Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Wooing the TRUE Female Sports Fan

So you want to woo a female sports fan?  Good for you!  Let me be clear about a couple of things.. I'm not referring to the Daphnes that want to trot around in their Victoria's Secret NFL gear and claim to be a true fan of their team but can't tell you a single member of the roster besides the big names.  These "fans" aren't hard to flatter, nor are they hard to secure in most cases.  I'm referring to women like myself.  Hard core female sports fans are a much more rare breed than most and are a challenge on a lot of levels for a lot of men to not only woo but also to keep.  So let's explore a little about them before we move on.

True FSF (female sports fans) are relatively easy to spot in certain conditions.  At the Superbowl parties, you're gonna mostly find them sitting with them men...and they're the ones that are engrossed in the game, not the ads.  They're the ones that are talking smack on commercials but not saying a word besides yelling at the screen when the game is on.  They are not chatting over the latest fashions and they don't say the words "Oh that's so cute, where did you get it?" over a face tattoo.  Not Superbowl time?  You can still find their rare breed.  You can find us in a sports bar.  While everyone else is talking, you'll find these women completely engrossed in and distracted by the TVs with sporting events on.  You'll frequently hear "Huh?" come from their table as the other patron tries to have conversation with a woman who is so clearly sucked into a hockey game that it's almost ridiculous.  You can spot them starting a conversation about your team and listening as they tell you exactly why your team sucks, how your team sucks and the stats with WHICH your team sucks.  They are avid ESPN watchers/readers and can sing the theme from Sports Center better than the theme from "Grey's Anatomy" (which I'm not even sure of having a theme song being as I have never watched an episode).  True Hard-Core FSF's like myself have respect for the sport and, once their team is out, they'll root for the team that is the most deserving....gritting their teeth the whole way but understanding that the game demands a certain level of respect.  THESE are the sports fans you're trying to get....still interested?  Let's move on....

The Approach This one is not as complicated as you may think.  Most true hardcore FSF's are easy enough to strike up conversation with..."Can you believe that call!?! Penalty my ass!"  What I will say is that you need to be prepared.  If you have observed the "creature" in its natural habitat, you've seen exactly how powerful it truly is.  It is NOT wise for you to start into this lightly because she's likely to come back in a way that seems almost too masculine for most.  I have a tendency to launch into full on commentator mode and that can be very intimidating for some.  If you cannot handle the FSF's full being, you shouldn't ever approach them to begin with.

The Date Congratulations, you've secured her.  Now comes the hard part.  While a sporting event is ALWAYS a winner, you need to be prepared because she's likely to be loud and obnoxious.  She won't scream at other fans, necessarily, but she will likely scream at player, refs and so on.  She will be the one making you do "the wave" or sing whatever random song your stadium plays.  You need to be prepared to be "all in" at these events or, at the very least, to watch her.  You need to be prepared that there may not be much conversation that takes place to get to know her during the game.  It's probably gonna be wise to make sure you have a meal planned before or after.  Also, be prepared...most FSF's enjoy a beer or two.  We are not martini drinkers and we're not into the fruity drinks....give us a cold Coors Light and we're happy.
It doesn't have to be a live sporting event.  Sports bars or other venues as such are also great.  Again, be prepared for them to yell at the screen, quote random stats, Be prepared for them to not show much interest in conversation until there's a commercial.  This is the price you pay for engaging a FSF in a sporting event.
Perhaps something a little different is in order.  Not all FSF's are the same on this one.  Most of us enjoy adventure, outdoorsy things, and experiencing life as opposed to just sitting at home.  Me personally?  I could take a walk around 16th Street Mall and some Mellow Mushroom pizza and beer any day of the week.  I could take a hike or a walk through a museum.  The point is that you can entertain a FSF however as long as you're prepared for random off-topic sports conversation if the topic comes up.  We're on 24/7 and it's an unfortunate side effect....which is not always fun or acceptable.

The Best Things You Can Do for Her The very best things you can do for a FSF is to let her be herself.  Let her truly enjoy what she loves and encourage it.  If you're not ready for that, don't even pursue her to begin with.  Fix her some fried food and let her watch football during football season.  Take her out on a date to watch a game.  Buy her a jersey just because.  Treat her life a queen because as masculine as their interest is, their heart is still a woman.

The Worst Things to Do  Don't even bother trying to get with her if you can't handle her.  She's bound to be strong-willed and opinionated.  If you can't handle it, don't even bother trying to get her.  Do NOT act embarrassed by her because FSF's have a tendency to be strong and independent and she WILL kick you to the curb.  Do NOT ignore her because she's got other interests and you'll soon become a thing of the past.

In short, it's a rare man that can handle a hard-core FSF and, for most, it's better to not approach them head on if you can't handle it.  If you CAN handle it, remember that she's still a woman underneath that tough exterior and once you get her, continue to woo her and you'll never lose her :)

The Playoffs As It Stands

I've been slacking on updating on my opinions on the playoffs because of personal issues in my life.  Here's the tall and short of it:
My bracket was ruined when the Avs lost to the Wild.  The Wild do not stand a chance against the Blackhawks...period.  The Avs slogan was "Why Not Us?"  The answer?  Sports karma, unfortunately.  The Avs are my runner up team and I support them any time they are not playing my own team.  With that being said, they loathe my team and the Avs fans were ha-ha-ha-ing loudly over the Redwings being out in the first round....and then they went out in the first round too.  No, seriously, I believe it's because they thought they were a shoe in.  They underestimated their enemy and their enemy played hard and played til the finish.  The Avs had the opportunity to maintain tremendous leads multiple times throughout the series an blew it.  "Why Not Us"...it will happen.  Maybe next year....if you manage to get past my Wings ;)
So Chicago leads Minnesota 2-0.  This is not a big shocker.  I loathe Chicago but they are an incredible team and a definitely contender for the cup.  Like I said, the Wild don't stand a chance.  Crawford alone will keep them from standing a chance.  If you can't get anything in, you can't win a game.
Kings vs Ducks, again, not a big shocker in my eyes.  A 2-0 lead is exactly what I would have predicted at this point.  Again, hate the Kings but they are a great team this year.  The Ducks play hard and there's always a chance for a come from behind win but the likelihood is small.
Boston and Montreal tied 1-1...hmmmm I am of two minds here.  In the end, I think Boston will pull it off, but it won't be without a battle.  While I think Boston WILL pull it off, I WANT Montreal to.  I'd like to see Boston knocked down a peg or two in their cockiness.
And finally...
The Pittsburgh vs Rangers series.  All I'm gonna say here is don't rule the Rangers out.  They have pulled off a come-from-behind more than once.  While I think Pittsburgh may end up eeking it out, this is the series I'm most uncertain on.  The Rangers want it BAD!
With all of that being said, who needs a day to some play off games.  I'm loud and obnoxious but I'll root for your team! Hahahaha! Can't wait to see how this plays out! #becauseit'stheplayoffs

Monday, May 5, 2014

Serenity and a Hodge Podge of other stuff

Serenity.  It's a funny thing. It's defined as "the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled"  In fact, there's even a prayer called the Serenity prayer...."God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things that I can and wisdom to know the difference."  We're told to say that prayer when we're feeling stressed or upset.  We're told that it'll help us feel serenity.  To some, maybe it does.  To me, in moments of stress, it helps me in a different way.  It helps me to accept the inevitable.  It helps me to get past my  optimism for a few minutes and realize that there is not always a silver lining. 

In other news....

I am TOASTY SUNBURNT.  Yes, I decided to suntan to enjoy the beautiful weather yesterday.  I was careful to apply sunscreen and THEN tanning oil.  Unfortunately, I missed some sensitive areas including underestimating the size of my badonkadonk and the bottom part of my butt is BURNT!!!  I did the vinegar thing to take the sting out because I'd rather smell like a jar of Claussen pickles and be comfortable than hurt like hell for the sake of smelling nice.  Thankfully the sunburn is VERY spotty (I'm thinking some of the spots just sweated off...like the backs of my knees) and I'm hoping if I moisturize it enough, I can avoid incredibly terrible peeling.  That remains to be seen though.

My little man is doing better.  He's not healed up completely but he's improving his condition some.  His lip swelling has gone down so he can eat a bit better.  His wrist is still sore but not bad.  He's doing quite a bit better.  Dentist comes tomorrow so we can find out the verdict on the teeth.

and....

I'm craving Dunkin Donuts coffee.  I think I'd rip off someone's arms and beat them with them to get a coconut coffee with cream and sugar.  Add an everything bagel with veggie cream cheese and I'd be yours forever. LOL

Have a Happy Monday!

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Second Chances

Once in awhile, there is an opportunity for a second chance...or a third chance....or even a first chance where you were too afraid to take it before.  Regardless of circumstance or numerical stance, there is an opportunity to make things right.  Maybe it's standing up for someone where you didn't before.  Maybe it's choosing to forgive and forget.  Maybe it's focusing your attention on the things that are important and not on anything or anyone else.  What's important is that there is that chance.  Both sides have to work when this occurs so here is my advice....

If you say that you're forgiving, TRULY forgive Don't patronize someone by saying that you'll forgive them and then turn around and throw things in their face.  Forgiveness is about letting go of the hurt that you're feeling and releasing it into the universe.  God sees your efforts and He will reward that in the future.  Forgiveness is not just a word, it is a choice...an active decision you must make.

If you're asking for forgiveness, be prepared to make the necessary changes.  Don't assume that you can just slide back into the same place and continue your behavior.  You need to look at what you're doing wrong and focus on how to change it.  You need to focus on how you're going to improve the situation.  It's not the other person's responsibility.  It's yours. 

Don't ask what you can do to improve things if you aren't willing to hear the answer People in these situations are usually stressed and the more time they have to stew things over, the more clear their answer will be.  If you don't honestly want to know what you can do to fix the situation, DON'T ask.  You will just aggravate things.  It's better to not know if someone will change or not than to have them ask and say, "Nah, I'm not interested."

Remember that PEOPLE don't change, HABITS do You can't change who you are and no one can change who they are at their core.  What you CAN change is your habits.  You can make a conscious choice to not do certain things.  It's not going to be easy...that's why they're called HABITS.  The fact is that if someone or something is worth it, you'll make it happen.

Make every day about the positive Instead of focusing on what you have to change or what you expect someone to change, focus on the positive.  Start each day with the mantra that you'll do whatever it takes.  Focus your time and energy on that mantra, repeating it as often as necessary to help you through the day.  Soon, it will become a part of you and you'll no longer need to focus your attention on reminding yourself.

and finally.....

Practice empathy On EITHER side of this situation, this is important.  If someone is trying to change a habit to accommodate you, it is your responsibility to practice patience and encouragement.  If you are trying to change a habit, it is your responsibility to understand that the other person will always have it in the back of their mind that you MIGHT fail but that THEY are trying to be there for you.

People CAN change their habits and there is always room for another chance but it is hard work and for some, it's not worth the time or effort.  Make the choice and go for it...whatever it is.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Open Letter to Judgmental Doctors

I want to preface this post by saying that I am NOT against the medical profession.  I think that the medical field has an amazing ability to provide preventative care, care for in emergency and a million other wonderful things.  I also believe that not all medical professionals are created equal.  Not all doctors are the same, act the same, and so on.  I am incredibly thankful for doctors, nurses, etc

With all of that being said, I have a real problem with a select group of doctors.  It's not specific to specialty but more to behavior and bedside manner.  While I COMPLETELY understand that doctors go through a decade or more of schooling and see an incredible amount of terrible things, I am speaking to the doctors who talk down to people.  I am speaking of the doctors that act like you're an idiot.  This is my open letter to THOSE doctors.....

Dear Doctor,

First of all, let me say that I appreciate you.  You went through years of schooling to do a very noble job.  I know you work incredibly long hours and you see so much good and bad.  I know that you have a very trying job physically and emotionally and that you often take your work home with you emotionally.  I appreciate everything that you do, so thank you.

With all of that being said, let me tell you this....I am a mother.  I may not have gone through schooling for it because their lives are my schooling.  My job is very trying physically and emotionally as well and I don't go home at the end of my night and get a break.  It is 24/7/365...and I would not change it for the world.  My children are my life.

I want you to remember that the next time that you speak down to me.  Before you start to judge me, remember that I know my child better than anyone.  Remember that all of your "studies" change their minds about what is safe or best for children and adults.  What's considered best today is considered deadly tomorrow.  Evidence?  Sleeping habits for babies....tummies, no backs, no sides, no backs...crib bumpers are best, no crib bumpers at all....blankets, sleep sacks....everything changes.

I am not an idiot.  Not only have I gone through courses in medical training myself but I also have a degree that took countless medical terminology classes.  Just because I choose not to use my degree does not mean that I am somehow less educated in what you are speaking of.  The fact is that it shouldn't matter if I do or not.  You don't have to speak to me like an idiot.

On top of that, I don't need your judgments on how I parent.  No I do not choose to do unnecessary vaccinations.  No I do not choose to think that I need to bathe them in Purel.  I do believe that their bodies should be allowed to fight things off on their own.  My choices as a parent don't make me anything but a parent who makes those choices.  I'm not better or worse...I'm a parent and those are my choices.  I have amazing, thriving children and I am making good choices for MY children.

Accidents happen.  There are kids every day that fall off bikes or fall out of trees or fall down a set of stairs or hit their heads wrestling or a million other things.   I can't wrap my children in bubble wrap.  Accidents terrify me, too but that's why they're called what they're called...it's an accident.  Please don't make me feel like an accident that happens with a kid just being a kid is some sort of a terrible parenting choice.  It'd be different if I was letting my child ride in the back of a truck on a highway instead of sitting in a seat belt.  Kids ride bikes and fall.  Kids climb trees and get cuts or bruises or break arms.  Kids ride escalators and get fingers caught.  Things happen.  People need to stop judging.

So while you are doing your job, please remember that we parents are doing the best that we can.  If you come into a room and see a very well-adjusted, polite, happy child who got injured in the course of  being a kid, rejoice in the fact that their parents are encouraging them to play outside.  Rejoice in the fact that they're being active.  Rejoice in the fact that their parents are doing a great job.  There are children who are not so lucky.  Instead of treating the parents as if they're jerks when they are already worried about their child, try to exercise some compassion and realize that these ARE NOT the children that you need to be worrying about judging.  These are NOT the parents that you need to lecture.  Lecture the parents that are abusing or neglecting their children.

With all of this being said, thank you for taking care of my child.  I thank you not for your bedside manner but because you did your job.  I just hope that, in the future, you think before you speak.  Some parents are not as confident as I am in their abilities and you can cause some serious emotional trauma to a parent who is already worried.

Sincerely,
Me

Friday Explanation

Having missed a post yesterday, I want to apologize.  After work, I had to take one of my children to the emergency room after he face planted off his bike.  He's okay.  He's got some relatively minor injuries and a sprain but he's fine. 

Thursday, May 1, 2014

7 Things to Make Your Relationship Last

There are seven things that I believe are totally necessary in a relationship to make them work.  After several failed relationships, I am compiling a list that I can refer back to down the line.  It's essentially what both parties need and deserve, in my humble opinion. (This is written from a woman's perspective but applies to both)

1.  Honesty/Trust There is nothing more important than honesty, in my opinion, because honesty equals trust.  Trust is required for any relationship from friendship to family and so on.  If you can't trust someone, your relationship goes nowhere.  Now I'm not proposing that if her meal is not the best thing you've ever tasted, you go for the jugular.  What I AM saying is that there is a very clear line between a little white lie to protect her feelings and a big lie to protect your ass because you're acting a fool.

2.  Encouragement Encouraging each other creates an intense feeling of happiness and love in your hearts.  You'll BOTH benefit from encouragement because she will feel better about herself and therefore encourage you.  And vice versa.

3.  Time together Expecting a relationship to blossom when you won't spend the time to cultivate it is nonsense.  You can't expect something to bloom from nothing.  You  have to spend the time together.  And YES that means she does things she doesn't like for him and he does things he doesn't like for her.

4.  Time apart (aka with friends, to yourself) It's all about balance.  You still need time to yourself but you need to know that when you come home, you can come home to the love of your life.  With that being said, you need to be responsible when you're out.  That means don't do something that you know she wouldn't approve of or that would hurt her.

5.  Commitment to only have eyes for her  I'm not suggesting that you can't ever admire a pretty girl.  That IS to say that you make the commitment to tell her that she's the only one that makes you tick.  That IS to say that you commit to not looking at porn (which gives you an unrealistic idea of what women are like).  That IS to say that you commit to not gawk in public or talk about how someone is prettier.

6.  Physical Touch Hold her hand.  Give her a kiss.  Behave like you're courting her  no matter how long you've been together.

7.  Never Stop Courting Her and Falling In Love with Her Falling in love is called that because that's what it is...falling.  It stops eventually.  You need to make it your priority to keep courting her.  Keep finding out who she is and what is going on in her life.  You need to make it a priority to let her know that she is loved all the time.  It's a guarantee that if you BOTH commit to this, all the rest falls into place.

You'll not that I didn't put love on here.  That's obvious.  Love is a decision though.  These are choices you can make to make your relationship work.