Saturday, November 09, 2019

Learning Quarterbacks



Remember these? If you're a football fan, you likely had a set of these or know someone who owned a set. My brother had a set. The Dallas Cowboys was the coveted pencil, of course. The Houston Oilers might've been a distant second.

These pencils played a different role in my life.

I was able to use these pencils to learn the names of all - what were then - 28 teams of the National Football League.

The National Football League was the entertainment my dad most enjoyed, it seemed. I'm sure his life was more exciting that watching dudes scrap around some field over a pigskin, and his interests more varied than that, but to his young daughter, the Sunday event of watching football as much as possible from any area in the word to which he was stationed, these were a key to a connection that sparked a life-long interest well into MY adulthood. Watching a Cowboys game in Germany was no easy feat back in the 70s! So you can see why this made such an impact on me.

I remember looking at the team names on each pencil and memorizing them. I'd look up where the cities were located. I then began learning the names of every starting NFL quarterback based on the team names I extrapolated from those two-toned, team-colors-reppin' sticks of wood and lead. I'd memorize a few (Staubach, Pastorini, Griese, Bradshaw....)  then go ask my dad for a few more (Morton, Whitehurst, Theisman, Stabler....). I don't know if he enjoyed the challenge or was annoyed by my inquisition, but I managed to get the names of each quarterback out of him. In retrospect, this was the first "memory" I have of "bonding" with Dad. 

Dad and I remained loyal Dallas Cowboys fans. Dad parted ways with them when Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry, but I manage to hang on, sometimes by a thread. I've grown into an avid football fan (I can do without college, though); I've played in and won a couple fantasy leagues, and I run the work One Pick. I'm no expert but I know enough to hold a more-than-casual conversation with a fellow sports nut.

Furthermore, a little giggle on my part: I noticed these pencils were made by Faber Castell. This is the same brand that My Little One buys for some of her sketches, anime drawings and other art work. A bit of a thread to bind us all together, wouldn't you say?

GO COWBOYS

Thursday, July 04, 2019

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Bucket List: Winchester Mystery House

I first heard about The Winchester Mystery House about ten or so years ago. As I write this blog, I'm trying to remember from where I heard it Seems like it was on one of those travel shows on cable. Maybe it was an Extreme Homes?

Anyway, one thing that struck me initially is it's claim that it's the house that was never finished being built. Sarah Winchester was a 19th century eccentric socialite that drifted toward reclusiveness. What began as a traditional Queen Victoria-style home eventually became a haunted maze.

Some quick facts:
  • Doors open into empty space (no floor)
  • 10,000+ windows
  • 160+ rooms
  • Staircases that dead-end abruptly
  • Lots of secret passages
  • Allegedly HAUNTED!

Maybe I'll take a trip out to San Jose to see it.....




Will I see you there?

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Missing Mom on Mother's Day


The rings she wore, that barely stayed on her skinny fingers.

Her cackling laugh.

Her dancing.

Her juniors-sized clothing choices.

When her false teeth would unpredictably come loose (she'd cackle!).

Weekend breakfasts.

The annual birthday call to me where she'd sing "Happy Birthday".


Buying My Girls that stupid pre-fab gingerbread house at Christmas!

No matter what, I got a Valentine's Day card from her.

That steadfast support of me when things got tough.

These are a few of the things I miss about my mom this Mother's Day. And every day.

Yesterday was her birthday. Today's Mother's Day. I've done way more crying than I expected; like a useawholekleenexbox crying. That crying you do when you hide in your bed under the sheets, comforter and a sea of pillows just to feel like you're being hugged. Yeah, that's the weekend I'm having.

This means she's missed.

This means she is loved.

Happy Mother's Day, Momma!

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

It's May 1st


You can have your Lei Day, Hawaii.

Welcome to the United States, Guam.

Happy Anniversary to Elvis & Priscilla!

Ayrton Senna, you were a grace to this world.

But today, Cocullo, Italy wins May 1st in my book.

Welcome to the Serpent Ceremony:


Friday, February 08, 2019

Flashback Friday: The $3000 Sweatshirt

I attended University of Texas, Dallas and I bought this sweatshirt because, y'know, school pride or some such bull poo. I ended up dropping out of school that semester, so this sweatshirt has forever been dubbed The $3000 Sweatshirt.



Boa has worn it regularly, so at least I'm getting some mileage out of it. *eyeroll*


Thursday, February 07, 2019

Eighteen Years



Dear Dad,

I love you!

I'm writing to wish you a Happy REbirthday. It's a thing, right? I believe you are reborn in some everlasting way, so cheers! 

You died 18 years ago today, in body. I'll always know the number of years because it's the same as Boa's age. You should see her now, Daddy! She's glorious, wonderfully charming, intelligent, funny. She's just like you! Can you believe she'll be graduating this year? She's hoping to go to college in Colorado. *fingers crossed*

That Little One honors you in so many ways. She's keen and witty. She never met you, but she knows you, that's for sure! Just today, she told me a story of finding a penny, heads-up, on the desk next to hers at school. She recognized it was you saying hello to her! She loves you. You'd be so proud of her. 

How are things where you are now that Mom's with you? Probably a little noisier. hehe I'm imagining what that might look like. Are you two reunited? Are you lights in this galaxy? Would you be together in the same dimension? Or are you both apparitions, having drinks, listening to country music and talking about family like when you were amongst the physical living? Or am I writing to nothing, no one? 

I still have mom's ashes. She asked to be spread where you are, so that trip is coming up soon. For now, she resides with me. I talk to her sometimes. She helps me cook and bosses me about how I raise My Girls. She keeps me company when I'm home alone. 

I'm gonna wrap this up and take care of some things, Dad, but you are always with me. I'm always with you.

Miss you,
--Juliette