Holy Moly...this is REAL LIFE!!

We are going!

Last week, I wrote about our trip to the AFC Championship game versus those dreaded Patriots.  This week, I'm actually writing about the end of Groundhog's Day and road to New Orleans.  How sweet it is?!?!?!  This is real life!



Sunday January 20, 2013 about 10:00 pm
HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY

After winning on Sunday (and kicking some serious ass, I'll add) it took a few days for the reality to actually sink in.  I woke up on Monday morning, still smiling, but having to pinch myself a bit.  I had to repeat the words in my head, "We are going to the Super Bowl". For my 9 seasons, this has been the goal.  And, it's actually happening. We are going.

For the next few posts, I'll try to keep those who are interested updated with stuff that is going on around here and throughout our journey to NOLA.

First and foremost, I will say that I am truly blessed and humbled to be part of this journey. As I mentioned, this trip has always been the goal. Our mission is to win.  And, we want to win a Championship and bring the Lombardi Trophy home to Baltimore.  But to actually be a part of it, is beyond words. It's a fantastic experience and one I am not taking for granted.

Second and, this is really not second, but for the sake of writing it comes second, the Baltimore Ravens are everything most people think they are.  Winners who are generous beyond anything anyone could or would expect.  The benefits afforded to the staff associated with this team are numerous, abundent and frankly, fan-freaking-tastic. It's truly mind-blowing when I sit back and think about all they are doing for us. Thank you to anyone and everyone who has a hand in making this happen.  It's beyond phenomenal.

For us as employees, it's been the busiest time EVER and the best time ever.  We already knew we have a great team of people (players, coaches, and staff) but now, more than ever, they are proving it.  Most people already work long hours and spend a lot of time away from their families.  It's worse now...working 12 - 15 hour days (at least) to meet the demands of the media, gameplan for the actual game, and/or plan for a great experience for emplyees, families and friends in New Orleans. Employees are bending over backwards to ensure our players and coaches have nothing to worrry about in NOLA.  They are fierce, determined, organized and badass.

The actual trip begins for most  employoees on Monday when the team leaves. The team will focus on normal team things  (see also: winning the game) while others will be finishing the preparations, putting the last touches on events and executing details for the arrival of friends and families. 

3 or 4 chartered planes filled to capacity with family and friends covered in purple and filled with passion, will depart from Baltimore on Thursday to begin the festive weekend of celebrating and winning. Everyone going will be beyond excited, connected to the team in their own special way and they will be ready to have some of the best times of their lives. 

It already has been one of the best times of my life. A friend texted me tonight and asked how things were going. Obvi, I told him they are going fantastic...just being on this ride is fantastic.  That's not to say there haven't been issues or problems.  But it is to say that there is no other thing we'd rather be doing this time of the year. We all want this BAD. 

My "Friend Fo Life" also said to enjoy every minute. And, that is exactly what I am doing. That is what we are all doing...employees, players, coaches, families, friends and fans.  Yesterday we had a King Cake in the Cafe. Ed Reed was smiling and standing next to the cake when I walked over to check it out. He told me to have a piece and to be sure to look for the baby. (See: King Cake)  He was exuding joy. I could feel the happiness radiating out of him.  As if I couldn't already tell, I asked him if he was excited...he smiled even bigger and said, "Yes, I'm so excited. I'm so excited for all of us!"  My dear readers, we are united together experiencing joy in this great and amazing journey and loving every minute of it. I still can't stop smiling.



King Cake - Delicious and totaly worth the calories.

2013 so far, so great!

Signing off now...gotta get to sleep (I wrote this last night btw) and find a few minutes to shop for a new party dress.

xo~

We are here, again.

Here we go friends!! Here we go!! Playing the AFC Championship game in New England versus the dreaded Tom Brady and company. 

Remember my Groundhogs Day post? It's happened, again.

Remember my Rewind Button post?  This game was not listed as a day I wanted to relive.

Remember my Back from Vacation Baby post? Baby Kitty and I played football everyday on summer vacation and each time, Brady was either picked off by Ed Reed or Ray Rice busted one up the middle and took the ball to the house. 

Clearly there are some strange and/or coincidental things going on with this game. It's been with us for a year.  It's here again.  It never really went away.  Playing in this game again has been the goal. The excitement, stress, nervousness, anticipation and fun is building. The trill of competition is neck deep!!!

It's turned into a rivalry and we can only hope that we will come out on the winning end this year. 

We are ready. We are excited. We are passionate. We are following our superstitions. (Hey, they are only weird if they don't work.)  We are wearing purple. We are wearing purple sparkles. We are painting the town purple.  We are caravaning.  We are gathering. We are buzzing and talking about our team.  We have our game watching plans set.  We are planning ahead. We have pits in our stomachs and smiles on our faces. We are ready. And we want it. We really really want it.

Sunday January 20th, 6:30pm is coming and not quite quick enough for some, I might add. It will be a great game.  It has all the makings of a game to be forever remembered and discussed.  And, no matter what happens, it's been one heck of a nearly indescribable ride, for all of us. 

Enjoy it and embrace the goodness that comes with it.  It's not like this for most teams or most cities. Be thankful, be grateful and have fun with it!

And,

"Listen to what people say you can't do, then go out and do it."  Ray Lewis.

9 point underdogs....kinda seems like they are saying we can't do it.

Let's roll boys! You've got this!

xo~

13

It's 2013, so why not have 13 things on my 2013 "To Do" list?  I don't really believe in resolutions but rather goals and/or things to do in the New Year.  Since 13 is a great number and a year that has lots of promise, I can see no reason why not to have 13 things to do. So let's go...we are already 10 days in.

To Do in 2013

1.  Keep my car clean!!  As in on the inside and the outside. Keep Six spit-shined, more polished and way less cluttered and grimy.   Lofty goal, I realize. But I'm dreaming big here.

2.  

By May 17, 2013 - Yes, another lofty one, I realize.

 

3.  Get out and meet new and different people! Participate in networking events, training events or charitable events.  I'm going to ask questions and learn from those who are successful, happy and focused.

4.  Travel, travel and more travel!  I love it...it makes me happy and it's so good to do.  One trip is booked, California...here I come.  Vegas is almost booked and our annual trip to the Caribbean is being booked in the next 2 weeks.  Oh and let's not forget about our great away games next year. Chicago, I'll be there. Chicago friends, please expect me.  Miami, duh, it's always a great time.

5. Run a 1/2 marathon.  Booked. Training starts February 27, 2013.

6.  Practice (at least) 13 Random Acts of Kindness.  It's marked on my calendar each month.  They don't have to be huge or splashy...they just must be random and consistent...how do you like that, constantly random?  I'll document them for the year and let know what they were and how they went...you should do the same.  There can never be enough kindness.

7.  Join a philanthropic group.  I've been researching a few groups that interest me.  I'm not sure which one I will choose, but I will keep you posted. I'll take your suggestions too. If there is a cause you feel passionate about, let me know.  I feel my best when I am doing something for others.  So this one, while it may seem kind, is pretty self-serving.  I really like helping.

8.  Secure my housing situation for 2 years.  Most of you know I own a house in beautiful Owings Mills.  I'm living downtown, where I must stay living.  So in 2013, I'd like to secure my living situation for another 2 years. Moving is not an option.

9.  The reality is the time has come for me to make a decision about starting a family.  Obvi, that decision would be easier, given a certain someone to do it with.  But, that aside, single mamas do it all the time.  If you want something bad enough, you will have it.  No matter what.  I need to make that decision this year.

10.  I got some advice back in November that I should not wait so long to make decisions.  See also: Number 9.  He told me to listen to my heart and follow it even if it's hard.  I'm going to listen to that advice, because I know he was right.  I can look back at several situations and see where I knew the answer, but I waited to make a decision out of comfort or hope or desire, rather than it being the right decision for me.  In 2013, I'm going to improve my timely decision making and listen to my heart.

11.  Read more and continue to write.  I've slacked off on my reading as of late. I'm going to read at least 13 books this year. And, I will continue to try and be consistent with writing.  This blog is really for me (another selfish thing I do) and I don't want to write for the sake of writing. But I do want to use it to keep myself accountable, express my thoughts, be vulnerable, learn, grow and laugh.  By consistently writing, I'll stay on track.

12.  Be healthier.  Last year, I made a goal to recommit to fitness. I was so-so in reaching that goal.  This year, I have the same goal and will strive to do better.  See also Number 2...I'm not getting those buns and those abs eating crap food.  So, mostly, I will eat cleaner and drink more water.  I'm thinking of doing a juice cleanse.  Oi vey!  But, if I do, no worries, I'll report all the juicy details. 

13.  Be an overall better friend and better person.  Don't get me wrong, I'm OK. But I could be better. I tend to be selfish (see above) and I get busy with my own needs and desires.  I see others who are way busier than me doing so much more. They take meals to friends, they volunteer, they raise children, they coach soccer teams, they lead Brownie troops, they compete in athletic events or play social sports, they do charitable things, and they make life beautiful.  I'm going to go into more situations with the mindset of how can I help others or contribute to this....rather than the mindset of what's in it for me.

In 2013, I'm going to practice what I preach and love out loud, be brave, take chances, have fun and follow my heart and dreams.  I'm not giving up on anything I want and I hope to do somethings that will inspire others to keep going, have faith, keep hope alive, do just a little more and give back.  I will look to others with kindness and heart and I will be open minded, trusting and motivated.  I've committed to these things both to myself and now to you...whoever reads this entry. There is no turning back. My cards are on the table.

2013 is going to be a great year.  I feel it and I know it.  I'm going to start living it...time now.

I think this captures my 13 things and more...so perhaps I should have just posted this.
Thank you to the amazing person who sent this to me.  You know I love you! :-)

xo~

 

Changes...they are already a comin'.

It's January 2, 2013.  I'm probably not the only one who thinks time is flying by...way too quickly.  I don't feel older, but I am.  I like to think I like change, but (at least initially) I don't think I do.  I don't want to feel pressure to be more settled or to be somewhere I am not, but I do.  And, on this 2nd day of a brand new year, changes are already coming in full force with a vengeance.  Changes that will lead down new and different roads filled with new and different opportunities for happiness, contentment and success.

My little sister in our hearts/roomie packed up everything she owns and ventured out west at 5:00 am this morning. She's chasing her dreams. She's packed it all in in the hopes of making it big in the world of female cycling.  And, I believe she's going to be successful. She's brave, strong, a fierce competitor, a force on that bike of hers and she's doing it...going for it. She also got engaged to a wonderful man who loves and supports her desire to chase her dreams. They make a great team.  I'm superbly happy for them. And, I can't wait to participate in all that will be their most AMAZING celebrations of love, engagement and wedding. And I can't wait to cheer for her while she takes this journey.  We are all hoping her path goes to Rio in 2016.

Ray Lewis announced today that this is his last ride.  Ray Lewis.  His last ride.  He's moving on to the next phase of his life. For anyone not from Baltimore, you've probably heard of Ray Lewis. I mean, who hasn't? But for those of us who have not known a Baltimore Ravens team without Ray Lewis, we know this is huge news.  He's somehow impacted all of us with his dedication to his craft, his commitment to excellence, his no fear, never back down attitude, his ability to play at an elite level longer than anyone else ever has and his desire to be the best there ever was.  Wow. This will take some getting used to.  Sunday could be his last appearance in a Ravens uniform.  Talk about powerful. It's getting hot in here.

Two pretty big changes in just two days.  Wow!! Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

For me, I have plans for 2013 that I will share in another post, soon.  Until then, I will share that 2013 is going to be a rocking and amazing year.  I feel it in my bones.  Some say 13 is not a lucky number. Well me and T-Swifty couldn't disagree more.  13 is a great number.  And, 13 is going to my year.  Good things are happening in 2013...for me and for you.  I know it.  And, I couldn't be more ready!!

Bring it on 2013! Let's roll!

xo ~