(For Grandma) If I ever change careers...

There is a fun game we have discovered over the last week at our house. This is a game where you torture your family members by making them stand for hours over a sink while you pull at hairs on their head and douse them with insecticide.

And then just for fun we washe every thing we own in super hot water and then dry it at extremely high temperatures. Or toss bags of stuffed animals into the freezer.

This fun games repeats itself once every five to seven days.

Whee what fun!

Yes. We have had an infestation of lice in our house.

Within the last 24 hours everyone has gotten treated again. Some of us for the first time.

Tonight we topped off this fun game with a hair cut. Mik's hair was starting to show damage and I decided scoping through tons of hair to find nits and lice for hours was getting to be not so much fun. Shorter hair is much easier to deal with.

So here is the result of their first hair cut by their mommy!

Logan looks rather glum, but he was really excited. I like to touch his head now.

And Mikaela "Loves her new haircut!"

Not bad for an amateur, eh?

Unpretty

Well, it certainly wasn't a pretty win at Commonwealth Stadium... in fact, in some spots it was downright ugly.

As I was watching with a bunch of friends last night, we began to debate whether or not we deserved to win.

So I've decided to address that here... because truthfully this is solely a Roughrider phenomena. You don't see Eskie fans wringing their hands in worry... did we deserve to win the Grey Cup?

Yeah, right!

Did we deserve to win that game last night?

P-shaw! WHO THE HECK CARES?

We won, didn't we?

Winning games we don't deserve to win is something new for us as a team and as fans. It's also the hallmark sign of a championship team.

That my dear green friends is not only a sign of character, grit, heart... green voodoo magic... whatever the heck you want to call it... that is a sign that we are right now cheering for a winning team.

GASP!

Did all the oxygen just leave the province?

It isn't always going to be pretty. Believe me, Edmonton in their day won more than their fair share that they didn't deserve. Quite a few against us, I might add!

So drop this perfectionistic attitude. It doesn't have to be a well-played, executed, planned or officiated game to be a good win. It still goes in the win column. And I for one, am not sad that Edmonton can now dust off their golf clubs and head south, while the rest of us dig out our parkas and mitties for the post season. Sign me up.

Now here are some other thoughts from the game...

1. While I feel for Flemming getting his 47-yard field goal called back due to holding, I've always said if it come down to your kicker for the win, the rest of your team has stepped on you.

2. Love, love, love that TJ Stancil hit on LeFors hit in the second quarter. Pops the ball lose - right into the hands of John Chick who ran 70 yards for a TD. Bet LeFors is feeling that hit today! And John Chick is having a friggin' fantastic rookie season, no?

3. Michael Palmer... where in the world has he been? Comes out of nowhere for over 100 yards rushing last night. Sweet!

4. Marcus Crandell makes me nervous, but he certainly won some brownie points this game. He never said die. He never caved in. He stayed in the game both mentally and physically and in the end saved the day.

5. To the D for holding Edmonton on 3rd and 1, not once, but TWICE... a great big hu-ha!

6. I love DJ Flick. This guy can come up with the plays when needed and take a beating and keep on running. He is the real deal. He has certainly stepped up to the plate since the Dominguez injury.

Speaking of Matt D... word is he had knee surgery on Friday here in Toon Town. Let's all send our thoughts and prayers to him for a speedy recovery and unremarkable rehab.

One more game to go, boys! Make Toronto feel it!

YES!! WE DID IT!!

Calgary lost to Winnipeg by like... lots... I don't know... cuz it doesn't matter now...!

The Roughriders have clinched a HOME PLAYOFF GAME for the first time since 1988!

Are you screaming and jumping up and down!

I am.

It's hard to type!

WOOHOO!

Super start to the weekend.

End of an era

Some of you may have heard already that my job at the non-profit I have worked for for almost two years, has come to an end.

I have enjoyed my time there. It definitely gave me a perspective shift that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

The timing, however, couldn't have been more perfect. Even as my boss was telling me they couldn't afford to keep on the payroll, I felt a hand on my shoulder and a calm voice saying, "Be at peace. Don't panic."

Peace was all I felt.

While I was sad to leave my job there, at the same time the centre was laying me off, the radio station was putting together a job offer. It officially came through yesterday morning.

I had several criteria of what I wanted in a job and these wonderful people offered exactly that and more. I got the exact hours I was looking for. Unfortunately, I don't get a lunch break, but I work 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Having worked retail for so many years before this I am still bewildered by normal office hours. And no weekends? Evenings?

And in three months I get into their shiny benefits package.

Um... benefits? What are those? I've never worked at a place long enough to qualify for benefits before!

While I titled this blog post the end of an era, endings always signal beginnings, too!

God has carried me through a lot over these past couple of years. I am so grateful for those times when I went to him with my knees bloodied like a kid learning to ride a bike.

And how many times he bandaged those scrapes and held me til the worst of the pain passed? More times than I can count.

And how many times did he prove my trust in him is never misplaced?

Again more times than I can count.

God has given us some very valuable lessons in patience this last year. And oh how painful they are at the moment. But looking back, I can see just how precious those lessons are!

Thanks to all who pray for us and read my blog. My message to you today is, God is never far away. His timing is always perfect and your trust in him is never misplaced. Don't be afraid to trust him with the things most precious to you.

God bless!

The blame

I'm going on record as saying the CFL is to blame for the fracas on the field in last week's Roughrider-Ticat game.

Why? you might be asking...

I've been thinking long and hard about this... why didn't Kerry Joseph just let go of the ball when Ticat #24 started clawing for it after the play was dead. Why not just give it up? The play was done, the whistle gone, etc.

I think it's for the same reason my heart started pounding the second he hit the turf...

KJ was probably thinking the same thing I was...

If Hamilton had gotten a hold of the ball... would it have been ruled a fumble? an incomplete pass? or some kooky weird clause of some bizarre CFL statute no one's ever heard of!? He probably didn't trust the officials to make the right call any more than you or I did!

I blame the CFL for this whole debacle. The reason being they haven't been consistent in years on what exactly constitutes a fumble, a catch or an incomplete pass. And if they could call those consistently maybe KJ wouldn't have had to endure a pummelling by the Ticats on the ground fearful of giving up the ball.

Yesterday, the league fined Eric Tillman and Kent Austin $2500 each for their comments this week regarding the Hamilton melee. What did they say that was so awful and offensive?

Why they asked for clarification on why exactly three of our guys got tossed from the game!

The audacity! The nerve! How dare they!

And what crime did the boys in green commit that was so heinous it meritted an ejection?

Piling on

Piling on? It's a freaking football game!

Jones and Abul-Mechrek were doing their job and protecting their quarterback. I, for one, am proud of them. (Of course, it goes without saying their conduct AFTER getting the boot was totally not acceptable!)

I am also equally proud of Tilman and Austin for standing up for our guys! If their comments were disparaging of the CFL it's only because the officiating in this beloved Canadian pasttime has become more than just a nuisance. It's become a disgrace to a game we all love.

What's disparaging isn't the conduct of two of the CFL's classiest coach/GM, it's the conduct of a league that refuses to adequately answer the valid criticisms leveled at it.

Instead, they fine and run. Don't ask these people questions, they are above answering for their mistakes apparently.

The only question remaining in my mind is... where do I donate to the Tilman-Austin CFL fine fund? Because at the rate we're going... this won't be their last...

And that my dear little green friends is truly sad.

So here is my open letter to Mr. Black, head of officiating...

Dear Mr. Black,

Read the rule book, please.

Thank you,
A Roughrider fan

What next?!

As if injuries on the field weren't bad enough (Eddie Davis out for half the season and Matt Dominguez out for the rest of it)... and as if personal issues doggin' DJ Flick's weren't enough...

Chris Szarka, #33, nearly severed two fingers yesterday in a table saw incident. Szarka is gone for the rest of the regular season, possibly the post-season too!

ARG!

The fullback has been a class-act all around and probably one of the most likeable guys in the CFL - not to mention possibly the best fullback in the game.

So...

Now what?

Knock on wood, we still have our quarterback, but perhaps some sort of rent-a-cop should be hired to keep him safe and healthy for the remainder of the season!

And for pity sakes, boys, don't operate any power tools til AFTER the Grey Cup, k?

So stinkin' close we can smell the beer from here...

We are 10 and 5 heading into the homestretch of the regular season. Our offense is clicking and our defense is managing (even in the face of losing two... mark that... three players mid-game... more on that later...), our receivers are finding space and our quarterback is finding the receivers.

And to top it all off, we are thisstinkingclose to a home play off game for the first time since 1988.

Do you love it? Or do you LOVE it?!

KJ threw several passes today that were nothing less than a thing of beauty. Fantuz's catch in the end zone... mark that... his THIRD catch in the end zone was absolutely breathtaking.

Honestly, the outcome was never much in doubt in this game, but it was still so much fun to watch.

The rumour is, that Fantuz (a native of nearby Chatham, ON) spent close to $2000 on tickets so that 90-some of his close family and friends could see him play.

Now I'm thinking if that's what it takes to get this guy to play this good (THE best showing by a receiver all year in the entire league!), then perhaps we should take up collection and get this group of people to attend all the games! I'm in. A worthy cause to be sure...

Now, of course, I can't blog about the game without also mentioning the fracas that broke out after Kerry Joseph ran the ball for a first down.

Now it could be just me, but I'm thinking once the guy is down, the ball is dead, the whistle has been blown, it's probably not worth it to grab the ball out of the guy's hands. After all the play is dead. Done. Over. He's got the ball and a first down. You don't. Back up and try again.

But nooooo...

Some Hamilton player has to keep clawing, keep digging, roughing up KJ in the process. Bad form people. Just plain undisciplined play. Stupid really.

What followed was equally stupid.

I do have some commendations to award:

First, to Austin for actively participating in controlling his players. Kudos on ya! Unlike some other coaches in the league who say nothing while his players beat, punch, knee, the opposing team and pin them to the ground with their foot... right, Wally? ... oh sorry... I digress...

Second, to Austin for actively defending his players, once they got ejected.

Both are signs of a good coach. Telling his players to check their emotions and then taking to the refs right up the butt to make sure they understand... You do not mess with my guys when they're doing their job!

Third, to Jones and Abul-Mechrek for defending KJ. It is, after all, their job to protect the quarterback. Granted throwing punches (and a helmet!) IS NOT!

Fourth, to the official who had to do what looked like some version of the hokey-pokey to get in all those penalties... I think he forgot to turn himself around, though! And that's what it's all about!

It will be interesting to see what the CFL does in regards to fines and suspensions. Though to be honest, if our defense functioned this well without two seasoned key players then perhaps I shan't be worried. Still, I hope we have enough guys left on the offensive line to actually form a line once the league gets done with them!

However... at the risk of sounding like a petulant sibling... HAMILTON STARTED IT!

How in the world, they got out of that bar fight without giving up just as a many players I have no idea! While I feel for the officials in trying to sort out that stupid mess - it looked like they were taking notes at point! - it wouldn't hurt if they could actually toss out the RIGHT players for once, without the league having to step in after the fact to right their wrongs!

I figure if a team starts it, we'll finish it. But at the end of the day, the team that started it had better be on the losing end penalty-wise.

But at the end of the day we won. And these fine teams meet again next week - which I'm certain will be hotly contested battle.

Can't. Wait.

One more game.

One more win.

And one more step closer to hosting a playoff game in Saskatchewan.

GO GREEN!

UPDATE: Give DJ Flick a round of applause people! He drove up from PA to make it to the game. He's practiced one day a week before each of the last two games. Last week he had a career day and this week ended up in the end zone again. Perhaps Kent should switch up his schedule for the rest of the season! : )

The saddest news for Rider fans...

For all the hand-wringers out there and those prone to panic, you may want to look away... cuz the news isn't pretty.

Dominguez is out.

Out for the season.

Wait...

Hang on.

Easy does it.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Quick! Put your head between your knees and breathe.

Whoa... Did I lose you there?

Tap the screen three times if you're all right!

Ok. So the loss of our number one go-to man is a bad thing.

A very bad thing.

Let's give kudos to Dominguez shall we... the guy was leading the league in yards when he was felled against Winnipeg. And for the third time in his career he faces a season-ending knee injury.

He'll have surgery and probably seven to nine months of rehab. And he's done this all before.

And through it all, all he wanted to do was play football for the green and white.

But it was not to be and we need to commend him for being such a consumate professional. Let us offer him our prayers for a speedy recovery and a killer season in '08.

In the meantime, the boys in green and white have something to prove.

Can they win without their number one receiver?

Ok.

I mean DJ Flick was awesome in the last game...

Wait...

His wife just gave birth to premature twins.

Wow.

Let us offer our prayers to DJ Flick and his wife, just in general, cuz when you got twins, that's a lot on your plate to begin with. DJ needs to be with his family now, so we wish him, his amazing wife and his two new additions well.

Ok. Back to football...

All is not lost. Sure our two top receivers won't be in the line up for Sunday's game. However, I think this team has proven they are not a one person train.

But we gotta get everybody on board for this one. NOt just this game. But for every game for the rest of the season. Yo Murphy, Corey Grant, they gotta get on board.

And the defense can not afford to sleep at the wheel ever, at all.

Hamilton has the worst record ever. They can play potential season spoiler here. I don't think they have a huge chance here, but they are not going down without a fight. Most of them are fighting for their next season. So don't count them.

I think it should be a good game.

Someone text me the score at church, will you!

It's about time!

I'm sure Rider Nation has been busy crunching the numbers and dreaming up senarios for the post-season ever since the delightful win at McMahon Stadium earlier today.

By the way, did anyone notice that half the stadium was wearing green? Just checkin'.

Now first off understand the win wasn't convincing, but we didn't exactly slide across the finish line either. A win is a win, right?

But this one was extra sweet for several reasons...

Eddie Davis is back. The defensive back is the backbone of the defensive line and having him out for nine games was almost painful.

He's not only back, but he brought with him that defensive magic the team possessed earlier this season. The defense not only looks like they woke up, they flipped on the switch to their brains too!

Now there were a couple of lapses. But did you see the way the team fought back from them?

A punt returner for Calgary finds a massive gap in the defense zips into the end zone, so the Stamps take a 7-6 lead.

Saskatchewan replies by marching the ball downfield 85 yards, six plays for a TD. Oh yeah baby!

Not only was ED back, but DJ Flick proved once again why I love him so much. Seriously, when you need a big play, toss the ball to DJ. He'll come through. In a big, big way. How many of the points on the board today wouldn't have happened if DJ hadn't been... on the ball? Literally.

So once again, the poise, that never-surrender-not-going-down-without-a-drag-'em-down-kick-yer-ass-fight attitude, that's what's winning football games.

Another thing that made this win so sweet is because it was against Calgary. A couple of games back, the Riders came absolutely unglued against the Stamps, so revenge is sweet. Or at least more palatable than another heart-wrenching defeat.

Now let me interrupt this little love-fest by once again, calling on the officials to take their whistles out of their butts and start calling some penalties. Since when is it ok to take a swing at a punter? Anyone? The Peders are lucky their boy didn't get tossed from the game for taking a swing at Jamie Boreham after Jamie kicked the ball. Like really... he didn't even have the ball anymore... Did he make a pass at your girlfriend after recess or what? Grow up!

Meanwhile, I'm seriously thinking the CFL referees should consider holding a one day seminar in Officiating 101.

But back to the sweetness... the most exciting reason we can all digest our Thanksgiving turkey a little easier this year, is because of Remembrance Day.

Say what?!

That's right. Remembrance Day. Mark this day on your calendar kiddies, cuz it's the day that play off football will return to this fine province.

Do you even remember what November football is like?

Perhaps we all forgot that it's possible to play past October. Let me sum this up for you...

We have five points on Calgary. Unless the wheels come off in the next few games for the green and white AND Calgary, somehow manages to find their butt with both hands, we can be assured that second place is ours.

Now... here's a senario that'll be keeping season ticket holders up at night... what if B.C. manages to lose their turnips? What if we not only play well enough to keep Calgary and Edmonton at bay, but also catch B.C. for first place in the West?

Do you know what that could mean?!

The Western final could be played on Saskatchewan turf!

It's the stuff of daydreams, people!

But let's get back to reality. I don't think it's delusional to start warming up the stands for a November 11 show down with the Esks or Stamps. (Warm them up now, cuz they gonna be cold by then...)

A home playoff game.

It's like Santa and the Easter bunny all wrapped up into one! And they don't even list it in the Wishbook!

Grateful Top Ten

I am grateful for so many things this year, but I thought I would share my top ten list: (in no particular order!)

1. I am grateful that I have a beautiful house to live in. It keeps me and my family warm and safe.

2. I am grateful I am married to one of the sweetest, most hard working, lovable, caring guys in the world. Just when I need a shoulder to cry on, he's right there. Just when I need a kick in the butt, he lends a boot, and just went I need to crank it, he turns up Def Leppard! : )

3. I am grateful for a little piece of the wild side that came to live with us last week. Mittens has given us hours of fun and laughter as she playfully attacks everything that moves... and a few things that don't. It's fun to watch a partially wild animal discover their new surroundings. Last night, for instance, she learned she can not stand on top of the table lamp. It fell over and the ensuing crash scared her, but not bad enough to keep her from exploring other new domains...!

4. I am grateful for the three writing opps I had this week. They were fun and though I am a little bleary eyed still, I made it through. I even managed to curb my most serious whining! I am also grateful for the extra money these types of opps generate.

5. I am grateful I got to party at Credit Union Centre with several thousand other people with two major bands from the 80's. Oh the memories!

6. I am grateful my son got to spend the night at his friend's house. He was so jazzed about it. It is so cool to see the things that make our kids light up!

7. I am grateful that God continues to provide for Richard and I to meet our financial needs. Getting this house was a huge undertaking. We knew it was going to be a rough go, but God has proven faithful each step of the way. He's provided on call times and overtime for Richard and a new job for me. I am grateful that we can lean on Him when we come to the end of our rope and that no matter how often I think *I* have it all figured out, He ultimately knows what's best.

8. I am grateful that through pure coincidence (and there are no such things as coincidences, right?) I ran into a very good friend of mine. She disappears once in a while and I had a heck of a time trying to track her down this last time. I prayed for her, thinking that perhaps this time I wouldn't be able to catch up with her. When I saw her crossing the street near Broadway on Tuesday, Richard pulled over immediately so I could race to her and give her the biggest hug. God is so good.

9. I am grateful for the amazing new job God has provided me with. I am grateful that I was brave enough to take a chance and try something new. I've discovered that I like it and seem to have a knack for it. It requires a combination of creativity and technical no-how that I love. As well as an eye for details and organization. I really love it. And I'm so thankful that the kind people at Magic 98.3/CJWW/Hot 93 were willing to give me a chance.

10. I am grateful that I get to go to my mom's for the weekend for turkey and stuffing and lots of family. I am grateful that while there I will get to recharge my batteries after my very busy week. I am also grateful that while my hubby is stuck at home working, there are friends who have so graciously adopted him for the weekend and offered to feed him turkey and stuffing too! We are indeed blessed beyond measure.

New addition

Everyone, this is the newest member of the Smith family...

Her name is Mittens. She is eight weeks old and she was rescued along with her momma and four brothers and sisters from living on the street.


She is ours for keeps. The kids have begged us for a pet for so long it took us forever to convince them that we were serious. We really could take the kitty home. For keeps.


As we drove away from picking her up, Mikaela asked, "So how many days is the kitty staying at our house?"


Tee hee.


It was fun to surprise them with this. And she's pretty cute too!