a crime.)
4. Streak, get a tattoo, and get a lip ring. (Uh...WHAT? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?)
5. Visit Japan, the U.K., Las Vegas, Germany, revisit Chicago, revisit Washington D.C., revisit California. (Can I go?)
6. Write a book.
7. Become devirginized. (You ARE trying to give me a heart attack.)
8. Go to college. (Can you wait to get devirginized until AFTER college?)
9. Make a movie.
10. Own a stripper pole. (Get the paramedics - STAT!)
11. Meet a famous actor.
12. Own a ferret. (Not in MY house, you're not!)
13. Fall down some stairs. (Sheesh - why did I put stairs in the new house?)
14. Join a band.
15. Save someone's life. (You could start by saving mine - and by not throwing yourself down a flight of stairs.)
16. Create a clothing line. (You're thinking about modesty, right?)
17. Model. (Not with that stripper pole, I hope.)
18. Go to a rave. (Do we need to have that "say no to drugs" talk again?)
19. Fork a yard. (Better than toilet paper.)
20. Sneak out. (Uh...can I have the date and time of this event?)
21. See a ghost. (I will be skipping this one, thanks.)
22. Create a new drink.
23. Have one kid. (I hope you're considering that marriage thing FIRST.)
24. Save an animal.
25. Have a party on wheels.
26. Learn German and French.
27. Dye my own hair.
28. Build my own house. (Copycat.)
29. Go hunting. (And you were going to SAVE an animal? I'm confused.)
30. Vote. (Do this a lot, Sweetie.)
31. Skinny dip - again. (YOU ALREADY DID THIS? I'm never going make it to your 18th birthday.)
32. Get involved in a music video. (Go for production - and leave the stripper pole at home.)
33. Sing in a band.
34. Stay up for a week.

I can't cheat, and not follow my own rules - so here is MY very short list:
1. Live long enough to see my grandchildren be born.
2. Pay off most of my debt.
3. Teach my daughter the important things that will carry her thru life, long after I'm gone.
4. Attend at least ONE Super Bowl game.
5. Be in a financial position to create a better life for many other people, around the world.
6. Drag my husband to his first professional football game.
7. Travel to Europe (hopefully WITH my daughter).

Now go visit the long list of participants this week:
1. Swampy
2. Arkansas Songbird
3. Susan at A Slice of Life
4. Deb's Valentine Patch
5. Lil Mouse
6. Kitten
7. Mamalang
8. Straight Up and Slightly Dirty
9. La Vie en Rose
10. From the Planet of Janet
11. Kila, momto3cubs
12. AOJ & The Lurchers
13. Pete, at Holtie's House
14. Ragracers
15. Raising3Saints
16. Summit Musings
17. Three Dog Blog
18. Carrie and the Koehmstedts
19. Myanderings
20. Nikki
21. Eclectic Blog
22. Lady K
23. Ms Cellania
24. Beckie, at Give it a Try
25. Tales of a Southern Doll
26. The Rotten Correspondent
27. Sauntering Soul
28. Robin at Pensieve
29. Lisa's Chaos
30. Karmyn R, at Dreaming What Ifs
31. Jenn, at Simply Not So Simple
32. Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
33. Sallad Says...
34. Rob
35. Alix at DC Days
36. Lisa, The Food Snob
37. -Ann, For the Long Run
38. Candid Karina
39. Fianna
40. Sayre Smiles
41. Junebug
42. Robocop
43. Bermudabluez
44. Pamela
45. Jettie
46. Gattina
47. Ooh, A Shiny Pen, who has volunteered to host next week!
48. Ped Crossing
49. Andre Veloux
50. Welcome to Mi Vida Loca
51. RDH Mom
52. Mama Speak
53. Retrohipster
54. ari_1965
55. Nekked Lizards
56. Return of the White Robin
57. The Prytz Family
58. Hootin' Anni's
59. Karisma
60. Cynthia
61. Swampangel65
62. Robin, My Two Blessings
63. Patience-please
64. Ellen B.
65. Nancypants
66. Lana G.
67. Joy T.
68. Sirdar
69. Jenni, at Prairie Air
70. Schmoop
71. Serina Hope
72. Megnificent
73. Colours of Dawn
JUST ADDED:
74. Min, at Mama Drama
75. Mariposa
76. Tiger Lamb Girl
77. Heaven in Belgium
78. Detroit, at Serving Him
79. dog face girls
80. Tracey

This may be the biggest Fun Monday EVER!

I'll Admit It....

I don't just watch The Super Bowl for the game...but also for the commercials! Which totally cuts down on my available bathroom time. A reduction in bathroom time does NOT mesh well with my beer consumption levels...but hey, I'm a true sports fan. I'll survive. So, here is a commercial you might see on Sunday. Would it be horrible of me to say, "No sound required?"

Enjoy The Big Game!

Fun Monday-versary!

Wow - has it already been a YEAR since this Fun Monday thing started? Look what you've done, Vicki! But I have met great bloggers along the way. It is only fitting that the "ideator" of Fun Monday is this week's hostess. Vicki made it easy by allowing us old-timers a break, and helping the newbies see what we were all up to a year ago. All we had to do was link back to that first Fun Monday post, and then repost our VERY FIRST BLOG POST EVER. Piece of cake. Well, actually, two pieces of cake.

Even though I sometimes doubt people like "clicking back" on links, I'll do it this time. HERE is the first Fun Monday post from Tiggerlane. I like it mostly b/c it features two things: our land before we started building our new home, and a sign that Arkansas Songbird gave my husband one Christmas.

And, here is my first post ever, about what else? Football! I have no idea how to make the comments show up, but there were only five that first time.

The title: A Timid Toe Enters the Blog Pool, published January 5, 2006. And I just now realized I totally forgot to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of my blog. Darn.

Okay, so I really don't want the world to know THAT much about me. Especially the 'net world, which seems populated with various sickos (much like my REAL world!) - but this seems as good as any outlet to vent my frustrations about things in general, and even if I'm the only one getting anything out of this, so be it.

Ah - a personal online diary. I can handle this! Maybe my daughter will read it and weep one day. At least I own my own company, so anything nasty I say about my job won't get me fired!

On to the topic of the day: as an Aggie who is extemely loyal to Texas A&M University, it was exciting to watch last night's game. Torn between rooting for a Texas team (having grown up in that lovely football state) and the USC Trojans (having family from So. Cal. and having been born there), I chose to root for USC. But I was tickled to receive this in my email box, and actually thought of getting one:

Now...do you think the Texas Longhorn fans would do the same for us Ags if WE made it to the Rose Bowl? I'm not sure.

Ags have a great heart, and to be honest, Vince and the boys deserved last night's win, even if they DID have a few plays (lateral-pass-with-one-knee-down) handed to them. Vince has true potential in the NFL - here's hoping he will go this year, and not risk getting injured and miss his chance in the big leagues altogether. Wonder if he and Reggie could both save the Houston Texans?
Now that the big game is behind us, saw varsity's horns off!!

Go celebrate Fun Monday-versary!

So, How Was Yours?

For one last time, we celebrated New Year's Eve at our old home. Even though I am excited about having more than one bathroom in a house, our old home is a cozy place for friends. And we don't have to worry about messing stuff up. Luckily the kitchen in the new house is NOT separated by walls from the main living area, b/c guess where folks tend to gather? Then again, that might have something to do with the carnage going on against several alcoholic beverages. Everyone loves to see a disaster in the making. Trust - there were many more corks on the counter as it got closer to 1 AM.At some point, many of us were glued to the television, watching Robbie Maddison jump the length of a football field on a motorcycle. Dude broke a world record. For insanity.Later, our annual lighting of what are the only legal pyrotechnics in the city limits of our town. Next year at this time, we will be living 2/10th of a mile OUTSIDE the city limits. Hehehehe! No one was injured as we enjoyed sparklers on the lawn. Even though it was FREEZING outside.As for the new home, we got tile...it is still waiting for the dark-brown grout (for hiding dirt), but I couldn't resist sharing a photo now.
Hope you had a great New Year's Eve...and that all your football teams won!

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty-Four - THEY ALL WON!

My massage therapist predicted it. She knew, as she bade me goodbye, that I was in for a relaxing, wonderful weekend. Relaxing? Not especially - but wonderful? Yes! Because, for the first time in a LONG time, every one of my football teams WON!

Roger wasn't especially thrilled that The Offspring spent the holiday with a friend's family instead of ours. But my oven is broken, and there was football on tv - so why cook? And I'm NOT having my new oven delivered to this house, then moved again. It's only a few months. No one will starve.

For all you football fans who said Favre was "too old" to play the game - a big HA to you! He's younger than me - and in football, that means "ancient" - but didn't he look spry yesterday? I foresee the Packers doing VERY well in the playoffs. The "old guy" was full of vim and vigor. Go Brett!

Now, I'm NOT a huge Romo fan, but I like the Cowboys. Since I grew up in Texas, and the days of the Houston Oilers are over...I have found a new Texas team to cheer.Romo is cocky and irritates me more than T.O. Romo's performance in last year's playoffs was UNFORGIVABLE. But T.O. has settled down, and with the son of Bum Phillips coaching the Cowboys now - I have renewed hope and interest in this team. Romo and Owens are connecting like MAD...and I want to see the Cowboys in the Super Bowl.

I've been worried about Peyton Manning lately - he's not himself, so I watched last night's game with great anticipation.Thankfully, he was back on track - and wouldn't a Super Bowl repeat performance seal his Hall of Fame induction?

But the most frightening day of football was ahead - my two favorite teams were lined up against opponents destined to hand them resounding defeats. But I still had hopes for my alma mater, Texas A&M. After all, they were playing at home. If you've ever been to game at Kyle Field, you know of what I speak. ANYTHING can happen there.
There's nothing like the noise, the spirit, and the power of the 12th Man to make a game unpredictable. It is our school rivalry, playing the t-sips of t.u. How many schools' fight song is ALL ABOUT beating just one team? The Aggies made me proud - and upset Texas, while sporting their old-fashioned grey pants.

But the most frightening game of all? The Hogs up against the #1 team in the nation, LSU. I had expected to only watch one quarter of this game, counting on a whalloping. The Arkansas coach has not been in good favor lately - and UofA isn't even ranked.

My biggest hope came in overtime. Arkansas is famous for overtime. They have played in the three longest games in NCAA history - and seven overtimes? They've done it. And won it. Today, it was with great pride that I watched them pull a huge upset. But mostly, I'm proud that McFadden helped his Heisman trophy chances. Even if he doesn't win, his stint as running back and part-time quarterback in this game is a great way to end his college career. And it will assure him a high draft number and big money in the NFL next year.

Oh, and did I mention, The Offspring got a new haircut?

She says it's called a "scene" look. I think it makes her look more like her mom.

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty Two - Happy Turkey Day!

Sorry for the lateness, but it IS a holiday, and there is FOOTBALL to be watched! The first two games of the day weren't much to talk about - but here's hoping that Peyton and the Colts shake off their offensive slump and start looking like the team I KNOW they are!

As a holiday treat, enjoy this email I received from a friend:

Things that you can say ONLY at Thanksgiving

1. Talk about a huge breast!
2. Tying the legs together keeps the inside moist.
3. It's Cool Whip time!
4. If I don't undo my pants, I'll burst!

5. Whew, that's one terrific spread!
6. I'm in the mood for a little dark meat.
7. Are you ready for seconds yet?
8. It's a little dry. Do you still want to eat it?
9. Just wait your turn. You'll get some!
10. Don't play with your meat.
11. Just spread the legs open and stuff it in.
12. Do you think you'll be able to handle all these people at once?
13. I didn't expect everyone to come at once!
14. You still have a little bit on your chin.
15. How long will it take after you stick it in?
16. You'll know it's ready when it pops up.
17. Wow, I didn't think I could handle all of that!
18. That's the biggest one I've ever seen!
19. How long do I beat it before its ready?

NaBloPoMo Day Eighteen - Beck's Bounty

Sorry I'm running late today, but we were VERY busy yesterday at Amber's All-Region choir event. I'm just now enjoying some football and getting around the house.

One of my biggest fears about moving into our new home is that it won't feel "homey," like our little Victorian bungalow. I worry that all our eclectic things won't feel "right" in a brand-spanking new abode. However, I can follow the lead of Beck, one of our best friends. Beck's former house was small and cozy - it's the place where I met and married Roger, as well. She and her husband built a new home a few years ago, and I remember wondering if it would "feel the same." Beck has a unique style, and she took great pains to bring that style into their new environment, including her fabulous collection of glass paperweights: The jellyfish is by far my favorite, and yet you can't see its true beauty here. The pedestal is a light base, that changes colors periodically. This is only a portion of her collection, but aren't they beautiful?

Every season, Beck decorates her dining room table with the most fantastic displays. I could spend an hour, pilfering thru her creations, finding treasures. Here is the one we found, as we escaped trick-or-treaters at her house this past Halloween:To give her husband, Nick, some credit, the glow in the dark dragon on the bottom left is his.

My "find" in her bounty? These cork gourds - aren't they neat?Nick and Beck's new home is just as homey as the last - so I know where to go for decorating tips!

NaBloPoMo Day Sixteen - My Gift to Julie

I am so honored that Swampwitch is hosting a big party for me and Julie! And I signed up, b/c she said I was allowed to "bring" something to the house-warming for Julie.

Now, I have seen Julie's furniture, and her camper - and I remember her quest for a television. She just wasn't sure what to pick. Well, I KNOW what to pick, b/c I picked one out for me, too! Presenting, the Samsung 50-inch plasma HDTV:
I did a lot of research on televisions: plasma vs. LCD, etc., and used Consumer Reports to help make my decision. This is one of the top-ranked models in the plasma category, and after seeing this baby in person, it has the CLEAREST picture out of all the televisions on display! You can walk around it, and still see from all angles. VERY important...in case some exciting football action is happening while you are walking by. Also, it features anti-burn-in protection. Oh, and in case you are thinking that I'm wasteful and a total "material girl," just know that this baby is ENERGY STAR compliant! HA!

So, if I could give Julie a big, fat house-warming gift - this is IT! (And I would be happy to come over and test it out, if she needs me!)

NaBloPoMo Day Four - FACEOFF!

Don't call me between 3PM CST and 6PM CST. JUST. DON'T. I will be doing ONE THING, and ONE THING ONLY. That will be watching the Colts and the Patriots face-off in the most hyped game since...well...since last year's BCS Championship game. Or maybe the one before that.
And if you have read any of my other football-related posts, you KNOW I am a fan of the Colts and Peyton Manning. GO PEYTON! Granted, Tom Brady is cuter. He has a lot of tricks and fancy plays. But I just like Peyton more. Maybe it's all those cute commercials he does. Or maybe it's the fact that he has this All-American image, and can still pull off something like this:

It's football Sunday - and I'll be on the couch. For Roger's sake, we designed the floor plan of the new house so that the huge freakin' plasma TV in the living room is in direct line with all the important kitchen stuff...so Roger will eat next season. I promise. Let's just hope he doesn't lose too much weight this year.

Fun Monday Cheating and Delinquency

Oh, I have been a BAD Tigger. I am horribly late for this Fun Monday. For several reasons, actually. First of all, I spent the weekend in Fayetteville enjoying (even though we lost) the Arkansas Razorbacks game. Don't we look festive?

I had not been to a college game since my days at Texas A&M...and so, it was a big thrill. And it was difficult not to do the A&M yells, since I have been trained to do those for so many years. I am also shocked that I was able to convince Roger to watch FOOTBALL. He enjoyed it, too! But...more on that in a later post. It's FUN MONDAY. I haven't forgotten.I'm just a bad Tigger. Not only am I late, but I'm REPOSTING. I know - awful. But consider this: my daughter's boyfriend gave her crabs yesterday.

I'll give you a minute to let that sink in.

Are you breathing yet?

Okay, good. He only gave her two. She gave them names: "Romance" and "Sanity." And yes, they are hermit crabs. And they are not hermitted up anywhere on her person - but they have a "crabitat" that we will be fancying up for them today.

So, now you have all my excuses for being so late. This week's hostess is Lisa, The Food Snob, and her assignment was as such:
I want to see your favorite recipe, be it either because your grandmother wrote it, it's the easiest thing you can slap together that everyone likes, it makes you feel healthy, it's cheap, etc. You don't have to make it (although you could if you want) but let us see the index card, cookbook, printed paper from the web, and why it's a favorite in your house. If you have a lot, just pick one, I know I'll have to!

Now is when I'm a VERY bad Tigger...and will most likely fail Lisa's assignment because a) I have posted this before, and b) alcohol is NOT really food. So, spank me. This is a drink recipe I weaseled out of a male waiter at Chili's. It's called the "Presidente Margarita," and here is a copy of the recipe he gave me, on the sly, after I batted my lashes and cajoled him a bit: The Chili's shaker is a must-have for beginning this drink, which only costs $2 after you buy the drink itself. I must state as a disclaimer that anyone under the age of 21 should LOOK AWAY. NOW!

Ingredients include some pricey liquor, from left to right: Sauza Tequila, El Presidente Brandy, Cointreau, lime juice, sweet and sour mix, and ice.Step one, fill the shaker with ice:Step two, add 1 1/4 shots of Sauza:Step two and a half, (if you want to deviate from the recipe a bit, Tiggerlane-style) add a dash of the new Jose Cuervo Black:Step three, add one shot of Presidente brandy:Step four, add 3/4 shot of Cointreau. Look at that price tag. OUCH!Step five, add one shot of lime juice:Step six, fill the rest of the tumbler with sweet and sour mix. And then say that four times real fast, because shortly, you will no longer be able to.Put the cute little caps back on the tumbler, and shake vigorously. Preferably over your sink, in case after your second or third drink, you lose the ability to gauge how tightly you are NOT holding said caps on tumbler:Froth is desired, yes, indeed.Pour into glass,and ENJOY! (FYI, in Tiggerlane's world, salt is only good for shooting tequila and making INSTANT margaritas - a recipe that requires a recliner and a lot of stupidity.)Now go check out the non-delinquent, non-cheating Fun Monday gang!