White Christmas: Sisters

Another moment in White Christmas history.

Handle Love

love it!

She Got Skillz

Is it a wonder why my girls are always in the tourney?

Oh Holy Night

This tribute to New Orleans was aired Monday on Studio 60. Perhaps the best version of the song I've heard this season. *chills* Enjoy!

Sometimes Betrayal Is Inevitable

The wise words of Dr. Christina Yang .... speak for themselves.

It is interesting how sometimes disasters can be erased from the surface, yet its what lies beneath that matters most and takes the longest time. Hopefully the lessons learned will last.

Deja Vu vs Deserted Island (Clean/Hot vs Rough-n-Tumble)

As much as I hate to consider this a possibility, I may not be looking forward to the return of LOST in February. After last nights premier of DAYBREAK, the island antics are looking pretty lame in comparison to the full throttle repeating day in the life of Detective Brett Hopper, played by none other than the hottest man alive:Taye Diggs. Maybe its the fact that the island boys are losing a bit of their attractiveness due to lack of showers, razors, and washing machines - but seeing clean shaven (even remaining cut from shaving on the first deja-day) and freakishly good looking in a 'long-john' shirt Hopper definitely gets my blood flowing a bit more. I suddenly could care less if Ben is allowed to live or die, if Jack is jealous of Sawyer for gettin' some from Kate, or if the Hobbit still thinks trees are good conversationalists. Every glimpse of death is painful, yet within 1 repeated day, I'm numb to it and realize that he can get through it if he just wakes up at 6:17, again. Every turn reveals new twists to the plot. YOU LEARN SOMETHING NEW!!!! I've become 'lost' with the never explained reasoning that happens on that god-forsaken island. Can you please just wrap it up a little and explain something for real? Don't take it back after a few episodes and don't leave me hanging for 2 seasons to get an ounce more of explanation about how the bears got on the island in the first place- just answer a question once in a while, won't you?

Basically- if you love The Bourne movies- you will LOVE Daybreak! It is filmed in much the same style, and you gain memories and input as the main character does (much like Jason Bourne) and his kick-a abilities are top notch w/out going too far over the top!

Sorry Charlie-

Love and Basketball!

'Even when I'm old and gray, I won't be able to play it, but I'll still love the game.' - Michael Jordan

What a man! What a perfect quote! Though at 25 he was hitting his stride and I'm beginning my slide- I understand the feeling. Basketball has the strongest hold over anything in my life! Sadly, it is true. The game has been there when all else leaves me- my truest ally in life. From the fateful day freshman year when I claimed #23 as my own, I began to feel the power it wielded. The number changed me and even when the previously favorite and specially ordered #55 (which i wore in Jr High) arrived a few weeks into season, I couldn't part with my new precious.

Unfortunately, my shot was never as consistent as the number. Last night during our first playoff game- my shot left me for a while. Now before I make it sound THAT bad, I still had about 13 points. In MJ fashion I donned the 'keep shooting until you start making again thought process.' Sorry Team! The layups were easy and those little lefty chip shots fell, but that ever so special 3 point shot of mine decided to go MIA. This surprised me because pregame I hit about 8 of 10 in a row in a friendly match up against newfound hero and teammate Jocelyn Logan-Friend. I thought I was going to be on fire.

Apparently the snotty little wench who decided b-slapping me the entire game would mess me up was right. Fortunately, I got my chance to nail her late in the game on a loose ball play. She went to the floor after the ball and I found it absolutely necessary to jump on her with the WWF originated FLYING ELBOW(See mom- those saturday boys nights at the house watching ppv wrestling really did teach me something) I didn't even get called for a foul! How awesome is that? She stayed a good distance away for the rest of the game. Of all the plays in the game -that was the one my super pal (the one who spells her name Dani minus the d) who came to watch deemed to be my best for the evening.

At this time I give a huge shoutout to our fans who came because we really were tanking on the team play and didn't look up to par performance wise. At least it wasn't only my shot that was off the mark! Sorry to disappoint, but we came through on D with some spectacular blocks and interceptions.

Offensively, our power forwards carried us along with many many MANY 3 point plays and sweet shots. Did I mention Heather's magnetic personality that draws five girls to jump on her anytime she touches the ball? Good thing she's got the power butt to clear them away like a wiper clears water off of a windshield! We can't forget LT's special corner shots that are unstoppable or Stoney's cute little frog leaps that mysteriously keep her in the air for an extra second or two.

Anyhow, our team went on to win the game. The fire that burnt the bridge came from our feisty little 18yr old playa- hata! In a moment of genius, she decided we needed to trap the afore mentioned wench. I was all for it and the idea immediately spawned multiple turnovers which we capitalized on to get just out of the opponent's reach.

Good times for the Independents and we play the All Stars for the Championship in two weeks. YAHOO! Happy Turkey Week Break for us team-but you better get out and run a little or we'll die the first two times up that extra long court.

Good things come....part 2

For some more of that German Prank Love- think twice next time you are bed shopping!!!

Blue-White - Gimme a Break!

A dear friend made a list of birthday requests and one of the items was The Color Code, which i jumped on as my personal choice as a gift. I had this gift delivered to my work address (since apparently my house is invisible) and I began skimming through it once it arrived. I took the test to figure out my color code. The results were completely in favor of Blue and White was the closest runner-up, but it couldn't even see Blue's backside! I promptly decided i must order a copy of this book for myself. I continued reading to figure out exactly what this meant and if I thought there might be any truth to it (being a psych major- a little skepticism is necessary). I was shocked to find- it was dead on! Apparently, no matter how hard I try to deny it or ignore it- I am and always will be too damn emotional! I was excited to learn that this could be used to benefit me and that i might not ALWAYS be as much of a roller coaster as i apparently am currently! So basically - between this book, pms, and too much of a good thing- I'm in need of a break from interaction these days. Thankfully, the red in my life will still be there in a week or two to tell me how silly I'm being and I'll get over it!

What is your Color Code?

Turkey Bowl (The Larger version of The Rooster and the Hen)

Fall colors, cool crisp air, the food (don't get me started on the food), and oh so many other things lead to my love of Thanksgiving. Over the last two years in DC, I've come to love another Thanksgiving tradition. The annual Colonial 1st vs Colonial 2nd Turkey Bowl! Seriously, this could mark my favorite event of the year (other than winning the women's bball league 2 years in a row). It all started in 2004. Newcomers to the area, my roommate and I thought it would be smart to go show off our athletic skills (which we had hoped would spark a few interests) at this 'Turkey Bowl' everyone was talking about. So we jumped in head first and enjoyed ourselves immensely as the co-ed portion of the event took place. Unfortunately, it took a little while to convince the boys (aka... Roosters) that we had as much right as they had to be out there playing. After a while, we became bored and decided hot cocoa and snacks looked a little more appealing.

THEN, it happened. Somebody sparked the idea for an all female c1/c2 matchup. JACKPOT! Out came the the claws and the game began. Out of nowhere comes this flash of yellow and black to intercept a couple of passes early in the game. I think to myself, Thank goodness that chic is on my team or I'd have to hate her right now! She had some serious attitude-not to mention she was rockin' it with a dislocated shoulder! My roommate, this new found superstar, and myself (who later became known as the girl with the spin moves) pretty much swept the other team under the carpet. It was talk of the ward the next day- How great the girls did! At least the girls could make the bishopric proud!!!

Anyhow- that was the greatest memory and it also marks the day a beautiful friendship was created! I do my best to insist upon teaming up with that sassy black and yellow mystery girl everytime we are on a court or field together. We make a swell team and I'm quite sure when we aren't killing each other- we are quite unstoppable. Unfortunately for me- people usually won't allow us on the same team together and we have to match up against each other!

It appears that this years event may be the best of all. We have been playing in preparation, tutoring those who need a little boost (go WM- you're gonna be our secret weapon), and boasting team abilities anytime we get the chance! Stay tuned for a follow up post and maybe a few highlight reels from the day! Get your tails out there and play or cheer if you aren't a mover and shaker!

Rooster vs Hens -title refers to upcoming post :-)

Over the last couple months, we've formed a rather cozy group of flag football players. To control team size-we remain on the downlow and do our best not to spread the word too far beyond those who are truly tried, tested, and deemed 'girl friendly.' These mid saturday morning games are most times light hearted attempts to get a little exercise with the american pigskin and hopefully make enough good moves to stand out just a little- at least for the moment (and typically these great plays are recounted numerous times during church the next day almost as proudly as the stats of the favorite college team). The guys have been awesome and though they have much physical advantage over the dolls- they still throw, encourage, and promote the female inclusion (of course we wouldn't have these games were it not for the girls getting the ball rolling in the first place). There are a few fembots who actually rock it out there on the field and command respect (*not to boast- but i've been guarded by a male 3 weeks in a row).

Unfortunately, as of late, we've had a bit of 'notso-girl friendly' infiltration. What is it about those boys who more than likely never got off the bench in high school? Seriously! Yes, you put a girl (athletic or not) up against a semi-descent possibly even below average male and the odds are -the guy is stronger or faster. Physics degree not necessary to point out that obvious law of nature! So how cool does it make you as 'that guy' to hit the ball away from a girl who has never played football before in her life? I believe there is more lacking somewhere deep inside when you feel it is more necessary that your team 'wins' at any cost- than keeping it fun and helping everyone feel pretty darn good about themselves. Fortunately for 'that guy' the stronger female players were not within reaching distance to give him a swift elbow to the ....stomache. I think there may have been words though-but do boys ever listen to words?

Don't hate the Player- hate the game!

Okay, so for any who know me- I'm an exercise junky. You can't tell by my waistline, but believe me- should i stop-I'd be for sure double my weight within 6 months.

Anyhow-the point of this blog is not about my size. Its about television and how its ruining my life. I can't believe how many people allow television shows to control the activities they do.

Mind you, I love tv. I have my favorites. I have my tv catch up nights with the best friend (Gilmore Girls, Lost, Prison Break- all in one night). I check for spoilers and sneak peeks the minute i get to work. I even look forward to those creative weekly blogs that people write in regards to those shows. **By the way- If you aren't subscribed to our very own S.C.D's Grey's Anatomy email list- you gotta get on it. ABC owes her and NBC hates her for boosting that show's ratings.

BUT- there is a downfall. Thursday night tv is so good, that people have decided to stop coming out of their homes and playing ball. In true Meredith Grey form "SERIOUSLY" is all I can say! I have to have my ball night. I have to get that exercise in and in a world of YouTube and DVR- can't you watch it the next morning?

Say My Name Say My Name... Dan-eye

Want to know the funniest thing about having a boyish nickname? No matter how you spell it, someone thinks you are a boy. For example:

becky: I know it says you're busy, but...I just wanted to clarify
you, know, why I "didn't know you"
:)
.....I thought danim423 was for someone named dan
like dan IM
or something
so I thought it was some crazy stalker named dan who had the same birthday as me (4-23)
I TOTALLY know who DANI is....
you're the only dani I know!!
:)
and you're my favorite dani
k--bye!

See, it always takes a little time for people to understand that I am a GIRL!

Example number 2: The Phone Call Description

Growing up, all of my friends would be telling people- either parents or boyfriends- who they were hanging out with and they'd say 'I'm hanging out with Dani' and the person on the other line (like clockwork) would say 'Who is he?' and my friends would say- no,no its a girl. I can't believe how many boyfriends were instantly jealous, how many parents were instantly ready to ground their daughters for hanging out with a boy without permission. Classic. It still continues today. The weekend I moved in to my house, my new roommate called her parents and here is how the conversation went:

'yeah, Dani moved in this weekend' -

'You girls got a boy to move in with you?'

No mom, its D-a-n-i, she's a girl.

'oh, but it would have been kind of cool'

The last part was def. awesome! Married friends have even been lectured by parents for hanging out with a boy when they are married. Its quite a laugh actually!

Any name stories?

Good Things Come To Those...

who dig big wholes in the ground and wait for unsuspecting people to fall into them. Seriously, I don't know how people get away with things like this, but I would love to spend my life hiding behind a tree laughing hysterically everytime someone fell for this.

Its either holes, prank beds, or walking into glass. Whatever the case, I love it. Can you imagine? Any fun links-send away!

"L for Love"

So- ultimate humiliation is mine at last! It's first time at bat w/ a new softball team, so there is of course the pressure to look good. They were already impressed enough that I don't 'throw like a girl,' Why couldn't I have been happy with that! Noooo, I had to go for broke. Should I tell you that this is Slow Pitch Softball on the Mall in DC??

Anyhow- I'm at bat, all jittery because of the circumstances. SWING- connect-ball goes just about NOWHERE! What is wrong with me? So, I run with all my might to first and thank the heavens they bobble it and I'm safe by a mile. The first baseman decides to throw to home, so i continue on to second. Sweet- I've got a double in the bag! GIRL(gotta hate that when another girl makes the 'GIRL' inference) catcher decides to throw it to mid center instead of the base, so excitement kicks in and I'm rounding second base heading towards third. About 1/3 of the way there, my legs suddenly decide they don't want to go to third, they'd rather camp out about halfway between and chat with the short stop. I have multiple excuses for this physical phenomenon, including that I forgot my cleats so court shoes don't grip as well (I won't admit that its probably just that i'm out of shape and haven't had a triple all year so that much sprinting was too much of a shock to the system).

Anyhow, Running, Stumbling, Short sequence when ALL of the body is horizontal, and THUNK, I'm on the ground about 4 steps shy of the plate. Everyone thinks I've slid into third so they are cheering. So when I jump up and run the last couple of steps-they finally realize it was an accident. HA HA HA! Oye! What a LOSER(hence the L for Love title)! yah well- I played it off and made the official safe/f-you all sign and had a good time laughing at myself and my bloody knees for the rest of the game.

I've come to find much amusement in this ordeal, however, I've been tempted to invent a much more exciting version (including a gun and my bare hands) of how my knee became a massive scar. Any suggestions?

SummerTV

I've never been a huge fan of reality shows. Although I do remember the anticipation of the weekly Weds night ritual eating and drinking of more than the entire castaway clan of Survivor did during their entire stint on the island. Of course we all commented how great it would be to participate just so we could lose the weight (while shoving more chips & salsa down the pipes). Anyhow- those were the days before every station had some lame spin off, trade, or incredibly gross dare to lure viewers in (yah- you know you sat there with your hands on your face thinking how disturbing, yet you never looked away).

Anyhow, I have found myself lured by this incredible burst in Talent shows. I think its awesome when you get to see people slave week after week to come up with a new routines just so that I can pick them apart (with absolutely no dancing or singing credentials/personal abilities). This summer I've become one of the best judges of Hip Hop, Jazz, Swing, BROADWAY, and whatever other style is drawn from the hat. Seriously- these people twitch a leg in the wrong direction and I can spot it rewind the tivo and point it out to the rest of the crowd! And gosh- should someone have an off night or pull a bad time slot to dance during- they're GONE! Enough- not enough emotion, not enough flare, maybe TOO MUCH flare. Either way- its my way or the highway!

As horrible as that all sounds- I LOVE IT! I love watching Benji http://www.fox.com/dance/bios/03_bschwimmer.htm do his thing on So You Think You Can Dance. He is fantastic and can do no wrong in my book- he's got that 'just off the mission' innocence yet so much flare and style w/ his moves. He makes every other dancer look good. Just dancing with him makes you set to remain in the runnings for yet another week (even if you aren't all that good).

Suddenly, after the show ends, I CAN'T wait to see who he gets paired with the next week and what style is he going to dance too.

I think its awesome that people get to actually have a chance to make it big on shows like these. Sure, the best part of the season is watching the initial tryout bloopers and laughing *yet thinking - dude- that's probably what I'd look like if I 'thought' I could dance*

What show would you be on if you have a gift? They already have professional sports teams- and i didn't make any of those, so I'm going for *So You Think You Can Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time*

Holler