Them Ole Cotton Fields Back Home

So it's time to head home to LA. I've been working on laundry in between naps (not mine of course) for the last couple of days and today brings an entirely new challenge.

Today's match-up:

My tendency to over pack VS. one medium suitcase

Yes, my friends. Let the records show, and let history always proclaim that the Christmas 2010 trip is the one in which the large suitcase will remain in the closet and Cowboy will have an easier time packing/unpacking/packing/unpacking the car at each house. My task is simple -- shoes, toiletries, clothes, pajamas -- all must fit.

Can it be done? There is a small piece of hope in my heart. 

Will it be done? Probably not. I foresee all clothing in the suitcase, toiletries in a toiletry shoulder bag I received a few Christmases ago, and shoes? Well, I see shoes possibly having a bag of their own!

Maybe there will be a Christmas miracle, though, and it will all fit.

Will keep you posted. Can't wait to return to a land where signs read, " Boudin, Seafood, Propane." Nothing like that trifecta for a bathroom stop. 

 

Seen on ESPNW

The Houston Texans Monday Night Football par-tay is, of course, tarnished by the drama that is Brett Favre coverage and hype of TWO MNF games and his starting streak.  This was earlier.

What's In a Name?

Oh--just everything! And today is a big day in nickname history for Team Loupe.

Thus far Baby Cowboy has been deemed the Cajun Shrimp, a perfect name for the little guy that was growing in my belly and then making his debut into the world. However, let's take a closer look at "shrimp." I say, "shrimp," and you say, "boil," "tiny," "puny," "Bubba Gump," "poboy," -- nothing positive, well unless you're hungry, I suppose.

So without further adieu I introduce the newly named face in town -- The Sheriff! While hesitant at first because Wyatt Earp is not my baby's namesake, I decided it fits much better than Shrimp. He's just growing too much for that title.

 It all started with a duck. This duck.
Wyatt's ped. surgeon broke out a toy for him at our first appointment, coming out saying, "This is for The Sheriff."  Well, we liked it. It stuck. The name, not the duck.
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Even better, Wyatt loves this duck. It's perfect for his teething, but it's so tiny that he fumbles quite a bit. We'll have to work on those hands. But I'd imagine it gets pretty slippery with all that drool!

So why will Sheriff stick? Well, what are the qualities of your ideal sheriff? Maybe leadership, honesty, sound judgment, and a knowledge of the law. Throw in a sense of responsibility and a spirit of service for the greater good.

Well, little Sheriff, you are on your way. You definitely know the law in this house. Right now, you ARE the law! (May these other traits find you along the way...)

Christmas Time in Sugar Land

Merry Christmas from Sugar Land, Texas. The city many ways to make your season merry and bright, so let's take a look at what Team Loupe enjoyed.

On My Mind.. The Sing-Off, Etc.

There is no way the "experienced" ...and Talk of the Town should still be in the competition. The younger high school school deserves that spot. I'm just saying.

Second, I bought my new planner today. I love fresh, clean sheets of lined paper just waiting for to-dos, events, plans, birthdays, and even better--the scratch-offs!

Shrimp is teething. Poor fella. He's taking it like a champ though.

Back to the Sing-Off, the judges love that group from TN. I mean, LOVE. I guess they are good. I'm just not feeling them. Commit will win this season. I'm calling it now.

Good Night!

A New EPSN -- ESPNW for You and Me

I'm not sure what I think about this. Part of me goes all "what, the real ESPN isn't good enough for us, and are we, those into sports, that stupid to not understand the regular broadcast and media?" But another part welcomes a site created with our lovely gender in mind. As proposed to be "a destination for women who are passionate sports fans and athletes" that hopes to be "surprising, informative and inspiring, because we created it just for you," I wonder what exactly makes it for women. Will it be the content? At first glance I see more front page coverage of women's college b-ball than I'd see on an ESPN page. It also appears to be more about the articles than a quick look at scores/stats/etc.

I'm a fan of the side bar containing what's hot on ESPN (although part of me screams, "yes, thank you for referring me to the 'real' site.") It also briefs me on other web gems not on the ESPN network. That's a nice plus. Finally the "Thing To Do Near You" section is great in motivating us to get off our butts and hit the pavement for some exercise.

I appreciate what seems to be an all female contributing staff, although I don't know if that's certain yet. It's just what I see at first glance. What I will be looking for though, is a writer with Bill Simmons style. Give me my sports news; give me some commentary. But also be sure to supply me with witty metaphors and salty commentary outside of the box.  Inform me. Entertain me. I'm looking forward to what you have to say.

Who's Lookin' Strong (a Sing-Off Diary for the tone deaf)

We've already discussed my lack of talent in the field of music, so I have no place critiquing, at least credibly, these groups, but here are my thoughts.

What Pitch Slapped going home? Is it because of the name? Is it because they are too "Glee"ish

Off the bat in the opening number, The Backbeats and On the Rocks seemed strong.

*Hold on, I am watching this via DVR and cannot believe that Pitch Slapped is going home. Their name, clever yet inappropriate, may be their demise. Or maybe they are too "Glee-ish." Really judges? You sent them packing and kept the "experienced" Jerry Lawson and the Talk of the Town? Their name alone should send them home--too long! I think it was a politically correct move, but not one based on talent. JL and TotT will not win.

Opening song is inspiring. I hope Shrimp has the music in him! His parents definitely have the music in them, but unforutnately, it doesn't sound like as pleasant as we'd like.

 On the Rocks' performance was interesting, disturbingly talented, and I thought the high school group (name escapes me) was predictable and cheesy.

I missed the name of these guys in tuxes, but I like them. Quirky. I think they'll get good marks from the judges for the background singers.

"We're not just singers. We're also a bunch of athletes." That statement just makes me laugh, not because I'm making fun of anyone, but the fact that they have to point it out.

Let me just pause to say that I would truly wet my pants if I ever opened my mouth and a beautiful voice like one of these came out!


What about the awkward guy in Street Corner Symphony? Anyone notice? My prediction is that these guys won't last long either.  Ok, the judges like these guys. Like I said, who am I to judge?

We interrupt for a promo for the 10 o'clock news --rabid  bat at local elementary school! Man, earlier this week it was "Is Houston sinking?" and now a "rabid bat!" Holy smokes! Thank goodness local 2 KPRC is on it!

Backbeat lead singer at first sounds "pitchy." She "could have been a little tighter." There, now do I sound legit? Ok, she's improving after those early deeper notes and is banging it out.

"This Love"--- nice! I like these guys! Now I'm finally getting this judging thing. We like the same thing!
Nice words judgy "pure, raw, unadulterated talent" -- agreed! Shawn having a "musical orgasm" Yes, he was.

After tonight's show I'm putting in my vote for Commit and On the Rocks. Get 'em boys! ( I like the Backbeats too for the strong girl lead vote.)