Ok readers I think I'm going through withdraws. I have a weird twitch whenever anyone mentions football and I start drooling at the mouth. Ok, not really but pretty damn close. At least I have had college football and the NFL to watch on the weekends.
The thing that is interesting about my team is that because we don't have one owner and we all act as owners on the team, then we are essentially running a business. This requires a lot of work. This means that just because it's the 'off-season' as far as playing that doesn't mean that the business side stops. It can't stop.
We raised close to $35,000 last year and pulled almost even when most teams in their first year lose money. I'm pretty proud of that because we really did most of it on the fly. This speaks volumes about the dedication and hard work that we all put in.
I almost think that the fact we are player owned means we actually have to literally buy into the team more. It brings us closer together because we have to make it work in order to be able to play. That doesn't mean it's always roses or easy. But it is well worth it.
Personally, I've been continuing on my job search. I got laid off a few months ago and moved up here to Vancouver with a couple of teammates. I am much happier in the Portland area. I love Portland. I love cities. I love being where things are happening. I love that Portland is a small-big city and that it's edgy and artsy. It's the green movement capital pretty much and is the first major American city with an openly gay mayor. He hasn't been the best at his position ever but the fact that we elected a mayor who happened to be gay was pretty cool. Portland is the city of bicycles, roses, awesome public transit, beautiful scenery, the best Saturday outdoor market, several national companies, the largest bookstore in the world, ten million coffee houses and microbreweries. We have great beer ok?! Portland is the cool edgy city celebrities sick of the stuffyness of LA move to. If you want a tour I can do that too! I have been to 14 countries all around the world only to discover my home was really in my backyard the whole time.
This unemployment thing has been challenging for me. I went from HR director managing almost 100 people, driving 600 miles a week, working 75-80 hours a week (if you include work, driving, and football), to...what the hell do I do now? I'm finding I'm over qualified for things and under qualified for others. I'm stuck in that middle section. I'm getting some part time work coming up but if anyone knows of anything let me know! :D
I have essentially put my off time into training, job hunting, and helping with the business side of football. I have been on a football training program for the past month and enjoy it. One of the most challenging things about football is that you get in great shape during the season and then after you want time to heal so you relax a bit and that later leads to relaxing a lot and then when it's time to start football again you have to get back into shape. This year I'm maintaining and improving so that when the season starts I hit the ground running this year. I always want to get better.
I tend to get bored with cardio equipment because it's the same thing all the time so I decided I would do some stair work this off season. I looked up stairs in Portland and found my Mt. Everest in the west hills of Portland. It's pretty much right out of downtown. Those hills are crazy steep to the point its scary to drive. The stair case cuts through one of the hills so you can shortcut up the stairs to the higher point up the windy street. There are about 9-10 different sections of the staircase and 200 steps in total. They are old and steep and I have nicknamed it my "Great Wall of Portland". I run this staircase 2 times a week. I can only go up and down twice before I get extreme muscle fatigue. You know the kind where in your mind you are sprinting but your legs are going in slow motion.
I see other people on the staircase but most of them are walking them. I think I'm the only crazy person sprinting them. It is challenging and is in higher elevation so it's harder to breathe. I love it though because it's kind of like my secret place.
We have held a couple of tryouts and have one more coming up in December. I am very excited about our rookies coming on board. They are all talented and athletic and have great attitudes. They all are competitive and want to win. They are enthusiastic and bring great ideas to the business side too. I really think this year we are going to take off. It's also cute getting to teach them how to stand and what all the equipment is for. My favorite is the "where the hell does this pad go?" question that always happens every year.
In other news my SF Giants just won the world series. I never thought I'd actually see that happen. I was at a football meeting getting updates on my phone and had to restrain myself from jumping up on the table to celebrate.
And my Ducks are the number one team in the country. It's really quite unbelievable. I mean you dream of your team being number one in the country and getting that much attention but I never thought it would actually happen. To be honest people we used to be the Boise State. We never got the respect we do now. We got close in 2007 but that was because everyone else lost in front of us before Dixon went down. It was the perfect storm. This team in 2010 is better than that team.
The efficiency of the offense is insane. You watch it in person and you can barely catch your breathe and you aren't the defense. I've noticed that sometimes like USC the defenses can play well early but they just get worn down. The 2-3 yard gains in the 1st quarter become 42 yard tds in the 3rd. It's not even a hurry up offense. It's like a turbo jet. The usc game there was a run for a loss and the usc band was playing their fight song because there normally is a break in between plays but oregon was so quick they got up and threw a 15 yard pass for the first down as the usc band was still playing the fight song.
And the defense is underrated. It's the best in the conference. Because Oregon scores most of their tds in under 3 minute drives, that means the oregon d is on the field much of the game. That means the opposing offense is on the field most of the game. That means that they are probably going to get yards. Oregon's D isn't dominating as far as strength. They aren't going to overwhelm you and stiffle you like the old nebraska teams. That's not the type of D they are. They have speed and playmakers. The O can get to the 20 and then get picked off. Or sacked. Or stuffed. The D creates turnovers and scores points. They are deceptively the best D I have seen at Oregon ever.
If Oregon goes to the title game in Zona. I didn't care how. I am going. And if the Ducks and Giants win in the same year I will go back to vegas and put down some money cuz I never thought that would ever happen.
Blackjack anyone?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
All-American Game
Ok yes readers I haven't posted a blog in a while but to my credit I am going to be filling in at a later date. Our season ended with us winning the division title and losing in the first round to the Showgirls...just to catch you up.
I was honored that I got selected to be on the All-American team for my conference. In addition to that Lisa, Teters, and Tucker got selected to the first team. T-Dawg and Rainbow got selected to the 2nd team. I was so proud of us to have so many selections as a first year team.
So what happened in Vegas? It stays there? Naw I shall divulge.
My parents surprised me a couple of weeks ago by telling me not only were they going to buy my plane ticket but they were coming too. Friday at 4:30am I got up and got ready to go to the airport. Lisa's flight was an hour before ours so we were just going to go to the airport together. Ryan dropped us off and we went to Jamba Juice to get what is now a ritual smoothie before taking early morning flights for football. I swear every time the same girl is working.
Lisa left to catch her flight and I sat there for a bit drinking my smoothie and texting my friend Jen about how excited I was. Kind of like a it was my football Christmas morning.
Finally, my parents arrived and we all checked in and boarded the plane for Vegas. We took off around 7:15 am and although I had not slept a whole lot the night before, I had a hard time sleeping on the plane. For one thing, I was sitting in between my parents and they were both excited too and talking my ear off. So I tried to focus on reading my book on the development of the city of New York. Yes, people I am a nerd. But I found out the origin of wearing a baseball cap sideways...bet you didn't know that! (Bowery area boys trying to rebel)
We landed around 9:30am. This being my 3rd trip to Vegas in 2 months made me the tour guide for my parents as we found our way to the baggage claim. We found Lisa there waiting for us. As I saw my football bag coming around the corner of the conveyor belt and then I saw one of my cleats...WTF?! Apparently one had fallen out of the side pocket which was half open. Thank god I found it lol
My parents took a cab to their hotel which was the Red Rock over by the field we were going to play at and Lisa and I took a cab to our hotel which was the Super 8. You see we decided that since we have already been to Vegas twice we were content paying a lot less for a room that was next to everything anyways.
We checked in and dropped off our stuff and ate lunch at Ellis Island. It was pretty damn good and well priced for Vegas. Then we went back and took a nap. Ok, well Lisa passed out and I slept like 20 minutes at time before waking up again.
The rest of our group had decided to drive down and they got to our room around 1pm. We stuffed 6 of us into that room. Me, Lisa, Tracy, Red, Terina, and Chew. We made that shit work! When you travel as much as we have this year you don't really care anymore lol
Our hotel was literally around the corner from the Tuscany which was where most of the players were staying. Lisa and I went to the hotel around 3pm to register and get our jerseys. Teters met us up there. It was pretty cool being in the same room with so much talent. Our jerseys were red.
We ran into some of the Central Cal girls which was cool. We also ran into some of the Utah Blitz players. I think we have a natural bond because we are in the same division.
Then my team had apparently not gotten the memo that the practice field was NOT where we were going to play the game and we drove all the way out there to find no one there and had to drive all the way back and ended up late to the practice which sucked cuz you're hot and sticky in the car and trying to find the place. But we did.
We arrived at the practice field and threw our shit on and ran onto the field. I got selected as a corner so I found my defensive group. I knew some of them from my division and got to meet the rest. I loved the fact I was talking to players from Iowa and Memphis and all over. I really enjoyed our coach as well.
We went over where everyone was playing and general formations and play calling. We were going to try to keep it as simple as possible because it's hard meshing like that in a couple hours of practice. What cover 3 means to one team might mean something to another. Then we went against the Offense a bit so they could practice their plays.
After practice we went back to the hotel to shower and get dressed cuz we were going to do something for Lisa's birthday. I met up with Angie and her crew at the Tuscany and we walked back to Ellis Island where Lisa and I had had lunch. We put in a reservation as we waited for the rest of my team to meet us up. Angie and I played some of the slots. It took forever for us to get all seated but we eventually did. It was cool having both teams at the same table cuz we were pretty big rivals during the season.
After dinner my team decided they were going to back to the hotel but I was wanting to get out so I went with the Central Cal team. We walked down to the strip and in and out of Casinos before we finally ended up at the Krave club. It was pretty cool. And yes people from Portland can dance ok? :) Well until a gay boy wearing nothing but a thong backs his ass into you until you almost fall over...then it's a bit harder...
We left the club and I got to sleep about 1am. I woke up around 10am very excited for the game. I went to the store and re-stocked up on water, gatorade, and fruit which is very necessary in the Vegas heat. It wasn't as bad as the first 2 times we played there but still hot. I hung out in the hotel room and then Angie and I went to the deli where I go a roast beef sandwich. In case you wanted to know.
Then my team left for the field around 2 15pm. Our teammates dropped us off by the locker rooms. Lisa and I found our side and started getting ready. I set up shop in the last row next to a couple of players from Houston. We compared notes on how hard it was to find good white football pants and they shared with me them teasing their teammates who were coming in the last minute about not getting their jerseys for them when in fact they had. Sounded like something I would do to my teammates. Everyone piled in the locker room getting ready in their own ways.
Then we walked onto the field. I looked up and down our sideline amazed at the size and talent and proud to be wearing a red jersey...although I kept looking down expecting to see purple and was thrown off by the red...It was funny to me that whenever I said I was from Portland people would be like "oh you guys are the purple team".
We went through warm ups pretty excited but relaxed. Then it came time for kick off. At practice we had been told we would figure out special teams pre-game. Our team was going to receive the kick off and I got thrown onto the first line. I had never played on the first line on my teammate cuz I normally receive kick offs but I was like ok...umm...find a player and hit them...ok I can do that...
I had the honor of working with a good group of db's. We had a 4 play rotation worked out. We communicated very well in my group I think. The first half was basically a defensive battle as both offenses were struggling to mesh their players together and get them on the same page. I had a couple of tackles and contained on the outside. I did have a penalty when the receiver turned into me and fell. Everyone was surprised at the flag but oh well...best db's have the worst memories...
First half ended 0-0 and as I was running into the locker room to get my stuff with a couple other of my teammates I was joking and asking what happens if we have to go into overtime.
As we ran back onto the field Lisa and I heard our section yelling for us. I have to say I think we had the loudest group lol It was pretty special to me that all these people were supporting us.
The 2nd half the offenses started to click more. The national team struck first. I almost caught the girl close to the goal line but missed the angle.
Our offense marched back down and answered.
Then we got a pick and eventually scored again.
We took the win 13-7.
After the game we took pictures and I found my parents and teammates.
Angie and I got national championship t-shirs which are pretty cool.
I found my team sitting up with the Utah Blitz. We sat together and watched the national championship game. Apparently they find my team entertaining and have been following my facebook posts. And they loved teasing chewy about how young she looks.
Before the championship game they announced the awards and our team won the Rookie Team of the Year which was pretty damn cool. We got a little trophy. It was awesome because we worked so so hard to do this. We scrapped and clawed and raised around 40,000 ourselves without a specific owner. We ALL owned this team. WE did this. Together. It made me so proud that all that work was being rewarded.
The game itself was a good game. Columbus came out strong but the Mustangs came back to win it which was cool cuz they are from our conference. I tapped the celebration at the end because I want to use it for motivation. I want to feel that with my team. And dear god they grow em big in Texas. Just saying.
We went back to the hotel room and got showered and ready and then hit the strip. We ate panda express and then wondered over to the Belagio to meet up Tracy's friend who was randomly in town. She was pretty hilarious and was with her best friend who was just as fun.
Half our group was tired so they went back to the hotel. The rest of us wondered in and round Caesar's Palace. We then left the strip to meet up the Central Cal group who was at Free Zone, a gay club.
Little did we know how damn far we were from there. It took us about an hour to get there, stopping to get drink re-fills along the way. Then Tracy had to pee. We were around the Tuscany and she found a bush. We were admiring the cockroaches on the sidewalk and waiting for her. Then we saw a security guard making his rounds and we were like shit! He walked right by Tracy and didn't see her until in a drunken yell, (tracy didn't know why were staring at her with concerned stares) Tracy bops up her head from the bush and says "HELLLLOOO GUYS!" and he turned around confused as we all ran around the corner laughing hysterically.
After a long ass walk we found the club. Then they wouldn't let me in cuz I had a jersey on. So I borrowed sarah's wife beater. We had a couple drinks and danced a bit. Yes I got on the pole. No, you can't watch.
Then we left trying to go another club. It was closed so we decided we wanted to go to Hooters. Lisa the human GPS she is saw the sign for Hooters and we decided to go on an adventure/short cut. This consisted of going through a fence, walking by a canal which we thought might have dead bodies, then finding stones on which we could cross, walking through another break in the fence, crossing through an abandoned desert of a field, and back onto the street where Hooters was. It was a bit like a movie.
Angie, Melissa, and I got to Hooters first cuz the rest had gone to the store. We walked into the back and found the pool and got drinks and sat in the lounge chairs. Then Angie and I went to the blackjack table and she won like 10 bucks thanks to her wearing my armband. Ok really it's cuz she's good at it.
Then we all met up at a cafe and had breakfast at 5 30 am as the sun was coming up. We were exhausted from walking and all ordered cabs thinking we were really far away but the cab ride was like 6 bucks cuz we werent. We crashed in around 6am.
I woke up at like 9:30am and showered cuz one of the bad things about Vegas is all the smoke everywhere which makes you feel sticky and grungy after going out.
We packed all our shit up. I was the only one in my group that was flying out. The rest were driving back. I said goodbye to Angie and the Central Cal girls and then my team gave me a ride to my parents hotel.
I have to say, no wonder I didn't hear much from them. That place is amazing. It's called the Red Rock and it has a hotel and casino of course and like 6-7 places to eat and 2-3 clubs, and a movie theater and bowling alley, and huge ass pool with techno music playing outside. One could easily stay there and never leave the hotel.
My teammates and I ate lunch at a cafe and the food was amazing. We embarrassed the hell out of Lisa by singing happy birthday to her.
Then my teammates left and I wondered around playing the slots. There happened to be an international kids hop hop competition there that weekend so I saw all these cute Japanese kids with braids, wearing track suits and sneakers.
My parents and I took a cab around 6pm for the airport. Our flight left around 8 and we landed at 10:15pm. They dropped me home, dropped my bags in my room, checked facebook, and CRASHED.
What an epic weekend.
I was honored that I got selected to be on the All-American team for my conference. In addition to that Lisa, Teters, and Tucker got selected to the first team. T-Dawg and Rainbow got selected to the 2nd team. I was so proud of us to have so many selections as a first year team.
So what happened in Vegas? It stays there? Naw I shall divulge.
My parents surprised me a couple of weeks ago by telling me not only were they going to buy my plane ticket but they were coming too. Friday at 4:30am I got up and got ready to go to the airport. Lisa's flight was an hour before ours so we were just going to go to the airport together. Ryan dropped us off and we went to Jamba Juice to get what is now a ritual smoothie before taking early morning flights for football. I swear every time the same girl is working.
Lisa left to catch her flight and I sat there for a bit drinking my smoothie and texting my friend Jen about how excited I was. Kind of like a it was my football Christmas morning.
Finally, my parents arrived and we all checked in and boarded the plane for Vegas. We took off around 7:15 am and although I had not slept a whole lot the night before, I had a hard time sleeping on the plane. For one thing, I was sitting in between my parents and they were both excited too and talking my ear off. So I tried to focus on reading my book on the development of the city of New York. Yes, people I am a nerd. But I found out the origin of wearing a baseball cap sideways...bet you didn't know that! (Bowery area boys trying to rebel)
We landed around 9:30am. This being my 3rd trip to Vegas in 2 months made me the tour guide for my parents as we found our way to the baggage claim. We found Lisa there waiting for us. As I saw my football bag coming around the corner of the conveyor belt and then I saw one of my cleats...WTF?! Apparently one had fallen out of the side pocket which was half open. Thank god I found it lol
My parents took a cab to their hotel which was the Red Rock over by the field we were going to play at and Lisa and I took a cab to our hotel which was the Super 8. You see we decided that since we have already been to Vegas twice we were content paying a lot less for a room that was next to everything anyways.
We checked in and dropped off our stuff and ate lunch at Ellis Island. It was pretty damn good and well priced for Vegas. Then we went back and took a nap. Ok, well Lisa passed out and I slept like 20 minutes at time before waking up again.
The rest of our group had decided to drive down and they got to our room around 1pm. We stuffed 6 of us into that room. Me, Lisa, Tracy, Red, Terina, and Chew. We made that shit work! When you travel as much as we have this year you don't really care anymore lol
Our hotel was literally around the corner from the Tuscany which was where most of the players were staying. Lisa and I went to the hotel around 3pm to register and get our jerseys. Teters met us up there. It was pretty cool being in the same room with so much talent. Our jerseys were red.
We ran into some of the Central Cal girls which was cool. We also ran into some of the Utah Blitz players. I think we have a natural bond because we are in the same division.
Then my team had apparently not gotten the memo that the practice field was NOT where we were going to play the game and we drove all the way out there to find no one there and had to drive all the way back and ended up late to the practice which sucked cuz you're hot and sticky in the car and trying to find the place. But we did.
We arrived at the practice field and threw our shit on and ran onto the field. I got selected as a corner so I found my defensive group. I knew some of them from my division and got to meet the rest. I loved the fact I was talking to players from Iowa and Memphis and all over. I really enjoyed our coach as well.
We went over where everyone was playing and general formations and play calling. We were going to try to keep it as simple as possible because it's hard meshing like that in a couple hours of practice. What cover 3 means to one team might mean something to another. Then we went against the Offense a bit so they could practice their plays.
After practice we went back to the hotel to shower and get dressed cuz we were going to do something for Lisa's birthday. I met up with Angie and her crew at the Tuscany and we walked back to Ellis Island where Lisa and I had had lunch. We put in a reservation as we waited for the rest of my team to meet us up. Angie and I played some of the slots. It took forever for us to get all seated but we eventually did. It was cool having both teams at the same table cuz we were pretty big rivals during the season.
After dinner my team decided they were going to back to the hotel but I was wanting to get out so I went with the Central Cal team. We walked down to the strip and in and out of Casinos before we finally ended up at the Krave club. It was pretty cool. And yes people from Portland can dance ok? :) Well until a gay boy wearing nothing but a thong backs his ass into you until you almost fall over...then it's a bit harder...
We left the club and I got to sleep about 1am. I woke up around 10am very excited for the game. I went to the store and re-stocked up on water, gatorade, and fruit which is very necessary in the Vegas heat. It wasn't as bad as the first 2 times we played there but still hot. I hung out in the hotel room and then Angie and I went to the deli where I go a roast beef sandwich. In case you wanted to know.
Then my team left for the field around 2 15pm. Our teammates dropped us off by the locker rooms. Lisa and I found our side and started getting ready. I set up shop in the last row next to a couple of players from Houston. We compared notes on how hard it was to find good white football pants and they shared with me them teasing their teammates who were coming in the last minute about not getting their jerseys for them when in fact they had. Sounded like something I would do to my teammates. Everyone piled in the locker room getting ready in their own ways.
Then we walked onto the field. I looked up and down our sideline amazed at the size and talent and proud to be wearing a red jersey...although I kept looking down expecting to see purple and was thrown off by the red...It was funny to me that whenever I said I was from Portland people would be like "oh you guys are the purple team".
We went through warm ups pretty excited but relaxed. Then it came time for kick off. At practice we had been told we would figure out special teams pre-game. Our team was going to receive the kick off and I got thrown onto the first line. I had never played on the first line on my teammate cuz I normally receive kick offs but I was like ok...umm...find a player and hit them...ok I can do that...
I had the honor of working with a good group of db's. We had a 4 play rotation worked out. We communicated very well in my group I think. The first half was basically a defensive battle as both offenses were struggling to mesh their players together and get them on the same page. I had a couple of tackles and contained on the outside. I did have a penalty when the receiver turned into me and fell. Everyone was surprised at the flag but oh well...best db's have the worst memories...
First half ended 0-0 and as I was running into the locker room to get my stuff with a couple other of my teammates I was joking and asking what happens if we have to go into overtime.
As we ran back onto the field Lisa and I heard our section yelling for us. I have to say I think we had the loudest group lol It was pretty special to me that all these people were supporting us.
The 2nd half the offenses started to click more. The national team struck first. I almost caught the girl close to the goal line but missed the angle.
Our offense marched back down and answered.
Then we got a pick and eventually scored again.
We took the win 13-7.
After the game we took pictures and I found my parents and teammates.
Angie and I got national championship t-shirs which are pretty cool.
I found my team sitting up with the Utah Blitz. We sat together and watched the national championship game. Apparently they find my team entertaining and have been following my facebook posts. And they loved teasing chewy about how young she looks.
Before the championship game they announced the awards and our team won the Rookie Team of the Year which was pretty damn cool. We got a little trophy. It was awesome because we worked so so hard to do this. We scrapped and clawed and raised around 40,000 ourselves without a specific owner. We ALL owned this team. WE did this. Together. It made me so proud that all that work was being rewarded.
The game itself was a good game. Columbus came out strong but the Mustangs came back to win it which was cool cuz they are from our conference. I tapped the celebration at the end because I want to use it for motivation. I want to feel that with my team. And dear god they grow em big in Texas. Just saying.
We went back to the hotel room and got showered and ready and then hit the strip. We ate panda express and then wondered over to the Belagio to meet up Tracy's friend who was randomly in town. She was pretty hilarious and was with her best friend who was just as fun.
Half our group was tired so they went back to the hotel. The rest of us wondered in and round Caesar's Palace. We then left the strip to meet up the Central Cal group who was at Free Zone, a gay club.
Little did we know how damn far we were from there. It took us about an hour to get there, stopping to get drink re-fills along the way. Then Tracy had to pee. We were around the Tuscany and she found a bush. We were admiring the cockroaches on the sidewalk and waiting for her. Then we saw a security guard making his rounds and we were like shit! He walked right by Tracy and didn't see her until in a drunken yell, (tracy didn't know why were staring at her with concerned stares) Tracy bops up her head from the bush and says "HELLLLOOO GUYS!" and he turned around confused as we all ran around the corner laughing hysterically.
After a long ass walk we found the club. Then they wouldn't let me in cuz I had a jersey on. So I borrowed sarah's wife beater. We had a couple drinks and danced a bit. Yes I got on the pole. No, you can't watch.
Then we left trying to go another club. It was closed so we decided we wanted to go to Hooters. Lisa the human GPS she is saw the sign for Hooters and we decided to go on an adventure/short cut. This consisted of going through a fence, walking by a canal which we thought might have dead bodies, then finding stones on which we could cross, walking through another break in the fence, crossing through an abandoned desert of a field, and back onto the street where Hooters was. It was a bit like a movie.
Angie, Melissa, and I got to Hooters first cuz the rest had gone to the store. We walked into the back and found the pool and got drinks and sat in the lounge chairs. Then Angie and I went to the blackjack table and she won like 10 bucks thanks to her wearing my armband. Ok really it's cuz she's good at it.
Then we all met up at a cafe and had breakfast at 5 30 am as the sun was coming up. We were exhausted from walking and all ordered cabs thinking we were really far away but the cab ride was like 6 bucks cuz we werent. We crashed in around 6am.
I woke up at like 9:30am and showered cuz one of the bad things about Vegas is all the smoke everywhere which makes you feel sticky and grungy after going out.
We packed all our shit up. I was the only one in my group that was flying out. The rest were driving back. I said goodbye to Angie and the Central Cal girls and then my team gave me a ride to my parents hotel.
I have to say, no wonder I didn't hear much from them. That place is amazing. It's called the Red Rock and it has a hotel and casino of course and like 6-7 places to eat and 2-3 clubs, and a movie theater and bowling alley, and huge ass pool with techno music playing outside. One could easily stay there and never leave the hotel.
My teammates and I ate lunch at a cafe and the food was amazing. We embarrassed the hell out of Lisa by singing happy birthday to her.
Then my teammates left and I wondered around playing the slots. There happened to be an international kids hop hop competition there that weekend so I saw all these cute Japanese kids with braids, wearing track suits and sneakers.
My parents and I took a cab around 6pm for the airport. Our flight left around 8 and we landed at 10:15pm. They dropped me home, dropped my bags in my room, checked facebook, and CRASHED.
What an epic weekend.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Game 2: Triumph
Here is a recap of our 2nd game:
Friday I met Shalynn, Wheels, and Barbara off of I-5 at around 2pm. They got a little delayed in meeting me so I decided I was hungry and went into the Chevron to the A&W to get a corn dog cuz the lady in front of me got one and it sounded good.
When I told them I got a corn dog for some reason they though it was pretty damn random and funny. This would be our trip theme.
Shalynn took the first leg driving and it was a beautiful day. Barbara came prepared with lot's of snacks. And she brought red vines so I will forever love her! lol
I took over in Medford. We got a little lost around Weed trying to find a gas station.
We stopped in Redding for dinner. Little did we know that there was an old car parade going on at the same time but we were able to find an Olive Garden. We sat down. Our waitress had a voice like she worked at Disney Land. Little kids were running around and I couldn't tell if the voices were the kids or her.
Then Shalynn said that a corn dog actually did sound good. We decided that we would be part of a Corn Dog Annoymous group. For some reason this was hysterical to us and I cried laughing.
We had a nice dinner and jumped back in the car. We arrived at our Hotel in Sacramento around 10pm. It was a nice hotel. We got to our room and got ready for bed. Apparently there was a group of kids staying next door that thought it was fun to be loud and run up and down the hall. Shalynn told them to be quiet but really she should have put on a helmet and chased them.
They woke us up at 7am. We showered and had breakfast. Wheels was happy because there was a waffle maker.
We jumped back into the car and drove the last 2 hours to the hotel in Madera. We got there around noon. As we were pulling up we saw one of our vans pull up.
We had 2 large vans driving down as well as 3-4 groups going down separately. One of the vans at 3am hit a deer. Bambi did not make it. The van wouldn't start. The cops were called. Then rainbow fixed the van and all was ok.
Everyone was drained so we took a little nap. We had Quiznos for lunch and chilled in the room for a bit. At 4:30 we ran to Big 5 so Barbara could buy knee pads cuz she forgot hers.
We arrived at the high school just before 5. We were the first ones there. After everyone finally got there and we got settled in we took the field for warm ups.
It was in the high 70s all day but our kickoff wasn't until 7pm so it was a bit cooler after we kicked off.
They returned the opening kick off for a touchdown.
We bounced back and scored right back.
They burned us deep.
We bounced back and scored right back.
Their team although talented resorted to some unorthodox methods of trying to take me down. But I bounced right back.
They tried to intimidate us. But we bounced right back.
Instead of folding we stuck together.
And it ended up being a very hard fought game. But I am so very proud of my team because we willed out that win. We took all the adversity and channeled it to do better. That's the sign of a good team.
Our offensive line was amazing. Everytime I ran up the middle they created huge holes for me.
Their quarterback had a great arm but we were able to force her out of the pocket and make her throw on the run. After some adjustments our D slowed them down.
I really feel like we proved something to ourselves this game.
It was a great feeling to be tested and come out on top.
I was exhausted. I took off my pads and my undershirt was literally soaked. I think I grossed people out lol There were times when I was beat up and tested but I wanted to keep going for my team.
We had crazy fun times celebrating at the hotel. And no we did not get kicked out. You can check out some of my pics on my facebook page.
The CDA (corndog annoymous group) left the hotel at 8am. The drive back was LONG but I was able to try to sleep through part of it. I did NOT sleep well at all the night before because I was so sore I couldn't get comfortable.
I got home around 6pm. Threw my clothes in the washer. Ate dinner. Took Ibprofen. Watched the Blazers steal game 1 from the Suns. And passed out.
Friday I met Shalynn, Wheels, and Barbara off of I-5 at around 2pm. They got a little delayed in meeting me so I decided I was hungry and went into the Chevron to the A&W to get a corn dog cuz the lady in front of me got one and it sounded good.
When I told them I got a corn dog for some reason they though it was pretty damn random and funny. This would be our trip theme.
Shalynn took the first leg driving and it was a beautiful day. Barbara came prepared with lot's of snacks. And she brought red vines so I will forever love her! lol
I took over in Medford. We got a little lost around Weed trying to find a gas station.
We stopped in Redding for dinner. Little did we know that there was an old car parade going on at the same time but we were able to find an Olive Garden. We sat down. Our waitress had a voice like she worked at Disney Land. Little kids were running around and I couldn't tell if the voices were the kids or her.
Then Shalynn said that a corn dog actually did sound good. We decided that we would be part of a Corn Dog Annoymous group. For some reason this was hysterical to us and I cried laughing.
We had a nice dinner and jumped back in the car. We arrived at our Hotel in Sacramento around 10pm. It was a nice hotel. We got to our room and got ready for bed. Apparently there was a group of kids staying next door that thought it was fun to be loud and run up and down the hall. Shalynn told them to be quiet but really she should have put on a helmet and chased them.
They woke us up at 7am. We showered and had breakfast. Wheels was happy because there was a waffle maker.
We jumped back into the car and drove the last 2 hours to the hotel in Madera. We got there around noon. As we were pulling up we saw one of our vans pull up.
We had 2 large vans driving down as well as 3-4 groups going down separately. One of the vans at 3am hit a deer. Bambi did not make it. The van wouldn't start. The cops were called. Then rainbow fixed the van and all was ok.
Everyone was drained so we took a little nap. We had Quiznos for lunch and chilled in the room for a bit. At 4:30 we ran to Big 5 so Barbara could buy knee pads cuz she forgot hers.
We arrived at the high school just before 5. We were the first ones there. After everyone finally got there and we got settled in we took the field for warm ups.
It was in the high 70s all day but our kickoff wasn't until 7pm so it was a bit cooler after we kicked off.
They returned the opening kick off for a touchdown.
We bounced back and scored right back.
They burned us deep.
We bounced back and scored right back.
Their team although talented resorted to some unorthodox methods of trying to take me down. But I bounced right back.
They tried to intimidate us. But we bounced right back.
Instead of folding we stuck together.
And it ended up being a very hard fought game. But I am so very proud of my team because we willed out that win. We took all the adversity and channeled it to do better. That's the sign of a good team.
Our offensive line was amazing. Everytime I ran up the middle they created huge holes for me.
Their quarterback had a great arm but we were able to force her out of the pocket and make her throw on the run. After some adjustments our D slowed them down.
I really feel like we proved something to ourselves this game.
It was a great feeling to be tested and come out on top.
I was exhausted. I took off my pads and my undershirt was literally soaked. I think I grossed people out lol There were times when I was beat up and tested but I wanted to keep going for my team.
We had crazy fun times celebrating at the hotel. And no we did not get kicked out. You can check out some of my pics on my facebook page.
The CDA (corndog annoymous group) left the hotel at 8am. The drive back was LONG but I was able to try to sleep through part of it. I did NOT sleep well at all the night before because I was so sore I couldn't get comfortable.
I got home around 6pm. Threw my clothes in the washer. Ate dinner. Took Ibprofen. Watched the Blazers steal game 1 from the Suns. And passed out.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Fillies Out of the Gate With a Bang
As the scoreboard ticked off triple 0 I couldn't really comprehend it. We won over the Ventura Black Widows.
We arrived at the field around 4 to help set up the concession stands and decorations. Note to self, trying to carry 15 balloons to the street corner to decorate the fence with while the winds are around 20 mph is a bit more difficult than previously thought.
At 4:30pm we went into the locker room to get ready. We just got our new uniforms on Thursday and we are all anxious to get them on. I have to say that they are pretty damn cool. They are edgy and professional looking. I am proud of them. The sizes seemed to run a bit small but I think that's party due to the material of them being naturally tight. I had to jump up and down a little to get my pants on over my leg pads but I got it to work lol
We went out onto the field at 5pm for early warm ups. As we were running onto the field I had to say we look damn good in purple.
I worked receiving kicks for a while. I'm glad that I did because the wind was making it difficult to read. I would come up hard and then the wind would catch the ball and it would sail over my head. Or I would hang back and it would die in front of me. After a few though I kinda got a gaige on it.
At 5:20 we went back into the locker room for the pep talk. As we all sat there it was all I could do to stay calm.
As we ran back on the field I couldn't help but feel like all the hard work we have put in was now going to be tested.
We were fairly silent during our stretching and warm-ups. If you know our team this is unusual. I think everyone was starting to focus.
We lined up in the endzone and they announced everyone on the team. As I they announced me and I ran out on the field I looked and saw the fan turnout that we had for the game was impressed. We never got that when I played for the Pride and I never even saw it for other teams when we played away games.
We had won the toss and I ran out alongside Tucker to receive the kick off. As the whistle was blown I said outloud to myself, "It's just like practice" and sure enough the ball came to me. I grabbed it and run to about the 50 yard line. Ok here we go I thought.
I knew before the game what the first call was going to be and I had envisioned how good it would feel if I could bust one. But I didn't think it would actually happen. I got a pitch and turned the corner, made a couple moves, and next thing I know everyone is pounding my helmet because I scored the first touchdown in Fillies history. I have to admit to everyone that it was also my technical first touchdown in my career. I have scored a couple but they were all called back. I felt almost a relief that we got off to that start.
Our D was incredible all game. We had several sacks, an interception by Mac-Attack, and a fumble recovery.
Our O ran the ball very well. Our O-line made huge holes. Overall we played well.
The other team had about 9 players. Now coming from the Pride I can relate to them. I know what it feels like to be on the other side of that blow out. Sometimes it's not how much talent you have when you have only 9 players. I have to say that I completely respect their heart. They didn't ever give up no matter what the score was.
The game was a great confidence booster for us however next week our real season begins at Fresno and they have more than 9 players. Every yard against them will be a lot harder. We will be tested and I think we are ready.
I am extremely proud of this team. I can't tell my teammates enough how much they mean to me. Stay tuned for week 2!
We arrived at the field around 4 to help set up the concession stands and decorations. Note to self, trying to carry 15 balloons to the street corner to decorate the fence with while the winds are around 20 mph is a bit more difficult than previously thought.
At 4:30pm we went into the locker room to get ready. We just got our new uniforms on Thursday and we are all anxious to get them on. I have to say that they are pretty damn cool. They are edgy and professional looking. I am proud of them. The sizes seemed to run a bit small but I think that's party due to the material of them being naturally tight. I had to jump up and down a little to get my pants on over my leg pads but I got it to work lol
We went out onto the field at 5pm for early warm ups. As we were running onto the field I had to say we look damn good in purple.
I worked receiving kicks for a while. I'm glad that I did because the wind was making it difficult to read. I would come up hard and then the wind would catch the ball and it would sail over my head. Or I would hang back and it would die in front of me. After a few though I kinda got a gaige on it.
At 5:20 we went back into the locker room for the pep talk. As we all sat there it was all I could do to stay calm.
As we ran back on the field I couldn't help but feel like all the hard work we have put in was now going to be tested.
We were fairly silent during our stretching and warm-ups. If you know our team this is unusual. I think everyone was starting to focus.
We lined up in the endzone and they announced everyone on the team. As I they announced me and I ran out on the field I looked and saw the fan turnout that we had for the game was impressed. We never got that when I played for the Pride and I never even saw it for other teams when we played away games.
We had won the toss and I ran out alongside Tucker to receive the kick off. As the whistle was blown I said outloud to myself, "It's just like practice" and sure enough the ball came to me. I grabbed it and run to about the 50 yard line. Ok here we go I thought.
I knew before the game what the first call was going to be and I had envisioned how good it would feel if I could bust one. But I didn't think it would actually happen. I got a pitch and turned the corner, made a couple moves, and next thing I know everyone is pounding my helmet because I scored the first touchdown in Fillies history. I have to admit to everyone that it was also my technical first touchdown in my career. I have scored a couple but they were all called back. I felt almost a relief that we got off to that start.
Our D was incredible all game. We had several sacks, an interception by Mac-Attack, and a fumble recovery.
Our O ran the ball very well. Our O-line made huge holes. Overall we played well.
The other team had about 9 players. Now coming from the Pride I can relate to them. I know what it feels like to be on the other side of that blow out. Sometimes it's not how much talent you have when you have only 9 players. I have to say that I completely respect their heart. They didn't ever give up no matter what the score was.
The game was a great confidence booster for us however next week our real season begins at Fresno and they have more than 9 players. Every yard against them will be a lot harder. We will be tested and I think we are ready.
I am extremely proud of this team. I can't tell my teammates enough how much they mean to me. Stay tuned for week 2!
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Last Yard
Thunder enters my veins and lighting strikes my heart, I never wanted this explosion that tears me apart, the world is chaos and my head is spinning, I wish that the finish line wasn't winning, I'm sprinting towards my dream, up hill and against myself, putting all my insecurities on the shelf, so what if I fail, so what if I fall, so what if I give it my all, blood, sweat, and tears did I spill, the voices call for my defeat, and the grip threatens my feet, to slip down this mountain, but still I grip to my vision, though clouded and tainted, I reach from the ashes towards the sainted, destination, rain come wash away, the bitterness I swallowed today, I run through the chains that pull at my limbs, I run through the pile that scratches at my torn body, I will push through, I will keep going, I will get that last yard
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Update 2/16/10
So I know it's been a while since I've posted. A lot has happened the last couple of months. We had a 6 week break Dec-Jan and now we are back on the grind.
I don't think any of us thought we would come so far so fast. And I'm sure that none of us realized how much work this would be to start a team from scratch. Every person on the team is an owner. We have a board with our coach acting as general manager.
I'm pretty damn proud of what we have done so far. It's amazing that we have so many intelligent and smart people on our teams that can use their other talents to help our team realize its potential.
We have achieved:
Business cards
News contacts
Ran a free camp for girls
Have two photographers following us
Successfully raised enough money to purchase our equipment
And coming up we have:
A fundraiser with the Winterhawks
A fundraiser with a local famous musician
A dance fundraiser at the Egytian Room
And much more
Last Saturday was our Camp that we put on at PCC. It was free to all girls 8-18. I have to tell you I got a little teary eyed at one point because this is exactly what we fight for. This is why I work out. This is why I keep going. Because of the smiles on those girls faces when they realized they could play too. And that is exactly where we should be putting energy into. The sport will live or die depending on our ability to reach our youth.
Although I have to also tell you that it's very difficult to keep the attention of a group of 8 year olds. lol They get a little bored after you explain a couple of routes.
On the personal front I feel like I have two separate lives. I have my Monday through Friday life where I wake up and go to work. I'm very proud of how far my office has come and how we continue to grow. It's sometimes stressful and hard to keep up but I feel like I have grown as a person at the same time the business has grown. I feel like it has given me my voice back after my world was upside down. What I say matters to someone. It's a nice feeling.
Then I have my Saturday-Sunday life. This consists of staying at various friends and teammates places in Salem, Beaverton, Portland, Vancouver. This includes living out of a bag and out of my car. I seriously have the set bunch of clothes that I take and after I get home and wash them...they go right back in my back ready to go the next weekend.
I don't really think the practices themselves are really that hard on me but the traveling is. The worst is when I drive the hour and half back Sunday, exhausted, and realizing I have to get up and go to work. Monday mornings are the hardest. But I get through it and I'm usually fine after I have lunch Monday. Well to be honest I've never been a morning person so that might be part of it too. lol
Football itself is going well. We have a bunch of shoulder pads and equipment that we are borrowing until our new stuff gets here. We have been hitting and I love it. I don't know what it is but it seems like the harder my real life is, the better I play on the field. I'm able to channel it into football and it's awesome.
My teammates have quickly become my new family. They have rallied around me and I feel like when I speak on this team that they listen.
Things aren't ever going to perfect considering we are humans and that this is a first year business but I really feel like this team will go very far.
Something that does kinda bother me is that I can't get up for the workouts they have in Portland on Tuesday and Thursdays. I just can't physically do it. But I've been pretty diligent in working out at my own gym. I feel stronger and more powerful than I have in a while.
Now that we are hitting...the bruising has begun. Ok, normally I'm quite proud of my bruises but umm I'm in HR and I hire people. lol So I try to offset them with arnica gel and tanning.
Alright back to the game. Catch ya later.
I don't think any of us thought we would come so far so fast. And I'm sure that none of us realized how much work this would be to start a team from scratch. Every person on the team is an owner. We have a board with our coach acting as general manager.
I'm pretty damn proud of what we have done so far. It's amazing that we have so many intelligent and smart people on our teams that can use their other talents to help our team realize its potential.
We have achieved:
Business cards
News contacts
Ran a free camp for girls
Have two photographers following us
Successfully raised enough money to purchase our equipment
And coming up we have:
A fundraiser with the Winterhawks
A fundraiser with a local famous musician
A dance fundraiser at the Egytian Room
And much more
Last Saturday was our Camp that we put on at PCC. It was free to all girls 8-18. I have to tell you I got a little teary eyed at one point because this is exactly what we fight for. This is why I work out. This is why I keep going. Because of the smiles on those girls faces when they realized they could play too. And that is exactly where we should be putting energy into. The sport will live or die depending on our ability to reach our youth.
Although I have to also tell you that it's very difficult to keep the attention of a group of 8 year olds. lol They get a little bored after you explain a couple of routes.
On the personal front I feel like I have two separate lives. I have my Monday through Friday life where I wake up and go to work. I'm very proud of how far my office has come and how we continue to grow. It's sometimes stressful and hard to keep up but I feel like I have grown as a person at the same time the business has grown. I feel like it has given me my voice back after my world was upside down. What I say matters to someone. It's a nice feeling.
Then I have my Saturday-Sunday life. This consists of staying at various friends and teammates places in Salem, Beaverton, Portland, Vancouver. This includes living out of a bag and out of my car. I seriously have the set bunch of clothes that I take and after I get home and wash them...they go right back in my back ready to go the next weekend.
I don't really think the practices themselves are really that hard on me but the traveling is. The worst is when I drive the hour and half back Sunday, exhausted, and realizing I have to get up and go to work. Monday mornings are the hardest. But I get through it and I'm usually fine after I have lunch Monday. Well to be honest I've never been a morning person so that might be part of it too. lol
Football itself is going well. We have a bunch of shoulder pads and equipment that we are borrowing until our new stuff gets here. We have been hitting and I love it. I don't know what it is but it seems like the harder my real life is, the better I play on the field. I'm able to channel it into football and it's awesome.
My teammates have quickly become my new family. They have rallied around me and I feel like when I speak on this team that they listen.
Things aren't ever going to perfect considering we are humans and that this is a first year business but I really feel like this team will go very far.
Something that does kinda bother me is that I can't get up for the workouts they have in Portland on Tuesday and Thursdays. I just can't physically do it. But I've been pretty diligent in working out at my own gym. I feel stronger and more powerful than I have in a while.
Now that we are hitting...the bruising has begun. Ok, normally I'm quite proud of my bruises but umm I'm in HR and I hire people. lol So I try to offset them with arnica gel and tanning.
Alright back to the game. Catch ya later.
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