Will it ever end? No I’m not talking about the movie series with the funny looking flying creature thing and Jonathan Brandis escaping his teenaged angst into a fantasy world. Two words: typed with one hand on home row: Brett Favre.
I know. Ohmigod, kill me, kill me now. *Cue Music: Will he stay or will he go?*
Can we all just get along and play football? I knew this transition was going to be tenuous. And in my gut I didn’t think he was going to retire this year. But I don’t think I ever saw this mess coming.
And right now, as long as he doesn’t play for a team in the division, I really don’t care what he does. In five years time, we all will look back on this and probably shake our heads—if we even think of this whole mess at all. Who would have thought he’d pull a Michael Jordan? At least Jordan didn’t cause this much controversy (as far as I know).
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Letters to Live By ~ The Inevitable
Dear Friend,
You’ll never believe the amazing advice I received today. It was around 3 p.m. and I was hitting a huge lull at work—you know, the kind brought on by lunch burning off and frustration mounting from an hour’s work disappearing.
I took a moment and a deep breath and the universe gave me a pick me up. The sage piece of wisdom was “Age is nothing but a number.” And it came from the best counsel: the wrapper of a Dove Dark Chocolate
I’ve been having issues with my quarter century. Never before has my years tallied on Earth been a focus or care. But dawning of the 25th year hit me like a bag of bricks.
Life has been psyching me out. Bills. Insurance. Retirement Plans. Home Ownership. Ack.
The problem with the real world is not the work or job. It’s all of these pressures mounting up. And the fear that one wrong move will sink the ship.
Because what Brett Favre has taught us is some decisions should be final and we don’t (normally) get the luxury of take backs.
Don’t get me wrong, my lovely Friend, the real world and all its pleasures of taxes, work pressures and unretirements aren’t fun.
It’s just like everything else though. Take one thing at a time and if you believe and are positive, the universe will provide for you (if nothing else, it gives you wisdom through chocolate to help you get through the moment).
The greatest challenge, my Friend, is to remember to have Patience!
You’ll never believe the amazing advice I received today. It was around 3 p.m. and I was hitting a huge lull at work—you know, the kind brought on by lunch burning off and frustration mounting from an hour’s work disappearing.
I took a moment and a deep breath and the universe gave me a pick me up. The sage piece of wisdom was “Age is nothing but a number.” And it came from the best counsel: the wrapper of a Dove Dark Chocolate
I’ve been having issues with my quarter century. Never before has my years tallied on Earth been a focus or care. But dawning of the 25th year hit me like a bag of bricks.
Life has been psyching me out. Bills. Insurance. Retirement Plans. Home Ownership. Ack.
The problem with the real world is not the work or job. It’s all of these pressures mounting up. And the fear that one wrong move will sink the ship.
Because what Brett Favre has taught us is some decisions should be final and we don’t (normally) get the luxury of take backs.
Don’t get me wrong, my lovely Friend, the real world and all its pleasures of taxes, work pressures and unretirements aren’t fun.
It’s just like everything else though. Take one thing at a time and if you believe and are positive, the universe will provide for you (if nothing else, it gives you wisdom through chocolate to help you get through the moment).
The greatest challenge, my Friend, is to remember to have Patience!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Letters to Live By ~ Passion
Oh dear Friend,
I miss your voice, your laugh. I remember all the good times we shared. Our silly inside jokes that mean nothing to everyone else.
I’ve felt deep passions since we last spoke—good and bad. I’ve been hurt severely, but also loved intensely. It’s funny, for me these both sides of this spectrum stir deep down in the same place—the pit of my stomach. That painful hurt makes my stomach drop or tie in knots and love makes it well up with butterflies. Oh, what an experience!
And I’m not sure if you can really recover from either—love or hurt. Because I can revisit it years later and feel fine, but something triggers it again and all those powerful feelings bubble up.
Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls says that “scars are souvenirs we’ll never lose, the past is never far.” I agree, but I’ll add wrinkles are earned, a past smile we should never forget.
See, the GGD and Johnny still hold in a place in my heart. As does Travis Jervey, purple, Van Gogh, duckies and llamas. Some things never change. And thank you my friend for accepting my obsessions (there I said it!) and not seeing them as faults. I love that twinkle in your eye when you see me embracing my “favorite things”—I know in your own way you relate to your favorite things as well.
Until next time my dear Friend ... do you remember when we went to that place, and I said this while you did that .... and then .... :-) Wasn't it great?
Sleep well, I look forward to our next chat. ~ Sdo
I miss your voice, your laugh. I remember all the good times we shared. Our silly inside jokes that mean nothing to everyone else.
I’ve felt deep passions since we last spoke—good and bad. I’ve been hurt severely, but also loved intensely. It’s funny, for me these both sides of this spectrum stir deep down in the same place—the pit of my stomach. That painful hurt makes my stomach drop or tie in knots and love makes it well up with butterflies. Oh, what an experience!
And I’m not sure if you can really recover from either—love or hurt. Because I can revisit it years later and feel fine, but something triggers it again and all those powerful feelings bubble up.
Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls says that “scars are souvenirs we’ll never lose, the past is never far.” I agree, but I’ll add wrinkles are earned, a past smile we should never forget.
See, the GGD and Johnny still hold in a place in my heart. As does Travis Jervey, purple, Van Gogh, duckies and llamas. Some things never change. And thank you my friend for accepting my obsessions (there I said it!) and not seeing them as faults. I love that twinkle in your eye when you see me embracing my “favorite things”—I know in your own way you relate to your favorite things as well.
Until next time my dear Friend ... do you remember when we went to that place, and I said this while you did that .... and then .... :-) Wasn't it great?
Sleep well, I look forward to our next chat. ~ Sdo
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Letters to Live By ~ Faith
Dear Old Friend,
It’s been quite awhile since we last spoke, and I apologize sincerely for the time and space between us. I never mean for so many days to stretch on from the last time we talked. But intentions never make these fingers dial the phone or type an email.
Lots of things have changed dear Friend, but you’d be surprised of how much has stayed the same. I’ll recap the most significant topics for you, as they come to me, and ask quickly as I can so I won’t keep you too long.
I’ll start with what I’ve learned about faith and religion. When I was in eighth grade, before my confirmation, one of the Sunday school teachers sat the girls of my class down and talked to us about faith. Well, actually it was more about religion and our devotion to God.
She looked at each of us, and asked us to promise we would continue going to church, no matter where our path would lead us. I remember in that moment, knowing I’d be making a promise I wouldn’t keep. Looking back, I see how very inappropriate that session was. God isn’t about peer pressure. And I went with the group, because I knew there would be negative consequences if I didn’t.
What she should have asked us to do was never lose faith. In the darkest moments, the loneliest times, we should look deep down inside ourselves and be comforted in that we are but a small part in this great universe. And our part, whether if it’s predestined or rewritten with every flutter of a butterfly’s wings, has a place.
If we just believe that everything happens for a reason and we are never truly alone—even (especially!) when nothing can be seen or felt—everything works its way out. Everything will be okay. The universe takes care of you as long as you believe in yourself.
And my Friend, I don’t often go to church, and probably never will. But don’t fear for my soul. I feel God all around me, and celebrate the wonders with every flower, blade of grass, rain drop and other miracles all around us. I don’t need to follow the flock, repeat words like drone or forcibly give money to an Earthly institution.
I don’t think this so much is a change—but the strength to formulate, believe and hold on to what was always in me. Talk about Joy in every day moments!
What has changed is my loss of faith. I don’t trust as easily as I used to. I’ve lost faith in people.
I find myself pulling back, showing only a small percent of what I really am. Much of the world around me only sees what I let them see—a shell of what I really am. I don’t want most people to know the real me.
The voice in the back of my head is constantly reminding me that any information I divulge can and will be used against me.
I’ve lost faith that people will mostly do the right thing, the sane thing, the fair thing.
So I’ve come to numb myself, take that shot of Novocain against life.
Because I’ve learned is life isn’t fair. Everything happens for a reason, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t royally suck sometimes.
Don't worry though Friend. It's not all a sad story. But we only appreciate blessing more after a little hardship.
Be well until we connect again. ~ Sdo
It’s been quite awhile since we last spoke, and I apologize sincerely for the time and space between us. I never mean for so many days to stretch on from the last time we talked. But intentions never make these fingers dial the phone or type an email.
Lots of things have changed dear Friend, but you’d be surprised of how much has stayed the same. I’ll recap the most significant topics for you, as they come to me, and ask quickly as I can so I won’t keep you too long.
I’ll start with what I’ve learned about faith and religion. When I was in eighth grade, before my confirmation, one of the Sunday school teachers sat the girls of my class down and talked to us about faith. Well, actually it was more about religion and our devotion to God.
She looked at each of us, and asked us to promise we would continue going to church, no matter where our path would lead us. I remember in that moment, knowing I’d be making a promise I wouldn’t keep. Looking back, I see how very inappropriate that session was. God isn’t about peer pressure. And I went with the group, because I knew there would be negative consequences if I didn’t.
What she should have asked us to do was never lose faith. In the darkest moments, the loneliest times, we should look deep down inside ourselves and be comforted in that we are but a small part in this great universe. And our part, whether if it’s predestined or rewritten with every flutter of a butterfly’s wings, has a place.
If we just believe that everything happens for a reason and we are never truly alone—even (especially!) when nothing can be seen or felt—everything works its way out. Everything will be okay. The universe takes care of you as long as you believe in yourself.
And my Friend, I don’t often go to church, and probably never will. But don’t fear for my soul. I feel God all around me, and celebrate the wonders with every flower, blade of grass, rain drop and other miracles all around us. I don’t need to follow the flock, repeat words like drone or forcibly give money to an Earthly institution.
I don’t think this so much is a change—but the strength to formulate, believe and hold on to what was always in me. Talk about Joy in every day moments!
What has changed is my loss of faith. I don’t trust as easily as I used to. I’ve lost faith in people.
I find myself pulling back, showing only a small percent of what I really am. Much of the world around me only sees what I let them see—a shell of what I really am. I don’t want most people to know the real me.
The voice in the back of my head is constantly reminding me that any information I divulge can and will be used against me.
I’ve lost faith that people will mostly do the right thing, the sane thing, the fair thing.
So I’ve come to numb myself, take that shot of Novocain against life.
Because I’ve learned is life isn’t fair. Everything happens for a reason, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t royally suck sometimes.
Don't worry though Friend. It's not all a sad story. But we only appreciate blessing more after a little hardship.
Be well until we connect again. ~ Sdo
Saturday, July 19, 2008
This is the life
This week I took vacation. It’s been my first summer vacation since 2004, longer if you don’t count the summers I worked throughout college.
It’s been such a fabulous time. My plans have been flexible and I’ve loved everything the week has brought me.
Saturday, I went to Jenny’s pond party. It was a super windy afternoon. But even though I didn’t go swimming and I got a sunburn, I had a wonderful time with Jenny and Kriston.
Sunday was such a nice day to weed and work in the garden. Plus I got to watch Robots. But I got a little too much sun and didn’t drink enough water on Saturday so I was sleeping by 9 p.m.
Monday night we had a campfire and stayed outside until midnight. It would have been longer, but I got cold even in pants and sweatshirt.
Mom was having way too much fun playing in the fire. She sent sparks flying all night—I have the burn marks and three holes in my pants to proved it. We missed a Big Bang Theory marathon (two whole hours!) but it was still worth it.
When we got in MASH was on, so we watched that. I tried to stay awake to watch South Park, but probably only got five minutes in and I fell asleep.
I was quite tired after this late night session. I didn’t perk up until around 4 p.m. Tuesday. I still enjoyed our visit with my aunts Joannie & Diane. Diane lives in North Dakota so it was especially nice to see her.
Wednesday I braved the spiders and looked at all the stuff I have in storage so I could make my shopping list.
Tim also came over Wednesday and Thursday, which was awesome. We lamented about how old we’re both getting and how much easier it was before the real world was looming so close (or smack dab in it, for me). That’s a whole other post entirely.
He and mom tag teamed me into buying a dinette set for $35—complete with ugly chairs. Oh well, he also helped us load and unload. Later in the afternoon after Timmy went back home Mom and I went shopping. Got lots of good deals—a beautiful chocolate brown living room chair for $80. I spent around $250 in total, but saved maybe more than $500.
Friday was a lovely lazy day. I sat outside reading and writing. I had a chance to watch a couple of old favorite shows—including bits and pieces of every soap I watched as a child/teen.
All in all my vacation was the best I could hope for. Great friends, family and weather. It’ll be an adjustment to go back to a normal sleeping pattern—especially going to bed before 11 and getting up before 8!!
It’s been such a fabulous time. My plans have been flexible and I’ve loved everything the week has brought me.
Saturday, I went to Jenny’s pond party. It was a super windy afternoon. But even though I didn’t go swimming and I got a sunburn, I had a wonderful time with Jenny and Kriston.
Sunday was such a nice day to weed and work in the garden. Plus I got to watch Robots. But I got a little too much sun and didn’t drink enough water on Saturday so I was sleeping by 9 p.m.
Monday night we had a campfire and stayed outside until midnight. It would have been longer, but I got cold even in pants and sweatshirt.
Mom was having way too much fun playing in the fire. She sent sparks flying all night—I have the burn marks and three holes in my pants to proved it. We missed a Big Bang Theory marathon (two whole hours!) but it was still worth it.
When we got in MASH was on, so we watched that. I tried to stay awake to watch South Park, but probably only got five minutes in and I fell asleep.
I was quite tired after this late night session. I didn’t perk up until around 4 p.m. Tuesday. I still enjoyed our visit with my aunts Joannie & Diane. Diane lives in North Dakota so it was especially nice to see her.
Wednesday I braved the spiders and looked at all the stuff I have in storage so I could make my shopping list.
Tim also came over Wednesday and Thursday, which was awesome. We lamented about how old we’re both getting and how much easier it was before the real world was looming so close (or smack dab in it, for me). That’s a whole other post entirely.
He and mom tag teamed me into buying a dinette set for $35—complete with ugly chairs. Oh well, he also helped us load and unload. Later in the afternoon after Timmy went back home Mom and I went shopping. Got lots of good deals—a beautiful chocolate brown living room chair for $80. I spent around $250 in total, but saved maybe more than $500.
Friday was a lovely lazy day. I sat outside reading and writing. I had a chance to watch a couple of old favorite shows—including bits and pieces of every soap I watched as a child/teen.
All in all my vacation was the best I could hope for. Great friends, family and weather. It’ll be an adjustment to go back to a normal sleeping pattern—especially going to bed before 11 and getting up before 8!!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Please stay retired Brett
I still haven't written my Brett Favre Reflections. And I'm not sure if I will, because I don't know if I can produce anything that hasn't been said or done before.
Plus, how do you express what he meant to the game, an era of quarterbacks and my complete exposure to the NFL? He defined greatness, humble persona and sportsmanship--on and off the field.
And that's rare.
With that said; however, he needs to stay retired.
He also needs to keep his itches to himself--they make creams for that you know.
Because I can't take it. Hearing "Brett Favre wants to come back and play" makes me sick to my stomach.
He had his chance to stay ... before he announced his retirement. And after March 4, 2008, there's no going back. If he thought that he might be mentally ready by, oh say, JULY he should have not announced he was going to retire. Because now the ship has sailed--and he was the one who untied it from the dock and pushed off. It's now Aaron Rodger's team.
Yeah, it would be great to have Brett back for one more year, five more years, forever. Because it's Brett and he always gives the team the chance to win. That's the nostalgia talking. I don't know it any other way.
I'm excited to see what Aaron is made of. I want to move forward, because the team won't win looking back.
Favre said it himself, he only knows one way to play: by giving 100 percent. Nothing less. At this point, he wouldn't be able to give 100 percent. He could still play; no doubt, but there would be more mistakes, more last minute salvations, more tarnish on the legend. I'd rather have the last pass intercepted, eliminating the Packers from the Super Bowl than have it happen in a losing season or losing the Super Bowl. It's fitting for Favre, what other way would his epic end?
I've said it before, in this win-now league Favre wouldn't (or shouldn't) go to another team. If he was mentally exhausted in a system he's played in for 16 years (given some changes that naturally occur in an evolving offense), he'd have to put in extra work to learn the new offense of the new team. Yes, he could show up and play on Sundays, but I think it would be mediocre at best. We saw how average he was with young receivers, new receivers every week and poor receivers. Not to mention there's no telling the quality of the offensive line.
Favre said it well when he retired, his success was never solely because of him. It takes every part of the puzzle fitting to create a good to great offense and quarterback. Great quarterbacks make something out of nothing. But it must be pretty frustrating to know that you're great and the best you can get out of the people around you is average. Not the way a legend goes out of the game.
Here's to Brett, and his 16 years with the Green Bay Packers. Thanks for the memories and how you played the game. Here's hoping you retire with the honor you played.
And here's to Aaron Rodgers and the next era of the Green Bay Packers. I don't know where you'll take us, but I'm excited for the journey.
Plus, how do you express what he meant to the game, an era of quarterbacks and my complete exposure to the NFL? He defined greatness, humble persona and sportsmanship--on and off the field.
And that's rare.
With that said; however, he needs to stay retired.
He also needs to keep his itches to himself--they make creams for that you know.
Because I can't take it. Hearing "Brett Favre wants to come back and play" makes me sick to my stomach.
He had his chance to stay ... before he announced his retirement. And after March 4, 2008, there's no going back. If he thought that he might be mentally ready by, oh say, JULY he should have not announced he was going to retire. Because now the ship has sailed--and he was the one who untied it from the dock and pushed off. It's now Aaron Rodger's team.
Yeah, it would be great to have Brett back for one more year, five more years, forever. Because it's Brett and he always gives the team the chance to win. That's the nostalgia talking. I don't know it any other way.
I'm excited to see what Aaron is made of. I want to move forward, because the team won't win looking back.
Favre said it himself, he only knows one way to play: by giving 100 percent. Nothing less. At this point, he wouldn't be able to give 100 percent. He could still play; no doubt, but there would be more mistakes, more last minute salvations, more tarnish on the legend. I'd rather have the last pass intercepted, eliminating the Packers from the Super Bowl than have it happen in a losing season or losing the Super Bowl. It's fitting for Favre, what other way would his epic end?
I've said it before, in this win-now league Favre wouldn't (or shouldn't) go to another team. If he was mentally exhausted in a system he's played in for 16 years (given some changes that naturally occur in an evolving offense), he'd have to put in extra work to learn the new offense of the new team. Yes, he could show up and play on Sundays, but I think it would be mediocre at best. We saw how average he was with young receivers, new receivers every week and poor receivers. Not to mention there's no telling the quality of the offensive line.
Favre said it well when he retired, his success was never solely because of him. It takes every part of the puzzle fitting to create a good to great offense and quarterback. Great quarterbacks make something out of nothing. But it must be pretty frustrating to know that you're great and the best you can get out of the people around you is average. Not the way a legend goes out of the game.
Here's to Brett, and his 16 years with the Green Bay Packers. Thanks for the memories and how you played the game. Here's hoping you retire with the honor you played.
And here's to Aaron Rodgers and the next era of the Green Bay Packers. I don't know where you'll take us, but I'm excited for the journey.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Plant a Tree, Please a Pirate (Arrrrrr)
Gooooooooooood morning boys and girls, but then again I was told it isn't morning. Oh well, I guess I get confused by those kind of things.
There is a great newer holiday in the Kingdom of Loathing, and in my green spirit I'm so pleased I can do my part to make the Kingdom a better place (other than slaughtering monsters and rescuing the King from a prism prison). It's Arrrbor Day where a friendly pirate encourages Adventurers to give back to their Kingdom by planting trees in the Arrrrrboretum.
Nevermind that pirates use trees for wood to make their boats. And between you and me, they cut down every last tree I planted last Arrrbor Day and all I got in return were pine needles. Now that doesn't sound like advancing the common good or a way to create opportunities of a better life for everyone ... (stinking lying pirates)
Bitterness aside, check out all the fabulous and funny adventures you can have on Arrrbor Day: Check out the Arrrbor Day Adventures (courtesy of KoL Wiki)
My Favorites are:
The Fellowship of the Fudge (LotR Reference)
The Submissive Tree (Giving Tree Reference)
A Hare Raising Propsal (Little Bunny FooFoo Reference)
Sheer Comedic Gold (LotR Reference)
A Foxy Proposal (Firefox spoof)
Quite amusing, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Those writers and developers are brilliant.
There is a great newer holiday in the Kingdom of Loathing, and in my green spirit I'm so pleased I can do my part to make the Kingdom a better place (other than slaughtering monsters and rescuing the King from a prism prison). It's Arrrbor Day where a friendly pirate encourages Adventurers to give back to their Kingdom by planting trees in the Arrrrrboretum.
Nevermind that pirates use trees for wood to make their boats. And between you and me, they cut down every last tree I planted last Arrrbor Day and all I got in return were pine needles. Now that doesn't sound like advancing the common good or a way to create opportunities of a better life for everyone ... (stinking lying pirates)
Bitterness aside, check out all the fabulous and funny adventures you can have on Arrrbor Day: Check out the Arrrbor Day Adventures (courtesy of KoL Wiki)
My Favorites are:
The Fellowship of the Fudge (LotR Reference)
The Submissive Tree (Giving Tree Reference)
A Hare Raising Propsal (Little Bunny FooFoo Reference)
Sheer Comedic Gold (LotR Reference)
A Foxy Proposal (Firefox spoof)
Quite amusing, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Those writers and developers are brilliant.
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