Glendale Here We Come!

Well, I guess I'm not technically headed to Glendale. We opted to buy the new flat panel HDTV instead. I also just realized that I have a jury trial that begins the morning after the National Championship game. So, as thrilled as I am that OSU is making it's second appearance in 5 years, it looks as though I'll be watching the game later in the week:(

The Rice household is obviously beaming over Saturday night's victory over MI. Based on the polls out today, I think that nearly the entire nation is in agreement: MI remains the #2 team in the Nation. Accordingly, I think it only makes sense that MI face OSU in the National Championship, right? What a surprise, an SEC coach doesn't agree:

Florida coach Urban Meyer said Sunday a rematch between Michigan and Ohio State would be cause for immediate change to the BCS.
"If that does happen, all the (university) presidents need to get together immediately and put together a playoff system," he said. "I mean like now, January or whenever to get that done."

Is he serious? FL struggled against Vandy and GA and barely won against SC and TN. Yet Meyers thinks the BCS is flawed if MI and OSU meet again? Is he kidding? Is he disputing that MI is the #2 team in the nation. Please keep in mind that 1. As an Ohio native, the Wolverines are my sworn enemy and 2. As much as they deserve to be in Glendale, I'd be perfectly happy if OSU were to meet another team (not anxious to go through the anxiety of last weekend again). But, fair is fair...and right now, fair is to have a rematch in my opinion. Because of strength of schedule, if USC wins out, I do understand how they could jump into the #2 position....but they lost to unranked Oregon State! MI lost only to the #1 team in the nation...by only a field goal.

To sum it up, Urban Meyer just won himself a position up there with Tuberville as a snot-nosed whiner!!!

In truth, I would love nothing better than for FL to get the bid to the National Championship game. The only thing sweeter than a Tennessee victory over the Gators would have to be the Buckeyes kicking the crap out of them!!!

The Time Has Come...Almost

1 Day, 2 Hours, 35 Minutes . . .
Click here for official countdown on espn.com.

I'd love to talk about my Buckeyes and my anticipation of the big game, but a more important story just came across the wires.

Rest in Peace, Bo. I was just reviewing the obituaries in my hometown newspaper and thinking how terrible it would be to pass away just before this game. Okay, so I admit that I'm a freak:) I'm sure Woody will look forward to seeing the game tomorrow with his old friend.

So Close!

1 Day, 21 Hours, 45 Minutes . . .
I know that I promised to find something interesting to blog about today. I'm sorry, I've failed. I, however, did come across a great website today. Check out Songs of The Ohio State University. It not only has lyrics to all relevant OSU songs, but also offers a history of the song and audio. Reviewing these songs also has me in the mood to relearn the alma maters for Denison and UT (which I usually remember this time of year just from attending the games...I miss my Vols this year).

Another Day Down

2 days, 23 hours, 45 minutes . . .

With all the anticipation for Saturday, it's difficult to focus on any other topic for discussion. I'll work on something interesting for tomorrow.

The Countdown Continues

3 days, 23 hours . . .
And my heart continues to race with the anticipation.

The Countdown . . .

5 days, 2 hours, 5 minutes . . .

If you have no idea what I'm counting down, check out any Sports website (espn.com, si.com, etc.) and you'll find it as the top story. Read a few while you're there. I did today and had goosebumps the whole time! I'm even more excited now that the Rice household has joined the ranks of HDTV watchers. The scarlet and gray never looked so sweet!

Playing Catch Up

Okay, so I’ve been MIA for a long time. Well, now I have a lot to catch up on.
1. We’re having a BOY!!!
2. OSU v. Michigan in 9 days . . .
3. The Democrats took both houses of Congress….and Rumsfeld is out!!!
4. Just got back from a fantastic trip to NYC with 6 of my girlfriends.
5. Did I mention we're having a boy?! I think that will have to be the focus of this post. So, this first ultrasound picture proves it. If you can't tell, the arrow is pointing at the penis. How funny is it that I have a penis growing inside of me? :) Anyway, this shows his little bottom and his legs. The next picture is my very favorite . . . This one shows his perfect little face with his hands up just in front of his chin. It was truly amazing how much he's grown!

I'm also feeling him move regularly now...and I love that only I can feel him right now.

So, world, meet my son...Jacob (Jake). Formally to be either Andrew Jacob or Jacob Andrew. Isn't he gorgeous?! :)

Credit Where Credit Is Due

BCS
The first BCS standing are out. You'd think that I would have little to complain about with my beloved Buckeyes firmly sitting at #1. Well, "not so fast my friend!" Sorry, couldn't help myself. And, rarely will you find a pregnant woman with nothing to complain about:) As a Buckeye fan, it is in my blood to loathe the team to the North. However, I am a football fan. I don't only watch OSU and UT games, I watch football all day Saturday and reruns of games oftentimes throughout the week. I've seen teams from every conference. I've seen USC....I've seen the team to the North. Sorry to say their name Woody, but MI deserves the #2 spot. Obviously the majority of coaches in country disagree with me since they also have USC at #2...though come on, how many games do these coaches really get to watch? If you haven't noticed, they have something a little better to do with their Saturdays. Note: It's quite strange to be a completely (well, sort of) objective observer of the college football scene...I'm so used to hating MI b/c they're MI and FL for the same reason (more about FL below). Where my objectivity stops:
Tommy Tuberville
He is actually still bitching about being shut out of the National Championship two years ago. Really Tommy? How about you focus on this year and this team? You obviously didn't do that when preparing to play Arkansas! I don't know what it is about this man, but he just rubs me the wrong way. Do I think the BCS is fair? Not really. Do I have a better solution. No. Do I think it is really set up to screw conferences like the SEC? Of course...flash back to 2001 SEC Championship game that killed UT's hope of competing for Nat'l Championship. Nevertheless, BCS is what we have now, so quit bitching and deal with it. What does it matter now anyway...you lost to Arkansas!!!!
The "More on Florida"
Obviously, I'm a huge Troy Smith fan and I do support his Heisman candidacy. That fact may skew my next comments...though, honestly, as long as the Heisman winner has earned it, I won't be upset if Troy doesn't win...really. I don't think he cares much either...he's just a class act. Anyway, back to the point. Chris Leak for Heisman...Leak for Heisman? Really? I'm not sure that people are really strong in this belief when it's discussed, but it has been discussed. My problem with "Chris Leak for Heisman?" He is sharing the job! Sure, his stats are great, but he is not getting every snap! Meanwhile, Smith, White, Ange, etc. are the sole QBs on their teams...they take every snap....they are involved in every play (unless they're way ahead and want to give the second string a chance:). Tebow is taking a stronger and stronger role in the FL offense every game. I don't care if they are using him as a tailback...he is in as QB! Accordingly, I scoff at any mention of Leak for Heisman. Come on!

This concludes today's session of "a pregnant lady ranting about college football."

LOST Thoughts

1. I assume the "new love interest for Jack" that I read about is going to be Julia/Juliet
[Kristen A Jones] - This may be naïve of me, but I like her. I want to know her story. Of course, I want to know all of their stories. Maybe it was the migraine, but Jack REALLY got on my nerves last night.
Yeah, the whole obsessive Jack was a bit annoying. But I also think she is just playing him...he is part of an experiment...so I'm not sold on her yet...she has to earn my trust. Also, I'm not convinced she had a whole file on Jack. Not that it's very likely, but they could have obtained all of that information in other ways (i.e. spying on them for the past 2 months)
[Kristen A Jones] Good Point! However, I do think they want him believe they have the power to get this info.
2. How creepy was it when Ben (Henry Gale) said to Kate...."because the next 2 weeks are going to be very unpleasant."???
[Kristen A Jones] - Yes, I found this eerie and wondered if they have been given the “sickness,” or if they are going to be put through grueling tests. I would have eaten the eggs and drank the coffee!
I'm not going to like this "defeated" Kate. It is just too sad...I love her and how strong she's always been. And, did you see her wrists? Poor thing!
[Kristen A Jones] Yes, it is sad, but wouldnÂ’t you be defeated too? I think I would just want to live with the others in civilization!
3. Guy that escaped....an Other? I think so.
[Kristen A Jones] Since he was young, maybe he was born into the Others, but does not share their ideals. Maybe he is rebelling like a young adult that moves across the country.
I think he's an Other and the whole thing was set up as part of an experiment to see if Sawyer would follow his lead and directions.
[Kristen A Jones] This is a really good point. It is just a big experiment.
4. Note that Julia/et used a CD at beginning of episode...so we can guess how long they've been there. No more than, what 12 or so years (large volume of cds, even if cds have been around longer, selection would not have been there...hmmm, i bet we could look up when that song was first released on cd).[Kristen A Jones] I think they have to have been there longer because of RussoÂ’s daughter growing up with them. I think this was a sign of contact with civilization. Her daughter is in her teens, right?
I didn't think about that. I think Alex is supposed to be about 16. Hmmm, interesting.
5. Looks like the love triangle is pointing toward the Kate/Sawyer match.
[Kristen A Jones] Yes, I think that is the way the people want it. I'd really be happy either way b/c I love them both. So sexy:)
6. I realize Jack had reason not to trust his father, but jeez louise!! He was a psycho stalker! He drove his Dad back to drinking!! No wonder he has issues! I think maybe we were just being mislead to think that there could possibly be something between Sarah and his Dad. It was terrible.
I felt so bad for him and was really pissed that she wouldn't just tell him who the guy was. I also think that this is the drinking binge when his dad goes to Australia and dies...would explain a lot. Also makes me feel so sorry for Jack.

I canÂ’t wait for next week when we get to see the rest of the survivors. Also, I thought the first two minutes of this episode was phenomenal. It literally made me sit up on the couch.
I also can't wait until the hot guy from Love Actually is introduced as a new character. Plus, what happened to Locke and DesmonEkod Ekko....so much to find out. Oh, and did you see the preview where it makes it look like Sun gets shot? Terrible.[Kristen A Jones] Yes, I am afraid she will lose the baby – or die since she has had sex on the island.

Also, do you think that Ben and Julia were involved at one time? I got a small vibe about that. Either that or he is the leader, but she doesn't "worship" him like everyone else and is her own, strong personality. [Kristen A Jones] I kind of thought Ethan was her husband. Maybe not, but at the beginning, when he was under the house fixing the pipes, I just assumed it was her husband under there. I definitely do not think she is the typical “Other.”

Catching up . . .

Since it has been so long, I thought there would be no harm if I made two posts today.

Why I think we're having a girl:

1. Had a dream it is a girl (though I was disappointed in said dream!);
2. High heartbeat, which some claim points to girl (though absolutely no scientific correlation);
3. Chinese Calendar says girl (though one Chinese calendar I consulted said boy?);
4. From day 1 Andy and I both have had a strong "girl vibe;" and
5. God is sure to punish me (pay me back) for all of the bickering, fighting and headaches I caused my own mother over the years.

My biggest fear if I find out in 4 1/2 weeks (i'm not counting down or anything:) that we're having a girl: having a sudden urge to buy all things PINK. Ugh! I know I'll do it, I'm sure it's inevitable. Meanwhile, I'm telling myself that the nursery will still be blue and yellow and red and green (all primary colors) and that I will NOT give in to the Pink!

So, given that it's been quite awhile, I have a plethora of pinatas...I mean topics to choose from. I could talk about the pregnancy and how it is going well and how we'll find out the gender on November 3rd!!! Or, I could discuss all of the horrendous shootings in the news. Or, I could be depressing and discuss loss in general, since there has been plenty to go around lately. Instead, I'm going to talk about Ohio and Poop.

Several weeks ago, Andy and I were in the middle of our Saturday morning ritual, watching College GameDay, who happened to be covering Ohio State...at Texas. One can't help but scan the dozens of signs in the crowd. Well, I actually missed one in particular, but thanks to the DVR, Andy alerted me and we were able to rewind and verify... There, on national TV, from Austin, TX, on a white poster board with simply black lettering was the most articulate sign I've ever seen: OHIO = POOP

No, not Ohio State equals poop...just the state of Ohio in general. I must say, I'll never forget that sign and never fail to laugh each and every time Andy and I bring it up! Well, GameDay happened to cover OSU again this weekend and here were my two favorites:
1. "Troy Smith Loves Unicorns" (with a pretty rainbow behind the lettering) Really, is this supposed to be an insult? Who doesn't love unicorns.
2. "Go Hawkeyes, Beat Tressels Nuts" Bravo! Someone who knows and understands what a Buckeye is!!! Interestingly, I believe it was during the Texas coverage, one sign had something to do with eating said nuts...joke is still on the Horns b/c if you eat them, you will be poisoned (and since they are from OH, be eating some form of Poop as well:)!!!

"We Have a Soccer Player!"

Well 10 1/2 weeks down and 29 1/2 to go! Our first "official OB" appointment is now behind us and we still have a healthy pregnancy. Given my history, the doctor agreed to a quick ultrasound so that I could have some piece of mind. I was not prepared for what we saw...a baby with arms and legs actually moving around! Andy is certain that we have a soccer player on our hands! The nurse pointed out that baby loves being on camera because it was moving around like crazy (a bit of his/her mom in 'em already perhaps:).

I am now, finally, breathing a big sigh of relief. I'm also allowing myself to get excited and start to make plans for this baby. I close my eyes and still only see that ultrasound...and a tear escapes.

Oh yeah....and GO BUCKS! And VOLS!

Bella Roma

Well, I finally got around to uploading some of our pictures from Europe. Because there are so many, I'm going to have to do them one city at a time. I love this picture of Andy from Rome. (see selected pictures from Rome) Granted, he looks a bit rough, but it just reminds me that this was our first day in Europe and we were completely jet-lagged! It's also a fitting picture because he is, of course, dawning his Woody hat...which brings me to Topic #2 for the day...less than 72 hours left in the countdown for College Football!!!

I'm more than a bit nervous of the preseason rankings...No. 1 is a big number to live up to over the next 4 months. I do have every confidence that the team will not let the ranking to to their head (as did a certain orange team a few years ago). With such a great coaching staff, the Buckeyes are sure to come out of the gates strong and confident, yet humble. I've already been impressed with Smith's interview responses to all of the Heisman buzz.

Though I mentioned how my orange team has let us down in the past, I should also mention my excitement for the UT opener against California. I also plan on watching them poach some Bears on Saturday! Though last season left everyone speechless (well, that's not completely true--we were never short on words blasting Sanders--good riddance!), I do have every confidence that they can start picking up the pieces of this team and have a winning season and am excited to see what they are able to do on Saturday.

Well, I fully intended to write an excerpt on the beauty and wonder of Rome...but, as you can see, my mind will be on a single track over the next few months...college football is even helping to alleviate the fears I have over my doctor's appointment this Friday!

Joanie Loves Keith

Today's post is devoted to my friends, Joanie and Keith, who are now flying to Vegas where they will be joined in Holy matrimony tomorrow...by Elvis! Congratulations and Good Luck Joanie and Keith. I hate that I'll miss the retro wedding in a 50's style diner, but plan on tuning in via the internet. Following their Vegas weekend (in luxury at the Wynn), Keith will then wisk Joanie off to Mexico for a honeymoon at a posh resort...ahhhh new love!

While one couple begins their life together, another ends . . .

So, it looks like Kate and Chris are splitsville. I can't say I'm surprised...in fact this relationship has always baffled me! Not sure anyone out there did not see this coming. Poor Kate!

4-H v. Girl Scouts. 4-H Wins!

One the first things I see on the local news this morning is a story about nearly 1000 girl scouts being recommended to get rabies’ shots because bats were found in one of the cabins at their camp. Okay, there are just so many things wrong with this story. Let me outline them for you:
1. The bats were found in only one cabin, yet nearly 1000 girls (all at the camp, I presume?) are recommended to get shots?
That must have been one hell of a big cabin to house all of the girls. Come on! A few girls stay in a cabin with bats and now everyone may have rabies?
2. They had no proof that anyone had been bitten, but are taking precautionary measures. The story on the news even said that girls may not have known if they were bitten in their sleep.
If a bat bites me in my sleep, I’m gonna wake up…period. Give me a break.
3. About 12 years at Tar Hollow 4-H camp as either a camper or counselor and I probably slept among bats on at least half a dozen occasions. Did I get rabies shots?
NO! Either the counselors and/or Dan would get a broom and kindly escort the bats out of the cabin. The End! I can only wonder how the girl scouts would treat mice, bugs, or raccoons, oh my!

Circle of Life

So happy to report that today is a good day. Okay, not so much good as AMAZING!!! I know it's much too early to get too excited and be shouting to the world, but I cannot help myself. World, meet Baby Rice:) I have obviously been on pins and needles with this pregnancy and I do understand that we are not out of the woods yet, but my doctor has no reason to believe that this will not be a HEALTHY pregnancy!

I've read about first hearing the baby's heartbeat and knew that we should hear a heartbeat today...but nothing can prepare you for actually hearing it! I think Andy and I also had tears of joy in our eyes, since we never had the opportunity to hear the last baby's heartbeat. Our next goal is to make it past 9 weeks. Although I am breathing a bit easier today, I will feel much more relief if we make it through our next visit on September 1st with a good report (at which time the chance of miscarriage--still hate that word--will drop to only 4%).

Kim and I had a very short discussion today...we can't help but think that this baby is meant to make it. It would somehow make sense that God is giving me this life to help make up for our loss of Zane this week. Yes, I guess I am back on speaking terms with God...at least I am now that I had such a good report today.

Have I mentioned that I heard a HEARTBEAT???!!! I haven't been this happy in awhile and I am truly thankful.

Forced Choice Friday

-Care of Ditto Heston . . . thanks to Heather for giving me a reason to post another blog (been awhile:).

1. Toilet paper end over or under? Over. When I was younger, I used to be emphatic that it be under...don't know what prompted the change. I actually remember a Donahue show from about 20 years ago where a marriage nearly ended over this dispute!

2. Joe Simpson or Kevin Federline? Gotta be K-Fed. Something is just not right with Joe. He gives the impression that he manages much more than just his daughters' careers.

3. Margaritas or Mojitos? Margaritas. I've only tried a mojito once and wasn't impressed. I should give it another try (though sadly cannot for quite awhile). I am happy to post margarita because my tequila ban (instituted after a rather memorable freshman year Denison incident) has been lifted! Yay!

4. Yoga or Pilates? Pilates. Admittedly, I have done neither. If given the choice, I'd pick Pilates and do plan to start it some day...by DVD b/c everyone knows I'm too lazy to pay for a gym membership.

5. Sweet Valley High or Choose Your Own Adventure? No contest-Choose Your Own Adventure. I was addicted! I was too much of a tom boy for SVH. I have actually never read one of those books!

6. 1980’s Canadian Superstar Conrad Bain, or 1980’s Canadian Superstar Alan Thicke? Eh! Don't care either way, so I'll pick Alan Thicke.

7. Mad Cow Disease or Bird Flu? I'll go with Bird Flu. I love how our government is inciting panic by issuing statements of how it could spread and wipe out our population. Network television hasn't helped...soon after gov't statement came a TV movie about such an outbreak in the US.

8. Celebrity Ex-Con Robert Downey Jr., or Celebrity Ex-Con Martha Stewart? Robert Downey Jr. Air America...'nough said! Speaking of this classic movie, just read that Mel Gibson was arrested in Malibu for DUI. That is one case that I'd definitely take pro bono. Why can't celebrities drive drunk in Knoxville and hire me? :)

9. Pennsyltucky or Kentuckiana? Must admit that as an Ohio and TN resident, I am not familiar with the phenomenon of either combination. So, guess I'll choose Kenuckiana since KY is all that separates OH and TN.

10. PepperJack or Horseradish Cheddar? Loves me some PepperJack.

Photo Shoot

Thank you to Miss Lisa for sending me these fabulous pictures of us having a blast in Philly. L to R: Lisa, Me, Kristin Lisa and Kristin are 2 of my college roommates from Denison and simply amazing friends! These pictures were taken in a photo booth, of course, at a restaurant in Philly. We had such a fantastic day. I found myself being completely silly (onlookers probably thought i was intoxicated! and NO, I wasnt'...I was still pregnant then) and laughing until I cried . . . I really felt just as if no time had passed and we were 20 years old again. This was a very good day and I'm very thankful for it b/c things took such a horrible turn just the next week.

So, let me pay tribute to Lisa and Kristin--not only good friends, but lifetime friends! Actually tribute should be paid to all of those "lifetime friends" meaning those who, no matter how much time passes, you still feel as close as you were at the peak of your friendship. I have been blessed with many of these friends in my life. Time really is at least one test of true friendship. On that note, I should also mention high school friends--Tiff, Heather and Leslie--with whom I recently had a fantastic mini-reunion.

Top 10 . . .

Every time we make the long trek home to Chilli-town, I can't help but get nostalgic. So, I've decided to devote today's post to the Top Ten Things I Miss from/about Chillicothe. The list does not include family (that's a given) and may include things enjoyed as a child or teenager. Here they are, in no particular order:
1. Seeing someone I know everytime I leave the house. In K'town, a city of nearly half a million, this rarely happens. Sadly, I've been gone from Ross County for so long that even now when we go out in Chillicothe, I rarely see anyone I know.

2. The Ross County Fair! Andy and I ventured to the TN Valley Fair a few years ago...it's basically a bunch of rides in a parking lot...so sad.

3. Pizza. The pizza selection in Ross County is second to none--Jerry's, Donatos, Cardos, Giovanni's, Frankfort Pizza . . . I have yet to find a pizza in Knox County to rival any of these.

4. The Dairy Cone. Not just the Dairy Cone, but all small, family-owned ice cream places. Again, can't find them here in Knox County. We do have Marble Slab, Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, Maggie Moo's etc. ... but sometimes you just need a Heath cyclone made with soft serve chocolate ice cream...yum!

5. Local Politics. I loved being involved in local politics, working on campaigns, etc. Knox County is just not the same. I now live in the land of conservatives where usually working on a local campaing means working on a losing campaign. Plus, Knoxville is so big, you don't get the same feel as working on campaigns in Southern Ohio.

6. Field Parties. In high school--give us an empty field, a case of beer and a fire and we'd have the time of our lives.

7. 4-H. Okay, so this kind of goes along with number 2. I love(d) 4-H . . . I met the love of my life in 4-H. Most people in TN have even NEVER heard of 4-H. As soon as we moved to Knoxville, I emailed the local extension agents and offered to volunteer (Andy and I both) and never heard back. Can you imagine? Also, 4-H Camp would have to be included here, though it is actually deserving of it's own number.

8. The Country. I am now officially a suburbanite. I admit it. As much as I love the convenience of food delivery and a grocery 3 minutes away, I also miss not being able to see your neighbor's house. I miss not needing a privacy fence and having acres of fields and woods to roam (though I do not miss mowing those acres).

9. Kings Island. Okay, so it's not in Ross County, but nearly every year of my life in Ohio we would make at least one trip to Kings Island and I have some great memories!

10. Don's IGA. Okay, this would normally not have made the list. However, last Sunday morning Becky and I went to Don's to get supplies for a cookout (and more ham salad to bring back to TN) and I had such a great experience. First of all, I miss the small family-owned grocery store...how quaint! The prices were amazing. And, to top it all off, a nice young man brought our groceries to the car, loaded them and didn't even expect a tip! If we had a Don's IGA here in K'town, I would never dread doing the shopping.

Oh Say . . .

Andy and I continued our new 4th of July tradition last night by climbing out onto the roof of the room addition and watching as fireworks lit the sky all across West Knoxville. I have found that this is one of the benefits of city life that I never experienced growing up on Porter Hollow Road. The displays were quite amazing…some even rivaling those of small towns! I also think that the fireworks booming around us last night increased 10-fold from years past. Interestingly, the use of fireworks is illegal in Knox County . . . God Bless the lawbreakers:)

As I sat for upwards of a half hour watching and listening to these beautiful explosions, I couldn’t help but think of people in war-torn countries, such as Iraq. These people likely hear these same sounds daily/nightly, yet rather than rush outside in awe, I imagine that they are forced to cower within their homes and pray for their own safety. Depressing thoughts for such a joyous holiday!