7-0 and 2 to go!

Even without their quarterback, the boys pulled out a win last night!

It got a little nerve racking when the new quarterback for their team was brought down by the opposing team and the game stopped. Apparently, he was hurt.

While he was being looked at, we all - at least those of us who have seen them play since pee-wee, got a blast of the past. One of our former quarterbacks stepped up from his position and made accurate passes.

So, SWEET!

The QB did get back in the game. Thankfully, it was a minor issue. And he led the team to a huge win! This was the team, they all predicted, would walk all over us. And that wasn't the case.

On an okay note, because I'm still a bit ...... how do I say....not happy with the coaches move of our QB, the varsity pulled out a screaming win as well. Of course, honestly, I knew they would. A quality QB makes a huge difference. This team will now be in the running for playoffs.....I believe. If they keep our QB, definitely, they will.

7 Wins - -0 Losses and 2 games of regular season left.

Eating Out Tonight

Our town has a miniature "taste" every year. Think Taste of Chicago divided by 1000, that's about the size. :-) Generally, it isn't restaurants flaunting their foods, to gain future business. What it is, is all local business giving out a dish of some sort, to promote local shopping and local shops.

And it is a lot of fun.

We know most business owners in our town and it is a great time to connect. The town puts in a few of its own things and it really is just cheap fun. By cheap fun I mean you get a punch card that has a space for all businesses and organizations. You get to visit them each and try their offering. Last year, I'd say there were 45-50 participants. All for the value price of $5.

So, we will be eating out tonight. I have absolutely no idea what we will be eating. I'm sure we will have fun though.

It bothers me - Why?

I know The Biggest Loser is a Game! I know it is a contest and that there has to be losers, to be a winner. I know when I put the show on, that some one will be going home at the end of the night.

Break - I also wish I had some sort of recording device to fast forward during weigh ins and other drawn out parts.

Cont.....

I was completely excited when the daughter on the yellow team won Immunity. I felt the air knock out of me, when they learned her father could not do more then 30 minutes of exercise. This is huge and relates directly to his health. This man NEEDS this show. Not that the others don't, but I feel so much inside for them. I guess I have made a little connection. My hubby says I always root for the under dog.

Then, at the ceremony to send home, I was TICKED. They sent the wrong team home. Did they not see the tears and compassion in the Green Teams eyes and demeanor. The husband on the other team up for elimination was, in my opinion, RUDE and just not nice. The way he spoke to the camera's saying he didn't 'need to talk to anyone' about staying. It's a game dude. You need friends!

Anyway, I think the Green Team wanted it more and deserved it more. I can't wait to see the other team go HOME. Of course, they will probably win - refer to hubby's comment that I root for the under dogs.

On a better note, The Green Team LOOKS awesome now. They are both skinny and gorgeous. They did it on their own and motivated their company to do it too.

YEA! GREEN TEAM!!!

Biggest Loser Returns!!

I'm so excited! I absolutely love the Biggest Loser!

I found it so uplifting and motivating to see folks fighting their toughest battle - themselves!

In my eyes, all contestants are winners!

Football and Poncho's

I'm okay with snow and cold at football games. In my opinion, that is football. We all seem to jump up and cheer more when we are frozen.

Probably an act of survival.

Yesterday, and today so far, our weather is rain. And more rain. Making the football game a challenge for spectators and players.

This was the game we all wait for every year. The game where we verse our long time rivals. I have never seen us beat them. We are a smaller town with less funds and smaller players. Although, the excitement for the game is high!

The rivals team, just like ours, always has a huge turnout of spectators. You would not be able to look at the crowd and see the town size difference. Everyone attends, at both schools.

I was sweating under my poncho and frankly by the end of the night, soaking wet. It didn't matter though. This was the team and the game we all came to see. My town always riding on the 'someday, we will beat'um'.

Well that day my friends was last night!!! We beat them in both the J.V & Varsity.

That takes our record to 3 wins and 0 losses!!!

"Nobody puts Baby in a corner"

I'm totally excited about Dirty Dancing coming to the stage in a live musical. I've already told DH this is a must expense. I'm going with or without him.

That line is a classic moment and a pure example of what I mean when I tell my girls that every girl deserves to be a princess. I tell my boys that it is the only direct way to becoming a King. Patrick placed his beloved on that pedestal.

Maybe it is because my husband doesn't have hair, but I'm still in shock of Patricks full head must be that Extreme Style by VO5. Why does my DH use Suave?

Keeping in mind the Ultimate Flirting Championship, you have to remember all the romantic lines from our favorite movies. I'm sure every one remembers "You had me at hello". Or how about Gleason's "Baby, your the greatest!"

It is too bad these lines don't work in the real world. I could never conjure up my own hit phrase. This is probably why I fail at the flirting championship. All my romance is hidden in movie lines.

The Season Opener

Last night was our first of nine football games for the season. Where we played a much larger town. That isn't too hard to do around here.

My son, because of his size, is not a first string player. Although, most of his friends are. So for me, the game is always good. I know and love the boys as my own.

We are a small team. Height and weight. So, we always seem to be dwarfed by the competitors. A really scary feeling for a mom!

I am not one to enjoy a slaughter game. I don't care if we are winning or being slaughtered. It just doesn't hold much excitement for me. I love competition and the excitement of a game well played and equal. Nothing like riding on the edge of your seat.

Last night, we slaughtered the opposing team 48-0. Can you say ouch? In the first 1/2, I was losing the thrill of the game. I kept hoping the coach would pull out the first string and bring in the other boys "warming the bench". Not that they sit on the side lines.

Finally, in the 4th quarter, the coach did the right thing and changed the line up. My baby, I didn't say that :-), was pulled in and had to come head to head with a boy twice his size. I was terrified and excited for him at the same time.

When the ball was hiked by the opposing team he stayed with that giant. I couldn't believe it. I was standing and jumping as if I could propel him to block this guy and keep him from completing the pass.

Let me stop here and say, my baby is the smallest player, both height and weight. But he is fast and plays with heart. He wants to win. Let me also share that he is well liked and everyone knows his name. Thus, why many of the not so good crowd were brought down last year, by my baby's friends and his brother. I was worried when DS1 graduated if DS2 would be okay.

So, I'm jumping up and down and I hear the most amazing thing. The crowd is screaming my baby's name. The opposing team's quarterback releases the ball. The ball soars over my baby's head and heads straight to the giant hands. My baby leaps all less then a 100 lbs of himself. He grabs on to the giants legs as the pass is landing in the giants hands.

I almost cried with joy, when I saw this 6'2, 160lb giant hit the ground and lose his grip on the ball. I will carry this play with me for a long time. Like when he made the interception in pee-wee ball and ran it back almost making the touchdown.

We always say, because of the size of our team - if we can't take them with size, we will take them with speed!

I don't predict a season of wins, but this was an awesome way to start the season. Less the slaughter.

Vacation Planning

Like most of you probably do, we checked out online info before vacation. For our trip, I was looking for information on online travel guides helped me prepare for our trip, before we ever left home.

Of course, the best laid plans mean nothing, with you end up having more fun for free. We had so many characters on our trip; Captain Yoo-hoo, Barnacle [insert name] Jellyfish Hunter and even Aunt Moochie.

With the imagination and no Barney Bag, it is amazing that us older folks could blast our entertainment into the stratospheres. With rates that were better then any Kennedy space center discount.

When the jellyfish invaded the beach our own, Jellyfish Hunter was on the job. Thank goodness for his bravery and the boogie board. I never knew a boogie board was more then just a tool to ride a wave. Many jellyfish were back into the wild, instead of dried up on the shore. When his energy ran low, Captain Yoo-hoo was there to refresh him with his delicious, chocolately blend.

It did get precariously close to darkside of death of the jellyfish, when Aunt Moochie kept manipulating Captain Yoo-hoo to take the Yoo-hoo's before they nourished the Jellyfish Hunter. I have no idea what would have happened to the Atlantic Coast if Aunt Moochie kept depriving the Jellyfish Hunter!

Win a $150 Gift Card for Magellan's, by signing up for a travel newsletter. If your planning an escape, might as well do this to prepare. What is Magellan's by the way?

My daughter has a new admirer, that I approve of.

Does anyone play Bingo anymore? This is one of my all time favorite games. As a child, my brother and I used to play for colored marshmallows. Yes, we bet with the rainbow. :-)

Then, when I had a family of my own, I invested in a really cool Bingo game. You know, with my own cage to roll the call pieces in. The kids always spat over who would be the caller. We had hours of fun at the kitchen table with this one.

Bingo is the only game, that it doesn't matter how smart you are, anyone can win!

While on vacation, a young 2ND cousin of my daughters, fell head of heals for her. It was so cute. And she is one of those people that love hanging with young folks. So they both had an awesome time coloring with sidewalk chalk and just messing around.

Anyway, I got an email that this little man wants to send my daughter a "love" letter. Too Cute! So, my daughter wants to send him something.

We were scouting out things and found
Disney Bingo at both Amazon.com & Drugstore.com. Plus, if you don't like online ordering, they have it at Best Buy, Kohl's, JC Penney, and Barnes and Noble. It's under $20. Pretty darn affordable. May be a good Birthday or Christmas Gift.

Although, with Ebates and other cost savers, it may be best to send from one of these sites. More research is necessary though.

Looks like fun to me.



Don't you love technology! I may grab one of these for my neighbor girls for Christmas too. Affordable fun all the way. And who doesn't like DISNEY????

Go Kart Racing!

I'm still amazed how a vacation stays with you! Or is it just because it is all new for me? Maybe regular vacationers leave it behind when they return home. I'm still talking to family daily and reminiscing about our days together. Like I told my parents, they gave us a week that created a lifetime of memories.

We've already been discussing our next trip. Yea! Things are just so fun together. We all bring up different fun things to do. Ideas we are currently mixing up; helicopter ride, rafting, canoe or kayaking, and even possibly go-karting and other options of Wildwood attractions.

Morey's Piers are more geared to a younger crowd, which thankfully, we are not anymore. Although, all of us have a lead foot that would enjoy go karting. The beaches and water park are also a huge draw for this crew. Something about water, just makes everything good. Much like ice cream. :-) Making Morey's an option for a family beach vacation idea.

I can't help but wonder, if we (my immediate crew), would have had nearly as much fun if we were alone. I doubt it.

Ouch that hurts the mommy ego!

True, though.

Sometimes its the company that counts

Last night my DH wanted to go to Truck Pulls. Now, as you might suspect, I am not the truck pull type of gal. So every time he suggests it as a form of entertainment I shrug and think "how can anyone think trucks pulling a sled at ear piercing noises is fun?"

As a part of this marriage thing, I will make the choice to go and feed his likes. After all, it is a partnership and I just made him ride a 32 mile bike ride that he wanted no part of. I was in the "owing" position.

Luckily the pulls were at a decent, beer dispensing location. :-) I'm not a huge drinker, but a little bit of the refreshing drink sure does make unbearable things bearable.

So, after paying our admission the first step was to buy our first drink. Talk about a disappointment when the sign only showed Miller products. I can not drink Miller without getting a headache. Which meant Arizona Tea for me. :-(

We turned from the counter and I spotted a friend. I was immediately feeling better. Since her husband was why we were there she had plenty of Budweiser in the Pits!

Like teenagers we were smuggling the brew into the stands. Luckily we didn't get caught.

There were a couple other couples we know there and we all had a marvelous time chatting, laughing and drinking. Has to be the best time I have ever had at the pulls. We will be seeing all of them again today at the annual 4th celebration.

Isn't it amazing how good friends and quality company can make even the most dreaded of activities a blast?

$180 for one night!

My daughter turned 17 yesterday. She was off at Six Flags with friends for the day and asked for a birthday bash. So, I was busy preparing for it all day.

It wasn't cheap. Hot Dogs, Burgers, Buns, condiments, cookie cake, chocolate cake, ice cream, drinks, chips, dip and smore's supplies. I probably got more. My brain is toast from lack of sleep.

I'm definitely an 8 hour sleeper. Well, if I plan on functioning.

I would love to tell you how many were here last night. I have no idea. I can tell you that my 7 spot driveway was full and both sides of my residential street. Add to this the fact that NO ONE drove over alone. And some kids walked.

I'm sure if I wasn't home, there would have been a keg. :-) JK.

MP3 Player in the house

I didn't spend a fortune. I actually went to Best Buy yesterday and bought a less expensive selection. A Sansa, with 2GB of memory. It is tiny and light and I think it will be perfect for running.

It cost $59.99 and I had a $10 Rewards Certificate. I have been working on moving songs to it. And I tried to make a Playlist for running, because all my tunes are not motivating enough for running. Yet, I have accomplished this yet. Bummer.

I have so much to learn. I love new toys though!

Smiling with Radio Disney Memories!

When your kids are young you will listen, watch and do things like you never thought. It was just such an amazing time. I knew every word, to every song on Barney. In fact, often when away from the show called upon by my fans (the kids) to begin singing the beloved show tunes.

Drove a lot of adults nuts. I received quite a few looks. Didn't bother me, I had my fan base and they were movin' and groovin' to my rendition of their favorite tunes. I was the MOMMY STAR.

Good times!

With our trip on the horizon, less then 2 months away, I've been looking for things to do in New Jersey. I couldn't help but smile when I saw that Radio Disney would be performing at Morey's Piers on Magic Monday's.

All dates are in July :-(, not that I could entice my kids to walk down memory lane with me anyway.

Although, some of you with young ones may be able to attend. I promise you won't be disappointed. Just go to Wildwood events to get the specifics. And for those of you on a budget, you will be happy to hear the concerts at 1 & 4 pm, by the big Ferris Wheel are FREE!!!!

You can even find about Wildwood NJ hotels if you have to travel.

I think Jersey is highly underrated as a vacation spot. They have some really beautiful shores, thanks to that little piece of water we call the Atlantic. And do I really need to say BOARDWALK? Your hearing the song in your head already aren't you? "Under the boardwalk, down by the seeeaa yeah."

More discount info on Radio Disney:

July 26th Concert ticket holders may enjoy super savings at Morey’s Piers from the time of purchase through July 27, 2008. Simply show your official July 26 Radio Disney Summer Concert Series finale ticket at Guest Services on Mariner’s Landing and receive $10 off an all-day waterpark ticket for either Raging Waters or Ocean Oasis, or $10 off an amusement pier wristband valid for all three of Morey’s Piers, or $15 off a one-day splash and ride combination ticket

Who said vacations with little ones had to break the bank.

If you've got little ones and have never enjoyed the fun and entertaining (clean) sounds of Radio Disney, your missing out. Grab the CD's now and get them pumped for the excitement, prior to your arrival.

Mother's Day Movie

Friday, May 9th, marked the opening of a scare the crap out of you flick. If you enjoy horror movie's, this is a flick for you. Totally uncut and full of the true horrors of the real world, that you will second guess the ones around you.

There appears to be a controversy revolving around this new film Frontier, because of its all revealing film. No sugar coating a murderers ways. No making you believe it is done by folks that we would see at first glance, as being monsters. When it comes down to it, this is what terrifies most, to believe it could be that normal guy, next door. I know it scares me.

My family is taking me to the movies today, for Mother's Day. So, they are allowing me to pick the flick. Which almost never happens. Since it is pouring down rain here, I am really looking forward to an indoor movie theater.

I thought about this movie as my selection, then realized the DVD is coming out on Tuesday, May 13th. The mother in me, did want to torture the majority of my family, by making them watch this flick. I only have 2 daughters that would enjoy this. So why waste all those dollars. The financially savvy girl that I am, I will wait to rent the flick later this week. :-)


Interested in Frontier(s), check out Bloody Disgusting a site that will keep you in the know, for all horror flicks. Note: some scenes may be to graphic for small eyes.

Does a cheap, quality MP3 player exist?

My trainer is riding me about adding music to my workout. And it makes a lot of sense, being able to pace yourself to tunes, is a fabulous way to succeed on a 5k. I have purchased high quality players for the kids, but I have a lot to learn about MP3 players.

I decided to read up at Shopwiki, not only for the education, but to take advantage of their web crawlers that find the best price. I don't want to buy one today and read tomorrow that I paid double. Which has happened before. I'm kind of looking at Scandisk ones, they kind of look affordable.

Anyone use a Scandisk MP3? Could it take the jiggling of a runner?

I also found some Prada Handbags, while checking out the Seasonal Section. I can blame it on Mother's Day, but I don't really have enough time to order at this point. Hope the mom's like cards, candy and flowers - cause I have had no time to shop for them. :-( I'm liking this Shopwiki site.

Wonder if Shopwiki can help me to find a music site and download tunes for my MP3 when I get it?

Educated Entertainment Choices

In our high paced techno lives, we hardly slow down anymore to take part in the Earth friendly places. I can only guess, "because they are boring". There are no small children begging to be pulled away from their over stimulating video games to take a walk in the Morton Arboretum in the Chicago area. Although, I believe it is something they all need to see and learn about.
Maybe, with it being Earth Month, if we took some time to view and enjoy the wonders of the living world, we may increase our ability to maintain it. Starting with the youth, teaching them the value and importance.

In Orange, Texas (I love the name) there is a place that should be on every persons Must See List - Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center. Shangri La has been awarded U.S. Green Building Council's Platinum Certification for LEED®-NC, which verifies that the design and construction of Shangri La reached the highest green building and performance measures.

What could it mean to our world, if every one turned off the "juice sucking" devices in their home and headed to Shangri La Botanical Gardens for the day. Just one day! We all could learn one thing to change in our lives and then put it in force. The world would definitely thrive from this.

Not to mention, we would be showing our support and funding support through participation at the park. Helping the ones that are helping us, even when we aren't paying attention.

We all need to open our eyes and do what we can to help reverse the damage we are doing to our world. It could start with one day.

Young parents - start them (your kids) now. Sometimes, there isn't always a "later".

The Ultimate Fight

I love The Biggest Loser on NBC. I am waiting right at this moment, to cheer all of the competitor's on.

This is the one show, where I truly believe all of the participants are winners.

The thing is, even from my own experience, the toughest issues we face are the ones that live inside us. Whether it be smoking, drug addiction, anger, weight or a zillion other "self" issues.

It is easy for an outside looker to say "just quit....."

But, if you have ever had a personal issues, which all these are, you are accutely aware that "just quitting" is not enough. By the way, I believe we all have "issues" of some sort. We may not focus on them and may even ignore them, but as humans they are there.

I watch this show, because I feel like I am watching some of these folks greatest moments. The moment where they place themselves first and look their issues in the eye. They place themselves in a situation where they must fight or flight.

As is the case when you are head to head with your biggest enemy.

I love watching them slowly gain strength to fight themselves. Growing more powerful and confident and able, as the days and weeks pass.

Maybe because I am currently in my Ultimate Fight with myself.

So, when I see them succeed, I feel like - I too can succeed. I can be the best me. I just have to defeat that naysaying, evil, depressed me that wants control and wants to hide behind an issue.

My 40 Better Then Their 24

Last night we went out with friends. This couple is still not ready to go out with friends. I'm looking for a nice way to tell them, that they really don't want to go out with friends. They've been together 6 months and I don't think they even realize we are with them. Although, I think the love thing is cool, there is a time and a place for everything.

Plus, folks - we are not young ones. I am the baby here and I'm looking head long into 40.

Anyway - this post is about me.

Can I just take a moment and blow my own horn? Oh ya, I can. =)

Last night, I definitely had my "A" game on. I broke another weight wall yesterday - seeing the 150's for the first time since 2003. It was a big day for me. The best part of this is, in 2003 I was a size 12 - today I am a shapely and sexy size 8. I just love the single digits. And yes - I have a nice sculpted body.

No, I am not looking like a body builder.

I wore black last night. I mean all black. Black jeans, black sparkly sweater, black leather jacket and my black leather boots. All of which made me feel like I was rocking in the looks department. Especially, when my hair and make-up both had a good day too.

My hubby was hilarious. For some reason, he was just as excited about my good looks as me. He kept claiming that guys were doing a double take on me as I walked by. I am not one to pay attention to this stuff - unless it is in my face. But I had to chuckle at the end of the night, when we were leaving the club and he says "I have to do this."

I had no idea what the "this" was. After all, we are walking to our car. What is he going to do?

All of a sudden he stops and turns around. He grabs my arm to stop me and I hear "ya she looks good and she is mine."

I was totally embarrassed. Especially when the group of guys that passed us started heckling back some positive words. But at the same time I'm thinking - what? My hubby is not one for attention. No PDA, no being the center of any attention. And here he was bringing it all on us. He only had 3 beers so he wasn't drunk. Go figure.

When we got to the car, we were still chuckling about his actions - because it was so out of character. He then shared that " all night guys were checking you out, I just am so happy you are mine."

How sweet! I'm such a lucky girl. Who hasn't been "checked out" in such a long time. Feels AWESOME!

Prior to that, while the band was playing - they invited girls up on stage to sing and dance. And yes, I am the type of girl again to get up there. But my hubby is not the type of guy to want his girl up there. If you know what I mean.

Leaving me dancing in the corner and singing along to the bands versions of : Cheap Trick, U2, BonJovi, John Cougar Mellencamp, Def Leppard and other great classic bands of my youth.

Mean while 2 24 year olds decide they can do the stage thing. He stops my dancing and says "baby you'd look better up there then those 20's and your 40."

I'm Back!!!!

Want your Video Clip Seen?

Here is an awesome chance for some of you folks making those Viral Video Clips around the world. I think there are many quality ones on YouTube, spreading through the reaches of the Internet. Submit your flick to Viral Film Festival and get your chance on the big screen.

I would love to attend this event in New York. Here's the info for those of you more in the area:

The Dolby Screening Room, April 28th 2008 at 7PM. The Dolby is conveniently located at 1350 Avenue of The Americas (at the corner of 55th St & 6 Ave).

Call for Submissions:
In order to feature the best and most creative videos the web has to offer, the Vanksen Culture-Buzz Agency and BeFilm Underground Festival are calling out for submissions. Please submit your films, specs and viral videos at: www.viralfilmfestival.com