Well not really, but it was almost a victory! Last night we, the Alumni, played the defending National Champions and tied 1-1. For us, this was a small prideful victory. We officially got a rise out of the coach, who after agreeing to 35 minute halves, extended both because his team was not performing or capitalizing on our out-of-shape team of moms and business professionals (a.k.a. Starbucks baristas and receptionists).

The game itself was actually quite good. As to be expected, we assumed we would get our butts kicked. However, to our surprise and to some’s dismay, most of the action stayed in the middle of the field, neither team dominating. They scored first with a great shot to the far post. Late in the second half our favorite forward, Tammy Typer, had a ball bounce into the 18 yard box. She lept up, knocking in a nice, awkward header, scoring the very first Alumni goal! Shortly thereafter, she was annihilated by the goalie, sent into a sideways spin up into the air, landing on her back. Though Tammy hurt real bad today, she know all worth it. Tammy score big.

Before the game I was quite nervous. I decided several years ago, after my last major shoulder dislocation, that I would never play goalie again. When the team found out last night that the only person there with any keeper experience, was not going to play, they were not very happy with me! However, it was just not worth it. To risk another dislocation and need to get surgery was not something I was willing to engage. Anyway, the other day I remembered how much I loved playing. Last night solidified that thought. Though I was not in my normal goalie position, I had a blast. I played up top with Tammy and was actually able to contribute (via running a lot) … my passes mostly sucked :-)

It makes me want to pick it up again. Get better at playing on the field and gain my touch back!

Okay, last night I did not sleep a WINK. Woke up many-a-time and had crazy dreams. When I woke, I remembered this dream:

I was visiting Dana, my Hawaiian roommate from college. She just found out that one of her friends died tragic and freak accident, her friend was also pregnant. We were then in a hotel in Hawaii (where I assume I was staying) and we went to the bathroom. While we were washing our hands she started crying. I gave her a big hug that lasted five-ever. Then we sat down on a bench and she started telling me what happened. She asked if I new some song that I did know and then she started singing it. It was very beautiful. When she was done she said that the song was about her friend and her baby. It was sad. I woke up sad!

I also woke up to the dreary Seattle grey and shitty rain. I AM SO DONE WITH HALF ASS WINTER. Therefore, when I awoke, I started to assess how many air miles I had accumulated and how many I was willing to spend. The first thing I did when I woke was message my friend Dana. I asked, “Will you be on the Island mid-May?” She said yes and I was welcome to come down at any time. I decided, it’s time. I got tix to HAWAII BABY!!!! May 8th through the 13th.

BLAM.

For those of you unfamiliar with McBabe’s, please refer back to Mead, Dancing & Drinking to gain some background knowledge on the honkie-tonk wonder.

* The Normals
Pertaining to, or speaking of, all those working full-time, self or otherwise employed; individuals who know and understand social cues, graces and are genuinely interested in the well being of others; persons of intelligence and wit.

Mead *
You should already be familiar with this character.

The Stomper *
Extroverted thirty year old male with a giggly laugh and large goofy smile. Works as a corrections officer. He has decent rhythm but is somehow a millistep off; this makes for a very awesome awkwardness on the dance floor. Do not mistake this for clumsy. The Stomper is very coordinated. He just provides a little over embellishment when there is any stomp involved in the dances. He used to spill beers on the bar when he’d stomp on the dance floor.

Tall One
Tall and broad woman in her late twenties who is currently living off of unemployment yet continues to frequent the bars. To her credit, she is very friendly and does not drink. Unfortunately she her muse is gossip and the fabrication of drama.

Realtor *
Quiet, soft-spoken and seemingly reserved young woman in her mid twenties. Once you get to know her (or she has a sip of the devil’s punch), she’s a bit more spit-fire. This girl is sharp, bright and a little spunky. Very fun to be around.

Smiles
A very intelligent, successful forty five year old pot-bellied, Harley-riding male who happens to be an amazing dancer. He has a large grin and always smiles while dancing. I would consider him one of The Normals but he is a dirty old man who has a taste for women and lewd jokes.

Brother *
A divorced late thirty something ex-Mormon male with two kids who, up until a recent purchase of cowboy boots, wore pleated pants with dress shoes to the cowboy bar. He now dressed in blue jeans and his new boots. Despite the sound of the first sentance, he is quite normal. Nicest man you’ll ever meet. He is kind, easy to talk to, intelligent and very interesting.

Curls and Whiskey
With two (or three?) children at home, this single, mid thirties woman frequents the bar for escape. She starts with whiskey and then moves on to beer. Friendly at first but quite manipulative. She is friends with Tall One.

The Aggressor
A seemingly despirate, overly friendly school teacher who has a very large and obvious crush on Brother. Because Brother is so nice, The Aggressor takes his kindlness as attention and punces on it like a large cat in heat. Her name would be Couger if she went after younger prey.

For five days I will be visiting my cousins. I will get to meet their new baby boy (born back in October) and go to the start of the Iditarod in downtown Anchorage. WHOOP!

Just the other day I was catching up on my news and came across this lovely article on CNN. Blam. What if it blows when I’m in the air?! They claim the volcano will erupt—just a matter of time. Mt. Redoubt stands at 10,197 feet and is located SW of Anchorage. As seen in the map below.

If the winds come in from the south east, Anchorage may be covered in ash! I have Googled and researched and found the Alaska Volcano Observatory. They can be followed on Twitter! I am embedding their Tweets and tomorrow will have an AK or burst eruption watch on the site!

Mt. Saint Helens was smaller than Mt. Redoubt before it erupted, standing at 9,677 feet! Sometimes I am jealous of those who were witness to an eruption that was “the most significant to occur in the contiguous 48 U.S. states (VEI = 5, 0.3 cu mi, 1.2 km³ of material erupted), in terms of power and volume of material released, since the 1915 eruption of California‘s Lassen Peak.” Would it not be an incredible and awesome (true use and meaning of the word) event to see? If no one got hurt, I would wish Mt. Rainer (14,411 feet) to blow. And I wish the same for Mt. Redoubt if I could guarantee my safe arrival in AK and everyone else’s safety!

Mt. Saint Helens

Why trucks are better than cars:

Lifted Lezzie Mobile

Car That Couldn’t