Bama Redux

This weekend is the Florida vs. Alabama game. In some realms, The Game to Be Rewatched. In last year's SEC Championship, Bama played an amazing offense and I'm not sure if Florida showed up. It was a heartbreaking game that ended Tim Tebow's fascinating college career on a negative note and stopped Florida's shot at a back-to-back National Championship. So you all know where I'll be on Saturday night. And just to make things more interesting, my hosts for next weekend are Bama fans. We plan to keep things civil, no matter, which team wins. But wouldn't it be a wonderful game if #7 Florida beat #1 Alambama.

Uh! I Have a Rep

Arriving to work today, I received a gift. Steve found Go Gators! at a book sale and thought of me. Who knew I had such a reputation, that coworkers are giving me Gator gifts? I mean, it's a known thing among my friends, who supply me with Gator memorabilia all the time, but now, it's coworkers. My reputation is growing.

"There Goes My Hero ..."

New Years Day began as usual with talk of college football. It was a fun ride the past 4 years, but now, it's time to say goodbye to Tim Tebow. With 482 passing yards last night, he made us all proud to watch his grand finale. It has been amazing and listening to the recap of the stats was overwhelming. Through thick and thin, I am a Florida Gator. I refuse to comment on the Meyer controversy, but most know my stance on why I respected him as a coach and it had nothing to do with gameday. We'll see where next season finds us. But I have to say, It's Great to be a Florida Gator!

Tearful End

Last evening was a shocking night in college football. I was working yesterday when I received a phone call from a certain Michiganian who wanted to gleefully inform me my beloved Gators were choking at the SEC Championship Game. I got home at half time to finish watching the end of an incredible season and dynasty.

I'm trying to understand how the #1 defense in the nation doesn't show up to a game as important as this one. There were innumerable missed tackles per play, Alabama was allowed to slowly drive the ball down field, and basically dominate control of the ball most of the game. The defense should have shut them down, but failed to do so. Florida's weaknesses within the offense were apparent during the game. They have absolutely no running game, with the exception of Tebow's rushing yards, and the failure of the receivers to hold the ball is indescribable. I had noticed the receiver issue earlier in the season and had commented to the hubby, in the days of the Ol' Ball Coach, they would have been forced to carry footballs to and from classes in an effort to teach them to hold the damn ball. Don't get me wrong, I still believe in the Gators and will continue to cheer for them, but it was so frustrating to watch the game. Alabama was a formidable enemy going into the game, the Gators should have been better prepared in how to handle them. Alabama absolutely deserved the win.

I had another phone conversation where the individual asked why my quarterback was a "pansy" crying on live tv. All I can say is I was crying along with him, as I'm sure many fans were. It was a devastating blow to Tebow, who had won the 2006 & 2008 SEC Conference, 2006 & 2008 National Championship, and 2007 Heisman. He had hoped to go out in a blaze of glory with a 2009 overall win, but it all ended with the SEC Game. As did the wave of victories the Gator Nation has been enjoying. It was a crushing blow that ended everyone's dreams, especially Tebow's. He won't ever get the moment back. I feel for him. He's put his heart and soul into the team, game, and fans and it brutally ended. I will always admire his passion, love for the game, and his prowess on the field. The apology he made after the Mississippi Game will live in infamy in my mind as a standard that others should strive to accomplish. He will forever be remembered as being the Gator who beat all the records and made fans proud.

As for the other game of the night, what the heck happened at the end of the Big 12 Conference Game? Now I have an intense dislike of Nebraska since the 1995 disaster in Tempe (Gators know what I'm talking about). Why did McCoy drag out the play so there was a question at the end? I felt a tad bit for Nebraska believing they had won the game only to lose it. But great game!

So until next year, Go Gators!!!!

Thanksgiving Weekend

After last year, I was unsure how I would feel about staying up north for Thanksgiving weekend. For me the holiday kicks off my favorite time of year and is filled with family, loved ones, and lots of food. I was not disappointed. Wed. night, Erin and I stayed for the Lighting Ceremony downtown. It consisted of crowds, singing carols, hot apple cider, and running into the newly engaged couple of Sarai and Kevin (again congrats!). Erin pointed out it had a small town feel to it, but I had a great time.

The next day, hubby and I shared Thanksgiving Day with Delia and William. Delia and I split the cooking duties and I believe William enjoyed my stuffing and pumpkin pie. The hubby was happy with a can of whipped cream. Lots of talking, eating, and catching part of the Texas game ensued. I didn't want to admit while sitting in an Arkansas Razorback home that I was secretly cheering for Texas. Game playing began after dinner leading to Delia and I being the 4 time champions of Scene-It.

Friday was decorating day. This is a tradition hubby and I began upon being married. It takes us around 8 hours to decorate the whole apartment. We were in a race with Crystal and Michelle, who had the unfair advantage of staying up all night for Black Friday. The only shopping the hubby and I accomplished was to buy me a new touch screen phone, with a camera and internet. This is a big deal since I could barely text on my very out-dated phone. Hubby was offered the chance of a new phone, but stuck with his dinosaur instead.

Saturday dawned late for us, but in time for the big game. UF vs FSU. Its a state rivalry, though not as crazy as it was in my heyday of the 90s, but that didn't stop me from cheering and yelling at the tv. Yes, I teared up when watching Tebow enter Florida field for the last time. With my new phone, I was able to text Sonia, Michelle, my sis, and niece N to discuss the game. N informed me that she had taught her two year old sis the Gator chomp. So proud of my Gator girls!

Overall an excellent weekend, thanks to friends and loved ones. Thanks for the memories.

Should He Play?

As many of you know, I am a major Tim Tebow fan. I know certain individuals I work with don't care for the Gators quarterback, but I truly admire the young man. I also have much respect for his coach, Urban Meyer. Two weeks ago, in the Florida vs. Kentucky game, Tebow suffered a concussion that required him to be transported off the field. He's been asked not to even read in order to recuperate. With the game against LSU this weekend, many are questioning whether Tebow should play.

I understand its a big game, #1 vs. #4. I'm a rabid fan as well. But lets be honest. We are talking about a young man's health, his life, his career. No chances should be taken. He's 22 yrs old. I'm afraid to admit, I'm 10 yrs older than him. I feel every twinge from previous injuries because I believed I could push through. I truly hope Urban Meyer decides not to let Tebow play this weekend. I believe the Gators are a good enough team to win the game against LSU without potentially harming one of its biggest assets.

Go Gators!

Tinglies

I saw this article on the Florida Gators and got the tinglies. I am over the moon ecstatic about the upcoming season. As the article states, Florida has the opportunity to win a back-to-back National Championship making it a possible third in the last five years. What amazed me is Florida received 58 of the 60 top votes. Florida was the underdog for so long, even after they had proven their worth, so to see some recognition was pleasing.

All the praise they give Tim Tebow also raises my love of this article. Can't say enough great things about this guy. He has honestly become my #1 college player. Sorry Wuerffel, I truly thought no one would surpass, but you're still in my top 3.

Another person I admire among this team is Urban Meyer. He is very focused in how his players should handle all the hoopla over their standing in the college football world. The fact that he wants the guys to keep a level head and recognize that one misstep means all this celebration is for naught.

So as a fan, I get to revel in the excitement and can't wait for the games to begin. But I truly admire this team for their accomplishments. I do have the tinglies though about this year. Go Gators!

Football Season

It's that time of year again. College Football Season is upon us! I was standing in line yesterday and saw the USA Today sitting in the rack and the headline caused my pulse to race. Florida is ranked #1.. Time for the big showdown again. Time to buck up and prepare for the defending of the National Championship Title. Time to watch Tim Tebow work his magic on the field. Time where every Saturday, I'll find my eyes drifting to the tv for the latest score. Can't wait. Go Gators!

Random Thoughts

Just some random thoughts on recent events in everyday life.

My hubby loves to make fun of my holiday obsession though he adds to it. I have six boxes of decorations that we begin unpacking the day after Thanksgiving. He forgets he's the one who has bought me a large amount of the items I place around the house. This weekend he brought home the latest Snow Buddy for my collection. Isn't he sweet?

(image courtesy of Hallmark.com)

Another funny moment with the hubby included an old tv show I love. I am currently rewatching episodes via Netflix and hubby walked in and commented on why no one knew the character Cole was evil. I was so proud of him because a. he knew the character name and b. he knew the history of the character. I had to explain that I was watching the episode where the character was introduced, so we didn't know the history yet.

I find it humorous that Dawne, who I deem a very sensible person has become sucked into the Twilight phenom. I asked her to explain to me why she had to read 180 pages after working the night shift, why she couldn't put the book down? She can't explain.

Steve stopped me the other day to ask if I knew the SEC had signed a big deal with ESPN. I was not aware of the deal, so had to look into it. Basically it means more SEC football on ABC and ESPN. Woo-hoo, sort of! I don't subscribe to cable, so I'll only benefit if the games are on ABC. Can't wait for college football season.

Cheryl had sent a request via facebook for someone to join her for the U2 concert in Tampa. I debated it, but decided I couldn't fly down for a concert. Last week she informed me that Muse is the opening act. I am absolutely jealous and wished I had agreed to fly down. After looking to see if there were tickets left for the Chicago show, which there are, I was disappointed to discover Muse was not the opening act up here. I'll have to remain jealous of Cheryl.

Bleed Orange and Blue

Last night, was the BCS National Championship Game, which my beloved Gators won against the Sooners 24-14. I won't even acknowledge the first half, where I continued to scream at the tv, "where's the defense, show them the SEC defense". The 2nd half the Gators shined with an interception, the newly-returned Harvin sprinting 52 yards, and Tebow plowing through and rushing 109 yards in the game. This is why Tebow is an incredible quarterback, if he can't pass the ball, he'll run it. It's beautiful to watch. Take that Sooners Franks, who earlier in the week said Tebow would rank #4 in the Big 12. If you aren't a Gator, you're Gator Bait! I think Tebow proved he is a great quarterback. Now I have to vent for a moment: the officials should have called a 15 yard penalty on the idiot who grabbed and pulled on Harvin's injured ankle after he was down. Low blow! Loved the game and so excited that Gators are National Champions!!! Go Gators! It's great to be a Florida Gator!

Now on a personal note! I will fly back to Florida the next time the Gators appear in a National Championship Game. It wasn't the same. First, my pals Sonia, Michelle, and Jen weren't here. Though Sonia and I text the whole game. My hubby and I went to a bar to watch the game, but we were surrounded by a bunch of high schoolers and left after the first half. It was depressing, no one knew the cheers. Once home, I put on my lucky charms and pulled Albert off the shelf to play the fight song through the rest of the game. But the moment it was all over, I teared up and had no one to cheer with or sing, "Boys of Ole Florida". Can't stress how much I missed my pals at that moment. One funny point, dad called from Rome (6:00 in the morning there) to congratulate. He said he was calling in late to work to catch up on sleep. Not bad for a Bowden fan.

So next time I will return to Florida and hope to watch the game with my pals because being up North was not the same. Go Gators!

Gator Mania

The next two weekends are very stressful for Gator fanatics such as I. Last weekend we had the ever entertaining UF vs. FSU game. In the 90s this game impacted who was eligible for the National Championship game, so the rivalry was intense. FSU has not been as highly ranked the past few years, but the competition between these teams is still strong as evidenced by the near fight during the first quarter. It took 4 referees jumping in to split the teams up. Reminds me of the days when the bands came to blows pre-game.

To begin, the game upset me because Percy Harvin was injured. With the big SEC Championship against Alabama on 12/6, the Gators need Harvin. The commentators upset me when they discussed how the Gators really wouldn't even notice Harvin being out next week. This comment was a disservice to the caliber of this remarkable player. Harvin deserves more credit than this. At the same time, I'm glad to know the commentators felt the Gator offense is strong. Sonia, my ever vigilant Gator, sent me an article stating that Harvin may play on Saturday. The SEC Championship is a big deal. The Gators dominated the SEC in the 90s. Many times it was a no-brainer that they would win. With Alabama, deservedly being #1, I'm looking forward to the game and the competition.

This leads me to my concern for the following Saturday, 12/13. The Heisman Trophy will be awarded. I am frustrated with the continuous commentary on how Tim Tebow is not pulling the stats like he did last year. My response, so what? He's not competing against his previous record. This young man is an amazing player. Besides that, he is a humble, personable, and a self-possessing man. Every time I see him being interviewed I am more impressed with him. He's not into all the hype about himself. He wants to play, and make his team and fans proud. As for those stats, well they just keep improving. Here's a great commentary on MSNBC concerning Tebow and the Heisman. The commentators this weekend made me laugh when they were discussing Tebow. One stated that Superman wears Tim Tebow pajamas. Love that comment.

As a Gator fan, I am very proud of this team and how far they have gone this year. Can't wait to see how the next two weeks play out. Of course as a die-hard fan, I fully believe that Florida will beat Alabama this weekend and leave no doubt in the minds of Gator-critics that Tebow deserves the Heisman. Now I need some of you Gator fans to comment.

Florida vs. Georgia

So the big fight in Jacksonville turned out to be...a stomping. Some plays in the game had me jumping out of my seat. Georgia player yanking the helmet off a Florida player early on. The walk into the end zone for the first touchdown. Amazing, no defense. The interception for a touchdown. The fumble for a touchdown. The punt return where the Florida player just stood there and suddenly was swarmed by Georgia and realized he had to run. The field goal that hit the post; that will be replayed for days to come. 49-10 was not the score I was expecting, but it's the score I'll gladly take. It was a great game. Looking forward to South Carolina (big Spurrier fan, so I love watching them battle it out) and FSU (another screaming moment watching the final play of the FSU vs. Georgia Tech game). Loved the game! See Bartle and I even wore our Gator gear to cheer our team on. We Are the Boys of Old Florida! Go Gators!

Football Mayhem

Georgia here we come! Watching the Bulldogs trounce on LSU last weekend was a little upsetting, but go SEC-East! Now the fateful weekend has arrived. We will see if Florida has what it takes to go to the SEC game this year. One obstacle in their way - Georgia. I am still once again impressed that 3 SEC teams are in the top 10. Can't wait for this weekend. Go Gators!

Football Upset

I can not believe the fiasco that occurred this weekend. 3 out of the top 5 teams lost and drastically rearranged the rankings. It was quite shocking to me. Florida, Georgia, and USC all lost to opponents they should have beat easily. Instead they struggled and eventually lost.

Of course, my largest upset was Florida losing to unranked Mississippi State by 1 point at the last minute. This should never have happened. I was impressed with Tim Tebow and his comments after the game. In so many ways he reminds me of Danny Wuerfel. Hopefully, he'll have a better professional career though.

I was disappointed in Georgia losing as well, since I love having the SEC appear strong. USC's lost, well everyone likes to see the man at the head of the pack fall.

Here's to more interesting weeks ahead. Thanks Sonia for keeping me informed. Your texts are my lifeline at times.

Gush

I have to gush about my hubby. I came home from work on Saturday a little cranky and tired. And what was on the television as soon as I walked in...the Florida vs. Tennessee game. The reason this is impressive is my hubby has no real interest in football. He tolerates my obsession and listens to me when I feel the need to discuss the games and rankings. He doesn't complain when I repeatedly check the scores; either by changing the channel during a movie or scanning the tvs at a restaurant. He understands this brings me joy every fall season. So I was so pleased to come home and relax to watch the game.

P.S. He even made dinner so I could finish the last quarter.

SEC Football

I am so proud of the SEC this season. Last week there were 4 SEC teams in the top 10. This week, we have 3 SEC teams in the top 5. Woo-hoo!!! Oh so happy!!! I swear I am doing the happy dance right now. I love college football season. With #3 Georgia, #4 Florida, and #5 LSU, the conference is looking strong.

My only disappointment is Sonia and I were planning to go to the Georgia vs. Florida game in the next few years. This is the year to go. The game will determine who will dominate the SEC East and possibly the SEC conference.

So all I have to say is GO SEC! and of course GO GATORS!

Future Gators

Many of you know my children are my animals. I love and cherish every day with my cat and dog. Unfortunately, they are not the brightest bulbs out there. My dog knows how to "go home" to his kennel and sit. That's the extent of his education. He still takes the leash between his teeth and tries to walk me at times. My cat is a lost cause. I can't even get her to play with her toys.

So, my nieces and nephew are the children I get to gloat over. My nephew has an extensive vocabulary for a five year old. He has impressed me with his master negotiations with the adults in his life (I mean this in a good way, promise). He could name every piece of John Deere equipment before he was 2. As smart as he is, his parents are Noles, so I can be proud, but his college aspirations have already been determined.

My nieces have pleasantly surprised me this week. My oldest niece missed getting Principals Honor Roll by one grade. She is also participating in the Districts Math Bee, after winning her school's Bee. Very Proud!!! I explained to her she could be a future Gator! My youngest niece is proving she will let nothing stop her. My sister installed a baby gate that allows the adults to walk through. The adults push a button and the gate swings open. My niece was very upset that she couldn't get through the gate. She watched the adults for a while and figured out the button on the first day. So very proud!!! My two Gator gals!

March Madness

Well, people are already discussing March Madness. I am excited since Florida is appearing in the brackets currently. (I know 1 among 64 teams.) I truly don't watch basketball, but if Florida shows up in the Sweet 16 I'll start paying full attention. I still remember 2000, when Michigan State stopped Florida in the final game. Of course, Florida won the last 2 titles, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. It's just those Michigan schools thwart Florida every time.

Now onto the March Madness I really want to discuss...March Madness Genealogy Style. Genealogy will be offering programs 3/1-3/7 for anyone interested in learning genealogy. We have a broad range of topics and speakers for the week. You can view the programs at Genealogy Special Programs. I can promise it will be as exciting as the basketball March Madness!

SEC Football

I am very proud of my Conference, the SEC. I know we had losses in the bowl games this year...Florida, Arkansas, but seven of the SEC teams won their bowl games this year. Let's also not forget that the SEC took the National Championship once again. Maybe Florida did not get back-to-back championships, but the SEC accomplished it thanks to LSU. Now I have to wait until next fall for college football to return.

Gator Gal

I know this is a little dangerous, since I'm now living in Michigan territory but ... I am a die-hard Florida Gator fan. My New Year's Day will be spent watching the Florida vs. Michigan game. All I can say is may the best team win! My college-football-filled-fall-fun is over until next year. I feel my team had a good year. Sure, they aren't back-to-back National Champions (oops, that may upset a few Ohio State fans), but Tim Tebow won the Heisman. I have to say he is an impressive player and I was won over further with his Heisman speech. Especially since he acknowledged and hugged my favorite Gator, Danny Wuerffel.