In Today's Chronicle

OPENING DAY 2006 IS ONLY 158 DAYS AWAY!

Most of the signs around town have changed from "Go Stros" and "We Bee-lieve" to "Thank you Astros." Still a very upbeat attitude around town & not bitter or angry.

The following is from todays Houston Chronicle online (www.chron.com)

A day after the Astros exited the World Series, all that was left to do was to clean out lockers, including Brad Ausmus' framed Lance Berkman quote that said 'One run games can go either way, and most of the time they do,' and to look back on a magical season.

World Series, Game 4

Well, Astros' season is over. It's been a GREAT year, that really felt like it lasted twice that long. Backe really did well last night. Dad got tickets Wednesday morning - we sat in one of the suites. It was great! Free food and drink and excellent seats behind home plate! The overall experience was incredible! Yeah, I wish we wouldve won...but the excitement and atmosphere I cant even describe.

We've been to several games this year - probably close to 10 - and the only game that came close was the game against St. Louis where Backe pitched. We were there that night. Crowded, loud AND we won! :O Amazing. Where we sat, you couldnt tell the difference in the noise from when the top was open or closed. I guess on the field it makes a huge difference.

The beginning seemed to last FOREVER...throw the first pitch already! Started out LOUD and didnt quiet down till Lidge came in. Everyone was like..what the hell? Backe was doing SO good- 7 strikeouts - and its the 8th inning. So, Lidge did his usual...gave up the run & lost the game.

I'm incredibly happy for a few reasons & even losing the game (and the WS) doesnt matter.

• First, Bagwell and Biggio GOT to the World Series...FINALLY. Biggio played GREAT, and Bagwell wasnt up to 100%, but he put his heart into it.
• Astros MADE it to the World Series!
• I actually got to attend one of the games (yes, had to put a selfish one in there)

This year was amazing...going from complete CRAP to NL Champions!! I will always PROUDLY wear my Astros gear!! I dont know about buying another $150 jersey tho..they seem to trade the player after I make that kind of purchase...

and about Lidge..isnt he a free agent? I dont think the Phillies have come to an agreement with Wagner...maybe we can make some sort of deal where we can get him back!!! YAH...THAT would be nice!! Wooo...get to look at Ausmus, Backe AND Wagner...mmmm...would be a great 2006 indeed!

GO STROS!

Lidge SUCKS!

Such beautiful weather here the past few days! Last night was great. Slept with the a/c off and the windows open (its ok, I have burglar bars on all my windows). Woke up and it was 68 in the house.. perfect! Its cool enough at night that even Nikki can start wearing her little outfits. :) Last night, a black top with gold sequins around the neck and waist. She didnt seem to mind it at all. Tonight, it'll get cooler, so we're breaking out the italian wool suit...ooh cant wait! She looks SO cute. Bought the suit at Petco a little while ago - they had it marked down from $78 to $9!! Its pink tweed with pearl buttons. Just too perfect.

Ok...do I really need to say this? LIDGE SUCKS. Good during the regular season, but cant come through when it really counts. Does he say, "I screwed up." ?? No, he says he's ok and he's not changing anything - that he'll be ready next game. Yeah, ok...he's 2 for 2. How many times will he make the front cover of the paper - with a picture like this?? (Wagner has not signed with the Phillies yet & may become a free agent...c'mon McLane...$30 mil over 3 years with a full no trade clause...c'mon...)

Texas Tech, the Astros and the Texans

Well, Tech lost...surprise surprise. I was REALLY hoping they'd pull it off..but they looked pretty pathetic this past Saturday! Maybe we'll just beat A&M..that would make for a successful season in my opinion.

Astros lost the 1st game of the World Series..thats ok, its the best out of 7...we have Pettitte tonight. (Also have $10 on the game..hope we win!)

Went to the Texans game today. I had no illusions of us winning this one - but my cousin and I had a great time! Her company bought tickets for all of their office staff + 1 guest each. We went to the tail gaiting party that the Texans put on, and that was a blast. All you could eat & drink starting at 10am. We werent much for drinking at 10am, but we had breakfast and Diet Cokes. :) They had every kind of food available you could think of pretty much! The first 1/2 of the game was actually pretty good - then the Texans just fell to crap...ugh, I just cant STAND David Carr..what a loser.

On Friday I went to the Chiropractor for lower back pain. It was a very good experience overall -but I wouldve preferred a little more..um..modesty I guess you could say? I wish everything could be done when I'm fully dressed...not just in a hospital gown. UGH. Especially when you know the guy who gives the massages and does the TENS unit. I have to face this guy every Wednesday...I've had my fill of humiliation for the month - but I'm going back this Wednesday too. For the first time in a LONG time, I didnt wake up with my back killing me. I wouldve had a hard time sitting through that game today! Plus insurance covers it - I just make my copay. :)

Astros win NLCS!

What an amazing game last night!!
I'm especially happy for Biggio and Bagwell!
This weekend is going to be great!! (especially if Tech beats Texas!)

from www.astros.mlb.com

After Roy Oswalt's gem carried them to a 5-1 win over the Cardinals in Game 6 on Wednesday, the Astros are going to the World Series for the first time. Oswalt fanned six and allowed just one run and six baserunners in seven innings.

Cleaning crew

I just love the cleaning bunch here at our office building. Everyday I gather up about 4 Diet Coke cans somewhere in my office - normally by the phone and near the window. At the other building, they would just gather till I eventually took them to the sink & then tossed them out. Our cleaning crew here is great - everyday they get rid of my empty (or almost empty) Diet Coke cans. :) This morning, I'm having to drink Diet Dr. Pepper since no one put the cans IN the fridge...but, they should be cold by lunch...

Here's a great blog about a guy building a pyramid out of his cans...maybe thats what I should do..LOL..cover the window...
http://weblogs.asp.net/edkaim/archive/2003/05/28/52102.aspx

Motley Crue live DVD

Motley Crue: Carvival of SinsShot live on location at the Van Andel Arena in Grad Rapids, Michigan April 27th, 2005

Mötley Crüe’s Carnival of Sins is the live concert DVD of their sold out Red, White & Crüe world wide tour. Featuring their greatest hits" as well as new songs, Carnival of Sins is an unprecedented ALL ACCESS look at the band with behind the scenes footage and bonus material that will blow your mind.. Mötley Crüe delivers the concert that Rock ‘N’ Roll has been waiting for.

To join the Motley Crue Live DVD team -- the spot to get the latest Motley Crue news, enter the current team contests, participate in team polls and interact with other fans.
click here!

ASTROS WIN! Tech in top 10!

Last night, mom, dad, Uncle Danny and I went to the Astros game. OMG..it was unbelievable! So crowded, so loud - just too much fun. We had seats behind 3rd base on the dugout level. No one sat down - just twirled our rally rags all evening (smackin each other in the head). It was great!! I didnt get picked in the "lottery" to be given a chance to buy WS tickets...but maybe SOMEHOW we can get some. :)

from www.si.com
HOUSTON (AP) -- First baseman Lance Berkman stretched as far as he could, squeezed the throw tight and hopped high in the air with glee.
One more win and the Astros will have the whole city of Houston jumping for joy.
Poised closer Brad Lidge pitched his way out of a major mess in the ninth inning, defensive replacement Eric Bruntlett started a game-ending double play and Houston scratched out a 2-1 victory over St. Louis on Sunday in Game 4 of the NLCS to move within one win of its first World Series.
"I'm starting to believe," said 39-year-old Craig Biggio, on the cusp of a lifelong dream.

Texas Tech Achieves Top 10 Status
from www.texastech.com
LUBBOCK, Texas - For the first time since the start of the 1977 season, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are ranked among the nation's top ten teams. Tech enters this week ranked eighth in the USA Today Coaches Poll and tenth in the Associated Press Poll.
The ranking is the highest for a Red Raider team since Sept. 12, 1977, when Tech was eighth in the Associated Press Poll. Tech reached its peak for that season the following week, when the Red Raiders were seventh. The highest ranking in Texas Tech history occurred during the 1976 season, when Tech held the No. 5 position for three-straight weeks in the AP poll.

Astros win! Tech wins!

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - Cody Hodges threw for 643 yards and five touchdowns to lead No. 13 Texas Tech over Kansas State 59-20 Saturday, helping the Red Raiders to their best start since 1998.
The win sets up a showdown at No. 2 Texas next week that could ultimately determine the winner of the Big 12 South division.
Hodges, who left the game with 4:48 remaining, completed 44 of 65 passes and threw two interceptions. He threw TD passes of 34, 20, 21, 3 and 39 yards. The major college record for yards passing in a game is 716 by Houston's David Klingler in 1990.
The Red Raiders (6-0, 3-0) had four receivers with more than 100 yards.

HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros took a 2-1 lead in the National League Championship Series with a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals before a sellout crowd Saturday afternoon at Minute Maid Park.
As was the case for most of this postseason, Phil Garner's strategic decisions worked in the Astros' favor. Garner wanted to start Chris Burke, who had the hot bat, but not at the expense of Mike Lamb, who had three homers in 14 at-bats against Cardinals righty Matt Morris.

2nd interview

My 2nd interview went very well this morning. I hope to hear back from the Director soon - like tomorrow. :) That would be great...and start on Nov 1. Yes, I'm getting ahead of myself, and maybe jinxing it...but it would be such a great job!!

Went out last night with mom, dad and Kay. We had dinner at Arcodoro and then saw Chicago.
Dinner was good. Not great, not $180 great. $70 of that was a bottle of wine...A BOTTLE of wine. The waiter got kind of snippy when we told him we had to leave by 7:30...and what I wanted wasnt on the dinner menu. He "asked the chef" and they were "able" to make it tho - its on their lunch menu only, normally. Ok, so, we put him out..whatever.

The show was GREAT!! I'm so glad I got to see it on stage. :) I thought Renee Zellweger was horrible in the movie - no, she just TOTALLY SUCKED. The girl on stage last night was amazing & SO much better than Zellweger! The singing was great & just being there. Tom Wopat was Billy, and he is an excellent singer!

Whats on 80s on XM right now? IT -- doing April of 83...

I Eat Cannibals by Toto Coelo

I eat cannibal
Feed on animal
Your love is so edible to me
I eat cannibals
I eat cannibal
It's incredible
You bring out the animal in me
I eat cannibals

What can you do
You're in a stew
Hot hot cook it up
I'm never gonna stop

Fancy a bite
My appetite
Yum yum gee it's fun
Banging on a different drum ...

Chicago!

Going to go see Chicago tonight at TUTS! Cant wait!! I've wanted to see this show for quite awhile, but they never seem to travel to Lubbock. Before the show, we're eating dinner at Arcodoro. I've been there only once - but it was great!

I had a GREAT interview yesterday morning. I have my second interview with this organization tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be at a new job on November 1. The job I'm interviewing for is exactly what I've wanted...it's mainly administrative with duties in research and fundraising and learning how to write & submit grants. The lady I met with yesterday is the Director, and I would be working directly under her...she was incredibly nice and we got along well.

Competition

Why does everything have to be a competition?

I'm planting pansies & lantana in my front yard this weekend. Nikki is out in front with me. The little boy from next door comes over and starts talking to me and playing with Nikki (this is the first time I've ever met him). After a few minutes...all I'm hearing is what they have.
"We have a plasma screen tv."..."thats nice.."
"I have my own computer, tv and bunk beds in my room." ..."thats nice.."
Im trying to have a decent conversation with him between these "I have..we have" comments. Then he brings his school sales stuff out - I buy some chocolate and Christmas wrapping paper.

Got me to thinking...

After not talking to a high school friend for 5 years - we started talking just this past month. What has it been every email? I dont get answers to questions I ask...like "How's your mom?" "How's work? Are you still at...." I only get how many trips they've been on, how big their house is and how many designer toys she's bought her dog. ?? Um, ok. I thought there was more to "catching up" than that... maybe not?

ASTROS WIN!!

Cars & Gambling

I'm not talking the 2 of those together...but each on their own.

Mom traded her Corvette in yesterday. She had an 02 Yellow Coupe...now, she's got a 06 Silver Convertible. I havent seen it yet - they got back late last night. She found it in Grapevine, Tx. So, I'm about to head over there and see it & take some pictures. Now, like the rest of the family, she has XM radio! :)

This means that everyone in the family has traded their car in this year.
February: '00 Corvette Convertible --> Acura RL
June: '99 Taurus --> '05 Explorer
August: '02 Spyder --> '06 325i
October: '02 Corvette --> '06 Corvette

The insurance company is loving it, you know...

Gambling...
For the first time.. EVER..I put $ down on a football game and baseball game. Lost it on the football game. I had (only) $12 down on Tech to beat Nebraska by 4. They beat them by 3. Thats ok, we won no matter what.
Also, had $10 down on the Astros to win by 2...they did...and I more than doubled my money.
Now, the money is riding on today's Miami game and Astros game. I didnt play any point spread, just that they would win...maybe I'll do ok. If I can make my original $ back, I'll be happy - then I'll let the excess ride on the next Astros game...
Won $5 in Texas lotto last night too! Yeah, its missing about six zeros...but thats ok, eventually it'll be there.

GO 'STROS!!

"He's Just Not That Into You"

Excellent "book" -- kinda just a lot of phrases. One or two per page. Not really a story or novel or anything like that. Here are a few of the verses:

#1
If a (sane) guy really likes you, there ain't nothing that's going to get in his way. And if he's not sane, why would you want him?

#202 The "But his wife is such a bitch" excuse.
Regardless of how much his marriage sucks or how awful his wife is to him, it obviously isn't that bad or he would get out of it. A good relationship should not be lived in secrecy. Go find yourself one worth living out loud.

#211
Unless he's all yours, he's still hers.

#59
If he's not calling you, it's because you are not on his mind.

#272
If you are reading this, you want something better. If you are reading this, I want something better for your too.

....words to live by...starting today!

Still the same...

Work still sucks...

The weirdos living at the Econo Lodge next door are out at the busstop drinking their Bud (but out of bottles today, not the usual cans)...

Looking busy as ever...sending 1,000 emails out a day bugging everyone else I know. But DAMN I look like I have a lot of shit to type! :)

Had lunch today with Soy Milk and one of his coworkers. Thats always fun. I promise, one day we will go and NOT talk or bitch about work. We? Me..I wont..I wont bitch about work...maybe next week! Hopefully going to Arcodoro next week...only if my pay gets straightened out tho!

STILL looking for another job (something else I do here, while at "work")

Found my baby Toyota Spyder I sold!! The BMW dealer had it for awhile, but sold it at an auction..now Joe Myers Toyota has it! It'll find a good home yet!

Astros..
wooop...here goes the guy, on his 10th trip today...from Prince's to the bank building..he's really been busy walking back and forth today!!!

anways - YAY Astros! Hopefully they'll play tonight & wont be rained out.

Not much to talk about today. My pay STILL isnt correct. and yet..no one here gives a shit...reason #3492 to find another job!

You Know You Live on the Gulf Coast When

YOU KNOW YOU LIVE ON THE GULF COAST WHEN.

You have FEMA's number on your speed dialer.

You have more than 300 C and D batteries in your kitchen drawer.

Your pantry contains more than 20 cans of Spaghetti Os.

You are thinking of repainting your house to match the plywood covering your windows.

When describing your house to a prospective buyer, you say it has three bedrooms, two baths and one safe hallway.

Your SSN isn't a secret, it's written in Sharpie on your arms.

You are on a first-name basis with the cashier at Home Depot.

You are delighted to pay $3 for a gallon of regular unleaded.

The road leading to your house has been declared a No-Wake Zone.

You decide that your patio furniture looks better on the bottom of the pool.

You own more than three large coolers.

You can wish that other people get hit by a hurricane and not feel the least bit guilty about it.

You rationalize helping a friend board up by thinking "It'll only take X gallon of gas to get there and back"

You have 2-liter coke bottles and milk jugs filled with water in your freezer.

Three months ago you couldn't hang a shower curtain; today you can assemble a portable generator by candlelight.

You catch a 13-pound redfish. In your driveway.

You can recite from memory whole portions of your homeowner's insurance policy.

You consider a "vacation" to stunning Tupelo, Mississippi.

At cocktail parties, women are attracted to the guy with the biggest chainsaw.

You have had tuna fish more than 5 days in a row.

There is a roll of tar paper in your garage.

You can rattle off the names of three or more meteorologists who work at the Weather Channel.

Someone comes to your door to tell you they found your roof.

Ice is a valid topic of conversation.

Your "drive-thru" meal consists of MRE's and bottled water.

Relocating to South Dakota does not seem like such a crazy idea.

You spend more time on your roof then in your living room.

You've been laughed at over the phone by a roofer, fence builder or a tree worker.

A battery powered TV is considered a home entertainment center.

You don't worry about relatives wanting to visit during the summer.

Your child's first words are "hunker down" and you didn't go to Ole Miss!

Having a tree in your living room does not necessarily mean it's Christmas.

You know the difference between the "good side" of a storm and the "bad side."

Your kids start school in August and finish in July.