What a weekend...what happened!?! I'm going to watch the game replay today at 4:00 p.m. on FSN Prime Ticket to try and figure it out. Jullien's game was a close one all the way until the very end, with 3:56 left in the game, we were down 22-17. Our quarterback threw deep with a guy wide open. Not just any guy, this is our fastest guy AND he hardly ever drops passes. It was a perfect pass, right in his hands, almost in the end zone...but he dropped it! He felt so bad...it would have probably clinched the win for us. But we ended up throwing an interception on the next play. They scored another touchdown to finish the game off. Jullien played really well, but was upset because he got completely blocked by three guys on a 94 yard kick off return for a touchdown. Like I always tell him...nobody's perfect.
My stepson also lost both of his Freshman A and B games (he plays in both). The A team got KILLED! The B team did a little better but still lost. I got some good pictures but of course I was talking to my friend when Adam went up and made a great catch...missing the whole shot. He looked over and immediately yelled, "Did ya get that?" I shook my head no and yelled, "SORRY!" Needless to say I never heard the end of it all weekend, LOL!
Finishing off the weekend was Elijah's big game. Both teams were undefeated, so we knew it was going to be a battle. Right when we got there our mouths dropped, the ENTIRE team was HUGE. They did not have one small guy, and this particular team has been playing together for years. It was blazing hot (our little beach boys don't do well in the heat), not to mention our biggest guy was playing sick and one of our best running backs was out with a broken arm. This left us with only 19 players. We played good the first half but we were beat down by the second half. Elijah scored a touchdown at the very end of the game and the final score was 27-8 yikes!
We stopped on the way home at McDonald's and ate...then my stomach started cramping up. I was sitting in the car, with pains that felt like I was in labor (no, I'm not exaggerating either). We finally made it home and I spent the next two hours in the bathroom. I thought maybe I had food poisoning...but it has lasted all weekend. So I guess it's just the stomach flu. MAN, THIS WAS A ROUGH WEEKEND!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
FSN Prime Ticket - Friday Night
I wanted to let everyone know that my son's team will be on t.v. tomorrow night after the Dodger game, appx 10:30 - on FSN Prime Ticket - High School Game of the Week. It will replay on Monday Sept. 29th at 7:00 p.m. in CA, (not sure of the time in other states). I don't know how many states will be able to see it, but if you're sitting at home on a Friday night, TUNE IN!! It should be a really great game. My son is #9, and plays strong safety (defense) for Edison High School (we are Green Bay colors).
Jullien is REALLY nervous he said he doesn't want to mess up, especially on t.v. I've been trying to tell him NO ONE is perfect...and as long as he corrects himself, he will be fine! He doesn't want to hear it though...he's just a freak about it, even gets so worked up he throws up before every game!
Servite (the school we are playing) is selling programs for $10.00 and half of the profit will go to Luke Gane...very cool. http://lukegane.blogspot.com/ They will also show the interview with the Gane family. SO TUNE IN!!!
Jullien is REALLY nervous he said he doesn't want to mess up, especially on t.v. I've been trying to tell him NO ONE is perfect...and as long as he corrects himself, he will be fine! He doesn't want to hear it though...he's just a freak about it, even gets so worked up he throws up before every game!
Servite (the school we are playing) is selling programs for $10.00 and half of the profit will go to Luke Gane...very cool. http://lukegane.blogspot.com/ They will also show the interview with the Gane family. SO TUNE IN!!!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
How To Be A Football Mom
I will start this out with something that is very familiar to all of you ladies...FASHION. This is a must when attending your children's games. You should ALWAYS wear your team colors...this does not mean barretts and ribbons...PLEASE leave that for the cheerleaders! Find a cute top...nothing fancy, just something that matches their home and away jersey's (this is a great excuse to go shopping, and the hubby will always support anything involving football....they have even mastered this concept).
Now, with the first step making you feel at ease...we will move on. Make sure they have plenty of gatorade and/or water. Studies show that most kids are dehydrated before they even step onto the field. I usually have my kids drink nothing but water the night before and day of the game. Dehydration seems to be a huge problem in the high schools and middle schools due to the fact that most kids drink soda or sweetened fruit juice in place of water. Limit their soda intake before practice and games!
Third, make an honest effort to understand the game and what your sons particular position and
responsibility is. Taking an interest will help you enjoy the game and eventually...you will be able to give your kids advice and "reminders" of what to do in the game. This step may take a while...but it is very rewarding when they actually listen to you!
Fourth, DO NOT GO ON THE FIELD AT ANY TIME! No going out to help them up when they get tackled, tripped, shoved, hit or pushed...this is football and you must sit in the stands. The exception to this rule would be if they remained on the ground and the coaches have come out to look at them and they have remained down. Then, I repeat, only then, can you head out onto the field. I have seen to many moms rush out, frantically screaming, only to have their son look in horror, jump up, and run AWAY from their moms...completely embarrassed! I will tell you that the most severe injuries that my children received were from skateboarding, bike riding and playing around with friends...NOT football!
Fifth, get involved, be a team mom, help with fundraisers, cook for the dinner nights...the years fly by and before you know it they are moving out and you will have so many memories of the hours and hours you've spent together on the gridiron.
Football teaches life lessons..learning about teamwork, struggle, camaraderie, and perserverance...the things that can only be learned through experience!
Now, with the first step making you feel at ease...we will move on. Make sure they have plenty of gatorade and/or water. Studies show that most kids are dehydrated before they even step onto the field. I usually have my kids drink nothing but water the night before and day of the game. Dehydration seems to be a huge problem in the high schools and middle schools due to the fact that most kids drink soda or sweetened fruit juice in place of water. Limit their soda intake before practice and games!
Third, make an honest effort to understand the game and what your sons particular position and
responsibility is. Taking an interest will help you enjoy the game and eventually...you will be able to give your kids advice and "reminders" of what to do in the game. This step may take a while...but it is very rewarding when they actually listen to you!
Fourth, DO NOT GO ON THE FIELD AT ANY TIME! No going out to help them up when they get tackled, tripped, shoved, hit or pushed...this is football and you must sit in the stands. The exception to this rule would be if they remained on the ground and the coaches have come out to look at them and they have remained down. Then, I repeat, only then, can you head out onto the field. I have seen to many moms rush out, frantically screaming, only to have their son look in horror, jump up, and run AWAY from their moms...completely embarrassed! I will tell you that the most severe injuries that my children received were from skateboarding, bike riding and playing around with friends...NOT football!
Fifth, get involved, be a team mom, help with fundraisers, cook for the dinner nights...the years fly by and before you know it they are moving out and you will have so many memories of the hours and hours you've spent together on the gridiron.
Football teaches life lessons..learning about teamwork, struggle, camaraderie, and perserverance...the things that can only be learned through experience!
Monday, September 22, 2008
THANK YOU!!
First of all...You guys made my day SO special!! I can't believe ALL the comments I received...WOW! I will be getting back to EVERYONE, I just had one of those CRAZY weekends. We had four separate football games, a parent-player luncheon, pictures, and I worked in the nursery at church...so don't think, "I see how it is, I comment and she just ignores me, she's one of those people who just take and never show the love back!" I'll be by, you guys are the BEST, you are all so patient and understanding...no wonder I love SITSta's.
ME AND JULLIEN AT HIS LUNCHEON BEFORE FRIDAY'S GAME (Do we look alike?)
Now about the football games, Jullien's Varsity team killed Dana Hills 48-20 (it was really 48-6) but they always put the second string in to give them a chance to play in a varsity game and keep the starters from getting injured. This Friday is the BIG game against Servite High. It will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net. They will be doing a huge special interest piece during the airing about Luke Gane.
DISCUSSING DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES FOR THE GAME
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS...YAAAAY!
I don't know if you remember from my previous post, but Servite was the first team to show up at a fundraiser called "Locks for Luke." At 7:00 a.m. all the senior players were the first one's there along with their coach and a large check for the family. They buzzed their heads and all went out in the parking lot, knelt down in a circle and prayed for Luke...pretty AMAZING! They will be airing all of this along with interview's from the boys and the Gane family.
Watch it if you get a chance, I think it will be aired Friday night and then repeated on Saturday. I'll let you know exactly when I hear the specific times. Oh yeah, my son is the strong safety (defense) on Edison (Green Bay colors) HE'S #9...let me know if you see him in the game.
Adam (my step-son) played in the A & B Freshman game, the A team won, the B team lost. He played wide receiver in the A game and linebacker in the B game and had some great plays.
ADAM CATCHING A PASS AND BREAKING TACKLES
Elijah played the other Huntington Beach team (HUGE rival)...it was a battle and ended up 0-0. They had scouted us and had his number as you can see whenever he got the ball they SWARMED him...it was a good but stressful game.
ELIJAH TRYING TO AVOID BEING TACKLED!
TALK TO YOU ALL VERY SOON!!!!!
ME AND JULLIEN AT HIS LUNCHEON BEFORE FRIDAY'S GAME (Do we look alike?)
Now about the football games, Jullien's Varsity team killed Dana Hills 48-20 (it was really 48-6) but they always put the second string in to give them a chance to play in a varsity game and keep the starters from getting injured. This Friday is the BIG game against Servite High. It will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net. They will be doing a huge special interest piece during the airing about Luke Gane.
DISCUSSING DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES FOR THE GAME
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS...YAAAAY!
I don't know if you remember from my previous post, but Servite was the first team to show up at a fundraiser called "Locks for Luke." At 7:00 a.m. all the senior players were the first one's there along with their coach and a large check for the family. They buzzed their heads and all went out in the parking lot, knelt down in a circle and prayed for Luke...pretty AMAZING! They will be airing all of this along with interview's from the boys and the Gane family.
Watch it if you get a chance, I think it will be aired Friday night and then repeated on Saturday. I'll let you know exactly when I hear the specific times. Oh yeah, my son is the strong safety (defense) on Edison (Green Bay colors) HE'S #9...let me know if you see him in the game.
Adam (my step-son) played in the A & B Freshman game, the A team won, the B team lost. He played wide receiver in the A game and linebacker in the B game and had some great plays.
ADAM CATCHING A PASS AND BREAKING TACKLES
Elijah played the other Huntington Beach team (HUGE rival)...it was a battle and ended up 0-0. They had scouted us and had his number as you can see whenever he got the ball they SWARMED him...it was a good but stressful game.
ELIJAH TRYING TO AVOID BEING TACKLED!
TALK TO YOU ALL VERY SOON!!!!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
AND THE AWARD GOES TO........
“ME…WHAT…I WON? Am I really the SITS Featured Blogger?” (shocked, jumping up, stumbling over a few people, giving high fives down the aisle…quickly approaching the platform…pause) “WOW…You like me, you really like me! Tiffany and Heather, you guys are amazing!” (pointing at them, of course they are sitting in the front row…that’s where all the important people are at the SITS Academy Awards.)
“I would like to thank my family, aka “The Orange County Brady Bunch.” The years of fighting, whining, complaining, and EVENTUALLY getting along has given me so much to write about.”
“To my husband, you have taught me patience. Your endless sighing, pleading, tossing and turning during my midnight SITS site stalking…umm, sorry I’m a little nervous, I didn’t mean to say stalking, I meant to say patiently waiting to be #1 on the daily SITS comment section.”
“OH NO…is that the music…who else ~ who am I forgetting to thank…The Secret is in the Sauce (SITS) family…you have been so much fun…laughing, inspiring and caring, you’re unbelievable! (music now loudly playing, shouting) Please everyone sign on to this amazing site...one day you may be standing up here…” (cut to commercial, walking off stage, mumbling) “Oh man, I forgot to tell everyone to leave a comment when they stop by…I knew I forgot something!”
“I would like to thank my family, aka “The Orange County Brady Bunch.” The years of fighting, whining, complaining, and EVENTUALLY getting along has given me so much to write about.”
“To my husband, you have taught me patience. Your endless sighing, pleading, tossing and turning during my midnight SITS site stalking…umm, sorry I’m a little nervous, I didn’t mean to say stalking, I meant to say patiently waiting to be #1 on the daily SITS comment section.”
“OH NO…is that the music…who else ~ who am I forgetting to thank…The Secret is in the Sauce (SITS) family…you have been so much fun…laughing, inspiring and caring, you’re unbelievable! (music now loudly playing, shouting) Please everyone sign on to this amazing site...one day you may be standing up here…” (cut to commercial, walking off stage, mumbling) “Oh man, I forgot to tell everyone to leave a comment when they stop by…I knew I forgot something!”
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Ryan Seacrest Stopped By...WOO HOO!
Today I've designated as movie day...it also will help give back to CHOC Hospital (Childrens Hospital, Orange County).
I know ALL of you have heard of Ryan Seacrest (American Idol host) and his radio show KIIS FM...well they visited CHOC Hospital to try and cheer up the kids who are VERY sick. Our son's team mate and friend is there and they paid him a visit (stop by his blog) http://LukeGane.Blogspot.com. Luke has a video message he posted for all his friends and family...a MUST SEE, here is the direct link http://lukegane.blogspot.com/2008/09/video-message-from-luke.html.
KIIS shot a video on Saturday and it's on this link
http://www.kiisfm.com/pages/lollipoplive08/?_show It's the Viral Video. Just click on the photo and you will catch a few quick shots of Luke getting down...it's a fun video.
Check out the entire site. Make sure to watch the video because if they get at least 100,000 hits, the Anaheim Ducks will donate $10k to CHOC.
TODAY IS YOUR DAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Just watch a video and send it to your friends and family. I told you it's EASY to reach out and help others!!!
And you thought it was going to be just another boring, ordinary day...WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES!
I know ALL of you have heard of Ryan Seacrest (American Idol host) and his radio show KIIS FM...well they visited CHOC Hospital to try and cheer up the kids who are VERY sick. Our son's team mate and friend is there and they paid him a visit (stop by his blog) http://LukeGane.Blogspot.com. Luke has a video message he posted for all his friends and family...a MUST SEE, here is the direct link http://lukegane.blogspot.com/2008/09/video-message-from-luke.html.
KIIS shot a video on Saturday and it's on this link
http://www.kiisfm.com/pages/lollipoplive08/?_show It's the Viral Video. Just click on the photo and you will catch a few quick shots of Luke getting down...it's a fun video.
Check out the entire site. Make sure to watch the video because if they get at least 100,000 hits, the Anaheim Ducks will donate $10k to CHOC.
TODAY IS YOUR DAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Just watch a video and send it to your friends and family. I told you it's EASY to reach out and help others!!!
And you thought it was going to be just another boring, ordinary day...WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES!
Monday, September 15, 2008
WHY DO I GO TO THAT PLACE!
I'm not sure if any of you find yourselves visiting THAT PLACE? I tend to stop by on special occassions. This weekend was one of those little visits...it was quite a bit shorter than my usual stops. In my younger days the visits would be quite often and a lot longer. I was very good at sneaking around once I was there, trying to avoid the inevitable...staying for WAY too long!
Now that I've gotten a little older, I've figure out when I start to get nervous, anxious or edgy...it's time to grab hold of myself...AND LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! I HATE THAT PLACE!! Well on Sunday while I was getting ready, I felt it start to come on. I pushed the feelings aside and decided to prepare a little before I left so I would be ready. I read and tried to figure out as much information as I could, preparation helps a little.
I grabbed my camera said a little prayer and headed out the door. My initial instinct was to avoid THAT PLACE...I was doing really good, relaxed somewhat prepared...closer and closer, almost there and feeling pretty good. Picked up my husband, we started talking and then it started! I began to get edgy, everything he was saying was bugging me. He was a little startled at my demeanor and said in his gruff Italian, East Coast way, "What's the matter with you?" "Oh be quiet...you're BUGGING ME! I shot back. "WHATEVER...you were fine and now you're out of control," he replied, continuing to stir the pot.
Yep, this is pretty typical for us, when one of us starts...IT'S ON!LOL! We are both feisty, strong willed and hate to be wrong. It's nice to meet your match though, we both tend to be overbearing so it's fun to spar...that's what we like to call it. We've been married for 8 years and together for 10 so I guess it works for us.
Reaching our final destination only intensified the feelings. I need everything to be PERFECT...there it is, I've arrived at that dreaded place...MY SELF DOUBT! I just want it to go away! It's better but still lingers when I want everything to go right. I am the official church photographer...which I LOVE and feel such a sense of satisfaction. But today was baptism day...they were doing it at the beach and wanted great pictures to send with their baptism certificates. I feel pretty confident with my action and spur of the moment shots. But this is a VERY special day! I would be up against direct sunlight...which always makes the subject look dark.
I was hoping there would be a back up camera just in case mine didn't turn out, but there wasn't. I got to the beach and started taking test shots to get it right before the big event. I think they came out okay (could be better, but I'll keep working at it). But why do I have to go THERE all the time? I hate that I am such a perfectionist...it makes me doubt myself constantly...I even start to make excuses and tell people before I get started...just in case it's not good. WHY DO I GO THERE?
You can check them out...http://www.flickr.com/photos/fastframe/sets/72157607325474369/
Hit Slideshow (top right) watch it and only leave a comment if you have something nice to say...I've stressed myself out enough!LOL!
Now that I've gotten a little older, I've figure out when I start to get nervous, anxious or edgy...it's time to grab hold of myself...AND LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! I HATE THAT PLACE!! Well on Sunday while I was getting ready, I felt it start to come on. I pushed the feelings aside and decided to prepare a little before I left so I would be ready. I read and tried to figure out as much information as I could, preparation helps a little.
I grabbed my camera said a little prayer and headed out the door. My initial instinct was to avoid THAT PLACE...I was doing really good, relaxed somewhat prepared...closer and closer, almost there and feeling pretty good. Picked up my husband, we started talking and then it started! I began to get edgy, everything he was saying was bugging me. He was a little startled at my demeanor and said in his gruff Italian, East Coast way, "What's the matter with you?" "Oh be quiet...you're BUGGING ME! I shot back. "WHATEVER...you were fine and now you're out of control," he replied, continuing to stir the pot.
Yep, this is pretty typical for us, when one of us starts...IT'S ON!LOL! We are both feisty, strong willed and hate to be wrong. It's nice to meet your match though, we both tend to be overbearing so it's fun to spar...that's what we like to call it. We've been married for 8 years and together for 10 so I guess it works for us.
Reaching our final destination only intensified the feelings. I need everything to be PERFECT...there it is, I've arrived at that dreaded place...MY SELF DOUBT! I just want it to go away! It's better but still lingers when I want everything to go right. I am the official church photographer...which I LOVE and feel such a sense of satisfaction. But today was baptism day...they were doing it at the beach and wanted great pictures to send with their baptism certificates. I feel pretty confident with my action and spur of the moment shots. But this is a VERY special day! I would be up against direct sunlight...which always makes the subject look dark.
I was hoping there would be a back up camera just in case mine didn't turn out, but there wasn't. I got to the beach and started taking test shots to get it right before the big event. I think they came out okay (could be better, but I'll keep working at it). But why do I have to go THERE all the time? I hate that I am such a perfectionist...it makes me doubt myself constantly...I even start to make excuses and tell people before I get started...just in case it's not good. WHY DO I GO THERE?
You can check them out...http://www.flickr.com/photos/fastframe/sets/72157607325474369/
Hit Slideshow (top right) watch it and only leave a comment if you have something nice to say...I've stressed myself out enough!LOL!
Friday, September 12, 2008
100th POST: I CAN DO IT?
Looking back...I think my most fulfilling posts have involved making a difference. We all have problems, stress, money issues, family issues...it's amazing when you finally stop spending all your time thinking about yourself. The what if's, how come, why me, it all doesn't matter. I can say this because as we go through one of the most trying times in our life right now, I know that the monetary things are not the most important. I feel at peace...I spend my time trying to help others and not think of myself. Things are out of our control, so I choose to take control of the situations I can. Finding ways to help other people. On the day of my 100th post...I was able to be a part of something special.
OGGI'S PIZZA & OC PIZZA donated ALL the Food~100% of Profit benefitted the Gane Family!
Owner of Oggi's in the striped shirt with Al & Maria
Jr. Midget Team Fundraiser Dinner
Raising money to help a family with a sick child is something that far out weighs our situation! I keep praying for a purpose in my life...being the change in someone's life has given me a direction. "I am only one person...what can I do?" This question was one that I often asked myself, which was followed by, "Nothing I guess, so I wont do anything." Year after year, excuse after excuse, I would repeat this. Until I realized, I can do small things that might make a BIG difference to someone else.
If you have been pondering this...I'd like to encourage you to start with SOMETHING! No matter how small, the little things will lead you into bigger things, before you know it, you've changed someone's world. The less time you spend focusing on yourself the better you'll feel.
Today our team gave of our time and money to help relieve the burden for a family with a sick child. Small but meaningful, rewarding and encouraging...I can make a difference in someone's life...one small act of unselfish giving at a time. I would like to challenge you and ask that by the time you reach your 100th, 200th or 500th post...you write about something that inspired you to be the change in the world!
I have attached a few of my favorite posts from the past year...I hope they will inspire at least one person to reach out~I started with a true story about an amazing experience that changed my life.
MY CHRISTMAS MIRACLE - A TRUE STORY
http://searchwarp.com/swa278027.htm
DOES SOMEBODY NEED YOU?
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/05/does-somebody-need-you.html
INSPIRATIONAL POEM ~ PUSH AHEAD
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/04/uplifting-poem-push-ahead.html
THIS WILL GIVE YOU CHILLS
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/03/this-will-give-you-chills.html
CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/01/can-you-make-difference-in-day.html
THE EDISON BUM
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/07/edison-bum.html
INSPIRATIONAL STORY FROM DR. IN SOUTH AFRICA
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/07/inspirational-story-from-dr-in-south.html
AN ATTEMPT IS EVERYTHING
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/06/attempt-is-everything.html
THE INVISIBLE MAN
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/05/invisible-man.html
PLAY VOCABULARY GAME ~ HELP THE HUNGRY
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/04/play-vocabulary-game-help-hungry.html
I HAD A REALLY COOL EXPERIENCE
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/03/i-had-really-cool-experience.html
SKID ROW
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/02/skid-row.html
HELP KIDS IN AFRICA
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/02/help-kids-in-africa.html
I would like to close my 100th Post with a story:
Cherokee Indian Legend
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage? His dad takes him into the forest, blindfolded and leaves him....alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night...and not take off the blindfold until the ray of sun shines through it. He is all by himself. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.
Once he survives the night he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience. Each lad must come into his own manhood. The boy was terrified-could hear all kinds of noise...Beasts were all around him. Maybe even some human would hurt him. The wind blew the grass and earth...and it shook his stump. But he sat stoically - never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could be a man.
Finally, after a horrific night...the sun appeared and he removed his
blindfold. It was then that he saw his father sitting on the stump next to him...at watch...the entire night!
We are never alone. Even when we do not know it, our Father is protecting us...He is sitting on the stump beside us. All we have to do is reach out to Him. Joshua 1:9
OGGI'S PIZZA & OC PIZZA donated ALL the Food~100% of Profit benefitted the Gane Family!
Owner of Oggi's in the striped shirt with Al & Maria
Jr. Midget Team Fundraiser Dinner
Raising money to help a family with a sick child is something that far out weighs our situation! I keep praying for a purpose in my life...being the change in someone's life has given me a direction. "I am only one person...what can I do?" This question was one that I often asked myself, which was followed by, "Nothing I guess, so I wont do anything." Year after year, excuse after excuse, I would repeat this. Until I realized, I can do small things that might make a BIG difference to someone else.
If you have been pondering this...I'd like to encourage you to start with SOMETHING! No matter how small, the little things will lead you into bigger things, before you know it, you've changed someone's world. The less time you spend focusing on yourself the better you'll feel.
Today our team gave of our time and money to help relieve the burden for a family with a sick child. Small but meaningful, rewarding and encouraging...I can make a difference in someone's life...one small act of unselfish giving at a time. I would like to challenge you and ask that by the time you reach your 100th, 200th or 500th post...you write about something that inspired you to be the change in the world!
I have attached a few of my favorite posts from the past year...I hope they will inspire at least one person to reach out~I started with a true story about an amazing experience that changed my life.
MY CHRISTMAS MIRACLE - A TRUE STORY
http://searchwarp.com/swa278027.htm
DOES SOMEBODY NEED YOU?
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/05/does-somebody-need-you.html
INSPIRATIONAL POEM ~ PUSH AHEAD
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/04/uplifting-poem-push-ahead.html
THIS WILL GIVE YOU CHILLS
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/03/this-will-give-you-chills.html
CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/01/can-you-make-difference-in-day.html
THE EDISON BUM
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/07/edison-bum.html
INSPIRATIONAL STORY FROM DR. IN SOUTH AFRICA
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/07/inspirational-story-from-dr-in-south.html
AN ATTEMPT IS EVERYTHING
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/06/attempt-is-everything.html
THE INVISIBLE MAN
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/05/invisible-man.html
PLAY VOCABULARY GAME ~ HELP THE HUNGRY
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/04/play-vocabulary-game-help-hungry.html
I HAD A REALLY COOL EXPERIENCE
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/03/i-had-really-cool-experience.html
SKID ROW
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/02/skid-row.html
HELP KIDS IN AFRICA
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2008/02/help-kids-in-africa.html
I would like to close my 100th Post with a story:
Cherokee Indian Legend
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage? His dad takes him into the forest, blindfolded and leaves him....alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night...and not take off the blindfold until the ray of sun shines through it. He is all by himself. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.
Once he survives the night he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience. Each lad must come into his own manhood. The boy was terrified-could hear all kinds of noise...Beasts were all around him. Maybe even some human would hurt him. The wind blew the grass and earth...and it shook his stump. But he sat stoically - never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could be a man.
Finally, after a horrific night...the sun appeared and he removed his
blindfold. It was then that he saw his father sitting on the stump next to him...at watch...the entire night!
We are never alone. Even when we do not know it, our Father is protecting us...He is sitting on the stump beside us. All we have to do is reach out to Him. Joshua 1:9
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Football & More...
Touchdown Break Away!! (double click for close ups)
Interception Run Back For Touchdown ~
Breaking Tackles to the End Zone!
With all that's been going on lately...I haven't been able to update you on my kids football games.
Elijah (13 yr old) had an AMAZING first game...he scored THREE TOUCHDOWNS! Two of them were on 65 and 45 yard runs. He broke about 5 tackles to get to the end zone. It was amazing to watch...they had him wrapped up and everyone was saying, "How did he get out of that?" His third touchdown was on an interception and he ran it back 75 yards! Yep, I'm a proud mom! We won our second game also...Elijah scored anther touchdown.
Jullien (16 yr old) had a Varsity game...he made most of the tackles on the team. It was so great to see him out there on Varsity. He has worked SO hard. We killed the other team 63-8. We ended up in the emergency room, he made a tackle and then there was the dreaded dog pile on top of him. He bruised his ribs...thank goodness they weren't broken! He still is in a lot of pain. Luckily they have a Bye this week, he can have more time to heal. Edison would be in trouble without their strong safety!
Our Pop Warner team will be holding a dinner night this Friday, with ALL the proceeds going to Luke Gane (recovering from bone marrow transplant/aplastic anemia). Feels good to make a difference! We have put a request out to the entire league to get them to volunteer their dinner night proceeds also. We have had quite a lot of responses...what an amazing community we live in. THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT!!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I Just Got Hit!
HERE IT IS...MY ONE TIME BEAUTIFUL CAR!
So, I left work early to pick up my friends daughter...I was going to rush home to change (not knowing how long I'd be sitting at the hospital). Got on the freeway...then remembered I was almost out of gas. I don't get paid till Monday...didn't have enough to go ALL the way home and then back to Rachell's school. I quickly got off at the first exit, had to back track and take a different route. I was in the left hand turn lane (there were two designated turn lanes) I was in the one furthest to the left next to the double yellow lines. All of a sudden I see this old blue Chrysler heading straight toward my car. I didn't have time to get out of the way. He hit me, pushed me almost into oncoming traffic and his car bounced off of mine backwords into another lane.
He bashed into the rear passenger side door. It was an old man in his late 70's or so. He came to my drivers side window and with a german accent tried to tell me that it was my fault. He was a little confused and didn't realize that there were two turn lanes. I called the police and while I was on the phone with the operator...he came up to my window again...standing in a lane with oncoming traffic swerving to miss him. I said, "You need to get back in your car before you get hit." He said, "What?" I replied kind of forceful and bossy said "Get back in your car NOW!" The operator heard all of this and said, "Did he listen to you?" "Yes...he's walking back now."
So I waited for the police...didn't move my car because I wanted them to see that it was his fault. The police got there and I told them that he seems a little confused and explained what happened. He still tried to insist that it was my fault. Then the police told him again that there was two turn lanes and he came into mine. I feel kind of bad for him because once older people lose their license then they lose their independence. But, on the other hand they become a road hazard...guess I was lucky no one was seriously hurt. They gave him a ticket and told me that their report would reflect that he had caused the accident.
MY POOR CAR...I LOVE MY LINCOLN NAVIGATOR!
I picked up Rachell and headed to the hospital. My friend had been sent over from her doctor's office in an ambulance because her EKG was irregular and her blood pressure was sky high. We sat there with her...she was hooked up to everything and had an IV. She continued to have pains while I was there. The doctor said, "You can go home now...we don't know what's wrong but your EKG has been irregular in the past so I guess that's normal for you." I said, "WHAT IS CAUSING THE PAIN SHE KEEPS HAVING THEN." "I don't know could be a bruised rib, stress any number of things." So there you have it...as we drove away, she got more severe pains. I told her to call me if she needs to go back, or if it's terrible, call the ambulance. CRAZY...I guess they needed her bed in the ER.
So I've had quite the day!!!
So, I left work early to pick up my friends daughter...I was going to rush home to change (not knowing how long I'd be sitting at the hospital). Got on the freeway...then remembered I was almost out of gas. I don't get paid till Monday...didn't have enough to go ALL the way home and then back to Rachell's school. I quickly got off at the first exit, had to back track and take a different route. I was in the left hand turn lane (there were two designated turn lanes) I was in the one furthest to the left next to the double yellow lines. All of a sudden I see this old blue Chrysler heading straight toward my car. I didn't have time to get out of the way. He hit me, pushed me almost into oncoming traffic and his car bounced off of mine backwords into another lane.
He bashed into the rear passenger side door. It was an old man in his late 70's or so. He came to my drivers side window and with a german accent tried to tell me that it was my fault. He was a little confused and didn't realize that there were two turn lanes. I called the police and while I was on the phone with the operator...he came up to my window again...standing in a lane with oncoming traffic swerving to miss him. I said, "You need to get back in your car before you get hit." He said, "What?" I replied kind of forceful and bossy said "Get back in your car NOW!" The operator heard all of this and said, "Did he listen to you?" "Yes...he's walking back now."
So I waited for the police...didn't move my car because I wanted them to see that it was his fault. The police got there and I told them that he seems a little confused and explained what happened. He still tried to insist that it was my fault. Then the police told him again that there was two turn lanes and he came into mine. I feel kind of bad for him because once older people lose their license then they lose their independence. But, on the other hand they become a road hazard...guess I was lucky no one was seriously hurt. They gave him a ticket and told me that their report would reflect that he had caused the accident.
MY POOR CAR...I LOVE MY LINCOLN NAVIGATOR!
I picked up Rachell and headed to the hospital. My friend had been sent over from her doctor's office in an ambulance because her EKG was irregular and her blood pressure was sky high. We sat there with her...she was hooked up to everything and had an IV. She continued to have pains while I was there. The doctor said, "You can go home now...we don't know what's wrong but your EKG has been irregular in the past so I guess that's normal for you." I said, "WHAT IS CAUSING THE PAIN SHE KEEPS HAVING THEN." "I don't know could be a bruised rib, stress any number of things." So there you have it...as we drove away, she got more severe pains. I told her to call me if she needs to go back, or if it's terrible, call the ambulance. CRAZY...I guess they needed her bed in the ER.
So I've had quite the day!!!
WHAT IS GOING ON?
My boss just ran out of the office because her father in law had a double by pass heart surgey and now they think he is having a stroke. My best friend since Jr. High left me a weird email at 2:00 am saying she was having severe chest pains and gave me all her important information. She ended up going to work, but I told her she HAD to go to the Dr.'s this AM, it's not normal for a 43 year old to have chest pains. She just called me and said they are taking her right over to the hospital...she is having a heart attack. I have to leave work, pick her daughter up from school and head over to the hospital......
Monday, September 8, 2008
Can Women Learn To Like Football?
It's football season and I wanted to re-post an article I wrote...remember ladies, if you can't beat them, join them!
Women enjoying a football game....is this possible? If they understood the point of the game would it make a difference? This is a topic very close to my heart. I am a woman who LOVES football! I know, it's pretty unusual to find a girl who not only likes football, but knows all the positions, and can critique the players with the most expert male fan!
After several years of explaining the game to the supportive, but confused, "Pop Warner" mothers, I found that the problem does not lie within the "gender" factor, it is about knowledge. Men do not seem to have the patience or desire to take the time to teach their wives, daughters or girlfriends about this great American sport.
I first begin with the most simplistic and basic point of football.....the concept. I point out the orange markers, and tell them that the players have four plays to move the ball from the first marker, past the second marker. If they succeed, they get four more tries to hopefully score a touchdown. I explain what a down marker is and tell them that the number on the marker tells what "down" it is, (and remind them that they only have four attempts to pass the orange marker). If they do not succeed the other team takes over the ball and tries to score against our team by going through the same process.
Okay, I know it is VERY basic information, but I can't tell you how excited they become once they are aware of the general idea behind game that they spend two hours watching every Saturday.
After they start to understand the basics, we eventually get into positions and the purpose behind each position. As the season progresses, I am amazed at the excitement and enthusiasm that the women have developed. They become united; they scream, cheer and run up and down the field with each other. The bond has now been created, as the men look at their wives with a new found sense of pride. Can women learn to love football? My answer is an emphatic, YES!
COACH MIKE'S FUNERAL
This was a very tough weekend! We had the funeral of our friend Mike Burk, and all the boys decided to go...I was glad because it meant a lot to his wife Karen. I can't began to tell you how heartbreaking it was watching those boys and Karen. The sixteen year old was trying to be strong and not cry. The 14 year old was in tears throughout the whole service and the youngest didn't really understand what was going on...which I think was a nice distraction for Karen.
When we walked up before the service, I waited to give Karen a hug, not knowing what to say but just wanting to let her know I was there for her. She saw me and lunged into my arms. As we hugged she seemed to be hanging on to me as if I were a lifeline...a piece of the life that she and Mike had been a part of for 12 years. Baseball and basketball had brought us together and formed a bond and friendship that had become very special over the years. We held each other tight as she said, "Mike just loved you guys and the boys, thank you so much for being here. It really means a lot to me." Squeezing her tighter and fighting back the tears, "Mike has been an important part our lives. Please know that we are all here for you and the boys. If you need anything you know you can call us!" Jullien was standing behind me, she looked at him, chuckled and said, "Oh Jullien, Mike absolutely ADORED you! You always gave him a hard time but he loved you!" They hugged and laughed.
That comment brought back a whole new flood of memories...Jullien was always a hot head, a perfectionist and competitive to a fault. Mike knew this about him and I think saw a bit of himself in Jullien. As a coach he tried to calm Jullien down if he was having a bad game. He decided to find ways to motivate Jullien...one particularly important game found Mike's team down by quite a few points at halftime. He knew that if he could calm Jullien down and get his head back in the game...they could still win. He went straight to the heart of a teenage boy...he offered him CASH! He said, "I'll give you $1.00 for every basket you make." Jullien's eyes got huge, "Are you serious?" "Yeah..show me what you can do, let's see if we can win this game!"
Jullien's face lit up, a light had been switched on. He gathered the team, and said, "We can take these guys...we're better than them." My son turned into Koby Bryant right there on that basketball court, dribbling, passing, leaping, lay ups, three pointers, even a few allyoops. It was amazing to see, he had a look of determination that I had never seen before. We ended up winning the game by 6 points!
I walked up to Mike after the game and said, "What did you say to him...I've never seen him so intense before?" He just smiled and said, "I just figured out a little trick to motivate him." "Well what is it?" I waited patiently for the magic words that I could use for years to come. He grinned even bigger, "It's a secret!" "C'mon Mike, you have to tell me." "Jullien can tell you later if he wants." I got a little bugged, why wouldn't he tell me...I need to know, it was magical!
We got into the car, my son was beaming! "So, what did Mike say to you?" Waiting, leaning back over the front seat, anxiously holding my breathe for the answer (I'm very competitive too and HAD TO KNOW!) He reached deep into his pocket and pulled out a $20.00 bill. I said, "Where'd you get that?" "That's from Mike, he offered me $1.00 for every basket. So I scored 20 points and he payed me!" I told my husband to stop the car and turn around. Mike was just getting to his car. I told my son to give him back his money. He argued, but he knew I meant business! He got out of the car, head low, moping, and handed Mike the money. "My mom said I have to give this back." He walked Jullien back to the car and said, "We made a deal. He held up his end of the bargain so I need to hold up mine."
That was Mike, motivating, giving, encouraging, stubborn and most of all caring. He would not let this angry, overly aggressive kid get beat by himself. He looked inside, saw his heart and talent and found a way to lift him up and show him his full potential. Mike will truly be missed.
After the service I looked over to see his sixteen year old son standing alone, back away from the crowd of people. Staring blankly at the scene before him. I walked over, hugged him and told him how sorry I was and how much we loved his dad. He seemed numb, void, shocked, disbelief and nothingness...I saw a memory of myself when my brother died. I knew that he would be our mission. His long road ahead will be difficult, he'll need to be encouraged, watched and comforted. We'll stay close and help any way we can...we owe it to Mike. Stepping up in his memory and reaching deep inside to touch HIS children and wife.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever." PSALM 23: 1-6
When we walked up before the service, I waited to give Karen a hug, not knowing what to say but just wanting to let her know I was there for her. She saw me and lunged into my arms. As we hugged she seemed to be hanging on to me as if I were a lifeline...a piece of the life that she and Mike had been a part of for 12 years. Baseball and basketball had brought us together and formed a bond and friendship that had become very special over the years. We held each other tight as she said, "Mike just loved you guys and the boys, thank you so much for being here. It really means a lot to me." Squeezing her tighter and fighting back the tears, "Mike has been an important part our lives. Please know that we are all here for you and the boys. If you need anything you know you can call us!" Jullien was standing behind me, she looked at him, chuckled and said, "Oh Jullien, Mike absolutely ADORED you! You always gave him a hard time but he loved you!" They hugged and laughed.
That comment brought back a whole new flood of memories...Jullien was always a hot head, a perfectionist and competitive to a fault. Mike knew this about him and I think saw a bit of himself in Jullien. As a coach he tried to calm Jullien down if he was having a bad game. He decided to find ways to motivate Jullien...one particularly important game found Mike's team down by quite a few points at halftime. He knew that if he could calm Jullien down and get his head back in the game...they could still win. He went straight to the heart of a teenage boy...he offered him CASH! He said, "I'll give you $1.00 for every basket you make." Jullien's eyes got huge, "Are you serious?" "Yeah..show me what you can do, let's see if we can win this game!"
Jullien's face lit up, a light had been switched on. He gathered the team, and said, "We can take these guys...we're better than them." My son turned into Koby Bryant right there on that basketball court, dribbling, passing, leaping, lay ups, three pointers, even a few allyoops. It was amazing to see, he had a look of determination that I had never seen before. We ended up winning the game by 6 points!
I walked up to Mike after the game and said, "What did you say to him...I've never seen him so intense before?" He just smiled and said, "I just figured out a little trick to motivate him." "Well what is it?" I waited patiently for the magic words that I could use for years to come. He grinned even bigger, "It's a secret!" "C'mon Mike, you have to tell me." "Jullien can tell you later if he wants." I got a little bugged, why wouldn't he tell me...I need to know, it was magical!
We got into the car, my son was beaming! "So, what did Mike say to you?" Waiting, leaning back over the front seat, anxiously holding my breathe for the answer (I'm very competitive too and HAD TO KNOW!) He reached deep into his pocket and pulled out a $20.00 bill. I said, "Where'd you get that?" "That's from Mike, he offered me $1.00 for every basket. So I scored 20 points and he payed me!" I told my husband to stop the car and turn around. Mike was just getting to his car. I told my son to give him back his money. He argued, but he knew I meant business! He got out of the car, head low, moping, and handed Mike the money. "My mom said I have to give this back." He walked Jullien back to the car and said, "We made a deal. He held up his end of the bargain so I need to hold up mine."
That was Mike, motivating, giving, encouraging, stubborn and most of all caring. He would not let this angry, overly aggressive kid get beat by himself. He looked inside, saw his heart and talent and found a way to lift him up and show him his full potential. Mike will truly be missed.
After the service I looked over to see his sixteen year old son standing alone, back away from the crowd of people. Staring blankly at the scene before him. I walked over, hugged him and told him how sorry I was and how much we loved his dad. He seemed numb, void, shocked, disbelief and nothingness...I saw a memory of myself when my brother died. I knew that he would be our mission. His long road ahead will be difficult, he'll need to be encouraged, watched and comforted. We'll stay close and help any way we can...we owe it to Mike. Stepping up in his memory and reaching deep inside to touch HIS children and wife.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever." PSALM 23: 1-6
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Loss of a Friend, Husband & Father
We just received word yesterday that our good friend Mike Burk died on Tuesday. He had flu like symptoms over the weekend went to sleep and never woke up. They think he either caught something in Mexico while he was working or had an aneurism. He leaves behind a wife and three boys. The basketball league (PCH) has established a memorial fund for his family. If you would like to donate to the family here is the information:
Mike Burk Memorial Fund c/o PCH
P.O. Box 5811
Huntington Beach Ca. 92615
Above is a picture of Mike (Red Hat) along with his middle son Michael (#24) taken for last years All Star team. Please pray for his family! Mike was a very fun, caring, and loving husband, father and friend. He coached my middle son Jullien in basketball for 2 years and just adored him. He always made my son feel so special and important. We met Mike and Karen back when Jullien was 6 during baseball. We remained friends throughout the years and feel very lucky to have been a part of their lives.
Mike was very competitive when it came to the kids sports. He always tried to beat my husbands basketball team, (who usually is undefeated every year). At the beginning of every season Mike would come walking up...smile and say, "I'm going to beat you this year...it's my goal and this is the year!" He'd laugh as my husband would say, "I don't think so Mike!" After losing to us every game last season again, he said I'll get you in the All Star game!" When that didn't happen...walking out to the parking lot with him and Karen...he said, "I gotta hand it to ya...you always have a GREAT team! I'm going to beat you sometime though, just wait!"
Mike...you have finally won! You have made it to HEAVEN in the loving protection of our Heavenly Father! We will miss your, smile, spirit, sense of humor and love, till we meet again!
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