The Post Where I Finally Talk about this Football Season.

I shared this article that was recently printed in the Indianapolis Star's sports section about my sweet Dad. I was so touched by the author, Phil Richards, I wrote him an e-mail thanking him for his sweet words and the highlight of my Dad's placement of faith and family over football. I received a delightful response from Mr. Richards which included the statement ' you're a lucky girl, your Dad is one heckofaguy'. I couldn't agree more.

I haven't written much about this season and what it's been like but before this year ends I wanted to share a little about what the Lord has taught me through a season that began 0-13. If you've read the Old Testament you'll be familiar with Moses and his story as it's featured in Exodus. Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt, where they were slaves. After which, they wandered the dessert for 40 years. Yes, you read that right, 40 years!

Now I'd encourage you to read the story of HOW the Lord came to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. The story of how Moses used plagues on the Egyptian people to finally get Pharaoh to release the Israelites is a pretty crazy story chalk full of miracles that include when he parted the Red Sea. Seriously, read it.

So now they're wandering in the dessert complaining because what else would you do if you're stuck in the dessert for 40 years, right? Part way through this epically long period of wandering, they start feeling like maybe slavery wasn't so bad. Hey, at least it wasn't the desert even if we had to work all day in the sun, be beaten and whipped, and eat everyone else's leftovers.

This of course had to annoy/frustrate the Lord as well as Moses. Hey, remember those miracles we did to get you of there? Remember when I was literally raining down food from heaven to feed you everyday in this desert? Can I get a little appreciation?

Eventually the story ends well and the Israelites do make it to the Promiseland. But that's not really where I'm headed with this. After the best 9 year run in Indianapolis Colts franchise history (as referenced in the article), we went 0-13 to start this season. That's right, for 13 painfully long weeks we didn't win one single game. It was a long fall from the top, from winning a Super Bowl, to here - with our most promising title for the year being earning 'first round draft pick' (which goes to the worst record in the league).

My dad was quoted in the article as saying, ' Footballs like life,' he said. 'This isn't cancer, but it certainly teaches you what it's like in hard times. You've got to face it. You've got to be a man'.

This football season is what you might call the desert. And about 5 games in (which felt a bit like 40 years) I recognized this year as that. I knew with clarity, I am in the desert. I can be like the Israelites and I can whine and whimper about what this desert season feels like OR I can remember all that the Lord has done to bring me here. The miracles.

When I look back at Dad's time in the NFL, I recognize that it's been chalk full of miracles. And I don't just mean on the football field. If you read the article you know that my Dad is in and of himself, a bit of a miracle. Born to 15 year old unwed mother, placed for adoption in LA, and adopted my a Pastor and his wife.

But our story is miracle after miracle. Our time in Indianapolis started off on a rough foot. After the best 5 year run in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history we were blindsided by a full staff firing. I had just finished my sophmore year of high school. It would be the first move I made without my best friend and older sister, Rae. It rocked my world and began the longest season of struggle I've endured to date. What I see when I look back though, is the Lord's hand in it all. Even desert seasons have purpose.

This year hasn't been without tears and hardship. Without careless words from media, old college ' buddies', and strangers in the stands. This year hasn't been easy and much of it hasn't been fun. The first 13 games of this season were hard. There has been heartbreak, disappointment, and worry to go around.

The Lord, like he did for the Israelites in the desert, has a way of keeping us encouraged when we need it most. The article I linked above was just that for me. A reminder of the Lord's faithfulness, purpose, and plan to prosper. That article highlights how the Lord has used not only a tough season this year but the years of sacrifice and faithfulness of my precious Dad to bring glory back to Him.

I don't know what the next few weeks hold, starting with the game I will attend tomorrow night in Indianapolis, as we enter it 1-13. What I can tell you is this - God is good. Win or lose. Super Bowl wins or first round draft picks. I believe with as much conviction at the end of this long, hard season that God's plans are to prosper (Jeremiah 29:11).

I want to close with the exerpt from the article:

They might struggle. The crowd mght boo. THe calls for firing the coaching staff might be renewed and invigorated.

Christensen will call the plays. He will smile. He will compete. He will suffer and he will enjoy and he will soldier on.

'Football is important,' he said. 'Winning games is important. But this is about more than football. It's bigger than that. It's about the city. It's about using the platform. It's about making an impact'.

Love,
B

And this is my, beautiful life.

While I was so busy with real life I didn't find time to get on the blog, I had my best friend and her husband in town the same weekend as my precious Dad. I'm blessed to get to see both of them on a pretty regular basis but I have to say there is something extra special about having them on my 'turf'. I love to play hostess to those I love the most. I shared with you previously how much it meant to me to have my sister and bro-in-law a few months back (August) and now to have my Dad as well as Candy and Josh - well, I'm getting just plain spoiled.

Out to dinner at Lee Roy Selmons.



Doing a little Florida shopping for their fams back home - these were my idea, clearly. But I got overruled.

Happy One Year Anniversary to my best friend!

Church with my bff.

Grill master.


Quick nighttime trip out to the beach.

I love making memories in my favorite city. It's so fun having company. We also got to catch a Colts game including sideline passes for warms.

Candy, me, and Kayla in the WAY upper deck.

Josh and his two favorite ladies on the sidelines.

Dallas Clark - one of my favorite Colts during warmups.

The only part about this weekend that wasn't perfect was that it had to come to an end. I said a tearful goodbye to my sweet Dad at the buses Monday night after the game and a sleepy but thankful too sleepy to include tears goodbye to my bff on Tuesday morning. So thankful for a perfect weekend and looking forward to being reunited with them all in Decemeber.

Love, B

Football Football Football.

I'm linking up with Lindsey today to show my team colors. I believe in blue - the theme of our Indianapolis Colts. I'm stoked for football season to begin this week (even though preseason is such a tease). So here's a few pictures of me supportin my boys... (and with some of my favorite boys/colts fans).

Case, me, and Sean at a game.

Casey, me, and Jeff after the win that took us to the Super Bowl (the one we beat the Bears in)

Casey, me, and Jeff tailgating before the Eagles game.

Me and my fav little Colts fan who sits next to me (or on my lap, depending) - Nathan.

Sean and I @ a game last year.

Let's go Colts!

Love,

B

A Fairwell to a Great Football Season.

As you may have noticed from yesterday's post, I'm finally getting around to catching up on some big life happenings from over the crazy holidays. Life's been moving fast for me since November and it's been a bit of a challenge to keep it all documented at the rate it happens, so bare with me as I return to some 'old news' and fill you in on the craziness of the last three months here and there.

My younger sister and I were able to stay to through the New Year and catch the last regular season Colt's game. I was pleased to finish out the season having been able to see a handful of the games, despite being 17 hours away in sunshiney Florida.

For the first time since we came to be Colts I was on the sidelines for pregame which was a fun new experience. I've seen my fair share of warm ups but being down at field level had a whole new level of excitement. I loved it.

Ruth & I decked out in our blue and cheered hard as we beat the Tennessee Titans to clinch our division and the AFC South title.

Looks like Dad's still got it...

Met up with one of my Indy bff's - Adam while we were both at the game. We use to hangout more but he's too busy for me now. ; ]

Mom & I outside the stadium before the game - freezing.

All three of the Christensen (now Christensen-Breslin) girls were able to return the following week to see our Colts take on the Jet's in the first round of the playoffs. Unfortunately we did not come out victorious that time around. We lost and the playoffs are now over for us. But the 2010-11 season was a great one for our team, our family, and our fellow fans. Looking forward to another great season in 2011-12 - and I'm already working on which away games I plan to be at.

For the record, I'm now throwing all my support behind the Chicago Bears to win it all. Team Lovie. : ]

Love,

B

Three Days til Indy.

Hello Lovelies.

First off, thank you for your feedback on my last blog. After hesitating to post pictures (eck) of my before and after I was pleasantly surprised to get not only comments but e-mails, facebook messages, and texts about the post. Turns out more of you than I thought can relate to where I've been, where I'm at, or where I'm headed. So thank you for your encouraging words, your kind thoughts, and your questions - which I thoroughly enjoyed answering!

For those of you who asked that I keep you up to date on how I do - I will do so! I'm two days into my newest contest and plan and feeling strong.

I leave Friday for Indianapolis for a whirlwind 3 day weekend of work, family, friends, and football - pretty much in that order. We are having our Fall Colts FKE in Indianapolis this weekend. It will be sold out soon but if you're interested you can register on our website - www.allprodad.com and I will see you there!

I'm excited to have some of my closest friends return as volunteers - Candy, Josh, and Sean. Also excited to have my new friends, Ellen and Chris coming to bring their son, Cason for the first time! The Colts event has a special place in my heart A. because of my love for the Colts but B. because my own sweet Dad will be there as a spokesmen. My Dad and I have attended quite a few of these events over the years together. Starting with the very first one, here in Tampa when he and Coach Tony spoke. Later as a volunteer in high school and college. And now as a staff member.

Watching Dad engage with the crowd never gets old for me and my pride in him has only grown throughout the years. I am so proud of him. I guess once you hit your mid-twenties that glow parents have about their kids comes full circle and we kids starting having it about our parents. Coach Jim and Dad will rock the house again this year, I'm confident and I look forward to another year I get to be there to cheer him on.

Friday night I'll get some family time and hopefully a chance to meet up with a new-ish friend, Jon I met through an APD event as well! : ] Saturday will be the event and several of my friends will be in attendance, volunteering, etc. so while it will be work it will be the best kind of work day. Afterwards a group of us are going to grab dinner at a place I haven't tried in Indy yet - Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza. If you've been - give me some feedback!

Sunday is all about my Colts. I'll get to go to church with the fam, an at-home-favorite of mine (attending church without them just isn't quite the same). Then we'll head downtown to show em some love as the Colts take on the Cincinnati Bengals and one of my favorite people I love to hate - Chad Ochocinco. I don't know why but he really grates on my nerves in interviews. I have preciously confessed I did watch his entire dating show, The Ultimate Catch, though. Sad.

Looking forward to a great trip to my former home and some quality time with the people I love most. Of course, a chance to break out my fall/winter clothes is pretty exciting as well. I'll try to remember to take pics for once. How many pairs of boots can I fit in a carry on? Hmm...

Love,
B

25th Birthday Trip - Indianapolis.

After a whirlwind 25th birthday weekend away I am back in Tampa and back on the grind. But before I move on to all that lies ahead this crazy/busy/lovely fall I wanted to take the time to tell you a little about my trip! I left Friday at lunch time and headed 'home' to Indianapolis, IN to see my parents for the weekend... Oh, and Peyton & Eli Manning of course!

Here I am sporting my new luggage, that was part of my of birthday presents this year. With all my travel I'd managed to do quite a number on my Diane Von Furstenburg luggage I received for my 21st birthday (man, has that been 4 years now?). I sent this lovely self taken photo to my parents on Friday morning with a message that said: 'Get ready'.

The great thing about birthday trips is you get most of your wishes. I desperately wanted some new Colts gears so Mom took me straight from the airport to Dick's Sporting Goods to stoke up. 3 shirts later, I'm set for a few weeks of cheering my boys on from Tampa area sports bars. Dad event later hooked me up with a Sunday Night Football hat to complete my take-home-gear stash.

Later we dined with Daddy dearest at StoneCreek Grill in Zionsville, my absolute favorite Indianapolis area restaurant. It was heavenly, as always. Then since we had previously discussed this birthday being sans cake (in honor of my healthier eating habits) we hit up Casey Ursay's (somewhat) new frozen yogurt joint - Huddles. Think Pinkberry.

After I tucked my parents in (they managed to stay up until almost 10), I visit my friend Mark at his new place and got to play catch up on his life. I admire (and am slightly jealous of) his sense of adventure that is always taking him somewhere new and exciting. Living life so completely is truly a gift. A good reminder that I need to break out of my routine a bit more often and take some risks!

After that Sean and I hit up our traditional hangout place - the Fox and The Hound. We stayed up so late I saw 2am on the clock for the first time in a while. But it was great catching up, as always.

Saturday I bee-bopped around seeing a few friends. Sweet Jodi took me out for Sushi in Broadripple at a cute place called the Naked Tchopstix. The food was delish - she can order for me anytime. Great catching up...seems like a lot has happened since our last sushi date, in Orlando.

Saturday night I went to a wedding (of people I hadn't met) with my friend Eric. Man have I missed spending time with him since graduating Purdue. It seems that when I come home Chicago is just not quite close enough for us to see each other every trip. Luckily, the wedding was a great excuse for us to spend a night together catching up.

Here we are taking a carriage ride during the reception - what a cool idea. : ]

Sunday was game day in the Christensen household, of course. So we went to church as a fam and then got our game faces on for a Colts victory - which was delivered!

Sean and I had a bet going with a friend to get on TV by dancing but sadly, they never showed us. Maybe next time.

Here's a few pics from the big night:

Sean & I headed into the game.

National anthem. Always a really touching part for me.

Who better to watch a game with than these two?! : ]



Mom & I after the victory! Go Colts!

Family shot post game. How cute is this?!

What a great victory we got while I was home! Again, another really late night. But I managed to get up Monday (with a cold) and have brunch with my sweet friend Katie and her precious little family. Then it was shopping with Mom and hopping a flight back to Tampa.

A fabulous weekend. 25 really may be the best year yet, it's off to a great start.

Love,

B

Colts Trip.

*Pics of Dad being interviewed at our event - borrowed from @edeckers twitter.

This weekend was our Colts FKE (Father/Kid's Experience) in Indianapolis, Indiana. For obvious reason this is my favorite event (done twice yearly) because I get to see my family while I'm there and the Colts are my team. But bias aside it was a great event! We packed the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center with Dads (some Mom's) and kids including a few families I know and love from my old job at Raisor Ford and my bffs who came to volunteer for the evening. It's always neat to get to work with my Dad and Coach Jim and this year the team was even able to steal Dad away from the office for lunch with our All Pro Dad team. That's really what All Pro Dad is all about...my Dad has a busy, intense job but he takes time out to spend time with me and build relationships with my coworkers when I'm there. It's so special to me.

It was our first night event in Indy (6-9) and though it made for a pretty intensely long work day, I loved the evening time slot. After we finished up about 10pm with all our packing I headed to one of my favorite Indy hangouts, the Fox with good friends Candy, Josh, Ashley, Jon, Ashley, and Gabe to catch up while I was in town. Man did it feel good to sit on my rump after 12 hours of running around like a chicken with my head cut off! The night was a great reminder of how fortunate I am to have such great friends here in Tampa and back there in Indiana. Between the Colts and my friends, looks like Indiana will have a piece of my heart long after Dad retires.

Saturday I got to spend the entire day with my family. Mom and I hit the gym in the morning. Then we met up with Ruthie for lunch and a shopping trip to the great Marshall's in Carmel. Ruth had to babysit that night but Dad treated Mom and I to a nice dinner out and then the 3 of us watching 'the Edge of Darkness' with Mel Gibson - whew, was that intense.

Wrapped up the trip/weekend with church as a family and then it was back on a plane home with me.

Thanks for a great weekend Indy - 3 weeks til I head to Pittsburgh!

Love,

B

These are the Days of our Lives.

My first two weeks living in my condo, my dream condo that is, I had no furniture. Just me and an air-mattress which at the time was in the living room, waiting for the 3rd floor (with the bedrooms) to be re-carpeted. I was living out of a suitcase, picking up a new outfit or 2 every couple days at my rental. One of my showers wasn't getting hot water and for whatever reason that was the one I was using. The cold one.

My first night my Dad called me as he's gotten in the habit of doing to ask me 'how's the condo doing' (almost 4 months later he's STILL asking this a couple times a week) and I explained I was finally going to spend my first night in my first home. My Dad remind me that this was a once in a lifetime experience and he said, 'these are the times you'll always remember, it doesn't get any better than this Bekes'. He was more excited for me than I was for myself.

What he said stuck with me through the first couple months here. A few weeks later Dad and his Colts were in the AFC Championship game and Jess and I felt it was only right that we watch it here, christen my new place into the Colts family so to speak. However, at this point I was still living with only an air-mattress and a kitchen full of cookware my Mom bought me for Christmas. Ain't no party like an air-mattress party? Jess, Jen, and I lounged in a Colts themed air bed, eating off my lovely new kitchenware. By the way my Mom deemed having people over to lay on my air-mattress totally creepy.

What I've learned is that I love firsts. The first person to the stay the night. My parents first visit. Building my table (my first furniture) - thanks P! Watching the movers lug my 1000 pound dresser up my two flights of stairs (first night in a bed). First meal - Jen & I eating pizza on the floor. First Colts win - AFC Champions! First party. First game night. Finally, the first hot shower!

The condo's come a long way since my closing in late December. I have it almost fully furnished, for starters. Many people have come and gone, leaving behind memories that hold a special place in my heart. I love having somewhere to welcome them into, for a meal, a night, or a spring break. Without a single picture in this house, I could tell you a hundred stories already. More than filling the house with fun decor and funky furniture ( like my velvet couch), I have filled it with lasting memories.

I will never be 24 again. I will never again be a first time home buyer. I will never be this young, single, and free. I will never again paint my first wall (magenta) or cook my first meal (Sante Fe Soup, I believe). Thankfully, I will never take my first fall down the stairs (almost healed now). Or put my first dent in the wall (gr - it keeps staring at me).

It's not just about the new place. I've been in Tampa almost two years and they have been the best 2 years of my life. First 'big girl job', oh and the second too. First time away from all my family (wah). Firsts firsts, firsts - you get it I'm sure. I'm feeling sentimental and gushy about life tonight.

Life is short, but sweet for certain. And these are most definitely the days of our lives.

Quote of the Week.

This very special quote of the week comes from an e-mail sent out by one of my directors at work, said by Peter King, and talking about a very special man...

I think if I'm a Colts fan, I love Clyde Christensen taking over the offensive coordinator (and play-calling) duties from Tom Moore. Not that it's going to be any great overhaul of an already prolific offense. Peyton Manning likes and respects Christensen; I could see that watching three practices during the Super Bowl with the way they'd come together several times during practice and Christensen would make suggestions and Manning would nod. And I think Christensen, who has mentored all the receivers on the team (he's been huge in the development of Pierre Garcon and the quick ramping-up of Austin Collie), will have a better feel than Moore for the patterns each receiver can best run. -- Peter King

Quote of the Week.

This weeks quote comes from none other than Super Bowl QB Peyton Manning...because I thought he had something quite sweet to say about my Pops.

"As a quarterback, it's important that you and your receivers are all on the same page," said Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning. "And Clyde Christensen has done more to prepare those young receivers than anyone. He's a great football coach."

You can read the whole article here if you like.

Love,
B

Super Bowl Giveaway!

Well I said before and now I'm holding myself too it. I'm going to the Super Bowl and I'm giving you the chance to have a souvenir! My second ever giveaway here on my blog and it's going to come all the way from the MIA.

Now, I've been having a hard time coming up with a prize that will be equally desirable to all ages, races, genders, etc. So, I've decided to cross that bridge when I get to it. Or in other words, pick the prize after I pick the winner. That way I can make SURE that you get something that you would like! So...without further ado I would like to start the Super Bowl Giveaway contest.

To win, you must be a follwer of my blog. You can do this with an e-mail address...you don't HAVE to have a blog of your own. Also, you must comment on this blog entry and give me a reason of some sort (it can be real, funny, sarcastic...whatev) as to why you should win.

That is all.

Let the games begin.

Love,
B

Once in a Lifetime...again.

Once in a lifetime opportunities may just come more than once in your lifetime. A few years ago my family made our first trip to Miami to play in the Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears. Our once in a lifetime was now a reality. The road to the Super Bowl had been a hard one and we had weathered it as a family. On our knees, in prayer. When you're in the NFL this is the 'end all be all' of the game and we would finally be IN one.

Not only did we make it to the Super Bowl that year but the Lord delivered us a victory and we returned with the trophy. It was one of the most exciting, emotional, and amazing experiences of my life to date. My whole family was there together through the whole experience. I can't even put it into words.

And now, we're going back! Only a few short years later we're returning to the Super Bowl and it's back in Miami. I'll head out a week from Friday to meet the parents, Rach, Ruth, and Chris to cheer on our boys to (hopefully) our second Super Bowl win! I can't even BEGIN to tell you how pumped I am.

I watched the game at home so I could be a crazy person (as I usually am during the playoffs). Two of my best girl friends here in Tampa came over and watched with me. Jess, Jen, & I camped out on my floor and an air mattress in my still fairly empty new condo and screamed, shrieked, and yelled (oh wait, that was just me) as the Colts delivered a W! We toasted the victory with my optimistically pre-cooked victory cake. If I couldn't be in Indy screaming my guts out live, this certainly eased the pain. Great friends, great food, and finally having cable in the new condo. I have fallen in love with making new, lasting memories in my home. My home...still feels weird to say it.

2010 is certainly shaping up to be an exciting year for me. And it's JUST getting started. Stay tuned for more talk about the Super Bowl and I will be in serious need of outfit advice.

Thanks for sharing in this special day with me.

Love,
B

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20

Ps: What should I do as a Super Bowl giveaway?!

I wanna dance the tango with chance
I wanna ride on the wire
Cos nothing gets done with dust in your gun
And nobody respects a liar
So goodbye for a while I'm off to explore
Every boundary and every door
Yeah I'm going north
- Missy Higgins

Well loves, I'm headed North for the 3 days to Jacksonville, Florida. I love a good roadtrip to clear my head and get myself out of my routine. A read a great book last month that talked about how we need to make a point of getting out of our routines because that's when God speaks to us best.

Whether or not you're a Christian, breaking routine, getting outside of your typical day-to-day life allows you to gain perspective. I try to take a roadtrip on which I drive alone a couple times a year for this exact reason.

While I'm there I will be supporting my Daddy at his game against the Jaguars with my friends Sarah & Mike. Sarah and I even had t-shirts made. So there will be plenty of pictures coming soon.

Until then...I'm going North.

Love,
B

Ps: if you want to see pictures along the way, tune into my twitter (http://twitter.com/thequeenbc)

A Season.

There is a time for everything, 

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die, 

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal, 

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh, 

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up, 

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend, 

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate, 

a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3, the Bible

This passage has always held a special place in my heart.  Perhaps not for the reasons you would most expect.  The part that touches me in a way I feel is unique is the use of the word 'season'.  God's promise that for everything there is a 'season' has to me always felt personal.  

As a child I measured everything in football seasons.  I am after-all, the daughter of a coach.  My fellow coaches kids, players wives, coaches wives, or players kids will related to this.  When I was in the 5th grade we moved to Tampa.  I remember being asked 'how long was your Dad at Clemson?' and saying '2 seasons'.  This response was met with a bit of a puzzled expression.  Where I come from we don't understand years, we only understand football seasons.  Later I would say that I lived in Tampa for 6 football seasons.  And so on.

In some ways my life was defined in football seasons for the first 22 years.  So in my childlike faith of years past I found this passage and I thought, 'hey, God thinks in football seasons too'.  It brings a smile to my face to think now.  Honestly, I bet he does.  When he thinks of me and my family and of the families of football households like ours - I bet he does understand exactly what seasons are like.  Though, for us I guess the verses would be a bit more like...

A time to win and a time to lose

A time for victory and a time of defeat

A time to pack and a time to move

A time to come and a time to go

A time filled with boxes and a time filled with loneliness

A time filled with challenges and a time filled with hope

A time filled with bad articles and much criticism

A time to be on top of the world

A time to have beer spilled on you and a time to deck the patriots fan behind you

...

You get the idea. : ]

I guess what I want to convey in tonight's blog is that I love the fact that I serve a personal God.  A God that has been there while I cried in the stands after hearing my Dad called bad names.  A God who rejoiced with me as I cried on the field after our first Super Bowl win.  A God who's heart broke for me through countless moves and left behind friends.  A God who cheered me on through victories and held me through defeats.  For everything there is a season, and not one have I faced alone.

I'm 17 hours away from the football chaos now.  But my life continues to be filled with seasons.  From job changes, to housing decisions, to new and old friendships, to relationships with boys (no, I won't blog about these!).  Life is a constant journey. Life is always in transition.  Seasons are still coming and going with regularity.  This year has brought a new season in my baby sister being in college!  This has brought a new dimension to what being a good big sister looks like.  This year has brought a new season in my relationship with my older sister as she's exited school (finally - DR. Breslin!) and entered the full-time work force.  It has brought a new season in my time as a daughter - being 17 hours away and living on my own but loving every bit of love and advice that's coming my way.

Hey, speaking of seasons - I'm loving this season of being undefeated.  I know better than most that you can't win em all but 11-0 sure feels good.

Here's to seasons of all sorts.

Love,

B

Colts update.

If you're a colts fan you should read this blog from former Head Coach, Tony Dungy about Sunday nights incredible game.

You should also check out this great picture of yours truly's padre from the sidelines after Sunday's win. Love this picture of Dad. You may have to hit pause on the slideshow because for some reason when I link it, it tries to keep going and showering you other pictures. So if you want to pause on the big grin, you will have to stop the slideshow.

Love,
B

Week 10 - NFL Picks.

Chi (v. SF) - I continue to be on 'Team Lovie'. : ] I think they'll pull it out.
Min (v. Det)
Den (v. Wash)
Mia (v. TB)
Ten (v. Buff)
NO (v. STL)
Jac (v. NYJ)
ATL (v. Car)
Cinci (v. Pit ) - This one's risky, I know.
Oak (v. KC)
Dal (v. GB)
SD (v. Phi)
Ari (v. Sea)
Indy (v. NE)
Bal (v. Cle)

Any thoughts? Sadly, I'm doing better in the college pick em than I am the NFL. Explain that one to me! Ha...

Love,
B

Highlights.

This weekend was incredible. Exhausting (I'm feeling it now), but incredible. After being absent from my blog for a week or so, I wanted to take the time to share a few highlights from this wonderful weekend with you.

I flew to Indiapolis, Indiana Friday morning. My first of 5 trips between now at the end of 2009. As some of you know this is home to my wonderful parents and my team, the Indianapolis Colts. I flew in with our All Pro Dad team, arriving just after lunch time Friday. We drove straight to the Colts practice facility to begin preparations for the following day's festivities.

I haven't been in my current position long but it probably goes without saying the Colts event has a special place in my heart. This years spokesmen including Coach Jim Caldwell, Coach Clyde Christensen (Daddy dearest), Pierre Garcon, and Eric Foster. Our event registration was 1800 Dad's and Kids to join us for this years 'Colts Father & Kid's Experience'.

Anyway, lets get to the point. 2009 Colts FKE Weekend Highlights:

- My family getting to spend time over dinner with my Family First coworkers. Aaamazing. We did dinner at Bravo Friday night and my parents had a blast getting to know the team. Now they are in total agreement that I have wonderful coworkers here.

- 3 of my best friends (Candy, Meredith, & Kate) drove hours each to be a part of my event Saturday, as volunteers. I truly have the best friends a girl could ask for.

- My buddies from my days working at Ford (in college) came out to the event with their families. It was great to see Tabler, Bill, and of course sweet Kristen!

- Another amazing dinner out @ my favorite Indy restraunt (Stone Creek Grill) with my best friends and my parents. What a fun night!

- Candy, Mer, Mom, and I had a blast at the Colts v. Houston game Sunday - cheering Dad and the boys to a victory. This win makes our team 8-0. What a great season this has been!

And I will close this with a funny. My Dad and I managed to introduce ourselves to 2 complete strangers who were innocently walking into Bravo Friday night, thinking they were with our group. Oops! I got totally snubbed. Sorry Bravo, I think we overwelmed your guests.

Love,

B

NFL Picks.

Ok so last week was a rough week for me in the pickems (I blame this on consulting my Dad...ha ha!)... Here to hoping this weeks will be better.

Week 6 Picks.
Jac (v. STL)
Wash (v. KC)
Cinci (v. Houston)
Min (v. Bal)
GB (v. Det)
Pit (v. Cle)
Car (v. TB)
NYG (v. NO)
Sea (v. Ari)
Phi (v. Oak)
NYJ (v. Buf)
NE (v. Ten)
Chi (v. ATL)
Den (v. SD)

As always...talk some smack to me if you please. : ] It's a sad week for me since I'm not getting to cheer my own team on but hopefully my Colts will enjoy the 'bye' week and come back strong in week 7 to face St Louis.

NFL - Week 5.

Last week I won 11 and lost 3 of my NFL picks. Sadly, I did not come in first place. BUT I am making a steady comeback. Here are my picks for week 5...

Bal (v. Cinci)
Phi (v. TB)
Buff (v. Cle)
Pit (v. Det)
Wash (v. Car)
Dal (v. KC)
NYG (v. Oak)
Min (v. STL)
ATL (v. SF)
Ari (v. Hous)
NE (v. Den)
Sea (v. Jax)
Indy (v. Ten)
NYJ (v. Mia)

Thoughts?!

Love,
B

Decision Makers.

As I've been gearing up here at Impact for this years Fall Retreat I was reminded of this time last year when I was visiting my family back home in Indiana. I asked my Dad to record a video for us, giving a message to the teens in our program. Impact is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping high school students build healthy lifestyles. Our Fall Retreat's are an amazing experience and if you're in high school (or have a high schooler) here in the Tampa area I encourage you to come/send them! We are building strong leaders that as my Dad says in the video, we need!

Regardless of your age I hope you could relate to the video, as I know I can. I am always striving to be the kind of decision maker who has an Impact.

For more retreat information or to learn more about our program visit: http://www.whatisimpact.com/

I hope you enjoyed a little view of my Daddy & my work.

Love,

B