Heartbroken, but oh so in love.....

While my Cubbies lost their 3rd in a row -- and final game for the postseason -- I was rockin' the night away with New Kids on the Block.

And let me tell you -- it's a great thing that I was having the most AMAZING time of my life, otherwise I would be severely depressed today.

But I am still riding the high of the concert - because -

I TOUCHED ALL OF THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!!!

Yes, TOUCHED them. Felt their sweaty, dampness.

I promise to share the story of how, and photos - soon!

You hear that?? It's my heart shattering into a million little pieces...

...again!

2 consecutive losses by the Cubs in a best of 5 series.

Do you see where this is going?

Thank goodness for a mani & pedi appointment tonight. I need something positive to look forward to!

World Series Bound

Postseason baseball starts today.

Fellow Cubs fans know the feeling of baseball in October.

Every single season, we dream of this.

We've been Division Champs in the past, but this year, that's just not good enough.



I'm hopeful and excited and scared all at once. My heart is on the line again, as we head into the playoffs.

I believe this team has got it together; that they CAN go all the way.

We just need to raise that "W" flag 11 more times......

Got playoffs?

We do!!!!!

Congratulations to the Cubs, the 2008 National League Central Division Champions!!!

We were on our final leg back home from Disney World when we listened to the game on the radio. I'd rather have seen it on TV, but it's nice to know we've got October baseball to look forward to!

So, with that .... be prepared for stories of vacation, a 1200+ mile trip, Disney World and probably more photos than you care to see. ;)

I'll also say - being on vacation sick really sucks, puking in a hotel toilet is no fun, and having your kid get carsick into a bag on the ride home is pretty gross, too.

I'll update more when I can!

That's what I'm talkin about

Finally!!

A Cubs win and a Brewers loss in the same night!

And winning 2 of 3 games against St. Louis while on the road .... yeah, we'll take it.

Cubs are now on a hurricane holiday while Ike blows through Texas. We might see baseball resumed on Sunday in Houston.

Here's to hoping Ike isn't packing as big of a punch as they were estimating.

Yes, I might be a little obsessed

But I'm a fan. And I'm a fan for life.

And it's been 100 years.

But let me tell you .... the Cubs are living up to the running joke that I get tired of hearing.

You know. CUBS

Come
Useless
By
September

Yeah, real ingenious and witty, isn't it? (barf.)

So, whenever I hear that from someone, I want to jab a shattered baseball bat in their eye.

But it's even worse to hear when the Cubs are nearly being useless. Or perhaps it's just that Lou seems to be an entirely different manager at this point in the season. What the heck is up with that? Huh, Lou? Care to explain? Let's meet and do lunch and you can explain. And I can tell you that I don't care to have my heart broken (again), nor do I care to see my first grader's heart broken over his absolute favorite team in the whole wide world.

So, let's figure this out. Let's see the team that was kicking ass back in July and August.

A winning World Series ball club doesn't get there because their biggest threat keeps losing.

We need some WINS!!!!

End of the Week Update

First of all, thank you to everyone who left get well wishes for my little girl. She was very sick, and at one point was not eating, drinking and continue to vomit, so I feared we'd have to admit her into the hospital. Thankfully, the meds did their job and she is now feeling MUCH better. She's got a few more days left of her meds, but we're happy to have our little girl back (even if that does mean she's getting into trouble again!).

It has been a busy week; running school supplies to the classes and sending the oldest off to 1st grade. His first day was yesterday, and he came home happy and excited to share all about how the day went. Little girl starts preschool on Monday, but she got to visit her classroom and meet her teacher yesterday. Very exciting!

I'm feeling a bit under the weather. My allergies have been an issue and I went in to donate blood yesterday, and was turned away because my iron is much too low. Perhaps that explains the frequent headaches these days. I know it explains why I needed to go to bed at 9:30 last night, sleep 9 straight hours and I *still* feel like I could go back to bed. So, I'm making some diet changes and will be taking an iron supplement as well.

And then there's baseball. Sadly, the Cubs have been in a slump, but thankfully, so has Milwaukee. This has helped us get a bit closer to the post-season, but we've got to see some wins SOON!

Chasing October

This team never ceases to amaze me. I was out grocery shopping, so I missed the first hour of the game. On the way home, I listened in the car to find the Cubs down by 1.

Once home, I had things to do. I jumped in the shower and when I got out, I was almost hit with the bathroom door, by my excited son who let me know it was now tied 1-1.

A bit later, while I was tending to some things on the computer, he told me that it was now 3-1, Phillies. He came back seconds later; 4-1.

So I checked online to see us in the top of the 8th, still losing by 3 runs. I checked back a few minutes later and saw that we now were only down 4-2. I was surprised my sports announcer did not tell me this latest development, and I went into his room to find him peacefully snoring with the TV still on.

Bottom of the 8th, 4-2 and we've got 1 man on. Next thing I know, we've got 2 men on. Then the bags are all loaded and my main-squeeze, Aramis Ramirez is up. With no outs!

And what does he do? That's right .... clears the bases with a clutch go-ahead grand slam.

6-4 Cubs, which is the final score of the game.

This brings us that much closer to October.

I love this place

Tickets on Ebay - $350
Parking - $30
Food & drinks at the ballpark - $45
Spending the day at Wrigley Field with your kids - Priceless









PS - Yes, the Cubs won, 9-2.

PPS - This is THE year.

Let's not count our chickens

During Monday night's Cubs game against Milwaukee, my son was starting to celebrate a little prematurely.

It was my time to gently tell him a golden rule to being a Cubs fan.

We never count our chickens before they hatch.

A few minutes later, he was bouncing around and talking of winning again.

I just said "What did I tell you about our chickens?"

He says "Mine already hatched!"

The Cubs did win, but there's still alot I need to teach this boy about bleeding Cubby blue.

Baseball Obsession

My son is obsessed with baseball. While he strongly favors the Cubs, he enjoys the entire game of baseball and knows several other players throughout the league.

The other night the Cubs played a late game (in Arizona), and we told him he could not stay up to watch. He threw a fit, and cried about missing his beloved Cubbies, but we thought he ended up going to sleep.

It wasn't until the morning that we found out he locked his bedroom door, turned on his TV and watched the game anyway. Needless to say, he was grounded from TV the next day, which meant missing yet another Cubs game.

So what did he do first thing the next morning? Turned on SportsRise to get the full report of the games. This is now his morning routine.

He eats, sleeps and breathes baseball at this point. In fact, his previous obsession with Star Wars took a backseat. That is until we found him this shirt .....

Apparently it's all about the boobs

I've been getting alot of blog hits from people coming in off their google searches.

And I'm learning that alot of people like to google boobs. Because apparently it's all about the boobs.

Some of the search terms?

"can't wait to see your boobs" (I've been saying that since I started this boob-a-thon!)

"send in a photo of your boobs" (get right on that, huh? the boob-a-thon is still running you know!)

"i need your boobs show me your boobs" (a little redundant?)

"boob shots" (hope they meant the photographic kind and not the alcoholic version)

"give money to show your boobs" (if anyone is giving money to show their boobs, they are crazy - it's usually the other way around. or in my case, i'm giving money to charity if you show me your boobs)

"show me your small boobs" (frankly, i can't say any of my boob-a-thon entrants were of the small boob variety)

"ed rack" (uhhhh, i totally dunno)

But, the most humorous were the searches that involved the Chicago Cubs.

"wrigley field boobs"
"show your boobs at a cubs game"
"cub fan boobs"

For those readers it must have been disappointing that they didn't find any of those things here. So, I have decided to change that.

You want Cub fan boobs? Then that's what you'll get!

Birthdays and Presents and Cubbies, Oh My!

Last Friday I was woken up by my daughter peering at me, saying, "Mommy....you knows it's yours birf day?"

It was a normal work day and all that jazz, but I was looking forward to that night with all my girls. And I was hoping that one of my birthday gifts from Mike and the kids was my Aramis Ramirez Cubs jersey.

At work, my boss gave me a gift and then early that evening Mike and the kids gave me all my goodies. The girls came over a bit later, and I was spoiled with plenty more stuff!

It was a wonderful day. Spent with people I care about (and care about me!), talking, laughing and having a good time (and the presents aren't all that bad either!).

I made quite the haul - and I GOT MY JERSEY!



Plus, my birthday festivities continued this week as Tuesday me, my husband and son were all treated to a Cubs game (with my dad). It was a joint present for mine and my husband's (the White Sox fan) birthdays. The game was awesome (Cubs won 9-5!) and it was nice to share in my son's first visit to Wrigley Field (one of the greatest places on Earth!) with my dad.



I'll admit, I was spoiled. But who doesn't enjoy that?

Thanks to my girls (Melissa, Donna, Nanci, Julie, Karyn, Deb) for celebrating with me, and for your thoughtfulness. I appreciate and love each of you. Thank you!

(And Thanks to my hubby, kids, & of course mom & dad (who I am still not sure if they are reading here or not) ... Love you Guys Too!!)

Virtual Torture

Over 3 hours.

For - count them - over 1, 2, 3 hours I have clicked back and forth between windows to check and see if I was still in the waiting room or not.

I. Just. Want. Cubs. Tickets.

That's all.

One game. 4 tickets.

Over 3 hours my friend.

What's even more sad than waiting for hours, is that I leave work in less than 2 hours. So if I don't get picked to buy tickets before then, I will give up my place in Virtual Waiting Room HELL.

I think I may scream. Especially since greedy, money-hungry, bastards have already listed their newly snagged tickets on places such as Ebay, Craigslist, and StubHub! Bastards!

It's like the Cubs Ticket Nazi is standing back, pointing straight at me, shouting "No Cubs tickets for you!"

Heartache

As always, Cubs fans are experiencing heartache.

I had a short cry last night .... out of frustration and for the sheer pain of being put through this. Traveling to Cincinnati to cheer them on just a week ago, to turn around and have a stake driven through my heart.

The Diamondbacks took all 3 games to advance to the NLDS. They are that much closer to the World Series.

But for the Cubs, and all of us loyal fans....we're back to hoping for Next Year and trying to nurse our wounds.

Cubby Blue, Baby!

2007 National League Central Division Champs! You got it, baby ... the Cubs are in the playoffs!

I'm excited and hopeful and scared .... and well, if you're a fellow Cubs fan, you too probably know these emotions very well.

We had a chance at the series back in 2003 .... I remember this season distinctly. It was going so well, we just had to make it to the Series and then, just as quickly, it turned and we lost.

The dreaded curse, and Bartman, and a goat and blah blah blah. I remember about a year later, Mike and I were watching a documentary about that season. I couldn't watch...it was like pouring salt into an open wound. All the pain was quickly returning, I was angry and depressed, so I had to stop watching.

I've already teared up twice now; once was during the game a couple weeks ago where they came back in the 9th inning to win the game. It was a huge win for them, and the players were so excited -- I teared up and said to Mike that if they make the Series, I'll cry for sure.

Then last night in the car by myself, a song is on the radio about wanting something and going after it, and all that -- I find myself with tears in my eyes again, thinking about how it's speaking about the Cubs.

I know, pathetic to get emotional about a baseball game - but this is MY team. A team that my family has loved and supported for years, a team I have grown to adore. And while the team has changed -- players have come and gone -- I still bleed Cubby blue and my heart aches as we say "Next Year".

I pray that THIS year is the Next Year we've been speaking about. 2007, baby....this is it!

Hey Chicago.....Whaddya Say

The Chicago Cubs won again today!

This time 8-0 over the Pirates, to sweep the series.

And, Milwaukee lost to Atlanta putting us up 3.5 games in the lead. Let me tell you, it's quite a sight to see Cubs fans doing the tomahawk chop! They were stoked as the scoreboard changed and Atlanta took the lead, and then won the game.

The "Magic Number" is now at 4.

Milwaukee plays tomorrow, and the Cubs have a day off for traveling. It's off to Florida for a 3 games series, and we could potentially clench the division as early as Wednesday.

GO CUBBIES!!!!!

Baseball, you bet!

'Tis that time of the season when it gets down to the nitty gritty. Last night's game was freakin' awesome! One of those edge-of-your-seat-chew-all-your-nails-off types. It's not everyday you see your favorite team come back in the 9th inning to score 3 runs and win the game. Truly unbelievable.

Tonight wasn't such good luck. It was a disappointing game, and with Milwaukee's win, both teams are now tied for first place in the central division.

There's still time - and I've still got plenty of hope for my Cubbies.

I swear, though....I will cry tears of happiness and joy if they make it to the Series. As it was last night, I teared up at how amazing they played and how pumped they were when they won.

Goooooooo Cubbbiiiiieessssssssss!!!!

And PS .... Aramis Ramirez is totally hot. What I wouldn't do for one night with that man. ;)

Cubs Win!, but my mood just took a turn to quite shitty

Saw the Cubs play today. With the current losing streak they were on, I was hopeful it wouldn't continue and that I'd be attending a winning game. When they opened the game with base hits and a Grand Slam all in the first inning, I had an idea that it was going to be a great game. We watched as some dark clouds and cooler breezes rolled in off the lake, but the rain held off and the clouds rolled by to bring in sunshine for the rest of the game. The skies opened up as we were on our way back home after seeing the Cubs beat the Braves 10-1.

It was a nice day, but of course, there's something that can bring my mood back down. Reading up on some current events in some friends lives on myspace, and I come across someone that just started a new job - and their salary is listed as $75,000 - $100,000 a year. Yeah, I know you can lie (I've seen kids list $100,000 + and they are barely out of high school, so I'm sure they're full of shit), but the salary listed while at the previous job was almost as high. A college & grad school graduate, so I imagine there may be some hefty student loans to pay off, but with that pay scale -- how long could it take while you're single, renting an apartment and living the high life with nearly no responsibility other than some bills.

I guess I'm bitter. It's hard to be happy about something like that when my husband doesn't even have a salary right now, and likely will never make anywhere near that kind of thing. Not that I expect him to, but how is it that people just "fall" into these things?? Yes, there's the degrees and all that, but trust me when I say that I know good money was being made even prior to having the degrees to back it up.

We're barely making ends meet each month, and only because we're getting unemployment. That doesn't last forever (and it's been nearly 5 months), and I have no idea what we'll do if a job doesn't come our way soon.

I've been really trying not to fret over this, but I'm starting to really worry; really starting to get stressed. How much longer can we make it? Moreso, are we going to be forced to take a job that will take priority over family time?

I think that might be what worries me the most. I can't go back to him being gone weeknights and missing dinner with the family. I can't go back to him working all weekend long, missing out on chances for visits to the zoo, or playing in the backyard, or going over to the rec center pool. I can't do it ..... I enjoy the things we can do as a family, and as much as it has sucked for him to NOT be working the last 4.5 months, it's been wonderful being able to do things together.

Is it possible that he'll find a job, so that we can get by and that we'll still be able to spend time together as a family?