I just realized that I have a lot of Christmas shopping still to do... at least 6 places to hit. At least I'm avoiding Windsor and able to stick to Leamington and Kingsville.

I've made a list, and am going to get into a positive frame of mind and happily shop shop shop.

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I'm feeling slightly depressed regarding my picking abilities (or lack thereof) this season. ARG! I've been pathetic! The fact that I again missed the Thursday night game and completely missed Vegas Insider makes me mad and frustrated! Duh! It's not like I have a whole lot else going on!

Ah well...

IND @ JAC - I picked Indy

DAL @ NO -  I picked NO, and apparently Dallas doesn't suck as much as predicted. They totally outplayed NO last night.

NE @ BUF - NE.

ARI @ DET - Picklez says: Last time I checked, DET was still terrible.  I agree! Plus I'm fairly sure that they have to start Culpepper, and he really stunk up the place against Baltimore. It didn't sell out and will be blacked out locally.

MIA @ TEN - Tough one! I'll take MIA, but wish they were at home. This will be a good game.

CLE @ KC - I've gotta take my BROWNS! I know they can do it! Let's go Brownies, let's go! Woot Woot. GO BROWNS!

HOU @ STL - I'll take Cindy Loo Screw HOU

SF @ PHI - PHI

CHI @ BAL - BALT

OAK @ DEN - Yuck, I hate Denver, but I think they'll win.

CIN @ SD - Hmmm.... tough one gall dernit! All year I've bet against Cinci (look where it's got me), and I keep thinking, 'if they win this one, then they're for real!' and still not really believing it. Hmm...I'll take Cinci.

GB @ PIT - Another tricky pick... Hmm... I think they'll have to pull together to avoid complete embarrassment. I'll take PITS.

TB @ SEA - SEA

MIN @ CAR - Hmm... another tough one! Arg! I guess I'll take MIN, but I'll be watching Survivor finale tonight.

NYG @ WAS - Wow, what a tough week! Washington has won a couple of weird games, and NYG is super inconsistent. At WASH? Hm, what the hell, I'll take Washington.

Terrible. I'm not expecting to do well this week. I have no confidence! Oh well, GO BROWNS! 

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I'm such a follower when it comes to beer fads.

I remember going to Chicago in '96, parking myself at a bar and asking for a micro-brew. It was cool then, and so was I. 

When on vacation in Ireland I drank whatever local ale they had, and indulged in Guinness a wee bit too much at the Shannon airport (4 hour delay - ugh, one can consume a lot of stout in 4 hours).

In University it was Moosehead or Rickard's Red.

A few years ago I always had limes on hand for Corona - I love citrus smell and flavor, so I copiously consumed volumes of it.

About 6 years ago I was all about cider, which isn't really a beer, but available on tap and I still love a good Strongbow once in a while.

It seems that the beer of choice golfing is Coors Light, and God knows I've drank my fair share of that, although last year in the clubhouse I'd have Rickard's Red on tap, or a can of Alexander Keith's (those who like it, like it a lot). Keith's is stupid expensive and truly a very pale ale, so I would opt occasionally (plus it wasn't always in stock) for Canadian - skipping Coors' Light for the extra percent of alcohol... 

I discovered in the states a couple of years ago the lime beers and was so happy when Bud Lime was available in Canada, (although I find Miller Chill superior) and so was everyone else. The Beer Store couldn't keep it in stock, Sutton Creek was always out, and the Liquor Store was hit or miss. It's a lazy person's Corona and easier to drink on the course, due to the lime factor.

When it comes to beer I don't discrimminate, but I really don't much care for OV which is funny as it's William's favorite (his dad drank it, I have a theory that guys drink what their fathers did).

For the last few months I've been all about wheat beer served with an orange. Whenever out it's what I always ask for first. Yesterday while grocery shopping I popped by the liquor store in Essex (it's really small comparatively) hoping to find the inferior Alexander Keith's Premium White, and I was so happy to stumble on Rickard's White. Woo hoo! I was actually considering making a run over the border and facing duty to buy a few cases of Miller Light Golden Wheat which I prefer over Keith's White, so I was happy happy happy, and although I had 3 Rickard's White last night with dinner out with the girls I can't wait to enjoy one in our own home this evening. Oh the luxury! Oh the wonderful orangey goodness.

In case you weren't keeping track here is my favorite wheat beers:

#1 - Rickard's White

#2 - Miller Light Golden Wheat

#3 - Alexander Keith's Premium White

I haven't tried Bud Light Golden Wheat, or any others so I can't put that in the lineup. I understand there a lot of Begium wheat/white beers, which I would love to try... If I come across more wheat/white beers, I will most assuredly indulge - only with an orange though! 

I have heard that consuming one glass of a wheat beer is the coloric and carbohyrate equvilant of eating an entire loaf of Wonder Bread... that doesn't sound very good for the body, but oh well! Bring on the wheat beer! Follow me!

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Last night was a little get together with some of the girls. It was a really nice night out - tis the season! I have gorgeous, wonderful brilliant friends... outta my league!

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Since reading  that book the other day about the woman who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, I am now convinced I'm losing my mind when I have a blank moment of dumbness.

Examples:

1) I was in Sears yesterday with a metric ton of presents, and I had no idea which exit to use. Seriously I stood there and had to think North or West? visualize the mall on a map of Windsor, and I almost just went out the mall because I knew I could find my car from there. Duh.

2) At the restaurant a friend and myself were talking about homemade Bailey's. Two minutes later I'm telling her about a fun shooter and I can't remember the word Bailey's! Duh.

3) I forgot to make my Thursday night football pick in all my pools. This is the first time I've missed Vegas Insider in 4 years. Duh. Damn!

4) I asked a friend what time it was, as she was heading home and I decided to go as well. When I got in the care I realized it was only 10 minutes to 10, and not 10 minutes to 11. Oh well. Duh.

So every time my brain stalls for a minute I make it worse by immediately thinking, 'I'm getting Alzheimer's!' instead of trying to think of what I need to say, or do. Duh.

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My shopping excursion went fairly well. I have only a few more things to pick up. There is a lot of gift certificates this year, I'd rather give a gift, but sometimes it just makes so much more sense... although it won't look like much under the tree.

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I think we're getting our tree sometime this week-end, and we have a party tomorrow night. Tonight is steak night, great night, date night, and it's going to be a FAB week-end!

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At the end of November I thought I had 20 more books to reach my goal of 50 books in 365 days, then I realized it was only about 10. I then started playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010, (great game btw), and became re-addicted to Brain Age for Nintendo DS... now I'm sort of scrambling to reach my goal... so no video games and no lousy TV until I am done!

The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder: A Novel

#45 The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells. With a title like this, it has to be a good book, right? Well, it was. It's a coming of age story of a Louisiana girl who deals with love, loss, then love again with a little magic and life lessons thrown in for good measure. It's an easy page turner, and I would recommend it for anyone who likes books of this genre.

#46 The Toss of a Lemon by Padma Viswanathan. This story follows the life of a strict Brahman Hindi woman and her family from her early childhood in the late 19th century until the late 1950's. It's a facinating epic, describing the day to day life of an average Brahman family. I knew very little about the caste system of India and the Hindu religion, and I was amazed to learn how religion and superstition affects every minute aspect of the day. This woman, for example, as a Brahman widow didn't allow herself to be seen in public, as it was a bad omen for others to see her. She had her head shaved every month, she couldn't

The Toss of a Lemon

touch anyone during daylight hours, couldn't be in sight of guests in her own home, and had to prepare all her own food.

As the story progresses, things once forbidden by Hindi culture become commonplace. The world outside India and within is changing rapidly and new standards of livings are met with question, then acceptance, while the widow doesn't evolve from her religious beliefs. She battles with her modern son from the time he is young, and is devastated by his behavior.

It's a rather long book, and it touches on political issues of the time as well as religious and all aspects of a Brahman life. If you enjoy books about other cultures, this one may interest you.

Still Alice

#47 Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Over the years I have read books that make me cry - Tuesdays with Morrie, Marley and Me, but this is by far the saddest book I have ever read. It is the story of a woman who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's at the age of 50. She is active and intelligent, and is devastated by this diagnoses. It's incredibly sad, as it's so real - thousands live with this disease and could happen to you or me. Her family struggles, she struggles, but the world moves on. It's a quick read, (an afternoon), interesting, and well, incredibly sad.  

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Because I have no skills! Arg! Worst week ever! That's all I have to say about that!

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This next picture is dedicated to Grouchy Old Man... I thought of you (for some reason!) when I saw this picture my email this morning... I think your cat would like the picture as well...

Blue bird of happiness

So Kiks and Jim's party was really good. Their newly configured basement worked perfectly for the get together. Everyone really seemed to enjoyed themselves... and it was a great time... but even at Christmas, with all the good feelings and appreciation for health, family and friends: some people continue to be selfish, ignorant, hurtful and suck in general.

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William's work party at Beachgrove was a good time as well. I would like to share some advice for those people attending a work party:

- Do not get visibly hammered at the work party... especially when you are 'the new guy', having only worked there for a few months.

- Don't let your spouse become visibly hammered at the work party.

- Rockin' it on the sparsely populated dance floor at a conservative venue is not recommended. Neither is getting jiggy with it.  

- Don't let your spouse go into the bathroom alone if you suspect the possibility of her passing out without the benefit of undergarments.

- Damage control in said situation may include preventing the boss' son from discovering the indiscretions mentioned above.

- Don't sit outside main entryway, smoking darts, languishing in your drunkenness, awaiting a taxi.

Reasonable advice, no? I'm awaiting William's phone call informing me of related shop talk from this morning! 

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I really need to focus and get organized for Christmas. We have only one decoration up in our house up and no tree yet. I have purchased only 4 gifts. I have completed all the Christmas cards (they will be others I have forgotten, and will remember over the next week - so wisely I have not packed away the Christmas card work area. There is booze we need to purchase for our Christmas Eve day festivities, and for gifts as well. There are food items I need to buy for the dinner at our house (for 20 people) on December 27th... I have 2 get togethers during this week and 1 one the week-end. There is a lot going on and I'm not feeling on top of things! I love the Christmas season, but I'm feeling distracted and am not quite into it yet....

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I have 6 more books to read by the end of the year to reach my goal of reading 50 books in a year. I missed recording a few in the 30's and I think this has messed me up! So for now, my Nintendo DS is put away, and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 is in virtual hiatus as well as actual.

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Life is good!

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What's the worst book you've ever read?

Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie.

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Wow, the season is flying by, which means I'm only that much closer to golfing again!

Okay, the Thursday night game: after much research and analysis, I of course chose to take the BROWNS anyway. And Holy Moses they won! Wow, what a great game! It was great to see Big Ben brought down so many times on the 3rd down. That game was huge for Cleveland's confidence. And now that William has told everyone else in the world, I can tell you all, that I actually cried a little when they won. I was so happy and overcome with emotion - it was truly a great moment in my life.

This week appears to the be most difficult when making picks. So many games could go either way. Playoff wishes and draft pick dreams are all becoming a factor. A few teams may even choose to rest their best starters, as they are assuredly winning their division.

Weird, wild wacky stuff!

GB @ CHI - Except for TB, GB has had some good wins and decent losses. CHI isn't doing much of anything this year, many of their wins were squeakers and some of their losses were terrible. This one might bite me because of home field advantage, but I'm taking GB.

DEN @ IND - Indy. Wow, I realized I still really hate Denver.

BUF @ KC - Hm... I'm leaning towards the home team for that reason only. Both teams have their moments of awesomeness, and both show signs of suckdom. I'll go with KC because of home field, and all the crap that has gone on in BUF can only hurt them.

CIN @ MIN - I'll take MIN. Oh, still hate Cinci.

CAR @ NE - Yikes! Both team's QB's may be out this week... what is there to back them up? I'll take NE only because they are at home.

MIA @ JAC - Oh... hm... I really wish MIA was at home, but they're really not that far. I'll take MIA, but I could see it go either way. Oh, now I think MIA will win because William is watching Ace Ventura Pet dectective, and that is how the world works! 

DET @ BAL - Mr. Picklez says: No brainer!  Hooray!  Picklez Pick:  BAL I agree Mr. Picklez!

SEA @ HOU - I agree with the Screwston! Those guys are starting to piss me off! Seattle has screwed me over many times too... They both have the same crappy record... I'll guess I'll take HOU.

STL @ TEN - TN - I hope this is an easy pick.

WAS @ OAK - I have no idea. Not a clue. I'll take OAK.

ARI @ SF - ARI. They are gearing up.

WOW! Tough week... oh, and I want to win the Vox group. I recall all the glory from last year and I want it ALL! 

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For the past half hour, I've been pouring over Browns' and Steelers' stats, (I know, great use of time), trying to make a decision on how to make this pick.

Of course it is extremely painful to take the Steelers to beat the Brownies at home. Oh, the agony! So I've been trying to justify choosing my Browns to beat the evil Pittsburgh team. This is what I've come up with so far:

- Palamalu is out and Ward is questionable (not a pull hammie either: infectious, non-life threatening STD that I've willed them both thankyouverymuch)

- Last week's point spread was 13.5 this week is only 10 favoring the Steelers - so that's an improvement!

- Big Ben has had concussion issues of late, and actually in the last 3 games Quinn had an average passer rating higher than Mr. Roethlisberger.

BUT of course:

- The Steelers have beaten the Browns 12 straight. Quinn will be the 6th starting Brown QB facing that dismal record... but we all know he grew up a Browns fan, and this game means a lot. 12 straight games - does that mean they're due? Could William's lucky Dan Marino #13 help my Brownies pull off a major upset?!

- The Steelers have to win this game to have any playoff hopes. That's inspiration to the nth degree when coming off a SuperBowl win in 09.

- Mosley and Rogers (oh Shaun) are out, and a couple other Brownies are questionable.  

- Flat out, the offensive and defensive records between the two shows the clear and obvious dominance (and painful) of the Steelers.

You know what? I'm taking the BROWNS. I know it's stupid, but only 1 pool I play is for money.. an if by chance the Brownies win and I didn't take them, I'd never hear the end of it (a la beating the Giants last year on Monday night football). Oh and I'll be 'sitting on lucky couch!' 

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Apparently I haven't posted for 7 days... I think that's a record. A sad record.

Anyways, this past week-end (you may have noticed my banner) was our annual Cleveland trip. This year Kiks and Jim came along for the fun, and it was a crazy awesome good time. The dinner at the Chophouse was a little disappointing (not mine, mine was super great). They have awesome home brew there and I of course drank up.

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 Somehow near the end of the night we realized Kiks' bra was on the outside of her shirt. Yes, it was that kind of drunk outing... Billy made me choke down a ham sandwich which probably saved me from a severe hang-over. What a good husband!

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Kiks had never before experienced an NFL game, and Jim had never been to the Muni-lots and under the bridge, where all the die hard fans party. 

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After roaming the lots for a couple of hours (of course started drinking at 10am - Jim at 9am...)

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Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Cleveland without visiting the team store. We didn't buy anything (I was obviously already geared up!), but had fun in there nonetheless!

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we ventured over to the Blind Pig to watch the early games. We arrived at the perfect time, as it packed up fast. It was a rowdy big crowd...

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they were filming a commercial in there (we signed releases, who knows if anyone will ever see it - they'll probably use the take when I was in the bathroom), and there were, well, a whole crop of um, 'little people' (guys actually), sitting at a 'little table' giving away 'little Miller Lites'. Jim spied a 'little person' using a 'little urinal' in the men's bathroom.

Even the walk to the stadium is fun... we arrived a little later than we would have liked because of the commercial, but everyone is so pumped and ready for a good game.

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The game was really exciting (although a loss) and our seats were awesome. Looking back I was so annoying that the couple next to me moved 2 seats away. It may have something to do with nacho cheese sauce... Oh well! 

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After the game we partied back at the hotel - that's when I decided to wrestle everyone and dance like in an Old Navy commercial. I have suspicious bruising and a very sore left leg, 'How cute are these boots'. I'm very grateful that there isn't any photographic evidence of my bad behavior! I could hardly walk yesterday, and didn't feel like a three hour car ride home... but I survived.

For me, every second of the week-end (okay, not the car ride home so much) was awesome. Going on a nice long cruise is so relaxing, and camping is always fun, but in Cleveland we really tear it up! I love that city! More picks tomorrow on FB.    

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