Utah Jazz vs LA Lakers - Round 2; game 3

This will be short and sweet.  Mostly pics because my words are inappropriate.

Splenda scored us some tickets.  Halfcourt on the very top row.  Loved them!

We were all together as a fam except Tuffy who had to work.

At the door, they were giving away t shirts and big signs that could be folded into fans that made the loudest noise ever!  They also had these posters with the most ridiculous picture of Kobe Bryant on one side.  He is SUCH a d-bag.


After we got in our seats, 'dawg and Luka went to walk around and Splenda and I started people watching.

Wouldn't you know it? A row of Laker fans were right in front of us. I watched them come in, find their seats, and then leave again. While they were gone, I took the opportunity to leave on their seats, each of  them,  a Jazz sign and the ridiculous picture of Kobe.

I wanted them to remember that they were in OUR house.

The game got started, the cheering was loud, and my hands were going!  At one point, I may or may not have yelled "Laker fans are pu****s!"  One of the dudes turned and looked at me. I looked back.  Arched my brow, and continued yelling and clapping.  Remember where you are mister.  And I will win a stare down every.damn.time.

We had a row of Asian gentlemen behind us.  With their camera's and Jazz enthusiasm, they were fun to have around.  The immediate bench in front of us were two couples whose apparent mission was to get drunk.  I swear if I didn't know that the actor Vern Troyer was dead, I would swear he was sitting right in front of us!

 Seriously,  all I could think of was Mini Me.   FUNNY!

And during the first quarter, we watched as two young men, who were stupid enough to ask someone else to buy beer for them got busted and escorted from the arena.  Lame.  Dude's you paid that much money to get into a game and pull a dumba** stunt like that?  Whatever.  I laughed at you.

The game was close, exciting and fun to watch. 

(end of the first quarter)

(half time)

(end of the 3rd quarter)

(final score)

All except for the last 4 seconds.  It was gut-wrenching.  And felt surreal.  Did that tip in just roll out?  Did the buzzer just really go off?

I hate Kobe Bryant.  I hate Phil Jackson.  I hate the Lakers. 

I am realistic enough to believe, that we very well might get swept in this series.  We don't have the size.  We have guys injured.  And apparently, the NBA believes Kobe walks on water.  So as the playoff's continue, I will cheer for anyone playing AGAINST the Lakers.

And while I am patiently waiting for next NBA season, I will now dig in and enjoy the MLB and my Yankees!

Race for the Cure 2010

I wrangled back and forth as to whether or not I would participate based on this post..   But then I had a great comment from Amy  who sent me this link. 
After some time to think and yes, pray about it.  I came to the conclusion, that for me, I am in support of the greater good.

Friday, I went downtown to get my packet, and register Splenda and 'dawg.  They were going to run it with me!

Of course it's all about PINK you know, so we had to be all decked out in pink.

The sun was up - the morning was beautiful and we made our way to the start line.  As you mingle with over 15,000 other people are united in the same cause, it can be a bit overwhelming.

 I saw some fantastic shirts and signs.

Save the Ta-Ta's

Titty Committee - Big or small we love 'em all

Saving second base.

But most of all, I loved seeing the Survivor shirts.  Those women who are survivors of breast cancer receive a special shirt.  They inspire me.

While we were waiting, we met up with Lisa and I also came across Vanessa.  

Okay, why is it that even FIRST THING IN THE MORNING SHE IS BEAUTIFUL?????

The horn sounded and off we went.  Splenda hung back - Lisa got a quick jump and 'dawg and I just started weaving our way around people.  At about the half mile mark, we found Lisa and fell into step with her.

At the mile mark a man was calling out the times for us.  We were at a 7:30 pace which pleased me immensely!  I was wanting to crank.  It was my first race/run of the season and since my injury and with Non's name on my back, I knew I couldn't do anything less than my best for her!  We continued around the corner and about the mile and a half mark 'dawg asked if we minded if he took off.  Heck no!  Go dude!

Away he flew and I mentioned to Lisa that there were a couple of reasons why I thought he needed to take off.  1.  He is as competitive as me, or more so if you can believe.  Getting passed was likely pissing him off.  2.  He was in his Marine poolee shirt.  Marine pride.  Need I say more?

Lisa and I continued at a great pace and as we rounded the corner into the Gateway, we picked it up and sprinted in.  As I crossed the line I looked at my watch and saw that my time was 25:41.  Well done. I was happy.  Non - that was for you baby!

We continued through the chute, met up with 'dawg and calculated that his time was around 21:00.  Well done indeed!

Bananas, oranges, water and waiting for Splenda.  I originally thought he was only doing the mile walk.  So that fact that we still hadn't seen him started me worrying that he was waiting at the corner for us to come in as a family (which we had discussed earlier).

'dawg and I said good-bye to Lisa (I need our bifecta picture Lis) and then walked backwards trying to find Splenda.  Finally saw him coming through the chute with a gazillion other people.  Dude had done the whole 5k!  I am so proud of him!!

We wandered the booths and the vendors.  Picked up some freebies and watched the people.  We then headed back to the car.  I needed more running time, so I ran to the car, circled back to 'dawg and Splenda then did it again and again until we finally all reached the car.

So a couple of journal notes.  This was 'dawgs first ever race or event and certainly is first ever organized 5k.  He killed it.  I am proud of him and how serious he is taking his training for boot camp.  He will be no weak sauce there.
Splenda did the whole 5k.  I didn't even realize this until we were on our way home.  I seriously thought he just walked the mile.  Nope.  He wogged the whole 5k.  Considering some of the health issues he has had over the past little while, I couldn't be prouder of him and encouraged by his desire to be active!

Lastly, this was all about her.  Nonalee.

We lost her about a year and a half ago.  I miss her.  I love her.  I will do this for her year after year after year.

And for all the other women and men who have the misfortune in their cards to get this ugly disease.

Yes, we'll find a cure.  We'll do it.  Saving one boobie at a time!

Failure - AGAIN

Dear Runners:



We regretfully inform you that you were not selected in the 2010 St George Marathon. This year we had a record-breaking 11,000 plus runners register. We wish we could accommodate each runner and work hard each year to expand our cap. We thank you for your interest in our event and encourage you to try again next year. The St George Marathon does not have a waiting list of any kind.


Here are some options if you are still interested in pursuing an entry:


• Our Official Marathon Charities in tier one have been awarded spots into the marathon. You can find them listed at: http://www.stgeorgemarathon.com/charities/. You may contact each charity directly to inquire about donations and procedures.


• The STG on the RUN program is currently going on as well. We have given an entry into the marathon to several different races within the State of Utah. A list of those races can be found here: http://www.stgeorgemarathon.com/events/ontherun.php. Feel free to contact each race director for more information.


• Our Runner Series will open for 2011 registration on Monday October 4. We offer 750 non-Washington County residents an opportunity for a guaranteed entry. For further information please visit: http://www.stgeorgemarathon.com/runnerseries/index.php


• Please also be aware of our 3rd Time’s a Charm program. If this is your second consecutive year of not being selected, you qualify next year for a guaranteed entry for 2011. Please check our website on April 1st for more information on this program and how to register.


Thank you again for your interest in our event.


Kami Ellsworth


Race Operations Manager


Thank you.

I can't stand it.  Rejection again!  At least I have hope next year with the "Third times a charm" option.   Crap-a-doodle!!

Off to assuage my hurt feelings and sadness with brown bubbles and maybe a dozen cupcakes..........*sniff*

Thankful Thursday

Time to express some gratitude....

I am thankful for people who "get" me.  I'm not easy to understand and most often obnoxious and offensive without trying.  I appreciate my friends who still laugh with me and validate me.  You know who you are.  I love you.

My furnace.  It's friggin MAY!  And my furnace is running.  And I am so damn thankful, I can't stand it.  I want to come home, climb into my jammies with some thermals underneath and slink under my covers never to come out again.  The furnace allows me to surface.  Thank you furnace.

I'm so thankful that my boys are done with Little League baseball.  For SO MANY YEARS, we spent this time of year living at the ball park.  Every night.  Cold or not cold.  Cooking burgers, keeping score, yelling at umpires, encouraging my sons.  It was a fun time in our lives and full of memories that will last forever, but I am glad that it's not our season of life anymore.

I am thankful for Jazz tickets for Saturday night!  Gonna go scream my lungs out, trash talk some Laker fans, and hopefully not get Splenda in a fight.   Good times.  Can't wait!

I am thankful that my fam can take a joke.  That we can be sarcastic, funny, witty, and pick at each other, but all know that at the end of the day, we would die on the sword for each other.

I am thankful that my son's divorce papers are finally filed.  They both need to move on with their lives.

And finally..... I'm thankful for certain blogs that allow me to stalk guiltfree.  You know, we all have those in our readers that we love to read, but rarely comment.  You don't know much personally about the author but you like their work.  Whether it be funny or touching or insightful.  You can hit their part of the www world, be entertained and then move on without feeling like you've neglected a dear friend by not leaving a comment.  You know, that one blog that you will likely never meet the author IRL, you just enjoy them fairly anonymously.  Well, I have one that I am going to "come out of the closet" on.  The little office comedy blog called:

Workforced

Ever been there?  He doesn't post every day since he is involved in a lot of other writing thingamajiggies, but when he does?  DUDE IS FUNNY!.  I don't care if you don't work in an office, you will find his take on the corporate world funny and amusing.  If you do work in the office environment, then you will relate on all kinds of levels.  Likely piddling yourself on more than one occasion.  And now that I'm "out" and all, I will have to leave my ninja stealth like skills behind me and comment more.  What do they say?  Be loud, be proud?

Anyhoo...go check him out.  And then let me know just how right I am. 

So that's my list for the week.  How about you?  Thankful for anything in particular?  socks, thumbs, watermelon? ........

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

for me. 

Ahem!  Attention Splenda, 'dawg, Luka and Tuffy:
 The following are all acceptable gifts to bestow upon me, your beloved mother (or mother of your spawn or grandmother to your offspring) on the upcoming day in which we pause to celebrate motherhood and all it's glorious rapture.

Should you need further clarification on any items, please do feel free to ask me.  I'm not much concerned with being surprised.  And note:  they are not listed necessarily in preference order.

1. I would like my concealed weapons permit. Remember how RIGHT after I had the stress fracture I did the training? I did. On crutches even.  And I actually proved I can hit the target 50% of the time. I just haven't had the money to send in my paperwork and get my special card that says I am legal to pack some heat. Now, I don't like to pressure you boys too much, so I'll hold off asking for my little pink piece until my birthday.

2.  A case of Low-Carb Monsters.  Or two.

I think you can get them fairly cheap at Costco.  Check with the Shark, she'll know for sure.  And since they will be so cheap, can you throw in a pair of levi's? I kinda think I should have more than just one pair.  Just saying...

3.  A 104 unit tanning pass.  Before you scratch this off your list, just remember.  I'm gonna go tanning anyway, might as well get the best deal possible right?  And I am doing CONTROLLED sun exposure.  CONTROLLED, I say.

4.  New workout clothes.  I've not purchased anything new in about a year, and they smell like it.  'Nuff said.

5.  Jordan de-barked.  Now consider this a family gift if you must, but I am willing to sacrifice and use up a mother's day for a family gift.  I don't need to explain any further, but I did my research and I think we'll all be happier if she barks softly.  Like a whisper.  And maybe we could get her teeth cleaned too at the same time.  I try with the toothbrush but we all understand about her breath...right?

6.  A tummy tuck.  Sure, this is a little on the pricey side, but remember our motto?  Go big or go home?  I just can't make this pouch that you three BOYS gave me go away.  No matter how many sit ups or core exercises I do.  Consider it a debt you owe me. 

7.  A day at the spa for a two hour massage and a spa pedicure.  I can't afford my nails anymore, I've come to terms with that, but I sure would like the knot worked out of my neck and my piggies prettied up.  And while I'm out, could the laundry/storage room get de-junked and organized?  One rule on this one.  Splenda can't help with the cleaning part.  I don't want him breathing the dust.  But he can manage the organization.

8.  Hardwood floors.  I realize another big request.  But, I am SO over carpeting.  It's old school.  And again, could be considered a family gift.

9.  Another sweet pair of go-fasters.  I would like to rotate 3 pair instead of the 2.  It's easier on the 2 a days that I do.

10.  A beautiful Sunday with my family all around me.   A nice dinner, maybe a nap, a movie in the evening together and lot's of smiling faces full of love. If you can throw in butterfly kisses, and unicorns pooping rainbows, the day would be perfect.

So there you are fam! I know it's hard to shop for me.  I know I am a hard one to pick something out for, so I just thought I would give you lot's of options and make things easier for you.

Lovingly,
 Your mother/wife/mimi

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Here in M-Cat's corner of the world, we like to celebrate it BIG!!

Nothing says a Cinco de Mayo celebration like Taco Bell!  Go big or go home we like to say!

I'll just take a crunchy taco and a bean burrito - easy beans.

And a thank you shout out to the Shark for making sure we had Cinnamon Twists.

Now, go get your own partying happening!

Question of the Day.....

I need some input.  I think I have made my decision, but I would like a sounding board.

I am an advocate and supporter of the Susan G Komen  for the Cure fundraising group.  I donate often and every year, I participate in the local Race for the Cure.  It is going to happen on Saturday and Splenda and 'dawg are going to join me.

I have always felt strongly about breast cancer research and even more so because of her.

I run for her.  I run for every other woman who has to deal with this ugly disease and I run for myself.  Always hoping to build up some good karma so I might escape it.  It's about saving the ta-ta's.

Yesterday, it was brought to my attention that the Susan G Komen foundation donates money to Planned Parenthood.   We all understand Planned Parenthood right?  We understand their mission and what procedures they do, correct?  While I think they provide valuable services in the form of education and birth control to underprivileged women, I am outraged at the abortion side of it all.

My dilemma.......

I am vehemently opposed to abortion.  Of course there are circumstances that warrant it, however, in general for 99% of the cases, I am adamantly against it.  And ESPECIALLY as a means of birth control which unfortunately are happening more and more and Planned Parenthood is the primary resource for it.

I am struggling supporting a group (Komen) that in turns supports PP. 

But am I too hasty?  Am I "cutting off my nose to spite my face"?  Komen does so many good things that do I over look this?  As a side note, I couldn't find where they ever donated to a UT Planned Parenthood, but they are donating primarily in Texas.

Of course, I will run Saturday, I've already paid my money.  Part of me thinks this is trivial and the greater good lies in supporting Komen.  A small part of me is questioning.

Thoughts?