I had high hopes for USA Curling and all they are doing is letting me down...
Men - lost to both Germany & Norvay (though, note, both opponent teams had hot guys so they got bonus points from me there)
Women - lost to Japan and Germany ... killer mistakes made, can't believe it.
I'm not going to breakdown the mistakes, I'm just going to leave with the note of disappointment that I'm carrying right now. Granted it's just round two of the Round Robin event and they have six more games to go but it's just a bad start and that can really set a tone.
So onto the good news!
My old curling home, the Philadelphia Curling Club, is hosting an Open House next weekend and yes, I'm going!
Check out this article by Marcus Hayes, a Philadelphia sports writer, as he tried curling for the first time ever. I do have to say, many of his thoughts reflect the same things that were going through my head back in 2007 during my first class at the Potomac Curling Club. Though, I have a feeling that many of these aches and pains he speaks of will come right back seeing it's been awhile since I've done any 'willing' sliding on ice.
So if you enjoyed the article, you'll most definitely enjoy the video (not the mention, you get to see a few good shots of the club)
2.17.2010
2.15.2010
One More Day
Until Olympic CURLING STARTS!!! Woohoo!
I am excited to watch the U.S. men's and women's teams. For those who are not curling fans I suggest you take a gander at the sport on the teevee this year. While it doesn't appear to be demanding physically or mentally it really is - well, more on the mental than the physical.
FUN FACT: If you are in the position of First or Second, you average 2 miles of walking per game.
And if you ever wonder what a curlers dream is like ... this video will give you some good insight:
While I haven't been on the ice since 2008 I still love it and cannot wait to start curling next season. All I need to do is find my shoes (or buy new ones) seeing how it's funny that they 'run' off after being moved a few too many times. I have my broom and I may or may not have walked around Arlington this past weekend with it while blasting the Olympic theme song from my iPod out loud (than you portable speakers)! Best part was, I only got a few strange looks, one of them coming from a bum.
So yes, I'm ready not for only the Olympics but some American Curling victory!!
And if you were ever curious as to how a curling stone is made, check this out:
I am excited to watch the U.S. men's and women's teams. For those who are not curling fans I suggest you take a gander at the sport on the teevee this year. While it doesn't appear to be demanding physically or mentally it really is - well, more on the mental than the physical.
FUN FACT: If you are in the position of First or Second, you average 2 miles of walking per game.
And if you ever wonder what a curlers dream is like ... this video will give you some good insight:
While I haven't been on the ice since 2008 I still love it and cannot wait to start curling next season. All I need to do is find my shoes (or buy new ones) seeing how it's funny that they 'run' off after being moved a few too many times. I have my broom and I may or may not have walked around Arlington this past weekend with it while blasting the Olympic theme song from my iPod out loud (than you portable speakers)! Best part was, I only got a few strange looks, one of them coming from a bum.
So yes, I'm ready not for only the Olympics but some American Curling victory!!
And if you were ever curious as to how a curling stone is made, check this out:
2.12.2010
Are those from L.L. Bean
Not too long ago DC was dubbed the "Hollywood for Ugly People." I was a bit shocked when I heard this but then took a look around and realized that there is some truth to that statement. And lo-and-behold, there's even a blog devoted to it (then again, what isn't there a blog devoted to?)
Seeing that I've never claimed to be fashion-forward, ahem...I come from the land of practicality duh. I had my run-in with someone that reminded me of why the "Hollywood for Uglies" exists.
After the city has been ambushed by two blizzards over the past week and finds itself digging out of 2-4 feet of snow it is hard for the 'uglies' to even try to attempt at being fashionable but yet, I'm finding them trying really hard.
My common attire over the past week has consisted of snow pants, long-johns, boots and a down jacket. My way of sprucing up the outfit is via faux diamond earrings.
As I'm stomping around the city of Arlington (I haven't crossed the river in over a week due to crappy metro transit delays) I find myself in the same pieces of clothing and footwear ... namely my boots. My $20, Fleet Farm boots. These boots have saved me from many falls, from worrying about frostbite and have helped increase my speed in 18" of powdery, white stuff. While some friends are dawning their fancy lookin' rubber boots (non-insulated) I am perfectly happy and cozy while they are stomping their feet to regain feeling. So what if I look like I should be out deer hunting, I'm comfortable and that trumps all.
As I understand that girls still want to look cute even during the most treacherous weather, by no means are heels appropriate footwear. Yes, I'm talking to YOU the girl who took 20 mins to go downhill on a one-way path whereas it should have taken 5, ugh. (I'm still fuming about that)
While I have taken no shame in my lack of style,my ego has been lifted to a new level. It was Saturday and I had just trekked 4 miles around the city visiting friends in search of sanity where I made the last stop with my buddy T down the hill in Rosslyn. Once the evening came to a close T and I started to get ready to leave. Our host, a nice North Dakota boy who has been living out east longer than the wild west, took a glance at my boots and said, "Nice... did you get those at L.L. Bean?" Without skipping I beat I threw back, "Nope, I went to this little place, only in the Midwest, you may have heard of it - Fleet Farm."
BOO YA FASHION ELITISTS!
Curious, I took a look at what my twin boots at L.L. Bean would cost - yeah, I'm the wiser one there. Nice try boys. Lesson learned, I guess I can be a bit Hollywood and not even realize it - all thanks to Fleet Farm.
Seeing that I've never claimed to be fashion-forward, ahem...I come from the land of practicality duh. I had my run-in with someone that reminded me of why the "Hollywood for Uglies" exists.
After the city has been ambushed by two blizzards over the past week and finds itself digging out of 2-4 feet of snow it is hard for the 'uglies' to even try to attempt at being fashionable but yet, I'm finding them trying really hard.
My common attire over the past week has consisted of snow pants, long-johns, boots and a down jacket. My way of sprucing up the outfit is via faux diamond earrings.
As I'm stomping around the city of Arlington (I haven't crossed the river in over a week due to crappy metro transit delays) I find myself in the same pieces of clothing and footwear ... namely my boots. My $20, Fleet Farm boots. These boots have saved me from many falls, from worrying about frostbite and have helped increase my speed in 18" of powdery, white stuff. While some friends are dawning their fancy lookin' rubber boots (non-insulated) I am perfectly happy and cozy while they are stomping their feet to regain feeling. So what if I look like I should be out deer hunting, I'm comfortable and that trumps all.
As I understand that girls still want to look cute even during the most treacherous weather, by no means are heels appropriate footwear. Yes, I'm talking to YOU the girl who took 20 mins to go downhill on a one-way path whereas it should have taken 5, ugh. (I'm still fuming about that)
While I have taken no shame in my lack of style,my ego has been lifted to a new level. It was Saturday and I had just trekked 4 miles around the city visiting friends in search of sanity where I made the last stop with my buddy T down the hill in Rosslyn. Once the evening came to a close T and I started to get ready to leave. Our host, a nice North Dakota boy who has been living out east longer than the wild west, took a glance at my boots and said, "Nice... did you get those at L.L. Bean?" Without skipping I beat I threw back, "Nope, I went to this little place, only in the Midwest, you may have heard of it - Fleet Farm."
BOO YA FASHION ELITISTS!
Curious, I took a look at what my twin boots at L.L. Bean would cost - yeah, I'm the wiser one there. Nice try boys. Lesson learned, I guess I can be a bit Hollywood and not even realize it - all thanks to Fleet Farm.
2.11.2010
Click.
As noted, I like to meet the neighbors. I just plain like meeting people and when I discovered that we had two neighbor guys just next door, I got even more excited. No, they won't fully replace TC & CF but they are about 1.94 miles closer. So after this discovery and in the midst of going stir-crazy during our second storm in less than a week I sought the advice of TC on how to get to know (re: get invited) the neighbors better. M and I though about bringing over cookies, perhaps asking to borrow something but it all just came off too desperate. Suffice to say, I gave up on my schemes and decided to move ahead with my projects of the day.
After being burned out from doing micro homework for 2.5 hrs I decided that I should fix a pitcher of sangria and clear off the newly blanketed drive for when M came home. She's had crappy commutes and going to work at 4:30 a.m. never lifts anyone's mood. I quick mixed up the sangria and put on my snow gear. All SET! I walk outside to survey the damage. Not bad! Uh oh. Did the door close? Was it locked? I groped for the doorknob while screaming at self within. DAMN! It's locked. I'm locked out of the house and it's 10 degrees out and windy. Awesome.
I figured there was little else I could do beyond shoveling seeing I had NOTHING on me (no cell, no money, nothing). It was about 4:25 when I locked self out. I set to work on our driveway. People would walk by but none of the close by neighbors. None of them were out. Of course. Well, other than the hillbillies two houses down and frankly, I'd rather freeze than figure out what they are gonna be doing with that old, rusted out 85 camero on blocks in the front yard.
After a solid hour (?) of shoveling finally the boys door opened and out came MM. He saw me shoveling. Yelled over, "I beat you!" MM, "Yeah, well you've been out here forever!" Me, "Ummmm *silence* Yeah.... *more silence* It's easy to do that when you lock yourself out of the house." MM just stared and then laughed. By then I was over the punchy phase and explained that M should be home within the next hour. After we cleared out his walkway and around the car I was invited it. He set the heater up right next to me and gave me a beer and tried to force me to eat dinner (Um, I'm a girl, we don't eat food in front of a boy the first time, no, we drink and starve ourselves in hopes to not look like the pigs that we are). I was able to locate M's number and leave her a msg about my stupidity and found myself home within the next 30 mins.
As fun as it was... locking self out is probably not the best way to get invited over to the neighbors house.
Best line of the night - M, "I seriously thought you planned this."
Yes, I did but no, not really. Next time, the keys are coming with me & a plate of cookies as a thanks.
And just in case you haven't seen how awesome the Mid-Atlantic weather has been ... this video is wicked awesome.
After being burned out from doing micro homework for 2.5 hrs I decided that I should fix a pitcher of sangria and clear off the newly blanketed drive for when M came home. She's had crappy commutes and going to work at 4:30 a.m. never lifts anyone's mood. I quick mixed up the sangria and put on my snow gear. All SET! I walk outside to survey the damage. Not bad! Uh oh. Did the door close? Was it locked? I groped for the doorknob while screaming at self within. DAMN! It's locked. I'm locked out of the house and it's 10 degrees out and windy. Awesome.
I figured there was little else I could do beyond shoveling seeing I had NOTHING on me (no cell, no money, nothing). It was about 4:25 when I locked self out. I set to work on our driveway. People would walk by but none of the close by neighbors. None of them were out. Of course. Well, other than the hillbillies two houses down and frankly, I'd rather freeze than figure out what they are gonna be doing with that old, rusted out 85 camero on blocks in the front yard.
After a solid hour (?) of shoveling finally the boys door opened and out came MM. He saw me shoveling. Yelled over, "I beat you!" MM, "Yeah, well you've been out here forever!" Me, "Ummmm *silence* Yeah.... *more silence* It's easy to do that when you lock yourself out of the house." MM just stared and then laughed. By then I was over the punchy phase and explained that M should be home within the next hour. After we cleared out his walkway and around the car I was invited it. He set the heater up right next to me and gave me a beer and tried to force me to eat dinner (Um, I'm a girl, we don't eat food in front of a boy the first time, no, we drink and starve ourselves in hopes to not look like the pigs that we are). I was able to locate M's number and leave her a msg about my stupidity and found myself home within the next 30 mins.
As fun as it was... locking self out is probably not the best way to get invited over to the neighbors house.
Best line of the night - M, "I seriously thought you planned this."
Yes, I did but no, not really. Next time, the keys are coming with me & a plate of cookies as a thanks.
And just in case you haven't seen how awesome the Mid-Atlantic weather has been ... this video is wicked awesome.
snOMG from Andrew Cutraro on Vimeo.
2.10.2010
Neighborhood Dance
Do you want to know how to meet your neighbors that doesn't include the cops? A blizzard. I'm strong. But I'm tired of this. I thought I left this behind in the Midwest but I guess I and Al Gore were wrong. If there is anything good from this (beyond making the memorials look really purty covered in snow) it is getting out of the house and meeting your neighbors. On Saturday my roommate and I spent a good hour and half shoveling out the driveway to make it less craptastic come Sunday, when the snow was predicted to stop. During that time we witnessed the sorority house across the street with their boys in tow making a 'couch' out the snow drift in their front yard, complete with throw pillows and beer holders.
As my roommate and I threw beers in a bag and placed them on the cooler (the foot of snow on her car) we were greeted by hoards of neighbors walking down the street, beers in hand, chatting and taking photos of crazy, snow scenes. It was awesome. There were jokes going around and a lot of introductions. One of best moments was when the older couple across the road started to take about 30 photos of us in action and yelling over to us, "STOP! SMILE! PERFECT!!! We'll send these to you!" Love it. Another bonus, meeting the cute neighbor boy who's window is 10 ft away from mine (okay, that seems creepy written ... in it's not).
Anyhow neighbor boy earned major points that day with us for more than just looking cute. He had borrowed an old broom to clean off his car and I jokingly told him that he owed us a $10 usage fee. I said I was joking but he must have took it to heart a little. After a visit to the local Giant (I knew he went because he asked how it was after I had returned) we found a bottle of wine and a "Thank You" card on our porch next to the broom. Who knew guys still have hearts? I didn't! So now we are working on baking some cookies and going to bring them over to him as a thank you for being awesome.
Well, I'm out. I just pray that my roof doesn't collapse and the tree in the front yard decides to stay vertical (there is so much snow & ice on the darn thing, making in sag and hit our front window, not cool).
Hope ya'll are staying warm & safe!
As my roommate and I threw beers in a bag and placed them on the cooler (the foot of snow on her car) we were greeted by hoards of neighbors walking down the street, beers in hand, chatting and taking photos of crazy, snow scenes. It was awesome. There were jokes going around and a lot of introductions. One of best moments was when the older couple across the road started to take about 30 photos of us in action and yelling over to us, "STOP! SMILE! PERFECT!!! We'll send these to you!" Love it. Another bonus, meeting the cute neighbor boy who's window is 10 ft away from mine (okay, that seems creepy written ... in it's not).
Anyhow neighbor boy earned major points that day with us for more than just looking cute. He had borrowed an old broom to clean off his car and I jokingly told him that he owed us a $10 usage fee. I said I was joking but he must have took it to heart a little. After a visit to the local Giant (I knew he went because he asked how it was after I had returned) we found a bottle of wine and a "Thank You" card on our porch next to the broom. Who knew guys still have hearts? I didn't! So now we are working on baking some cookies and going to bring them over to him as a thank you for being awesome.
Well, I'm out. I just pray that my roof doesn't collapse and the tree in the front yard decides to stay vertical (there is so much snow & ice on the darn thing, making in sag and hit our front window, not cool).
Hope ya'll are staying warm & safe!
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