Pure Sole

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T22:00:00.000-06:00

We will open the book.

Its pages are blank.

We are going to put words on them ourselves.

The book is called Opportunity

And its first chapter is New Year's Day.

Edith L. Pierce

Here's to a prosperous New Year -

Full of happiness, hope, love, joy, and peace.

2011-06-03T15:03:00.000-05:00

National Donut Day

Deep fried. Powdered. Jelly-filled. Frosted. Sprinkles. Ah, the possibilities are endless.

So, when the going gets tough, eat some doughnuts.

Indulge yourself today by picking up a freshly baked doughnut and feasting on this delightfully yummy treat!

No further explanation needed

2011-06-03T14:47:00.000-05:00

Summer Countdown Commences

2011-05-02T22:32:00.000-05:00

Ready

Set

Go

"Run hard, be strong, think big!"

2011-04-07T20:23:00.003-05:00

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."

-Fred Lebow, NYC Marathon Co-founder

Half Marathon

Event: Angie's Half Crazy! Half Marathon

Date: March 27, 2011

If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get.
You just run."
-John Bingham

"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong.
You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet.
It is the will to succeed."

-Jacqueline Gareau, 1980 Boston Marathon champ

"There are clubs you can't belong to, neighborhoods you can't live in, schools you can't get into, but the roads are always open."

- Nike

"Winning isn't always finishing first. Sometimes winning is just finishing."

-Manuel Diotte

Final Thoughts

Place: 369th out of 1072 participants

Total Time: 2:12.04

Really wanted to get under two hours, but my legs gave out the last quarter.

So....my new motto for the next one?

Third one's a charm!!!

Under 2, here I come!!

Seawall Half-Marathon: T-minus 225 days

Ice, Ice Baby

2011-02-04T12:24:00.000-06:00

Below Freezing Temperatures

Precipitation

Houston

NO SCHOOL!!!!

Happy Friday to Me!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-11-28T13:39:00.001-06:00

The Christmas Season can officially begin; though for many retailers and stores around the country, that happened back in June (Notice the date this picture was taken)

Christmas in June?
(Added June 25 · · Comment)

The turkey and stuffing has been eaten and eaten and eaten. Football games have been aplenty. Black Friday shopping was more than I bargained for. The colors of the trees have turned to shades of oranges, reds, and yellows (although, I suppose here in Texas, it's still a work in progress). Yes, Thanksgiving has come and Thanksgiving has passed. Now I can really get into the Christmas spirit. You can't go wrong with Thanksgiving; for the obvious reasons above. However, there is something(s) about the Christmas season that, in my eyes, makes it the most wonderful time of the year.

Without further ado, here are my Top 10 reasons why I am looking forward to this

MOST WONDERFUL time of the year.

10. Decorations

Face it. Nothing can beat the loaded window displays, the ribbons and garlands around every lamp post, the glittering lights of various colors and doilies and nativity scenes and christmas trees decorated to the brim with ornaments.

9. Music

Carols - traditional or not. The music can lift your spirits on a down day, and who doesn't love belting out "O Holy Night" (bad as it may be, but seriously, who can sing it like Josh Groban anyways).

8. Lights

What is it about the soft glow of Christmas lights that makes me feel all warm and cozy inside?

7. Baking

As if I need another excuse to put on my apron and getting my baking on. Fudge. Cookies. Bread. Toffee. Yule Logs. Brownies. Welcome to the Land of Sweets!

6. The Smells

Fresh Christmas trees. Cinnamon and spices. Bread and cookies baking in the oven. Do I need to keep going? You get the picture.

5. Giving Gifts

Shopping this time of year can be chaotic....no, make that shopping IS chaotic. Despite the mass of people, the lines, the waiting, and more people....it's a lot of fun trying to find the perfect gift for whomever I'm shopping for; and then the feeling you get when you see the look of joy on their face after they have opened their gift. Priceless!

4. Spending time with Family

With all the hustle and bustle that comes with the Christmas season, making time to spend time with those near and dear to your heart should not be forgotten. Whether it's a night by the fire sipping hot chocolate, making Holiday treats in the kitchen, or watching a Christmas classic on TV, nothing beats doing those activities when I get to do it with my family. To quote Burton Hills, "The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."

3. New York City

This year is particularly exciting and NYC is even more a reason why I am looking forward to this season. Why? Though family is near and far, Christmas will bring us together in New York City this year...we have Caitlin to thank for that (See earlier post). Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Light and decorations in Times Square. Snow in Central Park. The Radio City Rockettes. I got a feeling that it's going to be spectacular!

2. Worldwide Celebration and Traditions

Unlike Thanksgiving, or Independence Day, Christmas is celebrated throughout the world. Whether in France, or New Zealand, or Africa, Ukraine, Mexico, or Japan - millions of people gather together with friends and family to celebrate this special time of the year. Though the language, the food, and traditions may differ, the reason for the season can bring us all together to celebrate what the season is truly about.

And that brings me to reason one....

1. Christ, the Savior of the World

Decorations are up, people are madly shopping for gifts, the Grinch can rear its ugly face, and the man in the red suit is more talked about than the person for whom we celebrate this joyous holiday. Though it's fun to bake, decorate, blast out those Christmas tunes, and shop for that perfect gift, this season is the time to stop and reflect on why we really celebrate this time of year. It is not the gifts, the trees, the decorations, or the food that make this a season full of wonder. It is when we remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that the Christmas season becomes truly special. It is no coincidence that Christmas is the time of the year when people are the most loving, the most giving, the most kind, and the most grateful. In the true spirit of CHRISTmas - in between the Christmas parties, gift exchanges, present shopping, and decorating - let us find ways to lift up those around us and celebrate our Savior’s birth by being followers of Christ in word and deed. Yes, it truly is the MOST WONDERFUL time of the year.

A Dream Comes True

2010-11-27T17:08:00.002-06:00

A few months late, but I would be amiss if I didn't make mention about how proud I am of my little sister, Caitlin. She has been through triumphs and achieved numerous accolades - it was evident since the moment she first stepped on the stage that amazing things were in store. She has been through tragedies, none of which deterred or weakened her soul and spirit. Quite the opposite in that it made her more resilient, stronger, and more determined to achieve her goals and dreams.

One in particular came to fruition this past summer. Take a look for yourself.

Moments after the big announcement...

Yep, my little sister is a ROCKETTE.

And not just any Rockette, but a New York Radio City Rockette!! I'm quite ecstatic (probably because of the fact that I get to spend Christmas in New York this year - hey, who wouldn't be?). As happy and uber excited (yes, I did just say that), I am even more proud of her for what she has accomplished. Caitlin, you ROCK!!

And if you aren't able to make it up to NYC this year, here is a snip-it of her performance. I've been told that this number is even more spectacular live...which goes without saying that I am in for a real treat come December 24th!!

Coming Soon...

2010-11-19T17:07:00.000-06:00

Two months have come.

Two months have passed.

But have no fear.

New Posts

To a blog near you.

Stay tuned....

Welcome September...

2010-09-10T21:24:00.001-05:00

and

that

can

only

mean

one

thing

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

If the upcoming season is anything like last...

then the next 4 months are going to be

mind blowing

in your face tackling

are you kidding me catching

ankle breaking moves

off the chain touchdown playmaking

FOOTBALL

ARE YOU READY????

Another thing that makes me :)

2010-08-20T20:41:00.001-05:00

A different kind of post

2010-08-18T19:02:00.002-05:00

DISCLAIMER:

The following post is not a typical post that I tend to blog about.

I am not one who is going to make finding my husband my lifelong quest,

nor go on a year long mission to find the 1,

and certainly not do this.

But this was

something worth blogging about...

because it made me smile...

and it involved sneakers....

With that said...

In NO way am I trying to imply anything...

and no, I am not in any hurry to actually do the "m" word,

or freaking out about finding someone,

blah, blah, blah...

ok there's my rant on dating.

Done.

Finished.

Over.

Browsing thru my new favorite "literature"

(ok, so it's really more about the pics - seriously though - it's ALL about the pictures)

And stumbled upon this picture.

So it inspired me to write a little letter.

Here goes....

Dear Future Husband,

Wherever you are and whenever it's right

Don't fret about how or if it's under the stars at night.

If you were to pull out a pair of sneaks like this,

There is no doubt the night will end with a kiss

Because after the words "will you marry me" you say,

My answer will most definitely be yay.

Love,

Nikki

Sneaker Heaven

2010-08-18T17:34:00.001-05:00

I'm a bit of a shoe fanatic. Clarification. Make that a sneaker fanatic. Some may call them tennis shoes. Or if you are a 13 year old, I think the "politically correct" term is kicks.

So I was browsing through the magazine section at B & N and I came upon a magazine which was literally made for me...

Yes, that is correct.

An entire magazine dedicated to the beloved sneaker.

As I was looking through various archives and links to this bodaciously rad site, I came upon this webpage.

First, I'm not exactly sure I would pay quite that much for a pair of custom made kicks. Maybe that doesn't make me quite the fanatic I thought I was...and then my fears were confirmed when I scrolled down and saw this picture:

and read this text....

dedicated showroom and 500.

Yes, as in 500 pairs of sneakers.

Say what? It makes my collection of sneakers look pretty small.

I guess I have a little work to do in terms of catching up to this guy....

In the words of the little engine that could....

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can"

its Been a Long time Comin'

2010-07-24T22:07:00.015-05:00

You may have noticed that my blog has undergone some changes;

{uh make that a lot, a lot of changes}

Of course, I guess this statement depends largely on how often you view the blog.

So, if this is your first time, then to you I say welcome.

If you are a regular, then to you I saw welcome back.

Enjoy the new look.

~ Live. Laugh. Love ~

A Letter

2010-07-22T04:30:00.007-05:00

Dear Blog:

I apologize for neglecting you over the past few months. You see, one day I got home from work and sitting on my couch were two men dressed in black suits. Turns out they were from the CIA. Recruiting they said. I laughed. BIG mistake because the next thing I knew I'm in a foreign country wearing a black suit. Yes the very same suit those "CIA agents" had on, in the dead of summer. Why must it be wool? I am not sure why but people kept referring to me as Agent 99. One of life's mysteries I guess.

But back to why my blogging entries have been more absent than present. During my time in many foreign lands, I had suspected something was amiss. My instincts proved correct and my life as Agent 99 must disappear forever - or someone was going to do that for me. So of course I did what anyone else fearing for their life would do. Pack a bag and head to India to hike the Himalayas. Really, who would find me out there? Maybe Bear Grylls (Seriously though. You can never count out a person who finds enjoyment in eating nasty bugs and meat from dead carcasses!). What was supposed to be a few days in the mountains turned out to be more. Like 3 weeks. I was just trying to throw off those crazy Russians in the first place. Maybe it was the bright orange shirt I was wearing. Or that awesome signal fire I made but I was eventually found. Thankfully it wasn't the Russians. My good buddies, the "CIA agents" just happened to be the ones to rescue me. I quickly learned this was no accident. I was informed immediately that I must go into protective custody. You see, during my time as Agent 99 I stumbled upon some documents that were evidently not supposed to be seen. The person who was supposed to shred that material apparently didn't get the memo.

Well, lucky for me I did and you know what that luck got me? Me holed up for one too many days in a house with pink and green walls in the middle of Podunk, Wisconsin. And since no one could know my whereabouts, any electronics were a no no. So, what I thought was only going to be a few days between blog posts (because I was going to blog that very same day those two "CIA agents" showed up at my place) turned out to be quite a few more. Ok, more than just a few. I began to tally the days of no blogging because what else is there to do in Podunk, WI? Days turned to weeks. Weeks turned into months. I thought for sure I was setting records by my 3rd and 4th months. Just when I thought my name would be etched into history, a knock came to my door letting my know I was free to go. Turns out what I saw wasn't such a big deal after all. Knowing I would be in the Guinness Book of World Records eased my anger for the ordeal I had just been through. I was fairly confident about my world record setting days of being blog free, but that confidence was quickly replaced with shock and I might add a little embarrassment. I was only short of the record by a few hundred million days. Oh well. Maybe next time.

So with all that has happened, I suppose I can't use that as an excuse because I've been busy in the past and had time to blog. At least about something. And currently I can't even use being busy as an excuse. Because I'm not. I am actually anything but busy. Maybe I am going through writers block and have nothing to say. Or it could be that I am suffering from topic withdrawal. I mean really. The life of a missing protective custody world record breaking CIA agent can't be that interesting. Of course when life is interesting and at its busiest, those are the times to blog. However regardless of life being not busy or life being not presently interesting there is always something to blog about. So my dearest blog. It is I who will commence from this day forth to do my best. To always make sure that days and weeks and months don't pass on by without a post from yours truly. I promise I will make it worth your while!

Live. Laugh. Love.

Nikki

Recognise I'M BACK

2010-07-21T18:10:00.003-05:00

so, you've been wondering where i've been?

maybe what i've been up to? or not?

how bout i let you guess?

i've been...

a. in protective hiding because i'm a witness in a high profile trial

b. recruited by the cia. therefore do not have an identity.

just call me agent 99.

c. went on a backpacking adventure in the himalayas...sorta got lost (oops)

d. trying to set the world record for consecutive days without blogging

I am...

2010-03-08T17:36:00.007-06:00

******************************************************

i was recently informed that i am not doing my blog correctly.

i believe the exact words were:

so for the two people who follow this blog,

a post a day will keep the doctor away?

wait, wait...that's an apple.

nevermind.

a post a day will, um, is not the way to go.

unless you don't have anything else to do.

but i do.

so no posts two days in a row.

i'd rather not keep hearing this:

[ok, so what's the next lesson in blogology, CC?]

so, if you happen to read this today -

check back

NOT tomorrow.

that i can promise you.

no new post.

anything after that.

not going to say.

that's what makes life exciting.

it'll be the game -

"guess when coach posts a new post"

~ Peace Out ~

2 for 2

2010-02-18T21:45:00.003-06:00

well, well.

what have we here?

yep, that's right.

better make sure you are sitting down.

don't want you to pass out.

from shock, that is.

this is my 2nd post in 2 days!

holla!

are you really that surprised?

gotta give me more credit than that.

i couldn't build up the hype.

and then have a let down.

that'd be 2 thumbs down.

yes, yes, i know.

it has been a very long time.

october 18th to be exact.

eh, 5 months.

could be worse.

you know - like 6 months.

or even 6 years.

hey, it's not as long.

the last hiatus
i went on.

besides.

got no more excuses now.

[gosh, dern it]

ok, don't get too excited.

after all,

how exciting is the life of a coach?

Guess who...

2010-02-17T20:14:00.003-06:00

after a little hiatus,

i'm BACK!

coaching done.

over.

finished.

can i get a yippee? YIPPEE!

[at least until next year].

sigh, sigh.

therefore,

i have a wee bit more time.

let's see.

could it be possible.

two posts in two days?

check back.

tomorrow.

my favorite

2009-10-18T23:13:00.006-05:00

fall.

changing colors.

a nip in the air.

college football.

baseball playoffs.

pumpkin patches.

giving thanks.

fall.

A Day in the Life of Disney's Magic Kingdom

2009-10-03T23:18:00.002-05:00

this is AWESOME!

of course, why wouldn't it be.

after all, it is the HAPPIEST place on earth!

Go Cougs!

2009-09-06T09:46:00.002-05:00

my new addiction

2009-08-22T15:18:00.004-05:00

i can't hep it.

i love it.

i can't go more than a week without it,

or i have symptoms of withdraw - mood swings, shaking, cold sweats.

and when i finally get the chance to have it,

i want some more.

it's good.

it's awesome.

i'm officially an addict.

my new hobby

2009-08-12T20:31:00.003-05:00

did something for the first time today.

these got dropped into that.

end result.

p.s. when taking out the garbage and disposing it into a large dumpster,

ensure that keys are secured in pocket.

viva la vida

2009-07-25T12:39:00.005-05:00

wednesday.

went to see coldplay in concert.

performed new songs and old songs.

favorite has got to be yellow.

great music.

got free promo cd.

check it out here and download songs for free.

awesome show. period.

a man named bear.

2009-07-19T20:30:00.003-05:00

no twitter.

consider this my "tweet" for the day.

watching man vs. wild from season 3.

season 4 going on.

premiere had will ferrell.

check out clip of will "panicking."

great stuff. will is hilarious.

got to wonder about a person who eats this or that.

crazy. yes. insane. yep.

regardless.

bear is freaking awesome!

peace.

the past 8 months in 8 seconds

2009-07-16T15:02:00.013-05:00

december. went to phoenix for christmas to visit family. no snow. but anything is possible.

january. became an aunt again.

february. coaching done for the year. can i get a hallelujah?

march. drawing a blank.

april. got a visit from the hursts for easter. went to my first aeros hockey game.

may. bought a new ride. welcomed two newbies into the real world.

june. sad news. good news. finished my second year of teaching. so i rewarded myself with a new toy.

july. summer half over. trying to survive this in houston.

more to come. stay tuned.

i did it!

2009-07-16T02:41:00.005-05:00

finally. it has happened. break out the party hats. the streamers. the noise makers. and the bubbly. after more than 220 days of non blogging, i have in fact posted a new blog. consider this my first (and you may be thinking my only) blog of the 2009 year. don't want you to get your hopes up, but i hope that the time between blog postings will be considerably less from this blog until my next. i debated this for some time whether i ought to indeed go through this massive make over with my blog due to the fact that the holiday season is right around the corner. and with the festive background and music, i would not have to change it in a few months. but, i finally gave in. besides, it should be a pleasant surprise for my family when they check my blog in, oh, about a month or so, and then realize that i have posted 30 new entries. ah, who am i kidding. 3 may be more like it. who knows. one could be surprised. so, until next time my fine fellow bloggers and blog visitors. peace. love. and crabs.

UPDATE...

2008-11-30T21:32:00.012-06:00

Ok, so it has been a few days since my last post. But, it's not like I have any new baby pictures to post and my life for the past two in a half months has consisted of work, work, and more work. This past week was nice because of Thanksgiving, so I got some time to rest and relax - aka not think about work one bit. Well, tomorrow it's back to the salt mines. I definitely enjoyed the nice break, and in an odd sort of way, look forward to getting back to work. And the fact that in three weeks, it will be Christmas break doesn't hurt either.

Rather than posting my non existent pictures, I decided to post a video of THE greatest football game I have ever watched. Besides, I am a bit ticked off that Oklahoma jumped pass Texas and will get to play in the Big 12 Championship. So, nothing says, I am not a fan of OU, like posting a video of them getting upset by a team from the land of potatoes. Oh yeah, go Missouri - go out and kick some Sooner butt on Saturday!

Bye, Bye Hurricane Ike

2008-09-15T17:58:00.007-05:00

If you have been living on another planet for the past few days, then let me give you an update. This little thing called a hurricane (this one was not so little, as it was around 900 miles in diameter) made it's way through Southeast Texas early Saturday morning. Early last week, it didn't appear that Hurricane Ike would make it to us, as it was well south of our area. However, as the week progressed, Ike's path made its way further north and a direct hit on Galveston was definitely a possibility. Mandatory evacuations started Wednesday for those living in Galveston and surrounding areas. With Ike getting closer, and the path not changing, more areas were told to evacuate. While all the surrounding school districts were cancelled for Thursday, my lovely school district decided to stick it out and hold school (as you can tell, I was THRILLED about this). Well, once I got to school, I got a call from mom saying Clear Lake was a mandatory evacuation area. I stayed at school for a couple of hours and then left. Thirty minutes after I got home, we left for Rockwall, Texas. The trip took around 7 hours. We kept the TV on for a good part of the day while we were there to stay updated on what was going on. Ike was forecasted to produce some serious storm surges (20-25 feet) and winds up to 110 mph. Though Ike definitely made his presence felt throughout Southeast Texas, it could have been a lot worse. As for us, it looked like our house lost power for a short time, but not for an extended period (as of now, there are still over 1.5 million residents without power). We made the trip back to Houston this afternoon to see our house still standing (others were not so fortunate). Only minor issues occurred, with the backyard patio covering coming down, as well as many tree branches, which is small compared to what happened to many, many other people's homes. We are thankful for still having a home, no one was injured or hurt, and that we have nothing to clean up, save some tree branches. Unfortunately others were not so lucky and our hearts go out to them, as we pray for them that they will be able to get through this tragic event. As you can see from the pictures of our yard, we were definitely lucky.

Future Baller!

2008-08-12T14:19:00.004-05:00

Between Avery's dad and aunt (the one that is a sports fanatic), you figure that she will play a sport at some point during her life (I'll leave the ballet to her mom and other aunties). If (what am I saying, it's not if, but WHEN) she does play a sport, she's got to look the part running around the field. I may be a bit biased, but Avery does look awfully fly sporting her Nike threads!

(Well for some reason, the blogger won't let me post a video. I'll keep trying...)

Um, Taxi Please....New York: Part 4

2008-07-31T12:56:00.011-05:00

After a semi-hiatus, I am back. I'm sure most everyone has riden a bus before...but, herein lies an even greater question...have you ever ridden on a double decker bus? So, it's like a regular bus, but not really. There are seats on the top of the bus....take a look for yourself.

And though it doesn't look too high, it is. On many occasions during the tour, the signal lights were literally right above your head. If I had stuck my hand in the air, I am pretty sure I would have no hand right now, and thus I would not be able to type, and therefore I would have no posts on my blog about my trip. Though you may feel like it's a roller coaster with the breeze in your face and traveling at a somewhat moderate speed, it would not be a good idea to put your hands in the air - just a piece of advice for any future double decker bus riding goers.

All right - so the tour. I went on three of the bus tours. It was a good way to see all of the New York hotspots and places of interests. Then if anything catches your fancy, you could go back later. I did the downtown, uptown and night tour. So I pretty much saw all of Manhatten and then during the night tour, we went traveled through parts of Brooklyn. I was bummed when I did the night tour because I was breaking in a new camera and I couldn't figure out how to get the night time setting right, so there are only a few good ones, and then some that are funky. Oh well. Anyways...enjoy your tour through NYC!

We Interrupt This Blog To Bring You A....

2008-07-24T22:14:00.009-05:00

It was on this day 28 years ago that a little baby girl was born in Hawaii. Her name was Ashlyn Nohelani. She lived in Hawaii until her family packed up and moved to Texas. Ashlyn would spend many a days during her childhood trying to hide from her younger tag-along, same clothes wearing sister, and it finally worked when she enrolled in dance classes (though it did take a few years). She danced, she sang, she excelled. The blonde hair, blue eyed girl born in Hawaii found herself going to college in Utah....only to find her younger sister trailing her up to Utah a year later. Four years later, she graduated from UVSC and began her career as a teacher at a brand spanking new school in Houston, TX. While living in Houston, she met a boy. Boy likes girl. Girl likes boy...ok, do you really want me to go into all the details....skip to the end. Boy and girl get married. Ok, back to the story. Back up to Utah did Ashlyn and Boy go (Some of the names have been changed, as to protect the identity of the persons involved in the story. Boy is really not his name, though it would be funny to name a baby boy, boy. It really wouldn't surprise me nowadays with some pretty strange and unique names parents are naming their offspring). Where were we....oh right. After much nudging and persistent bugging by family, Ashlyn broke news to her family that she was pregnent. Nine months later, Avery came into the world. Ashlyn, Avery, and Boy would pack up and move to Phoenix, AZ because I guess they really like deserts and hot weather. After a year of joyful midnight feedings, happily changing dirty diapers (especially by Boy), and listening to the sweet sounds of crying, Ashlyn and Boy wanted to double their offspring, announcing the arrival of their second child, due in January. When asked how she was going to spend her birthday, Ashlyn said, "wait for my new washer and dryer, and fridge in an empty house in ghetto Surprise, AZ." Uh, right, ghetto....I guess that's why they call the city "Surprise?" Well, it is with great pleasure to wish Ashlyn, my big sis (and yes, I was the tag along sister, who dressed the same, and followed her to Utah, and then back down from Utah to Houston...and wouldn't you know that I ended up in the same profession - it's only because she was the coolest....plus, she was born in freakin' Hawaii! Lucky, duck!) a Happy Birthday. Here's to you!

A Walk Through the Park....part III

2008-07-24T21:08:00.007-05:00

In any normal park, a walk through a park could be done in a fair amount of time. But Central Park is not your average park....I mean, first of all, it's not a bad idea to bring along a map, because you can actually get lost in it. Cars can drive through the park! Yes, cars! There is a zoo in the park, lakes and ponds, two ice skating rinks during the winter, statues, sculputres, a great lawn, an outdoor amphitheater, and of course, a whole lot of trees! During my early morning walk through the park, I barely scratched the surface of seeing what the park has to offer. Rather than risk getting lost in a park, I wandered around until I saw the "fountain that is in every movie filmed in central park" and of course "the bridge and boathouse."

These two pictures are taken from the outside of the park, looking in.

Cool perspective.

Me with the fountain in the background.

The fountain.

Underneath the bridge I was standing on.

The boathouse.

The view from the bridge. I really like the reflection.

Same as above, except with part of the bridge.

Self taken picture. It was bright and I had been up since 5 am - that's why my eyes are barely opened!

Part Deux....New York Skyline

2008-07-24T12:58:00.006-05:00

Since I had never been to New York, you can imagine the list of things I wanted to see and do. I could've spent a month there and still not have done everything...and I only had a week. With that in mind, I wanted to make sure I saw all of the highlights....so, here in pat two of my trip, one of the coolest sites to see....the skyline of NYC.

The pcitures during the day was in the morning from the "Top of the Rock" observatory deck (aka the GE Building in Rockefeller Plaza). It was cool to see the view from this point of view because I got to see the Empire State Building.

Of course I couldn't leave NY without going to the Empire State Building.

The BIG Apple...Part I

2008-07-21T18:50:00.014-05:00

What do you get when you combine a fairly small area of land with skyscrapers galore, the hustle and bustle of a lot....and I mean a lot of people (over 8 million if anyone is counting), a bunch of yellow "roaches" scurring about the streets, trains (yes they do still exist), planes, and automobiles (does anyone really call them automobiles these days?)....oh and did I mention a lot of people?

You get The City that Never Sleeps. Gotham (oh and speaking of Gotham, if you haven't seen "The Dark Knight" - whew, wee! What a movie!). Oh right...um, how about The Captial of the World. The Empire City. The Greatest City in the World. The City So Nice They Named It Twice. Yep folks, I'm talking about New York, New York!

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Being such a BIG-O sports fan, one cannot go to New York City and not catch a game or two, or three. Yep, I went to The House that Ruth Built, got a glimpse of the Amazing Mets, and went to a Garden that is not a Square, but is in fact a circle - go figure. So, to start off part I of part TBD from my trip to the Big Apple, here are some snapshots of my outings to arguably, three of the most historic sporting venues in the world. Enjoy!

Shea Stadium
New York Mets vs. Colorado Rockies
I sat in the upper deck along the first base line.

Madison Square Garden

New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics

I had floor seats at the game and was only 7 rows from the court.

Yankee Stadium

New York Yankees vs. Oakland Athletics

This is the last year that the Yankees will be playing in this stadium. I sat in the left field bleacher seats in the outfield. A homerun was hit into the bleachers during the game...but into right field....so close, yet so far away. The last picture is the new Yankee Stadium that is being built for next season.

"Fun is where it's at. That's why you have to be there."

2008-07-09T16:42:00.006-05:00

And fun describes what this past week was all about. Ashlyn, Mike, and Avery came to visit from Phoenix for a week. We did a lot of things, and had a blast. Rather than read about some of the things we did, it's a lot more fun to see pictures, right? Besides, do you really want to read the ramblings of a slightly crazed individual? I think not. In the words of some famous person, pictures are worth a thousand words and I didn't think anyone would want to read a thousand words, though if I don't stop pretty soon, I may in fact reach the quota. So without further adieu, sit back, grab some popcorn (or other movie snack for non popcorn eaters), get comfy, and enjoy the show.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVERY!

2008-07-01T14:27:00.002-05:00

This post is dedicated to the coolest, bestest, and cutest niece in the world!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!

AMAZING!

2008-06-16T17:51:00.015-05:00

I don't have any news worthy events to report...no, no cute baby pics to show, nor do I have an exciting story to tell. Yep, what a life I lead. Instead, I try to get my daily fix on the sporting world each day, so for all you sports fans out there, here it is today.

As the official name of my blog suggests, I am a huge sports fan. I don't particularly watch a lot of golf, but you have to appreciate the greatness that was on display this past weekend by Tiger Woods. Here are 3 AMAZING shots fron his round on Saturday that brought him from 5 shots down to a one shot lead heading into the final round...and this was within a 6 hole period!

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And then there's NOT so amazing...

The one area where the Astros were at their best Sunday afternoon was in the postgame clubhouse, where the players and manager Cecil Cooper couldn't help but let their frustrations show.

Moments after the New York Yankees humiliated the Astros with a 13-0 beating that polished off a three-game sweep at Minute Maid Park, Cooper told his players changes would come if the effort didn't improve.

Cooper didn't even wait for questions from the media during his postgame news conference before ripping into the Astros, who were outscored 23-5 in the series.

"I was embarrassed, totally embarrassed by this," Cooper said. "And we're not going to settle for it anymore. It won't happen again. They don't play hard, they don't play. Simple. And today we didn't play hard; we didn't even show up, didn't even compete.

"Totally embarrassing. Forty-thousand people (in the stands), and we didn't even show up. It won't happen again."

The Astros' worst loss of the season was their 14th in 17 games, dropping them to a season-high 12 games out of first place in the National League Central.

One Year Down...

2008-06-06T21:46:00.008-05:00

I DID IT! I have officially made it through my first year of teaching. It's time to PARTAYYYY! I would say that I can look forward to a work free summer, but I've already got to be back at school Monday morning for a sports camp. Nonetheless, this year was everything I thought, and sooooooo much more.......so much more work! Although stressful, tiring, and at numerous times wondering what in the world was I thinking, the year was memorable and quite a lot of fun. So much fun that I am heading back in a couple of months to do this all over again. But until then, I am going to enjoy late mornings sleeping in and getting paid to do absolutely nothing!

A Day in the Life of a Coach

2008-05-21T18:54:00.003-05:00

What I was doing this morning....

What I was doing this afternoon...

What I am going to do now....

And if I'm lucky enough, I get to do that ALL again tomorrow! Seriously, I knew that this gig would be tough, but I wasn't quite expecting that I would meet the devil himself...or in my case, the devil is a she! I mean, shouldn't there have been a BIG flashing warning sign when I signed the contract?

This would have been helpful...

And this would have too...

Little did I know that I wouldn't make it past my 30th birthday!

Whistle Blower

2008-05-08T22:23:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I purchased a new whistle for school. The other whistle had "worn" out...ok, not really...but I needed a new whistle that would get a bit more of a reaction for its intended purpose. Blow a whistle to get a group of people's attention...blow a whistle two times....three times....four times.....AHHH!! Ok, old whistle not working...time for a new whistle.

Not that I have anything against Target, because I can spend hours in the store just browsing, but if you want to purchase a really good whistle, Target is not the place. So, I ventured to Academy and bought myself "the best" around. Now, to my surprise, I wouldn't think the best whistle around town would be made of plastic....boy, was I wrong. Just ask my students in class. They say I blow my whistle now more than ever because it makes such a pretty noise! Let's just say that if they think I blow my whistle A LOT now, then ear plugs will be required for the last 4 weeks of the school year!

2008-04-25T23:36:00.000-05:00

"I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells."

~ Dr. Seuss ~

You will soon find that words occupy the space on this page. That I can promise. What I cannot promise is the words forming any rational thought or reason. Good Luck and Goodnight!

And they say that coaching is all FUN and GAMES....