I Think The Affair's Really Over This Time

Well, if you follow football, you've heard the news already (ad nauseum if you watch ESPN) and if you don't, you may not care other than the effect it had on me, your (at least online) friend, but my man retired again today.

I do not share the cynical thoughts of many Packer fans, who relegated him from demi-God to Satan's little helper in the course of a few months and are already promoting conspiracy theories picturing him as still trying to go play for Minnesota or (gasp!) Chicago. I think he thought he could prove Ted Thompson wrong, and in many ways, he did. Until he got hurt, he was playing at a high level and his team beat both a team that went to the Super Bowl (Arizona) and the only undefeated team (Tennessee).

So not too damn bad, my man.

Those of us who simply thought you were a hell of a football player, fun to watch play (and just look at) and a devoted father and husband weren't surprised you wanted to play. Yes, we were disappointed that you wanted to play somewhere else, but in a way we understood, and it was still a joy to see you jump around like a kid when you threw a TD pass. We know that someday you'll reclaim your Packer legacy and you still have plenty of support.

Though I'd still like to pair up Little Bit and Breleigh, your daughter has competition now - Malia Obama. So you better make sure she turns out right.

I'll miss you Brett. A lot. When you started playing pro ball I didn't have kids (but you already did). You weren't married (but I already was). I got divorced, you got married, we both had more kids. Oh yeah, I got married again before that. I felt bad when your Dad died and when your saintly wife got cancer. And I'd like to think the support of Packer fans did help all of you through those things. It seems to be so.

We grew up a lot together and both of us had a mighty good time. But I think this time it's really for the best.

Good luck.

Thanks Ted Thompson. You Suck.

A Packer Fan's Lament 2008

sung to the tune of "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt

(full credit to Beer Kid @ Packer Palace)

My Pack ain't brilliant

My Pack ain't good

I saw a devil of that I'm sure

He smiled at me from the skybox, he was with another fan

But I won't lose no sleep on that,'Cause Ted T's got a plan

You're pitiful, You're pitiful,You're pitiful, it's true

I saw your face in a crowded place,and I don't know what to do

'Cause we'll never win with you

Yes, he caught my eye as I beer-runned by

He could see from my face that I was murderous

And I don't hope that I'll see him again

But we shared a moment that will last till the end

You're pitiful, You're pitiful,You're pitiful, it's true

I saw your face in a crowded place and I don't know what to do

'Cause we'll never win with you

Thanksgiving Roundup

We're getting ready to go to Winter Garden Aglow - the Idaho Botanical Gardens puts all kinds of beautiful lights up on their trees and shrubs and charges boatloads of money for the privilege of freezing your butt off and paying extra for mulled wine and hot chocolate.

I'm only kidding. Well, I wish they would drop the price a bit, but the Garden is beautiful and I am going to TRY and take some pics that turn out and post them. Little Bit is very excited and since we've been going to go since...oh...last WEDNESDAY, it's about time we got it done.

It was prevented by a variety of things.

• The house FINALLY closed on Wednesday (yeah!) - we only lost, oh, more money than I care to even think about. But we're out of it and that's what matters - we really didn't even have to make a house payment for a month where none of us lived in it, at least briefly. But, that meant TH had to have everything out of the house Wednesday. Which he did but you can imagine what a pain it was. Thanks to our realtor, Don, that day and friends Ben & Yvette, neighbors Pam and Kenny before that, we got it out. I mean, TH got it out. I'm a sloth and I am ashamed at how little I really did. TH got home to Idaho about 10 p.m.
• Thursday - Had to unload UHaul trailer and back of my Dad's truck - and be to Buhl, ID (very small town by Twin Falls for those of you not familiar with Idaho geography) by 1 p.m. Ha. I finally called Mom and Dad and said I wouldn't see either one of them. I didn't have my aunt's phone number, so she didn't realize I hadn't been hit by a truck until later - I sent her an e-mail after I got home because I was so disgusted that all we did was unload a truck and a trailer all day and had no turkey, mashed potatoes, etc. I did have some deviled eggs because I'd made them first thing that morning. But really. I did get to see part of the Lions game. Holy Cow.
• Friday - Had a glass of wine after work with friend Dana - my bestest friend in Boise - which we haven't gotten to do in like, forever. By the time I realized how late it was getting we were really too late to go see the lights. By now, Little Bit is getting pretty mad, as you can imagine.
• Saturday - Met with realtor regarding possible new houses, ran to Twin Falls to exchange rigs with Dad (who has radiation for another week or so then hopefully is done) and see my Grandma (she's looking good!) and make it home by 6 to see the lights. Again, got here late enough that even Little Bit said - "Let's go tomorrow, Mom."

Now...we are GOING. Additional rants about the stupid Packers, stupid Jets coaching decisions etc. as well as some pictures to come. Hope you had a good Turkey Day. At least the weather here has been beautiful - we walked the doggie on the Greenbelt today and that was very nice indeed.

Weekend Update

Thoughts:

The Packers officially suck. I hope they lose the rest of their games this year so Ted Thompson gets his booty fired. He deserves it. "We don't need Brett Favre...nooooo..."

The Jets are doing pretty damn well. Given the fact that TH's ultimate boss at his soon to be ex-place of employment is now threatening to fire people who screw up (because they're so severely understaffed people are tired and angry and screwing up) is the Rams' biggest fan...it just makes the Jets' a--kicking of them today that much more favorable. You go, Mr. Favre. Even if you are washed up.

Jeff Gordon is a damn fine race car driver and should have finished better than 5th in NASCAR. Maybe next year.

I hate the housing market in Utah and I want someone to buy our house so we can breathe a little. PLEASE? If you know anyone who needs a really cool house in a really conservative neighborhood, give me a yell.

I am glad to be home. Even if I'm broke. I'm glad to be employed at a place that seems calm and serene even in the midst of a crisis. And I'm very, very glad to be in a country that can see past the color of someone's skin, or their gender for that matter, when they vote. Despite differences of opinion, the good old USA rocks. Seriously.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled rants.

Weekend Sports Update

Let's see...where to start.

Maybe...HERE.

At the risk of repeating myself..."we don't need no stinking Brett Favre"....

That's 6, baby. Touchdowns. In ONE game. Like Broadway Joe. Lovin' the New Yawk Bretts.

Then, there's this. Here's the QB of the future (oops, I injured my shoulder. Not my hammy, even while going to the fridge for a PBR, as lostinutah predicted, but who's counting)...

I do like Aaron Rodgers. The Packers, however, have screwed the pooch this year and are in over their heads. Thanks, Ted Thompson, you rock.

Lastly, there's this little gem of an inter-Nevada university trophy called the Fremont Cannon. Said cannon is owned by whichever of the universities in Nevada have won last year's game. In case you're counting, there's basically two universities, the northernmost of which is my alma mater. I'm not always passionate about them as my school years there were so-so, but I'm proud of two things. Owning UNLV's booty in football and getting to the sweet 16 in basketball (yeah, whoo).

Most of the time I've been connected to University of Nevada, Reno, the cannnon has resided with MY school. I've never been to a game at UNLV with UNR but I wish I'd been there last night. By the time it was over...pretty much everyone left in the whole place was wearing Silver and Blue. And shrieking. And that, my friends, was great fun to watch. Because, as a good Nevada alumnus, I hate the Rebels. (It's like Idaho vs. Boise State. Trust me.)

Oh, and Jeff got 4th in the NASCAR race (damn The Husband and his Jimmie Johnson who keeps winning) and the Jaguars won too. All in all, a good weekend sports-wise.

Now, on to packing for the move...someone want to come and help? Never mind, I know the answer to that question. (Psst...I'll buy you a beer if you help).

Oh, and I thought Barack held his own. Well, maybe a bit better than that. :)

12 days until the Jazz kick off their season.

I Hate The Cowgirls

But...noooooo....the Packers don't need Brett Favre....they have the QB of the future....right...

The Packers offically sucked tonight. Brett may be gone, but Aaron & Co. need to step up.

The defense looked great. But you get damn tired when you're on the field 80% of the time.

Where is Jessica Simpson with her pink jersey when you need her?

Go Pack.

Miscellaneous Updates

Let's see. Much to update, and I wish not to ramble.

JETS WON! PACKERS WON! (TAKE THAT VIKINGS!) Jaguars lost...sigh.

Greater Tuna (Tom & Joe for 2 hours) = FUNNY.

1) Little Bit got his Bear badge in Scouts. He is gearing up for Webelos. I found it very interesting for his Scoutmaster to note that he is the Bear with the most arrow points and got his badge first - and - let's get this straight - he's not LDS, his parents aren't doing it for him (and yes, the LDS Scoutmaster who works for me says this is typically how people get their Eagle Scout at age 13 so it happens) and who goes to the den meetings with him? We do. Come on people, get involved with your kids.

Here he's putting a pin on me. Since I am "Akela", his helper - every time he gets a badge, I get a cool pin. TH helps too, of course, but this is interestingly something he and I bond over (I always wanted to be a Cub Scout, and TH was and hated it). We're very proud of him!

2) A couple of interesting things happened last week. I had my interview, which I THINK went well (but who really knows) - I should know what's up this week and Sybil managed to e-mail herself into a corner. Please, people, when you hit reply all, think about what you're sending and who you're sending it too. Without going into gory detail or "dooceing" myself , my ER person tells me I'm in "the catbird seat". Karma, indeed, can be a bitch. At least I'll be left alone until Sybil departs....fittingly...on HALLOWEEN. I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP.


3) Little Bit's playing baseball and really, overall, doing well. It's a laid back program stressing skill building, not competition. However, because his Mom can't read a simple schedule, we missed his game tonight. Argh.


Boys will be boys - please note Little Bit manhandling the kid (last on the right) next to him for this picture. I love the pic for the looks on their faces.



He got to pitch - he really didn't do bad, considering he's never done it before!



4) Dad is having his surgery Wednesday and feeling pretty uppity and ready. Thank God. Please shout out your prayers and well wishes. He would like to feel ready to go fishing with Little Bit during track break in a few weeks. Saw Grandma Sunday - she's looking pretty good too all things considered and I'm hoping after Dad's surgery our family medical drama is done for eons! I'll keep you posted on how he's doing.


5) "Gertrude" had her baby today! Madison was a little over 6 lbs and is apparently pretty and healthy - haven't seen any pics yet. Welcome to the world, Madison! This is going to sound weird, but I hope you look like your grandpa, who is long since gone from this world. He was a very handsome man, and none of his kids or grandkids have really looked like him or had that really quirky, quick and smart sense of humor to the nth degree. That Porteguese look and temper has got to show itself somewhere - I miss him to this day.



Keep those fingers, toes and eyes crossed for the job - I ALMOST smell Idaho, and if not that, at least a boss is on the horizon I will really enjoy working for and with.



Lastly this cat is cute...yet really evil.