You Get What You Get

It's a song we've been playing on Rock Band. But it resonates very much tonight.

Hey, James (and the rest of the Viking fans) - how does it feel? Sucky, doesn't it?

Role Models

I was out posting on a Packers blog last night (http://www.packergeeks.com/) in case you are interested - and over the last day I have had an exchange with a guy named Phil Hanrahan. Phil is a Wisconsin native who wrote a book called "Life After Favre". Phil seems to be a really nice guy and a good writer - we've chatted a bit at Cheeseheadtv.com (no, it's not an internet stalker thing, we briefly discussed my old flame Fuzzy Thurston). I highly recommend his book - not just because you might be a Packers fan (and yes you should be, Steven) but because it's an interesting portrait of a town and its kindred spirits (like me) that kind of lost its center a little over a year ago, and how they began to recover that center.

Should a sports team, or a first round Hall of Fame quarterback be your center? Perhaps not. And maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. But the town of Green Bay seemed a bit hollow after last summer. So did I, in a way, sadly enough - and that brought me to the next thought.

Sir Charles Barkley once famously said that athletes "shouldn't be role models". Bullshit. Yes, I said it. I agree that pastors, firefighters, policemen, honest politicians, teachers, parents and so on should be role models as well. But here's the thing - athletes get paid for doing what they love to do for a living - and often quite handsomely. Is it a bad thing to show kids that you really can do what you love for a living, even if that things is "playing"? (I don't think it installs in these kids that "I too can be Sir Charles Barkley - at least in most kids). Do you think that if you asked most firemen if they'd rather be the starting quarterback for (insert favorite team) instead of what they're doing that they'd say no? I really, honestly think not.

Kids figure out that parents, teachers etc. are not perfect WAY before they figure it out about the athletes they admire (if any, of course). It isn't right they should believe that an athlete is right about anything, or perfect by any means, but the longer they look up to that example - a good one - the more they can be inspired to do what they love and to do good things for others. A lot of these guys have charitable foundations and endeavors that are quite worthy.

That's why Judas showing his colors bothered me so much. It wasn't that I thought he was perfect - far from it. Child out of wedlock, Vicodin and alcohol addiction, you name it, he's probably done it - and been caught at it. And, seemingly, had taken responsibility for it and grown as a person, as one does in these situations if handled in the best way possible. It's that he displayed, in a very public way, what he thought of the people he professed to love, those who supported him through his very public trials and humiliations with true forgiveness and not just because he was a "winner". Packer Nation loved him also because of the personality he displayed, the joy of playing and the joy of sharing those moments with fans. Professional athletes, people are watching you.

So if you are in a position where you get to do what you love to do, and get paid handsomely for it, you are a role model (this goes for actors too, but more so sports figures). It doesn't mean you have to be perfect. It means you should be honest, you should never be Tiger Woods (that many mistakes, anyone can screw up in life, but really on this one sheesh), and you should accept that you have a responsibility to the kids of this country.

Whether you want it or not.


'Nuff said.

This Could Be Trouble

From BeerKid at PackerPalace.com - the musings of one lady, Lemondrop, that frequents those haunts. Here's her drinking game for tonight's Monday Night matchup (Vikings vs. Packers in case you haven't heard. Ha). Reading carefully, it seems very dangerous, as is any good drinking game.

Packers vs Vikings Drinking Game - http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2009/9/29/1061024/packers-vs-vikings-drinking-game
All participants must take a drink every time one of the following occurs during the broadcast.

1) The word "gunslinger" is mentioned

2) The word "schism" is mentioned

3) The phrases "plays/looks like a kid out there" or "that's how football is supposed to be played" is used

4) Brad Childress looks confused on the sidelines

5) The cameras pan to the luxury boxes to show either Ted Thompson or Deanna Favre

6) Anytime Mid Game, ESPN shows a highlight of Brett Favre throwing a TD AGAINST the Minnesota Vikings (note - I saw the Packers at the Metrodome in 1997 -witnessed a few of these myself.)

7) An announcer mentions Brett Favre's Age

8) The phrase, "That's why the Vikings brought him here" is used

9) Brett Favre is sacked

10) Every time a Wrangler or the new Sears Commercial w/ Favre airs.

11) Every time Allen Barbre is shown standing over a prone Rodgers with a sheepish look on his face (note, I hope this doesn't happen a lot but I'm not holding my breath.)

Or, as Lemondrop says: "I'm just going to make it simple and drink every time I hear "Favre"."

Thank You, Mr. Utility Worker and Other Thoughts

It almost froze last night (our plants look like it even though we covered them up) and I thought it was going to be a horrible day weatherwise but now it's quite pleasant and I'm getting ready to go for a walk.

Why am I home at 3:07 p.m. you may ask? Well, some really, really smart guy who was digging a big hole in our parking lot at work DUG UP THE POWER SUPPLY. Call before you dig, guys, seriously. This happened around 11 a.m. The phones (sort of) works - you couldn't call in but you could call out, so after a couple of conference calls and lunch we all gave up and they closed the building. Our building is part of a bigger complex and of all of the buildings, who was the only one out of power? Ours. Who really wasn't in the mood today to work? Me. As my friend the Donnalama says "I didn't know you had such power". I KNOW! Me either! Now to turn my powers to good not evil, haha.

Other random thoughts - I hope Brett gets pounded just about as hard as you can without serious mental or permanent physical injury Monday night. I may have to squeeze into my T-Shirt that shrunk such that Little Bit wears it to bed that says "My Favorite Team is the Packers and Whoever Plays the Vikings". Special meaning this year, that. I am hopeful that when we play in Green Bay in November we will win because the "Old Man" doesn't like the cold anymore and has to play in a dome, but I'm not too sure about this one. Like when the "Loins" (t2ed's term) won, if the Packers win this weekend it may be time to "get right with the Lord" (again, his term). It may be the second sign of the apocalypse. Or third, if my power outage is a true sign of my power.

Bg Bit comes tomorrow which means a) Yay, we get to see him! and b) Four weeks until Disneyland and his college visit.

If you haven't yet checked out the Disney Channel's show "Phineas and Ferb", you most definitely should. It's witty for both kids and parents, and features a most awesome band doing its theme song and some of the musical numbers (Love Handel is one of my favorite episodes) - that is - the breathtaking Bowling for Soup. (Cele, Burp would LOVE it if he hasn't seen it already.)

Lastly, I heard this song coming home - how is it that a song that came out when I was but a few months old could be a) so fresh today and b) one of my favorite songs ever, much less of the band who plays it? Enjoy. Hope you're getting some sunshine in too where you are. Oh, it snowed in Utah and I wasn't there. YAY!!! (Pants, Yvette, I know it's pretty but come on.)

I Know. I Heard. But Thanks For Pointing It Out.

I really am going to do my "what I did this summer" post, probably this weekend, with pictures to prove that I actually did activities and had fun. In the meantime, I have one thing to say, to quote the "Meat Packers Union" blog: "There is no I in me". And apparently, misquoting old sports adages isn't the only thing wrong with this man. The only thing I would need to add, if I really wanted to get creative, is some horns. I hope you're happy, dude, because you have only yourself to blame.

I'm Not Dead Yet

Just enjoying the summer and keeping busy with any variety of things. Trying to post pics of some of them this weekend. In the meantime, I'd like to share (in a gently humorous vein) what apparently some of my family want to do to me. Yes, in this scenario, I am Satchel Pooch (in Bucky Katt's worldview, that is, I would say that things are never black and white on either side, which is why, for the most part, I don't flaunt my opinions. Those of you who share gently as well and respect others opinions when in a mixed forum, THANK YOU). Click on the image to get the whole comic - sorry it crops funny.









And in world news of others who have come to their senses, Brett the Jet apparently figured out he's too damn old to play football. And the Vikings STILL suck. I think practice opens in the next few days, yes? I'm ready for football season, though not for summer to be over just yet.

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.

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.

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.

Aw Frack

Brett, Take Your Ball and Go Home.

Let's move on.

Go Pack.

Things I Wish Would Go Differently or Better

I want Brett to report to training camp Friday (he faxed his letter to the NFL Commissioner today) and the Packers are all there to welcome him with open arms (it ain't gonna happen, but it's my blog so there).

I want Little Bit to stay out of the principal's office all the way until his track break starts in October. Yes, he's already been there once in two days, he's got to test this new teacher out. Good news, she seems to have a high level of energy and commitment. She's going to need it. So am I, apparently. I wish track break was more than three weeks.

I wish that The Husband could manage to multi task for once in his life or be on time for once in his life because sometimes I have to work too and I can't manage his life for him. At the same time as keeping up with my job, kids, changing oil on the cars, paying the bills etc.

I wish Big Bit had more of a backbone and could tell his dad (who is NOT TH in case you're keeping track and didn't know) that he thinks the EHFH is psycho and wants to stay here instead of going back because he really doesn't want to live with a psycho. (I knew he was, all along, but Big Bit's finally figured it out on his own).

Argh. Anyway, just had to vent a little, I love all four of the above (three more than the other one of course) but there are days I DO NOT UNDERSTAND MEN. This was one of them.

I LOVE BRETT FAVRE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8HAzI63X8Q

I think this pretty much states my position. And yes, I have loved the Packers since Bart Starr was their QB (look it up).

Let's go Pack.

Hurl

This whole thing with Brett and the Packers makes me want to hurl...please don't let him go play for the Vikqueens.

Unretirement?

Well, now....preseason football hasn't started yet, but this, if true, would make me happy. Except for we're going to London, so going to Green Bay this winter would be very very hard to manage. But I may have to insist.

I need to hug Fuzzy again. I'm sure he misses me.

And there is no way Brett would ever play for Da Bears. He knows what the backlash would be.


http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?id=3475850&sportCat=nfl&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

Bye Bye Mr. Football Guy

This is both highly amusing and heartfelt. I hope that Mr. Favre surfs the web sometimes and gets warm and fuzzies from how much these people love him. I guess "us people".

Why I Love Brett Favre

This is why I love that man. He is genuine, real and knows how very blessed he is in life, even with its ups and downs.

I don't know who cried more during his press conference today to say goodbye to the Packer fans, him or me. I tell you this, though, I know he will miss us as much as we will miss him.

Dear Brett,

Godspeed. Love to you, Deanna, Brittany and Breleigh. You enjoy your time with those girls, I know they will be glad to have you home all the time.

P.S. I'd like Little Bit to marry Breleigh someday. They would be perfect for each other. Let's talk in about 15 years.

P.P.S. At least you're retiring to Mississippi. It could be Utah.

Love,

lostinutah

Mourning

I'm sorry, I was going to post a humorous story about the new addition to my neighborhood as an example of why Utah is SO interesting. However, with the announcement of Brett Favre's retirement,I am officially in mourning. To paraphrase another Packer blogger, everyone (I think) knows there are several phases of grief. His suggested phases for this particular day were:


* Shock
* Denial
* Depression (that's one I added)
* Pabst

Substitute Chardonnay for the Pabst and you just about have where I am at.

Mr. Favre, you and your wife are class acts. I will miss you sincerely. I'm also proud I was able to see you play in your last regular season game at Lambeau Field.

Hopefully later today I can post the funny story. Right now I'm too depressed. The Chardonnay will have to wait until later as well.

Ouch

That hurt. A lot. Last Packer post for a while, fer shure. I'm nursing my wounds and still hoping that #4 comes back next year - he's an amazing person and an amazing player and I know I that I will be sad if I have seen him play for the last time.

The boys and I are going to Green Bay next year (all 4 of us) if he comes back. Then I can quit my stupid job.

Brett Fav-rah

Okay, I know the whole Packer theme/thing will get old. For you, not me.

I found this tonight and I had forgotten just how damn cute Brett Favre is. I HATE this movie. The two good things about it are Brett and this video at the end.

I promise I will not be so one-topic after the Super Bowl (well I hope I get to wait that long that is).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjzSIGt74T0