WORLD SERIES

Well, most of you have already seen the pictures and the ones that care to have heard all about my fun time! So, you don't have to read it, I'm just putting it out there anyway. The World Series! I mean, being the baseball fan that I am it just doesn't get any better - unless of course my man were to be playing in it (and let's just say that doesn't look likely any time soon I'm sorry to say). I didn't really think this trip would happen either. I jokingly told my sister I had thought about coming up to go to a game and she, surprisingly(being a hockey fan and not caring a bit about baseball), jumped all over that idea. That was all I needed. I immediately headed home and found tickets. This was ahead of time through a ticket broker - yes, they overprice, but I got my tickets whereas many people that waited were out of luck with the computer crashes that created such a mess the day they went on sale. With all that mess, you could say I was a little antsy until I had my tickets in my hand. The poor guy probably got tired of hearing from me, I called so often to check on progress, but he came through! As it turned out they arrived at my sister's on Thursday and I was finally able to sleep through the night:)

It was a quick trip, but every bit of it was great. Bates and Cooper (the dogs) made me feel so loved. Bates followed me all over the house even to the point of sitting watch as I packed up to go. I think I might need to bring him back home with me on one of these trips. We had time to squeeze in a quick card game which Jerry and Joanna might regret since I beat them so soundly. Joanna and I got to catch up on the way to Denver. We had one of the best talks we have had in a long time. We talked about things that have happened in the past that we both are better able to understand now. I love my sister with all my heart, but even with that when we do anything together there is usually a point when we get frustrated with each other and start arguing. This didn't happen once this weekend! We shared some things from our hearts. I loved that as much as going to the game!

On to the other fun stuff! We spent quite a while just walking around taking pictures, and shopping. OK, I spent a lot of time (and money) shopping to be honest. I love being in ballparks. I love the atmosphere, the excitement(of the playoffs), seeing little kids with their glove and decked out in their team gear (oh, wait that's me!). Everybody's just having a good time (well, minus one moron - we'll get to him later). Our seats might not have been the best, but we really had a good view of the whole field and could definitely tell balls and strikes (sometimes better than the ump - jk).



The pregame show was moving - they had to measure to make sure they stood in the right place for the flag to fit, that's how big it was. Heroes from Iraq were there to throw out the first pitch.

Then it all started! Even though the Rockies lost, they still gave us something to cheer about. I tried to capture the place going crazy after Holliday's 3run homer, but I just couldn't do it, so instead I captured my sister going crazy!

As for the moron, well, he was a gutless wonder! He was rooting for Boston (not a problem in and of itself) and he wanted to heckle Colorado fans (often happens among competitive fans - again not a problem). He, however didn't have the guts to heckle someone in his own section, instead from the 3rd level he yells down at us (a level below and with no walkway connecting us)! Seriously, common, if you're going to heckle have some guts and don't yell only at the people who can't get to you! (He was nowhere to be seen after Holliday's HR.) I had a blast and I am so glad I got to share it with my sister. By the way, for all of you girls who can't find anything to like about baseball (if you got this far) -first, let me say - the players!, second, let me just say, I got to sit next to a hottie that was nice in the bargain (I only elbowed him about 20 times in my excitement, so he probably didn't like sitting next to me as much as I liked sitting next to him.), third, while crammed in the train so that I couldn't move I was forced to stare at another handsome man (seeing as how I couldn't move and all). Back to reality until my next spontaneous adventure.

road trips, summer ballpark tour

August 27 is going to be a rude awakening for me. All I have done this summer is travel and it has flown by. It started with a road trip to Canada with my mom and sister. I will try to just hit the high points. We got chased by a moose in Glacier National Park and did everything you are not supposed to do (i.e. running and making a lot of noise).

Thankfully he had a long way to come since he was out in the middle of the water and apparently once he ran us off that was enough for him. This was not my proudest moment, but oh, what a memory. The sights in Canada were too numerous to name them all but some of my favorites were Emerald Lake, Peyto Lake, and Johnston Canyon. The moose was not the only wildlife we encountered. We saw several bears (thankfully we were in the car every time so no chasing occured). Bighorn sheep, elk, and mountain goats were all over the place. On the return trip we saw quite a few bison roaming Yellowstone. There was so much more, but words simply don't do justice to the beautiful waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and glaciers that we saw.

At home, recovering from all the fun, my friend, Denise calls me up and asks if I want to go to some games (baseball games that is). Of course, I say yes. Well, not just any games were in the plans. We planned a quick impromptu trip to New York. The Yankee tickets were cheaper than the shipping it took to get them here in time. We sat out in the bleachers which was actually great because we got to join in with the chants for each player at the beginning of the game (to which the players respond by waving or tipping their caps). I loved this tradition! The game itself - well, let's just say I guess we got our money's worth, since it was about 4 hrs long. It was an afternoon game and even being the huge baseball fan that I am it could not end too soon. I, however do not leave early and we stayed for the whole 21-4 slaughter of the Devil Rays.

The next day was our sightseeing day and did we have the same beautiful sun, oh no, it was rainy and windy most of the day. Just to put it in perspective I had to buy hot chocolate at the Statue of Liberty to warm up (and no we didn't just stay in - a little, or a lot of rain won't stop us). This was the day after nearly passing out from heat exhaustion at the Yankee game.

Shea Stadium was the following day. By the way, it was back to sunny and hot. I loved this game. Our seats were down the third base line and would have been great except for the fact that the walkway was right in front of us and apparently about half the people in the stadium do NOT sit down and watch the game. Towards the end of the game though this guy starts talking to Denise and then asks us to move down by him - we ended up about 5 or 6 rows from the field. That man may never know that with that act he became my hero:) The pitcher hit a homerun, the Mets won 8-4. What a great start to my summer ballpark tour.

Next up, Atlanta and Turner Field, John Smotlz and Tim Hudson! Stacy has already covered this for most of you and done a much more thorough job than I will be doing. I was thrilled to be adding Turner Field to my list as we have been trying to do this for a couple of years now. All I have to say is Stacy hooked us up on tickets. The first night we were behind the dugout! Great views and a good place for balls to get tossed up into the stands after the third out. We just about got clobbered at least three times for those balls. If people only knew what Stacy knows - it's all about the cane when it comes to getting game balls. Sadly, the Braves lost this game, though I did get to see newly acquired Brave and former Ranger, Mark Texiera hit a homerun. We also got a fireworks show out of the deal.

The next day was our marathon day a Turner Field (and yet we still managed to miss the team store). I have to admit I was impressed with how well Stacy dealt with being in such close proximity with Smoltz for the autographs. She was very calm (on the outside anyway - though I know bursting with excitement on the inside). I did not fare as well when I got Michael Young's autograph in Japan. I couldn't shut up, just kept babbling and repeating the same things. Stacy, I think I need to take lessons. Hudson pitched this night and I have to say he now has another fan.

He has just moved into the #2 spot behind Young. He pitched a great game and we had the perfect view of it from right behind home plate. Once again we get a little extra with a post game concert by Mercy Me and to our shock and happiness an appearance by Smoltz to share a little about how God is working in his life. I, personally, could not have asked for a better weekend. Well, maybe I could have done without the conference in our hotel that had people up chanting and cheering at 3 in the morning (I guess it's okay since we were still up, too excited to sleep).

My last hurrah before school starts took me to St. Louis. I took my ride to the top of the arch. The best way I know to describe the elevator is to steal the description of a man who rode up with me - "It's like riding in a dryer."

Granted we were not being tossed around, but other than that the image works. Toasted ravioli is the dish of St. Louis and let me tell you it is truly delicious. They had it everywhere we went - including the ballpark.

We ventured over into Illinois to see the world's largest ketchup bottle. Yes, you read correctly, ketchup. My friend Stephanie found it on a map, so we had to check it out. We headed to the University Loop area and ate at Blueberry Hill

and bowled at Pin Up Bowl, both places filled with nostalgia. I love places like that. And yes, we went bowling, but that was much better than being out in the heat. We did take a night to catch a game at Busch Stadium. It was a great game, but not a lot of action. There was no scoring until the ninth inning. The Cardinals lost 1-2.

Now I suppose it is back to reality and the working world, especially if I hope to be able to continue this ballpark tour next summer.

Comedy of Errors

As I told Stacy about all the misadventures from this past weekend of camping with my brother's family she informed me that I need to be blogging about these things. I only hope I can do justice to all the chaos for those few who still check this (seeing as how I haven't posted since April). Yes, I have been informed that I am shamefully behind in blogging. Well, I hope this entertains, I only wish I had video to go with it because I am not sure the written word can do justice to my nephews!

Growing up we went camping every summer in Arkansas and my brother would like to do the same with his family. They went a day before me and the fun really started then. They went to see the Little Missouri Falls and everyone's having fun until a bumblebee shows up. Elijah (the oldest) started screaming and my brother helps by swatting at it and then running for his life. The bee comes back later with a friend whom my nephews decided to name Earl. They all survive this but the fear is now firmly planted in Elijah's mind. When I show up this is just about all I hear (aside from the story of the crazy squirrel that got stuck inside their dining canopy).

The next morning we are off to let the boys try to fish (this is really impossible mind you, because a fish knows from a mile away that we're coming - there is nothing subtle about my nephews). Well, we are all at least enjoying the attempt until, you guessed it, a bee shows up. Elijah starts screaming and running in circles and eventually the fear is contagious, because suddenly Zeke and Micah are screaming too. Elijah just keeps yelling, "I want to go back to Tyler, Texas! I want to go back to Tyler, Texas!" I am absolutely no help as all I can do is laugh. What must all the other campers think of us? Elijah is more likely to hurt himself running on the slippery rocks than the bee is to hurt him, but there is no convincing him of this. Finally we move on down the river. My brother had gone back to the car to get the camera and asks if that was the boys he heard. Of course it was. My nephews have some lungs on them! Believe it or not we did manage to get a family picture.

We had told Elijah that he could go under water to get away from the bee so periodically as we walked along the river we would see him suddenly just dive under. Back at the campsite, the chaos continued. If a bee showed up Elijah would run and get in the tent zipping up everything or he would go lock himself in the car. We did move on and have fun, too, even Elijah. Down at the swimming hole we had not encountered any bees and someone had created some small rapids just right for little boys and they loved every minute of it!

That night we had some s'mores, a hit with everyone.

But poor Elijah's traumatic camping experience was not yet over. We decided to go for a walk that night and all the boys were getting some neon glow in the dark bracelets. Elijah backs away not looking where he is going and back right into the still hot, but thankfully not on fire coals. He literally sat in them! Forget stop drop and roll. He immediately jumps up and starts running in circles screaming "I'm on fire! I'm on fire!" While at the time it was rather scary and can look back now and laugh. We could tell he was not actually on fire, but we had a hard time getting him to stop so we could make sure no hot coals had gotten in his pants. It turned out he was fine. His shirt was singed, but nothing more. Nothing even got to his jeans much less through them. I imagine our camping neighbors had to go home to get a vacation from us. The next morning we took the boys for one last swim. Just as we are about to leave one more bee feels the need to bid us farewell. Elijah, after calming down (which took a great deal of effort - I thought he might hyperventilate), looks to me and says, "Remind me, don't let me forget. I don't ever want to go camping again!"

OPENING DAY!!!

OPENING DAY IS HERE! I am oh, so glad. Not only does it mean I can enjoy watching baseball any day I please, it also means the end of school is just around the corner. Never have I looked forward to it more than this year. Sadly I will miss the home opener as I will be out of town, but I will make up for that with many other games. I just love being outside enjoying the game with friends. There is also that part of me that loves keeping up with all the stats - seriously, if I could get a job as a statistician I would jump at the chance. Anyway, it's a good thing this is short since I am pretty sure the only one who cares about this is Stacy.

Spring Break...

...if you could call it that since I still spent it with students. Actually, they were pretty good - though I couldn't let them in on that fact until the trip was over or they might have pushed the limits. I went with 20 kids (6 boys from my school) to Washington DC. It was an amazing trip, I just hope the kids got as much out of it as I did. The kids were told at just about every stop "This is a place where we must be quiet out of respect, and we can not be running or playing." This basically took away all the things junior high boys like to do. Oh, I forgot about "No listening to your i-pods. Put them away or I will take them." Talk about no fun. But I truly think if we had not done this they would have done nothing but what they do here at home (listen to i-pods or play on their psp) and they would have missed out on so much. We saw so many sights it would be hard to name them all though we were rushed through many of them by our tour guide - I was often caught at the back with one or two students who simply wanted to take a few pictures. As it turned out I must have had plenty of time since I ended up with over 200 pictures! We started with night tours of the FDR memorial and the Jefferson memorial. These were beautiful at night, but it is difficult to take good pictures. The next morning was quite an adventure as we were supposed to be at breakfast at 6:30 so we set all wake up calls for 5:30. Well, apparently the hotel did not prepare for the daylight savings time because phones didn't ring until 6:30. Thankfully, another chaperon and I were up on time, the hard part was waking all the kids up. Some wouldn't answer their phone so we would bang on their door. We had some seriously heavy sleepers, but they all managed to be ready by 6:30. I have to say I was pretty impressed - did I mention that we were at the airport at 5:30 the morning before. These are times of the day most junior high kids don't know exist! At last we head out to Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. It overlooks the Potomac and is lovely even at this time of the year, with bare trees. I can only imagine what it looks like in the fall. All the Revolutionary War relics just reminded me of how blessed we were and are. Rationally, we shouldn't have won, but I believe God had his hand over us and blessed us - I only wonder what we have done with this blessing and what we are doing with it. The kids had some time to relax at our next stop, the National Zoo. You may think, why go to the zoo when you are in DC and there are so many other things to see - well, these were my thoughts exactly before we went, but I left with a different attitude. The kids needed a break and they loved it. The animals were all out and active with the perfect weather we had. The tigers were fighting, the lion was pacing, the orangutans were swinging, and I have never seen a bigger hippo than the one I saw that day! (sorry no picture) We were supposed to go to a performance at the Kennedy Center, but we were 15 minutes late - at this point I am getting a little perturbed with our tour guide (he will be forgiven in the end - if you make it that far). Instead we go to the Iwojima memorial. The next morning we take some pictures in front of the White House, take the fastest tour of the Holocaust Museum ever (30 minutes - not time enough to really see anything), and then head to the Washington Monument. The views of the city from the top are great. In the afternoon we had a tour of the Capitol - we were just a few minutes too late to see the House in session. `A few minutes too late' is starting to become a theme. In the evening we headed to the Vietnam Memorial. Several of the students wanted to look up names of relatives, but the tour guide wanted us to hurry (surprise surprise). The other chaperon and I were rebels though and we took a few kids back over later to find the names and place a flag for them. The Lincoln Memorial was next, followed by the Korean Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Those are all a bit overwhelming to go through, but what really got to me was our next day's excursion, Arlington National Cemetery. This place just goes on and on. It is daunting to look at and think of all the people who have sacrificed for this country, as well as others. Kennedy's grave is there as well as the tomb of the unknown soldier. This spot provided the highlight for my trip, ironically, due to another lapse from our tour guide. We were supposed to go to the 9am changing of the guard, but again we were late. So, he told us there would be one at 9:30 - no such thing, they only change on the hour at this time of year. So we see some other sights and then come back for the 10 changing of the guard only to find out that the Israeli Minister of Defense is going to be laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. So we got to see a full ceremony, a rare thing which you can't plan (our tour guide is now forgiven!). Before it started a photographer was called down by the guard for trying to cross over the barrier. I don't know if it was this or the magnitude of the event, but our kids were great during the ceremony. All five branches were there as well as a band. The Israeli Minister had his entourage with him, including bodyguards who were seen talking into their coats. After that incredible experience which I couldn't get over the rest of the day we headed to the National Archives and some of the Smithsonian museums (one was closed for renovations). While we waited on the bus to take us to the airport we gave the kids some time to roam. We took them to the mall (grassy area in front of the Capitol) and let them be kids. It is pretty neat to me to think that they were playing freeze tag in front of the Capitol. The flight home was expected to be an adventure itself. We only had a 30 minute layover in Atlanta and it was the last flight of the night. As it turned out, we arrived early and the next flight was only two gates down, so we even had time for restroom breaks. Since we arrived at midnight, the kids should have been good and worn out for their parents the next day - I know I was!

On a side note, I was horrified to read upon my return that someone had the audacity to hit #10 in the head with a pitch in spring training. He had to have stitches on his left ear and will be out indefinitely due to the swelling and such that prevent him being able to wear a batting helmet.

a Young man

Here to stay! - (for a good while anyway)

Unlike Stacy's fairly recent post with disappointing news

about a certain baseball player, I have received WONDERFUL news concerning my favorite player (in case you have not been around me much, that would be Michael Young). Yes, he will be around Texas for many years to come - until 2013 to be exact. By signing him long term the Rangers have assured themselves of continuing to take a good amount of my money each summer. And just to clarify, I have not jumped on any bandwagon - I have been a Young fan since he came up and was playing second base. I guess I have an eye for talent and class. He plays hard and he plays with integrity - oh, why can't more of them be that way!

Okay, for those of you who didn't quit reading when you saw it was about baseball - here is another little bit of my day. First off, all of the VPs were out today for a meeting (they are all women by the way), so it was just the principal (male) and another sub (male) who were in charge today. Many skeptical emails were sent out wondering just how the school would function without all those ladies - the men of course thought two would do what it takes three women to do. The proof, however, was in the pudding - or lack there of in some instances today.
To start it off, no one seemed quite capable of running the PA to do the pledges during 2nd period. Then the bells were off by a minute or two all day long and when they did ring we all wondered when it would end. Announcements which are run on the broadcast system were also not able to function today. Later when the tried the announcements over the PA, all we would hear were the beeps to turn it on and off with nothing in between. All of these are very minor things, yes, but all the more reason to wonder why two men can have them running smoothly. On top of all of this apparently some former students (who apparently have a better memory than most of my students show in class) dialed up some of their former teachers this afternoon. Apparently phones were ringing all over the school around 1:00 today. For about an hour after all of this the only emails sent out were theories and jokes about all the prank calls - I truly had about 40 emails concerning the calls alone - there really must have been a lot of teaching going on this afternoon. It did provide for an entertaining end to the day. It looks like the men lost this argument, but then what's new?

celebrations and reminisces

This has been a week of celebrations as well as reminisces with friends named Alison (or Allison). Both are incredible women who helped me fill many days growing up with laughter, challenge, and inspiration. God has seen fit to allow me to still be in touch with them (through little of my own effort I am sorry to say - I am really the world's worst at keeping up with people), and enjoy some great moments in their lives.

In Houston last weekend we had a baby shower for Allison and the soon to arrive Brooklynn Grace. She has the room all ready to go in pink and zebra print (as much as I would love to I can't take credit for the brilliant inspiration on that - though I may have to steal it when that someday comes for me - I am all about the zebra print!). Seven weeks and counting! I can't wait to meet her! If she's anything like her mama - lookout world!

Met some new friends while I was there as well. Connie is incredible (coming all the way from Chicago has to say something for you from the start) and I can't way to make it up there for a Cubs game! Kazia (who is practically my neighbor, but I had to go to Houston to meet her) and her daughter Ally (who seriously needs a dog!). She just couldn't get enough of Allison's dogs. She was going after them instead of the other way around. As soon as she heard or saw them she would just giggle - it was one of the cutest things I have ever seen!

On the drive home, another friend Alison calls and tells me she's engaged! Seriously, it is a good time to be Alison. (should I be thinking of changing my name or will this all work its way around to Beths too?) I got to meet the lucky man tonight. I approve (not that he needs my approval). They fit well together. Looking forward to the summer wedding!

CHAMPIONS

The COLTS were not the only champions on Sunday. At a lively house in East Texas, another trophy was awarded with only slightly less pomp and ceremony and a lot less money, but the competition was strong just the same, as was the fun! I can say that, because, yes, I came away the winner! On my inaugural foray into the Godair Superbowl party (my brother's), I just may have spoiled the party.

The treasured trophy was coveted by many - I may have some new enemies - thankfully they don't know where I live. A lot of pressure comes with the trophy. First, simply to keep it together seeing as how most of its pieces are superglued on or in some cases tied. I fear I may have already failed at this first mission, since my nephews proceeded to take pieces off as soon as I got it. Yes, I will put the blame squarely on the shoulders of a child (MICAH)!

Well, once I get that fixed it is my turn to add a piece to the trophy. Since most of you know creativity is not my area of genius, any ideas are welcome!

In the end we all had a blast - I think even the losers enjoyed it!

short, but not so simple

Why do I do what I do? When objects get thrown at me, shoes kicked across the room, kids cuss at me, etc...

Seriously, why do I do this? Somebody better remind me, and fast!

out of commission

Due to unexpected computer problems (which, being the stubborn woman I know I am, I tried to fix on my own) I have been out of commission for a while when it comes to the computer world. I finally had to set aside my pride and get the thing fixed. This accounts for the lack of blogging. Though to be honest, I don't know that I had anything blogworthy to write about anyway. So, basically, you were all just saved from the boredom of my life.

Christmas came (I do realize this is a bit late - but I have some catching up to do) and with it a break from school and snow! Both high on my wish list at this time of year! The break from school I think is truly given simply to keep us teachers from losing all sanity.

The snow comes, for me, thanks to my sister living in Colorado!

Oh, wonderful WHITE CHRISTMAS!

We went sledding, built snowmen, and basically just joined my nephews in acting like kids! Elijah outlasted us all!

He trekked back up the hill after every sled ride never wanting to go in, whether for food or warmth - while we adults

(if we can still call ourselves that) were highly anticipating said food. The whole trip was fabulous! We brought the chaos into my sister's house immediately upon arrival,

as her dogs, in their excitement, knocked Elijah and Zeke into a huge pile of snow - I will leave you to imagine the upheaval that followed.

By the end of the trip Elijah was ready to dive back into that snow so much he pouted when we told him we were leaving. That pretty much said it all.

hopefully something will inspire me soon, so it is not this long until my next post - but then again, most of you know me, and know that this is highly unlikely!