2007 - almost gone but not forgotten

I see my friend Beth beat me to my last post of the year's idea...but I'm certain they won't be the same.

2007 was a whirlwind of dreams for me. It all started with Spring Training in Ft. Myers and meeting Kelly off the SG site. It began flying in on Friday with plans of returning on Monday....next thing I know I'm changing flights, crashing at Brenken's and staying for another game so I can see Beckett pitch :) Then of course, it's Opening Day in TEXAS!!! I go to all three games and it is awesome how much fun I have...except it's April and it's freaking 38 degrees!!!! WHF???? IN TEXAS??? Then of course, it's Memorial weekend coming up and I have tickets for all three games....but my best friend's stepdaughter is getting married and I HAVE to attend it...SO I go to the first game and sell the other two :long sigh: But it was a grand wedding and I had a blast! Plus I truly know that the bride and groom really appreciated that I came. Next up San Diego!!! I fly into L.A.X. and stay with my good friend SoxontheBeach and then we head south....of which note to self: Always add on about 3 extra hours when you're driving to San Diego from L.A.....three games of glorious greatness!! Getting to meet several off SG for the first time yet Again...Beth, Horsham, Nate, Bellbabe, Poprocksncoke, along with the regulars MrsMLB(her buddy Mel) and Kelly. Next scheduled trip was Boston...of which I was able to catch 4 games this time and stayed there for a entire week. I got to meet for the first time Hayes (thank YOU so much for Walden!!), JET came in for a Wednesday game (I think I scared that little kid sitting in front of us), Becks got to meet me (I finally convinced her that not all Texans are dumb), and CapeCodder!! (and thanks to YOU we got the San Diego tickets!). Got to meet Cindy for a couple of beers but that's ok cos i get to spend more time during my SocTober visit. Of course I got to see all my regulars while there too: Kelly, Cyn, and abunch off my other serialkiller internet board friends. I love Boston...it's almost like going home for me. Ok the last trip for baseball was going to Baltimore....I met up with Kelly at the airport then headed to the hotel of which Cyn was waiting for us....check in, change, head to the park....again getting to meet many SGers for the first time yet again! I had already met hayes...so she was there...Citizen, JD, Rob, TED and his brother Mattie, Kurt(aka Superman), BB and wifey, AB, Candaon!. WE all met at this sports bar....descending down like a family reunion. I think they were sorta glad we left. Another Three glorious games! Got to see Millah!! I think every series I went to I got to see Beckett pitch...even Spring Training. But all good things gotta come to a close....or do they?? not when it's SoxTOBER!!!! The boys played their hearts out...and stole the tomahawks from the Indians....and on to knocking the Snow out of the Rockies. Can you say it with me?? The Red Sox are the 2007 World Series Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well of course you're wondering....so did ya go to the WS parade again?? Sad to say but with my new job I was not able to go....as it was during the week. BUT I did go that weekend so I could see the banner flying from Fenway. Plus a few of us took a little trip to a sportshow to get Snyder's autograph...cyn, kelly and cindy! I got to hang out with JET and Becks my first night, then on to hanging out with cyn, kelly, cindy and Tru and his daughters...PLUS got to see my friend Chrissy at the souvenir store of which Mike Timlin was in there shopping!!!! Of course I got to thank him and that fairly made up for not seeing the parade. Awesome that it was....I cried softly that I was not able to see Paps do his jig, Lowell smile and wave, Beckett just stand and smile(he just doesnt show emotions off the mound unless being showered with beer or champagne-hmmmm New years) ... I hate that I missed the parade...but I'll Always have the 2004 WS Parade experience. That is one story I will tell over and over.

On a personal note, I got the best job ever a few months ago....a great raise and promotion with a new company....giving me the opportunity and chance to hone skills that will hopefully land me a job in Boston....where my heart is.

2008 is around the corner and I know it brings nothing but good things. I'm just going to leave you with a couple of my favorite things

Beckett: au natural

Yes, those boots belong to Beckett. What you say?? He has pants on?? Well of course he does....But more importantly Beckett has his cowboy boots on cos that's Beckett, au natural. You were expecting to see his nekkid body?? Puhhhleeeeeezzzzz! Both pics were snagged by Centerfield off of ESPN and I'm damn determined to learn how she does it. I'm sure it can't be that hard...but goshdurn it, I've yet to figure it out. Thanks Texas Gal for putting these up for me!! Aside from our mutual admiration for Beckett (for different reasons I might add), we are at odds about college football in Texas...but no one is perfect I guess. (just kidding ya TG)

yep there's Josh again wearing a cap promoting his Hunting Ranch south of S.A.. He was at the AlamoDome rooting on his Aggies (of which they lost to JoePa-who names someone that?) I swear pictures of Beckett are getting more and more predictable here lately. So I'm thinking New Year's Eve...just where is Beckett going to land? Billy Bobs? with Pat Green cancelling his show in Waco and George Strait not having a New Year's Eve show....just where do YOU think Josh will spend it?? at the Ranch? I would bet that Josh is going to be in Austin to see George at the Erwin Center on January 10th....hmmmm the after party most likely would be....

And it's Back to Beckett

yes I Know...I posted about this Wheaties Box some time ago when it first came to our attention. HOWEVER...my good friend SoxontheBeach in L.A. got me one. I'm sitting talking to my son on my work cellphone when my personal cellphone rings....I can't answer it of course but see it's from SotB whom I had spoken to earlier while she was on her way to the store. After getting off the phone with my son I check the message. It's a bit high pitched and quick...then she hangs up. I'm trying to decipher her message cos all I heard was one word "Guidos". Well at least that's what I thought. I figured she had to have mistakenly called me and realized she was leaving a message for the wrong person...someone named Guido...or she was looking for a restaurant?? I don't know...so I put the phone down.

I couldn't let it rest...I listened to the message again...............and again.................and again. I sat there staring at the phone after listening to it one more time...when it hit me like a shotgun shell blasting a deer for dinner. WHEATIES!!! She said WHEATIES!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm scrambling to call her back....leave my own garbled message in a high pitched voice....thank Pod she returned my phone call and NOW my 2nd Christmas Present will be a genuine Wheaties Box with my very own Joshua Patrick Beckett on the front.

I can't wipe this silly ass grin off my face. Thanks SotB!!! I owe YOU.

I thought Best Friends STICK Together?

I can't believe I am posting this but I am so sick and tired of this crap...and I am just sickened that Roger can't own up to it. Ok The Mitchell Report comes out and names several who have stepped forward and admitted truth to the report....well their "part" in the truth. One of those who admitted was Andy Pettitte, BFF of Roger Clemens, otherwise known on SG as FUT. Now I am all about the phrase Innocent until Proven Guilty....HOWEVER, if Wahjah expects me to believe that he has been this best friend-does all workouts together-whereeveryougoIgo-loveyalikeabrother-friendship with Andy Pettitte who appears to be this clean-cut nice boy from Katy....and Andy did steriods a couple of times but Roger didn't??!!! PuuuuuuuHHHLEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZE.....Roger....you've reduced yourself to putting yourself on YOUTUBE???? Come ON!!! Honestly, why can't you just come clean(no pun intended well ok yah it is) and just tell the "truth" like the others.

If Roger can actually give proof...someone who will come forward to dispute the claims on the report....fine. But his word??? It ain't good enough for me anymore.

and may Pod forgive me for posting this.

Merry Christmas from Zilker Park

Pictures never do the Zilker Tree justice. I found this video made by some local austinites. I hope you enjoy it.

Merry Christmas from Texas

A shout-out to all my favorite people out there!! those who read and those who post. Ted, git yor family well. hygs to Angie, Ciera, Rakes and Trot. Matt and Scott go easy on Ted...he can't help it. Sorry I forgot STACY!!! Becks, save some of that jambalaya for me. JET drink a guinness for me. Horsham enjoy your stay in the states. Stephen safe travels back home. Sparkles I hope you get your dog soon. Merry Christmas to all those who I got to meet this year and those I met before off SG: Cyn, Brenken, and Soxonthebeach, VaritekChick, Kelly, Citizen, JD, Rob, BB et al, Hayes, Candaon, Kurt, Beth, Bellbabe, Nate, Becks and Bob, Horsham, JET, Ted, Cindy, MrsMLB, poprocksncoke, i hope i didnt forget anyone.

and those who I am still waiting to meet: Red, Denton, alexis, Cousin Steve, Stephen, JoshBlue and Amy, Corky, Dover, skeeter, kaylee, Don Penguino, StephenRedBeard, DeathOpie, Tom Miles, Boston Dee, Trots Hat, alittlenightsmusing, Nancy and Mr. Nancy, Jersey and NNews, JohnnySideburns, and all others.

Merry Christmas to all my Texas Red Sox players of 2007 (anyone born in Texas) Mike Timlin, Josh Beckett, Kyle Snyder and David Murphy. Wishing ya loads of happiness....and Josh, I'm still waiting on that autograph on my flag...you're the only one that's missing at this point.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Guinness!!

OMP!! how could I forget STEVE??!!!! I met STEVE the ferret this year!!! and even took a pic of him and Kyle. GOSH the memories of 2007. :)

ok I am a complete and utter doofus. I forgot and left off a southeast Texas boy: Clay Buchholz! ::slaps forehead:: thanks kelly for the headsup. ::bangs head on keyboard:: ok two more autographs are needed on my flag.

Being Beckett

I make no bones about the fact that I am Texan Proud. I am proud to be a Texan and I root my Texas boys who play for my beloved team, The Red Sox. I've made it clear that Beckett is a Texas boy I admire for his way with the ball and for having balls. He knew he was great way back when he was waiting to get drafted. He stitched "Phenom" in his school jacket...pretty ballsy for a highschooler? Nope. This was Josh Beckett. It was a toss-up between he and Josh Hamilton, the centerfielder who was just traded to the Rangers by the Reds, who was going to be #1 draft choice. Two Josh's and you couldn't be further apart from their personalities. Tampa Bay was scared off by Beckett's assumed cockiness (i believe the rumor was he seemed alittle too comfortable sitting around the room with feet up on the coffee table and calling Execs by first names) and went with Hamilton....and we all know what road that took. I have to say I am proud that Hamilton has recovered and is back on the right road....and I wish him well in Texas. However, back to Beckett....Beckett played hard ball with the Marlins...he refused to take a measely 4 million and signed up to play ball at Blinn Jr. College in Brenham, Texas....till finally the Florida team caved to give him 7 million package with 4 million signing bonus. and that got the Marlins a World Series MVP 2003. (let alone that AFTER the World Series that year, he won Muy Grande in Texas!)

2007. Wins in first 9 starts. 20 game winner. 4 game Post game winner. beat C.C. (cy young winner) twice in playoffs. his strike out ratios? his shut outs?

You ask me why I'm proud?? all i need to say is Joshua Patrick Beckett.

Boudreaux and the 12 Days of Christmas

Day 1: Dear Boudreaux, Thanks for de bird in de Pear tree. I fix it las' night with dirty rice. I doan tink de pear tree will grow in de swamp so I swap it for a Satsuma.

Day 2: Dear Boudreaux, You letter say you sent two turtle doves, but all I got was two scrawny pigeons. Anyway, I mixed dem with andouille an made some gumbo out of dem.

Day 3: Dear Boudreaux, Why doan you sent some crawfish? I'm tired of eating dem darn birds. I gave two of dose prissy French chickens to Marie Trahan over at Grans Bayou an fed the tird one to my dog Phideaux. Marie needed some sparring partners for her fighting rooster.

Day 4: Dear Boudreaux, Mon Dieux! I tol you no more friggin birds. Deez four, what you call dem "calling birds" were so noisy you could hear dem all de way to Napoleonville. I used dere necks for my crab traps, an fed de rest of dem to de gators.

Day 5: Dear Boudreaux, You finally sen' somethin useful. I like dem golden rings, me. I hocked dem at da pawn shop in Thibodeaux and got enuf money to fix da shaft on my shrimp boat an buy a round for da boys at de Raisin' Cane Lounge. Merci Beaucoup!

Day 6: Dear Boudreaux, Couchon! Back to da birds, you coonass turkey! Poor egg suckin' Phideaux is scared to death at dem six gaeases. He tried to eat dems eggs and dey peck de heck out ah his snout. Dey good at eating cockroaches, though. I may stuff one of dem wit erster dressing on Christmas day.

Day 7: Dear Boudreaux, I'm gonna wring your fool neck next time I see you. Thibeau, da mailman, is ready to kill ya. The merde from all dem birds is stinkin' up his mailboat. He afraid someone will slip on dat stuff and sue him good. I let those seven swans loose to swim on de bayou and some duck hunters from Mississippi blasted dem out of de water. Talk to you tomorrow.

Day 8: Dear Boudreaux, poor ole Thibeau, he had to make tree trips on his mailboat to deliver dem 8 maids a milkin and their cows. One of dem cows got spooked by da alligators and almost tipped over da boat. I doan like dem shiftless maids, me no. I tolt dem to get to work guttin fish and sweepinq the shack but dey say it wasn't in dair contract. Dey probably think dey too good ta skin nutrias I caught las night.

Day 9: Dear Boudreaux, What you trying to do huh? Thibeau had to borrow the Lutcher ferry to carry dem jumpin twits you call Lords-a-Leaping across the bayou. As soon as dey gots here dey wanted a tea break with crumpets. I doan know what dat means but I says, *Well La Di Da. You get Chicory coffee or nuttin. Mon Dieu, Emile. What I'm gonna feed all dese bozos? Dey too snooty for fried nutria, and de cows done eat my turnip greens.

Day 10: Dear Boudreaux, You got to be outs you mind! If de mailman don't kill you, I will fo sure. Today he deliver tem half nikid floozies from Bourbon Street. Dey said dey be Ladies Dancin but dey doan act like ladies in front of dose Limey twits. Dey almos left after one of dem got bit by a water moccasin over by da out-house. I had to butcher two cows to feed toute le monde an had to get toilet paper. The Sears catalog wasn't good enuf fer dose hoity-toity Lords' royal behinies.

Day 11: Dear Boudreaux, where y'at? Cheerio an pip pip. Your eleven pipers piping arrives today from the House of Blues, second lining as dey got off de boat. We fixed stuffed goose and beef jambalaya, finished da whiskey and we having a fais-do-do. Da new mailman he drink a bottle of Jack Daniel an he having a good time yeah dancing with de floozies. Thibeau he jump off de Sunshine Bridge yesterday, screaming your name. If you get a mysterious, ticking package in de mail, doan open it.

Day 12: Dear Boudreaux, I sorry to tell ya but I not your true love anymore, no. After da fais-do-do, I spent de night with Jacque, de head piper. We decide to open a restaurant and gentleman's club on de bayou. The floozies (pardon me, Ladies Dancing) can make $20 for a table dance, and de Lords can be waiters an valet park de boats. Since de maids doan have no more cows ta milk, I trained dem ta set my crab traps, watch my trotlines, an run my shrimping business. We will probably gross maybe a million clams nex year.

12 Days of Cajun Christmas

On dem first day of Christmas, my true love she gave to me: A crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem second day of Christmas, my true love she gave to me: Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem third day of Christmas my true love she gave to me: Three stuffed shrimp, Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem fourth day of Christmas, my true love she gave to me: Four pousse cafe', Three stuffed shrimp, Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem fifth day of Christmas, I could not believe in all my days what she come up with: Five poules d'eau, Four pousse cafe', Three stuffed shrimp, Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem sixth day of Christmas, my true love she gave to me: Six cypress knees, Five poules d'eau, Four pousse cafe', Three stuffed shrimp, Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem seventh day of Christmas, my true love she gave to me: Seven fleur de lis, Six cypress knees, Five poules d'eau, Four pousse cafe', Three stuffed shrimp, Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem eighth day of Christmas, my true love she gave to me: Eight crabs a brewin', Seven fleur de lis, Six cypress knees, Five poules d'eau, Four pousse cafe', Three stuffed shrimp, Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem ninth day of Christmas, my true love she gave to me: Nine oysters stewin', Eight crabs a brewin', Seven fleur de lis, Six cypress knees, Five poules d'eau, Four pousse cafe', Three stuffed shrimp, Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem tenth day of Christmas, my true love she gave to me: Ten pirogue paddles, Nine oysters stewin', Eight crabs a brewin', Seven fleur de lis, Six cypress knees, Five poules d'eau, Four pousse cafe', Three stuffed shrimp, Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem eleventh day of Christmas, my true love she gave to me: Eleven duck decoys, Ten pirogue paddles, Nine oysters stewin', Eight crabs a brewin', Seven fleur de lis, Six cypress knees, Five poules d'eau, Four pousse cafe', Three stuffed shrimp, Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

On dem twelveth day of Christmas, my true love she gave to me: Twelve shotgun shells, Eleven duck decoys, Ten pirogue paddles, Nine oysters stewin', Eight crabs a brewin', Seven fleur de lis, Six cypress knees, Five poules d'eau, Four pousse cafe', Three stuffed shrimp, Two voodoo dolls, And a crawfish in a fig tree.

** Notes: a pirogue (pronounced pee-roh) is a flat-bottomed canoe; fleur de lis is the flower of the french kings and the New Orleans Saints football symbol; cypress knees are the roots of a cypress tree that sticks out of the water; poules d'eau (pronounced pool-doh) is chicken or hen of the water - ie: a coot or duck; pousse cafe (pronounced poose kaffay) is coffee with a bit of alcohol in it; and Cajuns are the French Acadians that live in southern Louisiana

The Night before -- Feliz Navidad -

'Twas the night before Christmas

and all through the casa,

Not a creature ws stirring

- Caramba! Que pasa?

Los ninos were tucked away
in their camas,
Some in long underwear,
some in pyjamas,

While hanging the stockings

with mucho cuidado

In hopes that old Santa

would feel obligado

To bring all children,

both buenos and malos,

A nice batch of dulces

and other regalos.

Outside in the yard

there arose such a grito

That I jumped to my feet

like a fightened cabrito.

I ran to the window

and looked out afuera,

And who in the world

do you think that it era?

Saint Nick in a sleigh

and a big red sombrero

Came dashing along

like a crazy bombero.

And pulling his sleigh

instead of venados

Were eight little burros

approaching volados.

I watched as they came

and this quaint little hombre

Was shouting and whistling

and calling by nombre:

"Ay Pancho, ay Pepe,

ay Cuco, ay Berto,

Ay Chato, ay Chopo,

Macuco, y Nieto!"

Then standing erect

with his hands on his pecho

He flew to the top

of our very own techo.

With his round little belly

like a bowl of jalea,

He struggled to squeeze

down our old chiminea,

Then huffing and puffing

at last in our sala,

With soot smeared

all over his red suit de gala,

He filled all the stockings

with lovely regalos --

For none of the ninos

had been very malos.

Then chuckling aloud,

seeming very contento,

He turned like a flash

and was gone like the viento.

And I heard him exclaim,

and this is verdad,

Merry Christmas to all,

and Feliz Navidad!

Ciao Merry Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas,
Da whole house was mella,

Not a creature was stirrin',

Cuz I had a gun unda da pilla

When up on da roof
I heard somethin' pound,

I sprung to da window,

To scream, "YO! Keep it down!"

When what to my

Wanderin' eyes should appear,

But da Don of all elfs,

And eight friggin' reindeer!

Wit' slicked back black hair,

And a silk red suit,

don Christopher wuz here,

And he brought da loot!

Wit' a slap to dare snouts,

And a yank on dare manes,

He cursed and he shouted,

And he called dem by name.

"Yo Tony, Yo Frankie,

Yo Vinny, Yo Vito,

Ay Joey, Ay Paulie,

Ay Pepe, Ay Guido!"

As I drew out my gun

And hid by da bed,

He flew troo da winda

And slapped me 'side da head.

"What da heck you doin'

Pullin' a gun on da Don?

Now all you're gettin' is coal,

You friggin' moron!"

Den pointin' a fat finga

Right unda my nose,

He twisted his pinky ring,

And up da chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh,

Obscenities screamin',

Away dey all flew,

Before he troo dem a beatin'.

Den I heard him yell out,

What I did least expect,

"Merry Friggin' Christmas to all,

And yous better show some respect!"

Twas the Night Before Christmas - Cajun Style

*by "Trosclair", Pelican Publishing Co.

‘Twas the night before Christmas
An’ all t’ru de house
Dey don’t a t’ing pass
Not even a mouse
De chirren been nezzle
Good snug on de flo’
An’ Mamm pass de pepper
T’ru de crack on de do’.

Den Mama in de fireplace
Done roas’ up de ham
Stir up de gumbo
An’ make bake de yam.
Den out on de by-you
Dey got such a clatter
Make soun’ link old Boudreau
Done fall off his ladder.

I run like a rabbit
To got to de do’
Trip over the dorg
An’ fall on de flo’.
As I look out de do’
In de light o’ de moon
I t’ink “Manh, you crazy
Or got ol’ too soon.”

Cuz dere on de by-you
W’en I stretch ma’ neck stiff
Dere’s eight alligator
A pullin’ de skiff.
An’ a little fat drover
Wit’ a long pole-ing stick
I know r’at away
Got to be ole St. Nick.

Mo’ fas’er and fas’er
De ‘gator dey came
He whistle an’ holler
An’ call dem by name:
“Ha Gaston!
Ha, Tiboy!
Ha, Pierre an’ Alcee’
Gee, Ninette!
Gee Suzette!
Celeste and Renee!”

“To de top o’ de porch
To de top o’ de wall
Make crawl, alligator
An’ be sho’ you don’ fall.”

Like Tante Flo’s cat
T’ru de treetop he fly
W’en de big ol’ houn’ dorg
Come a run hisse’f by
Like dat up de porch
Dem ole ‘gator clim!
Wit’ de skiff full o’ toy
An’ St. Nicklus behin’.
Den on top de porch roof
It soun’ like de hail
W’en all dem big ‘gator
Done sot down dey tail.

Den down de chimney
I yell with a bam
An’ St. Nicklus fall
An’ sit on de yam.
“Sacre!” he axclaim
“Ma pant got a hole
I done sot ma’se’f
On dem red hot coal.”

He got on his foots
An’ jump like a card
Out to de flo’
Where he lan’ wit’ a SPLAT!

He was dress in musk-rat
From his head to his foot
An’ his clothes is all dirty
Wit’ ashes an’ soot.
A sack full o’ playt’ing
He t’row on his back
He look like a burglar
An’ dass fo’ a fack.

His eyes how dey shine
His dimple how merry!
Maybe he been drink
De wine from blackberry.
His cheek was like a rose
His nose like a cherry
On secon’ t’ought maybe
He lap up de sherry.

Wit’ snow-white chin whisker
An’ quiverin’ belly
He shook w’en he laugh
Like de stomberry jelly!
But a wink in his eye
An’ a shook o’ his head
Make my confi-dence dat
I don’ got to be scared.

He don’ do no talkin’
Gone straight to his work
Put playt’ing in sock
An’ den turn wit’ a jerk.

He put bot’ his han’
Dere on top o’ his head
Cas’ an eye on de chimney
An’ den he done said:
“Wit’ all o’ dat fire
An’ dem burnin’ hot flame
Me I ain’ goin’ back
By de way dat I came.”

So he run out de do’
An’ he clim’ to de roof
He ain’ no fool, him
For to make one more goof.
He jump in his skiff
An’ crack his big whip.
De ‘gator move down
An’ don’ make one slip.

An’ I hear him shout loud
As a splashin’ he go
“Merry Christmas to all
‘Til I saw you some mo’!”

Merry Christmas from Texas

'Twas the night before Christmas
In Texas, you know,
Way out on the Prairie,
Without any snow.

Asleep in their cabin
Were Buddy and Sue
A dreamin' of Christmas
Like me and like you.

Not stockings, but boots
At the foot of their bed,
For this was in Texas,
What more can be said.

When all of a sudden
From out the still night,
There came such a ruckus
It gave me a fright.

And I saw 'cross the Prairie
Like a shot from a gun,
A loaded up buckboard
Come out at a run.

The driver was geein'
And hawin' with will,
And horses, not reindeer,
He drove with such skill.

C'mon Buck and Poncho,
And Prince to the right,
There'll be plenty o travelin'
For ya'll tonight.

The driver in Levi's
And a shirt that was red,
Had a 10-gallon Stetson
On top of his head.

As he stepped from his buckboard
He was really a sight,
A beard and a moustache
So curly and white.

As he burst in the cabin,
The children awoke,
And were both so astonished,
That neither one spoke.

He filled up their boots
With such presents galore
That neither could think
Of a single thing more.

When Buddy recovered
The use of his jaws
He asked in a whisper,
"Are you Santa Claus?"

"Am I the real Santa?
Well, what do you think?"
And he smiled as he gave
A mysterious wink.

Then he lept in the buckboard
And said in his drawl,
'To the children of Texas,
Merry Christmas, ya'll.

**poem courtesy of GranGran's website**

Epiphanies

Thrusted into a new
Realm of thinking,
A paradigm of which
I am not certain who my
Allies are.
Those who did not know me
Yet changed the lives
Of many.
Snatched mothers and fathers,
Sons and daughters
In exchange for fear.
Some were
driven towards
what they do not
know or why.
Forced to look within,
Reflecting on what I know to be true
But hid from.
Sifting through my heart,
I see that which tries
To avoid my presence.
Staring back and grabbing
Hold, I own it, feel it,
Embrace this until it
Burns my soul.
Dropping it like hot coals,
I can walk away.
empty handed carrying
With me
Nothing,
Nothing but freedom,
Freedom to give
Freedom to take.
To choose what I am
capable of being.
Walking forward, I
Step onto a path.
A path shining with Diamonds.
Cinders burned from within.
they have always been there,
Just waiting.

Leaving Me

Leaving me behind in
Your past was the
Key to
Finding salvation
In my future.
Bits and pieces of your heart I took
With me, those which
Held the secrets to my soul.
Each path I took, each choice
I’ve made has led me to where I
Am going.
Playfulness and
soul-searching
play a part
In who I am and who
I am becoming.
Reaching forward, grabbing
Ahold of my heart, pulling
Myself into my arms,
I relax into a state of
Comfort,
With my past, my present,
My future,
With Myself.

Painting the Corners

Painting the corners

With each kick and breath
The fireman stares ominiously
Towards the dish.
Sinking it in the glove
Hard and fast
Focusing the ball
High and on the inside
Tight and outside
ignoring
the batters.
Is he a Rembrandt,
Van Gogh or Picasso?
The men stare waiting
Watching
Swinging
And missing
Slowly they turn back
To face the mound.
Again.
Once more with determination
Going to make this pitch theirs.
Leaning in, the closer swoops
His head into their direction
Intimidating them to submission.
The closer turns his head slightly
Slowly to first base smiling ever so brief
Then turns firing a fastball past
The batter in disbelief.
Three pitches ends the game.

Meanwhile Back at the Ranch...

**taken off Josh's Herrera's Ranch website**
Where the heck is Josh? That's the thing about being in Texas and living and running a ranch south of San Antonio: its all low key and no one bothers you or takes pictures. I mean if Josh lived in Houston or Dallas....he'd all over the paper.....but in Austin and San Antonio things are so laid back and all, he's left alone. Which is fine....except I miss seeing new pics of him.

I've been out of town working in my other city my company is housed in....and I'm so glad I'm home. Nothing on my mind except rest and relaxation. Tomorrow is fun and fitness. I'm joining a gym again to get back on my schedule...and then it's off to see Seth Walker at Saxon Pub. But the biggest laugh I got tonight is i think Ted finally found behavior modification for Rakes.

Thanks Ted.

You Better Watch Out

**courtesy of DirtDog

I got tired of waiting so you can take your pic which version you want

You better watch out, you better not cry.

You Better not pout and tell Jacoby goodbye

Santana Claus is coming to town!

He's packing his CY, and checking it twice;

He's wants to pitch with Beckett and Dice.

Santana Claus is coming to town!

He knows the fans been talking,

He sees them on their feet

He knows Boston boos bad pitchers,

So he promises to not Gag for goodness sakes

SO! You better watch out, you better not cry.

you better not pout and tell Jacoby goodbye

Santana Claus is coming to town!

***************************************************************

You better watch out, you better not cry.

You Better not pout cos we’re keeping both guys

Santana Claus is coming to town!

He's packing his CY, and checking it twice;

He's wants to pitch with Beckett and Dice.

Santana Claus is coming to town!

He knows the fans been talking,

He sees them on their feet

He knows that Boston boos bad pitchers,

So he promises not to suck for goodness sakes

SO! You better watch out, you better not cry.

you better not pout cos we got Jacoby and 2 CYs

Santana Claus is coming to town!***************************************************************

You better watch out, you better not cry.

You Better not pout and just eat your pie

Santana Claus isn’t coming to town!

Theo’s checking his list, and checking it twice;

deciding who’s gonna pitch with Beckett and Dice.

Santana Claus isn’t coming to town!

He knows the fans been talking,

He sees them on their feet

We’re tired of hearing back and forth

So make a decision for goodness sakes

SO! You better watch out, you better not cry.

you better not pout cos we didn’t get the CY

Santana Claus isn’t coming to town

Twelve Days of Hell er I mean Christmas

**courtesy of sittingstill.net** (I stand corrected)

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two kickass catchers, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three flying outfielders, two kickass catchers and Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four golden glove infielders, three flying outfielders, two kick ass catchers and Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, FIVE STARTING PITCHERS!!!, four golden glove infielders, three flying outfielders, two kickass catchers and Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a six pack of cold beers, FIVE STARTING PITCHERS!!!, four golden glove infielders, three flying outfielders, two kickass catchers, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven innings up by 6, a six pack of cold beers, FIVE STARTING PITCHERS!!!, four golden glove infielders, three flying outfielders, two kickass catchers, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight bullpen pitchers, seven innings up by 6, a six pack of cold beers, FIVE STARTING PITCHERS!!!, four golden glove infielders, three flying outfielders, two kickass catchers, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine shutout innings, eight bullpen pitchers, seven innings up by 6, a six pack of cold beers, FIVE STARTING PITCHERS!!!, four golden glove infielders, three flying outfielders, two kickass catchers, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, ten road game tickets, nine shutout innings, eight bullpen pitchers, seven innings up by 6, a six pack of cold beers, FIVE STARTING PITCHERS!!!, four golden glove infielders, three flying outfielders, two kickass catchers, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eleven autographed world series balls, ten road game tickets, nine shutout innings, eight bullpen pitchers, seven innings up by 6, a six pack of cold beers, FIVE STARTING PITCHERS!!!, four golden glove infielders, three flying outfielders, two kickass catchers, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve Opening Day tickets, eleven autographed world series balls, ten road game tickets, nine shutout innings, eight bullpen pitchers, seven innings up by 6, a six pack of cold beers, FIVE STARTING PITCHERS!!!, four golden glove infielders, three flying outfielders, two kickass catchers, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

Texas Tough

I still have two reasons to fly my flag at Fenway!!! Texas boys Rock!

Beat the Hell out of t.u.

I knew there was more reasons I would grow to love Beckett. I heard a rumor but it was confirmed. I've been so busy over the holidays and all which is why I haven't blogged. But nothing made me happier to see that My Josh was rooting on his favored team: The Texas A&M Aggies!!! I live in Austin but really am not a Horn fan at all. Not that I hate them like most Aggies do....but I just really wanted to attend A&M but got sidetracked in life...had loads of friends who did go so I got to attend many games at Kyle Field. I am SO disappointed that I wasn't there to see Josh introduced but Stoked to see he wore an A&M cap to the game. No telling where Josh will turn up next......now wonder who he roots for in pro-football? Cowboys or Texans??

But the next best part?? The Aggies tore it up on Kyle Field beating t.u. Wooo Hooo!!

Edit: I was perusing looking for more Joshisms.....and came across the post Red posted on 10-25-07 about his man-love for Beckett...just made me smile and swoon all over again. Just so ya understand I am not all giddy like a girl about Josh's cuteness....it's his command on the mound and post-pressers that just reel me in.

WELL???

Ok so I swore I wasn't going to post about the waiting for Lowell to sign. I grow tired of looking for new material to read in the news or blogs and all I find is Sign Lowell...Mikey SIGN NOW...What's taking so long??....But the waiting is killing us all. I mean we had to endure all this back in 2004 with Tek and FINALLY right before Christmas...or was it on Christmas?? Heck...All I know is I figured SOMEONE would have to take Tek's place as "that player" who we were all sitting on pins and needles waiting to see the ink dry on the dotted line. Did ya know that Mikey has a finance degree?? and he had a 4.0 gpa in high school?? Ok So he's all set for retirement now...And he and his wife are high school sweethearts....awwwwwww

Turkey Day is around the corner and before you know it you'll be stuffed to a tryptophaned daze with pumpkin smeared across your shirt when all of a sudden you'll be awaken by someone screaming "TOUCHDOWN!!!" or "Honey, Do we have any of that Pecan Pie left??"

Anyhoo....Has Lowell Signed YET???

Who is That you ask?

Naw...it aint a baseball. It's just The Beckett during Spring Training. It's just a 20 game winner this season, and that aint counting Post-Season! The only one to make it in the last 2 seasons. It's just Mr. October, the one who tore down the Indians teepees, crushed their wigwams, poured water on their smoke signals for help, smeared their warpaint on his face and took the Chief's squaw for his own. It's just Commander KickASS of the F.U. Brigade, the one that took a pickax to the Rockies and chipped away their hope and dreams of becoming a new empire of destiny. It's just Josh being Josh....fluent in fuckinese and Master of Post Pressers. Muy Grande in Texas of November 2002. The next year he wins WS MVP with the Marlins. The Winning Pitcher of the All Star game. The first MLB pitcher since 2005 to win his first 7 starts. Just the ALCS MVP this year. It's just JPB, the tall silent Texan. Well silent till pushed by the media with stupid ass questions. It's JPB, southeast Texas boy, Kid Heat, a 2-time World Series Champion of 2 different teams AND leagues!! All at the tender age of 27. He's been in the Show since 2001. Here it is 2007.

So C.C., keep the stinking award. JPB has plenty of time to get it. Besides, Josh is most likely sitting in a deerstand somewhere in south Texas with his gun pointed at dinner.

Don't Fight It

I was lying down half asleep attempting to nap while listening to some tv show in the background when I heard this comment "You fight the waves so much that you forget to enjoy the ocean." That comment resounded in my brain over and over and I woke up and couldn't get it out of my head....so here I am.

We see obstacles as just that: Obstacles when instead they can be Opportunities to grow and mature and learn from. When life's ocean brings waves to our life, we fight them, look for ways around them, go under and around....when what we should do is sink in them....feel it....the flow and ebb of where it leads....then come up for air. Perhaps if we handled stress and problems that come our way the way surfers do...they go WITH the ocean waves instead of fighting them....we'd end up at our goals. Make Obstacles Work for us. Make us stronger and better.

Sometimes It's not ALL about the Red Sox or Me

Jarvis Green. You may recognize him. He plays for the Patriots and has been filling in for Seymour in the defensive end position. But there's another position he's been filling in for another player: Father Figure.

Marquise Hill drowned earlier this year in a jet skiing accident in New Orleans. A teammate from childhood, college and then on to the Pros...now a teammate for the family. Green had known Hill since the 10th grade at De La Salle High School in New Orleans and played with him at Louisiana State University.

Now Green is stepping in to help in taking care of Marquis's 2 year old son, Máshy. Green has 3 children of his own with his wife but now is inviting Inell Benn, Máshy's mother and Máshy to spend time with his family. Inell has since moved to Austin, Texas to attend nursing school but Green is doing what he can to step in to help his friend who is gone.

In times when we in the Red Sox Nation are worried about keeping Lowell and Timlin.....Green is taking care of his own....and is helping me keep things in perspective.

Somewhere deep in the heart of Texas

Wonder what Josh Beckett has been doing? I mean we've been seeing Papelbon, Ortiz and Manny making the circuit. The Red Sox won the World Series for the 2nd time in 4 seasons....a 2nd Duck Boat parade....dancing in kilts. autograph signings with players...craziness. and where is Josh Beckett after all that?

Hunting in South Texas on his ranch in Cotulla, Texas....waiting to hear if he gets the CY with his ring.

Friends

Tomorrow a dear friend's mother is undergoing surgery for breast cancer. I don't know all the details...but I don't need to. All I know is fear exist. But I'm posting tonight to let my friend and his family know that there are people out here praying for them. See those ornaments? They are from the Susan Komen site. Hope Promise and Cure. it's YOUR Hope. Komen's Promise to find a Cure for Breast Cancer.

Remember: FEAR is

False Evidence Appearing Real. Ted's Mom, if you're out there reading. PV's, Hygs, and Rally Hoots to ya!!!

Have you had your Wheaties Today?

I may have to start eating breakfast

Beckett....any Questions?

Lester...Its All Good.

I think we've finally found our rhythm....it's in the bullpen, The Pirates and the MDC Band. That's our Admiral leading the tunes. Tonight Lester took the mound with something to prove. The boys dug in all the way to the end. Lowell and Kielty brought their solo homeruns to keep us in the lead. Lowell gets MVP of the World Series and deservedly so. I'm sure I'll be blogging crazy this week but tonight I need my sleep.

Dynamic Duo

Batman and Robin were the originals. But if you're talking about the Red Sox, most people think of these two.

But not last night. The two Rookies are fast taking over in the spotlight in this World Series and for that matter this year's play-offs.

Dustin and Jacoby. Pedroia and Ellsbury. Munchkin and TacoBoy. Whichever name you call them, they are making names for themselves in the baseball world. They are setting the table for the Boston Red Sox fans to feast on.

Both had 5 ABs. Neither K'd or Walked. Dustin got 3 hits, Jacoby got 4. The numbers just speak for themselves....VOLUMES. Dustin had 2 singles and a double while Jacoby had a single and 3 doubles. Each had 2 ribbies while Dustin had 1 run and Jacoby had 2. Dustin's been here all year, he's scrappy and bringing lots of excitement but post-season he has just broke out. Then Ellsbury comes up from the farm and DaYUM...them farm hands make you smile with all their energy. These boys are setting the table with the finest china I ever ate on.

And yah I know we won that game with more than their runs. Lowell and DiceK provided 2 ribbies each. YES I said DICE-K provided 2 ribbies with a single at bat. Tek and Tiz gave us the other 2. It was a game....a loooooooooooong game. So today's Game 4 and possibly this Series could be over if this young man can bring his best stuff tonight. Lester has won a much bigger game this past year, but tonight would really just be icing on the cake. A cake that Manny just doesn't want to eat quite yet.

Excerpt from mlb.com story: Leave it to Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez to put the current state of affairs in proper perspective. "We don't want to eat the cake first, before your birthday," said Ramirez. "We've got to wait and see what's going to happen [in Game 4]."

Who's On First...What? no he's on 2nd.

Yah I know what you're thinking...oh anyone could have come up with that catchy phrase for a blog with the debate over playing Tiz or Youk on 1st base in Denver. And then you throw Mikey in the mix cos Youk can cover 3rd. However, how can you NOT post about this? AND how you can you NOT use this cliche? Soooooo

Ortiz or Youk or Mikey? Of course we all know Tito has went with Tiz to play 1st and Mikey to play 3rd in Game 3. What I love is a quote I read from the Globe:

Youkilis insists he's fine with all this. "It doesn't bother me," he says. "I want to play, but I totally understand the situation. Look, I'm doing everything I've always wanted to do. I'm playing in a World Series. I'm playing every day. I'm happy. I just want to win. We all do. All three guys are pulling for each other. If I have to take a seat, that's just the way it has to be."

They are team players. They just want to get it done. I mean think about it....did we seriously think at the beginning of the season that we'd even HAVE this dilemma of Which one to play?? We had no clue that Youk was gonna Bust OUT this season as well as Senor Doubles with his RBI stats appearing. I like these odds. I know David has his knee issues....but do ya really believe that Tito or David would risk losing a game JUST so David Can Play?? IF YOU DO...then so be it. I am not by no means a Tito apologist....but I believe that at this level, Tito knows what he is doing and he has a plan. That is to ride down Boylston Street on another Duck Boat.

It's less than 10 hours away from Game time. So get to the store and buy your snacks and drinks. Hunker down on your easychair, couch or bed. Sit back and Enjoy cos it's Game 3 of the 2007 World Series about to commence. Oh maybe you should grab an oxygen mask....just in case for those moments when DiceK is at bat :)

Let's Go RED SOX! ClapClap ClapClapClap

IT'S TACO TIME

So according to Taco Bell's Contest, if a player stole a base, everyone in America would get a free taco. Well lookie above...its Taco Boy. Jacoby stole a base and won us dinner!!

Schill just said "It was the Papel-Jima Show tonight" How EFFING Cool is that?

Just a few of my favorite "things". :)

Great Pick OFF By YOUK!