T.O. Not a Fan of Jessica Simpson

Terrell Owens (aka T.O.) -- a football player who likes to speak his mind -- shares the same viewpoint with yours truly that Jessica Simpson should be kept away, far, far, away, from Texas Stadium. When asked about Simpson T.O. replied: "Right now Jessica Simpson is not a fan favorite -- in this locker room or in Texas Stadium." Ouch. Hope Jessica gets the hint and does not show her face again at a Cowboys game.

Luddite Land

Found the gloves. Just in the middle of packing, but what I'm really trying to adapt to is the idea of being offline for the next 10 days. You see my parents are Luddites. Okay, in all honesty they probably have no idea what the word means, but they are Luddites nonetheless. No DSL, no internet connection at all, no computer, no answering machine. My Mother really does not understand what all the fuss is about internet. When I tried to coax her into learning she waved her hands at me saying "No, no, no!" They are happy just the way they are. At least they now have a second phone. Needless to mention that my teenage years were made ever more difficult with only one phone at home -- and it was in the kitchen. My Mother would actually correct my grammar when I would finish a telephone conversation. Anyway, now there are two cordless phones and no internet. But they do have a typewriter.

I'm Thinking About Packing

I'm thinking about packing, I really am. Laundry is in the dryer, piles of clothes on the bed, and the suitcase is out. The only problem is that I can't find my gloves, the only pair I have in Texas. They're not especially warm but are leather and fit my tiny hands. Dammit. I hate when I misplace items. Unfortunately, I think I may have actually lost because the apartment searches I've conducted so far have yielded only Hubby's gloves. Of course, it's something small like this that I will become obsessed with beyond all other activities I should be focusing on. Wonder if I can pick up a cheap pair at DFW tomorrow morning around 5am...

Packing = Procrastination...Yet, Again

I know, it's beginning to be a habit. Whenever I must pack for a trip I invariably leave it to the last minute. I hate packing. I hate unpacking. It's especially annoying when trying to pack for an area that is roughly 40 degrees cooler than where you're located. Do I pack lots of sweaters or will my Dad have the wood furnace blazing, and thus creating a tropical climate within my parents' home? Coversely, my Hubby's folks like to keep their home on the cool side so I really do need sweaters. I've already dropped the idea of wearing a skirt to church when home because I really don't want to be bothered with bringing extra dress-up clothing, slip, tights, shoes, handbag, only to shiver outside as my folks chit-chat. I know, I really should start packing...but, maybe after laundry, dishes, surfing the net.

Heat

The heat quit working on the top floor of our apartment this morning. Yikes! Luckily it's going to be in the 60s for the next couple of days because the management office for our rental is a tad slow about fixing things. I'm Canadian I can handle cold, but Texas has made me used to heat, lots of heat.

Please Ban Romo's Girlfriend From Texas Stadium

I knew it. I knew it the moment Fox Sports featured a glimpse of Jessica Simpson in the stands at Texas Stadium. I knew Tony Romo would not perform well on the field and the Cowboys would lose. (Please see the "Cheese Heads Get Grated" blog from November 30). Unfortunately the Cowboys did lose to the Eagles. Remember the Carrie Underwood incident -- yes, the night of the infamous Romo Bobble. I still cringe when I think of it. For some bizarre reason, Tony Romo does not play well when he has a girlfriend attending a game at Texas Stadium. He suddenly becomes nervous, tries too hard, and is not focused on the game because he's too distracted by who's in the stands watching him. It seems like he wants to impress them so much that he loses sight of the game plan. Perhaps he thought he had shaken the 'girlfriend curse', but the curse is still there. Jerry Jones should seriously think about banning Tony Romo's girlfriend from Texas Stadium. And, really, what was with the outfit Jessica Simpson was wearing to yesterday's game? It was a girl's short-sleeve Romo jersey in PINK over a black shirt. She really should have gone to her old neighborhood mall at Collin Creek to pick up some really cute Dallas Cowboys gear at the Cowboys Pro Shop. At least wear the team colours, Jessica, when you watch the games at home, at a friend's home, at a bar, but please, not at Texas Stadium.

Real Housewives of O.C.

This show still cracks me up. I hope no one outside the US watches this tv show and assumes this is how everyone lives. Those ladies are great, but the lifestyle is really extravagant. Lauri is just, well, over-the-top at times. She's been engaged for over a year and she's just looking for wedding dresses 10 weeks before the wedding. What I can't believe is that she is opting for a huge ivory/white wedding gown and this will be her third wedding. Personally, if you have a grown daughter who asks to be your maid-of-honor then you really should re-think the poufy gown and go for something more simple and elegant. Loved her husband's response when she suggested getting an RV and going to Yellowstone, yes, camping is not for everyone. I'd opt for a five-star hotel over an RV any day. Someday I'd love to stay at The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite. Hubby tells me to keep dreaming.

Advice

When making reservations at a bed and breakfast in a cute, touristy small town months ahead of the dates you are staying (because rooms are booked months in advance), remember to also make dinner reservations. Usually these cute, touristy villages have only one or two good restaurants, which generally get booked with reservations in advance.

Nip/Tuck

I've been watching Nip/Tuck since its second season and I'm amazed at how the writers of this show keep it fresh. Just when you think the show cannot possibly push anymore boundaries it does. The episode last night was full of surprises that I don't want to reveal, but I love how they are changing Sean and Christian's personalities. Since moving from Miami to Beverley Hills, Sean is morphing into the way Christian was in Miami and Christian...is becoming responsible? The mugging was frightening, but interesting how Julia turned to Christian for strength and support. The whole crystal meth addiction storyline is scary, but it's great that Nip/Tuck is highlighting the devastation this drug causes. Last night's episode leaves me wanting more, but we'll all have to wait until the writer's strike is resolved. Perhaps I should rent the first season while biding my time.

Hockey in the Big D

The Ottawa Senators won against the Dallas Stars last Friday night. Hubby was ecstatic and I cheered for the Stars just to get under his skin. We were surprised by the number of Sens fans in attendance. What always amazes me is how little clothes some Dallas women wear to watch hockey games. There were some in halter tops with nary a heavy woolen sweater in sight, and the restrooms were full of preening women piling on make-up. Apparently one goes to Dallas Stars games to be seen and not necessarily to watch. Meanwhile, there I was with my fleece jacket looking appropriately Canadian. Some things you just can't shake.

Cowboys Better Than Pats?

Yes, that may very well be the case according to Jimmy Johnson of FOX Sports. The Cowboys won 28-27 against the Detroit Lions thanks to a last minute rally. Honestly, I am surprised that they actually won. I was ready to throw in the towel during the beginning of the fourth quarter, but Hubby told me to hang in there, and reminded me of the come-from-behind victory against Buffalo a couple of months ago. I was so on edge watching Tony Romo pass the ball down the field after the two-minute warning as the Cowboys gained yards. Frankly, I don't know how Romo stays calm during these last minute do-or-die situations. He should definitely write motivational books when he eventually retires from football. Not sure what the current Cowboys defensive line should do except perhaps play a bit more strategically, but they did win the NFC East yesterday.

Hockey Game

Hubby and I are going to our first Dallas Stars game of this season. Of course we couldn't miss seeing the Ottawa Senators since they rarely play the Dallas Stars. We are in a conflict over which team to cheer for, so I told Hubby he should wear his Senators t-shirt with a Stars fleece over top just in case. I'm happy because our seats are in the platinum level, which is unlike any other hockey experience. Platinum level has bigger seats, wait staff, and in the lobby they have chic restaurants, lounges and bars. It changes the experience of watching a hockey game. Of course, I can't imagine anyone from Dallas sitting through a whole hockey game in an old, freezing cold arena with bathrooms that make your skin crawl...ahhh, memories...misty, water-colored memories...

Retire Early?

Hubby sent the link to this article earlier this afternoon. It's all about retiring early and living a pared down lifestyle. Sounds great, but I'm a bit apprehensive about giving up certain luxuries like restaurants and travel. But I'm convinced this will persuade Hubby to buy out our BMW lease so we can drive it for 20 years. Okay, that's pushing it I guess...but, I've grown quite fond of the BMW. Wonder if we can retire early...

Movie Star = A Public Life

Yesterday it was reported that movie star Julia Roberts pointed her finger and scolded the photographers trying to get her photo by her kids' school. So, let's get this straight, it's okay to be photographed and interviewed about the latest movie you're trying to sell to the public, but only on your terms. Unfortunately, when you become a movie star you sign on to a life in the public eye. When you leave your home you are subject to public scrutiny. It's the price one pays when becoming a movie star. You would think that Julia Roberts would know that. If Julia Robert does not want her kids in the public eye, she should either retire from making movies until they've graduated from high school, or enroll them in private school and/or homeschool them. Please retire from making movies if you don't like photographers following your every move. Oh, and perhaps you could convince your friend George Clooney to retire from movies as well since he hates having photographers following him around. Just remember that if you choose to star in movies that millions of people will pay to view, then you subject yourself to their bottomless curiosity. Don't be shocked and angered when followed by photographers.

Where are you Christmas?

Finally got the Christmas tree up -- balls, lights and all-- yesterday. I'm playing the Christmas tunes and trying to tackle Christmas cards today. Still having difficulty getting into the Christmas spirit with this beautiful 'fall' ('fall' in Canadian standards) weather. When I walk outside and hear the crunch of leaves beneath my feet my first reaction is to rake them up in a pile and jump in...childhood memories hanging out in my brain. But, I must focus on Christmas...after I purchase more Christmas stamps tomorrow.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

I never really understood the sentiment of longing for snow expressed in the Christmas tune 'White Christmas' until we moved to Texas. Today is the second day of December and the leaves are finally red and yellow -- which usually happens in October in the Great White North. We walked to State-Allen Lounge for brunch in short sleeves and basked in the sunlight. Decided to finally get the Christmas tree together, but it lacks the Holiday feel when you're decorating a Christmas tree in shorts and a tank top because it's 81F outside....not that I'm complaining, it's just that it feels more like October than December. So, I've got the radio tuned to 103.7 -- a channel that has been playing Christmas carols and songs for the last three weeks. Take away the tunes and there's nothing like a blanket of snow on the ground to jump-start the Christmas sentiments.