Well, now that the Rangers season is over, I have to find something to fill my time with and to obsess over (yes, apparently I have an addictive personality where I get overly obsessed with things and spend all my time focused on that thing until it's over or I give up on it). Lucky for me, TIS THE SEASON!!! This is certainly one obsession that is a yearly re-occurence (thank GOODNESS!)................... Christmas time!!! I love love LOVE the holidays. I was so overly eager this year that I've already put up my tree (with very little resistance from Miles) and I spent Saturday afternoon listening to the Hip-Hop Christmas Channel on Dish! I have to say, as much as I love Christmas time, I will not be purchasing the Destiny's Child Christmas album anytime soon and I offer up the advice for none of you to run out and get it either...
Before I get ahead of myself, I must remember...Thanksgiving comes before Christmas! So Miles and I bought our house over a year ago (crazy how fast it's gone by), and this will be our second Thanksgiving in a row to host at our house! I LOVE having everyone here because it means many different things...namely that I don't have to travel nor do I have to do much of anything because my mom, grandmas and aunt do everything for me! :) It's like I don't even live here at all! But having everyone here also means just that...EVERYONE IS HERE! Miles's family fortunately lives close enough that they can swing by once they've celebrated in Cleburne, and it means my family will be here for a couple of days at the least!
The holidays also mean a break from the monotony of school. I love my kids at school, but the newness has worn off and they're starting to wear me out! Volleyball is over (all three teams took first place, ah-thank you) which means we now move on to basketball season. Nothing against those who love basketball (Krystal:) but it's just not my cup of tea. It's the never-ending season. We start at the beginning of November and go all the way into February. Blah. Volleyball is two months, basketball is four!?!?!? Why God, WHY!?!?!
OK - SO I'M BEING A LITTLE DRAMATIC...
Back to what I was saying about the holidays, it's always nice to get a couple of days off work at Thanksgiving and that nice two week break at Christmas. Wanna know what's not nice? Coming back from Christmas break to a bunch of sugar-infested kids that want to talk about the thousands of dollars worth of crap they got for Christmas...it's CRAZY I tell ya. Oh, but I love those kids... :)
So as I sit out on my back patio in the chilly November air trying desperately to teach Hambone that in order to play fetch he has to give up the freakin ball (whereas he thinks that nearly biting my fingers off everytime he comes back is a much more fun game), I get really giddy and excited about the coming holiday season. I'm one of those people that LOVES the time change. I think it's great that it gets dark so early because it tricks me into thinking it's a lot later than it actually is...plus I know it means cold weather, UGGs, holidays, FaMiLy, and LOTS of delicious food! We are so blessed!
To finish, I can only imagine what memories may be made this holiday season. Last year was the Girls' and Guys' trips to NYC and Vegas...this year we are going on a ski trip for New Years. Last year we had the CUTEST Christmas card displaying our love for Josh Hamilton, this year...wait and see! Last year dad got so hopped up on wine that he went on a hike around the neighborhood and he didn't recognize his own son...this year... Stay tuned! Many memories and stories to come!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Staying POSITIVE!
Ok, so this is not how we were hoping the World Series would go for the first 4 games (well, three out of four of those first games). However, I have undisturbed faith in my Rangers that we are going to CLAW our way out of this! I hate it just as much as the next guy or gal, but regardless of what has happened so far, the future is yet to be played out!
Here's how I see it...
We have to hit the ball. That's about it. :)
Tonight, Cliff Lee takes the mound again. He's got this, I have full confidence, but we must must MUST hit the ball! No more half ass check swings. This is it boys, do or die! Nothing like a little bit of pressure, huh?
This weekend has been amazing, minus the outcome of the game last night. We've been out tailgating and cheering for our team...hanging out with old friends, making new friends, and all coming together with one goal in mind. We've even become a little bit famous this weekend! Check out the USA Today article!
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/rangers/2010-10-31-rangers-get-creative-with-antlers_N.htm
I like anybody that tells the nation that I'm still 24 so THANK YOU mr. livingstone!
Tonight, IT'S TIME for Michael Young, Josh Hamilton and the rest of the Claw and Antler Crew to turn it on, no more double play balls, no more check swings, no more watching strike one and two...IT'S TIME to show the nation why we are in the World Series! GO RANGERS!!!!!!!!
Here's how I see it...
We have to hit the ball. That's about it. :)
Tonight, Cliff Lee takes the mound again. He's got this, I have full confidence, but we must must MUST hit the ball! No more half ass check swings. This is it boys, do or die! Nothing like a little bit of pressure, huh?
This weekend has been amazing, minus the outcome of the game last night. We've been out tailgating and cheering for our team...hanging out with old friends, making new friends, and all coming together with one goal in mind. We've even become a little bit famous this weekend! Check out the USA Today article!
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/rangers/2010-10-31-rangers-get-creative-with-antlers_N.htm
I like anybody that tells the nation that I'm still 24 so THANK YOU mr. livingstone!
Tonight, IT'S TIME for Michael Young, Josh Hamilton and the rest of the Claw and Antler Crew to turn it on, no more double play balls, no more check swings, no more watching strike one and two...IT'S TIME to show the nation why we are in the World Series! GO RANGERS!!!!!!!!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
SERIOUSLY...THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!
It's actually happening.
To say that the claws came out last night is like the understatement of the century. This is the most surreal feeling I've ever experienced as a devoted Texas Rangers fan. After all the tears of joy last night that keep creeping back today every single time I see that curve ball (ahem...I stand corrected, that SLIDER...thank you Brother for editing every blog I write) that A-Rod could only stare at, it's still hard to believe that we are really going to play in the freaking WORLD SERIES! It's nothing less than absolutely AMAZING. I'm so giddy. I slept in my freakin' Hamilton jersey. I couldn't take the damn thing off. I've watched/listened to nothing but baseball talk for the past 16 hours. I can't get enough of the videos online. Me and Hambone drove around all morning looking for newspapers, and after five different stores/gas stations, we finally found what we set out for!
I haven't actually gotten around to reading the papers yet, but I'm about to go buy some frames to put them in! :) I did, however, read the articles about the game from the New York Times, and I have to say, the national media is FINALLY getting it. The Rangers are LEGIT. As I sit here and type, I'm listening to the videos playing on texasrangers.com, and all the credit the Yankee players are (finally) giving to the Rangers makes me smile. At last the sportscasters from ESPN and TBS acknowledge the talent of the Texas Rangers. The replays of the ALCS trophy presentation are chilling! IT'S TIME. We've said it all year, and it's no longer words, but reality.
I think a couple of people deserve a picture on the blog for their Game 6 production:
Colby Lewis - "Cobra"
WOW is all I can say. Unbelievable performance. Congratulations on coming full circle in your career! You deserve that W last night. Props to you.
Mitch Moreland
What a series for you. Thanks for your leadoff single in the 5th to get the big inning going!!! Congratulations.Josh Hamilton
(I know, y'all are all astonished that he's on my kudos list). Where do I even begin? As I posted on Facebook last night, your humility and humble nature are admirable. You give the claw all year, but when the spotlight really is on you, you only want to talk about your teammates and how this is a TEAM accomplishment. If only everyone in this world had that mentality, I know my job would certainly be easier! :) My brother thinks I need to seek counseling because of my obsession with Josh Hamilton, and perhaps he's right. And my cousin and friends tell me I'm creepy - I'm not fazed by this. I don't even care! How could anyone that follows him and his accomplishments NOT be obsessed with him? He made so many mistakes in his life, but he persevered with the help of his family and of course the Man upstairs, and at this point he takes NOTHING for granted and knows that he hasn't accomplished it all on his own. He's truly an inspiration to people of all ages, and he is living proof that anything is possible. I love him. :) (see above where I slept in my jersey...)
If you haven't watched his acceptance speech from the ALCS MVP honor, watch it now!
Some of my favorite quotes from his speech:
"Well first of all, all the glory goes to God, Jesus Christ...secondly, I love my teammates, I love them so much. Any of these guys could've gotten this award."
"I don't wanna talk about myself, I want to talk about them [my teammates]!"
"This group's here because they don't know how to fail."
"...and we love the fans!" :)
Obviously the rest of the team deserves full credit for this phenomenal, historical season. Elvis Andrus has been a beast, Michael Young a perfect leader, Bengie Molina - the badass. We have guys that go out there every game and flat out perform. Last night's game was freaking awesome. I called Vladdy's big hit when they walked Hamilton the 2nd time (weinies). Pissed as I was that they were walking my man again, I said, it's okay, Vladdy's got this. Right Brooke???
But even before that, at 8:15 pm, as one of my bff's, Jen Davis Vansau, and I texted throughout the game, it went a little something like this:
Me - Nelly is going to tag one today...I can feel it. 
Jen - And Vlad!
Me - I hope Kins will turn it on today too (no picture available, but you guys get the point)!
And those guys, ladies and gentlemen, were your three RBI producers last night. So we pretty much called the 5th and 7th innings...you're welcome Rangers and Rangers fans. :)
Perhaps our foreshadowing skills are needed on ESPN??? It'd be nice for a couple of Rangers supporters to appear on those completely biased networks (yes, they're getting better, but they could still use our help).
Speaking of annoying, did anyone else see that clip on SportsCenter of Kobe IN THE MIDDLE of his basketball game, get word that the Yanks were defeated??? He was all pissed off on the court. This is shocking. A famous person that cheers for the Yankees??? Unheard of! Get over it.
Moving on...
I've done my fair share of making fun of Ron Washington for all of his "imperfections" (i.e. cocaine, smoking in the dugout, sunflower seeds addiction, ebonics, etc.), but he has the complete respect of his players and the Rangers ownership. He is finally getting media respect and respect from the MLB. I have to say that I really admire him for taking so much crap and dismissing it only to prove himself a great manager. Keep it up Wash!!!
A week ago when I wrote my blog about last Friday night's game, I really believed we were going to come back and prove to everyone that the Yankees weren't unbeatable in the playoffs and that we had the team to do it. Well done, guys. Way to prove me right! :) I love it when I'm right!
Now we move on to the World Series. The elite match-up. The pinnacle of baseball. I'm so pumped that it's hard to think about anything else (yeah...about that triathlon I'm doing tomorrow...). I can't wait to be in that Ballpark on Sunday night. With family and old friends and the new friends we'll undoubtedly make at the game coming together, this weekend will be full of memories and baseball history! We'll be tailgating Saturday and Sunday - Hope to see you all there!
Claws out, Antlers up! Go Rangers! It's TIME!
or...as Chels has learned to say, "ES TIEMPO!"
Oh - and for anyone that is totally concerned and lost sleep wondering all week (haha) - my volleyball girls kicked BUTT on Thursday and remain the only undefeated team in our district! :) What a fantastic week!!!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Claws and Antlers!
So it seems that perhaps my Rangers blog helped my boys play a badass game yesterday! :) I'm only kidding, but if you were at the game yesterday or if you watched on TV and witnessed the Rangers bounce back from that unfortunate Friday night, it's easy to see why I love those Rangers so! Props to my previously mentioned allstars (in my book anyway) Murphy, Cruz and Andrus for being on fire yesterday!
So now it's Game 3 in the Big Apple with my new bff Cliff on the hump. As CJ tweeted last night after the game, "it's now a 5 game series with Cliff Lee pitching Game 1." Sounds like a familiar situation to me! World Series tickets on sale this morning...yes please!
Chaunce is getting antsy ready to go do something, so I guess I'll quit rambling on. Joe T's here we come! :)
CLAWS AND ANTLERS.
By the way, as the announcer read the Rangers starting line-up and called Murphy's name, Miles called boomstick before the game even started! "Murphy is gonna hit one out today." First at-bat...he hit a freakin bomb! This comes one day after he called Hamilton's first inning homerun...he said "I'm putting in the boomstick call, even though it's just the first inning I'm making the call!" Couple pitches later...SEE YA!!!!! Milesykins, how I love you. And since I'm on the subject of Hambone, seeing them walk him about fifty times yesterday was a bit annoying. Oh well! I guess that's what happens when you hit a three-run shot in the first inning of the first game of a series AND you are the batting champion AND a candidate for MVP. Just another day at the office for Josh Hamilton...
Speaking of Hamilton, being the creeper that I am, I found his wife on Twitter. I have absolutely NO IDEA how to actually post a tweet or anything, but I know how to find people on the dang website! I am now a follower of CJ Wilson and Katie Hamilton. :) It's kinda cool that they allow people like me to basically stalk them. Haha! And while I'm talking about CJ - I failed to mention him yesterday but he definitely deserves a shout out for his outstanding performance on Friday. Claws to you, CJ.
I must mention our thrilling experience before the game yesterday. We got there 3 hours early so we could watch bp...and aren't we glad we did! Josh Hamilton batting...all the pitchers in right field warming up...ball is hit to Derek Holland...we hold our hands up and he throws it (not the best throw, maybe he wasn't warm yet...) and we both freaking miss it! It lands in the section below us, and I briefly think about tackling Chelsea (and had I been enough paying attention to realize that oh, hey, that's off Josh Hamilton's bat I never would've backed down...), but I remember our slap match from last weekend and let her have it. Yes, she smacked me right across the face after the game last week, so naturally I hit her back and then she gets pissed at me (of course) and mom, because "she always takes my side." Seriously? Are we 10 again? :) Needless to say, I didn't want a replay of last week, and I figure bp just started, surely I'll get a ball at some point. UM SIKE. Thank you Cliff Lee and Tommy Hunter for messing with my mind for the next hour and teasing me only to NEVER actually throw me a ball. It's cool...I'm not bitter. At least I have the fond memory of two phenomenal pitchers looking at me, pretending they had a ball in their glove and laughing their asses off as I freaked out for them to throw it to me...then realized that they were totally f'ing with me. Chels says it's because I sound like a man. Whatev.
I must mention our thrilling experience before the game yesterday. We got there 3 hours early so we could watch bp...and aren't we glad we did! Josh Hamilton batting...all the pitchers in right field warming up...ball is hit to Derek Holland...we hold our hands up and he throws it (not the best throw, maybe he wasn't warm yet...) and we both freaking miss it! It lands in the section below us, and I briefly think about tackling Chelsea (and had I been enough paying attention to realize that oh, hey, that's off Josh Hamilton's bat I never would've backed down...), but I remember our slap match from last weekend and let her have it. Yes, she smacked me right across the face after the game last week, so naturally I hit her back and then she gets pissed at me (of course) and mom, because "she always takes my side." Seriously? Are we 10 again? :) Needless to say, I didn't want a replay of last week, and I figure bp just started, surely I'll get a ball at some point. UM SIKE. Thank you Cliff Lee and Tommy Hunter for messing with my mind for the next hour and teasing me only to NEVER actually throw me a ball. It's cool...I'm not bitter. At least I have the fond memory of two phenomenal pitchers looking at me, pretending they had a ball in their glove and laughing their asses off as I freaked out for them to throw it to me...then realized that they were totally f'ing with me. Chels says it's because I sound like a man. Whatev.
So now it's Game 3 in the Big Apple with my new bff Cliff on the hump. As CJ tweeted last night after the game, "it's now a 5 game series with Cliff Lee pitching Game 1." Sounds like a familiar situation to me! World Series tickets on sale this morning...yes please!
Chaunce is getting antsy ready to go do something, so I guess I'll quit rambling on. Joe T's here we come! :)
CLAWS AND ANTLERS.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Do work...
Well, I keep getting griped at for not blogging in a while, but I try to tell everyone nothing super special is going on with us! But when I woke up this morning (BL hangover in tact), I could NOT stop thinking about one thing...the Rangers. Y'all know I'm obsessed, and that I follow the Rangers like white on rice, so it should come as no shock that the biggest thing going on with Miles and I right now is the playoffs!
Now...let's get real. Last night was awful. Talk about going from the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat in about 20 minutes time. Damn you 8th inning Yankees. I was so mad last night that I forced Miles to leave Hooters (yes, that's where we choose to go on dates) and come home because I honestly felt like I could cry (sorry Haschkes!!!!). I was so pissed off at the decisions that were made during the game that reality was clouded by angry judgment. I woke up pissed. I was still pissed when I got in the shower and started to get ready to head out to the Ballpark. I'm not going to lie and say that I'm totally over it 20 minutes later, but the more I think about difficult decisions and our jobs in life, it gets a little easier to understand that sometimes...people just make mistakes.
In my profession, if I make a mistake, sub a wrong player in a game, make a bad decision about a player, or even mis-grade a student's test, the repercussions are minimal. Perhaps (not very often) we lose a game or even a match, or I have to raise a grade or apologize to a student or talk to a parent...no harm done. But in Ron Washington's job, a mistake is a platform for city-wide, state-wide, and now even nation-wide scrutiny. Yes, he chose that profession, yes he makes millions more than I do...but yes, he is still human. Same for Darren Oliver, O'Day, and the rest of the pitching staff that made one-pitch/batter appearances last night. A bad day at work for them results in a bad day for thousands and thousands of disgruntled fans and media outlets...and for that, I have to feel bad for them. A bad day at work for me means a lot of bitching and whining and poor Miles doing everything he can to NOT say the wrong thing (which, typically, he sucks at) :). A bad day at work for them means every form of media - internet, tv, radio, etc. - bashing them for hours on end...and fans going to sleep pissed off unable to think about anything else. That's a LOT of pressure! As a coach, I know what it's like to have people completely pissed off at you. I got cussed out by a parent just the other day (yes, one of those bad days at work...everyone's babies are A team material, right?), but it comes with the territory I guess. Washington, we still believe in you!
So as I get ready to go out and support the team that I've followed since childhood, through the good, the BAAAAAAD and the super ugly, I will go to the Ballpark with only positive thoughts and realize the adversity this team has had to overcome to get where we are today. Sure, the Yanks have the right to have such obnoxious fans - they can seriously back up their shit-talk. I was listening to the Fan yesterday on the way home and they were talkin about the fact that if there was a salary cap in baseball, this wouldn't even be a game. The Yanks are good, and I'm not taking anything away from them. They SHOULD be good. They're a dynasty. They've got more money than they know what to do with. They attract the good players based on their legacy and the ability to WIN. The money doesn't hurt either. But the Rangers are a team with a lot of heart, with guys that just want to play ball. The Josh Hamiltons and Michael Youngs are two in a million. That's what I love about this team. The camaraderie is amazing. The Yanks can have their Mark Teixeiras and A-Rods. We don't want them - we saw what happened when we had them. The Texas Rangers aren't built on big boys like that. I'll take an Elvis Andrus, David Murphy or a Nelly Cruz over them ANYDAY.
So for those of you dying to know what's up with Miles and I these days...this is it!!! That and my amazing 8th grade volleyball team. We have a huge game this week (yes, 8th grade volleyball has huge games!). The two undefeated teams will battle it out this week! Unfortunately we're going in with two injured starters...but we, like the Rangers, can overcome those obstacles! I totally just caught myself singing Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" and turned it off IMMEDIATELY.
Ok - heading to the Ballpark now. My favorite place on EARTH!
Go Rangers. Do Work. Claws and Antlers baby!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now...let's get real. Last night was awful. Talk about going from the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat in about 20 minutes time. Damn you 8th inning Yankees. I was so mad last night that I forced Miles to leave Hooters (yes, that's where we choose to go on dates) and come home because I honestly felt like I could cry (sorry Haschkes!!!!). I was so pissed off at the decisions that were made during the game that reality was clouded by angry judgment. I woke up pissed. I was still pissed when I got in the shower and started to get ready to head out to the Ballpark. I'm not going to lie and say that I'm totally over it 20 minutes later, but the more I think about difficult decisions and our jobs in life, it gets a little easier to understand that sometimes...people just make mistakes.
In my profession, if I make a mistake, sub a wrong player in a game, make a bad decision about a player, or even mis-grade a student's test, the repercussions are minimal. Perhaps (not very often) we lose a game or even a match, or I have to raise a grade or apologize to a student or talk to a parent...no harm done. But in Ron Washington's job, a mistake is a platform for city-wide, state-wide, and now even nation-wide scrutiny. Yes, he chose that profession, yes he makes millions more than I do...but yes, he is still human. Same for Darren Oliver, O'Day, and the rest of the pitching staff that made one-pitch/batter appearances last night. A bad day at work for them results in a bad day for thousands and thousands of disgruntled fans and media outlets...and for that, I have to feel bad for them. A bad day at work for me means a lot of bitching and whining and poor Miles doing everything he can to NOT say the wrong thing (which, typically, he sucks at) :). A bad day at work for them means every form of media - internet, tv, radio, etc. - bashing them for hours on end...and fans going to sleep pissed off unable to think about anything else. That's a LOT of pressure! As a coach, I know what it's like to have people completely pissed off at you. I got cussed out by a parent just the other day (yes, one of those bad days at work...everyone's babies are A team material, right?), but it comes with the territory I guess. Washington, we still believe in you!
So as I get ready to go out and support the team that I've followed since childhood, through the good, the BAAAAAAD and the super ugly, I will go to the Ballpark with only positive thoughts and realize the adversity this team has had to overcome to get where we are today. Sure, the Yanks have the right to have such obnoxious fans - they can seriously back up their shit-talk. I was listening to the Fan yesterday on the way home and they were talkin about the fact that if there was a salary cap in baseball, this wouldn't even be a game. The Yanks are good, and I'm not taking anything away from them. They SHOULD be good. They're a dynasty. They've got more money than they know what to do with. They attract the good players based on their legacy and the ability to WIN. The money doesn't hurt either. But the Rangers are a team with a lot of heart, with guys that just want to play ball. The Josh Hamiltons and Michael Youngs are two in a million. That's what I love about this team. The camaraderie is amazing. The Yanks can have their Mark Teixeiras and A-Rods. We don't want them - we saw what happened when we had them. The Texas Rangers aren't built on big boys like that. I'll take an Elvis Andrus, David Murphy or a Nelly Cruz over them ANYDAY.
So for those of you dying to know what's up with Miles and I these days...this is it!!! That and my amazing 8th grade volleyball team. We have a huge game this week (yes, 8th grade volleyball has huge games!). The two undefeated teams will battle it out this week! Unfortunately we're going in with two injured starters...but we, like the Rangers, can overcome those obstacles! I totally just caught myself singing Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" and turned it off IMMEDIATELY.
Ok - heading to the Ballpark now. My favorite place on EARTH!
Go Rangers. Do Work. Claws and Antlers baby!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Family Cruise in T-6 Days!
It's that time of year again! My how time flies...this will make year number 6 of our annual family cruise! It's unbelievable, but things have certainly changed since that first cruise.
2009 - celebrating paw paw's birthday EVERY year!
2008 - my favorite pic from all the cruises!
2009 - yes, as a matter of fact I DO know how to surf...
2007 - OOPS. perhaps we are bad influences :) and no, we don't know this kid.
2008 - one of the MOST FUN days of my life.
2007 - at the Atlantis!
2009 - CUZINS!
2008 - Comforts at Cabo Wabo!
2008 - dadGUM ryan was skinny!
2007 - FAMOUS QUOTE: IT'S NOT MY FAULT!
AHHHHHHHH HAHAHAHA WE ARE SO BAD!!! 2006
2008 - GETTIN JIGGY WIT IT!
2007 - just being cuz cuz's
2008 - love my amazing parents!
2007 - we attracted a HUGE crowd playing "Bullshit" in the middle of the casino!
2006 - yearly picture! 
2007 - yearly pic!
2008 - yearly picture!
2009 - yearly picture!
2006 - no idea!
2008 - ok it's not as bad as it looks! :)
2007 - gotta love 'em!
2008 - year of the AUSSIES!!!
2009 - i freaking LOVE my siblings.
2009 - dat wittle asian baby!
2007 - it's time for shots!!!
Year number one...I had just graduated from LSU a week prior to sailing. I was fresh out of college, so to put it nicely, I was fat. I had clearly taken a liking to Cane's Chicken Fingers in BR and late night eating after boozing meant I packed on a couple (dozen) pounds. Nevertheless, instead of harping on my unfortunate weight issues, back to the cruises. The first year we went for Mimi and Big Daddy's 50th Anniversary. We had such a blast that my kick ass uncle decided to make it a yearly trip. So here we are, year number six and still going strong!
What you have to understand about my family is that we are VERY close. Everyone...Mom's side, dad's side. ALL OF US. One big happy family! It's okay to be jealous, we all realize that not many people get the luxury of such a tight knit group, and even fewer have that tight knit group that is actually called family. This is absolutely NOT an effort to brag...we are just a fun-loving, happy group that loves spending time together! All the newbies have fit in quite nicely too if I do say so myself! We know how blessed we are, and we thank the Man upstairs constantly for all of the blessings he has provided our family. Anyway I'll get off my high horse and get on with the blog.
Below is a "photo montage" of all of our cruises...
2009 - celebrating paw paw's birthday EVERY year!
2008 - my favorite pic from all the cruises!
2009 - yes, as a matter of fact I DO know how to surf...
2007 - OOPS. perhaps we are bad influences :) and no, we don't know this kid.
2008 - one of the MOST FUN days of my life.
2007 - at the Atlantis!
2009 - CUZINS!
2008 - Comforts at Cabo Wabo!
2008 - dadGUM ryan was skinny!
2007 - FAMOUS QUOTE: IT'S NOT MY FAULT!
AHHHHHHHH HAHAHAHA WE ARE SO BAD!!! 2006
2008 - GETTIN JIGGY WIT IT!
2007 - just being cuz cuz's
2008 - love my amazing parents!
2007 - we attracted a HUGE crowd playing "Bullshit" in the middle of the casino!
2006 - yearly picture! 
2007 - yearly pic!
2008 - yearly picture!
2009 - yearly picture!
2006 - no idea!
2008 - ok it's not as bad as it looks! :)
2007 - gotta love 'em!
2008 - year of the AUSSIES!!!
2009 - i freaking LOVE my siblings.
2009 - dat wittle asian baby!
2007 - it's time for shots!!!Well, for whatever reason my pictures from the first year (2005) aren't coming up...DARN. Nobody needs to see that anyway! Just trust me. I was fat. :)
So ...this year will be a little different. For one thing, I AM MARRIED! Still crazy to believe. But Miles and I will be celebrating our first anniversary the day we board the boat! So FUN! We are pumped. Ryan is bringing his AWESOME girlfriend for the first time, and for the second year, Chels is bringing Mikey who we all love and adore...Memories will be made! Our family of 5 has turned to a family of 8...which, I always say, the more the merrier! And when cuz cuz's get together, we have a grand ol' time! It finally WON'T be Chaunce's birthday, so we won't have to hear about that NON-STOP THE ENTIRE TRIP.. :) jk sister!
The only negative side to this story is that we have to leave our baby Hambone for the first time for an extended period of time. I already miss him and I haven't even left yet! I can't imagine having ACTUAL children...you know...humans. Yikes!
Going back and looking at all these pictures just reminds me of how much family means to Miles and I. We are so fortunate to make such amazing memories together every year. Whether we are with my family or his, we are undoubtedly having a good time...and that's what it's all about!
For us, life is good. For everyone, life is precious, so cherish every moment!
Monday, May 24, 2010
I'll be writing a book...
That's right...one of these days I'll be writing a book (most likely with my sis and dad and some of the other teachers and coaches I know) based on the interesting stories and events that come with being a teacher or coach. Some of y'all wouldn't BELIEVE the crap I hear on a daily basis that most of the time I can't help but laugh about. Kids these days, I swear! Yeah - I feel like my grandma when I say that, but it's SO true. It's no wonder I'm terrified of having kids!
Enjoy this sneak peak into our book that you can probably expect to see in stores sometime in the next decade or so. Depends on how busy I am during my well-deserved summers off. :)
In case you are wondering, my kids are 11-14 years old.
Story #1: Just last week I had a pretty typical encounter with one of my students whose behavior has gradually gotten worse throughout the year. Most of my kids have ZERO filter so whatever they are thinking is exactly what's going to come out of their mouths. He is no exception to this; in fact, he may be the worst one. Earlier this year the entire class was forced to sit in silence when he yelled out something about how his old teacher "was such a SLUT!" as they questioned me about any "hidden" tattoos I might have. Apparently his fifth grade teacher had a "tramp stamp" so that made her a SLUT! Yes, this is what I hear every day. Anyway...on to the most recent of his inappropriate actions...I was standing in one of the other teachers' classrooms during Advisory (pointless waste of time) and the kid looks at me and says...and I quote: "You look like a squash Coach C. You're like skinny on top then you just keep getting bigger as your body goes down." SERIOUSLY!?!?!?!!?!?!?!? What the FRICKEN CRAP KID????? As if I don't already have a complex about my weight, this kid has to point it out!!!! I love kids I love kids I love kids I love my job I love my job I love my job. I just have to say it over and over sometimes, otherwise I might just quit every other day or so.
Story #2: Let's just keep on going with comments that kids make about the way I look (and not just me, they make comments about everyone). Inappropriate, usually...but sometimes they are just downright funny. Alright. So the last period of the day (apart from Athletics) is always the toughest. I have 4 classes in a row in the afternoons so typically by my last class I've completely lost it. I've given up the fight by that point. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right? Right. Never fails, I always have some characters in that last class of the day that can make me laugh no matter how good or bad the day has been. Earlier this year, I was having one of those days where nothing was really wrong, but it was just a bad day, ya know? I was in a funk. Leave it to my 7th period to turn that around. One kid walks up to my desk in front of the whole class and says, "You know Coach C, some boys in this school have crushes on you." I said, "Oh really, is that so?" He laughs and says, "Yeah, they think you're hot..." (he hesitates and continues)..."but I just don't see it."
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Can I tell y'all how I just busted out laughing! Some of the girls in the class yelled at him how rude it was, but I just said "No girls, it's okay, everyone is entitled to their opinions!" Oh...that was classic. I didn't stop laughing for the rest of the day and I still laugh every single time I think about it! Honesty IS the best policy, right?!?!
Story #3: Ok ok ok. I've saved the best of the three for last. This incident happened last year during my first year teaching and I had NO IDEA how to handle the situation. Brief background: Typically you have kids in every class that always answer all the questions and then those that pretty much sit in silence throughout the year. Well, when the silenced ones speak out, be prepared for what they might say! To my knowledge and recollection, this kid had never said a word apart from socializing with friends before and after the bell rang. He sat quietly during class and made pretty good grades. So one day I'm sitting in front of the class as we talk about French and Spanish explorers in Texas and the way that Natives reacted upon their arrival. (For those of you that don't already know...interactions got pretty nasty between Natives and early European settlers...the Spaniards in East Texas and the French in Louisiana) I asked the class "What might've been a better way for the Natives to handle their frustrations rather than raid the Spaniards in their villages in Texas?" The "Silenced One" as I will call him IMMEDIATELY raises his hand and is waving it out of control. I'm pretty caught off guard because he NEVER volunteered before that, but I'm also really excited to get a new perspective in the mix. Of course I call on him first, and he kinda calmed himself and tried to explain his idea. It went a little something like this...
"So, instead of killing the Spaniards, the Natives should've just gone over to Louisiana and started a rumor with the French people. They should've told the French that the Spaniards were calling them pussies!!!"
........................................................................................................................................................................
(That reflects my moment of silence to try to figure out what the hell that kid just said.)
Me: "Silenced One...OUT IN THE HALL NOW!!!!!!!"
Silenced One: "What did I do???"
Entire Class: "What did he say?!? What'd he do??????"
Me: "Go NOW!"
Everyone: "What the heck happened???"
Me: "Everyone just hush, let's move on!"
.........................................................................................................................................................................
(That reflects me burying my face in my book for a good five minutes trying to keep the class from seeing me laughing so hard that I was crying.)
You see, it's always something when you work with kids. This kid doesn't say a word all year, and the first thing out of his mouth is a word that makes me cringe every time I hear it. He has NO CLUE that it's not an appropriate word and he is so sad because he is not used to being in trouble. I call him in after class and say "Silenced One, do you know what that word means?" He said no, so (not sure why, but) I ask "do you want me to tell you what that word means?" THANK GOD he said no, and I follow up by saying "Silenced One, you do not ever use words that you don't know the meaning of." He nods his head. I tell him he has to sign the discipline book and explain what he did. I think nothing more of it until I go back later and read his "explanation." Not only does he not know what the word means, but clearly his spelling is lacking a bit as well.
His name, along with the "explanation" read like this:
"Silenced One - pusy"
You're going to want to buy my book, aren't you?
Enjoy this sneak peak into our book that you can probably expect to see in stores sometime in the next decade or so. Depends on how busy I am during my well-deserved summers off. :)
In case you are wondering, my kids are 11-14 years old.
Story #1: Just last week I had a pretty typical encounter with one of my students whose behavior has gradually gotten worse throughout the year. Most of my kids have ZERO filter so whatever they are thinking is exactly what's going to come out of their mouths. He is no exception to this; in fact, he may be the worst one. Earlier this year the entire class was forced to sit in silence when he yelled out something about how his old teacher "was such a SLUT!" as they questioned me about any "hidden" tattoos I might have. Apparently his fifth grade teacher had a "tramp stamp" so that made her a SLUT! Yes, this is what I hear every day. Anyway...on to the most recent of his inappropriate actions...I was standing in one of the other teachers' classrooms during Advisory (pointless waste of time) and the kid looks at me and says...and I quote: "You look like a squash Coach C. You're like skinny on top then you just keep getting bigger as your body goes down." SERIOUSLY!?!?!?!!?!?!?!? What the FRICKEN CRAP KID????? As if I don't already have a complex about my weight, this kid has to point it out!!!! I love kids I love kids I love kids I love my job I love my job I love my job. I just have to say it over and over sometimes, otherwise I might just quit every other day or so.
Story #2: Let's just keep on going with comments that kids make about the way I look (and not just me, they make comments about everyone). Inappropriate, usually...but sometimes they are just downright funny. Alright. So the last period of the day (apart from Athletics) is always the toughest. I have 4 classes in a row in the afternoons so typically by my last class I've completely lost it. I've given up the fight by that point. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right? Right. Never fails, I always have some characters in that last class of the day that can make me laugh no matter how good or bad the day has been. Earlier this year, I was having one of those days where nothing was really wrong, but it was just a bad day, ya know? I was in a funk. Leave it to my 7th period to turn that around. One kid walks up to my desk in front of the whole class and says, "You know Coach C, some boys in this school have crushes on you." I said, "Oh really, is that so?" He laughs and says, "Yeah, they think you're hot..." (he hesitates and continues)..."but I just don't see it."
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Can I tell y'all how I just busted out laughing! Some of the girls in the class yelled at him how rude it was, but I just said "No girls, it's okay, everyone is entitled to their opinions!" Oh...that was classic. I didn't stop laughing for the rest of the day and I still laugh every single time I think about it! Honesty IS the best policy, right?!?!
Story #3: Ok ok ok. I've saved the best of the three for last. This incident happened last year during my first year teaching and I had NO IDEA how to handle the situation. Brief background: Typically you have kids in every class that always answer all the questions and then those that pretty much sit in silence throughout the year. Well, when the silenced ones speak out, be prepared for what they might say! To my knowledge and recollection, this kid had never said a word apart from socializing with friends before and after the bell rang. He sat quietly during class and made pretty good grades. So one day I'm sitting in front of the class as we talk about French and Spanish explorers in Texas and the way that Natives reacted upon their arrival. (For those of you that don't already know...interactions got pretty nasty between Natives and early European settlers...the Spaniards in East Texas and the French in Louisiana) I asked the class "What might've been a better way for the Natives to handle their frustrations rather than raid the Spaniards in their villages in Texas?" The "Silenced One" as I will call him IMMEDIATELY raises his hand and is waving it out of control. I'm pretty caught off guard because he NEVER volunteered before that, but I'm also really excited to get a new perspective in the mix. Of course I call on him first, and he kinda calmed himself and tried to explain his idea. It went a little something like this...
"So, instead of killing the Spaniards, the Natives should've just gone over to Louisiana and started a rumor with the French people. They should've told the French that the Spaniards were calling them pussies!!!"
........................................................................................................................................................................
(That reflects my moment of silence to try to figure out what the hell that kid just said.)
Me: "Silenced One...OUT IN THE HALL NOW!!!!!!!"
Silenced One: "What did I do???"
Entire Class: "What did he say?!? What'd he do??????"
Me: "Go NOW!"
Everyone: "What the heck happened???"
Me: "Everyone just hush, let's move on!"
.........................................................................................................................................................................
(That reflects me burying my face in my book for a good five minutes trying to keep the class from seeing me laughing so hard that I was crying.)
You see, it's always something when you work with kids. This kid doesn't say a word all year, and the first thing out of his mouth is a word that makes me cringe every time I hear it. He has NO CLUE that it's not an appropriate word and he is so sad because he is not used to being in trouble. I call him in after class and say "Silenced One, do you know what that word means?" He said no, so (not sure why, but) I ask "do you want me to tell you what that word means?" THANK GOD he said no, and I follow up by saying "Silenced One, you do not ever use words that you don't know the meaning of." He nods his head. I tell him he has to sign the discipline book and explain what he did. I think nothing more of it until I go back later and read his "explanation." Not only does he not know what the word means, but clearly his spelling is lacking a bit as well.
His name, along with the "explanation" read like this:
"Silenced One - pusy"
You're going to want to buy my book, aren't you?
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Simple Things.
Well, I've been saying for years that I needed to start a blog...so here goes nothing! I mean, I studied Communication for two degrees worth of time so I better not let all that time and energy go to waste, right? I figure that's good enough reason to write pages and pages worth of irrelevant, unimportant and useless information to be read by friends, family and maybe even a few strangers that mosey onto my page. Enjoy :)
So, as hard as it is to believe, Miles and I have been married for almost a year! It feels like just yesterday that I spent the evening COVERED in sweat since the freaking AC broke at the wedding venue smack dab in the middle of a hot ass Texas summer. I mean, I'm not one to complain about sweating considering that 99.9% of the time I'm freezing cold and under blankets...but come on. June 27th, 300 people, and NO AIR? To all of the guests at our wedding, I apologize that all your fun pics in the photobooth are of you drenched in sweat amid the crazy hats and glasses! I hope you all still enjoyed yourselves! :)
Anywho, as our first anniversary quickly approaches, I'm having an issue with a certain "tradition" that I'm supposed to follow. From what I hear you are supposed to keep the top layer of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary. Year old cake? No thanks, I'd rather a brownie or a Reese's egg or something. I didn't even have cake AT the wedding (apart from the piece that was smashed in my face and that I was still blowing out of my nose 3 days into our honeymoon), so why on Earth would I eat a piece a year later?? Either way, we'll be heading out on the high seas on our anniversary (year 6 of our annual family cruise!) and you can bet your sweet behind that I'll be eating plenty of delicious treats for an entire week, none of which include gnarly, year-old WHITE cake. I'm just sayin... However, this will probably be another thing my mother makes me do like when she told me I couldn't get married if I wasn't going to change my name. Seriously? I'm what? 30-ish years old and Cindy is still telling me what to do. Sheesh. :)
Moving right along, Miles and I have had a FANTASTIC first year of marriage. We bought a perfect little house in Benbrook (I seriously need a maid), we replaced the trusty ol' Jimmy with a more "dependable" SUV that I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE, Miles is working days at Alcon as a, wait for it.............SCIENTIST!!! (yeah, you read that right - go ahead, go back and read it over and over, it won't change!), I'm still at Aledo teaching and coaching the youth of the future, and last, but certainly not least, we got the most awesome dog EVER and named him after the one and only badass ball-player Josh Hamilton...Ladies and Gentlemen, meet HAMBONE.
Yes, it's okay to be jealous of my little angel dog. And yes, I do realize I am one of those pathetic losers that is obsessed with her dog. And yes, I'm completely okay with it. :) Ya gotta give me something people, all my friends are pregnant and having babies...we aren't quite ready to take on that responsibility yet, so being Mom and Dad to Hambone will just have to do for now! Also, in case you are wondering, he's much bigger than the 12 pounds he was in this picture, but at 45 pounds and still growing he's as adorable as ever. I'm a very proud Mama. ;)
A few other things that have happened during our first year of marriage:
We had our first Thanksgiving as a married couple at our house and my family joined us. My dad enjoyed one too many glasses of wine and ended up on a late night walk around the neighborhood. When Ryan found him, they walked a block together before Dad finally stopped, looked at him and asked "Who the hell are you?" (true story!)
We had a fantastic Christmas break. The men in the family headed to Sin City and the women to NYC. Ahhh, the Big Apple! Firefighters, shopping, Mimi busting it in the snow in the middle of Times Square, the Lion King, freezing toes, and lots of quality time with the ladies. It was fabulous!
New Years was great. We threw a "party" and I drank entirely too much champagne. That hangover lasted about a week. Miles slept in a tent-cot in the garage. Mom drove the drunks to pick up the other drunks at 3 in the morning. I believe Bell still owes you for that one Mom! Overall it was an interesting and memorable evening.
We had Easter at the house as well. I love not having to drive for hours and everyone coming here to stay with us. I also love the fact that my mom, aunt and grandmas are always going to cook and clean while I sit around doing nothing. It's a rough life! :)
Last month Bell, Davis and Whit were in from Houston, so we decided to have some people over for a day of drinking, grilling and outdoor games. Turns out that Miles and I aren't the best entertainers and we are entirely too competitive. We got in the fight of the year over BEER PONG...yes, that's right, that's what we fight about. We need a rule book for that damn game. Anyway, if any of our friends that were here that day have hesitations about hanging out with us again, I can promise you that Miles and I discussed it and decided that we will never again be on opposing teams during intense beer pong matches. HA!
Softball ended for the Aledo Ladycats in the first round of playoffs, and the Lady Panthers got beat in the third round. We are all at a loss about what the heck we are to do with all this free time. As you can see, blogging at 1:45 AM is my new past-time.
Overall, this year has been absolutely AMAZING and filled with lots and lots of fun and laughter. A memorable first year of marriage? Check!
Alright, it's almost 2 in the morning at night (haha) and I've already been told tonight that Miles and I are an "old married couple" because our Saturday night was spent watching TV and creating a blog, so perhaps it's time for this grandma to shut it down for the evening.
A final note...Miles and I are so blessed to enjoy such a wonderful life, full of happiness and love and great friends and the best families anyone could ask for. There are so many simple things in life that make it so perfect each and every day...like Miles snoring on the couch right now, or Hambone's incessant desire to sit on my feet or snuggle up close, or a fun Friday night at the Ballpark. It's all so simple, yet so amazing. I love my life and everyone and everything in it!
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