Life without sports is no life at all

I know there's a good chance one day I'll meet a dashing young man who will want to marry me. And there's a good chance we may end up moving to another state (even another country...?) And my annual tradition of going to Maryland games with Dad will come to an end. But until that time happens, FEAR THE TURTLE. We haven't missed a year since I started going to Maryland in 2003. Even when I had the swine flu this past Homecoming, I was determined to go and that we did, in the pouring rain. I love the Terps, and I love my dad. I bleed red, white, black and gold.

More December happenings...

December was such a crazy month...in fact, this past fall flew by. Between the new job and coaching, getting the swine flu, and preparing for a new roommate, the end of 2009 was a blur. The week before Christmas the east coast got an unexpected snow storm. The sad part was we were already on break for the holidays, so we didn't get to fully enjoy having a 'snow day.' However, those school systems are now having to make up the time somehow, so I'm not too broken up about it! We got about 18", but that didn't stop me from buying a Christmas tree (appropriately sized for my condo :) and seeing Laura when she came to town. She, like every other visitor, just had to try my inversion machine. When the snow hit, I was snug at the Bigham's house, spending time with them and my pup. All in all, good riddance to 2009 and here's to a less stressful 2010.

It's Christmas time in Washington

Every December I go to the Washington D.C. LDS temple visitors' center to take pictures of the Christmas lights. My pictures essentially look the same year in and year out because the displays don't change that much. However this year, I 'earned' a DSLR from my previous boss by helping him with a project. What do you think of the picures? A very Merry Christmas to me :)

Like a drug addict getting a fix...

As if I didn't already love Lost...HOW great was the season premiere this past week? As I settled into my chair with a blanket and a brownie, and the announcer came on with the familiar, "Last time on Lost..." I thought the feeling that washed over me must be similar to what addicts feel when they get their fix. (Insert Homer Simpson's frothing at the mouth noise...Mmmm...LOST)

Only in Utah...

My roommate works for National Geobraphic, and this month's issue is on Polygamy in America. The FLDS church is the focus of the article, however they had to slide a few Brigham Young references into the mix. I think back fondly of my nine months living in Utah and all of the 'LDS' things out there you just can't find anywhere else. For some reason, I find Utah road signs amusing.

New year, new roomie

So, two days into the new year I had a new roommate arrive! And she is fabulous. Just look at her...who wouldn't want to be friends with her? Seriously, she is awesome. Ashley came from Manhatten where she worked for National Geographic for the past three years; she's now working for them in DC. She doesn't typically wear a fanny pack for fashion-she needs it for work. I just wanted to make that clear.

Psycho Hose Beast

"If it's a severed head, I'm going to be very upset."
"Open it."
"Okay. What is it?"
"It's a gun rack!"
"A gun rack? A gun rack. Shaah. Right. I don't even own AH GUN, let alone many guns, that would necessitate an entire rack. What am I gonna do, with a gun rack." (Wayne's World)

I know there are a lot of crazy people out there. Heck, we're all a little crazy in some way. We all have our quirks, nuances, obsessive habits (or lack of habits)...the point is, we are not designed to get along with everyone in the world. And when the world has us between a rock and a hard place it's not uncommon to snap at our friends, family or co-workers, and say things we regret. But the 'normal' person recognizes his or her mistake, and rights the ship. Right? Oh, how naive I still am. I would think it's irrational to throw away a two year friendship over personal perceptions of how somebody else should conduct his or her life. Sadly, there seems to be more and more irrational people loose on the streets these days. Apparently, my friendship and generosity isn't worth a hill of beans to some people. Ouch. They say what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Well, my weak back keeps spasming from the stress of the situation...can I sue my irrational friend for chiropractic bills? lol

Long Time Gone

Wow, time has really gotten away from me. I guess that's because I'm working anywhere from 45-60 hours a week! Teaching is hard work, but I love every minute of it. I have a fantastic class of 18 students and I led the field hockey team to their first winning season in 5 years. I don't make a lot of money, but I love my job. And (cheese) that makes me the richest person I know. (I know, I know, cheese out the yin yang) The new condo is great-after I got back from Japan I spent the better portion of the summer spackling, sanding and painting the place, and I think it looks fabulous, if I say so myself! I spent a week down in Myrtle Beach at my grandfather's house. Johnny and Adam came along and we got to spend time with our family while working on our tans. Julie, Grace and I saw Green Day during their DC stop on their "21st Century Breakdown" tour which was bittersweet: the first time we saw them was the start of Julie's freshman year and this time it was after her high school graduation. I am seriously starting to feel old. I caught a Ravens game with Laura (who was in town from Colorado) and her now fiancee Todd. I am wacko for Flacco all the way. How much do I love it his jersey # is 5 just like mine was in school? It hasn't been a good season for Maryland sports. The Terps are having their worst season in over a decade (however Dad and I still went to the homecoming game; it's tradition!) and the Ravens are falling just short of their potential. I start coaching basketball after Thanksgiving and I hope I can lead the Edlin Eagles to another winning season :) HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope you are surrounded with friends and family you love, or at the very least, some yummy take-out and a good movie. PS-New Moon fans, I don't get it. I really don't. But if I have to choose a side based solely on attractiveness, I believe it's called Team Jacob (?) He is a tasty dish.