For me birthdays have always been fairly anticlimactic. First day of school in the USA (1st grade) was my birthday, and I barely spoke English but luckily did understand when they sung to me in class (I think everyone in the world can sing it in English).
First day of Junior High, first day of High School, and first day of College... yep... all on my birthday. So needless to say generally my birthday was full of busy prep time buying notebooks, planning outfits or re-arranging furniture in my first apartment.
This year my birthday was my first day out of 13 days in a row that I did't have to work... so as in previous years the days leading up to my birthday have been filled with thoughts of everything besides the fact that today I become one year older.
So the moral of the story is that I am not a big birthday person. Not because I worry about getting older, or I don't like parties (ha!) but just out of habit of keeping them low key. Plus the only thing I know getting older has brought me is buying bigger bottles of Ibuprofen and IcyHot.
This year I mixed up it up a little... Its a big fun weekend here for my birthday! Novali and I watched the Fighting Irish take on South Florida (see previous post). Hermen, Erin and little Pippa stopped for a short visit. Plus the DeCourvals were here for the weekend and we are enjoying some nice family time. Not to mention that Heather took me out for an awesome steak dinner!
I extended my birthday into Tuesday and treated myself to Karting with my car club (www.sbrscca.org) at MRP Motorsports Park. It was a fun night and I did well! After two rounds of qualifying I was put into the "faster" race group. Nice! I was worried as it was only my second time karting, but I ended 9th of 14. No too shabby! Good way to end my extended birthday celebration.
Hopefully I won't be a photo slacker and get pics up soon!
9.04.2011
Epic ND Game
I had promised Novali last year that once she was ten she could go to an ND Football Game. I told her that the games are long, and we go to watch the game... not spend it taking 15 minute trips to the bathroom, wanting to walking around or leave early cause she is bored. So I said once she is ten she should have the patience for a long football game.
Well for my birthday her and I went to the Notre Dame vs University of South Florida game... it was set to be a hot day. We prepared for the heat with sun screen, shades and she wore a cap. There was potential for some rain and we figured a nice rain would help cool the game off.
We walked up to the stadium just as the AirForce Flyby happened... she said... "Man that was loud, but it was awesome!"
We got some pop and headed into the stadium! Found our seats and settled in... Go Irish!
The game started off rough... actually rough might be an understatement. Two turnovers in the red zone, fumbled punt return... the game was a complete mess for the Irish. Then the real mess started at half time... weather delay just as the band started to take the field. Then they evacuated the stadium! We stayed in the concourse area for what we hoped would be a 15 minute delay...
Two hours later, and several refills into our "All You Can Drink Souvenir Cup" we were still in the concourse. Novali was resolved to stay, she didn't want to leave, but she did want a hot pretzel. The only happy people were the concession stand staff... they were raking in the money!
We finally got in for the second half and the Irish started with a FURY! It was exciting, we were getting yards, the new QB was getting it done and Novali was finally understanding some of the rules on downs.
Then as the game was looking grim... another rain delay! She still wanted to stay, we topped off our pop and waited it out.
The Irish rewarded the faithful with a great touchdown to bring the game within 3 points with only seconds left on the clock... excitement filled the air as the onside kick looked good... but was grabbed at the last minute by a USF Bull. Game over.
We had a great time! We got two games for the price of one basically... a hot day game... and a cool night game under the lights. We broke a record for a 6 hour football game, we made some friends, and Novali got her wish of watching the Irish play. Hopefully next time we go, they win...
Well for my birthday her and I went to the Notre Dame vs University of South Florida game... it was set to be a hot day. We prepared for the heat with sun screen, shades and she wore a cap. There was potential for some rain and we figured a nice rain would help cool the game off.
We walked up to the stadium just as the AirForce Flyby happened... she said... "Man that was loud, but it was awesome!"
We got some pop and headed into the stadium! Found our seats and settled in... Go Irish!
The game started off rough... actually rough might be an understatement. Two turnovers in the red zone, fumbled punt return... the game was a complete mess for the Irish. Then the real mess started at half time... weather delay just as the band started to take the field. Then they evacuated the stadium! We stayed in the concourse area for what we hoped would be a 15 minute delay...
Two hours later, and several refills into our "All You Can Drink Souvenir Cup" we were still in the concourse. Novali was resolved to stay, she didn't want to leave, but she did want a hot pretzel. The only happy people were the concession stand staff... they were raking in the money!
We finally got in for the second half and the Irish started with a FURY! It was exciting, we were getting yards, the new QB was getting it done and Novali was finally understanding some of the rules on downs.
Then as the game was looking grim... another rain delay! She still wanted to stay, we topped off our pop and waited it out.
The Irish rewarded the faithful with a great touchdown to bring the game within 3 points with only seconds left on the clock... excitement filled the air as the onside kick looked good... but was grabbed at the last minute by a USF Bull. Game over.
We had a great time! We got two games for the price of one basically... a hot day game... and a cool night game under the lights. We broke a record for a 6 hour football game, we made some friends, and Novali got her wish of watching the Irish play. Hopefully next time we go, they win...