Heaven Help Us

If you have not noticed, our dear, confused "friend" Andrew has begun his own blog. It is linked to the right along with the blogs of our other friends, so take a peek if you dare. Mar and I have been at him for awhile, trying to get him to start a blog since it has proven to be a great tool for communicating with everyone. At first he refused, saying that blogs are only for people who want to sully the landscape with liberal propaganda, but he has finally seen the light. Make sure read his missives after putting the women and children to sleep, for it is not for the feint of heart.

Why Is Mike Singletary Not Our Coach?

Let it be said that I like Lovie Smith, but after seeing this clip, I love Mike Singletary. Most of us know Samuri Mike from his standout career as the Hall of Fame middle linebacker that anchored the 1985 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears. Singletary has always been a fan favorite and in the last few years, he has been mentioned as the next former player that will be a great coach. During Sunday's game, Singletary told tight end Vernon Davis to head to the showers after he committed a personal foul penalty for smacking an opposing player. There was still a quarter left, and Davis has to ability to be a game breaker. During his postgame press conference, Singletary responded to several questions from the press. Judging from this video, I think the assumptions of Singletary the coach will be true: 

This is exactly the type of passion every coach should have, especially pro coaches. We live in a world of prima donnas and I can only hope that this man will one day coach the Bears. 

Hopefully, The Hardest Part Will Be Getting The Horses In The Water

Drumroll, please. I would like to inform everyone that I will be coaching water polo this year. It became official last week, so I am a little late in getting this news out, but we are both really excited. Hopefully this will be part of the break that I need and will lead to a full-time instructional position. If anyone has any words of wisdom, do not be afraid to share. Hopefully I won't jeselnick it up.

The Year of the Babies...

So as many of you may know Chris and I had "The Year of the Weddings," hm, three years ago.  Well, as many of you may have guessed, we have now entered "The Year of the Babies!"  So, I figured a little post with some pictures of all of our newcomers would be appreciated. 

So, to all of our new mom's and dad's--you've produced some *cute* little munchkins. . .

SO...in order of their arrival into our world:

On Wednesday~

June 4, 2008 at 10:01 pm

Miss Macy Marie arrived!

8 pounds 12 ounces 21 inches

On Friday~

June 6, 2008 at 1:32 pm

Miss Eleanor Elizabeth arrived!

8 pounds 3 ounces 20.5 inches

On Monday~

September 15, 2008 at 6:54 am

Miss Adeline Elena arrived!

7 pounds 12.5 ounces and 19 inches

On Thursday~

Mr. Jackson Joshua arrived!

September 25, 2008 at 8:01 am

7 pounds 5.5 ounces 20 inches

On Wednesday~

October 8, 2008 at 6:43 pm

Mr. Cole Urban arrived!

8 pounds 11 ounces 21.5 inches

On Wednesday~

October 15, 2008 at 2:55 pm

Mr. Noah Taylor arrived!

8 pounds 8 ounces 19 1/4 inches

Congrats to all of our friends and their new families!  Again, we've got some beautiful babies are posted above here.  I've left off their last names...if you haven't noticed. :)  However, if you don't want your little one on our post, please let me know, and I'd be very happy (and understand) to take him or her off. :)

Love to you all!

Can't wait to see these little ones continue to get bigger and bigger by the day!

**also, thank you all for the pictures...I just swiped them off of your own blogs...obviously.**

UnAmerican As Apple Pie?

So, our beloved Sarah Palin gave an especially inspired talk this week down in Greensboro, North Carolina. During this speech she let the following gem loose:

"We believe that the best of America is in the small towns that we get to visit, and in wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard-working, very patriotic, very pro-America areas of this great nation. This is where we find the kindness and the goodness and the courage of everyday Americans."

Can someone please tell me what the "real America" is? Last I checked, we are all Americans. I find it insulting that she would demean or imply that those of us that do not live in small towns do not work as hard and lack the "kindness, goodness and courage" that the denizens of smaller communities appear to have in abundance. EVERYONE I know and work with, with the exception of someone we will call Pandrew Prago (Just kidding Pandrew, so don't take me seriously, if you exist that is), work very hard and does everything within their power to live the American dream. This includes educators, engineers, scientists, municipal workers and even project managers (who we all know delegate the hard work to the littles).

Anyways, I am increasingly disappointed with the rhetoric that the McCain/Palin campaign has chosen to use and the levels that they have stooped in this very combative election year. Their attempts to spark fear and division in the country during their speeches has been despicable and irresponsible. While I do give credit to Senator McCain for admonishing the fools that have yelled "Kill him!" and "Terrorist" in regard to Senator Obama during GOP campaign stops, I think he needs to look in the mirror and ask him what has inspired people to yell such hateful things. This is not to say that Senator McCain is a hateful person, but some of his smear tactics and the choice of words during the campaign speeches have emboldened a few morons into believing that type of language is acceptable when electing our next President.

Sorry if this sounds a little like grandstanding, but I was honestly offended by Palin's comments. Now I will proceed to finish working on my supposed Saturday morning off before heading to my other job to work the lunch shift. Then I will go support a friend and her newborn baby, and make my final stop at home for the end of my six-day workweek. Tomorrow I will watch the Bears game, do chores around the house, grocery shop and hopefully have a quiet evening dinner with Marilyn before the start of my 65-hour workweek on Monday. Oh, but us folks in metropolitan areas apparently don't know what "hard work, kindness, goodness and courage" are.

How the Bears Jeselnicked the Game Away

After watching last week's unraveling, I was rather frustrated by what some people would call play calling and others would call gutlessness. First off, the Bears really had no business winning that game in the first place, but the loss still stung. Their third down defense was a joke all game, and their secondary was full of second and third stringers. But somehow they were able to finally take the lead with 11 seconds left after trailing for nearly the whole time. 

So, now that they had the lead, with virtually no time on the clock, what does Lovie decide to do? A stinking squib kick. I will never understand the rationale behind this totally gutless approach. We are talking about professional players who are paid hundreds of thousands, if not millions to tackle one man with a ball in his hands. Did Lovie forget that the Bears are the team that have Devin Hester, not Atlanta? Anyways, I'm sure that we all know how this blew up in the Bears' face and Atlanta kicked a game winning field goal as time expired after starting on their own 44-yard line and completing a 26-yard pass. 

Dr. Z. of Sports Illustrated put it perfectly:

"Chicago Bears (3-3)

Chicken football, by way of a squib kick, did them in.Jerious Norwood ranked 18th in the league in kick returns, going in. I mean we're not talking about Gale Sayers here. OK, he broke one against you the time before, so you get your special teamers on the sideline and grab 'em by the throat and say, "Cover, dammit. This is the ballgame." Instead, with 11 seconds left, you played puss in boots and set the Falcons up at the 44, which required one 26-yard pass to move them into field goal range and end the contest. You were playing on the road, so you know what the clock was going to be like. Having only five seconds run off, counting return, etc., and then only five more after the pass, never would have happened in Chicago, but...ah, why go on? No more short kickoffs, OK? If you're going to go down, go down like men!"

I have remained loyal to Lovie and his methods from the beginning, but after squandering three fourth-quarter leads this year, I'm starting to question some of the team's play calling. Let's hope they can get their act together and take advantage of a weak division before we find ourselves mired in another under performing season.

Mr. Puddles! Where Are You?!!

Here is another great Daily Show clip about the debate. I hate to have two political themed posts in a row since we hear so much about it already, but I think this was hilarious.

I hope he will eventually find Mr. Puddles.

My Favorite John Stewart Quote Ever

I have been very quiet about the presidential race, but I had to pass on this nugget from John Stewart. He was speaking at a function the other night and hit us up with this delightful quip:

"[Sarah Palin] is like Jodie Foster in the movie 'Nell.' They just found her and she was speaking her own special language."

Naturally, I find this quote to be hilarious. I keep trying to figure out how anyone can identify with her given the constant nonsense that comes out of her mouth. She seems to be totally out of touch with the general public and nobody seems to notice. While I do not completely buy the argument that she needs to stay home and take care of her family, I think that she may be taking a bigger bite then she can chew.

Gutless

While I try not to dig on the unfortunate few who pledge their allegiance to the white sox, this article makes it difficult not to. As we know, we are a Cubs household (Me, Wrigley, Murphy and Gracie outnumber Marilyn), and I try to be subtle about my support. However, some people believe that Cubs fans take their fandom a little too far. This story shows how sox fans are the ones that take it too far. Is it too much to ask for a them to be gracious in good times and bad. Ever since the 2005 season, most sox fans I know have become completly insufferable, and this is evidence of that theory. I understand that it may be a little difficult to show a little class, but I know that it is possible. 

What Goes Around Comes Around -- Right?

So, yesterday I went back to my old place of employment.  I had an interview to work with a different girl in a wheelchair--way more needing assistance than the girl I worked with last year.  Mind you, I already told them no to work with this girl.  I was sort of just being nice to come in and interview.  My name must've been dropped somehow, by someone.  So, I went, and it was a great reason to visit with some old colleagues.  

**sidenote**

For those that don't know-- I am not working at the school or with the girl I was last year because the assistant principal, pretty much gave my job away.  My job that they really wanted me back for (the teachers and the girl).  REAL quick version:  Talked to him on Monday (week before school starts) and he give me the run down of this girl they found to replace me.  I told him that I was waiting to hear back  from a different school--IN THE DISTRICT--about a teaching position (which he knows that I'm a certified teacher).  I said to him, I'm going to be honest with you, they're supposed to call tomorrow and let me know.  If I tell you yes now, and they call me tomorrow and offer me the job, I'll have to call you tomorrow and then tell you no.  (I'm sure you see how this ended up).  He told me he'll try to hold her off.  I then get a call back (hm...2 1/2 hours later).   The assistant principal leaves me a message and states, "Uh, good luck with your phone interview with Champagin and good luck with the other school in the district--we've offered the other girl the job."  And that was it.  Which is why I'm still looking for SOMETHING in October.

**sidenote ended**

When I graduated in May of 2007, I never in a million years would have expected to have such a hard time finding a job. I mean, c'mon, I graduated with a teaching degree from Illinois State!  ISU is a teacher's school!  A teaching degree from ISU means you'll just find a job--no problem at all.  Snap!  Presto!  You've got a job.  UM, no.   So, when I got my job last year in mid-September, I was so thankful.  Then my **sidenote** happened the week before school started.  *sigh* So lately, I've been searching for other jobs, something other than teaching.  Which hasn't really gone all that well either--especially with this economy shaping up the way it is.

Needless to say, it was WONDERFUL being back at the school I worked at last year.  I really, really miss it.  I worked with *such* wonderful people last year, and it was great to visit with them.  Also, most importantly, I got to see the girl I worked with last year!  Who mind you was driving her wheelchair and screaming down the hallway towards me, "MISS MARILYN, MISS MARILYN!!!  I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE HERE!!"  It truly warmed my heart.  

But yesterday.  Yesterday being back at school, seeing my girl that I worked with last year.  Being back around the colleagues that I liked and admired so much made me think...how could I not teach?  Really, what was I thinking?  Everything happens for a reason right?  What goes around comes around?  The good, the bad, and the ugly?  (I could come up with more.... ) 

The good: Graduating from ISU! Getting my job last year!

The bad:  Having my job go to another.

The ugly:  *sigh* This economy.  I still need people to move!  I need them to retire!  

SO, my logic is...that everything DOES happen for a reason.  What that reason is right not...not quite  *too* sure.  And I am a firm believer that what goes around comes around, that means "The Good" for me is right around the corner--right?  

No, Cubs, No

Well, it's over. Another year, another let down. I have to admit, this one hurt, but not as bad as 2003. On the plus side, I had a great time watching them this year. Ninety-seven wins is hard to deny, and while I expected them to continue their success in the postseason, it simply was not meant to be. As the saying goes, "There's always next year."

P.S.

After much thought, I have decided to put the blame on Anthony for speaking negatively about the Cubs in a previous post and Marilyn's black magic troll/gremlin.

Black Magic

Our home has been cast under an evil spell for the last two weeks. As most of us know, I recieved a wonderful birthday gift from my brother in the form of our Cubs Gnome Frankie. Well, a couple of former acquaintances believed that it would be fun to purchase Marilyn a white sox troll/gremlin. I fear that he is full of evil spirits and constantly attempts to cast spells on Wrigley, Murphy and I. It is truly a scary situation. Please send any recommendations as to how I am rid my home of the black magic. For the time being, I am going to fashion a garlic necklace to hang from his neck. Thank you for any help you can provide. In the meantime, here is a picture of the troll so you know the seriousness of the problem:

P.S.

I have made sure that Mar does not feed him after midnight and so far, I have prevented him from getting wet.

The Greatest Song Ever Written

Most people know that I am very loyal fan of the band Pearl Jam. Their lead singer is a gentleman by the name of Edward Vedder, and he was born in the suburb of Evanston. Well, Mr. Vedder is nothing less die hard fan of a baseball team called the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs play at Wrigley Field, otherwise known as the "Greatest Place On Earth." Last month, Mr. Vedder played a couple of solo acoustic shows at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. During one of the shows, Mr. Vedder played a new song that was inspired by a meeting with Ernie "Mr. Cubs" Banks at this years Cubs Convention.  The song is called "Someday We'll Go All the Way." Here are the lyrics:

"Someday We'll Go All the Way"

Yeah, don't let them say that it's just a game.
Well, I've seen other teams and it is never the same.
When you go to Chicago, you're blessed and you're healed, The first time you walk into Wrigley Field.

Heroes with pinstripes and heroes in blue, Give us the chance to feel like heroes do.
Whether we'll win and if we should lose, we know Someday we'll go all the way.
Yeah, someday we'll go all the way.

We are one with the Cubs, with the Cubs we're in love.
Hold our heads tall as the underdogs.
We are not fairweather, but farweather fans.
Like brothers in arms, in the suites and the stands.
There's magic in the Ivy and the old score board.
The same one I stared at as a kid keeping score.
In a world full of greed, we could never want more.
Someday we'll go all the way.
Yeah, someday we'll go all the way.

Here's to the men and the legends we've known.
Giving us faith and giving us hope.
United we stand and united we'll fall
Down to our knees the day we win it all.
Yeah Ernie Banks said, "oh, let's play two".
I think he meant two hundred years.
Playing at Wrigley, our diamond, our jewel.
The home of our joy and our fears.
Keeping traditions, and wishes anew,
The place where our grandfathers' fathers they grew.
The spiritual feeling if I ever knew.
And when the day comes for that last winning run, and I'm crying and covered with beer.
I look to the sky and know I was right today.
Someday we'll go all the way.
Yeah, someday we'll go all the way.

As you can see, this song is capable of moving people on an emotional level, so go ahead and wipe away the tears if you need to. I heard this song earlier this evening on 93.1 WXRT, home of Chicago's finest rock, and thought it was the single greatest song I have ever heard. If you have not heard it, please note that this will be the song that Marilyn and I dance to. 

Where Were You?

I know where I was. Sitting on my couch with my hands clasped and holding my breath. Then at approximately 9:22 P.M. on Sunday, September 14, 2008, Carlos Zambrano threw a no-hitter. That's right, I said Carlos Zambrano threw a NO-HITTER. It has long been a dream for us loyal Cubs fans to see a no-hitter, for the last one occur ed in 1972. The opponents were the Houston Astros and the site was Miller Park in Milwaukee. It was another great moment in what has been a season of great moments. Please continue your prayer campaign as we approach the playoffs. 

I Heart Jon Stewart AND The Daily Show

Everybody has their own views on this matter.  However, if you are in the media...on TV...recorded, you probably should stick with the same viewpoints!!  Just my opinion though...

I hope you all enjoy!

(p.s. Thank you Melinda Renee!)