Saturday Mojo with HBB

I received an email that asked "what do you and Lefty do for fun?"

Well… we live in Central Ohio and it IS football season, so we do random stuff around the house (like today, I cleaned the carpets in the master bedroom and the hallway) and then we (read: I) watch football. Living so close to Ohio State gives me a great home team to cheer for. Lefty doesn't really watch all the time, but since he graduated from Ohio State and I am *slightly* fanatic about my love for the Buckeyes, he is coming around!

Also tonight, my (not so) little brother, Big Man, and his high school football team will be playing in the Division V Regional final game against some school I have never heard of, in the middle of nowhere. So not only am I typing this while my Buckeyes are on, Lefty and I are stacking on clothing and getting ready to head to Nelsonville, Ohio to freeze our tushes off while loudly embarrassing my 18 year-old brother. This could most truthfully be characterized as the event that is going to brighten my WHOLE day. I am convinced that the Big Man loves it when I scream his name from the stands… and if he doesn't, he better not tell me. Any revelation like that will only make me scream louder.

Really, we do a lot of other things for fun and I will review what we did this summer… and thank you for the question. Keep them coming!!

Just in case Big Man is reading this, here is an inspirational video from my second favorite football team :) Lefty and I will be there rooting for you!! Go Hawks! Go Bucks!!

Wedding Whimsy - A Place!!

Big things are happening on the wedding party front. We already know that the ceremony itself is going to be small and downtown, so when looking for a place to celebrate with our friends and families before taking the plunge, we kind of ran into a wall. Seriously, where can two book nerds party it up with their friends and families, drink a large amount of alcohol, and enjoy some great food and music? Stumped, huh? Us too!

We saw this great place in the Hocking Hills. I loved it. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls was amazing- filled with green-built buildings and very close lodging. The date of our party was the problem. I am not sure if you guys have been to the Hocking Hills area, but... there are HILLS. With a party in December, I was afraid that weather would leave party goers stranded, so I had to vote against the Inn. We decided that we are still going to have a weekend there though, mostly because the area was beautiful AND the staff was so wonderful- so that review will be posted later.

We decided to have our "Preception" (that is what we are calling the wedding party... this week) at... (drum roll) The Thurber Center. Book neediness WIN of the century!! Thurber Center is right next door to the Thurber House here in Columbus. For those who don't know, James Thurber was an author, attended Ohio State (like Lefty) and loved dogs (like yours truly). For more info on James Thurber, please check this out!

We really could not have done any better as far as a place goes! The staff is amazing; the history makes both of us happy and the Center is centrally located, with plenty of room for drinks, food and fun! Operation Eat, Drink and Be Married is officially rolling! :)



 

Always a Fan, No Matter the Circumstance

Disclaimer: Before I start this, let me say: I am and always will be an Ohio State Buckeye fan. True, OSU is not where I attended college. I don't care. I grew up down the street and I consider myself a Buckeye from birth (born at Ohio State University hospital). So, BEFORE I get any ignorant emails about how Ohio State is full of cheaters, or that Jim Tressel is dirty... um, keep in mind that you love me because I'm sassy and know that I will not hesitate to be ready with a snappy comeback- which may not be nice... because the title is true-- I'm always a fan.

This entry was a long time coming. The story of the fall from grace of my Buckeyes has been in the news for months and I simply chose not to respond until I had more information. From the time that the story first broke and now, there have been significant developments- the most shocking of which was the resignation of my football husband, Jim Tressel. So, here I am, at 4 in the morning trying to find the words to describe my feelings. No nice words are coming to mind, so I'll just say that I am a fan of Ohio State football and Jim Tressel. I am not, however, a fan of Terrelle Pryor's (TP). There are many reasons why he didn't make the cut. First and foremost because he is the reason that the Buckeyes are in so much trouble... and, in my opinion, he is flaunting the fact that he violated the NCAA rules. He is pulling up to team meetings late, in a car that he can't afford and has now said that he is not coming back to school. WTF?!?! Dude, you are the reason my husband had to resign and now you are not coming back? He got nerve!!

His leaving makes me believe one thing: his deception runs deeper than we know. He did some shit that he knows could get him thrown off the team, so he is leaving before everyone finds out. Grrrr. This one. Damn. I have several friends who have said that Tressel deserved to lose his job but TP is just a kid. Um, no. TP is no kid. He was about to start his senior year in college, ok? He is a grown man- he can vote and drink if he wants. I didn't play sports in college and even I know what the NCAA rules are... so he should be held responsible for his fucked up actions. I have to point out: I do NOT agree with the NCAA rules. I think that student/athletes should be able to earn money in the off season. Seriously, colleges and universities makes millions off the backs of these athletes and I think that they should be able to make some money. Set them up with a work study job, because living 4 years without any money is cruel and unusual punishment AND if they were able to have jobs during the off season, it would keep them out of trouble on a lot of fronts. Then they wouldn't have to sell their stuff to eat, or to help their parents pay bills. I mean, seriously- a minimum wage job like every other college student- what's the harm?

I also do not agree with suspending the OSU players for selling THEIR possessions. Those mementos belong to them, they can do with them whatever they want. Who gives a shit if they sell them? I don't. I mean, you would think that they would want to keep them, but hell, that is true for lots of things. If they want to sell their stuff for money-- because they are broke-- then hey, it is better than some alternatives. With that said, please don't think that I feel badly for these student/athletes. I don't. These assholes have full ride scholarships to some of the best universities on the planet, not because they are smart but because they can play a game. While I think that the NCAA should revise the rules about the ability to make money, I also think that there should be a clause about graduating from the university that you get to attend for FREE. Ahhh, but that is not the case. The NCAA, in their stupidity, have not asked me for my opinion. And that leaves us with dummies like TP who will sell their soul for some tattoos and a car. SMH.

Do I think he was alone in his stupidity? Obviously not. Do I think he should be punished for violating NCAA rules, as they are? Absolutely. And I think he should take the punishment like a man, not by leaving school and running like a kid. Do I think that Jim Tressel should have lost his job? Absolutely NOT!! He was not a violator of the rules initially... and I have more than a small feeling that he DID tell the Athletic Director about the transgressions of the athletes (PS- I also think that Gene is about to lose his job). Jim Tressel has been in trouble before and I doubt that he would put his job on the line for some tattoos and selling of memorabilia. I think that the director knew and hoped the situation would just go away... because shit like that happens EVERY where. But that is neither here nor there, because Jim Tressel did lose his job, the football team is in trouble and the most notable player in the scandal has left for greener pastures.... further forsaking the Buckeye Nation.

Don't get me wrong- I am sure that there are some knuckleheads on Ohio State's team- at ALL times. There are always going to be people of questionable character, especially in sports, but TP seems to think that NO rules apply to him... and I, for one, hopes he gets that notion knocked out of him by a very big NFL player. One day, no matter how big a name you think you are, they all learn: You shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you, so whatever trouble TP has heaped onto Ohio State... know that it is coming right back on you, bro. Rules do apply-- even to you.

Fed Up Friday - End of April Issue

Hello readers!!

It has been a rough week, so I'm fed up about numerous things. Ready? here we go:

Donald Dick- oops, I mean Donald Trump... he IS a dick. Like a walking penis with a bad toupee. I used to put up with him, his show, and that thing on his head, but after this week all I want to do is slap some Jesus INTO him. Ok, is he kidding? I keep thinking that the American public is getting punked. Are there really people out there that believes what he believes? I mean, I will be the first to say- I think some of y'all out there are more than stupid. Some of the people I see on a regular basis can't walk and chew gum at the same time... I always count on a moron being in my presence. ALWAYS. But really? There are actually people who believe that Barack is not an American citizen-- STILL? Granted, there are some things that are completely ass backward in Illinois, but raise your hand if you think that all the citizens of Illinois would vote an illegal alien into the Senate. I mean, we DID have Roland Burris, but he isn't illegal... just an alien.
Back to the dick... such a waste of time. I have no respect for him, those that support him, or the nonsense that he is perpetuating. Donald Dick, you want a cause? Want something to be mad about? Gas prices have almost hit $5 in Chicago, taxes are out of control and we are involved in a two front war... that should hold his dumb ass over for a while.

Do-gooders: ok- I am not fed up with ALL do gooders. Just a select few. A catastrophe happened in Haiti, celebrities everywhere, people giving money, American Red Cross going to help, pictures of Haitians babies all over every newscast for a month. Catastrophe in Japan, same thing. Fundraisers here in Chicago- everyone wants to help. Out pouring of cash and help was AMAZING. Now picture this: oil spill in the gulf that affects several states, wildlife, economies are further broken, people are suffering. And this: tornadoes rip through sleepy southern towns, people die, economies further busted, babies are orphaned, families are torn apart by death... no celebrities, no fundraisers, no... nothing.
WTF?!?!!? That shit happened.... HERE. Where the fuck is your American pride? I swear if someone else asks me to help some children that do not reside in this country, I am liable to slap them. Dude, has everyone forgotten that America is in the middle of some shit? People don't have jobs; our economy is shitty and now states are experiencing death and destruction at the hands of Mother Nature?!?!?! Someone PLEASE have a fundraiser for the people in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and anywhere else affected by the storms. Please renew my faith in American citizens because some of y'all are SO worried about other countries that you are not seeing the needy in your backyard. Shame on you for that.

Royal Wedding: I can't front- I like the idea of it. Horse drawn carriages, a Prince and a Princess. Big party and everyone looking at me, er, I mean, her! But damn, some of you with these blow by blow tweets and Facebook updates. I was like that little kid on the Shining this morning (redrum, redrum, redrum). Seriously, it is cool that you watched, hell, I saw some pics of David Beckham that made me mad that I wasn't up at 4:00 CST to see him roll up to the church, but wow- I wasn't THAT into it and everyone that was, I gave you the side eye this morning- and just now.

Ohio State football, Jim Tressel and all that: look,y'all WILL stop hating on my coach, my team, my hometown. And I'm not playing. Tressel is a good coach- and before you say something stupid, it is not because he beats michigan every year, because they are so sorry that anyone could do that. Those kids believe what he is selling them. The graduation rate has gone up. When interviewed about the trouble that they have gotten into, more than one athlete has said that they are sorry they disappointed their coach. Haters everywhere are so quick to say that he should be fired. Then guess who else should be fired? Everyone- because regardless of whether or not they have been caught (YET), every coach is guilty of doing some dirt. EVERY one. Pretty little cheerleaders are assigned to athletes, money exchanges hands, special consideration is given in classes. That happens everywhere. Let's not be naive. So how about this... Get a life. Jim Tressel is going to pay his fine, serve his suspension and win some more. If Ohio State was smart, they would have him winning for them. Everyone else needs to shut the hell up (yeah, I am totally looking at you Kirk Herbstreit). If you don't sign Tressel's checks, now is the time for you know your role and pump your brakes. Shut up and let my man work.

Honorable mentions go out to: the assholes standing on the corner during the rainstorm this week- weirdos; the lady with the chinese food on a hot ass train car; my co-worker- even after I totally read you the riot act; people who act like they are your friend- but aren't; and people who act like they don't care in front of others and then try to be all up on you when no one is around... I see you! ;)

College Football and Hurt Feelings

So- as I watched my Ohio State Buckeyes beat michigan (again)this past weekend, I watched my husband (Jim Tressel) as he paced the sideline, calling plays and encouraging the guys. I guess I should be clear, Jim Tressel and I are only married in my dreams, and he is one of many husbands. The hubbies span different industries, age ranges and levels of attractiveness. Once a hubby is added to the list, they aren't taken off...and the list is full of people who probably should not be grouped together. For example, four men on my hubby list: Eddie Vedder (of course), Sean Penn (think Mystic River), Brady Quinn (hot Columbus boy) and Sean Connery. Now really, do those 4 names even go together... Ah, but I digress.

As I am watching Jimmy T (see, I have even given them cool nicknames) encouraging the best college football team in America (!) I also start reading a digital article about the Kansas head football coach, Mark Mangino. Mr. (using that term loosely) Mangino is accused of being extremely rude to the young men that play for him. And not rude, like cussing at them, or calling them douchebags. We are talking rude like, "if you don't do what I say, I will send your ass back to the ghetto." He is actually quoted as saying that if a player did not do what he said he would "send him back to his hood to get shot like his homies." WHAT???

Ok- I want to say that Mangino is upset with the world because he is fat and unattractive. But I don't think that is it, at least not all of it. I mean, you have to be a real asshole to say crap like that. I just think he needs to be fired- immediately. I am not even going to say that he is racist. Even if that is the case, which I am sure it is, it takes a backseat to the fact that at least 60 pairs of parents send their young men to be further molded by a fat douchebag who claims that he has the power to send these boys back to the ghetto to be shot like their homies. Awful.
There is a difference between tough love and just being a dick. It is obvious that Mangino is not familiar with that line. I, like most people, struggle with that myself sometimes. I yell at the neighborhood kids, but I never call them hoodrats or tell them they will get shot like their homies. That is more of a reality here than in Kansas, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

If my son was away from home for the first time and he called me with stories like what is being reported about Mangino, I think it would be safe to say...hell hath no fury. Alumni should be up in arms, parents should be inconsolable AND threatening to remove their kids from the University. Maybe if they threatened the pocketbook of the university, something would be done. Maybe the AD wouldn't drag his feet if that was his son being verbally abused? Maybe, just maybe those football players will jump Mangino's big ass in the locker room after the final game of the season- a little payback? Maybe someone should threaten to starve Mangino for a couple meals?? Just another reminder to build up the youth of American with discipline...not rude, insulting behavior. I mean, I know that everyone can't be as outstanding as my hubby Jimmy T... But they could at least try- right? ;)

Miss Mox