The Crimbo Town of Right About Now

Day 4 of the Quest for Crimbo ... I've gotten some ancient fruitcake and two candy stakes (in case there is ever a vampire living on my tongue) from my Advent Calendar. I figure it's just about time to go to CrimboRock and see if there's anything else cooking in the quest and ...

You decide that now is a good time for a nap. You're not sure why, but you do.
After sleeping soundly for about 10 minutes, you wake up to the sound of a flat, electronic beat playing loudly in your bedroom. You push aside your bed-curtains and look out. Since you don’t have any bed-curtains, and may or may not have a bedroom or a bed, you’re pretty sure you’re dreaming.

You see a shimmery, transparent guy standing in front of two turntables. He doesn’t appear to have a microphone, though. “Greetings, adventurer, he says. “I’m the ghost of Crimbo right-about-now. Greetings, adventurer. I’m the ghost of Crimbo right-about-now. Greetings, adventurer. I’m the ghost of Crimbo right-about-now.”

He stops and thumps himself upside the head. “Sorry, got stuck in a loop there. Anyway, I’m here to tell you that you’ve spent enough time in Crimbo Rock, and you should come to my realm now. If you ever want to save Uncle Crimbo, you’ve got to get with the now, man. Don’t you want to meet Linnea, the Scream Queen? Quit living in the past. Are you ready to go to Crimbo right-about-now? Are you ready to go to Crimbo right-about-now? Are you ready to…”

The ghost smiles and fades away, repeating "When you awake, you can visit Crimbo Right-About-Now. When you awake, you can visit Crimbo Right-About-Now. When you awake..."

When I awoke and went back to the Big Mountains, Crimbo Town of Right About Now was waiting for me. It seems as the Screem Queen has made herself at home.

Lucky for me, her minions ... mummies who tie bows and zombies that ... well I don't know what they do, but the put up a big fight! Anyways, lucky for me, her minions drop well and I was able to collect a spooky frank to make and eat some spooky franks and beans ...

You start to chow down on the franks and beans, but before you can take a bite the plate levitates into the center of the room. A deeply tanned arm reaches through a magical portal and grabs the plate. "Thanks, kid," Uncle Crimbo's voice says. "You're getting even closer."

Until tomorrow ...

Packer Post -- Installment 49

November 12, 2006: Packers at Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are first in the league against the rush, which could have proven to be a tough ride when the Packers rely on establishing the run.

QB-Brett Favre, under pressure by the blitz, steps into the pocket and delivers a bullet to WR-Donald Driver for 22 yards. RB-Ahman Green can’t convert on a third and inches and Packers take the points from K-Dave Rayner’s 28-yard field goal.

LB-Brady Poppinga sacks Vikings QB-Brad Johnson forcing a fumble; Packers recover on the Vikings 22 yard line. Green rushes for 19 yards and a first down, but drops a touchdown pass. RB-Noah Herron is caught in the backfield for a loss of two, but they give the all back to him and he moves in for a five yard touchdown run.

* First Quarter: 10-0 ~ Packers *

Johnson connects with WR-Bethel Johnson and CB-Al Harris blows coverage, letting Bethel Johnson go deep with no one on him. On the next Viking series, LB-Nick Barnett missed a tackle on a third down and Bethel Johnson makes a one-handed catch on the 30. Johnson scrambles and completes to RB-Chester Taylor, LB-AJ Hawk’s tackle causes a fumble, but WR-Billy McMullen falls on it for the touchdown.

Favre goes deep but overthrows WR-Greg Jennings. WR-Ruvell Martin drops a pass and the Packers punt. Vikings start on their own 15 because of an illegal block on the punt return. Johnson hits WR-Bethel Johnson for a big gain that’s increased by a holding call on Harris. The drive self-destructs when holding on the offense creates a 2nd and 16 and TE-Jermaine Wiggens drops a 3rd down pass.

Favre lasers the ball to WR-Greg Jennings for the first down. Green pushes the ball forward three yards and Favre hits Driver for an 82 yard touchdown pass. In Favre’s true fashion, he rushes 82 yards down the field to pick up Driver and carry him to the sidelines.

* Second Quarter: 17-14 ~ Packers *

Packers offense sputters in the third quarter, but are able to get in the red zone for a Rayner field goal that bounced in after hitting the left upright.

T-Mark Tauscher is injured and leaves the field.

Packers defense holds strong, shutting the Vikings out.

* Third Quarter: 20-14 ~ Packers *

Packers defense roughs the Vikings up. Barnett sacks Johnson and on the next Vikings drive, CB-Patrick Dendy intercepts Johnson, and Packers get three points off the turnover.

Vikings K-Ryan Longwell hits a 34-yard field goal. Vikings attempt an onside kick, but are off sides and are forced to re-kick, which then goes out of bounds.

* Fourth Quarter: 23-17 ~ Packers *

November 19, 2006: Patriots at Packers

Patriots WR-Troy Brown is playing nickel back, because of all the injuries in their secondary. Doing double duty on the field, but it doesn’t show in his play.

On their first drive the QB-Tom Brady connects to TE-Daniel Grahm for the touchdown.

Packers recover a RB-Corey Dillion fumble on the Pats 30 yard line, but Rayner misses a 44-yard field goal.

* First Quarter: 0-7 ~ Patriots *

Poppinga gives the Pats easy yardage for a first and goal on an interference call and Dillion takes it in for a yard.

Brady connects with WR-Reche Caldwell for 54 yards and another touchdown.

Packers offense makes some big plays but can’t string any together on the same drive.

Favre sacked and lands on throwing shoulder, leaves game holding his wrist.

QB-Aaron Rodgers walks on field to a chorus of cheers, but doesn’t do any better.

* Second Quarter: 0-21 Patriots *

Rodgers broke his foot in the third quarter, but continued to play through the fourth.

* Third Quarter: 0-28 ~ Patriots *

* Fourth Quarter: 0-35 ~ Patriots *

Packers defense has 31 sacks, LB-Aaron Kampman leads the league with 10. Rookie LB-AJ Hawk has 90 tackles.

November 27, 2006: Packers at Seahawks

* First Quarter: 7-3 ~ Packers *
* Second Quarter: 14-12 ~ Packers *
* Third Quarter: 21-19 ~ Packers *
* Fourth Quarter: 34-24 ~ Seahawks *

I didn't get to see the game ... check out the AP Story from Packers.com: http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2006/11/27/2/

December 3, 2006: New York Jets at Packers

Packers are the youngest team in the league and show it in the 38-10 loss to the Jets. The bright side of this lop-sided match is the Jets didn’t leave Lambeau Field with a shutout.

Packers lead the league with most points allowed in a game and showcased it with 31 points scored in the first half.

LB-Nick Barnett’s broken hand that kept him out of the Seahawk game limited him against the Jets, incurring penalties and missed tackles.

Favre turned the ball over twice in the first half, a fumble and an interception.

Jets QB-Chad Pennington spread the ball around to several receivers and got his running back active in the scoring.

Rayner missed a 40-yard field goal.

The defense isn’t being effective because of the Jets constant offensive shifting there is motion until they set before the snap causing general confusion on coverage.

Jets scored on every possession in the first half.

* First Quarter: 0-10 ~ Jets *

* Second Quarter: 0-31 ~ Jets *

Packers special teams is playing better, consistently giving them field position on the 25-35 yard line.

Green and RB-Vernand Morency put together a solid drive capped off with a 34 yard field goal. Some fans booed for the Packers settling for a field goal, but Packers needed to get points on the board to zap the shut out.

CB-Charles Woodson picked off Pennington’s deep pass, but the Packers don’t capitalize.

Corey Williams and Kampman pressure Pennington for an incomplete pass and the next down, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila hits him and CB-Patrick Dendy intercepts it.

Favre hits Driver for a touchdown. Driver does the Lambeau Leap but all Favre celebrates with is a grim smile.

In a huge momentum swing, Packers attempt an onside kick, the officials rule that Dendy touched it within ten yards, making it a re-kick situation. The replay showed 56 touching it before the Packers and McCarthy challenges it. Favre points to the big screen and takes the offense on the field while they review it.

Unfortunately, the Packers can’t keep the momentum in their favor and go three and out.

* Third Quarter: 10-31 ~ Jets *

Jets score one more time, and Packers don’t put anything together for another score.

* Fourth Quarter: 10-38 ~ Jets *

NFL NEWS

A new rule is instated: if a coach challenges an unchallengeable penalty, the team will be charged a time out or lose 15 yards (if there are no time outs remaining).

Patriot’s coach Bill Bellichek was on the field screaming at the officials about a call. The next week, the NFL issued a Memo reminding the coaches that they are to stay in the Coaching Box, which is between the 32 yard lines.

San Francisco Great Bill Walsh announced he has leukemia.

Dallas Cowboys QB-Tony Romo is from Wisconsin and went to college in Eastern Illinois.

Atlanta Falcon QB-Michael Vick gives the dirty bird to the home crowd after losing to the New Orleans Saints, and is fined $20,000.

Denver Broncos QB-Jake Plummer is benched for Jay Cutler.

New York Giants blow a three-touchdown lead with ten minutes to go in the fourth quarter. A rookie defensive end doesn’t wrap up QB-Vince Young, which would have ended the game. The next series instead of throwing the pass out of bounds, QB-Eli Mannning lobs it up for an interception, returned for a touchdown.

No holiday spirit shown on Thanksgiving Day by the personnel of Detroit Lions stadium when they announce Miami Dolphins QB-Joey Harrington to the tune of “Piano Man.” The Dolphins specifically told the Lions staff NOT to announce Harrington during on field warm-ups so he would not incur boos. Announcers around the league label this a disgraceful and classless act.

Records
Minnesota Viking’s QB-Brad Johnson is the oldest quarterback in the league, with Brett Favre coming in second.

Indianapolis Colts are first team since 1929-30 Packers to go 8-0 two seasons in a row.

New England Patriots two game slump is the first time the Patriots have lost two consecutive games in four years.

Buffalo Bills QB-JP Lossman throws for 215 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

Injuries
Washington Redskins RB-Clinton Portis breaks his wrist, is out for the season.

Baltimore Ravens LB-Ray Lewis is out for three games.

Philadelphia Eagles QB-Donovan McNabb tears his right ACL—is out for the season. Jeff Garcia takes over the helm.

New Orlean Saints WR-Joe Horn out for a couple games.

Returns
- KC-Trent Green back
- Oak-Aaron Brooks back

Again, what’s up with the third Uniform color?!
- Panthers light powder blue
- Titans powder blue
- Giants Red Jerseys
- Bills have odd helmets

Crimboween Days 2 & 3

I return to the Kingdom of Loathing for my daily alottment of adventuring. I wander back to the Big Mountains to help Uncle Crimbo. I visit the simple tool making cave and gather 2 sticks, 1 stringy sinew and 1 big leaf. This was no simple task, mind you, the elves just weren't dropping what I needed. But finally, I visted Ugh Crimbo (featured at left) and made a cigar and fire(because apparently Uncle Crimbo has a smoking habit). I go back to my inventory to combine fire and unlit cigar ...

You hold up the lit cigar, take a puff, and blow a square smoke ring. It hangs in the air like a window, and through it you can see what looks like a tropical island. Suddenly, Uncle Crimbo reaches through the window and grabs the cigar! "Thanks, kid," he says. "You're on the right track."

I also was able to piece together a new familiar ... the toothed pet rock (yet another familiar I need to name).

I also put together a combat item (a Yo). I'm not going it use it, because zapping a yo-yo produced a snowy owl, so this might have a similiar result.

Of course, I'll need to get a wand before I can even think about zapping, and that is far in my future. During the course of this, I was in a battle to defeat Baron Von Ratsworth, and he kicked my ass up, down, across, sideways, diagonal and every other which way he could. So in the process of trying to defeat him, I spent way too much meat on healing items, so my purse is now quite light.

Today I gave up, conceeding that having a bartender in a box sooner is much more important that getting the monocle--though it pains me to turn off the rat faucet without it.

However, other than my meat situation, I am right on track with everything else. I have each cavern of the Bat Hole revealed and my Knob Harem Girl Outfit + perfume. I figure I'll investigate which setting of the Candian Mind Control Device I want to defeat them at, take a Tomato Reagent Potion and make quick work of both these foes.

I'm at Level 7, and finally was able to get my Hat from the Dark & Dank Cave. Reagents, Meat and Cocktail Crafting Accessories are my general focus until the next part of Crimbo unfolds.

So now I'm waiting for the next part of the Crimbo Quest to continue, and going abut my merry little way. I have realized that I won't be able to attempt a speed run this time around. I don't want to ascend mid-Crimbo season, it might mess everything up.

Happy Adventuring to All and to All a Good Sunday!

The Adventurer who Saved Crimbo

Oh no--Uncle Crimbo is missing and adventurers around the Kingdom have received their advent calendar. But wait! There's a lonely Crimbo Elf in the Mountains where Crimbo Town had been.


A quest unfolds ... huzzah! Come with me as I chronicle it for you (and partake in it myself--this has to be some world exclusive exciting thing (if you ignore wiki))

As you're walking around the Big Mountains, looking for Crimbo Town, you notice a sad, sniffling little Crimbo Elf. He spots you, and says, "Man, this is ridiculous. I never dreamed something like this could happen? It's almost Crimbo time, and where's Uncle Crimbo? He's been bewitched, I tell you, bewitched by that evil Scream Queen. It's like a bad dream, man."

"I thought she banished him to a dreamy desert island," you say.

"Oh yeah, banished, sure. Nah, she scrambled his brain with some weird spell! He's on a dream vacation. He doesn't even remember that he's Uncle Crimbo. He's going to luaus and wearing brightly-colored shorts, living the dream, and meanwhile the Scream Queen's taking over Crimbo. You've got to find the three magical things that will remind him who he is."

"You mean, like, candy canes and gingerbread?"

The elf laughs. "You don't know him very well, do you?"

"Where should I start?" you ask.

"I wouldn't dream of telling you that," the elf replies.


I return to my campsite and punch my Advent Calendar: Spooky Eggnog (the secret ingredient is Spooky Nutmeg) and a lump of chocolate. After using my chocolate, I learn that it was really a lump of chocolate covered potato--yummy.

Back at my campsite I rest on the ground (regretfully, as I am only Level 5 and working my way towards more adventures).

Nightmare 1

You wake up in the middle of the night and see a bright light outside of your bed curtains. Since you don't have any curtains (and may or may not have a bed), you're pretty sure you're dreaming. You hope it's not curtains for you, though.

You push back the curtains and the bright light solidifies into a ghost! He has the requisite long, white robe, but some decidedly non-requisite dreadlocks hanging down past his shoulders. He gazes piercingly at you and speaks.

"Hey, mon," he says. "I be Marley's Ghost. I come to tell ya that tonight ye will be visited by tree spirits."

"Tree spirits?" you ask. "You mean those fruity little things in Canadia?"

"Nah, mon," he says. "One, two, tree -- tree spirits."

"Is this about me realizing I'm a horrible person and resolving to change, and ending up all giddy as a schoolboy?" you ask. "Because, if so, I'd rather just stay horrible. It doesn't bother me, except when people move my chair."

"Nah, mon." The ghost answers. "Uncle Crimbo's gone missing, and these tree spirits are going to help yah rescue him. The first is de ghost of Crimbo Way, Way Past. The second is the ghost of Crimbo Right-about-now. You'll like him, he's a funk soul brother. The third is the Ghost of Crimbo In The Not-Too-Distant Future. You'll see the first one the next time you fall asleep."
"Seriously," you say, "I don't really want to bother with any ghosts, man. I mean, I don't even have my proton pack."

"Expect the first one the next time you fall asleep," the ghost repeats, and starts to fade away, singing some song about martial bison.

Nightmare 2

You wake up to the sound of someone banging a bone against a rock. Well, you don't know that's what the sound is until you get up and look, but that's what it is.

You see a shimmery, transparent caveman (who may or may not have just saved a lot of money on his car insurance), dressed in furs and squatting on your floor, pounding said rock with said leg-bone.

"Me Ugh. Gwee tonga nala tonga macha pooka." he says, gesturing and grunting at you.

"You're Ugh, the ghost of Crimbo Way, Way Past, and you want me to go to the Big Mountains, where Crimbotown was last year, and I'll be magically transported to CrimboRock, which is Crimbotown thousands of years ago?"

"Ugh. Gwee zug fech haraka ool."

"And you say that once I'm there, I can fight monsters, make toys, and find part of the magic spell for rescuing Uncle Crimbo?"

"Ugh," the caveman says, nodding his assent.

Wow, I wish I could speak Caveman.

Now I trek back to the Mountains to behold Crimbo Town of yore, as I get closer I realize that it looks like a Christmas Tree, hmmm, fancy that.

I make quick visits to the Toy-Making Cave and the Eating Cave and spend about 5 adventures in the Simple Tool-Making Cave.

Even though Uncle Crimbo is lost, I must still remember the other inhabitants of Loathing, there are rats over running the Typical Tavern (and delaying my bartender in a box), the Boss Bat is making a rukus in the Bat Hole, the Goblin King is terrorizing Cob Knob and there's an unspeakable foe in the Dark & Dank Sinister Cave.

So for now I'm going to eat and drink my fill and return tomorrow on a muscle day to help Uncle Crimbo and save Crimboween.

And your little ghost pickle on a stick, too!

I've gotten several new familiars in KoL lately, and I'm having trouble naming them. In the Kingdom of Loathing, you're allowed pets (much like the wizarding world uses animals) to join you in your journey and quests.

These little animals, machines, inanimate objects and sometimes foods are quite helpful to you as you're wandering on your merry little way.

Familiars can heal your wounds, find you meat (the Kingdom's currency), locate objects, scare, wound and de-level your opponents and give you stat points.

You can gain familiars several different ways: as an award for a quest, build them out of parts you find, buy them in the mall with meat or use real money (that's $$ in the real world) to buy Mr. A's that you can exchange for special multi-talented familiars that are released each month--or you can simply find them while adventuring.

Right now I have three unamed familiars, and I have a general personal rule that I don't adventure with my familiars if they don't have names.

My other familiars have such perfect names ... and I'm just drawing a blank.

So here's who I need to name and their haikus. Comment if you have any ideas, IM or email so these little guys can hold their heads up high in the Familiar-Grow Terrarium.

Origami Towel Crane
know where your towel is?
here in your terrarium
you hoopy frood, you

Ghost Pickle on a Stick
Salty, translucent
floats above, its only need
to lay dill smack down.

Scary Death Orb

shiny ball of death
cuts, slices, eviscerates
who? it's not picky

Hic Hic Hic

I have the hiccups. I hate having the hiccups.

My hiccups come when I eat potatos or meat too fast, or drink something the wrong way. Or, like right now, for no reason at all.

I can never get rid of my hiccups--the most effective method I've found is just to shut my mouth and ride them out ... for however long it takes.

Having the hiccups is something that gets people talking ... "have you ever tried a spoonful of sugar? That always works for me," they say.

Pinch your nose and drink water ... take gulps of air ... drink tons of water ... drink water upside-down ...

I used to say nothing works and politely listened, which never satisfies people. Now I try their little suggestions--because I have nothing to lose. But like I said, I have yet to find my miracle cure.

So I'll just sit here ... hic, hic, hic

Vacation

I was reading through my first posts and realized that I did more "daily" on the spot blogs. I tend to enjoy them the most. Sometimes it's hard to think and write and come up with a post that's well written with a good subject. While it's something I do still strive for, it limits how much I post.

So here we go!

This week I took off work. It's my first week of vacation since Spring Break 2005. I'm not doing anything spectacular, but it's still nice to sleep in, watch some television, and just have the freedom to do what I want and not think about reaching a million dollar goal or worrying about deadlines.

And how do I start my week of vacation? I'm woken up by a phone call at 6:43 a.m. Please note my usual wake up time during work is 6:45. Yeah, not so happy.

Since Thanksgiving is this week, I'm helping get the house ready. Mom's family comes over so there's about 40 people over. (It's usually 60, but some aren't coming this year).

We're listening to Rent as we clean, so that's nice. Poor mom though, she has to listen to me sing.

Yesterday the CDs I ordered on Friday came in the mail. I was so excited to get it, listen to it, look at the liner notes. I love listening to a cd for the first time. Hearing the composition, harmonies, melodies, lyrics ... all the different beats and instruments. So far so good. Mark is the lead on each song and there's one featuring a duet with Mark and a woman (I need to investigate this a little more).

I fell completely in love with Blink182's last cd when I listened to it the first time. Most CDs I have to listen to them a couple of times to really like them. There aren't many instances where I love it the first time around--only Rent and Let Love In from the Goo Goo Dolls.

I did have an urge to listen to it ... which I'm doing right now ... so that's only a good sign.

I saw on PBS yesterday that snakes can climb trees (you know, slither up). That has me completely creeped out ... I always banked on in case of an apocolpyse or nightmare-ish snake situation I would climb a tree or hit high ground ... now all those plans are out the window.

182 ... +44 ... hike, hike!

About a month ago I went to Yahoo! Music Videos for some tunes to work to (I had hit my quota of ESPN Radio and music on file).

There was a small picture of a group of four people. I couldn't make out who was in it--but I swore one guy was Mark Hoppus of Blink182. So I clicked on it, and my video player loaded with "When Your Heart Stops Beating." Again, low quality, I couldn't get a close look at any one--it *sounded* like Mark. He played a guitar like Mark (very distinctive stance) and the mohawked tattooed drummer looked like Travis Barker.

So I searched +44. I think I pulled up a bio from wiki. And there they were: Mark & Travis sans Tom. I read further ... Blink182 had been inactive and disbanded since February 2005. What an in-touch fan I am!

I've been a fan since Enema of State--and have purchased every album since then--loving the self-titled one released in 2003.

I was just thinking to myself that three years was a long time to not have a new Blink album.

Now once I get something in my head I need more information, and it stays in my head until this bizarre fascination is satisfied.

And here's what I found ... some of it prolific:

Random article: Mark says they hit a time in their lives that need family time, time away from the road. They have wives, children that they don't see, lives they aren't living.

Yahoo! Interview: Mark says, we've hit our apex ... there's no where to go but down.

Yahoo! Interview: Tom says, I love these guys, I'm close to guys. Mark's my brother--we've grown up together. We'll always be friends.

Hmm.

Now I read that Tom left the band (I take offense that one article referred to him as frontman--pshaw!). He has his own group: Angels and Airwaves.

Mark and Travis have played with other bands, have done other projects: TV, clothing, skate gear, etc. etc.

In articles and various interviews the guys reflect that the "general public" and critics still view them as a joke band, singing about humping, making naked videos.

Yeah there's the off color humor and way out there lines ... but then there's songs that their generation relates to. Bands like Blink182 have brought the outcast skaters into the mainstream--and let us picket fence kids feel a little of the rebellion and connect to the music and make it our own.

Their music was for the teens who didn't worship Britney, Christina or Jessica. They mocked bubble gum pop and gave the rest of us an outlet.

Well ... nonetheless, I bought +44's CD and I'm anxiously waiting for it to get here!

How I'm doing so far ...

NFL Predictions: (Made at the beginning of the Season)

Week 1: 11-5
Week 2: 6-8
Week 3: 9-5
Week 4: 10-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 6-7
Week 7: 6-7
Week 8: 6-7 *** October really beat me up
Week 9: 6-8

Steelers, Bengals, Dolphins are losing and I thought they would win.

Saints and Chargers are winning where I said they would lose. (Yay for Drew, Hisss for Phillip Rivers)

Packer Post – Installment 48

Five-Week Review

October 2: Packers at Eagles

The Packers defense kept points off the board in the first half, but let QB-Donovan McNabb run all over them—literally—in the second half. Against this above average, but not spectacular team, Packers lost on the national stage.

* First Quarter: 3-0 ~ Packers *
* Second Quarter: 9-7 ~ Eagles *
* Third Quarter: 9-24 ~ Eagles *
* Fourth Quarter: 9-31 ~ Eagles *

October: 8: Rams at Packers

Against the threat of a high-powered Rams offense, when coming from behind would be a constant pressure, the Packers started the game with a mistake.

RB-Vernand Morency fumbled on the 31 in the opening drive.

QB-Marc Bulger connected to WR-Tory Holt for a touchdown.

Packers get a break with a holding penalty downfield. RB-Noah Herron scored the Packers first rushing touchdown of the year and made his first Lambeau Leap.

* First Quarter: 7-7 ~ Tie *

The Packers defense leads the league with the most 20+ yard plays lost. Bulger throws an incomplete pass on a 3rd and 11.

Favre hit WR-Greg Jennings for 38-yard completion. A personal foul on a facemask pushes them closer to the end zone.

LB-Will Witherspoon drops an interception and Favre is sacked on the next play leading to a K-Dave Rayner field goal. Rams draw two penalties and LB-AJ Hawk nearly intercepts a Bulger pass, forcing a 3rd and 15.

The next Rams drive, Bulger hit former Packer RB-Tony Fisher on a 3rd and 22, which sets up his three-yard touchdown pass to WR-Kevin Curtis.

WR-Koren Robinson pulls in 27 yards on the Packers drive setting up 33-yard Rayner field goal.

* Second Quarter: 13-14 ~ Rams *

Only score in the third quarter is Rams K-Jeff Wilkens field goal.

* Third Quarter: 13-17 ~ Rams *

Two more Rams field goals inch up the score. Rams offense looks off with several penalties and two Packer sacks.

In a comeback effort, Favre connects with Jennings for a 46-yard touchdown. Favre and the offense try to put together a scoring drive again, but are unable to capitalize.

* Fourth Quarter: 20-23 ~ Rams *

October 22: Packers at Dolphins

Packers sack QB-Joey Harrington opening drive and they go three and out.

DE-Jason Taylor strips Favre and Harrington logs a touchdown pass.

* First Quarters: 0-7 ~ Dolphins *

Rayner makes a field goal at the end of the half. He worked hard for it because he actually kicked the ball three times. The first one was called back because of a Dolphin penalty, pushing him closer to the uprights. He made another one, then the Packers penalty backed them up and then made the final field goal from the original distance.

* Second Quarter: 6-7 ~ Dolphins *

Packers worst pass defense in the league allows a 40-yard catch from WR-Marty Booker. Woodson turns the table, intercepting a Harrington pass and took it 23 yards for the touchdown.

Jennings leaves the field for an X-Ray on a twisted ankle. Favre take it for the first down and then throws the ball to WR-Donald Driver between two defenders for the touchdown. Driver reaches 5,000 career yards receiving.

The next Packers drive RB-Ahman Green breaks a run for 70 yards and a touchdown.

* Third Quarter: 20-13 ~ Packers *

Barnett misses a tackle and the Dolphins take the ball 44 yards, leading to a touchdown. They go for the two-point conversion, and it’s good, Harrington to Booker.

Packers answer that score with a tipped pass to Martin for a touchdown.

Dolphins K-Olindo Mare misses a field goal—hitting the upright.

* Fourth Quarter: 34-24 ~ Packers *

October: 29: Cardinals at Packers

Rookie WR-Greg Jennings not playing.

Cardinal go three and out on their first possession. Packers go for a fake field goal, but Ryan can’t connect for a first down. Cardinals get ball on their own 30, but can’t do anything with it.

A pass interference call put the Packers in striking range and Favre hit TE-David Martin for the touchdown.

CB-Charles Woodson hyper-extends his knee, but returns to the game.

* First Quarter: 7-0 ~ Packers *

Driver makes a 13-yard catch on a slant route. Green scores his 50th career touchdown. Packers defense sends a three-man rush of Woodson, LB-Nick Barnett and DE-Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Barnett gets the sack for a loss of eight.

Packers establish the run with the Green-Morency tandem. Morency has a big gain off a Driver block and Green scores another touchdown.

Rookie QB-Matt Leinert is stopped on the quarterback sneak in the redzone, but Cardinals score on the back of RB-Edgerrin James on fourth and goal.

* Second Quarter: 21-7 ~ Packers *

On a Packers 4th and 5, the defense is called for encroachment—making a fourth and inches and Green rushes in for 10 yards.

* Third Quarter: 28-14 ~ Packers *

Pass interference on the Cardinals in the end zone puts the ball on the one-yard line. Favre scrambles in for his first rushing touchdown since 2001 and his first ever Lambeau Leap.

* Fourth Quarter: 31-14 ~ Packers *

November 5: Packers at Bills

Kick returner Terrance McGee takes the opening kickoff for 59 yards.

Kampman tied for first in the NFL for most sacks with 8 ½ and AJ Hawk leads the team with tackles.

QB-JP Lossman completes a nine-yard pass to TE-Robert Royal for a first down. RB-Willis McGahee rushes for nine yards. Kampman pressures Lossman forcing an incomplete pass. McGahee is hurt and leaves the game. Bills K-Ryan Lindell make a 28-yard field goal.

WR-Greg Jennings is back, but RB-Vernand Morency isn’t playing. Favre throws a pass to TE-David Martin good for a first down. Bills LB-Aaron Schobel pressures Favre into a shovel pass to WR-Donald Lee.

It’s a defensive quarter with each team punting twice.

* First Quarter: 0-3 ~ Bills *

Favre throws an interception on the eight-yard line and LB-London Fletcher takes it for a touchdown.

Packers are driving downfield and the Bills recover a fumbled snap by C-Scott Wells on the Packer 45. Bills offense can’t get anything going and punt.

Packers punt on the next drive, but respond with a 19-yard pass to Martin. After a sack, Favre throws to Jennings, who makes the catch between two defenders. The possession is challenged and upheld but luck swings back into the favor of the Bills when Wells misses the snap count again and the snap is fumbled and recovered by the Bills in the red zone.

* Second Quarter: 0-10 ~ Bills *

Green rushes for 25 yards, but they eventually have to punt. Their next drive starting on their own 35, was the best field position of the day. Favre hits Driver for 22 yards and again on a 3rd and goal for a touchdown.

* Third Quarter: 7-10 ~ Bills *

Packers K-Dave Rayner ties the game with a field goal.

Bills get the ball back and have some help advancing it with 20 yards of penalties from the defense. S-Marquand Manuel is injured and leaves the game, but it’s veteran CB-Al Harris who’s burned by the 43-yard play for a touchdown.

The Bills defense creates points for their team by intercepting Favre in the end zone, giving their quarterback the ball on the 21. RB-Anthony Thomas scores a touchdown with three minutes left.

The final nail was Barnett’s personal foul, which runs 27 seconds off the clock, ending the game.

* Fourth Quarter: 10-24 ~ Bills *

NFL News

Robert Ferguson placed on IR—Ferguson makes the statement that the Packers don’t want him anymore.

“Vick said he would love to play with the Colts offense. Yeah, so would his receivers—they would love to play with Peyton Manning.” ~Shannon Sharpe, CBS Pre-Game show

Big Ben leaves the game, suffering his second concussion since June, and plays in the next week’s Steelers loss.

Seahawks QB-Matt Hasselbeck is out for four weeks with knee injury.

“Adam Vinetari would have tackled him,” Chris Collinsworth, referring to the touchdown run back from an Indianapolis kick off when K=Martin Gramatica (Vineteri’s backup) couldn’t tackle the runner.

On Collinsworth segway to post game press coverage of a Cowboys game, “And now we’ll go to TO telling us how good he is.” --Looks like NBC has better writing than FOX Sports.

“I don’t know where the ball is because the camera guys aren’t following it—this is not a FOX game by the way.” Color guy on a FOX Game break for the Ravens-Bengals game.

Quarterbacks losing their starting role:
Dolphins: Daunte Culpepper (injury) to Joey Harrington
Cardinals: Warner to Rookie Matt Leinert
Titans: Kerry Collins to Rookie Vince Young
Cowboys: Drew Bledsoe to Rookie Tony Romo

Play of the Week: Cowboys K-Mike Vanderjagt’s field goal is blocked and recovered by the Redskins with seconds left in the game. The Redskins kicker, who had missed a field goal earlier in the day, and had made only two in the season made a 47-yard field goal, winning the game.

Terrell Owens draws a 15-yard penalty for celebrating in the end zone by taking a nap—which was a reference to reports earlier in the week that he fell asleep in a meeting. Later in the game, he dropped a sure touchdown pass 72 yards out.

Bears lose to the Dolphins 31-13, which ends their run at an undefeated season. Though die hards think this means they’ll go to the Super Bowl, because that’s how the 1985 season played out.

Hair today, gone tomorrow

A guy once asked me why women always get their hair cut really short after they got married. The first answer that popped into my mind is they're growing it out for that tradional (and hopefully) glamorous spectacular updo. And for the most part, I think that probably is the case. Kerry got her hair cut after her wedding and another friend is growing it out ... waiting for her guy to pop the question.

But it also occured to me this week that women hack it all off after they're married because they don't need to seek out and impress anyone. Yes, after marriage people still want to look nice, etc. for their mate. But they've already landed them. Just as the guy starts letting his nasty little habits come back into day to day life ... women do the same.

I had long hair all my life--except for that horrible haircut my sister gave me--and the number one reason I wouldn't consider cutting it for the longest time, is because I didn't want to look like a boy. Then as I got older and sick of my long, heavy hair I considered cutting it more seriously. The fear of not being as attractive or as femine kept my hair long.

One former boyfriend made some comment while playing with my hair and I said that chopping it all of was one of my life goals. He looked at me like I grew a second head and said that he certainly hoped I wouldn't do that. Women should have long hair. My thoughts: Well F#ck You Then. (Okay, so I knew it probably wasn't going to work out with him)

Now, with my short hair that's not weighing me down, but is frickin' cold in the winter--I feel happy, as cute as I was with long hair ... and I hope that guys don't look at me and think ugh...if only she had long hair (and yes, I know they probably aren't focusing on my hair first, but this is my current issue of semi-discontent)

Someone mentioned that I should grow my hair long again, find a boyfriend.

Is short hair boy repellent? What about Jenna Elfman? She was hot--and tall, okay that's probably a bad example. Oh well, I'm keeping my short hair until I get sick of it.

Burning cherry tree
Ev'ry blossom is aflame
Uh, here come the cops.

Autumn writing

I've noticed that it's hard for me to blog or write at this time of year. In other instances writing fills my spirit and often it's the only way I can work out my demons or find peace.

But during this time of year is when I do most of my writing at work. Two to three months of information gathering, research, interviews and finally writing. It wears me out so that I have no interest (or creativity) to randomly write.

I've been working on two stories just for the fun of it ... and continously cooking up other ideas, but once I get the paper in front of me, it just makes me tired.

I also have three or four packer games I haven't written about. I have my notes and the Monday paper, but can bring myself to do the further research on the internet ... laziness and a slow internet connection are a fatal combination.

Searching for new ideas to write about also has been getting to me. The first thing to spring to mind is usually complaining about something, but taking the lesson learned from Ms. Brey, I don't always want my rambling to have that negative flavor. The other thing that pops up is random observations ... unfortunately, I never have the forsight to write down my observation, so when it comes to my time at the keyboard, I can never remember my random tidbit. Alas.

Fuzzy

I’ve been sick for the past week. It hit full blown on Friday. Or maybe because I didn’t have to move or think it came in and decided to have a fun day. I think the cold is pretty much gone. My head doesn’t feel fuzzy any more and I had my first full night’s sleep in a week. I’m still kind of stuffy with a shaky stomach.

Today I’m drinking coffee because that’s what I do on Sunday mornings. It’s not quite hitting the spot it usually hits, but that’s prolly cuz I’m only tasting 75 percent of it.
I wanted to bake bread or make pancakes, but I’m not up to doing either. I am getting hungry though. I think I’ll have an early lunch.

I adventuring dedicately, trying to ascend before I hit 29 days, which will be a new best for me. At the same time, I'm trying to get all the bones for the new familiar from Spookyraven Manor. I have 28 bones, which means there's 72 to go! Gah, I have ignore all the adventures I'm wasting in the Haunted Conservatory.

It might be a tough week, I have a Monday night thing that'll last until 7:30, a meeting on Tuesday night and presentations at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. And I'm getting over from being sick. Damn. I can't cut out of any of them. I'm prolly a bad person for considering a way out of any of them.

I need my hair cut something fierce. It's getting quite shaggy and there's nothing I can do with it. The only problem is I'm nervous about finding a hair dresser closer to where I work. The one I currently go to is about 45 minutes from work, which means I have to go after. And she runs such stupid hours. But I can't complain, because she'll stay open late to take me. But still, if she would see me on a Friday, I could take it off and get my hair cut.

I'm just going have to bite the bullet and find someone else for the next one.

If Donte Stallworth plays for the Eagles on Monday Night and gets big points, and I lose ... I'll be pissed.

The Packer Post--Installment 47

September 24, 2006 ~ Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Packers went three and out in the first series. The Lions were able to put together significant drives with quick screen passes for 10 or more yards gains.

DT-Corey Williams sacked QB-Jon Kitna, ending a drive.

A 75-yard pass from QB-Brett Favre to WR-Greg Jennings scored the first touchdown of the game and Favre’s 400 touchdown. He was as excited and as jubliant as the first touchdown in the Super Bowl, this pass put him in the record books only behind Dan Marino.

Kitna connected to RB-Bryson on another screen pass for a 37 yard touchdown.

Packers offense sputtered, going three and out. With a breath of fresh air, S-Marquand Manual made his first career interception, from a pass tipped by CB-Amand Carroll and took 29 yards for a touchdown.

Lions offense responded with a 42 yard touchdown pass to WR-Roy Williams.

* First Quarter: 14-14 ~ Tie *

Packers make the drive down to the red zone, a high snap and incomplete pass result in a 24 yard field goal.

A screen pass from Favre to RB-Ahman Green for 15 yards seemed to get the momentum rolling again, until the Lions recovered a RB-Noah Herron fumble.

* Second Quarter: 17-14 ~ Packers *

Packers were given a first down after a personal foul call on a late hit on Favre. WR-Koren Robinson made a nice catch and Favre hit WR-Donald Driver for a five yard touchdown.

Lions return the kick 45 yards. Then have a 20 yard pass to Williams and a touchdown from RB-Kevin Jones.

* Third Quarter: 24-21 ~ Packers *

LB-AJ Hawk sacks Kitna to draw a K-Jason Hanson field goal.

Robinson returns the kick 30 yards, and Favre connects with Green for a 10 yard touchdown pass.

Williams sacks Kitna on a fourth down.

With 54 seconds left in the game, Green fumbles. With this second chance Lions make the drive down the field. Last play of the game, Kitna chucks a Hail Mary, but the Packers bat it away. Kitna gets up limping.

* Final 31-24 ~ Packers *

Points of Interest:
For the first time in the 2006 season, Brett Favre is not sacked!
Favre wins the Golden Peacock award (from NBC’s Sunday Night football, voted on by fans), the FedEx Air Player of the Week and the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Hitting/knocking down a player away from the ball draws a personal foul (new rule)--which John Madden dubbed the Chad Clifton Rule.


NFL News

Dolphins QB-Daunte Culpepper sacked 10 times in the first two weeks. The league is on pace to breaking the season overall sack record. Already in the start of the season there have been 170 sacks.

Buccaneers QB-Chris Simms is rushed to the hospital following Sunday’s game to remove a ruptured spleen. Simms left the game after a hit, but later returned. There is no report on when in the game this injury occurred.

Cowboys WR-Terrell Owens made sure his return to play was in the news and on the minds of the NFL. Owens’ publicist called the 911 saying he had taken too many pills. ESPN and other news sources reported it as an “attempted suicide.” When police arrived and were taking Owens to the hospital they asked him if he was trying to hurt himself. He said yes.

The next day he reported that it was a reaction to his other supplements and reports were untrue that said he got his stomach pumped or that he took more than 35 pills. His publicist went on to assure the press that “Terrell has 25 million reasons to live.”

From victim to villain in less than five seconds. New record, congrats again Owens.

Commentary:
On the CBS pre game show they asked the question that is asked every season. “Can anyone stop Michael Vick?” It just made me laugh. Every year, early in the season, every one talks about Vick like he’s the second coming—but by week 15, no one’s asking the question anymore. Because the one person who can stop Vick always does. Who? Michael Vick himself.

He’s an explosive player, sure, but when it comes to February he isn’t hoisting the Lombardi trophy. Would it be different if he more talent around him? I haven’t followed the Falcons too closely in recent years, but at various times he’s had a lot of talent around him. Maybe they’ve never pulled it together on both sides of the ball. Maybe. Could be. What if.

Vick always fizzles out. I wish the pregame shows would cover that. “Say, Michael, can you tell me and our viewers why you’re not consistent?”

I think he should give up being a quarterback and change over to wide receiver. He can’t pass in the pocket. Often is the lead rusher on the team. We know he’s fast. Hopefully he could catch. He’s tough enough to take a pounding, though has suffered a couple of injuries. Why not?
Yeah, he’s an above average quarterback. If he wasn’t people wouldn’t talk about him. But if he was a wide receiver, maybe he could be the best—without any qualifiers.

Murphy's NFL Law:

No. 1: The game you want watch will not be the one broadcast.

No. 2: On your fantasy team, the players you benched (because they haven't been scoring for two-three weeks you played them) will be featured on GameBreak for getting two or more touchdowns. Sit them and they will score. (Week 2: My bench scored 40 pts)

The Packer Post--Installment 46

September 17, 2006: New Orleans Saints at Packers

Packers start fast when DB-Aaron Kampman strips the ball at the 38 from Saints’ QB-Drew Brees.

Favre connects to Jennings for a 32 yard touchdown on a third down conversion. DB-Kabeer Gbaja Biamila recovers a fumbled ball, but the Saints’ defense pressures Favre, and the Packers put three points on the board with a K-Dave Rayner 24 yard field goal.

Packers come up with another turnover when DB-Nick Collins tipped the ball into CB-Al Harris on the 11. It was a bad decision by Brees throwing down the field with no receivers in the vicinity of Harris and Collins.

What looked like a bad snap from Packers’ C-Scott Wells turned into a good play. Wells recognized the neutral zone infringement and snapped the ball. Favre had to chase the ball for 10 yards then throw it away, but it turned out to be a positive play. Driver made a good catch for 5 yards that he turned into a 43 yard run down the field. A couple plays later in the series, Favre couldn’t find anyone to toss the ball to and took a sack, causing a 3rd and 13. Packers score from a 36 yard Rayner field goal.

* First Quarter: 13-0 ~ Packers *

Brees connects with TE-Mark Campbell for 33 yards and RB-Deuce McAllister runs three yards for the touchdown. After a short drive of modest gains, Brees makes a 26 yard throw to WR-Devery Henderson for the touchdown, Carroll on coverage.

* Second Quarter: 13-14 ~ Saints *

New pick up, former Viking, WR-Koren Robinson returns the kick off to the 30 and scuffled enough after the play to get the referees involved. Driver smoked CB-Mike McKenzie for 16 yards and S-Roman Harper body slammed Driver after he was down to draw a personal foul. Packers weren’t able to capitalize from this because TE-Bubba Franks drew an unsportsmanlike conduct call on the same play. Favre was intercepted by S-Omar Stoutmire in the end zone.

Brees hit WR-Joe Horn for 57 yards on a LB-Brady Poppinga missed coverage. Kampman sacks Brees, creating another fumble, this time recovered by the Saints. They settle for a 45 yard field goal.

Very little Packer offense and the Saints got the ball back. LB-Nick Barnett took a poor angle on RB-Reggie Bush and then couldn’t keep up with the number two draft pick, resulting in a 23-yard gain. Poppinga dropped what would have been an interception and K-John Carney made a 47-yard field goal. Favre hit Driver on a pass, and he smoked pass McKenzie again.

* Third Quarter: 13-20 ~ Saints *

The day’s play created a little more fire in the players, Favre was waving a towel on the sidelines and the defense tried to pump up the crowd more. A Carroll pass interference call gave the Saints a first down, and Brees connected with WR-Marques Coleston for a 25-yard touchdown. Green put another nail in the Packers’ would-be-win when he fumbled the ball on the Packers’ 25. McAllister took it in for the winning score.

RB-Noah Herron scored his first NFL touchdown, catching a six yard pass at 4:18 left in the game. Packers’ defense got the ball back to the offense for another try, but the receivers just couldn’t pull it in with two minutes left on the clock. The Saints get the ball and run down the remaining time on the clock.

* Final: 20-34 ~ Saints *

Commentary
The Packers showed more life in this game, but against a lower level team. The fact that they couldn’t put them away early in the game, or pull the win out in the end is somewhat troublesome. The receivers played a better game than last week, catching more balls and making some plays. They had nine dropped passes, and Favre’s favorite weapon remains Driver. When the defenses start focusing the majority of their attention on him, Favre will be in trouble. Green couldn’t get it together for a run game.

I’m not sure if it’s because of a young line, poor blocking by a tight end/fullback combo or what the deal is. I saw more fire and smiles out of Favre this week, but a couple of plays of frustration—after the play turned out in the Packers’ favor. Special teams has improved since last game—or just looks better because the Saints aren’t as good as the Bears.

As hard as it is to swallow, I think the trade of Samkon Gado was a good move. Noah Herron looks like he will be a good receiver, not sure about his rushing or blocking capabilities, but Green has a sufficient back up in him. Gado wasn’t getting it done on special teams, he got owned on coverage, blocked down the field. I want to see what Koren Robinson can do for the Packers pass game. I certainly hope they didn’t get him for just special teams returns.

September 10, 2006: Bears at Packers

* First Quarter: 0-7 ~ Bears *
* Second Quarter: 0-15 ~ Bears *
* Third Quarter: 0-19 ~ Bears *
* Fourth Quarter: 0-26 ~ Bears *

Packers’ defense did a good job stopping the run, limiting an explosive running duo of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson to 23 rushes for 103 yards. The secondary looked good on paper with Pro Bowlers CB-Al Harris, CB-Charles Woodson and DB-Marquand Manuel, but this didn’t translate to the field. While they played well, they consistently missed big plays, or the little yardage string together to keep drives going.

The offense wasn’t connecting. The most reliable pass was QB-Brett Favre to WR-Donald Driver. RB-Ahman Green looked good coming back from injury, but the run didn’t dominate the defense. Rookie WR-Greg Jennings dropped most chances he was given, and the tight ends were a non-factor.

For the most part, Favre made better decisions, taking less of a chance when he was put into a corner. But late in the game, Favre went on the field seemingly by himself, throwing the ball to everyone who moved. This resulted in two interceptions. Favre had 170 passing yards, 96 yards to Driver. This loss dealt the Packers and Brett Favre their first shut out since 1991. Echoing the country’s proclamation of the Packers the worst team in the NFL—or second worse if they got some props compared to the Oakland Raiders.

Week 1: My NFL picks 11-5

September 17, 2006: New Orleans Saints at Packers

Packers start fast when DB-Aaron Kampman strips the ball at the 38 from Saints’ QB-Drew Brees. Favre connects to Jennings for a 32 yard touchdown on a third down conversion.

DB-Kabeer Gbaja Biamila recovers a fumbled ball, but the Saints’ defense pressures Favre, and the Packers put three points on the board with a K-Dave Rayner 24 yard field goal.

Packers come up with another turnover when DB-Nick Collins tipped the ball into CB-Al Harris on the 11. It was a bad decision by Brees throwing down the field with no receivers in the vicinity of Harris and Collins.

What looked like a bad snap from Packers’ C-Scott Wells turned into a good play. Wells recognized the neutral zone infringement and snapped the ball. Favre had to chase the ball for 10 yards then throw it away, but it turned out to be a positive play. Driver made a good catch for 5 yards that he turned into a 43 yard run down the field. A couple plays later in the series, Favre couldn’t find anyone to toss the ball to and took a sack, causing a 3rd and 13. Packers score from a 36 yard Rayner field goal.

* First Quarter: 13-0 ~ Packers *

Brees connects with TE-Mark Campbell for 33 yards and RB-Deuce McAllister runs three yards for the touchdown.

After a short drive of modest gains, Brees makes a 26 yard throw to WR-Devery Henderson for the touchdown, Carroll on coverage.

* Second Quarter: 13-14 ~ Saints *

New pick up, former Viking, WR-Koren Robinson returns the kick off to the 30 and scuffled enough after the play to get the referees involved.

Driver smoked CB-Mike McKenzie for 16 yards and S-Roman Harper body slammed Driver after he was down to draw a personal foul. Packers weren’t able to capitalize from this because TE-Bubba Franks drew an unsportsmanlike conduct call on the same play. Favre was intercepted by S-Omar Stoutmire in the end zone.

Brees hit WR-Joe Horn for 57 yards on a LB-Brady Poppinga missed coverage. Kampman sacks Brees, creating another fumble, this time recovered by the Saints. They settle for a 45 yard field goal.

Very little Packer offense and the Saints got the ball back.

LB-Nick Barnett took a poor angle on RB-Reggie Bush and then couldn’t keep up with the number two draft pick, resulting in a 23-yard gain. Poppinga dropped what would have been an interception and K-John Carney made a 47-yard field goal.

Favre hit Driver on a pass, and he smoked pass McKenzie again.

* Third Quarter: 13-20 ~ Saints *

The day’s play created a little more fire in the players, Favre was waving a towel on the sidelines and the defense tried to pump up the crowd more.

A Carroll pass interference call gave the Saints a first down, and Brees connected with WR-Marques Coleston for a 25-yard touchdown.

Green put another nail in the Packers’ would-be-win when he fumbled the ball on the Packers’ 25. McAllister took it in for the winning score.

RB-Noah Herron scored his first NFL touchdown, catching a six yard pass at 4:18 left in the game.

Packers’ defense got the ball back to the offense for another try, but the receivers just couldn’t pull it in with two minutes left on the clock. The Saints get the ball and run down the remaining time on the clock.

* Fourth Quarter: 20-34 ~ Saints *


Commentary

The Packers showed more life in this game, but against a lower level team. The fact that they couldn’t put them away early in the game, or pull the win out in the end is somewhat troublesome.

The receivers played a better game than last week, catching more balls and making some plays. They had nine dropped passes, and Favre’s favorite weapon remains Driver. When the defenses start focusing the majority of their attention on him, Favre will be in trouble.

Green couldn’t get it together for a run game. I’m not sure if it’s because of a young line, poor blocking by a tight end/fullback combo or what the deal is.

I saw more fire and smiles out of Favre this week, but a couple of plays of frustration—after the play turned out in the Packers’ favor.

Special teams has improved since last game—or just looks better because the Saints aren’t as good as the Bears. As hard as it is to swallow, I think the trade of Samkon Gado for ?? was a good move. Noah Herron looks like he will be a good receiver, not sure about his rushing or blocking capabilities, but Green has a sufficient back up in him. Gado wasn’t getting it done on special teams, he got owned on coverage, blocked down the field.

I want to see what Koren Robinson can do for the Packers pass game. I certainly hope they didn’t get him for just special teams returns.

2006 Season Picks

I took a look at the season's schedule and made my picks. So here they are in writing so I can be embarrassed or vindicated in February:

NFC:

North
Bears 13-3
Vikings: 8-8
Packers: 6-10
Lions: 1-15

South
Falcons: 8-8
Panthers: 7-9
Buccaneers: 5-11
Saints: 4-12

East
Eagles: 13-3
Giants: 13-3
Cowboys: 9-7
Redskins: 5-11

West
Rams: 12-4
Seahawks: 11-5
Cardinals: 5-11
49ers: 1-15

AFC:
North
Steelers: 14-2
Bengals: 12-4
Ravens: 11-5
Browns: 8-8

South
Colts: 15-1
Jaguars: 12-4
Texans: 3-13
Titans: 0-16

East
Jets: 11-5
Pats: 9-7
Dolphins: 9-7
Bills: 3-13

West
Chiefs: 9-7
Broncos: 9-7
Chargers: 7-11
Raiders: 0-16

NFC Wild Card
Seahawks vs. Rams—Seahawks
Falcons vs. Eagles—Eagles

NFC Divisional
Giants vs. Eagles—Giants
Bears vs. Seahawks—Bears

NFC Conference: Giants vs. Bears--Giants

AFC Wild Card
Jets vs. Jaguars--Jets
Chiefs vs. Bengals--Bengals

AFC Divisional
Colts vs. Bengals--Colts
Steelers vs. Jets—Steelers

AFC Conference: Colts vs. Steelers—Colts

Super Bowl: Colts vs. Giants -- Colts

I'm not quite sure about the Giants making it ... but that's how the schedule pans out and I think they can beat the Eagles. So whoohoo~football!

Give me Miracle or Rent anyday over Lights shining on the Permian Panthers

I watched "Friday Night Lights" (the movie) for the first time last week. I don't know if I built it up too much if I don't have the male mind to truly appreciate it--but the movie was a disappointement. Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable. But it wasn't the gridiron classic worthy to kickoff each September.

When I say I don't have a male mind, I mean that there is something intrincicly different about our wiring. Peter Berg (who I've always been a fan of) said he doesn't understand women, maybe his world just doesn't translate into mine.

I know football. I have as much of an idea of how emotional high school football is as I can have without playing the game. But this movie just didn't touch me. The character development stopped when the football sequences began. The football action was filmed well, but so disjointed and incomplete in its editing.

And I just can't swallow all the liberty Berg took with the story. From changing Boobie's number, playing in Houston to fudging the actual game (they never made it to state championship). How did any of these changes further your story? As far as I can see they didn't, and now I don't trust what you tell me.

Sure Berg, you came up with a few good lines and your casting was awesome (Lucas Black--meow! I'm such a sucker for an athlete). This movie just didn't live up to the likes of Miracle.

This may be the best football movie so far, but there is much room for improvement.

Nervous

My opinion and emotions are still out concerning the 2006 Packer season. I'm not sure if I'm listening to too much ESPN, but the anti-hype is getting to me. There's nothing but disaster laid out for the green and gold and I'm afraid Brett Favre's legacy is growing increasingly tarnished.

Today's NFL defense was built to shut down the likes of Favre, and he's making no move to adjust. It's hard to say that a phenom's glory days are behind him and I'm doing all I can not to lose the faith.

Now, 10 years since that moment on top, the term fair weather will be tested. In days of paridy and dynasty anything's possible and it's the game that makes the Sundays glorious not the L vs. the W.

I can hear ya now

Cell phones. Can you imagine life without them? But the inevitable truth of time and getting older, we were the last generation that didn’t have a cell phone by the time we were 13. With that said, I would have more perspective on them right?

There was an article from a news service that I stumbled across griping that as the cell phones increase, etiquette with their use decreases. To a point I agree. There are the people who don’t turn them off in the movies, at meetings or during class. For the most part, the general public agrees these three areas are merit vibrate.

And recently, I’ve been vaguely annoyed when people take calls when they are out with others. It all depends on the situation. If I see you every day and we’re not engaged in conversation, by all means, answer your phone. But, if we’re out to lunch, talking or are otherwise engaging each other’s attention … you have voicemail. Utilize it. Take the call if you’re expecting it—if it has a purpose. Answering your phone while with someone else and starting to chat away idly—is a deal breaker for me.

This article tells a story of a mother with her children in a video store, appalled at a woman who is talking into her phone graphically about a surgery. How is this any different then if the person on the other line was in the aisle with them?

It also looks down upon using your unlimited minutes while shopping. I am frequently guilty of this sin. And I’m not gonna stop either. I’m not harming anyone, I’m being just as attentive to my surroundings as I would be without the phone and there’s nothing wrong with multi-tasking.

According to their 2006 survey of 2,119 adults on polite cell phone use:
--21 percent say it’s okay to talk during dinner at a restaurant—I say: if you’re alone and quiet: Yes. If you’re with someone: No.
--45 percent say its okay on the bus or subway. I say: 100%:Yes—it’s so amusing to listen to the convos, but if you miss the bus from your inattentiveness, it’s your own fault
--66 percent say its okay to talk in the checkout line. I say: Yeah, but only if you hang up when it’s your turn to pay

Come on people, cell phones are a great addition to our lives. In moderation, as with everything else. So use it. Be safe. And start being a little bit more respectful.

As we go along ...

Beyond being a wonderful event six years in the making, Kerry's wedding was a nice high school reunion--the high school reunion we'll never have.

And it's not because Estan is our president, but because we were able to share the evening as the SkillsUSA-VICA group once again, the factions from Colby and West De Pere reunited, save for a couple of friends. Friends we missed ... or at least, I missed.

Someone must have been smiling down on us that day at UW-Stout when these two groups intertwined. And, sure, it hasn't been happily ever after for everyone. But it says something that some of us are still internet buddies.

Because the truth of the situation is that I talk to these people more than most of the people I went to high school with.

When I was in middle school ... it was one great big game of trying to fit in. Sarah was hanging with the band buddies--I wasn't in band. Claudia was with the people who didn't care about school orcollege--and I cared. Lindsey Thell was with the theatre people, and, well, I'm an introvert. They were still all my friends. But no matter who I was with, I always felt uncomfortable. Faking a smile, waiting to be alone, so I could feel like myself.

Then I met Kerry, Jenny, Charity and Josie. (I already knew Heather, Lynn and Kriston--Kriston btw threw me under the bus by setting me up to piss off Heidi who then threatened to beat me up...thanks again for that Kriston.)

The eight of us formed a group without really trying to. Of course, we each were friends to varying degrees and some of us were part of other high school factions as well.

I finally belonged. And it was great! I didn't have to try to smile or even fake it. We had so much fun, and didn't care what others thought of us. And I really feel West De Pere is an extension of that group.

I'm not the same person I was in 2001, not by a long shot. And a couple more people who have been cut from the same cloth have made their way into my life.

But all of these people in the same room again was just great for me. I felt at home. Like myself. I wasn't transported back in the essence that I felt like that person from 2001--but I remember someone sulking in the window sill, the horrible "wrestling" in the hotel room and the origami frogs and footballs.

Pre-2001--Goo Goo Dolls, Travis Jervey ... somethings never die
2001--Licking discovered: thanks to Sarah Brehm & Kerry's Mom
2001--Llamas ... I don't know, I don't even care anymore, but they're amusing n0netheless
2005--San Francisco, Ghrirdelli Chocolate & wine ... new fascinations to add to the list!
2006--Together again

Things have come an gone, I've lost interest in some things, hobbies here there and everywhere, but for the above and some obessessions that never die --- as Laura said, Well, at least I'm consistant. :-)

The 2nd of July

Being able to sit in your living room and watch fireworks outside is spectacular.

Quest for the Cup

There is nothing more exciting in the Quest for Lord Stanley's Cup than an overtime ... well maybe a triple overtime that extends into the next day ...

But the ulimate ending of the quest is a Game 7. No holds barred. Smashmouth. Here's your dream so reach out there and take it -- fight for your life, pride and the Cup type of game.

I've witnessed three (that's counting this year's) Game 7's. And usually I would rather have the team I'm rooting against win the Game 7 then to see the Cup being unveiled and marched down it's red carpet during a Game 6.

Now, I am not in any way shape or form a diehard hockey fan. Classify me as casual at best. I watch hockey one time a year: The Stanley Cup Finals. I tried watching during the regular season, but I got bored.

Maybe it's because I don't have anything personally invested in any of the teams? Or it could be because it takes so long to get to what matters--the playoffs, or fight for the playoffs (like baseball or basketball). What's at stake when you're playing an endless number of series? Three or four or six losses here and there aren't so bad .. while in football ... your season is all but over. Those stakes are high--the team battles every week and as a fan you don't dare miss a game.

I gear up each year for these games. I know summer has started when i commit my nights to the ice. I don't follow the game enough to have "my team." I do have Cup favorites ... and unlike football, I can root against a team one year to cheer them on in the next. Buffalo Sabres vs. Dallas Stars -- I hated the Stars ... now they are probably closest to what could be my favorite team. Stars vs. New Jersey Devils (hated them). Devils are on my good list now.

My June was a little empty last year without the Finals.

But this year they completly screwed me up by putting Games 1 & 2 on cable. I couldn't get into Game 3, I wasn't able to watch Game 4. I saw most of Game 5.

They broke my system!

Game 6 I was back into swing. Thank god for Game 7, without it the whole series would have been ruined for me.

In order for me to get into this at all, I need a solid start, the history, the packages expounding on the random stories. How else will I know who I should be cheering for?

So hurrah for Game 7. And though I am merely a casual observer, I'm glad the Quest for Lord Stanley's Cup is back.

For God Sakes Big Ben, wear sunscreen!

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, was struck by a car while riding his motorcycle Monday morning. Roethlisberger, the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl at age 23, fractured his upper and lower jaw bones and broke his nose. He also sustained head lacerations in addition to losing two teeth and chipping several others. He underwent seven hours of surgery.

I have no problem with the fact that he was on a motorcycle or if he didn't a liscense. But Ben wasn't wearing a helmet. And I can't believe he could be so stupid.

Whatever happened to an ounce of prevention goes a long way? But of course there still aren't people wearing saftey belts, sunscreen, condoms and the like.

Pennsylvania law doesn't require people to wear helmets, so against the advice of his coach and others, Big Ben decided he'd go without. And he could have lost his career and his life instead of a couple of teeth.

I wish Big Ben a speedy recovery ... but next time Ben, put on a helmet ... and wear some sunscreen!

I don't know what happened ...

When I was a freshman in college something happened that I never dreamed would occur. I was involved in a bit of drama. Over a boy. Damn.

I didn’t see it coming, but once it hit, I could have walked away. So I suppose I’m to blame for not walking away.

I swore I’d never choose a boy over a friend. I still don’t think I did. I feel she chose him over me.

She is a relative. We called each other our favorite. We played together, exchanged presents at the festive holidays and birthdays. Vacationed together. Our parents stood up in each other’s weddings. She was the first person I felt comfortable with feeling “me.”

Our mantra was always “we should get together and do something.” It never happened.

So zip to my graduation party. (May 19, 2001) It was a friends-family mix. Throughout my senior year my friends and her had interacted, at school competitions, going to sporting events together. She kept disappearing.

I found her on the front step in my garage. “I’m going to break up with him,” she said.

This relationship has been … on and off or never was. I’m not really sure. When he was crushing on her she wasn’t interested and visa versa.

Later (It was the last day of school, so … May 31-ish) I get a phone call or IM (I don’t remember which), with a tearful exclamation of “He broke up with me.” She was so distraught that I completely forgot that she was going to do the very thing herself.

So eventually she stopped being so distraught, but not completely better. “Annoy him,” she said to me. “He never emails anyone. Email him everyday to drive him crazy.” Well, it was the least I could do.

Her mistake or mine?

He emailed back (July 6). Shock from all, and a little disbelief. The emails continued, and they were odd. Funny, silly, bizarre. And they felt like home.

And I realize what that says about me.

During this time I was involved with someone. Seemly boyfriend material. Decent job, some higher education. Paid for everything on dates. Worshiped the ground I walked on, but didn’t appreciate my shoes.

Needless to say, it didn’t last long. And I was not in the frame of mind of looking for a boyfriend …at least not until fall and college started. College. Not a sophomore in high school.

But the emails continued, and then she told him he couldn’t email me anymore (July 17). Maybe we worked out whatever caused it, because the emails still continued.

And at this point I wonder if this is a way for her to stay connected to him. Because I fed her information. She asked, I asked, he answered. He answered my questions.

He and I knew of each other since Elementary school. We met in at a wrestling match. Then at a football scrimmage.

“Come with me, Stacey,” she said. “He’ll be there and I can’t face him alone.”

I was so nervous, and I couldn’t figure out why. We walk down the sidelines, and there he was with that goofy smile. And we bonded over Family Guy.

And of course she was mad. Over the next few weeks she took it out on him, causing trouble for him in school. Yelling at him. Telling him we couldn’t be friends. Complaining I liked him more than her.

I didn’t. I told her I don’t rate friends. I wouldn’t trade one Lindsey for a Kerry. He was just different, and fun to talk to. It was my freshman year of college, everyone was moving away, and in this time, friends, no matter who they were, were very important. Including her.

Emails led to IMs. I went to a few of his football games. She told him he couldn’t like me or date me. He said he had no interest in me. I never considered him anymore than her ex-boyfriend.

I was still trying to help her move on. I don’t know what to say at this point. She really wasn’t into him, but the thought of him. Or what they once had or what she felt when she had a crush on him or the attention he paid her when he had a crush on her.

I remember going to a volleyball game with her and on the way home I told her that it was over. He wasn’t interested, and she needed to move on so they could still be friends. One day she’s scoping out all the cute guys, the next day she wanted him.

Then he asked me to a movie. I was feeling lonely because all my friends were away. It wasn’t about her. It wasn’t even about us. Then we realized it was the first thing he and I did without her.

Oh shit.

So this is probably where I become a bitch. I went over to her house. And told her. Before I went he and I discussed who should tell her and how we should deal with it. I don’t remember the conversation, I remember “Even Stevens” was on television and her blank stare. And I think I told her that we had fun and enjoyed being friends …but it wasn’t romantic, because had a crush on my chemistry partner.

He cared about her as a friend and truly wanted things to be “right” and everyone to be happy. He continually asked me how to make it better. And I advised to by best ability, which really didn’t help.

Several different times both of us had said “I won’t talk to you anymore if this is too much trouble.” Each time we said it was worth it. It still is.

We went to the homecoming dance together and she ignored me.

Even though all of this was my fault … I felt betrayed by her. Her friend liked him and would talk bad about me. And she never defended me. Some say, she talked bad as well.

Christmas she and I exchanged gifts … but I think that’s the last time we talked. Four years. She was my best friend, and she hasn’t spoken to me in four years.

I never wanted the drama. It’s too bad I met him like that. Sometimes I’m ashamed of the way we met.

But if I had to do it again … I’d still get involved.

Sdo ... and ... the other one who doesn't talk.

So what can I tell you this morning? Have you ever noticed my blogs are from Sundays? I guess Sunday mornings are when I can take things slow, do what I want, not be distracted or feel bad because I'm not being productive.

I have this perpetual state of guilt for not being productive ... and yet as I look at my room and other things ... I see that I'm generally not a productive person.

It's a wonder how I accomplished as much as I did in school. In fact, I wonder how I did it.

Some times I feel like I have split personalities ... *hums ode to Kerry, does it sound like the baby goat song? perhaps, but maybe more slow and mellow to fit the sunday morning mantra*

I had to be a somewhat overachieving person to get a gpa that earned me summa cum laude, be involved in the random clubs and activities, jobs and internships.

And yet ... I feel like the laziest person ever. Every weekend my desk is stacked with clothes that need to be put away, the damn drinking glasses stack up everywhere. I'm even too lazy to read now. It feels like all I do is watch tv and be on the computer. And yet ... since it's my fourth? month as an Accordian Thief, I reflect that my computer time is down. DUe to slow internet? possibly.

Why are these my activities? Because they let me unwind. Because I concentrate so much at work. Because I'm just so tired when I come home that I don't feel like doing anything else.

I feel split also from the intervert/extrovert tendencies. I feel like a totally different person when I'm sitting with family or my parent's friends. I suppose I appear antisocial to them. And that does truly makes me feel bad. I suppose I just don't know how to relate to them. And yet, yesterday I was in a parade, handing out stickers. While we were waiting we were all just hanging out, laughing, talking ... fun times.

As we were in the parade (and now that I think about it ... I think this was the first time I've walked in a parade .... was this the first time I've been in a parade???) Jeanne, a coworker, was in the crowd. "STACEY, STACEY!" I hear. I turn and there's Jeanne ... she comes to me and we exchange quick words, "We just started, I don't see the van, love the shirt, have a great time ..." a hug and yelling at her to take a sticker and I'm off again.

Of course there are all the public speaking encounters over the past three years .... Registrations, Transfer, Campus Preview Panels and now presentations and trainings. I've probably spoke to more than 500 people ... as a low estimate.

Would my family recognize me at these?

During an interpersonal communication class (freshman year?) this arogant kid all about drinking and the like turns around to me one day and asks, "Do you ever talk?" I think I smiled and said yes, all in good time. (Thinking, not to you. I have nothing to say.)

Later, I told Jeff this and he laughed. Who's that Stacey? he asks. Whenever I remind him that I'm and intervert he rolls his eyes at me. "Yeah, right."

When I was in high school they made me feel like being the intervert was bad. That you should try to be an extrovert ... they were better, they would get further in life. The extroverts were the jocks/cheerleaders or the choir people or the play people. You want to be like them. So I tried to be like them ... and I felt so fake. It didn't last for long.

In college, especially with Phil, they told us that every type is needed. We all make the world go round and we each have our balanced faults and talents because of it. Now, some probably call this fluffy hippy crap.

Maybe I'm a fluffy hippy.

But I don't try to be who I'm not anymore. I don't mind listening to conversation when I have nothing to add. I don't mind completely leading the conversation and taking control when I need to. I get a little nervous beofre speaking, but I'm getting better of talking off the top of my head.

I don't like drinking to get drunk. I don't like going to smoky bars to spend way too much money on a couple of drinks. But I'm not against making margaritas, uncorking a bottle of wine and then entertaining friends with mispelled words late into the night.

I crave the sophication, technology and high class lifestyle city life can bring. But I hate the concrete, the crowds and driving through traffic.

I love nature and enjoying our garden ... hate that there's no where to go or the long way to travel.

I love dispearing in the crowd and doing whatever the heck we want b/c no one knows us and will probably never see us again.

I like being the one everyone knows and when they have something to say to me.

So basically, I don't know what to do with myself.

I have potential job opportunities in North Carolina and Atlanta. And both sides of me have differnt opinions of them....like always i guess.

I was happy in sixth grade.
I hated 7th.
I felt comfortable in 8th.
I did my best to feel my way around 9th and 10th.
Junior and Senior year we had blast.
In high school I was excited to graduate and go to college to get rid of the dumb people, the people who didn't care ... find more people like me.
In college I realized the dumb people never leave.
In college I was looking forward to the "real world work force" for the resposible dedicated people.

Sometimes I feel like I'm back in high school.

The grass truly is greener on the other side. And sometimes I feel bad for the people who think leaving will make things better. Because I don't want to be the one who comes back b/c they couldn't make it.

Thought of the Moment: "I'm a paranoid schizophrenic. I am my own entourage." ~ Eddie from "America's Sweethearts"

~ Footnote: Long live Blurring the Edges!~

Kiss of Death

I was mixing chocolate pudding my with my grape nuts for breakfast. "What are you doing?" I was asked.

My response: the milk is going bad, I'm not eating it on cereal. Pudding has some semblance of calcium ... it'll do the trick.

"Speaking of milk," my mom said, "I went in the barn the other day and the little kitty ... "

"What?! Was she down? Was she missing?" * Silence * Good lord let her be missing. "Is she dead?"

Mom nods her head. "She wasn't moving much and was kind of cool to the touch."

I tore back to my room, throwing on clothes. Putting on shoes I run out to the shed.

The ladder is put away. My heart sinks.

I climb the saw horses. Mom comes in. "She's not up there anymore."

I jump down. The baby is laying in a pail on a bed of sawdust. I look down on her.

"She's not breathing," Mom says.

I gently shake the pail. No movement. I touch her with the back of my fingers. Her eyes are somewhat open. I shake the pail again.

Nothing.

I was just out here two days ago. She was moving around, starting to play. I was going to bring out toys so I could amuse her more.

If only I had come out here yesterday .... how could she have turned so fast?

My head immediately goes through all the cats that have died over the years.

The tiny one who was born in November--he was tan and striped. None of the other cats would go by him. I got busy and didn't come by him for a week. It got too cold.

The four babies who were abandoned by their momma. They were the hardest. We brought them inside to feed and try to keep warm. Watching them decline from balls of fur, skinnier, weak, to picking up limp bodies trying to get food in the mouth. I cried so much. I've never been so close to death that i could feel life slipping away.

My beautiful, talented Mr. Ripley ... the cat who could fetch tennis balls. I'm not sure anymore what happened to him.

Besides me. The kiss of death. The cats I liked would die, leaving the mean ones. Every time. Thoughts of what could I have done differently to save them ... or her? DId Fergie stop feeding her because I would pet her? No ... it wouldn't have taken that fast. Did I get her sick by bringing her in the house last week? Did she fall over the edge and hit her head or break her neck? I should have put her on the bottom level when I saw her playing at the edge ... :-(

It was hard for me to lose these cats over the years. As I got older I was able to handle it better, not be as attached.

I didn't even name this little one. I knew she would either start hating me or die. But I still thought she might be different. I thought maybe I would have a friend for the summer. And then maybe I could move out and have her inside. She was so fluffy and furry and calm, with a white tipped tail.

I saw on the news the other day that inside cats have double the lifespan than their outside counterparts. Damn the inevitiable heartbreak.

100 Hundred Facts about me

1. Eating raw onions gives me a headache.
2. I like my job.
3. I didn’t like my birthstone (emerald) until I watched Wizard of Oz.
4. I used to run from the kitchen to my room because I thought evil things lurking in the dark places would get me.
5. Cutting 12 inches of hair crossed off my life goal of getting my hair cut like John Rzeznik, lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls.
6. I have my ears pierced the same way Rzeznik does (or did in 2001).
7. My staple piece of jewelry is his trademark silver ball-bearing necklace.
8. I’ll trust you until you give me a reason not to, but once you do, stay away from me.
9. I am extremely loyal in everything I do, and I expect my counterparts to be as well.
10. I cried when I found out I needed glasses.
11. Now I wear my glasses more than my contacts.
12. I think I look cute in my glasses.
13. I used to read several books a week.
14. Since graduating from college, I have read two books cover to cover.
15. I don’t believe “The DaVinci Code” is completely fictional.
16. I don’t respect Eric Clapton because I feel he used his son’s death to sustain his celebrity.
17. I don’t like John Travolta. I don’t quite know why.
18. My nails aren’t very strong and break easily.
19. I love flowers, but think wedding roses are cliché.
20. My favorite flowers are irises and calla lilies.
21. My main character Family Guy hierarchy is: Brian, Stewie, Chris, Lois, Peter, Meg.
22. Van Gogh is my favorite artist.
23. My two best Goodwill finds are my Italian Espresso maker and Van Gogh orange vodka bottle.
24. I believe God comes to you in the way you can most easily comprehend.
25. My favorite animals are cats, ducks and llamas.
26. Don’t ask me what the deal with the llamas is. I don’t know.
27. My guilty viewing pleasure is the WWE.
28. I own two Green Bay Packer jerseys: Brett Favre and Travis Jervey.
29. I don’t remember the Thundercats, but my family tells me it was my favorite cartoon.
30. I’ve broken my left ankle, left clavicle and a couple of toes.
31. I have Lymes Disease. Before I was diagnosed I had a 104 fever. Three days of not sleeping. Four antibiotics. I wanted to die.
32. <-- My favorite number.
33. I’m a liberal democrat.
34. I don’t support the death penalty.
35. I love PBS.
36. Despite her attempts at world domination, I still like Martha Stewart.
37. When I was a kid, Tom Cruise was my favorite actor. Today it’s Matt Damon.
38. I used to think South Park with ignorant and immature. Now I’m hooked.
39. I have six piercings. I would like to get more.
40. Marilyn Manson completely fascinates me.
41. Ghost Whisper and Extreme Home Makeover make me cry every time.
42. I’ve never had braces, but my teeth are perfectly straight.
43. I don’t like milk chocolate.
44. My favorite cookies are Lemon Oat Laces.
45. I’m afraid of spiders and snakes.
46. I love the television series M*A*S*H*
47. I have a Quote Notebook where I collect fun and inspirational quotes.
48. I am Pro-Choice, though I don’t know if I would be strong enough to have an abortion.
49. In middle school I worried so much about everything I made myself sick.
50. I love watching cooking shows and trying out new techniques.
51. I don’t feel comfortable in my extended families anymore.
52. I believe in multiple soul mates rather than one romantic match.
53. I have only met one Viking fan I completely enjoy and respect.
54. A messy room makes me claustrophobic.
55. When I take trips, my new souvenir is to steal spoons. Just regular eating spoons.
56. I prefer white wine to red.
57. My eating weakness is at night.
58. I drink coffee for the taste of it, not the caffeine.
59. If I need to stay awake at night, coffee does help, but I’m not sure if it has the same effect in the morning.
60. I feel even though I graduated college with highest honors, have a full-time job in my degree and have a good start, my family judges me on my lack of mate rather than these accomplishments.
61. I don’t eat things I don’t like – it’s a wasteful use of calories.
62. I would love to have a cat in the house.
63. I love polishing silver; removing stains from clothes frustrates me.
64. I used to think Freddy Krueger would come out of the shower drain.
65. It wasn’t until high school that I first watched “IT” all the way through and realized the shower drain fear came from that movie.
66. I physically jumped back when it was revealed that IT was really a spider.
67. I have no time for people who put others down.
68. I’ve had a crush on a professor.
69. I didn’t like football until seventh grade.
70. I’m not naturally physically gifted or good at sports. But if I practice I’m pretty good.
71. I never get a chance to practice.
72. Math was my most difficult subject.
73. I was good at math when concepts were applied in physics and chemistry.
74. I’m worried about the future, but not sure how to plan for it.
75. I got a Rubik’s cube for my 19th birthday, but I haven’t solved it yet.
76. I don’t like beer, but I love Guinness.
77. I refuse to pledge my allegiance. Especially to a flag.
78. I’m terrified of becoming that crazy cat lady.
79. As a child, I hid in many places, crying because of the yelling in my house.
80. I’m not over the hurt of losing who I thought was a good friend.
81. Though it wasn’t an ideal situation, I wasn’t wrong. I accept the consequences.
82. I hate wearing socks. I hate soggy socks even more.
83. I think uniforms are sexy … and against my better judgment, that includes baseball.
84. If I have a son, I want to name him Derian Christopher.
85. I just recently realized that I do want to have children someday.
86. I hate going to the bank.
87. I love horror movies and am always looking for a movie to scare me.
88. I can fit my fist in my mouth.
89. I would like to be a published writer.
90. My eyes are always dilated.
91. I hate when women say (or act like) that they aren’t complete without a man.
92. With that said, what does an independent, strong woman who likes sports have to do to get a boyfriend?
93. I can use a computer mouse with either hand.
94. Accents are completely sexy, even the New York and Boston ones.
95. I want to improve my posture, but it feels like a losing battle.
96. I am completely, 100 percent against tanning whether it is in a bed or outside. I never go out in the summer sun without sun block.
97. September 11, 2001 deterred me from becoming a journalist.
98. I still love “The Monster at the End of this Book.”
99. I want to receive a master’s degree … I’m just not sure what it will be in.
100. I love Old Dutch’s Dill Pickle chips!