For the first time in 26 years, the city of Milwaukee can celebrate a baseball team making it to the postseason. It was quite a ride and I'm proud to be a fan. Go Brewers!!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Brewers Make The Playoffs
For the first time in 26 years, the city of Milwaukee can celebrate a baseball team making it to the postseason. It was quite a ride and I'm proud to be a fan. Go Brewers!!!
My Big Sports Day
Today is September 28th, 2008 and it is a big day in my sports life. I am an avid Wisconsin sports fan, and today could mark a historic day for the Milwaukee Brewers. If they win against the Cubs and the Mets lose again the Marlins, they clinch a playoff spot; if they lose and the Mets win, the Brewers are out; and if the Mets and Brewers both win or both lose, there will be a one-game playoff tomorrow.
In addition to the baseball games today, the Green Bay Packers will be playing a pivotal game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here is the schedule for these big games:
12:00 pm -- Packers vs. Buccaneers
12:10 pm -- Mets vs. Marlins
1:05 pm -- Brewers vs. Cubs
To celebrate today's big day in sports, I will be blogging throughout the day with updates regarding my emotional well-being as well as the status of the games.
Live Updates:
8:38 am: Just got dressed and put on my Packers t-shirt (I wore my good Brewers t-shirt on Friday). I also just convinced Anne that we will cook brats for lunch today. Good start to the day.
9:12 am: Leaving for church, seeking eternal perspective to be present throughout my sports day.
11:31 am: Back from church, which was solid. Heard a message on "Jesus As President" and was challenged to put Jesus first and let Him be an agent of transformation in my life. One of the things Jesus needs to change is my idolizing of sports. We'll see how I do with that today.
11:34 am: Going to start grill and cook some Johnsonville brats.
12:02 pm: Packers game kicks off with the Packers starting with the ball.
12:12 pm: Packers touchdown!!!!! Rodgers to Jennings for a 25-yard score. 7-0 Packers lead. Also it looks like the Mets/Marlins game is delayed due to rain. I think that's a good thing. I'd rather see the Brewers get their game underway not knowing what's going on with the Mets. Then they can just focus on winning their game.
12:34 pm: Nothing new in the Packers game. The Packers defense has looked pretty solid. Mets game is still delayed. Brewers game starts in half an hour. Also, brats were great in addition to the Spanish rice.
12:45 pm: Rodgers just threw his first interception of the the year; the ball went right off the chest of the running back, so it wasn't Rodgers fault. Hopefully the Packers D can hold. Also, looks like they're warming up in New York and gonna start the Mets game soon.
12:51 pm: Buccaneers score a TD to tie up the game, 7-7. Mets game still hasn't started.
1:00 pm: Mets game has finally started. GO MARLINS!!!! Meanwhile, the Packers aren't playing too well, but the game is still tied.
1:08 pm: Packers are losing now, 10-7; Mets and Brewers games just started, no scoring yet.
1:23 pm: Mets and Brewers games are scoreless. The Packers are now down 13-7, just before halftime. Rodgers threw a 2nd interception on a real bad throw.
1:37 pm: Brewers are down 1-0, thanks in part to an error. Also, the Brewers like to strike out today.
1:50 pm: Mets game is still scoreless, Brewers still down 1-0. Packers aren't starting well after halftime, giving up a big kickoff return and now the Bucs are inside their 20. So far, my big sports day is not proceeding as I would desire. There's lots of time left, though.
2:10 pm: Bucs just got a defensive TD to go up 20-7 on the Packers. The Pack has not looked good since their opening drive. Brewers offense is lifeless right now; they're down 1-0 after 4 innings. Mets and Marlins are scoreless in the 5th inning. One interesting note: Anne is getting noticeably frustrated with the Packers; I'm proud to see her into the game.
2:20 pm: Positive stuff happening. Rodgers threw a great pass to to Jennings for a TD strike to bring the Pack within 6; score is now 20-14. Marlins scored a run to take a 1-0 lead over the Mets. The Brewers still haven't scored.
2:35 pm: The Packers got an interception return for a TD to go up 21-20. Brewers still haven't score. Marlins are now up 2-0. Both games in the bottom of the 6th inning.
2:42 pm: Bad news. The Mets just hit a 2-run homer to tie the game. And Aaron Rodgers is hurt for the Packers. And the Brewers don't have a hit since their first batter of the game.
2:52 pm: It's starting to get intense here in our home. Packers defense is on the ropes with the Bucs driving to go ahead. And the Brewers finally got another hit in the 7th with a lead-off double. I need more apple cider.
3:00 pm: Dangit! Packers went behind 23-21 on a Bucs field goal, then Rodgers threw another interception when he was blindsided by a Bucs defensive player. Looks like the Packers are headed for a loss.
3:05 pm: Brewers tie it!!! Corey Hart totally choked by striking out with the bases loaded; but then Craig Counsell walked to bring in the tying run. Go Brewers!!!!!!
3:11 pm: Packers lose. Whatever, there's more important things to worry about now. The Mets and Brewers are tied in their games at this point. Unbelievable drama. I may be shaking right now. I'm also convinced the Brewers will keep CC Sabathia in the game no matter how many innings it takes. Even if his arm falls off.
3:16 pm: Wes Helms just hit a home run to put the Marlins up by 1!!!!!!!!! I just peed my pants a little.
3:23 pm: Pandemonium going on in our home!!!! Ryan Braun just hit a go-ahead 2-run home run to go up 3-1. The Marlins added another run to go up 4-2. If both these scores hold up, the Brewers are going to the playoffs. Still a few outs left.
3:33 pm: Brewers win!!!!! CC Sabathia was amazing, pitching a complete game. Marlins still up by 2, but the Mets are threatening in the 8th inning.
3:38 pm: Marlins leading by 2 going to the 9th inning. 3 outs away from the Brewers being in the playoffs. Unbelievable. I've already jumped around my house three separate times; I want to do it one more time. Go Marlins!!!!!
3:44 pm: If I was voting for the NL Cy Young award, I would give it to CC Sabathia. But I'm not exactly objective.
4:05 pm: The Marlins beat the Mets!!! The Marlins beat the Mets!!! The Marlins beat the Mets!!! The Brewers are going to the playoffs....unbelievable. A great sports day.
In addition to the baseball games today, the Green Bay Packers will be playing a pivotal game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here is the schedule for these big games:
12:00 pm -- Packers vs. Buccaneers
12:10 pm -- Mets vs. Marlins
1:05 pm -- Brewers vs. Cubs
To celebrate today's big day in sports, I will be blogging throughout the day with updates regarding my emotional well-being as well as the status of the games.
Live Updates:
8:38 am: Just got dressed and put on my Packers t-shirt (I wore my good Brewers t-shirt on Friday). I also just convinced Anne that we will cook brats for lunch today. Good start to the day.
9:12 am: Leaving for church, seeking eternal perspective to be present throughout my sports day.
11:31 am: Back from church, which was solid. Heard a message on "Jesus As President" and was challenged to put Jesus first and let Him be an agent of transformation in my life. One of the things Jesus needs to change is my idolizing of sports. We'll see how I do with that today.
11:34 am: Going to start grill and cook some Johnsonville brats.
12:02 pm: Packers game kicks off with the Packers starting with the ball.
12:12 pm: Packers touchdown!!!!! Rodgers to Jennings for a 25-yard score. 7-0 Packers lead. Also it looks like the Mets/Marlins game is delayed due to rain. I think that's a good thing. I'd rather see the Brewers get their game underway not knowing what's going on with the Mets. Then they can just focus on winning their game.
12:34 pm: Nothing new in the Packers game. The Packers defense has looked pretty solid. Mets game is still delayed. Brewers game starts in half an hour. Also, brats were great in addition to the Spanish rice.
12:45 pm: Rodgers just threw his first interception of the the year; the ball went right off the chest of the running back, so it wasn't Rodgers fault. Hopefully the Packers D can hold. Also, looks like they're warming up in New York and gonna start the Mets game soon.
12:51 pm: Buccaneers score a TD to tie up the game, 7-7. Mets game still hasn't started.
1:00 pm: Mets game has finally started. GO MARLINS!!!! Meanwhile, the Packers aren't playing too well, but the game is still tied.
1:08 pm: Packers are losing now, 10-7; Mets and Brewers games just started, no scoring yet.
1:23 pm: Mets and Brewers games are scoreless. The Packers are now down 13-7, just before halftime. Rodgers threw a 2nd interception on a real bad throw.
1:37 pm: Brewers are down 1-0, thanks in part to an error. Also, the Brewers like to strike out today.
1:50 pm: Mets game is still scoreless, Brewers still down 1-0. Packers aren't starting well after halftime, giving up a big kickoff return and now the Bucs are inside their 20. So far, my big sports day is not proceeding as I would desire. There's lots of time left, though.
2:10 pm: Bucs just got a defensive TD to go up 20-7 on the Packers. The Pack has not looked good since their opening drive. Brewers offense is lifeless right now; they're down 1-0 after 4 innings. Mets and Marlins are scoreless in the 5th inning. One interesting note: Anne is getting noticeably frustrated with the Packers; I'm proud to see her into the game.
2:20 pm: Positive stuff happening. Rodgers threw a great pass to to Jennings for a TD strike to bring the Pack within 6; score is now 20-14. Marlins scored a run to take a 1-0 lead over the Mets. The Brewers still haven't scored.
2:35 pm: The Packers got an interception return for a TD to go up 21-20. Brewers still haven't score. Marlins are now up 2-0. Both games in the bottom of the 6th inning.
2:42 pm: Bad news. The Mets just hit a 2-run homer to tie the game. And Aaron Rodgers is hurt for the Packers. And the Brewers don't have a hit since their first batter of the game.
2:52 pm: It's starting to get intense here in our home. Packers defense is on the ropes with the Bucs driving to go ahead. And the Brewers finally got another hit in the 7th with a lead-off double. I need more apple cider.
3:00 pm: Dangit! Packers went behind 23-21 on a Bucs field goal, then Rodgers threw another interception when he was blindsided by a Bucs defensive player. Looks like the Packers are headed for a loss.
3:05 pm: Brewers tie it!!! Corey Hart totally choked by striking out with the bases loaded; but then Craig Counsell walked to bring in the tying run. Go Brewers!!!!!!
3:11 pm: Packers lose. Whatever, there's more important things to worry about now. The Mets and Brewers are tied in their games at this point. Unbelievable drama. I may be shaking right now. I'm also convinced the Brewers will keep CC Sabathia in the game no matter how many innings it takes. Even if his arm falls off.
3:16 pm: Wes Helms just hit a home run to put the Marlins up by 1!!!!!!!!! I just peed my pants a little.
3:23 pm: Pandemonium going on in our home!!!! Ryan Braun just hit a go-ahead 2-run home run to go up 3-1. The Marlins added another run to go up 4-2. If both these scores hold up, the Brewers are going to the playoffs. Still a few outs left.
3:33 pm: Brewers win!!!!! CC Sabathia was amazing, pitching a complete game. Marlins still up by 2, but the Mets are threatening in the 8th inning.
3:38 pm: Marlins leading by 2 going to the 9th inning. 3 outs away from the Brewers being in the playoffs. Unbelievable. I've already jumped around my house three separate times; I want to do it one more time. Go Marlins!!!!!
3:44 pm: If I was voting for the NL Cy Young award, I would give it to CC Sabathia. But I'm not exactly objective.
4:05 pm: The Marlins beat the Mets!!! The Marlins beat the Mets!!! The Marlins beat the Mets!!! The Brewers are going to the playoffs....unbelievable. A great sports day.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Going Green
Last weekend I was able to take another weekend trip to Wisconsin with Matt's family. I think Wisconsin is definitely growing on me. After last Christmas and driving through the blizzard while sick I wasn't too sure about Wisconsin as a place. But we've spent 2 weekends there this summer/fall and it was pleasant both times. It's actually very pretty in Wisconsin. This past weekend we attended Matt's cousin's wedding and then went a little farther North to the Packers and Cowboys game. We had a lot of fun with Jared and Yvonne at the game (too bad the Packers lost).
Well, lets get to the real point of my post which is going green and not the Packers green, the environmental green. I know that going green is huge right now and I really am trying to do my best to help the environment and I know I could do more. With that in mind let me tell you about something ridiculous I recently saw on TV. I was watching Kimora Lee Simmons Life in the Fab Lane on Style. Yes, I know I was wasting electricity watching it. But, Kimora decided to go to a going green consultant, who knew they existed, and learn what her carbon footprint was. Anyway, she earned a 27 or 28 while most Americans are around a 7.5 (lower scores are better). It was Kimora's efforts to go green that inspired me to write this post.
First Kimora decided to go car shopping. She ended up purchasing a GMC Yukon Hybird and not to replace another car just to add to her collection. That sounds nice but I did a little research and found that it gets about 21 or 22 miles per gallon. My 6 and Matt's 8 year old cars get better gas mileage than that. Then she went out an bought all kinds of "green" products like bamboo sheets to replace the perfectly nice sheets in the HOTEL room she was staying in. And this is where I believe going green has gone ridiculous. It is better to use what you already have and buy nothing made from nothing than to buy something new made of something environmentally friendly. It is still made of something. When stuff wears out she can buy green.
Ok, I'm almost done with this long post. I just want to only buy green when my other stuff has run out. For example, when all the stores started coming out with reusable bags I went through my closets and found 3 or 4 nice reusable bags that I never use. Those are the ones I try, often times with little success, to take to the grocery store. I refuse to buy a new reusable bag. One final thing, I'm not perfect and I don't think about the environment enough. For example, I went to Kohl's this morning and bought a new fall/winter purse that I really didn't need. But, if I'm going green I want to think about if I'm just buying a cool new green product and replacing something I already have that's perfectly fine or if I'm actually helping the environment.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
4 Green Onions
This is what I wanted.
This is what I got.
Yesterday my wonderful husband went to the grocery store to pick up some stuff for the week. I sent him out with a list and not very detailed instructions. Matt enjoys doing the shopping, no complaints here, and usually does a good job. If he ever gets the wrong thing he learns from his mistakes and it doesn't happen again. Anyway, this is how awesome Matt is. First of all Matt hates onions and I try to cook with them fairly often which he puts up with. Secondly, I'm planning on making potato soup this week so I needed a couple of green onions. I decided to ask for 4 in case I make a big double batch. I explained to Matt that I will cut them up very finely and he won't even notice that they are in the soup. So, off Matt went to the store. This morning Matt asked me if he got the right type of onions and produced 4 large yellow onions. I just laughed and said no. I was so amazed that even though he hates onions he was willing to buy 4 giant onions and trust that I would hide them in his food. What a great husband!
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Container Store
I love to organize! Yesterday, I got to visit a store I've been wanting to visit for a long time: The Container Store. I have to admit I was a little disappointed, but overall it was a worthwhile experience.
2 Reasons I was disappointed...
1. OVERPRICED: Many of the products you could buy a very similar version of at Target for cheaper or Wal-Mart for even cheaper.
2. I'm already really organized so I didn't really need anything. I kind of wished I was disorganized so I could buy more:)
2 Reasons I liked the store...
1. It promotes organization and everything is a container. If I had more stuff to contain I could have gone crazy.
2. There were several unique things made for a specific purpose. For instance I bought a tea bag container. I guess the boxes my tea bags come in isn't enough, who knew. So now I have a 9 compartment organizer I can separate my tea into.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Yikes
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. With school starting all I do is think about my job and sleeping. Teenagers are rather draining. I'm looking forward to the day in a couple of weeks when I've forgotten about summer vacation and I can find my mind elsewhere and not focused on school. Anyway, in attempt to think about things other than seating arrangements, discipline, tardies, algebra and geometry I decided to read one of my favorite devotionals while at work. And today's topic made me say yikes. Maybe you're better at this than me but I'm imagining you'll have the same reaction when you read the devotion too. So, here it is...
Pouring Out the Water of Satisfaction from "My Utmost for His Highest"
by Oswald Chambers.
He would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord —2 Samuel 23:16
What has been like "water from the well of Bethlehem" to you recently— love, friendship, or maybe some spiritual blessing ( 2 Samuel 23:16 )? Have you taken whatever it may be, even at the risk of damaging your own soul, simply to satisfy yourself? If you have, then you cannot pour it out "to the Lord." You can never set apart for God something that you desire for yourself to achieve your own satisfaction. If you try to satisfy yourself with a blessing from God, it will corrupt you. You must sacrifice it, pouring it out to God— something that your common sense says is an absurd waste.
How can I pour out "to the Lord" natural love and spiritual blessings? There is only one way— I must make a determination in my mind to do so. There are certain things other people do that could never be received by someone who does not know God, because it is humanly impossible to repay them. As soon as I realize that something is too wonderful for me, that I am not worthy to receive it, and that it is not meant for a human being at all, I must pour it out "to the Lord." Then these very things that have come to me will be poured out as "rivers of living water" all around me ( John 7:38 ). And until I pour these things out to God, they actually endanger those I love, as well as myself, because they will be turned into lust. Yes, we can be lustful in things that are not sordid and vile. Even love must be transformed by being poured out "to the Lord."
If you have become bitter and sour, it is because when God gave you a blessing you hoarded it. Yet if you had poured it out to Him, you would have been the sweetest person on earth. If you are always keeping blessings to yourself and never learning to pour out anything "to the Lord," other people will never have their vision of God expanded through you.
Pouring Out the Water of Satisfaction from "My Utmost for His Highest"
by Oswald Chambers.
He would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord —2 Samuel 23:16
What has been like "water from the well of Bethlehem" to you recently— love, friendship, or maybe some spiritual blessing ( 2 Samuel 23:16 )? Have you taken whatever it may be, even at the risk of damaging your own soul, simply to satisfy yourself? If you have, then you cannot pour it out "to the Lord." You can never set apart for God something that you desire for yourself to achieve your own satisfaction. If you try to satisfy yourself with a blessing from God, it will corrupt you. You must sacrifice it, pouring it out to God— something that your common sense says is an absurd waste.
How can I pour out "to the Lord" natural love and spiritual blessings? There is only one way— I must make a determination in my mind to do so. There are certain things other people do that could never be received by someone who does not know God, because it is humanly impossible to repay them. As soon as I realize that something is too wonderful for me, that I am not worthy to receive it, and that it is not meant for a human being at all, I must pour it out "to the Lord." Then these very things that have come to me will be poured out as "rivers of living water" all around me ( John 7:38 ). And until I pour these things out to God, they actually endanger those I love, as well as myself, because they will be turned into lust. Yes, we can be lustful in things that are not sordid and vile. Even love must be transformed by being poured out "to the Lord."
If you have become bitter and sour, it is because when God gave you a blessing you hoarded it. Yet if you had poured it out to Him, you would have been the sweetest person on earth. If you are always keeping blessings to yourself and never learning to pour out anything "to the Lord," other people will never have their vision of God expanded through you.
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