And then there were two...

With John Edwards withdrawl from the Democratic Presidential bid yesterday, we Democrats were left with two candidates - a woman and an African American man. One of these two people will make history and become the first of their demographic to be nominated by a major party for the presidency. What a great and wonderful time for American politics!

So, the question is, will Americans vote for someone new or will they go with the white male standard presented by the Republicans? Nine months, five days...

Rangers in the Night

When 2 guys drop the gloves before the puck drops to start the game, you know it will be a good night. (Way to go Scotty Walker!)

The Canes came off their long All-Star break to play the Rangers last night. After a rusty first period with over 60 minutes of penalties and an ejection (Tim Gleason - on his birthday, no less), the Canes came back to win the game 3-1. It was the best game I have seen all season. The Canes played tough, matching the Rangers punch for punch. They were not going to let the Rangers get away with anything in their house. They took a 0-1 deficit to the locker room after the first period, but came out with a different attitude.

The remaining 3 goals scored in the game went to the Canes. Each goal was a wonder to see. I noticed that each scorer (Samsonov, Brind' Amour, and Letowski) took an extra millisecond to wait for the goalie to make a commitment before taking the shot. There were no rushed plays on these scoring plays. I was in awe of the restraint they used, and that it worked - 3 times.

Cam Ward was back in MVP form last night. After letting in a deflection in the 1st, he remained solid in the rest of the game deflecting 34 shots. He even kept his calm in the last moments in the game when the Canes had 2 in the box and the Rangers played with an empty net. Getting out of the 6 on 3 situation as well as the other stellar play made Ward the first star of the night.

The Canes have 29 games left, and need to win 19 on them. I hope this team shows up for the next 29 games. If they do, no one will keep them from the playoffs.

SAG Goodness!

I am so glad that the Writer's Guild gave the Screen Actors Guild a waiver to hold there awards show this past Sunday night. After the disaster that was The Golden Globe Awards, I was ready for some red carpet sizzle. I was not disappointed.

Sure, the awards part is great and interesting enough (Charles Durning stormed the beach at Normandy in WWII, killing 8 enemy before being shot himself, the only survivor of his unit - who knew?), but I really go for the clothes. Even better that watching the red carpet arrivals is the day after fun fest on E! called Fashion Police. I love Debbie and Mr. Jay with whoever may fill the next seat (Peter the Brit this time). They are catty, funny, and always have an opinion. I love how they gush over one actress (like Christina Applegate in this gorgeous frock), then slam the next. So great - the highlight of the awards season for me.

I just hope those writers are cool in a few weeks when it is Oscars turn...

Beautiful Friends

First, Michelle and Jon. Now, Dorene and Brian.

My dear friend, Dorene, who I have known since I was in the second grade, it getting married. She sent me a link to some engagement pictures she had taken this past weekend. She looks absolutely gorgeous and so happy! It almost makes me want to take some professional photos of me with my sweetie!

I Love to be Pampered

Yesterday was a good day. I went to get my hair done in the morning, then met up with my good friend Lisa for lunch. We had a great time catching up and laughing. After lunch, we headed to a nearby nail salon for a mani/pedi. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy a good pedicure. It is the best!! I love to soak my tootsies in that hot water, then have someone scrub them clean. It feels so good when they rub your feet and legs, then paint your toenails a beautiful color. It is worth every penny. It was a great way for two busy ladies to slow down and enjoy a Saturday afternoon.

After we split up, I went to Macy's and bought myself a new dress and a new coat (on sale, of course!) I was polished and pretty for our dinner with friends last night. It is good to be able to pamper yourself once in a while.

It's Hard Out There for a Liberal

Being a Liberal (yes, Dad, I am a Democrat) is pretty tough. A lot of my political beliefs come down to choice. I believe that a woman has the right to choose to have an abortion if she wants it. I believe that homosexual people should be able to choose who they want to marry just as heterosexual people do. I believe that people should have the right to speak their minds and have their opinions heard. The tough part comes in when their opinions differ from mine.

It boils my blood that people think that there should be an amendment against gay marriage. Who do these people think they are to deny any two people who love one another the right to a holy union? I just do not believe that love, in any form, is wrong. The hard part for me is allowing others to be against it without me thinking they are stupid and closed minded. We all have a right to our beliefs, even if they differ from mine. Still, I really hope neither Huckabee nor Romney become the next President of this great country.

I know it's 2 days later, but HEATH LEDGER is dead!

Wow, what shocking news to hear on Tuesday. I enjoyed his work as an actor. His movie, 10 Things I Hate About You, is a favorite of mine. I think the saddest part is that he was such a young man, only 28 years old. It is not surprising when a 75 man dies, but it is always sad when someone so young passes too early. Even sadder still is that he has a 2 year old daughter. She will have only vague memories of her father, but at least she will be able to see him on film. It's a nice legacy to have.

I wonder how he died and how the next few weeks will play out. The media sure seems to be suggesting that it was drug related. I always wonder when people die unexpectedly or in a freak accident, do they look down from Heaven in shock? I wonder if the new spirits think "I can't believe I am actually dead." Death is a scary and strange thing for me. I have always wondered about it and feared it. I hope I don't find out about it for many years.

Set for Super

So, we are now down to two teams - The New England Patriots (Boo!) and the New York Giants (Boo!). As you may be able to tell, I am not particularly interested which team wins. I really wanted to see Brett Farve and the Pack take the whole thing. It is no longer possible. Now, I really have little interest in who actually wins. I guess I would be happier if the Giants won - I always like to see the underdog pull out a victory. But who will I cheer in 2 weeks? The advertisers.

Yes, it snowed

When I woke up this morning, I thought there was no way it would actually snow today. I was very glad of it because I had planned to have lunch with Michelle and had been looking forward to it all week. Luckily, I was able to see Michelle. It started to snow about 2:00 pm while we were comfortable in the restaurant. It has been coming down ever since then, but melting on the ground. The grass is just not showing the faintest hint of white. I wonder how long it will continue and how much we will get. I love snow, but I don't want it to interfere with my plans (except work, of course!)

Will it snow, will it snow, will it snow?

The weather report is calling for measurable amounts of snow tomorrow in my local area. By measurable amounts, the weather folks mean 2-4 inches. I know we need the snow to help combat the drought, but why on a Saturday? It should only snow during the work week so we can stay at home, but still get paid. If we lived in Camelot, we would not have to worry about these things.

I really wonder if it will snow or not. It is sunny right now without a cloud in the sky. It is about 48 degrees, hardly cold enough for snow right now. Guess we will know for sure in about 14 hours!

Ya snooze...Ya get more sleep

;I set my alarm in the morning for 6:15 am. I don't actually have any intention of waking up at 6:15 am. I don't have to be to work until 9:00 in the morning. I will usually run in the morning or take my sweet Sammy for a walk, but I still rarely get out of bed before 6:45 am. So, why do I set the alarm for 1/2 hours earlier? I like the idea of the snooze button. It gives me that extra "stolen" sleep time in the morning. It is so nice to hit the button and curl back up in the nice warm bed. It doesn't even matter that the alarm will ring again after 9 minutes. It still feels so good to wake up slowly by my own schedule. It makes the whole "going to work" thing seem so much more bearable.

Yet, have you ever noticed that you can wake up at 4:00 am with ease as long as you are not heading to work?

Could it Be Magic?

I just finished a book called "Enchanted, Inc." by Shanna Swendson. Two books prior to that one I read the sequel to "A Girl's Guide to Witchcraft" by Mindy Klasky. I love stories that feature magic. One of my favorite shows growing up was "I Dream of Jeannie." In more current years, I loved "Charmed." Any story about supernatural powers pretty much appeals to me. I guess I just want to believe that there is something out there that is more interesting than average, normal me. I wish I could blink my eyes or twitch my nose to get what I want. Maybe if I concentrate really hard, blink my eyes, move my nose...nope, no new shoes appeared.

Our President to Be

My sister-in-law sent me a link to a quiz about the upcoming Presidential election. Just answer 11 questions and rank them in importance, and the results will tell you which candidate agrees with your views. Take the quiz by clicking here.

My results were not a total surprise. My highest match was with Hillary Clinton with a score of 42. She was closely followed by Bill Richardson with a score of 41 (too bad he dropped out of the race yesterday!). Obama was tied with Edwards at 39 points, and Fred Thompson was dead last. Like I said, I am not surprised - I am a Democrat after all. Time to do some more research!

Go President Adams!!

The President of UGA sent a letter to the NCAA (he is one of the Board members) outlining a proposal to do away with the BCS system. He would like to see a playoff for the football national championship. He proposes to take the top 8 teams and have them fight it out for the championship on the field over 3 weeks.

Some other members are against the proposal. They would like the traditional ties the certain bowls (like the Rose Bowl) have with certain conferences to continue. They also question whether fans would actually travel to three different sites for their favorite school.

In a non scientific poll at the bar last night with my beer drinking buddies, we determined that the proposal was a great idea. We all agreed that the BCS is lacking (or flat out does not work). We also agree that fans are fans and they will support their school wherever they go. It would also mean more money for the NCAA in TV agreements.

Can we start in 08-09?

Susan in Cyberspace

I have had this blog for a while now, so I thought it was time to expand further in the World of Cyberspace. A friend of mine (Prancer Caught in a Whirlwind) sent me an invitation to join Facebook. So, I joined. It is a networking website like MySpace, but it has an added feature. People have to request to be your friend before they are able to view your profile page. I happen to think that is a great feature. It has been fun to meet new friends via the Blog, but I do feel safer knowing that the whole world can't see my detailed profile info. Anyway, it is fun, addictive, and free. Join up now!! I tried to talk hubby into joining, but he just shook his head and muttered "You kids and the Internet."

A different friend suggested Meet In. It is a volunteer group of folks who just want to meet other people in their local area. He is the leader of our local group, so now I am able to find out about events and meet new friends.

Cool stuff, huh?

Great News for Georgia

Well, college football ended last night with another SEC team taking the championship. Unfortunately, it was not Georgia. But it could be Georgia in 2008.

The final AP poll has Georgia ranked at #2. The final Coach's Poll has Georgia as 3. In an article I just read from Yahoo!, Georgia is already predicted to be #2 in 2008 with the leadership and talent of Matthew Stafford at QB and Knowshon Marino at RB. The author of the article selects USC as #1 for 2008. I think that will be a good match up in the BCS Championship game. Let's make it SEC for 3 years in a row. It is Georgia's turn.

UGH-Today is the day

Today is the day that we are taking down all of the holiday decorations. I hate this part of the season. Nothing seems as depressing or as difficult as taking down the tree. It is something I think about and do not look forward to from the second the decorations are put up. Guess I need to stop whining and get to work!

Christmas 2007 Remembered

Dawgs + Sugar=Happy New Year!

Well, I certainly hope you picked the Georgia Bulldogs to win the Sugar Bowl on January 1. I had great faith in the guys, but was even surprised by the 41-10 victory. As we watched the pre-game show, I was actually touched by the Hawaii players. They have such heart and tradition, and I was very impressed with their head coach. I felt so bad that their 12-0 season was going to end with a loss. I just didn't expect them to get stomped so badly. Poor Colt Brennan, darling of college football, got his butt handed to him. He was such a great leader and had such a good season all to see it end with 8 sacks and a very confused look on his face. Guess that's what happens when you go from WAC to SEC.

The Dawgs looked fantastic. With the team losing only a few seniors this season, they are poised to be incredible next season. They will continue to have quarterback Matthew Stafford and sensation running back Knowshon Marino. I predict great things for this team. Under Coach Richt, they have done so much. I foresee a National Championship in their near future. I know Mark Richt will lead the Dawgs there.

2008 is great!

We rang in the New Year with great friends last night. Our friends, Janet and Dan, called on Saturday to see if we wanted to do something for New Year's Eve. Janet had seen a restaurant in nearby Hillsborough that was having a special dinner. We went to dinner at 9:00 and enjoyed a wonderful 4 course feast. The food was really delicious. We were able to sit at our table until just before midnight when we headed to the bar to watch and participate in the countdown. It was so nice to ring in a brand new year with friends.

So, now, 2008 is here and it is time to make resolutions. I have never been really good with resolutions, but I do have some things I want to accomplish this year.

1. I want to manage my weight again. I have been way too easy on my diet - heck, I have not followed one in over a year. I need to watch what I eat. Period.
2. I want to continue running and work up to at least a 10K this year. Bill and I have already checked out runs for this year and found a few we want to do.
3. I want to continue to try new things and do the things that I have always wanted to do. I have already signed up for a beginning yoga class and an Indian cooking class in '08.
4. I want to decide if I should stay in The Junior League. It may be that my attention would be better used elsewhere and for a different organization. I know at least 2 people think I should quit the League.
5. I want to travel this year. I want to go to Germany as well as visit family and friends.
6. I want to de-clutter my life. I want to get rid of the stuff I don't need and simplify my life.
7. I want to continue to enjoy my job and my co-workers.
8. I want to spend time with my husband, my dog and my friends.
9. I want to earn that plate on the wall at The Flying Saucer!
10. I want to be more flexible and more relaxed.

So much to do and no time like January 1 to start!