Wednesday, September 26, 2007

One Schrute buck

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Yeah! New shows!!!

Last night I was really missing the Gilmore Girls. It used to be on at 8pm and now there is nothing on in that time slot that interests me. Perhaps I should buy the series on DVD to create my own programing schedule.

The CW premiered Reaper at 9pm. Bret Harrison plays Sam, a guy who's parents sold his soul to the devil before he was born. I really love this show. It is original. Ray Wise is very entertaining as "The Devil". Granted, he is no Elizabeth Hurley (Bedazzled) guys ; no skimpy outfits or sexual overtones. Well, at least not yet anyway. The supporting cast meshes well with the lead character. I cannot wait to see what happens next week.

From 10-11pm we watched Cane on CBS. I have liked Jimmy Smits since his time on L.A. Law. There is just something about him. He is the Heather Locklear of television. You have rating problems? Bring in Jimmy. While there was no saving the West Wing, he did wonders for NYPD Blue. Somewhere David Caruso just felt a sharp pain in his neck. Yes Mr. Caruso, he is infinitely better than you could ever hope to be. The show is a cross between The Godfather and the 2003 miniseries Kingpin.

I hope it does well. I usually watch reruns of the George Lopez show or Scrubs at that time. I will have to make an effort to watch this again.

I am so excited that my favorite show, The Office, is premiering this week! I cannot wait to see Jim and Pam together.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Back to practice

Jason had his fifteen minutes of fame yesterday. Everyone was surprised to see him up and around. He woke up for school without any pain or outward sign of injury. We are so grateful. He was very hyper. He couldn't wait to get to practice. The ER doc said he could go back as long as he wasn't in pain and so we went. Jason insisted we leave early. We even beat the coaches to the field. Lots to talk about. Jason tackled as hard as ever. We were not sure if he would be afraid of getting hurt. I am glad to carry the burden of fear and apprehension. That comes with the territory.

All of the parents and coaches were so supportive and wonderful. I found out that one of his football coaches from last season called in to see how he was doing. Devin's middle school football coach somehow knew about it and asked also.

Coach Vinny (Devin's midget league coach) came over to talk to me while J was practicing to get the details. He was unhappy with how the injury was handled on the field and said he was going to say something at the next meeting. The ambulance was not called right away and the field was not cleared. He also insisted, god forbid there is a next time, that I go on the field. I think David will be okay with it as long as I keep my composure.

I forgot to mention in the last blog that while we were at the hospital, his team won! Their first win of the season. In the post game hundle they dedicated the game to Spaz. Very cool.



Go Wolverines!!!!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Random things: requested by Ava

This is for my friend Ava who tagged me.

1. I lettered in speech in the 9th grade.

2. I still remember the National Forensic Leauge debate topic for debate team in 1986- Resolved that the federal government should implement a comprehensive long-term agricultural policy in the United States.

3. I love the episode of Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends called Mac Daddy.

4. I am more comfortable talking to people one on one than in a group.

5. I want to see Rome before I die.

6. I talk to myself.

7. I cannot tell a story to save my life.

8. I have almost every letter ever written to me in my life.

9. I am afraid of the episode of Fantasy Island where the puppet comes to life.

10. I genuinely feel bad when I say or think something negative about anyone even if it is justified.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Life

Watched the Life pilot with Damian Lewis tonight. It looks good. The first episode has Michael Cudlitz who played Bull in Band of Brothers as the inmate father who's young son is murdered trying to get information for his release. Damian Lewis plays Charlie Crews, a cop who spent 12 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit and now back on the force with a unique take on life and a score to settle. Humor is subtle and story not new but characters make it interesting.

I will be watching it again.

Did someone call the ambulance?!!!!

Today Jason got his first ride in an ambulance. During the fourth quarter Jason went down after trying to tackle the ball carrier. His body twisted and back hit the ground. He didn't get up. He didn't move. One coach goes on the field...then another...then another...then the doctor...then another coach...then David. Me, I have been told I am not to go on the field by my husband because I tend to go overract, so I sat for some time on the sideline waiting for a thumbs up. Friends gathered at my side as I waited for what seemed like an eternity. One of the fathers went over to find out what was happening. Still nothing. Then I saw one of them gesture to call the ambulance. Finally our friend Scott gave the thumbs up I had been waiting for but also added David said to get our things together. I then went onto the field. There was some confusion and the ambulance was not called so our coach called them himself. Because it was his back they made him stay still. He was able to move all extremities, pupils were equal/reactive, and was A&O x 3. They put him on the board and off to the hospital slowly we went. Hillcrest has a peds er where we saw lots of players from all over. I guess midget league keeps them super busy on Sundays. The paramedics were wonderful. Found out the one paramedic's son and father share Jason's birthday. His wife works at Hillcrest also. The nurse was very sweet and spoke to Jason in a soft voice. The doctor was friendly and quick. No x-rays were needed, only Motrin. As long as his is up to it he can go back to football tomorrow. I wish he would sit out tomorrows practice but David feels he should play. We both agree that if he is in any pain tomorrow he should go but not participate.

When we got home our neighbor called out about Jason. I know we live in a small town but that is just freaky. It had only been 30 minutes since he was taken off the field. She had run into one of the mothers from the opposing team at the grocery store. As we enter the house the phone was ringing. It was his coach calling to see how Jason was. Here he had gone to the er but we had already left.

I made a few phone calls and then we went to the buffet for dinner. I was both hungry and nausiated. It was weird. I forced myself to eat.

Jason is fine right now on the Motrin. We will see how he is when it wears off.

Chuck

Last night I was feeling too sleepy from the Benadryl to focus on a movie so David and I watched the pilot episode of Chuck via On Demand. I think it was pretty good. It has a good mixture of comedy and action. I hope to see more comedy than action in the future. The characters are likable and interesting. The plot has potential.

There were other pilots and sneak previews of shows on On Demand to watch for shows like The Office and Life with Damian Lewis who I quickly became fond of watching the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. I am looking forward to checking them out later.

Friday, September 21, 2007

It's a small world after all....

Today Jason went over a the house of a new friend from his class. When I dropped him off, I talked to the parents for a while and found out the husband works with a guy I went to school with and the wife grew up with several people I went to school with as well as her sister dated a guy David graduated with. It was a nice chat. When I came to pick Jason up, I decided to let him play a bit longer and in doing so began what would be a two hour conversation that would end with us finding another connection. My sister has been her sister's babysitter for quite some time. Years as a matter of fact. The conversation progressed from her mother's surgery to stress caused by the daughter and granddaughter being diagnosed with cancer the same day that year. Ding!Ding! My sister Laura told me about the family she babysits for with both the mother and child having cancer. I knew this could not be a coincidence. She told me how wonderful my sister is and how much her sister adores her.

Both of my sisters are participating in The Light the Night walk at the end of this month to raise money for cancer research in honor of the family.

I couldn't be more proud.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Who knew?

Until this past weekend I though they only performed Civil War reenactments in PA. Devin was invited to go Saturday to a WWII reenactment there. Pretty cool. He brought home a real helmet as a souvenir. While he was away we had the misfortune of watching Notre Dame get pounded by Michigan. Ironically, Jason's Wolverines played the midget league Irish the following day. Sad to say the Irish were a day late in victory. Jason was not upset though. He was made team captian for the coin toss. He started the game as a linemen, but was quickly moved to safety after the other team scored. His name was called so many times by the announcer for his tackles there is no question in anyone's mind who number 41 is. This is good because he wasn't happy playing safety last game. I think now that he has the hang of it he will be fine. Devin was put in the last quarter of the middle school game. They beat Hawken I think 38-0. Three more games to go. I hope they will let him play more next game. He tries so hard and never misses a practice.

Yesterday, David and I took a ride with our old dock neighbors on the their boat to HTP for lunch. There I had the best BLT I have ever had. We ate outside on the deck. The view of the lake was beautiful. The only problem with being out there was the bees, too many to count and very aggressive, and the noise from the rack storage.

Today I am working on my study guides for mental health nursing. That rotation begins October 1.

Mad Pirate Dog Wench



My pirate name is:


Mad Dog Kidd



Part crazy, part mangy, all rabid, you're the pirate all the others fear might just snap soon. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Friday, September 14, 2007

Su Doku for Dummies

Some time ago, Bill introduced Devin to Su Doku. For those of you who don't know, Bill is my step-dad. Well, he was for a long time before he and my mother divorced a few years back. Anyway, his level of intelligence surpasses my own and I suspect Devin's does as well. Eventhough they do not share the same genes they are very much alike. Devin's love for Ohio State, comic books, baseball cards, monster movies (especially Godzilla), black and white television shows (The Munsters and Andy Griffith), chess, model cars, and now Su Doku comes from him.

The name Su Doku sounds more like a character in a Star Wars movie than the numbers game that is making me crazy. Devin has tried to explain it to me and I bought the book Su Doku for Dummies to supplement his teaching. I am used to word searches. I am a master word searcher. This numbers game takes much more brain power than I am used to exerting in a recreational activity. I have been looking for something to challenge my brain and thus improve it's function. Too soon to say if it is working.

Looking for a garlic butter salt saturated stromboli

My friend from college told me that this place called the Fox's Pizza Den has a good Stromboli. Sadly none are close to me. Must try it when we come down to visit. :)

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Second string on the field

After two games on the bench, Devin finally played yesterday. Once the blue devils had a significant lead over the cardinals, the coach put in the second string players. Devin tried his best. He accidentally grabbed a face mask, but that was his only penalty. He was so excited and proud to be out there. He played the entire second half! The final score was 54-0 I believe. I actually felt bad for the other team. They tried so hard but fumbled so many times it was impossible to recover. By the end, I was routing for them score. I know that sounds bad, but I hate to see any team get shut out.

I hope the coaches continue to play the second string regardless of the score.

Stromboli !!!!!!!!

I was super excited last night when I saw the Donatos commercial for their new stromboli! I ordered one today as soon as they openned. It is real good. Not as good as the Strombolis in Ada, Ohio back in my ONU days, but darn good. The main difference being there is no garlic butter and salt on the outside. That was what makes a superior stromboli. I will have to make my own rub for the next one and hope it comes close.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

"girl" chores

Last night, my husband took issue with the chores our son is doing. He feels his chores are "girl" chores. I wasn't aware there was a distinction. There are things that need to be done and everyone in the family pitches in. That was my understanding of how it works. He defined "boy" chores as cleaning the garage, cutting grass, shoveling snow, taking out trash, and assorted yard work. The only acceptable indoor "girl" chores apparrently are cleaning your room and putting away your clothes. I am supposed to know exactly what is to be done outside as well as inside, and assign his chores accordingly. I have no concept of what is to be done outside or how often it is to be done, which makes it difficult for me to do what I must.

What it really boils down to is that the outdoor chores help him and the indoor chores help me. And he has not gotten the help he needs without asking.

Get thee to Target

I have been thinking about putting away summer clothes and such which means I would have to buy containers. Last night, David voiced his discontent with my management of the house, which is probably what fueled or inspired my trip to Target this morning.

I bought two organizing drawer sets on wheels. The small one is for Dev. His dresser is falling apart and this will due until I can buy a new one. I brought down his old one to go out with the trash. Chances are, it will be gone before the truck comes. Lots of garage pickers out here eventhough it is against the city ordinance. The larger organizer went in our room. David did not have enough room in the dresser for both his work and casual clothes. Now he has the entire dresser. I cleaned out my drawers and found many things to get rid of. What remains fits perfectly in the organizer. Our room really isn't big enough for a bedroom set.

I also picked up hangers (shirts, pants, and belts), 18 gal. containers, and assorted junk from the dollar bins.

I was happy to get the containers on sale for $4.99 a piece. Two are already filled. I am currently taking a break. All six should be full by tonight.

Dev has a game after school. He said they are going to play the second string players. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they do. He would be over the moon.

Monday, September 10, 2007

I am bad luck for the teams I love.

It was a bad weekend for football. Well, it least for the teams I like. The Wolervines, both Michigan and midget league,Notre Dame, and the Browns lost. Should be interesting to see Michigan and ND play next week. It is my understanding that this is the first time in their histories at 0-2.

Jason lost 6-8. He was a good sport.

As for the Browns, I have two words...BRADY QUINN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did my part. I wore my orange Quinn jersey, but it only helps if he is in the game.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Looking for the big one

This morning David and I went to National Liquidators to see some boats we saw on their website. When we got there David spoke to the woman in the office and found that we needed to sign in. Siging in gave us permission to look at the boats on our own. We were able to inspect them inside and out. Our favorite was a 37' Sea Ray. We started out looking for a 34 footer but found the 37 had everything we wanted.

It's going to be a while before we get one, but it was fun to look.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Our Week in Review

Saturday Jason had practice and a birthday party. He asked me to stay and I was reluctant to do so until the bowling alley put on the Notre Dame game for me. Jason seemed to have trouble bowling while I watched but excelled when I was a few yards away. That made it easy to watch the game and him. I appear to be bad luck for both Jason and the Irish unfortunately. I was not discouraged by the game. The post-Brady Quinn Notre Dame era is going to take time to get used to yes, but I see talent just waiting to become great. A little experience and time is all that they need.

Sunday, we took the boat to see the air show. The planes came really close. Very cool. It wasn't long before Jason needed to use the lav. After going below deck he became sea sick and we decided to head back to the dock. We went out for a nice dinner and then took J to play putt-putt. We rarely get an opportunity to spend time with just Jason so we wanted to make it special. After I earned third place, we went back to the dock where David and J took the jet ski out while I slept off the Bonine (sea sick med) I took hours earlier for the ride out to Cleveland.

It was dark by the time we returned home.

This week was dominated by football. Devin's team lost again. He has yet to play. Both times, the other team played all their players whereas his coach leaves 7 on the bench every game. Jason has his first game on Sunday. They will no doubt give Browns updates inbetween plays.

Here's hoping both Jason's Wolverines and Brady's Browns play like champions.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Jason's scrimmage

Json had a scrimmage on Thursday. He,usually a linemen, was a running back and linebacker. I was a little nervous about the running back position because he is so small. He did well but on the first carry one of the kids brought him down by the face mask. He also earned bloody knuckles as linebacker. The other team seemed to listen better than ours but they all had fun and learned something. Should be interesting to see how they do next week when the season starts.

They had practice this morning. What is great about this year is that the kids are showing up to the practices. Last year we averaged 11 kids whereas this year I think we have everyone. Makes a world of differnce.

Now we are anxiously awaiting the return of Notre Dame football. GO IRISH!

****Hopefully the Wolverines have made a come back since I last checked. ************

Visiting friends

Yesterday we drove Devin out to his friend's house in Ashtabula County. His friend moved out of Mentor around the same time we did. They went Northeast and we went a Southwest. The boys have been friends since kindergarten and we try to get them together at least once a year. Last year, Lyle was out here and this year Devin went to his house. They have a beautiful piece of land with a channel in the backyard and side lot that is community property perfect for sled riding. It is an hour ride but took us a bit longer as we hit Taco Bell on the way. Beef hard shell taoo supreme! Good stuff. Anyway, we arrived shortly before the sun went down. They had set up the tent for the boys and built a fire, but we seemed to enjoy it more than they did. They have two boys just like us and then the neighbor boy was over, so they were running all over the place. It wasn't long before they went inside to play video games. Lyle's parents are terrific. Very down to earth and easy to talk to. It is a shame we don't get to see them that often. Same with my friend from college and his family. They live quite even further away and we have yet to see them. I am hoping to change that this year.

Lyle's mom is bringing Dev back tomorrow morning. Once he is home I think we are going to take the boat out to watch the air show.