Friday, April 22, 2011

Happy Easter!

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.  ~S.D. Gordon

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.  ~Robert Flatt

Well, with Easter weekend here I feel like it is time for me to reflect on my own life. Even in my lowest times I have always had a wonderful family who would bend over backwards for me. I can honestly say that I thank God everyday for the amazing life he has given me. I have to admit, just about everyday I come to the conclusion that people really do suck now. I know that sounds awful, but it's true. Then, I read a story about something amazing someone did and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Yes, there are so many bad people who can bring your mood down, but there are a lot of wonderful people who can lift your spirits and renew your faith in the human race.

I can't say that I have always woken up and rejoiced that the sun was shining and that I was alive to see another day. I had some bad things happen to me that I let keep me down for years. In high school I rarely let anyone get close to me and that continued on through college. Even the people that appeared to be my best friends, never really seemed to know me. In college, I had a boyfriend that in all honesty I cared a great deal for, but if it wasn't for the hardships in his life, I wouldn't have kept him around. I wanted to help him. I guess because at the end of the day, I didn't have a clue how to help myself. I was walking around with my cross around my neck pretending I knew God. It was like I always heard, "you can go to church, but it doesn't make you a Christian anymore than walking into McDonalds makes you a hamburger." I was depressed and didn't want to be around anyone else. Truth be told, I'm still running, but more to start over now. I know I have come off cold in the past, but deep down I have an extremely big heart. I had always been exceedingly afraid of someone seeing me as vulnerable. Of someone seeing me cry or hurt or love or care; and because of that I ruined a lot of close or potential friendships. I no longer care if people see my emotions, and I mean that. I've grown to understand that strength isn't about bottling everything up inside, but really being able to be yourself and be comfortable with who you are. I'm excited for the new beginnings and new life that God has put in front of me. I'm happy that Easter not only allows us to remember Christ's resurrection, but our own rebirths each year.

A great song that sums up how I feel:
I'm Not Who I Was by Brandon Heath

On a more somber note...my Twins...are like all kinds of sick or hurt. Tonight's game being rained out was kinda-sorta-maybe a blessing. I knew God was a Twins fan! ;) I'm hoping for a happy, healthy lineup so we can start winning some games. And here's to keeping Luke Hughes in the majors! I am thoroughly impressed with him and the way Butera has stepped up behind the plate. I'd prefer to see Hughes at 2nd and Nishioka at shortstop. I like Casilla, but his offense is extremely weak and in general always has been. If Tsuyoshi's Japanese Gold Gloves hold true, his defense will be a strong enough replacement. Let Hughes get comfortable playing in the bigs and I think he will surprise people. I was actually rather ticked to see him moved down at the start of the season. I am beyond excited that Cuddy has started hitting, I knew he would. I'm a firm believer he is the MVP on the team. Thome and 591!! Only 9 more homers and he will be in the 600 club! A great achievement for an even better guy.

Oh, and I've been saying all along Boston would turn it around. The American League Eastern Division is going to be tough this year. I'm a Carl Crawford fan and I'm still waiting for his numbers to begin to rise. They will, trust me. He batted .307 last year and has consistently batted above or around .300. His .128 will rise to normal eventually. I feel like when you sign a 7 year, $142 million contract you have a target on your back. He knows it, too. I've seen it in the comments about Joe Mauer from Minnesota fans. These guys are not demanding these contracts, they are offered them. Who is going to refuse? Once the money starts to roll in the fans expect perfection. They believe you are getting paid an astronomical amount and should never fall short of their unworldy expectations. He played for Tampa Bay from 2003-2010, if he was given some time to adapt before everyone starting asking for his head and wallet, he might not be doing this poorly.

The NFL draft is coming up this week and my Vikings need some good rookie talent! We need a winning season...it feels like it's been forever.

Um, Blackhawks and Caps?! Yeah buddy! I think the Canucks awoke a sleeping giant in my Blackhawks, and thank goodness! The talent has been there all season, it just seems like they fall asleep during the games. They'll be skating hard and playing aggressive then all of a sudden it's like they just want a mani-pedi and a fluffy pillow to rest their princess heads on. Here's to hoping that drive sticks around because I really don't like the Canucks. They are my hockey equivalent of the Yankees. Bleh.

I fly to Minnesota next week to see my beautiful sister! I'm so very excited, and yet I have enough anxiety I could burst. I didn't think it was possible to get stressed a week before a flight, but as soon as I booked it my nerves went nuts. Flying freaks me out. I do it because it is the fastest way to get there, but really, honestly, I'm worse than a 5 year old. I hold my breath and grip my armrests for dear life. I'm surprised my head doesn't explode. I hope no one is sitting next to me because I manage to look like a goof the whole time. I had to fly to Arkansas recently by myself and I let out a squeal when the plane started rockin. It was a teeny tiny plane. It was all businessmen, they just kind of looked at me like I was nuts. I can't say I blame them. I'm way too old to be acting like this. Anyways, I sincerely have missed Minnesota and can't wait to get back! Kinda hoping I won't be coming back permanently. I love Texas, but I need a break. 23(ALMOST!) years has been long enough. I will miss my Grizzbear though! :(

Speaking of 23 years, my birthday is coming up. It makes me feel old and unaccomplished. I guess that's what happens after 21? Lame.

Big gulps huh? Welp, see ya later!





Saturday, April 16, 2011

Goodbye, Winter! Hello, Spring and Baseball!

Lesson Learned: Never a good idea to have a snowball fight with someone who can throw 90 mph...accurately. Thanks, brother.

Today, I made beignets! I guess the Southern and Cajun(parents are from there…isn’t it time for a crawfish boil?) came out in me all at once. Or, it could be the ABC Family movie I watched the other night...I'm not sure. They were yummy and I can't believe I have never made them before.

Check http://www.deepsouthdish.com/2010/02/french-market-beignet-doughnuts.html for the recipe. I cut back on the powdered sugar, because I’m not a huge fan of it.


I haven't written in a long while, but am excited to start back up again. Things have been a bit chaotic around my house. My parents have various renovations projects going on and are trying to complete at least the outside projects before summer hits. Texas summers=not fun. Working out there in 100+ degrees is pretty brutal. I worked an event yesterday for the AirHogs. They had a Tea Party Rally out at the ballpark. It was actually pretty interesting to see all the different people that came out to support it and check it out. It broke down a lot of stereotypes that I have read about the Tea Party. I can't personally say I like to get into politics, but I'm happy that other people are so passionate about it. Anyways, it was fun, everyone was nice, and despite not really doing anything but parking, it was a cool experience.
Alright, so it has been so long since I've written that baseball has been going on for 2 whole weeks! I've been talking about it plenty, just not writing. I guess my family is officially tired of hearing about it.
- My poor, poor Twins. They will pick it up, but the past couple of weeks have felt like an entire season. It's probably the girl in me, but the frustration on their faces breaks my heart. It seems like a lot of the time they will hit the ball hard, but it just goes straight to someone. The hitting is already starting to come around, just not as clutch as it needs to be. It's a tough start to the season, but there are like 150 games to go. No, you don't want to get behind, but you don't get your head down either.
- Despite Toronto crushing my Twins, I've actually kind of started to enjoy watching them. I tend to pick teams off of players...once again with being a girl. Anyways, if I like the attitudes and personalities of the guys playing, I tend to like the team. I guess that's why the Twins are my favorite. Despite the Jays having a bit of a tough time, I look forward to watching their season...Thank youuu, mlb.tv!
- Royals...okay I'd love for them to stop winning because they are in the AL Central, but I am so glad they are at the same time. It is fun to see a team, who has struggled for a while, have a Cinderella season. I know it is early, but it is still fun to watch. Baltimore and Cleveland are lumped there too. Even the Mariners.
-I do suppose since I'm from Texas I have to say something about the Rangers. Play more Murphy and Moreland. Murphy playing more was one of the only good things to come out of Hamilton's injury. Not that I'm saying Murphy is better than him, but he does deserve his spot. Without Murphy, Moreland, and Young, it is doubtful the Rangers would have made it past Tampa Bay last year in the playoffs. Those guys should not be 2nd stringers. Thanks and gig'em, Wash.

Oh yeah, go Hawks and Caps in the playoffs!

Until next time.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Hellooo World!

I've decided this blog will cover just about everything. My brain is far too sporadic to really focus on one subject. So tonight's blog will be whatever takes over my mind.

First off, I don't know a great deal about hockey, but I love it. I am definitely not a violent person, but any sport where you can throw down and not really get in trouble is awesome. The All-Star Superskills program is on tonight, right now to be exact, and I am pretty excited! This is my first year to really watch hockey and I have to say, it is pretty addicting. I have lived in Texas my whole life, it is 75 degrees today. In January. Hockey is not that big here. It should be. With that said, I don't have one specific favorite team. I like the Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and even a little bit of Chicago Blackhawks occasionally. Some of those are probably bandwagon teams. I was a Caps fan only, but then I saw the HBO special on them and the Penguins. After watching it, I really liked the Penguins too. The shows really allowed the viewers to see how the players are off the ice, and some of them are pretty funny. Anyways, I'm excited to watch my first NHL All-star weekend on TV. I also have to admit, I can't pronounce any of these guys' names. Which also means I can't remember them. Color me sheltered and Southern. I can pronounce most Spanish names? Product of where I'm from?

Today I saw a video of Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants pitcher. Ya know...Fear the Beard? Okay, I was totally rooting for the Rangers to win the World Series this past year, but this guy is a hoot. He is too funny. Not to mention, seriously talented. If you have never seen an interview with him, look one up. He just did one with George Lopez and it is definitely worth watching.

Oh, and as a Vikings fan...GO STEELERS! As a Texan and living a few minutes from the stadium, I cannot wait for this Super Bowl to be over!

My new thing of the moment...other than this: Soldiers' Angels! They are a great non-profit organization where you can adopt a currently deployed soldier to write to weekly and send one care package a month to. There are also other ways to get involved. Whether you support the war or not, you support the troops.

Off to cook dinner and watch some skills.