Why must the majority of Major League Baseball players refuse to wear their uniform correctly?

This is an ode to those few men brave enough to go the distance, and wear their socks UP while playing the greatest game of them all, baseball. It is clear that a vast majority of fans LOVE it when a player wears the pants at the knees. It just exudes the feeling of baseball from its origins. I am sure that a few of the guys who are “too cool” to wear them up, don’t realize how much their hottie level will rise with a simple switch of clothing. Why not? It’ll only make us love you more, guys!!

Pat Neshek is the ONLY Twin who has chosen to wear his socks up. Therefore, he is high up on the list of our favorites. Plus, look at his pitching style. It kicks major butt. His arms go every-which-way. How cool is he? Arctic.

Barry Zito, an inaugural Baseball Hottie, happens to also wear his socks up. And to think that the sock thing wasn’t even an original consideration to put him in that category. My friends, his hottness level has just risen.

Even A-Rod knows how to don the uniform the right way. I am sure we are all sick and tired of hearing about him already, but I have to admit, he is in the news for good reasons. Why must he be so good right now? (I feel I can admit that at this moment in time since the Yankees just went on a 7 game losing streak. Schaudenfreude. Look it up, it’s German.)

Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners also is a socks-up guy, and is therefore cool. Plus, he has his FIRST name on the back of his uniform. Who else does that, huh?

Joe Crede, Chicago White Sox

Doug Mientkiewicz, formerly of the Twins (now a dirty Yank)

Jason Varitek, Boston Red Sox. Duh, Red SOX! How come you all can’t get it right, team? It’s your mascot!! Good grief!

As always, there are sooooo many more to go around. Now that Christina and I have been paying attention to the phenomenon, it seems like they’re everywhere! This weekend’s series with Detroit gave us two more for the list. It is really hard to not respect the guy wearing his pants the right way. Come on, fellas, do it for the fans! I promise we’ll love you forever if you do! I wonder if we take it up with Selig he’ll make it a rule across the Leagues…

The end is near…

I seem to be having trouble as of late, keeping up with the extensive workload I have in the final weeks of the semester. I may have made poor decisions of whether to read or watch a terrible movie on ABC Family. The Prince and Me 2 anyone? Oh, yeah–I sure did! So, maybe I am at the point in Moll Flanders where we were to be LAST Friday, and haven’t read King Lear for Shakespeare yet (even though we took the quiz a week ago Tuesday and have since ceased discussions), but I think I will be fine and get it all together. It is hard to free myself from distraction. My apartment is out of the question, and even my favorite study places are becoming noisier than usual. But I only have 7 days left where I have to physically go to a class or final of some sort. A week from Tuesday I will get to go home for a couple weeks and finally get a chance to just sit and not have to worry about doing anything for a class the next week. I will still have a few stresses weighing heavily upon me, such as the fact that as of right now, I am STILL homeless next year. I haven’t had the time to look, but there are still places available thankfully. I am at the point where I barely care what the conditions are, as long as it is affordable. Well, maybe not the disgusting place across the street, but really, I am not that picky anymore. I can’t afford to be right now. I promise I will blog more often about more interesting things that my own pathetic life (at times) when I can research my topics more thoroughly.

Coming Soon:
-The Thing
-Pants Up
-Baseball Hotties Part 2
-More topics about baseball, surely

I’m in love with Nicholas Thompson Swisher.

Yes, that title was typed correctly. Here is what my man has said about his grandmother, who died of cancer.

“My grandmother was my inspiration and strength. She always encouraged me to follow my dreams,” said Swisher. “It was a difficult time for our entire family as she bravely fought cancer. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of her. She truly was the love of my life, and I know that she would be so proud of my support of the Women’s Cancer Research Fund.”

He is an ambassador for Pantene Beautiful Lengths and is growing out his hair to donate it to make wigs for women undergoing cancer treatment. He may look like a mountain man, but his heart is made of gold. He even has his grandmothers initials tattooed on his chest. And before every at bat when he’s looking towards the sky? He’s talking to her in heaven during those moments.

What. A. Stud.

It’s one of those days in which a lot is on my mind.

First of all, I must say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mother. I love her so much and owe pretty much everything I am today to her and my father. She deserves everything good that comes her way.

After my first class, Shakespeare, on Tuesdays and Thursdays I go over to Coffman to study in the quietest nook of the basement level. Oftentimes I stop to grab a cup of coffee if it is one of those mornings where I am more tired than usual. Today, however, a throng of kids (around middle school age) have swarmed and taken over the building. I found out later that they had a French competition (?) or something in the Great Hall. I was planning on getting my usual latte, but the line was about 30 people long. Yeah, right. Those kids do not need any more sugar or caffeine!! Where were their chaperones?! I tried to sit in one of the squishy chairs to read (as I have a TON of lit to read this week), but the young ones where EVERYWHERE (and loud!) and I could not escape. I eventually walked to the building where my Cultural Studies class is held earlier than normal. I ran into a friend of mine, so it wasn’t so bad in the end.

I glanced out the window from my classroom building this morning and noticed a shrub with open buds! FINALLY! I have missed the green trees…

I am distracted to no end currently. I can’t seem to just sit down for a long period of time and get my work done. This is not good, as I have finals to start worrying about now. I had a lot going on this past weekend, which didn’t help, but I did have time to get caught up on my reading. (That is the majority of the homework I do these days.) I need to read around 300 pages of various material by yesterday. I hate to admit this folly, but I have been relying on Spark Notes to get me through the initial discussion and quizzes. I will actually read everything eventually. I am getting closer.

I don’t watch American Idol. I hate that show now. It is one of the many things on television that just piss me off to no end. I am sick and tired of the viewers whining about this Sanjaya guy continuing to get through to the next weeks. First of all, obviously people want him there if he’s still in the game. Yes, GAME. Some say he lacks talent. Okay then, why did he make it to the top 12? I don’t recall at what point the viewers choose who stays and who goes, but the judges and producers (the powers that be) wanted him there. Why? HE GETS THE SHOW RATINGS, WHICH MAKES THEM MONEY. They are loving the controversy. Free press, anyone? Personally, I would love to see him win just to prove the ridiculous show wrong. Who gets on TV during the auditions? The ones who will make for better stories and more interesting television. They choose the really strange people who sing badly over many reasonably talented singers who America would love to vote for. Who is to blame in this? The show itself and the decisions made. If you hate what is happening with the show, then QUIT WATCHING. Then maybe the producers will get the picture that what they are doing isn’t a true reflection of what America really wants. Plus: how many of the winners are actually legitimate artists with a great amount of success? That’s what I thought.

Another thing that I am not too thrilled about these days. Fergie. Yep, that’s right. I am not a fan, really. Alanis Morisette’s parody of “My Humps,” by the Black Eyed Peas is brilliant. Fergie herself thinks so too, but I don’t think she gets that Alanis was really making fun of her and the ridiculousness that is Fergie’s music and morals and general hypocrisy that surrounds her. One question I have for her is, if you don’t want those men touching, then why are you such a ho? Seriously. Your music is terrible. And deeply offensive. Oh, and PLEASE get over yourself!! No one likes a person who has an entire song devoted to how great they are. You aren’t a good role model for girls!!! Gross. She makes me sick.

There is a reason Douglas is one of my best friends. He tells me when I make dumb decisions. When I told him that I wanted to give up on my dream of writing a book to pursue a career as a librarian, he told me, “No, I want you to write a book.” He’s right. I can’t give up on the dream of becoming published. Thanks, friend.

My last thing for the day: Virginia Tech. I am sure everyone is well aware of what happened yesterday. It was terrible, and I am deeply remorseful over the events. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it and am terrified that it really could happen anywhere. Our campus is bigger, we have twice as many students, and there are approximately 80,000 people on the campus on a given weekday, during the school year. When I found out he was an English major…I don’t even know. I can’t imagine what the people are going through over there and they are all certainly in my thoughts and prayers. I was glad to see all the flags at half staff everywhere. One thing I can’t take anymore is the CONSTANT coverage on the media outlets. Again, a horrific tragedy has become sensationalized by the media. I am not saying that it shouldn’t be covered, but when every single minute little detail is agonized hour after hour by every different journalist…it makes me want to scream. I am thinking it is getting to the point where everyone should let these people be so they can start the grieving process. This is why I can’t be a journalist. It goes against what I believe in. They are just plain nosy, and frankly, most of the stuff broadcast on the news today is none of my business. Case in point: The unnecessary crap covered about Anna Nicole Smith and (now yesterday’s news) Imus’s comments. The media just goes from one thing to the next. Had this tragedy not occurred, we would still be griping over the Don Imus case.

Brett Favre vs. Aaron Rodgers

I was born in the grand little city of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Therefore, by default, I am a Packer fan…for life. (That, mixed with the fact that both sides of my entire family are Packer fans and straying from the green and gold love would prove to be not fun at holiday gatherings.) Brett Favre came to the Packers in 1992. I was 5 years old at the time. I am now 20. He is STILL the starting QB. I don’t believe he will ever retire. He’s gonna outlive us all. Now, poor Mr. Aaron Rodgers has been with the Packers since 2005. It seems that he is destined to be the #2 guy forever because Favre just can’t seem to say goodbye and walk away. (Not that I’m complaining. I believe mediocre Favre is always better than no Favre.) Because I was only 5 when the Favre-era began, he is all I know for the QB for the Pack. I couldn’t tell you who came before him, and frankly, I don’t even care. He is the only constant in the entire organization in my lifetime. (The stuff I am aware of, anyway. They do say you don’t remember anything before age 3 and at age 4 I can assure you, I did not care for sports. Of course, that is true even now, but I am getting better. I watch ESPN now without complaining or someone else turning it on. Alas, I digress.) NOT EVEN LAMBEAU FIELD HAS BEEN THE SAME! As players have come and gone, Mr. Favre has always been there. We fans may complain about our beloved when he breaks his thumb for what seems like the 32nd time, but the minute someone else rips on him, we get defensive immediately. The question on everyone’s mind I am sure, is who is hotter? Well…I am closer in age to Rodgers, so I am sorry to say I will have to go with him. Who are we kidding?! Brett is getting to be an old man. I am sure once he retires, so will the #4 and his statue will be already made and ready to unveil next to Curly and Vince in front of the Miller Brewing Co. gate at 1265. He already has a street in GB named after him, “Brett Favre Pass,” (how appropriate!) and two restaurants bearing his name. The day he DOES retire will be a grave one indeed for Packer fans everywhere. One I am not looking forward to, but it is inevitable. He’s getting to the age where he has to be worried about breaking a hip if falling down the stairs! One day, Aaron Rodgers will get his chance to start. It won’t be until Brett retires, for his record is far too important to end just yet, but one day the boy will see his stardom unfold.

Sometimes you need a little time to play

Wow, you can’t tell there are only 3 weeks until summer vacation at all. Here is what Christina and I decide to do instead of homework. Throwing the gross candy from Easter at each other all over our kitchen. (and we’re supposed to be 20?)

A small town doesn’t sound too shabby…

I worry too much. There always seems to be one thing or another on my mind that I cannot shake for some odd reason. Oftentimes what ails me is insignificant and doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Every once and a while I should be scared. Now I am not sure what I am feeling, but a change within my soul could happen as a result.

I hate dwelling on the subject of, “What Can I Do With A Major In English?” but it is inevitable. There are 3 weeks of class left, plus finals. On May 8th I will officially be halfway through my life in college. Sure, it will be nice not to have to worry about my dismal GPA or whether a certain reading is essential or not, but the mere thought of not finding a job after graduation is starting to scare me a little. It is a little disheartening to hear EVERYONE around me let me know what a failure I will end up being. Then I think to myself that I can be successful in my own way. But yet, I can’t even finish the stupid “novel” I am telling others I am “working” on. I don’t remember the last time I even opened the file to re-read what I have written so far. Who am I kidding? If I can’t find the time to write a page every day or so, what makes me think I can write for a living? I am considering not making writing my profession anymore. Not that I don’t enjoy it, but because I enjoy it. My “do what you love” philosophy is starting to wane a bit. Now I am wondering if I shouldn’t write because then it will become work and take away the thrill and all the fun from doing so. I also thought that I might want to stay in the Twin Cities area after college. Now, living in an itty-bitty town and becoming a local librarian seems to be it for me. Yeah, Minneapolis and St. Paul are great, but I kind of like the quiet of the country.

I feel like I am giving up on a lifelong dream.

Jimmy Stewart, Johan, and the Library

First of all, the United States Postal Service is on my good list right now. My favorite actor of all time is Mr. James Maitland Stewart and they are honoring him with his face on a stamp this year. I am so there. If you are in need of some Jimmy Stewart movie viewing, I recommend my favorite movie of all time, The Philadelphia Story. Of course there is always the Christmas classic, It’s A Wonderful Life. Other good ones include The Shop Around the Corner, Harvey, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and Rear Window. My mother got me started on this wonderful man and I thoroughly agree about his “aw, shucks,” demeanor being the greatest of all time.

Yesterday was Friday the 13th. Many think of it as a day of bad luck. The Twins are included in this grouping. Our pitching ace, Johan Santana lost last night. Against the Devil Rays. This is his first loss in the Dome since August of 2005 in the regular season. Reading the blogs and such before the game are almost laughable now. They all basically say a Santana start is a virtual win for the Twins, especially against the Rays. All good things must come to an end, however, and the fact that it happened on an extremely superstitious day is a good excuse for the behavior, right? Riiiiight. I told my roommate to not fret, for the good thing about baseball is that there are 162 games. Tomorrow is always another day, another game, another chance to win the fans over with the incredible skill of playing the game right–as a team. Tonight we are headed over there to watch our 3rd game of the season. Hopefully we’ll see some homers (Twins, that is…) come our way, as we are sitting in the Home Run porch this evening.

When I was a young girl, going to the library was it for me. I absolutely LOVED it! For some kids, going to play at the ballpark in the summers marked the best days. Going to the library on a rainy day, spending hours picking out a stack of books to read in the next week or so, and smelling the old, musty book smell brings back so many good memories. Each summer the library in Breck held a summer reading program, with a different theme each year. I still have a t-shirt from one particular year that reads, “Treasure Your Library.” I treasure that shirt, let me tell you! One of my dreams as a child, along with being a published author, was to be the librarian. I remember the lady in Breckenridge always being so kind and thoughtful. When I was in preschool my mom would take me to Story Time, where she would read a book to the young-ins. I could totally do that, but only in a small town. Marinette’s librarians were never so nice. In order to get kids to come back week after week, there has to be some level to which they can interact with children easily, and not intimidate them. The one lady in particular in Marinette that I am thinking of makes you afraid when you’re an adult. What kids would want to return after being yelled at for just being kids? I would for sure be the best librarian ever. Kids would love me. I am seriously considering looking for that kind of job in two years when I graduate. I would be in book heaven! (And have time to write!!)

P.S. I just want to say, that my little brother, Christopher, has informed me that he is now a Twins fan for sure. And I quote, “I’ve never been a Brewers fan!” Um, yeah! That’s right! Now if we only can get Patrick to drop the Brewer fan act…

The Enthralling Elephant

When asked as a young child what my favorite animal was, I am not sure if I even had an answer. I watched about 3 minutes of the Discovery Channel’s Planet Earth series and decided that elephants are pretty much the coolest animals ever.

They are strange beings, yes, but fascinating. How cool would it be to be able to pick up food with your nose and feed yourself? Wait…never mind.

Baseball Lovin’

I told myself my next blog wouldn’t mention baseball. I lied. Maybe next time. Here is the extent of our adoration for the team. May we present…our living room wall:

These are articles from Spring Training and Week One of the season.