True Fan

So, I ordered this yesterday....

In the next 3-5 days, I will be the owner of a new (and much more awesome) debit card.

I think that I was most impressed with was the fact that it was FREE!

You don't get much for free at all these days. I feel like this just takes my fan-dom to a whole new level!

While on the topic of the Bengals, you must check out this story that Emily sent me about one of my favorite coaches, Mike Zimmer. He's the defensive coordinator for the Bengals and really turned them around in just his first year (last season). But the article mainly focuses on the unexpected loss of his wife mid-season and how he has had to cope. Very great article and incredibly moving.

Is it obvious that I'm ready for the season? I will be especially ready in 3-5 business days!

Football Time

I can't believe it's that time of the year again!

The Bengals are in town and my world is happy.

There's always such immense feeling of hope at the beginning. Let the football season begin!

Overplayed

Alright, if you ever been to any sporting event with me, you know my intense disdain for the song below (you have to get about 1:50 in before you'll recognize the song).

This is a song by Zombie Nation and the song is titled Kernkraft 400. Mark is a HUGE fan of techno and to say the least, I am not! It drives me crazy...but that doesn't keep him from trying to put techno on every chance he gets in the car. I'm getting beside the point...

Anyways, despite my disdain for techno, I still just do not understand what the obsession is with this song in the sports world. I don't know if it was on Jock Jams years ago and it just stuck or what. It is on the playlist of any and every team. Even my beloved Bengals overplay this song. In fact, that is where my hatred for the song began. You see, at Bengals games, they play this chant whenever the opposing team scores and they are kicking back to the Bengals. Ugh. I heard it way too much during losing seasons and it will forever have that negative feeling associated with it.

Well, the Bengals aren't the only ones to play it. I have heard this song at EVERY other sports event I have ever gone to since I recognized the song. And sometimes, they play it more than once. Take the classy Mississippi State team for example. Last night, during their game against UK, they played this chant five times. Yes, you read that correctly, FIVE TIMES!!!! I did count because I noticed every time I heard it. Also, my family recognizes my hatred for the song and now when they hear it, they send me a text to let me know.

Seriously, it's an epidemic! This post truly has no other purpose than for me to vent on how much I would like to disconnect this song with the sporting world and to have this chant get stuck in your head for the rest of the day. You're welcome!

Now that you know, you will hear this song EVERYWHERE!!!

Happy Holidays

My favorite video of the holiday season....obviously!

Click Here

Christmas Gift

Ummmm....can we say best Christmas gift ever???

Jordan got Mark and I two lower level tickets to the bowl game. As if that wasn't great enough, he also gave us a UK football signed by the ENTIRE team!

Pretty amazing!

Mark and I are often amazed at what wonderful friends we have. We thank God on a daily basis for such good people in our lives.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

Does anyone know what day it is???

THAT'S RIGHT! The start of the Bengals football season!

Quite possibly the most exciting day of the year for me. There's just that anxious hope that this year could be different. And regardless, I still get to watch some football!!!!

Words can't express my excitement!

Here's hoping that Mike Brown can't screw it up this year worse than years past...

Au Revoir, T.J.

Source

For most of you, this blog will hold no interest to you. However, yesterday, my world was crushed when TJ Houshmandzadeh officially turned in his black and orange to don a uniform of green. TJ signed with the Seattle Seahawks yesterday leaving the Bengals line-up with a giant hole.

I cannot blame him at all. Seattle offered him more money, he'll be closer to home, and he doesn't have to play for a team managed by Mike Brown. All strong points to lure one away.

Nevertheless, I'm sad to see him and his ponytail go. I'll miss spelling his name. I'll miss making fun of people who cannot pronounce or spell his name. I'll miss all of his hamstring injuries. Most importantly, I'll miss always seeing the number 84 in the endzone.

Good luck in Seattle, T.J.!

Super Bowl XLIII: Disappointing

As much as I utterly despised the dirty Steelers winning this year, I enjoyed all of the company during the game. Em and Mark definitely rocked the 3D glasses through pretty much the entire game and the annual cake that I make was a success with the help of Em's decorating skills again.

Finish the Year with the Bengals

I have gone to a Bengals game at PBS since 2006 and despite the Bengals pitiful season 2008 was to be no exception. Plans fell through for us to go to the Bengals-Ravens game on November 30th, which worked in our favor since it was freezing and raining. My entire family went to the last game of the season (since there was no hope for a Bengals preseason after their 0-8 start) this past Sunday. We knew we were all going to go, but we had no idea how great the tickets would be! Mom and Dad got us tickets on the 5th row behind the endzone. They won which made this game the first time I've actually seen the Bengals win while at the game. Here's some pictures from the day!

Mark and I bundled up to stay warm.

It was 40 degrees without a cloud in the sky. Perfect weather for football!

Daniel and Jen

Had to share our blanket to keep the warmth in

The whole family! Loyal fans!

As promised, I'm including a picture from one of the highlights of the game...the 2nd annual Mascot vs. Pee-Wee football game. Who Dey, the Bengals mascot, gathered all of his local friends such as the Xavier blob, the Cyclones mascot, the IKEA Moose (I was just as surprised as you), Max and Erma, and all of the Reds mascots (Mr. Redlegs, Rosie Red, and Gapper) to help play against some of the 4th grade kids from the local Pee-Wee league teams. Well, from the first play you could tell that Mr. Redlegs came to play. He obviously felt this was his chance to relive the old glory days because he seriously took it to those kids. As a kid was running for a touchdown, he slammed the kid into the crowd which invoked an uproar of boos from the crowd. I'm pretty sure this only fueled his fire because on his turn to run the ball, I swear he stiff-armed at least 6 kids. I can't make this stuff up! Here's the picture to prove it!

Yes, that is a drop of blood chasing after them. Fitting for this debacle.

This was all I could capture on film because I was in a state of shock and disbelief! Soon after, Erma's head fell off to reveal a man underneath which explained the muscular calves she had. The whole day was great fun!

For Your Monday Enjoyment

Update On My Life

This is totally how I've felt lately.

I realize that I've been horrible about blogging. I have had so much going on lately and have had every intention of updating my blog, but just haven't been able to find the time or energy. Here's a few quick updates on what's going on in my world:

• I have a WONDERFUL group of students this year! I only have 20 in my room on a regular basis and they are all awesome!
• I started graduate school at EKU for my Masters in Educational Leadership as well as my Principalship. Very excited, but it's taking a lot out of me. I'm in school mode from 4:45-10:00 (when I leave for and get back from class) and every Friday night (my homework night).
• Mark started school at EKU for his EMT certification on Mondays and Wednesday nights.
• I joined BLC (Bluegrass Ladies Club) with some of the coolest ladies and we are developing some wonderful frienships.
• Mark and I have been getting involved in the Crossroads: Georgetown Campus. We absolutely LOVE it!
• My weekends are what get me through. My last two weekends have been spent at the UK game and in Cincy at IKEA for the day with the BLC.
• My football team stinks! Bengals are having a rough start. I will stay loyal!
• My fantasy football stinks as much as my real football team! 0-2
• I just finished reading Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist and I'm getting ready to start Twilight because I've heard so many good things from Cameron, Sarah, and Brooke.
• I've been staying focused solely to One Tree Hill, ANTM, and Project Runway. I do not have time to watch any other shows than that (at least until The Office and LOST come back on)
• Guinness is keeping me on my toes everyday!
• We finally finished renovating Mark's room. I'll have to try to remember to post some pictures.
• Mark started a new blog which just gives you a small glimpse into what I live with day in and day out!
• I am currently updating a blog for my 3rd grade team at school (It's also doubling as credit for my Technology for Leaders course)

I think that's all the highlights!

A Family that Cheers Together, Nears Forever

You know you like my catchy title....

I think it's true.

My whole family went up to the game last night. While the game didn't start until 7:35, I was not deterred. "School nights" do not apply when it comes to Bengals football. Awesome view of Cincy
Mark and I at our seats

After the 3rd quarter, seats were starting to clear out so we headed down the lower arena to swipe some seats. We ended up on the 3rd row at the 40 yard line (I eventually went down to 1st row).

I had a GREAT time (you know I was in paradise)! I am so blessed to have such a fun and wonderful family!

Video Update

Follow this link to watch the video of the boy who got Chad Johnson's shoes. The video is in the top right hand corner titled "Chad Makes A New Friend".

I love that Chad implores the boy's future help on the team because "he needs help". Out of the mouths of babes.

NOTE: You can even see my mom and dad in the background. This video comes from Channel 9 in Cincy (which is where my brother works when he's not out of the country).

Chad Johnson=A Notch Up In My Book

So, tonight I went back up to the Bengals training camp (no surprise there) with my mom, dad, Em, and Chris, and Mark to watch more practice. Now, during the offseason I was not happy with Chad Johnson. I felt he was being selfish and whiny. I still recognized him as a great player, but I was very put off by his attitude.

However, tonight at camp a young boy (about 5 years old) yelled "Chad, I love you!". Chad turned around and replied "You do?" then motioned for the boy to come to him. He lifted him over the fence. Chad was gone with the boy for at least 40 minutes or so. When they returned the boy had one of Chad's shoes in each hand with Chad's signature on each shoe.

Now, I do have to say that watching the joy on that child's face really brought my view of Chad up. I personally got to see him show selflessness and it was refreshing.

Geoff Hobson from Bengals.com writes:

"Wide receiver Chad Johnson (ankle) joined in the past-practice sprints and seemed to go at a decent pace. He was taped, but not in pads, when he gave the crowd of about 400 some excitement when he plucked five-year-old Bryce Short of Lexington, Ky., wearing a No. 85 jersey, and took him along for some rehab work on another field. When Bryce showed up back on the big field, he waved a pair of autographed CJ shoes."

After practice, players were signing autographs (apparently it was autograph night). I sat and watched others get autographs 2 nights ago and I planned to do the same until I saw Shayne Graham autographing near my seat. I decided I'd see if I could get an autograph and I was surprised at how easy it was. The players almost seemed happy to autograph my little $1 "Camp Journal".

I got autographs from Shayne Graham, DeDe Dorsey, Ben Utecht (got to tell him I'd be looking to draft him for my fantasy league to which another player said "Why? He won't get you any points."), Antwon Burton, James Johnson, Stacy Andrews, Daniel Coats, James Blair, rookie Jerome Simpson, and none other than Chad Johnson himself.

Overall, a great night.

Bengals Are In Town

Yesterday, the Bengals had their 1st two practices here in town. While I didn't go to the morning practice (I'm still enjoying sleeping in during this last week of summer), I did go to the evening practice. My parents came up with Darlene and we ate at my favorite mexican restaurant, Mi Casita, before walking up to camp.

Everyone was there with the exception of Keith Rivers (contract negotiations) and Antwan Odom (sprained foot in 1st practice). Contrary to some belief, Chad was there but was not actually in uniform because of his ankle. I even got to see Jordan Palmer (Carson's baby bro) who looks, stands, and throws just like Carson.

My opinion of people to watch this year:
Joseph is going to be a great help in the defense, rookie WR Jerome Simpson and WR Marcus Maxwell (I really like him for some reason), Rudi looked great (he's bulked up, hamstring is healed, and he REALLY worked on his legs in the offseason), and the defense in general under Zimmer's leadership.
Chad and Joseph talking to new defense coach, Mike Zimmer
Dad, Mom, and Darlene all showing their true colors: orange and black

(We're slowly pulling Darlene over to the dark side)
Offensive play (you can see Housh closest to the camera on the left side of the picture)

I plan on going back to watch tomorrow night's practice as well if anyone wants to join me!

3 Days...

Only 3 more days until the Bengals open for their summer training camp which just so happens to be within walking distance of my house.

I am so excited! Each year I get more and more excited about the football season starting and this year is no exception. Things here in Georgetown are turning orange and black. The hotels are filling up. The stores are filled to the brim with Bengals apparel. I've even seen a billboard in Lexington on New Circle Rd. I'm ready to pull out my jersey!

And just because I love the excitement of the new season, I thought I'd share a video that I just love right now.

Reebok Migration
by bsap11

Here comes a good season!

Carlin's View on Football

As many of you know, the comedian George Carlin passed away yesterday of heart failure. I can't say that I really listened to a lot of his material and I really don't know much about the guy. However, on one of the NFL blogs that I frequent, they had this video posted of him today talking about the differences between baseball and football.

Now, you all know that I LOVE both baseball and football tremendously. I think both are wonderful sports and there truly is nothing like a day at the ball park. But in those few months where the sports overlap, you can be sure that I'm glued to any details about football. Football is my favorite sport and probably will always be. If you haven't been to an NFL game, you haven't experienced the rowdiness and craziness that can only come from avid football fans.

I thought it was funny to hear the differences between the sports. Hope you enjoy!

A Work of Art, pt.2

I thought I'd post the pictures of the cakes I made for the Super Bowl party at my parents' house. The cakes were so fun to make and decorate! Em's help on decorating was much appreciated (it always more fun to decorate with somebody)! This was the 3rd time I've made the stadium and the 1st time I've made the football trophy.

I'm just trying to prove that sports can belong in the kitchen.

We were only able to eat the stadium on Super Bowl night, so I took the football trophy to work.

Oh my gosh! Put a cake in a teacher's workroom and it's like gold! The cake had dwindled to a stub by 10:30! It wasn't even lunchtime yet!

Bengals vs. Bills

Another disappointing loss for Bengals fans today. Only the loyal have faith at this point (I am one of those few).

The Bills started out with a touchdown on the first drive (point good), but the Bengals answered back with a TD by Housh. So now we're 7-7. Both teams get two more drives each before the 1st quarter ends.

Cincinnati starts out the 2nd half with an unproductive drive. The Bills come back down and get within 1 yard with a 1st and goal and only manage to get off a FG. I was proud of our defense here. Then, very impressively, Glenn Holt returns the kick for a 100 yard TOUCHDOWN! To the fans it gives us the boost we need. Graham with the kick is good! 14-10. Bills drive for a 21 yard FG, 14-13. And that's where we end it for the half. Other than a fumble by Chad (who is really struggling) and poor defensive coverage by Joseph, we look good overall.

Bengals do nothing on the next drive, but the Bills come down for a 29 yard FG. Now we're at 14-16. I'm getting a little nervous, but Palmer throws to Jeremi Johnson for a TOUCHDOWN to answer putting us up 21-16 with the extra point by Graham. Bills have the ball, but nothing else is done in the 3rd quarter.

Bills start out the 4th quarter with a 38 yard FG turning the game to 21-19 (the game is too close). Bengals and Bills have two short drives then the Bengals have another chance and make nothing happen. Bills have been running all day, but make a pass for a TD and score the extra point leaving us biting our nails at 21-26 with 5:57 left in the game. Bengals do NOTHING with their next drive (do I seem like I'm repeating myself?) and the Bills have the ball yet again. Lynch gets the ball and breaks a tackle (he literally had two Bengals at his feet and he stepped right out of it) to run the ball in from the Buffalo 45! Are you kidding me??? Extra point is good so we're at 21-33 with only 2:14 to do anything (which at this point is too little, too late). Palmer throws to C. Johnson who dives for the ball even though he sees oncoming danger and is sandwiched between two Bills defenders. Johnson doesn't move much other than his legs and all the Bengals and Bills players surround him and pray for him. He is carried off on a stretcher. Knowing not much can be done at this point, the Bengals carry on only to have the ball INTERCEPTED with :18 left.

It was a tough loss at Ralph Wilson Stadium today. There's been a lot of tough losses. 6 to be exact! Something HAS to happen. We're losing way to many games that we should have because we fall apart. I hope Marvi can get things together up there in Cincy before we play the Ravens again next week. If not, my dad will throw a fit. The Ravens are one of the two games we've actually won this year! I know we can do it. Like I said, I'm loyal through and through, but man, I'd love to see a win.

If nothing else, I better see a win on the 18th when they play the Cardinals because Mark and I will be in attendance and I need to see a victory!

I hope my Fantasy team at least wins this week...