Indiana Pacers

So, we didn't go to the Colts game on Sunday, but went that night to a Pacer game.  I know...crazy, right?  Here's the deal.  The last time I went to a Pacer game was their first season at Conseco Fieldhouse which was ten years ago.  The whole atmosphere was thug-like, and I hated every minute of it.  If I'm not mistaken, they were actually in the NBA championship finals, and I didn't even know until it was over.  That's how much I didn't care about them.  Over the past year, the Pacers marketing gurus have been working diligently to get fans interested in the team again, and it's worked.  I mentioned to John a few weeks ago that maybe we should give them another shot.  Lo and behold, his company was offering a promotion to buy discounted Pacer tickets.  We bought two center court seats (row 17) that normally sell for $145 for - get this: $25 dollars each.  That's insane!   Needless to say, those were nice seats.  The atmosphere was much changed: family friendly music, $10 dollar t-shirts (John and I each got one), and the ushers seemed to be keeping a pretty close eye on everyone.   The visiting team was the New Orleans Hornets.  Wait...when did they leave Charlotte??  I really am out of the loop.   I only knew one player on the team going in:  Danny Granger.  Once we got there, I actually recognized Marquis Daniels and Jeff Foster.    It was a good game, unfortunately, the Pacers lost in the last few seconds.  I was disappointed, but not inconsolable like after a Colts loss.  I'll tell you what, Conseco Fieldhouse feels like a high school gymnasium after spending the past few months watching football in the mammoth Lucas Oil Field.

TIP OFF

MASCOT ANTICS

101 Things to do in 1001 Days

Instead of New Year's resolutions, I thought I would attempt 101 Things to do in 1001 Days.

Here's how it works:

The Mission: Complete 101 pre-set tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past — frequently simple goals such as new year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Goal setting tips

• Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
• Stay Focused. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
• Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
• Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
• Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

The official timeline for my 101 is 1/1/09 through 9/29/11. If you'd like to try this, it doesn't have to be a New Year's start; that just worked out for me. You can start any date you like, or set it up to end on a momentous date, i.e. a milestone birthday or anniversary.

ADDENDUM:  You're supposed to strike through the goals you've accomplished once that happens.  Because I am challenged in this area, I will change the text color to red once a goal is completed.  For goals that are ongoing, such as church attendance and poop patrol, once they have been successfully done for two months, I will change that text color to blue.  Make sense?

Here are my 101 in no particular order:

1. re-learn crochet
2. lose 30 pounds
3. maintain said weight loss for remainder of 1001 days
4. blow the dust off my exercise ball and band set and start using them
5. attempt waterskiing
6. attend church at least twice a month
7. start a Christmas Club account
8. finish Lily’s scrapbook
9. attend a production at IRT
10. attend a production at Beef ‘n Boards
11. attend a production at The Murat
12. find a long term volunteer opportunity to become passionate about
13. learn to dive
14. get all pictures on computer copied to CDs
15. re-do Robin’s bedroom
16. re-do main bath
17. re-do master bath
18. new kitchen counters
19. install organizer in bedroom closet
20. visit Indiana State Museum
21. visit Indianapolis Museum of Art
22. get family pictures from Mom copied
23. learn to use some sort of photoshop-type software
24. get some sort of sun damage treatment done on my face
25. use sunscreen
26. take an out-of-state weekend trip by myself
27. climb Mount Baldy
28. do front yard poop patrol at least once a week
29. enroll Ringo in obedience class
30. get Lola’s teeth cleaned
31. spend a day with Lily in Broad Ripple
32. balance checkbook every week
33. clean out the attic
34. spend a day at the spa
35. visit a winery
36. go to a high school basketball game
37. buy some good bras
38. figure out my iPod
39. visit the Eli Lilly Home
40. buy a cupcake from The Flying Cupcake
41. go to England
42. buy something at a thrift store
43. call Dad once a week
44. visit Crown Hill Cemetery
45. go duckpin bowling
46. go camping
47. go to an apple orchard or U-pick produce farm
48. go to an IMAX movie
49. ride the carousel at the Children’s Museum
50. birdwatch
51. go to a farmers’ market
52. use the firepit on the deck
53. reconnect with an old friend
54. plant a tree
55. go hiking in a state park I haven’t been to in at least a year
56. go boating somewhere other than Lieber or Glenn Flint
57. attend work-related seminar or class
58. try sushi
59. buy a wig
60. clean carpets quarterly
61. do something with Grandma’s quilt pieces
62. actually go someplace to watch 4th of July fireworks
63. buy a basket for my bike
64. have a fire in the fireplace
65. repair loveseat cushion
66. say the Rosary at church
67. go on a carriage ride downtown
68. participate in a 5k
69. make pasta from scratch
70. have a Christmas open house
71. grow my own tomatoes
72. wear glasses for a week
73. whiten my teeth
74. record every penny I spend for one week
75. make ice cream
76. donate blood every 56 days or so
77. buy more sheets
78. new carpet in family room
79. write a thank you letter for product or services
80. host a ladies’ night at Creative Escape
81. visit the Metropolitan Community Church
82. find a signature perfume
83. re-do my blog so IE users can view
84. make 70s cheesy music CD for Farmer
85. attend an away Colts game
86. buy a t-shirt from nataliedee.com
87. make homemade doughnuts
88. attend a Switzerland County First Friday
    
89. sign up for a water aerobics class
90. refrain from shopping at Walmart for one month
91. invite Tom over for pork chops olé
92. complete a 500-piece (at least) jigsaw puzzle
93. play bingo at the Legion
94. finish cross stitch project given to me by Betty
95. make caramels - successfully
96. get home wireless mess figured out
97. play Fantasy Football
98. go vegetarian for one week
99. complete my Everybody Loves Raymond and Seinfeld DVD collections
100. for every completed goal, $5 goes into a fund for a TBD charity
101. inspire at least one other person to start a 101 list

Colts 23, Titans 0

In anticipation of a game played mostly by second and third string players, we did not attend Sunday's game at Lucas, but instead watched from home. It turned out to be pretty entertaining, even into the last few minutes. Records were broken: Peyton, Marvin, Dallas, Tony. Having said that, records are nice and all, but really won't mean a whole lot without a Super Bowl XLIV victory. But first, we'll (ha! like I'm on the team) have to get past the Chargers in San Diego.

It was fun to watch the game with Robin, Lily and their friend Jordan. Robin, however, needs to get a grip on herself. She thinks Anthony Gonzalez is cute. Uh...not really. Jordan said he looks like a "buffoon." That's a little harsh, but my main problem is his baldness. I just don't like bald guys, but then and again, I'm not sure he'd be my cup of tea even with hair.* To test that theory, I went to Instyle and whipped up a few examples. What do you think?




*For the record, I'm quite certain Gonzo has no shortage of female admirers, and that he couldn't care less what some slightly overweight, middleaged blogger thinks.

Merry Christmas to all...

Disco Elf Dance

It just so happens I have pictures of me, Bridget, Stephanie and Gretchen wearing white afro wigs which are the perfect accessory when dressing like an elf. Since disco's the music of my era and this is my blog, that's the dance I chose. Check out Jib Jab where you can Elf Yourself anyway you like.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Colts 31, Jaguars 24

That was a good game - unless you're a Jacksonville fan.  I'm sure they were licking their collective chops at the half.  Peyton was actually putting up some good numbers the first half, they just weren't getting anywhere.  It's amazing how much difference it makes when the defense decides to play.  Oh, and John says he doesn't think Vinatieri will be back next year. With that victory, the Colts became the first team in NFL history to win three games on the road in one season after trailing by at least 14 points.  Probably a record we'd rather not have to even deal with, but there it is.  By the way, I hate Jack Del Rio.  I don't know why, really; I just do. It was nice to see Reggie Wayne get a lot of airtime with the Fox announcers after the game, except that stoopid "Neon" Deion Sanders told him the Colts will be "one and done in the playoffs." Here's the Christmas card* I'm sending Deion:

*Courtesy of List of the Day

By the way, I was more than a little sad this a.m.  The Hoosier Dome (it will always be the Hoosier Dome to me, not the RCA Dome) was put to rest today.  Back in September they deflated the dome, and today the rest of it was demolished.  I have a lot of fond memories of that place.

Farewell, old friend!

Colts 31, Lions 21

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Okay, that's seven in a row. Let's beat Jacksonville on Thursday to avenge our 23-21 loss from back in September and secure a playoff berth.

By the way, Pro Bowl selections were announced. Peyton Manning is the starting quarterback for the AFC...yawn. Freeney is also a starter, and I was happy to see Robert Mathis selected as a back-up. Don't forget Reggie Wayne, also a back-up.  Eli Manning will be the back-up quarterback for the NFC, which is kinda cool.  Kudos to Kurt Warner; didn't see that coming.

Speaking of the Pro Bowl, I heard something rather disturbing the other day.  There's talk of moving the Pro Bowl to the weekend before the Superbowl.  WHAT??  Are they crazy?  That, to me, is just a recipe for injury disaster.  Not to mention, they want to hold it in the Superbowl host city.   I'm as happy as the next guy that Indy has the 2012 Superbowl, but c'mon...  If we're rewarding these guys for a job well done, I can't really say this is where I'd send them.

Hey, Baby.

The artist's caption for this cartoon reads:  

That Baby Looks Like Alfred Hitchcock or a Penis.

My friend, Bridgie McBridgerton, had her baby today.  Scarlett Faith entered the world at 8:45 a.m., weighing a whopping 9 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 22 3/4 inches long.  Wow.  I'm not posting her picture as I don't know how Bridgie would feel about that, but let me assure you, Scarlett is a cutie and in no way resembles Alfred Hitchcock or a penis.

Congratulations, Bridget, Craig, Lucy & Max!

You can check out more funny cartoons at www.nataliedee.com

Here's the Tricky Part

Do any of you remember the Fig Newton commercials back in the 70s with the guy dressed like a fig and dancing to the Fig Netwon jingle?  "Here's the Tricky Part" was the tagline for LOTD the other day, so of course, I immediately searched the internet to see what I could find.  Here's the commercial, and it's just as funny today (maybe funnier).

Hit it, Hal...

Colts 35, Bengals 3

I told John this morning the Colts needed to win AND win decisively, and that's what they did. Peyton threw three TDs, Dominic Rhodes ran one in, and Kelvin Hayden returned a Ryan Fitzpatrick interception for a touchdown. Hayden had another interception, and the defense had four sacks.  Granted, this was against the Bengals, but have you already forgotten last week's game versus the Browns?  

We won't mention Dallas Clark's fumble on the goal line, or the fact that for the first time since 2002, the Colts will not be the AFC South Division Champions.  Tennessee sealed that deal today by beating the Cleveland Browns.

Next week: the 0-13 Lions. Nothing in the NFL is a given, but you have to think our chances are good for a seven-game win streak. Oh, by the way...I will not be at the game next week. In my quest for Mother of the Year, I will be attending the BHS Holiday Choir Concert. In my quest for Stepmother of the Year, I gave Tom my ticket.

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Muskrat Love

List of the Day had a post today about celebs who might be dead. One such person was Daryl Dragon of Captain and Tennille fame. In case you're wondering, he's alive. Anyhoo, this reminded me of a video I saw not too long ago and I was struck by a few things:

1. While Toni Tennille is harmlessly cheesy, Daryl Dragon is one weird mo fo.
2. Muskrat Love is a really stupid song.
3. I lusted after Tennille's "pumpkin cut" so bad. Little did I realize, my crazy hair was never going to be that smooth and shiny. I think my 7th grade school picture is proof of that.
4. My aunt gave me a choice of birthday gifts in 1976: a shopping trip or tix to see Captain and Tennille in concert. I chose the shopping trip and am still kicking myself. After all, I could have witnessed this in person:

(If video doesn't show up on blog, click here.)

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Colts 10, Browns 6

Raise your hand if you thought the final score would be a little different than this...me, too. Kudos to the defense for winning this game. For those of you keeping track, that's five in a row.

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Now, on to something REALLY important...guess who's awesome?


ME, that's who!!


I won the Hank FM Pigskin Playoff last week! That's $250 just for being my usual football genius self.

Ball State "Fiercest Robin-Sized Birds in the World"

A Very Reyes Thanksgiving

This year I am thankful for Jib Jab, the Internet, and Blogger.

Oh, geez...I almost forgot! AND my puppies.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

PSYCHE!!! Most of all, my family!!

Colts 23, Chargers 20

To quote the great John McClane, "Yippee ky yay, ______ ______!" You can fill in the blanks.

To quote the great Hunter Smith, "It was a good snap, a good kick, and I'm ready for an In-N-Out Burger."

Colts vs. Chargers: Action - More IndyStar Galleries

Now, on to Cleveland!

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Anniversary Weekend

Judging from the avalanche of fan mail I've received, you're all just dying to hear about our anniversary weekend.

We had a room reserved at the Hilton on Saturday night. When we got to our room, it was teeny-tiny with a desk taking up half of the room. That bothered me, although John was okay with it (I think he was already formulating some naughty secretary game). What he didn't like was the sliver of a window. He apparently is claustrophobic. So we called the front desk and they said they didn't have anything else available, followed immediately by the question, "Have you done anything in there yet?" Hey, we're good, but not THAT good. After we assured her the room was unscathed, she told us to come down and she would get us something else. Our second room was on the 19th floor. I was pretty excited when we walked in and one entire wall was a window. Unfortunately, it was a rather unspectacular view that awaited us:

On closer view, you can see the behemoth Lucas Oil Stadium on the left, and the tattered, forgotten remains of the Hoosier Dome on the right.

Being a woman of simple means, I do enjoy some hotel swag.

You may think this is me trying to be alluring...no, I'm just checking out the room service menu; planning ahead for breakfast.

We headed downstairs to the restaurant bar for some cocktails. In case anyone wants to go to McCormick & Schmick's for Happy Hour, they have a killer food menu. They are practically giving the food away. Our bartender, Aaron, was a nice guy and bought our first round of drinks in honor of our anniversary.

John, sampling my girly Dreamcicle martini.

Aaron, who is NOT stingy with the alcohol.

He called me a "crazy lady" before we left.

In my defense, I hadn't eaten all day.

At this point, we went back to the room to freshen up for dinner, and by "freshen up" I mean John watched a ballgame and I did a faceplant into the bed. I've since learned this is called "pre-wasted." After a nice nap, John dragged me out of bed and forced me to get ready. At this point I would have been just as happy to get McDonald's and stay in the room, but get ready I did. As we're waiting for the elevator, John is standing there looking very intently at me. I'm assuming he's thinking, "She's just as beautiful as the day we got married. I am a lucky, lucky man." What he said was, "Your eyes are really bloodshot."

Their shrimp cocktail was the largest, meatiest shrimp (there's a contradiction in terms) I have ever seen. Delicious.

I can't believe I ordered sirloin at a place known for seafood, but this was really, really delicious. I'll just have to go back and try the seafood.

We said we weren't getting dessert.....
I've never really understood what the big deal was about Red Velvet Cake, but ordered this because it was the only thing I thought John would like. It was pretty fantastic.

42 seconds later...

So, that's it. As you all know from reading this, we went to the Colts game on Sunday. We had to drive Robin back up to Ball State so didn't get home until late Sunday evening. All in all, a fun weekend; and anytime we can spend that much time together without wanting to club each other on the head, I consider that a success.

Look, Ma!

No nutz!

I promise, this is THE LAST post on Ringo's testicles (or lack thereof).

I wouldn't want you all to think I was weird or something....

Somebody, Stop Me!!

Seriously.  Stop me.  I need help.

I couldn't get Ringo to be still long enough for a picture.

Fortunately, Lola puts up with me.

What in the hell is in the picture behind me?

This is what I see on my acid trips.

I look like that obnoxious judge on So You Think You Can Dance?

Fun With the Mac

I finally figured out the camera on the Mac; thanks, Tom. Nevermind the fact that my house needs serious cleaning, the checkbook needs to be balanced, and I still haven't switched all of my winter clothes out of storage. This is what I have been doing all night:

Selma, Marge Simpson's sister.

I look like one of those sad animal paintings that were popular

back in the 70s...

or a sugar glider

Look at my cute button nose!

Separated at Birth??

Now I'm the dude from Mask

Colts 33, Texans 27

This week's Colts recap will be a little different than usual. Robin was able to attend the game courtesy of her friend, Janaye (Happy Birthday, Shanaye-naye!). Since their seats were field level, Robin graciously agreed to be my guest photographer. Anyone who knows Robin won't be surprised to see that my camera was returned to me with at least 100 different photos of Dallas Clark. I'll spare you every single one, but here are the highlights:








....and anyone who knows me knows I am exaggerating a little. She did have a few good action shots, I just like to tease her! Most importantly, she did get a picture of the scoreboard at the end of the game!



So, that's three wins in a row for the Colts; Pey-Pey's QB rating and passing yards are up; Addai finally broke 100 yards rushing, and it looks like they found a real-live return specialist in Chad Simpson.

Oh, yeh....John and I celebrated our anniversary, but that story will have to wait for another time.