If you remember from my post back in October (titled "a strange transformation"), my husband and I, for the first time in our lives, have become fans of NFL football. And we're not only supporting one team, but two - the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets.
And can you believe this - both of our teams are in the playoffs! And they're both playing today! So at 1:00 today we'll be wearing our Vikings apparel, cheering them on against the Cowboys, and then after that game is over we'll quickly change into our Jets apparel, and start rooting for them to beat the Chargers!!
I know there are probably some mathematical statistics that could be calculated to determine the odds of this situation, but I have to think it's a pretty rare occurence. I mean, consider the following:
1) it's our first year following NFL football
2) there are 32 teams in the NFL - 16 in each conference
3) we become fans of one team in each conference
4) both teams make their conference playoffs
5) both teams play on the same day
And I'd say most people would agree that the Jets being in the playoffs is kind of surprising. (Even in October I was saying I didn't expect them to make it!) With a rookie coach and a rookie quarterback, they weren't exactly a well-oiled machine. However, they're certainly looking more like that now, as the season has unfolded.
As for the Vikings, well, I don't think it's as much of a surprise that they're in the playoffs, with quarterback Brett Favre at the helm. However, their performance in December kind of fizzled a little, although they did do well in the last game they played.
However, despite what others may have thought and predicted, both the Vikings and the Jets are getting ready to play today, in really big games. And I think they both have very tough opponents to face. The Vikings got a week off to rest and recharge, which will hopefully help them, along with their home-field advantage. On the other hand, the Jets have not had a break, but it seems like for them that might be a good thing, because they've been building momentum and getting better each week. Of course all this could be subjective wishful thinking of a fan. :-)
I certainly hope both teams win, but I don't think it's guaranteed for either of them. So It's going to be quite a tense afternoon in our household today!!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Goodbye to 2009
It's been a long time since my last post, but I thought I should try to squeeze one more in before 2009 comes to a close.
The last two months of the year were - as usual - busy ones for me, preparing for and celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas. Work was especially busy for me too, because in addition to preparing for, and assisting with, a big user test of our system which took place in the middle of December, I also helped with the office Thanksgiving Luncheon and the office Holiday Party as well.
Thankfully, all of those events turned out all right. I was especially proud of the office Holiday Party, because there were only three of us planning the whole thing, and we did a lot of work to make it something we thought people would enjoy. And happily, we all received lots of positive comments and thanks from many people, both during and after the party. I would also take this time to give a special "shout-out" and thank you to my husband, who served as "DJ Santa" for our party, and did a great job.
As I look back, 2009 was a pretty big year for me. I did a lot of things that I had never done before, and I think it's safe to say I enjoyed all of them. I also did some things I had done before, and not surprisingly, enjoyed them as well. :-) Here's a (hopefully) brief recap of some of the "big" things I did in 2009 - many of which I did with Brian:
February: We had a very fun Casino Party at our pub
March: We went on our first-ever cruise, and it was great!
May: I got a bicycle, and I started this blog!
June: We went to California for the first time - that was also great!
July: I got a new car - which I am still really enjoying!
August: We went to Niagara Falls, Ontario (for the first time in 21 years for me, for the first time ever for Brian) and Seneca Lake, New York (our second time there)
September: We started watching NFL football!
Those are all the things I can think of off the top of my head, but I think I covered all the major events. Oh, I did also go to a few concerts during the year - most notably, Bruce Springsteen and Depeche Mode, which were both great.
As I look back on the year, it was a pretty hectic and busy one, but that was mostly because I was busy doing lots of fun things. So I guess I really can't complain about that. :-)
I don't know what 2010 has in store - as of right now we have no vacations planned, nor any parties, but I'm sure we'll go somewhere and have at least one party. And as for work, it's going to be busier than ever for me in 2010, which I'm a little stressed about, but hopefully things will go all right. I won't truly know until the end of the year, though!
Well, I guess this is it for 2009. I would like to wish everyone safe and happy New Year's celebrations tonight, and may 2010 bring you nothing but good things!
The last two months of the year were - as usual - busy ones for me, preparing for and celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas. Work was especially busy for me too, because in addition to preparing for, and assisting with, a big user test of our system which took place in the middle of December, I also helped with the office Thanksgiving Luncheon and the office Holiday Party as well.
Thankfully, all of those events turned out all right. I was especially proud of the office Holiday Party, because there were only three of us planning the whole thing, and we did a lot of work to make it something we thought people would enjoy. And happily, we all received lots of positive comments and thanks from many people, both during and after the party. I would also take this time to give a special "shout-out" and thank you to my husband, who served as "DJ Santa" for our party, and did a great job.
As I look back, 2009 was a pretty big year for me. I did a lot of things that I had never done before, and I think it's safe to say I enjoyed all of them. I also did some things I had done before, and not surprisingly, enjoyed them as well. :-) Here's a (hopefully) brief recap of some of the "big" things I did in 2009 - many of which I did with Brian:
February: We had a very fun Casino Party at our pub
March: We went on our first-ever cruise, and it was great!
May: I got a bicycle, and I started this blog!
June: We went to California for the first time - that was also great!
July: I got a new car - which I am still really enjoying!
August: We went to Niagara Falls, Ontario (for the first time in 21 years for me, for the first time ever for Brian) and Seneca Lake, New York (our second time there)
September: We started watching NFL football!
Those are all the things I can think of off the top of my head, but I think I covered all the major events. Oh, I did also go to a few concerts during the year - most notably, Bruce Springsteen and Depeche Mode, which were both great.
As I look back on the year, it was a pretty hectic and busy one, but that was mostly because I was busy doing lots of fun things. So I guess I really can't complain about that. :-)
I don't know what 2010 has in store - as of right now we have no vacations planned, nor any parties, but I'm sure we'll go somewhere and have at least one party. And as for work, it's going to be busier than ever for me in 2010, which I'm a little stressed about, but hopefully things will go all right. I won't truly know until the end of the year, though!
Well, I guess this is it for 2009. I would like to wish everyone safe and happy New Year's celebrations tonight, and may 2010 bring you nothing but good things!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Halloween
Just thought I'd write a little about how Halloween went and share a few pictures.
On Thursday Brian and I went to our friend Jo Lyn's house to help her pass out candy. We don't get any trick-or-treaters at our house, and a few years ago this came up in a conversation with Jo Lyn. She said she gets a lot of kids for Trick or Treat night and that I could come sit with her and hand out candy if I wanted. I jumped at the chance! This was the third year I sat with her, and this year Brian joined us for the entire time as well.
We dressed up, as we always do, and this year we were quite the eclectic group.
As you can probably tell, Jo Lyn was a pirate. Brian was some sort of mummy/zombie creature with a giant sword. Can you tell what I'm dressed as? I'm supposed to be an "old lady from New Jersey." I got the track suit from my mom, who got it from some other woman (don't think she was from New Jersey, though). It still had the tags on it, from all those years ago! The wig was advertised as being a 'Wonder Woman' wig, but I thought it worked really well for my costume.
I even wore the required hosiery for the look:
The next day, since it was the day before Halloween (and a Friday, when people usually dress more casually), I decided to wear a semi-costume to work.
The "Cat Treats" in the basket were Swedish Fish and Kit Kat bars (also Sour Patch Kids, but only because they came with the Swedish Fish). I went around the office during lunchtime and passed them out to everyone. People seemed to get a kick out of it - and of course most everyone was happy to get some free candy!
On Halloween night, Brian and I went to a party at the local Elks Lodge with our friends Marc and Jen. I took my cat costume a little farther for the party than I did for work:
Brian dressed as Robert Smith, and he looked really good! (Well, as good as you can look when you're imitating Robert Smith :))
Our friends dressed as Philly Sports Fans.
We had a really good time at the party - we hadn't seen Marc and Jen for quite some time, so it was great to spend a fun evening with them.
Now, however, Halloween is over, and I guess I have to start dressing normally again. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted - and there's always next year!
On Thursday Brian and I went to our friend Jo Lyn's house to help her pass out candy. We don't get any trick-or-treaters at our house, and a few years ago this came up in a conversation with Jo Lyn. She said she gets a lot of kids for Trick or Treat night and that I could come sit with her and hand out candy if I wanted. I jumped at the chance! This was the third year I sat with her, and this year Brian joined us for the entire time as well.
We dressed up, as we always do, and this year we were quite the eclectic group.
As you can probably tell, Jo Lyn was a pirate. Brian was some sort of mummy/zombie creature with a giant sword. Can you tell what I'm dressed as? I'm supposed to be an "old lady from New Jersey." I got the track suit from my mom, who got it from some other woman (don't think she was from New Jersey, though). It still had the tags on it, from all those years ago! The wig was advertised as being a 'Wonder Woman' wig, but I thought it worked really well for my costume.
I even wore the required hosiery for the look:
The next day, since it was the day before Halloween (and a Friday, when people usually dress more casually), I decided to wear a semi-costume to work.
The "Cat Treats" in the basket were Swedish Fish and Kit Kat bars (also Sour Patch Kids, but only because they came with the Swedish Fish). I went around the office during lunchtime and passed them out to everyone. People seemed to get a kick out of it - and of course most everyone was happy to get some free candy!
On Halloween night, Brian and I went to a party at the local Elks Lodge with our friends Marc and Jen. I took my cat costume a little farther for the party than I did for work:
Brian dressed as Robert Smith, and he looked really good! (Well, as good as you can look when you're imitating Robert Smith :))
Our friends dressed as Philly Sports Fans.
We had a really good time at the party - we hadn't seen Marc and Jen for quite some time, so it was great to spend a fun evening with them.
Now, however, Halloween is over, and I guess I have to start dressing normally again. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted - and there's always next year!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
here comes that Indian summer!
Whew! After several miserable days of cold, steady rain, we are actually getting that Indian summer I thought was a 'distant hope' just a few days ago. Today was quite pleasant, and tomorrow and Thursday are forecast to be even warmer! And my fear that all the leaves would be knocked off the trees before they changed color was not realized. So my vision of blue skies and golden-leafed trees may still come true this fall! And, I still have a few more days to procrastinate in putting away my t-shirts and getting out the rest of my turtlenecks. But with this weekend's highs forecast to be in the 50s, I'd better not wait too much longer...
Of course, the Indian summer has coincided with the firing up of the boilers in my office building, so now the heat is on - just in time for 70-degree temperatures outside! I think I'd better wear a short-sleeved dress tomorrow - but I'll bring a cardigan just in case. 'Tis the season to dress in layers! :-)
Of course, the Indian summer has coincided with the firing up of the boilers in my office building, so now the heat is on - just in time for 70-degree temperatures outside! I think I'd better wear a short-sleeved dress tomorrow - but I'll bring a cardigan just in case. 'Tis the season to dress in layers! :-)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
first no summer - now no autumn?
The summer of 2009 felt different to me than most summers in recent memory have. I believe this was for a couple different reasons. First, for a personal reason: Brian and I didn't go to Las Vegas in August, like we have been doing since 2005. We instead went to Niagara Falls and Seneca Lake, New York: both water-related sites, quite different from the desert of Las Vegas (although Niagara Falls did have casinos).
The other reason the summer seemed strange to me - and almost not really like summer - was the weather. It never got really hot around here. Although we had a few 90-degree days scattered throughout the summer, we never had an official 'heat wave' of three or more 90-degree days in a row.
I'm not necessarily complaining about that, because I'm not the biggest fan of the summer heat (although it's the humidity that I dislike the most). However, those sweltering days are what I've come to associate with summer, and because we didn't really get too many, it never really felt like summer to me.
And, I found out that I wasn't the only person who felt similar to this - I came across this article by author Bob Greene a few weeks ago: Commentary: The summer that never was
So now we're in the middle of October - the heart of autumn. And when I think of autumn, I like to think of a warm golden sun, brilliantly blue skies, and breezes blowing the just-colored leaves, some of them fluttering to the ground here and there.
But once again, reality is not meshing with my expectations. Instead of the lovely scene I've described above, this week has been one of steel-gray skies, cold that goes right through to your bones, and an incessant, annoying drizzle. And just a couple hours north of here, people are getting snow!!!
I realize that this is not atypical weather for fall, but it really is way too early. I would expect 40-degree rainy days (and snow up north) around the end of November, but not the middle of October! The leaves haven't even fully changed colors yet! And now all this rain and wind may knock them off the trees before they get a chance to change.
So now, I'm kind of grumpy. I feel like I'm getting gypped out of two seasons this year - first summer, and now fall! I don't know why, but Nature is just not cooperating this year. :-(
I realize that there's a good chance we'll have an "Indian Summer" - where it will get really warm and sunny again for a few days- but right now that seems like a distant hope.
I just hope that if winter comes early this year - which, the way things have been going this year, seems entirely possible - that we will actually get a "good" one, with some decent snowfalls that will keep us home for a couple of days! Cross your fingers!!
The other reason the summer seemed strange to me - and almost not really like summer - was the weather. It never got really hot around here. Although we had a few 90-degree days scattered throughout the summer, we never had an official 'heat wave' of three or more 90-degree days in a row.
I'm not necessarily complaining about that, because I'm not the biggest fan of the summer heat (although it's the humidity that I dislike the most). However, those sweltering days are what I've come to associate with summer, and because we didn't really get too many, it never really felt like summer to me.
And, I found out that I wasn't the only person who felt similar to this - I came across this article by author Bob Greene a few weeks ago: Commentary: The summer that never was
So now we're in the middle of October - the heart of autumn. And when I think of autumn, I like to think of a warm golden sun, brilliantly blue skies, and breezes blowing the just-colored leaves, some of them fluttering to the ground here and there.
But once again, reality is not meshing with my expectations. Instead of the lovely scene I've described above, this week has been one of steel-gray skies, cold that goes right through to your bones, and an incessant, annoying drizzle. And just a couple hours north of here, people are getting snow!!!
I realize that this is not atypical weather for fall, but it really is way too early. I would expect 40-degree rainy days (and snow up north) around the end of November, but not the middle of October! The leaves haven't even fully changed colors yet! And now all this rain and wind may knock them off the trees before they get a chance to change.
So now, I'm kind of grumpy. I feel like I'm getting gypped out of two seasons this year - first summer, and now fall! I don't know why, but Nature is just not cooperating this year. :-(
I realize that there's a good chance we'll have an "Indian Summer" - where it will get really warm and sunny again for a few days- but right now that seems like a distant hope.
I just hope that if winter comes early this year - which, the way things have been going this year, seems entirely possible - that we will actually get a "good" one, with some decent snowfalls that will keep us home for a couple of days! Cross your fingers!!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A strange transformation
Later on today, I'm going to be doing something that, if you had told me a year ago I'd be doing, I would have said, "Really? That's kind of surprising," but two years ago and prior, I would have said, "No way. I don't believe that at all."
No, it's not riding my bicycle - although those comments actually do match pretty well with my change in attitude towards bicycling over the past couple of years. (Not to mention the fact that it would be a good day for a ride today!)
No, instead, what I will be doing in a couple of hours is accompanying my husband to a local bar and grill to watch an NFL football game.
This may not sound remarkable, except perhaps when I mention that for more than 18 of the almost-20 years we've been together, Brian never cared for football at all. In fact, he and I would have "anti-Superbowl parties" each year, where we'd sit around, eat snacks, and not watch the Superbowl.
So why, now, do I find myself washing NFL replica jerseys each week and looking through my closet for purple or green tops to wear?
It started in August 2008. We were in Las Vegas for our anniversary vacation. Because every casino has a sports book, and all kinds of sports betting is allowed there, there are TVs everywhere tuned to sports channels. The big news at the time we were there was Brett Favre - whether he was going to retire, whether the Green Bay Packers would keep him another year, etc. It was on all the televisions at all hours of the day and night, and Brian became quite interested in the story. He was very excited when Brett Favre signed with the Jets, but I figured his interest in the subject of football would fade once we got back from vacation.
I was wrong. Not too long after we got back, after some persuasion by his friend Toly, Brian purchased the "Madden 09" football video game for the Xbox 360 (with Brett Favre- still in a Packers jersey- on the cover). He started playing it online with Toly, and he began getting into it. And playing the video football game seemed to give him a better appreciation for real-life football.
I don't think he watched a full Jets game last season when Brett Favre was playing, but when it came to be playoff season, both of us actually did watch a few of the playoff games - and even I found them to be pretty exciting. And, for the first time ever, in February of this year, we both watched an entire Superbowl game.
This summer, as you probably know, there was more Brett Favre drama, which Brian again followed very closely. In fact, early in the summer, long before Brett signed with the Vikings, he had a custom Vikings jersey made with Brett's name and number on it. He wore it in public a few times, and it caused quite a few comments and questions from people, which was pretty funny. He ended up returning that jersey because the number was peeling, but weeks later he was happily able to order an official Brett Favre Vikings jersey.
However, even though Brian is definitely a Brett Favre fan, he has not abandoned his support of the New York Jets. He has a connection to the Jets from way back - one of his favorite moves as a kid was the 1980 movie Flash Gordon, in which the lead character was a quarterback for the New York Jets.
So, in addition to owning a Favre Vikings jersey (and a Favre Jets jersey), he also has the jersey for New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. And he's following both teams this year - so much so, that he's actually going elsewhere to watch the games when they aren't being shown locally. And, as I mentioned at the beginning of the post, I've been going with him.
There's a little more motivation now for Brian to more closely follow those two teams- as well as many others. Toly talked him into joining a Fantasy Football league this year, and with the help of another friend, Bob, who really studies and knows a lot about football, Brian set up a team. And as of right now, he's in second place in his league! He seems to be enjoying it pretty well, although he's the first to admit he truly doesn't understand every aspect of Fantasy Football. From what I've seen of it over his shoulder, it does seem kind of complicated, but I guess you don't really have to know every single detail about it to be able to participate - or win.
And so, after many years, our household has been transformed into a 'football household.' I'm still kind of marveling at this change, but I don't mind it. I've actually enjoyed watching the few games I've seen so far and learning more about the game. And Brian is happy to have me join him in this new pastime.
So maybe in February of 2010, we'll end up hosting our first-ever "Superbowl Party" - and cross your fingers that the Vikings will be one of the teams in the game! (I'd say 'or the Jets' too, but I'm not sure they have as good of a chance as the Vikings do. :-))
No, it's not riding my bicycle - although those comments actually do match pretty well with my change in attitude towards bicycling over the past couple of years. (Not to mention the fact that it would be a good day for a ride today!)
No, instead, what I will be doing in a couple of hours is accompanying my husband to a local bar and grill to watch an NFL football game.
This may not sound remarkable, except perhaps when I mention that for more than 18 of the almost-20 years we've been together, Brian never cared for football at all. In fact, he and I would have "anti-Superbowl parties" each year, where we'd sit around, eat snacks, and not watch the Superbowl.
So why, now, do I find myself washing NFL replica jerseys each week and looking through my closet for purple or green tops to wear?
It started in August 2008. We were in Las Vegas for our anniversary vacation. Because every casino has a sports book, and all kinds of sports betting is allowed there, there are TVs everywhere tuned to sports channels. The big news at the time we were there was Brett Favre - whether he was going to retire, whether the Green Bay Packers would keep him another year, etc. It was on all the televisions at all hours of the day and night, and Brian became quite interested in the story. He was very excited when Brett Favre signed with the Jets, but I figured his interest in the subject of football would fade once we got back from vacation.
I was wrong. Not too long after we got back, after some persuasion by his friend Toly, Brian purchased the "Madden 09" football video game for the Xbox 360 (with Brett Favre- still in a Packers jersey- on the cover). He started playing it online with Toly, and he began getting into it. And playing the video football game seemed to give him a better appreciation for real-life football.
I don't think he watched a full Jets game last season when Brett Favre was playing, but when it came to be playoff season, both of us actually did watch a few of the playoff games - and even I found them to be pretty exciting. And, for the first time ever, in February of this year, we both watched an entire Superbowl game.
This summer, as you probably know, there was more Brett Favre drama, which Brian again followed very closely. In fact, early in the summer, long before Brett signed with the Vikings, he had a custom Vikings jersey made with Brett's name and number on it. He wore it in public a few times, and it caused quite a few comments and questions from people, which was pretty funny. He ended up returning that jersey because the number was peeling, but weeks later he was happily able to order an official Brett Favre Vikings jersey.
However, even though Brian is definitely a Brett Favre fan, he has not abandoned his support of the New York Jets. He has a connection to the Jets from way back - one of his favorite moves as a kid was the 1980 movie Flash Gordon, in which the lead character was a quarterback for the New York Jets.
So, in addition to owning a Favre Vikings jersey (and a Favre Jets jersey), he also has the jersey for New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. And he's following both teams this year - so much so, that he's actually going elsewhere to watch the games when they aren't being shown locally. And, as I mentioned at the beginning of the post, I've been going with him.
There's a little more motivation now for Brian to more closely follow those two teams- as well as many others. Toly talked him into joining a Fantasy Football league this year, and with the help of another friend, Bob, who really studies and knows a lot about football, Brian set up a team. And as of right now, he's in second place in his league! He seems to be enjoying it pretty well, although he's the first to admit he truly doesn't understand every aspect of Fantasy Football. From what I've seen of it over his shoulder, it does seem kind of complicated, but I guess you don't really have to know every single detail about it to be able to participate - or win.
And so, after many years, our household has been transformed into a 'football household.' I'm still kind of marveling at this change, but I don't mind it. I've actually enjoyed watching the few games I've seen so far and learning more about the game. And Brian is happy to have me join him in this new pastime.
So maybe in February of 2010, we'll end up hosting our first-ever "Superbowl Party" - and cross your fingers that the Vikings will be one of the teams in the game! (I'd say 'or the Jets' too, but I'm not sure they have as good of a chance as the Vikings do. :-))
Friday, October 2, 2009
I just don't understand this...
The other day I was performing my regular ritual of cutting out coupons from the Sunday paper, when I happened upon an ad/coupon for a new product. Without going into any more detail at this time, let me just show you the ad right now...
You may need to view the larger version of the photo to be able to read all the words, but let me also just tell you that this is an ad for VIBRATING MASCARA.
OK, now I admit, I have only started regularly using mascara in the past couple of years, but I have never once thought as I was applying it, "Gee, I really wish this bristly wand I'm putting right next to my eyeball had a tiny electric motor in it so it would vibrate at a fast pace and most likely increase my chances of poking myself in the eye with it!"
I truly don't understand the point. Again, it could just be my lack of experience with the product, but I don't see how making the brush move around quickly is going to help improve your application of mascara. It kind of seems like something you want a steady hand for. (Forgive my ending the sentence with a preposition - it just sounded too stuffy the other way.)
And, of course, I can't help but point out the tagline in the ad... "Discover the power of vibration." They sure have left the door open for a slew of raunchy jokes and comments with that phrase! However, I will refrain from doing any such thing here. I'll leave that to the imaginations of those of you so inclined to think that way...
However, I would love to hear your (non-raunchy, please) comments on this product. Does anyone else have a better understanding of why the mascara-using population of the world is now better off because of this invention? Or are the rest of you just as baffled as I am?
You may need to view the larger version of the photo to be able to read all the words, but let me also just tell you that this is an ad for VIBRATING MASCARA.
OK, now I admit, I have only started regularly using mascara in the past couple of years, but I have never once thought as I was applying it, "Gee, I really wish this bristly wand I'm putting right next to my eyeball had a tiny electric motor in it so it would vibrate at a fast pace and most likely increase my chances of poking myself in the eye with it!"
I truly don't understand the point. Again, it could just be my lack of experience with the product, but I don't see how making the brush move around quickly is going to help improve your application of mascara. It kind of seems like something you want a steady hand for. (Forgive my ending the sentence with a preposition - it just sounded too stuffy the other way.)
And, of course, I can't help but point out the tagline in the ad... "Discover the power of vibration." They sure have left the door open for a slew of raunchy jokes and comments with that phrase! However, I will refrain from doing any such thing here. I'll leave that to the imaginations of those of you so inclined to think that way...
However, I would love to hear your (non-raunchy, please) comments on this product. Does anyone else have a better understanding of why the mascara-using population of the world is now better off because of this invention? Or are the rest of you just as baffled as I am?
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