Jock Jams

After attending the Dallas Cowboys' game on Sunday at the new Cowboys Stadium I had a thought:

If my office played upbeat music and my co-workers clapped their hands when I walked into the office, I'd be pretty pumped up for the workday, too.

I wouldn't mind wearing spandex either.

So Long to T.O. and His Huge Diamond Earrings

This story is just getting to me. Whoa! T.O. is gone. Is this what the Cowboys need to get their butts in gear? Let's hope so.

America's Team 2-0

CLASSIC! This is why we don't like the Eagles. Cowboys 41, Eagles 37. What an insane and fun game to watch. Go America's Team!

Cowboys vs. Eagles

Oh, Jessica. Please don't. Just don't. Please. PLEASE. PLEASE!!!!

Take off that jersey before you curse them.

RIP Cowboys

One Word: Penalties

Two Words: Jessica Simpson

Three Words: Cabo San Lucas

Four Words: Rest In Peace Cowboys

I know it's not Jessica Simpson's fault. But it sure is easy to point the finger that direction. Well, maybe it's more towards Tony Romo's direction. I'm not going to go there, it was a team effort. blah. It's a sad day for Cowboys fans.

On the brighter side - they had a great season and made football fun again for me. America's Team. I don't care what you say, it's true.

Sigh

Jessica Simpson, WHAT DID YOU DO TO THE COWBOYS?!! Take off that #9 jersey right now before you curse it.

Sweet Victory!

You can't get much better than the Cowboys/Packers game last night. It's just a shame most people didn't get to see it (NFL Network). It's great to see Romo living up to his new contract. And is it just me or does T.O. seem to be a whole new person - on the field and off the field? He did get a little of his show-boating in with the popcorn stunt, but it made me laugh...and really crave popcorn.

Poor Brett Favre. I had hoped he could play the rest of the game for two reasons. One - I like him. It's almost as if Troy Aikman was still playing. And two - AaronRodgers came in the game and almost scared me.

Speaking of Rodgers - the big talk of the game was that he looked almost exactly like the lead singer of Creed, Scott Stapp.

Am I right or am I right? (Note: this is a picture of Scott Stapp. I couldn't find the look-a-like picture to post). Then I found out why after reading Jaime Aron's article on the game:

Look for the shaggy-haired Rodgers to get a haircut soon. He vowed not to trim it until he threw a touchdown.

Go Cowboys! 11-1. Playoffs guaranteed!

November Birthdays

First and foremost, I want to wish my wonderful dad a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! He told me he's celebrating by babysitting for Connor tonight. I guess that's what happens when you have grandkids. What do you get for the man who can't ever think of what he wants for birthdays and holidays? A Tony Romo bobblehead of course!

Secondly, many of my loved ones celebrate November birthdays. So here's a happy birthday to Mom, Dad, Chris, Becky, Russ, Shelly, Kate, Mandy, Kristen and ??? Forgive me if I'm leaving out your name. Just know that I'm celebrating YOU!

And finally, my theory on the numerous November birthdays: Valentines Day.

Happy Anniversary to Me

Today is my four year anniversary in Chicago. I still cannot believe I've been here this long. Sometimes it seems like minutes ago that my dad and I drove away with a uhaul attached to my car. Other days it feels like a lifetime ago. I've been blessed beyond my wildest dreams since I've been here.

This is a picture of me and my dear friend, Kathie, just a month or two after I moved. She let me sleep on her couch for four and a half months. Now that's a friend!

Four years. So much can happen in four years. High school lasts four years. College lasts four years (or five for some). I wonder what will happen in the next four years?

Four years ago the Cubs were so close to going to the world series. My friend, Chris Montgomery, and I wandered the streets next to Wrigley Field and saw the Cubs implode. Same thing happened this year. I need to find those pictures! I think they are on my other computer. I'll post them soon.


Tony Romo just threw an interception. DANGIT!

Update: Cowboys won in the last second! I was a complete wreck watching it. It took me a while to settle down afterwards. I think I'm still giddy.

3-0!

My game time party was a huge success last night! What I mean is that the COWBOYS WON! It was a huge victory as well. I mostly celebrated with Texans last night and a couple of people who could have cared less about football (aka. What's the Heisman Trophy?). That win was HUGE! I felt sorry for the Bears because I do love them, but I have to cheer for my hometown team!

I heart Wade Phillips.


My dad and I IM'd each other throughout the game last night. Here's a sneak peek at our conversation:


Me: Romosexuals unite!

Me: Uh oh (Romo threw and interception)

Dad: Yippeekaiyeah (we got it back)

Dad: Oh sh-- (something bad happened. I can't remember. Oh wait! The blocked field goal attempt)

Me: Dammit to hell! (Grandma's favorite)

Dad: Jerkasses (Grandma's second favorite)

Me: Romo! Help us!

Me: Penalties! (could there have been anymore? I submit that there could not!)

Dad: Yankee devils!

Me: Aw Yeah! (probably scored)

Me: Eastern Illinois (dad and Romo share this place)

Dad: Cradle of Football!

Dad: Viva los vaqueras!

Dad: Any tears yet from the bear fans?

Me: They went to bed.

Dad: This game takes my mind off of Notre Dame and Arkansas

Me: We needed something

Me: This gets better and better (27-10 Cowboys)

Dad: Friggin Great! (34-10 Final)



Amen.

Cowboys vs. Da Bears

Sunday is a BIG football day! It's even bigger for a girl with a Texas heart who happens to also live in Chicago. Sunday night the Dallas Cowboys visit Chicago to take on the Bears. We all know that the Dallas Cowboys are America's team. Oh don't dispute it. I dare you to say it to my face while I'm holding a picture of the late Tom Landry.











sidenote: I've met Tom Landry. He's a great man who did amazing things with his life and the lives of others until the very end. This man also made the Fedora what it is today.

Then there's the Chicago Bears who had a great 2006 season and came so close to bringing home a Super Bowl Championship. I'm a fan of both. So I'm a winner either way on Sunday. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm a bigger Cowboys fan.

So here's my plea:

Does anyone have tickets to the Bears/Cowboys game on Sunday that they'd like to bestow upon me? Or how about sell me at a price of less than $250 (the going rate for the cheap seats)? I've never been to Soldier Field and this guarantees to be an awesome match up. If I don't go to the game I'm definitely having a party. Food will consist of my two favorites: Texas Caviar and HodgePodge.

Bears vs. Saints

Since the "Return of the Victorious Cowboys" dream died a brutal death last week (Oh! (dramatic placement of back of hand to forehead) Tony Romo I don't envy you), I've had to look elsewhere for sports team affiliations.

I live in Chicago so it's only right that I cheer for the Bears. Our baseball was a disappointment this year and basketball & hockey are hardly on the radar. Chicago could use this win to remind ourselves that we are somebody! SIDE NOTE: Hooray for Jennifer Hudson who won a Golden Globe for her performance in Dreamgirls! She's a Chicago girl.

On the otherhand, Chicago plays the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Who needs a win more than the Saints and the city of New Orleans? This is the cinderella team and wouldn't it warm all of our hearts to see this team go all the way? It's really better for all of humanity to see the Saints claim victory. But is "all of humanity" reason enough to cheer for them?

I'm not a betting woman. Well, okay, maybe just while I was in Cabo and I won $5 from Uncle Bill for picking the SEC Florida over...who was that team?....wait....oh yes, the OSU Buckeyes. It must have been all of the Pina Coladas. BUT, I am betting my neighbor, Robert, who moved up here from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina that the Bears will take it. I have $5 on that game. If he loses, he also owes us a dinner of some authentic jumbalaya.

I would really like to try some authentic jumbalaya. I guess I'm going with the Chicago win. Go Bears!

Emmitt Baby!!

Oh sweet victory, Emmitt has won! While in a work meeting last night, my roommate, Janell, texted me to let me know that Emmitt was taking home the trophy! I let out a yelp of excitement and happily shared the news with my co-workers. They too support Team Emmitt.

It seems like the right man won. He had the moves, the personality and the fans. Sorry Super Mario, but you just can't compete. It seems that you were a little miffed that your "perfect technique" didn't bring you the trophy. You've got style, how about a little grace?

I have to admit that I watched the last 10 minutes of the show before I came to work this morning. I teared up when Emmitt and Cheryl shared how great of an effect they had on each other. DON'T JUDGE ME!

Anyone free on Tuesday nights? I have nothing else going on anymore.

Dancing with Emmitt

Last night's episode of Dancing with the Stars did not disappoint! I was so riled up after watching the show that it took me forever to go to sleep. Plus I kept trying to vote by phone and I kept getting a busy signal. So instead of my planned 15 votes, I was only able to vote 5 times.

Here are my thoughts about the final three dances:

1. Mario and Emmitt both chose to do the Samba (do you think that was planned?) to a Stevie Wonder song. Emmitt & Cheryl did an incredible job and you can't believe how fantastic Emmitt's fancy footwork is. He just looked smooth, cool and full of energy.

Mario & Karina's dance was good. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't more than good, but it just wasn't fantastic like Emmitt's dance.

2. This was the dance where they picked their favorite from the whole season. Of course Emmitt did his fun fun fun Mambo. It was even better than the first time!

Mario chose the Paso Doble and it really was incredible. He's a dynamite dancer and he knows it; which makes me not like him.

3. Freestyle dance! Finally! Hammer-time came back and it was so much fun to watch. Cheryl and Emmitt looked like they were having a blast and it translated in their dance. Plus they had some incredible lifts. I mean, who else could lift his partner and swing her around with ONE ARM???!!!! The whole dance really fit together and was a crowd pleaser. I was so mad with the obvious over critical response from Bruno (who is just obnoxious. he loves himself). You know he had to give Emmitt a 9 so that he and Mario would be dead even after the scores. Bleh.

Mario and Karina wanted to bring it back old style. Well they brought something back and I didn't like it. It looked like Hip Hop with Jazz hands. A jazz dance group could have done a better job. I mean, Mario had on white yachting pants with a faux chain. PULEEEZ! The individual moves were cool but it looked so disjointed. Plus his lifts were no where near as awesome as Emmitt's. I could pretty much see the mechanical thoughts of Mario as he went through the different steps of the lifts. I totally disagree with the judges! This dance just didn't add up! Was it Jazz? Was it Hip Hop? Was it a poorly choreographed talent show routine?

At the end my apartment became one big Dance USA party. I think I burned more calories in those 10 minutes than I did when I ran a marathon. I respect these people. It's hard work!!! My roommates and I also talked about what song would we use for our freestyle dance if given the choice. I think I'd use Billy Idol's "Dancing with Myself." It worked for me last night.

So tonight is the big reveal. No matter what happens, Emmitt will always be my favorite! And don't you forget it!

Game Time

Wooohoooo! Emmitt is in the finals! We get one more week of seeing him glide across that dance floor. The world is a better place because of it. Amen.

My enthusiastic state from Emmitt's victory was a little dampened by the news of Joey's departure from the show. This genuine guy who "wears his heart on his sleeve" won't be seen dancing again on the show. They played a short tribute reel to his time in the competition and the way they ended it was almost as if he died and we were saying our goodbyes. Reality t.v. knows how to manipulate emotions...at least my emotions.

Joey, we'll catch you on the tour!

Cha-Cha-Cha-Ching Baby!

Last night I found myself clapping passionately and hugging my roommates after watching Emmitt's fun and fantastic Cha Cha! He is so fun to watch and you know he's having a good time out on the dance floor. He's by far the most improved. You can see why he was such a successful running back. HE WORKS HARD! Two of my friends, who shall remain nameless, did not vote in yesterdays election. The horror! So I made damn sure that they voted for Emmitt! We each voted for him five times. I'll simply die if he doesn't make it into the next round!

Sweet Joey. You know he has to be the most sincere "nice guy." He wouldn't hurt a fly. He loves what he's doing and I think he's found a new calling. Apparently he will be going on tour with Dancing with the Stars soon. I love it! You know I'm going to buy tickets for the Chicago show. Last night he gave two fantastic performances. He deserves to move to the next round too.

Mario has the most talent, no doubt. But I just don't buy into his routines. His authenticity as a person just doesn't come through on the dance floor. "But Katy, you're being so ridiculous. This is a dance contest, not a personality/character contest." If you say that, you obviously haven't seen the show. Just stop reading now. Mario has to go. He's fantastic on the dance floor but he just hasn't won my heart like Joey and Emmitt. A.C. Slater...ugh. I also heard a rumor that he may be doing a remake of Dirty Dancing. GAG!

I'm so nervous for the results show tonight! Whatever happens, they all are fabulous and know how to work a crowd. But Emmitt....you're my fav.

My Man Emmitt!

Oh my gosh! Somebody call me right now about Dancing with the Stars! It's been at least 45 minutes since I've talked about it and I'm having withdrawals! I've tried to convert the male populace recently about the greatness of this show. I've had some definite push back but only from the uneducated.

Tuesday night's dances were phenomenal! Once again I found myself smiling and wishing that I were a B movie star so I could be asked to be on the show. Here are my thoughts on the dancers/dances:

1. Joey Lawrence: I LOVED the tango. even though it was to the Addams Family tune and Edyta was wearing long ugly hair, I LOVED it. The strange stiff movements really worked with the music. Joey rocks at the ballroom dances! And let's talk about the Paso Doble...whoa (remember Blossom?). It was great!


2. Mario Lopez: His dances were rock solid as usual. I loved his partners short red wig. I wish I could wear my hair like that. I'd probably look like a chubby Dorothy Hamill.

I totally had this haircut in elementary school. My mom loved it and probably still wishes I had it. Tempting...

1. Mario knows he's good but he's a little arrogant. I'm not the only one who thinks so.


2. Monique: She tries so hard. She tries too hard. Her cha cha was fantastic and she deserves major props for that dance. But her first dance was a little too weird for me. You know what? I did like the dance but didn't like her lipstick or her dress. Too distracting.


3. Emmitt Smith: Foxtrot = eh. Rumba = omigosh he's amazing! I concur with Glen. I wish he could have given you an 11! He's still my favorite.

SPOILER ALERT!

Three cheers for Emmitt and Cheryl! I was so nervous that they wouldn't move forward. Then I would have cussed myself for not voting. My favorite moment of Wednesday night's show was Joey's face when they said he was moving forward to the next round. You know he's genuinely thankful! At that point we all knew that Monique was going home, even she did. She's great but just doesn't have the fan base. So long little lady.

I can't wait until next week! I'm so nervous!