A Few of my Favorite Ornaments

As I have already shared, Christmas is by far my favorite holiday.  I tend to set up the Christmas tree as quickly as possible, primarily because I cannot wait to bring the ornament collection out of storage.  I have quite a few.  So many in fact that Danny has suggested getting me a little tree for our bedroom.  That may be a post-Christmas clearance purchase, or perhaps we will just opt for a larger tree.

 

Each ornament has meaning to me; almost all of them were gifts.  I do not like to buy my own ornaments.  Rather, I like when someone else picks them out, either because they think of me or it holds significance to them.  Most of my ornament collection is from my grandparents who used to give each of us one annually.  This was one of two gifts that could be opened on Christmas Eve. 

 

I have also enjoyed seeing how Danny has also taken to adding to the collection.  When we spent our first Christmas together (2010), he brought one (ONE!) Star Trek ornament - the Starship Enterprise that lights up on the top - with him.  Now he has around five that are specifically his or are "ours together".  For instance, the ornament in between the two eggs and Raggedy Ann is from Pike's Peak.  We bought it shortly after Danny proposed. 

 

Another thing I love about bringing out the ornaments box is looking at the dates on each one.  Almost all of them have a year on them, except this random wooden reindeer.   I have absolutely no idea where it came from, or if it is even mine, hopefully I will remember to ask my Dad about it. 

 

I think most of the ornaments that I took pictures of need little to no explanation (e.g. the ESPN TV or the Bears "player"), but here are a few words on the others:

 

• The eggs: my Grandmom and Grandpop (Killmer) bought those in back to back years.  They are personalized with my name on it, and are quite detailed and beautiful.
• After Pike's Peak is Raggedy Ann - I had a lot of Raggedy Ann and Andy things from when I was little.  This ornament is circa 1983.
• Spike wanted to be sure that I point his ornament out - top right hand corner. That was a gift from Grandma Pechie. He likes knowing that he will be forever immortalized on our Christmas tree.
• The pink ball marks Baby's First Christmas (1982). 
• Grant Hill is still one of my all-time favorite basketball players (and crushes, which Danny does not appreciate very much).
• The Gingerbread House and Twister Roller Coaster ornaments are both nods to the grandparents, Killmer.  For years and years my grandparents would make a wonderful gingerbread house, and bring it out with them all the way from Pennsylvania.  Many wonderful memories exist around those houses because each one was invariably different but never failed to taste great!  The Twister is a wooden roller coaster at Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA.  We went every summer for years, and always had a blast!
• This ornament was definitely a school project - me in 1986 - an "awwww" will hopefully now ensue.

 

I always enjoy hearing about other families' Christmas traditions.  Please feel free to share yours with me.

 

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

 

With love,

Laurie

 

 

 

 

My Top Five Christmas Movies

 

I absolutely love Christmas.  One of my favorite parts about the holiday season is being able to watch the movies that go along with it (without the weird looks for watching them in July or something).  Here are my Top Five Favorites, as well as one Honorable Mention.

 

 

Honorable Mention

 

Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962)



 

This one is an old family favorite.  Regrettably, I have not seen it in years since the only version we owned is VHS.  I love most versions of A Christmas Carol, but there is something extra special about the old animation and Mister Magoo.  Ironically someone referenced Mister Magoo a few days ago, and he was shocked that I knew who that was...

 

#5

 

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)

I will be the first to admit that I have absolutely no idea what the appeal is of this movie.  The stop motion animation may be odd, but the characters are lovable and the soundtrack is fun.  This movie never fails to get me in the Christmas spirit, and I also find myself hoping that none of my toys ended up on the Island (of Misfit Toys)...  Please don't tell, but Spike is getting an Abominable Snow Monster plush for Christmas.  It is already in his stocking, and I just hope it makes it to December 26th as Spike tends to be hard on stuffed toys.

#4

Love Actually (2003)

 

 

Yes, there is a movie from this Century on the list.  This is another film with a stellar soundtrack, actually one of the best in years, that can legitimately be listened to all year round.  I really enjoy how this movie follows a number of plot lines, yet manages to tie everything together.  There are some wonderful performances from Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant, just to name a few.  I will probably never forget my parents walking in on me watching this movie at exactly the wrong moment - there is a scene of questionable content.  To this day I am not sure they have ever seen it all the way through.  I also saw this movie for the first time with one of my best girlfriends at the Highland Town Theater, which makes it extra special (especially since we got cake at intermission).

#3

Die Hard (1988)

Well, this movie developed the reputation of being the "Killmer Family Christmas Movie" when my Dad referenced it in one of his Christmas letters.  Those letters had developed quite a reputation - perhaps he will start writing them again...  I digress. 

 

Die Hard (the first one) does take place on Christmas Eve, which is probably the only thing "Christmasy" about it.  There are some classic lines that include off-color language, but never fail to make me laugh.  Plus you can see some really bad 80s hair/clothes, and Bruce Willis when he was quite attractive.  I have never seen the sequels, and so I cannot speak to their merit.  The original for me will always be the way to go.

#2

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

 

 

Now, I grew up watching (and loving) classic movies.  So, it is quite odd that it took until my junior year of high school and a math extra credit assignment for me to see this well-known Christmas classic.  I was hooked from the moment I watched it.  Of course that could be because I have always been a sucker for Jimmy Stewart, or perhaps I just love the idea that things tend to work out in the end.  It is also interesting to think how life would be different if you had never been born...  When I bought the VHS copy of this movie it came with a bell ornament that still hangs on my tree today.  Sadly, I do not have the DVD yet.  *Danny - Christmas hint*

 



#1

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

This is one classic movie that I did see with my family.  I know they remade this movie in the 1990s (1994, I believe), but I refuse to see it.  For me, Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn can never be replaced.  I actually saw the very end of this movie before I saw the rest, and I remember being quite confused over the significance of a cane in the corner...  I watch this one every year without fail.  I love the idea that "a nice old man can be proven to be Santa Claus."

What is your favorite Christmas movie?  I would love to consider adding yours to my annual repertoire (perhaps even in July).

Wedding Details

I had a great time (mostly) working on the details for the wedding.  The collage will expand if you click on it.  Here is a description of each, starting at the top left:

1. License plate place cards - for a full explanation on why license plates were key part of the reception decor, click here.  The short version: Danny and I are competitive dorks.
2. Champagne glasses, nope; Pilsner beer glasses instead, courtesy of my Mom.
3. I loved the creativity of our photographer using our rings on the Colorado license plate that was at our sweetheart table.
4. The Killmer-Pechie Press Special (Lone) Edition
5. Delaware is hands down the most boring license plate and it is HARD to find.  Just behind the plate you can see the lanterns that were a last minute find for our centerpieces (phew!).
6. My beloved cake pops - the bride and groom were our topper!
7. The "something blue" was my sparkly shoes.
8. My grandparents sent Tastykakes for all our guests as favors.
9. The Yttris gifted us with a baseball signed by each family member and Robin Ventura!
10. Denise and John gave us personalized jerseys that were used in our engagement shoot, and also served as our guest books.
11. Danny and I created tickets for the family/friends seated on the field.
12. Our flower girl, Celeste had a bucket instead of a basket; you can also see her beautiful shoes in the background.

The Spike Series: Inaugural Post

Hello, people, Spike here.  I last came to you in The Killmer-Pechie Press, but since that was an exclusive (read: one) edition, my Laurie said I could become a part of her blog on occasion.  She is looking for some kind of niche, and is hopeful that I can be it.  The only problem is, I have no idea what a "niche" is...  Oh well, I love my Laurie - so I am going to give it my best shot.

The picture above is not really my best work, but I was upset at being left alone with the man, and while the picture is a bit dated it also depicts this past week.  It has been kind of a rough week in my world right from the start when I was forced to wear this stupid hat. 

I do really like the woman in the picture though, that's Heather, she stays with me sometimes when the parents go away.  I don't like hats or clothes or pretty much anything that I am made to wear.  I digress. 

Next, my cousin Hulk came to stay with us for a couple days.  Hulk and I seem to have an understanding - we mind our own business.  I like him and all, but we do not have much in common other than we're both really cute; my hair is blond and my legs are short, his hair is black and legs are long.  Although, I do like to drink out of his water bowl, since it tastes better than mine; even though it comes from the same place (so Laurie says).  I was pretty sad when he left, but that was not even the low point.

No, the low point came on Friday morning when Laurie discovered red stuff in my eye.  She started freaking out, but I could not understand why.  I just wanted to play with my toy since that's what what I do when I am not snuggling.  Next thing I know we are at the eye doctor (which meant a VERY SCARY car ride - I do not like cars!).  I do like Dr. Hammond though, he calls me his favorite because he and I go way back.  The good doctor and the nice nurse lady (Maureen) told Laurie that I broke a blood vessel in my eyelid, but I should be just fine.  Phew - no special medicine required.  Laurie told me that I should ask Santa for some depth perception for Christmas so that I stop running into things.  Santa and I are tight, did you know that?  I have the evidence here to prove it.

Next week is not looking much better as I have to go to get my teeth cleaned on Wednesday (which means another car ride AND I do not like this vet as much).  Laurie thinks I don't know what's going on - but I am all over it, I am just putting on a brave front.  The day after the teeth cleaning is Thanksgiving.  I have been told not too hope for table scraps, but maybe I can convince the man to give me some fruit.  In case you ever want to give me some of yours, peaches are my favorite.

I think that is all I have to say for my inaugural post.  How did I do?  I will be back as soon as I have something new to report. 

Social Security Card Mishap, White Sox World Series Ring, Stitches, and a Fantasy Football Implosion

The title of this post is a summation of this three-day weekend.  In honor of Veteran's Day (bank closed), I took the day off to spend it with Danny.  Who knew it would turn into a day of rest (and Waffle Brothers!) following a crazy weekend.

At the beginning of last week I started the name change process (oh the horror) at the Social Security Office.  I arrived about 7 minutes after the office opened yet still waited just over an hour even though technically there were only three people ahead of me in my category.  Upon receiving my card on Friday afternoon, I promptly threw it in the dumpster.  Unfortunately I did not realize it until Saturday morning; by that time the garbage had been picked up.  No, I was not trying to tell Danny something in my actions, but perhaps Spike was since he was technically the reason I was throwing things into the dumpster.  I believe you can figure out what I was doing without spelling it out...

Saturday did take a turn for the better when Danny and I went to the Denver Rotary Club's Branch Rickey Award dinner that recognizes professionals in Major League Baseball for their exceptional community service.  The recipient this year was R.A. Dickey, knuckle-ball pitcher for the Mets was great to hear, but a past recipient, Roland Hemond (front-office for the Chicago White Sox) was my favorite part of the night.  Woody Paige of ESPN and the Denver Post was at the table next to us, but he left before I could ask him about the seemingly arbitrary scoring of Around the Horn; I digress.  At the end of the night, the event's founder introduced me to Roland Hemond as a die-hard White Sox fan.  He offered to let me take a picture wearing his World Series ring (one of two that he owns, but I did not care so much about the Diamondbacks ring)!  It was heavy and took up most of my thumb, but I sure had fun wearing it for a couple moments.

This brings us to Sunday - the day of stitches and an absolute implosion of BOTH my fantasy football teams!  The stitches were not for me, but I did get to drive Danny to the urgent care facility (after I called his insurance to find out which urgent care facilities we could go to).  He was very brave while getting five stitches in his hand after stabbing himself with a paring knife trying to core an apple.  While he assures me that it was not a cry for attention; I am not completely sure as a friend and I were just about to start a Hallmark Channel movie when he cut himself.  I am not kidding, it was pretty instantaneous...  Please draw your own conclusions.  Danny also had to assuage my concerns during a particularly narcissistic moment when I found myself crying because I was worried that I had not cared for him properly.  There are times that Danny deserves a medal for putting up with me.

Now to the football - I refuse to talk about my Bears other than to say neither male in the house helped me watch it on a delay.  In fact Danny was in bed while Spike snored on my lap - talk about defying gender stereotypes!  Anyway, I am in two fantasy football leagues, the family one and Danny's branch league.  Going into the weekend, I was in second place proudly contributing to the Killmer family domination, and a respectable fourth place after completely dismantling and then rebuilding my team in the work league.  Well, neither of my teams came close to breaking 100 points, in fact last I checked they were having trouble achieving 75 points.  If you are not familiar with fantasy football, this is NOT acceptable; especially if you are trying to make the playoffs.  Here's hoping that my teams turn themselves around on all football fronts.

Tomorrow (Tuesday), I will go to the DMV to get a new driver's license (definitely ready for a new picture); but an embarrassing phone call will also be made to the Social Security office to get yet another new card.  If the person sounds friendly, I may tell them the truth; if not, I will claim it never came.  Nobody said changing one's name is an easy process, but this is sheer ridiculousness!

All I Have to Say About the Election...

All I have to say about the election...VOTE! 

I am a (theoretically) licensed Government teacher, but I discovered that I do not enjoy covering a Presidential Election.  I did my student teaching during the Election of 2004 (George W. Bush defeating John Kerry).  Perhaps I am too non-confrontational for the current political landscape, which just feels like mudslinging and who can outspend the other.  I have also come to realize that living in a "battleground state" is not for the politically meek.  Oh my - the amount of money that has been spent on political ads in the Denver market has to be insane.  The candidates are everywhere - my television, radio, Pandora, even Hulu!  There is just no escaping it.

 

I will not use this forum to try to sway anyone's vote because let's be honest, I do not have that much power.  Plus it would be hypocritical since I have hidden more than a few of my Facebook friends for being "election over-posters."   What I do want to take a moment to talk about is our responsibility as Americans - to participate in the democratic process by voting!  This country was not built on complacency - if it was we would probably be drinking tea and eating crumpets with a toast "to the queen" on a regular basis.  We would also be sending our tax money to a monarchy without understanding why or how it is being used.  Remember the American Revolution battle-cry - "No taxation without representation"!   

It is especially important for women to vote both because we have had that right for less than 100 years (19th Amendment to the Constitution ratified in 1920), but also with the important women's rights issues that are at the forefront of this particular election.  Poor Susan B. Anthony and others have to be rolling over in their graves at the thought of the number of women who will not be casting their votes by Tuesday.

Now I am a registered member of a particular party, but that does not mean that I do not respect the other one.  With that being said, however, I am having a very hard time wrapping my head around the stance of the Romney-Ryan Campaign.  It makes me sick to my stomach to think that the important services that Planned Parenthood provides may no longer be available to women who need it.  I say services plural because it is not a one service organization.  It provides many valuable, potentially live-saving services to women; it does so much more than abortion related procedures.  Perhaps I have missed it, but what would take the place of PP if it were to close?  I have also been horrified by the number of people (men and women both) who are trying to tell other women what to do with their bodies should they be raped or violated.  I cannot believe that our God is one that would condone such an act let alone use it as a form of punishment.

President Obama's campaign/ideals are not above reproach either.  Do I think that he has all the answers?  Of course not.  

I just wish I knew when political parties became so polarizing.  I consider myself to be a moderate, and I do not think I am alone.  Yet those are not the candidates that are receiving the nominations, nor are those the campaigns that are being run.  I often feel as though voting for a candidate has become about picking between "the lesser of two evils".  Evil is such a strong word, but that is the expression.  It is not possible to find a candidate who represents everything that I believe in, and so I voted for the person that has a platform that I can get behind.

While I do not particularly enjoy politics, I respect the process.  I love the ideals on which this country was built on, and the people who helped create our system of government.  I respect your right to disagree with me, but I truly hope you will exercise your right and responsibility as a citizen of this country and VOTE.

I am (trying to be) Open

I wish I knew what was going through my head at that moment.

 

The Westminster family lost another special person last week.  Dan LeMonnier, performer, actor, musician, storyteller, and former "Benny the Bull" passed away from lung cancer.  Dan was so many things to a great number of people, including me. 

 

The year that I was living at home after college was not an easy one - a diversion from my life plan.  While quite grateful for the support of my parents; I was ready to move on, but did not know how.  One Sunday while preaching the sermon, Dan said (directly to me, it sure felt like) to be open to let God guide you where He wants you to be.  While I may not have the words exactly right, I assure you that was the gist.  So I did my level best to be open minded amidst the craziness, and it worked.  I was open enough to move to Denver, a place that I had only visited twice in my life; one of which was my interview trip.  I would say that decision worked out pretty well.  I also took comfort in my Dad's advice: if this decision does not work out then you make another decision.  I am always reminding myself that very few things are set in stone - it is okay to change your mind.

Dan, I am trying to heed your words again, and in the spirit of true honesty/credit, my Mom is also saying something very similar.  I have been putting off some pretty major decisions until after the wedding/honeymoon.  Since both those events are over, I am out of excuses.  Don't you just hate when that happens?!  I wish I could remember how I did the whole "open thing" as it goes against my borderline obsessive drive/need to plan out every detail.  I always feel better once I have made a decision, and so I think it is this period of uncertainty of where to go/how to proceed that is freaking me out. 

So until I figure out what to do with myself, I am on the search for a solid hobby.  Wedding planning consumed a very large chunk of my life for the last year, and so now I need something productive to do with all this free time.  Danny has registered for Ironman Wisconsin in 2013.  While I am super excited for him that is not something I can do (EVER)!  Someone suggested I take up the Ukulele, which is under serious consideration.  I am going to see the Denver Roller Dolls on Saturday at which time I may revisit my dream of joining a Roller Derby team.  Okay, my sisters are probably still right on that one.   

I am going to sign up for a couple writing classes as I have fun blogging for myself and the Bears.  Maybe that can turn into something.  I also purchased some supplies to start a project to capture memories from the honeymoon that I will document in detail soon.  Finally, I just returned from a class on various Google tools, which has me excited to implement different things both personally and professionally.  In my head that is progress! 

Please know that (viable) suggestions on hobby ideas are welcome.  I include the caveat because one day I Googled hobbies, and on the list was online dating.  Danny nixed that idea.  Until I figure out what's next, I am going to remember Dan and my Mom's words, as well as this picture that is up in my office. 

 

 

 

A Wedding Sized Brain Dump

We did it - Danny and I got married!  The wedding that has been in the works for a year actually happened!  As I work to process everything, I think that a brain dump is in order.

Here goes -

...Many people have asked how/why we decided to have the wedding at Coors Field.  I had my explanation,  but my sister Steph offered another one that really made me laugh.  She knows that I am not a person who likes to be the center of attention, and so by being at a baseball stadium there are plenty of other things for people to look at besides me/Danny.

...I wish we had tracked the number of miles people travelled to be in Denver for the wedding. It was really amazing how many people came from out of town. I also enjoyed seeing/hearing about adventures people went on while they were here. People really lived it up in Denver and the mountains, which is exactly what Danny and I had hoped would happen.

...Did you know I am psychic?  I had a dream a few months ago that something would go wrong with the hair/make-up for the ladies, specifically that one of the hairdressers would not show up.  I woke up and reassured myself that would never actually happen.  Well it did!  Fortunately, one of two hairstylists did arrive and worked HARD to get to most of the bridal party.  The remaining ladies (my sisters and the Salisbury sisters) very graciously found other salons that were willing to fit them in.  I am very grateful to everyone involved in that fiasco.  Amazingly enough we only ended up being about 30 minutes behind schedule.  In the spirit of true honesty, I loved my hair on the wedding day even more than the trial run I did a couple months ago.  Everything worked out in the end!

...Dinger, our ring bearer, unfortunately scared our flower girl; but other than that, he seemed to be a hit.  I love seeing the pictures of everyone with him, as well as in the visitor's clubhouse.

...I know this is going to be one of my favorite pictures, overall.  I have so many memories of family retreats to Saugatuck, Michigan.  This is the only way to watch a sunset, backward and between your legs - really, try it sometime.

...I once read that it is okay to be more emotional dancing with your Dad than your groom.  It was a special moment with my Dad that I will never forget.  We danced to "If You Could Read my Mind" by Gordon Lightfoot; one of the songs that my Dad used to sing to me when I was little.  Three books and a song were our nightly routine.  He sang a couple lines to me as we were dancing, which was the end of my eye make-up. 

...I am thankful that my parents did not let me trip walking down the aisle in these shoes.  While I still love them, my feet were pretty angry with me.

...My cake pop dream came true!  I was so excited that this came together, and that people seemed to enjoy them.  I really hope someone got a picture of the cake pops on the cake stand.

...I had to go through a lot to get the long veil that I wanted, but I am glad I did.  The veil and tiara helped me feel like a princess (going to the stadium).

Thank you to everyone who helped make this wedding possible.  Danny and I felt so blessed to be surrounded by family and friends.  A special thanks to my parents and bridal party for the years of love and support; especially during this year of planning.  We just could not have done it without you.

Love to all,
~Laurie Pechie (yeah, still getting used to that one).



Change is a Coming {Five Minute Friday}

I just stumbled upon Lisa Jo Baker and her Five Minute Friday series. If you’re unfamiliar with this series, I’ll give a brief explanation.

 

Every Friday, Lisa Jo Baker encourages her readers to set a timer and write for five minutes on her writing prompt for that day. The posts are short, sweet, unedited, and real.

 

Today’s prompt is “Change.” 

 

Change has never been easy for me.  Ha!  That may be the biggest understatement ever uttered (typed) in my 30 years of life. 

 

Two weeks from tomorrow, is my wedding day.  Getting married will be one of the most life-changing experiences I have ever embarked on.  As of right now, I am not feeling anxious about the marriage.  Danny understands me as no one else that I have dated before him.  I am nervous about a new sense of identity though.  Not only will I become his wife, but I will have a new name - Laurie Pechie. 

 

Yeah, I am still working on that one.  I have been Laurie Killmer for 30 years (and 5 months), so that is going to be quite an adjustment.  If nothing else my cursive P probably needs some work.  I still remember learning proper cursive in elementary school, and being chastised by my teacher for not doing the "x" correctly, and so I guess I lucked out that there will never be an "x" in my name.  I am not sure if she approved of my P's, though.  Oh the strange things I think about...

 

Even though there is no name changing involved for Danny, but please do not get me started on the unfairness of that one, it is still going to be a change for him.  He will be wearing a ring on his left hand, and for the first time he will be Mr. Pechie to my Mrs. Pechie.  Danny saw that in print for the first time last night, and started laughing when he realized that was referring to him rather than his father.

 

I guess we all react differently to change.  I think about cursive P's and Danny thinks of Mr. Pechie.

 

Five minutes goes by really quickly!

 

This was really fun and rather cathartic.  Perhaps you should try it.  What does change mean to you?

Who Would You Spend a Day With?

For as long as I can remember I have loved Lucy.  I Love Lucy that is; and today through Facebook Lucy fans were asked, "If you could spend 24 hours with Lucy, what would you do?  I quickly found myself having great fun thinking of the possibilities. 

Imagine having a tour of Hollywood from one of the legends - we could go to the Brown Derby Restaurant, Grauman's Chinese Theater, and see her star on the Walk of Fame.  Or perhaps I would ask her to introduce me to the rest of the cast - I mean they have all passed away now; but if I am meeting Lucy, why can't see find the other three?  I definitely need to  ask her to tell me about being a pioneer for women both in front of the camera, but also in the business world.    I love the thought of having the opportunity to ask her what it was like to create some of the greatest moments in television history.  Lucy was more of a physical comedian than a quick quips type of woman, which explains why my Grandmom said she was not a very funny interview.    I feel as though the writers for her shows worked to play on her strengths, and created some wonderful acts in the process.  Moments such as, 'Vitameatavegamin", the chocolate factory, stomping grapes, or my personal favorite a mirror routine with Harpo Marx.  I have often wondered if she and the rest of the cast had any idea that they were taping shows that would prove to stand the test of time.  At the end of that day I would like to be able to give Lucy a hug, and say thank you for all the laughs.

While I am on the subject of spending the day with someone who is deceased, I may as well go all out and admit my fascination for James Madison.  Yes, I am just cool enough to want to spend time with our fourth president or the "Father of the Constitution."  For those of you keeping track at home, Madison passed away in 1836 - I only missed my chance by 146 years.  The picture above, taken two years ago at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia may be the closest I ever get to him.  A few side notes about the picture:  first, if you ever get the chance, please go to the National Constitution Center as it is a really well done museum; next, the height difference is to scale - Madison stood at a towering 5'5" to my impressive stature of 5'2", which may be part of his appeal to me; third, I am well aware that the picture does not do much for my pallor, but I blame the lighting.  

I digress.  Back to James Madison, and what I would do if I could spend a day with him.  As with Lucille Ball, I would welcome the opportunity to ask whether Madison and the other Founding Fathers had any idea of the impact that would have on future generations.  The Constitution is a remarkable document.  It was ratified in 1787, and yet in 225 years has only been amended 27 times.  It was also written in such a way that allows for multiple interpretations; so allowing time for him to explain the true original intent of the words must be taken into consideration when planning the day.   Another interesting (yes, interesting!) topic for discussion would be Madison's thoughts on the politics of today, as well as the place that the United States holds in the world.  

On a lighter note, Perhaps he could lay to rest the question of whether his wife, Dolley really did save the painting of George Washington as the White House burned during the War of 1812 or if that is just folklore.  I do not know that a day with President Madison would consist of anything more than talking, since I still cannot eat ice cream.  I connect ice cream and Madison since many people think Dolley Madison was the first person to serve ice cream in the White House (false - it was Jefferson).  Even if it was "just" talking, what an experience for a history dork/former Social Studies teacher like me.

I once had someone ask me to switch brains, since she was suffering from a terrible migraine.  I told her that I did not think she understood what a ridiculous brain she would get in return.  This post is a glimpse at how silly (okay, dorky) I am, but also a look at things that I find interesting beyond the world of sports.  You now know my choices, but I hope that perhaps you will tell me a person (living or deceased) that you would like to spend the day with, and what you would do with that time?

 

I Got a Gig - Her Game Life

My love of sports is pretty well documented at this point, but a fact that I do not readily share is that I was never much of an athlete myself.  There are probably athletic genes somewhere in my body as my parents were gifted athletes.  Me, not so much: basically I am short, slow, and really lack the ability to trash-talk.  Not the makings of a great athlete.  It's okay though, I have enjoyed being an avid spectator.  Although I had always hoped perhaps I could do more in the world of sports.  To that end, I will put a positive spin on a terrible expression - those who can't do coach, or in my case write. 

I had a couple disastrous experiences with coaching in college, and so that is probably not the path for me.  My junior year at IU, I was the co-head coach of a co-ed 3rd grade basketball team for the local parks and rec department.   It was a non-competitive league that was designed to teach kids the fundamentals of basketball.  Apparently someone forgot to explain this concept to a number of the parents.  Oh my - the pressure many of them were putting on their children was pretty horrible to watch.  Then when we didn't win (which was most of the time),  parents and even grandparents would come up to the other coach and me to tell us how we could have done things differently.  I was very saddened by the apparent disregard for the fact that the kids were trying really hard; but like me, most of them were not born athletes. 

While that experience was less than enjoyable, it was not even the worst thing I ever heard in my short-lived "coaching" career.  Oh no - that honor goes to the woman who called me a b*tch from the stands as I was pitching for the youth KICKBALL league.  It was summer following the basketball team debacle, and I was a part-time camp counselor for the same parks and rec department.  One of the roles of the part-timers was to lead the kickball league.  Our job was to "coach" the teams, which really just meant trying to be sure everyone was having fun, had the chance to play, and we took turns pitching.  Well apparently that woman was a hard-core kickball enthusiast (who knew those existed); who took issue with how I was throwing the ball.  That pretty much ended any aspirations I had of coaching, especially kickball!

Perhaps I will have better luck with writing since about a month ago, I got a [volunteer] gig!  I am one of three contributors for the Chicago Bears on the all-female football site, Her Game Life.   

Her Game Life began as trash talking text messages between native New Yorkers, Nikki Sickles and Shamika Lee. Despite growing up in the Big Apple, both ladies are avid fans of other teams in the NFC East (it’s complicated ). At least twice a year, Nikki (a Dallas Cowboys fan) and Shamika (a Philadelphia Eagles fan) would put aside their friendship and represent their teams. At the end of the 2011 season, Nikki and Shamika found themselves with plenty of time on their hands as their teams went home early. They started Her Game Life to answer the question “Are there other female NFL fans in America?” In response to that question, Nikki and Shamika received applications for contributors from women from all walks of life. Our writers include the daughter of an NFL coach, college students, former Division I athletes, Green Bay Packer shareholders, actresses, stand-up comedians, finance and marketing professionals, lawyers, and freelance writers from across the country. The answer was clear. Nikki and Shamika forged ahead to create the most complete website for female NFL fans.

I found the site completely by accident through a friend who has another friend that was already contributing to the site.  Without too much thought (otherwise, I probably would have thought my way out of it), I submitted a writing sample; was then asked for more information, including answers to specific questions, and a couple days later I was accepted!  So far I have posted three articles for my Bears, all of which can be seen by clicking here. 

Today I received a notice that we now  have an official NFC North Division editor to support the blogging teams as a means of working toward the goal of making the site more of a professional news organization.  Still, what may be the most exciting part of this whole experience was what arrived over the weekend (a media pass)!

I have no idea what I will use it for, but I am going to try to figure it out!  If nothing else, a life-long dream of doing more than just yell at the TV during various sporting events has come true.  I hope you will consider following my coverage of the Bears through what looks to be a very promising season!

I Plan, but Do I Enjoy?

I have already admitted here that I am a planner.   I embrace this fact mostly because, truth be told, there really is no hiding it.  It's what I do, but also how I think for better or worse.  With the recent tragic events in Aurora, I found myself wondering if I am truly enjoying what I do/plan to the fullest; or am I guilty of looking ahead to the next event.  There is also some concern that I need to be sure to enjoy the wedding day that has been in the making for a year by the time it takes place.

Ironically, two events both happened last week that have been on the calendar for months; so I feel as though I can answer my own question.  First was the Chicago and Doobie Brothers concert at Red Rocks.  Our group (Denise, John, Emily, Danny and I) bought the tickets back in March or April.

A little bit of rain was not going to spoil this evening, we had a blast!  There really is no concert venue like Red Rocks. At least not that I have ever experienced; it really is a phenomenal place to see a show.  It sure doesn't hurt that two of my all-time favorite bands were playing together, and did play together for the encore.  Oh my - I got goosebumps as they blended their two sounds to play each bands' hits.  There was also a funny moment for Danny and me when Chicago started to play, "Just You 'n Me".   The verbal intro was, "most of the people in this crowd have a connection to this song - you were either married to it or conceived to it."  Well, that just happens to be the song for Danny and my first dance as husband and wife.  I will not even acknowledge the latter part of that statement - you can ask my parents, but I do not want to know.

Next, Danny, Emily and I finally made it to the Colorado Sky Sox game that we originally had tickets for in early-April.  The fact that this became a long-range event was really beyond our control, since the game we had tickets for was called off due to SNOW.  Yes, spring snow is always possible in Colorado.  The Sky Sox are the minor league affiliate to the Rockies, and play down in Colorado Springs.  So we had to limit ourselves to weekend games to allow for the hour and a half drive each way.  Looking at the schedule, I decided that "Jim Thome Bobble Head" night sounded like a winner.  Ironically, we arrived a few minutes late so we only got a bobble head doll because someone had turned one in.  Of course, we also managed to squeeze in a trip to two breweries along the way.  Luckily, Emily enjoys beer too, but I got a kick out of one of the beer names:  7258 Blonde Ale at Colorado Mountain Brewery.  You may wonder, as I did, what the number means:   7258 denotes both the altitude of the nearby United States Air Force Academy, as well as the attitude of Colorado and its residents... "Far, far above that of West Point or Annapolis" ... and the rest of the world.  

I really do enjoy minor league baseball.  The stadiums are smaller, the ticket prices are reasonable (especially when you have a buy one get one free voucher), and you usually get to see good baseball.  As the Rockies are stinking up the place, it was nice to root for the winning team.  There were a couple botched plays that reminds you that you are in fact at a minor league game, but oh well.  Danny and I have decided we would like to make a Sky Sox game an annual event.  

Of course, I will admit that sometimes my forward thinking gets me in to trouble.  For example the kerfuffle that Danny and I got into on Sunday because he was thinking out loud, and I was worried about executing this plan.  Just one of the many examples of how Danny and I think differently; we are working on it.  Still, I did take my parents up on their offer to help with the wedding planning.  I had an easy task for them that will be tremendously helpful to me.  Progress all around!  

Sometimes I say that I am ready for September 16 so that I can enjoy life without wedding planning, but I don't mean it in the way that it sounds.  Yes, I am ready to move on with my life as Danny's wife, but I am also beyond excited (and scared to death) about the rehearsal dinner, and the wedding itself.  I want to enjoy all the hard work, but even more so I am looking forward to celebrating with everyone who is joining us.  It is truly overwhelming the outpouring of love and support that Danny and I are receiving.  Of course not everyone will be able to make the trip, but we are extremely grateful to those who are going to be there for what we hope will be a fun time.

Danny accepts that I am a planner, just as I know he is not.  We balance each other out, and most importantly have a lot of fun!  A great piece of wedding advice that I received and will try to embody, "the weddings that are the most fun, are the ones that it is clear that the bride and groom are enjoying themselves."  Well Danny and I fully intend to have a great time!  Because as someone else says, regardless of what goes wrong as something inevitably will, we will still be married.

 

So I Have this Idea... Now What?

As a diversion to wedding planning, I am trying to purge stuff from our apartment.  Truth be told, most of the crap in this place is mine; so it is my responsibility to get rid of it.  I have found some real personal buried treasures.  For instance, as I was going through my boxes (read plural - five) of letters, which included pretty much everything anyone has ever sent me, one card my Grandmom was particularly special to me because of what was inside.  There was a coupon for Red Lobster (unfortunately it expired in 2008 - crud - missed opportunity), but there was also a clipping from her local paper.  You see my Grandmom is very thoughtful about sending coupons and clippings of interest to her "dear ones," as she calls us.  I remembered reading this when it first came; it struck a chord then and it has struck a chord now.

Q: Is there a company that offers trips to different baseball stadiums, where the participants would stay at the same hotel as the teams?  I would like to spend some time with my son next year visiting different ballparks.  - R.S.

A: Finding tours for sports fans is a frustrating process, since most are set up solely to sell package tours to big events, such as an all-star game, World Series, Super Bowl or NCAA basketball Final Four. ...  I have yet to find a sports tour operator with any imagination.  I think there's a big market for tours that take sports fans to various parks and halls of fame, even when no playoffs or big events are scheduled.

What if I could be such a sports tour operator?  It would be a dream come true to find a way to put my love of sports to good use, perhaps even one that pays.  I need to do some extensive research, but in the meantime it is fun to think about the possibilities.  For instance, what about a tour of all five teams in the American League Central (White Sox, Twins, Indians, Royals, and Tigers).  Or a cross country tour of stadiums designed by the architectural firm Populous, formerly HOK Sports, that are responsible for some of the most beautiful parks in all of my baseball (ESPN says so too, it is not just my opinion).  Their parks include, but are not limited to:  Coors Field, Denver; Progressive Field, Cleveland; PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore; and Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim.  

There really is no limit to the kinds of tours that could be created if someone would just put some thought into it.  I would love to go on these tours, but how exciting to design and even lead them!

Perhaps this is that why not idea/moment I have been searching for...  Of course I can think of a million reasons why it will not work, but I am not ready to accept those just yet.

In the meantime, sports will continue to be a passionate hobby as I have been selected to join a team of female Bears Bloggers for a site called, Her Game Life.  My first post was published last week, Mrs. McCaskey, I Would Like Two Bears Tickets Please; so I hope you will follow me there too.

When I pitched this idea to Danny I am pretty sure the look he gave me was, "please let's get through the wedding first."  Okay, fine.  After that though, there may be no stopping me!