UK2K

Watching the University of Kentucky basketball for basically as long as I can remember, I most certainly have become a fan. With this interest I learned that there is a history of this program that tells a true story of hard work, ethics, defeat, perseverance and winning. Last night, everyone was brought together to see a great milestone in sports--UK is the first men's basketball program to reach 2,000 wins!

I understand that this is not a championship win or that this does not solidify a trip to the Final Four. But in the history of sports, this is a huge milestone.

I am proud of all of the Kentucky Teams who have made this happen. Starting with Coach Adolph Rupp who lead Wildcat teams totaling 876 wins. Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino, and Tubby Smith were also major contributors. And Coach Calipari was able to find a way to seal the deal this season.

But this one particularly is for the players. This year's team and all the previous teams. Without their talents and work ethic, Kentucky would not be where we are today in the basketball realm. Watching the game, you saw many familiar faces. Some before my time but I know who they are because with this rich history you obtain as a Kentucky basketball fan, you just pick up on those things. People that when you look up in the rafters of Rupp Arena, you will see their jersey proudly hanging for all to see. For Kentucky basketball, these are legends--as silly as that sounds. Including UK's best who were not players, Bill Keightley and Cawood Ledford who would definitely be beaming with pride.

Congratulations to all that wore the blue and white jersey. . .this milestone is for you!

Holidays Craze

As I zip threw traffic and try to stay calm, I am on my umpteen hundredth time of shopping for the holidays. It seems that my evenings after work are consumed with hustle and bustle as I prepare for 5 different Christmases. Geez. My mind wonders to the time when we were little and Jon used to sing, "She's a mean one, Misses Grinch" at me during the holidays. My day dream continues as I start to get an evil, awful thought. . .just maybe. . .

What if I can keep Christmas from coming?

Well, not necessarily keeping it from coming, but postponing it for at least another two weeks. Too bad I don't have a little Max to assist me with my evil plan. And technically the world does not evolve around me, so I have to just grin and bare it and try to get things done. So, back to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Getting up early on Saturday to get shopping accomplished. No wonder I am exhausted by 9 p.m. every evening. Ugh that Misses Grinch keeps buzzing quietly in the back of my head.

But then, something incredible happens.

To my surprise Jon, Steve and Dad are all sitting around a table--eating roast beef. Steve and I share our Christmas together over a couple of glasses of wine. We travel to the Farm to have mimosas and bloody marys with Mom, Larry and Jon along with a wonderful breakfast feast. And then it hits me. All of a sudden. As I visit with my love ones and share memories, I get all the warm holiday fuzzies. Some would say that my heart grew three times it's size that day!

For then it all comes together.

The reason for the hustle and bustle is because I like giving. And I especially love having the opportunity to visit with the ones I love. The time of holiday celebration is a time of reflecting on how good we have it. And how thankful I am for friends and family. It also is a time where you can actually sit down and relax.

So three Christmases down and only Michigan to go. Steve and I will be leaving on a trek to Michigan, where we will visit our family up north. I am looking more forward to the Christmas Holiday. The Misses Grinch is a has-been.

Merry Christmas!

A Talent of Titles

Thought it would be appropriate to at least make a comment on the various books I seemed to have read these past few weeks. This is mainly because I go blank every time I think I should write something on the blog.

If you enjoy just a good story, The Coal Tatoo and Clay's Quilts were both a fast read that had a captivating story in the setting of Eastern Kentucky. You learn the culture and grow fond of their traditional ways and every day life. There are times when you can actually hear the people speak with their dialect--for those from this area. The best part was how the title of each book was perfect for the story. A coal tatoo is a symbol of survival and sacrifice. It's one of those symbols that depending on who you ask you will receive one answer or the other. The book reflects just that very thing: survival and sacrifice. Two sisters learn a lot about life, love, and family pride. If you read both books, read The Coal Tatoo first because it is a fantastic lead in to Clay's Quilt, another quick read of the extension of the same family. (A charming way to tie all three of Silas House books A Parchment of Leaves, The Coal Tatoo, Clay's Quilt.) Clay is the main character who begins picking up small stories of his life like small patches of a quilt. You follow his journey and can envision those pieces creating a whole picture for him, just like when you make a quilt.

It seems symbolism was the theme for my reads. I finished the new Dan Brown book The Lost Symbol . Another roller coaster ride from Brown. Honestly the story line is about the same if you have read all his other books, but this one has a few twists that make it interesting. The setting of Washington DC also enhances the story as Robert Landon is searching his way through the city to save his friend's life. His tale keeps you reading as you dive into a fictional representation of the Freemasons. I feel that it is necessary to remind people that it not a historical novel, but one of fiction. This one though has a "moral of the story" ideal at the end of the book. . .kind of like Aesop's Fables. Or maybe more appropriately Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. Whether you agree or disagree, it is all for the sake of an opinion and it definitely makes you think.

And coming from someone who voluntarily read The Divine Comedy.....I like books that make you think. Dante's Hell still is a frightening image.

Zombie Knock-Out

Halloween is near and all I can think about was the Halloween I spent in LA with Amber and Mack. Was that an eye opening event!

Not only did I get lost walking the wrong way to the beach, but I found a great friend in Mack who called me to tell me to turn around. I was so grateful for him because the beach was beautiful and there was so much sun I was sure to get a nice red glow from all the warmth. I also spent the day with Amber at Getty Museum. A must see on any occasion when visiting the Los Angeles area. I spent some time in Hollywood and Venice Beach--all lovely places that I would not take back my experience for anything.

But the one place Mack and Amber decided would be best for me to go was Universal Studios. Now I am all for roller coasters and rides, but this was very different. Universal Studios completely changed it's appearance on Halloween night to expose goblins and ghouls and scary haunted places. Chills ran up your spin just walking into the place after the sun fell.

You were not safe on the streets of Universal. As you maneuvered around from one haunted place to another, things would jump out at you or they would skid on there knees across the street right in front of you. Did someone kick one of those people? My Gosh--i have chills just thinking about it. When we were venturing through the haunted mazes of mad scientist labs, murderers, and walking dead, you were waiting to be the next victim of having nightmares for the rest of your life because another thing jumped out at you. When Amber scared, she would push me in between her and the thing that scared her which would make a very uncomfortable Ruble shaken even more than when we started. I probably screamed but there were times where no screams would come out of my open mouth. I am really surprised I made it out of there without having a major heart attack. Mack had the best time laughing at us being so scared. He strategically would walk behind us, so no wonder he would never get scared. He was too busy watching the comedy act starring Amber and Ruble in front of him.

But as we all have our breaking points. . .I had mine. We were walking through airplane wreckage and all of a sudden this zombie is walking beside me. I turn to talk to Amber and see a zombie. Scared me so bad, I pulled my arm back ready for a punch. I swear I was going to break that zombies nose. But Amber instincts saw my arm and quickly grabbed it screaming Ruble it is a real person.

Thank God for Amber. . .I would have seriously broke that Zombie's or I mean Real Person's nose.

Happy Halloween Kids!

On a Book Trip

Thanks to my dear friend Alysia, I have ventured to a book club. I have yet to go to a meeting so my first one will be in November and I am so excited. Like Alysia said, it gives you that sense of intellect you used to have when in school. I am thirstin' for some intellect. Here lately I have been dried out creatively, emotionally, and intellectually. I am craving to be in someone else's chapters for a moment just to let your imagination run wild. Like it did when you were younger reading Nancy Drew! I thought for sure I would be a detective solving mysteries. Ha! Not so much now. . .the only thing I solve is whether people will be dining on beef or chicken. Or how to increase membership involvement in a HR Club. Still mind boggling but does not give it the appeal as in the books, but that is life right?

Anyways, I guess this book club deal has created a monster within myself. If that is possible. At the moment for the book club, I will be reading Silas House. A master in the Kentucky dialect and a smooth author in his story and words. I truly enjoy reading his works. So Coal Tatoo and Clay's Quilt will be the books I borrow from the Public Library for November's discussion.

I am also reading Dan Brown's new book, The Lost Symbol. This is one of those just because. I have read all of his others so why not read another Langdon adventure. This one is of particular interest mainly due to the setting. I LOVE Washington D.C. The history and intricate details of that city are mind boggling and you always learn something when you visit. Besides, when you think of the head honchos that have roamed those parts. . .man it just gives you chills when history unfolds itself to actual buildings you are standing in front of.

I also picked back up my Lincoln book. This is one of those deals that I just want to finish it. I hate having goals not finished due to my laziness.

So, you will see that my evenings are filled with whatever story I would like to be involved with at the time. Two books have a deadline, so maybe those should be first. Ha! Now I am trying to organize my chaotic reading style. I am glad that winter is coming upon us. . just maybe I will get some reading accomplished.

Okay, so I will jump off of my nerd craze. . .but have I ever told you what a genius Beethoven really was!! Listen to Piano Sonata No.4 in C Sharp Minor. Really listen to the notes and sounds while closing your eyes. The music will take your breath away it is so good.

Yeah, seriously, off the nerd platform. . .sometimes I can't help myself.

As Autumn Blows In

I simply love Fall! The crisp air; beautiful colors of orange, green, yellow, red, rust, and browns fill the trees. Yummy Warm Apple Cider sometimes with a shot of rum. Fabulous harvests that consist of pumpkin, squash, corn, potatoes (especially the sweet variety). Halloween parties with Amber in town!

I really love Fall! Football tailgates and games. Basketball on the way. The mums are so beautiful on display. Barbeques. Chili in the slow cooker to munch on all day. Meaty stews on a cool evening. Wearing jeans and thin comfortable sweaters. Bundle up at night in your warm blanket. October meet at Keeneland. Yummy beer. Curling up with a good book and hot tea.

I could go on and on. . .What a wonderful time of year!

Violated!

I have had my share of bad luck and sorry times. Not a topic I like to dwell on, but through my experience I have seen some meanness. Where people have not been so nice and you start to truly wonder about the human race having any manners. People would tell me I had a curse that needed to be lifted, but I was a believer in seeing all the positive out of every situation.

Today, I am having a hard time finding the positive. As I was at the office earning my keep, the back door of my house was kicked in so that nasty creatures could rummage through my belongings and take whatever they desired. These selfish bastards threw items out of drawers in my living room. Knocked the mirror in my bathroom. Decided to plunder in my undie drawer. Continued their search under my mattress and in my closets. Leaving drawers open and a mess behind.

All they came out with was a laptop, digital camera, some change, and medicine. They passed up the television, jewelry, and some items that I thought they would take in a heartbeat. I mean after all, they invited themselves in for a party.

It is hard to find the positives in this experience, however there is a lesson to be learned. For those of us who have not done so (me included). I would advise having a list (hard copy or somewhere else other than your laptop) of all your precious items with their serial numbers. Not that this list will ever be needed for yourself, because I would not wish this feeling on anyone. But to have something just in case you may need a reference.

There are not too many evil things in this world, but feeling violated is on top of the list.

UPDATE 09.22.09: I was wrong. There is something positive out of this. No matter what evil prevails, there are always good positive people willing to lend a hand or just listen and understand. I truly am blessed with all my loved ones.