Sunday Still

Lightening flashes.
Rain falls.
Dallas Cowboys beat San Francisco today-
With the new hero of Jessie Holley was crowned-
Will make the listen to Sports Radio easier this week.
My college teams, Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones won
Had a great time with chums this weekend
And today at the Inspiring Body of Christ Church,
Got my praise and hallelujah amen on, so I tell ya that
Even when storms may cloud life
Life is so good.

October 23, 2001 was Tuesday

...and I remember it well. It was my dad's funeral and I wanted to smack the preacher. He was chosen by my step-mother, because well, frankly I didn't know any. Until my uncle mentioned another man who precided over my mom's funeral years before and actually grew up with my dad. This other man did speak at the end of my dad's funeral and was great.

OK, back to the first preacher. He kept pronouncing our last name wrong. And when I was up at the podium to deliver my dad's eulogy, I began to tear up. Well, he started preaching and saying our name wrong. I looked back at him, and told him so. People that knew me were about to laugh, and my step mother said my name, because they knew I was about ready to do Smack Down in the chapel--OK--and this was before I started my Spiritual Walk...

Later on that evening, a friend of my dad's stopped by the house. He said he'd arrived late to the funeral, but got there in enough time for me to wanna beat up the preacher.....yea, OK..well, maybe...

On this day, in 2010, I still basked in the Texas Rangers win to go into the World Series, then off to a bible study, and then my writers' group, while on my way home the rain poured, thunder rumbled and lightening cracked the sky. I was invited to a Halloween Party tonight--yet just feelin' all into it.

I also watched the Iowa Hawkeyes

lose to the Wisconsin Badgers I didn't like the losing part, yet I liked watching the Hawks play. Because on this 9th anniversary of my dad's death, I knew he watched it with me.

Just like always.

Tonight...

ahh...The Texas Baseball Rangers beat the NY Yankees about 15 miles from my chateau-

And my Iowa Hawkeyes beat the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan--SWEET!

Ventured to see the movie "Red" starring Bruce Willis, with Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich with the cutie who played Dr. McCoy in the Pre-Star Trek (can't remember his name---YET!)--I enjoyed the movie and feel in love with Bruce Willis all over again...

Got some school work I need to hurry and do, yet in the meantime as Sir Elton John says how

Saturday Night is just all right.....I like it like this!

OKC is OK with Me

A co-worker chum of mine got married in Oklahoma City earlier today at 1pm. Had a festive time and fun. A few other co-workers, also made the trip. It's a road trip of 3 1/2 hours and I arrived a half hour before wedding time.

My plan was to stay until about 3:30ish, and then head home. Well, it was 6:30, and I'd wished I'd packed a little bag and got a cheap room. There was a Wal-mart down the street from the reception, and considered just getting a few toiletries and spend the night. Just tired.

Anyway, I pulled into my driveway about 20 mins ago, at 9:40pm. It would have been a few minutes earlier, however I didn't know the exit, from the freeway, to my house was closed. But I'm here. The contacts out, cats replenished, and headed to my bed to watch the Iowa Hawkeyes play. I'm glad their playing in the Pacific Time Zone, game started just a few minutes ago. And the paper will just need to wait until tomorrow. I'm beat.

Oh the Power Point presentation I had to do? Did I tell you I realized I didn't even HAVE PP on my PC? So the freeware I found saved the day. Yet you get what you pay for because it crashed 3 times. I got it done and went to bed about 1am last night. So to do a round trip 400 mile, really wasn't something I wanted to do.

Yet, I did. My chum just glowed and was a gorgeous bride. I'm glad I know her.

So OKC is OK with me!

So Say September

Such a grand day here in Dallas! Not too hot, not too cool, unlike the Labor Day 2001 when the actual temp was 111 F. Who cares? So say long ago.

Let me share this right quick. I dined on Vietnamese food last night. Yep. A Classmate asked me if I was I game. He loves the stuff. The last time I had this cuisine was in the '90's. Didn't so really care for whatever I had and recall I drank alot of beer after. This go round Classmate suggested things and had a good laugh at my apprehensiveness. All in all, I surprised myself I enjoyed it. Classmate has mentioned cuisines from Ethiopia. Told him I gotta take a country at a time...

Look at the day! The Iowa Football Hawkeyes won their first game of the season. I gotta do so school writing and some FUN writing sometime today. Like I said sometime today--in the meantime this day beckons for me to return to our playtime together.

So say it IS September!

Tuesday Orange

The Orange Bowl 2010 is at Halftime. My Iowa Hawkeyes lead Georgia Tech 14-7. Kool and the Gang now entertain.

Yea. I danced and partied to 'Celebration' I don't how many times. Good times. Even bought some Kool and the Gang vinyl. Nice memories. Was "Celebration" really out in 1981-ish?

Time flies is also what I think when I watch the Jacksons Dynasty reality show on A & E. Have you watched it? I've missed an episode or two. Yet, I've seen enough to have opinions. I do like Tito. Marlon has sexy smile. Jackie is the gentle soul I always thought, while Jermaine is a whiny wuss. To watch this show is bittersweet. They miss their brother. I feel that is genuine. I also wonder if this is really suppose to be "The Jermaine Show."

OK. Kool and the Gang are sing "Celebration" now--I'll go back and rewind. Gotta watch and remember. After that- headed to the warmth of my bed and under the covers.

Kind of a chill here in Texas. One of the moments I wish I had a man 24/7.

More heat. :)

Tired

It's Thursday. Almost Friday.

I did go knock on a neighbor's door to inquire about Mister Bob. Even tho one of their cars was parked in the drive way--nobody answered. Mister Bob's house remains dark this night. I'll try again tomorrow. I pray he's OK. Even tho Mister Bob and I didn't speak everyday, our street seems a little less quiet at the moment.

May snow tomorrow. Don't care. It will be Friday. Just about everything looks good on a Friday. Even the fact I dropped a contact tonight on such a cluttered countertop and couldn't find it. Of course, my order of replacements has arrived yet--so work tomorrow with glasses I bought in the last century--I think. It will still be Friday.

I'm tired.

My feline laden bed awaits my weary bones.

That's it for now.

Stay tuned.

Saturday Sulk

Iowa Hawkeyes lost to Ohio State.

Recorded the game, due to attending a housewarming. Didn't listen to any sports coming home. Nope. Just blared music. Got home, fast forwarded thru commercials and with just a few second left in regulation, score tied 24-24 my DVR STOPS! I didn't set up to record enough time!!

Race to my PC. Pull up the Des Moines Register which tells me how Iowa's Rose Bowl dreams slip away, 27-24. Lost on a field goal in overtime. However, the red-shirt QB played a very good game for his first start. Yes, there were errs, yet the score wasn't 45-10 Ohio State, which is what I thought it might be.

As for the housewarming, I arrived with about 20 mins before it was scheduled to end. Why? Due to traffic and getting lost. I didn't realize my chum had moved out into the sticks--literally. I passed horses and cows. I LOVED her home though! Except for the neighbors being right on top of each other, her home is one I would purchase. Got a little envious. Of course, you always want what others have.

So there were my two sulks today. However did lunch with someone I use to be close to. We both realized that closeness never really went away. The way he hugged me confirmed that. A bit of needed growth--on both our parts-reaped rewards.

All in all, nice day indeed.

High Noon NOT

Recorded the Iowa Hawkeyes-Northwestern Wildcats game. Had things planned for the day (which was great by the way). I knew...KNEW Iowa would grind Northwestern into the turf. As I left the house, I had to sneek a peak ---the score just had to be 28-0 Iowa.

Imagine my surprise to see Iowa down by four at halftime! No problem, as I locked up the house--the Hawks would come on strong. 10-0 here we come! At the time, I didn't know QB Ricky Stanzi had been hurt.

So when I got home, got comfy and started to watch the game from halftime. I made sure I listened to nothing but music while driving my Pumpkin. I'd done this during a Cowboys game too, as it recorded while I away from home. So it could be done. I made guesses how high Iowa's score would be. Just knew my Hawks were 10-0!

On the couch, I sat. DVR'd thru commercials. Final score, Iowa 10 Northwestern 17. My heart broke at 7:29PM. The pitch black sky fit my mood.

Then I find out Ohio State beat Penn State.

I bet Rick Stanzi's ankle is fine by next Saturday.

Blue Bell Coffee flavored Ice Cream will help me heal--maybe I should send some to Ricky.

Stay tuned.

Go HAWKS!

High Noon

On a gorgeous sun draped Saturday.

Cats are fed and now staked out an open window to call their own.

Gotta DVR the Iowa Hawkeye-Northwestern Wildcats due to I must

Get up and out of the house. I feel confident they'll be 10-0 when the sun sets!

Why can't the sports guys give 'em some love? Yea, they may have all the

Stuff the Gators or 'bama has--yet the Iowa Hawkeyes are 9-0 some kinda way.

Hmm.

Anyway, enjoy your day, cuz I'm sure gonna enjoy mine!

Go Hawks!

And It Is...

Friday. Finally.

The Weekend to see if my Iowa Hawkeyes can go 10-0 on Saturday. Then can Tony Romo and Roy Williams, of the Dallas Cowboys connect ALOT against the Donovan McNabb and the rest of the Eagles Sunday Night?

I'll consider to scrub everything for top to bottom, throw stuff from a back bedroom and maybe even do a bit of writing on the novel I say I want to write...

Hmm.

To savor ice cream and pet a cat may win out. You know...priorities!

In the meantime, gotta cue this song I STILL love 30 years later cuz it is: WEEKEND!

Sunday SunDOWN

It is 6:30 pm as I write this. Out my window all I see is a canvas of midnight black. Yea, we set the clocks last night. Is there STILL a reason for Standard and Daylight Savings Time? Like back 70 or so years ago? Why still NOW? Sure, it'll be lighter in the morning--yet there is something about the sky being dark by an eventual 5:00PM it seems. GRR.

Anyway.

Got my praise on today. The all-male choir praised and rocked and the spirit was felt through out that place. Pastor Rickie Rush, the Inspiring Body of Christ Church, said, "Change is a process, not an event." I don't always agree with what Pastor Rush says, although those words stuck with me. We need to take a wellness check and admit there's something wrong with US-seems to hold us back from blessings, while others seem to be able and get theirs---maybe something in our past. Gives me pause to ponder. I think of my mom's death when I was 13 and also the not so much encouragement received from my step-mother, when I wanted and needed a female roll model. All makes sense. Yep--to ponder and learn from.

So as the dark sky so early at night bums me, I see IOWA is #8 on Top 25. I believe they don't get enough credit. Sure, they may not be on Florida or 'bama's turf, however the QB threw 4 picks in one quarter and were behind 21-7. That same QB led the Iowa Hawkeyes to a 42-24 win in the next quarter. Even without the less than stellar officiating, would the score been that much different? Lou Holtz, on ESPN, said Iowa only impressed him with their win over Penn State! Gee, Lou--I thought good teams figure out a way to win. Stay tuned.

And my Dallas Cowboys won--soundly--over Seattle! Felt nice to watch. Miles Austin can smile for any time and I'd help Marion Barber braid his hair-anytime! coffee.

All in all--a great day. Sun did shine ALOT today. GORGEOUS. Now if you will excuse me, gotta try this Starbucks Mocha Frappucino ice cream which awaits in my freezer. Certainly, will aid in my being bummed of sky being dark by 6:30PM.

Gather 'round..

It's Monday. Downed my 74 ounces of water. Shoulda just stood outside with my mouth open. Rained ALL day. At least my yard looks lush.

Made it through with a try on a new attitude. That all o' this is just temporary. Gotta keep it all in focus--since I do need bi-focals, we'll see how long that lasts! :)

Us Iowa Hawkeye fans still hummin' about their last, literally seconds win, while Us Dallas Cowboys fans are hummin' about our Boyz' win. We also ask WHERE has Miles Austin been? In two games, he's stats surpass that of Roy Williams who has played in 17 games. Stay tuned to that.

However, with the rain, I still got the trash by the curb, a cat ready to curl and the remote ready for me to punch to Dancing With The Stars! I so get off on this show! Oh, and the Blue Bell Cookies n Ice Cream is gonna help too. So 'cuse me while I go root for Donny Osmond, Michael Irvin and Mark Dascascos!

Let's DANCE!

Sunday Short

Got my praise on today, at Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush. The message was how we know we are in our due time. And of course, one way especially hit me right upside my head. Oprah would call it an 'a-ha' moment. It is: When we don't push, pull or politic, the doors open.

I did these things-.ALOT with my relationships with me. Ask Bear. Yet, I didn't realize how much I did it until time had passed. and the relationship had long ceased. Sure, I wanted and needed a strong man. And these men were strong, in their own, and I did indeed want them. Alas, they weren't the men I needed. So, I'd push, pull and politic--and pout. :) Never could figure out why things didn't quite work out how I desired. Want and need are two so very different things. Live and learn.

OK--as for the doors open, I'm still in awe of the Iowa Hawkeyes 4th and goal with :02 left in the game win last night over Michigan State. The Hawks are 8-0. First time ever! They find a way to win-no push, pull or politic or blocked punt...the doors are open. Love it and GO HAWKS!

Now, I gotta plop in the front of the TV for some Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons tussle on the gridiron. Splurged today, and forgo the salad thru the game. Yep--I decided to bring on home the best burger from THE best burger place in Dallas: Burger Island. And yes, I'll still get down my 74 ounces of water.

In the meantime, football awaits as He still gets my praise.

I am blessed.

So....

...can you say 8 and 0?

The Iowa Football Hawkeyes can!

In my jammies with :02 to go

Hawkeyes on Spartans 7...

TOUCHDOWN!

Scream and clapped SO loud

My neighbors had to hear me!

While the spirit of my Dad

Smiled through the smoke

Of his King Edward cigar...

GO HAWKS!

Sun Sum Up Saturday

Such a GORGEOUS day in Dallas and the best time to be in Texas!

Had a good girl gab fest last night with a chum over some yummy Mexican cuisine. The Bride2B's dream is to be an actress full time. She was in college to study architecture, and close to graduation, when the bug bit her. Since, then as she pays her dues, here in Dallas, she told how when the head of theatre asked her if she could wake up tomorrow and do what she loved for free-what would it be? Her answer was to act. I do believe she will go far.

As for me, I thought about the question. My answer was to write. I put down words on paper since grade school. I devoured books--hey, this was so before the internet and cable TV, and the only way you could see a movie is if you went to the movie theatre. I was so into making up the make believe others saw. Dance, music, acting--all was on my mind..

Alas, I didn't follow that dream. As I watched the Iowa Hawkeyes beat the Wisconsin Badgers today, I remember Iowa denied my entrance application, those years ago. My grades weren't good enough and they suggested I attend a community college first. I felt like such a failure. Community College? ME? Bolderdash! Instead of even giving a thought to what the University of Iowa suggested to do and to learn to be patient, I just went on my merry way to show them.

Oh my. Well, turns out I didn't show them much of anything...

Live and learn, especially on gorgeous days like this one, which the Lord has made.

Stay tuned.

Way I Like It

Found out the Iowa Hawkeyes are #13 in the polls! How COOL is that? Not sure when the last time they were that high--will need to research--plus keep it going. GO HAWKS!

Tonight is DVR duty! Dancing With The Stats will get the DVR, while I watch the Dallas Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Granted, I'll flip back and forth, however is the BEST TV view problem to have. As for DWTS, I read what Aaron Carter to say in an interview. Now, I didn't hear it, so I can't judge if he was in joke mode. However after one week, Aaron Carter he says he'll win DWTS. OK. Sure, he might. Yet the problem I have right now, is I had to take a look at his picture to even remember him from last week. I do recall Aaron was pretty good, however we got alot of season to go.

As for my Dallas Cowboys--oh man. Just WIN and make it a SOLID WIN. Just because Carolina Panthers are 0-2, doesn't mean they can't get some hot streak goin'. Got my fingers crossed. If my Marion Barber can't play, s'ok Felix Jones and/or Tashard Choice can step up and cross the goal line too.

So before I plant myself in front of the TV, with a cat in my lap and bowl of Blue Bell Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream in hand, must put out the trash, relish in the fact I downed my 74 ounces of water, and cue up a little KC and the Sunshine Band. Why? Because that's the way I like it, especially on a Monday!

So Where Were We?

Oh, yes, MacKenzine Phillips. She was on Oprah again today. I missed her the first time, so I may need to tune in, since Oprah is repeated tonight. With the drugs and now this--explains alot of Mackenzie's behavior. Stay tuned.

On a lighter note, of COURSE, watched "Dancing With The Stars!" And I'm glad Michael Irvin is safe to dance another night. Unless his new pro dancer/teacher steps up the game, Michael will be gone before he shows us anything. I'm sure Michael's new dancer/teacher is nervous-first time on the show and all. However, there was a new male pro dancer/teacher who received nothing but kudos from the judges. Poor Michael, he deserves more than the "4" two of the judges gave him. Monday is coming-and I got faith in you Michael!

On the eating-less-calories-and-working- out-more front is kinda stuck in neutral. I've been good on the eating less calories, not so good on the working out part. Still good on the drinking water part tho. Need to get the body moving more. I keep saying I want to do aerobics, while what I really want to do is a dance class. Ballroom, sure--but more jazz, ballet or even tap. They have a tap class at the rec center, alas it's during the day. I'd love to take a jazz class, like I did in the early 90's and received "A"s for my solo. My teacher, who ran a dance company, said I had 'presence'--yet now I'd need a class that was a bit gentler to my older bones. Leaping across the floor with a bunch of 20 somethings ain't my bowl of Blue Bell Cookies n Cream ice cream anymore.

There's lots more, like the Iowa Hawkeyes battle Penn State tomorrow night. Trust me, I will be glued to the TV, plus the Dallas Cowboys play on Monday Night Football--and they GOTTA win, especially in that Billion Dollar Bungalow Jerry built. Ya know, I still feel Jerry's Bungalow shoulda been built in Dallas. I don't care what the Dallas city leaders say--that was something, that shoulda stayed in Dallas.

OK. I've rambled enough. Got some Friday to enjoy with a song that still makes my toe tap. Little known kinda disco ditty by Chic. Had it on vinyl and I dedicate it Michael Irvin, 'You're more than those 4's the judges gave you. In my book you're a 26 (that's the song's title)!

Sunday's Right Choice

....was the right one: Tashard Choice. He was really the only true bright spot in the Dallas Cowboys' total heart wrench of a 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Taschard Choice had his first NFL start, playing for the injured Marion Barber. He had some diamond sparkle moments--too bad the sparkle turned to coal.

This game was the Cowboys' one to lose. They went into the 4th quarter ahead by 13-3. And lost. A go ahead interception did them in. Then a 4th and Game to Tie or Lose tossed, I think, to Jason Witten, with 55 seconds left in the game, wasn't caught. See, I'm not too sure Jason knew the ball was even coming his way---because he didn't turn around.

Unfortunately, Tony Romo threw the interceptions and fumbled. Plus the D-fense didn't stick around for the entire game. Where was the D-fense who held the Steelers out of the end zone on a 4th and goal? Will some sports radio folks say the commercial with Jessica Simpson jinxed the game?

And don't even get me started on the BCS stuff. Sure, OK--Iowa plays against South Carolina on Jan 1. Now, wasn't there a time when ALL the big time New Year's games were on Jan 1? Now they're stretched to Jan 8! What is THAT about?

Oh yea: Money.

I admit to not really being a Texas Longhorn fan (sorry Movie Man) but why aren't THEY playing for #1? I don't even care how that's explained--they BEAT OU (even though I rooted for OU--coach Bobby Stoops was an Iowa Hawkeye back in the day). I'm with our President elect, Barack Obama--we need a play-off system. UGH.

Ya know, since there's no man to tell me it'll be better next week--the Blue Bell White Chocolate Almond ice cream, in my fridge, will have to do.

So It's Sunday...

Gorgeous Sunday Afternoon here in the big D. Iced coffee at hand--didn't make it AS strong as in the past, so I may not get a caffeine buzz. But after Sarah Palin and then the Cowboys loss, maybe I do need a buzz. Hmm.

OK---just to get it over and done with: Cowboys lose. Big and so very bad. I get out of church, flip on the radio and hear there's about 13 or so minutes left until halftime. Boyz ahead 7-0. Good, I thought. So I run to Wal-mart Grocery and as I zip home. I turn on the radio. Less than two minutes to half time, and the Boyz are behind 21-7. HUH?!?!?!? Sure, sure...sure...Tony Romo was out, but COME ON! The Rams hadn't scored that many points ALL season. During the post game, local sports guy, Randy Galloway asked Jerry "We Are Building a New Stadium that Nobody Can Afford to Attend" Jones if couch Wade Phillips was going to be fired. Jerry, I think said no. That Bill Parcells and even Jimmy Johnson, who went 1-15, had bad games.

Speaking of Jimmy, after the game, in the FOX Studios, Terry Bradshaw said Cowboys need a tough coach. He looks at Jimmy Johnson, and says, "They need you." Gotta tell you, I often wonder, as do thousands in the Cowboy Nation what, woulda shoulda coulda happened if Jimmy had stayed.

They lost. The whole team. I bet Tony plays on that pinky finger next Sunday.

And Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live. I dvr'd this just in case I dozed off. And I did after Josh Brolin and Oliver Stone's plug for "W". Made me think of Josh's dad: Mr. Barbara Streisand aka James, when he was the stud back in the late 60's ,early 70's, on Dr. Welby, MD. He played the brash, young doc who made his way round on a motorcycle. Back to the show: Sure, Sarah Palin proved to be a good sport. Yet, I wanted her to DO something-more than what she did. Kinda disappointed she and Tiny Fey didn't have more interaction. I actually woke up just as "Weekend Update" came on---Amy Pohler's rap was PRICELESS. And she's pregnant out to there. When that moose came on--MY GOODNESS. I still howl. And Sarah smiled throughout. Give her credit--she hung in there. Amy's rap, to me, is the best thing SNL has done in long time. And to think Amy was was born, three years before SNL debuted! PRICELESS.

To 'rap' this all up, Iowa Hawkeys won, as did the Texas Longhorns-which solidifies their #1 ranking. The Cowboys didn't, yet we all won with Amy's performance. At least tonight, I have some Cold Case and Desperate Housewives, plus a short story to finish.

And my iced coffee.