Land that I Love

I was in SC when I took this, it just looked so beautiful I had to capture it

     I think holidays are days for us to take time to reflect -whether it be a birthday to look back at all you accomplished in a year, a religious holiday to reaffirm your beliefs, or a national holiday such as today.  It lets us slow down and remember what is important.

     So I am using this day to remember how proud I am to be an American - I truly am proud & honored that I can say that.  

     In today's society people are constantly being labled.  Out of all the lables that are stuck to me I value the ones relating to my family (that I'm a sister, daughter, friend, etc) the most with being an American as a very, very close second.  I know that without this I wouldn't be able to have many of the other lables that are attached to me - independent woman, student, etc.

     I was born in America and for that I know I am so lucky.  I was born into freedom and while we have had to fight to keep that freedom my generation has been fortunate to never have had to fight for it.  

     I never felt the weight of a dictatorship.  I never lived in  a regime that doesn't consider women equal - or anything even close to equal.  I never had to go further than to a faucet for drinkable water. 

     I have been able to eduate myself, both institutionally and independently.  I can choose when and if I want to get married - and if I do I get to choose the person I love.  I get to choose when I want to raise children and when I do I get to decide whether or not I want to continue to work.  I get to have a job that I choose.  I can leave my house without a male family member.  I can wear whatever I want.  I have been able to choose whether or not I want to worship and got to choose which religion I wanted to worship.  I have been able to vote - casting a vote on levels ranging from municipal to president of this great nation.  If I wasn't happy with the way it turned out I could legally complain about it.  If I want to I can run for office. 

    I got to do all of these things because it was my birthright.  I never had to save up to come here, leaving all that was familiar behind.  I never had to pass a test or interview or background check.  I never had to live here fearing that a visa might run out and I will be turned away.  I never had to sit on a rickety boat, cram inside the back of a trailer with hundreds of other people, or run across the boarder fearful of my life and or the discomfort that I might face all the while knowing the risk would be better than what I was facing outside of the boarders of the red, white, and blue.

      America is viewed as the promise land by many.  There are also many who feel it is the root of all evil.  While it is easy to look at the "bad" of America - too much reality TV, to much sex & violence in movies, etc - even in the "bad" one can see good.  The good is the fact that as Americans we have the freedom to do whatever we want.  If a person want to worship Charlie Sheen while eating fast food while drinking a 6 pack of cheap beer that they were able to buy because they won money gambling all the while tweeting that Sheen would be a better president then anyone running in 2012 so be it (no I am not a Sheen fan, am too old for cheap beer and never win so lets not think that was me who I was describing).  They have the freedom to do so.  To me that's what is important.  The freedom.  I can choose to lead whatever life I choose to with whatever values I want.  

    Coming up on the decade mark of 9/11 its easy to fall into the trap of being fearful.  Yet, at the same time thats what those who hate America would want because then we are not free, but rather are constrained by them.  So instead I choose to be proud and free and know that if our country does face a hardship we will hold our heads up high and face it together.

    While I cannot personally thank each and every man and woman who has fought for this great nation I can thank them by how I live.  I can be proud of this country.  I can fight for injustice when I see it and make sure that everyone is given the same freedom that I was lucky enough to be born into.  God Bless America and all that it stands for and God Bless you and yours on this holiday.  

Time to Say Goodbye

Like I mentioned in the post about DWTS I don't watch TV shows too regularly, so I am surprised that I am having 3 posts back to back about about TV, but I really couldn't let something like Oprah's final show go by without a shout out to her legacy. I am a few days behind, but I wanted to make sure I had time to dedicate to the full show.  So I sat down ready to watch, with tears starting before the first word was spoken - I was due for a good cry anyways.  I don't want to ruin it for anyone who still has not watched it, but I must say I like that she approached it with just her.  No gimmicks or guest stars - just Oprah - because unlike some other shows you can take away everything and you still have something of quality, something worth watching.

Love her or hate her -I love her- you have to admit Oprah is an icon.  There are certain things you feel you have grown up with, Oprah is one of those.  Kinda crazy Regis is bouncing from Live... this year too.  Being 23 I really did grown up with Oprah on - coming home after school my mom would have the TV on in the kitchen so there were countless years that I watched the show.  While there are some shows that you grew up with many you outgrown, whereas Oprah is a show you grow into.

  Think about that for a second, 25 years.  Twenty-five years for a show running is a big deal, but for a show to run with the same star is amazing. I do understand why she wants to move on and she is doing it right by going out on top. She has gotten better and better while staying true to the original roots. You can tell Oprah has a certain set of morals that underline the show and she consistently has stuck to them over the years.  

I am one of the millions of people who have been influenced by the Oprah Winfrey show.  She influences all Americans whether they know it or not. I remember once hearing the stat about how much her putting a book in her book club means.  Celebrities have flocked to her show - not only appearing in the past, but also this year singing her praise.  Oprah has brought world leaders and current and former presidents and first ladies.  You know you made it when in the middle of the breaking news that Obama won the election the cameras cut to you and film you in the crowd soaking up the moment.  All of these interviews show that people in the public both respect her and realize the influence she has had.

What I think makes her unique is she has been able to have a show about everyday people as well as the above mentioned celebs.  The great journalists you thing of like Diane Sawyer & Barbara Walters for example for the most part stick to interviewing famous people as well as the news.  Oprah was able to bring the everyday people and give them a voice and make their stories just as important as "news" stories.

Thursday I did turn on my TV at 4 pm to channel four with this weird sense of a void forming - think of going back to a place you no longer belong, like your old college, it was that feeling - luckily for us sensitive souls, they are repeating the Oprah final season.  Come September though Dr. Oz will be replacing Oprah.  That is something  I really am glad I know because I was wondering how they could possibly replace Oprah.  Makes sense though Oz was part of the Oprah family and he also is "specialized" so its not like he will try to be the next Oprah - not that anyone can.  Over the years I have missed many episodes, but this year watched almost all of them because I set my DVR - so there are still a few in my queue.  Luckily I can use those to wean me off, because unlike the worlds greatest rock-star there will be no encore. Secretly, I think I hoped Oprah would come back on and say, "just kidding I'll give it a few more years."  She showed such a passion for her work so there is no doubt that OWN will continue to run with the quality that her show did.

A few points from the show that I think are important to note.  First, Oprah said during the show that one of her goals was "to do her job" & that she "didn't want to cause harm."  I think its safe to say she didn't do any harm.  In fact not only did she help others, changing thousands upon thousands of lives, but also influenced many to help others.  Oprah also made a point of telling her audience that "they are not alone."  She is right, we all are tied together a  Oprah also said that she was "exactly where [she] was supposed to be."  I truly believe she was given that position because she used it wisely.  She used her influence, helped others, and made people think.  Lastly, and most importantly Oprah said "you are worthy because you are born and because you are here."  It is not the first time words like that have been spoken, but it is important to have them reaffirmed.  I wonder how many people feel worthy because Oprah helped them, countless I'm sure.  This is such a valuable lesson and so meaningful that Oprah used time out of her final show to spread that word.

So to Oprah I wish her success in her future, but also thank her for the countless lessons I learned, both those I knew of and those that were on a deeper subconscious level. 

Just Dance - Part 2

HINES & KYM WON!!!

Not that its a surprise - with a near 100% perfect scores from the judges (making up 50% of the final tally) + Steeler Nation voting (making up the other 50% of the final tally) - Hines & Kym pulled off the W.  Not only did they get to hoist the Mirror Ball Trophy, but in a whirlwind win the have also made appearances on Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America, & Regis and Kelly (each interview was worth watching so if you missed it - youtube them or go to ABC.com).  Regis is claiming he now wants Ward as his dance partner.  I wonder if that's his ploy to make Pittsburghers forget about the curse that he put on the Pirates (ok, ok the Pirates had a history of losing before Regis said ANYTHING, but its much easier to blame someone outside of Pittsburgh)

Wonder if they used this plane to fly from LA - NYC?

I mean really from the beginning Ward was a front runner so it was hard to be shocked at the outcome.  Between his smile, technique, & entertainment value + all the ways he repped the Steelers (not gonna lie I was hoping for a Renegade or Black & Yellow dance) Ward had it all.  Its funny because they kept referring to him as the silent assassin.  I think that is the one thing that didn't translate from the field to the ballroom - he might have been an assassin knocking out each dancer one by one, but after the first dance I think it was safe to say his talent was anything, but silent.

While Kirstie Alley had many fans her dances were good they weren't quite up to par with Wards & while you have to love Chelsea Kane's bubbly personality and extremely entertaining dances (giving Ward a run in terms of judge points) it was hard for this 20-something to compete in terms of fan points.  With that being said, Kane herself has said she was a little bit unknown, I give her props for hanging in there with Ward, you know her actual dance ability helped her beat some of the more well known celebrities.  Being from Disney its safe to say she had a leg up on Ward, I mean all of those Disney stars seem to know how to dance, sing, & act.  While I'm giving out props Alley herself deserves some just for the simple fact that she is 60ish.  She really moved - though having a partner as good looking as Maks might motivate anyone.

I think it was fitting that the final dance the two did was a tribute to Ward's mom as well as had them featuring Black & Yellow (Thanks to Wiz's Black & Yellow the colors no longer need to be black & gold) outfits.  Though I would have been up for seeing ANY of the dances again - especially the freestyle.  The City of Pittsburgh has really embraced 86's DWTS run & there is no doubt that Steeler Nation is proud of Ward for being a class act, doing it all with a smile, putting the hard work in, & for taking that trophy home.  Way to get that victory.  Though now the pressure is on - Hines better not get out-danced in the end zone anytime this season (yup, still holding out hope LET THEM PLAY!!!)

Hoping to see Ward here this year - LET THEM PLAY!

I urge you all to check out Ward's foundation: Helping Hands Foundation.  For more information, check out his page at Helping Hands Foundation.  Throughout the competition Ward had raffles benefiting the foundation, but even though the dancing is done lets keep the help coming. 

Hopefully Ward gets to hoist another one of these too.

PITTSBURGH PROUD!

Just Dance

Hines Ward at the Super Bowl Victory Parade

I think my ‘burgh card might be revoked if a self-proclaimed Yinzer/Steelers fan like myself did not talk about Hines Ward. Today is the day the “Mirror Ball Trophy” will be given out –Im of course pulling for him to take it home (or at least beat Kirstie Alley, I respect what she has done, but that's like losing to the Browns).

      Ward has been one of my favorite players because he is one of those players who catch game winning passes, but is also not afraid to make hard defense-like hits. No matter WHAT he is doing on the field he does it with this huge grin. 

      This off-season Ward has made the best of the lock-out and has been a contestant on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.  I will admit prior to this season I only watched episodes every once in awhile checking in on contestants I like.  There are only a few shows I watch regularly so for DWTS to hook me means a lot.  And hook me they did. Heck, Ive actually voted for Hines on every forum possible, I can honestly say I neverrrr would have thought that I would cast a vote for someone on a reality TV show.

      Maybe its because the Super Bowl loss still stings a bit or the fear of no football is palpable, but Steeler Nation really has rallied behind Hines.  What is even more amazing is Hines might not have even needed fan votes – he has rocked every dance he has done as well as become one of the judges favorites.  From the Steelers teammates coming to show support, the terrible towels in the background, to Ward looking completely at ease you would think it was Monday Night Football at Heinz Field. 

      I can’t dance.  That is not self-deprecating, I have had that fact confirmed by those who are honest with me.  I also normally wont dance.  There were a few times I would have to do a dance for school events –I realize this might make me sound unstable – but before each of those events I seriously hoped for a broken leg, foot, anything.  So I appreciate someone like Hines facing his fears and getting out there.  He has learned all sorts of different dances doing well in all of them, showing that he really has become a dancer, something he has embraced. Ward has gone up against Disney stars & other performers and not only has he been able to hang but he has beat a lot of them.

      There is a lot that makes you love Ward on the field as well as on the ballroom floor, but this journey also showed the good in Ward when the spot light is on him. I HATE to bring this up because the media made a bigger deal out of it than I think they should, especially because of the ridiculous/only half true headlines they wrote.  But, there was the incident where the person driving him home forgot to tell police she found her car that she reported stolen (probably not the smartest thing she has ever done) leading to the duo being surrounded by police at gunpoint.  I first want to commend Ward for not driving after having a few drinks as he admitted.  He further showed he was a class act by not pointing fingers, accepting the police’s apology and moving on. Im sure the incident provided some hassle and having guns pointed at you would make emotions run high – yet he was understanding about it all.

 

Jimmy Kimmel's interpretation of the incident (from Youtube)

  Most recently his partner suffered what could have potentially been a life altering injury.  The emotion that Ward showed is something that you can't fake.  He truly cares about his partner & Kym Johnson showed true Steeler's toughness and preformed.  The video is below and I recommend tuning in around the 2:10 mark because the injury is not easy to watch.  I'm glad Johnson is ok and kudos for the two of them going through with the dance.  Adversity is just a stepping stone to becoming a champ. 

 

The couple dancing like Champs (from Youtube)

  Last night was the freestyle & the couple pulled out all the stops and rocked the house. They did their interpretation of a half time show - I guarantee I'd never use half-time as a bathroom/refill my drink break again if this is what I could expect. The judges loved it with Carrie Ann Inaba calling it more than a half-time show, but "the whole damn super bowl." I also give props to Johnson for trusting both herself & Ward by having some crazy lifts in the dance, they certainly added to it, but no one would have blamed her if she would have dropped them from the routine.  ABC easily saved the best for last & I can't wait and see what tonight has in store.

 

Freestyle Dance (From Youtube)

I bet you bars in Pittsburgh will be having this on, but since I sometimes have a hard enough time convincing Charlotte bars to turn on the game I think Im going to go get ready to settle in & watch the finals.  Maybe I should go get my jersey out of hibernation & crack open a beer.  GO TEAM HINES & KYM - Win or lose you couldn't have made Steeler Nation any more proud. 

HERE WE GO!!! 

Sweet Caroline

Every time I take pics Uptown there is a snap of this gem.

These past two weeks have been a whirlwind.  Besides the normal stuff that keeps me busy I had a friend visit last weekend and then this week my sister came to visit me starting Tuesday night with my mom joining Thursday until they left early Sunday morning.  I enjoyed both visits because it was great catching up and having those I love nearby. 

I have lived in Charlotte since August.  I now know my way all around Uptown and have found a few favorite places.  So it was nice to show people around my current city.  What was great was while I had visitors I got to experience the city as they got to.  My friend had never been here before so everything was new.  My mom and sister each have been to Charlotte before, but this time we had more free time than ever before.  We went to a few places I haven't been to so I guess you could say I had a "staycation."

If you have never been to Charlotte I urge you to check it out.  Friday we went to Uptown and ran into people dressed up in era pieces depicting Mecklenburg County getting their freedom from the British.  While there are so many landmarks and plaques all around Charlotte this showed how much the city really values their history.  Not going to lie at first I was a littttle confused, but once I figured out what was going on and engaged with the "actors" I appreciated that they were there.

We shopped,  had lunch, and then walked around a bit.  We went to one of my favorite areas, called The Green.  It is just this cute mini park in the city.  It has some cute art pieces and is just so peaceful.  I love all the little parks, statutes, and fountains in Uptown.  The city is so walkable and its nice to just go around and see all the things that make Charlotte special.

Piece of art in The Green

The roof of the above art (yes you can go inside, there's even a seat)

My mom, sister, and I also did quite a bit of shopping.  Charlotte has so many malls, each one seeming larger than the next and each bringing their own unique flavor.  I couldn't recap this visit without talking about the older gentleman who was pushing a puppy in a baby carriage (and yes it was a carriage type thing not a regular stroller) in an indoor mall.  I can honestly say I have never seen anything like that.  Am I the only one who doesn't think this is normal?  -a DOG being pushed in a BABY CARRIAGE by a man looking like he was caring for a baby INSIDE a mall!!  I mean I didn't think that you could even take an animal into the mall.  I love animals & it was hot so I am glad it was inside and not in a hot car, butttt the fact that it was in a baby carriage (and the man was easily over 60 sooo I'm assuming it wasn't his child's carriage) means to me that he had the foresight to bring the carriage & take the dog to the mall, not that it was a spur of the moment thing and he didn't want the puppy to overheat.  Oh well.  I guess thats the reason for the saying "to each his own."

The time was too short, but Im glad I had visitors.  I'm also glad I got to remember why I love this city and was a wake up call that I cant get to comfortable living here - each day I need to go out and find something new about the city as well as never get too settled that I take for granted living in such a beautiful city - I don't know any other city who puts so much into landscaping so it truly is beautiful. 

Hope you have the chance to take a vacation and if you can't I hope you get to take a day and pretend you are on vacation in your very own city!
XOXO

lemonaaaaadeee here!

Yesterday my post gave you a little insight as to why I feel such loyalty to the City of Pittsburgh.  Yesterday & today I was reminded why this city is so unique.  Kenny Geidel.  Up until yesterday I didn’t know his name. I never met him.  I don’t believe I ever spoke to him.  He, however spoke to me & hundreds of thousands of fans as a vendor at Pirates games –also Steelers & Pens games, but my memories come from Bucco games.  Geidel to me -as well as many fans- is quite simply the Lemonade guy.  Made famous for the gusto behind his “Lemonaaaaaddee Here” slogan he was a fixture for me at PNC Park.  Maybe it's because the Pirates's leave little to be desired & make an outing to the ballpark more of an outing to people watch as opposed to watch the game.  Maybe its because without a doubt as soon as I dub a player my favorite he is packing for another city.  Or maybe its simply for the man himself, but I consider The Lemondade guy to be an iconic part of going to the game.   I know Im not alone, he has been featured in news stories long before yesterday. Yesterday, however, the news was of his passing.  (You can find the official story here.)

Him along with the saxophone player on the Clemente Bridge and the Yuengling vendor are three men who might as well be wearing Pirates uniforms, because they are just as big of the Pirates brand as the Pirate Parrot or say Andrew McCutchen.  The Lemonade man however has outlasted many players.  He is someone whom fans searched for.  I don’t even want to guess how many youtube videos have been posted to honor the memories that have been created by the lemonade man –this man is legendary.  If you have never seen the legend in person. Check out this video from YouTube : 

     What makes Pittsburgh unique is that yesterday fans hit the social networking sites posting their favorite memories of Geidel – even getting him to trend on Twitter with many a few different TT all day-actually today too. The Pens (cotton candy man) & Pirates (Statement from Chairman) both released statements honoring Geidel from their front office management as well as a statement from the Pirates pitcher.  Geidel’s story even made it to USA TODAY.  Fans understand that our love for our sports teams goes deeper than that plays on the field, but extend to every element of the game, including a vendor who had almost a cult like following to him.  In a moment of such great sadness to see the respect that the city had for such an untraditional icon was remarkable.  To make a whole city love you – that just shows how great of a man you were.  To have a whole city mourn you shows the same. 

      I wish I could say that the Pirates pulled out a win for Kenny Geidel, but at least they are at .500, something Im sure he would have loved to have seen. The Buccos offered a moment of silence before the game – with the most infamous energetic voice missing I have a feeling that wasn’t the only silent moment through the game.

      Id like to imagine that if there is a baseball team in Heaven -I picture something Angels in Outfield-esque - the lemonade man had the honor of throwing out the first pitch last night.  Thank you for the memories Mr. Geidel may you rest in peace & many prayers sent to your family.

all she wrote

As I said in my inaugural post who you think I am will be shaped by what you read in my blog.  To get you started here is a tidbit about me along with my some of my favorite things that will probably make their way into a post or so.  

First of all I am a 23 year old who was born & bred in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and by born & bred I mean I lived in the same home from the day I came home from the hospital to the day I left for college.  I still have the same room in my house & even though my zip code is now hours away I consider that my home & my current residence my apartment, Ill explain this in a bit.  I am a yinzer whether I want to be or not.  Now if you’re from Pittsburgh you know exactly what I mean, if not & you hear my voice reading out these words you probably think I just sneezed.  So here is a brief definition, now there are different ways to describe it so I am going to describe it in the light most favorable to me as well as the way that actually describes me.  Most simply a “yinzer” uses the word yinz (many different spellings) which is slang for you guys, you all, etc. Try as I might I cannot stop using it. Steve Jobs tried his best to break me of my habit, but my iPhone no longer corrects me.

My version of a yinzer also describes my love for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pens, & Pirates.  Here’s the thing, if all of a sudden our government imposed a new law saying you could not wear the colors black and gold I would have 5 outfits (I kid, but only slightly exaggerate).  I also love the Pittsburgh Panthers.  The love for my home teams will be evident & that’s why I am fully disclosing this now.  If you are one of those people who hate Pittsburgh fans just to hate them you may want move your mouse up to the top of the browser & click the X. I don’t want to turn you away, but I do so for your own sanity. I promise this is not a sports blog & I when blogging about Pittsburgh sports I will not always look at them through rose-colored glasses…I mean really I just admitted that I’m a Pirates fan, if I was always “Pittsburgh sports are wonderful” I would have left them off of my list. I wish I could add Pittsburgh in front of this team as well, but I am also a huge Los Angeles Lakers fan.  Anyways.  Back to the description of my yinzer besides sports teams a Pittsburgher embodies a hard-working tough person.  They say hi to anyone walking past them & welcome people of all walks of life into their hearts.  Pittsburghers believe that their city truly is the best.

      Anyways, back to me.   I have an older sister (5 year difference) who I adore. Always have. Always will.  Her name was the first word I said so its clear she has been my best friend from the start. Yes, we might bicker –note I didn’t say fight- but the special thing about sisters, no fight will ever stop you from being friends.  Its weird having her so far away from me, but I am thankful for our skype dates, morning texts, and the care packages & cards. WITHOUT fail there are two things I can count on when I come back to my apartment after a trip home or someplace else: That it will have the new apartment smell as it did the day I moved in as well as there will be a card from my sister.  I love that & I love her.  

I graduated from Duquesne University in 2010.  My first post established that besides a pretty piece of paper Im still trying to figure out what I can do with the degree I received there.  One thing I am sure is my education I got happened outside of the classroom as well.  Those 4 years also gave me more memories than I could have ever imagined & the best of friends.  The piece of paper though will cost me numerous pieces of green paper some day-my current theory though is student loans don’t exist- please don’t wake me up to reality on this one.

As I mentioned I am in law school.  In August 2010 I moved to Charlotte to attend school.  I love Charlotte.  Its not necessarily a bad thing, but I know I would have always lived in Pittsburgh had I not moved when I did.  I some times like to feel uncomfortable.  I think by putting yourself in different experiences you learn to adapt and feel alive.  While I miss Pittsburgh especially the people I left behind I am glad I have this experience.  It was what was right for me at the time I did it.  While some times I wonder if it was right or wrong to do I know I am a better person for it as well as don’t regret it because I did not regret it in the moment I did it.

I have a slight obsession for coffee.  Nobody who lived in my house has really drank coffee.  Growing up – before I was in grade school – my Grandmother would come over for breakfast and would drink coffee and give me the remaining sips – keep in mind this was the early 90’s so there was no need for the protective bubble that some kids today are put in –I promise the kids who used to eat ‘paste’ have turned out ok!  Anyways I think that’s where my love started.  Then I realized that it can wake you up.  I seriously smile some mornings after my first sip of coffee.  Anyone who has lived with me knows Im not necessarily a mean morning person, but Im not one to just jump out of bed I used to want to own my own coffee shop, but I’ve grown up & think it will be a bar.  Mainly because I have this theory on Starbucks.  And by theory I do mean I wrote a 25 page paper on Starbucks (don’t you wish you were a Comm. Major now?), but we will save that for another day.  Plus, I love my Keurig too much to own a real coffee shop.  I sometimes online coffee K-cup shop the same way that I do for clothes or other ‘fun’ things.  Don’t judge.  Ok, go ahead, it is boarder line disturbing my obsession.  What is funny though is unless its finals or another sleep-depriving season I only drink one cup a day – or at least try too.  This wasn’t always the case, but one really bad caffinee withdrawl day will teach you.

Other things I love: photography, Netflix, travel, animals, volunteering, apperantly Apple (phone, computer, speakers, ipod – somehow I’ve become a stereotype), Sunrises/Sunsets – skies (my mom and I somehow always see beautiful ones together, its our ‘thing’) colored sharpies, music, the color dark purple, sarcasm, Christmas lights, candles, and many more. 

So I guess if I had a self portriate of myself made up of words this is what would be in the frame. I can’t promise I will always be right for you, but I can promise to be honest to both of us.  If you come back for future posts you have a little bit of what to expect.  

can you take it

So I was planning on posting a little bit about myself for yinz, but that can wait.  One thing I will tell you is I love basketball.  College, high school, street-ball, movies about basketball – I love it all.  Yet, the NBA isn’t something I follow as much as my love would lead you to believe.  Clearly by my admittance of being a huge Steelers fan I am not one of those people who think that professional athletes are sell outs or that they give up playing with heart.  I don’t know maybe there are just too many games too keep up with. 

I do however love the Lakers.  Always have always will.  Clearly there isn’t a lacking of talent, but besides that Im not sure what has drawn this east coast girl to loving the Lakers & Kobe.  Yes, Pittsburgh doesn’t have a team (though Pitt BB gives me enough quality basketball to finally be ok with that), but why I picked the Lakers I don’t know.

One thing I do know is you are either a Lakers fan or you hate them, same goes with Kobe.  There doesn’t seem to be an in between.  I get that a lot with the Steelers, but at least when someone hates the Steelers they at least normally say its because they are “too damn good.”  The Lakers are just that good, but people normally say they are over-rated & that there are better teams/players.  Sorry people, but fans or not you have to have respect –they have become a dynasty. 

However, I must admit I was disappointed in the Lakers performance yesterday –while at the same time happy for Mark Cuban, making me Pittsburgh Proud once again (I think this latest victory will earn him at least another cameo on Entourage). No need to tell me any broom jokes, I’ve heard them all. 0-4, they got swept away, I get that.  Win or lose they are still my team.  Yesterday though it wasn’t the loss- or the 3 prior losses, but rather HOW they lost.  Kobe to me is the greatest current NBA player & one of the all time greats- following closely behind MJ. Im glad he played he showed what a champion is, someone who can lose with grace.  Too bad not all his brothers in purp & gold got the memo.  LO was making LA look good all year & I respected that he accepted the 6^th man role, but his move here: Lamar Odom unnecessary push clip from nba.com was just classless. The frustration was palpable & I don’t think he was trying to hurt anyone, but there still is no place for that behavior. 

Andrew Bynum like Lamar Odom didn’t get the news that the only fight this weekend should have been between Pacquiao & Mosley.  Unlike Odom I don’t know if I can extend the reassurance that Bynum wasn’t trying to hurt anyone.  He took a cheap - unnecessary -shot. You can judge for yourself: Bynum cheap shot clip from nba.com I understand competitiveness & aggravation, but its upsetting enough seeing injuries from in game mishaps let alone a player TRYING to hurt someone.  I do think sometimes playing extra tough D or getting T-ed up for showing excessive emotion can help swing the momentum your teams way, but lets be honest at this point even if 3 of the Mavs players sat down the Lakers weren’t coming back.  I -on some level- appreciate the emotion that those two had, but they had to have been embarrassed & frustrated from the last 3 games & should have used their heart to get the game going their way from the start.  The fact that Bynum immediately walked off the court makes me believe that there was enough forethought about what he was going to do before he did it – he knew he was wrong.

  Whats even sadder is not only were Bynum & Odom lacking remorse after the game, but they left it up to their coach & star player to try to man up for what THEY did.  Whats worse is the Lakers season is over so while fines can be paid immediately suspensions –if they come- will have to wait, starting the next NBA season with a tarnish.

Like I said if the Lakers are playing I want them to win –hopefully the next time they play they do so with dignity.  If they aren’t I like players from almost every other team so its heard to throw my loyalty to just one team in another match up. 

With the Lakers out I almost want to throw my support to the Celtics, based off of their game the other night. One player who deserves a shout out is Rajon Rondo.  Its nice to see a player who has heart and class.  To see what I mean check out this video – I warn it is not for the faint of heart, If you can’t make it through say most Greys Anatomy scenes DO NOT WATCH this video, I think gushing blood is better than this: Rondo Injury clip from NBA.com.  So dislocated arm and all Rondo came back into the game. Gruesome to watch, but so were the Laker videos- at least this one leaves you wanting to root for someone.  And I sure do want to root for Rondo- I believe his injury happened because of one of those in game mishaps I was talking about, but when you get INJURED & KNOW who injured you it is easy to play the blame game and retaliate, but Rondo knows what it is to be a man & how to get back at someone who hurt you in the best way possible – by grabbing the W. 

Sending good vibes to you -Mallory

Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul. ~The Koran

   I thought today, MOTHERS DAY, was the perfect time to share with you the image that you can see popping out of the background.  Spring means a celebration of growth & the beautiful things in the world.  Mother's Day is no exception.

   I am in love with Cherry Blossoms now.  This particular one was captured when one of my best friends was visiting CLT- which is so beautiful you sometimes forget you are in the midst of skyscrapers & the hustle and bustle of the city.  Both before & after this picture was taken the breeze was "making it snow." That was so gorgeous to me - I have a love/hate relationship with real snow, so having it snow around me without the mess & hassle that comes with "real snow" was appreciated.  This photo -shot by an a cellphone- does not give it the justice it deserves, yet it still is so beautiful in this picture.

 So to all the "moms" out there -people who are biological moms as well as those who have extended their love in non-traditional ways- HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.  Thank you for the beauty of life that you have given as well as the growth you have instilled in those who call you mom!  (Love you & miss you Mom!)

~Mallory

for you from me

My past year has revolved mostly around my first year of law school. So it should be no surprise that the first thought that came to my mind when writing this was what the question that I needed to answer.  I am glad that I can write something that is not constrained by any one topic, my computer still worn out from finals, allows for this creative outlet to be the perfect transition to this blog. 

I think to myself what questions would someone who stumbled upon this blog have?  The first is probably, “who is Mallory?”  and the second is, “why should I read her blog?”  Answers to those questions will also answer why am I writing a blog & what will this blog be about. 

The answer to the first question simply is, “I don’t know.”  I can tell you who I think I am.  I can tell you who I am trying/want to be.  I can tell you about myself.  I can tell you that the who I am will come together for you as you read my blog.  I really do put all of my cards out on the table.  However, who I am is ever changing & impossible to describe.  I truly believe that I, like you, am a little bit different tomorrow than I am today. 

The second question is a little bit easier to answer.  First, enough people have told me to start a blog that I figured I might as well at least give it a shot.  My initial instinct to this would be to be self-deprecating & think, why would anyone want to read what I have to say?  Looking past that I believe everyone has a story & what I have to say might be just what someone else is looking for. So there isn’t any particular reason YOU (someone who stumbled randomly onto this blog) should read my blog other than if you find some entertainment in it.  One thing I sure am is opinionated & stubborn (what can I say Im a Capricorn), but I will never claim to be an expert on anything I blog about.  You still might learn a little something and/or think about something new.  If YOU (person reading this) are a friend – and while I believe the theory that strangers are just people you haven’t met yet, this is directed to all the people who love me faults and all – this is a way we can keep updated on each others lives.  I suck at the phone.  I realize that & since Im the one who probably moved far away in our relationship I take the blame for that too.  There are a few blogs that I read just because they are written by friends.  Its nice to have that peak into their lives.

  Secondly, -pop quiz- what can a person do with a Communications Major with a concentration in Rhetoric and minors in Policical Science and Sociology do?  No, really if you have any ideas I would love to hear them.  In all honesty though that person is me and I feel that I can do nothing and anything at all.  One can become a lawyer, -I’ve already tried that- one could write a book, –that’s on my bucket list (Im thinking a Nicholas Sparksesque romance)- one could become a professor, -also on my bucket list (I need a bit more cred. before that could happen), or one could write a blog.  

   So here you have it.  I have officially entered the world of blogging.  So far so good for me - I like the rawness & unedited nature that blogs create.  All I can say is it was nice to have a little break from rules and elements of the law and just write.  

-Good vibes to you -Mallory