Bowl Game Bonanza!

I think the College Football Playoff might be the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. Seriously. The only bad thing about it is that I have to wait a whole year for it to happen again. Yesterday was quite possibly the most fun I have had watching college ball all season. It was enjoyable watching the SEC West get repeatedly waxed - yes, I am one of those annoying fans who cannot STAND hearing endlessly about how superior the SEC is to every other conference. I sure did like watching Jameis Winston finally take the fall that was long overdue. The guy is no doubt a great player, but as a fan of a fellow ACC school, I really don't like the negative attention he has brought to FSU. It was nothing but a THRILL watching Nick Saban and Alabama lose to Ohio State's 3rd string quarterback...and how impressive is that freaking team??? It's hard to imagine another team in the nation that could lose not one, but two QBs and experience very little drop off in production. I do feel like the Oregon Ducks are going to win it all, though. That is the fastest offense I have ever seen; there were times I felt like I was watching the game on fast forward. The National Championship game next week is going to be one for the ages! On one hand, I can't wait, but on the other, I'll be bummed because the off-season will officially begin. 

Can't let this post end without a shout-out to my Clemson Tigers. I am ashamed to say that I had chalked the Russell Athletic Bowl against Oklahoma up to a loss before we ever took the field. Leave it to my boys in orange to remind me that you never count a Tiger team out...EVER! I won't make that mistake again! Congratulations to all of our seniors, who are leaving as the winningest class in school history. Special shout-out to Cole Stoudt, who handled a roller coaster of a season with dignity and class, and ended the season in true hero fashion...so happy for that guy! I'm expecting really good things in the future...ever loyal to dear old Clemson. GO TIGERS!

Finally, my older son's new favorite pastime is to ask Siri on his phone who won a certain game, just to see which verb she chooses to describe the beatdown. Here is our favorite from the bowl game: 

Cheers! 

Happy New Year!

Tonight's Wine: None. Abstaining due to the delicious wine I (over)sampled at last night's NYE party ;)

Welcome, 2015! It's nice to put another year behind us. This year was an especially up-and-down one. We had some fantastic highs (two trips to Disney World, new job for the husband, lots of time with friends and family), but we also had some pretty crappy lows (my mother's cancer treatments, losing my last grandparent, the death of my 10-year-old's courageous friend who had been fighting cancer for years). It always feels like the year ends right about when it is supposed to...just when I am most craving a new start and making changes. Trying to put these into practice this year:

1) Run 12 races in 12 months. I really let my running slide this year, and I am NOT my best self when I am not committed to it. First 5K of the year is next Saturday...I won't be breaking any land speed records, but I am going to finish!

2) Get in exercise at LEAST four days a week. Thinking of CrossFit, but terrified to try it. I'm klutzy and not too coordinated. It could be a disaster. But hey, a new year is a good time to step out of my comfort zone.

3) Be more present with my boys. Family dinners are going to be mandatory four nights a week, whether the husband is traveling or not. I'm ready to start cooking good food for my family again, and I'm ready to put my kids back where they belong...at the forefront of my life.

4) Be more chill about aging. Yes, the big 4-0 is only a few weeks away now, and I am dreading it. Severely. However, I have been given a major karmic kick in the ass by watching a precious child never have the chance to reach 10, let alone 40. Who am I to do anything other than celebrate every damn day I am given??? Nobody, that's who. Bring forty on.

5) Limit wine to weekends. Oof. This one is going to be the hardest. Also the one I am most likely to break. I'm up for the challenge, though. I think. :)

Cheers to all of you and best wishes for a magical, happy, healthy, and FABULOUS year!